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Leemans B, Gadella BM, Marchand JHEAM, Van Soom A, Stout TAE. Induction of in vivo-like ciliation in confluent monolayers of re-differentiated equine oviduct epithelial cells†. Biol Reprod 2024; 111:580-599. [PMID: 38847468 PMCID: PMC11402525 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024] Open
Abstract
We recently developed re-differentiated equine oviduct epithelial cell (REOEC) monolayers demonstrating various in vivo morphological characteristics, but lacking secondary ciliation. In this study, we evaluated the effects of fetal bovine serum, reproductive steroid hormones, Wnt- and Notch ligands and inhibitors, and different EOEC seeding densities, in both conventional wells and on microporous membranes, on EOEC morphology and, in particular, secondary ciliation. REOEC monolayers were assessed by confocal microscopy after combined staining of nuclei, cilia, and the cytoskeleton. Only Wnt ligands, Notch inhibitors and oviduct explant cell concentration affected EOEC morphology. Undesirable epithelial-mesenchymal transition was observed in REOEC monolayers exposed to Wnt3a containing medium and Wnt ligand CHIR 99021. With respect to secondary ciliation, only the combined effect of oviduct explant cell concentration and Notch inhibition steered REOEC monolayers to in vivo-like ciliation patterns. De-differentiated EOECs, formed 10 days after oviduct explant cell seeding, were reseeded on inserts; only at initial oviduct explant cell concentrations of 1 and 5 × 106 cells per well was the formation of REOEC monolayers with a high rate of diffuse ciliation supported. Within 1 month after air-liquid interface introduction, >40% and >20% of the REOECs showed secondary cilia, respectively. At higher oviduct explant cell seeding densities secondary ciliation was not supported after re-differentiation. Additionally, Notch inhibition helped boost secondary ciliation rates to >60% in REOEC monolayers with diffuse ciliation only. These monolayers demonstrated higher clathrin expression under follicular phase conditions. Overall, the ciliated REOEC monolayers better resemble in vivo oviduct epithelial cells than previous models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Leemans
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction, Population Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bart M Gadella
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction, Population Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht,The Netherlands
- Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Josephine H E A M Marchand
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction, Population Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tom A E Stout
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Maitan P, Bromfield EG, Stout TAE, Gadella BM, Leemans B. A stallion spermatozoon's journey through the mare's genital tract: In vivo and in vitro aspects of sperm capacitation. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 246:106848. [PMID: 34556396 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Conventional in vitro fertilization is not efficacious when working with equine gametes. Although stallion spermatozoa bind to the zona pellucida in vitro, these gametes fail to initiate the acrosome reaction in the vicinity of the oocyte and cannot, therefore, penetrate into the perivitelline space. Failure of sperm penetration most likely relates to the absence of optimized in vitro fertilization media containing molecules essential to support stallion sperm capacitation. In vivo, the female reproductive tract, especially the oviductal lumen, provides an environmental milieu that appropriately regulates interactions between the gametes and promotes fertilization. Identifying these 'fertilization supporting factors' would be a great contribution for development of equine in vitro fertilization media. In this review, a description of the current understanding of the interactions stallion spermatozoa undergo during passage through the female genital tract, and related specific molecular changes that occur at the sperm plasma membrane is provided. Understanding these molecular changes may hold essential clues to achieving successful in vitro fertilization with equine gametes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Maitan
- Departments of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Veterinary Sciences, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands; Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - Tom A E Stout
- Departments of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bart M Gadella
- Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands; Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Bart Leemans
