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Pourbagher-Shahri AM, Farkhondeh T, Talebi M, Kopustinskiene DM, Samarghandian S, Bernatoniene J. An Overview of NO Signaling Pathways in Aging. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26154533. [PMID: 34361685 PMCID: PMC8348219 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26154533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitric Oxide (NO) is a potent signaling molecule involved in the regulation of various cellular mechanisms and pathways under normal and pathological conditions. NO production, its effects, and its efficacy, are extremely sensitive to aging-related changes in the cells. Herein, we review the mechanisms of NO signaling in the cardiovascular system, central nervous system (CNS), reproduction system, as well as its effects on skin, kidneys, thyroid, muscles, and on the immune system during aging. The aging-related decline in NO levels and bioavailability is also discussed in this review. The decreased NO production by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was revealed in the aged cardiovascular system. In the CNS, the decline of the neuronal (n)NOS production of NO was related to the impairment of memory, sleep, and cognition. NO played an important role in the aging of oocytes and aged-induced erectile dysfunction. Aging downregulated NO signaling pathways in endothelial cells resulting in skin, kidney, thyroid, and muscle disorders. Putative therapeutic agents (natural/synthetic) affecting NO signaling mechanisms in the aging process are discussed in the present study. In summary, all of the studies reviewed demonstrate that NO plays a crucial role in the cellular aging processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mohammad Pourbagher-Shahri
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand 9717853577, Iran;
| | - Tahereh Farkhondeh
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand 9717853577, Iran;
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand 9717853577, Iran
| | - Marjan Talebi
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1991953381, Iran;
| | - Dalia M. Kopustinskiene
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu Pr. 13, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Saeed Samarghandian
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur 9318614139, Iran
- Correspondence: (S.S.); (J.B.)
| | - Jurga Bernatoniene
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu Pr. 13, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania;
- Department of Drug Technology and Social Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu Pr. 13, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania
- Correspondence: (S.S.); (J.B.)
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Gómez-Elías MD, Fissore RA, Cuasnicú PS, Cohen DJ. Compensatory endocytosis occurs after cortical granule exocytosis in mouse eggs. J Cell Physiol 2019; 235:4351-4360. [PMID: 31612508 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Compensatory endocytosis (CE) is one of the primary mechanisms through which cells maintain their surface area after exocytosis. Considering that in eggs massive exocytosis of cortical granules (CG) takes place after fertilization, the aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of CE following cortical exocytosis in mouse eggs. For this purpose, we developed a pulse-chase assay to detect CG membrane internalization. Results showed internalized labeling in SrCl2 -activated and fertilized eggs when chasing at 37°C, but not at a nonpermissive temperature (4°C). The use of kinase and calcineurin inhibitors led us to conclude that this internal labeling corresponded to CE. Further experiments showed that CE in mouse eggs is dependent on actin dynamics and dynamin activity, and could be associated with a transient exposure of phosphatidylserine. Finally, CE was impaired in A23187 ionophore-activated eggs, highlighting once again the mechanistic differences between the activation methods. Altogether, these results demonstrate for the first time that egg activation triggers CE in mouse eggs after exocytosis of CG, probably as a plasma membrane homeostasis mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matías D Gómez-Elías
- Laboratorio de Mecanismos Moleculares de la Fertilización, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científico y Técnicas (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rafael A Fissore
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 661 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Patricia S Cuasnicú
- Laboratorio de Mecanismos Moleculares de la Fertilización, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científico y Técnicas (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Débora J Cohen
