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Freeze/thaw stress induces organelle remodeling and membrane recycling in cryopreserved human mature oocytes

  • Gamete Biology
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Abstract

Purpose

Our aim was to evaluate the ultrastructure of human metaphase II oocytes subjected to slow freezing and fixed after thawing at different intervals during post-thaw rehydration.

Methods

Samples were studied by light and transmission electron microscopy.

Results

We found that vacuolization was present in all cryopreserved oocytes, reaching a maximum in the intermediate stage of rehydration. Mitochondria-smooth endoplasmic reticulum (M-SER) aggregates decreased following thawing, particularly in the first and intermediate stages of rehydration, whereas mitochondria-vesicle (MV) complexes augmented in the same stages. At the end of rehydration, vacuoles and MV complexes both diminished and M-SER aggregates increased again. Cortical granules (CGs) were scarce in all cryopreserved oocytes, gradually diminishing as rehydration progressed.

Conclusions

This study also shows that such a membrane remodeling is mainly represented by a dynamic process of transition between M-SER aggregates and MV complexes, both able of transforming into each other. Vacuoles and CG membranes may take part in the membrane recycling mechanism.

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Acknowledgments

The present study was supported by grants from the National Health Institute, Italian Ministry of Health and the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research (grants from Sapienza University, Rome and University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila). The Authors wish to acknowledge Mr. Ezio Battaglione of the Laboratory for Electron Microscopy “Pietro M Motta,” Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, Rome, for his contribution to sample preparation.

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Author notes

  1. Giovanni Coticchio

    Present address: Biogenesi, Reproductive Medicine Centre, Monza, Italy

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy

    Stefania Annarita Nottola

  2. Humanitas Research Hospital, Department of Gynecology, Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Humanitas Fertility Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy

    Elena Albani & Paolo Emanuele Levi-Setti

  3. Tecnobios Procreazione, Centre for Reproductive Health, Bologna, Italy

    Giovanni Coticchio & Andrea Borini

  4. Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy

    Maria Grazia Palmerini, Caterina Lorenzo & Guido Macchiarelli

  5. CNESPS, National Health Institute, Rome, Italy

    Giulia Scaravelli

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  1. Stefania Annarita Nottola
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  2. Elena Albani
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Correspondence to Stefania Annarita Nottola.

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Nottola, S.A., Albani, E., Coticchio, G. et al. Freeze/thaw stress induces organelle remodeling and membrane recycling in cryopreserved human mature oocytes. J Assist Reprod Genet 33, 1559–1570 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-016-0798-x

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