Xenotransplantation of whole pig ovaries into nude rats as an experimental model for fertility preservation

Background: Ovarian tissue preservation and retransplantation is a promising strategy to restore fertility in cancer survivors. However, ischemia accompanying ovarian tissue grafting can lead to significant follicle loss. Transplantation of the whole ovary by vascular anastomosis has been considered as an alternative to prevent widespread ischemic damage. In this study the feasibility and function of transplanting whole ovary with intact vasculature were evaluated with the goal of developing a xenograft model for studies using donated human ovaries. Method: Whole swine ovaries with vascular pedicles were perfuse…