Follicular development, ovulation, and corpus luteum formation in cryopreserved human ovarian tissue after xenotransplantation

• Published in: Fertility and sterility Vol. 78; no. 1; p. 77
• Main Authors: Kim, S Samuel, Soules, Michael R, Battaglia, David E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-07-2002
• Subjects: Adult; Animals; Corpus Luteum - growth & development; Corpus Luteum - pathology; Cryopreservation; Female; Humans; Mice; Mice, SCID; Ovarian Follicle - pathology; Ovarian Follicle - physiopathology; Ovary - pathology; Ovary - physiopathology; Ovary - transplantation; Ovulation; Progesterone - blood; Transplantation, Heterologous; Transplantation, Heterotopic
• ISSN: 0015-0282
• DOI: 10.1016/S0015-0282(02)03144-8

To assess the competency of human frozen/thawed ovarian follicles matured in xenografts to form functioning corpora luteae after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration.
Prospective controlled animal study.
University research laboratory.
Three women (19, 28, and 36 years) who underwent oophorectomy.
Nineteen female severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice.
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.
[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.
[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.
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.