Conclusions
It is concluded that, exposure of the vitrified-warmed ovaries to SMF retains the structure of the graft similar to that of fresh ovaries.
Methods
In this experimental study, ovaries of 6- to 8-week-old female Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mice were randomly divided into four groups: i. Fresh ovaries were immediately transplanted into the testicular tissue (FOT group), ii. Fresh ovaries were exposed to the SMF for 10 minutes and then transplanted into the testicular tissue (FOT+ group), iii. Vitrified-warmed ovaries were transplanted into the testicular tissue (VOT group), and iv. Vitrified-warmed ovaries were transplanted into the testicular tissue and the transplantation site was then exposed to the SMF for 10 minutes (VOT+ group).
Results
The lowest percentages of morphologically dead primordial follicles and the highest percentages of morphologically intact primordial follicles were seen in the FOT+ group (4.11% ± 2.88 and 41.26% ± 0.54, respectively). Although the lowest significant percentage of maturation, embryonic development and fertility was observed in the VOT group as compared to the other groups, the difference in the fertility rate was not significant between the VOT and VOT+ groups. Estrogen and progesterone concentrations were significantly higher in the FOT+ group than those of the control mice. Conclusions: It is concluded that, exposure of the vitrified-warmed ovaries to SMF retains the structure of the graft similar to that of fresh ovaries.