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Padma AM, Truong M, Jar-Allah T, Song MJ, Oltean M, Brännström M, Hellström M. The development of an extended normothermic ex vivo reperfusion model of the sheep uterus to evaluate organ quality after cold ischemia in relation to uterus transplantation. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2019; 98:1127-1138. [PMID: 30932168 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.13617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Uterus transplantation has recently proved that infertility in women with uterine factor infertility can be cured. It is still an experimental procedure with numerous critical details remaining to be established, including tolerance to warm and cold ischemic insults. In preparation for human uterus transplantation trials, most teams use the sheep as a model system for research and team training, since the vasculature and the uterus is of similar size as in the human. We, therefore, aimed to develop an ex vivo sheep uterus reperfusion platform that mimics the reperfusion situation so that initial assessments and comparisons can be performed without the need for costly and labor-intensive in vivo transplantation experiments. MATERIAL AND METHODS Isolated sheep uteri were perfused with the preservation solution IGL-1 and were then exposed to cold ischemia for either 4 (n = 6) or 48 hours (n = 7). Uteri were then reperfused for 48 hours under normothermic conditions with an oxygenated recirculating perfusate containing growth factors and synthetic oxygen carriers. Histological and biochemical analysis of the perfusate was conducted to assess reperfusion injury. RESULTS Quantification of cell density indicated no significant edema in the myometrium or in the endometrium of uteri exposed to 4 hours cold ischemia and then a normothermic ex vivo reperfusion for 48 hours. Only the outer serosa layer and the inner columnar luminal epithelial cells were affected by the reperfusion. However, a much faster and severe reperfusion damage of all uterine layers were evident during the reperfusion experiment following 48 hours of cold ischemia. This was indicated by major accumulation of extracellular fluid, presence of apoptotic-labeled glandular epithelial layer and vascular endothelium. A significant accumulation of lactate was measured in the perfusate with a subsequent decrease in pH. CONCLUSIONS We developed a novel ex vivo sheep uterus model for prolonged perfusion. This model proved to be able to distinguish reperfusion injury-related differences associated to organ preservation. The experimental setup is a platform that can be used to conduct further studies on uterine ischemia- and reperfusion injury that may lead to improved human uterus transplantation protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvind M Padma
- Laboratory for Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - MyLan Truong
- Laboratory for Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Tagrid Jar-Allah
- Laboratory for Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Min J Song
- Laboratory for Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Daejeon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Mihai Oltean
- Laboratory for Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mats Brännström
- Laboratory for Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Stockholm IVF-EUGIN, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mats Hellström
- Laboratory for Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Stefańczyk-Krzymowska S, Wąsowska B, Gilun P, Muszak J, Grzegorzewski W. Relationship Between Contractions of the Uterus and Concentration of PGF2α in Uterine Venous Blood after Luteolysis in Gilts. Reprod Domest Anim 2011; 47:98-104. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2011.01807.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Dittrich R, Henning J, Maltaris T, Hoffmann I, Oppelt PG, Cupisti S, Beckmann MW, Mueller A, Kiesewetter F. Extracorporeal perfusion of the swine uterus: effect of human seminal plasma. Andrologia 2011; 44 Suppl 1:543-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2011.01223.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Künzel J, Geisler K, Hoffmann I, Müller A, Beckmann MW, Dittrich R. Myometrial response to neurotropic and musculotropic spasmolytic drugs in an extracorporeal perfusion model of swine uteri. Reprod Biomed Online 2011; 23:132-40. [PMID: 21757131 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2011.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2010] [Revised: 03/30/2011] [Accepted: 03/31/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
