Births following the transfer of cultured embryos obtained by in vitro and in vivo fertilization in the marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus).

The aim of this study was to determine whether marmoset monkeys are a suitable primate model for in vitro fertilization (IVF), embryo culture, and transplantation studies. A prostaglandin analogue given in early pregnancy and human chorionic gonadotropin given near the end of the ensuing follicular phase were used for controlling the reproductive cycle, timing oocyte collection, and synchronizing the cycles of oocyte donors and embryo recipients. Five embryos obtained by IVF were transferred at early stages to the uterus of three recipients, and two gave birth to live infants. Some of the embryos were cultured to advanced blastocyst stages. In vivo fertilized oocytes were also cultured and transferred to two recipients, and one gave birth. We concluded that the marmoset is one of the best primates for such investigations.