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Maillo V, de Frutos C, O'Gaora P, Forde N, Burns GW, Spencer TE, Gutierrez-Adan A, Lonergan P, Rizos D. Spatial differences in gene expression in the bovine oviduct. Reproduction 2016; 152:37-46. [PMID: 27069007 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the transcriptome of the oviductal isthmus of pregnant heifers with that of cyclic heifers as well as to investigate spatial differences between the transcriptome of the isthmus and ampulla of the oviduct in pregnant heifers. After synchronizing crossbred beef heifers, those in standing oestrus (=Day 0) were randomly assigned to cyclic (non-bred, n=6) or pregnant (artificially inseminated, n=11) groups. They were slaughtered on Day 3 and both oviducts from each animal were isolated and cut in half to separate ampulla and isthmus. Each portion was flushed to confirm the presence of an oocyte/embryo and was then opened longitudinally and scraped to obtain epithelial cells which were snap-frozen. Oocytes and embryos were located in the isthmus of the oviduct ipsilateral to the corpus luteum Microarray analysis of oviductal cells revealed that proximity to the corpus luteum did not affect the transcriptome of the isthmus, irrespective of pregnancy status. However, 2287 genes were differentially expressed (P<0.01) between the ampulla and isthmus of the oviduct ipsilateral to the corpus luteum in pregnant animals. Gene ontology revealed that the main biological processes overrepresented in the isthmus were synthesis of nitrogen, lipids, nucleotides, steroids and cholesterol as well as vesicle-mediated transport, cell cycle, apoptosis, endocytosis and exocytosis, whereas cell motion, motility and migration, DNA repair, calcium ion homeostasis, carbohydrate biosynthesis, and regulation of cilium movement and beat frequency were overrepresented in the ampulla. In conclusion, large differences in gene expression were observed between the isthmus and ampulla of pregnant animals at Day 3 after oestrus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Maillo
- Departamento de Reproduccion AnimalInstituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Celia de Frutos
- Departamento de Reproduccion AnimalInstituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Peadar O'Gaora
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical SciencesUniversity College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Niamh Forde
- Division of Reproduction and Early DevelopmentLeeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Clarendon Way, Leeds, UK
| | - Gregory W Burns
- Division of Animal Sciences and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's HealthUniversity of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Thomas E Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's HealthUniversity of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Alfonso Gutierrez-Adan
- Departamento de Reproduccion AnimalInstituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Patrick Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food ScienceUniversity College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Departamento de Reproduccion AnimalInstituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, Spain
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Androgen-related sperm storage in oviduct of Chinese Soft-Shelled Turtle in vivo during annual cycle. Sci Rep 2016; 6:20456. [PMID: 26847578 PMCID: PMC4742787 DOI: 10.1038/srep20456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-term sperm storage in the female genital tract is essential for the appropriate timing of reproductive events in animals with asynchronous copulation and ovulation. However, the mechanism underlying the prolonged storage of spermatozoa is largely unexplored in turtles. In the present study, the role of androgen in sperm storage was investigated in the oviduct of the Chinese soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis. Morphological analysis revealed that spermatozoa were observed in the vagina, uterus and isthmus of the oviduct throughout the hibernation season. The increase of circulating testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels were consistent with the arrangement of spermatozoa that had their head embedded among the cilia of the oviduct mucosal epithelium. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that androgen receptor was distributed throughout the cytoplasm of gland cells and among the cilia of ciliated cells. Furthermore, marked variations in protein and mRNA levels of androgen receptor were validated through Western blot and qPCR analyses. The localization and the variation of androgen receptor demonstrated the crucial roles of androgens in sperm storage in the oviduct of P. sinensis. These results provide fundamental insights into the interaction of androgen and sperm storage and facilitate the elucidation of the mechanism of sperm storage in turtles.
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Smits K, De Coninck DIM, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Govaere J, Van Poucke M, Peelman L, Deforce D, Van Soom A. The Equine Embryo Influences Immune-Related Gene Expression in the Oviduct. Biol Reprod 2016; 94:36. [PMID: 26740593 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.136432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the equine oviduct clearly affects early embryo development and the selective transport of equine embryos through the oviduct indicates a reciprocal interaction, the influence of the embryo on gene expression in the oviduct remains to be determined in the horse. The aim of this study was to examine this by means of RNA sequencing. Four days after ovulation, epithelial cells ipsilateral and contralateral to the ovulation side from five cyclic and five pregnant mares were collected from the oviduct. RNA was extracted, samples were sequenced, and data analysis was performed to determine differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (P value ≤0.05 and absolute fold change ≥2) and to provide functional interpretation. A total of 10 743 transcripts were identified and 253 genes were found to be upregulated and 108 to be downregulated in the pregnant ipsilateral oviduct when compared to the cyclic ipsilateral oviduct. Comparison of the ipsilateral and the contralateral oviduct indicated 164 DEGs in pregnant mares and 77 DEGs in cyclic mares. Enriched functional categories were detected only in the comparison of pregnant and cyclic ipsilateral oviducts and showed that the equine embryo affects the expression of immune response-related genes in the oviduct, with marked upregulation of interferon-associated genes. This research represents the foundation for further assessment of the role of specific genes in the early embryo-maternal dialogue of the horse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrien Smits
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Dieter I M De Coninck
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Nieuwerburgh
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Jan Govaere
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Mario Van Poucke
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Luc Peelman
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Dieter Deforce
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Holt W, Fazeli A. Sperm selection in the female mammalian reproductive tract. Focus on the oviduct: Hypotheses, mechanisms, and new opportunities. Theriogenology 2016; 85:105-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Revised: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Soleilhavoup C, Riou C, Tsikis G, Labas V, Harichaux G, Kohnke P, Reynaud K, de Graaf SP, Gerard N, Druart X. Proteomes of the Female Genital Tract During the Oestrous Cycle. Mol Cell Proteomics 2016; 15:93-108. [PMID: 26518761 PMCID: PMC4762522 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m115.052332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Revised: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The female genital tract includes several anatomical regions whose luminal fluids successively interact with gametes and embryos and are involved in the fertilisation and development processes. The luminal fluids from the inner cervix, the uterus and the oviduct were collected along the oestrous cycle at oestrus (Day 0 of the cycle) and during the luteal phase (Day 10) from adult cyclic ewes. The proteomes were assessed by GeLC-MS/MS and quantified by spectral counting. A set of 940 proteins were identified including 291 proteins differentially present along the cycle in one or several regions. The global analysis of the fluid proteomes revealed a general pattern of endocrine regulation of the tract, with the cervix and the oviduct showing an increased differential proteins abundance mainly at oestrus while the uterus showed an increased abundance mainly during the luteal phase. The proteins more abundant at oestrus included several families such as the heat shock proteins (HSP), the mucins, the complement cascade proteins and several redox enzymes. Other proteins known for their interaction with gametes such as oviductin (OVGP), osteopontin, HSPA8, and the spermadhesin AWN were also overexpressed at oestrus. The proteins more abundant during the luteal phase were associated with the immune system such as ceruloplasmin, lactoferrin, DMBT1, or PIGR, and also with tissue remodeling such as galectin 3 binding protein, alkaline phosphatase, CD9, or fibulin. Several proteins differentially abundant between estrus and the luteal phase, such as myosin 9 and fibronectin, were also validated by immunohistochemistry. The potential roles in sperm transit and uterine receptivity of the proteins differentially regulated along the cycle in the female genital tract are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clement Soleilhavoup
- From the ‡INRA, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; §CNRS, UMR7247, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; ¶Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37000 Tours, France; ‖IFCE, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Cindy Riou
- From the ‡INRA, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; §CNRS, UMR7247, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; ¶Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37000 Tours, France; ‖IFCE, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Guillaume Tsikis
- From the ‡INRA, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; §CNRS, UMR7247, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; ¶Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37000 Tours, France; ‖IFCE, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Valerie Labas
- From the ‡INRA, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; §CNRS, UMR7247, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; ¶Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37000 Tours, France; ‖IFCE, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; **INRA, Plate-forme d'Analyse Intégrative des Biomolécules (PAIB), Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Gregoire Harichaux
- From the ‡INRA, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; §CNRS, UMR7247, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; ¶Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37000 Tours, France; ‖IFCE, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; **INRA, Plate-forme d'Analyse Intégrative des Biomolécules (PAIB), Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Philippa Kohnke
- From the ‡INRA, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; §CNRS, UMR7247, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; ¶Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37000 Tours, France; ‖IFCE, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Karine Reynaud
- From the ‡INRA, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; §CNRS, UMR7247, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; ¶Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37000 Tours, France; ‖IFCE, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; ‡‡Alfort Veterinary School, 94700 Maisons Alfort, France
| | - Simon P de Graaf
- §§Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Nadine Gerard
- From the ‡INRA, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; §CNRS, UMR7247, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; ¶Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37000 Tours, France; ‖IFCE, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Xavier Druart
- From the ‡INRA, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; §CNRS, UMR7247, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; ¶Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37000 Tours, France; ‖IFCE, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, F-37380 Nouzilly, France;
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Abstract
The capacity for sperm storage within the female reproductive tract occurs widely across all groups of vertebrate species and is exceptionally well developed in some reptiles (maximum duration seven years) and fishes (maximum duration >1 year). Although there are many reports on both the occurrence of female sperm storage in diverse species and its adaptive benefits, few studies have been directed toward explaining the mechanisms involved. In this article we review recent findings in birds and mammals in an effort to develop hypotheses that could be translated into research applications in animal breeding technologies. There are pockets of evidence to suggest that the local epithelial cells, sometimes arranged as sperm storage tubules, can respond to spermatozoa by producing heat shock proteins as well as providing an environment rich in antioxidants. Moreover, the local immune system seems to tolerate the arrival of spermatozoa, while retaining the ability to combat the arrival of infectious microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- William V Holt
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2SF, United Kingdom; ;
| | - Alireza Fazeli
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2SF, United Kingdom; ;
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57
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Baer B, Millar AH. Proteomics in evolutionary ecology. J Proteomics 2015; 135:4-11. [PMID: 26453985 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2015.09.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Revised: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Evolutionary ecologists are traditionally gene-focused, as genes propagate phenotypic traits across generations and mutations and recombination in the DNA generate genetic diversity required for evolutionary processes. As a consequence, the inheritance of changed DNA provides a molecular explanation for the functional changes associated with natural selection. A direct focus on proteins on the other hand, the actual molecular agents responsible for the expression of a phenotypic trait, receives far less interest from ecologists and evolutionary biologists. This is partially due to the central dogma of molecular biology that appears to define proteins as the 'dead-end of molecular information flow' as well as technical limitations in identifying and studying proteins and their diversity in the field and in many of the more exotic genera often favored in ecological studies. Here we provide an overview of a newly forming field of research that we refer to as 'Evolutionary Proteomics'. We point out that the origins of cellular function are related to the properties of polypeptide and RNA and their interactions with the environment, rather than DNA descent, and that the critical role of horizontal gene transfer in evolution is more about coopting new proteins to impact cellular processes than it is about modifying gene function. Furthermore, post-transcriptional and post-translational processes generate a remarkable diversity of mature proteins from a single gene, and the properties of these mature proteins can also influence inheritance through genetic and perhaps epigenetic mechanisms. The influence of post-transcriptional diversification on evolutionary processes could provide a novel mechanistic underpinning for elements of rapid, directed evolutionary changes and adaptations as observed for a variety of evolutionary processes. Modern state-of the art technologies based on mass spectrometry are now available to identify and quantify peptides, proteins, protein modifications and protein interactions of interest with high accuracy and assess protein diversity and function. Therefore, proteomic technologies can be viewed as providing evolutionary biologist with exciting novel opportunities to understand very early events in functional variation of cellular molecular machinery that are acting as part of evolutionary processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Baer
- Centre for Integrative Bee Research (CIBER) and ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, Bayliss Building, The University of Western Australia, 6009 Crawley, Australia.
