1
|
Huijsmans TERG, Hassan HA, Smits K, Van Soom A. Postmortem Collection of Gametes for the Conservation of Endangered Mammals: A Review of the Current State-of-the-Art. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13081360. [PMID: 37106923 PMCID: PMC10135332 DOI: 10.3390/ani13081360] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The collection of gametes from recently deceased domestic and wildlife mammals has been well documented in the literature. Through the utilization of gametes recovered postmortem, scientists have successfully produced embryos in 10 different wildlife species, while in 2 of those, offspring have also been born. Thus, the collection of gametes from recently deceased animals represents a valuable opportunity to increase genetic resource banks, obviating the requirement for invasive procedures. Despite the development of several protocols for gamete collection, the refinement of these techniques and the establishment of species-specific protocols are still required, taking into account both the limitations and the opportunities. In the case of wildlife, the optimization of such protocols is impeded by the scarcity of available animals, many of which have a high genetic value that must be protected rather than utilized for research purposes. Therefore, optimizing protocols for wildlife species by using domestic species as a model is crucial. In this review, we focused on the current advancements in the collection, preservation, and utilization of gametes, postmortem, in selected species belonging to Equidae, Bovidae, and Felidae, both domestic and wildlife.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tim E R G Huijsmans
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction, and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Hiba Ali Hassan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction, and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Katrien Smits
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction, and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction, and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Briski O, Salamone DF. Past, present and future of ICSI in livestock species. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 246:106925. [PMID: 35148927 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.106925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
During the past 2 decades, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has become a routine technique for clinical applications in humans. The widespread use among domestic species, however, has been limited to horses. In horses, ICSI is used to reproduce elite individuals and, as well as in humans, to mitigate or even circumvent reproductive barriers. Failures in superovulation and conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) have been the main reason for the use of this technology in horses. In pigs, ICSI has been successfully used to produce transgenic animals. A series of factors have resulted in implementation of ICSI in pigs: need to use zygotes for numerous technologies, complexity of collecting zygotes surgically, and problems of polyspermy when there is utilization of IVF procedures. Nevertheless, there have been very few additional reports confirming positive results with the use of ICSI in pigs. The ICSI procedure could be important for use in cattle of high genetic value by maximizing semen utilization, as well as for utilization of spermatozoa from prepubertal bulls, by providing the opportunity to shorten the generation interval. When attempting to utilize ICSI in ruminants, there are some biological limitations that need to be overcome if this procedure is going to be efficacious for making genetic improvements in livestock in the future. In this review article, there is an overview and projection of the methodologies and applications that are envisioned for ICSI utilization in these species in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- O Briski
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Agronomía, Departamento de Producción Animal, Buenos Aires, Laboratorio Biotecnología Animal (LabBA), Av. San Martin 4453, Ciudad Autónoma de, Buenos Aires 1417, Argentina; CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción Animal (INPA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - D F Salamone
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Agronomía, Departamento de Producción Animal, Buenos Aires, Laboratorio Biotecnología Animal (LabBA), Av. San Martin 4453, Ciudad Autónoma de, Buenos Aires 1417, Argentina; CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción Animal (INPA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Merlo B, Del Prete C, Mari G, Iacono E. Overnight holding aids in selection of developmentally competent equine oocytes. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 245:107071. [PMID: 36152450 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107071] [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: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
The demand for equine in vitro produced embryos has increased over the last decade. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of an extended IVM or a prolonged period before fertilization, including holding time, on equine immature oocyte developmental competence. Oocytes, collected from abattoir-derived ovaries, were divided into 4 groups: H0/24 (n = 165) 0 h holding + standard 24-26 h IVM; H8/36 (n = 160) 8 h holding + 36 h IVM; H20/24 (n = 187) 20 h holding + 24 h IVM; H0/44 (n = 164) 0 h holding + 44 h IVM. Oocytes matured to MII were fertilized by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and cultured for 10 days. The oocyte degeneration rate was higher (P < 0.05) for H20/24 than the other groups (H0/24 38.2 %, H8/36 43.1 %, H20/24 54.5 %, H0/44 32.9 %). Cleavage was higher (P < 0.05) in H20/24 (70 %) compared to H0/24 (45 %) and H8/36 (54 %) but not to H0/44 (63 %). No differences among groups were observed in the number of blastocysts per oocyte. Injected oocytes that reached the blastocysts stage were higher (P < 0.05) for H20/24 (20 %) than H0/24 (7 %) and H0/44 (7 %) but not H8/36 (12 %). For cleaved oocytes, a higher blastocyst rate (P < 0.05) was observed for H20/24 (28 %) than H0/44 (11 %), while H0/24 (15 %) and H8/36 (21 %) were not different from any group (P > 0.05). Timing of blastocyst development was not different among groups. Overnight holding of equine immature oocytes followed by a standard IVM interval may induce a pre-selection of the most competent oocytes thereby improving cleavage and embryo development rates after ICSI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Merlo
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy.
