Simple prediction of the survival of follicles in cryopreserved human ovarian tissue

J Reprod Dev. 2006 Aug;52(4):577-82. doi: 10.1262/jrd.18012. Epub 2006 Jun 24.

Abstract

This study examines the possible predictive value of the LIVE/DEAD fluorescence viability assay for evaluation of survival of cryopreserved human ovarian tissue. Ovarian tissue from ten patients was examined by LIVE/DEAD viability staining before and after cryopreservation and after freezing in a -20 C freezer (negative control). After cryopreservation with a slow freezing protocol and cryoprotectant the LIVE/DEAD assay showed 86% viable follicles (an intact oocyte and at least more than 50% of the granulosa cells alive), whereas after freezing at -20 C the survival rate was 67%. The healthy follicular loss after cryopreservation was 4%, whereas with freezing at -20 C, it was 25%. Although this assay overestimates the survival rate of cryopreserved primordial follicles, if the LIVE/DEAD assay yields greater than approximately 85% viable follicles, it can be assumed that the follicles in the cryopreserved tissue have maintained their developmental potential and that the tissue is suitable for retransplantation.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cell Transplantation / methods
  • Child
  • Cryopreservation / methods*
  • Cryoprotective Agents / pharmacology
  • Female
  • Fertility
  • Granulosa Cells / cytology
  • Humans
  • Ovarian Follicle / cytology
  • Ovarian Follicle / pathology*
  • Ovary / cytology
  • Ovary / metabolism*

Substances

  • Cryoprotective Agents