Isolated ovine primordial follicles cryopreserved in different concentrations of ethylene glycol

Cryopreservation of primordial follicles represents an opportunity to preserve female gametes, and consequently to protect the reproductive capacity of humans and animals, as well as to safeguard genetic material from endangered animal species or rare breeds. The aim of this work was to assess the toxicity of different concentrations of ethylene glycol (EG) to primordial follicles, and verify the viability of these follicles after the freezing-thawing procedure. Primordial follicles were isolated from ovine ovaries and exposed to different EG concentrations to evaluate the cryoprotectant (CPA) toxicity before and after cryopreservation. After isolation of primordial follicle (control), the number (mean ± S.E.M.) of viable primordial follicles/ml was 3764 ± 795.21. The number of viable follicles in the toxicity test using EG at 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 M was 1096 ± 447.9, 960 ± 446.67, 948 ± 366.14, 832 ± 313.59, 856 + 280.67, and 700 ± 255.02, respectively. The number of viable follicles at concentrations of 2.5 M was less than for controls. After cryopreservation, the numbers decreased to 0 ± 0, 148 ± 85.46, 764 ± 246.69, 824 + 291.9, 844 ± 296.27, and 588 ± 200.65, respectively for 0, 0.5,1.0, 1.5,2.0, and 2.5 M EG. The number of viable follicles at 0, 0.5, and 2.5 M was less than for controls. In conclusion after the freezing and thawing procedure, concentrations of 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 M EG can be successfully used for the cryopreservation of isolated follicles in sheep.