Received January 07, 2019
Accepted July 19, 2019

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of protocols for cryopreservation of mice ovary to compare the differences in Mouse Vasa Homologue expression (a germline cell marker) and ovarian viability after vitrification or slow freezing. Methods: Female CF1 mice aged 40-45 days was randomly divided into three groups: Control, vitrification or slow freezing. Ovaries were surgically removed, rinsed in saline solution and cryopreserved. For vitrification was used a commercial protocol and for slow freeze was used 1.5 M ethylene glycol (EG) as cryoprotectant. After that the ovaries were processed for histological an immunohistochemical analysis and counting of primordial, primary, pre antral and antral follicles. Results: No significant difference was found in the proportion of high-quality primordial, primary and pre antral follicles after thawing/warming in the slow-freezing and vitrification group. By immunohistochemistry for MVH antibody it was demonstrated that slow freeze group had a higher number of not marked cells (p=0,012), indicating a harmful effect on MVH expression of ovarian tissue, where the cell structure is complex. Conclusion: Although both protocols indicated similar results in histological analysis of follicular counts, the vitrification protocol was significantly better to preserve the ovarian stem cells, an immature germ cell population. These cells are able to self-renew having regeneration potential and may be effective for the treatment of ovarian failure and consequently infertility.