Effect of cryopreservation of preantral follicles on estradiol synthesis pathways and oocyte development in ruminant

Abstract

Cryopreservation of preantral follicles (PFs) has been widely studied, as a means of preserving female fertility. Preantral follicles are smaller and metabolically less active than the ovarian follicles at later developmental stages and they are also less susceptible to cryo-injuries. Vitrification process consists of incubating cells in solutions containing high concentrations of cryoprotectants, followed by ultra-rapid chilling, which results in cells changing to a vitreous state without ice crystal formation. Vitrification acts as a stressor, because of high concentrations of cryoprotectants and ultralow temperature used in the procedure. Though few studies were conducted on the vitrification of preantral follicles, detailed studies on the effect of vitirification on preantral follicles and the studies on amelioration of negative effects of vitrification by using antioxidants are lacking. newline