Molecular and cellular events involved in the completion of blastocyst implantation.

Blastocyst implantation is an interactive process between the embryo and the uterus. The synchronization of embryonic development with uterine differentiation to a receptive state is essential for a successful pregnancy. The period of uterine receptivity for implantation is limited.

Extended uterine receptivity for blastocyst implantation and full-term fetal development in mice with vitrified-warmed ovarian tissue autotransplantation.

Purpose: Our previous study demonstrated that vitrified-warmed ovarian tissue autotransplantation (VOAT) into estrus cycle-ceased ovariectomized mice restored fertility to achieve full-term fetal development for transferred embryos, while less steroidogenesis in the corpus luteum was observed in VOAT mice. It has been reported that the window of uterine receptivity for blastocyst implantation is extended at lower estrogen levels. Therefore, we hypothesized that duration of the window in VOAT mice could be extended.

Vitrified-warmed ovarian tissue autotransplantation into ovariectomized mice restores sufficient ovarian function to support full-term pregnancy.

Purpose: Our previous study demonstrated that heterotopic autotransplantation of fresh ovarian tissue followed by transfer of blastocysts supported full-term pregnancy in the mouse. In the present study, to address whether vitrified-warmed ovarian tissue has the potential to support uterine preparation for implantation and subsequent pregnancy to full term, we examined vitrified-warmed ovarian tissue autotransplantation (VOAT) in mice.

Methods: VOAT into kidney capsules was performed for sexual cycle-ceased mice after 7 days of ovariectomy.