DNA integrity, growth pattern, spindle formation, chromosomal constitution and imprinting patterns of mouse oocytes from vitrified pre-antral follicles

Cryopreservation of follicles for culture and oocyte growth and maturation in vitro provides an option to increase the number of fertilizable oocytes and restore fertility in cases where transplantation of ovarian tissue poses a risk for malignant cell contamination. Vitrification for cryopreservation is fast and avoids ice crystal formation. However, the influences of exposure to high concentrations of cryoprotectants on follicle development, oocyte growth and maturation, and particularly, on the DNA integrity and methylation imprinting has not been studied systematically. Follicle survival and development, DNA damage, oocyte growth patterns, maturation, spindle formation and chromosomal c…