Cold ischaemic preservation of human uterine tissue.

ABSTRACT

Uterine transplantation may be a possible treatment option in the future for absolute uterine infertility. The tolerance of human uterine tissue to cold ischemic preservation is one of the issues that need to be resolved. The objective of this study was to assess the morphological changes in human uterine tissue after cold ischemic preservation in a transplant solution. Small tissue samples of human uteri were subjected to cold ischemia (2-8 degrees C for up to 48 hours) in Celsior transplant solution. Histological analysis by light and electron microscopy was used to assess evidence of cold ischemic injury. Histological examination did not show any major changes of the uterine tissue after 48-hour cold preservation; whereas, electron microscopy after 24 hours confirmed unchanged structural integrity of the uterine myoendometrium. The human uterus is morphologically resistant toward cold ischemia in Celsior preservation solution for up to 24 hours and may be suitable for transplantation purposes.