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Yang J, Jin S, Zhang S, He S, Chen R, Lei Y, Pan R, Zhang H, Wang Z, Li Z, Yu H, Dong G, Shi C, Li B, Guo S. Pregnancy diagnosis and sex identification with urinary glycopatterns of two mammal species. iScience 2023; 26:108439. [PMID: 38213790 PMCID: PMC10783609 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Glycome in urine could be promising biomarkers for detecting pregnancy diagnosis and sex noninvasively for animals, especially for rare species. We explore the applicability of grouping golden snub-nosed monkeys by sex or diagnosing pregnancy based on their urinary glycopatterns, which are determined via lectin microarray combining mass spectrometry analysis. Sprague-Dawley rats are used to verify whether this approach and whether the glycomic biomarkers can be generalized to other mammalian species. The results show that, for both species, lectin microarray combining mass spectrometry can distinguish individuals' pregnancy status and sex; significant differences are found in the types, amounts, and terminal modification of glycans between pregnant and non-pregnant females and between females and males. This indicates the approach could be generalized to other mammalian species to group sex and detect pregnancy, yet the glycopatterns appear to be species-specific and markers developed from one species may not be directly applicable to another.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Yang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China
| | - Shiyu Jin
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China
| | - Simeng Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China
| | - Shujun He
- Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China
| | - Yinghu Lei
- Qinling Giant Panda Research Center (Shaanxi rare wildlife rescue base), Shaanxi Academy of Forestry, Xi’an 710402, China
| | - Ruliang Pan
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Australia and Centre for Evolutionary Biology, College of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - He Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China
| | - Zhongfu Wang
- College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Laboratory for Functional Glycomics, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China
| | - Hanjie Yu
- Laboratory for Functional Glycomics, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China
| | - Guixin Dong
- Guangdong South China Rare Wild Animal Species Conservation Center, Zhuhai 511430, China
| | - Changhong Shi
- Laboratory Animal Center, The Air Force Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Baoguo Li
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China
| | - Songtao Guo
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China
- Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810008, China
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Barbato O, Menchetti L, Brecchia G, Barile VL. Using Pregnancy-Associated Glycoproteins (PAGs) to Improve Reproductive Management: From Dairy Cows to Other Dairy Livestock. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12162033. [PMID: 36009621 PMCID: PMC9404451 DOI: 10.3390/ani12162033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pregnancy loss is a major cause of infertility in dairy animals, particularly in cattle, which affects the productivity and profitability of farms. Detecting these unsuccessful pregnancies could offer farmers the opportunity to reduce the economic damage caused by pregnancy loss. The determination of proteins secreted by the placenta and related to the presence of a viable conceptus called pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) represents a diagnostic tool to identify pregnant or non-pregnant animals and to predict early pregnancy failures. This review describes the state of the art related to PAGs’ function, pregnancy profile, and use in reproductive management in bovine and other dairy livestock. Abstract Pregnancy success represents a major issue for the economic income of cattle breeders. Early detection of pregnant and non-pregnant animals, as well as the prediction of early pregnancy failure, can influence farm management decisions. Several diagnostic tools for pregnancy are currently available. Among these, pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) have been shown to be useful for identifying the presence of vital embryos and for pregnancy follow-up monitoring. This review presents an overview of the PAGs’ functions, their pregnancy trends, and their use as a tool to improve reproductive management in bovine and other dairy livestock, such as small ruminants and buffalos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olimpia Barbato
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Laura Menchetti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Gabriele Brecchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Vittoria Lucia Barile
- Research Centre for Animal Production and Aquaculture, Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l’Analisi dell’Economia Agraria (CREA), Via Salaria 31, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy
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De Carolis M, Barbato O, Acuti G, Trabalza-Marinucci M, Melo de Sousa N, Canali C, Moscati L. Plasmatic Profile of Pregnancy-Associated Glycoprotein (PAG) during Gestation and Postpartum in Sarda and Lacaune Sheep Determined with Two Radioimmunoassay Systems. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10091502. [PMID: 32854377 PMCID: PMC7552302 DOI: 10.3390/ani10091502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Nowadays the need to optimize and maximize the productivity of dairy sheep leads farmers to plan lambing in specific periods in order to avoid economic loss due to nonproductive animals. The goal is to diagnose pregnancy at early gestation in order to minimize the costs of unproductive animals and to properly formulate rations for the energy requirements of gestating or lactating animals at the same time. Moreover, early pregnancy diagnosis, as well as the possibility of distinguishing between single and multiple gestations, enables farmers to plan the management of lambing well in advance thus minimizing manpower requirements. This study showed, for the first time, the plasmatic profile of PAG (pregnancy-associated glycoproteins) in Sarda and Lacaune ewes during gestation and the postpartum period using two different radioimmune assay (RIA) systems, thus enhancing our knowledge regarding PAG concentrations in domestic ruminants. Moreover, it showed that for both breeds these RIA systems are capable of distinguishing pregnant from nonpregnant ewes starting from day 18 of gestation. Furthermore, the rapid disappearance of PAG concentration following lambing did not require the use of a cut-off limit in postpartum animals as a means for detecting a new pregnancy. Abstract This study was carried out to determine ovine pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (oPAG) levels in the plasma of Sarda and Lacaune ewes throughout gestation and in the first month postpartum, using two heterologous radioimmunoassays (RIA-706 and RIA-srPool) and to study the correlations between PAG levels and fetal gender and number. On Day 18 of pregnancy, PAG concentrations were detected in 90.1% and 80.8% of Sarda pregnant ewes with RIA-706 and RIA-srPool, respectively; and in 90% and in 75% of Lacaune pregnant ewes with RIA-706 and RIA-srPool, respectively. From Day 30, PAG concentrations were detected in all pregnant ewes by using both RIA methods. In the postpartum period, the PAG concentrations in Sarda ewes decreased rapidly reaching minimal levels (<1 ng/mL) on day 28 using both RIA-706 and RIA-srPool. In Lacaune ewes, PAG-706 levels were higher than PAG-srPool from parturition until the last day of observation (Day 28 postpartum). It was also observed that mean concentrations were higher in multiple than in single pregnancies in Sarda and Lacaune ewes. Moreover, due to the rapid disappearance of PAG concentration following lambing, a cut-off limit in postpartum animals was not required as a means for detecting a new pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina De Carolis
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (M.D.C.); (G.A.); (M.T.-M.); (C.C.)
| | - Olimpia Barbato
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (M.D.C.); (G.A.); (M.T.-M.); (C.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-075-585-7640; Fax: +39-075-585-7638
| | - Gabriele Acuti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (M.D.C.); (G.A.); (M.T.-M.); (C.C.)
| | - Massimo Trabalza-Marinucci
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (M.D.C.); (G.A.); (M.T.-M.); (C.C.)
| | - Noelita Melo de Sousa
- Laboratory of Animal Endocrinology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, 4000 Liege, Belgium;
| | - Claudio Canali
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (M.D.C.); (G.A.); (M.T.-M.); (C.C.)