| | - A H Millar
- Centre for Integrative Bee Research (CIBER) and ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, Bayliss Building, The University of Western Australia, 6009 Crawley, Australia
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Małysz-Cymborska I, Andronowska A. Ovarian stimulation with human chorionic gonadotropin and equine chorionic gonadotropin affects prostacyclin and its receptor expression in the porcine oviduct. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2015; 53:17-25. [PMID: 26069941 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2015.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2015] [Revised: 03/14/2015] [Accepted: 04/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Prostaglandins are well-known mediators of crucial events in the female reproductive tract, eg, early embryo development and implantation. Prostacyclin (PGI2) is the most synthesized prostaglandin in the human oviduct during the postovulatory period, indicating its important role in supporting and regulating the oviductal environment. The present study was undertaken to determine the influence of insemination and ovarian stimulation with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)/equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) on PGI2 synthesis in the porcine oviduct on day 3 post coitus. Mature gilts (n = 25) were assigned into 2 experiments. In experiment I, gilts were divided into cyclic (control; n = 5) and inseminated (control; n = 5) groups. In experiment II, there were 3 groups of animals: inseminated (n = 5), induced ovulation/inseminated (750 IU eCG, 500 IU hCG; n = 5), and superovulated/inseminated (1,500 IU eCG, 1,000 IU hCG; n = 5) gilts. Parts of oviducts (isthmus and ampulla) were collected 3 days after phosphate-buffered saline treatment (cyclic gilts of experiment I) or insemination (all other groups). Expression of messenger RNA for PGI2 synthase (PGIS) and its receptor (IP) was measured by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT PCR) and protein levels using Western blots. Concentrations of the PGI2 metabolite 6-keto PGF1α were evaluated by enzyme immunoassay and localization of PGIS and IP in the oviductal tissues using immunohistochemical staining. Insemination by itself increased PGIS protein levels in the oviductal isthmus (P < 0.05) and IP protein expression in the ampulla (P < 0.05). The concentration of 6-keto PGF1α increased significantly in the oviductal ampulla after insemination (P < 0.05). Induction of ovulation decreased IP protein levels in the oviductal ampulla (P < 0.05), whereas superovulation reduced IP levels in both parts of the oviduct (P < 0.01). Synthesis of 6-keto PGF1α was reduced by induction of ovulation and by superovulation in the oviductal ampulla (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical staining confirmed the presence of PGIS in the muscular layer of the isthmus and both mucosa and muscular layers of the ampulla. IP-positive cells were observed in both mucosal and muscular layers of the isthmus and ampulla. This study showed for the first time that PGI2 synthesis and IP expression are insemination dependent. Moreover, ovarian stimulation with hCG/eCG decreases IP expression and 6-keto PGF1α concentrations in porcine oviducts. Therefore, disturbances in PGI2/IP expression and synthesis may lead to disruption of the oviductal environment and, in turn, perturbed development of embryos and their transport to the uterus.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Małysz-Cymborska
- Department of Hormonal Action Mechanisms, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - A Andronowska
- Department of Hormonal Action Mechanisms, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland.
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Atikuzzaman M, Mehta Bhai R, Fogelholm J, Wright D, Rodriguez-Martinez H. Mating induces the expression of immune- and pH-regulatory genes in the utero-vaginal junction containing mucosal sperm-storage tubuli of hens. Reproduction 2015; 150:473-83. [PMID: 26370241 PMCID: PMC4625885 DOI: 10.1530/rep-15-0253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The female chicken, as with other species with internal fertilization, can tolerate the presence of spermatozoa within specialized sperm-storage tubuli (SST) located in the mucosa of the utero-vaginal junction (UVJ) for days or weeks, without eliciting an immune response. To determine if the oviduct alters its gene expression in response to sperm entry, segments from the oviduct (UVJ, uterus, isthmus, magnum and infundibulum) of mated and unmated (control) hens, derived from an advanced inter-cross line between Red Junglefowl and White Leghorn, were explored 24 h after mating using cDNA microarray analysis. Mating shifted the expression of fifteen genes in the UVJ (53.33% immune-modulatory and 20.00% pH-regulatory) and seven genes in the uterus, none of the genes in the latter segment overlapping the former (with the differentially expressed genes themselves being less related to immune-modulatory function). The other oviductal segments did not show any significant changes. These findings suggest sperm deposition causes a shift in expression in the UVJ (containing mucosal SST) and the uterus for genes involved in immune-modulatory and pH-regulatory functions, both relevant for sperm survival in the hen's oviduct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Atikuzzaman
- Linköping UniversityDepartment of Clinical and Experimental MedicineFaculty of Medicine and Health SciencesDepartment of PhysicsChemistry and Biology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Campus HU/US, Developmental Biology, Lasarettsgatan 64/65, Lanken, Floor 12, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Ratnesh Mehta Bhai
- Linköping UniversityDepartment of Clinical and Experimental MedicineFaculty of Medicine and Health SciencesDepartment of PhysicsChemistry and Biology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Campus HU/US, Developmental Biology, Lasarettsgatan 64/65, Lanken, Floor 12, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Jesper Fogelholm
- Linköping UniversityDepartment of Clinical and Experimental MedicineFaculty of Medicine and Health SciencesDepartment of PhysicsChemistry and Biology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Campus HU/US, Developmental Biology, Lasarettsgatan 64/65, Lanken, Floor 12, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Dominic Wright
- Linköping UniversityDepartment of Clinical and Experimental MedicineFaculty of Medicine and Health SciencesDepartment of PhysicsChemistry and Biology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Campus HU/US, Developmental Biology, Lasarettsgatan 64/65, Lanken, Floor 12, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
- Linköping UniversityDepartment of Clinical and Experimental MedicineFaculty of Medicine and Health SciencesDepartment of PhysicsChemistry and Biology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Campus HU/US, Developmental Biology, Lasarettsgatan 64/65, Lanken, Floor 12, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden
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60
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Reynaud K, Saint-Dizier M, Tahir MZ, Havard T, Harichaux G, Labas V, Thoumire S, Fontbonne A, Grimard B, Chastant-Maillard S. Progesterone plays a critical role in canine oocyte maturation and fertilization. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:87. [PMID: 26333993 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.130955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine oocyte maturation and fertilization take place within the oviducts under increasing plasma levels of progesterone (P4). In order to investigate the role of P4 in these processes, 51 beagle bitches were treated with the P4 receptor antagonist aglepristone at the end of proestrus and 32 females were kept untreated. Fifteen treated and 13 control bitches were inseminated at Days +1 and +2 after ovulation (Day 0). Stages of oocyte maturation and embryo development were determined after ovariectomy at different time points after ovulation. Aglepristone did not prevent ovulation but delayed the resumption of oocyte meiosis and inhibited its progression: first metaphase I (MI) stage was observed at 173 h postovulation and 39% of oocytes reached MII as late as 335 h postovulation in treated females whereas first MI occurred at 76 h and 100% of oocytes were in MII at 109 h postovulation in controls. Aglepristone extended the stay of morphologically normal oocytes within the oviducts: first signs of oocyte degeneration were observed at 335 h in treated versus 100- to 110-h postovulation in control bitches. In inseminated females, aglepristone prevented sperm progression toward the oviducts and fertilization, although motile spermatozoa were observed in the uterine tip flush and within the cranial uterine glands. A proteomic analysis of the tubal fluid from treated and control noninseminated bitches at Day +4 found evidence of 79 differential proteins potentially involved in the oocyte phenotype. In conclusion, P4 plays key roles in postovulatory canine oocyte maturation, aging, and in fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Reynaud
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Unité Mixte de Recherche 7247 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France
| | - Marie Saint-Dizier
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Unité Mixte de Recherche 7247 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France AgroParisTech, Génétique Elevage Reproduction, Paris, France
| | - Muhammad Zahid Tahir
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Reproduction, Maisons-Alfort, France INRA, Unité Mixte de Recherche Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Tiphaine Havard
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Reproduction, Maisons-Alfort, France INRA, Unité Mixte de Recherche Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Grégoire Harichaux
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Unité Mixte de Recherche 7247 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France INRA, Plateforme d'Analyse Intégrative des Biomolécules, Nouzilly, France
| | - Valérie Labas
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Unité Mixte de Recherche 7247 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France INRA, Plateforme d'Analyse Intégrative des Biomolécules, Nouzilly, France
