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Ferré LB, Alvarez-Gallardo H, Romo S, Fresno C, Stroud T, Stroud B, Lindsey B, Kjelland ME. Transvaginal ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval in cattle: State-of-the-art and its impact on the in vitro fertilization embryo production outcome. Reprod Domest Anim 2023; 58:363-378. [PMID: 36510745 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14303] [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: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Transvaginal ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval (commonly called OPU) and in vitro embryo production (IVP) in cattle has shown significant progress in recent years, in part, as a result of a better understanding of the full potential of these tools by end users. The combination of OPU and IVP (OPU-IVP) has been successfully and widely commercially used worldwide. The main advantages are a greater number of embryos and pregnancies per unit of time, faster genetic progress due to donor quick turn around and more elite sires mating combinations, larger spectrum of female age (calves, prepuberal, heifer, cow) and condition (open, pregnant) from which to retrieve oocytes, a reduced number of sperm (even sexed) required to fertilize the oocytes, among other benefits. OPU-IVP requires significant less donor preparation in comparison to conventional embryo transfer (<50% of usual FSH injections needed) to the extent of no stimulating hormones (FSH) are necessary. Donor synchronization, stimulation, OPU technique, oocyte competence, embryo performance, and its impact on cryopreservation and pregnancy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis B Ferré
- National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Chacra Experimental Integrada Barrow (MDA-INTA), Tres Arroyos, Argentina
| | - Horacio Alvarez-Gallardo
- Centro Nacional de Recursos Genéticos, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Tepatitlán de Morelos, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Salvador Romo
- Laboratorio de Reproducción, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuautitlán, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Cristóbal Fresno
- Health Sciences Research Center (CICSA), Anáhuac University of México, Huixquilucan, Mexico
| | | | - Brad Stroud
- Stroud Veterinary Embryo Services, Inc, Weatherford, Texas, USA
| | | | - Michael E Kjelland
- Conservation, Genetics and Biotech, LLC, Valley City, North Dakota, USA.,Mayville State University, Mayville, North Dakota, USA
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2
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Palomino J, De Los Reyes M. Flow cytometric evaluation of canine follicular cell apoptosis during the oestrous cycle. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 57:165-172. [PMID: 34738262 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14037] [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: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Apoptosis is the cellular mechanism of ovarian follicular atresia in mammals; the aim of this study was to examine the apoptosis-related cyclic changes in follicular cells of different-sized antral follicles throughout the oestrous cycle in canines. Ovaries were collected from 26 adult female dogs (1-4 years) following routine ovariohysterectomy. Antral follicles were classified as small, medium or large antral or preovulatory. The percentage of apoptotic cells was determined flow cytometrically using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) DNA nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay. Apoptosis rate was quantified as the percentage of TUNEL-positive cells on a logarithmic scale. Percentages of TUNEL-positive cells obtained in the flow cytometric assay were compared among oestrous phases and follicular sizes using analysis of variance. Apoptotic follicles were observed in all types of canine follicles in different cycle phases and stages of development, possibly corresponding to the physiological process of the oestrous cycle. Both the oestrous phase and follicular size significantly influenced the apoptosis rate (p < .05). Apoptosis rate increased significantly (p < .05) as follicular development progressed. Apoptosis rate was the highest in large follicles during the oestrous phase (9.2%; p < .05) and the lowest in small follicles during the anestrus period (1.8%; p < .05). In conclusion, our results demonstrate significant differences in the apoptosis rate during the oestrous cycle related to follicle development in the canine ovary. Furthermore, flow cytometry using the TUNEL assay was found to be an effective method for detecting apoptosis in canine follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Palomino
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Bernardo O'Higgins University, Santiago, Chile
| | - Monica De Los Reyes
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
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3
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Cheng J, Pan Y, Yang S, Wei Y, Lv Q, Xing Q, Zhang R, Sun L, Qin G, Shi D, Deng Y. Integration of transcriptomics and non-targeted metabolomics reveals the underlying mechanism of follicular atresia in Chinese buffalo. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 212:105944. [PMID: 34144152 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2021.105944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Follicular atresia is a complex physiological process, which results in the waste of follicles and oocytes from the ovary. Elucidating the physiological mechanism of follicular atresia will hopefully reverse the fate of follicles, thereby improve the reproductive efficiency of female animals. However, there are still many gaps to be filled during the follicular atresia process. In this study, we first comprehensively summarized and compared a variety of methods to classify Chinese buffalo follicles with different extent of atresia. Then follicular fluid and granulosa cells from the corresponding follicles with different extent of atresia were collected for non-targeted metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis, respectively. After the detection and analysis of 129 follicles, a reasonable classification standard was formed: on the basis of morphological classification, the relative concentrations of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (PROG) in the follicular fluid were determined, follicles with an estradiol-to-progesterone (E2/PROG) ratio >5 were classified as healthy follicles (HF), 1≤ E2/PROG ≤5 as early atretic follicles (EF) and E2/PROG <1 as late atretic follicles (LF). Correspondingly, follicles with granulosa cells apoptosis rate less than 15 % were divided into HF, 15%-25% were classified as EF and more than 25 % were classified as LF. The integration analysis of non-targeted metabolomics and transcriptomics highlights the following three aspects: (1) Atresia seriously damaged the lipid metabolism homeostasis of follicle, in which PPARγ play important roles. (2) Energy metabolism and nucleotide metabolism of atretic follicles were inhibited. (3) Bilirubin is involved in follicular atresia, and it may be the main force to prevent lipid peroxidation in follicular cells. In summary, results of this study provide new understanding of the molecular mechanisms of Chinese buffalo follicular atresia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanru Cheng
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, PR China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Buffalo Genetics, Guangxi Buffalo Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanning, PR China
| | - Yu Pan
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Sufang Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Yaochang Wei
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Qiao Lv
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Qinghua Xing
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Ruimen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Le Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Guangsheng Qin
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Buffalo Genetics, Guangxi Buffalo Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanning, PR China
| | - Deshun Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, PR China.
| | - Yanfei Deng
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, PR China.