| | - Livia Moscati
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche, via G. Salvemini 1, 06126 Perugia, Italy;
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Pickworth CL, Sheffield J, Poole RK. Pregnancy specific protein B concentration for the prediction of lambing rate in sheep. Small Rumin Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2020.106052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Llanes A, Whisnant CS, Knox WB, Farin CE. Assessment of ovulation synchronization protocols in goats and use of pregnancy specific protein B (PSPB) enzyme linked immunsorbent assay (ELISA) to determine kid number at birth. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2019; 67:54-62. [PMID: 30690258 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The efficacy of several protocols for ovulation synchronization and timed artificial insemination (TAI) in goats was examined. In addition, the relationship between levels of pregnancy specific protein B (PSPB) during gestation assessed with a commercially available ELISA and the number of offspring at birth was determined. In Experiment 1, 70 does were randomized into four treatments: (1) breed by estrus [BBE], (2) 6-d treatment with a new [C6N], (3) once-used [C61], or (4) twice-used Controled Internal Drug Release (CIDR) device [C62)]. BBE does received two 15 mg doses of prostaglandin-F2α (PGF) at a 10-d interval and were bred 12 h after estrus onset. CIDR groups received a CIDR for 6 d with 15 mg PGF given at CIDR removal. TAI was performed 48 h after CIDR removal and does were given 50 μg GnRH. All does were inseminated with a single dose of frozen semen using a non-surgical, transcervical technique. Pregnancy rates for the BBE, C6N, C61 and C62 treatment groups were 39% ± 12%, 64% ± 12%, 77% ± 12% and 57% ± 12%, respectively, and did not differ. Reuse of CIDRs, even with reuse extending for a total of 21 d, was as effective as new CIDRs for synchronization of ovulation. In Experiment 2, 68 does were randomized into four treatments: (1) BBE, (2) C6N, (3) NC.Synch [NCS], (4) modified NCS [NCSM]. The BBE and C6N groups were as described for Experiment 1. The NCS and NCSM groups received 15 mg PGF on Day 1, 50 μg GnRH on Day 8 and 15 mg PGF on Day 15 (NCS) or Day 15.5 (NCSM). Does were bred by TAI at 72 h (NCS) or 60 h (NCSM) after the second PGF injection. All does in the NCS and NCSM groups received 50 μg GnRH at TAI. Pregnancy rates were 53% ± 12%, 30% ± 11%, 50% ± 11% and 41% ± 12% for does in the BBE, C6N, NCS and NCSM group, respectively, and did not differ. In Experiment 3, 62 does pregnant to TAI were bled at Days 48 and 85 post-insemination for PSPB. Data on kid numbers and birth weights were subsequently recorded. At Day 48 of gestation, PSPB levels for does birthing singletons were lower than for does birthing twins or triplets (25.0 ± 0.1a, 28.8 ± 0.1b and 30.7 ± 0b ng/mL, respectively, abP<0.05). At Day 85 of gestation, PSPB levels were progressively greater for does birthing singletons versus twins versus triplets (27.0 ± 0.1a, 28.5 ± 0.1b and 31.6 ± 0c ng/mL, abcP<0.05). In conclusion, PSPB concentrations detected using a commercially available ELISA at Day 48 or 85 of gestation could distinguish does carrying single versus multiple fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Llanes
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - C S Whisnant
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - W B Knox
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - C E Farin
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC.
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Panasiewicz G, Lipka A, Majewska M, Bieniek-Kobuszewska M, Saveljev AP, Szafranska B. Identification of pregnancy-associated glycoprotein family (PAG) in the brown bear (Ursus arctos L.). Acta Histochem 2019; 121:240-247. [PMID: 30616842 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2018.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) are abundant embryo-originated products expressed in the pre-placental trophoblast and, later, in the post-implantational chorionic epithelium of some mammalian species. This paper describes the identification and cellular immunolocalization of the chorionic PAG family in the discoidal-type placenta of the brown bear (Ursus arctos L. - Ua), in which the PAGs were named 'UaPAG-Ls'. The study used: 1) Western blot for total placental glycoproteins; and 2) cross-species heterologous double fluorescent immunohistochemistry (IHC) for cellular immune-localization of the PAGs. This is the first study reporting the identification and immunolocalization of the UaPAG-L family in placental cells during early pregnancy in the brown bear. Our Western analysis revealed a dominant mature 72 kDa UaPAG-L isoform was expressed in all Ua placentas during early pregnancy. Various other UaPAG-L isoforms (16-66 kDa) were also identified. Using IHC, the UaPAG-L proteins were localized to trophectodermal cells (TRD), where signal intensity resembled intense TRD proliferation within developing placenta. The data increases our general knowledge of PAG proteins localized in discoidal-type placenta during early pregnancy in the brown bear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Panasiewicz
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego Str 1A, 10-719 Olsztyn-Kortowo, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Lipka
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Niepodleglosci Str 44, 10-045 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Marta Majewska
- Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Warszawska Str 30, 10-082 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Martyna Bieniek-Kobuszewska
- Department of Dermatology, Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Wojska Polskiego Str 30, 10-229 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Alexander P Saveljev
- Department of Animal Ecology, Russian Research Institute of Game Management and Fur Farming, Preobrazhenskaya Str 79, 610000 Kirov, Russian Federation
| | - Bozena Szafranska
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego Str 1A, 10-719 Olsztyn-Kortowo, Poland
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Williams DK, Pinzón C, Huggins S, Pryor JH, Falck A, Herman F, Oldeschulte J, Chavez MB, Foster BL, White SH, Westhusin ME, Suva LJ, Long CR, Gaddy D. Genetic engineering a large animal model of human hypophosphatasia in sheep. Sci Rep 2018; 8:16945. [PMID: 30446691 PMCID: PMC6240114 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35079-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The availability of tools to accurately replicate the clinical phenotype of rare human diseases is a key step toward improved understanding of disease progression and the development of more effective therapeutics. We successfully generated the first large animal model of a rare human bone disease, hypophosphatasia (HPP) using CRISPR/Cas9 to introduce a single point mutation in the tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP) gene (ALPL) (1077 C > G) in sheep. HPP is a rare inherited disorder of mineral metabolism that affects bone and tooth development, and is associated with muscle weakness. Compared to wild-type (WT) controls, HPP sheep have reduced serum alkaline phosphatase activity, decreased tail vertebral bone size, and metaphyseal flaring, consistent with the mineralization deficits observed in human HPP patients. Computed tomography revealed short roots and thin dentin in incisors, and reduced mandibular bone in HPP vs. WT sheep, accurately replicating odonto-HPP. Skeletal muscle biopsies revealed aberrant fiber size and disorganized mitochondrial cristae structure in HPP vs. WT sheep. These genetically engineered sheep accurately phenocopy human HPP and provide a novel large animal platform for the longitudinal study of HPP progression, as well as other rare human bone diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diarra K Williams
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Carlos Pinzón
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Shannon Huggins
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Jane H Pryor
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Alyssa Falck
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Forrest Herman
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - James Oldeschulte
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Michael B Chavez
- Division of Biosciences, College of Dentistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Brian L Foster
- Division of Biosciences, College of Dentistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Sarah H White
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Mark E Westhusin
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Larry J Suva
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Charles R Long
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Dana Gaddy
- Division of Biosciences, College of Dentistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
