Follicle-like model by granulosa cell encapsulation in a barium alginate-protamine membrane.
Granulosa cells from bovine and porcine ovaries were cultured either in monolayer or in follicle-like barium alginate capsules for 6 days. Morphological investigation by electron scanning microscopy indicated that culture in a three-dimensional (3D) system allows self-organization of spherical-polyhedral shape cells. The luteinization index (progesterone:17beta-estradiol ratio) was significantly higher for monolayer cells than for the 3D cell culture system, confirming the results of morphological analysis and indicating more physiological growth. The encapsulated 3D culture system appears to be a promising way of obtaining in vitro maturation and development of follicles and oocytes.
Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Veterinarie per la Sicurezza Alimentare, Milan, Italy.
D
D
Vigo
S
S
Villani
M
M
Faustini
P A
PA
Accorsi
G
G
Galeati
M
M
Spinaci
E
E
Munari
V
V
Russo
A
A
Asti
U
U
Conte
M L
ML
Torre
D000464:Alginates; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D005260:Female; D020723:Glucuronic Acid; D006107:Granulosa Cells; D006603:Hexuronic Acids; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008954:Models, Biological; D009865:Oocytes; D011479:Protamines; D013552:Swine; D013997:Time Factors; D023822:Tissue Engineering
D000464:Alginates; D006603:Hexuronic Acids; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011479:Protamines; D020723:Glucuronic Acid