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Dos Santos-Neto PC, Cuadro F, Souza-Neves M, Crispo M, Menchaca A. Refinements in embryo manipulation applied to CRISPR technology in livestock. Theriogenology 2023; 208:142-148. [PMID: 37329588 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.05.028] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The implementation of CRISPR technology in large animals requires further improvements in embryo manipulation and transfer to be applied with commercial purposes. In this study we report (a) developmental competence of CRISPR/Cas microinjected zygotes subjected to in vitro culture in large scale programs in sheep; (b) pregnancy outcomes after early-stage (2-8-cell) embryo transfer into the oviduct or the uterine horn; and (c) embryo survival and birth rate after vitrification/warming of CRISPR/Cas microinjected zygotes. Experiment 1 consisted of a retrospective analysis to evaluate embryo developmental rate of in vitro produced zygotes subjected to CRISPR/Cas microinjection (n = 7,819) compared with a subset of non-microinjected zygotes (n = 701). Development rates to blastocyst on Day 6 were 20.0% for microinjected zygotes and 44.9% for non-injected zygotes (P < 0.05). In Experiment 2, CRISPR/Cas microinjected zygotes were transferred on Day 2 after in vitro fertilization (2-8 cell embryos) into the oviductal ampulla (n = 262) or into the uterine horn (n = 276) in synchronized recipient ewes at prefixed time (i.e., approximately two days after ovulation). Pregnant/transferred recipients (24.0% vs. 25.0%), embryo survival/transferred embryos (6.9% vs. 6.2%), and born lambs/pregnant embryos (72.2% vs. 100.0%) did not differ significantly in the two groups. In Experiment 3, CRISPR/Cas microinjected zygotes were maintained under in vitro culture until blastocyst stage (Day 6), and subjected to vitrification/warming via the Cryotop method (n = 474), while a subset of embryos were left fresh as control group (n = 75). Embryos were transferred into the uterine horn of recipient females at prefixed time 8.5 days after the estrous synchronization treatment (i.e., approximately six days after ovulation). Pregnancy rate (30.8% vs. 48.0%), embryo survival rate (14.8% vs. 21.3%), and birth rate (85.7% vs. 75.0%) were not different (PNS) between vitrified and fresh embryos, respectively. In conclusion, the current study in sheep embryos reports (a) suitable developmental rate after CRISPR/Cas microinjection (i.e., 20%), even though it was lower than non-microinjected zygotes; (b) similar outcomes when Day 2-embryos were placed into the uterine horn instead of the oviduct, avoiding both time-consuming and invasive oviduct manipulation, and extended in vitro culture during one week; (c) promising pregnancy and birth rates obtained with vitrification of CRISPR/Cas microinjected embryos. This knowledge on in vitro embryo development, timing of embryo transfer, and cryopreservation of CRISPR/Cas microinjected zygotes have practical implications for the implementation of genome editing technology in large animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- P C Dos Santos-Neto
- Instituto de Reproducción Animal Uruguay, Fundación IRAUy, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - F Cuadro
- Instituto de Reproducción Animal Uruguay, Fundación IRAUy, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - M Souza-Neves
- Instituto de Reproducción Animal Uruguay, Fundación IRAUy, Montevideo, Uruguay; Unidad de Biotecnología en Animales de Laboratorio, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - M Crispo
- Unidad de Biotecnología en Animales de Laboratorio, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - A Menchaca
- Instituto de Reproducción Animal Uruguay, Fundación IRAUy, Montevideo, Uruguay; Plataforma de Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Montevideo, Uruguay.
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2
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Brair VL, Maia ALRS, Correia LFL, Barbosa NO, Santos JDR, Brandão FZ, Fonseca JF, Batista RITP, Souza-Fabjan JMG. Gene expression patterns of in vivo-derived sheep blastocysts is more affected by vitrification than slow freezing technique. Cryobiology 2020; 95:110-115. [PMID: 32554154 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2020.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Transfer of fresh sheep embryos frequently results in higher pregnancy rate compared to cryopreserved ones, possibly due to a failure in the communication between the cryopreserved embryo and the endometrium during pre-implantation and pregnancy establishment. Thus, this study assessed the effect of sheep embryo cryopreservation (slow freezing or vitrification) on embryo survival rate and expression of genes related to trophectoderm differentiation (CDX2), pluripotency maintenance (NANOG), cell proliferation (TGFB1), mitochondrial activity (NRF1) and apoptosis (BAX and BCL2). Superovulation (n = 32 ewes) was performed and embryos were transcervically collected. One hundred good quality (Grade I and II) embryos were allocated into three groups: fresh embryos (CTL; n = 15), slow freezing (SF; n = 42) or vitrification (VT; n = 43). After thawing/warming, three pools of five blastocysts per group were used for RT-qPCR; the remaining 55 embryos were cultured in vitro in SOFaa medium at 38.5 °C and 5% CO2 (SF: n = 27 and VT: n = 28). Survival rate of SF and VT were, respectively, 29.6% (8/27) and 14.2% (4/28) at 24 h; and 48.1% (13/27) and 32.1% (9/28) at 48 h (P > 0.05). Only CDX2 was affected (up-regulated, P < 0.05) in both groups compared to CTL. The BAX transcript was upregulated in VT, compared to SF group. The VT increased (P < 0.05) the expression of all genes, except for NANOG and NRF1, when compared to the CTL. In conclusion, although in vitro survival was similar between techniques, VT led to increased changes in blastocyst gene expression compared to CTL and SF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane L Brair
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brasil Filho, 64, CEP 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Ana Lucia R S Maia
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brasil Filho, 64, CEP 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Lucas Francisco L Correia
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brasil Filho, 64, CEP 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Nathalia O Barbosa
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brasil Filho, 64, CEP 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Juliana D R Santos
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brasil Filho, 64, CEP 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Felipe Z Brandão
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brasil Filho, 64, CEP 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jeferson F Fonseca
- Embrapa Caprinos e Ovinos, Núcleo Regional Sudeste, Rodovia MG 133, Km 42, CEP 36155-000, Coronel Pacheco, MG, Brazil
| | - Ribrio Ivan T P Batista
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brasil Filho, 64, CEP 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Joanna M G Souza-Fabjan
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brasil Filho, 64, CEP 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
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3
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Gibbons A, Bruno-Galarraga M, Fernandez J, Gonzalez-Bulnes A, Cueto M. Vitrified embryo transfer in Merino sheep under extensive conditions. Anim Reprod 2019; 16:297-301. [PMID: 33224290 PMCID: PMC7673589 DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-ar2018-0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim was to evaluate pregnancy success after transfer of embryos vitrified in micropipette tips in Merino sheep under extensive conditions. A second objective was to evaluate the influence of embryo stage in such pregnancy rate. One hundred and twenty-seven embryos were rewarmed and transferred into recipient ewes. On rewarming, the embryos were placed into three-step cryoprotectant dilutions. Finally, prior to transfer to recipient females, embryos were maintained in Basic Medium for 5 min at 25ºC and were re-evaluated by morphological criteria; all degenerated embryos were eliminated. Recipient ewes (n = 150) were treated for estrus with sponges placed for 14 days and 300 IU of eCG. At embryo transfer, three experimental groups were defined: morulae transferred on Day 7, blastocysts transferred on Day 7 and blastocysts transferred on Day 8 after sponge removal. In all groups, semi-laparoscopic transfer of one rewarmed embryo per recipient was performed. Pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasonography on day 28 after embryo transfer. The embryo selection rate after rewarming was higher for blastocysts (89.3% - 67/75) compared to morulae (65.9% - 60/91) (P < 0.05). Pregnancy diagnosis showed a 38.3% (23/60) of success after morula transfer on Day 7 post progestagen removal. The day of transfer showed a significant influence on pregnancy rate after blastocyst transfer (Day 8, 55.9% - 19/34 vs Day 7, 21.2% - 7/33) (P < 0.05). Blastocysts transfer on Day 8 showed the highest global efficiency (pregnancies/total embryos after rewarming) (47.5% - 19/40) (P < 0.05). In conclusion, reproductive efficiency obtained by vitrified embryo transfer allows its recommendation for embryo transfer programs under extensive conditions. The importance of considering the synchrony between the embryo age and the recipient uterus stage is emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Gibbons
