Oocyte and Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation: Indications, Techniques, and Applications

Abstract

With recent advances in cryobiology, cryopreservation of the oocyte and ovarian tissue is rapidly becoming an important service provided by medical centers throughout the world. The general indication for oocyte or ovarian tissue cryopreservation is to retain future fertility potential for women who face the possibility of premature or imminent ovarian failure resulting from treatments for various disease states including cancer. Considering limitations imposed by age, lack of a partner, or sufficient time to undergo embryo cryopreservation, these patients have few options if they desire preservation of their fertility. The objective of this manuscript is to review the basic aspects of oocyte and ovarian tissue cryopreservation, and to discuss the current and future applications of these technologies in fertility preservation.

Abnormally low expression of connexin 37 and connexin 43 in subcutaneously transplanted cryopreserved mouse ovarian tissue

“…Cryopreservation of ovaries or oocytes is a potentially useful technique for storing gametes harvested from these women before their cancer treatment is begun [2][3][4]. Ovarian tissue banking, although still investigational, is rapidly evolving and is a promising clinical technique for preserving gonadal function.…”

“…Preservation and transplantation of the entire ovary has been reported, the advantage being immediate restoration of blood supply by vascular anastomosis [7][8][9]. However, ovarian tissue storage is a more practical technique [3,6].…”

Expression of CD9 in frozen–thawed mouse oocytes: preliminary experience

“…CD9 has been implicated in the process of fertilization, specifically gamete binding and fusion. The dramatic fluctuations in temperature involved with freeze-thawing and in exposure to the cryoprotectant PrOH lead to thermal and chemical injuries in the DNA or cellular cytoskeleton (19), which may cause decreased synthesis of CD9 in frozen-thawed oocytes. Integrins may participate in sperm-egg adhesion, binding, and fusion through forming complexes with CD9 or other tetraspanins (20).…”

Researching human oocyte cryopreservation: ethical issues

“…Benefits might accrue to a variety of patients, including those who are opposed to embryo cryopreservation for religious or ethical reasons, and, for example, patients whose partners are unable to produce semen specimens at the time of retrieval (32,33).…”

“…First, there are concerns about delaying treatment to induce ovarian stimulation and retrieval so that oocytes can be cryopreserved for future use. Second, some cancers-for example, some breast cancers-may be stimulated to grow during the hormonal manipulation associated with IVF (32). Third, as individuals will have to survive to be able to contemplate their own reproduction, researchers need to be sensitive to the possibility of improperly inducing hope in the success of cancer treatment (36).…”