Betaine-loaded CaCO3 microparticles improve survival of vitrified feline preantral follicles through higher mitochondrial activity and decreased reactive oxygen species

Ovary fragments from six sexually mature cats were vitrified in the presence or absence of betaine or ascorbic acid, loaded (7.4 or 74 mu M betaine; 20 or 200 mu M ascorbic acid) or not (1 mM betaine or 0.3 mM ascorbic acid) into CaCO3 microparticles, and assessed for follicular morphology, oxidative stress and mitochondrial activity Feline ovarian tissue was successfully preserved after vitrification in the presence of 74 mu M betaine loaded in CaCO3 microparticles, as confirmed by morphological analysis and the density of preantral follicles and stromal cells, as well as by the increased mitochondrial activity and decreased production of reactive oxygen species.