- Departments of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Lange-Consiglio A, Capra E, Giuliani D, Canesi S, Funghi F, Bosi G, Cretich M, Frigerio R, Galbiati V, Cremonesi F. Endometrial and oviduct extra-cellular vescicles for in vitro equine sperm hyperactivation and oocyte fertilization. Theriogenology 2022; 194:35-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Leemans B, Bromfield EG, Stout TAE, Vos M, Van Der Ham H, Van Beek R, Van Soom A, Gadella BM, Henning H. Developing a reproducible protocol for culturing functional confluent monolayers of differentiated equine oviduct epithelial cells. Biol Reprod 2021; 106:710-729. [PMID: 34962550 PMCID: PMC9040661 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe the development of two methods for obtaining confluent monolayers of polarized, differentiated equine oviduct epithelial cells (EOEC) in Transwell inserts and microfluidic chips. EOECs from the ampulla were isolated post-mortem and seeded either (1) directly onto a microporous membrane as differentiated EOECs (direct seeding protocol) or (2) first cultured to a confluent de-differentiated monolayer in conventional wells, then trypsinized and seeded onto a microporous membrane (re-differentiation protocol). Maintenance or induction of EOEC differentiation in these systems was achieved by air-liquid interface introduction. Monolayers cultured via both protocols were characterized by columnar, cytokeratin 19-positive EOECs in Transwell inserts. However, only the re-differentiation protocol could be transferred successfully to the microfluidic chips. Integrity of the monolayers was confirmed by transepithelial resistance measurements, tracer flux and the demonstration of an intimate network of tight junctions. Using the direct protocol, 28% of EOECs showed secondary cilia at the apical surface in a diffuse pattern. In contrast, re-differentiated polarized EOECs rarely showed secondary cilia in either culture system (>90% of the monolayers showed <1% ciliated EOECs). Occasionally (5-10%), re-differentiated monolayers with 11-27% EOECs with secondary cilia in a diffuse pattern were obtained. Additionally, nuclear progesterone receptor expression was found to be inhibited by simulated luteal phase hormone concentrations, and sperm binding to cilia was higher for re-differentiated EOEC monolayers exposed to estrogen-progesterone concentrations mimicking the follicular rather than luteal phase. Overall, a functional equine oviduct model was established with close morphological resemblance to in vivo oviduct epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Leemans
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium.,Departments of Clinical Sciences, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Biomolecular Health Sciences, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.,Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Faculty of Science, University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - Tom A E Stout
- Departments of Clinical Sciences, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Mabel Vos
- Departments of Clinical Sciences, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Hanna Van Der Ham
- Departments of Clinical Sciences, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Ramada Van Beek
- Departments of Clinical Sciences, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Bart M Gadella
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium.,Biomolecular Health Sciences, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.,Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Heiko Henning
- Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
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Bodke VV, Burdette JE. Advancements in Microfluidic Systems for the Study of Female Reproductive Biology. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6225875. [PMID: 33852726 PMCID: PMC8571709 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The female reproductive tract is a highly complex physiological system that consists of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina. An enhanced understanding of the molecular, cellular, and genetic mechanisms of the tract will allow for the development of more effective assisted reproductive technologies, therapeutics, and screening strategies for female specific disorders. Traditional 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional static culture systems may not always reflect the cellular and physical contexts or physicochemical microenvironment necessary to understand the dynamic exchange that is crucial for the functioning of the reproductive system. Microfluidic systems present a unique opportunity to study the female reproductive tract, as these systems recapitulate the multicellular architecture, contacts between different tissues, and microenvironmental cues that largely influence cell structure, function, behavior, and growth. This review discusses examples, challenges, and benefits of using microfluidic systems to model ovaries, fallopian tubes, endometrium, and placenta. Additionally, this review also briefly discusses the use of these systems in studying the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals and diseases such as ovarian cancer, preeclampsia, and polycystic ovarian syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vedant V Bodke
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago 60607, USA
| | - Joanna E Burdette
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago 60607, USA
- Correspondence: Joanna E. Burdette, PhD, University of Illinois at Chicago, 900 S. Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60607, USA.