| | - Sandra Thoumire
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Reproduction, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Alain Fontbonne
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Reproduction, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Bénédicte Grimard
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Reproduction, Maisons-Alfort, France INRA, Unité Mixte de Recherche Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Sylvie Chastant-Maillard
- Institut National Polytechnique-Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Reproduction, Toulouse, France INRA, Unité Mixte de Recherche Interactions Hôte-Pathogènes, Toulouse, France
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Le Y, Chen S, Hu L, Zhang L, Ullah S, Liu T, Yang P, Liu Y, Chen Q. B-cell lymphoma-2 localization in the female reproductive tract of the Chinese soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis and its relationship with sperm storage. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2015; 298:2011-7. [PMID: 26285642 DOI: 10.1002/ar.23258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Revised: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression and localization of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) in the oviduct of the Chinese soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis, during the reproductive cycle to analyze the relationship between Bcl-2 and sperm storage. Bcl-2 expression was confirmed in the P. sinensis oviduct by western blot analysis. Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that female P. sinensis stored sperm from November to April of the following year. The oviduct showed positive immunostaining for Bcl-2 of epithelial ciliated cells, gland ducts, and gland cells. Bcl-2 expression in the oviduct was associated with sperm storage occurrence. This indicates that the survival factor Bcl-2 may play a role in P. sinensis sperm storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Le
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaofan Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Lisi Hu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Linli Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shakeeb Ullah
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Tengfei Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiusheng Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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In vitro fertilization in pigs: New molecules and protocols to consider in the forthcoming years. Theriogenology 2015; 85:125-34. [PMID: 26271164 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Revised: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Assisted reproduction technology (ART) protocols are used in livestock for the improvement and preservation of their genetics and to enhance reproductive efficiency. In the case of pigs, the potential use of embryos for biomedicine is being followed with great interest by the scientific community. Owing to the physiological similarities with humans, embryos produced in vitro and many of those produced in vivo are used in research laboratories for the procurement of stem cells or the production of transgenic animals, sometimes with the purpose of using their organs for xenotransplantation. Several techniques are required for the production of an in vitro-derived embryo. These include in vitro oocyte maturation, sperm preparation, IVF, and further culture of the putative zygotes. Without doubt, among these technologies, IVF is still a critical limiting factor because of the well-known, but still unsolved, question of polyspermy. Despite the improvements made in the past decade, current IVF systems hardly reach 50% to 60% efficiency and any progression in porcine ARTs requires an unavoidable improvement in the monospermy rate. It is time, then, to learn from what happens under in vivo physiological conditions and to transfer this knowledge into ART. This review describes the latest advances in porcine IVF, from sperm preparation procedures to culture media supplements with special attention paid to molecules with a known or potential role in in vivo fertilization. Oviductal fluid is the natural medium in which fertilization takes place, and, in the near future, could become the definitive supplement for culture media, where it would help to solve many of the problems inherent in ARTs in swine and improve the quality of in vitro-derived porcine embryos.
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Miller DJ. Regulation of Sperm Function by Oviduct Fluid and the Epithelium: Insight into the Role of Glycans. Reprod Domest Anim 2015; 50 Suppl 2:31-9. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- DJ Miller
- Department of Animal Sciences; University of Illinois; Urbana-Champaign IL USA
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López-Úbeda R, García-Vázquez FA, Romar R, Gadea J, Muñoz M, Hunter RHF, Coy P. Oviductal Transcriptome Is Modified after Insemination during Spontaneous Ovulation in the Sow. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0130128. [PMID: 26098421 PMCID: PMC4476686 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene Expression Microarray technology was used to compare oviduct transcriptome between inseminated and non-inseminated pigs during spontaneous oestrus. We used an in vivo model approaching the study from a physiological point of view in which no hormonal treatment (animals were in natural oestrus) and no artificial sperm selection (selection was performed within the female genital) were imposed. It is therefore emphasised that no surgical introduction of spermatozoa and no insemination at a site other than the physiological one were used. This approach revealed 17 genes that were two-fold or more up-regulated in oviducts exposed to spermatozoa and/or developing embryos and 9 genes that were two-fold or more down-regulated. Functional analysis of the genes revealed that the top canonical pathways affected by insemination were related to the inflammatory response and immune system (Network 1) to molecular transport, protein trafficking and developmental disorder (Network 2) and to cell-to-cell signalling and interaction (Network 3). Some of the genes in network 1 had been previously detected in the oviduct of human and animals, where they were over-expressed in the presence of spermatozoa or pre-implantation embryos (C3, IGHG1, ITIH4, TNF and SERPINE1) whereas others were not previously reported (SAA2, ALOX12, CD1D and SPP1). Genes in Network 2 included RAB1B and TOR3A, the latter being described for the first time in the oviduct and clearly expressed in the epithelial cells of the mucosa layer. Network 3 integrated the genes with the highest down-regulation level (CYP51, PTH1R and TMOD3). Data in the present study indicate a change in gene expression during gamete encounter at the site of fertilization after a natural sperm selection within the female genital tract. These changes would indicate a modification of the environment preparing the oviduct for a successful fertilization and for an adequate embryo early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca López-Úbeda
- Department of Physiology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum), Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco A. García-Vázquez
- Department of Physiology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum), Murcia, Spain
- IMIB-Arrixaca (Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia), Murcia, Spain
| | - Raquel Romar
- Department of Physiology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum), Murcia, Spain
- IMIB-Arrixaca (Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia), Murcia, Spain
| | - Joaquín Gadea
- Department of Physiology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum), Murcia, Spain
- IMIB-Arrixaca (Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia), Murcia, Spain
| | - Marta Muñoz
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal—SERIDA, Deva, Gijón, Asturias, Spain
| | | | - Pilar Coy
- Department of Physiology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum), Murcia, Spain
- IMIB-Arrixaca (Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia), Murcia, Spain
- * E-mail:
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Holt WV, Del Valle I, Fazeli A. Heat shock protein A8 stabilizes the bull sperm plasma membrane during cryopreservation: Effects of breed, protein concentration, and mode of use. Theriogenology 2015; 84:693-701. [PMID: 26047707 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2015] [Revised: 05/03/2015] [Accepted: 05/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Heat shock protein A8 (HSPA8) is a highly conserved member of the Hsp70 family, which is expressed in oviductal cells, translocated into oviductal fluid, and becomes attached to the sperm surface during sperm transport. Previous research has shown that HSPA8 supports mammalian sperm viability during in vitro incubation at both 5 °C and body temperature. The present series of experiments was designed to explore the possibility that bovine recombinant HSPA8 might therefore protect bull spermatozoa during cryopreservation through its beneficial effects on the sperm plasma membrane. Soy-based cryopreservation media were used in these experiments. The effects of HSPA8 addition before freezing were examined at concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 6.4 μg/mL, whereas the effects of postthaw HSPA8 addition were tested between 0.2 and 12.8 μg/mL. When bull spermatozoa (from beef and dairy breeds) were frozen in the presence of HSPA8, beneficial but complex effects on postthaw viability were observed. Low HSPA8 concentrations (0.2 and 0.4 μg/mL) resulted in significantly reduced postthaw sperm viability, but concentrations above 0.8 μg/mL improved plasma membrane integrity. If HSPA8 was added to spermatozoa after thawing, outcomes were also biphasic and beneficial effects on viability were only seen if the HSPA8 concentration exceeded 3.2 μg/mL. Beneficial effects were significantly more apparent with beef rather than dairy breeds. When HSPA8 was used in combination with cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin, spermatozoa from the beef breeds showed significantly lower apoptotic effects. This was not observed with the dairy breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- W V Holt
- Department of Human Metabolism, Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Sheffield, UK.
