Ovarian and testicular tissue xenografting: its potential for germline preservation of companion animals, non-domestic and endangered species

Abstract

In the present paper we aim to review the development of both ovarian and testicular xenografting with specific emphasis on its usage for companion animals, non-domestic and endangered species. Ovarian and testicular tissue xenografting has been used successfully across a variety of species for the harvesting of mature gametes and subsequent fertilisation. It has become a novel and promising tool to explore various aspects of testicular development and function and was useful for determination of gonadotoxic treatments on xenografted gonads. In rodent animal models live births have been reported using gametes from xenografted gonadal tissue. Live births were also reported after grafting of human ovarian tissue. We envisage that it will not be long before the first live births across other species, including companion animals, non-domestic and endangered species, will be achieved.