Abstract:
Methods and systems are provided for the isolation, characterization, cryopreservation and banking of human germline stem cells and gonadal tissue. Also disclosed are methods for the transplanting of the cryopreserved cells to repopulate a sterile reproductive organ.
Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
The present invention concerns methods and related cultured granulosa cells, assays and kits for drug discovery, therapeutic, and diagnostic purposes based on the discovery that granulosa cells cultured as monolayers remain viable in vitro over prolonged time periods, and exhibit stem cell potential when supplemented with leukaemia-inhibiting factor (LIF), and that use of a three-dimensional culture system such as type I collagen together with the use of LIF allows for both the survival and growth of preantral human GC while supporting a significant subpopulation of GC to maintain their characteristics for prolonged time periods, such as their ability to produce follicle-stimulating hormone receptor and cytochrome P450 aromatase.
Abstract:
The field of invention generally relates to increasing the efficiency of in vitro fertilization by decreasing the rate of polyspermy. One aspect of the invention provides a method of reducing polyspermy in in vitro fertilization by forming an in vitro fertilization mixture that contains osteopontin, oocytes, and sperm, and allowing fertilization of the oocyte by sperm. Another aspect of the invention provides an aqueous mixture for in vitro fertilization that contains osteopontin, oocytes, and sperm.
Abstract:
Methods are provided for the establishment and maintenance in long term culture of hormone secreting cells. Cells are derived from tumorous or non-tumorous animal or human tissues, including ovary, endometrium, trophoblast, pituitary, thyroid, and pancreas. The cells secrete into the culture medium hormones such as estrogens, progestins, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, human chorionic gonadotrophin, thyroxin, glucagon, and insulin, depending on the tissue of origin of individual cell cultures. Contact with an appropriate secretogogue causes the cells to respond with increased hormone secretion. For instance, ovarian follicular cells respond to follicle-stimulating hormone with increased estrogen and progesterone secretion. Pancreatic cells respond to elevated glucose with increased insulin secretion. The cells proliferate in in vitro for up to one year or longer, during which time they retain their hormone-secretion profile. The cells may be frozen for storage, and retain their hormone-secretion profile after thawing. The cell cultures are useful for the production of human hormones, for the bio-assay of drugs such as therapeutic gonadotrophins, for the testing of drug efficacy and design, and for toxicity testing of drugs and chemicals. The cells may also be implanted in an individual to replace deficient hormone secretion. For instance, insulin secreting pancreatic cells may be implanted in a diabetic individual as an adjunct or replacement therapy for exogenously administered insulin.
Abstract:
The method of this invention produces mature oocytes from culturing immature oocytes in a maturation media and co-culture which have developmental competence and can be used for nuclear transfer. The maturation media can contain recombinant gonadotropins. The co-culture is media with bovine oviductal cells.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to methods, uses, compositions and kits for the renewal and maintenance of stem cells, in particular, the invention provides methods and compositions suitable for maintaining stem cells in a proliferative and/or pluripotent state.
Abstract:
A method of in vitro fertilization wherein the embryo is implanted into the uterus of a female patient at least two, and preferably three to twelve months after the eggs are retrieved from the patient in order to reduce the effect of autoimmune rejection of the embryo by the patient's autoimmune system and increase the probability and success of pregnancy and wherein prior to embryo implantation, the endometrium in the uterus is prepared for embryo implantation by introducing peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) into the uterus. The procedure is combined with cryopreservation techniques to preserve the oocytes or the IVF-produced embryos of the patient.
Abstract:
Technology for the isolation and propagation of primary human Sertoli cells from normal testes tissue, including cultures of proliferative primary human Sertoli cells for research and clinical applications, and a pharmaceutical composition for cell therapy, ex vivo gene therapy, and for the reduction of autoimmune, allograft, and xenograft immune reactions.