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4
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Pan Y, Yang S, Cheng J, Lv Q, Xing Q, Zhang R, Liang J, Shi D, Deng Y. Whole-Transcriptome Analysis of LncRNAs Mediated ceRNA Regulation in Granulosa Cells Isolated From Healthy and Atresia Follicles of Chinese Buffalo. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:680182. [PMID: 34336976 PMCID: PMC8316591 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.680182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Granulosa cells (GCs) are the main supporting cells in follicles and play an important role in the regulation of oocyte maturation and follicular atresia. Accumulating evidence indicates that non-coding RNAs participate in regulation of the physiological function of GCs. However, whole-transcriptome analysis for GCs of buffalo has yet to be reported. In this study, healthy follicles (HFs) and atretic follicles (AFs) were defined according to the apoptosis rate of GCs and the hormone level in follicular fluid. GCs were collected from HFs and AFs (n = 15, 5 < n < 8 mm) for whole-transcriptome analysis using second-generation high-throughput sequencing. A total of 1,861 and 1,075 mRNAs, 159 and 24 miRNAs, and 123 and 100 lncRNAs, were upregulated and downregulated between HFs and AFs, respectively. Enrichment of functions and signaling pathways of these differentially expressed (DE) genes showed that most of DEmRNAs and targets of DEmiRNAs were annotated to the categories of ECM–receptor interaction and focal adhesion, as well as PI3K-AKT, mTOR, TGF-beta, Rap1, and estrogen signaling pathways. The competing endogenous RNA (CeRNA) network was also constructed based on the ceRNA theory which further revealed regulatory roles of these DERNAs in GCs of buffalo follicles. Finally, we validated that lnc4040 regulated the expression of Hif1a as miR-709 sponge in a ceRNA mechanism, suggesting their critical functions in GCs of buffalo follicles. These results show that lncRNAs are dynamically expressed in GCs of HFs and AFs, and interacting with target genes in a ceRNA manner, suggesting their critical functions in buffalo follicular development and atresia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Pan
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Sufang Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Juanru Cheng
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Qiao Lv
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Qinghua Xing
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Ruimen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Jingyuan Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Deshun Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Yanfei Deng
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
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5
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Ultrastructure of Granulosa Cells of Bovine Ovarian Antral Follicles in Relation to Atresia. FOLIA VETERINARIA 2020. [DOI: 10.2478/fv-2020-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The aim of this study was to describe the most common forms of ovarian follicle atresia in large antral follicles of cows and quantify the occurrence of different cell structures in each form. Atresia of antral follicles in ovaries was determined on the basis of ultrastructural images acquired by electron microscopy of ultrathin sections contrasted with uranyl acetate and lead citrate to visualize cell organelles. All forms of atresia in large follicles are accompanied by regressive changes of the granulosa cells. The initial form of atresia is characterized by enlarged intercellular spaces after the disruption of the gap junctions and desmosomes. Small collapsed cells with pyknotic nuclei, substantially reduced the cytoplasm and a higher incidence of lysosomes are located on the surface of the granulosa layer. The stratum granulosum wall collapses and the basal membrane is swollen with a rupture of the lamina basalis. Obliterative atresia is characterized by a multiplied loose connective tissue consisting of collagen fibers, fibroblasts, histiocytes, blood capillaries and sporadically granulocytes. The cystic form of atresia is characterized by small collapsed, pyknotic granulosa cells settled in one or two layers. In luteinization-associated atresia, granulosa cells are hypertrophied, their cytoplasm contains smooth endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria with tubules. In conclusion, the initial atresia of large antral ovarian follicles is associated with processes of cell death, followed by multiplication of the loose connective tissue cells, its dystrophy and hyalinization of the collagen fibers. Ultrastructural examination could be used as a complementary method to improve histopathological diagnostics of cow reproductive organs in veterinary practice.
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6
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Miconazole loaded chitosan-based nanoparticles for local treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis fungal infections. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2019; 174:409-415. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2018.11.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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7
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Sirard MA, Grand FX, Labrecque R, Vigneault C, Blondin P. ASAS-SSR Triennial Reproduction Symposium: The use of natural cycle's follicular dynamic to improve oocyte quality in dairy cows and heifers. J Anim Sci 2018. [PMID: 29514310 DOI: 10.1093/jas/sky050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The selection of the best dairy heifers is mainly driven by the genetic value of their parents. The phenotype analysis of cows and of the daughters of bulls has been used to identify the best genetic value for decades before being replaced by genomic selection of individuals that are not yet parents. Because it is possible to predict the future value of an individual by its genetic makeup, it becomes feasible to do it as early as the blastocyst stage and to decide which should be transferred or not. Because we know the genotype of an animal at birth, or even before, it is becoming desirable to reproduce this animal as soon as possible to reduce generation interval and improve selection speed. Nature provides constraints that can be overcome: a single oocyte per cycle and age at puberty. Indeed, it is now possible to super-stimulate the ovary at any age and to start collecting oocytes at 6 mo by trans-vaginal ultrasonography. The challenge becomes the production of good eggs and embryos capable of implanting and developing into healthy calves. Our understanding of ovarian follicular physiology has been instrumental in designing stimulation protocols that may be adjusted to any physiological context including age, and even the individual animal, to obtain a good response. Therefore, the combination of procedures developed in cows to optimize oocyte quality, for example, FSH coasting, in association with in vitro fertilization and optimal culture conditions can now result in the production of several female embryos twice a month from animals 6 to12 mo of age. The transcriptomic and epigenetic analyses of embryos produced from the same females at different ages were compared and few differences were noted in particular in relation to embryo metabolism. These embryos are as good as the ones obtained from adult animals and can be produced with sexed sperm of bulls 12 mo of age. This combination of these technical optimizations with blastocyst genotyping allows the selection of a second generation within a year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc André Sirard
- Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
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8
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Chaudhary GR, Yadav PK, Yadav AK, Tiwari M, Gupta A, Sharma A, Sahu K, Pandey AN, Pandey AK, Chaube SK. Necrosis and necroptosis in germ cell depletion from mammalian ovary. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:8019-8027. [PMID: 30341907 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The maximum number of germ cells is present during the fetal life in mammals. Follicular atresia results in rapid depletion of germ cells from the cohort of the ovary. At the time of puberty, only a few hundred (<1%) germ cells are either culminated into oocytes or further get eliminated during the reproductive life. Although apoptosis plays a major role, necrosis as well as necroptosis, might also be involved in germ cell elimination from the mammalian ovary. Both necrosis and necroptosis show similar morphological features and are characterized by an increase in cell volume, cell membrane permeabilization, and rupture that lead to cellular demise. Necroptosis is initiated by tumor necrosis factor and operated through receptor interacting protein kinase as well as mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein. The acetylcholinesterase, cytokines, starvation, and oxidative stress play important roles in necroptosis-mediated granulosa cell death. The granulosa cell necroptosis directly or indirectly induces susceptibility toward necroptotic or apoptotic cell death in oocytes. Indeed, prevention of necrosis and necroptosis pathways using their specific inhibitors could enhance growth/differentiation factor-9 expression, improve survivability as well as the meiotic competency of oocytes, and prevent decline of reproductive potential in several mammalian species and early onset of menopause in women. This study updates the information and focuses on the possible involvement of necrosis and necroptosis in germ cell depletion from the mammalian ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Govind R Chaudhary
- Cell Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Pramod K Yadav
- Cell Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Anil K Yadav
- Cell Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Meenakshi Tiwari
- Cell Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Anumegha Gupta
- Cell Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Alka Sharma
- Cell Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Kankshi Sahu
- Cell Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Ashutosh N Pandey
- Cell Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Ajai K Pandey
- Department of Kayachikitsa, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Shail K Chaube
- Cell Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
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9
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Han X, Xue R, Yuan HJ, Wang TY, Lin J, Zhang J, Liang B, Tan JH. MicroRNA-21 plays a pivotal role in the oocyte-secreted factor-induced suppression of cumulus cell apoptosis. Biol Reprod 2018; 96:1167-1180. [PMID: 28486664 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
It is known that oocytes and cumulus cells (CCs) are more resistant to apoptosis than other compartments of the antral follicle. However, although oocyte-secreted factors (OSFs) have been found to be involved in suppressing bovine CC apoptosis, little is known about the intracellular mechanisms by which OSFs render CCs resistant to apoptosis. Here, we show that coculture with mouse or pig cumulus-denuded oocytes, culture with recombinant mouse growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9), or culture in pig oocyte-conditioned medium (POCM) significantly inhibited CC apoptosis of mouse oocytectomized cumulus oophorus complexes (OOXs). The POCM contained both GDF-9 and bone morphogenetic protein-15, and their levels remained constant during culture of OOXs. The level of microRNA-21 (miR-21) was significantly lower in OOXs than in COCs after culture in a simplified α-MEM medium, but increased significantly when OOXs were cultured with GDF-9 or in POCM. The level of miR-21 in OSF-treated CCs was correlated with that of Dicer1 but not that of Drosha mRNA. Inhibiting activin receptor-like kinase 5 or SMAD3 completely abolished the beneficial effects of GDF-9 or POCM on CC apoptosis and miR-21 levels. Up- and downregulating miR-21 expression significantly reduced and increased CC apoptosis, respectively. The OSF-upregulated miR-21 expression suppressed CC apoptosis with activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling. In conclusion, miR-21 plays a pivotal role in the OSF suppression of CC apoptosis. OSFs upregulated miR-21 expression through the TGF-β superfamily signaling, which worked through DICER. MicroRNA-21 prevented apoptosis via the PI3K/Akt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Han
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-an City, Shandong Province, P. R. China
| | - Rui Xue
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-an City, Shandong Province, P. R. China
| | - Hong-Jie Yuan
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-an City, Shandong Province, P. R. China
| | - Tian-Yang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-an City, Shandong Province, P. R. China
| | - Juan Lin
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-an City, Shandong Province, P. R. China
| | - Jie Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-an City, Shandong Province, P. R. China
| | - Bo Liang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-an City, Shandong Province, P. R. China
| | - Jing-He Tan
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-an City, Shandong Province, P. R. China
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10
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Luciano AM, Sirard MA. Successful in vitro maturation of oocytes: a matter of follicular differentiation. Biol Reprod 2017; 98:162-169. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Maria Luciano
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Sciences and Food Safety, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Marc-André Sirard
- Centre de Recherche en reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Département des Sciences Animales, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
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11
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Souza ACO, Nascimento AL, de Vasconcelos NM, Jerônimo MS, Siqueira IM, R-Santos L, Cintra DOS, Fuscaldi LL, Pires Júnior OR, Titze-de-Almeida R, Borin MF, Báo SN, Martins OP, Cardoso VN, Fernandes SO, Mortari MR, Tedesco AC, Amaral AC, Felipe MSS, Bocca AL. Activity and in vivo tracking of Amphotericin B loaded PLGA nanoparticles. Eur J Med Chem 2015; 95:267-76. [PMID: 25827397 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2015.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2014] [Revised: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The development of biocompatible polymeric nanoparticles has become an important strategy for optimizing the therapeutic efficacy of many classical drugs, as it may expand their activities, reduce their toxicity, increase their bioactivity and improve biodistribution. In this study, nanoparticles of Amphotericin B entrapped within poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid and incorporated with dimercaptosuccinic acid (NANO-D-AMB) as a target molecule were evaluated for their physic-chemical characteristics, pharmacokinetics, biocompatibility and antifungal activity. We found high plasma concentrations of Amphotericin B upon treatment with NANO-D-AMB and a high uptake of nanoparticles in the lungs, liver and spleen. NANO-D-AMB exhibited antifungal efficacy against Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and induced much lower cytotoxicity levels compared to D-AMB formulation in vivo and in vitro. Together, these results confirm that NANO-D-AMB improves Amphotericin B delivery and suggest this delivery system as a potential alternative to the use of Amphotericin B sodium deoxycholate.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C O Souza
- Biology Institute, University of Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | | | | | - M S Jerônimo
- Biology Institute, University of Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - I M Siqueira
- Biology Institute, University of Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - L R-Santos
- Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - D O S Cintra
- Biology Institute, University of Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - L L Fuscaldi
- Biotechnology Department, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | | | - R Titze-de-Almeida
- Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - M F Borin
- Biotechnology Department, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - S N Báo
- Biology Institute, University of Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - O P Martins
- Chemistry Department of FFCLRP, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - V N Cardoso
- Pharmacy Department, Federal University of Minas Gerais, MG, Brazil
| | - S O Fernandes
- Pharmacy Department, Federal University of Minas Gerais, MG, Brazil
| | - M R Mortari
- Biology Institute, University of Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - A C Tedesco
- Chemistry Department of FFCLRP, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - A C Amaral
- Biotechnology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, GO, Brazil.
| | - M S S Felipe
- Biology Institute, University of Brasília, DF, Brazil; Genomic Science and Biotechnology Post-Graduate Program, Catholic University of Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - A L Bocca
- Biology Institute, University of Brasília, DF, Brazil
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12
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Girard A, Dufort I, Douville G, Sirard MA. Global gene expression in granulosa cells of growing, plateau and atretic dominant follicles in cattle. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2015; 13:17. [PMID: 25879740 PMCID: PMC4355352 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-015-0010-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The physiological state of the dominant follicle is important as it may be linked to the competence of the oocyte within. The objective of this study was to analyze, by transcriptomic analysis, the changes occurring in granulosa cells from dominant follicles at different phases of follicular growth. METHODS Granulosa cells were collected from slaughterhouse dairy cattle follicles with a diameter greater than 9 mm, and were classified at different phases of follicle growth based on flow cytometry profiles of DNA content after staining with propidium iodide. Three phases were identified based on the proportion of cells in -G1 (less than 2n DNA), G0-G1 (2n DNA) or S-M (more than 2n DNA) and follicles were thus allocated to the growing, plateau or atresia group. Between group analysis (BGA) showed clear segregation of the three groups, and the groups were contrasted against each other in a loop design to identify differently expressed genes. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) was used to identify the functions and upstream regulators associated with the observed differently expressed genes. RESULTS Major differences were observed between the growth phases. Granulosa cells from follicles in the plateau phase had increased expression of TYRO3 and downregulation of JAM2 compared to growing follicles, supporting the idea of a shift from proliferation to differentiation. On the other hand, genes regulating the response to oxidative stress (VNN1) and angiogenesis (ANGPT2) were upregulated in granulosa cells from atretic follicles. While the predicted activated functions in cells at the plateau stage compared to cells at the growing stage included synthesis and transport of molecules, the predictions for atretic follicles relative to plateau ones included an increase in apoptosis and cell death. CONCLUSION Consistent with previous studies, these observations allowed us to match the presence of specific gene transcripts to a particular physiological status and consequently to classify follicles. The results also demonstrated that the plateau phase is not a simple 'in between' status between growth and atresia, as several characteristics are unique to this stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Girard
- Département des Sciences Animales, Pavillon INAF, Faculté des Sciences de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation, Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction (CRBR), Université Laval, Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Isabelle Dufort
- Département des Sciences Animales, Pavillon INAF, Faculté des Sciences de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation, Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction (CRBR), Université Laval, Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Gabriel Douville
- Département des Sciences Animales, Pavillon INAF, Faculté des Sciences de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation, Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction (CRBR), Université Laval, Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Marc-André Sirard
- Département des Sciences Animales, Pavillon INAF, Faculté des Sciences de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation, Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction (CRBR), Université Laval, Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada.
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Portela VM, Dirandeh E, Guerrero-Netro HM, Zamberlam G, Barreta MH, Goetten AF, Price CA. The role of fibroblast growth factor-18 in follicular atresia in cattle. Biol Reprod 2014; 92:14. [PMID: 25411391 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.121376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the various members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family are generally mitotic, one member, FGF18, has been shown to increase the rate of apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells. In the present study, we first determined whether granulosa cells express FGF18 and we then explored the mechanism through which FGF18 increases apoptosis in vitro. Under culture conditions that favored estradiol secretion and CYP19A1 expression, granulosa FGF18 mRNA levels were barely detectable; however, withdrawing gonadotropic support (follicle-stimulating hormone or insulin-like growth factor 1) reduced levels of CYP19A1 mRNA and increased abundance of mRNA encoding the death ligand FASLG and FGF18. Addition of FGF18, but not FGF2, FGF10, or EGF, increased the proportion of apoptotic cells and frequency of caspase 3 activation, and these effects were abrogated by coculture with estradiol. Addition of FGF18 decreased abundance of mRNA encoding the antiapoptotic proteins GADD45B and MDM2, and increased that encoding the proapoptotic protein BBC3; these effects were reversed by coculture with estradiol. The physiological relevance of FGF18 was determined using an in vivo model: injection of FGF18 directly into growing bovine dominant follicles caused cessation of follicle growth by 24 h after injection. Collectively, these data demonstrate that FGF18 is proapoptotic in vivo and may act through a mechanism involving the BBC3-MDM2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valério M Portela
- Centre de recherche en reproduction animale, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada Campus Universitário Curitibanos, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Curitibanos, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Essa Dirandeh
- Centre de recherche en reproduction animale, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Hilda M Guerrero-Netro
- Centre de recherche en reproduction animale, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Gustavo Zamberlam
- Centre de recherche en reproduction animale, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marcos H Barreta
- Campus Universitário Curitibanos, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Curitibanos, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - André F Goetten
- Campus Universitário Curitibanos, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Curitibanos, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Christopher A Price
- Centre de recherche en reproduction animale, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
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Toward building the cow folliculome. Anim Reprod Sci 2014; 149:90-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Revised: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Changes in granulosa cells gene expression associated with growth, plateau and atretic phases in medium bovine follicles. J Ovarian Res 2014; 7:50. [PMID: 24955130 PMCID: PMC4046060 DOI: 10.1186/1757-2215-7-50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The objective of this study was to build the transcriptomic profile of granulosa cells originating from follicles 6 to 9 mm in diameter in dairy cattle using microarrays. Methods Granulosa cells originating from three different phases of antral follicle growth were compared: growing (G), plateau (P) and atresia (A), as categorized by flow cytometry profiles of DNA. The growing and atretic conditions were each hybridized against the plateau condition as a reference in order to understand the specific biological mechanisms modulated in this class of follicles. Results 2,942 genes were differentially expressed (P < 0.05) in P vs. G and 1,974 in A vs. P. A clear segregation of the 3 phases was confirmed by between group analysis (BGA). The first characteristic of the plateau phase is the activation of the upstream regulators TP53 and PTEN which participate in the reduction of cell growth through MYC, FOS and E2F1-2-3. We also observed the down-regulation of steroidogenesis genes: CYP11A1 and CYP19A1, in the granulosa cells of the plateau phase relative to the growth phase. On the other hand, the A vs. P contrast showed up-regulation of multiple transcripts associated to apoptosis: CCT2, DAB2, DSG2 and TGM2. Conclusions This study offers multiple candidate genes to be further studied in order to elucidate their role in the modulation of follicular development and, ultimately, of oocyte quality.
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Liang B, Wei DL, Cheng YN, Yuan HJ, Lin J, Cui XZ, Luo MJ, Tan JH. Restraint Stress Impairs Oocyte Developmental Potential in Mice: Role of CRH-Induced Apoptosis of Ovarian Cells1. Biol Reprod 2013; 89:64. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.110619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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Abstract
The most important factor affecting the oocyte and early embryo transcriptome is the legacy from the follicular environment prior to meiotic resumption. Up to the 8-cell stage, the oocyte responds to maternal instructions stored before resumption of the meiotic division. Recent evidence suggests that properly prepared or programmed oocytes (in vivo) can achieve close to 100% blastocyst rates in standard in vitro conditions/media. Therefore, the optimal oocyte requires perfect follicular timing and differentiation, but the intra-oocyte mechanisms involved in such preparation are not completely understood. In addition, the influence of maternal mRNA storage and degradation, as well as the length of the poly A tail that influences the general pattern of the oocyte/early embryo transcriptome, is an important factor. Several hypotheses have been put forth to explain the depletion of the maternal store, including the potential role of microRNA (miRNA) in this process. The activation of the embryonic genome could be dependent on, or associated with, the process of maternal mRNA degradation, but obviously other functions are being activated at this critical time point. This review will focus on the period from full-size oocytes to the eight-cell stage and will summarize the impact of the important factors, that is, follicle, maternal RNA storage and embryonic genome activation, on the transcriptome.
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Affiliation(s)
- M-A Sirard
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction, Faculté des Sciences de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation, Pavillon des Services, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.
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Zamberlam G, Portela V, de Oliveira JFC, Gonçalves PBD, Price CA. Regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in bovine ovarian granulosa cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2011; 335:189-94. [PMID: 21256181 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2011.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2010] [Revised: 01/11/2011] [Accepted: 01/13/2011] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is a potential regulator of ovarian follicle growth, and ovarian granulosa cells reportedly generate NO in response to gonadotrophins, suggesting that the regulated form of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is present. The objectives of the present study were to gain insight into the expression and role of iNOS in the follicle. Messenger RNA encoding iNOS was detected in granulosa cells, and abundance was higher in growing dominant follicles compared to subordinate follicles (P<0.01). FSH (P<0.05) and IGF1 (P<0.01) stimulated oestradiol secretion and iNOS mRNA abundance in granulosa cells in vitro, whereas FGF2 (P<0.05) and EGF (P<0.01) decreased oestradiol secretion and iNOS expression. The addition of an anti-oestrogen prevented FSH-induced iNOS mRNA accumulation. Inhibition of endogenous NO production did not affect steroidogenesis in granulosa cells, but increased FasL mRNA abundance, caspase-3 activation and the incidence of apoptotic cell death (P<0.05). These results demonstrate that iNOS is expressed in ruminant granulosa cells and is regulated by gonadotrophins and oestradiol. Physiological levels of NO may contribute to the survival of granulosa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Zamberlam
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia e Reprodução Animal, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
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Sirard MA. Follicle environment and quality of in vitro matured oocytes. J Assist Reprod Genet 2011; 28:483-8. [PMID: 21394521 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-011-9554-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2011] [Accepted: 02/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammalian reproduction, the oocyte depends on the ovarian follicle for most of its growth. They form a bipolar partnership and the status of one will impact the functioning of the other. When oocytes are removed from their follicle by ovulation, they have normally completed all the steps required to begin their journey into the oviduct and drive the early embryonic development. When oocytes are removed from their follicle before natural ovulation, the process by which they acquire all the important components for their journey might not be completed and their ability to mature, fertilize or develop into embryos or to term might be compromised. Animal models have been useful to define the important steps required for the oocyte's growth phase, and in the mouse, when the oocyte has reached its full size, the program is ready. This is not the case in larger mammals where the completion of growth does not ensure that the oocyte is fully capable of undergoing all the steps to the embryo and to term. The final steps of oocyte preparation also involve a progressive condensation of the chromatin that may facilitate normal maturation but may also indirectly reduce the lifespan of the oocyte. In such a scenario, the oocyte would have an expiration date when fully competent. In humans, a number of indications may justify the aspiration of oocytes from unstimulated patients and the development of an in vitro maturation (IVM) process that would allow fertilization and subsequent development. This objective could be realized by a better understanding of the essential follicular contribution required before removing the oocyte. Therefore, this review will focus on the large animal models where IVM has been used and studied for more than 25 years. The status of the follicle at the time of oocyte recovery and the status of the oocyte's chromatin will be described in detail as they have a significant impact on the outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc-André Sirard
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction, Département des Sciences Animales, Université Laval, Québec, Canada, G1K 7P4.
