Effect of Pre-maturation of Immature Oocyte with a C-type Natriuretic Peptide (CNP) on Maturation and Subsequent Embryo Production from Unstimulated Mice

In vitro maturation (IVM) is a promising assisted reproductive technology for human infertility treatment. However, the developmental outcomes are poorer compare to in vitro fertilisation with hormone stimulation. Women with advanced maternal age are prone to have poor response to the stimulation. This thesis examines the effects of two-step IVM with addition of C-type natriuretic peptide at different time points on young and aging mice, in order to improve the oocyte maturation and embryo development. It is suggested that when conventional IVM works well, small differences in cytoplasmic and nuclear synchrony may not have significant impact overall, using unstimulated animals.