| | - Chiara Del Prete
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Napoli, NA, Italy
| | - Gaetano Mari
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy; National Institute of Artificial Insemination, University of Bologna, via Gandolfi 16, 40057 Cadriano, BO, Italy
| | - Eleonora Iacono
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Castro-Modesto T, Mamani P, Pella R, Bravo Z, Villarreal-Ugarte S, Cancho C, Aguila L, Ratto MH, Valdivia M. Effect of follicle size on in vitro maturation in alpaca oocytes (Vicugna pacos) and the first ICSI in alpaca species. Small Rumin Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2022.106680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
5
|
Brom-de-Luna JG, Salgado RM, Felix MR, Canesin HS, Stefanovski D, Diaw M, Hinrichs K. Culture protocols for horse embryos after ICSI: Effect of myo-inositol and time of media change. Anim Reprod Sci 2021; 233:106819. [PMID: 34481215 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In vitro production of horse embryos via intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a useful clinical and research technique. Current rates of blastocyst production are typically sub-optimal, and few methods to increase the rate of equine blastocyst development have been reported. Factors that might improve blastocyst production in a horse embryo culture system were explored. Myo-inositol is found in the horse oviduct and improves blastocyst development in other species, thus Experiment 1 was conducted to assess the effect of 10 mM myo-inositol added to Day 0-5 embryo culture medium, using horse oocytes recovered by transvaginal aspiration. Experiment 2 was conducted to investigate effects of exclusion of a standard post-ICSI holding step (culture for 30-60 min in M199-based medium). Experiment 3 was conducted using oocytes recovered from abattoir-derived ovaries, to evaluate effects of earlier transition (Day 4 vs. Day 5) to the second-step medium and of media refreshment at different time points (Day 3 and/or Day 7) during embryo culture. In Experiments 1 and 2, there were no differences (P > 0.05) between groups in blastocyst development (Exp. 1, 36.7 % and 39.2 %; Exp. 2, 41.5 % and 44.6 %). In Experiment 3, blastocyst development was not different (P > 0.05) for embryos refreshed at both Day 3 and 7 (10.8 %) or only at Day 7 (26.6 %), or those transferred to second-step medium on Day 4 or Day 5 (20.6 % and 18.5 %). Knowledge of culture procedures compatible with blastocyst formation in vitro is valuable to laboratories starting to develop procedures for ICSI in horses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joao G Brom-de-Luna
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Renato M Salgado
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Matheus R Felix
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA; Department of Clinical Studies - New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, USA
| | - Heloísa S Canesin
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Darko Stefanovski
- Department of Clinical Studies - New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, USA
| | - Mouhamadou Diaw
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Katrin Hinrichs
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA; Department of Clinical Studies - New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Metcalf ES, Masterson KR, Battaglia D, Thompson JG, Foss R, Beck R, Cook NL, O Leary T. Conditions to optimise the developmental competence of immature equine oocytes. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 32:1012-1021. [PMID: 32693913 DOI: 10.1071/rd19249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Optimising the developmental potential of immature equine oocytes and invitro-produced (IVP) embryos was explored through modifications of established media and holding temperature. In Experiment 1, delaying spontaneous resumption of meiosis through the process of simulated physiological oocyte maturation with the addition of the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin (50µM) and the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (100µM) to overnight holding medium before maturation improved blastocyst production (P<0.05). In Experiment 2, the blastocyst production rate was increased significantly when cumulin (100ng mL-1) was added to the overnight holding or culture media (P<0.05). In Experiment 3, immature oocytes held overnight at 16°C before maturation had improved developmental competence than those held at 20°C and 5°C (P<0.05). There was no difference between maturation rates, but blastocyst formation per cleaved oocyte was significantly greater in oocytes held overnight at 16°C than at 20°C or 5°C. Furthermore, blastocyst formation per recovered oocyte and per fertilised oocyte was greater when oocytes were held before maturation at 16°C than at 5°C (P<0.05). In Experiment 4, the addition of sodium ascorbate (AC; 50µg mL-1) to the maturation and/or culture media of oocytes and IVP embryos did not improve blastocyst production, but did appear to lower cleavage rates compared with oocytes and embryos cultured without AC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S Metcalf
