Objective To investigate the survival

growth and functional recovery of cryopreserved ovarian tissue after autologously transplanted into mice with premature ovarian failure (POF). Methods Sixty mice were divided into 6 groups with 10 animals in each

that is

chemical treatment

radiation treatment

chemical or radiation treatment with transplantation

normal control and ovariectomy control group. For the latter 2 groups

no ovary resection or resection of both ovaries

was preformed. For the other 4 groups

after one of the ovaries was removed and frozen

the mice were induced to POF by administering cyclophosphamide (120 mg/kg

i.p.) and busulfan (12 mg/kg

intradermal injections) for chemical treatment groups or receiving

60

Co γ - ray irradiation (0.5 Gy

60 cGy/min

20 cm × 20 cm ) for radiation groups. After 1 week the cryopreserved ovarian tissue were autologously transplanted into subrenal capsule. The morphology and histology of the fresh and frozen ovarian tissue

estrous cycle determination

serum estradiol hormone levels

histological changes of graft ovaries and endometrium were examined. Results The follicle numbers in the thawed ovarian tissue were similar to that in fresh ovary

but the size of follicles became smaller

and the spaces between oocytes and their peripheral granular cells became larger. The typical histological changes like POF were found in chemical and radiation treatment groups

including ovary atrophy

follicles atresia

retrograde degeneration of oocytes and zona pellucida

the fibrosis or necrosis of corpus lutea and interstitial tissues. After the frozen ovary transplantation

there were follicles at different stage of development

corpus luteum and interstitial gland in the grafts. The effect of estrogen on the vaginal epithelium and endometrium were observed. Serological studies showed that serum estradiol levels of mouse with ovarian transplantation were significantly higher than those without ovarian transplantation in POF [(27.47 ± 1.98) pg/L in chemical treatment group with transplantation

vs

(16.88 ± 2 . 06) pg/L in chemical treatment group

and (25.89 ± 2.78) pg/L in radiation treatment group with transplantation

vs

(15.50 ± 1 . 17) pg/L in radiation treatment group

P

0 . 05

]

and had no significant difference as compared with those in normal control (

P

0.05).  Conclusion  Cryopreserved ovarian tissue can be survival

development and restoring endocrine function after autologously ectopic - tran

splanted into POF mouse.