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Amorim ST, Kluska S, Berton MP, de Lemos MVA, Peripolli E, Stafuzza NB, Martin JF, Álvarez MS, Gaviña BV, Toro MA, Banchero G, Oliveira PS, Grigoletto L, Eler JP, Baldi F, Ferraz JBS. Genomic study for maternal related traits in Santa Inês sheep breed. Livest Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2018.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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de Miranda E Silva Chaves C, Dias da Costa RL, Roncato Duarte KM, Machado DC, Paro de Paz CC, Beltrame RT. Visual ELISA for detection of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) in ewe serum. Theriogenology 2017; 97:78-82. [PMID: 28583612 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Revised: 04/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficiency of visual ELISA-PAG for early pregnancy diagnosis based on the presence of PAG (pregnancy-associated glycoprotein) using sheep blood serum. Experiment 1: 140 ewes were divided into three groups with different stages of pregnancy. In the first group, 41 pregnant ewes were sampled at 26, 28, 30, and 32 days of pregnancy; in the second group, 65 ewes (49 pregnant with 30 days and 16 non-pregnant) were sampled; in the third group, 34 non-pregnant ewes were sampled. Experiment 2: 10 pregnant ewes were sampled weekly from day 35 of gestation until day 70 post-partum to verify the total period in which PAG can be detected in the blood serum by the test. Transrectal ultrasound was used as a gold standard. The detection or non-detection of PAG was analyzed by the logistic model PROC GENMOD of SAS; differences were detected by the chi-squared test. In group 1, there were no differences between the results from 28, 30, and 32 days of gestation, but samples from 30 days were easier to interpret in comparison to 28 days, with a sensitivity of 97.56%. In the second group, using 65 sheep, visual ELISA-PAG showed 100% sensitivity and 93.75% specificity, which indicates the diagnosis of an animal as a false positive. In the third group, 97.06% of the sheep were confirmed as negative and 2.94% as positive, again indicating the presence of a false positive. In 100% of the sheep, the PAG remained in the blood circulation throughout the antepartum period until birth and seven days post-partum, declining thereafter. Based on our results, the visual ELISA-PAG is an effective method for the early diagnosis of pregnancy in sheep and can be performed from day 30 of gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Renato Travassos Beltrame
- Centro Universitário do Espírito Santo (UNESC), Avenida Fioravante Rossi, 2930, Colatina, ES, 29703-900, Brazil
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Bergfelt DR, Blum JL, Steinetz BG, Steinman KJ, O'Brien JK, Robeck TR. Relaxin as a hormonal aid to evaluate pregnancy and pregnancy loss in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 242:24-29. [PMID: 26724576 PMCID: PMC4919223 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Revised: 11/26/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to critically evaluate weekly and monthly circulating concentrations of immunoreactive relaxin throughout pregnancies that resulted in live births, stillbirths, and abortions in aquarium-based bottlenose dolphins. A relaxin RIA was used to analyze serum collected during 74 pregnancies involving 41 dolphins and 8 estrous cycles as well as 8 non-pregnant dolphins. Pregnancies resulted in live births (n=60), stillbirths (n=7), or abortions (n=7). Relative to parturition (Month 0), monthly changes (P<0.0001) in relaxin was indicated by relatively low concentrations during early pregnancy (Months -12 to -9) which subsequently increased (P<0.05) during mid- (Months -8 to -5) to late (Months -4 to -1) pregnancy; relaxin was highest (P<0.05) at the time of parturition. Post-parturition (Month 1), concentrations decreased (P<0.05). During the first 4weeks post-ovulation, relaxin concentrations were not different between pregnant and non-pregnant dolphins (status-by-week interaction, P=0.59). Status-by-month interaction (P<0.0002) involving different pregnancy outcomes was due, impart, to an increase in relaxin during early pregnancy (P<0.05) that was comparable among dolphins with live births, stillbirths, and abortions except concentrations were lower (P<0.05; 52%) at mid-pregnancy in association with pregnancy loss. Thereafter, concentrations increased (P<0.05) during late pregnancy in dolphins with stillbirths but not in dolphins with abortions. In conclusion, this study provided new information on the pregnancy-specific nature of relaxin, critical evaluation of the fundamental characteristics of relaxin during pregnancy and pregnancy loss, and clarification on the strengths and limitations of relaxin as a diagnostic aid to determine pregnancy status and assess maternal-fetal health in bottlenose dolphins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Don R Bergfelt
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre KN 00265, Saint Kitts and Nevis, West Indies.
| | - Jason L Blum
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, Tuxedo, NY 10987, United States.
| | - Bernard G Steinetz
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, Tuxedo, NY 10987, United States.
| | - Karen J Steinman
- SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Reproductive Research Center, San Diego, CA 92109, United States.
| | - Justin K O'Brien
- SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Reproductive Research Center, San Diego, CA 92109, United States.
| | - Todd R Robeck
- SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Reproductive Research Center, San Diego, CA 92109, United States.
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Bergfelt DR, Peter AT, Beg MA. Relaxin: a hormonal aid to diagnose pregnancy status in wild mammalian species. Theriogenology 2014; 82:1187-98. [PMID: 25234789 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Revised: 07/26/2014] [Accepted: 07/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In the beginning of 1960s, seminal studies characterizing circulating concentrations of immunoreactive relaxin in companion dogs and evaluating the differences in concentrations among pregnant, nonpregnant, and pseudopregnant bitches indicated the potential for relaxin to be applied clinically as a diagnostic aid to detect pregnancy status in wild animal species. A brief historical overview of the nature of relaxin and early work to develop and validate immunologic methods to analyze relaxin in the blood of rodents and pigs is initially discussed, which is followed by a summary of the development and validation of relaxin immunoassays to diagnose pregnancy in companion dogs and cats. Thereafter, observation of the pregnancy-specific increase in circulating concentrations of relaxin in laboratory, companion, and farm animal species leads to discussion on the application of radioimmunoassays, enzyme immunoassays, and a rapid immunomigration assay to diagnose pregnancy in wild terrestrial (e.g., wolves, lions, elephants, rhinoceros, panda) and marine (e.g., seals, dolphins) mammal species. A reference table is included with a comprehensive list of numerous species and essential reagents that have been used in various in-house and commercial immunoassays to successfully analyze relaxin quantitatively and qualitatively in blood (serum or plasma) and to some extent in urine. Although the detection of relaxin concentrations has the potential to aid in the diagnosis of pregnancy in many wild animal species, there are challenges in other species. Future efforts should focus on validation of nonradiolabeled relaxin immunoassays for broader application among species and improving techniques (e.g., extraction, purification) to analyze relaxin in samples other than blood (e.g., urine, feces, saliva, blow, skin, blubber) that can be collected in a less-invasive or -stressful manner and processed accordingly for basic and applied purposes, especially with application toward conservation of threatened or endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Don R Bergfelt
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St Kitts, West Indies.
| | - Augustine T Peter
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Mohd A Beg
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) pattern and pregnancy detection in Boer goats using an ELISA with different antisera. Small Rumin Res 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2013.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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13
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Purification of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins from late-pregnancy Bubalus bubalis placentas and development of a radioimmunoassay for pregnancy diagnosis in water buffalo females. BMC Vet Res 2013; 9:89. [PMID: 23634647 PMCID: PMC3661400 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-9-89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2012] [Accepted: 04/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) were first described as placental antigens present in the blood serum of the mother soon after implantation. Here, we describe the purification of several pregnancy-associated glycoproteins from water buffalo placenta (wbPAGs). A specific radioimmunoassay (RIA) was developed for early pregnancy diagnosis in buffalo species. Results Amino-terminal microsequencing of immunoreactive placental proteins allowed the identification of eleven wbPAGs sequences [Swiss-Prot accession numbers: P86369 to P86379]. Three polyclonal antisera (AS#858, AS#859 and AS#860) were raised in rabbits against distinct wbPAG fractions. A new RIA (RIA-860) was developed and used to distinguish between pregnant (n = 33) and non-pregnant (n = 26) water buffalo females. Conclusions Our results confirmed the multiplicity of PAG expression in buffalo placenta. In addition, the RIA-860 system was shown to be sensitive, linear, reproducible, accurate and specific in measuring PAG concentrations in buffalo plasma samples from Day 37 of gestation onwards.