- Laboratorio de Mecanismos Moleculares de la Fertilización, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científico y Técnicas (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Dasiman R, Rahman NSA, Othman S, Mustafa MF, Mohd. Yusoff NJ, Jusof WHW, Rajikin MH, Froemming GRA, Khan NAMN. Cytoskeletal alterations in different developmental stages of in vivo cryopreserved preimplantation murine embryos. Med Sci Monit Basic Res 2013; 19:258-66. [PMID: 24092420 PMCID: PMC3853339 DOI: 10.12659/msmbr.884019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 05/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate the effects of vitrification and slow freezing on actin, tubulin, and nuclei of in vivo preimplantation murine embryos at various developmental stages using a Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (CLSM). MATERIAL/METHODS Fifty female mice, aged 4-6 weeks, were used in this study. Animals were superovulated, cohabitated overnight, and sacrificed. Fallopian tubes were excised and flushed. Embryos at the 2-cell stage were collected and cultured to obtain 4- and 8-cell stages before being cryopreserved using vitrification and slow freezing. Fixed embryos were stained with fluorescence-labelled antibodies against actin and tubulin, as well as DAPI for staining the nucleus. Labelled embryos were scanned using CLSM and images were analyzed with Q-Win software V3. RESULTS The fluorescence intensity of both vitrified and slow-frozen embryos was significantly lower for tubulin, actin, and nucleus as compared to non-cryopreserved embryos (p<0.001). Intensities of tubulin, actin, and nucleus in each stage were also decreased in vitrified and slow-frozen groups as compared to non-cryopreserved embryos. CONCLUSIONS Cryopreservation of mouse embryos by slow freezing had a more detrimental effect on the actin, tubulin, and nucleus structure of the embryos compared to vitrification. Vitrification is therefore superior to slow freezing in terms of embryonic cryotolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razif Dasiman
- Institute of Medical Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nor-Shahida Abdul Rahman
- Institute of Medical Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Salina Othman
- Institute of Medical Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd-Fazirul Mustafa
- Institute of Medical Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Norhazlin Jusoh Mohd. Yusoff
- Institute of Medical Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wan-Hafizah W. Jusof
- Institute of Medical Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Hamim Rajikin
- Institute of Medical Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
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Abstract
Cortical granules are membrane bound organelles located in the cortex of unfertilized oocytes. Following fertilization, cortical granules undergo exocytosis to release their contents into the perivitelline space. This secretory process, which is calcium dependent and SNARE protein-mediated pathway, is known as the cortical reaction. After exocytosis, the released cortical granule proteins are responsible for blocking polyspermy by modifying the oocytes' extracellular matrices, such as the zona pellucida in mammals. Mammalian cortical granules range in size from 0.2 um to 0.6 um in diameter and different from most other regulatory secretory organelles in that they are not renewed once released. These granules are only synthesized in female germ cells and transform an egg upon sperm entry; therefore, this unique cellular structure has inherent interest for our understanding of the biology of fertilization. Cortical granules are long thought to be static and awaiting in the cortex of unfertilized oocytes to be stimulated undergoing exocytosis upon gamete fusion. Not till recently, the dynamic nature of cortical granules is appreciated and understood. The latest studies of mammalian cortical granules document that this organelle is not only biochemically heterogeneous, but also displays complex distribution during oocyte development. Interestingly, some cortical granules undergo exocytosis prior to fertilization; and a number of granule components function beyond the time of fertilization in regulating embryonic cleavage and preimplantation development, demonstrating their functional significance in fertilization as well as early embryonic development. The following review will present studies that investigate the biology of cortical granules and will also discuss new findings that uncover the dynamic aspect of this organelle in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Liu
- Department of Life Science and Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, Private Chinese Culture University, Taipei, Republic of China.
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Luvoni GC, Tessaro I, Apparício M, Ruggeri E, Luciano AM, Modina SC. Effect of vitrification of feline ovarian cortex on follicular and oocyte quality and competence. Reprod Domest Anim 2011; 47:385-91. [PMID: 21950518 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2011.01885.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cryopreservation of ovarian cortex has important implications in the preservation of fertility and biodiversity in animal species. Slow freezing of cat ovarian tissue resulted in the preservation of follicular morphology and in the follicular development after xenografting. Vitrification has been recently applied to ovarian tissues of different species, but no information is available on the effect of this method on feline ovarian cortex. Moreover, meiotic competence of fully grown oocytes isolated from cryopreserved tissue has not been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of vitrification of feline ovarian cortex on follicular morphology and oocyte integrity, as well as meiotic competence. A total of 352 fragments (1.5-2 mm(3) ) were obtained from ovarian cortical tissues: 176 were vitrified and 176 were used fresh as control. Histological evaluation of fresh and vitrified fragments showed intact follicles after cryopreservation procedures with no statistically significant destructive effect from primordial to antral follicles. After IVM, oocytes collected from vitrified ovarian fragment showed a higher proportion of gametes arrested at germinal vesicle (GV) stage compared to those isolated from fresh control tissue (33.8% vs 2.9%; p < 0.001). However, oocytes isolated from vitrified tissues were able to resume meiosis, albeit at lower rate than those collected from fresh tissues (39.8% vs 85.9%; p < 0.00001). Vitrification induced changes in the organization of cytoskeletal elements (actin microfilaments and microtubules) of oocytes, but significantly only for actin network (p < 0.001). Finally, chromatin configuration within the GV was not affected by the cryopreservation procedure. Our study demonstrated that vitrification preserves the integrity of ovarian follicles and that oocytes retrieved from cryopreserved tissue maintain the capability of resuming meiosis. To our knowledge, this has not previously been reported in the cat.
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Affiliation(s)
- G C Luvoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Veterinarie - Sezione di Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologica Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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Luciano AM, Chigioni S, Lodde V, Franciosi F, Luvoni GC, Modina SC. Effect of different cryopreservation protocols on cytoskeleton and gap junction mediated communication integrity in feline germinal vesicle stage oocytes. Cryobiology 2009; 59:90-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2009.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2008] [Revised: 05/06/2009] [Accepted: 05/07/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Luciano AM, Franciosi F, Lodde V, Perazzoli F, Slezáková M, Modina S. Cryopreservation of immature bovine oocytes to reconstruct artificial gametes by germinal vesicle transplantation. Reprod Domest Anim 2008; 44:480-8. [PMID: 18992089 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01194.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Joining immature gamete cryopreservation and germinal vesicle transplantation (GVT) technique could greatly improve assisted reproductive technologies in animal breeding and human medicine. The present work was aimed to assess the most suitable cryopreservation protocol between slow freezing and vitrification for immature denuded bovine oocytes, able to preserve both nuclear and cytoplasmic competence after thawing. In addition, the outcome of germinal vesicle transfer procedure and gamete reconstruction was tested on the most effective cryopreservation system. Oocytes, isolated from slaughterhouse ovaries, were stored after cumulus cells removal either by slow freezing or by vitrification in open pulled straws. After thawing, oocytes were matured for 24 h in co-culture with an equal number of just isolated intact cumulus enclosed oocytes, and fixed in order to evaluate the stage of meiotic progression and cytoskeleton organization. Our results showed that after warming, vitrified oocytes reached metaphase II (MII) in a percentage significantly higher than oocytes cryopreserved by slow freezing (76.2% and 36.5% respectively, p < 0.05). Moreover, vitrification process preserved the organization of cytoskeleton elements in a higher proportion of oocytes than slow freezing procedure. Therefore vitrification has been identified as the elective method for denuded immature oocytes banking and it has been applied in the second part of the study. Our results showed that 38.3% of oocytes reconstructed from vitrified gametes reached the MII of meiotic division, with efficiency not different from oocytes reconstructed with fresh gametes. We conclude that vitrification represents a suitable method of GV stage denuded oocyte banking since both nuclear and cytoplasmic components derived from cryopreserved immature oocytes can be utilized for GVT.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Luciano
- Division of Veterinary Anatomy and Histology, Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Via Celoria 10, Milan, Italy.
