The possible role of meiotic pairing anomalies in the atresia of human fetal oocytes

Following a previous study of human fetal oocytes analysed by light and electron microscope microspreading (Speed 1985), a further and more extensive analysis has now been carried out at electron microscope (EM) level. Some new anomalies not previously observed are described. More than one-third of all pachytene oocytes show degeneration (Z-cells) or synaptic errors which might lead to germ cell death. Meiotic pairing anomalies appear to be much more common among oocytes than spermatocytes, and could be significant factor in the high rate of atresia found between mid-term and birth in the human ovary.