Morphology and morphometry of preantral follicles, and immunolocalization of angiogenic factors in ovarian tissue from the neotropical primateSapajus apella

SummaryOvarian biopsies from five health adult monkeys were collected by exploratory laparotomy. Preantral follicles (primordial, primary, and secondary) were classified as normal or degenerated and submitted to morphometric analysis in which granulosa cell counts and the areas of follicles, oocytes, and oocyte nuclei were measured. Ovarian fragments were also immunolabelled for the quantitative analysis of VEGFA and CD31 protein expression in the ovarian tissue and in the preantral follicles. In total, 213 preantral follicles was examined for morphometry and morphological classification. From this total, 20 (9.4%) were follicles enclosing two or more oocytes, i.e. multi-oocyte follicles (MOFs). From the 193 follicles enclosing only one oocyte, 46.3% were classified as primordial, 24,1% as transition, 23.3% as primary, and 6.3% as secondary follicles. The mean number of granulosa cells surrounding primordial, transition, primary, and secondary follicles was 9.2, 12.1, 18.7, and 45.3, respectively. Increase in oocyte diameter was observed from primary to secondary follicles, while the oocyte nucleus increased only when follicles reached the secondary stage. The expression of CD31 was strong in vessels, corpus luteum, and in normal oocytes and granulosa cells from preantral follicles at all developmental stages. Likewise, VEGFA expression was observed in vessels and preantral follicles (granulosa cells, the oocyte and the oocyte nucleus). We characterized the morphology, and morphometry and expression of angiogenic factors in normal and atretic preantral follicles fromSapajus apella. This description can support the analysis of follicular quality and survival after procedures such as transplantation and cryopreservation.

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Characterization of isolated bovine preantral follicles based on morphology, diameter and cell number

Zygote ◽

10.1017/s0967199419000832 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 28 (2) ◽

pp. 154-159

Author(s):

Juliana I. Candelaria ◽

Anna C. Denicol

Keyword(s):

Granulosa Cells ◽

Developmental Stages ◽

Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽

Reproductive Technologies ◽

Cell Number ◽

Culture Conditions ◽

Preantral Follicles ◽

Secondary Stage

SummaryPreantral follicles are a potential reservoir of oocytes to be used in assisted reproductive technologies. With the increasing interest in developing techniques to grow preantral follicles in vitro, and as the bovine emerges as an appropriate model species to understand human folliculogenesis, the establishment of an accurate classification of developmental stages is needed. Classification of bovine preantral follicles has been mostly based on histological analysis and estimation models, which may not translate well to correctly characterize preantral follicles isolated from the ovary. In this study, we classified bovine preantral follicles by morphology upon isolation, determined diameter and number of granulosa cells by direct counting, and compared our results with previous studies reporting bovine preantral follicle classification. Follicles were isolated via homogenization of ovary tissue and classified into primary, early secondary and secondary stage based on morphology and number of layers of granulosa cells. Diameter was individually measured and Hoechst 33342 was used as a nuclear stain to count granulosa cells. We found that follicles classified by morphology into primary, early secondary, and secondary had different mean diameter and cell number (P < 0.01); cell number and diameter were positively correlated, as were cell density and cell number in each developmental stage (P < 0.01). Results obtained here were mostly in agreement with previous classifications based on histological sections and on isolated follicles, with some discrepancies. The present data add accuracy to classification of bovine preantral follicles that is critical to optimize culture conditions to produce developmentally competent oocytes.

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185 PREVALENCE AND PROLIFERATIVE ACTIVITY OF MULTIOOCYTE FOLLICLES IN BITCHES: PRELIMINARY RESULTS

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rdv27n1ab185 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

pp. 183

Author(s):