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Ghetler Y, Skutelsky E, Ben Nun I, Ben Dor L, Amihai D, Shalgi R. Human oocyte cryopreservation and the fate of cortical granules. Fertil Steril 2006; 86:210-6. [PMID: 16756978 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.12.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2005] [Revised: 12/05/2005] [Accepted: 12/05/2005] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of the commonly used oocyte cryopreservation protocol on the cortical granules (CGs) of human immature germinal vesicle (GV) and mature metaphase II (MII) oocytes. DESIGN Laboratory study. SETTING IVF unit. INTERVENTION(S) Unfertilized, intracytoplasmic sperm injected (ICSI) oocytes, and immature oocytes were cryopreserved using a slow freezing-rapid thawing program with 1,2-propanediol (PROH) as a cryoprotectant. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Cortical granule exocytosis (CGE) was assessed by either confocal microscopy or transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULT(S) The survival rates of frozen-thawed oocytes (mature and immature) were significantly lower compared with zygotes. Both mature and immature oocytes exhibited increased fluorescence after cryopreservation, indicating the occurrence of CGE. Mere exposure of oocytes to cryoprotectants induced CGE of 70% the value of control zygotes. The TEM revealed a drastic reduction in the amount of CGs at the cortex of frozen-thawed GV and MII oocytes, as well as appearance of vesicles in the ooplasm. CONCLUSION(S) The commonly used PROH freezing protocol for human oocytes resulted in extensive CGE. This finding explains why ICSI is needed to achieve fertilization of frozen-thawed human oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yehudith Ghetler
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Wang L, White KL, Reed WA, Campbell KD. Dynamic Changes to the Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate and Ryanodine Receptors during Maturation of Bovine Oocytes. CLONING AND STEM CELLS 2005; 7:306-20. [PMID: 16390266 DOI: 10.1089/clo.2005.7.306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor (IP3R) and ryanodine receptor (RyR) have been identified as two ligand-gated calcium channels which play a critical role in mediating calcium release in many different types of cells and tissues. The physiological significance of the two receptors in regulation of intracellular calcium during meiotic maturation and fertilization in the bovine oocyte was evaluated. Metabolic labeling of bovine oocytes by Met-Cys 35S during early and late maturation was followed by immunoprecipitation of both RyR and IP3R using specific antibodies against these two receptors. Results indicate that IP3R is translated throughout the maturation period; in contrast, RyR is only translated during the late maturation period of bovine oocytes. In addition, the experiments reported here investigate the temporal and spatial relationships between these calcium channels and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and cortical granules (CG). Immunocytochemistry, fluorescence staining and confocal microscopy were applied at four oocyte developmental stages: the germinal vesicleintact (GV-intact), metaphase I (MI) and metaphase II (MII) stages of maturation and the fertilized egg at 6 h post insemination (hpi). Although oocytes demonstrated some differences in staining patterns and localization, both receptor types showed apparent dynamic changes during meiotic maturation and dramatic decreases in signals after insemination. These results indicate the changes in the number and distribution of IP3R and RyR may account for the increased intracellular calcium responsiveness at fertilization. The IP3R appears to associate with the ER at the sub-vitelline membrane cortex in bovine oocytes. In addition, RyR appears to associate with the CG. In conclusion, although these two receptors may have different functional roles in regulation of calcium release during meiotic maturation and fertilization, it appears that both IP3R and RyR contribute to the significant increase of intracellular calcium during fertilization and activation in the bovine oocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wang
- Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences Department, Center for Developmental and Molecular Biology, Utah State University, Logan, Utah 84322-4815, USA
