Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel oviductal catalase having a molecular weight of about 60 KDa and which binds to a spermatozoa membrane outer surface, wherein said catalase once bound to the spermatozoa membrane outer surface protects said spermatozoa against oxidation. A method of stabilizing spermatozoa membrane and improving spermatozoa survival during migration in oviduct and/or uterus for artificial insemination; which comprises coating spermatozoa with such a catalase enzyme. A method of improving spermatozoa survival during migration in oviduct and/or uterus in cases of female infertility due to the absence of endogenous catalase in the genital tract of the female subject; which comprises administering catalase in the female genital tract before coit or coating spermatozoa with a catalase enzyme for artificial insemination. Also provided herein are method of diagnostic of male or female infertility.

Abstract: An artificial insemination device and process for animals and mammals having an elongated, hollow catheter tube adapted for attachment in a bonded manner at one end with an annular, bulbous tip, the tip having a axial passage formed therethrough and with a balloon having perforations formed therein at one closed end and having an opposite, open end affixed in a bonded manner with the tip, whereby fluid may flow from the tube through the tip and into the balloon for ejection through the perforations caused by uterine contractions of an animal being artificially inseminated, the combination acting upon the inflated balloon. The balloon is capable of being tucked within the tip passage prior to and during insertion into the animal. A semen container is attachable to an opposite end of the catheter tube, with a device associated with the tube opposite end for allowing the flow of semen only from the container toward the balloon.

Abstract: An artificial insemination apparatus for insertion into a cervix of a sow, including a tubular passage member which is helically coiled at a distal end. The helically coiled distal end terminates in an open tip including an opening communicating with a bore of the tubing. The helically coiled distal end is inserted into and is secured by the muscular folds in the cervix, and semen is transmitted therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention includes a closed sterile in-vitro fertilization system to provide incubation for an oocyte. The system comprises a pouch having a flexible front and a flexible back wall joined at their outer peripheries. The pouch is divided into a first and a second segregated chamber. An entry port is arranged in each of the chambers through the wall of the pouch. A vacuum means is arranged in the first chamber, to permit direct aspiration of an oocyte from an ovary into that chamber, and an entry conduit is arranged between the first and the second chambers, to permit an oocyte to be transferred therebetween.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for concentrating motile erm from a sperm sample, including concentrating sperm in the vicinity of one or more oocytes for in vitro fertilization. The method comprises placing a volume of fertilization medium in a container, said container having at least one microchamber and being shaped such that the fertilization medium, when placed in the container, fills the microchamber and a portion of the container outside of the microchamber, such that when a sperm sample is placed in the medium outside the chamber motile sperm swim into the microchamber, where they may be harvested or, if an oocyte is in the microchamber, in vitro fertilization occurs.

Abstract: An improved artificial insemination tool includes a tip made of a medical grade thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) which is insert molded around one end of a elongate tube made of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). The TPE material is extremely durable and includes a series of annular rings which are progressively graduated in size from a small diameter to a larger diameter. The annular rings are separated by respective annular recesses. The graduated size of the tip allows it to be used with both young and mature animals.

Abstract: Substantially pure sex-associated membrane (SAM) proteins are used in methods to detect specific antibodies binding to X- or Y-SAM proteins.

Abstract: The invention involves a system for effecting the nonsurgical transplant of embryos into the uterus of an animal. The system comprises (1) a long tubular gripping instrument having an open forward end configured for gripping the walls of the cervix of the uterus when the instrument is inserted to a position inside the cervix, and (2) a probe having a long tubular body which extends through the tubular gripping instrument, the probe being manipulatable to effect movement of the probe relative to the gripping instrument to facilitate passage of the probe and the gripping instrument through the cervix to a position generally adjacent the body of the uterus, and (3) an embryo carrier for carrying one or more embryos to be placed in the uterus of the animal. The embryo carrier is sized for insertion in and through the tubular probe to an embryo release position for release of the embryos into the uterus.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for concentrating motile erm from a sperm sample, including concentrating sperm in the vicinity of one or more oocytes for in vitro fertilization. The method comprises placing a volume of fertilization medium in a container, said container having at least one microchamber and being shaped such that the fertilization medium, when placed in the container, fills the microchamber and a portion of the container outside of the microchamber, such that when a sperm sample is placed in the medium outside the chamber motile sperm swim into the microchamber, where they may be harvested or, if an oocyte is in the microchamber, in vitro fertilization occurs.

Abstract: A self-contained time-release artificial insemination device which introduces a bolus of semen into the cervical canal or uterus over a period of hours is disclosed. The device includes a cervical cap adapted to conform and adhere to the cervix and includes an elongated nipple that extends in a perpendicular direction from the cap for insertion into the cervical canal or uterus. A time-release mechanism is provided in communication with the nipple for delivering semen through the nipple and includes a tubular body which defines a semen chamber and expansion chamber. A plunger is slidably mounted in the tubular member for separating the semen and expansion chambers. A reservoir is provided in communication with the expansion chamber for providing a quantity of fluid thereto, and a sealable aperture is provided for withdrawing and introducing fluids to both the reservoir and expansion chamber.

Abstract: A fertilization method wherein an oocyte puncture is performed and one or more oocytes are inserted into a container containing a culture medium having no added air or CO.sub.2 and intended for the fertilization and culture of the oocyte(s), as well as spermatozoa, whereafter the container is sealed and inserted into the vagina or uterus to allow fertilization of the oocyte(s) and culture of the embryo(s). The method is characterized in that it is performed without stimulating the cycle, with LH supervision by means of blood assays, and by programming the oocyte puncture according to the LH value. The container may be kept at a temperature of approximately 37.degree. C. for 2 to 6 hours for maturation before being inserted into the vagina.