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Nguyen VH, Barbato O, Bui XN, Beckers JF, de Sousa NM. Assessment of pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) concentrations in swamp buffalo samples from fetal and maternal origins by using interspecies antisera. Anim Sci J 2012; 83:683-9. [PMID: 23035707 DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-0929.2012.01009.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAG) constitute a large family of glycoproteins found in the outer placental epithelial cell layer of the placenta in Eutherian species. In ruminants, they are noted to be structurally closely related among the different species. This study was designed to determine PAG concentrations in maternal and fetal plasma, allantoic and amniotic fluids in buffalo species. Antisera (AS) generated in rabbits against distinct PAG molecules were used in three radioimmunoassay (RIA)-PAG systems: RIA-1 (antiserum raised against bovine PAG67kDa; AS#497), RIA-2 (antiserum raised against caprine PAG55 + 62 kDa; AS#706) or RIA-3 (antiserum raised against buffalo PAG; AS#859). Samples were collected at a slaughterhouse (n = 67). PAG concentrations determined by RIA-2 gave significantly higher results in both allantoic and amniotic fluids (12.7 ± 2.1 ng/mL and 24.0 ± 7.3 ng/mL, respectively). Regarding maternal and fetal plasma, PAG concentrations obtained by RIA-2 (21.8 ± 2.4 ng/mL and 20.2 ± 2.5 ng/mL, respectively) and RIA-3 (25.0 ± 2.2 ng/mL and 21.9 ± 3.2 ng/mL, respectively) were higher than those obtained by RIA-1 (15.5 ± 1.4 ng/mL and 16.1 ± 1.8 ng/mL, respectively). The correlation among the three systems was very high. The study clearly reveals the ability of different PAG-RIA systems to measure PAG concentration in swamp buffalo samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van Hanh Nguyen
- Laboratory of Embryo Biotechnology-Institute of Biotechnology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam.
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Constant F, Camous S, Chavatte-Palmer P, Heyman Y, de Sousa N, Richard C, Beckers J, Guillomot M. Altered secretion of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins during gestation in bovine somatic clones. Theriogenology 2011; 76:1006-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2011] [Revised: 04/22/2011] [Accepted: 04/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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16
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Friedrich M, Holtz W. Establishment of an ELISA for Measuring Bovine Pregnancy-Associated Glycoprotein in Serum or Milk and Its Application for Early Pregnancy Detection. Reprod Domest Anim 2010; 45:142-6. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01287.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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17
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Charallah S, Amirat Z, Sulon J, Khammar F, Beckers JF. Pregnancy-Associated Glycoprotein and Progesterone Concentrations during Pregnancy Failure in Bedouin Goat from the Southwest of Algeria. Reprod Domest Anim 2009; 45:e231-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2009.01511.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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18
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Kiewisz J, Sousa NMD, Beckers J, Panasiewicz G, Gizejewski Z, Szafranska B. Identification of multiple pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) purified from the European bison (Eb; Bison bonasus L.) placentas. Anim Reprod Sci 2009; 112:229-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2008.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2008] [Revised: 04/11/2008] [Accepted: 04/23/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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19
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Guignot F, Baril G, Dupont F, Cognie Y, Folch J, Alabart JL, Poulin N, Beckers JF, Bed'hom B, Babilliot JM, Mermillod P. Determination of sex and scrapie resistance genotype in preimplantation ovine embryos. Mol Reprod Dev 2009; 76:183-90. [PMID: 18543282 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to test the accuracy of genotype diagnosis after pre-amplification of DNA extracted from biopsies obtained by microblade cutting of ovine embryos and to evaluate the viability of biopsied embryos after vitrification/warming and transfer to recipients. Sex and PrP genotypes were determined. Sex diagnosis was done by PCR amplification of ZFX/ZFY and SRY sequences after PEP-PCR while PrP genotype determination was performed after specific pre-amplification of specific target including codons 136, 154 and 171. Embryos were collected at Day 7 after oestrus. Blastocysts and expanded blastocysts were biopsied immediately after collection whereas compacted morulae were biopsied after 24 hr of in vitro culture. Eighty-nine biopsied embryos were frozen by vitrification. Fresh and vitrified whole embryos were kept as control. DNA of biopsies was extracted and pre-amplified. Sex diagnosis was efficient for 96.6% of biopsies and PrP genotyping was determined in 95.8% of codons. After embryo transfer, no significant difference was observed in lambing rate between biopsied, vitrified control and fresh embryos (54.5%, 60% and 66.6%, respectively). Embryo survival rate was not different between biopsied and whole vitrified embryos (P = 0.38). At birth, 96.7% of diagnosed sex and 95.4% of predetermined codons were correct. Lamb PrP profiles were in agreement with parental genotype. PEP-PCR coupled with sex diagnosis and nested PCR coupled with PrP genotype predetermination are very accurate techniques to genotype ovine embryo before transfer. These original results allow planning of selection of resistant genotype to scrapie and sex of offspring before transfer of cryopreserved embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Guignot
- UMR INRA-CNRS-Université de Tours-Haras Nationaux, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France.
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Batista M, Niño T, Alamo D, González F, Santana M, Rodríguez N, Cabrera F, Gracia A. Use of Luprostiol and Cloprostenol for Induction of Parturition in Pregnant Goats. Reprod Domest Anim 2009; 44:83-7. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2007.01001.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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21
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Chentouf M, El Amiri B, Sulon J, Beckers JF, Kirschvink N, Boulanouar B, Bister JL. Pregnancy-Associated Glycoprotein Secretion in North Moroccan Goats. Reprod Domest Anim 2008; 43:696-700. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2007.00973.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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22
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Garbayo JM, Serrano B, Lopez-Gatius F. Identification of novel pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAG) expressed by the peri-implantation conceptus of domestic ruminants. Anim Reprod Sci 2008; 103:120-34. [PMID: 17204380 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2006.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2006] [Revised: 11/21/2006] [Accepted: 12/04/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAG) are a multigene family, related to aspartic proteinases, expressed in the placenta of artiodactyls. Ruminant PAG expression varies spatially as well as temporally during gestation. The aim of this study was the identification of novel PAG expressed around implantation in domestic ruminants and to study their phylogenetic relationships. Day 12, 14, 17 (ovine); day 15, 18 (bovine); and day 12, 14, 15, 16, 18 (caprine) conceptuses were used for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) performed on RNA extracted from conceptuses pooled on each day of recovery. In ovine, a single PAG was detected on day 14, ovPAG2, from the PAG II group. On day 17, three more PAG were identified. One of them similar to ovPAG1 and two unknown named as ovPAG10 and ovPAG11, apparently from the PAG I group. In bovine, PAG expression was detected by day 15 and two transcripts were identified on day 18. One, boPAG2, from the PAG II group and other was previously unknown, boPAG22, closest to boPAG2. In goats, PAG expression was not detected on non-elongated conceptuses (days 12, 14 and 15). Two different transcripts were identified in both day 16 and 18 elongated conceptuses, one similar to caPAG2, from the PAG II group, whereas the other, caPAG12, apparently from the PAG I group, was previously unknown. Interestingly, the three new early PAG identified in sheep and goats are clustered together within the PAG I group. In summary, a complement of new PAGs expressed at implantation in domestic ruminants has been cloned.