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Méo SC, Yamazaki W, Leal CLV, de Oliveira JA, Garcia JM. Use of strontium for bovine oocyte activation. Theriogenology 2005; 63:2089-102. [PMID: 15826675 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2004.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2003] [Accepted: 08/01/2004] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Strontium efficiently activates mouse oocytes, however, there is limited information on its use in cattle. Thus, the objective of this study was to establish a suitable protocol for activating bovine oocyte with strontium. For pronuclear development, the absence of calcium and magnesium in the activation medium (TALP) with 10 and 50 mM strontium (34.4 and 53.1%, respectively) was superior to the complete TALP (6.5 and 19.4%, respectively). In all activation media, better results were observed with 25 and 50 mM strontium (21.9-53.1 and 19.4-53.1%, respectively). Incubation for 4 h promoted similar results in all strontium concentrations. However, strontium at 15, 20, and 25 mM for 6 and 8 h (40.7, 46.7, and 48.3%, and 29.3, 48.3, and 40.7%, respectively) were superior to control (15.5 and 10%, respectively). After in vitro maturation for 26 h, strontium (S; 20 mM in Ca2+- and Mg2+-free TALP for 6 h), ionomycin+strontium (IS), and strontium+ionomycin (SI) (60, 63.3, and 65%, respectively) were similar in pronuclear development and superior to ionomycin (I; 5 microM for 5 min; 36.7%). In treatments S and I, only 1 PN zygotes were observed. In treatment S, most of them had 1 and 2 PB (35.7 and 60.7%, respectively), and in treatment I, 0, 1, and 2 PB (14.3, 57.1, and 28.6%, respectively). Most of the zygotes in treatment IS and SI were 1 PN 2 PB (77.4 and 61.6%, respectively). The number of oocytes with clusters of cortical granules was similar in all treated groups (11-29%). Cortical granule exocytosis in treatment IS (68%) was similar to S (54%) and superior to I, SI, and control (27, 45, and 5.0%, respectively). Cleavage and blastocyst rates were similar for S, I, IS, and SI treatments (61.7-76.7, and 8.3-13.3%, respectively) and the same was observed for ICM, TE, and total cell number, and ICM/total cell ratio (22-25, 64-69, and 86-95, and 0.26-0.27). In conclusion, strontium may be efficiently applied for bovine oocyte activation at 20 mM in Ca2+- and Mg2+-free TALP medium for 6 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Cristina Méo
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP, Câmpus de Jaboticabal, Via de Acesso Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n 14884-900 Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil.
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Amano T, Mori T, Matsumoto K, Iritani A, Watanabe T. Role of cumulus cells during maturation of porcine oocytes in the rise in intracellular Ca2+ induced by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. Theriogenology 2005; 64:261-74. [PMID: 15955352 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2004.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2004] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
At the time of fertilization, release of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) into the cytoplasm of oocytes is said to be induced by hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol bis phosphate (PI2) via activation of phospholipase C and is responsible for the Ca2+ oscillation in oocytes immediately after sperm penetration. On the other hand, cumulus cells have been reported to play an important role in cytoplasmic maturation of mammalian oocytes and to affect embryonic development after fertilization. To obtain more information on the role of cumulus cells in cytoplasmic maturation of oocytes, the effects of cumulus cells on the rise in [Ca2+]i and the rates of activation and development of porcine mature oocytes induced by IP3 injection were investigated. Mature porcine oocytes that had been denuded of their cumulus cells in the early stage of the maturation period had a depressed rise in [Ca2+]i (4.0-6.0) and reduced rates of activation (31.4-36.8%) and development (10.0-24.4%) induced by IP3 injection compared with those of their cumulus-enclosed counterparts (7.3, 69.1% and 43.8%; P < 0.05). The [Ca2+]i rise and the rates of activation and development depressed by the removal of cumulus cells were restored by adding pyruvate to the maturation medium. Furthermore, the IP3 injection-induced depression of [Ca2+]i rise in mature oocytes derived from cumulus-denuded oocytes (DOs) was restored when they were cultured in a medium with pyruvate (3.9-6.3, P < 0.05). Also, mature oocytes from cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) cultured in a medium without glucose had a lower rise in [Ca2+]i than that in mature oocytes from COCs cultured with glucose (7.4-6.0, P < 0.05). Cumulus cells supported porcine oocytes during maturation in the rise in [Ca2+]i induced by IP3 and the following activation and development of porcine oocytes after injection of IP3. Moreover, we inferred that a function of cumulus cells is to produce pyruvate by metabolizing glucose and to provide oocytes with pyruvate during maturation, thereby promoting oocyte sensitivity to IP3.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Amano
- Laboratory of Breeding and Animal Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8589, Japan.
