METHODS FOR THE COLLECTION AND MATURATION OF OOCYTES

摘要

The present invention relates to a method of producing an embryo from an oocyte by an assisted reproduction technology. The method includes (a) collecting an oocyte from an ovary of a subject in a collection medium comprising a first phosphodiesterase inhibitor and an agent that increases intracellular cAMP concentration in the oocyte, (b) culturing the oocyte in a maturation medium comprising a second phosphodiesterase inhibitor, and (c) producing an embryo from the oocyte by an assisted reproduction technology. The present invention also relates to methods of inducing oocyte maturation. For example a method of in vitro maturation of an oocyte is described which comprises steps (a) and (b) above. The present invention also relates to an oocyte maturation medium comprising a phosphodiesterase inhibitor and a ligand for inducing maturation of the oocyte. A combination product comprising an oocyte collection and maturation medium referred to above is also described.