固醇类激素对酶结构和机能的调节

固醇类激素调节生命过程的确切方式是目前许多工作者所探索的问题。除这类生物调节剂的重要生理功能外,它们还能剧烈地改变某些疾病过程的表现,由于这些事实,近年来有关这方面的研究是加强了。由于固醇类激素有如此广大的生理作用,似乎有理由提出,它们可能是广泛作用于酶功能的。事实上,固醇类激素可以通过调节酶存在的量,或者通过控制酶活性来影响某些酶系统的。在各实例中,总要提出:到底固醇类激素是如何影响酶系统而发生这些改变的这个根本性问题。激素在细胞水平的作用大概取决于多种生物学因素,例如(1)酶存在部位激素的供应情况(取     

大鼠卵巢不同功能阶段时c-fos表达的动态变化

目的和方法：本文用免疫组织化学方法检测了成年大鼠卵巢于不同的功能阶段和未成年大鼠外源性激素诱导的卵巢于不同的功能阶段c-fos表达的变化以及与血清E2和P含量的相关关系。结果：在成年大鼠动情前期、动情期卵巢的间质腺和基质中及动情间期和妊娠期卵巢的黄体细胞和基质中有c-fos表达,c-fos蛋白阳性信号的表达范围和表达强度在动情前期卵巢较大,动情间期和动情期卵巢较低,妊娠期卵巢最大,这种变化与血清E2和P含量的变化呈明显的正相关关系。未成年大鼠,用DES使卵泡发育至窦前期时,在卵巢中未检测到有c-fos蛋白的表达,用PMSG使贸泡发育至排卵前期时在卵巢的间质腺和基质中有c-fos表达,用PMSG和hCG后4天形成的早期黄体化卵巢c-fos在黄体细胞和基质中的表达明显升高,而于用hCG后9天形成的晚期黄体化卵巢c-fos表达明显下降,这种变化也与血清E2和P含量的变化呈明显的正相关关系。结论：c-fos与卵泡发育、排卵、黄体形成和退化等功能密切相关。     

水楊酸类药物与脑垂体——腎上腺系统

水楊酸鈉能使正常大鼠腎上腺内抗坏血酸和胆固醇含量及血液中嗜伊紅白血球明显減少;使正常豚鼠、大鼠和犬血浆17-羟皮貭固醇类激素浓度升高,尿中固醇类激素含量增加。但在切除垂体或腎上腺动物或以戊巴比妥鈉或Dial麻醉动物,水楊酸鈉的上述各种作用均不出現。血浆17-羟皮貭固醇类激素含量升高与水楊酸鈉的抗风湿症作用間有定性关系,但非定量关系。大剂量水楊酸鈉可使正常人血液嗜伊紅白血球减少,血浆17-羟皮貭固醇类激素及尿中固醇类激素含量明显增加,但治疗剂量則无此作用。风湿病人服用治疗或中毒剂量水楊酸鈉时,血浆或尿中17-羟皮貭固醇类激素含量均不增加。水楊酸鈉对垂体——腎上腺系統及其分泌物可能有双重影响:(一)兴奋垂体——腎上腺系統。(二)使血液中皮貭激素的轉移率加快,但并不增加固醇类激素从尿中排出。至于水楊酸鈉的抗风湿作用是否系通过垂体——腎上腺系統,目前仍在爭論中。     

外源环化腺一磷和几种抑制剂对烟草愈伤组织生长和分化过程的影响

利用愈伤组织实验系统研究器官分化问题虽然已经取得了一些进展,但是这个过程的确切机理仍不清楚(Thorpe 1980)。为了深入研究外源激素在器官分化过程中的作用,我们曾确定了6-苄基腺嘌岭(BA)对烟草愈伤组织器官分化作用的时间进程和外源激素与这一过程的相互关系(刘涤等1980)。采用某些外源化合物特别是蛋白质和核酸生物合成抑制剂来影响生长和分化过程的进程,可以为进一步了解这个过程提供某些有用的证据。环化腺一磷(cAMP)是一种在细胞水平上调控细胞分化和分裂的物质。外源cAMP对藻类(Amrhein和Filner 1973)和葫芦藓原丝体(Handa和Johri 1978)的分化有一定的促进作用。但在高等植物方面则报道较少,Mizuna和Komamine(1978)曾发现该物质能促     

脑及前胸腺对蓖麻蚕化蛹的作用

前言 昆虫内分泌中心的存在,已为科学工作者所承认。前胸腺激素控制昆虫的蜕皮,已在鳞翅目、半翅目和直翅目等目中证实。近年来,对昆虫脑激素作用的重要性,尤其是它在内分泌系统中所起的主导作用,已逐渐明确。 Kope(1922)除去舞毒蛾(Lymantria)末龄第2天幼虫的脑,幼虫不能化蛹;如在末龄10天后去脑,则对化蛹并无影响。Kope认为脑是控制化蛹的中心。一些作者在其它鳞翅目昆虫中也获得同样的结果。 后来福田(1940)在家蚕中发现前胸腺对化蛹起重要的作用,并认为前胸腺分泌的激素对化蛹起控制作用。     

桑蚕促前胸腺激素的作用与前胸腺分泌活动的某些特点

本工作以前胸腺的体外器官培养技术和蜕皮激素的放射免疫分析法(MH-RIA)相结合,研究了桑蚕(Bombyx mori)促前胸腺激素(PTTH)的作用与前胸腺分泌的某些特点。结果表明,被PTTH激活后的前胸腺,在一定的时相过程内合成并分泌脱皮甾类激素;前胸腺本体不积累蜕皮甾类激素;PTTH对前胸腺的作用是积累性的;五龄不同天数的前胸腺合成分泌脱皮甾类激素的能力不同,并有不同的剂量反应。     

神经元兴奋性的细胞周围调制

突触传递的调制对脑功能有十分重要的作用,以往也有不少讨论,但对神经元兴奋性的调制,尤其细胞周围兴奋性的调制则讨论较少。所谓神经元兴奋性的细胞周围调制,意指对非突触部位神经元膜电位的调制。近来,由于许多新现象的发现,使得神经元兴奋性的细胞周围调制的重要性更加显露。神经元的细胞周围调制可以在以下几种情况下发生:通过突触外区受体的张力性抑制或兴奋,邻近细胞分泌的旁分泌性作用,来自血液循环的激素的作用。神经元兴奋性细胞周围调制的意义不可小觑,它可能与许多重要脑功能有直接关系,例如,脑功能状态(如觉醒和睡眠)的维持和转变,模糊、混沌的内态感(feeling)的产生;而这些又往往是许多神经及神智(mental)疾病的特征性表现和症状。     

甲基胆蒽对蝾螈中胚层分化的影响

前言对哺乳类有引瘤作用的物质,在两栖类的成体中,不论是有尾类(Breedis,1951,1952;和,1954)或者无尾类(曾弥白,1956a),都可以引起恶性瘤肿,虽然瘤肿形成的频率远没有在哺乳类高。对于两栖类幼体,或者正在发育中的胚胎组织,引瘤物质却表现了不同的作用。它们可以引起形态建成的变化。Waddington 和 Needham(1935)将多种多环碳氢化物塞入早期原肠胚的囊胚腔,发现其中几种诱导了神经组织的发生。为了避免塞入法可能引起的机械的影响,沈诗章(Shen,1942)用二苯骈蒽内琥珀酸钠(Na-dibenz-anthracene-endo-succinate)的水溶液处理早期原肠胚的预定表皮,也得到了同样     

神經与激素因素在胰液分泌調节中的相互关系

本实验系用狗为对象,分慢性和急性实验两种,但实验均在戊皖巴比妥钠的麻醉下进行。我们观察了神经与激素二因素,于不同的结合方式的情况下,对胰液分泌调节中的相互关系,结果证明: (一)在激素刺激(注促胰液素入静脉或注盐酸入小肠)对胰腺的效应停止后的10分钾内,紧接着刺激切断4—6天后的颈部迷走神经离中端,所引起的胰液分泌,较单独刺激同一神经时所引起的胰液分泌量多,潜伏期短, (二)神经与激素二因素同时作用,所引起的胰液分泌量,大大超过此二因素分别作用所得的效应的总和。 (三)在激素对胰腺的刺激效应停止后的10分钟内,紧接着注射毛果芸香硷,所引起的胰液分泌量,较单独注射毛果芸香碱为多。根据以上结果可以认为:神经与激素二因素在胰液分泌调节中有相互加强的作用。     

瘤背石磺产卵前后脂类和脂肪酸组成的变化

本研究测定了瘤背石磺产卵前后肌肉、肝胰腺、两性腺、卵蛋白腺、雄性附性腺和黏液腺指数、水分含量、总脂含量、脂类和脂肪酸组成.结果表明:(1) 瘤背石磺产卵后的肝胰腺指数(HIS)、两性腺指数(DGSI)和卵蛋白腺指数(EAGI)都显著下降(P＜0.05), 其水分含量显著上升, 而脂肪含量显著下降; (2) 瘤背石磺各种组织总脂主要有磷脂(PL)、胆固醇(Cho)、游离脂肪酸(FFA)和甘油三酰(TG), 仅在肝胰腺中检测出少量甘油一酰(MG), 产卵后肝胰腺中的FFA含量和两性腺中的PL含量大幅度下降, 分别下降了41.36%和80.53%, 其它组织中的脂类成分变化幅度不大;(3) 产卵后瘤背石磺肝胰腺中的C16:1n7、C20:5n3(EPA)和C22:6n3(DHA)显著下降, 而饱和脂肪酸(∑SFA)含量显著上升.产卵后两性腺中的C20:2n6、C22:2n6和C22:5n3(DPA)显著下降, 而C20:4n6(AA)含量显著上升.产卵后雄性附性腺和黏液腺中的AA和EPA含量均有所下降, 而C16:0和C18:1n9却有所上升.结果表明:卵蛋白腺和黏液腺对于瘤背石磺产卵和胚胎的形成具有重要的作用, PL和多不饱和脂肪酸(PUFA)对瘤背石磺的两性腺发育具有十分重要的作用, 肝胰腺中的脂肪可能是瘤背石磺产卵过程中主要的能源物质之一, 性腺发育过程中肝胰腺中的PUFA可能被转运到两性腺中.     

Cryopreservation of caprine ovarian tissue using dimethylsulphoxide and propanediol

The caprine ovary is a rich source of potentially viable immature oocytes enclosed in preantral follicles (PF). Previous experiments showed that these oocytes can be successfully cryopreserved in ovarian tissue of several species. However, until now, no information about the caprine PF cryopreservation is available in the literature. The aim of the present research was to evaluate the structural and ultrastructural characteristics of caprine PF after treatment and cryopreservation of ovarian tissue with 1.5 and 3 M dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) and propanediol (PROH). One fragment of ovarian tissue was immediately fixed for histological examination and ultrastructural analysis, after slaughter (control). Four fragments were equilibrated at 20 degrees C/20 min in 1.8 ml of minimum essential medium (MEM) containing 1.5 or 3 M DMSO or PROH for the toxicity test, and the other four fragments were slowly frozen in each cryoprotectant at the concentrations previously described. After toxicity test and freezing/thawing procedures, the ovarian fragments were fixed for histological examination. The results showed that after toxicity test and cryopreservation of ovarian tissue using both cryoprotectants, the percentage of normal PF was less (P < 0.05) as compared with the control group. The present study revealed that the percentage of normal PF after toxicity test and cryopreservation in 1.5 M DSMO was significantly greater (P < 0.05) as compared with results obtained with 3 M DMSO or 1.5 and 3 M PROH. This result was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, which showed that the PF were preserved in a higher quality state with 1.5 M DMSO. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that caprine PF can be cryopreserved in ovarian tissue using 1.5 M DMSO.     

Cryopreservation of caprine ovarian tissue using glycerol and ethylene glycol

Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue may be a potential alternative for the conservation of genetically superior animals, including high milk- and meat-producing goat breeds. However, until now, no information was available concerning the cryopreservation of preantral follicles (PF) enclosed in caprine ovarian tissue. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the structural and ultrastructural characteristics of caprine PF after exposure to and cryopreservation of ovarian tissue in 1.5 and 3M glycerol (GLY) and ethylene glycol (EG). At the slaughterhouse, each ovarian pair from five adult mixed breed goats was divided into nine fragments and randomly distributed into treatment groups. One fragment was immediately fixed for histological examination and ultrastructural analysis, after slaughter (control). Four of the ovarian fragments were equilibrated at 20 degrees C for 20 min in 1.8 ml of MEM containing 1.5 or 3M GLY or EG for a toxicity test and the final four fragments were slowly frozen using these cryoprotectants at the concentrations above. After toxicity testing and freezing/thawing, the ovarian fragments were fixed for histological examination. Histological analysis showed that after toxicity testing and cryopreservation of the ovarian tissue in GLY or EG at both concentrations, the percentage of normal PF was significantly lower than controls. Ultrastructural analysis of PF frozen in 1.5 and 3M GLY, as well as 3M EG demonstrated that these follicles remained morphologically normal. In conclusion, we demonstrated cryopreservation of caprine PF in ovarian tissue.     

卵巢上皮癌中ING4 基因启动子的甲基化状态及其临床意义

目的：探讨卵巢上皮癌中ING4 基因启动子的甲基化状态及其临床意义。方法：收集2005 年7 月至2012 年6 月哈尔滨医科 大学附属第一医院行全面分期手术并经病理检查确诊的150 例卵巢上皮癌组织标本,并以同期因子宫肌瘤或子宫腺肌症行子宫 全切除术或次全切除术并经病理检查确诊为正常卵巢组织的150 例标本作为对照组。采用甲基化特异性PCR（MSP）技术检测卵 巢上皮癌组织与正常卵巢组织中ING4 基因启动子的甲基化状态,蛋白印迹法检测ING4 蛋白的表达,并分析ING4 基因启动子 的甲基化状态与卵巢上皮癌临床病例特征的关系。结果：卵巢上皮癌组织中ING4 基因启动子的甲基化阳性率为42.7%（64/150）, 明显高于正常卵巢组织（4%,6/150）,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。ING4 基因启动子甲基化阳性的卵巢上皮癌组织中ING4蛋白 表达阴性或弱阳性;ING4 基因启动子甲基化阴性的卵巢上皮癌和正常卵巢组织中ING4 蛋白表达阳性;在64 例ING4 基因启动 子甲基化的卵巢上皮癌组织中,ING4 蛋白表达强度与ING4 基因启动子的甲基化程度呈负相关（r=-0.435,P<0.05）。卵巢上皮癌 组织中,ING4 基因甲基化的阳性率随着手术病理分期和组织学分级的增加而增加（P<0.05）;卵巢透明细胞癌（55.6%,10/18）和卵 巢子宫内膜样癌（59.3%,16/27）中ING4 基因甲基化的阳性率显著高于浆液性囊腺癌（33.9%,20/59）和粘液性囊腺癌（39.1%, 18/46）（P<0.05）;ING4基因启动子的甲基化状态与患者的年龄、有无腹水及淋巴结转移均无显著相关性（P>0.05）。结论：ING4 基 因启动子的甲基化可能促进了其在卵巢上皮癌组织中的表达失活,进而促进了卵巢上皮癌的生长和分化。     

Follicular development in cryopreserved Common Wombat ovarian tissue xenografted to Nude rats

The Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat (Lasiorhinus krefftii) is a highly endangered marsupial species and every possible option for sustaining the species needs to be explored. One important approach may be the development of assisted reproductive technologies in the non-endangered Common Wombat (Vombatus ursinus) and Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) for application in breeding the Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat.In this study, it was examined whether cryopreserved Wombat ovarian tissue would develop following xenografting to immunologically deficient rats. Ovarian tissue was collected from Common Wombats (n = 3) and cryopreserved as small cortical pieces. After thawing the cortical pieces were grafted underneath the kidney capsule of Nude rats (n = 16). The grafts were recovered at 2, 4, and 10 weeks after transplantation and their gross and histological appearance investigated. Two weeks after grafting (n = 2), the tissue was revascularized and healthy primordial follicles were present. At week 4 (n = 2), some follicular development was present. At week 10, six rats received human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) to trigger follicle and oocyte maturation while another six rats were not given any treatment. The administration of hCG did not induce preovulatory follicles and oocyte maturation although type 5 follicles were present in ovarian tissue collected 10 weeks posttransplantation in both treated and untreated groups. This study demonstrates for the first time that Wombat ovarian tissue can survive and function when grafted into immunocompromized rats and that Wombat ovarian follicles can be recruited to growth and development in an ovarian xenograft. This model system has the potential to produce mature oocytes from endangered species for use in assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and mature oocytes from non-endangered species for nuclear transfer which may be necessary for the preservation of critically endangered species.     

Comparison between two cryopreservation techniques of human ovarian cortex: morphological aspects and the heat shock response (HSR)

This study was tailored to compare the cryopreservation of the human ovarian cortex using closed metal container vitrification or the slow-freezing technique. Superficial ovarian cortical tissue biopsies were collected from 12 participants who underwent gynaecological videolaparoscopy. The fragmented samples were allocated to three experimental conditions: (a) fresh ovarian tissue, (b) slow-freezing, and (c) vitrification with a metal closed container. After thawing or rewarming, cellular morphological analyses were performed to determine tissue viability. The cellular response to thermal stress was measured by a putative increase in the immune quantification of the heat shock protein 70 kDa (heat shock protein 70 kDa response — HSR) after a heat challenge (2 h exposure at 42 °C). Both the total number of intact follicles and the frequency of primordial follicles were higher in fresh ovarian tissue than in the preserved samples, regardless of the technique employed. There was a trend towards an increase in the absolute number of intact follicles in the tissue preserved by vitrification. After cryopreservation, a higher HSR was obtained after slow-freezing. These results indicate that both cryopreservation techniques present advantages and may be used as alternatives to ovarian tissue cryopreservation.     

Impacts of different synthetic polymers on vitrification of ovarian tissue

Type and concentration of cryoprotective agents (CPAs) are important factors which influence the likelihood of a successful ovarian tissue vitrification outcome. In an attempt to address this factor, the present study was conducted to evaluate the impacts of different synthetic polymers (Supercool X-1000, Supercool Z-1000 and PVP K-12) on vitrification of bovine ovarian tissue. From each ovarian pair, fragments were recovered and immediately fixed for analysis (fresh control) or submitted to vitrification, either or not followed by in vitro culture for one or five days. Vitrification was performed using the ovarian tissue cryosystem (OTC) system. The ovarian tissues were intended for histological and viability analysis [Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and degenerate cells assay (Ethidium homodimer-1)], as well as immunolocalization of AQP3 and AQP9 were measured. The results showed that during almost all the periods after warming, in treatment groups which contain polymer (X-1000, Z-1000 and PVP), the percentage of morphologically normal follicles was the highest in the X-1000 samples. Furthermore, post-thawed X-1000 group revealed stronger labeling for AQP9 in primordial and transitional follicles, when compared with others. However, morphology after cryopreservation did not correlate with follicle viability and function where the levels of degeneration and tissue damage of PVP K-12 group were lower in comparison with X-1000 group and only in PVP K-12 group, ROS level was similar to that of the fresh control group. We believe that in addition to permeating CPAs, the addition of one (Supercool X-1000) or maybe a combination (Supercool X-1000 and PVP K-12) of non-permeating polymers could be useful to improve the outcome for vitrified bovine ovarian tissue.     

