Purpose: The aim of this experiment is to detect effects of varying levels of sucrose on vitrified ovarian tissues.
Methods: Ovarian tissues of mice were vitrified-thawed. Mice were randomly assigned to the fresh control group and experimental groups. According to different concentration of sucrose in vitrification solution, the experimental groups were randomly divided into Group I (0.2 M sucrose), Group II (0.4 M sucrose), Group III (0.8 M sucrose) and Group IV (1.6 M sucrose). Cytology was followed throughout the oophorectomy and transplantation period. Hormone levels and density of follicle were measured 1 month after transplantation.
Results: The number of days before the resumption of estrous cycles in control group was significantly smaller than those in all of experimental groups. The serum estradiol levels of mice and the follicular density of ovarian grafts in control group were significantly higher than those in all of experimental groups. In addition, the number of days before the resumption of estrous cycles in Group II and Group III were smaller than those in Group I and Group IV. The serum estradiol levels of mice and the follicular density of ovarian grafts in Group II and Group III were significantly higher than those in Group I and Group IV. However, no difference was observed in the number of days before the resumption of estrous cycles and the serum estradiol levels between Group II and Group III. A similar follicular density was also observed in Group II and Group III.
Conclusion: Sucrose concentration of 0.4 M or 0.8 M in cryoprotective media is suitable for vitrifying mouse ovarian tissues.