32 NEURON-SPECIFIC EXPRESSION OF THE RED FLUORESCENCE PROTEIN IN CLONED DOGS

The pathogenesis of neuronal degenerative disease as Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been a subject of intensive research for the last few decades worldwide. But despite such effort, treatment or preventive measures for AD have so far made no breakthrough. One of the contributing factors that hindered the progress of research is the lack of appropriate AD models. Mouse models have limitations for AD research because the irreconcilable species gap between the rodent and human has impeded the research itself as well as the application of the findings from the rodent studies to human cases. As an alternative, here we performed a preliminary study to develop novel neuronal degenerative disease models using a canine transgenic somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) technology. The aim of this study is to produce a transgenic dog that expresses neuron-specific transgene in the brain by SCNT. In this study, we chose human synapsin 1 promoter as primarily neuron selective, driving the red fluorescent protein transgene. For SCNT, synapsin 1-red fluorescence protein (SYN1-RFP) was introduced into female beagle adipose-derived stem cell via lentiviral vector infection. The SYN1-RFP cells were injected into enucleated in vivo-matured dog oocytes and fused by electric stimulation. The fused couplets (80/94, 85.1%) were chemically activated and transferred into the uterine tube of 5 naturally oestrus-synchronized surrogates. Three of them (60%) maintained pregnancy and subsequently gave birth to 3 cloned pups (SYN1-RFP A, SYN1-RFP B, SYN1-RFP C) by natural delivery or cesarean section. Birth weights of the offspring ranged from 120 to 280 g and SYN1-RFP C is still alive, healthy and does not show any abnormalities. The microsatellite analysis shows that all SYN1-RFP puppies originated from the SYN1-RFP cells used in SCNT and mitochondrial DNA analysis shows that the puppies had been derived from the oocyte donors. In order to investigate the result in multiple transgene insertions, SYN-RFP puppies were screened by Southern blot analysis using DNA extracted from skin biopsies. Transgene copy number was estimated by Southern blot analysis. The SYN-RFP A and B that died at 3 days after birth had approximately 5 and 2 copies of the transgene integrated, respectively, whereas the alive SYN-RFP C has 1 copy. SYN-RFP B was particular in that it did not express RFP in the entire body, but samples collected postmortem showed expression of the RFP transgene under the human synapsin 1 promoter in neural cells in the brain of SYN-RFP B. In conclusion, we report here that (1) the human synapsin promoter is functional in neural cells of dog brain and (2) a neural-specific-transgene-expressed dog was generated for the first time by transgenic SCNT technique. Furthermore, the SYN-RFP dog has great potential to understand the function of a neuronal degenerative disease model dog. This study was supported by MKE (Grant # 10033839-2011-13), RNL Bio, IPET and TS Corporation.

33 IN VITRO IMMUNOGENICITY OF SOMATIC CELL NUCLEAR TRANSFER-DERIVED TRANSGENIC CLONED DOGS

Histocompatible tissue has been generated by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and the resultant tissues were not rejected by the immune system of the nucleus donors. In addition, many transgenic animals combined with SCNT have been produced. However, in vitro immunogenicity of transgenic cloned animals originated from the same donor cell with nontransgenic cloned animals has not been assessed until now. The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro immunogenicity of cloned dogs with each other, between cloned dogs and transgenic cloned dogs and between transgenic cloned dogs with each other by mixed lymphocyte reaction. In this study, we used cloned beagles (BG1, 2) derived from SCNT using fetal fibroblasts (BF3). Serially, 4 transgenic cloned beagles (Ruppy 1–3, 5) were also genetically engineered from the same donor cell, BF3, with red fluorescent protein (RFP) gene inserted into their genome. We used 2 age-matched healthy female beagle dogs as control dogs. They have different 3 DLA types with all cloned dogs. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of 2 cloned beagles and 4 transgenic cloned beagles were isolated from whole bloods using Ficoll gradient solution. PBMC from each dog were mixed to auto PBMC, other transgenic cloned dogs and non-related control dogs under the experimental designs. All the mixtures were incubated at 37°C for 4 days, adding BrdU labeling reagent and re-incubated for 24 h. Results are expressed in absorbance mean value ± standard deviation of 450-nm wavelength read by microplate reader. Each cell combination was assayed in 8 replicates. In Experiment 1, PBMC of cloned beagles were combined with equal concentrations of another cloned beagle's PBMC. In Experiment 2, PBMC suspension of Ruppy 1–3, 5 were mixed with equal concentrations of another transgenic cloned beagle's PBMC suspension. In Experiment 3, PBMC suspensions of cloned beagles were mixed with PBMC suspensions of transgenic cloned beagles and reverse reaction was performed. Statistical analysis was performed by using Mann-Whitney U test. In Experiment 1, whereas the absorbance value of mixture of cloned dogs and control dogs shows apparent proliferation, auto mixture of each dog and allo-mixture of BG1 and BG2 show no proliferation (Table 1), indicating immunological factors exposed to PBMC in 2 cloned dogs were compatible. In Experiment 2 among transgenic cloned dogs, no evidence of proliferations in mixed allo-PBMC was shown (Table 1), suggesting in vitro immunogenicity between transgenic cloned dogs was also not shown. In Experiment 3 among cloned dogs and transgenic cloned dogs, no significant difference was found (Table 1). In conclusion, cloned dogs derived from SCNT shared immunological phenotype. Next, immunogenicity among transgenic cloned beagle dogs was not shown despite random insertion of a foreign gene. Lastly, cloned beagles and transgenic cloned beagles show lymphocyte antigen compatibility irrespective of having a foreign gene or not. Table 1.The absorbance values of mixed lymphocytes of 4 transgenic cloned dogs and 2 cloned dogs This study was supported by RNL BIO (#0468-20110001), IPET, MKE (#10033839-2011-13) and Natural Balance Korea.

