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Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics

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01-10-2013 | Fertility Preservation

VEGF and bFGF increase survival of xenografted human ovarian tissue in an experimental rabbit model

Authors: Lin Wang, Ying-fen Ying, Yin-luan Ouyang, Jing-fen Wang, Jian Xu

Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics | Issue 10/2013

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study is to determine whether vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) could increase the survival of xenografted human ovarian tissue in an experimental rabbit model.

Methods

Fresh human ovarian tissue was xenotransplanted into the back muscle of 25 castrated female New Zealand rabbits for 6 weeks with the immunosuppression of FTY720 (2 mg/kg/d). Rabbits were randomly divided into five experimental groups: (A) graft and host treatment with VEGF (50 ng/ml); (B) graft and host treatment with bFGF (100 ng/ml); (C) graft and host treatment with VEGF(50 ng/ml) + bFGF (100 ng/ml); (D) graft and host treatment with normal saline; (E) control group, no treatment. 4 weeks after transplantation, human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG) 10 IU was administered every second day in group A, group B, group C and group D for 2 weeks. Graft survival was assessed by graft recovery rate, histological analysis, immunohistochemical staining for CD31 and Ki-67expression, TUNEL assay.

Results

After 6 weeks of grafting, the number of CD31-positive stained cells increased significantly in group A, group B and group C compared to the control group. All groups showed strong Ki-67 immunostaining in ovarian stroma. Only one rabbit in group C retained the grafts’ follicles. Grafting resulted in relative lower fibrosis in group A and group C compared to the control group. Apoptosis was significantly lower in group C compared to the control group.

Conclusions

Fresh human ovarian cortex grafted into the back muscle of rabbit can sustain part of ovarian tissue function with the immunosuppression of FTY720, although follicle number diminishes significantly after grafting. The administration of VEGF and bFGF, especially the combination of them, may trigger angiogenesis, reduce apoptosis and fibrosis, increase survival in transplanted human ovarian tissue.

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Title: VEGF and bFGF increase survival of xenografted human ovarian tissue in an experimental rabbit model
Authors: Lin Wang
Ying-fen Ying
Yin-luan Ouyang
Jing-fen Wang
Jian Xu
Publication date: 01-10-2013
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics / Issue 10/2013
Print ISSN: 1058-0468
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7330
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-013-0043-9

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

VEGF and bFGF increase survival of xenografted human ovarian tissue in an experimental rabbit model

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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