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Hu Z, Sun H, Wu Y, Wu X, Mei P, Wang B, Zhu M. Mouth breathing impairs the development of temporomandibular joint at a very early stage. Oral Dis 2020; 26:1502-1512. [PMID: 32352620 DOI: 10.1111/odi.13377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The study aimed to explore the effects of mouth breathing and hypoxia on the condyle of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) via two animal models. METHODS 24 four-week-old rats were randomly separated into three groups, consisting of eight control rats, eight intermittent hypoxia (IH) rats, and eight intermittent nasal obstruction (INO) rats. We use the IH model and the INO model to simulate children suffering from hypoxia and mouth breathing. After 16 days, the condyle of TMJ and surrounding white adipose tissue (WAT) and skeletal muscle tissue were obtained for further staining and qRT-PCR. Finally, RNA-seq was used to verify the results. RESULTS The intermittent hypoxia cannot significantly change the overall structure in the cause of short-term hypoxia stimulation, but the intermittent nasal obstruction can alter the condyle, WAT, and muscle, while also introducing noticeable structural changes in tissue hypoxia and macrophage infiltration. Sequencing data verified these findings and also suggested that this process might involve the Hif-1α/Vegf axis. CONCLUSIONS Our findings reveal the very early structural impact of mouth breathing on condyle reconstruction in rat models, and hypoxia does not induce evident alteration on condyle. However, since these results are mainly focused on rats, further studies are needed to understand its effects on humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhekai Hu
- Department of Oral & Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Huijun Sun
- Department of Oral & Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanqi Wu
- Department of Oral & Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingwen Wu
- Department of Dentistry, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Mei
- Department of Oral & Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Zhu
- Department of Oral & Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
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Ontology groups representing angiogenesis and blood vessels development are highly up-regulated during porcine oviductal epithelial cells long-term real-time proliferation – a primary cell culture approach. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.2478/acb-2018-0029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The morphological and biochemical modification of oviductal epithelial cells (OECs) belongs to the group of compound processes responsible for proper oocyte transport and successful fertilization. The cellular interactions between cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) and oviductal epithelial cells (OECs) are crucial for this unique mechanism. In the present study we have analyzed angiogenesis and blood vessel development processes at transcript levels. By employing microarrays, four ontological groups associated with these mechanisms have been described. Differentially expressed genes belonging to the “angiogenesis”, “blood circulation”, “blood vessel development” and “blood vessel morphogenesis” GO BP terms were investigated as a potential markers for the creation of new blood vessels in cells under in vitro primary culture conditions.
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8
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An oviduct-on-a-chip provides an enhanced in vitro environment for zygote genome reprogramming. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4934. [PMID: 30467383 PMCID: PMC6250703 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07119-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Worldwide over 5 million children have been conceived using assisted reproductive technology, and research has concentrated on increasing the likelihood of ongoing pregnancy. However, studies using animal models have indicated undesirable effects of in vitro embryo culture on offspring development and health. In vivo, the oviduct hosts a period in which the early embryo undergoes complete reprogramming of its (epi)genome in preparation for the reacquisition of (epi)genetic marks. We designed an oviduct-on-a-chip platform to better investigate the mechanisms related to (epi)genetic reprogramming and the degree to which they differ between in vitro and in vivo embryos. The device supports more physiological (in vivo-like) zygote genetic reprogramming than conventional IVF. This approach will be instrumental in identifying and investigating factors critical to fertilization and pre-implantation development, which could improve the quality and (epi)genetic integrity of IVF zygotes with likely relevance for early embryonic and later fetal development.
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Drews B, Milojevic V, Giller K, Ulbrich S. Fatty acid profile of blood plasma and oviduct and uterine fluid during early and late luteal phase in the horse. Theriogenology 2018; 114:258-265. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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10