- Honahlee PC, 14005 SW Tooze Road, Sherwood, OR 97140, USA; and Andrology Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine, 3303S. Bond Avenue, Portland, OR 97239, USA; and Corresponding author.
| | - Keith R Masterson
- Andrology Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine, 3303S. Bond Avenue, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - David Battaglia
- Andrology Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine, 3303S. Bond Avenue, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Jeremy G Thompson
- School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Medical School, South Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Robert Foss
- Equine Medical Services, 5851E Deer Park Road, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | - Richard Beck
- In Foal, Inc., 39185 Diamond Valley Road, Hemet, CA 92543, USA
| | - Nancy L Cook
- Advanced Equine Reproduction, 1145 Arroyo Mesa, Solvang, CA 93463, USA
| | - Thomas O Leary
- Andrology Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine, 3303S. Bond Avenue, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Brom-de-Luna JG, Salgado RM, Canesin HS, Diaw M, Hinrichs K. Equine blastocyst production under different incubation temperatures and different CO 2 concentrations during early cleavage. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020; 31:1823-1829. [PMID: 31640846 DOI: 10.1071/rd19211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Some basic parameters for equine invitro embryo production have not yet been established, including the optimum temperature for maturation and embryo culture, and the optimum CO2 concentration and pH during early embryo development. To explore this, we first performed cultures in incubators set at 37.2°C, 37.7°C or 38.2°C. At these temperatures, the corresponding maturation rates were 33%, 38% and 42%; cleavage rates were 84%, 86% and 88%; and blastocyst rates were 35%, 44% and 44% per injected oocyte. These rates did not differ significantly (P>0.2). We then evaluated three different CO2 concentrations (6%, 6.5% or 7% CO2) in 5% O2 for culture over Days 0-5 after intracytoplasmic sperm injection, using a commercial human embryo medium with added serum, at 38.2°C. The pH values of these media were 7.36, 7.33 and 7.29 respectively. In the presence of 6%, 6.5% or 7% CO2, cleavage rates were 68%, 80% and 70% respectively, and blastocyst rates per injected oocyte were 42%, 54% and 27% respectively. The blastocyst rate for the 7% CO2 treatment was significantly lower than that for the 6.5% CO2 treatment (P<0.05). We conclude that equine invitro embryo production is equally effective within the range of 37.2-38.2°C, but that equine early cleavage stage development is sensitive to small changes in CO2 atmosphere and/or medium pH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J G Brom-de-Luna
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4466 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4466, USA
| | - R M Salgado
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4466 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4466, USA
| | - H S Canesin
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4466 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4466, USA
| | - M Diaw
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, 3200 rue Sicotte, Saint Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - K Hinrichs
