RESUMO
This study evaluated the effect of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) on the morphology, primordial follicle activation and growth after in vitro culture of domestic cat ovarian tissue. Ovaries (n = 12) from prepubertal domestic cats were collected and fragmented. One fragment was ï¬xed for histological analysis (fresh control). The remaining fragments were incubated in control medium alone or with 10, 50 or 100 ng/ml FGF-2 for 7 days. After in vitro culture, the following endpoints were analyzed: morphology, activation by counting primordial and developing follicles, and growth (follicle and oocyte diameters). Treatment with 100 ng/ml FGF-2 maintained (P > 0.05) the percentage of normal follicles similar to fresh control. Follicle survival was greater (P < 0.05) after culture in 100 ng/ml FGF-2 than in 50 ng/ml FGF-2. The percentage of primordial follicles decreased (P < 0.05) and the percentage of developing follicles increased (P < 0.05) in all treatments compared with fresh tissue. The proportion of developing follicles increased (P < 0.05) in tissues incubated with 100 ng/ml FGF-2 compared with control medium and other FGF-2 concentrations. Furthermore, culture in 10 or 100 ng/ml FGF-2 resulted in increased (P < 0.05) follicle and oocyte diameters compared with fresh tissues and MEM+. In conclusion, FGF-2 at 100 ng/ml maintains follicle survival and promotes the in vitro activation and growth of cat primordial follicles.
