Bovine in vitro fertilization: in vitro oocyte maturation and

sperm capacitation with heparin.

Parrish JJ1.
Author information
Abstract
As a result of research in the 1980s on in vitro maturation, sperm capacitation, and in vitro
fertilization, the bovine is now one of the important models for development. Further, the current
production of bovine embryos in vitro rivals that of in vivo embryo production for commercial
applications. Researchers of today may be unaware of why decisions were made in the procedures.
This review addresses the state of the art at the time of the work by Parrish et al. (Bovine in vitro
fertilization with frozen thawed semen. Theriogenology 1986;25:591-600), and how later work would
explain success or failure of competing procedures. Important was the use of frozen semen and
heparin capacitation, because this allowed future researchers/practitioners to change sperm
numbers and capacitation conditions to adjust for variations among bulls. The large numbers of
citation of the original work stand the testament of time in the repeatability and success of the
procedures. The work was done within the environment of the N.L. First laboratory and the unique
interactions with a large number of talented graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and
technicians.

In vitro fertilization in Japan - early days of in vitro

fertilization and embryo transfer and future prospects for
assisted reproductive technology.
Suzuki M1.

Author information
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer (ET)
has been essential in the treatment of infertility. The world's first IVF-ET baby was born in 1978
based on the technique developed by Dr. Robert Edwards and Dr. Patrick Steptoe. In Japan, the first
IVF-ET birth was reported in 1983 by Prof. Masakuni Suzuki at Tohoku University School of
Medicine. IVF-ET is a procedure used to achieve pregnancy that consists of extracting oocytes from
an infertile woman, fertilizing them in vitro, and transferring fertilized eggs into the patient's uterine
cavity (Fig. 1). Since the first report of successful IVF-ET, numerous techniques related to ART, such
as cryopreservation of oocytes and embryos, gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), and
microinsemination, have been developed and refined (Table 1). Herein we describe the history of
basic research in IVF-ET that led to human applications, how the birth of the first IVF-ET baby was
achieved in Japan, the current status of ART in Japan, issues related to ART, and future prospects
for ART.