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Gudenschwager-Basso EK, Frydman G, Weerakoon S, Andargachew H, Piltaver CM, Huckle WR. Morphological evaluation of the feline placenta correlates with gene expression of vascular growth factors and receptors†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:569-582. [PMID: 38092011 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Placental angiogenesis is critical for normal development. Angiogenic factors and their receptors are key regulators of this process. Dysregulated placental vascular development is associated with pregnancy complications. Despite their importance, vascular growth factor expression has not been thoroughly correlated with placental morphologic development across gestation in cats. We postulate that changes in placental vessel morphology can be appreciated as consequences of dynamic expression of angiogenic signaling agents. Here, we characterized changes in placental morphology alongside expression analysis of angiogenic factor splice variants and receptors throughout pregnancy in domestic shorthair cats. We observed increased vascular and lamellar density in the lamellar zone during mid-pregnancy. Immunohistochemical analysis localized the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) receptor KDR to endothelial cells of the maternal and fetal microvasculatures. PlGF and its principal receptor Flt-1 were localized to the trophoblasts and fetal vasculature. VEGF-A was found in trophoblast cells and associated with endothelial cells. We detected expression of two Plgf splice variants and four Vegf-a variants. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed upregulation of mRNAs encoding pan Vegf-a and all Vegf-a splice forms at gestational days 30-35. Vegf-A showed a marked relative increase in expression during mid-pregnancy, consistent with the pro-angiogenic changes seen in the lamellar zone at days 30-35. Flt-1 was upregulated during late pregnancy. Plgf variants showed stable expression during the first two-thirds of pregnancy, followed by a marked increase toward term. These findings revealed specific spatiotemporal expression patterns of VEGF-A family members consistent with pivotal roles during normal placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwin K Gudenschwager-Basso
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Galit Frydman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Shaneke Weerakoon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Hariyat Andargachew
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Cassandra M Piltaver
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - William R Huckle
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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2
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Turgut AO, Korkmaz Ağaoğlu Ö. Differential expression of angiogenesis-related genes in goat uterus and corpus luteum during pregnancy. Reprod Domest Anim 2023; 58:1672-1684. [PMID: 37776186 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Vascularization and the control of luteal and endometrial development are regulated by hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) during pregnancy. In this study, the mRNA and protein expression levels of HIFs (HIF1A, HIF2A and HIF3A) and VEGF in goat uterine and ovarian tissues during various stages of pregnancy were evaluated. A total of 42 Hair goats were used and were allocated into six groups, namely embryo-positive (G1), early pregnancy (G2), mid-term pregnancy (G3), late pregnancy (G4), oocyte-positive group (G5) and diestrus group (G6). The mRNA expression of the examined genes was evaluated by RT-qPCR, and protein expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC). In caruncles, HIF1A mRNA expression was greater in G1, G2 and G4 than in G3 (p < .05). HIF1A and HIF2A expression was greater in G1 than in G5 (p < .05). In cotyledons, HIF1A, HIF2A and HIF3A mRNA expression was greater in G2 and G3 compared to G4 (p < .05). In luteal tissue, HIF1A mRNA expression was greater in G1 and G2 than in G3 and G4 (p < .05). In the immunohistochemical examination, HIF1A, HIF2A, HIF3A and VEGF immunoreactions were detected in uterine and luteal tissues. Findings suggest that HIFs and VEGF are involved in the regulation of ovarian functions as well as the processes of implantation and placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Osman Turgut
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Siirt University, Siirt, Turkey
| | - Özgecan Korkmaz Ağaoğlu
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkey
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3
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Mandal A. The Focus on Core Genetic Factors That Regulate Hepatic Injury in Cattle Seems to be Important for the Dairy Sector’s Long-Term Development. Vet Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.108151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The cattle during the perinatal period, as well as malnutrition, generate oxidative stress which leads to high culling rates of calves after calving across the world. Although metabolic diseases have such a negative impact on the welfare and economic value of dairy cattle, that becomes a serious industrial concern across the world. According to research, genetic factors have a role or controlling fat deposition in the liver by influencing the biological processes of hepatic lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, gluconeogenesis, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and inflammation, all of which contribute to hepatic damage. This review focuses on the critical regulatory mechanisms of VEGF, mTOR/AKT/p53, TNF-alpha, Nf-kb, interleukin, and antioxidants that regulate lipid peroxidation in the liver via direct or indirect pathways, suggesting that they could be a potential critical therapeutic target for hepatic disease.
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ECM proteins involved in cell migration and vessel formation compromise bovine cloned placentation. Theriogenology 2022; 188:156-162. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Madureira AML, Denis-Robichaud J, Guida TG, Cerri RLA, Vasconcelos JLM. Association between genomic daughter pregnancy rates and reproductive parameters in Holstein dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:5534-5543. [PMID: 35450716 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-21766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this observational study was to evaluate the relationship between genomic daughter pregnancy rate (GDPR) with reproduction parameters such as pregnancy at first artificial insemination (AI), pregnancy per AI, and pregnancy losses (PL). A total of 12,949 events from 3,499 Holstein cows were included. Cows were enrolled as nulliparous (n = 1,220), primiparous (n = 1,314), or multiparous (n = 965). Cows were bred either after a timed AI protocol, timed embryo transfer (ET), or spontaneous estrus. Most lactating cows were bred following a timed AI protocol based on estradiol and progesterone, and most nulliparous were artificially inseminated following estrus detection. Hair samples were collected from the tail switch and cows were genotyped using a SNP platform (Clarifide, Zoetis). Cows that were bred by timed AI were evaluated for estrous behavior using tail chalk. Tail chalk was applied on the head of the tail 2 d before timed AI and the chalk was evaluated at AI (no estrus: 100% of chalk remaining or ≥50% of chalk remaining; Estrus: <50% of chalk remaining). Pregnancy diagnosis was performed at d 32 and 60 after AI using ultrasonography, and the presence of a heartbeat was considered a positive diagnosis. Pregnancy loss was defined as a pregnant cow on d 32 that was nonpregnant on d 60. As GDPR increased, the odds of pregnancy at first AI increased [odds ratio (OR) = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.20-1.35], the odds of pregnancy per AI increased (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.25-1.36), and the odds of PL decreased (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.60-0.72). Most cows that were bred on the day of the timed AI demonstrated estrus (n = 6,075; 92.9%). The odds of demonstrating estrus on the day of timed AI increased as GDPR increased (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.17-1.48). There was no interaction between GDPR and parity or breeding management for pregnancy at first AI, pregnancy per AI, and PL. In conclusion, the odds of pregnancy at first AI and pregnancy per AI increased as GDPR increased. Moreover, the odds of PL increased as GDPR decreased. Greater GDPR was also associated with greater occurrence of estrus on the day of timed AI. These results suggest that selecting for higher GDPR could result in better reproductive performance, but this would need to be assessed with additional research.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M L Madureira
- Applied Animal Biology, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4; University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus, Ridgetown, ON, Canada N0P 2C0
| | - J Denis-Robichaud
- Applied Animal Biology, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - T G Guida
- Department of Animal Production, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil 18168-000
| | - R L A Cerri
- Applied Animal Biology, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - J L M Vasconcelos
- Department of Animal Production, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil 18168-000.
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6
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Toschi P, Baratta M. Ruminant Placental Adaptation in Early Maternal Undernutrition: An Overview. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:755034. [PMID: 34746288 PMCID: PMC8565373 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.755034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Correct placental development during early gestation is considered the main determinant of fetal growth in late pregnancy. A reduction in maternal nourishment occurring across the early developmental window has been linked to a wide range of pregnancy disorders affecting placental transport capacity and consequently the fetal nutrient supply line, with long-term implications for offspring health and productivity. In livestock, ruminant species specifically experience maternal undernutrition in extensive systems due to seasonal changes in food availability, with significant economic losses for the farmer in some situations. In this review, we aim to discuss the effects of reduced maternal nutrition during early pregnancy on placental development with a specific focus on ruminant placenta physiology. Different types of placental adaptation strategies were examined, also considering the potential effects on the epigenetic landscape, which is known to undergo extensive reprogramming during early mammalian development. We also discussed the involvement of autophagy as a cellular degradation mechanism that may play a key role in the placental response to nutrient deficiency mediated by mammalian target of rapamycin, named the mTOR intracellular pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Toschi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Mario Baratta
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, Viale delle Scienze, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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7
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Braz CU, Rowan TN, Schnabel RD, Decker JE. Genome-wide association analyses identify genotype-by-environment interactions of growth traits in Simmental cattle. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13335. [PMID: 34172761 PMCID: PMC8233360 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92455-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding genotype-by-environment interactions (G × E) is crucial to understand environmental adaptation in mammals and improve the sustainability of agricultural production. Here, we present an extensive study investigating the interaction of genome-wide SNP markers with a vast assortment of environmental variables and searching for SNPs controlling phenotypic variance (vQTL) using a large beef cattle dataset. We showed that G × E contribute 10.1%, 3.8%, and 2.8% of the phenotypic variance of birth weight, weaning weight, and yearling weight, respectively. G × E genome-wide association analysis (GWAA) detected a large number of G × E loci affecting growth traits, which the traditional GWAA did not detect, showing that functional loci may have non-additive genetic effects regardless of differences in genotypic means. Further, variance-heterogeneity GWAA detected loci enriched with G × E effects without requiring prior knowledge of the interacting environmental factors. Functional annotation and pathway analysis of G × E genes revealed biological mechanisms by which cattle respond to changes in their environment, such as neurotransmitter activity, hypoxia-induced processes, keratinization, hormone, thermogenic and immune pathways. We unraveled the relevance and complexity of the genetic basis of G × E underlying growth traits, providing new insights into how different environmental conditions interact with specific genes influencing adaptation and productivity in beef cattle and potentially across mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila U Braz
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Troy N Rowan
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
- Genetics Area Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Robert D Schnabel
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
- Genetics Area Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
- Informatics Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Jared E Decker
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
- Genetics Area Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
- Informatics Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
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8
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Llobat L. Pluripotency and Growth Factors in Early Embryonic Development of Mammals: A Comparative Approach. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8050078. [PMID: 34064445 PMCID: PMC8147802 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8050078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The regulation of early events in mammalian embryonic development is a complex process. In the early stages, pluripotency, cellular differentiation, and growth should occur at specific times and these events are regulated by different genes that are expressed at specific times and locations. The genes related to pluripotency and cellular differentiation, and growth factors that determine successful embryonic development are different (or differentially expressed) among mammalian species. Some genes are fundamental for controlling pluripotency in some species but less fundamental in others, for example, Oct4 is particularly relevant in bovine early embryonic development, whereas Oct4 inhibition does not affect ovine early embryonic development. In addition, some mechanisms that regulate cellular differentiation do not seem to be clear or evolutionarily conserved. After cellular differentiation, growth factors are relevant in early development, and their effects also differ among species, for example, insulin-like growth factor improves the blastocyst development rate in some species but does not have the same effect in mice. Some growth factors influence genes related to pluripotency, and therefore, their role in early embryo development is not limited to cell growth but could also involve the earliest stages of development. In this review, we summarize the differences among mammalian species regarding the regulation of pluripotency, cellular differentiation, and growth factors in the early stages of embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lola Llobat
- Research Group Microbiological Agents Associated with Animal Reproduction (PROVAGINBIO), Department of Animal Production and Health, Veterinary Public Health and Food Science and Technology (PASAPTA) Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46113 Valencia, Spain
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9
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Initiation of Conceptus Elongation Coincides with an Endometrium Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF2) Protein Increase in Heifers. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21051584. [PMID: 32111034 PMCID: PMC7084457 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factors (FGF) play an important role during embryo development. To date, the role of FGF and the respective receptors (FGFR) during the preimplantation phase in cattle are not fully characterized. We examined FGF1, FGF2, FGFR1, FGFR2, and FGFR3 in cyclic and early pregnant heifers at Days 12, 15, and 18 after insemination (Day 0). Endometrial FGF1 mRNA transcript abundance in heifers varied significantly with respect to the day after insemination, the pregnancy status, and their interaction. The expression was higher in nonpregnant than in pregnant heifers at Day 18. The conceptus transcripts abundance of FGFR2 and FGFR3 were significantly lower at Day 15 than 18. In the endometrium, FGF1 protein abundance significantly decreased from Day 12 onwards and FGF2 protein abundance showed a minor, but a significant increase at Day 15 in comparison to Days 12 and 18. We concluded that the decrease in FGF1 mRNA expression in pregnant heifers at Day 18 points towards a potential contribution of FGF1 in the preimplantation process. Additionally, successful embryo elongation might require a spatiotemporal FGF2 protein increase in the endometrium.
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10
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Chiumia D, Hankele AK, Groebner AE, Schulke K, Reichenbach HD, Giller K, Zakhartchenko V, Bauersachs S, Ulbrich SE. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A and VEGFR-1 Change during Preimplantation in Heifers. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21020544. [PMID: 31952188 PMCID: PMC7014046 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) plays a critical angiogenic role in the endometrium of placentalia during preimplantation. The role of VEGFA and its receptors is not fully characterised in bovine reproduction. We analysed the mRNA expression of VEGFA isoforms 121, 165 and 189, and VEGF receptors 1 and 2 in three experimental settings (A, B and C). We compared intercaruncular endometrium of cyclic to pregnant heifers at Days 12, 15 and 18 post insemination (Day 0), and between Day 15 and Day 18 conceptuses (A). We further compared caruncular versus intercaruncular endometrium at Day 15 (B), and endometrium of heifers carrying embryos originating from somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) versus in vitro fertilisation (IVF) at Day 18 (C). Endometrial VEGFA protein was localised and quantified. Pregnant heifers displayed lower intercaruncular endometrial mRNA expression of VEGFA-121 (p = 0.045) and VEGFA-189 (p = 0.009) as well as lower VEGFA protein abundance (p < 0.001) at Day 15. The VEGFA protein was localised in intercaruncular luminal, glandular epithelium and in tunica muscularis of blood vessels. At Day 15, caruncular endometrium displayed higher VEGFA mRNA expression than intercaruncular endometrium (p < 0.05). Intercaruncular endometrial VEGFA protein at Day 18 was higher in abundance in SCNT than in IVF (p = 0.038). Therefore, during preimplantation in cattle, there may be a need for timely physiological reduction in intercaruncular endometrial VEGFA expression in favour of the caruncular area to facilitate a gradient towards the implantation sites. A higher expression of VEGFA in SCNT may predispose for later placentation abnormalities frequently observed following SCNT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Chiumia
- ETH Zurich, Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland; (D.C.); (A.-K.H.)
| | - Anna-Katharina Hankele
- ETH Zurich, Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland; (D.C.); (A.-K.H.)
| | - Anna E. Groebner
- Physiology Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany; (A.E.G.); (K.S.)
| | - Katy Schulke
- Physiology Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany; (A.E.G.); (K.S.)
| | - Horst-Dieter Reichenbach
- Bavarian State Research Center for Agriculture, Institute of Animal Breeding, 85586 Poing, Grub, Germany;
| | - Katrin Giller
- ETH Zurich, Animal Nutrition, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Valeri Zakhartchenko
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 81377 Munich, Germany; (V.Z.); (S.B.)
| | - Stefan Bauersachs
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 81377 Munich, Germany; (V.Z.); (S.B.)
- Vetsuisse Faculty Zurich, University of Zurich, Eschikon 27, AgroVet-Strickhof, 8315 Lindau (ZH), Switzerland
| | - Susanne E. Ulbrich
- ETH Zurich, Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland; (D.C.); (A.-K.H.)
- Physiology Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany; (A.E.G.); (K.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-44-632-27-21
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11
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Madureira AML, Pohler KG, Guida TG, Wagner SE, Cerri RLA, Vasconcelos JLM. Association of concentrations of beta-carotene in plasma on pregnancy per artificial insemination and pregnancy loss in lactating Holstein cows. Theriogenology 2019; 142:216-221. [PMID: 31622852 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the association of beta-carotene concentration in plasma at the moment of artificial insemination (AI) on pregnancy/AI in lactating Holstein cows. A total of 399 events from 364 lactating Holstein cows were enrolled in the trial (143 primiparous and 221 multiparous). All cows were assigned to a timed AI protocol based on estradiol and progesterone. Blood samples were collected at the moment of AI and at 24 and 31d post-AI (samples on 31 d post-AI were collected only from cows that were diagnosed pregnant). The BCS were recorded at the time of AI. Plasma beta-carotene was quantified from blood samples taken at the time of AI using a single step denaturation and extraction into a solvent, followed by measurement using a portable spectrophotometer. Pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAG) were analyzed in blood samples taken at 24 and 31 d post-AI of pregnant cows. Milk production was collected for the entire experimental period. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasound 31 and 60 d post-AI. Data was analyzed using the MIXED and GLIMMIX procedures of SAS. Cows classified as thin (<2.75) tended to have lower concentration of beta-carotene at AI when compared with those classified as Moderate (≥3.00; 3.8 ± 0.1 vs. 4.3 ± 0.1 μg/mL; P = 0.09). Concentration of beta-carotene were greater in multiparous compared with primiparous (P < 0.01). There was no correlation between concentration of beta-carotene and milk production (r = 0.04; P = 0.10). When plasma beta-carotene was categorized in quartiles, cows in the 1st quartile had lower pregnancy/AI and higher pregnancy losses when compared with cows that were in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th quartile (pregnancy/AI = 19.2 ± 4.5, 33.7 ± 4.7, 36.9 ± 5.0 and 39.8 ± 5.4%, respectively; P = 0.05; pregnancy losses = 41.9 ± 4.8, 20.4 ± 3.7, 22.1 ± 4.1, and 15.7 ± 4.2%, respectively; P < 0.05). There was no association between concentrations of beta-carotene at AI and PAG at 24 d post-AI (P = 0.60). Cows with greater concentrations of beta-carotene at AI were more likely to have greater concentrations of PAG at 31 d post-AI (P < 0.01). In conclusion, the concentration of beta-carotene at AI was affected by BCS and parity. Cows with higher concentrations of plasma beta-carotene at AI had greater pregnancy/AI, lower pregnancy losses and greater concentrations of PAG at d 31 post-AI, suggesting it may be associated with placental function in lactating dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M L Madureira
- Applied Animal Biology, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - K G Pohler
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - T G Guida
- Department of Animal Production, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, 18168-000, Brazil
| | - S E Wagner
- Applied Animal Biology, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - R L A Cerri
- Applied Animal Biology, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - J L M Vasconcelos
- Department of Animal Production, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, 18168-000, Brazil.