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4466 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4466, USA; and Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4475 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4475, USA; and Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Martino NA, Marzano G, Mastrorocco A, Lacalandra GM, Vincenti L, Hinrichs K, Dell Aquila ME. Use of time-lapse imaging to evaluate morphokinetics of in vitro equine blastocyst development after oocyte holding for two days at 15°C versus room temperature before intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020; 31:1862-1873. [PMID: 31708015 DOI: 10.1071/rd19223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Time-lapse imaging was used to establish the morphokinetics of equine embryo development to the blastocyst stage after invitro oocyte maturation (IVM), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and embryo culture, in oocytes held overnight at room temperature (22-27°C; standard conditions) before IVM. Embryos that developed to the blastocyst stage underwent precleavage cytoplasmic extrusion and cleavage to the 2-, 3- and 4-cell stages significantly earlier than did embryos that arrested in development. We then determined the rate of blastocyst formation after ICSI in oocytes held for 2 days at either 15°C or room temperature before IVM (15-2d and RT-2d treatment groups respectively). The blastocyst development rate was significantly higher in the 15-2d than in the RT-2d group (13% vs 0% respectively). The failure of blastocyst development in the RT-2d group precluded comparison of morphokinetics of blastocyst development between treatments. In any condition examined, development to the blastocyst stage was characterised by earlier cytoplasmic extrusion before cleavage, earlier cleavage to 2- and 4-cell stages and reduced duration at the 2-cell stage compared with non-competent embryos. In conclusion, this study presents morphokinetic parameters predictive of embryo development invitro to the blastocyst stage after ICSI in the horse. We conclude that time-lapse imaging allows increased precision for evaluating effects of different treatments on equine embryo development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N A Martino
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Str. Prov. Casamassima Km 3, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy; and Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Italy; and Corresponding author.
| | - G Marzano
- Department of Mathematics and Physics Ennio de Giorgi, University of Salento, Via per Arnesano, 73100, Lecce, Italy; and Institute of Nanotechnology, CNR Nanotec, Via per Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - A Mastrorocco
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Str. Prov. Casamassima Km 3, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - G M Lacalandra
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Str. Prov. Casamassima Km 3, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - L Vincenti
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - K Hinrichs
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4466 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4466, USA
| | - M E Dell Aquila
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Str. Prov. Casamassima Km 3, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Meyers S, Burruel V, Kato M, de la Fuente A, Orellana D, Renaudin C, Dujovne G. Equine non-invasive time-lapse imaging and blastocyst development. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020; 31:1874-1884. [PMID: 31630727 DOI: 10.1071/rd19260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study we examined the timeline of mitotic events of invitro-produced equine embryos that progressed to blastocyst stage using non-invasive time-lapse microscopy (TLM). Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) embryos were cultured using a self-contained imaging incubator system (Miri®TL; Esco Technologies) that captured brightfield images at 5-min intervals that were then generated into video for retrospective analysis. For all embryos that progressed to the blastocyst stage, the initial event of extrusion of acellular debris preceded all first cleavages and occurred at mean (±s.e.m.) time of 20.0±1.1h after ICSI, whereas 19 of 24 embryos that did not reach the blastocyst stage demonstrated debris extrusion that occurred at 23.8±1.1h, on average 4h longer for this initial premitotic event (P<0.05). Embryos that failed to reach the blastocyst stage demonstrated a 4-h delay compared with those that reached the blastocyst stage to reach the 2-cell stage (P<0.05). All embryos that reached the blastocyst stage expressed pulsation of the blastocyst with visible expansion and contraction at approximate 10-min intervals, or five to six times per hour. Using a logit probability method, we determined that 2- and 8-cell stage embryos could reasonably predict which embryos progressed to the blastocyst stage. Together, the results indicate that TLM for equine embryo development is a dynamic tool with promise for predicting successful embryo development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Meyers
- Departments of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, Davis, CA 95616, USA; and Corresponding author.