To compare the effects of neurotropic and musculotropic spasmolytic drugs in isolated swine uterus specimens, 80 swine uteri were perfused using an established model for preserving a viable organ that responds to oxytocic hormones and spasmolytic drugs. An intrauterine catheter was used to record pressure changes. Following initiation of rhythmic uterine contractions and recording of spontaneous rhythmic contractions, spasmolytic drugs (butylscopolamine, atropine, denaverine, morphine, metamizole, pethidine and celandine) were administered at various concentrations. The musculotropic relaxant denaverine in particular showed significant results (P ≤ 0.05) for all dosages and parameters investigated. In terms of muscle physiology, musculotropic agents (denaverine and celandine) have clear advantages in comparison with neurotropic (butylscopolamine and atropine) or musculoneurotropic (morphine, metamizole and pethidine) spasmolytic drugs for inhibiting contractions. Experiments with pethidine (Dolantin) also showed promising results; with celandine (Paverysat), an initial increase in contractions was observed that may suggest ways of promoting rapid directed sperm transport. Denaverine and pethidine in particular may in the future be able to play an important role in improving the pregnancy rate after IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Künzel
- Department of Gynaecology, Erlangen University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
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Norrby M, Madsen MT, Saravia F, Lundeheim N, Madej A. Genistein Alters the Release of Oxytocin, Prostaglandins, Cortisol and LH during Insemination in Gilts. Reprod Domest Anim 2011; 46:316-24. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2010.01669.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Dittrich R, Sinduwinatha C, Maltaris T, Mueller A, Hoffmann I, Beckmann MW, Oppelt PG. The intrauterine to intra-arterial pressure ratio: a new parameter for the study of uterine contractility physiology. Reprod Biomed Online 2009; 20:430-6. [PMID: 20093083 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2009.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2009] [Revised: 06/23/2009] [Accepted: 11/17/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the study was to examine the uterine contractions and the arterial perfusion pressure changes after application of oxytocin, endothelin 1, prostaglandins PGE(1), PGE(2) and PGF(2alpha), in order to identify the substance with the greatest intrauterine pressure (IUP)/intra-arterial pressure (IAP) ratio, which means the substance most suitable for inducing uterine contractility without raising the systemic vascular pressure. Increasing doses of oxytocin, endothelin 1, PGE(1), PGE(2) and PGF(2alpha) were applied as bolus injection through the uterine artery of perfused swine uteri and the intrauterine and intra-arterial pressure rises were recorded. All substances showed a significant cervicofundic pressure gradient and, with the exception of PGF(2alpha), the uterine peristalsis moved towards the cervix uteri. The perfusion pressure after application of oxytocin, PGE(1), PGE(2) and PGF(2alpha) reached a maximum value and started to decrease, whereas endothelin 1 caused a continuous increase in the perfusion pressure. Endothelin 1 showed the lowest IUP/IAP ratio and oxytocin the greatest. In conclusion, the IUP/IAP ratio provides a promising new parameter for the study of uterine contractility physiology. Besides oxytocin, PGE(2) and PGF(2alpha) emerged as the best candidate substances to improve uterine contractility without raising the intra-arterial pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Dittrich
- University Hospital Erlangen, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Universitaetsstrasse 21-23, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany.
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Dittrich R, Beckmann MW, Mueller A, Binder H, Hoffmann I, Maltaris T. Uterus cryopreservation: maintenance of uterine contractility by the use of different cryoprotocols. Reprod Domest Anim 2008; 45:86-91. [PMID: 18992117 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01258.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cryopreservation of cells and even tissue is feasible. New exciting findings arise in the promising field of cryobiology, e.g. the cryopreservation of whole ovaries. Uterus cryopreservation would be advantageous not only for experimental biology, but also for transplantation surgery. The objective of this study was to evaluate various cryopreservation protocols as well as various storage temperatures in cryopreservation of whole swine uteri. The used freezing protocol was slow (0.2 degrees C/min) after arterial perfusion with 1%, 5% or 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solution for 10 min and equilibration in this solution for 30 min. Viability of the organs was tested by histological examination, biochemical parameters and by the capability of rhythmical contractions in a perfusion system. Eighty swine uteri were cryopreserved. All uteri that were frozen with 10% and 5% DMSO were viable after thawing for at least 1 h, whereas only 40% survived with the use of 1% DMSO and 0% with the use of 0.5% DMSO, respectively. There was no difference regarding the survival rates after various cryostorage periods for up to 16 weeks or after cryostorage for 2 weeks in -70 degrees C or -130 degrees C. The cryopreservation of a whole organ such as the swine uterus is a valuable method for the study of cryoprotective agents and freezing protocols. This study demonstrates clearly that the perfusion of the organ with cryoprotectants is the only factor which allows the uterus to contract.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Dittrich
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erlangen University Hospital, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany.
