Heterotopic ovarian allotransplantation in a caprine model: Effects of implant site on morphological parameters

• Published in: Animal reproduction science 2024-08, Vol.267, p.107509, Article 107509
• Main Authors: Vieira, Antonio Renilson Sousa, Pereira Bersano, Leda Maria Costa, Brandão, Fabiana Aparecida Santilli, Barros, Celso Henrique Souza Costa, Sousa, Francisco Carlos de, Rodrigues, Ana Luiza de Sousa, Alves, Benner Geraldo, Gomes, Francisco Denilson Rodrigues, Rodrigues, Ana Paula Ribeiro, Teixeira, Dárcio Ítalo Alves
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: animal reproduction; collagen; Collagen fibers; cortex; Follicular morphology; goats; histology; muscles; neck; tissue transplantation; Transplanted tissue
• ISSN: 0378-4320; 1873-2232; 1873-2232
• DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107509

This study aimed to investigate a new implantation site (intra-auricular subcutaneous - IA) compared to intramuscular (IM) in the cervical portion (cervical splenius muscle) of the neck for ovarian transplantation in goats. Morphological aspects of the implant, follicular activation and morphology, and type I and III collagen deposits of the transplanted tissue were evaluated. Four fragments of the ovarian cortex were allotransplanted at the IA and IM sites in all goat recipients and recovered 7 (IA-7; IM-7) or 15 (IA-15; IM-15) days later and submitted to histological analysis. Two fragments/animal were separated for the fresh control (FC) group. There was a higher percentage of normal and developing primordial follicles at the IA-7 site (P < 0.05) compared to the other treatments, with similar values to the fresh control. Type I and III collagen fibers differed between the groups (P < 0.05), showing a considerable decrease in type I collagen fibers at the IA-7 site compared to the FC. However, the IM-7 and IA-15 sites showed higher values of type I collagen fibers, showing similarity to the FC. Therefore, we conclude that the IA site in goats is an effective site for ovarian tissue transplantation, as it is easily accessible, low invasive and has presented satisfactory rates of morphology and follicular activation. •The intra-auricular subcutaneous site in goats is an excellent alternative for transplanting ovarian cortical tissue.•Ovarian fragments recovery after 7 and 15 of transplantation.•The morphology of preantral follicles is preserved after transplantation.