A New Bioreactor to Promote Follicular Growth With or Without Activin A

Abstract

Background: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Activin A on the activation of in vitro folliculogenesis of human ovarian tissues with or without our new three-dimensional structure (3D-structure). Methods: Five fresh ovarian human tissues were cultured in vitro in 4 groups with 100ng/mL Activin A or without Activine A and within or without a 3D-structure for 20 or 22 days of in vitro culture. Follicular density and quality were evaluated, and follicular diameters were measured. Estradiol secretion was quantified. Proliferation and apoptosis through immunostaining were performed.Results: The proportion of primordial follicles was significantly reduced, and the proportion of primary and secondary follicles was significantly increased in all four groups (p<0.001). Antral cavities were observed in the four culture groups. Activin A supplementation did not significantly affect the follicular density, follicular quality, follicular growth, or estradiol secretion (p>0.05). The 3D-structure increased the density of primary follicles and decreased the estradiol secretion (p<0.001). Tissular proliferation was significantly lower in the 3D-structure group compared to the non-3D-structure group (p=0.008). Regarding tissular apoptosis, it was significantly higher in the Activin group compared to the non-Activin group (0.006). Conclusion: The presence of Activin A did not seem to play a key role in in vitro folliculogenesis activation. However, the results may indicate that the 3D-structure could be more physiological and could prevent a pejorative in vitro folliculogenesis flare-up.