This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Assisted reproduction, including in vitro fertilization (IVF) is an important part of medical treatment for women who have difficulty conceiving naturally. IVF involves hormonal stimulation of the woman to induce multiple follicle development with surgical recovery of oocytes for fertilization. This procedure may have to be repeated on several occasions. Freeze preservation of female gametes would reduce the stress associated with repeated IVF. While it is practical to freeze preserve embryos, freeze preservation of primate oocytes has not been predictable successful. Embryo storage is not always the best option, for example when oocyte recovery prior to chemotherapy etc. would allow future use of IVF for a woman not associated with a partner at the time of treatment. In addition, certain legal problems associated with embryo freezing could be avoided. Oocyte preservation would also be of value in conservation programs for endangered species. This work tests the use of sugars as cryoprotective agents for primate oocytes in the primate model as there are genetic differences in oocytes which have precluded application of methods developed for storage of (for example) hamster oocytes.