An experimental study on autologous transplantation of fresh ovarian tissue in sheep

Abstract

Objective: To investigate current autologous transplantation methods and sites of ovarian tissues in sheep. Methods: Sheep ovaries were resected. Ovarian cortices were sliced and transplanted orthotopically into the ovarian mesangial latum and heterotopically into the greater omentum and under groin skin. The grafts were removed two months after transplantation and examined to evaluate the survival of follicles (hematoxylin-eosin staining) and help determining feasible graft sites and transplantation methods. Results: Graft nodules were found in the transplanted sites. HE staining of the grafts showed that multiple primordial follicles were able to survive in the grafts on both sides of the ovarian mesangial latum, the right side of the greater omentum, and the left inguinal subcutaneous tissue. Secondary or cystic follicles were found in almost all of the grafts. Conclusion: The ovarian mesangial latum, the greater omentum and the inguinal subcutaneous tissue can be used as autologous transplantation sites, where sheep ovarian tissue can survive and the follicles grow and develop in good condition.

Keywords

• Ovarian tissue
• Cryopreservation
• Autologous transplantation
• Orthotopic transplantation
• Heterotopic transplantation
• Fertility preservation