Follicular development, ovulation, and corpus luteum formation in cryopreserved human ovarian tissue after xenotransplantation.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the competency of human frozen/thawed ovarian follicles matured in xenografts to form functioning corpora luteae after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration.


METHODS
Prospective controlled animal study.


METHODS
University research laboratory.


METHODS
Three women (19, 28, and 36 years) who underwent oophorectomy.


METHODS
Nineteen female severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice.


METHODS
Cryopreserved human ovarian tissues were grafted into the s.c. space of bilaterally oophorectomized SCID mice. All the animals were stimulated with pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMSG) for 4 weeks starting from 16 weeks after transplantation. Twelve animals were injected with hCG at the end of gonadotropin stimulation.


METHODS
[1] The rate of grafts with growing follicles, with antral follicles, and/or with corpora luteae. [2] The histologic assessment of follicles and corpora luteae. [3] The serum progesterone and estradiol level in animals with corpus luteum in the grafts.


RESULTS
[1] The rate of grafts with growing follicles and with corpora luteae was 33% to 100%, and 28% to 50%, respectively. [2] Corpora luteae in xenografts were all morphologically normal. [3] The progesterone levels were all above 3.0 ng/mL.


CONCLUSIONS
This study showed that the cryopreserved human ovarian follicles can be matured to a stage at which they can form functioning corpora luteae in the host animal.
Kim
S Samuel
SS
Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA. medssk@attglobal.net
Soules
Michael R
MR
Battaglia
David E
DE
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D003338:Corpus Luteum / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000473:pathology; D015925:Cryopreservation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D016513:Mice, SCID; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010053:Ovary / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000637:transplantation*; D010060:Ovulation; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D014183:Transplantation, Heterologous; D016042:Transplantation, Heterotopic
D011374:Progesterone