Oocyte cryopreservation: oocyte assessment and strategies for improving survival.
Despite significant progress in cryopreservation of mammalian oocytes and embryos, many ofthe molecular and biochemical events that underlie this technology are poorly understood. In recent years, researchers have focused on obtaining viable oocytes that are developmentally competent. Even under the most favourable conditions, experimental approaches have achieved only limited success compared with fresh oocytes used in routine in vitro embryo production. Chilling injuries and toxic effects of the cryoprotectants are the major adverse consequences following cryoprocedures. To overcome these problems, different strategies have been developed for improving cryopreservation results. These strategies include reducing container volumes, increasing the thermal gradient, changing the cell surface/volume ratio, enhancing cryotolerance by supplementation with various additives or modifying the lipid composition of the oocyte membrane. In order to develop new strategies for reducing the various forms of stress associated with oocyte cryopreservation, it is fundamental to gain a better understanding of the major changes responsible for poor post-thaw survival. With this knowledge, we hope that oocyte cryostorage will become a fully reliable reproductive technique in the near future.
Ledda
Sergio
S
Department of Animal Biology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy. giodi@uniss.it
Bogliolo
Luisa
L
Succu
Sara
S
Ariu
Federica
F
Bebbere
Daniela
D
Leoni
Giovanni Giuseppe
GG
Naitana
Salvatore
S
D000818:Animals; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000502:physiology; D015925:Cryopreservation / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D003451:Cryoprotective Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D008563:Membrane Lipids / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D009865:Oocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; D013045:Species Specificity
D003451:Cryoprotective Agents; D008563:Membrane Lipids; D011506:Proteins