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Ruiz-Conca M, Gardela J, Olvera-Maneu S, López-Béjar M, Álvarez-Rodríguez M. NR3C1 and glucocorticoid-regulatory genes mRNA and protein expression in the endometrium and ampulla during the bovine estrous cycle. Res Vet Sci 2022; 152:510-523. [PMID: 36174371 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2022.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
The bovine reproductive tract exhibits changes during the estrous cycle modulated by the interplay of steroid hormones. Glucocorticoids can be detrimental when stress-induced but are relevant at baseline levels for appropriate reproductive function. Here, an analysis of quantitative real-time PCR was performed to study the bovine glucocorticoid-related baseline gene transcription in endometrial and ampullar tissue samples derived from three time points of the estrous cycle, stage I (Days 1-4), stage III (Days 11-17) and stage IV (Days 18-20). Our results revealed expression differences during stages, as expression observed in the ampulla was higher during the post-ovulatory phase (stage I), including the glucocorticoid receptor NR3C1, and some of its regulators, involved in glucocorticoid availability (HSD11B1 and HSD11B2) and transcriptional actions (FKBP4 and FKBP5). In contrast, in the endometrium, higher expression of the steroid receptors was observed during the late luteal phase (stage III), including ESR1, ESR2, PGRMC1 and PGRMC2, and HSD11B1 expression decreased, while HSD11B2 increased. Moreover, at protein level, FKBP4 was higher expressed during the late luteal phase, and NR3C1 during the pre-ovulatory phase (stage IV). These results suggest that tight regulation of the glucocorticoid activity is promoted in the ampulla, when reproductive events are taking place, including oocyte maturation. Moreover, most expression changes in the endometrium were observed during the late luteal phase, and may be related to the embryonic maternal recognition. In conclusion, the glucocorticoid regulation changes across the estrous cycle and may be playing a role on the reproductive events occurring in the bovine ampulla and endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateo Ruiz-Conca
- Division of Children's and Women Health (BKH), Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden; Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.
| | - Jaume Gardela
- Division of Children's and Women Health (BKH), Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden; Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Sergi Olvera-Maneu
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Manel López-Béjar
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Manuel Álvarez-Rodríguez
- Division of Children's and Women Health (BKH), Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden; Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
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2
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Wooldridge LK, Keane JA, Rhoads ML, Ealy AD. Bioactive supplements influencing bovine in vitro embryo development. J Anim Sci 2022; 100:6620796. [PMID: 35772761 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovum pickup and in vitro production (IVP) of bovine embryos are replacing traditional multiple ovulation embryo transfer (MOET) as the primary means for generating transferable embryos from genetically elite sires and dams. However, inefficiencies in the IVP process limit the opportunities to produce large numbers of transferable embryos. Also, the post-transfer competency of IVP embryos is inferior to embryos produced by artificial insemination or MOET. Numerous maternal, paternal, embryonic, and culture-related factors can have adverse effects on IVP success. This review will explore the various efforts made on describing how IVP embryo development and post-transfer competency may be improved by supplementing hormones, growth factors, cytokines, steroids and other bioactive factors found in the oviduct and uterus during early pregnancy. More than 40 of these factors, collectively termed as embryokines, are reviewed here. Several embryokines contain abilities to promote embryo development, including improving embryo survivability, improving blastomere cell numbers, and altering the distribution of blastomere cell types in blastocysts. A select few embryokines also can benefit pregnancy retention after IVP embryo transfer and improve neonatal calf health and performance, although very few embryokine-supplemented embryo transfer studies have been completed. Also, supplementing several embryokines at the same time holds promise for improving IVP embryo development and competency. However, more work is needed to explore the post-transfer consequences of adding these putative embryokines for any adverse outcomes, such as large offspring syndrome and poor postnatal health, and to specify the specific embryokine combinations that will best represent the ideal conditions found in the oviduct and uterus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia K Wooldridge
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Jessica A Keane
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Michelle L Rhoads
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Alan D Ealy
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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3
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Isaac E, Pfeffer PL. Growing cattle embryos beyond Day 8 - An investigation of media components. Theriogenology 2020; 161:273-284. [PMID: 33360161 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The growth of viable cattle embryos in culture to stages beyond the hatching blastocyst is of interest to developmental biologists wishing to understand developmental events beyond the first lineage decision, as well as for commercial applications, because a lengthening of the culturing time allows more time for diagnostic tests on biopsies, whereas extended survival can be used as a better assay system for monitoring developmental potential. We here report on a novel extended culture medium for embryo growth until embryonic day (Day) 12. We used a non-invasive morphological characterisation system that scored viability, inner cell mass (ICM) grade, hatching and embryo and ICM diameter. The basal medium was based on published uterine fluid concentrations of amino acids, carbohydrates and electrolytes. Addition of fetal bovine serum was necessary and the additive ITSX greatly improved culture success. We tested the inclusion of a seven-growth factor cocktail consisting of Activin A, Artemin, BMP4, EGF, FGF4, GM-CSF/CSF2 and LIF, as well as omission of individual components of the cocktail. In the context of the growth factor cocktail, Artemin and BMP4 provided the greatest benefit, while FGF omission had more positive than negative effects on embryo characteristics. Lastly, replacement of ITSX by B27-additive led to the most successful culture of embryos, in all media permutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Isaac
- Victoria University of Wellington, School of Biological Sciences, Kelburn Campus, Wellington, 6012, New Zealand.