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12
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Filho RVO, Franco GA, Reese ST, Dantas FG, Fontes PLP, Cooke RF, Rhinehart JD, Thompson KW, Pohler KG. Using pregnancy associated glycoproteins (PAG) for pregnancy detection at day 24 of gestation in beef cattle. Theriogenology 2019; 141:128-133. [PMID: 31539641 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this experiment was to determine if circulating concentrations of pregnancy associated glycoproteins (PAG) on day 24 of gestation can be utilized to diagnose pregnancy and embryo viability in beef cattle. Postpartum beef cows (n = 677) and heifers (n = 127) were exposed to a 7-day CO-Synch + CIDR estrus synchronization protocol followed by fixed-time AI (FTAI) on day 0. Blood samples were collected at day 24 after TAI to assess circulating concentrations of PAG utilizing an in-house ELISA. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed 30 and 100 days after FTAI via transrectal ultrasonography. Mean circulating PAG concentration at day 24 differed (P < 0.001) between animals diagnosed pregnant and non-pregnant at day 30 (1.69 ± 0.10 ng/mL vs 0.30 ng/mL ± 0.07 ng/mL; mean ± SEM; respectively). Pregnant heifers had increased PAG concentration at day 24 compared with pregnant cows (P < 0.01; 3.29 ± 0.36 ng/mL vs 1.39 ± 0.10 ng/mL, respectively). Based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, serum concentration of PAG at day 24 ≥ 0.33 ng/mL in cows and ≥0.54 ng/mL in heifers was 95% accurate at determining pregnancy status at day 30. Heifers that experienced late embryonic mortality between day 30 and 100 of gestation had decreased circulating concentrations of PAG on day 24 (2.02 ng/mL ± 0.73) compared with heifers that maintained an embryo until day 100 (3.69 ng/mL ± 0.39; P = 0.02). However, there was no difference in day 24 PAG concentration (P = 0.39) between cows that maintained or lost a pregnancy (1.31 ng/mL ± 0.25 vs 0.92 ng/ml ± 0.50). In summary, circulating PAG concentration on day 24 of gestation may be a useful marker for early pregnancy detection in beef cattle, and might be a potential marker for predicting embryonic loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- R V Oliveira Filho
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77845, USA
| | - G A Franco
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77845, USA
| | - S T Reese
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77845, USA
| | - F G Dantas
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - P L P Fontes
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77845, USA
| | - R F Cooke
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77845, USA
| | - J D Rhinehart
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - K W Thompson
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - K G Pohler
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77845, USA.
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13
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Hayashi KG, Hosoe M, Fujii S, Kanahara H, Sakumoto R. Temporal expression and localization of vascular endothelial growth factor family members in the bovine uterus during peri-implantation period. Theriogenology 2019; 133:56-64. [PMID: 31059929 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 12/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine endometrial mRNA expression patterns and uterine protein localizations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) ligands (VEGFA, VEGFB, VEGFC, and VEGFD) and their receptors (VEGFR1, soluble VEGFR1 (sVEGFR1), VEGFR2, and VEGFR3) during the peri-implantation period in cows. The number of blood and lymphatic vessels in the bovine uterus was also investigated. Bovine uterine tissues were collected from pregnant animals on days 15, 18, and 27 after artificial insemination and from non-pregnant animals on days 15 and 18 of the estrous cycle (day 0 = day of estrus). The mRNA expression level of VEGFA, VEGFR1, sVEGFR1, and VEGFR3 were higher on day 18 than on day 15 in the non-pregnant group. On day 18, the levels of mRNA expression of these genes were higher in the non-pregnant group than in the pregnant group. VEGFB mRNA expression levels was higher on day 15 than on days 18 and 27 of gestation and was higher in the pregnant group than in the non-pregnant group on day 15. Using immunohistochemistry, VEGF ligands and their receptors were found in luminal epithelium, glandular epithelium, stroma, and blood vessels of the endometrium. In addition, VEGFA, VEGFD, and VEGFR3 were also detected in the uterine myometrium. In the pregnant group, the number of blood vessels in the endometrium increased from day 15 to 18 and was greater than that of the non-pregnant group on day 18. Our results demonstrate that the VEGF family is expressed and regulated in the bovine uterus during the peri-implantation period, which may be associated with uterine functions, including vascular remodeling in maternal recognition of pregnancy and implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken-Go Hayashi
- Division of Animal Breeding and Reproduction Research, Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, 305-0901, Japan
| | - Misa Hosoe
- Division of Animal Breeding and Reproduction Research, Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, 305-0901, Japan
| | - Shiori Fujii
- Division of Animal Breeding and Reproduction Research, Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, 305-0901, Japan
| | - Hiroko Kanahara
- Division of Animal Breeding and Reproduction Research, Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, 305-0901, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Sakumoto
- Division of Animal Breeding and Reproduction Research, Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, 305-0901, Japan.
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14
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Morphological and Molecular Analysis of In Vitro Tubular Structures from Bovine Yolk Sac-Derived MSCs. Stem Cells Int 2019; 2019:5073745. [PMID: 30956669 PMCID: PMC6431375 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5073745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The yolk sac is an extraembryonic membrane, of saccular form, connected to the ventral region of the embryo. It is the main source of nutrition for the embryo during the period when the placenta is not fully formed. The aim of this study was to generate tubular structures using mesenchymal stem cells from the bovine yolk sac (bYS-MSCs) and determine if these structures can be a model for in vitro vasculogenesis. The evaluation of this tissue by histochemistry revealed a strong marking of collagen fibers and PAS technique negativity. In transmission electron microscopy, cytoplasmic organelles with large nuclei were observed. The vessel formation assay on a Matrigel substrate showed that the mesenchymal cells of the yolk sac without growth factors (VEGF) are capable of forming branches, sprouting cells, and tubular structures similar to capillary blood. These tubular structures were xenotransplanted subcutaneously into the mesentery of BALB/c/nude mice; after 45 days, vascularized tissue and extensions of blood vessels around the tubular structures could be observed. Real-time PCR (qPCR) demonstrated an expression of the VEGF gene in different gestational age groups. No difference in distribution or expression was detected among groups. Our results suggest that the spontaneous formation of tubules from the yolk sac can be an experimental model to elucidate initial organogenesis and the possible formation of blood capillaries from in vitro mesenchymal cells and possible route of organoid production.
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15
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Kakabadze Z, Karalashvili L, Chakhunashvili D, Havlioglu N, Janelidze M, Kakabadze A, Sharma Y, Gupta S. Decellularized bovine placentome for portacavally-interposed heterotopic liver transplantation in rats. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2018; 97:293-301. [PMID: 30678914 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2018.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Scaffolds from healthy placentae offer advantages for tissue engineering with undamaged matrix, associated cytoprotective molecules, and embedded vessels for revascularization. As size disparities in human placenta and small recipients hamper preclinical studies, we studied alternative of bovine placentomes in smaller size ranges. Multiple cow placentomes were decellularized and anatomical integrity was analyzed. Tissue engineering used inbred donor rat livers. Placentomes were hepatized and immediately transplanted in rats with perfusion from portal vein and drainage into inferior vena cava. Cows yielded 99 ± 16 placentomes each. Of these, approximately 25% had 3 to 9 cm diameter and 7 to 63 ml volume, which was suitable for transplantation. After decellularization, angiography and casts documented 100% of vessels and vascular networks were well-perfused without disruptions or leaks. The residual matrix also remained intact for transplantation of placentomes. Perfusion in transplanted placentomes was maintained over up to 30 days. Liver tissue reassembled with restoration of hepatic acinar and sinusoidal structure. Transplanted tissue was intact without apoptosis, or necrosis. Hepatic functions were maintained. Preservation of hepatic homeostasis was verified by cytofluorimetric analysis of hepatocyte ploidy. The prevalence in healthy and transplanted liver of diploid, tetraploid and higher ploidy classes was similar with 57%, 41% and 2% versus 51%, 46.5% and 2.6%, respectively, p = 0.77, ANOVA. CONCLUSIONS: Cow placentomes will allow therapeutic development with disease models in small animals. This will also advance drug or toxicology studies. Portasystemic interposition of engineered liver will be particularly suitable for treating hepatic insufficiencies (metabolic, secretory or detoxification needs), including for children or smaller adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zurab Kakabadze
- Department of Clinical Anatomy, Tbilisi State Medical University, 33 V. PshavelaAvenue, 0177 Tbilisi, Georgia.
| | - Lia Karalashvili
- Department of Clinical Anatomy, Tbilisi State Medical University, 33 V. PshavelaAvenue, 0177 Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - David Chakhunashvili
- Department of Clinical Anatomy, Tbilisi State Medical University, 33 V. PshavelaAvenue, 0177 Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Necat Havlioglu
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Pathology and Laboratory Services, VA Medical Center, Saint Louis Health Care System, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Merab Janelidze
- Department of Clinical Anatomy, Tbilisi State Medical University, 33 V. PshavelaAvenue, 0177 Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Ann Kakabadze
- Department of Clinical Anatomy, Tbilisi State Medical University, 33 V. PshavelaAvenue, 0177 Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Yogeshwar Sharma
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx 10461, NY, USA.
| | - Sanjeev Gupta
- Departments of Medicine and Pathology, Marion Bessin Liver Research Center, Diabetes Center, The Irwin S. and Sylvia Chanin Institute for Cancer Research, Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx 10461, NY, USA.