R. C. Justino ◽

N. T. Lunardon ◽

K. C. Silva-Santos ◽

R. L. Oliveira ◽

M. M. Seneda ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Proliferation ◽

Granulosa Cells ◽

Proliferative Activity ◽

Nuclear Antigen ◽

Oocyte Nucleus ◽

Follicular Growth ◽

Stage Of Development ◽

Secondary Stage ◽

Cell Proliferation Activity ◽

Proliferation Activity

Multioocyte follicles (MOF) are follicles that enclose two or more oocytes. They have been described in many mammalian species, but there is no evidence about their activity in the ovaries. The aim was to estimate the prevalence of MOF and to compare the cell proliferation activity between follicles containing one or more oocytes in the ovaries of prepubertal and adult bitches. Eighty ovaries from prepubertal (n = 20) and adult bitches (n = 20) were obtained by elective ovariohysterectomy (OHE). Immediately after OHE, ovaries were immersed in Bouin's fixative for histological processing. 5 µm thick sections were mounted on histological slides and stained with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and hematoxylin. Cell proliferation was evaluated by immunohistochemistry using the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Monoclonal antibody PCNA (clone PC1O, 1 : 200 dilution, Biocare, Concord, CA, USA) was used according to manufacturer's instructions and an antibody diluent was used as a negative control. Slides were counterstained with hematoxylin and examined at 200× to 400× magnification under light microscope. Only cells showing PCNA signal exclusively in the nucleus were considered positive. The prevalence of MOF in the ovaries was compared using a Fisher's exact test (P < 0.05). In all females, the prevalence of MOF was 55% (22/40). MOF containing two or three oocytes were more abundant; however, multioocyte follicles with up to 12 oocytes were observed. The prevalence of MOF at the primordial stage was higher for prepubertal bitches (47 v. 28%) but adult bitches exhibited a higher frequency of secondary MOF (49 v. 25%; P < 0.05). There was no difference in the prevalence of MOF at primary stage between prepubertal and adult bitches (28 v. 23%; P > 0.05). Regarding the cell proliferation activity, PCNA immunoreactivity was detected in oocyte nucleus and granulosa cells of multioocyte follicles at different stages of development. Similarly to what was observed for follicles containing only one oocyte, all nuclei of oocytes within multioocyte follicles exhibited PCNA immunoreactivity and there was a gradual increasing of immunoreactivity in granulosa cells according to the stage of follicular growth. Expression of PCNA by granulosa cells of multioocyte follicles was higher in the secondary and antral stage of development; however, some primordial and primary follicles also exhibited some PCNA-positive cells. In conclusion, the prevalence of MOF at the primordial stage of development was higher in prepubertal bitches, whereas MOF at the secondary stage were more frequent in adult bitches. The PCNA expression pattern by the oocyte nucleus of multioocyte follicles was similar to that observed in follicles containing only one oocyte, which is suggestive of similar activity between these follicles. Furthermore, the presence of proliferative activity in granulosa cells of multioocyte follicles suggests an association of the PCNA expression with more advanced stages of follicular growth.

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Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system in the oocyte and somatic cells of bovine preantral follicles

Reproduction ◽

10.1530/rep.0.1230789 ◽

2002 ◽

pp. 789-797 ◽

Cited By ~ 40

Author(s):

DG Armstrong ◽

G Baxter ◽

CO Hogg ◽

KJ Woad

Keyword(s):

Growth Factor ◽

Granulosa Cells ◽

Early Stage ◽

Ovarian Tissue ◽

Insulin Like Growth Factor ◽

Preantral Follicles ◽

Igf System ◽

Stage Of Development ◽

Igf Receptor

Many studies have highlighted the role of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system in the control of antral follicular growth. However, much less is known about the involvement of the IGF system in the regulation of preantral follicular development. In an attempt to address this lack of knowledge, the present study describes the spatial and temporal patterns of expression of mRNA encoding components of the IGF system in bovine follicles during preantral stages of development. mRNA was detected by in situ hybridization using frozen sections (14 microm) of bovine ovarian tissue. Serial sections were probed with 35S-labelled bovine riboprobes. Type 1 IGF receptor mRNA was detected in granulosa cells and in the oocyte of preantral follicles; however, in this study, as in previous studies, it was not possible to detect mRNA encoding either IGF-I or -II. IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-2 mRNA was present in granulosa cells and oocytes of preantral follicles, and immunoreactive IGFBP-2 was detected around granulosa cells during this early stage of development. Occasionally, preantral follicles were identified in which there was no expression of IGFBP-2 in granulosa cells or the oocyte. IGFBP-3 mRNA was detected in the oocyte of preantral follicles and in the surrounding stromal tissue. mRNAs encoding IGFBP-2 and -3, and type 1 IGF receptor were first detected in type 2 follicles. In conclusion, although the IGF ligands are not expressed in preantral follicles, mRNAs encoding the type 1 IGF receptor, and IGFBP-2 and -3 were present and showed unique spatial patterns of expression within preantral follicles.

