Cutting the ovarian surface improves the responsiveness to exogenous hormonal treatment in aged mice

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Ovarian physiology
• Surgical innovation

Background:

• Ovarian vascular abnormalities and fibrosis are linked to diminished ovarian function in aging and low responder patients.
• The ovary's response to injury, similar to wound healing, involves complex vascular and fibrotic processes.
• Current treatments for diminished ovarian function lack effective solutions for vascular and fibrotic changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of a novel surgical ovarian surface cutting technique on ovarian function in an aging mouse model (gcNrg1KO).
• To evaluate the efficacy of this surgical intervention in reversing fibrosis and restoring fertility.
• To assess the potential of this method as a therapeutic option for low responder patients.

Main Methods:

• Surgical incision of the ovarian surface followed by repositioning of the ovary within the bursa ovarica.
• Assessment of fertility through mating tests, smear analysis, and response to exogenous hormonal treatments.
• Histological analysis to examine ovarian stromal remodeling post-surgery.

Main Results:

• Ovarian fibrosis was completely resolved within 7 days post-surgery.
• Abrogation of fibrosis led to improved vascularization around ovarian follicles and resumed follicular development.
• Restored response to exogenous hormones, estrous cycle, and delivery were observed by 21 days, with fertility maintained for 3 months.

Conclusions:

• Surgical cutting of the ovarian surface effectively reverses fibrosis and restores ovarian function.
• This minimally invasive technique demonstrates significant potential as a treatment for diminished ovarian reserve and low responder patients.
• The procedure offers a promising new avenue for improving fertility outcomes in specific patient populations.