Alginate encapsulation supports the growth and differentiation of human primordial follicles within ovarian cortical tissue.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

In vitro follicle growth (IVFG) is an investigational fertility preservation technique in which immature follicles are grown in culture to produce mature eggs that can ultimately be fertilized. Although progress has been made in growing primate primary and secondary follicles in vitro, it has been a relatively greater challenge to isolate and culture primordial follicles. The purpose of this study was to develop methods to grow human primordial follicles in vitro using alginate hydrogels.

Methods

We obtained human ovarian tissue for research purposes through the National Physicians Cooperative from nationwide sites and used it to test two methods for culturing primordial follicles. First, primordial follicles were isolated from the ovarian cortex and encapsulated in

SUBMITTER: Laronda MM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4130945 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature