BIOLOGIA DELLA RIPRODUZIONE E DEL DIFFERENZIAMENTO

The course aims to enhance the knowledge regarding biology of human reproduction. The course will provide the basics of biology on the reproductive process, gametogenesis and preimplantation embryonic development in humans; study of the main technique used in assisted reproductive technology (ART) and related legal and ethical skills. A study of issues related to in vitro fertilization procedures in humans. The objective of the course is providing the knowledge relating to the most recent techniques of reproductive biology, allowing the indipendent exercise, with originality, creativity and methodological rigor about diagnostic and research activity in this field.

Lessons and seminars.

Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.

Learning assessment may also be carried out on line, should the conditions require it.

General characteristics of reproduction. Stages of embryonic development and their significance. Gametogenesis: generalities and characteristics. Spermatogenesis and spermiohistogenesis. Process of capacitation and hormonal regulation. Organization and differentiation of the testis. Oogenesis, folliculogenesis, hormonal control. Organization and differentiation of the ovary. The stages of human development: fertilization, segmentation, implantation and deciduation, gastrulation and neurulation. Role of hormones in sexual differentiation. Embryonic annexes. Cellular organization during embryogenesis. Morphogens and their action mode. Polyembryony. Embryonic induction. Cell adhesion and cell communication during morphogenesis. Stamina cells.

Physio-pathology of the female and male genital system. Assisted fertilization: generalities and historical notes. Semen preparation for intrauterine insemination (IUI). Preparation of gametes for FIVET and ICSI. Eggs pick up and oocyte insemination. Use of the micromanipulator in ICSI. Check egg fertilization and morphological evaluation of human embryos before transfer. Assisted Hatching Technique. Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD): fields of application, hereditary genetic and chromosomal diseases, genetic diseases sex linked. Preconception diagnosis (PCD). Legislation. Cryopreservation. Organization of the embryology laboratory: equipment and culture media for gametes and embryos.

Biotechnology of Human Reproduction Hardcover, 2002 - by Alberto Revelli, Ilan Tur-Kaspa,‎ Jan Gunnar Holte and ‎ Marco Massobrio, Informa Healthcare, ISBN-10: 1842141325, ISBN-13: 978-1842141328

Human Embryology and Developmental Biology, Bruce M. Carlson, Saunders 2014, ISBN9781455727940

Notes provided by professor