1
|
Comizzoli P, Amelkina O, Chavez DR, Rowlison TR, Lee PC. Current knowledge in the biology of gametes and embryos from Carnivora. Theriogenology 2023; 196:254-263. [PMID: 36434847 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In addition to companion animals and laboratory species, about 270 carnivore species play fundamental ecological roles in different ecosystems. However, almost 40% of carnivore species are now threatened or endangered in the wild because of human activities. While protection of natural habitats is critical, it is equally important to better understand carnivore reproduction, including a solid knowledge in sperm, oocyte, and embryo biology, to maintain sustainable populations in the wild and in conservation breeding centers. Characterizing gamete and embryo biology is also needed to develop cryopreservation and assisted reproductive technologies to enhance conservation efforts. The objective of this review is to provide the most recent knowledge in the biology of sperm cells, oocytes, and early embryos across all carnivore families. Overall, most data originate from populations maintained in breeding centers or zoos. Characterizations of sperm biology and cryopreservation are far more advanced than for oocytes and embryos. Currently, sperm biology is mainly studied in Canids, Felids, Ursids, and Mustelids, with more emphasis on structural than functional properties. Importantly, fundamental studies of gamete and embryo biology in domestic dogs, cats, and ferrets have paved the way for more precise characterizations in wild counterparts as well as the development of cryopreservation and assisted reproductive technologies. A striking feature of spermatozoa across a wide range of Canids and Felids is the presence of teratospermia (>60% of abnormal sperm cells), which is related to the loss of genetic diversity in some populations. Although sperm structures differ across carnivore families, sperm biology remains difficult to compare because of the small amount of data in many species. Regarding oocyte biology and embryology, data are much scarcer than in sperm cells, with too few studies going beyond structural descriptions. More carnivore species and more individuals (especially from wild populations in addition to captive ones) must be studied to improve our understanding about comparative germplasm biology and develop adequate conservation breeding strategies including the use of cryobanking and assisted reproductive technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Comizzoli
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington DC, USA.
| | - Olga Amelkina
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington DC, USA
| | - Daniela R Chavez
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington DC, USA
| | - Tricia R Rowlison
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington DC, USA
| | - Pei-Chih Lee
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington DC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Luciano AM, Franciosi F, Dey P, Ladron De Guevara M, Monferini N, Bonumallu SKN, Musmeci G, Fagali Franchi F, Garcia Barros R, Colombo M, Lodde V. Progress toward species-tailored prematuration approaches in carnivores. Theriogenology 2023; 196:202-213. [PMID: 36423514 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
In the past four decades, the bovine model has been highly informative and inspiring to assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in other species. Most of the recent advances in ART have come from studies in cattle, particularly those unveiling the importance of several processes that must be recapitulated in vitro to ensure the proper development of the oocyte. The maintenance of structural and functional communications between the cumulus cells and the oocyte and a well-orchestrated chromatin remodeling with the gradual silencing of transcriptional activity represent essential processes for the progressive acquisition of oocyte developmental competence. These markers are now considered the milestones of physiological approaches to increase the efficiency of reproductive technologies. Different in vitro approaches have been proposed. In particular, the so-called "pre-IVM" or "prematuration" is a culture step performed before in vitro maturation (IVM) to support the completion of the oocyte differentiation process. Although these attempts only partially improved the embryo quality and yield, they currently represent a proof of principle that oocytes retrieved from an ovary or an ovarian batch shouldn't be treated as a whole and that tailored approaches can be developed for culturing competent oocytes in several species, including humans. An advancement in ART's efficiency would be desirable in carnivores, where the success is still limited. Since the progress in reproductive medicine has often come from comparative studies, this review highlights aspects that have been critical in other species and how they may be extended to carnivores.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Maria Luciano
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy.
| | - Federica Franciosi
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Pritha Dey
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Magdalena Ladron De Guevara
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Noemi Monferini
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Sai Kamal Nag Bonumallu
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Giulia Musmeci
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Fernanda Fagali Franchi
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Rodrigo Garcia Barros
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Martina Colombo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Valentina Lodde
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zoppei A, Pinto Neto A, Cattelam J, Martinez A, Trenkel C, Steffens R, Gruchouskei L. Quantification of multi-oocyte follicles in ovaries of bitches. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2021. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-12385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to quantify the number and frequency of monocyte (MnOF) and multi-oocyte (MtOF) follicles in ovaries of bitches subjected to ovary salpingohysterectomy (OSH). Right and left ovaries of 38 bitches were collected after OSH, prepared, and a histological analysis was carried out. The ovaries were subjected to surface and deep histological cuts; the follicles were classified, and the number of follicles and cumulus oophorus complexes (COC) per follicle were quantified for each histological cut. MnOF and MtOF were found in all ovaries, at different developmental stages; primary follicles were grouped in the ovarian cortex, and follicles at other follicular stages presented a random distribution. MtOF containing two, three, four, or more COC were found in the ovaries of bitches, with a decreasing frequency trend, according to the number of COC in the MtOF. The effect of the age, number of estrus, estrus interval, and number of progenies per delivery was not significant for the number and frequency of MtOF in the ovaries of the bitches, whereas the size, number of pregnancies, use and number of contraceptive applications had some effect on the number and frequency of MtOF in the ovaries of the bitches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - J. Cattelam
- Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tsuchida M, Komura N, Yoshihara T, Kawasaki Y, Sakurai D, Suzuki H. Ultrasonographic observation in combination with progesterone monitoring for detection of ovulation in Labrador Retrievers. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 57:149-156. [PMID: 34724259 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Although it is well known that the ovulation occurs during a period of time after LH surge in dogs, there are few reports of observing the entire process of development, ovulation and luteinization of each follicle. This study aimed to detect the ovulation kinetics by ultrasonography in combination with progesterone monitoring and therefore identify the time-range of the ovulation process in a dog. Daily transabdominal ultrasonography and progesterone monitoring were conducted for 24 natural oestrus cycles of Labrador Retrievers. Ovarian follicles were observed as anechoic structure with contours before ovulation. Ovulation (follicular collapse) was defined as when follicles became cloudy and contours obscure by transabdominal ultrasonography. Ultrasound imaging was capable of identifying the day of ovulation for 94.7% (178/188) of the follicles through the appearance of collapsed follicle or corpus luteum. Ovulation was observed between LH 0 (the day of LH surge) and LH 5, with 48.0%, 33.5% and 15.0% for LH 2, LH 3 and LH 1, respectively. The total number of ovulations on LH 2 and LH 3 accounted for 81.5% (141/173) of the total ovulation in 24 cycles examined. Ovulation occurred in 12 cycles for 2 d and for 3 d in 12 cycles. Seventeen cycles (70.8%) with multiple days of ovulation showed the largest number of ovulations on LH 2. The average follicle diameter 3 d before the LH surge was less than 5 mm, then exceeded 5 mm 2 d before the LH surge. The average follicle diameter at the time of ovulation (follicular collapse) was 6.1 ± 1.0 mm (n = 118). On the day before ovulation, the average diameters of the follicles ovulated on LH 1, LH 2 and LH 3 were 5.0 ± 0.7 mm, 5.8 ± 1.2 mm and 6.2 ± 1.3 mm, respectively. There was a significant difference in the follicle diameter between LH1 and LH2 (p < .001), LH2 and LH3 (p < .05), and LH1 and LH3 (p < .001). Suggesting that it is difficult to estimate the ovulation day based on follicle size. This study showed that combination of ultrasonography with progesterone monitoring could follow follicular development, ovulation and luteinization of the ovary in Labrador Retrievers. The direct visualization of the ovulation was achieved in a non-invasive, labour-friendly way. Furthermore, the time-range of the ovulation process was clarified in a dog. These results may contribute to an accurate understanding of the optimum timing of mating and improved breeding efficiency, including artificial insemination and embryo transfer for Labrador Retrievers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mei Tsuchida
- Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Nako Komura
- Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Yoshihara
- Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Yuta Kawasaki
- Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Daichi Sakurai
- Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Suzuki
- Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bodke VV, Burdette JE. Advancements in Microfluidic Systems for the Study of Female Reproductive Biology. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6225875. [PMID: 33852726 PMCID: PMC8571709 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The female reproductive tract is a highly complex physiological system that consists of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina. An enhanced understanding of the molecular, cellular, and genetic mechanisms of the tract will allow for the development of more effective assisted reproductive technologies, therapeutics, and screening strategies for female specific disorders. Traditional 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional static culture systems may not always reflect the cellular and physical contexts or physicochemical microenvironment necessary to understand the dynamic exchange that is crucial for the functioning of the reproductive system. Microfluidic systems present a unique opportunity to study the female reproductive tract, as these systems recapitulate the multicellular architecture, contacts between different tissues, and microenvironmental cues that largely influence cell structure, function, behavior, and growth. This review discusses examples, challenges, and benefits of using microfluidic systems to model ovaries, fallopian tubes, endometrium, and placenta. Additionally, this review also briefly discusses the use of these systems in studying the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals and diseases such as ovarian cancer, preeclampsia, and polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vedant V Bodke
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago 60607, USA
| | - Joanna E Burdette
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago 60607, USA
- Correspondence: Joanna E. Burdette, PhD, University of Illinois at Chicago, 900 S. Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60607, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Comparison of Ovarian Morphology and Follicular Disturbances between Two Inbred Strains of Cotton Rats ( Sigmodon hispidus). Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11061768. [PMID: 34204816 PMCID: PMC8231567 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061768] [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: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Multi-oocyte follicles have been reported in several mammals, especially in rabbits and hamsters, although their significance remains unclear. The present study compared ovarian histology, focusing on folliculogenesis, between two inbred cotton rat strains maintained at Hokkaido Institute of Public Health and the University of Miyazaki. Abundant multi-oocyte follicles and double-nucleated oocytes were observed in the Hokkaido strain, whereas Miyazaki had fewer multi-oocyte follicles and lacked double-nucleated oocytes. These findings indicate that early folliculogenesis events such as oocyte nest breakdown and oocyte vitality, rather than proliferation and cell death in each oocyte, affect the unique ovarian phenotypes found in cotton rats, including multi-oocyte follicles or double-nucleated oocytes, and their differences between strains. Therefore, these results can clarify mammalian folliculogenesis and its abnormal processes. Abstract Most mammalian ovarian follicles contain only a single oocyte having a single nucleus. However, two or more oocytes and nuclei are observed within one follicle and one oocyte, respectively, in several species, including cotton rat (CR, Sigmodon hispidus). The present study compared ovarian histology, focusing on folliculogenesis, between two inbred CR strains, HIS/Hiph and HIS/Mz. At 4 weeks of age, ovarian sections from both the strains were analyzed histologically. Multi-oocyte follicles (MOFs) and double-nucleated oocytes (DNOs) were observed in all stages of developing follicles in HIS/Hiph, whereas HIS/Mz had MOFs up to secondary stages and lacked DNOs. The estimated total follicles in HIS/Mz were almost half that of HIS/Hiph, but interstitial cells were well developed in HIS/Mz. Furthermore, immunostaining revealed no clear strain differences in the appearance of oocytes positive for Ki67, PCNA, and p63 in MOF or DNOs; no cell death was observed in these oocytes. Ultrastructural analysis revealed more abundant mitochondrial clouds in oocytes of HIS/Hiph than HIS/Mz. Thus, we clarified the strain differences in the CR ovary. These findings indicate that early events during folliculogenesis affect the unique ovarian phenotypes found in CRs, including MOFs or DNOs, and their strain differences.
Collapse
|
7
|
Nagashima JB, Songsasen N. Canid Reproductive Biology: Norm and Unique Aspects in Strategies and Mechanisms. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:653. [PMID: 33804569 PMCID: PMC8001368 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The reproductive physiology of canids is unique compared to other mammalian species. Specifically, the reproductive cycle of female canids is characterized by extended periods of proestrus and estrus followed by obligatory diestrus and protracted ovarian inactivity (anestrus). Although canid reproduction follows this general pattern, studies have shown variations in reproductive biology among species and geographic regions. Understanding of these differences is critical to the development of assisted reproductive technologies including estrus induction, gamete rescue, and embryo production techniques for canid conservation efforts. This review summarizes current knowledge of canid reproduction, including estrus cyclicity, seasonality, and seminal traits, with the emphasis on species diversity. The application of reproductive technologies in wild canid conservation will also be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer B. Nagashima
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Rd., Front Royal, VA 22630, USA;
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Islam MR, Ichii O, Nakamura T, Irie T, Masum MA, Otani Y, Namba T, Chuluunbaatar T, Elewa YHA, Kon Y. Developmental Changes of the Ovary in Neonatal Cotton Rat ( Sigmodon hispidus). Front Physiol 2021; 11:601927. [PMID: 33519507 PMCID: PMC7838641 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.601927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The reproductive characteristics and ovarian development in cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus, CRs) are unclear, although CRs are commonly used as animal models in biomedical research. We previously reported that young (6-8 weeks) CRs showed multi-oocyte follicles (MOFs) and double nucleated oocytes (DNOs) in different stages of follicles. The developmental changes in neonatal CR ovaries were investigated in the present study and were compared with our findings in previous studies of unique phenotypes, particularly in oocytes. CR ovaries at postnatal days (PND) 0, 4, and 7 were obtained from the Hokkaido Institute of Public Health. Samples were analyzed by light and transmission electron microscopy. The general histology and folliculogenesis in CR ovaries were similar to those in other experimental rodents. However, DNOs were observed in all age categories and were frequently observed in primordial follicles, whereas MOFs started to develop from PND4 with greater frequency in primary follicles. Almost all developing follicles expressed DEAD (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp) box polypeptide 4 and forkhead box L2, which are representative markers of oocytes and follicular epithelial cells, respectively. Ki-67 staining demonstrated the proliferative activity of granulosa cells, but not of oocytes, in follicles. Moreover, rapid folliculogenesis of CR due to a small number of apoptotic oocytes was suggested, based on results of the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay, confirming the formation of DNOs or MOFs. These findings clarify the development of unique phenotypes of neonatal CR ovaries and support it as a useful model to better understand folliculogenesis and oocytogenesis as well as their abnormalities in humans and other animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Rashedul Islam
