Identification of 3D architecture of mammalian oviduct to design a biomimetic scaffold

Author: Ani Kiria
Keywords: Oviduct, micro-CT, fractal analysis, oestrous cycle, biomimetic scaffold.
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Infertility is a global problem that affects millions of individuals around the world. Consequently, it is crucial to find effective ways to overcome this problem. The development of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), in particular in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), is of great importance in overcoming the problem of infertility. Compared to other ARTs, the IVF method is less invasive and more similar to the physiological condition. Therefore, it is important to improve IVF outcomes (number of fertilized oocytes, embryo quality) through introduction of novel approaches. Naturally, sperm selection, capacitation, egg fertilization, cleavage and other significant processes occur in the fallopian tube, the organ that connects the uterus with the ovaries. Therefore, understanding the complex architecture of the oviduct is crucial for creating 3D biomimetic scaffolds with presence of the somatic component to realize the IVF process, understand the mechanisms of the physiological processes taking place in this organ and develop new methods of infertility treatment. The present study aims to investigate the advantages of micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) method in analyzing the structure of the oviduct at different stages of the oestrous cycle in comparison with histology. To perform this study, the oviducts of animals at different stages of the oestrous cycle were collected, followed by micro-CT scanning (Skyscan 1172G Bruker, Kontich, Belgium) and histological analysis. The images obtained by Micro-CT technology and histological method were analyzed by the ImageJ (v. 1.54f) program. The FracLac plugin (V. 2.5) was used for the fractal analysis of tomography samples. The obtained data demonstrates that by using the Micro-CT method, it is possible to capture high-resolution images, while the use of fractal analysis allows proper evaluation of the complex structure of the oviduct and its alterations at different stages of the oestrous cycle. Thus, the use of micro-computed tomography and fractal analysis is a novel, more accurate and effective approach compared to histological method, that will facilitate the creation of biomimetic scaffolds and the development of new strategies for the treatment of infertility.