| | - V Burruel
- Departments of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - M Kato
- Departments of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - A de la Fuente
- Departments of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - D Orellana
- William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - C Renaudin
- Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - G Dujovne
- Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lodde V, Colleoni S, Tessaro I, Corbani D, Lazzari G, Luciano AM, Galli C, Franciosi F. A prematuration approach to equine IVM: considering cumulus morphology, seasonality, follicle of origin, gap junction coupling and large-scale chromatin configuration in the germinal vesicle. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020; 31:1793-1804. [PMID: 31630726 DOI: 10.1071/rd19230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies report that a two-step culture where mammalian oocytes are first kept under meiosis-arresting conditions (prematuration) followed by IVM is beneficial to embryo development. The most promising results were obtained by stratifying the oocyte population using morphological criteria and allocating them to different culture conditions to best meet their metabolic needs. In this study, horse oocytes were characterised to identify subpopulations that may benefit from prematuration. We investigated gap-junction (GJ) coupling, large-scale chromatin configuration and meiotic competence in compact and expanded cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) according to follicle size (<1, 1-2, >2cm) and season. Then we tested the effect of cilostamide-based prematuration in compact COCs collected from follicles <1 and 1-2cm in diameter on embryo development. Meiotic competence was not affected by prematuration, whereas COCs from follicles 1-2cm in diameter yielded embryos with a higher number of cells per blastocyst than oocytes that underwent direct IVM (P<0.01, unpaired Mann-Whitney test), suggesting improved developmental competence. Oocytes collected from follicles <1cm in diameter were not affected by prematuration. This study represents an extensive characterisation of the functional properties of immature horse oocytes and is the first report of the effects of cilostamide-based prematuration in horse oocyte IVM on embryo development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Lodde
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare 'Carlo Cantoni', Reproductive and Developmental Biology Lab, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria, 10 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Colleoni
- Laboratory of Reproductive Technologies, Avantea, Cremona, Via Porcellasco, 7f 26100 Cremona, Italy
| | - Irene Tessaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare 'Carlo Cantoni', Reproductive and Developmental Biology Lab, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria, 10 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Davide Corbani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare 'Carlo Cantoni', Reproductive and Developmental Biology Lab, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria, 10 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Giovanna Lazzari
- Laboratory of Reproductive Technologies, Avantea, Cremona, Via Porcellasco, 7f 26100 Cremona, Italy; and Fondazione Avantea, Via Porcellasco, 7f 26100 Cremona, Italy
| | - Alberto M Luciano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare 'Carlo Cantoni', Reproductive and Developmental Biology Lab, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria, 10 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Cesare Galli
- Laboratory of Reproductive Technologies, Avantea, Cremona, Via Porcellasco, 7f 26100 Cremona, Italy; and Fondazione Avantea, Via Porcellasco, 7f 26100 Cremona, Italy
| | - Federica Franciosi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare 'Carlo Cantoni', Reproductive and Developmental Biology Lab, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria, 10 20133 Milano, Italy; and Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Clinical Application of in Vitro Embryo Production in the Horse. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 89:103011. [PMID: 32563449 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The first reports of in vitro embryo production (IVEP) by conventional in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection in horses date respectively from approximately 30 and 25 years ago. However, IVEP has only become established in clinical practice during the last decade. The initial slow uptake of IVEP was largely because the likelihood of success was too low to make it an economically viable means of breeding horses. During the last decade, the balance has shifted, primarily because of significant improvements in the efficiency of recovering immature oocytes from live donor mares (historically <25%; now >50%) and in the successful culture of zygotes to the blastocyst stage in vitro (historically <10%; now >20%). It has also been established that immature oocytes can be "held" at room temperature for at least 24 hours, allowing overnight transport to a laboratory with expertise in IVEP. Moreover, because in vitro-produced embryos can be cryopreserved with no appreciable reduction in viability, they can be shipped and stored until a suitable recipient mare is available for transfer. Most importantly, in an established equine ovum pick-up intracytoplasmic sperm injection (OPU-ICSI) program, blastocyst production rates now exceed 1 per procedure, and posttransfer foaling rates exceed 50%, such that overall efficiency betters that of either embryo flushing or oocyte transfer. Moreover, OPU-ICSI can be performed year round and allows embryo production from mares with severe acquired subfertility and extremely efficient use of scarce or expensive frozen semen. Cumulatively, these factors have stimulated rapid growth in demand for IVEP among sport horse breeders.
Collapse
|
12
|
Canesin HS, Ortiz I, Rocha Filho AN, Salgado RM, Brom-de-Luna JG, Hinrichs K. Effect of warming method on embryo quality in a simplified equine embryo vitrification system. Theriogenology 2020; 151:151-158. [PMID: 32361181 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Equine embryo vitrification is still not a well-established technique in equine practice. Notably, little work has been done on the effect of the warming system on viability of vitrified embryos. Our goal was to evaluate the effect of warming without cryoprotectants on in vitro - produced (IVP) embryo viability in culture, quality assessment parameters, and pregnancy after transfer. Equine IVP blastocysts were vitrified using commercial embryo vitrification media and a semi-closed vitrification device. In Exp. 1, we evaluated two warming temperatures (room temperature, RT, ∼22 °C; and 38 °C) for each of three warming systems: commercial warming solution (Kit); commercial embryo holding medium (EHM) with decreasing concentrations of sucrose (EHM + SS); or EHM alone without added sucrose. Embryos (n = 9 to 14 per treatment) were cultured in vitro for 24 h, stained with DAPI, TUNEL, and fluorophore-labelled phalloidin, and evaluated for nucleus number, mitotic rate, apoptotic rate, and actin filament distribution. In Exp. 2, to survey embryo viability in vivo, vitrified IVP blastocysts were shipped to an embryo transfer facility, then warmed immediately before transfer to recipient mares, using the warming treatments associated with the nominally best (Kit-RT, Kit-38, EHM-RT) and poorest (EHM + SS-38) assessed embryo quality in Exp. 1 (n = 7 to 8 per treatment). Subsequently, IVP blastocysts produced as part of our clinical program were vitrified and shipped, then warmed in embryo holding medium at an embryo transfer facility before transfer to recipient mares; fresh IVP embryos were shipped and transferred as controls. In Exp. 1, embryos increased significantly in diameter after culture (P < 0.01), with no difference among treatments. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in the number of viable nuclei, apoptotic rate, or microfilament distribution among treatments, or between vitrified-warmed and Control embryos. The mitotic rate was higher (P = 0.021) for Kit-RT (3.6%) when compared with the other treatment groups (1.5-2.0%). In Exp. 2, there was no difference (P > 0.05) in initial pregnancy (71.4-87.5%) or heartbeat (57.1%-85.7%) rates among warming treatments. In the clinical trial, there was no difference (P > 0.05) between vitrified-warmed and Control embryos in initial pregnancy (90.9% and 66.6%, respectively) or heartbeat (81.8% and 66.6%, respectively) rates. These results indicate that a semi-closed vitrification system using commercially-available media, and incorporating warming in the field in a single step using commercial embryo holding medium without cryoprotectants, can provide high pregnancy rates with IVP equine embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heloísa Siqueira Canesin
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4466, United States
| | - Isabel Ortiz
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4466, United States
| | | | - Renato Mayrink Salgado
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4466, United States
| | - Joao Gatto Brom-de-Luna
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4466, United States
| | - Katrin Hinrichs
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4466, United States; Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4466, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hinrichs K. Advances in Holding and Cryopreservation of Equine Oocytes and Embryos. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 89:102990. [PMID: 32563444 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.102990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Methods for holding of oocytes and embryos during shipment as well as for their cryopreservation can greatly aid equine reproductive management. Oocytes can be held at room temperature overnight or at cooler temperatures for two nights without affecting maturation or embryo development after intracytoplasmic sperm injection. In contrast, methods for cryopreservation of equine oocytes that support high rates of embryo development have not yet been established. Equine embryos may be held overnight at temperatures from 5°C to 19°C without reduction in viability, but longer holding periods, or higher holding temperatures, may be detrimental. Small equine embryos (<300 μm), either in vivo derived or in vitro produced, can be slow frozen or vitrified successfully. In the last decade, methods have been developed to allow in vivo-derived expanded blastocysts, up to Day 8, to be vitrified successfully after blastocoele collapse. These methods of shipment and preservation allow mare owners in remote locations to have access to sophisticated assisted reproductive technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Hinrichs
