Heterotopic ovarian transplantation without vascular pedicle in syngeneic Lewis rats: six-month control of estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone concentrations after intraperitoneal and subcutaneous implants

Effects of Ovarian Transplant on Anti-Müllerian Hormone, Kisspeptin-1, and Kisspeptin-1 Receptor Levels in Rats

OBJECTIVES

Information is scarce on levels of kisspeptin-1 and the kisspeptin-1 receptorin females after ovarian transplant. In this study, our aim was to explore serum estradiol, anti-Müllerian hormone, kisspeptin-1, and kisspeptin receptor levels, along with kisspeptin-1-positive cell density, in ovaries from rats after ovarian transplant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For this study, 28 female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups, with sham surgery performed on rats in group 1 (control group). Group 2 rats had ovaries transplanted under the peritoneum, and group 3 rats had their own ovaries transplanted subcutaneously. Group 4 rats were maintained in an estrous state. Serum anti-Müllerian hormone, kisspeptin-1, estradiol, and ovarian kisspeptin receptor levels were determined using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Kisspeptin-1-positive cell densities in the ovaries were determined immunohistochemically.The ovaries were also examined histopathologically.

RESULTS

Our statistical analyses showed that levels of kisspeptin receptors in the ovaries were lowest in the subcutaneously transplanted group (group 3; 628.57 ± 35.69 pg/mL). The highest serum anti-Müllerian hormone levels were found in the estrous group (group 4; 16.91 ± 2.12 ng/mL). Differences between groups in terms of serum kisspeptin-1 and estradiol concentrations were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that, in rats, results were better in the peritoneum transplant group than in the subcutaneous transplant group. We also found that serum anti-Müllerian hormone levels were lower in the transplant groups than in the estrous group, although levels were not completely decreased to zero. These results support the finding that ovarian activities continue after transplant.

Review of Heterotopic Thyroid Autotransplantation

Total thyroidectomy is increasingly accepted for the management of bilateral benign thyroid disorders. Postoperatively, patients require lifelong levothyroxine replacement therapy to avoid postoperative hypothyroidism, which besides the burden of compliance, has been proven to be associated with several long-term side effects. Heterotopic thyroid autotransplantation was proposed several decades ago to avoid the need for life-long postoperative replacement therapy with maintaining the autoregulatory mechanism of thyroxin production inside the body according to its needs. Available data regarding this topic in literature is relatively poor. Before applying thyroid autotransplantation on humans, several studies have been done on animals, where the autologous transplantations were found to be successful in almost all the cases, proved by follow up postoperative 8-week measurements of thyroid hormones and histopathological examination of the removed autografts. Regarding the clinical application, few trials have been done using cryopreserved in vivo, in vitro or immediately autotransplanted thyroid autografts. Satisfactory results were obtained, however, the number of these studies and the number of patients per each study was very low. Besides the study methodologies were not so consistent.

Autologous and allogeneic ovarian orthotopic transplantation: morphologic, endocrinologic and natural pregnancy assessment

PURPOSE

To assess pregnancy of rabbits submitted to bilateral ovariectomy and orthotopic allogeneic or autologous intact and sliced ovarian transplantation without a vascular pedicle and to determine the morphofunctional aspects of the transplanted ovaries.

METHODS

Fifty-six female rabbits were studied. The ovaries were removed and orthotopically transplanted or replaced without vascular anastomoses: Group 1 (n=8), only laparotomy and laparorrhaphy, Group 2A (n=8) intact ovaries were transplanted on both sides, Group 2B (n=8) both ovaries were sliced and orthotopically transplanted, Group 2C (n=8), an intact ovary was transplanted on one side and a sliced ovary on the other side. In Group 3 the ovaries were reimplanted according to the procedure and subgroups described for Group 2. Three months later, the animals were paired with males for copulation. Estradiol, progesterone, FSH and LH hormone levels were assessed. A histologic study was carried out, and the number of pregnancies and litters were also determined. Chi-square test compared the number of pregnancies and litters. One-way ANOVA and the Tukey-Kramer tests compared the hormonal dosages.

RESULTS

Pregnancies occurred in seven (87.5%) rabbits of Group 1, in three rabbits (37.5%) of Groups 2A and 3A, in four rabbits (50%) of groups 2B, 3B and 3C, and in five (62.5%) of group 2C. Normal hormone serum levels and histology confirmed the vitality of all ovaries.

