Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Improved Angiogenesis of Vitrified Human Ovarian Tissues After In Vitro Culture and Xenotransplantation

BACKGROUND: Basic fibroblast growth factor is a potent angiogenic factor. OBJECTIVE: To study the concentration and in vitro culture time of bFGF that maximize the angiogenesis for transplanted human ovarian tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Vitrified and rewarmed human ovarian tissues were cultured in vitro with bFGF (0, 25, 50, 100, 150 and 200 ng/ml) for different periods (1 h, 2 d, 5 d and 7 d) before transplantation. The effect of bFGF on follicle survival was studied by evaluating the pregraft group, control group (no bFGF) and bFGF-treated group. CD34, Ki- 67 and AC-3 immuno-histochemical (IHC) staining and histological analysis was used to evaluate angiogenesis, proliferration, apoptosis and follicular quantity. RESULTS: Treatments with 100 and 150 ng/ml bFGF improved the angiogenesis for grafted human ovarian tissues after in vitro culture for 2 days. The proliferation and survival of follicles were significantly increased. CONCLUSION: bFGF improved the quality of vitrified-warmed human ovarian tissues after transplantation.