- Laboratorio de Reproducción de Rumiantes Menores, INTA Bariloche, San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentine
| | - Macarena Bruno-Galarraga
- Laboratorio de Reproducción de Rumiantes Menores, INTA Bariloche, San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentine
| | - Jimena Fernandez
- Laboratorio de Reproducción de Rumiantes Menores, INTA Bariloche, San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentine
| | | | - Marcela Cueto
- Laboratorio de Reproducción de Rumiantes Menores, INTA Bariloche, San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentine
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Figueira LM, Alves NG, Batista RITP, Brair VL, Lima RR, Oliveira MEF, Fonseca JF, Souza-Fabjan JMG. Pregnancy rate after fixed-time transfer of cryopreserved embryos collected by non-surgical route in Lacaune sheep. Reprod Domest Anim 2019; 54:1493-1496. [PMID: 31408572 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the feasibility of applying fixed-time (cryopreserved) embryo transfer in ewes. Embryos (n = 106) were non-surgically recovered from superovulated donors (n = 39) on day 6-7 after oestrus. Straws containing one or two embryos (morulae and/or blastocysts) subjected to either slow freezing (SF, n = 62) or vitrification (VT, n = 44) were randomly used within fixed-time embryo transfer on Day 8.5. Recipient ewes were nulliparous (n = 58) bearing corpora lutea after synchronous oestrous induction protocol. The pregnancy rate was higher (p = .03) in SF (39.4%) than VT (16.9%) and survival rate tended (p = .08) to be higher in SF than in VT (25.8% vs. 15.9%). Lambing rates were similar (p = .13) between SF (20.9%) and VT (15.9%). Embryos recovered by non-surgical route after cervical dilation treatment and later cryopreserved by either slow freezing or vitrification produced reasonable pregnancy rates after FTET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Machado Figueira
- Universidade Federal de Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói, Brazil
| | | | | | - Viviane Lopes Brair
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói, Brazil
| | | | - Maria Emilia Franco Oliveira
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
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Duranthon V, Chavatte-Palmer P. Long term effects of ART: What do animals tell us? Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 85:348-368. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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KUMARI DIMPLE, KUMAR DHARMENDRA, RAHANGDALE SANDEEP, JEENA LALITMOHAN, SINGH AJITPRATAP, SARKHEL BIKASHCHANDRA. Developmental competence of goat oocytes vitrified at immature and mature stage in comparsion to fresh oocytes after in vitro fertilization using cauda epididymal spermatozoa. THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2017. [DOI: 10.56093/ijans.v87i11.75878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
The oocytes were cryopreserved at 2 developmental check points, viz. immature and metaphase II stage, and the outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF) was assessed as compared to fresh oocytes. The oocytes were cryopreserved by solid surface vitrification technique using equilibration media (4% ethylene glycol) followed by vitrification media (0.5 M sucrose + 35% ethylene glycol + 0.5% polyvinyl pyrollidone). The mature oocytes were pre-treatedwith cytochalasin B for 30 min before vitrification. The vitrified-thawed oocytes of both groups as well fresh oocytes were fertilized with buck epididymal sperm. The results revealed a significantly higher rate of embryonic development in vitrified-thawed immature oocytes as compared to that in vitrified-thawed mature oocytes at all the embryonic stages. The embryonic developmental rate under fresh oocyte group was significantly higher than both vitrified groups. Results indicated that the immature goat oocytes could be a better candidate for long term storage of female germplasm as well as dissemination into distant places.
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7
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dos Santos-Neto P, Cuadro F, Barrera N, Crispo M, Menchaca A. Embryo survival and birth rate after minimum volume vitrification or slow freezing of in vivo and in vitro produced ovine embryos. Cryobiology 2017; 78:8-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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8
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Zohara BF, Azizunnesa, Islam MF, Alam MGS, Bari FY. Survival of embryos after transfer within multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) programme. Small Rumin Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2016.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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9
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Loi P, Toschi P, Zacchini F, Ptak G, Scapolo PA, Capra E, Stella A, Marsan PA, Williams JL. Synergies between assisted reproduction technologies and functional genomics. Genet Sel Evol 2016; 48:53. [PMID: 27481215 PMCID: PMC4968447 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-016-0231-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This review, is a synopsis of advanced reproductive technologies in farm animals, including the discussion of their limiting factors as revealed by the study of offspring derived from embryos produced in vitro and through cloning. These studies show that the problems of epigenetic mis-programming, which were reported in the initial stages of assisted reproduction, still persist. The importance of whole-genome analyses, including the methylome and transcriptome, in improving embryo biotechnologies in farm animals, are discussed. Genome editing approaches for the improvement of economically-relevant traits in farm animals are also described. Efficient farm animal embryo biotechnologies, including cloning and the most recent technologies such as genome editing, will effectively complement the latest strategies to accelerate genetic improvement of farm animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasqualino Loi
- Laboratory of Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy.
| | - Paola Toschi
- Laboratory of Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Federica Zacchini
- Laboratory of Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy.,Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Postepu 36A, Jastrzębiec, 05-552, Magdalenka, Poland
| | - Grazyna Ptak
- Laboratory of Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy.,Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Postepu 36A, Jastrzębiec, 05-552, Magdalenka, Poland.,National Research Institute of Animal Production 1, Krakowska Street, 32-083, Balice n/Kraków, Poland
| | - Pier A Scapolo
- Laboratory of Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Emanuele Capra
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology, National Research Council, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Alessandra Stella
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology, National Research Council, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Paolo Ajmone Marsan
- Istituto di Zootecnica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy.,Proteomic and Nutrigenomic Research Center - PRONUTRIGEN, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - John L Williams
- Davies Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, 5371, Australia
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Plasma membrane and acrosome loss before ICSI is required for sheep embryonic development. J Assist Reprod Genet 2016; 33:757-63. [PMID: 27059776 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0709-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to determine if the integrity of the sperm plasma membrane and acrosome vesicle could be limiting factors in sheep intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). METHODS Prior to in vitro fertilization (IVF) or ICSI, the oocytes were subjected to in vitro maturation (IVM) for 24 h. First, to evaluate the need of artificial activation for ovine ICSI, 226 oocytes were injected with intact spermatozoa (IS), from which 125 were activated by incubation in ionomycin and 101 were cultured without activation. Next, spermatozoa were mechanically (by piezo-electrical pulses) and/or chemically (by ionomycin/Triton X-100) treated to break membranes and acrosomes and were injected into oocytes, grouped as follows: (i) piezo-pulsed spermatozoa (PPS), (ii) PPS pre-treated with ionomycin (PPS-I), (iii) PPS pre-treated with Triton X-100 (PPS-T), and (iv) intact and untreated spermatozoa as a control (CTR-IS). RESULTS No differences were observed in the zygote/cleavage/blastocyst rate between chemically activated and non-activated oocytes (50 vs. 45 %, 11.6 vs. 10.1 %; 1.8 vs. 1.1 %, respectively), after ICSI with CTR-IS. Injection of PPS compared to CTR-IS increased the proportion of zygotes and blastocysts (84.6 vs. 45 %, p < 0.01; 15.5 vs. 1.1 %, p < 0.0001, respectively). Moreover, the percentage of PPS-derived blastocysts was not significantly different from that obtained by conventional IVF (15.5 vs. 20.2 %). The ICSI blastocysts' development was also improved with PPS pre-treated with ionomycin (15.6 %), but was completely impeded with PPS pre-treated with Triton X-100 (0 %). CONCLUSION Our findings confirm that ICSI with spermatozoa whose plasma membrane and acrosome have been mechanically damaged substantially improves embryonic development until the blastocyst stage.