Randomized clinical trial for apogeotropic horizontal canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

OBJECTIVE

To determine the immediate and long-term therapeutic efficacies of Gufoni and head-shaking maneuvers in apogeotropic type of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo involving the horizontal semicircular canal (HC-BPPV), a randomized, prospective, sham-controlled study was conducted.

METHODS

In 10 nationwide dizziness clinics in Korea, 157 consecutive patients (95 women, age range: 18-89 years, mean age ± SD = 59.9 ± 13.6) with apogeotropic HC-BPPV were randomized to Gufoni (n = 52), head-shaking (n = 54), or sham maneuver (n = 51). For Gufoni maneuver, patients underwent ipsilesional side-lying and upward head-turn for migration of the debris toward the vestibule. Immediate responses were determined within 1 hour after a maximum of 2 trials of each maneuver and in the following day. The patients also had weekly follow-ups for 1 month after the initial maneuver.

RESULTS

After a maximum of 2 maneuvers on the initial visit day, Gufoni (38/52, 73.1%) and head-shaking (33/53, 62.3%) maneuvers showed better responses than the sham maneuver (17/49, 34.7%). The cumulative therapeutic effects were also better with Gufoni (p < 0.001) and head-shaking (p = 0.026) maneuvers compared with the sham maneuver. However, therapeutic efficacies did not differ between the Gufoni and head-shaking groups in terms of both immediate (p = 0.129) and long-term (p = 0.239) outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Using a prospective randomized trial, we demonstrated that the Gufoni and head-shaking maneuvers are effective in treating apogeotropic HC-BPPV.

CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE

This study provides Class II evidence that Gufoni and head-shaking maneuvers are effective in treating apogeotropic horizontal BPPV up to 1 month after initial treatment.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT00810641.

Effect of dimethyl sulfoxide on cell cycle synchronization of goldfish caudal fin derived fibroblasts cells

Several studies have previously been conducted regarding cell cycle synchronization in mammalian somatic cells. However, limited work has been performed on the control of cell cycle stages in the somatic cells of fish. The aim of this study was to determine the cell cycle arresting effects of several dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) concentrations for different times on different cell cycle stages of goldfish caudal fin-derived fibroblasts. Results demonstrated that the cycling cells or control group (68.29%) yields significantly higher (p < 0.05) arrest in G0/G1 phase compared with the group treated for 24 h with different concentrations (0.5%, 1.0% or 1.5%) of DMSO (64.88%, 65.70%, 64.22% respectively). The cell cycle synchronization in the treatment of cells with 1.0% DMSO at 48 h (81.14%) was significantly higher than that in the groups treated for 24 h (76.82%) and the control group (77.90%). Observations showed that treatment of DMSO resulted in an increase in the proportion of cells at G0/G1 phase for 48 h of culture. However, high levels of apoptotic cells can be detected after 48 h of culture treated with 1% concentration of DMSO.

331 BLOOD ANTIGEN-COMPATIBILITY BETWEEN CLONED BEAGLES AND TRANSGENIC CLONED BEAGLES

It is known that cloned animals produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) using the same donor cells show immunological compatibility for tissue transplantation. However, immunological compatibility for tissue transplantation or blood transfusion between cloned animals and transgenic cloned animals originating from the same donor cell has not been assessed until now. The objective of this study was to evaluate the compatibility of blood group antigens in cloned dogs with each other, in cloned dogs and transgenic cloned dogs, and in transgenic cloned dogs with each other by a crossmatching test. In Lee’s group, 2 cloned beagles (BG1, 2) were produced from fetal fibroblasts (BF3) using SCNT. Serially, 4 transgenic cloned beagles (Ruppy 1–3, 5) were also genetically engineered from the same donor cell, BF3, although with the transfection of the red fluorescent protein (RFP) gene. All 6 beagles shared the same genetic background except for RFP gene insertion in their genome. Canine blood antigen is labelled as dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA), a critical factor for determining blood antigen compatibility during a crossmatching test. Blood samples were collected from all tested dogs. Serum and red blood cells (RBC) were separated; RBC of all dogs were washed 3 times with 0.9% saline, and a 4% RBC suspension was made from the washed cells. They were mixed in the following experimental designs. In experiment 1, an RBC suspension of cloned beagles was combined with equal volumes of another cloned beagle’s serum. In experiment 2, an RBC suspension of Ruppy 1–3, 5 was mixed with an equal volume of another transgenic cloned beagle’s serum; the reverse reaction was also performed. In experiment 3, an RBC suspension of cloned beagles was mixed with the serum of transgenic cloned beagles and the reverse reaction was performed. All the mixtures were incubated at 37°C for 20 min, centrifuged, and then assessed for hemolysis or agglutination. In experiments 1 and 2, no samples showed any evidence of hemolysis. However, in contrast to the other experiments, experiment 3 showed a different pattern. Although the RBC of transgenic cloned dogs showed hemolysis when mixed with the serum of cloned dogs, the RBC of cloned dogs did not react with the serum of transgenic cloned dogs. From the results, we see that the 4 transgenic cloned beagles could not be donors for blood transfusion, but the 2 cloned dogs could be universal donors for all. In conclusion, cloned beagles and transgenic cloned beagles show blood antigen compatibility within themselves. However, the 4 transgenic cloned beagles showed blood antigen incompatibility with the 2 cloned beagles. This study was supported by Korean MEST, through NRF (grant #M10625030005-10N250300510), and BK21 program, SNU foundation (Benefactor; RNL BIO) and Natural Balance Korea.

