Ovarian cryopreservation and grafting: its potential for human reproductive biology and animal conservation

Ano: 2009 | Volume: 6 | Número: 1

Autores: M.C.J. Paris, C.Y. Andersen, J.M. Shaw

Palavras-chave: animal, cryopreservation, grafting, human, ovary, reproduction, wildlife

Resumo Inglês:

Ovarian cryobanking has considerable potential
for fertility preservation and restoration and has been
used to establish term pregnancies in mice, rats, sheep
and humans, yet there is scope for progress towards in
vitro and in vivo strategies to A) screen and improve
outcomes of cryopreservation procedures and to
minimize ischemic damage following grafting, B)
monitor folliculogenesis and hormonal feedback, C)
screen for, and remove, malignant cells, D) generate
antral follicles containing normal mature fertilizable
oocytes even when orthotopic autografting is not
possible, and E) combine ovarian cryopreservation with
more advanced reproductive technologies such as
nuclear transfer (for animals only). In species such as
mice a very diverse range of both cryopreservation and
grafting strategies (including xenografting) has
successfully generated live young. Human ovarian
grafting is still a rare procedure and it is therefore
encouraging that several babies have now been born.
Progress has been slowest for species where compatible
recipients are seldom available, such as with rare and
endangered species. For these, further significant
breakthroughs will be needed before cryobanked
material can be reliably and efficiently used to generate
new offspring.