| | - I Del Valle
- Department of Human Metabolism, Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Sheffield, UK
| | - A Fazeli
- Department of Human Metabolism, Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Sheffield, UK
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Maillo V, Gaora PÓ, Forde N, Besenfelder U, Havlicek V, Burns GW, Spencer TE, Gutierrez-Adan A, Lonergan P, Rizos D. Oviduct-Embryo Interactions in Cattle: Two-Way Traffic or a One-Way Street? Biol Reprod 2015; 92:144. [PMID: 25926440 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.127969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the effect of the presence of single or multiple embryos on the transcriptome of the bovine oviduct. In experiment 1, cyclic (nonbred, n = 6) and pregnant (artificially inseminated, n = 11) heifers were slaughtered on Day 3 after estrus, and the ampulla and isthmic regions of the oviduct ipsilateral to the corpus luteum were separately flushed. Oviductal epithelial cells from the isthmus region, in which all oocytes/embryos were located, were snap-frozen for microarray analysis. In experiment 2, heifers were divided into cyclic (nonbred, n = 6) or pregnant (multiple embryo transfer, n = 10) groups. In vitro-produced presumptive zygotes were transferred endoscopically to the ipsilateral oviduct on Day 1.5 postestrus (n = 50 zygotes/heifer). Heifers were slaughtered on Day 3, and oviductal isthmus epithelial cells were recovered for RNA sequencing. Microarray analysis in experiment 1 failed to detect any difference in the transcriptome of the oviductal isthmus induced by the presence of a single embryo. In experiment 2, following multiple embryo transfer, RNA sequencing revealed 278 differentially expressed genes, of which 123 were up-regulated and 155 were down-regulated in pregnant heifers. Most of the down-regulated genes were related to immune function. In conclusion, the presence of multiple embryos in the oviduct resulted in the detection of differentially expressed genes in the oviductal isthmus; failure to detect changes in the oviduct transcriptome in the presence of a single embryo may be due to the effect being local and undetectable under the conditions of this study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peadar Ó Gaora
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Sciences, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Niamh Forde
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Urban Besenfelder
- Reproduction Centre-Wieselburg, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vitezslav Havlicek
- Reproduction Centre-Wieselburg, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gregory W Burns
- Department of Animal Sciences and Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
| | - Thomas E Spencer
- Department of Animal Sciences and Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
| | | | - Patrick Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
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67
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Desantis S, Accogli G, Silvestre F, Binetti F, Caira M, Lacalandra GM. Modifications of carbohydrate residues in the sheep oviductal ampulla after superovulation. Theriogenology 2015; 83:943-52. [PMID: 25601578 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.11.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Revised: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Epithelium of oviductal ampulla was studied in normal and in superovulated sheep using morphologic analysis and lectin glycohistochemistry. The lining epithelium consisted of two types of cells, ciliated and nonciliated cells. Unlike superovulated samples, the nonciliated cells from control ewes showed apical protrusions indicating an apocrine secretory activity. The ciliated cells showed lectin-binding sites mainly at the level of the cilia which bound all the used lectins except Peanut agglutinin, suggesting the lack of glycans terminating with Galβ1,3GalNAc. In superovulated specimens, the ciliated cells with high mannosylated glycans Concanavalin A (Con A) and GlcNAc and GalNac termini Griffonia simplicifolia agglutinin II (GSA II) and Dolicurus biflorus agglutinin (DBA) decreased. The luminal surface of nonciliated cells showed all investigated sugar residues in controls, whereas it was lacking in high mannosylated (Con A) and terminal GalNAcα1,3(LFucα1,2)Galβ1,3/4GlcNAcβ1 sequence (DBA) in superovulated ewes. Apical protrusions from control ampullae nonciliated cells showed glycans containing mannose, GlcNac, GalNAc, galactose, and α2,3-linked sialic acid (Con A, KOH-sialidase- Wheat germ agglutnin [WGA], GSA II, SBA, Griffonia simplicifolia agglutinin-isolectin B4 [GSA I-B4], Maackia amurensis agglutinin II [MAL II]). The supranuclear cytoplasm of nonciliated cells expressed terminal GlcNAc (GSA II) in all specimens, also O-linked glycans (mucin-type glycans) with GalNAc and sialic acid termini (Helix pomatia agglutinin [HPA] and MAL II) in control animals, and also N-linked glycans with fucose, galactose, lactosamine, and α2,3-linked sialic acid termini (Ulex europaeus agglutinin I [UEA I], GSA I-B4, Ricinus communis agglutinin120 [RCA120], and Sambucus nigra agglutinin [SNA] ) in superovulated ewes. These results report for the first time that the superovulation treatment affects the secretory activity and the glycan pattern of the epithelium lining the sheep oviductal ampulla.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Desantis
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), Veterinary Clinics and Animal Productions Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.
| | - G Accogli
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), Veterinary Clinics and Animal Productions Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - F Silvestre
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), Veterinary Clinics and Animal Productions Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - F Binetti
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), Veterinary Clinics and Animal Productions Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - M Caira
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), Veterinary Clinics and Animal Productions Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - G M Lacalandra
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), Veterinary Clinics and Animal Productions Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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68
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Aldarmahi A, Al-Rabia M. Optimisation of proteomic approaches to study the maternal interaction with gametes in sow's reproductive tract. J Microsc Ultrastruct 2015; 3:154-160. [PMID: 30023194 PMCID: PMC6014283 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmau.2015.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2015] [Revised: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The applications of 2DE and MS have been successfully used in many studies utilising different biological samples. The complex nature of cellular proteomes is a big challenge for proteomic technologies. Much effort has been applied to develop and improve the preparation techniques for proteomic samples to be able to detect the low abundant proteins. This is one of the major and unsolved challenges facing the proteomic analysis of biological samples. One partial remedy is to deplete the proteomic samples. In this study, we compared two techniques (acetone precipitation and commercial kit) for the cleaning and purification of oviductal and uterine horn secretory proteomes in primary cell culture system. The samples prepared from acetone precipitation and commercial kit 2-D clean up kit were compared by 2-dimentioanl electrophoresis. We found that no significant difference was observed in number of spots detected between the samples prepared by acetone precipitation technique to those prepared by commercial kit. Protein samples were run through strong cation exchange (SCX) liquid chromatography in order to fractionate samples of major proteins. Protein identification by mass spectrometry revealed a significant detection of low abundant proteins in comparing to high abundant proteins. In conclusion, acetone precipitation was found to be more efficient and cost effect technique. Depletion of proteomic samples from the most abundant protein species is strongly recommended to allow the mid and low abundant protein to be detected. A better resolution of the gels will be achieved by removing the major proteins such as albumin and immunoglobulin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Aldarmahi
- College of Sciences and Health Professions, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Al-Rabia
- College of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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69
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Holt WV, Fazeli A. Do sperm possess a molecular passport? Mechanistic insights into sperm selection in the female reproductive tract. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 21:491-501. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gav012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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70
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Fazeli A, Moein Vaziri N, Holt WV. Proteomics of the periconception milieu. Proteomics 2015; 15:649-55. [PMID: 25404351 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201400362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2014] [Revised: 11/09/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing realisation that human health status in adulthood depends critically upon environmental conditions pertaining around the time of conception and during pregnancy. Poor maternal diet or adverse environmental conditions around the periconception period somehow induces the resultant embryo to adapt predictively in order to survive this level of stress for the whole of its life. However, if there is a mismatch between expectation and reality, where the conditions during later life are better than expected, things go wrong and the adult suffers a range of illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and stroke. Understanding the molecular signals that direct the early embryo to adopt appropriate adaptations to suit its future life would be extremely valuable. However, although it appears to be an ideal task for proteomic applications, there are technical, ethical and practical limitations to what can be achieved with the current framework of proteomic technology. Here, we review what has been achieved to date, explain some of the experimental problems and suggest some strategies for taking this field forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Fazeli
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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71
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Zandieh Z, Ashrafi M, Jameie B, Amanpour S, Mosaffa N, Salman Yazdi R, Pacey A, Aflatoonian R. Evaluation of immunological interaction between spermatozoa and fallopian tube epithelial cells. Andrologia 2015; 47:1120-30. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Z. Zandieh
- Anatomy Department; School of Medicine; Iran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - M. Ashrafi
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department; School of Medicine; Iran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - B. Jameie
- Anatomy Department; School of Medicine; Iran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - S. Amanpour
- Valie-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center; Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - N. Mosaffa
- Department of Immunology; Faculty of Medicine; Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - R. Salman Yazdi
- Department of Andrology at Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center; Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine; ACECR; Tehran Iran
| | - A. Pacey
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine; University of Sheffield; Sheffield UK
| | - R. Aflatoonian
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility at Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center; Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine; ACECR; Tehran Iran
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Abstract
Experimental evidence from the last 30 years supports the fact that the oviduct is involved in the modulation of the reproductive process in eutherian mammals. Oviductal secretion contains molecules that contribute to regulation of gamete function, gamete interaction, and the early stages of embryo development. The oviductal environment would act as a sperm reservoir, maintaining sperm viability, and modulating the subpopulation of spermatozoa that initiates the capacitation process. It could also contribute to prevent the premature acrosome reaction and to reduce polyspermy. Many studies have reported the beneficial effects of the oviductal environment on fertilization and on the first stages of embryo development. Some oviductal factors have been identified in different mammalian species. The effects of oviductal secretion on the reproductive process could be thought to result from the dynamic combined action (inhibitory or stimulatory) of multiple factors present in the oviductal lumen at different stages of the ovulatory cycle and in the presence of gametes or embryos. It could be hypothesized that the absence of a given molecule would not affect fertility as its action could be compensated by another factor with similar functions. However, any alteration in this balance could affect certain events of the reproductive process and could perhaps impair fertility. Thus, the complexity of the reproductive process warrants a continuous research effort to unveil the mechanisms and factors behind its regulation in the oviductal microenvironment.
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73
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Fitzpatrick JL, Lüpold S. Sexual selection and the evolution of sperm quality. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 20:1180-9. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gau067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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74
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Artemenko K, Horáková J, Steinberger B, Besenfelder U, Brem G, Bergquist J, Mayrhofer C. A proteomic approach to monitor the dynamic response of the female oviductal epithelial cell surface to male gametes. J Proteomics 2014; 113:1-14. [PMID: 25281772 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2014.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Revised: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Sophisticated strategies to analyze cell surface proteins are indispensable to study fundamental biological processes, such as the response of cells to environmental changes or cell-cell communication. Herein, we describe a refined mass spectrometry-based approach for the specific characterization and quantitation of cell surface proteins expressed in the female reproductive tract. The strategy is based on in situ biotinylation of rabbit oviducts, affinity enrichment of surface exposed biotin tagged proteins and dimethyl labeling of the obtained tryptic peptides followed by LC-MS/MS analysis. This approach proved to be sensitive enough to analyze small sample amounts (<1μg) and allowed further to trace the dynamic composition of the surface proteome of the oviductal epithelium in response to male gametes. The relative protein expression ratios of 175 proteins were quantified. Thirty-one of them were found to be altered over time, namely immediately, 1h and 2h after insemination compared to the time-matched control groups. Functional analysis demonstrated that structural reorganization of the oviductal epithelial cell surface was involved in the early response of the female organ to semen. In summary, this study outlines a workflow that is capable to monitor alterations in the female oviduct that are related to key reproductive processes in vivo. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE The proper interaction between the female reproductive tract, in particular, the oviduct and the male gametes, is fundamental to fertilization and embryonic development under physiological conditions. Thereby the oviductal epithelial cell surface proteins play an important role. Besides their direct interaction with male gametes, these molecules participate in signal transduction and, thus, are involved in the mandatory cellular response of the oviductal epithelium. In this study we present a refined LC-MS/MS based workflow that is capable to quantitatively analyze the expression of oviductal epithelial cell surface proteins in response to insemination in vivo. A special focus was on the very early interaction between the female organ and the male gametes. At first, this study clearly revealed an immediate response of the surface proteome to semen, which was modulated over time. The described methodology can be applied for studies of further distinct biological events in the oviduct and therefore contribute to a deeper insight into the formation of new life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Artemenko
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry - Biomedical Center and Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Jana Horáková
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry - Biomedical Center and Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Birgit Steinberger
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Department for Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria; Institute of Biotechnology in Animal Production, Department for Agrobiotechnology (IFA Tulln), University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna, Tulln, Austria
| | - Urban Besenfelder
- Institute of Biotechnology in Animal Production, Department for Agrobiotechnology (IFA Tulln), University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna, Tulln, Austria
| | - Gottfried Brem
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Department for Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jonas Bergquist
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry - Biomedical Center and Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Corina Mayrhofer
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Department for Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria; Institute of Biotechnology in Animal Production, Department for Agrobiotechnology (IFA Tulln), University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna, Tulln, Austria
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75
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Li C, Ma Y, Yi K, Wang C, Li W, Liu Z, Sun L, Chen S, Yu J, Li H, Chen L, Zhou X. The interactions between nerve growth factor and gonadotrophins in bovine oviduct. Anim Reprod Sci 2014; 149:117-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2014] [Revised: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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76
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Aldarmahi A, Elliott S, Russell J, Fazeli A. Effects of spermatozoa-oviductal cell coincubation time and oviductal cell age on spermatozoa-oviduct interactions. Reprod Fertil Dev 2014; 26:358-65. [PMID: 23551866 DOI: 10.1071/rd12222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2012] [Accepted: 01/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The oviduct plays a crucial role in sperm storage, maintenance of sperm viability and sperm transport to the site of fertilisation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of oviductal cell culture passage number, oviductal cell age and spermatozoa-oviduct coincubation times on gene expression in oviductal cells. Immortalised oviductal epithelial cells (OPEC) obtained from two different cell passages (36 and 57) were subcultured three times with and without spermatozoa for 24 h (control group). In a second study, OPEC were cocultured with spermatozoa for different time intervals (0, 4, 12 and 24 h). Expression of adrenomedullin (ADM), heat shock 70 kDa protein 8 (HSPA8) and prostaglandin E synthase (PGES) in OPEC was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The expression of ADM and HSPA8 was decreased significantly in OPEC cells from Passage 57, particularly in the later subculture group. These effects on HSPA8, but not ADM, expression in OPEC were further altered after coculture with spermatozoa for 24 h. We also demonstrated that spermatozoa-oviduct coculture for 12 and 24 h resulted in significantly higher expression of ADM, HSPA8 and PGES in OPEC. Overall, the data suggest that the OPEC lose some of their properties as a result of oviductal cell aging and that there are spermatozoa-oviduct interactions leading to increased oviductal cell gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Aldarmahi
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Level 4, The Jessop Wing, Tree Root Walk, Sheffield S10 2SF, UK
| | - Sarah Elliott
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Level 4, The Jessop Wing, Tree Root Walk, Sheffield S10 2SF, UK
| | - Jean Russell
- Corporate and Computing Services, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S3 7RF, UK
| | - Alireza Fazeli
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Level 4, The Jessop Wing, Tree Root Walk, Sheffield S10 2SF, UK
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77
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Yeste M, Holt WV, Bonet S, Rodríguez-Gil JE, Lloyd RE. Viable and morphologically normal boar spermatozoa alter the expression of heat-shock protein genes in oviductal epithelial cells during co-culture in vitro. Mol Reprod Dev 2014; 81:805-19. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2014] [Accepted: 06/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marc Yeste
- Institute of Zoology; Zoological Society of London; London United Kingdom
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery; Autonomous University of Barcelona; Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona) Spain
| | - William V. Holt
- Institute of Zoology; Zoological Society of London; London United Kingdom
- Academic Department of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine; University of Sheffield; Sheffield United Kingdom
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Department of Biology; University of Girona; Girona Spain
| | - Joan E. Rodríguez-Gil
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery; Autonomous University of Barcelona; Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona) Spain
| | - Rhiannon E. Lloyd
- Institute of Zoology; Zoological Society of London; London United Kingdom
- Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences; University of Portsmouth; Portsmouth United Kingdom
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78
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Accogli G, Monaco D, El Bahrawy KA, El-Sayed AAEH, Ciannarella F, Beneult B, Lacalandra GM, Desantis S. Morphological and glycan features of the camel oviduct epithelium. Ann Anat 2014; 196:197-205. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2014.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2013] [Revised: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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79
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Liu J, Marey MA, Kowsar R, Hambruch N, Shimizu T, Haneda S, Matsui M, Sasaki M, Hayakawa H, Pfarrer C, Miyamoto A. An acute-phase protein as a regulator of sperm survival in the bovine oviduct: alpha 1-acid-glycoprotein impairs neutrophil phagocytosis of sperm in vitro. J Reprod Dev 2014; 60:342-8. [PMID: 24931131 PMCID: PMC4219990 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2014-049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously shown that polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) are present in bovine oviduct fluid under physiological conditions, and that the oviduct provides a microenvironment that protects sperm from phagocytosis by PMNs. Alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) is a major acute-phase protein produced mainly in the liver that has immunomodulatory functions. AGP mRNA is expressed in extrahepatic organs, such as the lung, kidney, spleen, lymph node, uterus, and ovary. Therefore, in this study, we investigated, 1) the local production of AGP in the bovine oviduct, 2) the effect of AGP on the phagocytic activity of PMNs for sperm and superoxide production and 3) the impact of AGP desialylation on the PMN phagocytosis of sperm. The AGP gene was expressed in cultured bovine oviduct epithelial cells (BOECs) and AGP protein was detected in oviduct fluid. Preexposure of PMNs to AGP at physiological levels impaired PMN phagocytosis for sperm and superoxide generation. The desialylation of AGP eliminated these suppressive effects of AGP on PMN. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that AGP drastically reduced the formation of DNA-based neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) for sperm entanglement. Additionally, AGP dose-dependently stimulated BOECs to produce prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) which has been shown to partially contribute to the regulation of sperm phagocytosis in the bovine oviduct. AGP and PGE2 at concentrations detected in the oviducts additively suppressed sperm phagocytosis by PMNs. These results provide evidence that locally produced AGP may be involved in protecting sperm from phagocytosis by PMNs in the bovine oviduct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghui Liu
- Graduate School of Animal and Food Hygiene, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
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80
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Almiñana C, Caballero I, Heath PR, Maleki-Dizaji S, Parrilla I, Cuello C, Gil MA, Vazquez JL, Vazquez JM, Roca J, Martinez EA, Holt WV, Fazeli A. The battle of the sexes starts in the oviduct: modulation of oviductal transcriptome by X and Y-bearing spermatozoa. BMC Genomics 2014; 15:293. [PMID: 24886317 PMCID: PMC4035082 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2013] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex allocation of offspring in mammals is usually considered as a matter of chance, being dependent on whether an X- or a Y-chromosome-bearing spermatozoon reaches the oocyte first. Here we investigated the alternative possibility, namely that the oviducts can recognise X- and Y- spermatozoa, and may thus be able to bias the offspring sex ratio. RESULTS By introducing X- or Y-sperm populations into the two separate oviducts of single female pigs using bilateral laparoscopic insemination we found that the spermatozoa did indeed elicit sex-specific transcriptomic responses. Microarray analysis revealed that 501 were consistently altered (P-value < 0.05) in the oviduct in the presence of Y-chromosome-bearing spermatozoa compared to the presence of X-chromosome-bearing spermatozoa. From these 501 transcripts, 271 transcripts (54.1%) were down-regulated and 230 transcripts (45.9%) were up-regulated when the Y- chromosome-bearing spermatozoa was present in the oviduct. Our data showed that local immune responses specific to each sperm type were elicited within the oviduct. In addition, either type of spermatozoa elicits sex-specific signal transduction signalling by oviductal cells. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that the oviduct functions as a biological sensor that screens the spermatozoon, and then responds by modifying the oviductal environment. We hypothesize that there might exist a gender biasing mechanism controlled by the female.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alireza Fazeli
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Department of Human metabolism, The University of Sheffield, Level 4, The Jessop Wing, Tree Root Walk, Sheffield S10 2SF, UK.