| | - Peter L Pfeffer
- Victoria University of Wellington, School of Biological Sciences, Kelburn Campus, Wellington, 6012, New Zealand.
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4
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Ruiz-Conca M, Gardela J, Jauregi-Miguel A, Martinez CA, Rodríguez-Martinez H, López-Béjar M, Alvarez-Rodriguez M. Seminal Plasma Triggers the Differential Expression of the Glucocorticoid Receptor ( NR3C1/GR) in the Rabbit Reproductive Tract. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E2158. [PMID: 33228207 PMCID: PMC7699521 DOI: 10.3390/ani10112158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Rabbits are interesting as research animal models for reproduction, due to their condition of species of induced ovulation, with the release of endogenous gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) due to coitus. Glucocorticoid (GC) signaling, crucial for physiological homeostasis, is mediated through a yet unclear mechanism, by the GC receptor (NR3C1/GR). After mating, the female reproductive tract undergoes dynamic modifications, triggered by gene transcription, a pre-amble for fertilization and pregnancy. This study tested the hypothesis that when ovulation is induced, the expression of NR3C1 is influenced by sperm-free seminal plasma (SP), similarly to after mating (whole semen), along the different segments of the internal reproductive tract of female rabbits. Semen (mating) was compared to vaginal infusion of sperm-free SP (Experiment 1), and changes over time were also evaluated, i.e., 10, 24, 36, 68, and 72 h post-mating, corresponding to specific stages, i.e., ovulation, fertilization, and the interval of early embryo development up to the morula stage (Experiment 2). All does were treated with GnRH to induce ovulation. Samples were retrieved from seven segments of the reproductive tract (from the cervix to infundibulum), at 20 h post-mating or sperm-free SP infusion (Experiment 1) or at 10, 24, 36, 68, and 72 h post-mating (Experiment 2). Gene expression of NR3C1 was analyzed by qPCR. Results showed an increase in NR3C1 expression in the infundibulum compared to the other anatomical regions in the absence of spermatozoa when sperm-free SP infusion was performed (Experiment 1). Moreover, during the embryo transport through the oviduct, the distal isthmus was time-course upregulated, especially at 72 h, when morulae are retained in this anatomical region, while it was downregulated in the distal uterus at 68 h (Experiment 2). The overall results suggest that NR3C1, the GC receptor gene, assessed in the reproductive tract of does for the first time, shows differential expression changes during the interval of oviductal and uterine embryo transport that may imply a relevant role of the GC action, not only close to the site of ovulation and fertilization, but also in the endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateo Ruiz-Conca
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Division of Children’s and Women Health (BKH), Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden; (M.R.-C.); (J.G.); (C.A.M.); (H.R.-M.)
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain or
| | - Jaume Gardela
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Division of Children’s and Women Health (BKH), Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden; (M.R.-C.); (J.G.); (C.A.M.); (H.R.-M.)
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain or
| | - Amaia Jauregi-Miguel
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology (MMV), Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden;
| | - Cristina A. Martinez
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Division of Children’s and Women Health (BKH), Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden; (M.R.-C.); (J.G.); (C.A.M.); (H.R.-M.)
| | - Heriberto Rodríguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Division of Children’s and Women Health (BKH), Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden; (M.R.-C.); (J.G.); (C.A.M.); (H.R.-M.)
| | - Manel López-Béjar
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain or
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Manuel Alvarez-Rodriguez
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Division of Children’s and Women Health (BKH), Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden; (M.R.-C.); (J.G.); (C.A.M.); (H.R.-M.)