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Nelis H, Wojciechowicz B, Franczak A, Leemans B, D'Herde K, Goossens K, Cornillie P, Peelman L, Van Soom A, Smits K. Steroids affect gene expression, ciliary activity, glucose uptake, progesterone receptor expression and immunoreactive steroidogenic protein expression in equine oviduct explants in vitro. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 28:1926-1944. [PMID: 26085435 DOI: 10.1071/rd15044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The oviduct undergoes dramatic functional and morphological changes throughout the oestrous cycle of the mare. To unravel the effects of steroids on the morphology, functionality and gene expression of the equine oviduct, an in vitro oviduct explant culture system was stimulated with physiological concentrations of progesterone and 17β-oestradiol. Four conditions were compared: unsupplemented preovulatory explants, preovulatory explants that were stimulated with postovulatory hormone concentrations, unsupplemented postovulatory explants and postovulatory explants that were stimulated with preovulatory hormone concentrations. The modulating effects of both steroids on oviduct explants were investigated and the following parameters examined: (1) ciliary activity, (2) glucose consumption and lactate production pattern, (3) ultrastructure, (4) mRNA expression of embryotrophic genes, (5) steroidogenic capacities of oviductal explants and (6) progesterone receptor expression. The present paper shows that the equine oviduct is an organ with potential steroidogenic capacities, which is highly responsive to local changes in progesterone and 17β-oestradiol concentrations at the level of morphology, functionality and gene expression of the oviduct. These data provide a basis to study the importance of endocrine and paracrine signalling during early embryonic development in the horse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilde Nelis
- Ghent University, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Bartosz Wojciechowicz
- University of Warmia and Mazury, Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Oczapowskiego St. 1A, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Anita Franczak
- University of Warmia and Mazury, Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Oczapowskiego St. 1A, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Bart Leemans
- Ghent University, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Katharina D'Herde
- Ghent University, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, De Pintelaan 185 4B3, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karen Goossens
- Ghent University, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Heidestraat 19, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Pieter Cornillie
- Ghent University, Department of Morphology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Luc Peelman
- Ghent University, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Heidestraat 19, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Ghent University, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Katrien Smits
- Ghent University, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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Ferraz MAMM, Henning HHW, Costa PF, Malda J, Melchels FP, Wubbolts R, Stout TAE, Vos PLAM, Gadella BM. Improved bovine embryo production in an oviduct-on-a-chip system: prevention of poly-spermic fertilization and parthenogenic activation. LAB ON A CHIP 2017; 17:905-916. [PMID: 28194463 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc01566b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The oviduct provides the natural micro-environment for gamete interaction, fertilization and early embryo development in mammals, such as the cow. In conventional culture systems, bovine oviduct epithelial cells (BOEC) undergo a rapid loss of essential differentiated cell properties; we aimed to develop a more physiological in vitro oviduct culture system capable of supporting fertilization. U-shaped chambers were produced using stereo-lithography and mounted with polycarbonate membranes, which were used as culture inserts for primary BOECs. Cells were grown to confluence and cultured at an air-liquid interface for 4 to 6 weeks and subsequently either fixed for immune staining, incubated with sperm cells for live-cell imaging, or used in an oocyte penetration study. Confluent BOEC cultures maintained polarization and differentiation status for at least 6 weeks. When sperm and oocytes were introduced into the system, the BOECs supported oocyte penetration in the absence of artificial sperm capacitation factors while also preventing polyspermy and parthenogenic activation, both of which occur in classical in vitro fertilization systems. Moreover, this "oviduct-on-a-chip" allowed live imaging of sperm-oviduct epithelium binding and release. Taken together, we describe for the first time the use of 3D-printing as a step further on bio-mimicking the oviduct, with polarized and differentiated BOECs in a tubular shape that can be perfused or manipulated, which is suitable for live imaging and supports in vitro fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcia A M M Ferraz
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Heiko H W Henning
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Pedro F Costa
- Department of Orthopedics, Utrecht Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands and Utrecht Biofabrication Facility, Utrecht Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jos Malda
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands and Department of Orthopedics, Utrecht Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands and Utrecht Biofabrication Facility, Utrecht Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ferry P Melchels
- Department of Orthopedics, Utrecht Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands and Utrecht Biofabrication Facility, Utrecht Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - R Wubbolts
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tom A E Stout
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands. and Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter L A M Vos
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Bart M Gadella
