FUTURE-DEVELOPMENTS IN IVF

Among the many potential developments in IVF, four topics are chosen for discussion. New concepts in the regulation of follicle growth should permit the introduction of improved methods of ovarian stimulation, eg through the use of LHRH antagonists or growth factors. Detailed analyses on human capacitation, the nature of sperm-egg binding and sperm maturation in the epididymis will assist the treatment of male infertility. Research on embryos will clarify details of the growth and metabolism of embryos and their cryopreservation, and indicate the preferred methods to diagnose genetic disease in preimplantation embryos. Analyses on embryonic growth to day 10 and beyond, on interactions between uterine stroma and epithelium, and between these tissues and the trophoblast, should clarify the physiology and biochemistry of human implantation. © 1990 The British Council.