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Karen A, Darwish S, Ramoun A, Tawfeek K, Van Hanh N, de Sousa NM, Sulon J, Szenci O, Beckers JF. Accuracy of ultrasonography and pregnancy-associated glycoprotein test for pregnancy diagnosis in buffaloes. Theriogenology 2007; 68:1150-5. [PMID: 17884156 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2007.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2007] [Revised: 08/05/2007] [Accepted: 08/09/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The aims of the present study were to evaluate and compare the accuracy of transrectal ultrasonography and pregnancy-associated glycoprotein radioimmunoassay (PAG-RIA) test for diagnosis of pregnancy in buffaloes. Two hundred and seventy-five buffalo cows and heifers were examined once for pregnancy diagnosis by transrectal ultrasonography using a 5 MHz linear-array transducer between Days 19 and 55 after mating. After ultrasound scanning, a blood sample was withdrawn from jugular vein of each animal for measuring pregnancy-associated glycoprotein using a heterologous double-antibody RIA. Based on palpation of the uterus per rectum at Days 75-90, 87 animals were designated pregnant and 188 as non-pregnant. The sensitivity of transrectal ultrasonography at Days 19-24 was 44.4%, reaching 100% from Day 31 after mating. The specificity of transrectal ultrasonography ranged between 92.5 and 100% from Days 19 to 55 after mating. The sensitivity of PAG-RIA test was 11.1% at Days 19-24 and reached 100% from Day 31 after mating. The specificity of PAG-RIA test ranged from 90 to 100% from Days 19 to 55 after mating. There were no significant differences between the sensitivity and specificity of the two tests in all examined periods. In conclusion, transrectal ultrasonography and PAG-RIA test are highly accurate tests for detecting pregnant buffaloes from Day 31 after mating onwards.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Karen
- Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafr El-Sheikh University, Egypt.
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24
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Ayad A, Sousa NM, Sulon J, Iguer-Ouada M, Beckers JF. Comparison of five radioimmunoassay systems for PAG measurement: ability to detect early pregnancy in cows. Reprod Domest Anim 2007; 42:433-40. [PMID: 17635783 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2006.00804.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to describe the minimum detection limit, reproducibility, accuracy, specificity and parallelism of different pregnancy-associated glycoprotein radioimmunoassay (PAG-RIA) systems: RIA-497, RIA-706, RIA-780, RIA-809 and RIA-Pool. Their ability to distinguish between non-pregnant and pregnant females at day 30 after artificial insemination (AI) was investigated. The antisera were raised in rabbits against different PAG preparations. All RIA systems proved to be sensitive, repeatable and accurate for measuring PAG concentrations. The dilutions of plasma samples taken at an early stage of pregnancy were found to be parallel to the standard curves. No cross-reaction was observed with different carbohydrates, either with Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotropin (PMSG) or human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG). The concentrations of PAG in pregnant females at day 30 after AI were shown to be higher with the use of antisera R#706, R#780, R#809 and Pool when compared with antiserum R#497. All the RIA systems gave 100% sensitivity and negative predictive values. On the other hand, the use of antisera R#780 and R#809 resulted in lower specificity and positive predictive values. The present study clearly shows that the ability of PAG-RIA systems to diagnose pregnancy specifically at day 30 after AI can be improved by using a combination of antisera raised against different forms of PAG.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ayad
- Laboratory of Physiology of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
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El Amiri B, Karen A, Sulon J, Melo de Sousa N, Alvarez-Oxiley AV, Cognié Y, Szenci O, Beckers JF. Measurement of Ovine Pregnancy-Associated Glycoprotein (PAG) During Early Pregnancy in Lacaune Sheep. Reprod Domest Anim 2007; 42:257-62. [PMID: 17506803 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2006.00761.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study describes ovine pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (ovPAG) concentrations in 20 Lacaune sheep during early pregnancy. Measurements were performed by using semi-purified ovPAG as standard, tracer and immunogens for antibody production in rabbits. Antisera R780 (against ovPAG(57+59kDa)) and R805 (against ovPAG5(58+61kDa)) were used respectively in RIA-780 and RIA-805. Blood samples were collected at days 0, 18, 20, 22 and 25 after artificial insemination. From day 18 after breeding onward, the mean ovPAG concentration was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in plasma samples from pregnant ewes (n = 17) than in non-pregnant ones (n = 3). The specific activity of the tracer was 11 760 Ci/mmol in RIA-780 and 14 900 Ci/mmol in RIA-805. The minimal detection limits for RIA-780 and RIA-805 were 0.2 ng/ml and 0.3 ng/ml, respectively. The intra-assay CV of samples with low (1.0 ng/ml), medium (2.5 ng/ml) and high (4.0 ng/ml) PAG concentrations were 3%, 6% and 9% for RIA-780 and 8%, 9% and 5% for RIA-805. The inter-assay CV in the same samples were 13%, 12% and 7% for RIA-780 and 13%, 11% and 5% for RIA-805. The recovery was higher than 95% in both assays. No cross-reaction was observed with members of aspartic proteinase family as well as with other tested proteins. In both RIA-780 and RIA-805, inhibition of the binding of the tracer by antisera was parallel between standard curve and serial dilutions of pregnant ewe samples. In conclusion, the two homologous RIA systems are suitable for early quantification of ovPAG concentrations in ewe plasma samples from day 18 after breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- B El Amiri
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
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Guignot F, Bouttier A, Baril G, Salvetti P, Pignon P, Beckers JF, Touzé JL, Cognié J, Traldi AS, Cognié Y, Mermillod P. Improved vitrification method allowing direct transfer of goat embryos. Theriogenology 2006; 66:1004-11. [PMID: 16581117 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2006.02.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2005] [Revised: 02/24/2006] [Accepted: 02/26/2006] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to design a vitrification method suited to field embryo transfer experiments in goat. In a first experiment, a standard vitrification protocol, previously designed for sheep embryos was compared to slow freezing of goat embryos. No significant difference was observed on kidding rate (48% versus 69%, respectively), nor on embryo survival rate (35% versus 45%). Second experiment: all embryos were vitrified. After warming, embryos were either transferred directly (direct transfer), or after in vitro dilution of the cryoprotectants (conventional transfer). The kidding rate was not affected by the transfer method (38% versus 23%, respectively). However, embryo survival rate tended to be higher after direct transfer (26% versus 14%). Third experiment: OPS vitrification was compared to standard vitrification. The kidding rate was not affected (22% versus 39%, respectively), but the embryo survival rate was lower after OPS (14% versus 28%). Fourth experiment: 0.4M sucrose was added with cryoprotectants in vitrification. The kidding rate after direct transfer was significantly enhanced after addition of sucrose (56% versus 27%, respectively), whereas embryo survival rate was not significantly affected (32% versus 18%). Fifth experiment: vitrification with sucrose supplementation was compared to slow freezing. No significant difference was observed after direct transfer on kidding rate (52% versus 31%, respectively), but embryo survival rate tended to be higher after vitrification (34% versus 21%). In conclusion, our results indicate that addition of 0.4M sucrose in association with direct transfer improves significantly the viability of goat vitrified embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Guignot
- INRA-CNRS-Université de Tours-Haras Nationaux, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, 37380 Nouzilly, France.
