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Regenerative Medicine

First transplantation of isolated murine follicles in alginate

    Julie Vanacker

    Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium

    ,
    Marie-Madeleine Dolmans

    Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium

    Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Gynecology Department, 1200 Brussels, Belgium

    ,
    Valérie Luyckx

    Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium

    ,
    Jacques Donnez

    SRI (Society for Research into Infertility), Brussels, Belgium

    &
    Christiani A Amorim

    Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium

    Published Online:https://doi.org/10.2217/rme.14.33

    Aim: Our aim is to develop an artificial ovary allowing survival and growth of isolated follicles and ovarian cells, to restore fertility in women diagnosed with pathologies at high risk of ovarian involvement. Materials & methods: For this, alginate beads containing isolated preantral follicles and ovarian cells were autografted to immunocompetent mice. One week after grafting, the beads were invaded by proliferating murine cells (12.1%) and capillaries. Results: The recovery rate of follicles per graft ranged from 0% to 35.5%. Of the analyzed follicles, 77% were Ki67-positive and 81%, TUNEL-negative. Three antral follicles were also identified, evidencing their ability to grow in the matrix. Conclusion: Our results suggest that an artificial ovary is now conceivable, opening new perspectives to restore fertility in women.

    Papers of special note have been highlighted as: • of interest; •• of considerable interest

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