Ootid

Beyond the last of the oocytes, toward the lumen, are found numerous closely packed ootids, which have small pronuclei and are less basophilic than the smaller oocytes, due to the accumulated yolk in the cytoplasm.

This process, which now requires 45 min instead of the 20 min needed after hormone stimulation or MPF transfer does not correspond to the amplification of an eventual residual MPF present in the ootid.

The haploid ovum is now called an ootid (Fig. 8—7). The second polar body degenerates, sometimes dividing before it dies.

It is difficult to predict at this stage whether the cryopreservation of ootids will be allowed in Italy.