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Romão R, Bettencourt E, Pereira RMLN, Marques CC, Baptista MC, Barbas JP, Oliveira E, Bettencourt C, Sousa M. Ultrastructural Characterization of Fresh and Vitrified In Vitro- and In Vivo-Produced Sheep Embryos. Anat Histol Embryol 2015; 45:231-9. [PMID: 27144917 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 06/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The lower results in cryopreservation of in vitro-produced (IVP) sheep embryos, when compared to the in vivo derived, limits its use. Four groups of blastocyst (BL) were evaluated: fresh IVP (n = 3), fresh in vivo derived (n = 3), warmed IVP cryopreserved in open pulled straws (OPS, n = 3) and warmed in vivo derived cryopreserved in OPS (n = 3). Ultrastructural observation of processed fresh embryos showed a reduced number of microvilli and mitochondria in the IVP ones, as well as a lower number of mature mitochondria, that can be associated with deficient metabolism in IVP embryos, possibly involved in the lower resistance to cryopreservation. Both in vivo-derived and IVP embryos had a large number of vesicles, with light and dense content. In embryos vitrified by OPS, major changes were observed mainly in IVP embryos with small changes in grade 2 (fair) and high changes in grade 3 (bad) semithin scoring. The main changes associated with cryopreservation included disruption of cellular membranes and poor intracellular preservation, with loss of microvilli and the presence of cellular debris. In conclusion, ultrastructural evaluation of IVP blastocysts cryopreserved in OPS was herein described for the first time, reporting more severe cellular damage in these embryos when compared to those produced in vivo. This is probably associated with a lower cryotolerance that can be related to their lipid content and metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Romão
- Escola de Ciências e Tecnologia, 'ICAAM - Instituto de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais Mediterrânicas', Núcleo da Mitra, Universidade de Évora, Ap. 94, 7002, Évora, Portugal.,Unidade de Recursos Genéticos, Reprodução e Melhoramento Animal, INIAV IP, L INIA-Santarém, Quinta da Fonte Boa, 2005-048, Vale de Santarém, Portugal
| | - E Bettencourt
- Escola de Ciências e Tecnologia, 'ICAAM - Instituto de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais Mediterrânicas', Núcleo da Mitra, Universidade de Évora, Ap. 94, 7002, Évora, Portugal
| | - R M L N Pereira
- Unidade de Recursos Genéticos, Reprodução e Melhoramento Animal, INIAV IP, L INIA-Santarém, Quinta da Fonte Boa, 2005-048, Vale de Santarém, Portugal.,Mosteiro de S. Jorge de Milréu, Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, Estrada da Conraria, 3040-714 Castelo Viegas, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - C C Marques
- Unidade de Recursos Genéticos, Reprodução e Melhoramento Animal, INIAV IP, L INIA-Santarém, Quinta da Fonte Boa, 2005-048, Vale de Santarém, Portugal
| | - M C Baptista
- Unidade de Recursos Genéticos, Reprodução e Melhoramento Animal, INIAV IP, L INIA-Santarém, Quinta da Fonte Boa, 2005-048, Vale de Santarém, Portugal
| | - J P Barbas
- Unidade de Recursos Genéticos, Reprodução e Melhoramento Animal, INIAV IP, L INIA-Santarém, Quinta da Fonte Boa, 2005-048, Vale de Santarém, Portugal.,CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - E Oliveira
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Multidisciplinary Unit for Biomedical Research-UMIB, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - C Bettencourt
- Regional Agriculture Direction of Alentejo (DRAAL), Herdade da Abóbada, 7830-908, V.N.S. Bento, Portugal
| | - M Sousa
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Multidisciplinary Unit for Biomedical Research-UMIB, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
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Romão R, Marques C, Baptista M, Barbas J, Horta A, Carolino N, Bettencourt E, Pereira R. Cryopreservation of in vitro–produced sheep embryos: Effects of different protocols of lipid reduction. Theriogenology 2015; 84:118-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Revised: 02/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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13
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Tulake K, Wang X, Chen Y, Yu C, Jing B, Li H. Protein tyrosine phosphorylation during capacitation in sperm of a rare red deer, Tarim wapiti (Cervus elaphus yarkandensis). Anim Reprod Sci 2015; 154:68-78. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Revised: 11/26/2014] [Accepted: 11/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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14
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Dos Santos Neto PC, Vilariño M, Barrera N, Cuadro F, Crispo M, Menchaca A. Cryotolerance of Day 2 or Day 6 in vitro produced ovine embryos after vitrification by Cryotop or Spatula methods. Cryobiology 2014; 70:17-22. [PMID: 25448379 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2014.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Revised: 11/06/2014] [Accepted: 11/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the cryotolerance of in vitro produced ovine embryos submitted to vitrification at different developmental stages using two methods of minimum volume and rapid cooling rate. Embryos were vitrified at early stage (2 to 8-cells) on Day 2 or at advanced stage (morulae and blastocysts) on Day 6 after in vitro fertilization. Vitrification procedure consisted of the Cryotop (Day 2, n=165; Day 6, n=174) or the Spatula method (Day 2, n=165; Day 6, n=175). Non vitrified embryos were maintained in in vitro culture as a control group (n=408). Embryo survival was determined at 3h and 24h after warming, development and hatching rates were evaluated on Day 6 and Day 8 after fertilization, and total cell number was determined on expanded blastocysts. Embryo survival at 24h after warming increased as the developmental stage progressed (P<0.05) and was not affected by the vitrification method. The ability for hatching of survived embryos was not affected by the stage of the embryos at vitrification or by the vitrification method. Thus, the proportion of hatching from vitrified embryos was determined by the survival rate and was lower for Day 2 than Day 6 vitrified embryos. The percentage of blastocysts on Day 8 was lower for the embryos vitrified on Day 2 than Day 6 (P<0.05), and was lower for both days of vitrification than for non-vitrified embryos (P<0.05). No interaction of embryo stage by vitrification method was found (P=NS) and no significant difference was found in the blastocyst cell number among vitrified and non-vitrified embryos. In conclusion, both methods using minimum volume and ultra-rapid cooling rate allow acceptable survival and development rates in Day 2 and Day 6 in vitro produced embryos in sheep. Even though early stage embryos showed lower cryotolerance, those embryos that survive the vitrification-warming process show high development and hatching rates, similar to vitrification of morulae or blastocysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- P C Dos Santos Neto
- Instituto de Reproducción Animal Uruguay, Fundación IRAUy, Camino Cruz del Sur 2250, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - M Vilariño
- Instituto de Reproducción Animal Uruguay, Fundación IRAUy, Camino Cruz del Sur 2250, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - N Barrera
- Instituto de Reproducción Animal Uruguay, Fundación IRAUy, Camino Cruz del Sur 2250, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - F Cuadro
- Instituto de Reproducción Animal Uruguay, Fundación IRAUy, Camino Cruz del Sur 2250, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - M Crispo
- Unidad de Animales Transgénicos y de Experimentación, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Mataojo 2020, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - A Menchaca
- Instituto de Reproducción Animal Uruguay, Fundación IRAUy, Camino Cruz del Sur 2250, Montevideo, Uruguay.
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Varago FC, Moutacas VS, Carvalho BC, Serapião RV, Vieira F, Chiarini-Garcia H, Brandão FZ, Camargo LS, Henry M, Lagares MA. Comparison of Conventional Freezing and Vitrification with Dimethylformamide and Ethylene Glycol for Cryopreservation of Ovine Embryos. Reprod Domest Anim 2014; 49:839-44. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 06/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- FC Varago
- Veterinary School of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG); Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil
| | - VS Moutacas
- Veterinary School of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG); Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil
| | - BC Carvalho
- EMBRAPA Juiz de Fora; Juiz de Fora MG, Brazil
| | - RV Serapião
- EMBRAPA Juiz de Fora; Juiz de Fora MG, Brazil
| | - F Vieira
- Biological Science Institute of the Federal University of Minas Gerais; Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil
| | - H Chiarini-Garcia
- Biological Science Institute of the Federal University of Minas Gerais; Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil
| | - FZ Brandão
- Veterinary Medicine Faculty of the Federal Fluminense University; Niterói, RJ Brazil
| | - LS Camargo
- EMBRAPA Juiz de Fora; Juiz de Fora MG, Brazil
| | - M Henry
- Veterinary School of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG); Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil
| | - MA Lagares
- Veterinary School of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG); Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil
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16
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Comparison of different cryoprotectant regimes for vitrification of ovine embryos produced in vivo. Small Rumin Res 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2014.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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17
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Henderson GRW, Brahmasani SR, Yelisetti UM, Konijeti S, Katari VC, Sisinthy S. Candidate gene expression patterns in rabbit preimplantation embryos developed in vivo and in vitro. J Assist Reprod Genet 2014; 31:899-911. [PMID: 24760721 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-014-0233-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The levels and timing of expression of genes like BCLXL, HDAC1 and pluripotency marker genes namely, OCT4, SOX2, NANOG and KLF4 are known to influence preimplantation embryo development. Despite this information, precise understanding of their influence during preimplantation embryo development is lacking. The present study attempts to compare the expression of these genes in the in vivo and in vitro developed preimplantation embryos. METHODS The in vivo and in vitro developed rabbit embryos collected at distinct developmental stages namely, pronuclear, 2 cell, 4 cell, 8 cell, 16 cell, Morula and blastocyst were compared at the transcriptional and translational levels using Real Time PCR and immunocytochemical studies respectively. RESULTS The study establishes the altered levels of candidate genes at the transcriptional level and translational level with reference to the zygotic genome activation (ZGA) phase of embryo development in the in vivo and in vitro developed embryos. The expression of OCT4, KLF4, NANOG and SOX2 genes were higher in the in vitro developed embryos whereas and HDAC1 was lower. BCLXL expression had its peak at ZGA in in vivo developed embryos. Protein expression of all the candidate genes was observed in the embryos. BCLXL, KLF4 and NANOG exhibited diffused localisation whereas HDAC1, OCT4, and SOX2 exhibited nuclear localisation. CONCLUSIONS This study leads to conclude that BCLXL peak expression at the ZGA phase may be a requirement for embryo development. Further expression of all the candidate genes was influenced by ZGA phase of development at the transcript level, but not at the protein level.
