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Vertebrate reproductive science and technology
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Chilling ovarian fragments during transportation improves viability and growth of goat preantral follicles cultured in vitro

R. N. Chaves A D , F. S. Martins A , M. V. A. Saraiva A , J. J. H. Celestino A , C. A. P. Lopes A , J. C. Correia A , I. B. Lima Verde A , M. H. T. Matos A , S. N. Báo B , K. P. O. Name B , C. C. Campello A , J. R. V. Silva C and J. R. Figueiredo A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, LAMOFOPA, PPGCV, State University of Ceara, Av. Paranjana 1700, Campus Itapery, Fortaleza 60740-903, CE, Brazil.

B Laboratory of Electron Microscopy, Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasilia, Av. Asa Norte, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil.

C Biotechnology Nucleus of Sobral (NUBIS)–State University of Vale of Acaraú, Gerardo Rangel s/n, Campus Derby, Sobral 62040-370, CE, Brazil.

D Corresponding author. Email: rncvet@gmail.com

Reproduction, Fertility and Development 20(5) 640-647 https://doi.org/10.1071/RD07195
Submitted: 23 October 2007  Accepted: 24 March 2008   Published: 30 May 2008

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of storage of goat ovarian fragments at different temperatures and for different incubation times on the viability and growth of cultured preantral follicles in vitro. Caprine ovaries were collected and divided into 19 fragments, with one fragment being fixed immediately (fresh control). The remaining fragments were placed in minimal essential medium (MEM) and maintained at 4, 20 or 35°C for 2 or 4 h. After each incubation period, some of the fragments were fixed (non-cultured), whereas others were cultured in vitro for 1 or 7 days. Fragments were processed to enable routine histological and transmission electron microscopic examination. After 7 days of culture, only ovarian fragments stored at 4°C for 4 h maintained a percentage of morphologically normal follicles similar to that in the fresh control. For all other treatments groups, there was a significant increase in follicular activation observed. In addition, there was an increase in oocyte and follicular diameter after culture of ovarian cortex that had been chilled previously at 4°C for 2 or 4 h. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that chilling ovarian fragments at 4°C during transportation is best for maintaining follicle viability and to increase follicular growth during in vitro culture.

Additional keywords: caprine, conservation.


Acknowledgement

This work was supported by Fundação Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (FUNCAP).


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