The 3D internal structure microscopy (3D-ISM) was applied to the equine ovary, which possesses peculiar structural characteristics. Stereolithography was applied to make a life-sized model by means of data obtained from 3D-ISM. Images from serially sliced surfaces contributed to a successful 3D reconstruction of the equine ovary. Photopolymerized resin models of equine ovaries produced by stereolithography can clearly show the internal structure and spatial localizations in the ovary. The understanding of the spatial relationship between the ovulation fossa and follicles and/or corpora lutea in the equine ovary was a great benefit. The peculiar structure of the equine ovary could be thoroughly observed and understood through this model.
Animals ; Computer Simulation ; Female ; Horses/*anatomy & histology ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional/veterinary ; Models, Anatomic ; Ovary/*anatomy & histology

Ovarian cryopreservation can save a large number of germ cells during the cryogenic process, and can restore ovarian endocrine function and ovulation potential after thawing and transplantation, which is an ideal way to retain fertility for patients with cancer. Many factors influence the effect of ovarian cryopreservation, like cryoprotectant (CPA), frozen carrier, cortical block size and freezing procedure. An efficient and standard transplantation procedure is needed to develop for further clinical application and scientific research. In order to optimize this technology, we analyzed different factors to improve the recovery of ovarian function after freezing during ovarian cryopreservation.
Cryopreservation ; methods ; Cryoprotective Agents ; pharmacology ; Female ; Humans ; Ovary ; anatomy & histology ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the morphology and proliferation of follicles from cryopreserved human ovarian tissue by vitrification.

METHODSOvarian biopsy specimens were taken from 12 patients. The specimens were randomly distributed into fresh group (Group A) and vitrification group (Group B). Histological examination and ultrastructural observation were performed after cryopreservation. Both were embedded in paraffin block and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was detected by immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTSThe proportions of primordial and primary follicles from Group A and Group B were 86.4%, 13.6% and 84.5%, 15.5%, respectively (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in proportions of morphologically normal primordial follicles between Group A and Group B (P>0.05); but the proportion of morphologically abnormal primary follicles was significantly higher in Group B than that in Group A (P<0.05). The ultrastructural studies showed that in histologically normal primordial follicles, there was no difference between Group A and Group B, while there were a few abnormalities of primary follicles in Group B. Granulosa cells and oocytes of primordial and primary follicles and stromal cells were positive for PCNA staining both in fresh and cryopreserved ovarian tissues; there were no differences between two groups.

CONCLUSIONVitrification is a favorable method in human ovarian cryopreservation.

Adult ; Cell Proliferation ; Cryopreservation ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Oocytes ; cytology ; Ovarian Follicle ; cytology ; ultrastructure ; Ovary ; anatomy & histology ; Vitrification

The developmental features, growth and organogenesis of Macroorchis spinulosus were observed in albino rats. Globular and thick walled metacercariae, possessed a stylet, Y-shaped excretory bladder and extracecal testes. In albino rats, M. spinulosus showed habitat shifting. The majority of M. spinulosus reside in the jejunum for the first four days post infection (p.i.) and migrate to the duodenum at the later stage of infection. M. spinulosus grew rapidly during the first four days and reached full maturity at 14 days p.i. and later reduced in size. The ovary was separated from the genital primodium at one day p.i. The seminal vesicle appeared on the third day and divided into two sacs on the fourth day p.i. and intrauterine eggs and sperm mass were produced on the fourth day. Organogenesis and enlargement of reproductive organs governed the growth of M. spinulosus. The similarity of related species of the genus Macroorchis to M. spinulosus was discussed in consideration to developmental features.
Animals ; Astacoidea/parasitology ; Female ; Male ; Organogenesis ; Ovary/growth & development ; Pharynx/growth & development ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Seminal Vesicles/growth & development ; Testis/growth & development ; Trematoda/anatomy & histology/*growth & development/physiology