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Guardieiro MM, Machado GM, Bastos MR, Mourão GB, Carrijo LHD, Dode MAN, Leroy JLMR, Sartori R. A diet enriched in linoleic acid compromises the cryotolerance of embryos from superovulated beef heifers. Reprod Fertil Dev 2014; 26:511-20. [DOI: 10.1071/rd12403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 03/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Dietary rumen-protected fat rich in linoleic acid may affect the superovulatory response and embryo yield; however, its effects on in vivo embryo cryotolerance are unknown in zebu cattle. The present study evaluated the production and cryotolerance after freezing or vitrification of embryos from Nelore heifers supplemented with rumen-protected polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Forty heifers kept in pasture were randomly distributed into two groups according to the type of feed supplement (F, supplement with rumen-protected PUFA, predominantly linoleic; C, control fat-free supplement with additional corn). Supplements were formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Each heifer underwent both treatments in a crossover design with 70 days between replicates. After 50 days feeding, heifers were superovulated. Embryos were evaluated morphologically and vitrified or frozen. After thawing or warming, embryo development was evaluated in vitro. There was no difference between the F and C groups (P > 0.10) in terms of embryo production. Regardless of the cryopreservation method used, Group C embryos had a greater hatching rate after 72 h in vitro culture than Group F embryos (44.3 ± 4.2% (n = 148) vs 30.9 ± 4.0% (n = 137), respectively; P = 0.04). Moreover, vitrified and frozen embryos had similar hatching rates (P > 0.10). In conclusion, dietary rumen-protected PUFA rich in linoleic acid did not improve embryo production and compromised the cryotolerance of conventionally frozen or vitrified embryos from Nelore heifers.
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Dalcin L, Silva RC, Paulini F, Silva BDM, Neves JP, Lucci CM. Cytoskeleton structure, pattern of mitochondrial activity and ultrastructure of frozen or vitrified sheep embryos. Cryobiology 2013; 67:137-45. [PMID: 23770514 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2013.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Revised: 05/23/2013] [Accepted: 05/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Even though sheep embryo cryopreservation is a commonly used procedure the survival and pregnancy outcomes can vary greatly. This study investigated whether cryopreservation was causing subtle changes in ultrastructure, mitochondrial activity or cytoskeletal integrity. Sheep embryos were either slow cooled in 1.5 M EG (n = 22), or vitrified in 20% EG + 20% DMSO with 0.5 M sucrose in Open Pulled Straws (OPS) (n = 24). One hour after warming the cryopreserved embryos differed from control embryos in that they had no mitochondrial activity combined with cytoskeletal disorganization and large vesicles. Vitrified embryos also showed many points of cytoskeleton disruption. Ultrastructural alterations resulting from actin filaments disorganization were observed in both cryopreserved groups. This includes areas presenting no cytoplasmic organelles, Golgi complex located far from the nucleus and a decrease of specialized intercellular junctions. Additionally, large vesicles were observed in vitrified morulae and early blastocysts. The alterations after cryopreservation were proportional to embryo quality as assessed using the stereomicroscope. Even in the absence of mitochondrial activity, grade I and II cryopreserved embryos contained mitochondria with normal ultrastructure. Embryos classified as grade I or II in the stereomicroscope revealed mild ultrastructural alterations, meaning that this tool is efficient to evaluate embryos after cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Dalcin
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
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20
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Mara L, Casu S, Carta A, Dattena M. Cryobanking of farm animal gametes and embryos as a means of conserving livestock genetics. Anim Reprod Sci 2013; 138:25-38. [PMID: 23477753 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2013.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2012] [Revised: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 02/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
In the last few decades, farm animal genetic diversity has rapidly declined, mainly due to changing market demands and intensification of agriculture. But, since the removal of single species can affect the functioning of global ecosystems, it is in the interest of international community to conserve the livestock genetics and to maintain biodiversity. Increasing awareness on the reduction of breed diversity has prompted global efforts for conservation of farm animal breeds. The goals of conservation are to keep genetic variation as gene combinations in a reversible form and to keep specific genes of interest. For this purpose two types of strategies are usually proposed: in situ and ex situ conservation. In situ conservation is the breed maintaining within the livestock production system, in its environment through the enhancement of its production characteristics. Ex situ in vivo conservation is the safeguard of live animals in zoos, wildlife parks, experimental farms or other specialized centres. Ex situ in vitro conservation is the preservation of genetic material in haploid form (semen and oocytes), diploid (embryos) or DNA sequences. In the last few years, ex situ in vitro conservation programs of livestock genetic resources have focused interest on cryopreservation of gametes, embryos and somatic cells as well as testis and ovarian tissues, effectively lengthening the genetic lifespan of individuals in a breeding program even after the death. However, although significant progress has been made in semen, oocytes and embryo cryopreservation of several domestic species, a standardized procedure has not been established yet. The aim of the present review is to describe the cryobanking purposes, the collection goals, the type of genetic material to store and the reproductive biotechnologies utilized for the cryopreservation of farm animal gametes and embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Mara
- Agris-Sardegna, DIRPA, Reproduction Division, S.S. 291 Km 18.6, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
| | - Sara Casu
- Agris-Sardegna, DIRPA, Genetic and biotechnology division, S.S. 291 Km 18.6, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - A Carta
- Agris-Sardegna, DIRIP, Production and Technology Division, Italy
| | - M Dattena
- Agris-Sardegna, DIRPA, Reproduction Division, S.S. 291 Km 18.6, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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21
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Romão R, Marques C, Baptista M, Vasques M, Barbas J, Horta A, Carolino N, Bettencourt E, Plancha C, Rodrigues P, Pereira R. Evaluation of two methods of in vitro production of ovine embryos using fresh or cryopreserved semen. Small Rumin Res 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2012.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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22
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Pimenta J, Domingos A, Santos P, Marques CC, Cantante C, Santos A, Barbas JP, Baptista MC, Horta AEM, Viegas A, Mesquita P, Gonçalves J, Fontes CA, Prates JAM, Pereira RMLN. Is prnt a pseudogene? Identification of ram Prt in testis and ejaculated spermatozoa. PLoS One 2012; 7:e42957. [PMID: 22937002 PMCID: PMC3427297 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2012] [Accepted: 07/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A hallmark of prion diseases or transmissible spongiform encephalopaties is the conversion of the cellular prion protein (PrP(C)), expressed by the prion gene (prnp), into an abnormally folded isoform (PrP(Sc)) with amyloid-like features that causes scrapie in sheep among other diseases. prnp together with prnd (which encodes a prion-like protein designated as Doppel), and prnt (that encodes the prion protein testis specific--Prt) with sprn (shadow of prion protein gene, that encodes Shadoo or Sho) genes, constitute the "prion gene complex". Whereas a role for prnd in the proper functioning of male reproductive system has been confirmed, the function of prnt, a recently discovered prion family gene, comprises a conundrum leading to the assumption that ruminant prnt is a pseudogene with no protein expression. The main objective of the present study was to identify Prt localization in the ram reproductive system and simultaneously to elucidate if ovine prnt gene is transcribed into protein-coding RNA. Moreover, as Prt is a prnp-related protein, the amyloid propensity was also tested for ovine and caprine Prt. Recombinant Prt was used to immunize BALB/c mice, and the anti-Prt polyclonal antibody (APPA) immune response was evaluated by ELISA and Western Blot. When tested by indirect immunofluorescence, APPA showed high avidity to the ram sperm head apical ridge subdomain, before and after induced capacitation, but did not show the same behavior against goat spermatozoa, suggesting high antibody specificity against ovine-Prt. Prt was also found in the testis when assayed by immunohistochemistry during ram spermatogenesis, where spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoa, stained positive. These observations strongly suggest ovine prnt to be a translated protein-coding gene, pointing to a role for Prt protein in the ram reproductive physiology. Besides, caprine Prt appears to exhibit a higher amyloid propensity than ovine Prt, mostly associated with its phenylalanine residue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Pimenta
- Unidade de Recursos Genéticos, Reprodução e Melhoramento Animal, Instituto Nacional dos Recursos Biológicos (INRB) L-INIA Santarém, Quinta da Fonte Boa, Vale de Santarém, Portugal
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária (FMV), Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Domingos