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Ledezma-Torres RA, Beckers JF, Holtz W. Assessment of plasma profile of pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) in sheep with a heterologous (anti-caPAG55+59) RIA and its potential for diagnosing pregnancy. Theriogenology 2006; 66:906-12. [PMID: 16566995 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2006.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2005] [Revised: 02/13/2006] [Accepted: 02/16/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the present investigation was to generate pregnancy associated glycoprotein (PAG)-profiles throughout pregnancy in a heterogenous sample of sheep using a radioimmunoassay with a heterologous antibody (anti-caPAG(55+59), #708) and utilize them for the purpose of pregnancy detection. From 2 weeks after the introduction of males into the breeding herd until 4 weeks after parturition, weekly blood samples were collected from 66 pregnant and 25 non-pregnant ewes of various breeds. Between 3 and 5 weeks after conception, plasma PAG levels increased, remained almost stable until week 17, then continued to increase, culminating in a drastic surge during the last 2 weeks of pregnancy. By 4 weeks of gestation, the plasma PAG level exceeded the level typical for non-pregnant ewes by five standard deviations, permitting a reliable pregnancy diagnosis. Plasma PAG levels were higher in twin-bearing ewes than in ewes carrying a single lamb, differences getting more evident as pregnancy proceeded. Neither breed and parity of the mother nor sex and weight of lambs borne exerted a significant effect. The heterologous assay system utilizing a caprine antibody proved to deliver results that are more consistent and less depending on various variables than those used in other studies. It may be concluded that, at the present state of development, the assay provides a reliable means of diagnosing pregnancy in sheep from the 4th week after they have been bred onward.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Ledezma-Torres
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nuevo León, Monterrey, NL, Mexico
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Szafranska B, Panasiewicz G, Dabrowski M, Majewska M, Gizejewski Z, Beckers JF. Chorionic mRNA expression and N-glycodiversity of pregnancy-associated glycoprotein family (PAG) of the European bison (Bison bonasus). Anim Reprod Sci 2005; 88:225-43. [PMID: 16143214 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2004.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2004] [Revised: 11/16/2004] [Accepted: 12/16/2004] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Placental PAG mRNA expression and N-glycodiversity of multiple PAG proteins secreted in vitro by trophectoderm (chorion epithelium) of wild pecoran Bovidae taxons was not examined previously. The study on European bison (Eb) aimed: (1) to determine placental PAG mRNA expression by in situ hybridisation; (2) to identify a profile of pecoran PAG protein family secreted in vitro by cotyledonary (CT) explants; (3) to examine N-glycodiversity of the PAG proteins in this wild taxon. In addition, we compared (4) a profile and N-glycodiversity of the PAG protein family secreted in vitro by CT and interCT-trophectoderm (intCT-TRD) explants of domestic ruminants. Cotyledonary sections of the Eb were used for in situ hybridisation (ISH) with (35)S-labelled probes produced with porcine PAG cDNA as templates. Various CT and intCT-TRD explants were long-term cultured in vitro. Chorionic proteins were isolated from media, ultra-filtrated (>10 kDa MWCO) and analysed by PAGE-Western blotting with various polyclonal anti-PAG sera. Protein samples with or without enzymatic deglycosylation were examined after different times of explant cultures. Released chorionic proteins were deglycosylated by N-glycanase F (PNGase F+) and compared to glycosylated forms (PNGase F-). This is the first paper demonstrating the PAG-like mRNA transcript expression (by ISH) and N-glycodiversity of immuno-reactive PAG-like proteins (produced in vitro by chorionic explants) of European bison. Various PAG proteins of Eb (EbPAG) were secreted by CT explants during long-term in vitro studies. Major approximately 78, approximately 67 and approximately 65 kDa EbPAG-like proteins were reduced by enzymatic deglycosylation (at least by 10 kDa). Considerably smaller amounts of approximately 45 kDa EbPAG-like proteins were also observed. In addition, we have found that various PAG proteins (30-73 kDa) were secreted by bovine CT explants, during long-term in vitro cultures. Corresponding amounts of PAG proteins, similar in M(r), were also secreted by intCT-TRD explants, whose tissues were not utilised for PAG protein extraction during other scientists' previous studies. It seems that the M(r)-heterogeneity and N-glycodiversity of the PAG protein family can play very important role during feto-placental interactions in Bovidae species.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Szafranska
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warmia and Mazury, Oczapowskiego, Poland.
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Ropstad E, Veiberg V, Säkkinen H, Dahl E, Kindahl H, Holand O, Beckers JF, Eloranta E. Endocrinology of pregnancy and early pregnancy detection by reproductive hormones in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus). Theriogenology 2005; 63:1775-88. [PMID: 15763117 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2004.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2004] [Revised: 08/03/2004] [Accepted: 08/25/2004] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The endocrinology was studied throughout pregnancy in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) located in Oulu, Finland (65 degrees N, 25 degrees E) with 13 captive, semi domestic adult females. Blood samples were analyzed for plasma progesterone (P4), estradiol (E2) and estrone sulphate (E1SO4), 15-ketodihydro-PGF2alpha (PG-metabolite) and pregnancy associated glycoproteins (PAG). The mean plasma P4 concentration peaked twice during gestation: at around 24 and three weeks prior to calving. In pregnant females the plasma PAG concentration increased over basal concentrations 21-30 days after the estimated day of conception and peaked at the time of calving. The concentrations of E2 and E1SO4 remained low until 60 days before calving when a rapid increase was found for both hormones. The mean plasma concentration of PG-metabolite increased throughout pregnancy to a maximum at parturition. The estimated mean (range) gestation length was 216 (212-220) days. Judged from measures on reproductive organs collected from 86 free-ranging, semi-domestic female reindeer of unknown age presented for slaughter at Roros, Norway (63 degrees N, 11 degrees E) in the second week of December 1999, it was concluded that the breeding season lasted from early September until the end of November. The results also showed that plasma PAG concentration could provide a tool for detection of pregnancy in reindeer.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Ropstad
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, P.O. Box 8146 Dep., NO-0033 Oslo, Norway.
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Faye D, Sulon J, Kane Y, Beckers JF, Leak S, Kaboret Y, de Sousa NM, Losson B, Geerts S. Effects of an experimental Trypanosoma congolense infection on the reproductive performance of West African Dwarf goats. Theriogenology 2004; 62:1438-51. [PMID: 15451252 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2004.02.007] [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] [Received: 09/07/2003] [Revised: 02/12/2004] [Accepted: 02/15/2004] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Thirty-six West African Dwarf (WAD) goats were used to assess the effects of an experimental Trypanosoma congolense infection on their reproductive system. Estrous cycles were synchronised and when confirmed pregnant (n = 31), the does were randomly allocated into control and trypanosome-infected groups. After infection, the animals were carefully observed till parturition. Trypanosome infection caused an increase of rectal temperature, a significant drop in PCV (infected: 23.3 +/- 0.3%; control: 28.5 +/- 0.4%; P < 0.0001) and abortions in 27.8% of the infected does. Kids born from infected does had a lower birth weight than kids born from control goats (0.9 +/- 0.1 kg versus 1.6 +/- 0.1 kg; P < 0.0001). Eight out of 13 kids (61.5%) that were born alive from infected does died during their first week of life. Plasma pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) and progesterone concentrations were lower in the infected animals than in the controls. In general, PAG concentration in does which aborted dropped before abortion. Our results revealed that artificial T. congolense infection affected reproductive performance of WAD goats with abortions, premature births and perinatal losses being observed. Neither transplacental transmission of T. congolense nor histopathological lesions of the placenta could be demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Déthié Faye
- International Trypanotolerance Centre, PMB 14, Banjul, The Gambia
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32
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González F, Cabrera F, Batista M, Rodríguez N, Alamo D, Sulon J, Beckers JF, Gracia A. A comparison of diagnosis of pregnancy in the goat via transrectal ultrasound scanning, progesterone, and pregnancy-associated glycoprotein assays. Theriogenology 2004; 62:1108-15. [PMID: 15289050 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2003.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2003] [Revised: 12/19/2003] [Accepted: 12/22/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Real-time ultrasound scanning (US) via the transrectal route, progesterone (P4) assay, and pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) detection can be used to diagnose pregnancy at around 3 weeks after breeding. Although several studies have been carried out to evaluate each of these different methods individually, it is difficult to establish adequate comparisons due to differences, such as the breed of goat, age, and farming conditions, among others. The aim of the present paper is to compare the accuracy of diagnosis of pregnancy using transrectal US, P4 assay and PAG detection at the same time and on the same animals. Canary dairy goats (n=143) were synchronized with an 11-day fluorogestone acetate (FGA) intravaginal sponge followed by PGF2alpha and eCG 2 days before the FGA withdrawal. Blood samples were collected on Days 20, 22, 24, and 26 after mating to determine P4 and PAG concentrations. Transrectal US examinations were performed at the same time. There were 79 pregnant goats and another 64 non-pregnant. The US via the transrectal method and the determination of PAG concentrations provide very accurate pregnancy diagnosis at 24-26 days after breeding; on the contrary, P4 assay on plasma samples performed on Day 22 after breeding was accurate, in this case, in detecting pregnant animals but did not always detect the non-pregnant does.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando González
- Reproduction and Obstetrics, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35416 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain.
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33
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Karen A, Beckers JF, Sulon J, de Sousa NM, Szabados K, Reczigel J, Szenci O. Early pregnancy diagnosis in sheep by progesterone and pregnancy-associated glycoprotein tests. Theriogenology 2003; 59:1941-8. [PMID: 12600731 DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(02)01289-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [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 compare the accuracy of the progesterone (P4) and pregnancy associated glycoprotein (PAG) tests for determination of early pregnancy in sheep. Estrus was synchronized in 182 Awassi x Merino ewes and blood samples were collected at Days 0 (day of the insemination), 18, 22, 29, 36, and 50 after artificial insemination (AI). Plasma P4 concentrations at Days 0 and 18 were determined by double antibody radioimmunoassay, while PAG concentrations at Days 22, 29, 36 and 50 were determined by a heterologous, double-antibody radioimmunoassay (RIA) using the bovine PAG 67 kDa subunit as tracer and standard and rabbit antiserum raised against a mixture of caprine 55 and 59 kDa PAG subunits as the first antibody. The discriminatory value for diagnosis of pregnancy by the P4 and the PAG-RIA tests was > or = 1 ng/ml. Based on lambing data, the accuracy for diagnosing pregnant (sensitivity) and non-pregnant ewes (specificity) and predictivity of both tests were calculated. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for P4 and PAG tests were 100, 95.4, 81.6, and 100% at Day 18 (P4) and 93.5, 100, 100 and 98.7% at Day 22 (PAG), respectively. For diagnosis of non-pregnant ewes the PAG test had significantly higher specificity than the P4 test (P < 0.05). It is concluded that ovine pregnancy can be reliably diagnosed at Day 22 after AI by using a heterologous radioimmunoassay of PAG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aly Karen
- Clinic for Large Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, H-2225 Ullo-Dóra Major, Hungary.
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de Sousa NM, Zongo M, Pitala W, Boly H, Sawadogo L, Sanon M, de Figueiredo JR, Gonçalves PBD, El Amiri B, Perènyi Z, Beckers JF. Pregnancy-associated glycoprotein concentrations during pregnancy and the postpartum period in Azawak Zebu cattle. Theriogenology 2003; 59:1131-42. [PMID: 12527062 DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(02)01160-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Specific RIA systems were developed and used to measure pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) concentrations during gestation and the postpartum period in Azawak Zebu cows. Twelve females were palpated per rectum and diagnosed as pregnant. Blood samples were taken at 5-10-day intervals from approximately Week 8 of gestation until Week 10 postpartum (pp). One Zebu cow (Z15) initially diagnosed as pregnant showed PAG concentrations lower than the assay sensitivity (<0.20 ng/ml) and did not calve. Another cow (ZSand) showed abnormally high PAG concentrations during gestation and was excluded from the general PAG profile. The 10 other Zebu cows exhibited a very similar PAG profile. In these animals, concentrations increased progressively from Week 8 to 35 of gestation (from 6.0+/-4.2 to 196.0+/-34.8 ng/ml), remaining relatively constant until Week 39 (210.8+/-74.8 ng/ml), when they increased sharply to reach their highest level (1095.6+/-607.2 ng/ml) at around parturition. After delivery, PAG concentrations declined significantly (P<0.05) until Week 2 postpartum (348.4+/-85.6 ng/ml) and slowly until Week 10 postpartum. Our results revealed that the PAG pattern in Zebu cattle was similar to those of taurine breeds during the first two trimesters of pregnancy, but differed in the peripartum period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelita Melo de Sousa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil
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35
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El Amiri B, Remy B, Sousa NM, Joris B, Ottiers NG, Perenyi Z, Mboko HB, Beckers JF. Isolation and partial characterization of three pregnancy-associated glycoproteins from the ewe placenta. Mol Reprod Dev 2003; 64:199-206. [PMID: 12506352 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.10246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) are synthesized in the outer epithelial layer of the placenta in artiodactyls. In this work, three novel ovine PAGs were isolated from late-pregnancy fetal cotyledons and characterized biochemically. The isolation procedure included acid and ammonium sulfate precipitations and anion and cation exchange chromatographies. The isolated PAGs have different NH(2)-terminal amino acid sequences (RGSXLTILPLRNMRDIVY, ISRVSXLTIHPLRNIMDML, and RGSNLTIHPLRNIRD) and apparent molecular masses (55, 57, and 59 kDa). Each shows several isoforms with different pI values. The three proteins share high sequence identity with each other and with other ovine, bovine, and caprine PAGs. They have not been described previously. The ovPAG-59 sequence differs from the previously identified ovPAG-4 sequence (determined by DNA cloning and sequencing) at only one position among the 15 N-terminal residues. The newly characterized ovPAGs and the procedure used to isolate them will be helpful in producing new antisera for investigating PAG secretion in pregnant ewes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bouchra El Amiri
- University of Liege, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Physiology of Reproduction, Liege, Belgium
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Szafrañska B, Panasiewicz G. The placental expression of the porcine pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (pPAG) gene family examined in situ and in vitro. Anim Reprod Sci 2002; 72:95-113. [PMID: 12106969 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-4320(02)00066-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the study was to define the expression of the porcine pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (pPAG) gene family, including pPAG1, pPAG2, pPAG3, pPAG4 and pPAG6 that belong to the aspartic proteinase family. Porcine pPAG2, PAG4 and pPAG6 are members of a subfamily (pPAG2-like), which all have highly conserved sequences to pepsins, within two catalytic domains, suggesting enzymatic activity of these molecules. In contrast, pPAG1 and pPAG3 have catalytic sites with critical amino acid substitutions that likely render these molecules enzymatically inactive. The expression of pPAG mRNA was examined by using in situ hybridisation (ISH) in placental tissues or cultured cells and by ribonuclease protection assay (RPA). The pPAG protein family, secreted in vitro during long-term cultures, was examined using Western blotting. The trophoblastic pPAG mRNA expression starts around implantation and is continued in chorionic epithelium (trophectoderm) throughout pregnancy. ISH performed on porcine placental sections with pPAG antisense cDNA probes revealed an expression of pPAG transcripts, locally restricted only to trophectoderm. The pPAG2-like mRNA expression occurred in different trophectoderm cells. Some trophoblast cells were bigger than others and were involved in local rearrangements of maternal epithelium layer, especially in developing placental folds. A high similarity of dominating pPAG2-like transcript expression was confirmed by RPA analysis. Cultures of trophoblast cells revealed their differentiation to multinucleated forms that were not observed in situ. This confirms a strong inhibitory effect of the maternal microenvironment of uterine lumen on mononuclear trophoblast within porcine placental units that was not present during the development of multinucleated trophoblast cells in vitro. Long-term cultures of chorionic explants revealed a very efficient system of pPAG protein production in vitro. Western blotting of secretory pPAG proteins indicated similar immunologic epitope(s) of these molecules and pregnancy-stage dependent profile of chorionic secretion. Thus, some of the subpopulation(s) of porcine trophoblast cells expressing pPAG2-like transcripts and their secretory products can play an important role(s) in the mechanism(s) of the confrontation between trophoblast/trophectoderm cells and maternal endometrial epithelium during implantation, placenta formation and successful pregnancy maintenance in the pig.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bozena Szafrañska
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-718 Olsztyn-Kortowo, Oczapowskiego 5, Poland.