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Sreejalekshmi P, Raghavendra BS, Siva Subramani T, Chandrashekara Murthy V, Jamuna KV, Prasad RV, Ravindra JP, Selvaraju S. Detection of Follicular Apoptosis in Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Ovary by Histology and Nick End Labelling Technique. Reprod Domest Anim 2011; 46:59-65. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2009.01569.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Portela VM, Machado M, Buratini J, Zamberlam G, Amorim RL, Goncalves P, Price CA. Expression and function of fibroblast growth factor 18 in the ovarian follicle in cattle. Biol Reprod 2010; 83:339-46. [PMID: 20484739 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.110.084277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factors (FGF) are involved in paracrine signaling between cell types in the ovarian follicle. FGF8, for example, is secreted by oocytes and controls cumulus cell metabolism. The closely related FGF18 is also expressed in oocytes in mice. The objective of this study was to assess the potential role of FGF18 in follicle growth in a monovulatory species, the cow. Messenger RNA encoding FGF18 was detected primarily in theca cells, and in contrast to the mouse, FGF18 was not detected in bovine oocytes. Addition of FGF18 protein to granulosa cell cultures inhibited estradiol and progesterone secretion as well as the abundance of mRNA encoding steroidogenic enzymes and the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor. In vivo, onset of atresia of the subordinate follicle was associated with increased thecal FGF18 mRNA levels and FGF18 protein in follicular fluid. In vitro, FGF18 altered cell cycle progression as measured by flow cytometry, resulting in increased numbers of dead cells (sub-G1 peak) and decreased cells in S phase. This was accompanied by decreased levels of mRNA encoding the cell cycle checkpoint regulator GADD45B. Collectively, these data point to a unique role for this FGF in signaling from theca cells to granulosa cells and suggest that FGF18 influences the process of atresia in ovarian follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio M Portela
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction Animale, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
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Portela VM, Zamberlam G, Price CA. Cell plating density alters the ratio of estrogenic to progestagenic enzyme gene expression in cultured granulosa cells. Fertil Steril 2010; 93:2050-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.01.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2009] [Revised: 01/27/2009] [Accepted: 01/28/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Rodgers RJ, Irving-Rodgers HF. Morphological classification of bovine ovarian follicles. Reproduction 2009; 139:309-18. [PMID: 19786400 DOI: 10.1530/rep-09-0177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Follicle classification is an important aid to the understanding of follicular development and atresia. Some bovine primordial follicles have the classical primordial shape, but ellipsoidal shaped follicles with some cuboidal granulosa cells at the poles are far more common. Preantral follicles have one of two basal lamina phenotypes, either a single aligned layer or one with additional layers. In antral follicles <5 mm diameter, half of the healthy follicles have columnar shaped basal granulosa cells and additional layers of basal lamina, which appear as loops in cross section ('loopy'). The remainder have aligned single-layered follicular basal laminas with rounded basal cells, and contain better quality oocytes than the loopy/columnar follicles. In sizes >5 mm, only aligned/rounded phenotypes are present. Dominant and subordinate follicles can be identified by ultrasound and/or histological examination of pairs of ovaries. Atretic follicles <5 mm are either basal atretic or antral atretic, named on the basis of the location in the membrana granulosa where cells die first. Basal atretic follicles have considerable biological differences to antral atretic follicles. In follicles >5 mm, only antral atresia is observed. The concentrations of follicular fluid steroid hormones can be used to classify atresia and distinguish some of the different types of atresia; however, this method is unlikely to identify follicles early in atresia, and hence misclassify them as healthy. Other biochemical and histological methods can be used, but since cell death is a part of normal homoeostatis, deciding when a follicle has entered atresia remains somewhat subjective.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Rodgers
- The Robinson Institute, Research Centre for Reproductive Health, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia.
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Portela VM, Veiga A, Price CA. Regulation of MMP2 and MMP9 metalloproteinases by FSH and growth factors in bovine granulosa cells. Genet Mol Biol 2009; 32:516-20. [PMID: 21637514 PMCID: PMC3036041 DOI: 10.1590/s1415-47572009005000048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2009] [Accepted: 05/13/2009] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are key enzymes involved in tissue remodeling. Within the ovary, they are believed to play a major role in ovulation, and have been linked to follicle atresia. To gain insight into the regulation of MMPs, we measured the effect of hormones and growth factors on MMP2 and MMP9 mRNA levels in non-luteinizing granulosa cells in serum-free culture. FSH and IGF1 both stimulated estradiol secretion and inhibited MMP2 and MMP9 mRNA abundance. In contrast, EGF and FGF2 both inhibited estradiol secretion but had no effect on MMP expression. At physiological doses, none of these hormones altered the proportion of dead cells. Although we cannot link MMP expression with apoptosis, the specific down regulation by the gonadotropic hormones FSH and IGF1 in vitro suggests that excess MMP2 and MMP9 expression is neither required nor desired for follicle development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio M Portela
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction Animale, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC Canada
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Irving-Rodgers HF, Morris S, Collett RA, Peura TT, Davy M, Thompson JG, Mason HD, Rodgers RJ. Phenotypes of the ovarian follicular basal lamina predict developmental competence of oocytes. Hum Reprod 2008; 24:936-44. [PMID: 19095662 PMCID: PMC2656928 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/den447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ovarian follicular basal lamina underlies the epithelial membrana granulosa and maintains the avascular intra-follicular compartment. Additional layers of basal lamina occur in a number of pathologies, including pili annulati and diabetes. We previously found additional layers of follicular basal lamina in a significant percentage of healthy bovine follicles. We wished to determine if this phenomenon existed in humans, and if it was related to oocyte function in the bovine. METHODS AND RESULTS We examined follicles from human ovaries (n = 18) by electron microscopy and found that many follicles had additional layers of basal lamina. Oocytes (n = 222) from bovine follicles with normal or unusual basal laminas were isolated and their ability to undergo in vitro maturation, fertilization and culture to blastocyst was compared. Healthy bovine follicles with a single layer of basal lamina had oocytes with significantly (P < 0.01) greater developmental competence than healthy follicles with additional layers of follicular basal lamina (65% versus 28%). CONCLUSIONS These findings provide direct evidence that the phenotype of the follicular basal lamina is related to oocyte competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen F Irving-Rodgers
- Research Centre for Reproductive Health, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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Faes MR, Caldas-Bussiere MC, Viana KS, Dias BL, Costa FR, Escocard RM. Nitric oxide regulates steroid synthesis by bovine antral granulosa cells in a chemically defined medium. Anim Reprod Sci 2008; 110:222-36. [PMID: 18372125 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2008.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2007] [Accepted: 01/28/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) in bovine ovary has been characterized as one of the controllers of granulosa cells' (GC) steroidogenesis and apoptosis. One of the pathways used by NO to have these effects is cGMP. The objectives of the present study were to verify the effect of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a NO donor, on steroidogenesis, cell viability (mitochondrial activity) and GC cell cycle distribution and if this effect occurs by the NO-cGMP signaling pathway with the addition of SNP with or without 1H-[1,2,3] oxadiaziolo[4,3a]quinoxaline-1-one (ODQ), a selective soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor. The antral GC from 3 to 5mm diameter cattle follicles was cultured without treatment (control), with ODQ (10(-4)M) and 10(-5), 10(-3) and 10(-1)M SNP with or without ODQ for 24h. Nitrate/nitrite (NO(3)(-)/N0(2)(-)) concentrations were evaluated by Griess method, progesterone (P(4)) and 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) concentrations by chemiluminescence, viability and cell cycle stage by MTT method (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl]-2,3 dipheniltetrazolium bromide) and flow cytometry, respectively. Nitrate/nitrite concentration in culture medium increased (P<0.05) in a dose-dependent manner according to SNP concentration added to the culture medium. The GC cultured without treatment, with ODQ and with 10(-5)M SNP in the presence or absence of ODQ developed into cell aggregates and did not vary in cell viability (P>0.05), while GC cultured with 10(-3) and 10(-1)M SNP with or without ODQ presented disorganized GC aggregates or did not develop into cell aggregates and also had substantially decreased cell viability (mitochondrial activity inhibition) and steroids synthesis (P<0.05), and effects were not reversed with us of ODQ. Most GC cultured without treatment (control) or with ODQ, 10(-5) and 10(-3)M SNP with or without ODQ were in the G0/G1 (80-75%) stage and in a lesser proportion (20-25%) in the S+G2/M stage of the cell cycle, while the 10(-1)M SNP treatment resulted in GC in G1 phase arrest. The treatment with 10(-5)M SNP increased (P<0.05) E(2) synthesis and inhibited (P<0.05) progesterone synthesis. The addition of ODQ reversed (P<0.05) the stimulatory effect of 10(-5)M SNP treatment on E(2), but not on P(4) synthesis (P>0.05). These results demonstrated that E(2) synthesis by antral GC from small follicles is modulated by lesser NO concentrations via the cGMP pathway, but not P(4) while steroids inhibition cGMP pathway independent, mitochondrial damage and the interference on cell cycle progression caused by greater NO concentration can lead to cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Faes
- Laboratório de Reprodução e Melhoramento Genético Animal, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Agropecuárias, Parque Califórnia, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ 28013-602, Brazil
