Three-dimensional characterization of murine ovary elasticity using quantitative micro-elastography.

Tissue elasticity regulates the reproductive function of the mammalian ovary. However, characterizing micro-scale elasticity of entire intact ovaries in three-dimensions (3-D) remains challenging. This limits our ability to study how the elasticity of different ovarian structures, such a follicles, oocytes, and corpus luteum, as well as the entire ovary, affect ovarian function. In this work, for the first time, we extend quantitative micro-elastography to characterize 3-D micro-scale elasticity of entire murine ovaries. We demonstrate distinct elasticity patterns of key ovarian structures as well as changes in tissue elasticity with age.