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Perényi ZS, Szenci O, Sulon J, Drion PV, Beckers JF. Comparison of the ability of three radioimmunoassay to detect pregnancy-associated glycoproteins in bovine plasma. Reprod Domest Anim 2002; 37:100-4. [PMID: 11975748 DOI: 10.1046/j.1439-0531.2002.00341.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
CONTENTS Pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) constitute a large family of glycoproteins that are synthesized in the superficial layer of the ruminant placenta according to a spatial and temporal expression pattern. When PAGs are released in the maternal blood they can be used for pregnancy diagnosis, pregnancy follow-up and for the monitoring of the trophoblastic function. Three different radioimmunoassay systems (RIA 1, RIA 2 and RIA 3) using antisera produced against PAG I67 (RIA 1), PAG55+62 (RIA 2) and PAG55+59 (RIA 3) were used in this investigation in order to measure the PAG concentration in plasma samples withdrawn from pregnant cows and heifers during different periods following artificial insemination (AI). These systems were able to detect PAG molecules in the maternal blood as early as 21 days after AI in different concentrations (RIA 1: 0.43 +/- 0.24 ng/ml, mean +/- SD; RIA 2: 0.48 +/- 0.24 ng/ml; RIA 3: 0.64 +/- 0.37 ng/ml). On days 32 and 42 RIA 2 (4.30 +/- 1.32 ng/ml and 5.56 +/- 1.95 ng/ml) and RIA 3 (4.17 +/- 1.15 ng/ml and 5.60 +/- 1.89 ng/ml) presented significantly (p < 0.0001) higher PAG concentrations than those of RIA 1 (2.43 +/- 0.81 ng/ml and 4.01 +/- 1.48 ng/ml), respectively. After day 21, significant correlations (p < 0.0001; r >/= 0.929) were determined between the three systems. Additionally the three individual PAG profiles presented in this study showed that PAG molecules secreted in the maternal blood between 21 and 50 days after AI were better recognized by the RIA 2 and RIA 3 systems. This study clearly indicated that the ability of a RIA test to recognize PAG molecules in the maternal blood can be improved by carefully selecting the antiserum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z S Perényi
- Department of Physiology of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, Belgium
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González F, Sulon J, Calero P, Batista M, Gracia A, Beckers JF. Pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAG) detection in milk samples for pregnancy diagnosis in dairy goats. Theriogenology 2001; 56:671-6. [PMID: 11572447 DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(01)00598-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
In ruminants, glycoproteins synthesized in the outer layers of the trophoblast enter the maternal bloodstream. The assay of their concentration in plasma or in serum can be used for pregnancy diagnosis and to indicate feto-placental health status. In this study, concentrations of the pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) were investigated in the milk of dairy goats. The mean concentrations of PAG in milk were significantly higher in pregnant than in non-pregnant goats throughout the sampling period. Positive milk PAG levels were found in all pregnant animals from Day 32 after breeding, but remained at negative values in nonpregnant ones. This study reports for the first time a pregnancy diagnosis based on milk concentrations of PAG, that could be of great use on the farm.
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Affiliation(s)
- F González
- Reproduction and Obstetrics, Faculty of Veterinary, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
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Abstract
The use of ultrasonography for pregnancy diagnosis and reproductive tract evaluation in the goat has become more common in the past decade. Pregnancy-specific hormone assays are commercially available for pregnancy determination in goats. Hormonal methods of synchronization of estrus for artificial insemination have been refined, but a number of factors still make pregnancy results variable. Caprine embryo transfer is widely used commercially. More advanced reproductive techniques such as in-vitro production of embryos and cloning have been accomplished in goats; success rates with these techniques will likely rapidly improve.
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Affiliation(s)
- K N Bretzlaff
- Department of Large Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.
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40
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Garbayo JM, Green JA, Manikkam M, Beckers JF, Kiesling DO, Ealy AD, Roberts RM. Caprine pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAG): their cloning, expression, and evolutionary relationship to other PAG. Mol Reprod Dev 2000; 57:311-22. [PMID: 11066059 DOI: 10.1002/1098-2795(200012)57:4<311::aid-mrd2>3.0.co;2-f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAG) are structurally related to aspartic proteinases and belong to an extensive, rapidly evolving family of recently duplicated genes expressed in the placentas of artiodactyl species. The aim of the present study was to clone PAG from the goat, study their temporal and cell-specific expression, and determine their phylogenetic relationship to PAG from other species. RT-PCR was used to generate PAG cDNA from pooled placental RNA obtained between days 45 and 115 of pregnancy. A total of 11 cDNA, which differed by > 5% from each other, were selected for complete bidirectional sequencing from 60 clones analyzed. A group of nine (caPAG1, caPAG3-7(var), caPAG9-11), which displayed > 80% sequence identity with each other, were expressed after day 45 of pregnancy and were localized to trophoblast binucleate cells. These PAG demonstrated an unusually high ratio of nonsynonymous (amino acid changing) to synonymous nucleotide differences. CaPAG2, by contrast, was detectable only in early pregnancy (days 18 and 19) and expressed throughout trophectoderm. It was of more ancient origin than the PAG1 group, but more recent than caPAG8. The latter was expressed at all stages examined (days 18 to 115). The data confirm that many PAG genes, with different patterns of temporal and spatial expression, are transcribed in the placenta of the goat. The data also suggest that the recently duplicated PAG genes are being selected for rapid diversification of function.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Garbayo
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA
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