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16
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Vega WHO, Quirino CR, Bartholazzi-Junior A, Rua MAS, Serapião RV, Oliveira CS. Variants in the CYP19A1 gene can affect in vitro embryo production traits in cattle. J Assist Reprod Genet 2018; 35:2233-2241. [PMID: 30232641 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-018-1320-4] [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: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to associate DNA variants in promoter and exon flanking regions of the CYP19A1 gene with in vitro embryo production traits in cattle. The role of transcription factor binding sites created or lost due to DNA sequence variation and their possible effect on gene expression was also evaluated. METHODS We collected date from Gyr dairy oocyte donor cows (Bos taurus indicus) at a commercial in vitro embryo production farm and analyzed the genotype-phenotype association with in vitro production traits. Using Sanger sequencing and web-based software, we assessed important CYP19A1 gene regions in oocyte donor cows and analyzed the effects of variants on the transcription factor binding sites. RESULTS Two SNP mutations significantly associated with oocyte production, oocyte viability, embryo development, and pregnancies were found (T > C in the untranslated exon 1 flanking region ([GenBank: AJ250379.1]: rs718446508 T > C), and a T > C in the 5'-upstream region (1.1 promoter) ([GenBank: AC_000167.1]: rs41651668 T > C). Six new transcription factor binding sites were created. A binding site for transcription factors associated with the development of the placenta and embryo implantation was eliminated due to variations in the DNA sequence identified. CONCLUSIONS The CYP19A1 gene contributes to genetic variation of in vitro embryo production traits in cattle. The complexity of the physiological phenomena related to estrogen pathways and their influence on reproduction in cattle allow indication of the mutations evaluated here as possible genetic markers for embryo production traits, which should be validated in the next steps of marker-assisted selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilder Hernando Ortiz Vega
- Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Genetic Improvement, Norte Fluminense State University, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil.
| | - Celia Raquel Quirino
- Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Genetic Improvement, Norte Fluminense State University, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Aylton Bartholazzi-Junior
- Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Genetic Improvement, Norte Fluminense State University, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Miguel Alejandro Silva Rua
- Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Genetic Improvement, Norte Fluminense State University, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Raquel Varella Serapião
- PESAGRO-RIO, Laboratory for Animal Reproduction, Santa Mônica Experimental Farm (CESM), Valença, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Clara Slade Oliveira
- Embrapa Dairy Cattle Research Unit, Laboratory for Animal Reproduction, Santa Mônica Experimental Farm (CESM), Valença, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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17
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Estrella CAS, Kind KL, Derks A, Xiang R, Faulkner N, Mohrdick M, Fitzsimmons C, Kruk Z, Grutzner F, Roberts CT, Hiendleder S. Remodelling of the bovine placenta: Comprehensive morphological and histomorphological characterization at the late embryonic and early accelerated fetal growth stages. Placenta 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2017.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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18
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Cross JC. Adaptability and potential for treatment of placental functions to improve embryonic development and postnatal health. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 28:75-82. [PMID: 27062876 DOI: 10.1071/rd15342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
For an organ that is so critical for life in eutherian mammals, the placenta hardly gets the attention that it deserves. The placenta does a series of remarkable things, including implanting the embryo in the uterus, negotiating with the mother for nutrients but also protecting her health during pregnancy, helping establish normal metabolic and cardiovascular function for life postnatally (developmental programming) and initiating changes that prepare the mother to care for and suckle her young after birth. Different lines of evidence in experimental animals suggest that the development and function of the placenta are adaptable. This means that some of the changes observed in pathological pregnancies may represent attempts to mitigate the impact of fetal growth and development. Key and emerging concepts are reviewed here concerning how we may view the placenta diagnostically and therapeutically in pregnancy complications, focusing on information from experimental studies in mice, sheep and cattle, as well as association studies from humans. Hundreds of different genes have been shown to underlie normal placental development and function, some of which have promise as tractable targets for intervention in pregnancies at risk for poor fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- James C Cross
- Departments of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Genetics, and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada.
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19
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Whittington CM, Danastas K, Grau GE, Murphy CR, Thompson MB. Expression of VEGF 111 and other VEGF-A variants in the rat uterus is correlated with stage of pregnancy. J Comp Physiol B 2016; 187:353-360. [PMID: 27722773 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-016-1040-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor A is a major mediator of angiogenesis, a critically important process in vertebrate growth and development as well as pregnancy. Here we report for the first time the expression of a rare and unusually potent splice variant, VEGF 111 , in vivo in mammals. This variant has previously only been found in mammals in cultured human cells exposed to genotoxic agents. Our discovery of VEGF 111 in the uterus of both a eutherian (rat) and a marsupial (fat-tailed dunnart) suggests that the splice variant may be common to all mammals. As VEGF 111 is also expressed in the uterus of at least one lineage of lizards, the expression of this splice variant may be a widespread amniote phenomenon. We measured expression of VEGF 111 and two major VEGF-A splice variants in the uterus of pregnant rats, showing that the three variants show different expression patterns across pregnancy. Our results suggest that viviparous mammals possess a precisely regulated milieu of VEGF isoforms producing the angiogenesis required for successful pregnancy. The discovery of VEGF 111 in rat uterus paves the way for the development of in vivo models of VEGF 111 activity in a highly tractable laboratory animal, and is particularly significant in the context of early pregnancy loss and cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla M Whittington
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Kevin Danastas
- School of Medical Sciences, Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Georges E Grau
- School of Medical Sciences, Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Christopher R Murphy
- School of Medical Sciences, Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael B Thompson
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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20
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Vascularization and VEGF expression altered in bovine yolk sacs from IVF and NT technologies. Theriogenology 2016; 87:290-297. [PMID: 27729111 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Revised: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive technologies are widely used in cattle, although many are associated with high-embryonic mortality, especially during early gestation, when the yolk sac undergoes macroscopic changes in structure. We hypothesized that vasculogenesis and angiogenesis are affected, thereby affecting embryonic and placental differentiation. To test this, we studied yolk sac development and gene expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor system (VEGF-A, VEGFR-1/Flt-1, VEGFR-2/KDR). Samples from Days 25 to 40/41 of pregnancy from control cattle (n = 8) and from pregnancies established with IVF, (n = 7) or somatic cell nuclear transfer/clones (n = 5) were examined by histology, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR. Yolk sacs in IVF- and nuclear transfer-derived pregnancies were immature. Development of villi was sparse in IVF yolk sacs, whereas vascularization was barely formed in clones and was associated, in part, with thin or interrupted endothelium. Transcript levels of the genes characterized exceed minimum detection limits for all groups, except in the mentioned clone with interrupted endothelium. Levels of mRNA for VEGF-A and VEGFR-2 were significantly higher in IVF yolk sacs. Clones had substantial individual variation in gene expression (both upregulation and downregulation). Our data confirmed the broad range in expression of VEGF genes. Furthermore, overexpression in IVF yolk sacs may compensate for an immature yolk sac structure, whereas in clones, patchy expression may cause structural alterations of blood vessels. In conclusion, we inferred that disturbances of yolk sac vasculature contributed to increased early embryonic mortality of bovine pregnancies established with reproductive technologies.
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21
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Quinn KE, Reynolds LP, Grazul-Bilska AT, Borowicz PP, Ashley RL. Placental development during early pregnancy: Effects of embryo origin on expression of chemokine ligand twelve (CXCL12). Placenta 2016; 43:77-80. [PMID: 27324103 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2016.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The aim was to localize chemokine ligand twelve (CXCL12) in sheep placental tissues during early gestation and after assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Uteri were collected from naturally (NAT) mated ewes and ewes receiving embryo transfer (ET), in vitro fertilization (IVF) or in vitro activation (IVA). CXCL12 was immunolocalized to endometrial stroma, glands, and trophoblast. Greater CXCL12 immunoreactivity was present in trophoblast on day 22 and 24 and in NAT ewes compared to IVF and IVA. Increased CXCL12 expression suggests CXCL12 promotes implantation and placentation. Decreased CXCL12 in IVF and IVA embryos, may compromise pregnancy establishment when utilizing ART methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- K E Quinn
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, 2980 South Espina Street, Las Cruces, NM, 88003, USA
| | - L P Reynolds
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy and Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, 58108-6050, USA
| | - A T Grazul-Bilska
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy and Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, 58108-6050, USA
| | - P P Borowicz
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy and Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, 58108-6050, USA; Advanced Imaging and Microscopy Core Laboratory, Dept. 7630, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, 58108-6050, USA
| | - R L Ashley
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, 2980 South Espina Street, Las Cruces, NM, 88003, USA.