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128 Study of preantral ovarian follicular population in fetal alpaca (Vicugna pacos) ovaries

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rdv32n2ab128 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 32 (2) ◽

pp. 191

Author(s):

D. Dipaz-Berrocal ◽

G. Rojas ◽

C. Mamani ◽

E. Mellisho

Keyword(s):

Developmental Stage ◽

Granulosa Cells ◽

Ovarian Reserve ◽

Periodic Acid ◽

Growth Patterns ◽

Oocyte Nucleus ◽

Primary Follicle ◽

Preantral Follicles ◽

Starting Point ◽

Fetal Stage

In mammals, folliculogenesis begins at the fetal stage and is a complex, dynamic process that involves follicular quiescence, activation, growth, follicular migration, and cell interactions. At birth, the preantral ovarian follicular population, drastically reduced, constitutes >90% of all ovarian follicles, representing the ovarian reserve that will be used throughout the reproductive life. In alpacas, changes in follicular wave growth patterns and ovulation are different from other species; thus, it is important to know the ovarian reserve at fetal stage, as a starting point for future studies. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to establish the morphological characterisation and estimate the population of alpaca preantral follicles in the fetal stage. Ovaries from alpacas (n=5) in the fetal stage (fetus during the last third of gestation) were collected at a local slaughterhouse. Whole ovaries were individually fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde phosphate-buffered saline overnight at room temperature for routine histology. Ovaries were dehydrated in alcohol, cleared with xylene, and embedded in paraffin, and all tissue was serially sectioned at 7μm with a rotating microtome (Leica). The histological sections were mounted and stained with periodic acid-Schiff and hematoxylin. Preantral follicles were classified according to their developmental stage: primordial (one layer of flattened granulosa cells surrounding the oocyte), primary follicle transition (flattened cuboidal granulosa cells surrounding the oocyte), primary (single layer of cuboidal granulosa cells around the oocyte), or secondary (oocyte surrounded by more than one complete layer of cuboidal granulosa cells). We estimated the number of preantral follicles by counting all follicles in each histological section. Only follicles in which the oocyte nucleus was visible were counted. In addition, for each follicle category (n=40 per group), oocyte and follicle diameters were measured using an ocular micrometer. The variable means were compared using unpaired Student's t-test analysis, with significance set at P ≤ 0.05. Estimation of preantral follicular population (mean±standard deviation) was 80 516±14 575 in the ovaries of alpaca fetuses. Most of the follicles found belong to the primordial (49.2%) or primary follicle transition (39.2%) categories, followed by primary (10.8%) and secondary (0.8%) stages. Follicle and oocyte diameters of primordial (33.3±7.2; 21.5±4.6μm) and primary follicle transition stages (36.7±3.0; 23.4±2.6μm) were significantly (P<0.05) smaller than those of primary-stage follicles (77.9±15.8; 50.02±11.1μm). Finally, preantral follicles classified with normal morphological integrity appearance for each developmental stage were 98.2% (primordial), 96.7% (primary follicle transition), 91.5% (primary), and 88.1% (secondary), respectively. In conclusion, this study shows for the first time an estimation of the population of preantral follicles in alpaca fetal ovaries and establishes follicle and oocyte diameters and their normal morphological integrity.

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Lower apoptosis rate in ovine preantral follicles from ovaries stored in supplemented preservation media

Zygote ◽

10.1017/s0967199414000665 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 23 (6) ◽

pp. 943-950 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

R.J.S. Gonçalves ◽

A.Y.P. Cavalcante ◽

B.B. Gouveia ◽

T.L.B. Lins ◽

R.S. Barberino ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ovarian Tissue ◽

