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Harvesting, processing, and evaluation of in vitro-manipulated equine preantral follicles: A review. Theriogenology 2020; 156:283-295. [PMID: 32905900 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.06.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian ovary is responsible for essential stages of folliculogenesis and hormonal production, regulating the female physiological functions during the menstrual/estrous cycles. The mare has been considered an attractive model for comparative studies due to the striking similarities shared with women regarding in vivo and in vitro folliculogenesis. The ovarian follicular population in horses contains a large number of oocytes enclosed in preantral follicles that are yet to be explored. Therefore, the in vitro manipulation of equine preantral follicles aims to avoid the process of atresia and promote the development of follicles with competent oocytes. In this regard, after ovarian tissue harvesting, the use of appropriate processing techniques, as well as suitable approaches to evaluating equine preantral follicles and ovarian tissue, are necessary. Although high-quality equine ovarian tissue can be obtained from several sources, some critical aspects, such as the age of the animals, ovarian cyclicity, reproductive phase, and the types of ovarian structures, should be considered. Therefore, this review will focus on providing an update on the most current advances concerning the critical factors able to influence equine preantral follicle quality and quantity. Also, the in vivo strategies used to harvest equine ovarian tissue, the approaches to manipulating ovarian tissue post-harvesting, the techniques for processing ovarian tissue, and the classical approaches used to evaluate preantral follicles will be discussed.
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Ishak GMA, Dutra GA, Gastal GDA, Gastal MO, Feugang JM, Gastal EL. Transition to the ovulatory season in mares: An investigation of antral follicle receptor gene expression in vivo. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1832-1845. [PMID: 31571308 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The inability to obtain in vivo samples of antral follicle wall layers without removing the ovaries or sacrificing the animals has limited more in-depth studies on folliculogenesis. In this study, a novel ultrasound-guided follicle wall biopsy (FWB) technique was used to obtain in vivo follicle wall layers and follicular fluid samples of growing antral follicles. The expression of proliferative, hormonal, angiogenic, and pro-/antiapoptotic receptors and proteins in the follicular wall among three follicle classes were compared during the spring transitional anovulatory (SAN) and spring ovulatory (SOV) seasons in mares. The main findings observed in the granulosa, theca interna, and/or all follicle layers during the SOV season compared with the SAN season were (a) small-sized follicles (10-14 mm) had greater epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and Bcl-2 expression; (b) medium-sized follicles during the expected deviation/selection diameter (20-24 mm) had greater expression of EGFR, Ki-67, luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), and Bcl-2; and (c) dominant follicles (30-34 mm) had greater EGFR, Ki-67, vascular endothelial growth factor, LHR, and Bcl-2 expression. Estradiol related receptor alpha expression and intrafollicular estradiol concentration increased, along with an increase in follicle diameter in both seasons. In this study, the application of the FWB technique allowed a direct comparison of different receptors' expression among follicles in different stages of development and between two seasons using the same individuals, without jeopardizing their ovarian function. The successful utilization of the FWB technique and the mare as an experimental animal offer a great combination for future folliculogenesis studies on mechanisms of follicle selection, development, and ovulation in different species, including women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghassan M A Ishak
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois.,Department of Surgery and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Gabriel A Dutra
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois
| | - Gustavo D A Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois
| | - Melba O Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois
| | - Jean M Feugang
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi
| | - Eduardo L Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois
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Ishak GM, Bashir ST, Dutra GA, Gastal GDA, Gastal MO, Cavinder CA, Feugang JM, Gastal EL. In vivo antral follicle wall biopsy: a new research technique to study ovarian function at the cellular and molecular levels. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2018; 16:71. [PMID: 30055625 PMCID: PMC6064614 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-018-0380-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In vivo studies involving molecular markers of the follicle wall associated with follicular fluid (FF) milieu are crucial for a better understanding of follicle dynamics. The inability to obtain in vivo samples of antral follicle wall (granulosa and theca cells) without jeopardizing ovarian function has restricted advancement in knowledge of folliculogenesis in several species. The purpose of this study in mares was to develop and validate a novel, minimally invasive in vivo technique for simultaneous collection of follicle wall biopsy (FWB) and FF samples, and repeated collection from the same individual, during different stages of antral follicle development. We hypothesized that the in vivo FWB technique provides samples that maintain the normal histological tissue structure of the follicle wall layers, offers sufficient material for various cellular and molecular techniques, and allows simultaneous retrieval of FF. METHODS In Experiment 1 (ex vivo), each follicle was sampled using two techniques: biopsy forceps and scalpel blade (control). In Experiment 2 (in vivo), FWB and FF samples from 10-, 20-, and 30-mm follicles were repeatedly and simultaneously obtained through transvaginal ultrasound-guided technique. RESULTS In Experiment 1, the thickness of granulosa, theca interna, and theca externa layers was not influenced (P > 0.05) by the harvesting techniques. In Experiment 2, the overall recovery rates of FWB and FF samples were 97 and 100%, respectively. However, the success rate of obtaining samples with all layers of the follicle wall and clear FF varied according to follicle size. The expression of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) was mostly confined in the theca interna layer, with the estradiol-related receptor alpha (ERRα) in the granulosa and theca interna layers. The 30-mm follicle group had greater (P < 0.05) LHR expression in the theca interna and ERRα in the granulosa layer compared to the other groups. The overall expression of LHR and ERRα, and the intrafollicular estradiol were higher (P < 0.05 - P < 0.0001) in the 30-mm follicle group. CONCLUSION The in vivo technique developed in this study can be repeatedly and simultaneously used to provide sufficient FWB and FF samples for various cellular and molecular studies without jeopardizing the ovarian function, and has the potential to be translated to other species, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Ishak
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, 1205 Lincoln Drive, MC 4417, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
- Department of Surgery and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - S T Bashir
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, 1205 Lincoln Drive, MC 4417, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
| | - G A Dutra
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, 1205 Lincoln Drive, MC 4417, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
| | - G D A Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, 1205 Lincoln Drive, MC 4417, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
| | - M O Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, 1205 Lincoln Drive, MC 4417, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
| | - C A Cavinder
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - J M Feugang
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - E L Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, 1205 Lincoln Drive, MC 4417, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA.
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Oberhaus EL, Thompson DL, Foster BA, Pinto CR. Effects of Combined Estradiol-Sulpiride Treatment and Follicle Ablation on Vernal Transition in Mares: Evaluation of Plasma and Follicular Fluid Hormones and Luteinizing Hormone Receptor Gene Expression. J Equine Vet Sci 2018; 64:69-76. [PMID: 30973156 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2018.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This experiment assessed the hormonal production, secretory aspects, and changes in luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor gene expression of early induced ovulatory-sized follicles relative to the first ovulatory-sized follicles occurring naturally in the spring. Anovulatory mares were treated on January 21 with (1) 50 mg of estradiol cypionate (ECP, n = 8) alone or (2) with ECP followed by two 3-g sulpiride injections (n = 8), 5 and 12 days later. Half of each group also received complete follicle ablation via transvaginal aspiration before ECP treatment. Ovaries were scanned regularly until detection of a 32-35 mm follicle; follicular fluid was recovered via aspiration for analysis of hormonal concentrations. Blood was collected regularly to characterize plasma prolactin, LH, follicle stimulating hormone, progesterone, and estradiol concentrations. Mean date to first 35-mm follicle was earlier (P < .05) in sulpiride-treated mares: five of eight (63%) responded within 28 days of the first sulpiride injection. Ablation did not affect ovarian response. Plasma prolactin was stimulated (P < .0001) in ECP-sulpiride-treated mares for 16 days but did not dictate ovarian response. Estradiol stimulated plasma LH (P < .05), which was higher (P < .05) in treated mares that responded. There was no effect of treatment or ablation on follicular fluid concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, leptin, or insulin-like growth factor 1 or on LH receptor gene expression. These latter similarities indicate that ECP-sulpiride early induced follicles have apparently reached a degree of maturity equivalent to naturally occurring ovulatory-sized follicles later in the spring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin L Oberhaus
- School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA.