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Sun QY. Cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to cortical reaction and polyspermy block in mammalian eggs. Microsc Res Tech 2003; 61:342-8. [PMID: 12811739 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.10347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Following fusion of sperm and egg, the contents of cortical granules (CG), a kind of special organelle in the egg, release into the perivitelline space (cortical reaction), causing the zona pellucida to become refractory to sperm binding and penetration (zona reaction). Accumulating evidence demonstrates that mammalian cortical reaction is probably mediated by activation of the inositol phosphate (PIP(2)) cascade. The sperm-egg fusion, mediated by GTP-binding protein (G-protein), may elicit the generation of two second messengers, inositol 1,4,5 triphosphate (IP(3)) and diacylglycerol (DAG). The former induces Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores and the latter activates protein kinase C (PKC), leading to CG exocytosis. Calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) may act as a switch in the transduction of the calcium signal. The CG exudates cause zona sperm receptor modification and zona hardening, and thus block polyspermic penetration. Oolemma modification after sperm-egg fusion and formation of CG envelope following cortical reaction also contribute to polyspermy block.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Yuan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, P.R. China.
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Stoker TE, Jeffay SC, Zucker RM, Cooper RL, Perreault SD. Abnormal fertilization is responsible for reduced fecundity following thiram-induced ovulatory delay in the rat. Biol Reprod 2003; 68:2142-9. [PMID: 12606370 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.102.013847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Brief exposure to some pesticides, applied during a sensitive window for the neural regulation of ovulation, will block the preovulatory surge of LH and, thus, delay ovulation. Previously, we have shown that a single i.p. injection of 50 mg/kg of thiram, a dithiocarbamate fungicide that decreases norepinephrine synthesis, on proestrus (1300 h) suppresses the LH surge and delays ovulation for 24 h without altering the number of oocytes released. However, when bred, the treated dams had a decreased litter size and increased postimplantation loss. We hypothesized that the reduced litter size in thiram-delayed rats was a consequence of altered oocyte function arising from intrafollicular oocyte aging. To test this hypothesis, we examined delayed oocytes, zygotes, and 2-cell embryos for evidence of fertilization and polyspermy. In addition, we used confocal laser-scanning microscopy to evaluate and characterize cortical granule localization in oocytes and release in zygotes, because the cortical granule response is a major factor in the normal block to polyspermy. Our results demonstrate that a thiram-induced, 24-h delay in ovulation alters the fertilizability of the released oocyte. Although no apparent morphological differences were observed in the unfertilized mature oocytes released following the thiram-induced delay, the changes observed following breeding include a significant decrease in the percentage of fertilized oocytes, a significant increase in polyspermic zygotes (21%), and a 10-fold increase in the number of supernumerary sperm in the perivitelline space. Importantly, all the polyspermic zygotes exhibited an abnormal pattern of cortical granule exudate, suggestive of a relationship between abnormal cortical reaction and the polyspermy in the delayed zygotes. Because polyspermy is associated with polyploidy, abnormal development, and early embryonic death, the observed polyspermy could explain the abnormal development and decreased litter size that we observed previously following thiram-delayed ovulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tammy E Stoker
- Reproductive Toxicology Division, Office of Research and Development, U S Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA.