Abstract: High efficiency in vitro fertilization is achieved when the oocytes to be fertilized are placed in individual, low volume oocyte chambers disposed about the periphery of a microdrop of fertilization medium. A sperm sample, particularly an unfractionated sperm sample, is then placed in the center of the microdrop. Motile sperm tend to move rapidly toward the periphery of the microdrop, thus resulting in an in situ separation of motile from non-motile sperm. Once at the periphery, fertilization by sperm that enter the oocyte chambers is quite facile because of the low volume of the chamber. This method of fertilization can be performed in a culture dish having a plurality of oocyte chambers formed on the interior surface of the base portion of the dish. Each oocyte chamber has a volume which exceeds the volume of an oocyte to be fertilized but is small enough to provide for facile fertilization. In general, the oocyte chamber will have a volume which exceeds the volume of the oocyte by from 800% to 2000%.

Abstract: A method for freezing bovine embryos with a composition which includes 4% ethylene glycol and 4% propanediol and in addition 4% bovine serum albumin containing a high lipid content is disclosed. The mixture is subjected to freezing and used in a method for reproducing cattle by transferring to a cow recipient directly after thawing the preserved embryos. Further, a high lipid content is disclosed as 2.5 ug or more of lipid/mg of bovine serum albumin. The bovine embryos are obtained by in vivo fertilization or by in vitro fertilization for use in the disclosed methods.

Abstract: A method of depositing reproductive material into the reproductive tract of a female comprising inserting an elongated transfer catheter into the reproductive tract of a female. The transfer catheter includes an elongated catheter body having an elongated passage extending through the catheter body and terminating in a distal opening at a distal end of the catheter body. The distal opening opens both axially and laterally of the catheter body. The method also includes introducing the reproductive biological material through the passage and the distal opening of the catheter body into the reproductive tract.

Abstract: A catheter for fallopian tube access comprising an elongated catheter body having a proximal region, a distal end and an elongated passage extending from the proximal region to the distal end. The elongated passage terminates in a distal opening at the distal end. The catheter body has an enlarged distal body portion and the distal opening is on the distal body portion. The distal body portion has a deflecting surface in the elongated passage adjacent the distal opening for directing a member or fluid passed through the elongated passage out of the distal opening along a path having a component which extends laterally of the catheter body.

Abstract: A method for both disposing an agent in a body organ, preferably a sexual organ, of a human or animal and retrieving a fluid sample containing the agent from the body organ of the human or animal, utilizing a percutaneous access port. A portion of the percutaneous access port is implanted in a body organ of the human or animal and connected to the body organ so that fluid communication exists between the body organ and the fluid chamber of the percutaneous access port, wherein the fluid chamber is not percutaneously implanted. An agent is disposed in the fluid chamber of the percutaneous access port, and flushed to the organ. At a later time, a fluid sample containing the agent is withdrawn from the fluid chamber, and the amount of the agent in the sample is determined.

Abstract: A noningestible separation barrier having one or more pores or micropores (of one or more diameters) therein, with the pores or micropores being initially plugged with one or more materials selected for its/their solubility and/or integrity characteristics relative to certain environmental conditions. Ordinarily, the pores or micropores of the noningestible separation barrier are initially filled with at least one material having greater erodibility, under a given environmental condition, than the material constituting the separation barrier itself.

Abstract: A catheter for accessing a body cavity such as the reproductive system of the female, the catheter including a shaft which is connected at its distal end to a nonexpansible segment. A lumen in the shaft communicates with a passage in the segment. The segment further includes reinforcing material disposed within the segment to resist constriction of the passage. A catheter system and methods of using same includes such an access catheter and an introducing catheter through which the access catheter is insertable, and a transfer catheter which is insertable through the access catheter. The invention is useful particularly in treatment of infertility by placing reproductive cells in the uterus or a fallopian tube.

Abstract: A noningestible separation barrier having one or more pores of micropores (of one or more diameters) therein, with the pores or micropores being initially plugged with one or more materials selected for its/their solubility and/or integrity characteristics relative to certain environmental conditions. Ordinarily, the pores or micropores of the noningestible separation barrier are initially filled with at least one material having greater erodibility, under a given environmental condition, than the material constituting the separation barrier itself. The combination of the release rate (if any) or other membrane characteristic of the separation barrier, combined with the release rate and/or erosion life of the plugged pores, enables complex separations including variable release of cells, colloids, solutes or solvents over time, such as when the plugged pores remain intact until erosion is triggered by an environmental change such as solvent addition or ionic conditions or pH or thermal change.

Abstract: An instrument of artificial insemination or embryo transfer by a transperitoneal and/or cervical route or for sampling follicular liquids in mammals especially horses, pigs, sheep, goats, deer and carnivores is of the type constituted by a syringe formed by a sheath in which slides in fluid-tight manner a piston movable in translation. The sheath is externally protected by a rigid cover and is immobilized in a manipulator sleeve comprising a rotary member adapted to actuate the piston. The anterior end of the sheath is fitted with a needle. The cover protecting the sheath is covered by and guides a palpator the length of which is greater than that of the cover but less than that of the sheath (including the needle). Thus the needle of the syringe is selectively covered or exposed in whole or in part by axial sliding movement of the cover.

Abstract: Sperm are encapsulated in a nontoxic polymer which is freely flowing at body temperature and a gel or solid at temperatures of storage and transfer. On delivery to the reproductive tract, the polymer microcapsule liquifies and the sperm are released.

Abstract: Sperm are encapsulated in a nontoxic polymer which is freely flowing at body temperature and a gel or solid at temperatures of storage and transfer. On delivery to the reproductive tract, the polymer microcapsule liquifies and the sperm are released.