- Department of Clinical Studies - New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Martinez de Andino EV, Brom-de-Luna JG, Canesin HS, Rader K, Resende HL, Ripley AM, Love CC, Hinrichs K. Intrafollicular oocyte transfer in the horse: effect of autologous vs. allogeneic transfer and time of administration of ovulatory stimulus before transfer. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:1237-1250. [PMID: 31073725 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01460-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess meiotic and developmental competence after transfer of immature cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) to the preovulatory follicles of mares (intrafollicular oocyte transfer (IFOT)). METHODS In Experiment 1, mares received an ovulatory stimulus at IFOT. Thirty hours later, COCs were recovered from the follicle, and mature oocytes underwent ICSI and embryo culture. In Experiments 2 and 3, autologous vs. allogeneic COCs were used. The mares were inseminated and embryos were recovered. In Experiment 3, the ovulatory stimulus was administered 9 h (autologous) and 15 h (allogeneic) before IFOT. In Experiment 4, only allogeneic COCs were used; the ovulatory stimulus was administered 9 or 15 h before IFOT. Excess embryos (autologous) and parentage-verified embryos (allogeneic) were considered IFOT-derived. RESULTS In Experiment 1, 36/54 IFOT oocytes (67%) were recovered, of which 56% were mature, vs. 49% of in vitro matured oocytes (P > 0.1). After ICSI, blastocyst rates were 25% and 18%, respectively (P > 0.1). In Experiment 2, 0/6 autologous and 2/6 allogeneic IFOT yielded IFOT-derived embryos. In Experiment 3, 0/7 autologous and 2/5 allogeneic IFOT yielded IFOT-derived embryos. The proportion of mares yielding IFOT-derived embryos was lower after autologous vs. allogeneic IFOT (0/13 vs. 4/11; P < 0.05). In Experiment 4, 1/8 9-h and 1/7 15-h IFOT yielded IFOT-derived embryos. CONCLUSIONS Transferred oocytes mature within the follicle and can maintain developmental competence. Allogeneic IFOT was more efficient than was autologous IFOT. The time of ovulatory stimulation did not affect embryo yield. The IFOT procedure is still not repeatable enough to be recommended for clinical use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E V Martinez de Andino
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4475, USA
| | - J G Brom-de-Luna
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4466 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4466, USA
| | - H S Canesin
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4466 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4466, USA
| | - K Rader
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4466 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4466, USA
| | - H L Resende
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4466 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4466, USA
| | - A M Ripley
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4475, USA
| | - C C Love
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4475, USA
| | - K Hinrichs
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4475, USA. .,Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4466 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4466, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Campos-Chillon LF, Owen CM, Altermatt JL. Equine and Bovine Oocyte Maturation in a Novel Medium Without CO2 Gas Phase. J Equine Vet Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2018.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
16
|
Hinrichs K. Assisted reproductive techniques in mares. Reprod Domest Anim 2018; 53 Suppl 2:4-13. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.13259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 05/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Hinrichs
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology; College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences; Texas A&M University; College Station Texas
| |
Collapse
|