CONCLUSION

Orthotopic allogeneic and autologous ovarian transplantation without a vascular pedicle is viable in rabbits, and preserves their hormonal levels and fertile functions.

Functional capacity of the thyroid autograft and heterograft: An experimental study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the functional capacity of thyroid autografts/heterografts in a guinea pig model.

METHODS

A total of 24 guinea pigs were divided into 4 groups. Group A had only a thyroidectomy incision, and group B had total thyroidectomy. We performed autotransplantation in group C and heterotransplantation in group D. We monitored the guinea pigs for an 8-week period, with weekly measurements of free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). At the final stage, the autografts/heterografts were histologically examined.

RESULTS

In group B, fT3/fT4 showed a gradual decrease; however, an increase of TSH was noted. In groups C and D, fT3/fT4 showed a gradual decrease, followed by a gradual increase until euthyroid levels; an exact opposite was noted for TSH. In histologic examination, there were functional thyroid follicles in all animals of groups C and D.

CONCLUSIONS

The autotransplanted/heterotransplanted guinea pig's thyroid tissue provides adequate thyroid function.

Timing of the ovarian circadian clock is regulated by gonadotropins

The timing of ovulation is critically important to the success of reproduction. Current thinking attributes the timing of ovulation to LH secretion by the pituitary, itself timed by signals from the hypothalamus. The discovery of an internal circadian timer in the ovary raises the possibility that ovulation is in fact timed by an interaction between clocks in the hypothalamus/pituitary and those in the ovary. We asked whether ovarian clocks were influenced by signals from the brain and pituitary. Ovaries of Period1-luciferase transgenic rats display circadian rhythms in vitro. To determine whether the phase of these rhythms is set by neural or endocrine signals, we surgically denervated or heterotopically transplanted ovaries with or without encapsulation in dialysis membranes. Animals' light-dark cycles were phase advanced or delayed 6 h, and the resetting of the ovarian clock was tracked by culturing ovaries at intervals over the next 12 d. Resetting trajectories of control, surgically denervated, and encapsulated ovaries were similar, demonstrating that endocrine signals are sufficient to transmit phase information to the ovary. We next evaluated LH and FSH as potential endocrine signals. Using the phase of Per1-luc expression in granulosa cell cultures, we demonstrated that both of these pituitary hormones caused large phase shifts when applied to the cultured cells. We hypothesize that the ovarian circadian clock is entrained by hormonal signals from the pituitary and that ovulation depends, in part, on the phase in the ovarian circadian cycle at which these signals occur.

Orthotopic and heterotopic ovarian tissue transplantation

BACKGROUND

Transplantation of ovarian tissue is, at present, the only clinical option available to restore fertility using cryopreserved ovarian tissue. More than 30 transplantations of cryopreserved tissue have been reported, and six babies have been born, worldwide, following this procedure. Despite these encouraging results, it is essential to optimize the procedure by improving the follicular survival, confirming safety and developing alternatives. Here, we review the different factors affecting follicular survival and growth after grafting.

METHODS

Relevant studies were identified by searching Pubmed up to January 2009 with English language limitation. The following key words were used: (ovarian tissue or whole ovary) AND (transplantation) AND (cryopreservation or pregnancy). Using the literature and personal experience, we examined relevant data on the different exogenous and clinical factors affecting follicular development after grafting.

RESULTS

Clinical factors such as the patient's age and the transplantation sites influenced the lifespan of the graft. A heterotopic transplantation site is not optimal but offers some advantages and it may also promote the hormonal environment after a combined heterotopic and orthotopic transplantation. Exogenous factors such as antioxidants, growth factors or hormones were tested to improve follicular survival; however, their efficiency regarding further follicular development and fertility potential remains to be established.

CONCLUSION

Additional evidence is required to define optimal conditions for ovarian tissue transplantation. Alternatives such as whole ovary or isolated follicles transplantations require further investigation but are likely to be successful in humans in the future.