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain or
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5
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Does the Act of Copulation per se, without Considering Seminal Deposition, Change the Expression of Genes in the Porcine Female Genital Tract? Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155477. [PMID: 32751869 PMCID: PMC7432858 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Semen—through its specific sperm and seminal plasma (SP) constituents—induces changes of gene expression in the internal genital tract of pigs, particularly in the functional sperm reservoir at the utero-tubal junction (UTJ). Although seminal effects are similarly elicited by artificial insemination (AI), major changes in gene expression are registered after natural mating, a fact suggesting the act of copulation induces per se changes in genes that AI does not affect. The present study explored which pathways were solely influenced by copulation, affecting the differential expression of genes (DEGs) of the pre/peri-ovulatory genital tract (cervix, distal uterus, proximal uterus and UTJ) of estrus sows, 24 h after various procedures were performed to compare natural mating with AI of semen (control 1), sperm-free SP harvested from the sperm-peak fraction (control 2), sperm-free SP harvested from the whole ejaculate (control 3) or saline-extender BTS (control 4), using a microarray chip (GeneChip® porcine gene 1.0 st array). Genes related to neuroendocrine responses (ADRA1, ADRA2, GABRB2, CACNB2), smooth muscle contractility (WNT7A), angiogenesis and vascular remodeling (poFUT1, NTN4) were, among others, overrepresented with distal and proximal uterine segments exhibiting the highest number of DEGs. The findings provide novel evidence that relevant transcriptomic changes in the porcine female reproductive tract occur in direct response to the specific act of copulation, being semen-independent.
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Ruiz-Conca M, Gardela J, Martínez CA, Wright D, López-Bejar M, Rodríguez-Martínez H, Álvarez-Rodríguez M. Natural Mating Differentially Triggers Expression of Glucocorticoid Receptor (NR3C1)-Related Genes in the Preovulatory Porcine Female Reproductive Tract. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124437. [PMID: 32580389 PMCID: PMC7352215 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mating initiates dynamic modifications of gene transcription in the female reproductive tract, preparing the female for fertilization and pregnancy. Glucocorticoid signaling is essential for the homeostasis of mammalian physiological functions. This complex glucocorticoid regulation is mediated through the glucocorticoid receptor, also known as nuclear receptor subfamily 3 group C member 1 (NR3C1/GR) and related genes, like 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSD11Bs) and the FK506-binding immunophilins, FKBP5 and FKBP4. This study tested the transcriptome changes in NR3C1/GR regulation in response to natural mating and/or cervical deposition of the sperm-peak ejaculate fraction collected using the gloved-hand method (semen or only its seminal plasma), in the preovulatory pig reproductive tract (cervix to infundibulum, 24 h after mating/insemination/infusion treatments). Porcine cDNA microarrays revealed 22 NR3C1-related transcripts, and changes in gene expression were triggered by all treatments, with natural mating showing the largest differences, including NR3C1, FKBP5, FKBP4, hydroxysteroid 11-beta dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (HSD11B1, HSD11B2), and the signal transducer and activator of transcription 5A (STAT5A). Our data suggest that natural mating induces expression changes that might promote a reduction of the cortisol action in the oviductal sperm reservoir. Together with the STAT-mediated downregulation of cytokine immune actions, this reduction may prevent harmful effects by promoting tolerance towards the spermatozoa stored in the oviduct and perhaps elicit spermatozoa activation and detachment after ovulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateo Ruiz-Conca
- Department Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/OG, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden; (M.R.-C.); (J.G.); (C.A.M.); (H.R.-M.)
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain;
| | - Jaume Gardela
- Department Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/OG, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden; (M.R.-C.); (J.G.); (C.A.M.); (H.R.-M.)
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain;
| | - Cristina Alicia Martínez
- Department Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/OG, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden; (M.R.-C.); (J.G.); (C.A.M.); (H.R.-M.)
| | - Dominic Wright
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Faculty of Science and Engineering; Linköping University, 58183 Linköping, Sweden;
| | - Manel López-Bejar
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain;
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Heriberto Rodríguez-Martínez
- Department Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/OG, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden; (M.R.-C.); (J.G.); (C.A.M.); (H.R.-M.)
| | - Manuel Álvarez-Rodríguez
- Department Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/OG, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden; (M.R.-C.); (J.G.); (C.A.M.); (H.R.-M.)
