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Review
. 2014 Aug;26(7):915-30.
doi: 10.1071/RD12401.

Three-dimensional systems for in vitro follicular culture: overview of alginate-based matrices

Ivina R Brito  1 , Isadora M T Lima  2 , Min Xu  3 , Lonnie D Shea  3 , Teresa K Woodruff  3 , José R Figueiredo  1
Affiliations
Review

Three-dimensional systems for in vitro follicular culture: overview of alginate-based matrices

Ivina R Brito et al. Reprod Fertil Dev. 2014 Aug.

Abstract

The in vitro culture of ovarian follicles has provided critical insight into the biology of the follicle and its enclosed oocyte and the physical interaction and communication between the theca and granulosa cells and the oocyte that is necessary to produce meiotically competent oocytes. Various two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) culture systems have been developed to evaluate the effect of growth factors, hormones, extracellular matrix components and culture conditions on follicle development and oocyte growth and maturation. Among these culture systems, 3D systems make it possible to maintain follicle structure and support communication between the various cell compartments within the follicle. In this review article, we will discuss the three main approaches to ovarian follicle culture: 2D attachment systems, 3D floating systems and 3D encapsulated systems. We will specifically emphasise the development of and advances in alginate-based encapsulated systems for in vitro follicle culture.

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Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
The cytoskeleton is composed of three types of filaments: microtubules, intermediate filaments and actin filaments.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
A gap-junction channel is composed of two connexons present in the membranes of adjacent cells. Each connexon is formed of a hexagonal arrangement of proteins called connexins.
Fig. 3.
Fig. 3.
Follicles cultured in vitro in different systems. (a) Follicle encapsulated in the culture substrate with its architecture intact. (b) Follicle cultured in 2D system with basal membrane rupture and oocyte extrusion.
Fig. 4.
Fig. 4.
Rotating follicle culture techniques. (a) Follicle suspensions are cultured in test tubes subjected to gentle orbital movement. (b) Follicles in a suspension are cultured within rotating wall vessels.
Fig. 5.
Fig. 5.
In the inverted microdrop system, the culture plate is inverted and the follicle moves down to the extremity of the medium.
Fig. 6.
Fig. 6.
The ‘egg box’ structure formed by alginate G-blocks and bivalent cations (e.g. Ca2+).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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MeSH terms