Successful ovarian autotransplant with no vascular reanastomosis in rats

Preservation of ovarian functions in woman with premature ovarian failure remains an issue in reproductive medicine. Hormone replacement therapy for maintaining endocrine functions, and cryopreservation of embryos or oocytes for those who wish pregnancy, are some of the choices. However, ovarian transplantation is a more physiological alternative, although problems related to ovarian ischemia have been reported. Herein, we investigated the viability of autologous transplantation of the ovarian tissue into the rat peritoneum, without vascular reanastomosis. Twenty animals in the study group had both ovaries excised, and each ovary was dissected into two halves. A half of an ovary was autotransplanted to the peritoneal surface, closely located to the left epigastric vessels. This simple procedure does not require surgical vascular reanastomosis while it maintains appropriate follicular growth and therefore should be further considered as an alternative for women undergoing oophorectomy, not only to maintain endocrine functions but also for fertility preservation.

Indirect evaluation of estrogenic activity post heterotopic ovarian autograft in rats

PURPOSE

To morphologically evaluate the estrogenic effect on the uterus and vagina of rats submitted to ovarian autografts.

METHODS

Twenty Wistar EPM-1 adult rats were bilaterally ovariectomized, followed by ovarian transplants in retroperitoneal regions. The animals were divided in four groups of five animals, according to the day of euthanasia: G4, G7, G14 and G21, corresponding to the 4th, 7th, 14th and 21st day after surgery, respectively. Vaginal smears were collected from the first day of surgery until euthanasia day. After that, the vagina and uterus were removed, fixed in 10% formaldehyde and submitted to histological analysis and stained with hematoxiline and eosine.

RESULTS

All animals showed estrous cycle changes during the experiment. In 4th day, the uterus showed low action of estrogen with small number of mitosis and eosinophils as well as poor development. On the 7th day, the endometrium was atrophic without mitotic signals and presented a small number of eosinophils. On the 14th and 21th days the histological findings were similar, with the presence of mitosis in the endometrial glands and intense leucocyte infiltration with a large number of eosinophils. Morphometric results showed that the endometrial and myometrial thickness as well as the number of eosinophils presented the highest values during the 14th and 21th days of the evaluation. The 7th day group also presented the lowest eosinophil numbers. Vaginal epithelium features were: 4th and 7th day groups presented non-keratinized stratified epithelium with 5 and 2 cell layers, respectively. The 14th and 21st day groups presented non-keratinized stratified epithelium with 14 and 15 cell layers.

CONCLUSION

Experimental ovarian autografts in the evaluated organs presented maximum estrogen activity after the 21st day of surgery, according to morphological and morphometric data.

Successful pregnancy in ovariectomized mice using a combination of heterotopic autotransplantation of ovarian tissues and embryo transfer

Aim:  The present report is the first to show that, after ovariectomy, female mice with autotransplanted ovarian sections can maintain pregnancy after embryo transfer (ET) independent of the transplantation site. Methods:  Three-month-old ICR females were ovariectomized, and sections from their own ovaries were transplanted either under their kidney capsule (KC group) or into a subcutaneous space (SC group) just after ovariectomy. In vitro fertilized blastocysts were transferred into uterine horns of the pseudopregnant mice that had received the transplanted ovarian tissues. Cesarean sections were carried out 17 days after ET to deliver any live fetuses that were present, and the numbers of implantation sites and fetuses were noted. Transplanted ovarian sections were removed and fixed for histological analysis. Results:  Of the 10 mice in the KC group that received 107 blastocysts, two females (20%) became pregnant; they showed 12 implantation sites (11.2%) and produced four pups (3.7%). In the SC group, 101 blastocysts were transferred to eight females, and three females (37.5%) became pregnant; there were seven implantation sites (6.9%), and three pups (3.0%) were born. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in any of the parameters evaluated. On histological examination, luteinization and vascularization of the ovarian sections that were transplanted in the pregnant SC and KC females were noted. Conclusion:  The pregnancy and full-term fetal development were obtained in ovariectomized mice using a combination of heterotopic ovarian tissue autotransplantation and transfer of embryos produced by in vitro fertilization.

Allogeneic and autologous ovarian orthotopic transplantation without a vascular pedicle: morphological, endocrinologic and natural pregnancy assessment

BACKGROUND

To assess the natural pregnancy of rabbits submitted to bilateral oophorectomy and orthotopic allogeneic or autologous intact and sliced ovarian transplantation without a vascular pedicle, and to determine the morpho-functional aspects of the transplanted ovaries.