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +46-(0)72942-7883
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7
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Čikoš Š, Babeľová J, Špirková A, Burkuš J, Kovaříková V, Šefčíková Z, Fabian D, Koppel J. Glucocorticoid receptor isoforms and effects of glucocorticoids in ovulated mouse oocytes and preimplantation embryos†. Biol Reprod 2020; 100:351-364. [PMID: 30188986 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate possible involvement of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in mediating effects of maternal stress or therapeutically administered glucocorticoids on early embryo, we analyzed the expression of GR subtypes in ovulated mouse oocytes and preimplantation embryos. RT-PCR analysis results showed that GRα and GRγ transcripts are relatively highly expressed in mouse oocytes, and both transcripts are present at lower amounts in preimplantation embryos. We also detected low expression of two other splice variants, GRβ and a transcript orthologous to the human GR-P subtype, mainly at the blastocyst stage. Using western blot analysis, we detected several GR protein bands that differed in size between oocytes and preimplantation embryos. To compare the effects of corticosterone (a major endogenous glucocorticoid in rodents) and dexamethasone (a synthetic glucocorticoid) on early embryos, we cultured mouse preimplantation embryos in the presence of these glucocorticoids. Corticosterone showed a strong inhibitory effect on embryo development (starting from a 50 μM concentration), without a significant influence on apoptosis incidence. On the other hand, dexamethasone induced apoptosis in early embryo cells (starting from a 1.5 μM concentration), and its effect on embryo development was less detrimental than that found with the same dose of corticosterone. In summary, our results showed that different GR subtypes are expressed in ovulated mouse oocytes and preimplantation embryos and that the composition of GR subtypes changes during early embryo development. Moreover, we found significant differences in the effects of the two glucocorticoids on early embryo development, which might be associated with activation of different GR subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Štefan Čikoš
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Janka Babeľová
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Alexandra Špirková
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Ján Burkuš
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Veronika Kovaříková
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Šefčíková
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Dušan Fabian
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Juraj Koppel
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej, Košice, Slovakia
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8
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Tetsuka M, Tanakadate M. Activation of HSD11B1 in the bovine cumulus-oocyte complex during IVM and IVF. Endocr Connect 2019; 8:1029-1039. [PMID: 31252401 PMCID: PMC6652248 DOI: 10.1530/ec-19-0188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The bovine cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) is capable of converting cortisone, an inert glucocorticoid to active cortisol. This mechanism is mediated by 11β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase type 1 (HSD11B1), whose expression dramatically increases in the mature COC. In this study, we investigate the time course expression of HSD11B1 and the enzyme activity in the bovine COC undergoing maturation and fertilization in relation to key events taking place in the COC. Bovine COCs were subjected to in vitro maturation (IVM) and fertilization (IVF). The activities of HSD11B1 and HSD11B2, which mediates the opposite reaction, were measured using a radiometric conversion assay. In parallel studies, cumulus expansion, P4 production and the expression of genes associated with ovulation were measured. The reductive activity of HSD11B1 increased in the latter half of IVM and remained high during IVF, whereas the oxidative activity of HSD11B2 remained unchanged over both periods. Consequently, the net glucocorticoid metabolism in the bovine COC shifted from inactivation to activation around the time of ovulation and fertilization. The increase in HSD11B1 expression lagged behind that of P4 increase and cumulus expansion but ahead of the expressions of genes responsible for PGE2 synthesis. The reductive activity of HSD11B1 was well correlated with the cumulus expansion rate. This outcome indicates that the ability of the cumulus to activate glucocorticoids is related to its ability to synthesize hyaluronan. These results also indicate that the activation of HSD11B1 is an integral part of the sequential events taking place at the ovulation and fertilization in the bovine COC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masafumi Tetsuka
- Department of Life and Food Science, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
- Correspondence should be addressed to M Tetsuka:
| | - Misato Tanakadate
- Department of Life and Food Science, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
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9
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Banliat C, Dubuisson F, Corbin E, Beurois J, Tomas D, Le Bourhis D, Salvetti P, Labas V, Mermillod P, Saint-Dizier M. Intraoviductal concentrations of steroid hormones during in vitro culture changed phospholipid profiles and cryotolerance of bovine embryos. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:661-672. [PMID: 30950150 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of progesterone (P4), estradiol (E2), and cortisol (CO) at intraoviductal concentrations on bovine embryo development and quality in vitro. After fertilization of in vitro matured oocytes, zygotes were cultured for 8 days in synthetic oviductal fluid, supplemented with 55 ng/ml P4, 120 pg/ml E2, 40 ng/ml CO, or their combination (ALL). Control embryos were cultured with vehicle (0.1% ethanol). Exposure to steroids did not affect the embryo developmental rate nor the mean number of cells per blastocyst. However, at 24 hr after vitrification-warming, exposure to P4 improved the proportion of embryos that re-expanded and were viable while exposure to CO decreased the proportion of viable embryos. By intact cell MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, a total of 242 phospholipid masses of 400-1000 m/z were detected from individual fresh blastocysts. Exposure to ALL induced the highest and most specific changes in embryo phospholipids, followed by P4, E2, and CO. In particular, the m/z 546.3 and 546.4 attributed to lysophosphatidylcholines were found less abundant after exposure to P4. In conclusion, exposure of bovine embryos to intraoviductal concentrations of steroid hormones did not affect in vitro development but changed blastocyst quality in terms of cryotolerance and phospholipid profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Banliat
- Plate-forme de Chirurgie et d'Imagerie pour la Recherche et l'Enseignement (CIRE), Pôle d'Analyse et d'Imagerie des Biomolécules (PAIB), INRA, CHRU de Tours, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France.,UMR PRC, INRA 85, CNRS 7247, University of Tours, IFCE, Nouzilly, France
| | - Florine Dubuisson
- UMR PRC, INRA 85, CNRS 7247, University of Tours, IFCE, Nouzilly, France
| | - Emilie Corbin
- UMR PRC, INRA 85, CNRS 7247, University of Tours, IFCE, Nouzilly, France
| | - Julie Beurois
- UMR PRC, INRA 85, CNRS 7247, University of Tours, IFCE, Nouzilly, France
| | - Daniel Tomas
- Plate-forme de Chirurgie et d'Imagerie pour la Recherche et l'Enseignement (CIRE), Pôle d'Analyse et d'Imagerie des Biomolécules (PAIB), INRA, CHRU de Tours, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | | | | | - Valérie Labas
- Plate-forme de Chirurgie et d'Imagerie pour la Recherche et l'Enseignement (CIRE), Pôle d'Analyse et d'Imagerie des Biomolécules (PAIB), INRA, CHRU de Tours, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France.,UMR PRC, INRA 85, CNRS 7247, University of Tours, IFCE, Nouzilly, France
| | - Pascal Mermillod
- UMR PRC, INRA 85, CNRS 7247, University of Tours, IFCE, Nouzilly, France
| | - Marie Saint-Dizier
- UMR PRC, INRA 85, CNRS 7247, University of Tours, IFCE, Nouzilly, France.,University of Tours, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Tours, France
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10
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Tan XW, Ji CL, Zheng LL, Zhang J, Yuan HJ, Gong S, Zhu J, Tan JH. Corticotrophin-releasing hormone and corticosterone impair development of preimplantation embryos by inducing oviductal cell apoptosis via activating the Fas system: an in vitro study. Hum Reprod 2017; 32:1583-1597. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xiu-Wen Tan
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-an City 271018, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Chang-Li Ji
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-an City 271018, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Liang-Liang Zheng
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-an City 271018, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Jie Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-an City 271018, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Hong-Jie Yuan
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-an City 271018, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Shuai Gong
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-an City 271018, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Jiang Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-an City 271018, Shandong Province, PR China
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Seeling T, Čikoš Š, Grybel KJ, Janštová Ž, Pendzialek SM, Schindler M, Špirková A, Santos AN. A Diabetic Pregnancy Alters the Expression of Stress-Related Receptors in Gastrulating Rabbit Blastocyst and in the Reproductive Tract. Reprod Sci 2017; 25:174-184. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719117707055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tom Seeling
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Štefan Čikoš
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Slovak Academy of Science, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Katarzyna J. Grybel
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Žofia Janštová
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Slovak Academy of Science, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - S. Mareike Pendzialek
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Maria Schindler
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Alexandra Špirková
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Slovak Academy of Science, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Anne Navarrete Santos
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale, Germany
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12
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Lamy J, Liere P, Pianos A, Aprahamian F, Mermillod P, Saint-Dizier M. Steroid hormones in bovine oviductal fluid during the estrous cycle. Theriogenology 2016; 86:1409-1420. [PMID: 27262884 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.04.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian steroid hormones are major regulators of the physiology of the oviduct and reproductive events occurring within the oviduct. To establish a whole steroid profiling of the bovine oviductal fluid (OF) during the estrous cycle, contralateral and ipsilateral (to the corpus luteum or preovulatory follicle) oviducts were classified into four stages of the estrous cycle (n = 18-27 cows per stage): postovulatory (Post-ov), mid-luteal (Mid-lut), late luteal (Late-lut), and preovulatory on the basis of the ovarian morphology and intrafollicular steroid concentrations. Steroids were extracted from pools of 150 to 200 μL OF (three to 10 cows per pool; three to four pools per "stage × side" group), purified, fractioned by high-performance liquid chromatography, and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The concentrations of progesterone (P4) in ipsilateral OF increased from Post-ov (56.9 ± 13.4 ng/mL) to Mid-lut (120.3 ± 34.3 ng/mL), then decreased from Late-lut (76.7 ± 1.8 ng/mL) to Pre-ov (6.3 ± 1.7 ng/mL), and were four to 16 times higher than in contralateral OF. Most P4 metabolites followed similar patterns of variation. Concentrations of 17beta-estradiol (E2) were significantly higher at Pre-ov (290.5 ± 63.2 pg/mL) compared with all other stages (<118.3 pg/mL), with no difference regarding the side of ovulation. Concentrations of androstenedione displayed a pattern similar to that of E2, whereas other androgens, estrone, and corticoids did not vary between stages or sides. In conclusion, a highly concentrated and fluctuating hormonal environment was evidenced in the bovine OF. These results could be useful to improve media for IVF, embryo development, and culture of oviductal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Lamy
- PRC, INRA, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Philippe Liere
- UMR 1195 INSERM, Petites molécules de neuroprotection, neurorégénération et remyélinisation, Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Antoine Pianos
- UMR 1195 INSERM, Petites molécules de neuroprotection, neurorégénération et remyélinisation, Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Fanny Aprahamian
- UMR 1195 INSERM, Petites molécules de neuroprotection, neurorégénération et remyélinisation, Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | | | - Marie Saint-Dizier
- PRC, INRA, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France; UFR Sciences et Techniques, Université François Rabelais de Tours, Tours, France.
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13
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Tetsuka M, Takagi R, Ambo N, Myat TS, Zempo Y, Onuma A. Glucocorticoid metabolism in the bovine cumulus-oocyte complex matured in vitro. Reproduction 2015; 151:73-82. [PMID: 26519454 DOI: 10.1530/rep-15-0363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid action in target organs is regulated by relative activities of 11β-HSD type 1 (HSD11B1) that mainly converts cortisone to active cortisol and type 2 (HSD11B2) that inactivates cortisol to cortisone. HSD11Bs have been shown to be expressed in the ovary of various species. However, little is known about the expression and activity of HSD11Bs in the bovine cumulus-oocyte complex (COC). In the present study, we investigated the expression and activities of HSD11Bs in in vitro-matured (IVM) bovine COCs. Bovine COCs were matured in M199 supplemented with or without FSH and FCS. The expression of HSD11B1 and HSD11B2 was measured by using quantitative RT-PCR in denuded oocytes (DO) and cumulus cells (CC). Reductive and oxidative activities of HSD11Bs were determined by radiometric conversion assay using labeled cortisol, cortisone or dexamethasone in intact COCs, DO or CC in the presence or absence of 11-keto-progesterone (11kP), a selective inhibitor of HSD11B2. The presence of HSD11Bs in the oocyte was examined by immunofluorescence microscopy. Oocytes exclusively expressed HSD11B2 and its expression and activity were largely unchanged during IVM. CC, on the other hand, exclusively expressed HSD11B1 and its expression and activity were upregulated as IVM progressed. As a result, the net glucocorticoid metabolism shifted from inactivation to activation towards the end of IVM. These results indicate that the bovine COC is capable of modulating local glucocorticoid concentration and, by doing so, may create an environment that is favorable to ovulating oocyte for maturation, fertilization and subsequent development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masafumi Tetsuka
- Department of Life Science and AgricultureObihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Ryo Takagi
- Department of Life Science and AgricultureObihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Ambo
- Department of Life Science and AgricultureObihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Thet Su Myat
- Department of Life Science and AgricultureObihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Yuta Zempo
- Department of Life Science and AgricultureObihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Asuka Onuma
- Department of Life Science and AgricultureObihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
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14
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Heitmann RJ, Tobler KJ, Gillette L, Tercero J, Burney RO. Dexamethasone attenuates the embryotoxic effect of endometriotic peritoneal fluid in a murine model. J Assist Reprod Genet 2015. [PMID: 26198138 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-015-0516-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancy rate of women with advanced stage endometriosis is nearly half that of the general population, suggesting incomplete targeting of the pathophysiology underlying endometriosis-associated infertility. Compelling evidence highlights inflammation as the etiologic link between endometriosis and infertility and a potential target for adjunctive treatment. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of dexamethasone on murine embryos exposed to human endometriotic peritoneal fluid (PF) using the established murine embryo assay model. METHODS PF was obtained from women with and without severe endometriosis. Murine embryos were harvested and randomly allocated to five groups of culture media conditions: (1) human tubal fluid (HTF), (2) HTF and 10 % PF from women without endometriosis, (3) HTF and 10 % PF from women with endometriosis (PF-E), (4) HTF with PF-E and 0.01 mcg/mL dexamethasone, and (5) HTF with PF-E and 0.1 mcg/mL dexamethasone. Embryos were cultured in standard conditions and evaluated for blastocyst development. RESULTS A total of 266 mouse embryos were cultured. Baseline blastulation rates were 63.6 %. The addition of peritoneal fluid from women with endometriosis decreased the blastocyst development rate to 38.9 % (P = 0.008). The addition of 0.1 mcg/mL of dexamethasone to the culture media restored the blastulation rate to near baseline levels (61.2 %; P = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS The results of our in vitro study demonstrate the capacity of dexamethasone to mitigate the deleterious impact of endometriotic PF on embryo development. If confirmed in vivo, dexamethasone may prove a useful adjunct for the treatment of endometriosis-associated infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Heitmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Madigan Army Medical Center, 9040 Jackson Ave, Tacoma, WA, 98431, USA
| | - Kyle J Tobler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Madigan Army Medical Center, 9040 Jackson Ave, Tacoma, WA, 98431, USA
| | - Laurie Gillette
- Department of Clinical Investigation, Madigan Army Medical Center, 9040 Jackson Ave, Tacoma, WA, 98431, USA
| | - Juan Tercero
- Department of Clinical Investigation, Madigan Army Medical Center, 9040 Jackson Ave, Tacoma, WA, 98431, USA
| | - Richard O Burney
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Madigan Army Medical Center, 9040 Jackson Ave, Tacoma, WA, 98431, USA. .,Department of Clinical Investigation, Madigan Army Medical Center, 9040 Jackson Ave, Tacoma, WA, 98431, USA. .,Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Madigan Healthcare Systems, ATTN: MCHJ-OG, 9040A Fitzsimmons Drive, Tacoma, WA, 98431-1100, USA.
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15
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Burkuš J, Kačmarová M, Kubandová J, Kokošová N, Fabianová K, Fabian D, Koppel J, Čikoš Š. Stress exposure during the preimplantation period affects blastocyst lineages and offspring development. J Reprod Dev 2015; 61:325-31. [PMID: 25985793 PMCID: PMC4547990 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2015-012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We found retardation of preimplantation embryo growth after exposure to maternal restraint stress during the preimplantation period in our previous study. In the present study, we evaluated the impact of preimplantation maternal restraint stress on the distribution of inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm (TE) cells in mouse blastocysts, and its possible effect on physiological development of offspring. We exposed spontaneously ovulating female mice to restraint stress for 30 min three times a day during the preimplantation period, and this treatment caused a significant increase in blood serum corticosterone concentration. Microscopic evaluation of embryos showed that restraint stress significantly decreased cell counts per blastocyst. Comparing the effect of restraint stress on the two blastocyst cell lineages, we found that the reduction in TE cells was more substantial than the reduction in ICM cells, which resulted in an increased ICM/TE ratio in blastocysts isolated
from stressed dams compared with controls. Restraint stress reduced the number of implantation sites in uteri, significantly delayed eye opening in delivered mice, and altered their behavior in terms of two parameters (scratching on the base of an open field test apparatus, time spent in central zone) as well. Moreover, prenatally stressed offspring had significantly lower body weights and in 5-week old females delivered from stressed dams, fat deposits were significantly lower. Our results indicate that exposure to stress during very early pregnancy can have a negative impact on embryonic development with consequences reaching into postnatal life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ján Burkuš
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, 04001, Slovak Republic
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16
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Musumeci G, Castrogiovanni P, Trovato FM, Parenti R, Szychlinska MA, Imbesi R. Pregnancy, embryo-fetal development and nutrition: physiology around fetal programming. Histol Histopathol 2015. [DOI: 10.7243/2055-091x-2-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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17
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Santana PPB, Carvalho CMF, da Costa NN, Silva TVG, Ramos PCA, Cordeiro MS, Santos SSD, Khayat AS, Ohashi OM, Miranda MS. Effect of dexamethasone on development of in vitro-produced bovine embryos. Theriogenology 2014; 82:10-6. [PMID: 24656431 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Revised: 02/05/2014] [Accepted: 02/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Studies in somatic cells have shown that glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone (DEX) may trigger or prevent apoptosis depending on the cell type in culture. Because the dysregulation of apoptosis may lower in vitro embryo production efficiency, we sought to investigate the effects of supplementing IVC medium with DEX (0.1 μg/mL) on embryo morphology, development kinetics, and apoptosis rates of in vitro-produced bovine preimplantation embryos. Embryo morphology was graded on Day 7, and development rates were assessed on Days 4 and 7 of IVC. Apoptosis was evaluated via annexin/propidium iodide staining under fluorescence microscopy where a cell labeled with annexin, propidium iodide, or both would be considered apoptotic. An embryo was counted in the apoptosis rates, if it displayed at least one such labeled cell. Although DEX supplementation did not reduce apoptosis rates, it had a positive impact on developmental kinetics and cell number both on Days 4 and 7 of embryo culture. Presumably, such effect resulted from increased cell proliferation rather than a direct inhibition of apoptosis. Further studies may evaluate the mechanisms by which glucocorticoids may affect embryo development, as DEX supplementation could become a tool to improve in vitro embryo yield in mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila P B Santana
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Para, Brazil.