56 ESTABLISHMENT OF TRANSGENIC RED FLUORESCENCE PROTEIN (RFP) CLONE DOGS THROUGH A STABLE TRANSMISSION OF RFP GENE TO NEXT GENERATION

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) technology has been spotlighted not only for its advantage in producing unlimited numbers of genetically identical animals, but also the possibility of producing complex genetic modifications in animals. However, a few reports showed that mosaic expression of transgene in transgenic animals produced by SCNT (Park et al. 2002) and down-regulated gene expression is sometimes irreversible in their offspring (Bordignon et al. 2003). Therefore, we investigated reproductive ability by a breeding between female transgenic beagles and wild-type beagles. When female transgenic beagles (R1, R2, R3, and R5) expressing red fluorescence protein (RFP) gene reached puberty at 373, 353, 283, and 354 days after birth, serum progesterone concentration was monitored for detecting timing of ovulation. Approximately 72 to 79 h after ovulation, the beagles were naturally mated or artificially inseminated. Pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasonography at Day 30 after insemination. The transgenic bitches (R1, R2, R3, and R5) were then bred with wild-type male dogs, became pregnant, and successfully delivered 13 puppies (9 female and 4 male). In order to prove integration of RFP gene in all offspring, DNA was extracted from the blood of pups on Day 7 after birth. For PCR analysis, a primer pair for the RFP gene, forward primer (5′CGTGAAGCTGAAGGTGA-3′) and reverse primer (5′-CTCGTACTGCTCCACGA-3′), were used to amplify a 517-bp DNA fragment. The initial denaturation was performed at 94°C for 5 min, followed by 30 cycles at 94°C for 40 s (denaturation), 58°C for 40 s (annealing), and 72°C for 40 s (extension), and a final incubation at 72°C for 10 min to ensure complete strand extension. Presence of the RFP transgene in 7 of the puppies was confirmed by PCR and the puppies expressed RFP upon UV illumination. It was not different from the 53.8% expected Mendelian ratio. The present result demonstrated a stable transmission of the RFP gene into 5 female and 2 male offspring in the second generation. Among the second generation, 2 female puppies integrated with the RFP gene were in heat at ∼1-year-old. They were then bred with the semen of a wild-type beagle and bore 6 puppies. In the third generation, 3 puppies carried the RFP gene and results showed the expected Mendelian ratio. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that female transgenic beagles have normal reproductive ability and a stable insertion of the transgene to the next generation. This study was financially supported by NRF (#M10625030005-508-10N25), SNU foundation (Benefactor; RNL BIO), BK 21 for Veterinary Science, and Purina Korea.

105 IN VIVO DEVELOPMENT OF CANINE PARTHENOTES AND THE EXPRESSION PATTERN OF Igf2/Igf2r GENES

Parthenogenesis is the process by which an oocyte develops without fertilization, resulting in parthenogenetic embryos carrying only maternal chromosomes. Until now, little information has been available on the post-activation development of parthenogenetic embryos, and there are no reports about canine post-implantation development of parthenogenetically activated oocytes. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the development of parthenogenetic canine embryos when implanted in vivo, and the subsequent post-implantation development of such canine parthenogenetic fetuses. Also, we examined expression patterns of Igf2 and its receptor (Igf2r), which are reciprocally imprinted and expressed from the paternal and maternal genomes, respectively, in other mammalians, to gain insight into the role of genomic imprinting during uniparental development. In vivo matured dog oocytes were obtained by flushing oviducts of mixed breed bitches ∼72 h after ovulation. The denuded oocytes (n = 48; 5 replicates) were subjected to chemical activation by incubation in a culture medium containing 10 μM calcium ionophore (Sigma, St. Louis, MO, USA) for 4 min and then in a culture medium supplemented with 1.9 mM of 6- dimethylaminopurine (Sigma) for 4 h at 39°C. Parthenogenetic embryos were surgically transferred to synchronized recipient female dogs. The implantation rate of parthenogenetic embryos was compared with that of artificially inseminated controls. Normal and parthenogenetic fetuses, obtained from recipients on Day 28, 30, and 32 of pregnancy, were analysed for gross external morphology and Igf2/Igf2r gene expression examined. Data were analysed using SAS and means compared by Student’s t-test. The in vivo development of canine parthenogenetic fetuses was observed after embryo transfer and the implantation rate of parthenotes was 56.3%, which was significantly lower than those of the control (79.5%; P < 0.05). The weight of parthenogenetic fetuses and placentae recovered from uteri at 28, 30, and 32 day of pregnancy were significantly lighter than those of the control (P < 0.05), whereas the appearance of recovered parthenogenetic fetuses were comparable to those of in vivo fertilized fetuses. We found that both Igf2 and Igf2r were expressed in canine parthenotes but the expression level of Igf2 in the parthenotes was significantly lower than the control (P < 0.05). The expression level of Igf2r in the parthenotes was comparable with the control. These results confirmed that the protocols used in our present study were suitable for activating the canine oocyte artificially and to support the viability and developmental potential of canine embryos up to the mid-gestation stage. It will provide an opportunity to determine the reason for developmental differences between parthenogenetic and fertilized embryos, and will be a useful model system for elucidating the roles of parental genomes in mammalian postimplantation development. This study was financially supported by NRF (#M10625030005-508-10N25), SNU foundation (Benefactor; RNL BIO), Institute for Veterinary Science, and Nature Balance Korea.

Influence of oocyte donor and embryo recipient conditions on cloning efficiency in dogs

To determine factors that affect the efficiency of dog cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer, the present study was performed to investigate 1) the effects of surgical history (non-operated/operated) and parity (nullipara/multipara) on the recovery of in vivo canine oocytes; 2) the effects of surgical history and parity of recipients on the pregnancy and delivery; and 3) the effects of synchronization state (AA, advanced asynchrony; SY, synchrony; RA, retarded asynchrony) between oocytes donor and recipient on the pregnancy and delivery. Oocyte recovery rate was significantly higher in non-operated dogs compared to operated dogs (93.8 vs. 89.6%, P < 0.05) and not different between nulliparous dogs and multiparous dogs. Delivery rate was also significantly higher in non-operated dogs compared to operated dogs (2.8 vs. 1.0%, P < 0.05) and in nulliparous dogs than multiparous dogs (3.0 vs. 1.7%, P < 0.05). Even though SY showed increased pregnancy and delivery rate (20.0% and 3.0%) compared to AA (15.0% and 2.0%) and RA (0.0% and 0.0%), there was no significant difference. In conclusion, we recommend non-operated dogs as experimental dogs and nulliparous dogs as recipient dogs to increase delivery rate after transfer of somatic cell nuclear transferred embryos, but further study is needed to find out appropriate synchrony status at the transfer.