- IHMT-CMDT – Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Centro de Malária e Doenças Tropicais, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Pedro Santos
- Hospital Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carla C. Marques
- Unidade de Recursos Genéticos, Reprodução e Melhoramento Animal, Instituto Nacional dos Recursos Biológicos (INRB) L-INIA Santarém, Quinta da Fonte Boa, Vale de Santarém, Portugal
| | - Cátia Cantante
- Unidade de Retrovírus e Infecções Associadas (URIA), ADEIM-Centro de Patogénese Molecular/Instituto de Medicina Molecular (IMM), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Santos
- Unidade de Retrovírus e Infecções Associadas (URIA), ADEIM-Centro de Patogénese Molecular/Instituto de Medicina Molecular (IMM), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João P. Barbas
- Unidade de Recursos Genéticos, Reprodução e Melhoramento Animal, Instituto Nacional dos Recursos Biológicos (INRB) L-INIA Santarém, Quinta da Fonte Boa, Vale de Santarém, Portugal
| | - Maria C. Baptista
- Unidade de Recursos Genéticos, Reprodução e Melhoramento Animal, Instituto Nacional dos Recursos Biológicos (INRB) L-INIA Santarém, Quinta da Fonte Boa, Vale de Santarém, Portugal
| | - António E. M. Horta
- Unidade de Recursos Genéticos, Reprodução e Melhoramento Animal, Instituto Nacional dos Recursos Biológicos (INRB) L-INIA Santarém, Quinta da Fonte Boa, Vale de Santarém, Portugal
| | - Aldino Viegas
- REQUIMTE/CQFB Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Mesquita
- Unidade de Recursos Genéticos, Reprodução e Melhoramento Animal, Instituto Nacional dos Recursos Biológicos (INRB) L-INIA Santarém, Quinta da Fonte Boa, Vale de Santarém, Portugal
| | - João Gonçalves
- Unidade de Retrovírus e Infecções Associadas (URIA), ADEIM-Centro de Patogénese Molecular/Instituto de Medicina Molecular (IMM), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Carlos A. Fontes
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária (FMV), Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - José A. M. Prates
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária (FMV), Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Rosa M. L. N. Pereira
- Unidade de Recursos Genéticos, Reprodução e Melhoramento Animal, Instituto Nacional dos Recursos Biológicos (INRB) L-INIA Santarém, Quinta da Fonte Boa, Vale de Santarém, Portugal
- Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, Coimbra, Portugal
- * E-mail:
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Mayorga I, Mara L, Sanna D, Stelletta C, Morgante M, Casu S, Dattena M. Good quality sheep embryos produced by superovulation treatment without the use of progesterone devices. Theriogenology 2011; 75:1661-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2010] [Revised: 12/14/2010] [Accepted: 12/31/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Gibbons A, Cueto M, Pereyra Bonnet F. A simple vitrification technique for sheep and goat embryo cryopreservation. Small Rumin Res 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2010.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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25
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Cocero MJ, Alabart JL, Hammami S, Martí JI, Lahoz B, Sánchez P, Echegoyen E, Beckers JF, Folch J. The Efficiency of In vitro Ovine Embryo Production Using an Undefined or a Defined Maturation Medium is Determined by the Source of the Oocyte. Reprod Domest Anim 2010; 46:463-70. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2010.01690.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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26
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Green RE, Santos BFS, Sicherle CC, Landim-Alvarenga FC, Bicudo SD. Viability of OPS Vitrified Sheep Embryos After Direct Transfer. Reprod Domest Anim 2009; 44:406-10. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01088.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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27
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Park JE, Oh HJ, Hong SG, Jang G, Kim MK, Lee BC. Effects of activin A on the in vitro development and mRNA expression of bovine embryos cultured in chemically-defined two-step culture medium. Reprod Domest Anim 2008; 45:585-93. [PMID: 19090825 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01306.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of activin A on the developmental competence of in vitro fertilized (IVF) bovine embryos derived from a two-step defined culture system (C1/C2 medium) during the early or later stages of embryo development. To evaluate the effects of activin A on transcriptional levels, we analysed genes related to blastocyst hatching and implantation and to activin signalling pathway in IVF embryos. Cumulus-oocyte complexes were matured for 22 h and fertilized in vitro. Presumptive zygotes were cultured in the presence or absence of activin A during early (0-120 h, C1) or later (120-192 h, C2) stages. Although the developmental competence of embryos cultured with activin A in C1 medium was not significantly different from their corresponding controls, development to blastocysts (22.4% vs 34.7%; p < 0.05) and the blastocyst hatching rate (9.3% vs 22.4%; p < 0.05) in C2 medium supplemented with 100 ng/ml activin A were significantly higher than in the control group. To evaluate the effect of activin A on transcription, the relative expression levels of genes related to blastocyst hatching and implantation (Na/K-ATPase, E-cad and Glut-1) as well as activin signalling pathway (ActRII, ActRIIB and Smad2) were analysed. Compared to control medium, gene expression of Na/K-ATPase, E-cad, Glut-1, ActRII and ActRIIB was increased in medium supplemented with activin A. In conclusion, this study suggests that activin A, during the later stage of in vitro bovine embryo development, can enhance in vitro development of embryos by increasing hatching rates and affecting expression levels of genes related to hatching and implantation in defined culture medium.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Park
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, SeoulNational University, Seoul, Korea
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Garcia-Garcia RM, Ward F, Fair S, O'Meara CM, Wade M, Duffy P, Lonergan P. Development and quality of sheep embryos cultured in commercial G1.3/G2.3 sequential media. Anim Reprod Sci 2007; 98:233-40. [PMID: 16621355 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2006.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2005] [Revised: 03/03/2006] [Accepted: 03/13/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Present study assesses the developmental ability and quality of ovine IVP embryos derived from culture in sequential media G1.3/G2.3. A total of 1474 cumulus-oocyte complexes were matured in M199 supplemented with EGF and FCS for 24h in 5% CO2 in humidified air at 39 degrees C. Oocytes were co-incubated in SOF medium with 1 x 10(6) spermatozoa/ml at the same temperature and gas conditions (Day 0 p.i.). Presumptive zygotes at 20 h p.i. were denuded, washed and placed in culture in SOF (control; n=742) or G1.3 media supplemented with 3mg/ml of BSA (n=732) under mineral oil in a humidified and controlled atmosphere at 39 degrees C. Embryos in the treated group were changed to G2.3 medium on Day 3 of culture. A group of blastocysts in each group were frozen by conventional method (SOF, n=55; G1.3/G2.3, n=48). In vivo embryos (n=72) were recovered at Day 7 from the uterus of progestagen+eCG treated females and they were cultured in defined medium (n=38) or frozen (n=34) directly after recovery. Cleavage rate of IVP embryos recorded at 48 h p.i. was similar for control and treated embryos (49.8 versus 47.5%). There were no significant differences in blastocyst development from the two groups on Day 6 (26.0 versus 25.6%), 7 (42.1 versus 38.6%) or 8 (50.8 versus 43.2%). Blastocyst development rates from total oocytes cultured were comparable (24.1 versus 21.5%). However, the proportion of hatched blastocysts was significantly higher for control embryos (86.6 versus 44.3%, P<0.0001). In addition, embryos cultured in SOF had higher re-expansion rates post-thawing at 24h (38.2 versus 6.2%), 48 h (36.4 versus 4.1%) and 72 h (34.5 versus 4.1%) and hatching rate (32.8 versus 2.0%) than embryos cultured in sequential media (P<0.0001). In vivo embryos showed higher hatching rate (61.7%) than IVP groups (SOF, P<0.01; G1.3/G2.3, P<0.0001) but lower than their fresh cultured counterparts (86.8%; P=0.01). In conclusion, G1.3/G2.3 media supported high developmental rates of embryos in vitro but the quality of the embryos was impaired.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Garcia-Garcia
- Dpto. de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal, Escuela de Ingenieros Técnicos Agrícolas, Universidad de Castilla La Mancha, C/Ronda Calatrava, 7 13071-Ciudad Real, Spain.
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The effect of estrous ewe serum and heparin on in vitro fertilization and subsequent embryonic development in sheep. Small Rumin Res 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2005.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Abstract
Recent advances in reproductive biotechnologies in small ruminants include improvement of methods for in vitro production of embryos and attempts at spermatogonial stem cell transplantation. In vitro production of embryos by IVM/IVF, intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), or nuclear transfer (NT) has been made possible by improvements in oocyte collection and maturation techniques, and early embryo culture systems. However, in vitro embryo production still is not very efficient due to several limiting factors affecting the outcome of each step of the process. This paper discusses factors affecting in vitro embryo production in small ruminants and camelids, as well as preliminary results with the technique of spermatogonial stem cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Tibary
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences and Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-6610, USA.
