Work

Microscale pressure measurements and optical coherence tomography reveal time-dependent biomechanical stages of ovulation in mice

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: murine ovulation model integrated with time-lapse imaging, microscale pressure sensing, and optical coherence tomography (OCT), we characterized and quantified the sequence of mechanical events driving follicle rupture. We demonstrated that ovulation begins with a hyaluronan-dependent rise in intrafollicular pressure, followed by antral expansion and thinning of the follicle wall, which leads to elevated wall stress preceding rupture. Additionally, we characterized changes in ovulatory biomechanical dynamics associated with advanced reproductive age. By mapping the physical timeline of ovulation, this work establishes a framework for understanding the biomechanical regulation of egg release and provides insight into how age-related changes in follicular biomechanics may contribute to infertility.

Source: iScience

DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2025.114086