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22
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Pohler KG, Pereira MHC, Lopes FR, Lawrence JC, Keisler DH, Smith MF, Vasconcelos JLM, Green JA. Circulating concentrations of bovine pregnancy-associated glycoproteins and late embryonic mortality in lactating dairy herds. J Dairy Sci 2015; 99:1584-1594. [PMID: 26709163 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-10192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 10/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of these experiments were as follows: (1) to determine the association between circulating concentrations of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAG) and late embryonic mortality (EM) in lactating dairy cattle following fixed-time artificial insemination (TAI) on d 0 or timed embryo transfer (TET) on d 7, (2) to identify a circulating concentration of PAG on d 31 below which late EM would be likely to occur, and (3) to identify when during gestation (d 31-59) late EM is occurring. Cows were diagnosed pregnant on d 31 of gestation based on presence of a fetal heartbeat and reconfirmed to be pregnant on d 59 of gestation. Late EM occurred when a cow had a viable embryo on d 31 of gestation but not on d 59 following TAI or TET. Only pregnant cows on d 31 were included in the analysis (TAI-maintained, n=413; TAI-EM, n=77; TET-maintained, n=238; TET-EM, n=47). Cows that were pregnant at d 31 of gestation and maintained the pregnancy until d 59 had significantly higher circulating concentrations of PAG at d 31 of gestation compared with cows that experienced late EM between d 31 and 59 of gestation in both TAI and TET. To conduct a more stringent test of the effectiveness of a single circulating PAG concentration (d 31) to predict EM, a receiver-operating characteristic curve was generated to identify a PAG concentration on d 31 that would predict EM with ≥95% accuracy in cows that received TAI or TET. Based on positive and negative predicative value analysis, a circulating concentration of PAG below 1.4 ng/mL (TAI; minimal detectable level 0.28 ng/mL) and 1.85 ng/mL (TET) was 95% accurate in predicting EM (between d 31 and 59) at d 31 of gestation, respectively. Following TET, embryonic loss was tracked by Doppler ultrasound, progesterone, and PAG from d 24 to 59 of gestation, with more than 50% of the loss occurring between d 31 and 38 of gestation. In summary, circulating concentrations of PAG on d 31 of gestation may provide a good marker for predicting EM between d 31 and 59 of gestation, and the data suggest that this model could help predict which cows will undergo late EM.
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Affiliation(s)
- K G Pohler
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211
| | - M H C Pereira
- Departamento de Produção Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil 18168-000
| | - F R Lopes
- Departamento de Produção Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil 18168-000
| | | | - D H Keisler
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211
| | - M F Smith
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211
| | - J L M Vasconcelos
- Departamento de Produção Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil 18168-000
| | - J A Green
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211.
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Dunlap KA, Brown JD, Keith AB, Satterfield MC. Factors controlling nutrient availability to the developing fetus in ruminants. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2015; 6:16. [PMID: 25908972 PMCID: PMC4407308 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-015-0012-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Inadequate delivery of nutrients results in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), which is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality in livestock. In ruminants, inadequate nutrition during pregnancy is often prevalent due to frequent utilization of exensive forage based grazing systems, making them highly susceptible to changes in nutrient quality and availability. Delivery of nutrients to the fetus is dependent on a number of critical factors including placental growth and development, utero-placental blood flow, nutrient availability, and placental metabolism and transport capacity. Previous findings from our laboratory and others, highlight essential roles for amino acids and their metabolites in supporting normal fetal growth and development, as well as the critical role for amino acid transporters in nutrient delivery to the fetus. The focus of this review will be on the role of maternal nutrition on placental form and function as a regulator of fetal development in ruminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin A Dunlap
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, 2471 TAMU, College Station, Texas 77843 USA
| | - Jacob D Brown
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, 2471 TAMU, College Station, Texas 77843 USA
| | - Ashley B Keith
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, 2471 TAMU, College Station, Texas 77843 USA
| | - M Carey Satterfield
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, 2471 TAMU, College Station, Texas 77843 USA
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24
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Rotta PP, Valadares Filho SC, Gionbelli TRS, Costa E Silva LF, Engle TE, Marcondes MI, Guimarães SEF, Nascimento CS, Carvalho BC, Silva FAS, Oliveira JRS. Effects of day of gestation and feeding regimen in Holstein × Gyr cows: III. Placental adaptations and placentome gene expression. J Dairy Sci 2015; 98:3224-35. [PMID: 25747832 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2014-8283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the influence of day of gestation (DG) and feeding regimens (FR) on the expression of genes responsible for placenta development, nutrient transfer, and angiogenic factors in Holstein × Gyr cows. Forty pregnant multiparous Holstein × Gyr cows with an average initial body weight of 482±10.8kg and an initial age of 5±0.8 yr were allocated to 1 of 2 FR: ad libitum (AL; n=20) or maintenance level (ML; n=20). Maintenance level was considered to be 1.15% of body weight (dry matter basis) and met 100% of the net energy requirements and AL provided 190% of the total net energy requirements. Cows were slaughtered at 4 DG: 139, 199, 241, and 268d. After the cows were slaughtered, the placenta and uterus were separated and weighed. Caruncles and cotyledons were individually separated, counted, and weighed. Placenta expressed as kilograms and grams per kilogram of empty body weight (EBW) was heavier in ML- than in AL-fed cows at 268d of gestation. Placenta expressed as kilograms and grams per kilogram of EBW was the lightest at 139d of gestation, and the greatest mass was observed at 268d in ML-fed cows. However, in AL-fed cows, the heaviest placenta expressed as grams per kilogram of EBW was observed from 199d of gestation. Placentomes expressed as grams per kilogram of EBW were heavier in ML-fed cows during gestation, and the number of placentomes was greater in ML-fed cows at 268d of gestation. We observed that IGFR1 and IGFR2 were involved in placenta adaptations when ML was provided, as their expression in placentome cells was greater in ML-fed cows at 268d of gestation. The genes responsible for angiogenesis were also greater in ML-fed cows: VEGFA, GUCY1B3, HIFA, FGF2, and NOS3 were altered by FR and DG interaction and they were greater in ML-fed cows at 268d of gestation. In addition, VEGFB and ANGPT2 did not show interactions between FR and DG, but they were greater in ML-fed cows. Thus, we suggest that the placenta from an ML-fed cow develops adaptations to the reduced nutrient supply by altering its structure and gene expression, thereby developing mechanisms for potential increased nutrient transfer efficiency to the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- P P Rotta
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil 36571-000; Department of Animal Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80523.
| | - S C Valadares Filho
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil 36571-000
| | - T R S Gionbelli
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil 36571-000
| | - L F Costa E Silva
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil 36571-000; Department of Animal Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80523
| | - T E Engle
- Department of Animal Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80523
| | - M I Marcondes
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil 36571-000
| | - S E F Guimarães
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil 36571-000
| | - C S Nascimento
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil 36571-000
| | - B C Carvalho
- Embrapa Gado de Leite, Juiz de Fora, Brazil 36038-330
| | - F A S Silva
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil 36571-000
| | - J R S Oliveira
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil 36571-000
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Placental Evolution within the Supraordinal Clades of Eutheria with the Perspective of Alternative Animal Models for Human Placentation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1155/2014/639274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Here a survey of placental evolution is conducted. Placentation is a key factor for the evolution of placental mammals that had evolved an astonishing diversity. As a temporary organ that does not allow easy access, it is still not well understood. The lack of data also is a restriction for better understanding of placental development, structure, and function in the human. Animal models are essential, because experimental access to the human placenta is naturally restricted. However, there is not a single ideal model that is entirely similar to humans. It is particularly important to establish other models than the mouse, which is characterised by a short gestation period and poorly developed neonates that may provide insights only for early human pregnancy. In conclusion, current evolutionary studies have contributed essentially to providing a pool of experimental models for recent and future approaches that may also meet the requirements of a long gestation period and advanced developmental status of the newborn in the human. Suitability and limitations of taxa as alternative animal models are discussed. However, further investigations especially in wildlife taxa should be conducted in order to learn more about the full evolutionary plasticity of the placenta system.
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VEGF system expression by immunohistochemistry and real-time RT-PCR study on collared peccary placenta. Theriogenology 2014; 82:834-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Revised: 06/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Abstract
ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters in placenta protectively transport drugs and xenobiotics. ABCB5 [subfamily B (MDR/TAP)] is a novel ABC multidrug-resistance transporter that also mediates cell fusion, stem cell function, and vasculogenic plasticity. Immunohistochemistry and double-labeling immunofluorescence staining for ABCB5 and ABCB5/CD200, respectively, was performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded placental tissue from 5 first trimester, 5 second trimester, and 5 term pregnancies as well as 5 partial moles, and 5 complete moles. In addition, tumor cells from 5 choriocarcinoma and 5 placental site trophoblastic tumor cases were examined. ABCB5 staining was observed in villous trophoblasts in 100% (5/5) of first trimester placentas (with progressive decrease in term placentas); 100% of partial moles (5/5); and 100% of complete moles (5/5). Notably, reactivity was discretely restricted to the inner trophoblast layer, with no staining of overlying syncytiotrophoblast. Antibody specificity and localization was confirmed further by in situ hybridization. ABCB5 expression was retained in 20% of choriocarcinomas (1/5) and 40% of placental site trophoblastic tumors (2/5). Prior studies have localized expression of multidrug-resistance-1, also known as ABCB1, within the syncytiotrophoblast of early placentas, where it serves a protective function as an efflux transporter. Our results show that ABCB5 is preferentially expressed in the cytotrophoblast layer of placental villi. The expression of this novel biomarker at the maternal-fetal interface raises questions on its role in placental structure and function as well as on its potential contribution to the protective efflux provided by other P-glycoprotein transporters.
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Stimulatory effect of vascular endothelial growth factor on progesterone production and survivability of cultured bubaline luteal cells. Anim Reprod Sci 2014; 148:251-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2014] [Revised: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Ben Amara A, Gorvel L, Baulan K, Derain-Court J, Buffat C, Vérollet C, Textoris J, Ghigo E, Bretelle F, Maridonneau-Parini I, Mege JL. Placental macrophages are impaired in chorioamnionitis, an infectious pathology of the placenta. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 191:5501-14. [PMID: 24163411 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1300988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy is dependent on maternal-fetal tolerance that may be compromised because of infections or inflammation of the placenta. In this study, we examined whether the context of placental immune tolerance affected the functions of resident macrophages and if their functions were altered during chorioamnionitis, an infectious pathology of the placenta. Macrophages from at-term placentas expressed CD14, exhibited macrophage microbicidal functions, but were less inflammatory than monocyte-derived macrophages. Moreover, placental macrophages spontaneously matured into multinucleated giant cells (MGCs), a property not exhibited by monocyte-derived macrophages, and we detected MGCs of myeloid origin in placental tissue. Compared with placental macrophages, MGCs exhibited a specific phenotype and gene expression signature, consisting of increased cytoskeleton-associated gene expression along with depressed expression of inflammatory response genes. Furthermore, placental macrophages from patients with chorioamnionitis were unable to form MGCs, but this defect was partially corrected by incubating these placental macrophages with control trophoblast supernatants. MGCs formation likely serves to regulate their inflammatory and cytocidal activities in a context that imposes semiallograft acceptance and defense against pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Ben Amara
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses Tropicales et Emergentes, Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7278, INSERM U1095, 13385 Marseille, France
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Hayashi KG, Hosoe M, Sakumoto R, Takahashi T. Temporo-spatial expression of adrenomedullin and its receptors in the bovine placenta. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2013; 11:62. [PMID: 23849271 PMCID: PMC3716972 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-11-62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adrenomedullin (AM) is a potent vasodilator peptide and is also involved in various physiological activities. In humans and rodents, AM is found in the uteroplacental unit and may be responsible for fetal development and maintenance of placental function. This study investigated 1) the mRNA expression patterns of AM and its receptor components (calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR), receptor activity modifying protein (RAMP) 2 and RAMP3) during pregnancy and 2) mRNA and protein localization of AM, CRLR and RAMPs in the bovine placentome. METHODS For real-time quantitative RT-PCR, bovine uteroplacental tissues were collected from Day 25, 60, 100, 150, 200 and 250 of gestation and separated into uterine caruncle (CAR), intercaruncular endometrium (ICAR), extra-embryonic membranes on Day 25 and cotyledonary villous after Day 60 (EEM-COT) and intercotyledonary chorion (ICOT). In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry was performed to investigate the cellular localization of mRNA and protein of AM, CRLR, RAMP2 and RAMP3 in the placentome on Day 56, 150 and 230 of gestation and interplacentomal tissues on Day 56 of gestation. RESULTS AM mRNA was highly expressed on Day 200 in EEM-COT, CAR and ICAR. CRLR mRNA was highly expressed on Day 60 in all portions. RAMP2 mRNA was also highly expressed on Day 60 in ICOT and ICAR. In EEM-COT, mRNA expression of CRLR and RAMP2 decreased from Day 150 to 250. RAMP3 mRNA was highly expressed on Day 150 in EEM-COT, ICOT and ICAR. A distinct AM mRNA and protein signal were only found in trophoblast binucleate cells (BNCs), whereas those of CRLR, RAMP2 and RAMP3 were detected in cotyledonary villous and caruncular epithelial cells. In interplacentomal tissues, AM was detected in BNCs of fetal membrane and a small part of luminal epithelium, endothelial lineage of blood vessels and glandular epithelium of the endometrium. Distinct signals of CRLR, RAMP2 and RAMP3 were found in trophoblast cells, luminal epithelium, stroma under the epithelium, endothelial lineage of blood vessels and glandular epithelium. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that the AM system in the bovine uteroplacental unit may be activated at placentation and transition from the mid to late gestation period. Locally produced AM in the BNCs may play a crucial role in regulation of placental vascular and cellular functions during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken-Go Hayashi
- Animal Physiology Research Unit, Division of Animal Science, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba 305-8602, Japan
| | - Misa Hosoe
- Animal Development and Differentiation Research Unit, Division of Animal Science, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba 305-8602, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Sakumoto
- Animal Physiology Research Unit, Division of Animal Science, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba 305-8602, Japan
| | - Toru Takahashi
- Animal Physiology Research Unit, Division of Animal Science, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba 305-8602, Japan
- Present address: Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, Morioka 020-8550, Japan
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Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) modulates bovine placenta steroidogenesis in vitro. Placenta 2012; 33:788-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2012.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2012] [Revised: 07/06/2012] [Accepted: 07/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Hayashi KG, Hosoe M, Takahashi T. Placental expression and localization of endothelin-1 system and nitric oxide synthases during bovine pregnancy. Anim Reprod Sci 2012; 134:150-7. [PMID: 22921266 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2012.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2012] [Revised: 07/12/2012] [Accepted: 08/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate mRNA expression of the endothelin-1 (EDN1) system (preproEDN1; precursor, ECE-1; converting enzyme, EDNRA and EDNRB; receptor subtypes A and B) and endothelial and inducible nitric oxide synthases (eNOS and iNOS) in the bovine utero-placental unit during pregnancy. We also investigated the cellular localization of mRNA and protein of components of the EDN1 system in the placentome. The bovine utero-placental unit on Day 60, 100, 150, 200 and 250 of gestation was separated into carunclar areas (CAR), intercaruncular areas (ICAR), cotyledonary villi (COT) and intercotyledonary areas (ICOT). PreproEDN1, ECE1, EDNRA, EDNRB, eNOS and iNOS mRNA expression was determined by real-time quantitative RT-PCR. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were performed using placentomes on Day 94 or Day 250 of gestation. PreproEDN1 and ECE1 mRNA expression was higher on Day 100 than on other gestation days. The mRNA expression for EDNRA in COT and ICOT and eNOS in COT, CAR and ICAR were higher on Day 150 than on other gestation days. EDNRB mRNA expression increased from Day 60 to Day 150 then decreased. iNOS mRNA expression in COT and CAR was higher on Day 250 than on other gestation days. PreproEDN1, ECE1 and EDNRA mRNA was localized in the caruncular epithelial cells (CEs) and the COT. EDNRB mRNA was found in the CEs and the trophoblast binucleate giant cells (BNCs). PreproEDN1, EDNRA and EDNRB proteins were detected in COT and CEs, whereas ECE-1 was found in the BNCs. Our results demonstrate that differential cell-specific and spatiotemporal expression of the EDN1 system and NOS in the bovine utero-placental unit may be associated with regulation of vascular and cellular functions during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken-Go Hayashi
- Animal Physiology Research Unit, Division of Animal Science, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Japan
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Variation in Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor [MIF] immunoreactivity during bovine gestation. Placenta 2012; 33:157-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2011.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2011] [Revised: 12/05/2011] [Accepted: 12/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Galectin fingerprinting detects differences in expression profiles between bovine endometrium and placentomes as well as early and late gestational stages. Placenta 2012; 33:195-201. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2011.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2011] [Revised: 12/20/2011] [Accepted: 12/20/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Haeger JD, Hambruch N, Dilly M, Froehlich R, Pfarrer C. Formation of bovine placental trophoblast spheroids. Cells Tissues Organs 2010; 193:274-84. [PMID: 20975254 DOI: 10.1159/000320544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In this study, we aimed to form spheroids with the bovine placental trophoblast cell line F3. Spheroids are 3-dimensional culture models which can be used to conduct versatile in vitro and in vivo experiments. MATERIALS AND METHODS The spheroids were generated using the hanging drop technique, 25% methocel and matrigel. The F3 spheroids were characterized morphologically by light microscopy and transmission (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and immunohistochemistry (ezrin, vimentin, cytokeratin, placental lactogen). The fluorescent dyes calcein and ethidium homodimer were used to determine the viability of the spheroidal F3 cells by immunofluorescence microscopy. RESULTS The cell line F3 only formed spheroids by the hanging drop technique when matrigel was added. The trophoblast spheroids were delimited and fully covered by extracellular matrix (light microscopy/TEM/SEM). Cells contributing to spheroids could not be discriminated from each other (light microscopy). The outer spheroidal layer consisted of cells which possessed an apical pole with microvilli that were directed to the outside (light microscopy/TEM). All of the spheroidal F3 cells expressed ezrin, vimentin and cytokeratin, but not placental lactogen. The spheroid core contained degenerating cells whilst the F3 cells of the outer rim were viable (TEM/immunofluorescence microscopy). DISCUSSION We have established a 3-dimensional spheroid model for the bovine placental trophoblast cell line F3. The developed culture model might prove valuable for future in vitro studies on the differentiation of bovine trophoblast cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Haeger
- Department of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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Campos DB, Papa PC, Marques JEB, Garbelotti F, Fátima LA, Artoni LP, Birgel EH, Meirelles FV, Buratini J, Leiser R, Pfarrer C. Somatic cell nuclear transfer is associated with altered expression of angiogenic factor systems in bovine placentomes at term. GENETICS AND MOLECULAR RESEARCH 2010; 9:309-23. [PMID: 20198587 DOI: 10.4238/vol9-1gmr729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Low efficiency of somatic cell cloning by nuclear transfer has been associated with alterations of placental vascular architecture. Placental growth and function depend on the growth of blood vessels; VEGF-A and bFGF are the most important factors controlling neovascularization and vascular permeability in the placenta. We hypothesize that the VEGF-A and bFGF systems are disrupted in placentomes from cloned animals, contributing to the placental abnormalities that are common in these clones. We determined mRNA expression and protein tissue localization of VEGF-A, bFGF, and their receptors in placentomes from cloned and non-cloned bovine fetuses at term. Real-time RT-PCR revealed that VEGFR-2 mRNA was increased in cloned male-derived placentomes, while mRNA of bFGF and its receptors were decreased in placentomes of cloned females. VEGF-A system proteins were found to be located in placentomal endothelial, maternal and fetal epithelial and stromal cells; there was a variable pattern of cellular distribution of these proteins in both cloned and non-cloned animals. Alterations in the expression of VEGF-A and bFGF systems suggest that angiogenic factors are involved in abnormal placental development in cloned gestations, contributing to impaired fetal development and poor survival rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- D B Campos
- Departamento de Cirurgia, Setor de Anatomia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
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TASAKI Y, NISHIMURA R, SHIBAYA M, LEE HY, ACOSTA TJ, OKUDA K. Expression of VEGF and Its Receptors in the Bovine Endometrium Throughout the Estrous Cycle: Effects of VEGF on Prostaglandin Production in Endometrial Cells. J Reprod Dev 2010; 56:223-9. [DOI: 10.1262/jrd.09-139s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yukari TASAKI
- Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University
| | - Ryo NISHIMURA
- Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University
| | - Masami SHIBAYA
- Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University
| | - Hwa-Yong LEE
- Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University
| | - Tomas J. ACOSTA
- Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University
| | - Kiyoshi OKUDA
- Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University
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Down-regulation of growth signaling pathways linked to a reduced cotyledonary vascularity in placentomes of over-nourished, obese pregnant ewes. Placenta 2009; 30:405-10. [PMID: 19268361 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2009.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2008] [Revised: 02/04/2009] [Accepted: 02/07/2009] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Both protein kinase B (Akt) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) are down-stream components of the insulin/insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling pathway. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is known to sensitize cells to insulin/IGF-1 signaling. The objective of this study was to assess the activity of AMPK and its role in the observed down-regulation of insulin/IGF-1 signaling in cotyledonary (COT) arteries supplying the placental component of the ewe placentome. Nonpregnant ewes were randomly assigned to a control (C, 100% of NRC recommendations) or obesogenic (OB, 150% of NRC) diet from 60 days before conception until necropsy on day 75 of gestation (n=5/group) or until lambing (n=5/group). At necropsy on day 75 of gestation, the smallest terminal arteries that entered the COT tissues (0.5-1.0 mm in diameter) were collected for analyses. Fetal weights were approximately 20% greater (P<0.05) on OB than C ewes, but birth weights of lambs were similar across dietary groups. Fetal plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin and IGF-1 were higher (P<0.05) in the blood of fetuses from OB than C ewes. Total AMPK and phosphorylated AMPK at Thr 172 (the active form) were reduced (P<0.05) by 19.7+/-8.4% and 25.9+/-7.7%, respectively in the COT arterial tissues of OB ewes. Total acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), a down-stream target of AMPK, and its phosphorylated form were also reduced (P<0.05) by 32.9+/-9.2% and 45.4+/-14.6%, respectively. The phosphorylation of IRS-1 at Ser 789, a site phosphorylated by AMPK, was 24.5+/-9.0% lower (P<0.05) in COT arteries of OB than C ewes. No alteration in total insulin receptor, total IGF-1 receptor or their phosphorylated forms was observed, down-stream insulin signaling was down-regulated in COT arteries of OB ewes, which may have resulted in the observed decrease in COT vascular development in OB ewes.
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Valdés G, Erices R, Chacón C, Corthorn J. Angiogenic, hyperpermeability and vasodilator network in utero-placental units along pregnancy in the guinea-pig (Cavia porcellus). Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2008; 6:13. [PMID: 18371207 PMCID: PMC2291058 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-6-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2007] [Accepted: 03/27/2008] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The angiogenic and invasive properties of the cytotrophoblast are crucial to provide an adequate area for feto-maternal exchange. The present study aimed at identifying the localization of interrelated angiogenic, hyperpermeability and vasodilator factors in the feto-maternal interface in pregnant guinea-pigs. METHODS Utero-placental units were collected from early to term pregnancy. VEGF, Flt-1, KDR, B2R and eNOS were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, and the intensity of the signals in placenta and syncytial streamers was digitally analysed. Flt1 and eNOS content of placental homogenates was determined by western blotting. Statistical analysis used one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's Multiple Comparison post-hoc test. RESULTS In the subplacenta, placental interlobium and labyrinth VEGF, Flt-1, KDR, B2R and eNOS were expressed in all stages of pregnancy. Syncytial streamers in all stages of gestation, and cytotrophoblasts surrounding myometrial arteries in early and mid pregnancy - and replacing the smooth muscle at term - displayed immunoreactivity for VEGF, Flt-1, KDR, eNOS and B2R. In partly disrupted mesometrial arteries in late pregnancy cytotrophoblasts and endothelial cells expressed VEGF, Flt-1, KDR, B2R and eNOS. Sections incubated in absence of the first antibody, or in presence of rabbit IgG fraction and mouse IgG serum, yielded no staining. According to the digital analysis, Flt-1 increased in the placental interlobium in days 40 and 60 as compared to day 20 (P = 0.016), and in the labyrinth in day 60 as compared to days 20 and 40 (P = 0.026), while the signals for VEGF, KDR, B2R, and eNOS showed no variations along pregnancy. In syncytial streamers the intensity of VEGF immunoreactivity was increased in day 40 in comparison to day 20 (P = 0.027), while that of B2R decreased in days 40 and 60 as compared to day 20 (P = 0.011); VEGF, Flt-1, KDR, B2R and eNOS expression showed no variations. Western blots for eNOS and Flt-1 in placental homogenates showed no significant temporal differences along pregnancy. CONCLUSION The demonstration of different angiogenic, hyperpermeability and vasodilator factors in the same cellular protagonists of angiogenesis and invasion in the pregnant guinea-pig, supports the presence of a functional network, and strengthens the argument that this species provides an adequate model to understand human pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Valdés
- Departamento de Nefrología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Marcoleta 391, 8330024 Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Investigaciones Médicas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rafaela Erices
- Centro de Investigaciones Médicas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cecilia Chacón
- Centro de Investigaciones Médicas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jenny Corthorn
- Departamento de Nefrología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Marcoleta 391, 8330024 Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Investigaciones Médicas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Arnold DR, Fortier AL, Lefebvre R, Miglino MA, Pfarrer C, Smith LC. Placental insufficiencies in cloned animals - a workshop report. Placenta 2008; 29 Suppl A:S108-10. [PMID: 18281092 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2007.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2007] [Revised: 11/14/2007] [Accepted: 11/15/2007] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
This workshop focused on describing clinical problems identified in the placentae of cloned animals and some of the potential biological mechanisms by which these anomalies arise. It was shown that placental anomalies related to somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) in cattle often can be detected by ultrasonography early in gestation, enabling preventive clinical intervention. On the mechanistic front, the vascular defects in the placenta appear to be associated with anomalies in the expression of VEGF system, which could lead to the aberrant placentomes and generalized oedema seen in some gestations. Moreover, an upstream transcription factor (Mash2) controlling the differentiation of trophoblast into binucleate cells may be involved in the poor implantation rates of SCNT embryos. Finally, epigenetic patterns in placenta can be disrupted by fairly simple in vitro manipulations, which could explain the extreme anomalies observed in the placenta of SCNT pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- D R Arnold
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Royal Victoria Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
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Chaouat G, Dubanchet S, Ledée N. Cytokines: Important for implantation? J Assist Reprod Genet 2007; 24:491-505. [PMID: 18044017 PMCID: PMC3455031 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-007-9142-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2007] [Accepted: 04/25/2007] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Cytokines are obviously very important in an established pregnancy, but what about human embryo implantation? METHODS Literature review. RESULTS We first discuss the necessity and limits of animal models, and then review the few cytokines which have been demonstrated by knock-out methods to be absolutely necessary for embryo implantation using in animal models. We then review what is known or discussed about the role of other cytokines as deduced from quantitative and/or qualitative dysregulation in animals and in humans. CONCLUSIONS Cytokines are indeed involved in implantation as they are in ongoing pregnancy and delivery. Relevance to infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gérard Chaouat
- U 782 INSERM, Equipe cytokines et dialogue cytokinique mère conceptus, Université Paris Sud et Hôpîtal Antoine Béclère, 32 rue des Carnets, Clamart Cedex, France.
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Bridger P, Menge C, Leiser R, Tinneberg HR, Pfarrer C. Bovine caruncular epithelial cell line (BCEC-1) isolated from the placenta forms a functional epithelial barrier in a polarised cell culture model. Placenta 2007; 28:1110-7. [PMID: 17850864 PMCID: PMC7112451 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2007.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2007] [Revised: 07/04/2007] [Accepted: 07/05/2007] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In the bovine synepitheliochorial placenta key sites of fetal-maternal interaction are placentomes consisting of maternal caruncles interdigitating with fetal cotyledons. The aim of this study was to establish an epithelial cell line from caruncles of pregnant cows and to develop a model to study restricted trophoblast invasion, pathogenesis of pregnancy associated diseases and pathways of infection and transport. Primary epithelial cells were isolated, successfully subcultured for 32 passages and cryopreserved at various stages. The cultures were termed bovine caruncular epithelial cell line-1 (BCEC-1). Cytokeratin, zonula occludens-1 protein and vimentin but neither alpha-smooth muscle actin nor desmin were detected by immunofluorescence performed every 5 (+/-1) passages. These results were confirmed by Western blotting. BCEC-1 were then cultured either without matrix or on fibronectin or collagen coated Transwell polyester membrane inserts, respectively, enabling separate access to the basal or apical epithelial compartments. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy of BCEC-1 revealed ultrastructural features also observed in vivo, such as apical microvilli and junctional complexes. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) was measured regularly and revealed an increase with advancing confluence in all cultures. Cultures on coated inserts reached confluence and corresponding TEER-levels at an earlier stage. In addition, the cells were tested negative for bovine virus diarrhoea (BVD) virus, but were permissive for the virus. In conclusion, the BCEC-1 cell line retained characteristics of maternal caruncular epithelial cells as observed in vivo and in primary cell cultures and thus will be a highly useful tool for future studies of pathways of invasion, fetal-maternal communication, transport and infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- P.S. Bridger
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig-University, Frankfurter Strasse 98, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - C. Menge
- Institute for Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Justus-Liebig-University, Frankfurter Strasse 85-89, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - R. Leiser
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig-University, Frankfurter Strasse 98, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - H.-R. Tinneberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Justus-Liebig-University, Klinikstrasse 32, D-35385 Giessen, Germany
| | - C.D. Pfarrer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Justus-Liebig-University, Klinikstrasse 32, D-35385 Giessen, Germany
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Papa PC, Moura CEB, Artoni LP, Fátima LA, Campos DB, Marques JEB, Baruselli PS, Binelli M, Pfarrer C, Leiser R. VEGF system expression in different stages of estrous cycle in the corpus luteum of non-treated and superovulated water buffalo. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2007; 33:379-89. [PMID: 17014980 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2006.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2005] [Revised: 07/10/2006] [Accepted: 07/31/2006] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Water buffaloes are easily adaptable animals, whose raising and economical exploitation have been growing in the last three decades all over the world. Hyperstimulation of ovarian function in this species is a common technique aiming to improve reproductive performance. Superovulatory treatment affects corpus luteum (CL) function, which is highly correlated to angiogenic process. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the temporal protein and mRNA expression of VEGF and its receptors in the CL of non-treated and superovulated buffaloes. For that purpose blood samples and CL from 36 healthy (30 untreated, groups 1-5, and 6 superovulated, group 6) non-pregnant buffaloes were collected and the samples were divided into 6 groups according to the age of CL. Plasma samples were submitted to RIA to measure progesterone concentration and CL were subjected to immunohistochemistry and real time PCR for VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), Flt-1 (fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor 1) and KDR (kinase insert domain containing region). The VEGF system protein and mRNA expression during CL life span of untreated animals showed a specific time-dependent profile, although protein did not always reflect mRNA concentrations. VEGF expression in luteal cells was high correlated to plasma progesterone levels. Superovulated CL showed a significant increase of the VEGF-system protein and a significant decrease of mRNA expression compared to untreated animals in the same stage of the oestrous cycle. We conclude that VEGF, Flt-1 and KDR protein and mRNA expression in buffalo CL is dependent of estrous cycle stage and superovulatory treatment is able to increase the translation rate of this system.
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Affiliation(s)
- P C Papa
- Department of Surgery, Sector of Anatomy, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Bridger PS, Haupt S, Klisch K, Leiser R, Tinneberg HR, Pfarrer C. Validation of primary epitheloid cell cultures isolated from bovine placental caruncles and cotyledons. Theriogenology 2007; 68:592-603. [PMID: 17580088 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2007.05.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2007] [Revised: 04/04/2007] [Accepted: 05/05/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In order to study feto-maternal interactions in the bovine synepitheliochorial placenta primary cell cultures of both placentomal components throughout pregnancy, namely caruncular epithelial cells and trophoblast cells were developed. The aim of this study was to validate and improve a method to culture caruncular epithelial cells and fetal trophoblast from manually separated placentomes. Prior to seeding the presence of fetal cells in caruncular samples and vice-versa could be demonstrated by the detection of the Y-chromosome via fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) provided the fetus was male. Epitheloid shaped cells present in both cultures (cotyledon and caruncle) were characterized on a morphological basis as well as by immunofluorescence and Western blot thereby detecting cytokeratin, zonula occludens-1 and vimentin but not alpha-smooth muscle actin and desmin. The absence of the Y-chromosome demonstrated the caruncular origin of epitheloid cells. In addition, a population of polygonally shaped cells derived from the cotyledon was propagated and displayed the same cytoskeletal characteristics as described above. The presence of the Y-chromosome confirmed the fetal origin of these cells and the lacking uptake of fluorescence conjugated low density lipoprotein, specific for endothelial cells, identified polygonally shaped cells as fetal trophoblast cells. In conclusion, the cross-contamination of maternal and fetal cells in manually separated placentomes should be considered in future experiments as it may lead to false positive results dependent on the sensitivity of the method applied. This study highlights the importance of an appropriate cell characterization and identification, especially when isolating primary cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- P S Bridger
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig-University, Frankfurter Str 98, Giessen, Germany
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Kaloglu C, Bulut HE. Vascular endothelial growth factor production by rat granulated metrial gland cells and their morphological features in normal and pathological conditions. Reprod Fertil Dev 2007; 19:341-50. [PMID: 17257520 DOI: 10.1071/rd05143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2006] [Accepted: 09/09/2006] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Granulated metrial gland (GMG) cells are pregnancy-specific cells that may have many functions in successful placentation and pregnancy. In the present study, changes in the rat GMG cell structure, distribution and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression during early pregnancy were evaluated by light microscopy. Implantation sites taken from females with spontaneous abortion were also investigated. On Day 7 of pregnancy, GMG cells were distributed through the implantation and interimplantation sites. They formed metrial glands in the mesometrial triangle on Day 9, and were observed in the decidua basalis on Day 14 of pregnancy. Avidin–biotin complex immunohistochemistry revealed that GMG cells showed moderate staining for VEGF at the beginning of pregnancy and intense staining on Days 9 and 10 of pregnancy. They were localised mostly near the newly formed blood vessels. The implantation sites from spontaneously aborting females showed numerous leucocytes in the lumen of mesometrial blood vessels. In spontaneously aborting females, GMG cells showed a distinct morphology, increased in number and volume, their granules were denser and degranulation was observed. These results suggest that rat GMG cells might be a guide for placental angiogenesis and they might share a role with leucocytes in pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celal Kaloglu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Medicine, 58140 Sivas, Turkey.
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Bücher K, Leiser R, Tiemann U, Pfarrer C. Platelet-activating factor receptor (PAF-R) and acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) are co-expressed in immature bovine trophoblast giant cells throughout gestation, but not at parturition. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2006; 79:74-83. [PMID: 16516811 DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2005.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2005] [Revised: 09/28/2005] [Accepted: 10/28/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Platelet-activating factor (PAF) was associated with successful implantation in the cow, trophoblast invasiveness and angiogenesis. Bovine placentation is characterized by the limited invasion of trophoblast giant cells (TGC) into the maternal caruncular epithelium. TGC exhibit both endocrine activity and properties of tumor cells and may thus be targets of and mediators for the action of PAF. We examined PAF-receptor (PAF-R) and PAF-acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) gene expression and localized mRNA and corresponding proteins in bovine placentomes throughout gestation and at parturition. PAF-R and PAF-AH protein and mRNA were highly expressed and colocalized in immature TGC from early gestation until near term, while mature TGC were negative. After the onset of parturition both PAF-R and PAF-AH were expressed in the maternal stroma, predominantly endothelial cells. The expression of PAF-R and PAF-AH in immature but not mature TGC during gestation implicates a role for PAF in the differentiation, maturation and function of bovine placentomal TGC. Placentomal angiogenesis could be mediated by binding of PAF to PAF-R present in endothelial cells. The parturition-related "switch" of PAF-R and PAF-AH from TGC to the maternal stroma suggests that PAF may participate in the regulation of parturition and in prepartum tissue programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Bücher
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
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