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Updated: May 7, 2026
06:32
Bovine Ovarian Cortex Tissue Culture
Published on: January 14, 2021
Human ovarian tissue cortex surrounding benign and malignant lesions.
Mary Ellen Pavone1, Jennifer Hirshfeld-Cytron, Candace Tingen
11Division of Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
Reproductive Sciences (Thousand Oaks, Calif.)
|October 8, 2013
Summary
Ovarian cancer significantly reduces follicle counts compared to benign conditions. Ovarian masses may affect follicle density, impacting fertility preservation counseling for women.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Ovarian Pathology
Background:
- Ovarian pathologies, including benign and malignant conditions, can affect ovarian reserve.
- BRCA gene status is a significant factor in ovarian cancer risk and may influence ovarian reserve.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify follicle numbers in patients with ovarian pathologies (benign and malignant).
- To compare follicle counts in pregnant and nonpregnant states.
- To determine the impact of ovarian masses and BRCA status on follicular counts.
Main Methods:
- Microscopic examination of slides from 134 women undergoing oophorectomy.
- Involved 3 independent counters blinded to diagnosis.
- Included patients with cancer, benign conditions, BRCA+ status, and pregnant/postpartum states.
Main Results:
- Significantly decreased follicle counts in patients undergoing risk-reducing surgery compared to controls.
- Patients with ovarian cancer showed significantly lower follicle counts than all other groups.
- No significant differences in follicle counts were observed within the benign cohort.
Conclusions:
- Ovarian malignancy cortex exhibits decreased follicle density compared to benign masses.
- The mechanical effects of ovarian masses may influence total follicle numbers.
- Increased ovarian stroma in malignancy could lead to a wider distribution of follicles, impacting fertility preservation counseling.
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