Human follicular fluid levels of calcium, copper and zinc

Human follicular fluid was collected under laparoscopic vision from 33 follicles in patients stimulated with clomiphene-human menopausal gonadotrophin in an IVF programme. Thirty-one oocytes were obtained from 26 follicles from which clear follicular fluid was obtained, and 16 oocytes fertilized and cleaved. The follicular fluid was analysed for calcium, copper and zinc using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The mean levels of calcium, copper and zinc were 86.9 +/- 11.6, 1.16 +/- 0.29, and 0.72 +/- 0.12 micrograms/ml, respectively. Their levels were not significantly different in the follicular fluid collected from follicles of different sizes, with or without oocyte, and follicles with oocytes that were fertilized and were unable to be fertilized. Therefore, the concentrations of these elements do not seem to reflect oocyte status or maturity.