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.,Department of Surgery and Theriogenology, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Osamu Ichii
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.,Laboratory of Agrobiomedical Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Teppei Nakamura
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.,Section of Biological Safety Research, Chitose Laboratory, Japan Food Research Laboratories, Chitose, Japan
| | - Takao Irie
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Md Abdul Masum
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.,Department of Anatomy, Histology and Physiology, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Yuki Otani
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takashi Namba
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Tsolmon Chuluunbaatar
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.,Department of Basic Science of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Mongolian University of Life Science, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Yaser Hosny Ali Elewa
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.,Department of Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Yasuhiro Kon
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Morphophysiological variations of the female reproductive organs of the vespertilionid bat Myotis nigricans during its different reproductive phases. Theriogenology 2020; 158:121-137. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
10
|
Islam MR, Ichii O, Nakamura T, Irie T, Masum MA, Hosotani M, Otani Y, Elewa YHA, Kon Y. Unique morphological characteristics in the ovary of cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus). J Reprod Dev 2020; 66:529-538. [PMID: 32879182 PMCID: PMC7768171 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2020-061] [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] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus, CRs) are commonly used as animal models in biomedical research. However, the reproductive characteristics and ovarian development in the CRs has not been widely investigated. We have previously shown that female CRs, in particular, show several unique phenotypes associated with the urogenital system, such as chronic kidney disease and pyometra. Our investigation revealed unique morphologies in CR ovaries, particularly in oocytes. Cotton rat ovaries at 6-8 weeks of age were obtained from the Hokkaido Institute of Public Health, and their sections analyzed by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Although the general histology and folliculogenesis of CR ovaries were similar to those of other experimental rodents, multi-oocyte follicles (MOFs) and double nucleated oocytes (DNOs) were also observed. Although MOFs were found at all stages of follicular development, a greater frequency of MOFs was observed in the primary and secondary stages. However, DNOs tended to be frequently observed in primordial follicles. Almost all MOF oocytes and a few DNOs possessed a clear zona pellucida, expressed DEAD (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp) box polypeptide 4 and Forkhead box protein 2, a representative marker of oocytes and follicular epithelial cells. Thus, our investigations revealed the unique phenotypes of the CR ovary. As MOFs and DNOs are occasionally observed in human patients with infertility, the CR would be a useful animal model to study for gaining a better understanding of folliculogenesis and oocytogenesis, as well as their abnormalities in humans and other animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Rashedul Islam
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan.,Department of Surgery and Theriogenology, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Osamu Ichii
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan.,Laboratory of Agrobiomedical Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
| | - Teppei Nakamura
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan.,Section of Biological Safety Research, Chitose Laboratory, Japan Food Research Laboratories, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
| | - Takao Irie
- Medical Zoology Group, Dept. of Infectious Diseases, Hokkaido Institute of Public Health, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
| | - Md Abdul Masum
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan.,Department of Anatomy, Histology and Physiology, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Marina Hosotani
- Laboratory of Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
| | - Yuki Otani
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
| | - Yaser Hosny Ali Elewa
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan.,Department of Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Yasuhiro Kon
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bogolyubova I, Bogolyubov D. Heterochromatin Morphodynamics in Late Oogenesis and Early Embryogenesis of Mammals. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061497. [PMID: 32575486 PMCID: PMC7348780 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
During the period of oocyte growth, chromatin undergoes global rearrangements at both morphological and molecular levels. An intriguing feature of oogenesis in some mammalian species is the formation of a heterochromatin ring-shaped structure, called the karyosphere or surrounded "nucleolus", which is associated with the periphery of the nucleolus-like bodies (NLBs). Morphologically similar heterochromatin structures also form around the nucleolus-precursor bodies (NPBs) in zygotes and persist for several first cleavage divisions in blastomeres. Despite recent progress in our understanding the regulation of gene silencing/expression during early mammalian development, as well as the molecular mechanisms that underlie chromatin condensation and heterochromatin structure, the biological significance of the karyosphere and its counterparts in early embryos is still elusive. We pay attention to both the changes of heterochromatin morphology and to the molecular mechanisms that can affect the configuration and functional activity of chromatin. We briefly discuss how DNA methylation, post-translational histone modifications, alternative histone variants, and some chromatin-associated non-histone proteins may be involved in the formation of peculiar heterochromatin structures intimately associated with NLBs and NPBs, the unique nuclear bodies of oocytes and early embryos.
Collapse
|
12
|
A Comparative Analysis of Oocyte Development in Mammals. Cells 2020; 9:cells9041002. [PMID: 32316494 PMCID: PMC7226043 DOI: 10.3390/cells9041002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual reproduction requires the fertilization of a female gamete after it has undergone optimal development. Various aspects of oocyte development and many molecular actors in this process are shared among mammals, but phylogeny and experimental data reveal species specificities. In this chapter, we will present these common and distinctive features with a focus on three points: the shaping of the oocyte transcriptome from evolutionarily conserved and rapidly evolving genes, the control of folliculogenesis and ovulation rate by oocyte-secreted Growth and Differentiation Factor 9 and Bone Morphogenetic Protein 15, and the importance of lipid metabolism.
Collapse
|
13
|
A rapid and efficient method for the collection of highly developmental murine immature oocytes using cilostazol, a phosphodiesterase 3A inhibitor. Life Sci 2019; 241:117100. [PMID: 31783052 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.117100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The present study aims to define maturation, yield, health, and ease of collection of murine immature oocytes recovered using the conventional method or from mice treated with cilostazol. MAIN METHODS The conventional method included the superovulation of mice and the recovery of germinal vesicle (GV) or metaphase (MI) oocytes from preovulatory follicles. The cilostazol method included the oral treatment of superovulated mice with 7.5 mg cilostazol once or twice to result in the ovulation of MI or GV oocytes, respectively. KEY FINDINGS The cilostazol method resulted in >95% of GV or MI oocytes with a diameter range of 60-90 μm or 50.1-70 μm in comparison to <60.0% of GV or MI oocytes resulting from the conventional method, respectively (P < 0.0001). The cilostazol method resulted in GV oocytes having higher levels of co-occurrence of peripheral cortical granules (CG) and chromatin configuration of surrounded nucleolus and MI oocytes having higher levels of co-occurrence of normally organized spindles/chromosomes and peripheral CG with free domains than did the conventional method (P < 0.001). The cilostazol method was more time and labor efficient and resulted in higher oocyte yields of normal morphology than did the conventional method (P < 0.01). SIGNIFICANCE The presented method provides not only oocytes with uniform size and synchronized developmental maturation but also a technique of oocyte collection that is efficient and resourceful. It is possible that not all immature oocytes resulting from the conventional method are from preovulatory follicles nor have been developed adequately and consequently ovulated as opposed to the presented method.
