Light and Electron Microscopic Observation in the Frozen-thawed Mouse Testicular Tissues.
- Author:
Sang Chul HAN
1
;
Sang Jin SONG
;
Sun Hee LEE
;
Seung Han OH
;
Mi Kyung KOONG
;
Yong Seog PARK
Author Information
1. Laboratory of Reproductive Biology and Infertility, Samsung Cheil Hospital & Women's Healthcare Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. sch-han@hanmail.net, arkangel@daum.net
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Freezing-thawing;
Ultrastructure;
Testicular tissues;
Seminiferous tubule
- MeSH:
Animals;
Basement Membrane;
Biopsy;
Cryopreservation;
Freezing;
Glycerol;
Mice*;
Microscopy, Electron;
Microscopy, Electron, Transmission;
Mucous Membrane;
Seminiferous Epithelium;
Seminiferous Tubules;
Sertoli Cells;
Spermatids;
Spermatocytes;
Spermatogonia;
Spermatozoa;
Testis
- From:Korean Journal of Fertility and Sterility
2003;30(2):127-134
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the morphological aspects of testicular tissue before and after freezing-thawing by light and transmission electron microscopy. METHODS: Tissue biopsies were carried out on mouse testis for freezing. Samples in medium containing 20% glycerol were frozen by computer-controlled freezing program. The effect of freezing-thawing on the structural change of testicular tissues were examined by light and electron microscopy. RESULTS: The freezing-thawing procedure had no significant effect on tubular diameter. However, it caused folding of the lamina propria, and notable damage to Sertoli cells, spermatogonia and spermatocytes. The cells were detached, desquamated from the basal lamina and had increased vacuolization. Round spermatids, elongated spermatids and spermatozoa were less affected, and most of them maintained their normal structure. CONCLUSIONS: The structure of spermatogonia, spermatocyte and basal compartments in seminiferous epithelium was significantly altered by freezing-thawing procedure of mouse testicular tissues. Thus, we need to develop a more reliable method for the cryopreservation of testicular tissues.