Ovarian tissue transportation: a systematic review

Reprod Biomed Online. 2021 Feb;42(2):351-365. doi: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.11.001. Epub 2020 Nov 9.

Abstract

In recent years, some countries and fertility preservation networks have started adopting 24 h transportation for ovarian tissue, a practice that has the potential to spread very quickly due to the high costs and bureaucracy involved in the establishment of ovarian tissue cryobanks. While pregnancies and live births have been reported after such long periods of transportation, this, however, remains an empirical procedure. This review aims to prompt reflection on ovarian tissue transport, highlighting the lack of knowledge in humans by providing a counterpoint looking into more than 40 studies published in different animal models. By discussing these studies in animals, the findings of various models can be deciphered, and light shed on the patterns identified. Like the development of different assisted reproductive technology procedures, this is an important step in creating guidelines for future studies on human ovarian tissue transportation.

Keywords: Assisted reproduction; Organ preservation; Ovarian tissue procurement; Ovarian tissue transport; Ovary; Temperature.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cryopreservation*
  • Female
  • Fertility Preservation*
  • Humans
  • Ovary*
  • Transportation / standards*