| | - Donald L Thompson
- School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA
| | - Brittany A Foster
- School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA
| | - Carlos R Pinto
- Department of Theriogenology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
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Tangyuenyong S, Sato F, Nambo Y, Murase H, Endo Y, Tanaka T, Nagaoka K, Watanabe G. Comparison of physical body growth and metabolic and reproductive endocrine functions between north and south climates of Japan in trained Thoroughbred yearling horses. J Equine Sci 2017; 28:77-86. [PMID: 28955159 PMCID: PMC5608960 DOI: 10.1294/jes.28.77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to compare body growth, metabolic, and reproductive hormonal changes in trained Thoroughbred yearling horses under different climate conditions with and without light supplementation (LS). Thoroughbred yearlings raised at research centers of the Japan Racing Association in Hokkaido (north) or Miyazaki (south) were divided into control and LS groups. In the LS groups, 44 colts and 47 fillies from Hokkaido and 11 colts and 11 fillies from Miyazaki were exposed to LS with an extended photoperiod of 14.5 hr of daylight and 9.5 hr of darkness. One week before and once a month after LS, circulating total thyroxine (T4), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-1), prolactin (PRL), cortisol, and progesterone (P4) concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay and fluoroimmunoassay, respectively. Growth parameters, including body weight, height, girth, and cannon bone circumferences, were measured monthly. Hair coat (HC) condition was scored. Under natural conditions, the T4 concentrations of Hokkaido yearlings tended to be higher, whereas the IGF-1 (colt) and PRL levels were significantly lower than those of yearlings in Miyazaki. Growth parameters and HC scores were lower in Hokkaido yearlings. With LS, the PRL and P4 concentrations in Hokkaido and Miyazaki were higher, and the first ovarian activity tended to be earlier than in the controls. Only LS Hokkaido yearlings showed significantly higher HC scores than the controls. Comparing the different climates among the LS yearlings, the levels of PRL and P4 and the HC scores in Hokkaido yearlings increased and reached levels similar to those in Miyazaki yearlings. The body weight and girth increment percentages of Hokkaido yearlings in January dramatically decreased and then eventually increased to levels similar to those of Miyazaki yearlings. This suggested that yearlings in naturally colder Hokkaido exhibit higher basal metabolism to maintain homeostasis. However, providing LS may help to improve growth and early development of reproductive function in Hokkaido yearlings to levels equal to those of Miyazaki horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siriwan Tangyuenyong
- Department of Basic Veterinary Science, United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.,Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Fumio Sato
- Department of Basic Veterinary Science, United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.,Equine Breeding Science, Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido 057-0171, Japan
| | - Yasuo Nambo
- Department of Basic Veterinary Science, United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.,Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-0834, Japan
| | - Harutaka Murase
- Equine Breeding Science, Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido 057-0171, Japan
| | - Yoshiro Endo
- Equine Breeding Science, Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido 057-0171, Japan
| | - Tomomi Tanaka
- Department of Basic Veterinary Science, United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.,Laboratory of Veterinary Reproduction, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Kentaro Nagaoka
- Department of Basic Veterinary Science, United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.,Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Gen Watanabe
- Department of Basic Veterinary Science, United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.,Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
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Krishna A. Prolactin modulates luteal activity in the short-nosed fruit bat, Cynopterus sphinx during delayed embryonic development. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 248:27-39. [PMID: 28412388 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2016] [Revised: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of prolactin as a modulator of luteal steroidogenesis during the period of delayed embryonic development in Cynopterus sphinx. A marked decline in circulating prolactin levels was noted during the months of November through December coinciding with the period of decreased serum progesterone and delayed embryonic development. The seasonal changes in serum prolactin levels correlated positively with circulating progesterone (P) level, but inversely with circulating melatonin level during first pregnancy showing delayed development in Cynopterus sphinx. The results also showed decreased expression of prolactin receptor-short form (PRL-RS) both in the corpus luteum and in the utero-embryonic unit during the period of delayed embryonic development. Bats treated in vivo with prolactin during the period of delayed development showed significant increase in serum progesterone and estradiol levels together with significant increase in the expression of PRL-RS, luteinizing hormone receptor (LH-R), steroidogenic acute receptor protein (STAR) and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) in the ovary. Prolactin stimulated ovarian angiogenesis (vascular endothelial growth factor) and cell survival (B-cell lymphoma 2) in vivo. Significant increases in ovarian progesterone production and the expression of prolactin-receptor, LH-R, STAR and 3β-HSD proteins were noted following the exposure of LH or prolactin in vitro during the delayed period. In conclusion, short-day associated increased melatonin level may be responsible for decreased prolactin release during November-December. The decline in prolactin level might play a role in suppressing P and estradiol-17β (E2) estradiol levels thereby causing delayed embryonic development in C. sphinx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amitabh Krishna
- Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.
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Oberhaus EL, Thompson DL, Valencia NA. Effect of Repeated Cabergoline Treatment on the Vernal Transition and Hair Shedding of Mares (Year 1) and a Subsequent Comparison of the Effect of Starting Date on Prolactin Suppression (Year 2). J Equine Vet Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2016.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Thompson DL, Oberhaus EL. Prolactin in the Horse: Historical Perspective, Actions and Reactions, and Its Role in Reproduction. J Equine Vet Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2015.03.199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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