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Moon HJ, Lee SR, Shim SN, Jeong SH, Stonik VA, Rasskazov VA, Zvyagintseva T, Lee YH. Fucoidan Inhibits UVB-Induced MMP-1 Expression in Human Skin Fibroblasts. Biol Pharm Bull 2008; 31:284-9. [DOI: 10.1248/bpb.31.284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hee Jung Moon
- Institute of Natural Products for Health Promotion and Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Kosin University
| | - Soon Rye Lee
- Institute of Natural Products for Health Promotion and Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Kosin University
| | - Sun Nyu Shim
- Institute of Natural Products for Health Promotion and Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Kosin University
| | - Seok Hoon Jeong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine College of Medicine, Kosin University
| | - Valentine A. Stonik
- Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of Far East Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - Valery A. Rasskazov
- Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of Far East Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - Tatyana Zvyagintseva
- Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of Far East Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - Yong Hwan Lee
- Institute of Natural Products for Health Promotion and Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Kosin University
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Blondin P, Coenen K, Guilbault LA, Sirard MA. In vitro production of bovine embryos: developmental competence is acquired before maturation. Theriogenology 2007; 47:1061-75. [PMID: 16728056 DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(97)00063-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/1995] [Accepted: 11/05/1996] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Few studies have examined the importance of the time during which oocytes are left in the ovaries following animal slaughter. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal time for retrieving oocytes after slaughter and to ascertain if superovulating cows in association with this optimal time could increase the developmental competence of bovine oocytes. In Experiment 1, oocytes were left in the postmortem ovaries for 2,3,4,5,6 or 7 h and were then transported to the laboratory at approximately 30 degrees C. Recovered oocytes were processed in vitro using standard techniques. In Experiment 2, cyclic heifers (n = 18) were superovulated between Days 8 and 12 of the estrous cycle with 8 constant doses (4 mg each, twice daily) or 8 decreasing doses (2 injections of 4,3,2 and 1 mg every 12 h) of FSH-P +/- 1 mg prostaglandin 24 or 48 h before slaughter. Oocytes were left in the ovaries for 4 h and were classified according to the state of their cumulus and cytoplasm. The results indicated that oocytes aspirated from ovaries collected 4 h after slaughter produced significantly more > or =64-cell embryos after 7 d of in vitro development than those collected 2, 6 or 7 h postslaughter. Oocytes (87%) from superovulated animals had numerous layers of cumulus cells and originated from medium (2.7 to 8 mm) and large (> or =8 mm) follicles. Significantly more oocytes developed from large follicles than from medium follicles. Although individual culture of the oocytes negatively affected the percentage of embryos produced, group culture of oocytes from animals that were superovulated and left in the postmortem ovaries for 4 h resulted in exceptionally high rates of embryos after 5 d of IVD. On average, 60 to 80% of 16-cell embryos were produced, indicating that under the proper conditions, developmental competence is acquired before in vitro maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Blondin
- Département des Sciences Animales, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
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29
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Minervini F, Giannoccaro A, Fornelli F, Dell'Aquila ME, Minoia P, Visconti A. Influence of mycotoxin zearalenone and its derivatives (alpha and beta zearalenol) on apoptosis and proliferation of cultured granulosa cells from equine ovaries. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2006; 4:62. [PMID: 17137489 PMCID: PMC1697814 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-4-62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2006] [Accepted: 11/30/2006] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mycotoxin zearalenone (ZEA) and its derivatives, alpha and beta-zearalenol (alpha and beta-ZOL), synthesized by genera Fusarium, often occur as contaminants in cereal grains and animal feeds. The importance of ZEA on reproductive disorders is well known in domestic animals species, particularly in swine and cattle. In the horse, limited data are available to date on the influence of dietary exposure to ZEA on reproductive health and on its in vitro effects on reproductive cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ZEA and its derivatives, alpha and beta-ZOL, on granulosa cells (GCs) from the ovaries of cycling mares. METHODS The cell proliferation was evaluated by using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test after 3 days exposure at different concentrations of ZEA and its derivatives (from 1 x 10-7 to 0.1 microM). The apoptosis induction was evaluated after 1 day exposure, by DNA analysis using flow cytometry. RESULTS An increase in cell proliferation with respect to the control was observed in the presence of ZEA at 1 x 10-3 and 1 x 10-4 microM and apoptosis was induced by all mycotoxins at different concentrations. CONCLUSION The simultaneous presence of apoptosis and proliferation in GC cultures treated with zearalenones could indicate that these mycotoxins could be effective in inducing follicular atresia. These effects of zearalenones may result from both direct interaction with oestrogen-receptors as well as interaction with the enzymes 3alpha (beta)-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD), involved in the synthesis and metabolism of endogenous steroid hormones. These cellular disturbances, described for the first time in equine GCs cultured in vitro, could be hypothesized as referred to reproductive failures of unknown ethiology in the mare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiorenza Minervini
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production (ISPA), National Research Council (CNR), Via Amendola 122/O, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Giannoccaro
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production (ISPA), National Research Council (CNR), Via Amendola 122/O, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Francesca Fornelli
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production (ISPA), National Research Council (CNR), Via Amendola 122/O, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Dell'Aquila
- Department of Animal Production, University of Bari, Strada Provinciale per Casamassima Km 3, 70010 Valenzano Bari, Italy
| | - Paolo Minoia
- Department of Animal Production, University of Bari, Strada Provinciale per Casamassima Km 3, 70010 Valenzano Bari, Italy
- Deceased
| | - Angelo Visconti
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production (ISPA), National Research Council (CNR), Via Amendola 122/O, 70124 Bari, Italy
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30
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Nourani MR, Owada Y, Kitanaka N, Sakagami H, Hoshi H, Iwasa H, Spener F, Kondo H. Occurrence of immunoreactivity for adipocyte-type fatty acid binding protein in degenerating granulosa cells in atretic antral follicles of mouse ovary. J Mol Histol 2006; 36:491-7. [PMID: 16733794 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-006-9024-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2006] [Accepted: 03/20/2006] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The localization of adipocyte-type fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP) in the mature mouse ovary was examined by immuno-light and electron microscopy. Solitary round cells showing the distinct immunoreactivity for A-FABP were detected in 1-6 antral follicles. In sets of two consecutive sections in a mirror alignment on slide glasses which were treated for immunoreactivity for A-FABP and TUNEL reaction separately, cells immunoreactive for A-FABP appeared in the same antral follicles as containing cells exhibiting TUNEL-reaction. In immunoelectron microscopy, A-FABP-immunopositive cells were found to contain highly electron-dense nuclei of round, irregular or crescent shapes together with cytoplasmic remnants without any features of macrophages or cells of extrinsic origin. Therefore the cells were identified as apoptotic granulosa cells. The apoptotic cells immunoreactive for A-FABP were often seen to be enclosed/engulfed in adjacent cells exhibiting normal ultrastructures without containing numerous lysosomes. The present findings suggest that A-FABP is involved in the apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells, probably through its interaction with peroxisome proliferator activated receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Nourani
- Division of Histology, Department of Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
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31
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Becker F, Kurth J, Schneider F, Nürnberg G, Heinrich H, Kanitz W. Measurement of redox potential and steroid concentrations in the follicular fluid of growing and regressing follicles of mares. Acta Vet Hung 2006; 54:95-105. [PMID: 16613030 DOI: 10.1556/avet.54.2006.1.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to prove if oxidation-reduction levels in the follicular fluid were new functional indices of follicular health and whether there was a high level of accordance with endocrinological parameters and with the growth stage as detected by ultrasound monitoring of individual follicles during the oestrous cycle in mares. Follicles were classified as growing and regressing follicles using ultrasonography. Altogether 48 follicles with a diameter from 20 to 56 mm were aspirated by transvaginal ultrasound guided follicular aspiration. Follicular concentration of oestradiol and progesterone in relation to the diameter of growing follicles showed correlations of r = 0.64 and r = 0.57, respectively. The redox potential derived index D2 varied from -448 to +431 in the collected fluids of the follicles. The accordance of the judgement of all follicles using both complexes of methods - endocrinological and ultrasonographic parameters vs. analysis of oxidation and reduction levels - reached 72.5%. This finding has shown that parameters of redox reactions do not correlate closely with the stage of follicular growth or regression as determined by in vivo scanning of ovaries or by assessment of follicular steroid concentrations. However, the measurement of redox potentials offers an opportunity to examine the whole process of metabolism in follicular cells and to forecast impairments of cellular performances. Changes of redox parameters in growing follicles enable an earlier prediction of their further development. The data demonstrate that growing and regressing follicles do not represent nonatretic, early atretic and atretic follicles, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Becker
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Research Institute for the Biology of Farm Animals, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany.