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81
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Luño V, López-Úbeda R, García-Vázquez FA, Gil L, Matás C. Boar sperm tyrosine phosphorylation patterns in the presence of oviductal epithelial cells: in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models. Reproduction 2013; 146:315-24. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Spermatozoa transport through the oviduct is a controlled process that regulates sperm capacitation. A crucial event involved in capacitation is protein tyrosine phosphorylation (TP). This study was undertaken to determine whether similarities exist in protein TP distribution between spermatozoa bound or unbound to oviductal epithelial cells (OEC) in three different conditions: i)in vitro, spermatozoa coincubated with OEC cultures; ii)ex vivo, spermatozoa deposited in porcine oviductal explants from slaughtered animals; iii)in vivo, in which sows were inseminated and the oviduct was recovered. The localization of phosphotyrosine protein was determined using indirect immunofluorescence. The distribution of protein TP was significantly (P<0.05) different between bound and unbound cell populations in all experiments. In sows inseminated close to ovulation, spermatozoa were found mainly in the utero–tubal junction, where spermatozoa exhibited higher proportion of flagellum phosphorylation. Spermatozoa not bound to OEC exhibited high levels of protein phosphorylation (phosphorylated equatorial subsegment and acrosome and/or phosphorylated flagellum) in theex vivoandin vivoexperiments (P<0.05). However, unbound spermatozoa coincubated with OEC inin vitroconditions tended to show intermediate levels of TP (equatorial subsegment with or without phosphorylated flagellum). In spermatozoa bound to OEC, protein TP was located in the equatorial subsegment or presented no phosphorylation (P<0.05). Although sperm capacitation conditionsin vivowere not reproduciblein vitroin our experimental conditions, sperm and OEC binding seemed to be a mechanism for selecting spermatozoa with a low level of TP inin vivo,ex vivo, andin vitroexperiments.
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82
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Alvarez-Rodríguez M, Alvarez M, Borragan S, Martinez-Pastor F, Holt W, Fazeli A, de Paz P, Anel L. The addition of heat shock protein HSPA8 to cryoprotective media improves the survival of brown bear (Ursus arctos) spermatozoa during chilling and after cryopreservation. Theriogenology 2013; 79:541-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2012] [Accepted: 11/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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83
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Besenfelder U, Havlicek V, Brem G. Role of the oviduct in early embryo development. Reprod Domest Anim 2013; 47 Suppl 4:156-63. [PMID: 22827365 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2012.02070.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
This review highlights the role of the oviduct in early embryo development, which has to fulfil many aligned and well-tuned tasks during early embryogenesis. The oviductal lining is subjected to dynamic changes to timely accomplish gamete transport, fertilization and embryo development and to deliver a competent and healthy conceptus to the endometrium which can implant and develop to term. Although knowledge about the role of the oviduct is limited, we know that embryos are very sensitive to the environment in which they develop. The success of in vitro embryo production techniques demonstrates that it is possible to bypass the oviduct during early development and, to a certain extent, replicate the conditions in vitro. However, comparative studies show that embryos developed in vivo are superior to their in vitro produced counterparts, underlining our relatively poor knowledge of the biology of the oviduct. Oviduct activity is orchestrated by various factors, depending on cyclic dynamics, which crucially affect the success of tubal transfer and/or (re-)collection of embryos in embryo transfer studies. This paper reviews data which demonstrate that in vivo culture of embryos in the bovine oviduct is a useful tool for the assessment of embryos developed under various conditions (e.g. superovulation vs single ovulation, lactating dairy cows vs non-lactating cows). It is concluded that more work in the field of early embryo development within the oviduct would contribute to improved ART protocols leading to healthy pregnancies and offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Besenfelder
- Reproduction Centre Wieselburg, Department for Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
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84
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Bovine oviductal monolayers cultured under three-dimension conditions secrete factors able to release spermatozoa adhering to the tubal reservoir in vitro. Theriogenology 2012; 79:429-35. [PMID: 23168352 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2012] [Revised: 10/16/2012] [Accepted: 10/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Different in vitro models have been developed to understand the interaction of gametes and embryos with the maternal reproductive tract. We recently showed that bovine oviductal monolayers three-dimensionally cultured in Gray's medium on collagen-coated microporous polycarbonate inserts under liquid-air interface conditions are well polarized, develop cilia, remain viable for at least 3 weeks postconfluence, and mantain the viability of bound spermatozoa significantly better than bidimensionally cultured monolayers. Herein, we used these culture conditions to understand whether: (1) spermatozoa adhering to three-dimensionally cultured oviductal monolayers can be released by heparin or penicillamine as previously shown with bidimensionally cultured oviductal monolayers and explants; and (2) media conditioned by three-dimensionally cultured oviductal monolayers were able to release spermatozoa adhering to oviductal explants. Findings demonstrated that (1) spermatozoa adhering to three-dimensionally cultured oviductal monolayers are readily released by heparin and penicillamine, (2) media conditioned by three-dimensionally cultured oviductal monolayers are able to release spermatozoa bound to oviductal explants, (3) do not depress sperm motility and viability, (4) they improve sperm kinetics, and (5) promote binding to the zona pellucida. In conclusion, in vitro data suggest that the release of spermatozoa adhering to the oviductal reservoir in vivo can be triggered by factors secreted by the oviduct itself that induce sperm capacitation.
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85
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Mondéjar I, Acuña OS, Izquierdo-Rico MJ, Coy P, Avilés M. The oviduct: functional genomic and proteomic approach. Reprod Domest Anim 2012; 47 Suppl 3:22-9. [PMID: 22681295 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2012.02027.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian oviduct is an anatomical part of the female reproductive tract, which plays several important roles in the events related to fertilization and embryo development. This review examines and compares several studies related to the proteomic and transcriptomic profile of the oviduct in different domestic animals. This information could be important for clarifying the role of oviductal factors in different events regulating fertilization and early embryo development, as well as for improving synthetic media for in vitro maturation/in vitro fertilization/embryo culture techniques (IVM/IVF/EC).
