Alginate hydrogel matrix stiffness influences the in vitro development of caprine preantral follicles. Issue 7 (25th April 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brito, I.R.; Silva, C.M.G.; Duarte, A.B.G.; Lima, I.M.T.; Rodrigues, G.Q.; Rossetto, R.; Sales, A.D.; Lobo, C.H.; Bernuci, M.P.; Rosa‐e‐Silva, A.C.J.S.; Campello, C.C.; Xu, M.; Figueiredo, J.R.
• Is Part Of: Molecular reproduction and development. Volume 81:Issue 7(2014:Jul.)
• Page Start: 636
• Page End: 645
• Publication Date: 2014-04-25
• Subjects: Reproduction -- Periodicals; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Molecular genetics -- Periodicals; Embryology -- Periodicals; 571.8
• DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22330
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1040-452X

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en"> <title>SUMMARY</title> <sec id="mrd22330-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <p>This study examined caprine follicular development in different concentrations of alginate matrix to determine the optimal conditions for culture. Caprine preantral follicles were cultured in a two‐dimensional system (control) or a three‐dimensional encapsulated system in 0.25%, 0.5%, or 1% alginate (ALG 0.25, ALG 0.5, and ALG 1, respectively). A higher percentage of morphologically normal follicles developed in ALG 0.5 and ALG 1 than in ALG 0.25 or the control (<italic>P</italic> &lt; 0.05). The rate of antrum formation, however, was higher in ALG 0.25 than in ALG 0.5 and ALG 1 conditions (<italic>P</italic> &lt; 0.05), but similar to the control. Follicles cultured in ALG 0.25 had higher growth rates and meiotic resumption than those cultured in ALG 0.5, ALG 1, or the control (<italic>P</italic> &lt; 0.05). Moreover, follicles cultured in ALG 0.25 had higher levels of estradiol and progesterone than those cultured in ALG 0.5, ALG 1, or the control, as well as higher levels of <italic>CYP19A1</italic> and <italic>HSD3B</italic> mRNA. In conclusion, a three‐dimensional system that uses ALG 0.25 fosters the in vitro development of caprine preantral follicles and increases the rate of meiotic resumption. <italic>Mol. Reprod. Dev</italic>. 81: 636–645, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.</p> </sec> </abstract>