Histologic and ultrastructural evaluation of fresh and frozen-thawed human ovarian xenografts in nude mice.
OBJECTIVE
To compare histologic and ultrastructural characteristics of fresh and frozen-thawed human ovarian cortical tissue grafted into nude mice.


METHODS
Experimental prospective study.


METHODS
An academic research environment.


METHODS
Ovarian biopsy specimens were obtained from 13 women undergoing laparoscopy for tubal ligation or infertility.


METHODS
Forty nude mice.


METHODS
A minilaparotomy was performed to place fresh and frozen-thawed ovarian grafts subcutaneously (sc) or intraperitoneally (ip). Removal of the ovarian grafts was performed at 24 days.


METHODS
[1] the follicular population, [2] fibrosis, [3] vascularization of the grafted tissue, and [4] ultrastructural evaluation.


RESULTS
A greater fibrosis relative surface area was noted in frozen-thawed transplanted tissue than in fresh transplants. Regardless of this fibrosis, a similar follicular density was observed in fresh and frozen-thawed ovarian tissue 24 days after transplantation. Active angiogenesis was proved by both immunohistochemical study of the vascular endothelial growth factor and morphometric study of the vascular network. Normal ultrastructural characteristics were noted in frozen-thawed ovarian biopsies.


CONCLUSIONS
Angiogenesis allows implantation of the graft even if it has been cryopreserved and thawed similarly to implantation of fresh tissue. The greater fibrosis observed in grafts after cryopreservation and implantation does not seem to affect the primordial and primary ovocyte population and their ultrastructural characteristics, but further studies must be conducted to prove that after cryopreservation and transplantation, ovocytes may achieve full maturation and fertilization.
Nisolle
M
M
Service de Gynécologie, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium. michelle.nisolle@gyne.ucl.ac.be
Casanas-Roux
F
F
Qu
J
J
Motta
P
P
Donnez
J
J
D000818:Animals; D015925:Cryopreservation; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000096:biosynthesis; D005260:Female; D005355:Fibrosis / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000096:biosynthesis; D051379:Mice; D008819:Mice, Nude; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010053:Ovary / Q000098:blood supply / Q000637:transplantation* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D010537:Peritoneum; D014183:Transplantation, Heterologous; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D008222:Lymphokines; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors