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Ebrahimi M, Dattena M, Luciano AM, Succu S, Gadau SD, Mara L, Chessa F, Berlinguer F. In vitro culture of sheep early-antral follicles: Milestones, challenges and future perspectives. Theriogenology 2024; 213:114-123. [PMID: 37839290 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Early antral follicles (EAFs) represent the transitional stage between pre-antral and antral follicles, containing oocytes that have completed most of their growth phase. Therefore, they offer an easily exploitable reserve for producing mature oocytes and preserving genetic resources, given their higher abundance compared to antral follicles (AFs) and shorter culture period than other pre-antral follicles (PAFs). Despite these advantages, the culture of EAFs remains challenging, and the success rates of in vitro embryo production (IVEP) from EAF-derived oocytes are still far below the standard achieved with fully grown oocytes in ruminant species. The difficulty is related to developing suitable in vitro culture systems tailored with nutrients, growth factors, and other signaling molecules to support oocyte growth. In this review, we focus on the in vitro development of sheep EAFs to provide an informative reference to current research progress. We also summarize the basic aspect of folliculogenesis in sheep and the main achievements and limitations of the current methods for EAF isolation, in vitro culture systems, and medium supplementation. Finally, we highlight future perspectives and challenges for improving EAF culture outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadreza Ebrahimi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, Sassari, Italy; Department of Animal Science, Agricultural Research Agency of Sardinia, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Maria Dattena
- Department of Animal Science, Agricultural Research Agency of Sardinia, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Alberto Maria Luciano
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell'Università, 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Sara Succu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, Sassari, Italy
| | - Sergio Domenico Gadau
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, Sassari, Italy
| | - Laura Mara
- Department of Animal Science, Agricultural Research Agency of Sardinia, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Chessa
- Department of Animal Science, Agricultural Research Agency of Sardinia, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Fiammetta Berlinguer
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, Sassari, Italy
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Menezes VG, Monte APOD, de Sousa Barberino R, Gouveia BB, Lins TLBG, Macedo TJSE, Júnior JLDO, de Almeida Araújo C, Campos FS, Filho EFDO, Batista AM, Queiroz MAÁ, Araújo GGLD, Matos MHTD, Wischral A. Effect of reduced water intake on ovarian reserve, leptin immunoexpression and impact of leptin on the in vitro culture of sheep secondary follicles. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 255:107278. [PMID: 37390679 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of reduced water intake on survival, apoptosis and immunoexpression of leptin in sheep preantral follicles, activation of primordial follicles, serum levels of leptin, estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4), and in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes antral follicles, as well evaluated the effects of leptin on in vitro culture of secondary follicles isolated these animals. Ewes (n = 32) were divided into four groups: water ad libitum (Control - 100%), 80%; 60% and 40% of ad libitum intake. Blood was collected to determine, leptin, E2 and P4, before and after experiment. After the slaughter, ovarian cortex was used to histological and immunohistochemistry analysis and oocytes IVM. Moreover, isolated secondary follicles were cultured in vitro for 12 days in control medium (α-MEM+) or α-MEM+ with 10 or 25 ng/mL leptin. The reduction of water intake caused a linear decreasing effect on the percentages of normal preantral follicles, especially of primordial (P < 0.05), increased the apoptosis (P < 0.05) and decreased leptin expression in preantral follicles. The treatment with 60% of water intake showed greater total growth rate of isolated secondary follicles cultured with 25 ng/L leptin (P < 0.05), compared to those cultured in α-MEM+ . In conclusion, reduced water intake impaired the number of normal sheep preantral follicles, especially of primordial follicles, increased apoptosis and decreased leptin expression in preantral follicles. Moreover, secondary follicles from of ewes that receive 60% water intake increased follicular growth after in vitro culture with 25 ng/mL leptin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanúzia Gonçalves Menezes
- Nucleus of Biotechnology Applied to Ovarian Follicle Development, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Petrolina, PE, Brazil.
| | - Alane Pains Oliveira do Monte
- Nucleus of Biotechnology Applied to Ovarian Follicle Development, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Petrolina, PE, Brazil
| | - Ricássio de Sousa Barberino
- Nucleus of Biotechnology Applied to Ovarian Follicle Development, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Petrolina, PE, Brazil
| | - Bruna Bortoloni Gouveia
- Nucleus of Biotechnology Applied to Ovarian Follicle Development, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Petrolina, PE, Brazil
| | - Thae Lane Barbosa Gama Lins
- Nucleus of Biotechnology Applied to Ovarian Follicle Development, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Petrolina, PE, Brazil
| | - Taís Jobard Silva E Macedo
- Nucleus of Biotechnology Applied to Ovarian Follicle Development, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Petrolina, PE, Brazil
| | | | - Cleyton de Almeida Araújo
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science and Pastures, Universidade Federal do Agreste Pernambucano, Garanhuns, PE, Brazil
| | - Fleming Sena Campos
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science and Pastures, Universidade Federal do Agreste Pernambucano, Garanhuns, PE, Brazil; Departamento de Ciência Animal, Centro de Ciências de Chapadinha - CCCh, Universidade Federal do Maranhão - UFMA, Chapadina, MA, 65500-000 Brazil
| | - Emanuel Felipe de Oliveira Filho
- Laboratory of Deficiency and Metabolic Diseases and Poisoning of Ruminants, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - André Mariano Batista
- Laboratory of Biotechnics Applied to Reproduction, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Mário Adriano Ávila Queiroz
- Laboratory of Bromatology and Animal Nutrition, Universidade Federal Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Petrolina, PE, Brazil
| | | | - Maria Helena Tavares de Matos
- Nucleus of Biotechnology Applied to Ovarian Follicle Development, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Petrolina, PE, Brazil
| | - Aurea Wischral
- Laboratory of Biotechnics Applied to Reproduction, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
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Nascimento DR, Barbalho EC, Gondim Barrozo L, de Assis EIT, Costa FC, Silva JRV. The mechanisms that control the preantral to early antral follicle transition and the strategies to have efficient culture systems to promote their growth in vitro. ZYGOTE 2023:1-11. [PMID: 37221099 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199423000254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Preantral to early antral follicles transition is a complex process regulated by endocrine and paracrine factors, as well as by a precise interaction among oocyte, granulosa cells and theca cells. Understanding the mechanisms that regulate this step of folliculogenesis is important to improve in vitro culture systems, and opens new perspectives to use oocytes from preantral follicles for assisted reproductive technologies. Therefore, this review aims to discuss the endocrine and paracrine mechanisms that control granulosa cell proliferation and differentiation, formation of the antral cavity, estradiol production, atresia, and follicular fluid production during the transition from preantral to early antral follicles. The strategies that promote in vitro growth of preantral follicles are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- D R Nascimento
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction (LABIREP), Federal University of Ceará, Av. Comandante Maurocélio Rocha Ponte 100, CEP 62041-040, Sobral, CE, Brazil
| | - E C Barbalho
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction (LABIREP), Federal University of Ceará, Av. Comandante Maurocélio Rocha Ponte 100, CEP 62041-040, Sobral, CE, Brazil
| | - L Gondim Barrozo
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction (LABIREP), Federal University of Ceará, Av. Comandante Maurocélio Rocha Ponte 100, CEP 62041-040, Sobral, CE, Brazil
| | - E I T de Assis
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction (LABIREP), Federal University of Ceará, Av. Comandante Maurocélio Rocha Ponte 100, CEP 62041-040, Sobral, CE, Brazil
| | - F C Costa
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction (LABIREP), Federal University of Ceará, Av. Comandante Maurocélio Rocha Ponte 100, CEP 62041-040, Sobral, CE, Brazil
| | - J R V Silva
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction (LABIREP), Federal University of Ceará, Av. Comandante Maurocélio Rocha Ponte 100, CEP 62041-040, Sobral, CE, Brazil
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Gao Y, Zhao G, Song Y, Haire A, Yang A, Zhao X, Wusiman A. Presence of leptin and its receptor in the ram reproductive system and in vitro effect of leptin on sperm quality. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13982. [PMID: 36187750 PMCID: PMC9521348 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptin is a 16 kDa hormone encoded by obese (OB) gene in adipocytes. This molecule not only regulates energy metabolism but also plays a role in the reproduction of mammals. Leptin and its receptor (OBR) have been found in male reproductive systems of human, bovine, equine and pig. The effects of leptin on sperm quality vary widely from different research findings. However, the presence of leptin and its receptor in the ram reproductive system and the in vitro effect of leptin on sperm quality have not reported yet. In the present study, we found that the OB was highly expressed in primary and secondary spermatocytes of the testes, OBR was highly expressed in secondary spermatocytes of the testes. The expressions of OB were in stereocilia of epididymis and in columnar cells of epididymal caput and cauda, the expressions of OBR were in columnar cells of epididymis and in stereocilia of epididymal corpus and cauda. The presence of both OB and OBR in testes, epididymis and sperm were confirmed through RT-PCR, immunolocalization and Western blot analyses. The RT-qPCR results indicated OB and OBR had higher expression levels in epididymal sperm than that of the ejaculated sperm in rams. When sperm were treated with 5 ng/mL leptin, the progressive motility (P < 0.01), straight-line velocity (VSL) (P < 0.05), average path velocity (VAP) (P < 0.05), membrane mitochondrial potential (MMP) (P < 0.01) and viability (P < 0.05) significantly increased, while DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) significantly decreased compared to the control (P < 0.01), and the other semen parameters such as acrosome integrity and acrosome reaction rate had no significant changes between groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, this is probably the first report describing localization of leptin and its receptors in the reproductive system of rams and their effects on sperm quality parameters. Our findings suggest that 5 ng/mL leptin treatment enhanced sperm motility, viability and MMP, and decrease DFI and ROS without obvious influence on the acrosome reaction in ram sperm. The potential mechanisms may be related to leptin's ability to reduce the oxidative stress and apoptosis of sperms and improve their mitochondrial function and energy supply, therefore, to maintain the physiological homeostasis of the sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Gao
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agriculture University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China,Department of Reproductive Medicine, Zhuozhou Hospital of Hebei Province, Zhuozhou, Hebei, China
| | - Guodong Zhao
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agriculture University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yukun Song
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agriculture University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Aerman Haire
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agriculture University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Ailing Yang
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agriculture University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xi Zhao
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agriculture University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Abulizi Wusiman
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agriculture University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
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Ma S, Ji X, Cang M, Wang J, Yu H, Liu Y, Zhang W, Wu Y, Zhao S, Cao G, Tong B. Association analysis between novel variants in LEPR gene and litter size in Mongolia and ujimqin sheep breeds. Theriogenology 2022; 183:79-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Leptin decreases apoptosis and promotes the activation of primordial follicles through the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway in cultured ovine ovarian tissue. ZYGOTE 2021; 29:445-451. [PMID: 33906701 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199421000034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of leptin on primordial follicle survival and activation after in vitro culture of ovine ovarian tissue and if leptin acts through the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway. Ovarian fragments were fixed for histology (fresh control) or cultured for 7 days in control medium (α-MEM+) alone or supplemented with leptin (1, 5, 10, 25 or 50 ng/ml). Follicle morphology, activation and apoptosis were analyzed. Next, the fragments were cultured in the medium that showed the best results in the absence or the presence of the PI3K inhibitor (LY294002), and immunohistostaining of p-Akt protein was assessed. After culture, the percentage of normal follicles decreased (P < 0.05) in all treatments compared with the fresh control. Moreover, control medium and 1 ng/ml leptin had similar (P > 0.05) percentages of normal follicles, which were significantly higher than those in other treatments. However, culture with 1 ng/ml leptin maintained apoptosis similarly (P > 0.05) to that of the fresh control and lower (P < 0.05) than that in α-MEM+. Leptin did not influence follicle activation (P > 0.05) compared with the control medium (α-MEM+). Culture in 1 ng/ml leptin with LY294002 decreased the normal follicles and increased apoptosis, inhibited follicle activation (P < 0.05), and reduced p-Akt immunostaining, compared with the medium containing 1 ng/ml leptin without PI3K inhibitor. In conclusion, leptin at 1 ng/ml reduces apoptosis and promotes the activation of primordial follicles compared with the fresh control after in vitro culture of ovine ovarian tissue possibly through the PI3K/Akt pathway.
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Kurowska P, Mlyczyńska E, Dawid M, Sierpowski M, Estienne A, Dupont J, Rak A. Adipokines change the balance of proliferation/apoptosis in the ovarian cells of human and domestic animals: A comparative review. Anim Reprod Sci 2021; 228:106737. [PMID: 33756403 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Adipose tissue secretes multiple hormones termed adipokines, which are important regulators of many processes. There are four types of evidence supporting an association between adipokines and female fertility which are effects that occur: centrally at the pituitary; peripherally and locally at the ovary and reproductive tract; directly on the oocyte/embryo and during pregnancy. In this review, there was a focus on the description of adipokines (leptin, apelin, resistin, chemerin, adiponectin, vaspin and visfatin) on ovarian cell proliferation, cell cycle progression and apoptosis in comparison to effects on human and domestic animal ovaries including pigs, cattle and chickens. Knowledge about molecules which regulate the balance between proliferation and apoptosis so that these processes are optimal for ovarian function is essential for understanding the physiology and reducing the incidence of infertility. Furthermore, oogenesis, folliculogenesis, oocyte loss/selection and atresia are important processes for optimal ovarian physiological functions. There, however, is ovulation from only a few follicles, while the majority undergo atresia that is induced by apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja Kurowska
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Ewa Mlyczyńska
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Monika Dawid
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Mateusz Sierpowski
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Anthony Estienne
- INRAE, UMR85, Unité Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France
| | - Joelle Dupont
- INRAE, UMR85, Unité Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France
| | - Agnieszka Rak
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland.
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D. Prabhu Y, Valsala Gopalakrishnan A. γ-Linolenic acid ameliorates DHEA induced pro-inflammatory response in polycystic ovary syndrome via PPAR-γ signaling in rats. Reprod Biol 2020; 20:348-356. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2020.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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Estienne A, Brossaud A, Reverchon M, Ramé C, Froment P, Dupont J. Adipokines Expression and Effects in Oocyte Maturation, Fertilization and Early Embryo Development: Lessons from Mammals and Birds. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3581. [PMID: 32438614 PMCID: PMC7279299 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Some evidence shows that body mass index in humans and extreme weights in animal models, including avian species, are associated with low in vitro fertilization, bad oocyte quality, and embryo development failures. Adipokines are hormones mainly produced and released by white adipose tissue. They play a key role in the regulation of energy metabolism. However, they are also involved in many other physiological processes including reproductive functions. Indeed, leptin and adiponectin, the most studied adipokines, but also novel adipokines including visfatin and chemerin, are expressed within the reproductive tract and modulate female fertility. Much of the literature has focused on the physiological and pathological roles of these adipokines in ovary, placenta, and uterine functions. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge regarding the involvement of leptin, adiponectin, visfatin, and chemerin in the oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo development in both mammals and birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Estienne
- INRAE UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; (A.E.); (A.B.); (C.R.); (P.F.)
- CNRS UMR 7247 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041 Tours, France
- Institut Français du Cheval et de l’Equitation, Centre INRAE Val de Loire, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Adeline Brossaud
- INRAE UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; (A.E.); (A.B.); (C.R.); (P.F.)
- CNRS UMR 7247 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041 Tours, France
- Institut Français du Cheval et de l’Equitation, Centre INRAE Val de Loire, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Maxime Reverchon
- SYSAAF-Syndicat des Sélectionneurs Avicoles et Aquacoles Français, Centre INRAE Val de Loire, F-37380 Nouzilly, France;
| | - Christelle Ramé
- INRAE UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; (A.E.); (A.B.); (C.R.); (P.F.)
- CNRS UMR 7247 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041 Tours, France
- Institut Français du Cheval et de l’Equitation, Centre INRAE Val de Loire, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Pascal Froment
- INRAE UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; (A.E.); (A.B.); (C.R.); (P.F.)
- CNRS UMR 7247 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041 Tours, France
- Institut Français du Cheval et de l’Equitation, Centre INRAE Val de Loire, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Joëlle Dupont
- INRAE UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; (A.E.); (A.B.); (C.R.); (P.F.)
- CNRS UMR 7247 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041 Tours, France
- Institut Français du Cheval et de l’Equitation, Centre INRAE Val de Loire, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
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