Does open ovarian biopsy in prepubertal age affect ovarian reserve in a rat model?

Background: Partial resection of the ovary carries a possible risk of fertility reduction. We studied the influence of open ovarian biopsy on ovarian reserve, including anti-Mullerian hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone serum level evaluation, in a prepubertal rat model. Methods: Interventions - the initial surgery was unilateral ovarian biopsy (38 rats, group B1, B2) or unilateral ovarian biopsy and ovarian resection of the contralateral gonad (38 rats, group BR1, BR2). The second operation was bilateral ovarian resection and total resection of the remaining ovary. All rats had hormone serum levels evaluated. The control group had only a blood test taken and bilateral ovarian resection done at the second intervention (30 rats, group C1, C2). The collected tissue was examined estimating follicle count and anti-Mullerian hormone immunoexpression. Results: Anti-Mullerian hormone levels were significantly lower at the second intervention in the group BR2 but significantly higher in the group C2. Follicle-stimulating hormone levels were significantly higher in all but one group (BR2). Conclusions: Biopsy itself might not reduce ovarian reserve if done properly but we should know its possible negative effects in the case of a single remaining ovary. (C) 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc.