Conclusions
The optimal hormonal and temperature conditions of the epididymal fat could support spermatogenesis in grafted immature testicular tissue. This grafting technique could pave the way for fertility preservation.
Methods
After bilateral castration of recipient mice, fresh or frozen-thawed neonatal testis tissues were grafted into the epididymal fat of the mice. Grafted testicular tissue was evaluated eight weeks after implantation using H&E staining, real-time PCR, immunofluorescence staining, and TUNEL assay. Blood was drawn from recipient mice to determine testosterone, FSH, and LH levels.
Objective
Many cancer survivors may experience irreversible infertility due to chemotherapy treatment for childhood cancer. In this study, spermatogenesis development was evaluated following the grafting of fresh and frozen-thawed testicular tissue from neonatal mice to the epididymal fat of adult mice.
Results
A gradient of different types of germ cells, from spermatogonia to elongated spermatids was observed. The upregulation of meiotic and post-meiotic genes and proteins in fresh and frozen grafted groups confirmed the progression of meiosis and post-meiosis in grafted tissues. There were no significant differences in the expression of apoptosis and necrosis genes between the grafted and non-grafted control groups. Additionally, no significant differences were observed between the control and experimental groups in hormonal assessments. Conclusions: The optimal hormonal and temperature conditions of the epididymal fat could support spermatogenesis in grafted immature testicular tissue. This grafting technique could pave the way for fertility preservation.