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands. and Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Ferraz MAMM, Henning HHW, Stout TAE, Vos PLAM, Gadella BM. Designing 3-Dimensional In Vitro Oviduct Culture Systems to Study Mammalian Fertilization and Embryo Production. Ann Biomed Eng 2016; 45:1731-1744. [PMID: 27844174 PMCID: PMC5489612 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-016-1760-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The oviduct was long considered a largely passive conduit for gametes and embryos. However, an increasing number of studies into oviduct physiology have demonstrated that it specifically and significantly influences gamete interaction, fertilization and early embryo development. While oviduct epithelial cell (OEC) function has been examined during maintenance in conventional tissue culture dishes, cells seeded into these two-dimensional (2-D) conditions suffer a rapid loss of differentiated OEC characteristics, such as ciliation and secretory activity. Recently, three-dimensional (3-D) cell culture systems have been developed that make use of cell inserts to create basolateral and apical medium compartments with a confluent epithelial cell layer at the interface. Using such 3-D culture systems, OECs can be triggered to redevelop typical differentiated cell properties and levels of tissue organization can be developed that are not possible in a 2-D culture. 3-D culture systems can be further refined using new micro-engineering techniques (including microfluidics and 3-D printing) which can be used to produce ‘organs-on-chips’, i.e. live 3-D cultures that bio-mimic the oviduct. In this review, concepts for designing bio-mimic 3-D oviduct cultures are presented. The increased possibilities and concomitant challenges when trying to more closely investigate oviduct physiology, gamete activation, fertilization and embryo production are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcia A M M Ferraz
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 104, 3584CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Heiko H W Henning
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584CM,, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tom A E Stout
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 104, 3584CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584CM,, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter L A M Vos
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 104, 3584CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bart M Gadella
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 104, 3584CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands. .,Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 79, 3584CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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13
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Leemans B, Gadella BM, Stout TAE, De Schauwer C, Nelis H, Hoogewijs M, Van Soom A. Why doesn't conventional IVF work in the horse? The equine oviduct as a microenvironment for capacitation/fertilization. Reproduction 2016; 152:R233-R245. [PMID: 27651517 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In contrast to man and many other mammalian species, conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) with horse gametes is not reliably successful. The apparent inability of stallion spermatozoa to penetrate the zona pellucida in vitro is most likely due to incomplete activation of spermatozoa (capacitation) because of inadequate capacitating or fertilizing media. In vivo, the oviduct and its secretions provide a microenvironment that does reliably support and regulate interaction between the gametes. This review focuses on equine sperm-oviduct interaction. Equine sperm-oviduct binding appears to be more complex than the presumed species-specific calcium-dependent lectin binding phenomenon; unfortunately, the nature of the interaction is not understood. Various capacitation-related events are induced to regulate sperm release from the oviduct epithelium and most data suggest that exposure to oviduct secretions triggers sperm capacitation in vivo However, only limited information is available about equine oviduct secreted factors, and few have been identified. Another aspect of equine oviduct physiology relevant to capacitation is acid-base balance. In vitro, it has been demonstrated that stallion spermatozoa show tail-associated protein tyrosine phosphorylation after binding to oviduct epithelial cells containing alkaline secretory granules. In response to alkaline follicular fluid preparations (pH 7.9), stallion spermatozoa also show tail-associated protein tyrosine phosphorylation, hyperactivated motility and (limited) release from oviduct epithelial binding. However, these 'capacitating conditions' are not able to induce the acrosome reaction and fertilization. In conclusion, developing a defined capacitating medium to support successful equine IVF will depend on identifying as yet uncharacterized capacitation triggers present in the oviduct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Leemans
- Department of ReproductionObstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Bart M Gadella
- Departments of Farm Animal Health.,Biochemistry and Cell Biology
| | - Tom A E Stout
- Departments of Farm Animal Health.,Equine SciencesFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Catharina De Schauwer
- Department of ReproductionObstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Hilde Nelis
- Department of ReproductionObstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Maarten Hoogewijs