METHODS

Fifty-six female rabbits were studied. The ovaries were removed and orthotopically transplanted or replaced without vascular anastomoses: Group 1 (n = 8), only laparotomy and laparorrhaphy; Group 2A (n = 8), intact ovaries were transplanted on both sides; Group 2B (n = 8), both ovaries were sliced and orthotopically transplanted; Group 2C (n = 8), an intact ovary was transplanted on one side and a sliced ovary on the other side; Groups 3A-C, the ovaries were reimplanted according to the procedure and subgroups described for Group 2. Three months later, the animals were paired with males for copulation. Estradiol, progesterone, FSH and LH hormone levels were assessed. A histological study was carried out, and the number of pregnancies and litters were also determined. Chi-squared test compared the number of pregnancies and litters. One-way anova and the Tukey-Kramer tests compared the hormonal dosages.

RESULTS

Pregnancies occurred in seven rabbits of Group 1, in 37.5% of rabbits in Groups 2A and 3A, in 50% of groups 2B, 3B and 3C, and in 62.5% of group 2C. Hormone levels and histology confirmed the vitality of all ovaries.

CONCLUSIONS

Intact or sliced orthotopic allogeneic and autologous ovarian transplantation without a vascular pedicle is viable in rabbits, and preserves their hormonal and fertile functions.

A study of ovarian autotransplantation without vascular a pedicle in rats

PURPOSE

The study aimed to determine effects of FSH applications on follicle survival, development and hormone output and antigenicity of rat ovarian tissue autografts placed at subcutaneous or subperitoneal sites.

METHODS

A total of sixteen female rats were used in the study. The animals were divided into three groups. Ovaries were dissected and then transplanted under the peritoneum in the first group animals (n = 5) or under the skin in the second group animals (n = 6). And the animals in the third group (n = 5) were sham operated. Following operations, intramuscular injection of 8 IU of rhFSH were made daily to the animals in first and second groups from the first day of operation through thirty days. Vaginal irrigation samples were prepared daily from the animals for 30 days. The concentrations of serum estradiol and antiovarian antibodies in the blood were determined using ELISA on the last day of vaginal irrigations. Histopathological examination of the ovaries that were transplanted was made.

RESULTS

Results showed that cyclic variations were noticed in the samples of vaginal irrigation by day 30 in the animals of first and second groups. However, no significant differences were seen between groups. The concentration of blood serum estradiol was higher in the animals of first group. Decrease in numbers of primary follicles were found in the animals of second group and lesser corpus luteum were found in the animals of control group on the histopathological examinations of transplanted ovaries. All rats in the first and second groups were defined as seropositive for antiovarian antibodies. When the OD values were compared between first and second groups, it was identified that the OD values of rats in the first group was higher than it was seen in the second group.

CONCLUSION

The ovarian transplantation without vascular pedicle in rats is characterized by follicular hyperplasia endocrinologically functional. Being seropositive of all rats in first and second groups in terms of antiovarian antibodies is an indicator to these antibodies does not affect the functions of transplanted ovaries. It is believed that the highness of OD values in the group which is transplanted beneath the peritoneum is based on the highness of estradiol concentrations in these animals.

Morphologic, endocrinologic and natural pregnancy assessment of allogeneic ovarian orthotopic transplantation without a vascular pedicle in rabbits

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to assess the natural pregnancy of rabbits subjected to bilateral oophorectomy and orthotopic allogeneic intact and sliced ovarian transplantation without a vascular pedicle, and to determine the morphofunctional aspects of the transplanted ovaries.

STUDY DESIGN

Thirty-two female rabbits were studied. The ovaries were removed and orthotopically transplanted without vascular anastomoses between the two breeds of rabbits. In Group 1 (n=8), only laparotomy and laparorrhaphy were performed, in Group 2A (n=8) intact ovaries were transplanted on both sides, in Group 2B (n=8) both ovaries were sliced and orthotopically transplanted, and in Group 2C (n=8) an intact ovary was transplanted on one side and a sliced ovary on the other side. Three months later, the animals were paired with males for copulation. Estradiol, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone levels were assessed. A histologic study was carried out and the numbers of pregnancies and litters were also determined.

RESULTS

Pregnancies occurred in seven rabbits in Group 1, 37.5% of rabbits in Group 2A, 50% in Group 2B, and 62.5% in Group 2C. Hormone levels and histology confirmed the vitality and function of all ovaries.

CONCLUSIONS

Intact or sliced orthotopic allogeneic ovarian transplantation without a vascular pedicle is viable in rabbits, and preserves their hormonal and fertile functions.

Hormonal environment in the induction of breast cancer in castrated rats using dimethylbenzanthracene: influence of the presence or absence of ovarian activity and of treatment with estradiol, tibolone, and raloxifene

OBJECTIVE

The influence of hormone therapy on the induction or the promotion of breast cancer has yet to be determined. Recent studies establish a cause-effect relation between hormones and cancer, although epidemiological data and studies of tumor behavior give rise to doubts. The aim of the study was to observe and evaluate the influence of different hormonal environments on the induction of breast cancer in a well-established experimental model.

DESIGN

In this experimental animal study, breast cancer was induced by using a single intragastric dose of 20 mg of dimethylbenzanthracene in prepubertal Sprague-Dawley rats randomized into five groups: group 1 (control); group 2 (castrated prepubertal animals); and groups 3, 4, and 5 (castration of prepubertal animals followed by hormonal treatment starting at puberty [11 weeks] with tibolone, raloxifene, and estradiol, respectively). Follicle-stimulating hormone and estradiol levels were measured at 6, 11, 16, and 31 weeks.

RESULTS

Absence of ovarian activity was observed in groups 2, 3, 4, and 5, as well as the expected variations in hormone levels in all groups. Breast cancers were obtained in 100% of the animals in the control group, with an average of four (two to seven) tumors per animal in this group. Only one cancer appeared in groups 2, 3, and 4, and none appeared in group 5.

CONCLUSIONS

In this experimental model and using the hormone treatments chosen, neither the treatments nor the absence of ovarian activity induced breast cancer.

The influence of venous drainage on autologous ovarian transplantation

BACKGROUND

Despite many investigations of ovarian transplantation, it is still difficult to define the best site for ovarian implantation, considering its endocrine function. We sought to evaluate the influence of venous drainage on ovarian physiomorphological aspects and to assess ovary transplantation by intact and sliced techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and eight cycling female Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 18): G1 (control, sham operation), G2 (bilateral oophorectomy), G3 (transplantation of intact ovarium on the greater omentum), G4 (transplantation of sliced ovarium on the greater omentum), G5 (transplantation of intact ovarium in the retroperitoneum), G6 (transplantation of sliced ovarium in the retroperitoneum). The blood drainage of groups G3 and G4 was to the portal vein and that of groups G5 and G6 was to the cava. The estrus cycle was investigated in the 3rd and 6th months. Serum estradiol concentration was also assessed in all groups in the 3rd and 6th months. Histological studies of the transplanted ovaria were carried out at that time.

RESULTS

G1 animals preserved the cycling sequence. G2 rats persisted in diestrus. Nine G3 rats showed estrus cycles. Fourteen G4 rats had normal cycles and 1 rat persisted in estrus. Seven G5 rats showed estrus vaginal smears. Nine G6 animals had estrus vaginal smear patterns and 3 showed incomplete cycles in the 3rd month and complete in the 6th month. The histology of all ovaria confirmed the preservation of their vitality. The ovaries of G5 and G6 animals had more cysts and fewer corpora lutea. The sliced ovaries implanted on the omentum presented higher estradiol concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

The ovaria that drained to the portal vein presented a better physiomorphological aspect than those that drained to the cava. The sliced ovaria were more efficient than the intact ones.

Autologous heterotopic transplantation of ovarian tissue in sheep

The aims of this study were [1] to test the feasibility of autologous heterotopic transplantation of large ovarian tissue samples (approximately 2 cm in diameter and 2 or 3 mm thick) without vascular anastomosis and [2] to compare follicle count and microvessel density in fresh and grafted 2-mm vs. 3-mm tissue samples in an animal model. After transplantation, we observed regular menstrual cycles and ovulation proved by high E(2) levels and intermittent P peaks in all Suffolk sheep, and histologic examination revealed no statistically significant differences in the number of primordial follicles and microvessel density between samples 2 mm and 3 mm in diameter.

Gestação obtida em coelha após ooforectomia bilateral e transplante ovariano homógeno

OBJETIVO: Verificar a possibilidade de fertilização natural após ooforectomia total bilateral e transplante ovariano homógeno ortotópico sem anastomose vascular e imunossuprimidos pela ciclosporina. MÉTODO: Foram utilizadas dez coelhas da raça Nova Zelândia Branca e Califórnia. Realizou-se ooforectomia total bilateral e transplante ortotópico dos ovários entre pares de animais. De um lado, foi transplantado o ovário íntegro e de outro, o ovário fatiado. Não houve anastomose vascular. A imunossupressão se deu com a administração ciclosporina através de tubo orogástrico diariamente, durante seis meses. Três meses depois, as fêmeas foram colocadas diariamente para copular com machos sabidamente férteis da raça Nova Zelândia Branca, por outros seis meses. No final do período do experimento, foram realizadas dosagens de estradiol, progesterona, hormônio folículo estimulante e hormônio luteinizante, além de estudo histológico dos ovários, tubas e úteros. RESULTADOS: Gravidezes ocorreram em cinco coelhas, sendo que, em quatro delas, houve nascimento de filhotes. As dosagens hormonais estiveram dentro da faixa de normalidade em todos os animais. Os ovários transplantados estavam rodeados de tecido conjuntivos, bem vascularizados e com folículos ovarianos em vários estádios de desenvolvimento. CONCLUSÕES: Obteve-se, com sucesso, a fertilização natural e manutenção hormonal feminina em coelhas submetidas a transplante homógeno de tecido ovariano sem anastomose vascular e imunossuprimidos pela ciclosporina.

Immunohistochemical localization of steroidogenic enzymes in human follicle following xenotransplantation of the human ovarian cortex into NOD-SCID mice

There have been reports of successful follicular growth following xenogenic transplantation of the human ovarian cortex into immunodeficient mice. In this study, we examined the immunohistochemical expression and localization of steroidogenic enzymes in the graft of nonpathological human ovary following xenogenic transplantation into nonobese diabetic severe combined immune deficient (NOD-SCID) mice. We studied human follicles following xenotransplantation into NOD-SCID mice using immunohistochemistry antibodies against the cell proliferation marker (Ki 67), steroidogenic enzymes P450 cholesterol side chain cleavage (P450 scc), 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD), cytochrome P450 17alpha hydroxylase (P450 c17), cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450 arom), androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptor (ER), and Ad4-binding protein (Ad4BP), a transcription factor for all steroidogenic P450 genes. In the pre-antral follicles of these grafts, Ki 67 and Ad4BP were detected in both the theca and granulosa cell layer. P450 scc, P450 c17, 3beta-HSD, and AR were present in only the theca cell layer, observations of which were consistent with the findings of nonpathological human ovarian cortex. P450 arom and ER were not detected in these grafts, however, and these follicles did not possess any specific feature of a dominant follicle. These findings suggest that the expression of steroidogenic enzymes in human follicles following xenogenic transplantation into NOD-SCID mice is similar to that of nonpathological human ovaries. However, these follicles do not possess any features of dominant follicles, which are known to develop into the corpus luteum.

Inhibin and follicular development in heterotopical ovary transplants without vascular pedicle in syngeneic Lewis rats

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of inhibin in elevated base levels of FSH and follicular hyperplasia in ovarian autotransplantation in rats.

DESIGN

Experimental animal study.

SETTING

Unit of Experimental Research at the Barcelona University School of Medicine.

ANIMAL(S)

Female syngeneic Lewis rats aged 16 weeks.

INTERVENTION(S)

The animals were randomized into two groups: group A, control group undergoing only laparotomy (n = 5) and group B, oophorectomized with SC autologous heterotopic transplant (n = 5). The animals were killed and their ovaries removed for histologic, morphometric, and immunohistochemical analysis at 28 days after surgery in both groups.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Serum levels of E2 and FSH were determined on day 0 (the day of surgery or baseline) and days 4, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Morphometric analysis of ovarian structure for evaluation of antral follicles and their granulosa cell area and immunohistochemistry for inhibin staining were also done.

RESULT(S)

The endocrinological function recovered at 28 days, and the FSH levels for the transplant group were significantly higher than for the group with normoinsert ovary. Morphometric analysis showed that the mean granulosa cell area was greater in group B when compared with the control group. Immunohistochemistry revealed almost null inhibin staining of the stroma in transplanted ovarian tissue.

CONCLUSION(S)

Tissue damage brought on by ischemia in the transplant of nonvascularized ovaries may bring about an inhibin deficit in the ovarian stroma, which might explain the increased levels of FSH. These increased levels, in turn, would be responsible for the follicular hyperplasia seen in this tissue when it recovers its function.

