This study was undertaken to examine pre- and postimplantation developmental potency of cryopreserved embryos that had undergone in vitro growth (IVG), maturation (IVM) and fertilization (IVF) of oocytes from the preantral follicle stage. An oocyte culture system for IVG and IVM was used in oocyte-granulosa cell complexes (OGCs) derived from preantral follicles in 12-day-old mice. The rate of o...

The sand rat (Psammomys obesus) constitutes a model to study seasonal changes and several metabolic disorders. In order to perform breeding laboratory conditions, the reproductive function of this species living in North Occidental Algerian Sahara was studied. The aim of this work was to investigate the follicular growth changes and the steroidogenic associated aspects. The study was performed ...

Effects of isolation and vitrification protocols on follicular survival after warming were examined. Mouse preantral follicles enzymatically or mechanically isolated from ovaries of 12-day-old mice were exposed either to 2 M ethylene glycol (EG) for 2 or 5 min, or to ascending concentrations (0.15 then 0.3 M) of raffinose for 2 or 5 min each (2-2 and 5-5 min). They were then exposed to a vitrif...

OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to assess survival of follicles, their oocyte maturation and fertilization potential as well as expression of early embryo developmental genes in in vitro cultured pre-antral follicles derived from vitrified-warmed mouse ovary. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this experimental study, ovaries of 12-day old Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) female mice were pla...

The developmental requirements of ovarian follicles are dependent on the maturation stage of the follicle; in particular, elegant studies with genetic models have indicated that FSH is required for antral, but not preantral, follicle growth and maturation. To elucidate further the role of FSH and other regulatory molecules in preantral follicle development, in vitro culture systems are needed. ...

Changes in the number and size of oocytes can lead to fertilization problems. The present study aimed to evaluate the number, volume, and surface area of oocytes in healthy as well as nandrolone decanoate-treated (ND) mice using stereological methods. Five control mice received vehicle, and five ND-treated mice received ND. Using the 'isotropic Cavalieri' design', the ovary was sectioned. The v...

Background: This study was set up to evaluate the effect of ovarian tissue slow freezing on in vitro growth and pattern of maturation genes expression in mouse preantral follicles encapsulated within alginate hydrogel. Materials and Methods: Ovaries of 12-14 days old female NMRI mice were randomly allocated into control and slow freezing groups. In slow freezing group, ovaries were equilibrated...