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Grazul-Bilska AT, Pant D, Luther JS, Borowicz PP, Navanukraw C, Caton JS, Ward MA, Redmer DA, Reynolds LP. Pregnancy rates and gravid uterine parameters in single, twin and triplet pregnancies in naturally bred ewes and ewes after transfer of in vitro produced embryos. Anim Reprod Sci 2005; 92:268-83. [PMID: 16076535 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2005.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2005] [Accepted: 06/06/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to: (1) evaluate the pregnancy rates after transfer of embryos produced in the presence or absence of epidermal growth factor (EGF) during in vitro maturation, and (2) compare several variables of the gravid uterus on day 140 after fertilization in single, twin and triplet pregnancies in ewes (n = 12) bred naturally and in ewes (n = 18) after transfer of embryos produced in vitro. Oocytes collected from FSH-treated ewes (n = 18) were collected from all visible follicles and cultured in maturation medium with or without EGF. Oocytes were then fertilized in vitro by frozen-thawed semen. On day 5 after fertilization, embryos with > or = 16 cells were transferred to recipient ewes (n = 39). In addition 12 ewes were bred naturally. Pregnancy was verified by real-time ultrasonography on day 45 or later after embryo transfer (ET) or breeding. On day 140 of pregnancy, the reproductive tract was collected from all ewes and the following parameters were determined: the number, sex, weight and crown to rump length (CRL) of fetuses, weights of gravid uterus and fetal membranes, and weight and number of placentomes. Presence of EGF in maturation medium increased (P < 0.04) cleavage rates (78% versus 59%) and percentage of > or = 16 cell embryos on day 5 after fertilization (62% versus 40%). Pregnancy rates tended to be greater (P < 0.1) after transfer of embryos matured in the presence of EGF (52%) than in the absence of EGF (39%). EGF presence in maturation medium did not affect any variables of gravid uterus or fetal weight. For single pregnancies in naturally bred ewes and ewes after ET all uterine variables were similar. For twin pregnancies, weight of gravid uterus, weight of uterus plus fetal membranes, total weight of placentomes/ewe, mean weight of individual placentome, mean weight of fetus, total fetal weight/ewe and CRL were greater (P < 0.0001-0.04) for ewes after ET than for ewes bred naturally. The weights of gravid uterus, fluid, uterus plus fetal membranes, fetal membranes, total placentomes/ewe, mean weight of individual placentome and total fetal weight/ewe were greater (P < 0.0001-0.08) for triplet pregnancies in ewes after ET than single and twin pregnancies in ewes naturally bred or after ET. The number of placentomes/fetus was greatest (P < 0.0001-0.06) in single pregnancies in ewes bred naturally and after ET fewer in twin pregnancies in ewes bred naturally and after ET and fewest in triplet pregnancies in ewes after ET. The total number of placentomes/ewe was greatest (P < 0.0001-0.06) for twin pregnancies in ewes naturally bred, fewer in single pregnancies in ewes naturally bred and twin and triplet pregnancies after ET, and fewest in single pregnancies in ewes after ET. The mean weight of fetus was greater (P < 0.0001-0.07) in single pregnancies in ewes naturally bred or after ET than in twin or triplet pregnancies in ewes naturally bred or after ET. The CRL was the lowest (P < 0.01) in twin pregnancies in ewes bred naturally. For pregnancies after natural breeding and after ET, the number of fetuses/ewe was negatively correlated (P < 0.03-0.0001) with the weight of placentomes/fetus, the number of placentomes/fetus, the mean weight of the fetus and CRL, and was positively correlated (P < 0.0001-0.05) with weight of gravid uterus, the total number of placentomes/ewe and total fetal weight/ewe. These data demonstrate that the presence of EGF in maturation medium increases the rates of cleavage and early embryonic development, and has a tendency to enhance rates of pregnancy but does not affect variables of the gravid uteri in ewes after transfer of in vitro produced embryos. Transfer of embryos produced in vitro affected some uterine variables in twin but not single pregnancies to compare with pregnancies after natural breeding. In addition, culture conditions in the present experiment did not create large offspring syndrome. The low number of placentomes/fetus seen in triple pregnancies appears to be compensated for by the increase in the weight of each individual placentome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna T Grazul-Bilska
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58105, USA.
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Morton KM, Catt SL, Maxwell WMC, Evans G. In vitro and in vivo developmental capabilities and kinetics of in vitro development of in vitro matured oocytes from adult, unstimulated and hormone-stimulated prepubertal ewes. Theriogenology 2005; 64:1320-32. [PMID: 16139608 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2005.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2004] [Accepted: 01/31/2005] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The in vitro and in vivo developmental capabilities and kinetics of in vitro development of embryos derived from adult ewes and from unstimulated (16- to 24-week-old) and hormone-stimulated prepubertal (3- to 5-week-old) ewes were assessed. Cleavage was lower for hormone-stimulated (617/1025; 60.2%) than unstimulated prepubertal (117/169; 69.2%) and adult ewe oocytes (184/267; 68.9%; P < 0.05). Blastocyst formation by Day 7 (from zygotes) was similar for unstimulated (45/117; 38.5%), hormone-stimulated prepubertal (229/617; 37.1%) and adult ewes (101/184; 54.9%). Blastocysts derived from hormone-stimulated prepubertal ewes developed mainly on day 7, compared with Day 6 for adult and unstimulated prepubertal ewes. Pregnancy rates (day 60) and embryonic loss (between Days 20 and 60) did not differ after transfer to adult recipient ewes of adult, unstimulated and hormone-stimulated prepubertal-derived fresh or frozen-thawed embryos. The number of lambs born as a proportion of embryos transferred did not differ for fresh and frozen embryos derived from adult ewes (3/16; 18.8% and 1/12; 8.3%, respectively) and unstimulated prepubertal lambs (2/6; 33.3%, and 1/10; 10.0%, respectively), but was higher for fresh than frozen embryos from hormone-stimulated prepubertal ewes (7/16; 43.8%, and 2/14; 14.3%, respectively; P < 0.05). There were high rates of in vitro and in vivo development of oocytes from 3- to 5-week-old lambs, but in vitro development was lower than with oocytes from adult ewes. However, the speed of embryonic development in vitro and the in vivo development of fresh and frozen embryos were similar to those derived from adult and unstimulated prepubertal ewes. The present results were an improvement in the efficiency of producing embryos and offspring from hormone-stimulated 3- to 5-week-old lambs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Morton
- Centre for Advanced Technologies in Animal Genetics and Reproduction (ReproGen), Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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Dattena M, Chessa B, Lacerenza D, Accardo C, Pilichi S, Mara L, Chessa F, Vincenti L, Cappai P. Isolation, culture, and characterization of embryonic cell lines from vitrified sheep blastocysts. Mol Reprod Dev 2005; 73:31-9. [PMID: 16206132 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to isolate, to culture, and to characterize embryonic cell lines from in vitro produced vitrified sheep blastocysts. Embryos were produced and vitrified at the expanded blastocyst stage. Ten inner cell masses arising from day 6-7 blastocysts were isolated by immunosurgery, disaggregated, and cultured onto mitomocin-C-inactivated mouse STO fibroblasts (MIF). After 5 or 6 days of culture the primary cell colonies were disaggregated, seeded in a new MIF, and cultured for 3 or 4 days to form new colonies called Passage 1. These cells were then disaggregated and cultured for other two passages. The primary cell colonies and Passage 2 colonies expressed stage specific embryonic markers SSEA-1, SSEA-3, and SSEA-4, and were alkaline phosphatase positive. In the absence of feeder layer and human leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), these cells differentiated into variety of cell types and formed embryoid bodies. When cultured for an extended period of time, embryoid bodies differentiated into derivatives of three embryonic germ (EG) layers. These were characterized by detection of specific markers for differentiation such early mesoderm (FE-C6), embryonic myosin (F1-652), neural precursor (FORSE-1), and endoderm (anti-cytokeratin 18). To our knowledge, this is the first time that embryonic cell lines from in vitro produced and vitrified ovine blastocysts have been isolated and examined for detection of SSEA markers, and embryoid bodies have been cultured and examined for specific cell surface markers for differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dattena
- Istituto Zootecnico e Caseario per la Sardegna, Olmedo (SS), Italy.