Influence of vitrification techniques and solutions on the morphology and survival of preantral follicles after in vitro culture of caprine ovarian tissue

The objective was to compare the efficiency of various vitrification techniques and solutions for preserving morphology and viability of preantral caprine follicles enclosed in ovarian tissue. Fragments of ovarian cortex were cryopreserved by conventional vitrification (CV) in French straws, vitrification in macrotubes (MTV), or solid-surface vitrification (SSV). Six solutions containing 6 M ethylene glycol, with or without sucrose (SUC; 0.25 or 0.50 M) and/or 10% fetal calf serum (FCS) were tested (Experiment I). After 1 wk, samples were warmed and preantral follicles were examined histologically. To evaluate follicular viability (Experiment II), ovarian fragments were vitrified with the three techniques listed above, in a solution containing 0.25 M SUC and 10% FCS. After warming, follicles were assessed by the trypan blue dye exclusion test. In Experiment III, preantral follicles enclosed in ovarian tissue were vitrified using the protocol which yielded the highest percentage of viable preantral follicles (SSV with 0.25 M SUC and 10% SFB). After warming, the preantral follicles enclosed in ovarian tissue were cultured in vitro and then, were analyzed by histology and fluorescence microscopy (calcein-AM and ethidium homodimer-1). Every vitrification protocol significantly reduced the percentages of morphologically normal follicles relative to the control (88.0%); however, the addition of 0.25 M SUC and 10% FCS to the vitrification solution improved preservation of follicular morphology (67.4, 67.4, and 72.0% for CV, MTV, and SSV, respectively). Although follicular viability after SSV (80.7%) did not differ from that in fresh (non-vitrified) ovarian tissues (88.0%), after in vitro culture, percentages of viable follicles were significantly reduced (70.0%). Percentages of morphologically normal follicles after in vitro culture of vitrified ovarian tissue were similar (76.0%) to those in ovarian cortex fragments cultured without previous vitrification (83.2%). In conclusion, SSV using a solution containing 0.25 M SUC and 10% FCS, was the most efficient method for vitrifying caprine ovarian tissue.     

Development of antral follicles in cryopreserved cat ovarian tissue transplanted to immunodeficient mice

Ovarian cortex cryopreservation and xenotransplantation into immunodeficient mice represents a potential means for female germplasm conservation and an immediate model for investigation of folliculogenesis. The objectives of this study were to: (1) assess follicle survival after cryopreservation and transplantation of cat ovarian tissue into non-obese diabetic severely combined immunodeficient (NOD SCID) mice; and (2) evaluate the effects of gonadotropin treatments on follicular development in the transplanted tissue. Slices from the cat ovarian cortex were frozen and after thawing, transplanted under each kidney capsule of castrated male NOD SCID mice (eight xenografts in four mice). Sixty-two days after surgery, mice were randomly assigned (two per group) to gonadotropin-treated (eCG and hCG 88 h later) or control (saline-treated) groups. Twenty-four hours after the last injection, ovarian tissue was recovered and processed for histology. Fresh ovarian tissue from the same original source was similarly processed. Follicles were counted, measured, and classified as primordial, primary, secondary, or antral. Immunoreactive proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) stain was used to assess follicle viability. Microscopic examination revealed no evidence of necrosis or fibrosis. The grafts were well-vascularized, with follicles at all stages of development. Numbers of follicles in the transplanted tissue were markedly reduced compared to fresh tissue, with approximately 10% of follicles surviving freezing and transplantation procedures. Growing follicles positive for PCNA were found in all xenografts. Gonadotropin treatment did not alter the proportion of resting to growing follicles or mean follicle diameter by comparison with controls from untreated mice. By contrast, luteinization, but not ovulation, of antral follicles was observed only in grafts from treated mice. In summary, frozen-thawed cat ovarian cortex tissue not only survived xenotransplantation, it also contained follicles able to grow to antral stages. Exogenous gonadotropin treatment in this model resulted in luteinization of antral follicles but enhancement of follicular growth and ovulation did not occur.     

