Follicle development following cryopreservation of human ovarian tissue

Abstract

Despite the recent increase in human ovarian tissue banking, there has been little progress in establishing whether follicles within this tissue are viable and capable of function following cryopreservation. Two methods to assess growth and developmental potential of cryopreserved tissue are evaluated; (1) isolated follicle culture and (2) xenografting of tissue into a host animal. Development of numerous antral follicles following xenografting of cryopreserved tissue indicates that the cryopreservation procedure can preserve the developmental competence of primordial follicles. © 2003 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.