The Mare Model to Study the Effects of Ovarian Dynamics on Preantral Follicle Features.
Abstract: Ovarian tissue collected by biopsy procedures allows the performance of many studies with clinical applications in the field of female fertility preservation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of reproductive phase (anestrous vs. diestrous) and ovarian structures (antral follicles and corpus luteum) on the quality, class distribution, number, and density of preantral follicles, and stromal cell density. Ovarian fragments were harvested by biopsy pick-up procedures from mares and submitted to histological analysis. The mean preantral follicle and ovarian stromal cell densities were greater in the diestrous phase and a positive correlation of stromal cell density with the number and density of preantral follicles was observed. The mean area (mm2) of ovarian structures increased in the diestrous phase and had positive correlations with number of preantral follicles, follicle density, and stromal cell density. Biopsy fragments collected from ovaries containing an active corpus luteum had a higher follicle density, stromal cell density, and proportion of normal preantral follicles. In conclusion, our results showed: (1) the diestrous phase influenced positively the preantral follicle quality, class distribution, and follicle and stromal cell densities; (2) the area of ovarian structures was positively correlated with the follicle and stromal cell densities; and (3) the presence of an active corpus luteum had a positive effect on the quality of preantral follicles, and follicle and stromal densities. Therefore, herein we demonstrate that the presence of key ovarian structures favors the harvest of ovarian fragments containing an appropriate number of healthy preantral follicles.
Publication Date: 2016-02-22 PubMed ID: 26900687PubMed Central: PMC4762659DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149693Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research study investigates how different phases of the reproductive cycle and ovarian structures impact the quality and density of preantral follicles, which are crucial for female fertility, in samples collected from mares. The findings suggest that the diestrous phase and the presence of an active corpus luteum positively influence follicle quality, density, and division.
Objective of the Study
- The research was aimed at understanding the influence of different stages of the reproductive cycle (anestrous vs. diestrous) and the presence of particular ovarian structures (antral follicles and corpus luteum) on the quality, classification, number, and concentration of preantral follicles — immature ovarian follicles that are vital for fertility.
Methodology
- The scientists obtained ovarian fragments from mares through biopsy pick-up procedures for histological analysis (the study of the microscopic structure of tissues).
Findings
- The analysis found that the average density of preantral follicles and ovarian stromal cells (connective tissue cells) was higher during the diestrous phase of the reproductive cycle, when the uterus prepares for potential implantation of a fertilized egg.
- Positive correlations were observed between stromal cell density and the number as well as density of preantral follicles.
- The average size (in mm²) of ovarian structures increased during the diestrous phase, which was positively correlated with the number and density of preantral follicles and stromal cell density.
- Ovarian fragments collected from ovaries with an active corpus luteum had a higher density of follicles, stromal cells, and proportion of normal (healthy) preantral follicles.
Conclusion
- The research concludes that the phase of the reproductive cycle and the presence of an active corpus luteum (a temporary gland formed after ovulation) have a positive impact on the quality and density of preantral follicles, as well as the density of stromal cells.
- Specifically, the diestrous phase enhances the quality, distribution, and densities of preantral follicles and stromal cells.
- The presence of larger ovarian structures leads to increased follicle and stromal cell densities.
- The presence of an active corpus luteum improves the quality of preantral follicles, and follicle and stromal densities.
- Therefore, the study indicates that the presence of key ovarian structures favors the collection of ovarian fragments with an appropriate number of healthy preantral follicles — an important consideration for fertility preservation strategies.
Cite This Article
APA
Alves KA, Alves BG, Gastal GD, de Tarso SG, Gastal MO, Figueiredo JR, Gambarini ML, Gastal EL.
(2016).
The Mare Model to Study the Effects of Ovarian Dynamics on Preantral Follicle Features.
PLoS One, 11(2), e0149693.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0149693 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, lllinois, United States of America.
- Center for Studies and Research in Animal Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, lllinois, United States of America.
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, lllinois, United States of America.
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, lllinois, United States of America.
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, lllinois, United States of America.
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles (LAMOFOPA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
- Center for Studies and Research in Animal Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, lllinois, United States of America.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Biopsy
- Cell Count
- Female
- Horses
- Ovarian Follicle / cytology
- Ovarian Follicle / physiology
- Ovary / cytology
- Ovary / physiology
- Stromal Cells / cytology
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
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