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Affiliation(s)
- I Mondéjar
- Department of Physiology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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86
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Argañaraz ME, Apichela SA, Kenngott R, Vermeheren M, Rodler D, Palma GA, Miceli DC, Sinowatz F. Expression and localization of nodal in bovine oviduct and uterus during different functional stages of oestrus cycle and pregnancy. Histochem Cell Biol 2012; 139:89-97. [PMID: 23052837 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-012-1030-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Members of TGF-β superfamily play a major role in the endometrial changes involved in the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Their deregulated expression and action could lead to absolute or partial failure of embryo implantation. Nonetheless, the precise function and mechanism of many of these cytokines remain unclear. Nodal, a transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily member, was characterized in the human and rodent uterus and implicated in the tissue remodeling events during menstruation and embryo implantation. In order to study its possible role in the cattle reproductive process, we have analyzed Nodal expression pattern and localization in the oviduct and uterine horn during the oestrus cycle and early pregnancy (day 20). Nodal was detected both in oviduct and uterus during either the oestrus cycle or pregnancy; however, it shows a differential expression profile in the uterine horn at dioestrus and pregnancy, decreasing 1.5 and 1.4 folds in comparison with oestrus. Nodal immunostaining intensity was observed in stromal and in epithelial cells of the surface and the glandular epithelium. The staining pattern correlates with the RT-qPCR expression profile. This work is the first to evidence the presence of Nodal in the bovine reproductive tract; our data suggest that Nodal is a novel cytokine that would be involved in the remodelling occurring in the endometrium of cattle during the oestrus cycle and in the embryo implantation. The identification of new molecules that participate in endometrium cycling and/or pregnancy may be useful for predicting the ability of the uterine tissue to establish and maintain pregnancy or for detecting the infertility processes. These results highlight Nodal as a possible novel marker of the fertility process, nevertheless further studies should be done to determine its role in the reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Eduardo Argañaraz
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas-CONICET-UNT, Chacabuco 461, 4000 Tucumán, Argentina
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87
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Gualtieri R, Mollo V, Braun S, Barbato V, Fiorentino I, Talevi R. Long-term viability and differentiation of bovine oviductal monolayers: bidimensional versus three-dimensional culture. Theriogenology 2012; 78:1456-64. [PMID: 22925649 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2012] [Revised: 06/05/2012] [Accepted: 06/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Different in vitro models have been developed to study the interaction of gametes and embryos with the maternal tract. In cattle, the interaction of the oviduct with gametes and embryos have been classically studied using oviductal explants or monolayers (OMs). Explants are well differentiated but have to be used within 24 h after collection, whereas OMs can be used for a longer time after cell confluence but dedifferentiate during culture, losing cell polarity and ciliation. Herein, OMs were cultured either in M199 plus 10% fetal calf serum or in a semidefined culture medium (Gray's medium), in an immersed condition on collagen-coated coated microporous polyester or polycarbonate inserts under air-liquid interface conditions. The influence of culture conditions on long-term viability and differentiation of OMs was evaluated through scanning electron microscopy, localization of centrin and tubulin at the confocal laser scanning microscope, and assessment of maintenance of viability of sperm bound to OMs. Findings demonstrated that OMs cultured in an immersed condition with Gray's medium retain a better morphology, do not exhibit signs of crisis at least until 3 wks postconfluence, and maintain the viability of bound sperm significantly better than parallel OMs cultured in M199 plus 10% fetal calf serum. OM culture with Gray's medium in air-liquid interface conditions on porous inserts promotes cell polarity, ciliation, and maintenance of bound sperm viability at least until 3 wks postconfluence. In conclusion, oviduct culture in Gray's medium in an immersed or air-liquid condition allows long-term culture and, in the latter case, also ciliation of bovine OMs, and may represent in vitro systems that mimick more closely the biological processes modulated by the oviduct in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Gualtieri
- Dipartimento di Biologia Strutturale e Funzionale, Università di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte S Angelo, Napoli, Italy.
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88
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89
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Sun J, Spradling AC. NR5A nuclear receptor Hr39 controls three-cell secretory unit formation in Drosophila female reproductive glands. Curr Biol 2012; 22:862-71. [PMID: 22560612 PMCID: PMC3397175 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2012.03.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2012] [Revised: 03/11/2012] [Accepted: 03/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Secretions within the adult female reproductive tract mediate sperm survival, storage, activation, and selection. Drosophila female reproductive gland secretory cells reside within the adult spermathecae and parovaria, but their development remains poorly characterized. RESULTS With cell-lineage tracing, we found that precursor cells downregulate lozenge and divide stereotypically to generate three-cell secretory units during pupal development. The NR5A-class nuclear hormone receptor Hr39 is essential for precursor cell division and secretory unit formation. Moreover, ectopic Hr39 in multiple tissues generates reproductive gland-like primordia. Rarely, in male genital discs these primordia can develop into sperm-filled testicular spermathecae. CONCLUSION Drosophila spermathecae provide a powerful model for studying gland development. Hr39 functions as a master regulator of a program that may have been conserved throughout animal evolution for the production of female reproductive glands and other secretory tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Allan C. Spradling
- Corresponding Author: Dr. Allan C. Spradling, Tel. 410-246-3015, Fax. 410-243-6311,
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90
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Goudet G. Fertilisation in the horse and paracrine signalling in the oviduct. Reprod Fertil Dev 2012; 23:941-51. [PMID: 22127000 DOI: 10.1071/rd10285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2010] [Accepted: 04/04/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian oviduct plays a crucial role in the preparation of gametes for fertilisation (transport and final maturation) and fertilisation itself. An increasing number of studies offers a comprehensive overview of the functions of the oviduct and its secretions, but this topic has had limited investigation in the horse. Limited data are available on the final oocyte maturation in the equine oviduct. However, in vitro and in vivo systems have been established to analyse the influence of equine oviduct epithelial cells (OEC) during maturation on the potential of oocytes for fertilisation and development. Most studies focus on the role of the oviduct in equine sperm function, such as spermatozoa transport, attachment to oviduct epithelium, viability, motility and capacitation. Moreover, some possible candidate molecules for sperm-oviducal interactions have been identified in the horse. Finally, the low efficiency of conventional in vitro fertilisation and the in vivo fertilisation of equine oocytes transferred into the oviduct of an inseminated mare predicted an influence of oviduct in equine fertilisation. Actually, in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated a role of the oviduct in equine fertilisation. Moreover, recent studies showed a beneficial effect of homologous and heterologous OEC on equine in vitro fertilisation, and some candidate molecules have been studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghylène Goudet
- INRA, UMR85, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France.
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91
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Burkitt M, Walker D, Romano DM, Fazeli A. Computational modelling of maternal interactions with spermatozoa: potentials and prospects. Reprod Fertil Dev 2012; 23:976-89. [PMID: 22127003 DOI: 10.1071/rd11032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2011] [Accepted: 07/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the complex interactions between gametes, embryos and the maternal tract is required knowledge for combating infertility and developing new methods of contraception. Here we present some main aspects of spermatozoa interactions with the mammalian oviduct before fertilisation and discuss how computational modelling can be used as an invaluable aid to experimental investigation in this field. A complete predictive computational model of gamete and embryo interactions with the female reproductive tract is a long way off. However, the enormity of this task should not discourage us from working towards it. Computational modelling allows us to investigate aspects of maternal communication with gametes and embryos, which are financially, ethically or practically difficult to look at experimentally. In silico models of maternal communication with gametes and embryos can be used as tools to complement in vivo experiments, in the same way as in vitro and in situ models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Burkitt
- The Department of Computer Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, Regent Court, 211 Portobello, Sheffield S1 4DP, UK
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92
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Holt WV. Mechanisms of sperm storage in the female reproductive tract: an interspecies comparison. Reprod Domest Anim 2012; 46 Suppl 2:68-74. [PMID: 21884282 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2011.01862.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Once semen has been collected for artificial insemination, it is diluted into extenders designed to prevent its deterioration over the period prior to insemination. If the semen is not frozen, the extenders provide protection for a period of a few hours to a few days, depending on species. Despite the efforts of biotechnologists to increase the duration of storage without compromising fertility, there has been relatively little progress for many years. However, comparative studies in diverse species have revealed that long-term sperm storage (up to months and years) within the female reproductive tract is relatively commonplace in reptiles, fishes, birds and amphibians. Even among mammals, some species of bat have evolved mechanisms for storing spermatozoa for several months in the uterus or oviduct so that they can mate in the autumn but postpone fertilization until the spring. We currently know little about the mechanisms that support such long-term sperm storage, mainly because evidence from such species is either absent or fragmentary. Nevertheless, parallels between mammalian and other systems, where spermatozoa are sequestered in sperm storage tubules, suggest that the enclosure of spermatozoa within pockets of epithelial cells may be sufficient to achieve long-term sperm storage. In addition, recent evidence from sperm-storing bats has suggested an alternative, or additional, hypothesis that the modulation of apoptosis within epithelial cells is important in controlling sperm survival. Despite a lack of direct experimental evidence from a wide variety of species, I propose that there is now enough evidence to warrant investigation of these hypotheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- William V Holt
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, UK.