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Lucidi P, Bernabò N, Turriani M, Barboni B, Mattioli M. Cumulus cells steroidogenesis is influenced by the degree of oocyte maturation. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2003; 1:45. [PMID: 12809557 PMCID: PMC161805 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-1-45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2003] [Accepted: 05/28/2003] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The possibility to predict the ability of a germ cell to properly sustain embryo development in vitro or in vivo as early as possible is undoubtedly the main problem of reproductive technologies. To date, only the achievement of nuclear maturation and cumulus expansion is feasible, as all the studies on cytoplasmic maturation are too invasive and have been complicated by the death of the cells analyzed. The authors studied the possibility to test the cytoplasmic quality of pig oocytes by evaluating their ability to produce steroidogenesis enabling factor(s). To this aim, oocytes matured under different culture conditions that allowed to obtain gradable level of cytoplasmic maturation, were used to produce conditioned media (OCM). The secretion of the factor(s) in conditioned media was then recorded by evaluating the ability of the spent media to direct granulosa cells (GC) steroidogenesis. METHODS In order to obtain germ cells characterized by a different degree of developmental competence, selected pig oocytes from prepubertal gilts ovaries were cultured under different IVM protocols; part of the matured oocytes were used to produce OCM, while those remaining were submitted to in vitro fertilization trials to confirm their ability to sustain male pronuclear decondensation. The OCM collected were finally used on cumulus cells grown as monolayers for 5 days. The demonstration that oocytes secreted factor(s) can influence GC steroidogenesis in the pig was confirmed in our lab by studying E2 and P4 production by cumulus cells monolayers using a radioimmunoassay technique. RESULTS Monolayers obtained by growing GC surrounding the oocytes for five days represent a tool, which is practical, stable and available in most laboratories; by using this bioassay, we detected the antiluteal effect of immature oocytes, and for the first time, demonstrated that properly matured germ cells are able to direct cumulus cells steroidogenesis by inhibiting E2 production (P < 0.01). Nevertheless, only fully competent oocytes were able to suppress estrogens production, while those cultured under unfavourable conditions were unable to exert any inhibitory effect on the functions of cumulus cells (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION These results demonstrated that good quality oocytes can be easily selected on the basis of their ability to affect granulosa cell steroidogenesis thus reducing failures in reproductive technologies due to the transfer of fertilized oocytes with a scarce ability to sustain embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Lucidi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Comparate, Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Piazza Aldo Moro 45, Italia
| | - Nicola Bernabò
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Comparate, Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Piazza Aldo Moro 45, Italia
| | - Maura Turriani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Comparate, Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Piazza Aldo Moro 45, Italia
| | - Barbara Barboni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Comparate, Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Piazza Aldo Moro 45, Italia
| | - Mauro Mattioli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Comparate, Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Piazza Aldo Moro 45, Italia
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Wessel GM, Brooks JM, Green E, Haley S, Voronina E, Wong J, Zaydfudim V, Conner S. The biology of cortical granules. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY 2002; 209:117-206. [PMID: 11580200 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(01)09012-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
An egg-that took weeks to months to make in the adult-can be extraordinarily transformed within minutes during its fertilization. This review will focus on the molecular biology of the specialized secretory vesicles of fertilization, the cortical granules. We will discuss their role in the fertilization process, their contents, how they are made, and the molecular mechanisms that regulate their secretion at fertilization. This population of secretory vesicles has inherent interest for our understanding of the fertilization process. In addition, they have import because they enhance our understanding of the basic processes of secretory vesicle construction and regulation, since oocytes across species utilize this vesicle type. Here, we examine diverse animals in a comparative approach to help us understand how these vesicles function throughout phylogeny and to establish conserved themes of function.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Wessel