Differentiating blood samples from scrapie infected and non-infected hamsters by detecting disease-associated prion proteins using Multimer Detection System

This communication describes the application of a modified sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), termed Multimer Detection System (MDS) for the detection of disease-associated multimeric forms of the prion protein (PrPd) in hamster blood. PrPd was detected in plasma of prion-affected hamsters while MDS revealed no PrPd in identically-treated plasma of healthy animals. This is the first report of a single ELISA- based immune detection of PrPd from blood samples.

63 ESTABLISHMENT OF GREEN FLUORESCENT PROTEIN EXPRESSED DOG CELL LINES CONTROLLED BY DOXYCYCLINE

An inducible gene expression system in transgenic animals has been widely used in biomedical science. The aim of this study was to establish green fluorescent protein (GFP) inducible dog cell line and evaluate the system in embryos using interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer (iSCNT). Canine fetal fibroblasts were transfected with retroviral vector containing GFP, rtTA, and TRE and designated Gteton cell line. For iSCNT, bovine ovaries were collected from a local slaughterhouse and COCs were matured for 24 h. The denuded oocytes were enucleated, injected with Gteton cells, treated with 24 h of doxycycline (DOX), and electrically fused (NEPA GENE, 34 V, 15 μs, 2 pulses). The reconstructed oocytes were activated and then cultured in modified SOF medium. To verify the stability of the Gteton cells, 2 experiments were designed. Experiment 1 was designed to compare the cell size and viability of Gteton and nontransfected cells. Countness™ (Invitrogen, version 1.0, Carlsbad, CA, USA) was used for analysis. In experiment 2, the control of GFP gene expression was observed when the cells were cultured with 1 mg mL-1 of DOX. The cells were also cultured without DOX after 24 h of DOX treatment. Photographs were taken of cultured cells every 12 h. The intensity of GFP expression was analyzed by using Image J freeware (U.S. National Institutes of Health, version 1.42, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA). To evaluate the reprogramming ability of the Gteton cells in embryos, another 2 experimental designs were planned. Experiment 3 estimated GFP expression in iSCNT embryos when they were cultured with and without DOX. Experiment 4 assessed the development of the iSCNT embryos under microscopy. Data were analyzed using statistical analysis system program (version 9.1, SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA). In experiment 1, there was no significance (P < 0.05) in average viable cell size (13.7 v. 13.2 μm) or viability (97.0 v. 98.7%). In experiment 2, the GFP intensity increased steadily when cultured in medium containing DOX. The intensity was increased approximately two times after 24 h compared with 12 h of treatment. The intensity after 24 h of DOX treatment decreased to the basal level after 5 days. In experiment 3, the GFP intensity of iSCNT embryos cultured in mSOF containing DOX was increased approximately two times in 16-cell stage compared with 2-cell stage. In experiment 4, the cleavage rate was not significantly different between the 2 groups. In conclusion, we dtermined that the inducible system of Gteton cell line was established in a stable manner. Furthermore the results from iSCNT may indicate the possibility to produce GFP-expressed transgenic puppies controlled by doxycyline. This study was supported by Korean MEST through KOSEF (grant # M10625030005-09N250300510) and BK21 program, RNL BIO, and Natural Balance Korea.

39 FACTORS AFFECTING PREGNANCY RATE FOLLOWING TRANSFER OF SOMATIC CELL NUCLEAR TRANSFER EMBRYOS IN DOGS

There have been attempts to find out factors influencing pregnancy rate after transfer of somatic cell nuclear transferred (SCNT) couplets in several species. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of parity, surgical history, and synchronization state between oocytes donor and recipient on the pregnancy rate following transfer of SCNT embryos in dogs. A total of 25 mixed-breed female dogs, aged 1 to 5 years old, weighing 20 to 35 kg were used in this study. In vivo-matured oocytes, obtained by flushing uterine tubes of donor dogs approximately 72 h after ovulation, were used for SCNT. Ovulation was determined by daily serum progesterone concentration. Reconstructed embryos (range = 7–36, average = 18.0 embryos) with normal morphology were surgically transferred into the ampullary portion of the uterine tube of recipient dogs. Pregnancy was determined at least 26 days after transfer by untrasonography. In experiment 1, recipient females were divided into 2 groups: nulliparous (7 bitches) and multiparous (17 bitches) groups. In experiment 2, recipient females were divided into 2 groups by surgical history: operated (10 bitches) and non-operated (14 bitches) groups. Operated group included those with a history of 1 laparotomy, either flushing of uterine tubes or SCNT embryo transfer. Non-operated group included those without history of any surgery. In experiment 3, recipient females were divided into 2 groups: synchronous (13 bitches) and asynchronous (7 bitches) groups. Synchronous was defined that the oocyte donor dog and the recipient dog ovulate at the same day. Asynchronous was defined that the oocyte donor dog ovulates 1 day earlier than the recipient. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Analysis System program (SAS Institute, version 9.1, Cary, NC, USA). In experiment 1, pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the multiparous group than the nulliparous group (23.5 v. 14.2%, P < 0.05). In experiment 2, surgical history did not influence the pregnancy rate between operated and non-operated groups (20.0 and 21.4%, respectively). In experiment 3, pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the asynchronous group than the synchronous group (42.9 v. 15.4%, P < 0.05). In conclusion, multiparous bitches improved the efficiency of SCNT embryo transfer. A higher pregnancy rate resulted when the oocyte donor dog’s ovulation time was 1 day earlier than that of the recipient dog. Other factors should be investigated for further improvement of the SCNT embryo transfer efficiency. This study was financially supported by the Korean MEST, through KOSEF (grant # M10625030005-08N250300510) and the BK21 program for Veterinary Science, and SNU foundation (Benefactor; RNL BIO).