- Department of ReproductionObstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of ReproductionObstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Leemans B, Gadella BM, Stout TAE, Nelis H, Hoogewijs M, Van Soom A. An alkaline follicular fluid fraction induces capacitation and limited release of oviduct epithelium-bound stallion sperm. Reproduction 2016; 150:193-208. [PMID: 26242588 DOI: 10.1530/rep-15-0178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Induction of hyperactivated motility is considered essential for triggering the release of oviduct-bound mammalian spermatozoa in preparation for fertilization. In this study, oviduct-bound stallion spermatozoa were exposed for 2 h to: i) pre-ovulatory and ii) post-ovulatory oviductal fluid; iii) 100% and iv) 10% follicular fluid (FF); v) cumulus cells, vi) mature equine oocytes, vii) capacitating and viii) non-capacitating medium. None of these triggered sperm release or hyperactivated motility. Interestingly, native FF was detrimental to sperm viability, an effect that was negated by heat inactivation, charcoal treatment and 30 kDa filtration alone or in combination. Moreover, sperm suspensions exposed to treated FF at pH 7.9 but not pH 7.4 showed Ca(2+)-dependent hypermotility. Fluo-4 AM staining of sperm showed elevated cytoplasmic Ca(2+) in hyperactivated stallion spermatozoa exposed to treated FF at pH 7.9 compared to a modest response in defined capacitating conditions at pH 7.9 and no response in treated FF at pH 7.4. Moreover, 1 h incubation in alkaline, treated FF induced protein tyrosine phosphorylation in 20% of spermatozoa. None of the conditions tested induced widespread release of sperm pre-bound to oviduct epithelium. However, the hyperactivating conditions did induce release of 70-120 spermatozoa per oviduct explant, of which 48% showed protein tyrosine phosphorylation and all were acrosome-intact, but capable of acrosomal exocytosis in response to calcium ionophore. We conclude that, in the presence of elevated pH and extracellular Ca(2+), a heat-resistant, hydrophilic, <30 kDa component of FF can trigger protein tyrosine phosphorylation, elevated cytoplasmic Ca(2+) and hyperactivated motility in stallion sperm, but infrequent release of sperm pre-bound to oviduct epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Leemans
- Department of ReproductionObstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, BelgiumDepartments of Farm Animal HealthBiochemistry and Cell BiologyEquine SciencesFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bart M Gadella
- Department of ReproductionObstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, BelgiumDepartments of Farm Animal HealthBiochemistry and Cell BiologyEquine SciencesFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands Department of ReproductionObstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, BelgiumDepartments of Farm Animal HealthBiochemistry and Cell BiologyEquine SciencesFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tom A E Stout
- Department of ReproductionObstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, BelgiumDepartments of Farm Animal HealthBiochemistry and Cell BiologyEquine SciencesFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands Department of ReproductionObstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, BelgiumDepartments of Farm Animal HealthBiochemistry and Cell BiologyEquine SciencesFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hilde Nelis
- Department of ReproductionObstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, BelgiumDepartments of Farm Animal HealthBiochemistry and Cell BiologyEquine SciencesFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Hoogewijs
- Department of ReproductionObstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, BelgiumDepartments of Farm Animal HealthBiochemistry and Cell BiologyEquine SciencesFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of ReproductionObstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, BelgiumDepartments of Farm Animal HealthBiochemistry and Cell BiologyEquine SciencesFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Leemans B, Gadella BM, Stout TAE, Sostaric E, Schauwer CD, Nelis H, Hoogewijs M, Van Soom A. Combined albumin and bicarbonate induces head-to-head sperm agglutination which physically prevents equine sperm–oviduct binding. Reproduction 2016; 151:313-30. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-15-0471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
In many species, sperm binding to oviduct epithelium is believed to be an essential step in generating a highly fertile capacitated sperm population primed for fertilization. In several mammalian species, this interaction is based on carbohydrate-lectin recognition.d-galactose has previously been characterized as a key molecule that facilitates sperm–oviduct binding in the horse. We used oviduct explant and oviduct apical plasma membrane (APM) assays to investigate the effects of various carbohydrates; glycosaminoglycans; lectins; S-S reductants; and the capacitating factors albumin, Ca2+and HCO3−on sperm–oviduct binding in the horse. Carbohydrate-specific lectin staining indicated thatN-acetylgalactosamine,N-acetylneuraminic acid (sialic acid) andd-mannose ord-glucose were the most abundant carbohydrates on equine oviduct epithelia, whereasd-galactose moieties were not detected. However, in a competitive binding assay, sperm–oviduct binding density was not influenced by any tested carbohydrates, glycosaminoglycans, lectins ord-penicillamine, nor did the glycosaminoglycans induce sperm tail-associated protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Furthermore,N-glycosidase F (PNGase) pretreatment of oviduct explants and APM did not alter sperm–oviduct binding density. By contrast, a combination of the sperm-capacitating factors albumin and HCO3−severely reduced (>10-fold) equine sperm–oviduct binding density by inducing rapid head-to-head agglutination, both of which events were independent of Ca2+and an elevated pH (7.9). Conversely, neither albumin and HCO3−nor any other capacitating factor could induce release of oviduct-bound sperm. In conclusion, a combination of albumin and HCO3−markedly induced sperm head-to-head agglutination which physically prevented stallion sperm to bind to oviduct epithelium.
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