Vitrification of Ovarian Cortex Tissue to Achieve a Glassy State of Aggregation

Andreas Schallmoser; Julia John; Rebekka Einenkel; Nicole S&#228;nger

doi:10.3791/66801

Vitrification du tissu du cortex ovarien pour obtenir un état vitreux d’agrégation

JoVE Journal
Medicine

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JoVE Journal Medicine

Vitrification of Ovarian Cortex Tissue to Achieve a Glassy State of Aggregation

Vitrification du tissu du cortex ovarien pour obtenir un état vitreux d’agrégation

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05:53 min

August 9, 2024

DOI: 10.3791/66801-v

Andreas Schallmoser¹, Julia John¹, Rebekka Einenkel*¹, Nicole Sänger*¹

¹Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine,University Hospital of Bonn

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Overview

This article presents a protocol for the vitrification of ovarian tissue, offering an alternative to the traditional slow freezing method. The study emphasizes the importance of improving fertility preservation techniques for young female cancer patients.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

Reproductive biology
Cryopreservation techniques
Fertility preservation

Background

Fertility protection is crucial for young female cancer patients.
Current cryopreservation methods can impact follicular survival.
Vitrification may offer advantages over slow freezing.
Successful deliveries have been reported using vitrified ovarian tissue.

Purpose of Study

To enhance existing protocols for ovarian tissue cryopreservation.
To evaluate the effectiveness of vitrification compared to slow freezing.
To facilitate broader access to fertility preservation techniques.

Methods Used

Preparation of metal meshes for tissue support during vitrification.
Equilibration of ovarian cortex tissue in vitrification solutions.
Rapid warming and rinsing of vitrified tissue for viability assessment.
Fluorescence microscopy to determine follicular viability.

Main Results

Vitrification preserves follicles effectively, potentially better than slow freezing.
Successful tissue culture methods enhance follicular growth.
Five successful deliveries support the viability of vitrification.
Protocol adjustments can improve outcomes for fertility preservation.

Conclusions

Vitrification is a promising alternative for ovarian tissue cryopreservation.
Improved protocols can enhance the chances of successful pregnancies.
Further research is needed to optimize vitrification techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is vitrification?

Vitrification is a rapid freezing process that prevents ice crystal formation, preserving tissue integrity.

How does vitrification compare to slow freezing?

Vitrification is generally considered to preserve follicles more effectively than slow freezing methods.

What are the advantages of using vitrification?

Vitrification simplifies the cryopreservation process and has been associated with higher follicular survival rates.

Can vitrification be used for other types of tissues?

Yes, vitrification techniques can potentially be adapted for various tissue types beyond ovarian tissue.

What is the significance of this research?

This research aims to improve fertility preservation options for young female cancer patients, enhancing their chances of future pregnancies.

Are there any reported successes with vitrification?

Yes, there have been five reported successful deliveries using vitrified ovarian tissue.

Un protocole de vitrification du tissu ovarien, en tant que méthode de cryoconservation alternative au protocole de congélation lente largement utilisé, est présenté.

Le champ d’action de notre groupe de recherche est la protection de la fertilité chez les jeunes patientes atteintes d’un cancer. Il est important d’améliorer les protocoles existants pour augmenter les chances d’une grossesse ultérieure. Cela inclut la vitrification du tissu ovarien et également la croissance in vitro des follicules avec la croissance in vitro du folliculaire ovarien.

Le point crucial est l’approche de culture tissulaire en plusieurs étapes avant la procédure d’isolement folliculaire, car le tissu du cortex ovarien est très dense et limite la croissance folliculaire. La vitrification des tissus est plus complexe que la procédure de congélation lente, mais elle simplifie l’ensemble du processus et présente également d’autres avantages. Nous avons montré que la vitrification est une alternative significative au protocole commun de congélation lente, qui est soutenu par les cinq accouchements réussis précédemment rapportés.

Le stress de la congélation et de la décongélation ainsi que le manque d’approvisionnement après la réimplantation, ainsi que les dommages de reperfusion, ont un impact sur la survie folliculaire et entraînent une diminution significative du nombre de follicules. Limitant le succès de l’option thérapeutique, on pense que la vitrification préserve les follicules avec un succès similaire, voire supérieur, par rapport aux approches de congélation lente. Nous visons donc à amener la vitrification dans un cadre préclinique, qui offrira à toutes les cryobanques la possibilité de cryoconservation des tissus, malgré toutes les limitations personnelles et financières.