89 MALE-TO-FEMALE SEX REVERSAL IN WOLF DERIVED FROM SOMATIC CELL NUCLEAR TRANSFER WITH 78,XY KARYOTYPE

Normal sexual differentiation relies on a complex cascade of numerous genes, many of which have yet to be identified. Gene defects can cause disorders of sexual development with varying severity. Among them, SRY (sex-determining region on Y chromosome) genes are involved in the early steps of maleness determination. In human, mutations of the SRY gene have been diagnosed in up to 20% cases of females with XY karyotype. There have been a few instances of intersexuality such as true hermaphrodites or pseudo hermaphrodites, but no reports yet in canid of XY male-to-female sex reversal. Recently, we reported the cloning of endangered male gray wolves (Canis lupus) from somatic cells collected postmortem (Oh HJ et al. 2008 Theriogenology). In this study, the 3 wolves were delivered with normal karyotype (78,XY), but 1 wolf had female external genitalia such as a vulva and clitoris. For further diagnosis, we conducted macroscopic, radiologic, surgical, histological, and cytogenetic study. On gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test, the blood serum testosterone concentration was low (<1 ng mL–1). Imaging diagnosis by radiography in the form of uterogram and by ultrasonography revealed a normal uterus and bilateral ovary-like structures located caudal to the kidney. During exploratory laparotomy, we found a normal uterus and bilateral ovary-like mass. Histopathological analysis showed the uterus and ovary to be normal, but no evidence of the presence of testicular tissue. The molecular analysis of the SRY genes with a direct DNA sequencing technique detected nucleotide changes more than one position in this affected animal compared with that of the control groups (cell donor and other female litter mates) although at a low rate. However, we did not yet analyze the nature of this mutation such as amino acid change, location within gene, protein function, and so on, so it will be needed further studies. These results indicate that this abnormal sex development of the studied wolf was probably caused by SRY gene mutations. Herein, we reported the case of a cloned wolf with normal ovaries and uterus having a 78,XY karyotype. Further studies are required to elucidate whether this mutation in the SRY gene could impair the normal function of the SRY protein. This study was financially supported by the Korean MEST, through KOSEF (grant # M10625030005-08N250300510) and the BK21 program for Veterinary Science, and SNU foundation(Benefactor; RNL BIO)/Hanwha L&C.

33 REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF CLONED DOGS DERIVED FROM SOMATIC CELL NUCLEAR TRANSFER

Several cloned dogs have been successfully produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer. However, there is no investigation of its reproductive characteristics including changes of hormone and ovarian follicles in cloned dogs. Thus, this study was to examine the onset of puberty, follicular dynamics, and reproductive hormone profiles in cloned beagle dogs. Two female cloned beagles, derived from fetal fibroblasts, were compared to 2 individual age- and weight-matched female beagles produced by natural breeding. All dogs were examined twice weekly from 6 months for the presence of swelling of the vulva and serosanguineous vaginal discharge, which were used as markers of the onset of proestrus. From the first day of proestrus, jugular venous blood samples were collected twice a day for hormonal analysis. Also, from the day when progesterone concentration was >1 ng mL–1 until 5 days after ovulation, blood sampling was carried out 3 times a day. Ultrasound examination of ovaries and uterus was performed daily from the onset of proestrous until 5th day post-ovulation. Cloned female dogs (332.5 ± 1.5 days) reached puberty later than controls (300 ± 8 days). The mean number of ovarian follicles was 4.5 ± 0.5 v. 6.5 ± 0.5 for clones and controls, respectively. The largest size of ovarian follicles in clones and controls detected by ultrasound were 0.6 ± 0.03 v. 0.69 ± 0.07 cm, respectively. It took 8 days from the initiation of vulvar bleeding to the LH peak in all beagles. Moreover, there were no differences in the profile of hormonal changes (LH, FSH, estradiol, and progesterone) in cloned and control beagles. These results demonstrate that cloned dogs have normal development of reproduction. This study was financially supported by the Korean MEST, through KOSEF (grant # M10625030005-08N250300510) and the BK21 program for Veterinary Science.

46 EFFECT OF SHORT-TERM TRICHOSTATIN A TREATMENT ON BOVINE SOMATIC CELL NUCLEAR TRANSFER EMBRYOS

Epigenetic reprogramming such as acetylation in somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) has been known as one of problems in cloned embryos. For resolving this acetylation reprogramming, many investigators recently have reported the effect of long-term culture of post-activated SCNT embryos using trichostatin A (TSA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi). The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of short-term TSA treatment on in vitro developmental ability and the quality of bovine SCNT embryos. Immature oocytes were aspirated from abattoir-derived ovaries, matured in vitro for 22 h, and enucleated. A bovine fetal fibroblast was placed into the enucleated oocyte and fused by electrical stimulation. The fused couplets were activated by 4-min incubation in 10 μm ionomycin, followed by 4 h of culture in 1.9 mm 6-dimethylaminopurine with or without TSA (0, 50, or 100 nm). The SCNT embryos were subsequently cultured in modified synthetic oviduct fluid medium for 8 days. Developmental competence was assessed by blastocyst formation and total cell number. Total cell numbers were determined by staining with bisbenzimide 33342. As results, developmental competence to blastocysts was higher in 100 nm than control (36.7 v. 27.9%, P < 0.05). In blastocyst hatching rate, TSA 100 nm group (19.5%) at 8 days showed an increased pattern as opposed to control and TSA 50 nm group (11.1 and 12.7%; P < 0.05). No significant differences in two cell and morula stage were observed among treatment groups. In terms of development to hatching stage of blastocysts, TSA 100 nm group (19.5%) at 8 days has a significant effect compared to control and TSA 50 nm group (11.1 and 12.7%; P < 0.05). Total cell number of blastocysts derived from TSA 100 nm was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that in TSA 50 nm (116 v. 100), whereas there was not significant difference between control and TSA 100 nm. In conclusion, short-term culture with high concentration of TSA improved the blastocysts formation however total cell number of blastocysts showed contradictory result. The epigenetic modification by TSA treatment on bovine SCNT needs further investigation. This study was financially supported by KOSEF (grant # M10625030005-08N250300510) and the Korean MEST, through the BK21 program for Veterinary Science.

