Follicular growth after xenotransplantation of cryopreserved/thawed human ovarian tissue in SCID mice: dynamics and molecular aspects.

Purpose: To study the influence of xenotransplantation on follicular recruitment and growth in cryopreserved/thawed human ovarian tissue.

Method: Two 3-mm pieces of cryopreserved/thawed human ovarian tissue obtained from female cancer patients (n = 11) were xenotransplanted into a subcutaneous neck pouch of 6-week-old ovarectomized SCID mice (n = 33) for 4 (n = 18) and 12 (n = 15) weeks.

Result: Thirty-two out of 33 mice survived the entire observation periods.

Novel dynamic culture system to support initiation of primordial follicle growth in prepubertal mouse ovaries.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of dynamic in vitro culture on initiation of early follicular growth in prepubertal mouse ovaries.

Design: Ovaries from 8-day-old BALB/c mice were cultured either in a dynamic system (n=28) or in a static system (n=20) for 4 days. Uncultured 8-day-old (n=9) or 12-day-old (n=17) ovaries served as baseline or in vivo controls, respectively.

Quantitative levonorgestrel plasma level measurements in patients with regular and prolonged use of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system.

Background: The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) is well accepted as an easy-to-use contraceptive with an excellent side-effect profile. It contains a reservoir of 52 mg of levonorgestrel (LNG) with continuous release of the steroid. Its contraceptive use is approved for 5 years.

Pharmacological stimulation of sperm motility in frozen and thawed testicular sperm using the dimethylxanthine theophylline.

Objective: To evaluate whether the use of theophylline improves sperm motility and treatment outcome in frozen-thawed testicular sperm extraction (TESE).

Design: Artificial sperm activation was offered to azoospermic patients between January and October 2010 in two different centers (identical lab conditions).

Setting: IVF units of public hospitals.