Ann Wallin

First report on fertility after allogeneic uterus transplantation

Uterus transplantation may become the first available treatment for uterine factor infertility, which is due to the absence or malfunction of the uterus. Here we describe for the first time pregnancy after allogeneic uterus transplantation, as a proof of concept of uterine function in a transplanted uterus in a standardized animal model (rat) under immunosuppression.

Whole sheep ovary cryopreservation: evaluation of a slow freezing protocol with dimethylsulphoxide

PurposeTo evaluate a slow freezing method for whole ovary cryopreservation by evaluating effects of added cryoprotectant.MethodsSheep ovaries were isolated during surgery, flushed with either Ringer-Acetate or dimethylsulphoxide and cryopreserved by slow freezing. After rapid thawing, viability was assessed by ovarian in vitro perfusion, cell culture, histology and fluorescent live-dead assay.ResultsProduction of cyclic AMP and progesterone was slightly higher in the dimethylsulphoxide group. Cultured ovarian cells from dimethylsulphoxide-preserved ovaries secreted larger amounts of progesterone than cells from Ringer-Acetate preserved. Light microscopy of ovarian biopsies obtained after perfusion, revealed well-preserved tissue in the dimethysulphoxide group but not in the Ringer-Acetate group. The density of small follicles and ovarian cell viability were higher in dimethysulphoxide ovaries compared to Ringer-Acetate ovaries.ConclusionsEquilibrium with its protective effect can be achieved by slow freezing protocol, with an additional protective effect by the presence of dimethylsulphoxide.

Alterations of follicular microcirculation and apex structure during ovulation in the rat.

OBJECTIVE We utilized methods for intravital microscopy and microcirculation measurements to study changes during ovulation. STUDY DESIGN Immature gonadotrophin-primed rats were laparotomized and one ovary was examined for morphological alterations during a 3 h period (covering a period from 1h before to 27 h after hCG) through water-immersion lenses (maximum magnification 812×). Microcirculatory blood flow was assessed by measurements of blood cell velocity and laser Doppler flowmetry. RESULTS Follicular hyperaemia was observed 30 min after hCG and then vasomotion was observed. A gradual decline of apical blood flow was seen, which later was associated with an avascular area over the top of the apex. Cells from the surface over the follicular apex were then detached from the exterior of the follicle and this phenomenon was initiated more than one hour prior to follicular rupture. The subsequent structural alterations varied with or without formation of a cone over the stigma. In ovulations with a stigma-cone, a translucent, irregular mass formed over the stigma. Prior to follicular rupture, granulosa cells and follicular fluid were extruded from the follicular cavity at a velocity of around 70 μm/s. Occasionally, intra-antral haemorrhage occurred prior to or during follicular rupture. CONCLUSION Characteristic features of ovulation in the rat are microcirculatory vasomotion, gradual formation of apical avascular area, specific changes of the stigma, and extrusion of the oocyte-granulosa cell complex with or without haemorrhage.

The human postmenopausal ovary as a tool for evaluation of cryopreservation protocols towards whole ovary cryopreservation

PurposeCryopreservation of a complete ovary may be a future method for fertility preservation in cancer patients. Difficulties exist in cryopreservation of the relatively large ovarian tissue mass. This study evaluates whether a human postmenopausal ovary can be used, as a complement to animal models, in studies of this research field.MethodsPostmenopausal human ovaries (n = 10) were isolated and flushed through ovarian arteries with either the cryoprotectant dimethylsulphoxide or Ringer-Acetate, followed by slow freezing. After thawing, production of androgens during in vitro perfusion and morphology (light/electron microscopy) were assessed.ResultsThe dimethylsulphoxide-cryopreserved ovaries showed larger secretion of androgens during perfusion than Ringer Acetate-cryopreserved ovaries. Light microscopy showed well preserved morphology in both groups. Electron microscopy revealed normal appearance of stroma and vessels in the dimethylsulphoxide group.ConclusionsThe study demonstrates the potential to use the postmenopausal human ovary for further studies aiming at optimizing cryopreservation protocols, with special reference to ovarian vascularity and stroma.