| | - Carla M F Carvalho
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Para, Brazil
| | - Nathália N da Costa
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Para, Brazil
| | - Thiago V G Silva
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Para, Brazil
| | - Priscilla C A Ramos
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Para, Brazil
| | - Marcela S Cordeiro
- Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Pará, Abaetetuba, Para, Brazil
| | - Simone S D Santos
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Para, Brazil
| | - André S Khayat
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Para, Brazil
| | - Otávio M Ohashi
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Para, Brazil
| | - Moysés S Miranda
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Para, Brazil
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18
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Is cortisol a modulator of interferon tau action in the endometrium during early pregnancy in cattle? J Reprod Immunol 2012; 93:82-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2012.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2011] [Revised: 01/17/2012] [Accepted: 01/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Hamilton CK, Combe A, Caudle J, Ashkar FA, Macaulay AD, Blondin P, King WA. A novel approach to sexing bovine blastocysts using male-specific gene expression. Theriogenology 2012; 77:1587-96. [PMID: 22341705 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2011] [Revised: 10/19/2011] [Accepted: 11/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
When examining gene expression profiles for the purposes of assessing embryo quality, it is imperative that sex be considered, because many embryonic transcripts have sex-related expression patterns. The objective of this study was to systematically examine eight Y chromosome linked genes (DDX3Y, EIF1AY, HSFY, SRY, TSPY, USP9Y, ZFY, and ZRSR2Y) to characterize their expression in bovine blastocysts and to examine the usefulness of this expression for the purpose of RNA-based embryo sexing. In order to examine the expression of these genes, pools of blastocysts (groups of 10 and 20) as well as single embryos (N = 50) were analyzed with reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Of the 50 single embryos, 32 were concurrently sexed with DNA-based methods. Transcripts of DDX3Y, EIF1AY, TSPY, USP9Y, ZFY and ZRSR2Y were detected in the pooled and single blastocysts, but no transcripts were detected for HSFY or SRY. After performing DNA-based sexing experiments, we concluded that this expression was restricted to the male embryos. The consistency of the expression varied according to the gene as well as the specific primer set. Three genes were expressed in the full set of male embryos, DDX3Y, USP9Y, and ZRSR2Y and therefore represent good candidates for RNA-based sexing methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- C K Hamilton
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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20
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Abstract
Embryo density is defined as the embryo-to-volume ratio achieved during in vitro culture; in other words, it is the number of embryos in a defined volume of culture medium. The same density can be achieved by manipulating either the number of embryos in a given volume of medium, or manipulating the volume of the medium for a given number of embryos: for example, a microdrop with five embryos in a 50 μl volume under oil has the same embryo-to-volume ratio (1:10 μl) as a microdrop with one embryo in a 10 μl volume under oil (1:10 μl). Increased embryo density can improve mammalian embryo development in vitro; however, the mechanism(s) responsible for this effect may be different with respect to which method is used to increase embryo density.Standard, flat sterile plastic petri dishes are the most common, traditional platform for embryo culture. Microdrops under a mineral oil overlay can be prepared to control embryo density, but it is critical that dish preparation is consistent, where appropriate techniques are applied to prevent microdrop dehydration during preparation, and results of any data collection are reliable, and repeatable. There are newer dishes available from several manufacturers that are specifically designed for embryo culture; most are readily available for use with human embryos. The concept behind these newer dishes relies on fabrication of conical and smaller volume wells into the dish design, so that embryos rest at the lowest point in the wells, and where putative embryotrophic factors may concentrate.Embryo density is not usually considered by the embryologist as a technique in and of itself; rather, the decision to culture embryos in groups or individually is protocol-driven, and is based more on convenience or the need to collect data on individual embryos. Embryo density can be controlled, and as such, it can be utilized as a simple, yet effective tool to improve in vitro development of human embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Reed
- Center for Reproductive Medicine of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
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