Ovarian Follicles ◽

Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase ◽

Oocyte Diameter ◽

Minimal Essential Medium ◽

Preantral Follicles ◽

Apoptosis Rate ◽

Physiological Values

SummaryThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ovarian tissue transportation conditions (medium and period of time) on the morphology, apoptosis and development of ovine preantral follicles cultured in vitro. Each ovarian pair was cut into nine slices, with one fragment being fixed immediately (fresh control). The remaining fragments were placed individually in cryotubes containing conservation medium (minimal essential medium (MEM) without supplementation or MEM+ – with supplementation) and stored at 35ºC for 6 or 12 h without (non-cultured) or with subsequent culture for 5 days. Then, the fragments were processed for histological and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) mediated dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) examination. Preservation of ovarian slices in MEM or MEM+ (non-cultured) resulted in similar percentages of normal follicles when compared with the fresh control. Nevertheless, compared with the fresh control, a decrease in the percentage of normal follicles was observed in tissues cultured for 5 days. Only for tissues preserved in supplemented medium (MEM+) for 6 h, the percentage of TUNEL positive cells was similar between non-cultured tissues and tissues cultured for 5 days. Follicular activation and growth (follicular and oocyte diameter) were higher in cultured tissues than in fresh control or non-cultured tissues, except those from fragments preserved for 6 h in MEM and then cultured for 5 days in which no growth was observed. In conclusion, ovine ovarian tissue was successfully preserved in supplemented medium (MEM+) at a temperature close to physiological values (35°C) for up to 6 h without affecting apoptosis in the ovarian follicles and their ability to develop in vitro.

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E-cadherin-catenin complex in the rat ovary: cell-specific expression during folliculogenesis and luteal formation

Reproduction ◽

10.1530/reprod/118.2.375 ◽

2000 ◽

pp. 375-385 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

K Sundfeldt ◽

Y Piontkewitz ◽

H Billig ◽

L Hedin

Keyword(s):

Granulosa Cells ◽

Interstitial Cells ◽

Ovary Cell ◽

Beta Catenin ◽

Oestrogen Treatment ◽

Altered Expression ◽

Preantral Follicles ◽

Rat Ovary ◽

E Cadherin ◽

Cell Cell

The cadherins and their cytoplasmic counterparts, the catenins, form the adherens junctions, which are of importance for tissue integrity and barrier functions. The development and maturation of the ovarian follicle is characterized by structural changes, which require altered expression or function of the components involved in cell-cell contacts. The present study examined the cell-specific localization and temporal expression of epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin) and alpha- and beta-catenin during follicular development, ovulation and corpus luteum formation in the immature gonadotrophin- and oestrogen-stimulated rat ovary. Immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting demonstrated the expression of E-cadherin in theca and interstitial cells of immature ovaries before and after injection of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG). E-cadherin was not detected in granulosa cells, except in the preantral follicles located to the inner region of the ovary. The content of E-cadherin in theca and interstitial cells decreased after an ovulatory dose of hCG. Granulosa cells of apoptotic follicles did not express E-cadherin. Oestrogen treatment (diethylstilboestrol) of immature rats for up to 3 days did not result in a measurable expression of E-cadherin in granulosa cells. alpha- and beta-catenin were expressed in all ovarian compartments. The concentration of beta-catenin was constant during the follicular phase, whereas the content of alpha-catenin decreased in granulosa cells after treatment with diethylstilboestrol or hCG. The expression of alpha-catenin was also reduced in theca and interstitial cells after hCG. alpha- and beta-catenin were present in most ovarian cells at all stages of folliculogenesis. Therefore, the catenins have the potential to associate with different members of the cadherin family and to participate in the regulation of cytoskeletal structures and intracellular signalling. The restricted expression of E-cadherin in granulosa cells of preantral follicles indicates a role in the recruitment of these follicles to subsequent cycles. The specific decrease of alpha-catenin in granulosa cells and the reduction of both alpha-catenin and E-cadherin in theca cells of ovulatory follicles might reflect some of the molecular changes in cell-cell adhesion associated with ovulation and luteinization.

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Ultrastructure of the basal lamina of bovine ovarian follicles and its relationship to the membrana granulosa

Reproduction ◽

10.1530/reprod/118.2.221 ◽

2000 ◽

pp. 221-228 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

HF Irving-Rodgers ◽

RJ Rodgers

Keyword(s):