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32
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Nourani MR, Owada Y, Kitanaka N, Abdelwahab SA, Iwasa H, Sakagami H, Spener F, Kondo H. Localization of epidermal-type fatty acid binding protein in macrophages in advanced atretic follicles of adult mice. J Mol Histol 2006; 36:391-400. [PMID: 16400526 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-005-9005-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2005] [Accepted: 07/27/2005] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The localization of epidermal-type fatty acid binding protein (E-FABP) in the mature mouse ovary was examined by immuno-light and electron microscopy. Numerous macrophages immunopositive for both anti-E-FABP and F4/80 antibodies, together with immunonegative cells, were found in advanced atretic follicles that had eccentric lumens containing deformed ova. While some E-FABP-immunopositive macrophages were spider in shape and appeared singly, others, especially close to the lumen, were round and voluminous and tended to be aggregated. The voluminous macrophages contained phagosomes of various sizes and they were regarded as those actively involved in the phagocytosis of apoptotic granulosa cells. E-FABP-immunopositive macrophages and their processes were often apposed to adjacent immunonegative cells, and some of them lined the lumen containing deformed ova. On the other hand, E-FABP-immunonegative cells in the atretic follicles were classified into two types: the one, a minority, was characterized by small mitochondria containing non-tubular cristae and presumably represented residual granulosa cells, while the other dominant type was characterized by large mitochondria containing tubular cristae and presumably represented theca cells originally surrounding the follicles to be atretic. The present detection of E-FABP-immunopositivity selectively in macrophages of the atretic follicles suggests possible involvement of E-FABP and/or its ligand fatty acids in the process of follicular atresia, and it makes more reliable the identification of the advanced atretic follicles with the antral spaces obliterated, which could provide further details on the histology of the follicular atresia than before.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Nourani
- Division of Histology, Department of Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan
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33
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Echenim N, Monniaux D, Sorine M, Clément F. Multi-scale modeling of the follicle selection process in the ovary. Math Biosci 2005; 198:57-79. [PMID: 16038949 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbs.2005.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2004] [Revised: 04/29/2005] [Accepted: 05/15/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The biological meaning of follicular development is to free fertilizable oocytes at the time of ovulation. The ovulation rate results from an FSH-dependent follicle selection process. In this paper, we designed a multi-scale model of follicular development, where selection arises from the endocrine feedback between the ovaries and pituitary gland and appeals to control theory concepts. Each ovarian follicle is described through a 2D density function giving an age and maturity-structured description of its cell population. The control intervenes in the velocity, gain and loss terms of the conservation law ruling the changes in the density. The model accounts for the changes in the total cell number, growth fraction and global maturity of both ovulatory and degenerating follicles for various intensities of the selection rate. The different selection process outputs (mono- or poly-ovulation, anovulation) predicted by the model are consistent with physiological knowledge regarding vascularization, pituitary sensitivity to ovarian feedback and treatment with exogenous FSH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nki Echenim
- Unité de Recherche INRIA Rocquencourt, Domaine de Voluceau, Rocquencourt BP 105, 78153 Le Chesnay Cedex, France
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34
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Oktay KH, Oktay MH. Immunohistochemical analysis of tyrosine phosphorylation and AP-1 transcription factors c-Jun, Jun D, and Fos family during early ovarian follicle development in the mouse. Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol 2005; 12:364-9. [PMID: 15536339 DOI: 10.1097/00129039-200412000-00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The growth control mechanism of early-stage ovarian follicles is unknown. Tyrosine phosphorylation of signaling molecules and changes in expression and activation of AP-1 transcription factors have been implicated in growth regulation of numerous cell types. In this study, we used immunohistochemistry to analyze tyrosine phosphorylation patterns and expression and activation of selected AP-1 transcription factors in mouse ovarian follicles. The ovaries were collected from B62F1/J mice in estrus. Representative sections were immunostained for phosphotyrosine, phospho-c-Jun, Jun D, and c-Fos. Phosphotyrosine staining was perioocytic from the transitional stage until approximately 5 to 7 layers of granulosa cells had formed. Perioocytic staining was then replaced by scattered stippled staining in granulosa cells of larger follicles. Phospho c-Jun was exclusively expressed in mitotic granulosa cells of follicles from transitional to antral stages. Jun D was expressed in the oocytes of primordial, primary, or transitional follicles and disappeared at the 2-layer preantral stage. Fos was present in corpora lutea and theca cells but not in granulosa cells. Collectively, these data indicate that phosphotyrosine signaling and AP-1 transcription factors are intimately involved in early stages of ovarian follicle growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kutluk H Oktay
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York 10021, USA.
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35
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Nicholas B, Alberio R, Fouladi-Nashta AA, Webb R. Relationship between low-molecular-weight insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins, caspase-3 activity, and oocyte quality. Biol Reprod 2004; 72:796-804. [PMID: 15564596 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.104.036087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine follicular atresia is associated with the apoptosis of granulosa cells and the subsequent loss of oocyte competence through the reduction of cellular contact (e.g., gap junctions). Several components of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system are thought to affect follicular atresia. Whereas the IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) are present in varying quantities throughout follicular development, IGFBP-5 appears to be present only during atresia, in parallel with its regulation in other tissue remodeling systems. However, to our knowledge, no connection has yet been made between atresia, low-molecular-weight IGFBP content, and oocyte quality in the bovine ovary. Caspases are actively involved in ovarian follicular atresia, and apoptosis in antral follicles is caspase-3-dependent. Hence, the aim of the present study was to investigate the use of these factors in the assessment of oocyte quality and developmental potential. Oocytes were aspirated, morphologically classified, and individually matured in vitro. The follicular fluid and granulosa cells of these follicles were analyzed for IGFBP profile and caspase-3 activity, respectively. A significant correlation was found between the presence of low-molecular-weight IGFBPs in bovine follicular fluid and caspase-3 activity of granulosa cells isolated from individual follicles. The highest percentage of development to the blastocyst stage was observed in oocytes from slightly atretic follicles. This group of oocytes contained an equal proportion of oocytes at grades 1-3. These data demonstrate that low-molecular-weight IGFBP profile is a more reliable method than the traditional morphological assessment of oocytes and can be used as an effective marker of developmentally competent oocytes. Importantly, these results have implications for the use of noninvasive follicular fluid markers in the selection of competent oocytes to improve outcomes of in vitro fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Nicholas
- Division of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
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36
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Matos MHT, Andrade ER, Lucci CM, Báo SN, Silva JRV, Santos RR, Ferreira MAL, Costa SHF, Celestino JJH, Figueiredo JR. Morphological and ultrastructural analysis of sheep primordial follicles preserved in 0.9% saline solution and TCM 199. Theriogenology 2004; 62:65-80. [PMID: 15159102 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2003.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2003] [Accepted: 07/24/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The objective was to determine the morphological and ultrastructural features of sheep primordial follicles preserved in either 0.9% saline solution or TCM 199 at different temperatures. Soon after death, the ovarian pair of each ewe (n = 5) was divided into 25 fragments. One fragment was immediately fixed for morphological evaluation (control). The other 24 fragments were randomly distributed in tubes containing 2 ml of 0.9% saline solution or TCM 199 and maintained at 4, 20 or 39 degrees C for 2, 4, 12, or 24h. Based on histological assessment, storage of ovarian fragments in 0.9% saline solution at 20 degrees C for up to 24h and in both solutions at 39 degrees C for 4, 12 or 24h increased (P < 0.01) the percentage of degenerate primordial follicles compared with controls. In contrast, preservation at 4 degrees C in both solutions, kept the percentage of morphologically normal primordial follicles similar to control values. Although histological integrity of primordial follicles was maintained in fragments stored at 20 degrees C for up to 24h in TCM 199, these results were not confirmed by ultrastructural analysis. Based on transmission electron microscopy, only primordial follicles stored at 4 degrees C for up to 24h, at 20 degrees C for up to 12h and at 39 degrees C for up to 2h in both solutions were ultrastructurally normal. In conclusion, sheep primordial follicles were successfully preserved at 4 degrees C for up to 24h, at 20 degrees C for up to 12h and at 39 degrees C for 2h in 0.9% saline solution or TCM 199.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H T Matos
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes Enclosed in Preantral Follicles, LAMOFOPA, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceará, Av. Paranjana 1700, Campus do Itaperi, Fortaleza 60740-000, CE, Brazil.
