US Patent 7790459 In vitro maturation of immature human oocytes

The invention provides methods for in vitro maturation of immature human oocytes. In one aspect, the invention provides a method for in vitro maturation of immature human oocytes, comprising the steps of: (a) inducing in a female human subject an increase in endogenous luteinizing hormone levels, said subject having not undergone an ovarian stimulation protocol prior to said inducing step; (b) obtaining from said subject an immature oocyte; and (c) culturing said oocyte until maturity.