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Morton KM, Catt SL, Hollinshead FK, Maxwell WMC, Evans G. Production of Lambs After the Transfer of Fresh and Cryopreserved in vitro Produced Embryos from Prepubertal Lamb Oocytes and Unsorted and Sex-sorted Frozen-thawed Spermatozoa. Reprod Domest Anim 2004; 39:454-61. [PMID: 15598238 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2004.00542.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cumulus-oocyte complexes from hormone-stimulated 3-4-week-old (n=43) and 6-7-week-old (n=12) prepubertal lambs were matured in vitro and incubated with unsorted, or X- or Y-spermatozoa separated with a high-speed cell sorter (SX MoFlo)frozen-thawed. Presumptive zygotes were then cultured to the blastocyst stage, and transferred to recipients fresh or after cryopreservation (frozen). Oocyte cleavage was higher (p <0.05) with unsorted (515/926, 55.6%) than X- or Y-spermatozoa (261/672, 38.8% and 229/651, 35.2%, respectively) and blastocyst formation (% zygotes) by Day 9 of in vitro culture was lower (p <0.05) for X- (102/261, 39.1%) than unsorted spermatozoa (249/515, 48.3%), but did not differ between Y-spermatozoa (103/229, 45.0%) and unsorted spermatozoa, or between X- and Y-spermatozoa (p >0.05). For fresh embryos, survival to term was 50.0% (3/6) for unsorted, 0.0% (0/6) for X- and 16.7% (1/6) for Y-spermatozoa-derived embryos (p >0.05), and for frozen embryos was 4.0% (2/50) for unsorted, 9.1% (2/22) for X- and 2.9% (1/34) Y-spermatozoa-derived embryos (p >0.05). Of the two lambs born from X-spermatozoa-derived embryos, one was female (50%), and from the two Y-spermatozoa-derived lambs, both were male (100%), demonstrating that lambs can be produced after the transfer of fresh and cryopreserved IVP embryos derived from prepubertal lamb oocytes and frozen-thawed sex-sorted sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Morton
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Centre for Advanced Technologies in Animal Genetics and Reproduction (ReproGen), The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Dattena M, Accardo C, Pilichi S, Isachenko V, Mara L, Chessa B, Cappai P. Comparison of different vitrification protocols on viability after transfer of ovine blastocysts in vitro produced and in vivo derived. Theriogenology 2004; 62:481-93. [PMID: 15226004 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2003.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2003] [Revised: 09/30/2003] [Accepted: 10/25/2003] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We compare different vitrification protocols on the pregnancy and lambing rate of in vitro produced (IVP) and in vivo derived (IVD) ovine embryos. Ovine blastocysts were produced by in vitro maturation, fertilization and culture of oocytes collected from slaughtered ewes or superovulated and inseminated animals. Embryos were cryopreserved after exposure at room temperature either for 5 min in 10% glycerol (G), then for 5 min in 10% G + 20% ethylene glycol (EG), then for 30 s in 25% G + 25% EG (glycerol group), or for 3 min in 10% EG + 10% dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), then for 30s in 20% EG + 20% DMSO + 0.3 M sucrose (DMSO group). One group of in vitro produced embryos was cryopreserved similarly to the DMSO group, but with 0.75 M sucrose added to the vitrification solution (DMSO 0.75 group). Glycerol group embryos were then loaded into French straws or open pulled Straws (OPS) while the DMSO group embryos were all loaded into OPS and directly plunged into liquid nitrogen. Embryos were warmed with either a one step or three step process. In the one step process, embryos were placed in 0.5 M sucrose. The three-step process was a serial dilution in 0.5, 0.25 and 0.125 M sucrose. The embryos of DMSO 0.75 group were warmed directly by plunging them into tissue culture medium-199 (TCM-199) + 20% foetal bovine serum (FBS) in the absence of sucrose (direct dilution). Following these manipulations, the embryos were transferred in pairs into synchronised recipient ewes and allowed to go to term. The pregnancy and the lambing rate within each group of IVP and IVD embryos indicated that there was no statistical difference among the vitrification protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dattena
- Istituto Zootecnico e Caseario per la Sardegna, 07040 Olmedo, Sassari, Italy.
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Silvestre MA, Saeed AM, Escribá MJ, Garcií-Ximénez F. Vitrification of in vitro cultured rabbit morulae. Anim Reprod Sci 2003; 76:113-24. [PMID: 12559725 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-4320(02)00232-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
In the present work, we attempt to establish an efficient vitrification procedure for 32-cell rabbit embryos obtained in vitro. In experiment 1, both the effect of the composition of the vitrification solutions and the cryoprotectant addition (either in one or two steps) were studied. For one-step addition, straws with embryos in the final vitrification solution (total time 60s) were plunged into liquid nitrogen. For two-step addition, previously embryos were 2 min pre-equilibrated in 0.5 ml of (1:1) PBS plus 20% FCS: vitrification solution without sucrose. Different solutions of cryoprotectants were compared: 25 vol.% ethylene glycol supplemented with 0.25 M sucrose (25EG+S) and 20% ethylene glycol plus 20% dimethyl sulfoxide, alone (20EG+20DMSO-S) or supplemented with 0.25 M sucrose (20EG+20DMSO+S). Six percent (30/487) of the total of 32-cell embryos obtained by in vitro culture in each experimental session was slow-frozen by a classical method as a technical efficiency control. Only 30% slow-frozen embryos reached blastocyst stage. Significant differences in embryo development were detected between the one-step (25EG+S) and two-step (25EG+S) groups and the one-step (20EG-20DMSO+S) and two-step (20EG-20DMSO-S) groups (0-6% versus 36-50%, respectively). Consequently, in the following experiments only these two vitrification procedures were used. In experiment 2, we attempted to substitute the use of PBS by HEPES-buffered Ham's F-10 (h-CM) in all cryoprotective solutions or media. When h-CM was used, a significant reduction in the in vitro embryo development was observed when the HEPES-buffered groups were compared with one-step (20EG-20DMSO+S) group in s-PBS (35-45% versus 73%). In experiment 3, the one-step (20EG+20DMSO+S) and two-step (20EG+20DMSO-S) procedures were assayed using two FCS levels (20 and 40%) in the PBS-based media. Relative to in vitro development, the highest rates were reached with one step (20EG-20DMSO+S), using PBS plus 20% FCS, which was different from two steps (20EG-20DMSO-S), regardless of percentage of FCS in the PBS-based media (81% versus 41-45%; P<0.05). In conclusion, we propose either the one step (20EG-20DMSO+S) or two steps (20EG-20DMSO-S) prepared in PBS plus 20% serum for use in future works.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Silvestre
- Laboratorio de Reproducción y Biotecnología Animal (LARB-UPV), Departamento Ciencia Animal, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Camino de Vera 14, 46022 Valencia, Spain.
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Isachenko V, Alabart JL, Dattena M, Nawroth F, Cappai P, Isachenko E, Cocero MJ, Olivera J, Roche A, Accardo C, Krivokharchenko A, Folch J. New technology for vitrification and field (microscope-free) warming and transfer of small ruminant embryos. Theriogenology 2003; 59:1209-18. [PMID: 12527069 DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(02)01165-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study was designed to test the efficiency of recently developed vitrification technology followed by microscope-free thawing and transfer of sheep embryos. In a first set of experiments, in vivo derived embryos at the morula to blastocyst stage were frozen in an automated freezer in ethylene glycol, and after thawing and removal of cryoprotectants, were transferred to recipient ewes according to a standard protocol (control group). A second group of embryos were loaded into open-pulled straws (OPS) and plunged into liquid nitrogen after exposure at room temperature to the media: 10% glycerol (G) for 5 min, 10% G+20% ethylene glycol (EG) for 5 min, 25% G+25% EG for 30s; or 10% EG+10% DMSO for 3 min, 20% EG+20% DMSO+0.3M trehalose for 30s. The OPS were thawed by plunging into tubes containing 0.5M trehalose. After this rapid thawing, the embryos were directly transferred using OPS as the catheter for the transplantation process. In a second set of experiments, in vivo derived and in vitro produced expanded blastocysts were vitrified in OPS and then transferred as described above. The lambing rates recorded (59% for the conventionally cryopreserved in vivo derived embryos, 56% for the vitrified in vivo derived embryos, and 20% for the vitrified in vitro produced embryos), suggest the suitability of the vitrification technique for the transfer of embryos obtained both in vivo and in vitro. This simple technology gives rise to a high embryo survival rate and will no doubt have applications in rearing sheep or other small ruminants.
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Grazul-Bilska AT, Choi JT, Bilski JJ, Weigl RM, Kirsch JD, Kraft KC, Reynolds LP, Redmer DA. Effects of epidermal growth factor on early embryonic development after in vitro fertilization of oocytes collected from ewes treated with follicle stimulating hormone. Theriogenology 2003; 59:1449-57. [PMID: 12527091 DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(02)01192-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) has been shown to enhance the in vitro rate of blastocyst formation in several species. Follicular development was induced in ewes (n=15) by twice daily administration of FSH-P on Days 13 and 14 of the estrous cycle. Cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected from all visible follicles (n=25+/-2.4/ewe) on Day 15. COCs from each ewe were cultured separately for 24h in maturation medium (containing 10% serum, LH, FSH and estradiol) with (8.2+/-0.9 per ewe) or without (7.8+/-0.8 per ewe) EGF (10 ng/ml). Oocytes were then denuded by hyaluronidase treatment, and healthy oocytes were cultured in the presence of frozen-thawed semen in synthetic oviductal fluid (SOF) medium containing 2% sheep serum. After 18-20 h, zygotes were transferred to SOF medium without glucose and cultured for about 36 h until they reached the 4-8 cell stage. Embryos were transferred to SOF medium with glucose for further development. Medium was changed every other day until blastocyst formation on Day 8 of culture (Day 1=day of fertilization). The rate of embryonic development was evaluated throughout the culture period. After maturation, cumulus cells were more expanded in the presence than in the absence of EGF. The rates of fertilization (overall 75.7+/-3.9%) and morula formation (overall 40.6+/-7.1%) were similar (P>0.05) for COCs cultured with or without EGF. However, EGF increased (P<0.01) the number of blastocysts (1.4+/-0.1 versus 0.6+/-0.2 per ewe) and tended to increase (P<0.1) the rate of blastocyst formation (21.0+/-6.6% versus 13.4+/-4.3% per ewe). These data demonstrate that EGF increases blastocyst formation in FSH-treated ewes. Therefore, EGF is recommended as a supplement to maturation medium to enhance embryonic development in vitro in FSH-treated sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- A T Grazul-Bilska
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA.
