Semin Reprod Med 2008; 26(2): 162-174
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1042955
© Thieme Medical Publishers

In Vitro Maturation of Mammalian Oocytes: Outcomes and Consequences

Kelly M. Banwell1 , Jeremy G. Thompson1
  • 1The Research Centre for Reproductive Health, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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Publication History

Publication Date:
27 February 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The application of in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes as a technology to assist animal production and clinical infertility treatment remains poor because of the reduced developmental competence of oocytes after IVM, despite several decades of research. Reduced meiotic maturation rates, fertilization rates, and blastocyst production reveal short-term developmental insufficiency of oocytes when compared with in vivo-matured counterparts. However, there is an increasing body of evidence that demonstrates the capacity of IVM efficiency to be improved, some of which is reviewed here. Of more concern is the role that IVM of oocytes may play in causing or accentuating long-term development and health of fetuses and neonates after in vitro production of embryos and embryo transfer. This is a largely unexplored area, yet the application of such techniques, especially the safety of clinical IVM, is significant and requires monitoring before acceptance as a routine procedure.

REFERENCES

Jeremy G ThompsonPh.D. 

The Research Centre for Reproductive Health, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide

South Australia 5005, Australia

Email: jeremy.thompson@adelaide.edu.au