Investigations into the preservation of human ovaries by means of a cryoprotectivum.

Human ovaries in the phase of follicular ripening were treated by means of a cryoprotectivum immediately after their removal. They were kept at --18degrees C for up to 8 weeks. After having gradually been thawed the ovaries were in vitro connected to a perfusion system. When completely revitalized they were examined in the steady-state for their metabolic behaviour. It was found that in comparison with the untreated controls, depending on the period of preservation, the oxygen consumption and the estrogen secretion had decreased, while the glucose absorption and lactate production had increased. As a morphological substrate a minor oedema was established in the tissue in the histological control after a preservation period of 2 months. This was mainly localized around the arteries. The method can be regarded as suitable for the preservation of ovaries for a limited period of time. It is possible to maintained a metabolism that can still be regarded as functioning.