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912 , USA
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GRUPEN CG, NOTTLE MB, NAGASHIMA H. Calcium Release at Fertilization: Artificially Mimicking the Oocyte's Response to Sperm. J Reprod Dev 2002. [DOI: 10.1262/jrd.48.313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Booth PJ, Holm P, Vajta G, Greve T, Callesen H. Effect of two activation treatments and age of blastomere karyoplasts on in vitro development of bovine nuclear transfer embryos. Mol Reprod Dev 2001; 60:377-83. [PMID: 11599049 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.1100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The yield and quality of (a) parthenogenetic blastocysts produced by two activation treatments (cycloheximide [CHX] or 6-dimethylaminopurine [DMAP]) and (b) nuclear transfer blastocysts generated using these two activation treatments and three different ages of karyoplast derived from day 3, 4, or 5 in vitro produced donor embryos, were examined in order to define an optimal nuclear transfer protocol. The two activation protocols comprised calcium ionophore followed by either CHX or DMAP. Parthenogenetic blastocyst yields were greater (P < 0.001) following activation with DMAP than CHX (59.7 +/- 5.1 vs. 31.4 +/- 4.5 [mean +/- SEM]). In contrast, nuclear transfer blastocyst rates per fused embryo were lower (P < 0.0001) using cytoplasts activated with DMAP. The individual rates using day 3, 4, and 5 donors and using CHX and DMAP activation treatments were 31.9 +/- 5.0, 31.7 +/- 6.2, 20.4 +/- 7.3 and 27.8 +/- 4.7, 20.1 +/- 7.5, 12.7 +/- 8.3, respectively. Blastocyst rate per fused embryo was negatively correlated (P = 0.0091) with the total number of blastomeres per donor embryo. Despite this inverse relationship, the calculated potential blastocyst yield per donor embryo was positively correlated (P < 0.0048) to karyoplast age. The individual potential yields on days 3, 4, and 5 and for the two activation protocols (CHX and DMAP) were 4.7 +/- 0.8, 7.2 +/- 1.2, 10.1 +/- 2.1 and 3.8 +/- 0.8, 5.5 +/- 2.1, 7.3 +/- 4.1, respectively. One possible explanation for the observed inverse relationship is that differentiation events during early cleavage are able to reduce the ability of the cytoplast to reprogram the transferred karyoplast and hence reduce blastocyst yields. The mechanism that mediates the differential effect of the CHX and DMAP on blastocysts yields between parthenogenetic and nuclear transfer embryos remains to be elucidated. In conclusion, the results indicate that although activation of oocytes with DMAP can produce a higher percentage of blastocysts, CHX activation is superior for use in nuclear transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Booth
- Section for Reproductive Biology, Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences, 8830 Tjele, Denmark.
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Capco DG. Molecular and biochemical regulation of early mammalian development. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY 2001; 207:195-235. [PMID: 11352267 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(01)07006-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Fertilization initiates a rapid series of changes that restructures the egg into the zygote and initiates the program of early development. These changes in the cell occur while the genetic complement of the egg and sperm are in a highly condensed state and unable to participate in transcription. The egg cytoplasm, formed by the maternal genome, contains the necessary components that mediate the early restructuring of egg into zygote. These changes are mediated by a series of cytoplasmic signal transduction events initiated by the rise in [Ca2+]i caused when the sperm penetrates the egg. The structural changes that the egg undergoes are rapid and result in the extensive remodeling of this specialized cell. Protein kinase C (PKC) and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM KII) are two pivotal signaling agents that mediate several of these rapid modifications in cell structure. Studies indicate the meiotic spindle serves as an architectural element in the egg that acts to colocalize elements from several of the key signaling pathways and may provide a means for these pathways to interact. In mammals, transcription begins earlier than in zygotes from other classes of organisms, starting several hours after fertilization in the male and female pronuclei and continuing in the embryonic nuclei. Studies indicate that nuclei undergo an initial state that is permissive for transcription, and then in Gap 2 of the two-cell embryo, enter a transcriptionally repressive state. These changes have been linked to the times during the cell cycle when the DNA is replicated, and also have been proposed as a requirement for proper initiation of the program of early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- D G Capco
- Department of Biology, Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Arizona State University, Tempe 85287, USA
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