49 CLONING OF CANCER SNIFFING DOG BY SOMATIC CELL NUCLEAR TRANSFER

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) has been considered as an important method for the production of genetically identical animals and propagation of valuable genotypes. A 3-year-old dog with an outstanding talent for sniffing a cancer was used as a donor dog for SCNT. The donor dog cannot get pregnant by natural fertilization after she suffered pyometra leading to the removal of her reproductive tract. Thus, the aim of this study was to preserve the cancer sniffing dog with excellent genetic background by SCNT. Skin fibroblast from a piece of ear tissue was isolated and cultured. For SCNT, in vivo matured dog oocytes were collected by flushing the oviducts of estrus females. The oocytes were enucleated, microinjected with a donor cell, and fused by electric stimulation. One hundred thirty out of 163, reconstructed embryos (79.8%) were successfully fused. The cloned embryos were chemically activated and transferred into the uterine tube of 7 naturally estrus-synchronized surrogates as with previous report (Lee et al. 2005 Nature). One among them became pregnant, maintained to term, and delivered 4 cloned live offspring (3.1%, live birth/transferred embryos), weighting 450, 410, 430, and 420 g by Caesarean section. The parentage analysis was performed and all cloned pups were genetically identical to the donor dog, and their mitochondrial DNA was originated from their oocyte donor dogs. The present results demonstrated the successful production of four cloned cancer sniffing dogs by SCNT. To date, all cloned puppies have been healthy, growing without apparent abnormalities. Cloned dogs will be trained for cancer sniffing and will be able to provide potential scientific evidence toward the cancer detecting mechanism. This study was financially supported by KOSEF (grant # M10625030005-08N250300510), SNU foundation (Benefactor; RNL BIO), and the Korean MEST, through the BK21 program for Veterinary Science.

Effects of activin A on the in vitro development and mRNA expression of bovine embryos cultured in chemically-defined two-step culture medium

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of activin A on the developmental competence of in vitro fertilized (IVF) bovine embryos derived from a two-step defined culture system (C1/C2 medium) during the early or later stages of embryo development. To evaluate the effects of activin A on transcriptional levels, we analysed genes related to blastocyst hatching and implantation and to activin signalling pathway in IVF embryos. Cumulus-oocyte complexes were matured for 22 h and fertilized in vitro. Presumptive zygotes were cultured in the presence or absence of activin A during early (0-120 h, C1) or later (120-192 h, C2) stages. Although the developmental competence of embryos cultured with activin A in C1 medium was not significantly different from their corresponding controls, development to blastocysts (22.4% vs 34.7%; p < 0.05) and the blastocyst hatching rate (9.3% vs 22.4%; p < 0.05) in C2 medium supplemented with 100 ng/ml activin A were significantly higher than in the control group. To evaluate the effect of activin A on transcription, the relative expression levels of genes related to blastocyst hatching and implantation (Na/K-ATPase, E-cad and Glut-1) as well as activin signalling pathway (ActRII, ActRIIB and Smad2) were analysed. Compared to control medium, gene expression of Na/K-ATPase, E-cad, Glut-1, ActRII and ActRIIB was increased in medium supplemented with activin A. In conclusion, this study suggests that activin A, during the later stage of in vitro bovine embryo development, can enhance in vitro development of embryos by increasing hatching rates and affecting expression levels of genes related to hatching and implantation in defined culture medium.

36 CLONED BEAGLE DOGS DERIVED FROM FETAL FIBROBLASTS BY NUCLEAR TRANSFER

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) has been successfully performed in various mammals including sheep, cow, pig, and mouse using a variety of somatic cell types as nuclear donors. Several reports of livestock SCNT indicate that fetal fibroblasts are superior to adult fibroblasts as donor cells. In canine SCNT, however, only adult ear fibroblasts have been used as donor cells (Lee et al. 2005 Nature 436, 641; Jang et al. 2007 Theriogenology 67, 941–947). Accordingly, in the present study, we evaluated the ability of canine fetal fibroblasts to support fetal development to term after nuclear transfer. For SCNT, in vivo-matured oocytes flushed (approximately 72 h after ovulation) from the oviducts of six estrus females were used. Donor cells (fetal fibroblasts) were isolated from the fetus of a beagle bitch obtained at 28 days after artificial insemination. Before using fetal fibroblasts as donor cells, sex was determined by SRY gene detection using PCR. Oocytes were enucleated, microinjected with a female fetal fibroblast, fused by electrical stimulation, and activated chemically (Jang et al. 2007). A total of 50 cloned presumptive embryos were transferred (Day 0) into the oviducts of two naturally synchronous recipient bitches. One pregnancy, detected by ultrasonography on Day 23, was maintained to term and two healthy female puppies weighing 250 and 260 g were born by natural delivery on Day 60. They were genotypically identical to the donor cells, and had phenotypically similar black and white coat color patterns. Analysis of their mtDNA distribution showed that mtDNA in the two cloned beagles originated from one of the six oocyte donor dogs. In conclusion, our results demonstrate the potential of using fetal fibroblasts to facilitate nuclear transfer in the dog. The cloned beagle dogs, which had identical nucleus and mitochondrial DNA, will be provided for biomedical research as bioresources. This study was financially supported by KOSEF (grant # M10625030005-07N250300510) and the Korean MOE, through the BK21 program for Veterinary Science.