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93
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Ziecik AJ, Waclawik A, Kaczmarek MM, Blitek A, Jalali BM, Andronowska A. Mechanisms for the establishment of pregnancy in the pig. Reprod Domest Anim 2012; 46 Suppl 3:31-41. [PMID: 21854459 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2011.01843.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Establishment of pregnancy in pigs requires continuous function of corpora lutea and endometrial preparation for embryo implantation. Progesterone regulates expression of many proteins necessary for endometrial remodelling and embryo-maternal communications. Attaining the uterine receptivity involves progesterone priming and loss of progesterone receptors in the uterine epithelium before days 10-12 after oestrus. Spermatozoa and oocytes in oviduct alter secretion of specific proteins that exert beneficial effect on gametes and embryos. Moreover, an appropriate leucocyte activation and maintenance of delicate cytokine balance within the oviduct and uterus are important for early pregnancy. This early local immune response is rather mediated by seminal plasma components. These components also influence prostaglandin (PG) synthesis in the oviduct that is important for gamete and embryo transport. Pregnancy establishment requires the biphasic pattern of oestrogen secretion by conceptuses on days 11-12 and 15-30. Conceptus affects lipid signalling system consisting of prostaglandins and lysophosphatic acid. PG synthesis is changed by conceptus signals in favour of luteoprotective PGE(2) . Additionally, existence of PGE(2) positive feedback loop in the endometrium contributes to increased PGE(2) /PGF(2α) ratio during the peri-implantation period. PGE(2) through endometrial PGE(2) receptor (PTGER2) elevates the expression of enzymes involved in PGE(2) synthesis. Higher PGE(2) secretion in uterine lumen coincides with the elevated expression of HOXA10 transcription factor critical for implantation. A stable adhesion between conceptus and endometrium requires reduction in mucin-1 on the apical surface of epithelium and integrin activation by extracellular matrix proteins. Furthermore, growth factors, cytokines and its receptors are involved in embryo-maternal interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Ziecik
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima, Olsztyn, Poland
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94
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Gómez PN, Alvarez JG, Parodi J, Romero F, Sánchez R. Effect of aracnotoxin from Latrodectus mactans on bovine sperm function: modulatory action of bovine oviduct cells and their secretions. Andrologia 2012; 44 Suppl 1:764-71. [PMID: 22211875 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2011.01263.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Latrodectus mactans' aracnotoxin (Atx) induces changes in sperm function that could be used as a co-adjuvant in male contraceptive barrier methods. This effect includes the suppression of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), an event necessary for capacitation, chemotaxis and acrosome reaction (AR). The sperm that are not trapped by the barrier method can reach the oviduct before fertilisation and be exposed to the secretions of the oviducts. This study evaluated the effect of bovine tubal explants (TU) and conditioned media (CM) from the ampullar and isthmal regions on spermatozoa exposed to Atx. Thawed bovine sperm were incubated with Atx, TU and CM from the ampullar and isthmal regions for 4 h and then DNA integrity, intracellular ROS and lysophosphatidylcholine-induced AR were determined. Spermatozoa exposed to Atx and co-incubated with TU and CM for 4 h produced an increase in sperm DNA damage, a decrease in ROS production and a decrease in %AR, compared with the control. A similar result was obtained from the co-incubation of spermatozoa with Atx. In conclusion, the effect of Atx is not modified by tubal cells or their secretions and this opens the door to future studies to evaluate the application of synthetic peptides obtained from Atx as a co-adjuvant of contraceptive barrier methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- P N Gómez
- Center of Neurosciences and Peptides Biology, CEBIOR, BIOREN, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
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95
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Abstract
Embryo density is defined as the embryo-to-volume ratio achieved during in vitro culture; in other words, it is the number of embryos in a defined volume of culture medium. The same density can be achieved by manipulating either the number of embryos in a given volume of medium, or manipulating the volume of the medium for a given number of embryos: for example, a microdrop with five embryos in a 50 μl volume under oil has the same embryo-to-volume ratio (1:10 μl) as a microdrop with one embryo in a 10 μl volume under oil (1:10 μl). Increased embryo density can improve mammalian embryo development in vitro; however, the mechanism(s) responsible for this effect may be different with respect to which method is used to increase embryo density.Standard, flat sterile plastic petri dishes are the most common, traditional platform for embryo culture. Microdrops under a mineral oil overlay can be prepared to control embryo density, but it is critical that dish preparation is consistent, where appropriate techniques are applied to prevent microdrop dehydration during preparation, and results of any data collection are reliable, and repeatable. There are newer dishes available from several manufacturers that are specifically designed for embryo culture; most are readily available for use with human embryos. The concept behind these newer dishes relies on fabrication of conical and smaller volume wells into the dish design, so that embryos rest at the lowest point in the wells, and where putative embryotrophic factors may concentrate.Embryo density is not usually considered by the embryologist as a technique in and of itself; rather, the decision to culture embryos in groups or individually is protocol-driven, and is based more on convenience or the need to collect data on individual embryos. Embryo density can be controlled, and as such, it can be utilized as a simple, yet effective tool to improve in vitro development of human embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Reed
- Center for Reproductive Medicine of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
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96
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Gómez PN, Alvarez JG, Risopatrón J, Romero F, Sánchez R. Effect of tubal explants and their secretions on bovine spermatozoa: modulation of ROS production and DNA damage. Reprod Fertil Dev 2012; 24:871-6. [DOI: 10.1071/rd11180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2011] [Accepted: 01/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Although low levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a physiological role in maintaining sperm function, an increase in ROS generation above these levels may result in the induction of sperm membrane and DNA damage. The main objective of this study was to determine whether bovine oviducal explants (TU) and their conditioned media (CM) have a modulatory effect on the production of ROS, and consequently, on sperm DNA integrity. Thawed sperm were exposed to bovine TU and to CM obtained from the ampullar and isthmal regions after 4 and 12 h, and DNA damage and intracellular ROS production was assessed by TUNEL and DHE and SYTOX Green, respectively. Co-incubation of spermatozoa with oviducal explants from the ampullar region (TUa) for 4 h resulted in a statistically significant increase in the percentage of spermatozoa with DNA damage compared with controls (P = 0.0106), and this increase was positively correlated with ROS levels. Conversely, although the incubation of spermatozoa with explants and conditioned media from the isthmal region (TUi and CMi, respectively) for 12 h resulted in an increase of spermatozoa with DNA damage compared with controls (P < 0.0001), this increase was not correlated with ROS levels. In conclusion, significant oxidative stress may take place in the oviduct, particularly during short-term incubation, and this may be related to changes in the antioxidant factors present in the oviducal cells and secretions. A redox imbalance in pro-oxidants and antioxidants in the oviduct may lead to oxidative stress and sperm DNA damage.
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97
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Morrow EH, Innocenti P. Female postmating immune responses, immune system evolution and immunogenic males. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2011; 87:631-8. [PMID: 22188485 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-185x.2011.00214.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Females in many taxa experience postmating activation of their immune system, independently of any genital trauma or pathogenic attack arising from male-female genital contact. This response has always been interpreted as a product of natural selection as it either prepares the female immune system for antigens arising from an implanted embryo (in the case of placental mammals), or is a "pre-emptive strike" against infection or injury acquired during mating. While the first hypothesis has empirical support, the second is not entirely satisfactory. Recently, studies that have experimentally dissected the postmating responses of Drosophila melanogaster females point to a different explanation: male reproductive peptides/proteins that have evolved in response to postmating male-male competition are directly responsible for activating particular elements of the female immune system. Thus, in a broad sense, males may be said to be immunogenic to females. Here, we discuss a possible direct role of sexual selection/sexual conflict in immune system evolution, in contrast to indirect trade-offs with other life-history traits, presenting the available evidence from a range of taxa and proposing ways in which the competing hypotheses could be tested. The major implication of this review is that immune system evolution is not only a product of natural selection but also that sexual selection and potentially sexual conflict enforces a direct selective pressure. This is a significant shift, and will compel researchers studying immune system evolution and ecological immunity to look beyond the forces generated by parasites and pathogens to those generated by the male ejaculate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward H Morrow
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Center, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18D, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden.
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98
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L’oviducte de mammifère : un organe revisité. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 39:625-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gyobfe.2011.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2011] [Accepted: 09/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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99
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Fazeli A. Maternal Communication with Gametes and Embryo: A Personal Opinion. Reprod Domest Anim 2011; 46 Suppl 2:75-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2011.01870.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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100
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Abstract
Recalling the evolutionary sequence of development first of gonad and subsequently of oviducts, ovarian endocrine regulation of all known components of oviduct physiology is reviewed. Ovaries not only influence oviducts via the systemic blood circulation, but also locally by counter-current transfer of relatively high concentrations of steroid hormones and prostaglandins between the ovarian vein and oviduct branch of the ovarian artery. The efficiency and impact of such counter-current transfer is greatest around the time of ovulation, the transfer process receiving further inputs from hormones present in peritoneal fluid. Classical oviduct physiology is summarised, and the potential molecular consequences of temperature gradients within the duct lumen examined. At ovulation, an oocyte-cumulus complex is displaced in minutes from the follicular surface to the site of fertilisation at the ampullary-isthmic junction of the oviduct. This rapid initial phase is contrasted with the subsequent slow progression of embryos to the uterus in days, still encompassed within a zona pellucida. Regarding transport of spermatozoa, the formation of a pre-ovulatory reservoir in the caudal portion of the oviduct isthmus is noted, with suppression of motility and sperm-head binding to epithelial organelles acting to maintain fertilising ability. Completion of capacitation is prompted shortly before ovulation, predominantly by Ca(2+) influx into bound spermatozoa. A controlled release of spermatozoa coupled with their hyperactivation results in initial sperm:egg ratios at the site of fertilisation close to unity, thereby avoiding the pathological condition of polyspermy. Both the oviduct milieu and embryonic development are influenced by paracrine activity of follicular granulosa cells released at ovulation and remaining in suspension in the vicinity of the oocyte or embryo. These cells may amplify early pregnancy signals from a zygote to the endosalpinx. Beneficial effects of the oviduct on domestic animal embryos are contrasted with anomalies arising as a consequence of in vitro culture. Primate embryos do not require exposure to an oviduct for normal development, perhaps due to overlapping compositions of endosalpingeal and endometrial secretions. Additionally, primate endometrial secretions may be modified by viable gametes or an embryo in the presence of a cumulus cell suspension.
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Affiliation(s)
- R H F Hunter
- Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Hannover Veterinary University, Hannover, Germany.
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