Interaction between ascorbic acid and follicle-stimulating hormone maintains follicular viability after long-term in vitro culture of caprine preantral follicles

R Rossetto,I.B Lima-Verde,M.H.T Matos,M.V.A Saraiva,F.S Martins,L.R Faustino,V.R Araújo,C.M.G Silva,K.P.O Name,S.N Báo Sn,C.C Campello,J.R Figueiredo,H Blume

doi:10.1016/j.domaniend.2009.04.003

R Rossetto, I.B Lima-Verde + Show 11 more

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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.domaniend.2009.04.003

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Abstract

This study evaluates the effects of ascorbic acid and its interaction with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) on the morphology, activation, and in vitro growth of caprine preantral follicles. Ovarian fragments were cultured for 1, 7, or 14 d in minimum essential medium (MEM) containing ascorbic acid (50 or 100 μg/mL), FSH (50 ng/mL), or both of these substances. Ovarian tissue that was either fresh (control) or cultured for 1, 7, or 14 d was processed for histological and ultrastructural evaluation. The results showed that after 14 d of culture, medium supplemented with 50 μg/mL of ascorbic acid alone or combined with FSH showed higher rates of follicular survival compared with MEM. After 7 d of culture, FSH, ascorbic acid at 50 μg/mL with or without FSH, and ascorbic acid at 100 μg/mL increased the percentage of follicular activation compared to fresh control. In addition, FSH alone significantly increased the percentage of growing follicles after 14 d. The combination of 50 μg/mL of ascorbic acid and FSH promoted a significant increase in oocyte and follicular diameter after 7 d of culture. Ultrastructural and fluorescent analysis confirmed the integrity of follicles cultured with 50 μg/mL of ascorbic acid and FSH after 14 d. In conclusion, the combination of 50 μg/mL of ascorbic acid and FSH maintained follicular integrity and promoted follicular activation and growth after long-term in vitro culture of caprine preantral follicles.

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