The effect of VEGF and Ang-1 on cryopreserved human ovarian grafts in severe combined immunodeficient mice

This study investigates the independent and combined effect of vascular epithelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin 1 (Ang-1) on the follicle survival and vasculogenesis of cryopreserved human ovarian grafts in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. Cryopreserved human ovarian tissue was transplanted into the thigh of SCID mice with treatment of VEGF, Ang-1, or combination at the site of transplantation. Number of follicles, morphology change, follicle apoptosis, micro-vessel density (MVD), and expression of follicle development related genes were assessed in each transplanted ovarian group of SCID mice. VEGF and Ang-1 treatments increased functional follicles and MVD value, reduced the level of follicle apoptosis, and modulated expression of ovarian development related genes and FSH level. Synergistic effect of VEGF and Ang-1 on follicle survival was significantly stronger than treatment alone. In conclusion, treatment of VEGF and Ang-1 significantly improved the survival of follicles and vasculogenesis of transplanted human ovarian tissue in SCID mice.