Collapse
|
14
|
Lee SH, Oh HJ, Kim MJ, Kim GA, Setyawan EMN, Ra K, Abdillah DA, Lee BC. Dog cloning-no longer science fiction. Reprod Domest Anim 2019; 53 Suppl 3:133-138. [PMID: 30474338 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Since the generation of world's first cloned dog, Snuppy, in 2005, somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) in dogs has been widely applied for producing several kinds of dogs with specific objectives. Previous studies have demonstrated that cloned dogs show normal characteristics in growth, blood parameters and behavioural aspect. Also, canine SCNT technique has been applied to propagate working dogs with excellent abilities in fields such as assistance of disabled people, drugs detection and rescue activity. Because dogs have similar habituation properties and share many characteristics including anatomic and physiological aspects with humans, they are also primary candidates for human disease models. Recently, transgenic dogs that express red fluorescent protein gene constitutively and green fluorescent protein gene conditionally have been generated. In addition, transgenic dogs with an overexpression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha in specific muscles were generated to enhance physical performance. In 2017, Snuppy was recloned with markedly increased pregnancy and delivery rates compared to the statistics from when Snuppy was first cloned. Such striking improvements in the cloning of dogs using SCNT procedures suggest that dog cloning could be applied in many fields of biomedical science for human diseases research, and the application of cloning is no longer science fiction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seok Hee Lee
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Ju Oh
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Jung Kim
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Geon A Kim
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Erif Maha Nugraha Setyawan
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Kihae Ra
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Dimas Arya Abdillah
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Byeong Chun Lee
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Bueno LM, Caun DL, Comelis MT, Beguelini MR, Taboga SR, Morielle‐Versute E. Ovarian morphology and folliculogenesis and ovulation process in the flat‐faced fruit‐eating bat
Artibeus planirostris
and the Argentine brown bat
Eptesicus furinalis
: A comparative analysis. ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/azo.12247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Mayumi Bueno
- Department of Zoology and BotanyInstitute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences (Ibilce)Campus São José do Rio PretoSão Paulo State University (UNESP) São Paulo Brazil
| | - Dianelli Lisboa Caun
- Department of Zoology and BotanyInstitute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences (Ibilce)Campus São José do Rio PretoSão Paulo State University (UNESP) São Paulo Brazil
| | - Manuela Tosi Comelis
- Department of Zoology and BotanyInstitute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences (Ibilce)Campus São José do Rio PretoSão Paulo State University (UNESP) São Paulo Brazil
| | - Mateus Rodrigues Beguelini
- Center of Biological and Health SciencesUFOB – Universidade Federal do Oeste da Bahia Bahia Barreiras Brazil
| | - Sebastião Roberto Taboga
- Department of BiologyInstitute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences (Ibilce)Campus São José do Rio PretoSão Paulo State University (UNESP) São Paulo Brazil
| | - Eliana Morielle‐Versute
- Department of Zoology and BotanyInstitute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences (Ibilce)Campus São José do Rio PretoSão Paulo State University (UNESP) São Paulo Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Nagashima JB, El Assal R, Songsasen N, Demirci U. Evaluation of an ovary-on-a-chip in large mammalian models: Species specificity and influence of follicle isolation status. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2018; 12:e1926-e1935. [PMID: 29222841 DOI: 10.1002/term.2623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The ability to grow oocytes from immature ovarian follicles in vitro has significant potential for fertility preservation; yet, it has proved challenging in large mammalian species due to the complex metabolic needs and long-term culture requirements. Currently, follicular incubations are based on a "static" system with manual exchange of medium. Despite the numerous advantages of conventional culturing approaches, recapitulating the native microenvironment and supporting the survival of ovarian follicles from large mammalian species still represent challenges. In this study, we utilized an innovative, dynamic microfluidic system to support the in vitro survival of domestic cat and dog follicles enclosed within the ovarian cortex or isolated from ovarian cortex. Results indicate both species-specific and tissue type-specific differences in response to microfluidic culture. Domestic cat but not dog ovarian cortical tissues maintained viability under flow similar to conventional agarose gel controls. Preantral stage isolated follicles from both species that grew most favourably in conventional alginate bead culture, but overall, there was no influence of culture system on expression of follicle development or oocyte health markers. This system represents an important exploration toward the development of an improved ovarian in vitro culture system of large mammalian species (e.g., cats and dogs), which has potential applications for fertility preservation, reproductive toxicology, and endangered mammal conservation efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer B Nagashima
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, VA, USA.,Bio-Acoustic-MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratories, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Rami El Assal
- Bio-Acoustic-MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratories, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Nucharin Songsasen
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, VA, USA
| | - Utkan Demirci
- Bio-Acoustic-MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratories, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA.,Department of Electrical Engineering (by courtesy), Stanford University School of Engineering, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Bogolyubov DS. Karyosphere (Karyosome): A Peculiar Structure of the Oocyte Nucleus. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 337:1-48. [PMID: 29551157 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The karyosphere, aka the karyosome, is a meiosis-specific structure that represents a "knot" of condensed chromosomes joined together in a limited volume of the oocyte nucleus. The karyosphere is an evolutionarily conserved but morphologically rather "multifaceted" structure. It forms at the diplotene stage of meiotic prophase in many animals, from hydra and Drosophila to human. Karyosphere formation is generally linked with transcriptional silencing of the genome. It is believed that karyosphere/karyosome is a prerequisite for proper completion of meiotic divisions and further development. Here, a brief review on the karyosphere features in some invertebrates and vertebrates is provided. Special emphasis is made on terminology, since current discrepancies in this field may lead to confusions. In particular, it is proposed to distinguish the karyosphere with a capsule and the karyosome (a karyosphere devoid of a capsule). The "inverted" karyospheres are also considered, in which the chromosomes situate externally to an extrachromosomal structure (e.g., in human oocytes).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry S Bogolyubov
- Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Science, St. Petersburg, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Estimated impact of multiple conceptuses per follicle on fecundity in the bitch. Theriogenology 2017; 102:108-115. [PMID: 28756325 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Multiple conceptuses from one follicle due to multi-ovular follicles or monozygotic twins inflate the ratio between the numbers of conceptuses and corpora lutea and possibly the effect ascribed to experimental treatment. The aim of this study was to estimate the impact of multiple conceptuses per follicle on fecundity in the bitch. The numbers of conceptuses and corpora lutea of 105 bitches originated from 7 published experimental studies and of 132 from ovariohysterectomies done in a private practice and a welfare organisation. Ninety five bitches, producing 597 conceptuses, had at least as many conceptuses as corpora lutea; 83 had as many, 10 had one more and 2 had 2 more. Bootstrap resampling on these 95 bitches let us to conclude that 12.6% of bitches are expected to produce more oocytes that are each capable of yielding a conceptus than the number of follicles that ovulate and that 2.35% of conceptuses are expected to be in excess of the number of follicles that ovulate. Applying the results of the current study to 2 earlier studies showed that multiple conceptuses from one follicle may, at maximum, have increased the effect ascribed to prostatic fluid by 0.022 and 0.024 conceptuses per corpus luteum, which is minor in relation to the magnitude of the ascribed effects of 0.34 and 0.22 conceptuses per corpus luteum. The number of conceptuses relative to the number of corpora lutea provides a valid and precise measurement of fertility in the bitch.
Collapse
|
19
|
Kim JJ, Park KB, Choi EJ, Hyun SH, Kim NH, Jeong YW, Hwang WS. Relationship between time post-ovulation and progesterone on oocyte maturation and pregnancy in canine cloning. Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 185:75-82. [PMID: 28843841 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Canine oocytes ovulated at prophase complete meiosis and continue to develop in presence of a high progesterone concentration in the oviduct. Considering that meiotic competence of canine oocyte is accomplished in the oviductal environment, we postulate that hormonal milieu resulting from the circulating progesterone concentration may affect oocyte maturation and early development of embryos. From 237 oocyte donors, 2620 oocytes were collected and their meiotic status and morphology were determined. To determine optimal characteristics of the mature oocytes subjected to nuclear transfer, a proportion of the meiotic status of the oocytes were classified in reference to time post-ovulation as well as progesterone (P4) level. A high proportion of matured oocytes were collected from >126h (55.5%) post-ovulation or 40-50ngmL-1 (46.4%) group compared to the other groups. Of the oocyte donors that provided mature oocytes in vivo, there was no correlation between serum progesterone of donors and time post ovulation, however, time post-ovulation were significantly shorter for <30ng/mL group (P<0.05). Using mature oocytes, 1161 cloned embryos were reconstructed and transferred into 77 surrogates. In order to determine the relationship between pregnancy performance and serum progesterone level, embryos were transferred into surrogates showing various P4 serum levels. The highest pregnancy (31.8%) and live birth cloning efficacy (2.2%) rates were observed when the embryos were transferred into surrogates with circulating P4 levels were from 40 to 50ngmL-1. In conclusion, measurement of circulating progesterone of female dog could be a suitable an indicator of the optimal time to collect quality oocyte and to select surrogates for cloning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joung Joo Kim
- Sooam Biotech Research Foundation, 64 Kyungin-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kang Bae Park
- Sooam Biotech Research Foundation, 64 Kyungin-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Ji Choi
- Sooam Biotech Research Foundation, 64 Kyungin-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hwan Hyun
- Sooam Biotech Research Foundation, 64 Kyungin-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam-Hyung Kim
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon Woo Jeong
- Sooam Biotech Research Foundation, 64 Kyungin-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Woo Suk Hwang
- Sooam Biotech Research Foundation, 64 Kyungin-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Taiyeb AM, Muhsen-Alanssari SA, Dees WL, Hiney J, Kjelland ME, Kraemer DC, Ridha-Albarzanchi MT. Improvements in oocyte competence in superovulated mice following treatment with cilostazol: Ovulation of immature oocytes with high developmental rates. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 137:81-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
21
|
Cursino MS, Harriott L, Allen BL, Gentle M, Leung LKP. Do female dingo–dog hybrids breed like dingoes or dogs? AUST J ZOOL 2017. [DOI: 10.1071/zo17005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Hybridisation between animals that breed once (e.g. dingoes) and twice (e.g. domestic dogs) annually may produce offspring that breed either way. This question was investigated by determining the breeding seasonality of female dingo–dog hybrids in south-east Queensland, Australia, through evaluating macroscopic and histological features of 71 female reproductive tracts. All animals were sourced from urban areas where levels of hybridisation are generally high. Most animals trapped in summer were pups less than 6 months of age. A peak of uterus diameter and weight coincided with a peak of corpus luteum in winter. The follicular phase was characterised by growing follicles, ~1–3 mm wide, in late summer and autumn. Only two of the animals (1.4%) showed out-of-season reproductive cycles: one was found with corpus luteum in summer and another in autumn. Our data clearly show that hybrids have a single annual breeding season in winter, exhibiting the same breeding seasonality as dingoes. Our findings are similar to those found in the New Guinea singing dog. Future studies should be conducted to understand and exploit the mechanism and drivers of the breeding seasonality of dingo–dog hybrids to develop more effective management of their populations.
Collapse
|
22
|
Oliveira R, Silva C, Silva E, Gerez J, Santos M, Sarapião F, Sartori L, Bracarense A, Seneda M. Proliferative activity of multi-oocyte follicles in sheep ovaries. Small Rumin Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2016.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
23
|
Joonè CJ, De Cramer KGM, Nöthling JO. The first case of genetically confirmed monozygotic twinning in the dog. Reprod Domest Anim 2016; 51:835-9. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- CJ Joonè
- Department of Production Animal Studies; Faculty of Veterinary Science; University of Pretoria; Pretoria South Africa
- Division of Tropical Health and Medicine; College of Public Health; Medical and Veterinary Sciences; James Cook University; Townsville Australia
| | - KGM De Cramer
- Rant en Dal Animal Hospital; Mogale City South Africa
| | - JO Nöthling
- Department of Production Animal Studies; Faculty of Veterinary Science; University of Pretoria; Pretoria South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Jurczak A, Domosławska A, Bukowska B, Janowski T. Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Stimulation Increase the Number of Luteinized Follicles and the Progesterone Level Compared with Cabergoline Stimulation in Anoestrus Bitches. Reprod Domest Anim 2016; 51:562-8. [PMID: 27321641 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In this study, ovarian morphologies and blood progesterone concentrations following oestrous induction in bitches were examined. Fifty-three clinically healthy anoestrus bitches received cabergoline at a daily dose of 5 μg/kg of body weight per os for 21 days (group I) or subcutaneous equine chorionic gonadotropin at a dose of 20 IU/kg of body weight for five consecutive days with an additional 500 IU s.c. per bitch of human chorionic gonadotropin on the last day of treatment (group II). Twenty bitches that spontaneously displayed oestrous signs were left untreated and served as controls (group III). The induced oestrous rates and ovulation rates in groups I and II were 60.0% vs 64.3% and 86.7% vs 83.3%, respectively. Morphological assessments of the ovarian structures after ovariohysterectomy revealed an increase in the number of luteinized follicles and cysts in group II compared with the two other groups (p < 0.001). In contrast, the numbers of corpora lutea and follicles were similar in all groups. In accordance with the above-mentioned alteration, the progesterone concentration in the gonadotropin group (II) was increased (p < 0.001) in the periovulatory period compared with the other two groups. During the entire sampling period, the progesterone profiles in the cabergoline (I) and control (III) groups were similar and typical of normally cycling bitches. In conclusion, gonadotropin treatment is associated with an increased progesterone level during the periovulatory period that probably originates from luteinized follicles, whereas cabergoline treatment induces cycles with both physiological progesterone concentrations and ovarian morphologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Jurczak
- Department of Animal Reproduction with Clinic, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - A Domosławska
- Department of Animal Reproduction with Clinic, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - B Bukowska
- Department of Animal Reproduction with Clinic, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - T Janowski
- Department of Animal Reproduction with Clinic, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Reynaud K, Saint-Dizier M, Tahir MZ, Havard T, Harichaux G, Labas V, Thoumire S, Fontbonne A, Grimard B, Chastant-Maillard S. Progesterone plays a critical role in canine oocyte maturation and fertilization. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:87. [PMID: 26333993 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.130955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine oocyte maturation and fertilization take place within the oviducts under increasing plasma levels of progesterone (P4). In order to investigate the role of P4 in these processes, 51 beagle bitches were treated with the P4 receptor antagonist aglepristone at the end of proestrus and 32 females were kept untreated. Fifteen treated and 13 control bitches were inseminated at Days +1 and +2 after ovulation (Day 0). Stages of oocyte maturation and embryo development were determined after ovariectomy at different time points after ovulation. Aglepristone did not prevent ovulation but delayed the resumption of oocyte meiosis and inhibited its progression: first metaphase I (MI) stage was observed at 173 h postovulation and 39% of oocytes reached MII as late as 335 h postovulation in treated females whereas first MI occurred at 76 h and 100% of oocytes were in MII at 109 h postovulation in controls. Aglepristone extended the stay of morphologically normal oocytes within the oviducts: first signs of oocyte degeneration were observed at 335 h in treated versus 100- to 110-h postovulation in control bitches. In inseminated females, aglepristone prevented sperm progression toward the oviducts and fertilization, although motile spermatozoa were observed in the uterine tip flush and within the cranial uterine glands. A proteomic analysis of the tubal fluid from treated and control noninseminated bitches at Day +4 found evidence of 79 differential proteins potentially involved in the oocyte phenotype. In conclusion, P4 plays key roles in postovulatory canine oocyte maturation, aging, and in fertilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karine Reynaud
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Unité Mixte de Recherche 7247 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France
| | - Marie Saint-Dizier
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Unité Mixte de Recherche 7247 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France AgroParisTech, Génétique Elevage Reproduction, Paris, France
| | - Muhammad Zahid Tahir
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Reproduction, Maisons-Alfort, France INRA, Unité Mixte de Recherche Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Tiphaine Havard
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Reproduction, Maisons-Alfort, France INRA, Unité Mixte de Recherche Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Grégoire Harichaux
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Unité Mixte de Recherche 7247 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France INRA, Plateforme d'Analyse Intégrative des Biomolécules, Nouzilly, France
| | - Valérie Labas
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Unité Mixte de Recherche 7247 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France INRA, Plateforme d'Analyse Intégrative des Biomolécules, Nouzilly, France
| | - Sandra Thoumire
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Reproduction, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Alain Fontbonne
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Reproduction, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Bénédicte Grimard
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Reproduction, Maisons-Alfort, France INRA, Unité Mixte de Recherche Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Sylvie Chastant-Maillard
- Institut National Polytechnique-Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Reproduction, Toulouse, France INRA, Unité Mixte de Recherche Interactions Hôte-Pathogènes, Toulouse, France
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Groppetti D, Aralla M, Bronzo V, Bosi G, Pecile A, Arrighi S. Periovulatory time in the bitch: what's new to know?: Comparison between ovarian histology and clinical features. Anim Reprod Sci 2014; 152:108-16. [PMID: 25510561 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Revised: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The ability to recognize specific events happening in the ovaries during periovulatory time allows optimal management of canine reproduction. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of vaginal cytology and blood progesterone (P4) assay to identify accurately the changes occurring at the ovarian structures, mainly during the fertile period. Tertiary follicles, corpora hemorrhagica (CHs) and corpora lutea (CLs) from forty healthy bitches undergoing ovariohysterectomy were evaluated by histo-morphometry based on their aspect, number and size. The tertiary follicles distribution (small, medium and large) was statistically different (P<0.002) among all the stages of the reproductive cycle, except for small follicles (<2mm), which were always observed from proestrus to anestrus. Very large follicles (>4mm) were predominant (P=0.008) around ovulation when P4 mean level was 6.1±1.7ng/mL. The early postovulatory estrous period was characterized by CHs (P<0.002) and P4 level of 16.7±5.9ng/mL. The end of the fertile period - start of diestrus - coincided with the development of CLs (P=0.001) associated with a P4 mean level of 73.9±9.9ng/mL. The small (P<0.001) and medium (P<0.05) follicle diameters were positively correlated with the bitch size. The number of follicles larger than 4mm was significantly lower in bitches younger than 4 years (P<0.02). This study provides insight into some critical steps in the canine reproductive processes in the periovulatory phase and the end of the fertile period, essential to plan breeding programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Groppetti
- Department of Veterinary Science and Public Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, via G. Celoria 10, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - M Aralla
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, via D. Trentacoste 2, I-20134 Milano, Italy
| | - V Bronzo
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, via D. Trentacoste 2, I-20134 Milano, Italy
| | - G Bosi
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, via D. Trentacoste 2, I-20134 Milano, Italy
| | - A Pecile
- Department of Veterinary Science and Public Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, via G. Celoria 10, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - S Arrighi
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, via D. Trentacoste 2, I-20134 Milano, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Luciano AM, Franciosi F, Dieci C, Lodde V. Changes in large-scale chromatin structure and function during oogenesis: a journey in company with follicular cells. Anim Reprod Sci 2014; 149:3-10. [PMID: 25028181 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2014] [Revised: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 06/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian oocyte nucleus or germinal vesicle (GV) exhibits characteristic chromatin configurations, which are subject to dynamic modifications through oogenesis. Aim of this review is to highlight how changes in chromatin configurations are related to both functional and structural modifications occurring in the oocyte nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments. During the long phase of meiotic arrest at the diplotene stage, the chromatin enclosed within the GV is subjected to several levels of regulation. Morphologically, the chromosomes lose their individuality and form a loose chromatin mass. The decondensed configuration of chromatin then undergoes profound rearrangements during the final stages of oocyte growth that are tightly associated with the acquisition of meiotic and developmental competence. Functionally, the discrete stages of chromatin condensation are characterized by different level of transcriptional activity, DNA methylation and covalent histone modifications. Interestingly, the program of chromatin rearrangement is not completely intrinsic to the oocyte, but follicular cells exert their regulatory actions through gap junction mediated communications and intracellular messenger dependent mechanism(s). With this in mind and since oocyte growth mostly relies on the bidirectional interaction with the follicular cells, a connection between cumulus cells gene expression profile and oocyte developmental competence, according to chromatin configuration is proposed. This analysis can help in identifying candidate genes involved in the process of oocyte developmental competence acquisition and in providing non-invasive biomarkers of oocyte health status that can have important implications in treating human infertility as well as managing breeding schemes in domestic mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto M Luciano
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, ReDBiolab, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Federica Franciosi
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, ReDBiolab, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Dieci
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, ReDBiolab, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Lodde
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, ReDBiolab, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Tahir MZ, Reynaud K, Grimard B, Thoumire S, Chastant-Maillard S, Saint-Dizier M. Expression of nuclear and membrane progesterone receptors in the canine oviduct during the periovulatory period. Reprod Fertil Dev 2014; 25:1065-76. [PMID: 23140560 DOI: 10.1071/rd12108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2012] [Accepted: 09/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Important reproductive events take place in the canine oviduct in the presence of increasing concentrations of progesterone (P4). To investigate the potential effects of P4 on the canine oviduct, the expression of nuclear (PR) and membrane (PGRMC1 and 2, mPRα, β and γ) P4 receptors was studied by quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Oviducts were collected from Beagle bitches after the onset of pro-oestrus and before the LH peak (Pre-LH), after the LH peak and before ovulation (Pre-ov) and on Days 1, 4 and 7 post-ovulation (n=6 bitches/stage). PR mRNA concentrations decreased from Pre-LH to Day 7 in the ampulla and isthmus, whereas both PGRMC1 and 2 mRNA levels increased over the same period. The main change in mPR expression was an increase in mPRβ and γ mRNAs at Day 7 in the isthmus. Furthermore, PR proteins were expressed in the nuclei of luminal epithelial, stromal and muscular cells, whereas the expression of PGRMCs and mPRs was primarily cytoplasmic and localised in the luminal epithelium. The immunostaining for PR decreased at Day 4 in the stroma and muscle, whereas it remained strong in the epithelium from Pre-LH to Day 7. PGRMC1 staining was strong at Days 4 and 7 whereas PGRMC2 was highly expressed from Pre-ov to Day 7. The most intense immunostaining signals for all three mPRs were observed at Day 7. Our results strongly support the hypothesis that P4 is an important regulator of oviductal functions in the bitch through complementary classical and non-classical P4 pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Z Tahir
- INRA, UMR1198 Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, F-78350 Jouy en Josas, France
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Reproduction and Advances in Reproductive Studies in Carnivores. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 753:205-39. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0820-2_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|
30
|
Bächler M, Menshykau D, De Geyter C, Iber D. Species-specific differences in follicular antral sizes result from diffusion-based limitations on the thickness of the granulosa cell layer. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 20:208-21. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gat078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
31
|
Reynaud K, Chebrout M, Tanguy-Dezaux C, de la Villéon G, Chastant-Maillard S. Chromatin patterns of immature canine oocytes after in vitro maturation. Reprod Domest Anim 2013; 47 Suppl 6:70-3. [PMID: 23279469 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2012] [Accepted: 07/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In canine species, in vitro maturation (IVM) rates of oocytes collected from anoestrous ovaries are low (<20%). Several IVM media have been tested without significant improvements. A critical step in the evaluation of culture conditions is the observation of the meiotic stage reached by the oocytes. The present study was designed to investigate the chromatin patterns of in vitro matured oocytes by visualizing Germinal Vesicle (GV) and Germinal Vesicle Breakdown (GVBD) structures at 72 h of IVM. Nuclear stages of 1678 oocytes were evaluated by confocal microscopy after IVM. 1204 oocytes were non-degenerated, and 94.4% were still immature and at GV stage. Five different patterns of chromatin configuration were observed. Higher percentages of oocytes with unmodified GV and with diffuse (58%; Type A) and filamentous chromatin (19%; Type B) were observed in comparison with those with modifications in the GV such as patched chromatin (12.5%; Type C), surrounded-nucleolus (3%; Type D) and in vivo type chromatin/fully grouped chromatin (2.5%; Type E). These results indicate that GVBD (absence of nucleolus, nucleus breakdown) is rarely observed in vitro. The percentage of type C-D-E GVs and MI (meiotic resumption) and of MII (completion of meiosis) can be used to evaluate meiotic resumption after IVM. Our results indicate that although a low number of in vitro matured oocytes exhibit the chromatin configurations observed in in vivo collected oocytes, chromatin changes in the GV can be induced during IVM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Reynaud
- INRA, UMR 1198 Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Jouy-en-Josas, France; ENVA, UMR 1198, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Reynaud K, Fontbonne A, Saint-Dizier M, Thoumire S, Marnier C, Tahir MZ, Meylheuc T, Chastant-Maillard S. Folliculogenesis, Ovulation and Endocrine Control of Oocytes and Embryos in the Dog. Reprod Domest Anim 2012; 47 Suppl 6:66-9. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2012] [Accepted: 07/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - T Meylheuc
- INRA; UMR 1319 MICALIS; MIMA2 Imaging Center; Jouy-en-Josas; France
| | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Chastant-Maillard S, Saint-Dizier M, Grimard B, Chebrout M, Thoumire S, Reynaud K. Are Oocytes from the Anestrous Bitch Competent for Meiosis? Reprod Domest Anim 2012; 47 Suppl 6:74-9. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2012] [Accepted: 06/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
34
|
Salavati M, Ghafari F, Zhang T, Fouladi-Nashta AA. Effects of oxygen concentration on in vitro maturation of canine oocytes in a chemically defined serum-free medium. Reproduction 2012; 144:547-56. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-12-0176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Canine oocytes require an extended period of culture (72 h) in vitro for nuclear maturation to the metaphase II stage, which also results in high degeneration. Canine cumulus oocyte complexes were isolated by slicing from ovaries collected after ovariohysterectomy and cultured in serum-free synthetic oviductal fluid incubated at low (5%) or high (20%) oxygen levels. Changes in oocyte nuclear maturation rates, H2O2 levels within the oocytes and mRNAs of reactive oxygen species inhibitory genes superoxide dismutase 1 and 2 (SOD1 and 2), glutathione reductase (GSR), glutathione peroxidase (GPX1), and catalase (CAT) were quantified. Higher meiotic resumption from germinal vesicle breakdown up to MII was observed in low O2 (41.8±13.1%) compared to high O2 (15.8±8.2%) (P=0.014) after 52 h of culture (n=112). Extension of the culture period up to 84 h at low O2 (n=457 oocytes) produced the highest meiotic resumption at 72 h (64.1±6.0%; P=0.008), compared with 52 h. Oocytes (n=110) cultured in high O2 contained higher levels of peroxidase measured using the 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate fluorescence assay after 72 h of culture compared with low O2 (P=0.004). High O2-cultured oocytes also showed higher amounts of SOD1, SOD2, GSR, GPX1, and CAT mRNA. Vitamin E in high oxygen level was able to decrease degeneration (P=0.008) but had no improving effect on percentage of oocytes in MII. These results for the first time showed that low oxygen gas composition improves nuclear maturation rates and alleviates the oxidative stress for canine oocytes during in vitro maturation.
Collapse
|
35
|
Luciano AM, Lodde V, Franciosi F, Tessaro I, Corbani D, Modina S. Large-scale chromatin morpho-functional changes during mammalian oocyte growth and differentiation. Eur J Histochem 2012; 56:e37. [PMID: 23027353 PMCID: PMC3493983 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2012.e37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2012] [Accepted: 07/02/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian oocyte development is characterized by impressive changes in chromatin structure and function within the germinal vesicle (GV). These changes are crucial to confer the oocyte with meiotic and developmental competencies. In cow, oocytes collected from early and middle antral follicles present four patterns of chromatin configuration, from GV0 to GV3, and its progressive condensation has been related to the achievement of developmental potential. During oogenesis, follicular cells are essential for the acquisition of meiotic and developmental competencies and communicate with the oocyte by paracrine and gap junction mediated mechanisms. We recently analyzed the role of gap junction communications (GJC) on chromatin remodeling process during the specific phase of folliculogenesis that coincides with the transcriptional silencing and sequential acquisition of meiotic and developmental capabilities. Our studies demonstrated that GJC between germinal and somatic compartments plays a fundamental role in the regulation of chromatin remodeling and transcription activities during the final oocyte differentiation, throughout cAMP dependent mechanism(s).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A M Luciano
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Luvoni GC, Tessaro I, Apparício M, Ruggeri E, Luciano AM, Modina SC. Effect of vitrification of feline ovarian cortex on follicular and oocyte quality and competence. Reprod Domest Anim 2011; 47:385-91. [PMID: 21950518 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2011.01885.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cryopreservation of ovarian cortex has important implications in the preservation of fertility and biodiversity in animal species. Slow freezing of cat ovarian tissue resulted in the preservation of follicular morphology and in the follicular development after xenografting. Vitrification has been recently applied to ovarian tissues of different species, but no information is available on the effect of this method on feline ovarian cortex. Moreover, meiotic competence of fully grown oocytes isolated from cryopreserved tissue has not been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of vitrification of feline ovarian cortex on follicular morphology and oocyte integrity, as well as meiotic competence. A total of 352 fragments (1.5-2 mm(3) ) were obtained from ovarian cortical tissues: 176 were vitrified and 176 were used fresh as control. Histological evaluation of fresh and vitrified fragments showed intact follicles after cryopreservation procedures with no statistically significant destructive effect from primordial to antral follicles. After IVM, oocytes collected from vitrified ovarian fragment showed a higher proportion of gametes arrested at germinal vesicle (GV) stage compared to those isolated from fresh control tissue (33.8% vs 2.9%; p < 0.001). However, oocytes isolated from vitrified tissues were able to resume meiosis, albeit at lower rate than those collected from fresh tissues (39.8% vs 85.9%; p < 0.00001). Vitrification induced changes in the organization of cytoskeletal elements (actin microfilaments and microtubules) of oocytes, but significantly only for actin network (p < 0.001). Finally, chromatin configuration within the GV was not affected by the cryopreservation procedure. Our study demonstrated that vitrification preserves the integrity of ovarian follicles and that oocytes retrieved from cryopreserved tissue maintain the capability of resuming meiosis. To our knowledge, this has not previously been reported in the cat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G C Luvoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Veterinarie - Sezione di Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologica Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Chastant-Maillard S, Viaris de Lesegno C, Chebrout M, Thoumire S, Meylheuc T, Fontbonne A, Chodkiewicz M, Saint-Dizier M, Reynaud K. The canine oocyte: uncommon features of in vivo and in vitro maturation. Reprod Fertil Dev 2011; 23:391-402. [DOI: 10.1071/rd10064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2010] [Accepted: 07/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The biology of the canine oocyte is unusual compared with that of other mammalian females. The present paper reviews both in vivo and in vitro specificities of canine oocytes. Final follicular growth in the bitch is characterised by an early appearance of LH binding sites in the granulosa, a high proportion of polyovular follicles and a preovulatory luteinisation, starting at the time of the LH surge. Through follicular fluid, preovulatory oocytes are thus exposed to high levels of progesterone, as high as 1000-fold plasma concentrations. The composition of the follicular fluid is affected by the size of the female. The more specific aspect of oocyte biology in the bitch is ovulation: oocytes are expelled immature, at the Prophase I stage. Ovulatory follicles are 6–8 mm in diameter, releasing oocytes from 110 µm, with dark cytoplasm. Resumption of meiosis occurs from 48 h postovulation, MII stages appearing 48–54 h after ovulation. The mechanisms controlling such a late meiotic resumption are still unknown. Granulosa cells seem to play a central role as in other mammalian species, but not with cAMP as the principal mediator. The importance of a transient reactivation of oocyte transcription a few hours before meiotic resumption is to be explored. These specific features may contribute to the low efficiency of IVM. Only 10–20% oocytes reach the metaphase stage and suffer from a poor cytoplasmic maturation. Moreover, in vitro culture of canine oocytes is associated with a high proportion of degeneration. To date, IVM of the oocytes is the main limiting factor for the development of assisted reproductive techniques in the canine. A better knowledge of the basic physiology of folliculogenesis and the molecular mechanisms controlling oocyte meiosis resumption in this species may allow us to overcome this obstacle.
Collapse
|
38
|
Fahiminiya S, Reynaud K, Labas V, Batard S, Chastant-Maillard S, Gérard N. Steroid hormones content and proteomic analysis of canine follicular fluid during the preovulatory period. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2010; 8:132. [PMID: 21040564 PMCID: PMC2990747 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-8-132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2010] [Accepted: 11/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Follicular fluid contains substances involved in follicle activity, cell differentiation and oocyte maturation. Studies of its components may contribute to better understanding of the mechanisms underlying follicular development and oocyte quality. The canine species is characterized by several ovarian activity features that are not extensively described such as preovulatory luteinization, oocyte ovulated at the GV stage (prophase 1) and poly-oocytic follicles. In this study, we examined the hypothesis that the preovulatory LH surge is associated with changes in steroid and protein content of canine follicular fluid prior to ovulation. METHODS Follicular fluid samples were collected from canine ovaries during the preovulatory phase, before (pre-LH; n = 16 bitches) and after (post-LH; n = 16) the LH surge. Blood was simultaneously collected. Steroids were assayed by radioimmunoassay and proteomic analyses were carried out by 2D-PAGE and mass spectrometry. RESULTS The concentrations of 17beta-estradiol and progesterone at the pre-LH stage were 737.2 +/- 43.5 ng/ml and 2630.1 +/- 287.2 ng/ml in follicular fluid vs. 53 +/- 4.1 pg/ml and 3.9 +/- 0.3 ng/ml in plasma, respectively. At that stage, significant positive correlations between follicular size and intra-follicular steroid concentrations were recorded. After the LH peak, the intrafollicular concentration of 17beta-estradiol decreased significantly (48.3 +/- 4.4 ng/ml; p < 0.001), whereas that of progesterone increased (11690.2 +/- 693.6 ng/ml; p < 0.001). Plasmatic concentration of 17beta-estradiol was not modified (49 +/- 9.6 pg/ml) after the LH peak, but that of progesterone significantly increased (9.8 +/- 0.63 ng/ml).Proteomic analysis of canine follicular fluid identified 38 protein spots, corresponding to 21 proteins, some of which are known to play roles in the ovarian physiology. The comparison of 2D-PAGE patterns of follicular fluids from the pre- and post-LH stages demonstrated 3 differentially stained single spot or groups of spots. One of them was identified as complement factor B. A comparison of follicular fluid and plasma protein patterns demonstrated a group of 4 spots that were more concentrated in plasma than in follicular fluid, and a single spot specific to follicular fluid. These proteins were identified as gelsolin and clusterin, respectively. CONCLUSION Our results provide the first demonstration of size-related changes in the steroid concentrations in canine follicular fluid associated with the LH surge. 2D protein mapping allowed identification of several proteins that may play a role in follicle physiology and ovarian activity at the preovulatory stage. This may help in the future to explain and to better understand the species specificities that are described in dogs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Somayyeh Fahiminiya
- INRA, UMR 6175 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
- CNRS, UMR6175 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, UMR 6175 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37041 Tours, France
- Haras Nationaux, UMR 6175 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Karine Reynaud
- INRA, UMR 1198 Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, F-78350 Jouy en Josas, France
- ENVA, UMR 1198 Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, 7 Avenue du Général de Gaulle, F - 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Valérie Labas
- INRA, UMR 6175 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
- CNRS, UMR6175 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, UMR 6175 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37041 Tours, France
- Haras Nationaux, UMR 6175 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
- INRA, UMR 6175 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Plate-forme d'Analyse Intégrative des Biomarqueurs, Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Séverine Batard
- INRA, UMR 1198 Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, F-78350 Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Sylvie Chastant-Maillard
- INRA, UMR 1198 Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, F-78350 Jouy en Josas, France
- ENVA, UMR 1198 Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, 7 Avenue du Général de Gaulle, F - 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
- ENVA, Unité de Reproduction, 7 Avenue du Général de Gaulle, F - 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Nadine Gérard
- INRA, UMR 6175 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
- CNRS, UMR6175 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, UMR 6175 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37041 Tours, France
- Haras Nationaux, UMR 6175 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
|
40
|
ALM H, KUHLMANN S, LANGHAMMER M, TUCHSCHERER A, TORNER H, REINSCH N. Occurrence of Polyovular Follicles in Mouse Lines Selected for High Fecundity. J Reprod Dev 2010; 56:449-53. [DOI: 10.1262/jrd.09-224h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hannelore ALM
- Research Unit Reproductive Biology, FBN Research Institute for the Biology of Farm Animals
| | - Simone KUHLMANN
- Research Unit Reproductive Biology, FBN Research Institute for the Biology of Farm Animals
| | - Martina LANGHAMMER
- Research Unit Genetics and Biometry, FBN Research Institute for the Biology of Farm Animals
| | - Armin TUCHSCHERER
- Research Unit Genetics and Biometry, FBN Research Institute for the Biology of Farm Animals
| | - Helmut TORNER
- Research Unit Reproductive Biology, FBN Research Institute for the Biology of Farm Animals
| | - Norbert REINSCH
- Research Unit Genetics and Biometry, FBN Research Institute for the Biology of Farm Animals
| |
Collapse
|