48 THE AMOUNT OF TELOMERIC DNA IN LYMPHOCYTES OF DOG CLONES

Controversy regarding the restoration of eroded telomere length of donor cells after the nuclear transfer process has arisen from previous studies of cloned cattle, mice, and pigs. Little is known about telomere lengths in dogs from either natural breeding or somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). In this study, we investigated the amount of telomeric DNA (ATD) in the lymphocytes of growing dog clones and their somatic cell donors. One cloned male Afghan hound dog [Snuppy (Lee et al. 2005 Nature 436, 641)] and 3 cloned female Afghan hound dogs (Jang et al. 2006 Theriogenology; doi:10.1016J.THERIOGENOLOGY.2006.11.006) were obtained from somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) of ear skin fibroblasts. The lymphocytes were recovered from all dog clones: their nuclear donor dogs (male donor dog, female donor dog), and six normal Afghan hound dogs (control, and 10-, 20-, 26-, 49-, 55-, and 58-month-old, respectively). The ATD was analyzed by quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization (Q-FISH) with a telomeric DNA probe. A telomeric probe containing the TTAGGG repeated DNA sequence was simultaneously amplified and labeled with digoxigenin (DIG) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using dog genomic DNA as template, a (GGGTAA)7 primer, and a DIG-labeling kit (Roche, Mannheim, Germany). To analyze the amount of telomeric DNA on the lymphocytes, at least 100 interphase nuclei were examined in each specimen. The image was captured by a digital camera (DP-70, Olympus) and analyzed using MetaMorph (Universal Imaging Co., Downingtown, PA, USA), an image analysis program. Our results indicated that the ATD in normal Afghan hounds gradually decreased with age. Although no difference in ATD was observed between 10- and 26-month-old dogs, the ATD in the 26-month-old dog was significantly higher than that in 49-, 55-, and 58-month-olds (P < 0.05). The mean percentage of telomeric DNA in Snuppy (18-month-old; 2.38%) was significantly higher than that in the nuclear donor dog (49-month-old; 2.12%) but less than that in the age-matched control (20-month-old; 2.72%; P < 0.05). The ATD in 3 female clone dogs (3-, 2-, and 2-month-olds; 3.47, 3.28, and 3.07%) were significantly higher than that in the nuclear donor (26-month-old; 2.65%). In conclusion, the mean percentages of telomeric DNA in dog clones were higher than in nuclear donor dogs, and the ATD of the cloned male dog was different from that in age-matched controls from natural reproduction. The results suggest that the amount of telomeric DNA in dog clones can be restored with the nuclear transfer of cultured donor fibroblasts, but further studies are required as to how telomere reprogramming occurs during the nuclear transfer process.

133 EFFECTS OF ACTIVINA ON mRNA EXPRESSION IN IN VITRO FERTILIZED BOVINE EMBRYOS CULTURED FROM CHEMICALLY DEFINED TWO-STEP CULTURE MEDIUM

During the preimplantation stage, embryo development occurs in a maternal environment within the oviducts and uterine horns. It has been speculated that both the embryo itself and the maternal reproductive tract provide paracrine factors that influence embryo development (Jones et al. 2006 Reproduction 132(5), 799–810). Activins are known for FSH releasers, and several previous studies have reported that activin subunits and activin receptors mRNA were expressed in oocytes, zygotes, and oviduct (Yoshioka et al. 1998 Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 10(3), 293–298; Gandolfi et al. 1995 Mol. Reprod. Dev. 40(3), 286–291). The purposes of the present study were Experiment 1) to evaluate the effects of activin A on developmental competence of bovine embryos derived from two-step defined culture medium (Lim et al. 2007 Theriogenology 67(2), 293–302) and Experiment 2) to analyze the effects of activin A on transcriptional level of the genes in IVF embryos. Cumulus–oocyte complexs were harvested from ovaries obtained from a local slaughter house, matured, and fertilized in vitro. In vitro fertilized zygotes cultured in media supplemented with activin A in the early stage at the concentrations of 0, 10, or 100 ng mL–1 or in the later stage medium at the concentrations of 0, 10, or 100 ng mL–1. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS) program. In Exp. 1, although the development competence of embryos that cultured with activin A in the early stage medium was not significantly different, development to blastocysts on day 8 in the later stage medium with 100 ng mL–1 activin A was significantly higher than the control group [22.4% (54/264) v. 34.7% (76/233); P < 0.05]. Hatching rate of blastocyst on day 8 was significantly higher in the presence of 100 ng mL–1 activin A in the later stage culture medium compared with the control group [9.3% (5/54) v. 22.4% (17/76); P < 0.05]. In Exp. 2, the relative expression of 3 genes (Na/KATPase, E-cad, Glut-1) related to blastocyst hatching and implantation was analyzed. The relative abundance (ratio to GAPDH mRNA) of gene transcripts in blastocysts was measured by conventional semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The expression level of the Na/K ATPase, E-cad, and Glut-1 gene were higher in the presence of activin A in the culture medium compared with the control group. In conclusion, this study suggests that activin A during the later stage of in vitro bovine embryo development can enhance the developmental competence of preimplantation embryos, increase the hatching rate, and affect expression level of genes related to hatching and implantation in defined culture medium. This study was financially supported by KOSEF (grant ? M10625030005-07N250300510) and the Korean MOE, through the BK21 program for Veterinary Science.