Follicle development in grafted mouse ovaries after cryopreservation and subcutaneous transplantation

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to determine the impact of freezing, thawing, and subcutaneous transplantation on follicular development in grafted mouse ovaries.

STUDY DESIGN

The mice were divided into 3 groups: control (group 1), frozen-thawed grafting (group 2), and frozen-thawed grafting with human menopausal gonadotropin injection (group 3). After freezing and thawing, the ovaries were transplanted into the subcutaneous tissue. Two weeks after transplantation, grafted ovaries and blood samples were collected.

RESULTS

Ovaries from group 3 contained significantly more follicles (246 +/- 43 follicles) than group 2(P <.05). The pattern and intensity of Cx37 immunohistochemical staining was similar in all groups. Follicle-stimulating hormone concentrations were significantly decreased in group 2 after ovarian grafting.

CONCLUSION

In mice, gonadotropin treatment before subcutaneous grafting improved the survival of growing follicles. Subcutaneous ovarian transplantation may restore ovarian function and could obviate many of the problems that are related to ovarian banking for humans.

Functional capacity of the thyroid autograft: an experimental study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the functional capacity of thyroid autografts after total thyroidectomy in a rabbit model.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-eight rabbits underwent total thyroidetomy. One of the two thyroid lobes was cut into 1-mm pieces and was introduced intramuscularly into the right quadriceps muscle (group A, n = 10), the right rectus abdominalis muscle (group B, n = 10), and the right sacrodorsalis muscle (group C, n = 10). Another group of 8 rabbits underwent total thyroidectomy without autologous implantation and served as the control group (group D). The animals were observed for 8 weeks with weekly measurements of thyroid hormones. At the end of the 8th week, a scintigram was performed. The autografts were removed 2 days later.

RESULTS

The thyroid hormone levels showed a gradual decrease until the 2nd-5th week after implantation, followed by a gradual increase and establishment of euthyroid levels between the 5th and 8th weeks. Respectively, an increase of thyreotropin hormone was noted with maximal values in the 4th week, followed by a gradual decrease until the end of the 8th week. The scintigram at the end of the 8th week revealed the presence of functional thyroid tissue in all cases. Functional thyroid follicles were found in all animals who survived. In 35.7% of the autografts, we noted the development of fibrous tissue and gigantocytic granulomas in the periphery, which could be interpretated as a "foreign body" reaction.

CONCLUSION

Thyroid autografts can completely substitute thyroid function after total thyroidectomy.

Heterotopic ovarian transplantation without vascular pedicle in syngeneic Lewis rats: long-term evaluation of effects on ovarian structure and function

OBJECTIVE

To assess the long-term efficacy of intraperitoneal (IP) and subcutaneous (SC) ovarian autotransplantation in rats.

DESIGN

Experimental animal study.

SETTING

Unit of Experimental Research, Barcelona University School of Medicine.

ANIMAL(S)

Female syngeneic Lewis rats aged 14 weeks.

INTERVENTION(S)

Group A, control group undergoing ovariectomy (n = 15); group B, undergoing ovariectomy and IP autologous heterotopic transplant (n = 15); and group C, ovariectomized with SC autologous heterotopic transplant (n = 15). In groups B and C, five animals were killed and their ovaries removed for morphometric analysis at 30 days after transplantation; five additional animals were killed at 180 days, and the remaining five animals were killed at 360 days.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Ovarian morphometric analysis and serial measurement of E(2) and FSH serum levels. RESULT(S); The mean number of antral follicles in the control group A was significantly higher than that observed in the ovarian grafts collected and examined 30 days after grafting in rats from groups B and C, but the mean granulosa cell area was significantly higher in both transplantation groups than in controls because of ovarian follicular hyperplasia. Histological examination of ovaries removed at 6 and 12 months after grafting in groups B and C showed increasing degrees of fibrosis, loss of primordial follicles, and the presence of epithelial cysts. In groups B and C, from day 30 after surgery onward, serum E(2) was significantly higher and FSH significantly lower, respectively, than in group A. E(2) and FSH patterns in groups B and C were similar throughout the study period.

CONCLUSION(S)

Heterotopic ovarian transplantation without vascular pedicle in rats is characterized by follicular hyperplasia endocrinologically functional, followed by progressive loss of follicles in heterotopic ovarian autografts.