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121 Alginate-Fibrin Gel Matrix Promotes in Vitro Growth of Dog Secondary Follicles

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Abstract

  • A previous study from our laboratory has demonstrated that preantral follicles from the dog that are cultured in alginate are able to grow and produce steroid hormones (Songsasen et al. 2011 Reproduction 142, 113–122). Here we investigated the influence of using a combination of alginate and a degradable biomaterial, fibrin, on dog follicle development in vitro. We hypothesised that the alginate and fibrin gel matrix would be superior to alginate alone because the former has dynamic mechanical properties that permit more expansive follicle development than the inert alginate-only system. Secondary follicles (128–220 μm in diameter) were collected from the ovaries of 4 prepubertal dogs ( 0.05) in follicle survival between the 2 groups (27.0 and 38.1% for alginate and alginate-fibrin, respectively). Results demonstrate that a dynamic alginate-fibrin matrix enhances in vitro follicle growth. We suspect that the mechanism involved is related to facilitating expansion capacity. Specifically, it is likely that nondegradable alginate offers physical, but eventually restrictive, support to encapsulated cells. By contrast, in the gel combination, the fibrin degrades due to cell-secreted proteases that, in turn, permit more robust follicle expansion. Low follicle survival (<40%) in both treatments emphasises the need for more studies to identify influential endocrine/paracrine factors that enhance follicle growth and production of competent oocytes.

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  • 2011

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