Resumption of follicle growth in gilts after ovarian autografting

The aims of the study were to evaluate autografting of porcine ovarian tissue in terms of establishment of a blood supply, follicle survival and development, commencement of oestrous cycles and endocrine patterns in this polyovular species. Experiment 1, a preliminary study on four gilts, showed that ovarian tissue slices survived the grafting procedure and re-vascularised. In Experiment 2, a further six pre-pubertal gilts had both ovaries surgically removed and two thin cortical slices of each ovary were immediately reattached to each of the ovarian pedicles. Blood samples were taken at surgery and then weekly. Two gilts were slaughtered 2 weeks after surgery and ovarian tissue recovered. The remaining four gilts underwent daily checks for behavioural oestrus until slaughter 24 weeks after surgery. All four gilts showed standing heat at least once prior to slaughter. Plasma LH and FSH concentrations increased significantly (P<0.01) by 3 days after surgery, then fell gradually, but did not return to pre-surgery levels. Progesterone concentrations showed some evidence of cyclicity in all animals. In the grafted tissue, re-vascularisation of the tissue was apparent by 2 weeks post-grafting, although no preantral or antral follicles were observed. The tissue recovered after 24 weeks contained healthy preantral and antral follicles, luteal tissue and some large cystic follicles. It is unclear whether these cysts were the result of ovarian or hypothalamic/pituitary disturbance. In conclusion, the results of this study have shown that follicle growth and resumption of cyclicity can be achieved following ovarian autografting in pigs and indicate that this will be a useful model for investigating the mechanisms that control the early stages of follicular growth and ultimately ovulation rate in this multiovular species.     

Cryopreservation of mouse ovarian tissue following prolonged exposure to an Ischemic environment.

In cases in which ovarian tissue is to be cryopreserved for tissue or gene banking it is important to maintain its integrity and viability. This study examined how delays between the death of an animal and the collection/cryopreservation of its ovarian tissue influenced follicle viability. Mouse ovaries were placed in PBS+antibiotic (in vitro) or left within the body (in situ) at room temperature for 0, 3, 6, 12, or 24 h following the death of the donor. These ovaries were cryopreserved at 1 degrees C/min on dry ice or in a -84 degrees C freezer using a passive cooling device or by conventional slow cooling (0.3 degrees C/min). The ovaries were grafted under the kidney capsule of ovariectomized recipient mice and collected 2 weeks later, and the size and number of follicles were determined. Cryopreserved ovarian tissue grafted immediately after the death of the donor contained numerous viable and healthy follicles independent of the cooling procedure (dry ice, 134 +/- 32; -84 degrees C, 165 +/- 54; slow, 214 +/- 55 follicles per half ovary). Tissues stored in vitro before cryopreservation retained viable follicles up to 12 h after death (dry ice, 30 +/- 15; -84 degrees C, 86 +/- 45; slow, 93 +/- 33), whereas tissue left in situ had significantly reduced follicle numbers within 3 h of death (dry ice, 36 +/- 12; -84 degrees C, 19 +/- 6; slow, 28 +/- 7). No significant difference was found between the cooling rates tested, indicating that a passive cooling container which cools at 1 degrees C/min is a suitable alternative to conventional slow cooling. We conclude that ovarian tissues for cryobanking should be cryopreserved as soon as possible after collection or death of the animal to ensure maximal follicular survival.