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Home / Equine Research Bank / Sci Rep / Loading equine oocytes with cryoprotective agents captured w...
Scientific reports2021; 11(1); 19812; doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-99287-9

Loading equine oocytes with cryoprotective agents captured with a finite element method model.

Abstract: Cryopreservation can be used to store equine oocytes for extended periods so that they can be used in artificial reproduction technologies at a desired time point. It requires use of cryoprotective agents (CPAs) to protect the oocytes against freezing injury. The intracellular introduction of CPAs, however, may cause irreversible osmotic damage. The response of cells exposed to CPA solutions is governed by the permeability of the cellular membrane towards water and the CPAs. In this study, a mathematical mass transport model describing the permeation of water and CPAs across an oocyte membrane was used to simulate oocyte volume responses and concomitant intracellular CPA concentrations during the exposure of oocytes to CPA solutions. The results of the analytical simulations were subsequently used to develop a phenomenological finite element method (FEM) continuum model to capture the response of oocytes exposed to CPA solutions with spatial information. FEM simulations were used to depict spatial differences in CPA concentration during CPA permeation, namely at locations near the membrane surface and towards the middle of the cell, and to capture corresponding changes in deformation and hydrostatic pressure. FEM simulations of the multiple processes occurring during CPA loading of oocytes are a valuable tool to increase our understanding of the mechanisms underlying cryopreservation outcome.
© 2021. The Author(s).
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Publication Date: 2021-10-06 PubMed ID: 34615933PubMed Central: PMC8494918DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99287-9Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

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This research studies a mathematical model to understand the process of protecting horse eggs (oocytes) from freezing damage for long-term storage using cryoprotective agents (CPAs). The understanding and modelling of this process of cryopreservation are critical for the optimisation of artificial reproduction technologies.

Background

  • The study focuses on the process of cryopreservation, a method of preserving biological tissue by cooling it to very low temperatures, and the use of cryoprotective agents (CPAs) that protect the cells from freezing damage.
  • Though effective, the introduction of CPAs into cells can cause irreversible osmotic damage, necessitating proper understanding and management of the process. Hence, a mathematical model is used in this study paving the interesting intersection of biology and applied mathematics.

Methodology

  • To simulate the cells’ response to the introduction of CPAs, an intricate mathematical model was created. This model incorporated the permeability of the oocyte membrane to both water and CPAs and simulated the changes occurring in the oocyte’s volume and the concentration of CPAs inside the cell during its exposure to CPA solutions.
  • The results of these initial simulations were then used to develop a finite element method (FEM) model, which is a numerical technique used to find approximate solutions to boundary value problems, to capture the same responses more effectively and with spatial information.

Results & Findings

  • The FEM simulations were successful in representing spatial differences during CPA permeation, like those happening near the cell membrane’s surface and those further within the cell.
  • Furthermore, the FEM model was able to successfully capture changes in the shape and pressure of the cells during this CPA introduction process.

Implications

  • Overall, the FEM model and simulations would allow for a more in-depth understanding of the mechanisms underlying cryopreservation outcomes. This understanding can in turn be used to optimize the cryopreservation processes used in veterinary medicine and animal husbandry, particularly in equine species.
  • The study is particularly pertinent to artificial reproduction technologies, furthering their advancement and thereby improving fertility and breeding potential in animals.

Cite This Article

APA
Içli S, Soleimani M, Oldenhof H, Sieme H, Wriggers P, Wolkers WF. (2021). Loading equine oocytes with cryoprotective agents captured with a finite element method model. Sci Rep, 11(1), 19812. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-99287-9

Publication

Scientific reports
ISSN: 2045-2322
NlmUniqueID: 101563288
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 11
Issue: 1
Pages: 19812
PII: 19812

Researcher Affiliations

Içli, Sercan
  • Biostabilization Laboratory - Lower Saxony Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Implant Research and Development, NIFE, Stadtfelddamm 34, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
  • Unit for Reproductive Medicine - Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
Soleimani, Meisam
  • Institute of Continuum Mechanics, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
Oldenhof, Harriëtte
  • Unit for Reproductive Medicine - Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
Sieme, Harald
  • Unit for Reproductive Medicine - Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
Wriggers, Peter
  • Institute of Continuum Mechanics, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
Wolkers, Willem F
  • Biostabilization Laboratory - Lower Saxony Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Implant Research and Development, NIFE, Stadtfelddamm 34, 30625, Hannover, Germany. willem.frederik.wolkers@tiho-hannover.de.
  • Unit for Reproductive Medicine - Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany. willem.frederik.wolkers@tiho-hannover.de.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Membrane Permeability
  • Cryopreservation / methods
  • Cryoprotective Agents / pharmacology
  • Horses
  • Oocytes / cytology
  • Vitrification

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

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