Basal Lamina ◽

Granulosa Cells ◽

Light And Electron Microscopy ◽

Single Layer ◽

Antral Follicle ◽

Basal Cells ◽

Preantral Follicles ◽

Antral Follicles ◽

Cellular Processes ◽

Innermost Layer

Different morphological phenotypes of follicular basal lamina and of membrana granulosa have been observed. Ten preantral follicles (< 0. 1 mm), and 17 healthy and six atretic antral follicles (0.5-12 mm in diameter) were processed for light and electron microscopy to investigate the relationship the between follicular basal lamina and membrana granulosa. Within each antral follicle, the shape of the basal cells of the membrana granulosa was uniform, and either rounded or columnar. There were equal proportions of follicles </= 4 mm in diameter with columnar basal cells and with rounded basal cells. Larger follicles had only rounded basal cells. Conventional basal laminae of a single layer adjacent to the basal granulosa cells were observed in healthy follicles at the preantral and antral stages. However, at the preantral stage, the conventional types of basal lamina were enlarged or even partially laminated. A second type of basal lamina, described as 'loopy', occurred in about half the preantral follicles and in half the antral follicles </= 4 mm diameter. 'Loopy' basal laminae were not observed in larger follicles. 'Loopy' basal laminae were composed of basal laminae aligning the basal surface of basal granulosa cells, but with additional layers or loops often branching from the innermost layer. Each loop was usually < 1 microm long and had vesicles (20-30 nm) attached to the inner aspect. Basal cellular processes were also common, and vesicles could be seen budding off from these processes. In antral follicles, conventional basal laminae occurred in follicles with rounded basal granulosa cells. Other follicles with columnar cells, and atretic follicles, had the 'loopy' basal lamina phenotype. Thus, follicles have different basal laminae that relate to the morphology of the membrana granulosa.

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Ovarian tissue freezing and activation after thawing: an update

Middle East Fertility Society Journal ◽

10.1186/s43043-021-00056-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Li-fan Peng

Keyword(s):

Granulosa Cells ◽

Clinical Decision Making ◽

Ovarian Function ◽

Ovarian Tissue ◽

Clinical Decision ◽

The Body ◽

Endocrine Function ◽

Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation ◽

Main Body ◽

Tissue Cryopreservation

Abstract Background With the growth of women’s age, ovarian failure can be caused by various factors. For the women who need chemotherapy because of cancer factors, the preservation of fertility is more urgent. The treatment of cancer is also a process in which all tissues and organs of the body are severely damaged, especially in the reproductive system. Main body As a new fertility preservation technology, autologous ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation is developing rapidly and showing great potentiality in preserving ovarian endocrine function of young cervical cancer patients. Vitrification and slow freezing are two common techniques applied for ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Thus, cryopreserved/thawed ovarian tissue and transplantation act as an important method to preserve ovarian function during radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and ovarian cryopreservation by vitrification is a very effective and extensively used method to cryopreserve ovaries. The morphology of oocytes and granulosa cells and the structure of organelles were observed under the microscope of histology; the hormone content in the stratified culture medium of granulosa cells with the diameter of follicle was used to evaluate the development potential of ovarian tissue, and finally the ovarian tissue stimulation was determined by the technique of ovarian tissue transplantation. Conclusions Although there are some limitations, the team members still carry out this review to provide some references and suggestions for clinical decision-making and further clinical research.

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Supplementation of c-type natriuretic peptide during in vitro growth period benefits the development of murine preantral follicles

Zygote ◽

10.1017/s096719942000060x ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-5

Author(s):

Li Ang ◽

Cao Haixia ◽

Li Hongxia ◽

Li Ruijiao ◽

Guo Xingping ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Natriuretic Peptide ◽

Granulosa Cells ◽

Culture System ◽

Early Stage ◽

Developmental Competence ◽

Control Group ◽

Follicle Development ◽

Control Groups ◽

Preantral Follicles

Summary The present study investigated the effects of c-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) on the development of murine preantral follicles during in vitro growth (IVG). Preantral follicles isolated from ovaries of Kunming mice were cultured in vitro. In the culture system, CNP was supplemented in the experimental groups and omitted in the control groups. In Experiment 1, CNP was only supplemented at the early stage and follicle development was evaluated. In Experiments 2 and 3, CNP was supplemented during the whole period of in vitro culture. In Experiment 2, follicle development and oocyte maturity were evaluated. In Experiment 3, follicle development and embryo cleavage after in vitro fertilization (IVF) were assessed. The results showed that in the control groups in all three experiments, granulosa cells migrated from within the follicle and the follicles could not reach the antral stage. In the experimental groups in all three experiments, no migration of granulosa cells was observed and follicle development was assessed as attaining the antral stage, which was significantly superior to that of the control group (P < 0.0001). Oocyte meiotic arrest was effectively maintained, hence giving good developmental competence. In conclusion, CNP supplementation in the culture system during IVG benefited the development of murine preantral follicles.

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