Authors: Wu, Xin; Goodyear, Shaun M.; Abramowitz, Lara K.; Bartolomei, Marisa S.; Tobias, John W.; Avarbock, Mary R.; Brinster, Ralph L.

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 27, Number 5, 7 May 2012 , pp. 1249-1259(11)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

BACKGROUND

Approximately 80% of childhood cancers can now be cured but a side effect of treatment results in about one-third of the surviving boys being infertile or severely subfertile when they reach reproductive age. Currently, more than 1 in 5000 men of reproductive age who are childhood cancer survivors suffer from this serious quality of life problem. It is possible to obtain a testicular biopsy before treatment to preserve the spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) of the male by cryopreservation, but the results of long-term storage of SSCs on their subsequent functional ability to generate normal offspring has not been examined in any mammalian species. Moreover, it will be necessary to increase the number of these cryopreserved SSCs to remove any contaminating malignant cells and assure regeneration of spermatogenesis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this report, we demonstrate that long-term cryopreservation (>14 years) of testis cells from mouse, rat, rabbit and baboon safeguards SSC viability, and that these cells can colonize the seminiferous tubules of recipient testes. Moreover, mouse and rat SSCs can be cultured and re-establish complete spermatogenesis, and fertile mouse progeny without apparent genetic or epigenetic errors were generated by the sperm produced.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide a platform for fertility preservation in prepubertal boys undergoing gonadotoxic treatments.

Keywords: cryopreservation; germ cells; spermatogenesis; spermatogonial stem cells; male infertility

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/humrep/des077

Publication date: 2012-05-07

More about this publication?

• Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

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• In this Subject: Anatomy & Physiology ,  Obstetrics & Gynecology
• By this author: Wu, Xin ;  Goodyear, Shaun M. ;  Abramowitz, Lara K. ;  Bartolomei, Marisa S. ;  Tobias, John W. ;  Avarbock, Mary R. ;  Brinster, Ralph L.

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