Use of IL-6-type cytokines for maturation of oocytes
View Patent ↗The use of certain IL-6-type cytokines for the in vitro maturation of mammalian oocytes is described. The in vitro matured oocytes may be used in in vitro fertilization protocols.
1. A method for the in vitro maturation of an isolated oocyte, comprising incubating said isolated oocyte in a physiologically acceptable medium comprising an IL-6-type cytokine, wherein said isolated oocyte is an immature cumulus-intact oocyte retrieved from an ovarian follicle of a female and whereby maturation of said immature oocyte is induced.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the oocyte is at the stage of an early antral or antral follicle when retrieved from a female.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the IL-6-type cytokine binds to a receptor selected from the group consisting of LIFR-gp130 heterodimers, OSMR-gp130 heterodimers, and gp130 homodimers.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the IL-6-type cytokine does not bind to a receptor selected from the group consisting of IL-11Rα and CNTFRα.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the IL-6-type cytokine is LIF.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the IL-6-type cytokine is CT-1.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the IL-6-type cytokine is IL-6.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the IL-6-type cytokine is sIL-6Rα.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the IL-6-type cytokine is IL-6/sIL-6Rα.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein the medium further comprises FSH, hCG, or a combination thereof.
11. The method of claim 1 wherein the medium does not comprise FSH, hCG, or a combination thereof.