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Dittrich R, Beckmann MW, Maake C, Oppelt PG, Mueller A, Mueller S, Hoffmann I, Naumann G, Koelbl H, Maltaris T. The extracorporeal perfusion of the female pig detrusor as an experimental model for the study of bladder contractility. Neurourol Urodyn 2007; 26:1024-9. [PMID: 17638308 DOI: 10.1002/nau.20443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The objective of the study was to establish an experimental model for the extracorporeal perfusion of the pig detrusor. In order to validate this model we examined some biochemical parameters and determined the effect of carbachol on the contractility of perfused female pig bladders. METHODS Twenty-six pig bladders were perfused with Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate-glucose buffer for a period up to 5 hr with the aim to preserve a viable organ, which would be responsive to contraction-inducing agents. The intravesical pressure of the bladder as well as the intraarterial pressure of the vesical arteries were recorded before and after administration of carbachol. RESULTS The perfusate pH, lactate, partial carbon dioxide tension, and the ATP content in the perfused tissue, all indicators of tissue ischemia or cell necrosis, showed a good preservation of the organ for up to 5 hr. Carbachol was able to induce contractions of the prefilled bladder with a complete draining of the bladder throughout the whole perfusion period. CONCLUSIONS We could demonstrate that this perfusion system was able to preserve the pig bladder in a functional condition, appropriate for the study of physiological questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Dittrich
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erlangen University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany.
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Mueller A, Siemer J, Renner S, Hoffmann I, Maltaris T, Binder H, Beckmann MW, Dittrich R. Perfused Non-Pregnant Swine Uteri: A Model for Evaluating Transport Mechanisms to the Side Bearing the Dominant Follicle in Humans. J Reprod Dev 2006; 52:617-24. [PMID: 16819258 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.18021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Adequate uterine contractility and periovulatory peristalsis, interpreted as "rapid sperm transport" to the side bearing the dominant follicle, may be a precondition for successful reproduction in humans. Estrogen and progesterone fluctuate characteristically during the menstrual cycle, and their source is the dominant follicle and corpus luteum. The question is, how is the direction to the left or right side of transport mechanisms influenced? An extracorporeal perfusion model of the swine uterus was used that maintained the uterus in a functional condition and that was suitable for the study of physiological questions. The effects of side-dependent estrogen, progesterone, and estrogen plus progesterone perfusion on oxytocin-induced uterine peristalsis were assessed using two intrauterine microcatheters placed in each horn of the swine uterus. Estrogen perfusion was associated with an increase in intrauterine pressure (IUP) in a dose-dependent manner only in the estrogen-perfused horn of the swine uterus. There was a significant difference between the IUP increase measured in the estrogen-perfused horn and that in the non estrogen-perfused horn of the swine uterus. Progesterone perfusion showed no effect in general. Furthermore, progesterone antagonized the estrogen effects. This study demonstrates that side-dependent estrogen perfusion resulted in side-dependent contractility in the swine uterus perfusion system used. These observations show that estrogen stimulates uterine contractility in the estrogen-perfused uterine horn and that estrogens may be the "trigger" for the transport mechanisms to the side bearing the dominant follicle during the periovulatory phase through their locally increased concentration and distribution via the utero-ovarian counter-current system in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Mueller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erlangen University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany.
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