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Leoni G, Bogliolo L, Berlinguer F, Rosati I, Pintus PP, Ledda S, Naitana S. Defined media for vitrification, warming, and rehydration: effects on post-thaw protein synthesis and viability of in vitro derived ovine embryos. Cryobiology 2002; 45:204-12. [PMID: 12510005 DOI: 10.1016/s0011-2240(02)00139-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the viability (rates of re-expanding and hatching in vitro), of in vitro derived ovine blastocysts using vitrification and warming/rehydration media containing fetal calf serum (20% FCS) or polyvinyl alcohol (0.1% PVA), and the incorporation of labelled methionine in protein synthesised during the first 4h after cryopreservation. In experiment 1, after 60 h culture in TCM-199 supplemented with 10% FCS, the hatching rates of blastocysts that had been vitrified, warmed, and rehydrated in media containing only PVA (p/p) were significantly (P<0.05) lower than those vitrified in medium containing PVA with warming and rehydration in medium containing FCS (p/s). Blastocysts that were vitrified in medium containing FCS and warmed and rehydrated in medium with PVA (s/p) had hatching rates that were significantly lower (P<0.01) than those vitrified, warmed, and rehydrated in media with only FCS (s/s). After warming, the number of dead cells in the p/p group was significantly (P<0.05) lower than in all other groups. In experiment 2, the [35S]methionine uptake by embryonic cells of the s/p group was significantly (P<0.01) higher than in other groups. The incorporation of labelled methionine into newly synthesised proteins was significantly lower in the p/p group (P<0.01) than in all other groups. No differences in the newly synthesised proteins were observed between groups. In conclusion, these results suggest that it is possible to replace serum with defined macromolecules in vitrification and warming/rehydration media for in vitro derived ovine blastocysts but this leads to a decrease in viability and a reduction in protein synthesis after warming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Leoni
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
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Papadopoulos S, Rizos D, Duffy P, Wade M, Quinn K, Boland MP, Lonergan P. Embryo survival and recipient pregnancy rates after transfer of fresh or vitrified, in vivo or in vitro produced ovine blastocysts. Anim Reprod Sci 2002; 74:35-44. [PMID: 12379373 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-4320(02)00162-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the effect of production system and of cryopreservation of ovine embryos on their viability when transferred to recipients. The experimental design was an unbalanced 2 x 2 factorial design of two embryo production systems (in vivo versus in vitro) and two embryo preservation conditions prior to transfer (transferred fresh versus transferred after vitrification/warming). For the production of blastocysts in vivo, crossbred donor ewes (n=30) were synchronised using a 13-day intravaginal progestagen pessary. Ewes received 1500 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) 2 days before pessary withdrawal, and were mated 2 days after pessary withdrawal and embryos were recovered surgically (6 days after mating). Blastocysts were produced in vitro (IVP) using standard techniques. Recipients (n=95) were synchronised using a progestagen pessary and received 500 IU eCG at pessary removal and were randomly assigned to receive (two per recipient) in vivo fresh (n=10), in vivo vitrified (n=10), in vitro fresh (n=35) or in vitro vitrified (n=40) blastocysts. Recipients were slaughtered at day 42 of gestation and foetuses recovered. Pregnancy and embryo survival rates were recorded and analysed using CATMOD procedures. Foetal weights and crown-rump lengths were recorded and analysed using generalised linear model (GLM) procedures. There were no statistically significant interactions between the effects of embryo production system and preservation status at transfer on pregnancy rate and embryo survival. The pregnancy rate following transfer of fresh IVP blastocysts was lower (P<0.07) than that of in vivo embryos (54.3% versus 90.0%, respectively). Vitrification resulted in a decrease in pregnancy rate, the effect being more pronounced in the case of IVP embryos (54.3-5.0%, P<0.001) compared with in vivo embryos (90.0-50.0%), although the absolute change was similar (49.3% versus 40.0%). Transfer of fresh IVP blastocysts resulted in a higher proportion of single (78.9% versus 33.3%) and lower proportion of twin (21.1% versus 66.7%) pregnancies than those produced in vivo. This was reflected in a significant difference in embryo survival rate (fresh: 32.8% versus 75.0%, P<0.01; vitrified: 2.5% versus 35.0%, P<0.001, for IVP and in vivo blastocysts, respectively). Similarly, all pregnancies resulting from the transfer of vitrified/warmed IVP blastocysts were single pregnancies, while 40% of those from vitrified/warmed in vivo blastocysts were twin pregnancies; this was reflected in an embryo survival rate of 35.0% versus 75.0%, respectively. There was a significant effect (P=0.0184) of litter size on foetal weight but not on foetal length (P=0.3304). Foetuses derived from the fresh transfer of IVP blastocysts were heavier (6.4+/-0.2g versus 5.8+/-0.2g, respectively, P<0.05) and longer (5.2+/-0.1cm versus 4.8+/-0.1cm, respectively, P<0.01) than those derived from fresh in vivo blastocysts. There was no difference in these parameters as a consequence of vitrification of IVP embryos. However, in vivo blastocysts subjected to vitrification resulted in heavier (6.6+/-0.3g versus 5.8+/-0.2g, respectively, P=0.055) and longer (5.2+/-0.1cm versus 4.8+/-0.1cm, respectively, P<0.05) foetuses than their counterparts transferred fresh.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Papadopoulos
- Department of Animal Science and Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University College Dublin, Newcastle, County, Dublin, Ireland
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Ptak G, Clinton M, Barboni B, Muzzeddu M, Cappai P, Tischner M, Loi P. Preservation of the wild European mouflon: the first example of genetic management using a complete program of reproductive biotechnologies. Biol Reprod 2002; 66:796-801. [PMID: 11870088 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod66.3.796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the potential use of reproductive biotechnologies for safeguarding endangered wildlife species is undoubted, practical efforts have met with limited success to date. In those instances in which modern technologies have been adapted to rescuing rare or endangered species, procedures have been applied piecemeal, and no consistent breeding program based on reproductive biotechnologies has been undertaken. Here we describe for the first time the rescue of an endangered species, the European mouflon (Ovis orientalis musimon), by the application of an integrated package of reproductive biotechnologies. This genetic management extended from the initial collection of gametes, through the in vitro production of embryos and interspecific transfer, to the birth of healthy mouflon offspring. In addition, a genetic resource bank for the European mouflon was established, with cryopreserved sperm, embryos, and somatic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazyna Ptak
- Dipartimento di Strutture, Funzioni e Patologie degli Animali e Biotecnologie, Università di Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
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Abstract
The development of embryo freezing technologies revolutionized cattle breeding. Since then, advancements in cryobiology, cell biology, and domestic animal embryology have enabled the development of embryo preservation methodologies for our other domestic animal species, including sheep and goats. Recently, technologies have been developed to cryopreserve pig embryos, notorious for their extreme sensitivity to cooling; horse embryo cryopreservation is in its infancy. While cryopreservation can enhance the utilization of in vitro embryo production technologies, cryosurvival of in vitro-produced (IVP) or micromanipulated embryos is less than that of in vivo-derived embryos. This review outlines recent efforts in livestock embryo cryopreservation. In the near future, use of preserved embryos could be a routine breeding alternative for all livestock producers providing 1) preservation methods for maternal germplasm, 2) global genetic transport, 3) increased selection pressure within herds, 4) breeding line regeneration or proliferation, and 5) methodology for genetic rescue.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Dobrinsky
- Germplasm & Gamete Physiology Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, BARC-East, B200, R22, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, USA.
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OKADA A, YOSHII K, MIZUOCHI Y, ANDOH T, JOUJOU S, WACHI S, TOGAWA M, ISHIDA N, ASADA M, FUKUI Y. Viability of Cryopreserved and Vitrified Embryos and Fertility after Direct Transfer in Ewes. J Reprod Dev 2002. [DOI: 10.1262/jrd.48.189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aki OKADA
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Reproduction, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
| | - Kumiko YOSHII
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Reproduction, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
| | - Yasutomo MIZUOCHI
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Reproduction, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
| | - Toshio ANDOH
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Reproduction, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
| | - Sachio JOUJOU
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Reproduction, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
| | - Sachiko WACHI
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Reproduction, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
| | - Morihiko TOGAWA
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Reproduction, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
| | - Naohisa ISHIDA
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Reproduction, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
| | - Masatsugu ASADA
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Reproduction, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
| | - Yutaka FUKUI
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Reproduction, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
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