The interleukin-1 (IL-1) system is thought to be involved in periovulatory events in the mare. Previous in vivo studies have demonstrated that IL-1 beta induces oocyte maturation, but depresses the pregnancy rate 14 days after ovulation. To better understand the role of IL-1 in oocyte maturation and fertilization, the effects of IL-1 on the in vitro maturation rate of equine oocytes in pure follicular fluid were evaluated and fertilization rate assessed following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Oocytes collected from slaughterhouse ovaries were cultured in four different media for 30 h prior to fertilization. Two experiments were performed, each using three maturation media as the experimental treatments. Medium I was pure follicular fluid from subordinate follicles. Medium 2 was medium 1 plus 50 ng/ml recombinant human IL-1 beta. Medium 3 was pure follicular fluid collected from mares administered crude equine gonadotropin (CEG). Medium 4 was medium 2 plus 50 ng/ml of recombinant human IL-1 receptor antagonist. Media 1, 2 and 3 were compared in experiment 1. In experiment 2, media 1, 2 and 4 were compared. After maturation, metaphase 11 oocytes were submitted to microinjection and assessed for signs of fertilization. In experiment 1, 101 oocytes were evaluated. The rate of polar body extrusion was 66, 51 and 68% and the proportions of normally fertilized oocytes after ICSI were 40, 18 and 38% for media 1, 2 and 3, respectively. In experiment 2,122 oocytes were evaluated. The rate of polar body extrusion was 55, 48 and 42% and the proportions showing normal fertilization after ICSI were 14,25 and 29% for media 1, 2 and 4, respectively. There was no positive effect of IL-1 beta on maturation in both experiments, but the fertilization rate and percentage of embryos reaching four-cell were low in the presence of IL-1 beta, indicating that this cytokine may interfere with fertilization and early embryo development. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.