Abstract: In a method for cryopreserving fresh human oocytes, freezing and thawing solutions are used, which solutions include 1,2 propanediol (PROH) and sucrose at a concentration of at least 0.3M. The oocytes are exposed for 13–15 minutes to a solution including 1.5M PROH and 0.3M sucrose before starting the freezing process.

Abstract: Cell culture media containing a sterol such as cholesterol stabilized by surfactant rather than serum products or phospholspid micelles and containing soluble carboxylic acids as fatty acid precursors to satisfy lipid requirements are further enhanced by the presence of alcohols promoting cell growth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assay for at least one predictive marker in a sample from a mammal wherein a specific reaction for at least one predictive marker indicates when non-fertilizable ova capable of in vitro maturation (IVM) and subsequent in vitro fertilization (IVF) are present in the mammal. This is particularly useful in the determination of when non-fertilizable ova, if aspirated, after in vitro maturation to MF-II will be capable of fertilization and pregnancy after implantation into the female mammal. The assay is based on a sample selected from the group consisting of body secrete, sputum, blood, urine, uterus secretes and cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for in vitro maturation of a human gamete by culturing an immature human gamete in a chemically defined cell culture medium. The human gamete can be a spermatocyte or an oocyte. The maturation end point is metaII. The advantage of the described medium is a synchronised cumulus-, cytoand nuclear maturation completed within a period of 20 to 30 hours. The medium should preferably contain ATA (Aurin Tri Carboxylicacid) as an anti-apototic agent. The medium should preferably not contain BSA, HSA or other directly serum derived products or substances.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a serum-free growth medium with iron-enhancing cell culture characteristics provided by a transferrin-replacing substance. The transferrin replacement preferably comprises an iron-chelate, aurintricarboxylic acid and alkali-metal-EDTA. More particularly, the iron-chelate comprises a mixture of citrate/citric acid and Fe/EDTA. Trace elements and growth factors are also included in the disclosed medium.The growth medium further comprises base culture media. Most preferably, the base media comprise a mixture of RPMI 1640, HEPES and NaHCO.sub.3. The growth medium together with a culture of hybridoma eukaryotic cells may be used for quality testing of other growth media, optionally together with a preferred hybridoma cell line from P.sub.3 U.sub.1 tumor cells and B-lymphocytes. This test procedure is provided by way of a containerized kit which includes the serum-free medium and the most preferred fast-growing eukaryotic cell line, hybridoma ECACC 86 112001.

Abstract: Serum-free growth medium comprising an iron-chelate, aurin-tricarboxylic acid and optionally alkali-metal-EDTA and trace elements together with possible growth factors, wherein the iron-chelate may comprise a mixture of Fe-EDTA and citric acid. The growth medium may be used for quality testing of other growth media, optionally together with a hybridoma cell line from p.sub.3 U.sub.1 tumor cells and B-lymphocytes, which hybridoma also is disclosed.