Improvement of canine somatic cell nuclear transfer procedure

The purpose of the present study on canine somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) was to evaluate the effects of fusion strength, type of activation, culture media and site of transfer on developmental potential of SCNT embryos. We also examined the potential of enucleated bovine oocytes to serve as cytoplast recipients of canine somatic cells. Firstly, we evaluated the morphological characteristics of in vivo-matured canine oocytes collected by retrograde flushing of the oviducts 72 h after ovulation. Secondly, the effectiveness of three electrical strengths (1.8, 2.3 and 3.3 kV/cm), used twice for 20 micros, on fusion of canine cytoplasts with somatic cells were compared. Then, we compared: (1) chemical versus electrical activation (a) after parthenogenetic activation or (b) after reconstruction of canine oocytes with somatic cells; (2) culture of resulting intergeneric (IG) embryos in either (a) mSOF or (b) TCM-199. The exposure time to 6-DMAP was standardized by using bovine oocytes reconstructed with canine somatic cells. Bovine oocytes were used for SCNT after a 22 h in vitro maturation interval. The fusion rate was significantly higher in the 3.3 kV/cm group than in the 1.8 and 2.3 kV/cm treatment groups. After parthenogenesis or SCNT with chemical activation, 3.4 and 5.8%, respectively, of the embryos developed to the morula stage, as compared to none of the embryos produced using electrical activation. Later developmental stages (8-16 cells) were transferred to the uterine horn of eight recipients, but no pregnancy was detected. However, IG cloned embryos (bovine cytoplast/canine somatic cell) were capable of in vitro blastocyst development. In vitro developmental competence of IG cloned embryos was improved after exposure to 6-DMAP for 4 h as compared to 0, 2 or 6h exposure, although the increase was not significantly different among culture media. In summary, for production of canine SCNT embryos, we recommend fusion at 3.3 kV/cm, chemical activation, culture in mSOF medium and transfer of presumptive zygotes to the oviduct of recipient animals. The feasibility of IG production of cloned canine embryos using bovine cytoplasts as recipient of canine somatic cells was demonstrated.

49 TRANSCRIPT LEVEL OF mRNA IN BOVINE CLONED OR RE-CLONED EMBRYOS

Gene expression in embryos played important roles during preimplantation development and had the potential to be used as an indicator for embryo viability. The purpose of this study was (1) to compare the developmental competence of cloned, or re-cloned embryos (Experiment 1); (2) to analyze the transcripts level of the related implantation, metabolic, and imprinting genes in IVF, cloned and re-cloned embryos (Experiment 2). The SCNT was performed according to the established system in our laboratory (Theriogenology 2006 65, 1800–1812). For producing cloned embryos, fetal fibroblasts as donor cells were used and a viable cloned calf was born. Recloned embryos derived from ear fibroblasts of the cloned calf, genetically same with donor fetal donor cells, were produced. The couplets were fused, chemically activated, and cultured in modified synthetic oviduct fluid (mSOF) for up to 7 days. The developmental competence up to blastocysts was observed under a microscope. The implantation (Bax, E-cad, If-tau, Hsp 70, Igf2r, and DNMT1), metabolic [LDHA (Lactate Dehydrogenase A), G6PD (Glucose-6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase), PGK (Phosphogycerate Kinase), Na/K ATPase, and Glut-1], and imprinting [GNAS (guanine nucleotide binding protein, alpha stimulating), UBE3a (ubiquitin protein ligase E3A), Mest (mesoderm specific transcript), SNRPN (small nuclear ribonucleoprotein polypeptide N), and Ndn (necdin)] genes were selected. The relative abundance (ratio to GAPDH mRNA) of gene transcripts in blastocysts was measured by conventional semi-quantitive RT-PCR. In Experiment 1, development competence of SCNT pre-implantation embryo was not different between cloned or re-cloned embryos (26% vs. 22%). In Experiment 2, the relative expression of Bax, Hsp70, If-tau, and Igf2r transcript was not different in IVF, cloned, and re-cloned embryos. Expression of E-cad and DNMT1 was higher in re-cloned embryos than any other group. Transcripts levels of LDHA, Na/K ATPase, and Glut-1 showed the similar relative abundance in IVF, cloned and re-cloned embryos. Expression of G6PD and PGF was increased in re-cloned and cloned embryos, respectively. Compared to IVF and cloned embryos, in re-cloned embryos, relative abundance of related imprinting genes (Ube3a, Mest, SNRPN, and Ndn) was increased. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that, whereas developmental competence of cloned or re-cloned embryos was not different, gene transcript levels were observed differently. It was suggested that alteration of gene expression in the re-cloned embryos derived from the cloned calf, genetically same with initial donor cells, might have affected the fetal development and births of re-cloned offspring.

Birth of viable female dogs produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer

Since the only viable cloned offspring born in dogs was a male, the purpose of the present study was to produce female puppies by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). Adult ear fibroblasts from a 2-month-old female Afghan hound were isolated and used as donor cells. In vivo-matured canine oocytes surgically collected (approximately 72h after ovulation) from the oviducts of 23 donors were used for SCNT. After removal of the cumulus cells, oocytes were enucleated, microinjected, fused with a donor cell, and activated. A total of 167 reconstructed SCNT embryos were surgically transferred (Day 0) into the oviducts of 12 recipient bitches (average 13.9 embryos/recipient, range 6-22) with spontaneous, synchronous estrous cycles. Three pregnancies were detected by ultrasonography on Day 23, maintained to term, and three healthy female puppies (520, 460, and 520g), were delivered by Caesarean section on Day 60. These puppies were phenotypically and genotypically identical to the cell donor. In conclusion, we have provided the first demonstration that female dogs can be produced by nuclear transfer of ear fibroblasts into enucleated canine oocytes.

Associations of serum minerals with body mass index in adult women

OBJECTIVE

This cross-sectional study evaluated the association between serum minerals and body mass index in adult women.

METHODS

One hundred and eighteen adult women were recruited by written advertisement from outpatient clinics or a health promotion center at a university hospital. Serum calcium, magnesium, copper and zinc were measured by an automatic analytical instrument and body mass index was calculated from height and weight.

RESULTS

Serum magnesium was inversely associated with body mass index (beta=-0.283, P=0.001) whereas serum copper had a positive association with body mass index (beta=0.197, P=0.025) after adjusting for age, physical activity, energy intake, dietary fat, alcohol consumption, supplements and menopause status. No associations were found with serum calcium and zinc.

CONCLUSION

Serum magnesium and copper may be involved in the regulation of body size in adult women.