Quality of Oocytes Derived from Vitrified Ovarian Follicles Cultured in Two- and Three-Dimensional Culture System in the Presence and Absence of Kit Ligand.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Kit Ligand (KL) on the growth of vitrified follicle, oocyte quality, and embryo development in two- and three-dimensional culture systems. Vitrified and nonvitrified mouse whole ovaries were cultured for 1 week, then their isolated preantral follicles were cultured for 12 days in two- or three-dimensional culture systems in the presence and absence of KL. The growth and diameter of follicles, maturation of oocytes, and hormonal level were assessed. Finally, embryo developmental rate and oocytes reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, and distribution of mitochondria were examined. The results showed the maturation and survival rates and steroidogenesis of follicles were significantly higher not only in the three-dimensional culture system but also in the presence of KL (p < 0.001). The embryo development, ATP content, and ROS level of collected oocytes were not significantly different in all groups. Mitochondrial distribution within the oocyte was similar in all groups of the study. Our results demonstrated that KL supplementation during follicular culture in two- and three-dimensional culture systems appeared to significantly increase follicular function and development. The ovarian vitrification had no harmful effect on the steroidogenesis, growth, and maturation of follicles.