[Endocrinology of in vitro maturation of oocytes]

Abstract

In-vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes is an alternative to conventional in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Significant progress has been made to improve pregnancy and implantation rates from in-vitro matured oocytes. However oocyte maturation in vitro is profoundly affected by culture conditions. Most IVM protocols supplement gonadotropins--folicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) into a culture medium for oocyte maturation. The addition of these hormones, as well as some growth factors is based on their physiological role in oocyte maturation in vivo. However, it is possible, they not to play the same role in promoting oocyte maturation in vitro. The aim of this survey is to examine the hormones and growth factors, which participate in oocyte maturation in vivo and to summarize briefly the available information about the effect they have on the in vitro maturation. The researches on effects of these endocrine factors on oocyte maturation and subsequent fertilization, as well as on early embryonal development proceed.