DNA degradation in mural granulosa cells of non- and slightly atretic follicles of fresh and cold-stored domestic cat ovaries

Apoptosis of granulosa cells is associated with follicular atresia and may occur before atresia becomes morphologically evident. Detection of DNA fragmentation by in situ end-labeling (ISEL) with terminal transferase allows the histological assessment of apoptotic cells on conventional histological sections. Degradation of DNA also may occur after prolonged cold storage of ovaries caused by the release of lysosomal enzymes. The objectives of this study were to assess follicle atresia and the impact of cold storage for 8, 12, 24, and 48 hr after ovarian excision by assessing DNA degradation in mural granulosa cells of cat ovaries. Follicles were distinguished by morphological criteria as nonatretic (NA), slightly atretic (SA), or atretic, and the mean number (+/-SEM) of granulosa cells labeled by ISEL was determined. About 50% of follicles showed some sign of atresia independent from the stage of the reproductive cycle of the ovarian donor. Number of ISEL-stained granulosa cells for NA and SA, freshly collected follicles was 7.5 +/- 0.6 and 9.3 +/- 0.8 cells/field, respectively, compared to 16.2 + 0.8 cells/field in the wall of atretic follicles (P < 0.001). Fresh NA follicles from luteal phase ovaries had more (P< 0.05) labeled granulosa cells (9.2 +/- 0.7 cells/field) than measured in follicles of cats in a follicular phase (5.7 +/- 0.7). During cold storage. DNA degradation began within 12 hr (NA, 12.2 +/- 0.7 cells/field; SA, 13.3 +/- 0.5), both values being different (P < 0.05) from fresh controls. By 24 hr, DNA degradation was at the level of a positive control subjected to DNAse treatment. In summary, results reveal that granulosa cell DNA degeneration precedes the loss of developmental capacity of cat oocytes during atresia and postexcision storage. Finding irreversible changes in granulosa cell DNA after storage of cat ovaries for > 12 hr may be important for developing oocyte rescue protocols for rare felids in cases where prolonged storage and transport may be required.