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37
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Hendriksen PJM, Gadella BM, Vos PLAM, Mullaart E, Kruip TAM, Dieleman SJ. Follicular dynamics around the recruitment of the first follicular wave in the cow. Biol Reprod 2003; 69:2036-44. [PMID: 12930722 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.103.019828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to test the generally accepted view that a follicular wave starts with follicles newly recruited from the population smaller than 3 mm, which later compete for dominance. According to this view, subordinate follicles are expected to be too atretic to join the next follicular wave. Ten cows were ovariectomized shortly prior to the LH surge, thus around the start of the first follicular wave of the cycle. Per cow, on average, 14.4 follicles of >/=3 mm were dissected. Follicular health was determined on the basis of four parameters: 1) judgment of the degree of atresia by stereomicroscope, 2) incidence of apoptotic nuclei among the granulosa cells, 3) estradiol and progesterone concentrations, and 4) insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) binding proteins (IGFBPs)-2, -4, and -5 concentrations in the follicular fluid. In addition to the preovulatory follicle, 3.1 other follicles, mainly sized 3-4.5 mm, were found to be healthy based on the proportion of apoptotic nuclei, and concentrations of estradiol/progesterone, and IGFBPs. The ability of these follicles to respond with growth on the preovulatory and periovulatory FSH surges was supported by a comparison to the follicular population of four cows 31-68 h after the LH surge. The present results point to an alteration of the view on the follicular wave. The larger follicles during the first days of the follicular wave are, in general, derived from follicles that also joined the previous wave. A portion of these growing follicles are estradiol active and compete for dominance. Other growing follicles lack estradiol production and are probably derived from rather atretic follicles. The first newly recruited follicles do not reach the size of 3 mm before 31 h after the preovulatory FSH surge. At that time, the larger follicles are already competing for dominance.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J M Hendriksen
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Utrecht University, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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38
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Alonso-Pozos I, Rosales-Torres AM, Avalos-Rodríguez A, Vergara-Onofre M, Rosado-García A. Mechanism of granulosa cell death during follicular atresia depends on follicular size. Theriogenology 2003; 60:1071-81. [PMID: 12935847 DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(03)00123-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Changes in granulosa cell lysosomal and mitochondrial functions in relation to follicular size and to the stage of atresia were studied by fluorescent emission spectra and intensity using flow cytometry. Antral follicles were grouped by size in two groups: small, 3-6 mm and large, >6mm in diameter, and classified into three stages of atresia: non-atretic, initially atretic and advanced atretic. Differences in Rhodamine 123 (Rh123) and Acridine Orange (AO) fluorescent intensity indicated that changes in mitochondrial function are the primary mechanism of granulosa cell death in atretic follicles 3-6 mm in diameter, while its role in granulosa cell death in >6 mm atretic follicles seemed to be less important. However, modifications in lysosomal function (shown by a decrease in fluorometric intensity of AO incubated granulosa cells) were mainly associated with cell death in large atretic follicles. Our results support the hypothesis that the pathway of granulosa cell death during follicular atresia depends on the state of energy metabolism or on the production of hypoxic conditions related to follicular size. Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential and production of permeability transition pores were the main changes found in small follicles, while lysosomal function destabilization seemed to be the major cause of granulosa cell death during atresia in large follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel Alonso-Pozos
- Departamento de Producción Agrícola y Animal, Laboratorio de Bioquímica de la Reproducción, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Xochimilco, Calzada del Hueso 1100, Col. Villa Quietud, Delegación Coyocán, México 04960, Mexico DF
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39
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Tajima K, Orisaka M, Hosokawa K, Amsterdam A, Kotsuji F. Effects of ovarian theca cells on apoptosis and proliferation of granulosa cells: changes during bovine follicular maturation. Biol Reprod 2002; 66:1635-9. [PMID: 12021041 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod66.6.1635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
We have investigated the role of theca cells in the control of apoptosis and proliferation of granulosa cells during bovine ovarian follicular development using a coculture system in which granulosa and theca cells were grown on opposite sides of a collagen membrane. A DNA fluorescence flow cytometry was used to determine the extent of apoptosis and proliferation in populations of granulosa cells. When granulosa cells were isolated from small follicles (3-5 mm), the percentage of apoptotic cells gradually increased by 1.8-fold during the 3 days of culture. This change was reduced (3.1-fold) by the presence of theca cells. When the cells were isolated from large follicles (15-18 mm), the percentage of apoptotic granulosa cells was gradually reduced (3.4-fold) during the 3 days of culture in single-cultured groups. The percentage of apoptosis on Day 1 was reduced (1.6-fold) by the presence of theca cells. However, such an effect was not detected on Days 2 and 3 of the culture. Theca cells did not affect the proliferation of granulosa cells obtained from either small or large follicles. The present study suggests that theca cells regulate the fate of granulosa cells throughout the follicular maturation process by secreting factors that suppress apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimihisa Tajima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fukui Medical University, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
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40
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Andrade ER, Rodrigues AP, Amorim CA, Carvalho FC, Dode MA, Figueiredo JR. Short term maintenance of sheep preantral follicles in situ in 0.9% saline and Braun-Collins solution. Small Rumin Res 2001; 41:141-149. [PMID: 11445422 DOI: 10.1016/s0921-4488(01)00200-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The present study has investigated the efficiency of 0.9% saline solution and Braun-Collins solution in the preservation of sheep preantral follicles in situ, at different temperatures and different incubation periods. The ovaries were divided into 19 fragments for each animal. One ovarian fragment was taken randomly and immediately fixed for histology (control-time zero). The other 18 ovarian fragments were randomly distributed in tubes containing 2ml of 0.9% saline solution or Braun-Collins solution at 4, 20 or 39 degrees C for 4, 12 or 24h. A total of 1629, 208 and 63 primordial, primary and secondary follicles were examined, respectively. Histological analysis showed that the storage of ovarian fragments in both solutions at 20 or 39 degrees C significantly reduced the percentage of morphologically normal preantral follicles (MNPF) when compared with the control, except after preservation in 0.9% saline solution at 20 degrees C for 4h. In contrast, the preservation at 4 degrees C, in both solutions, kept the percentage of MNPF similar to control values. In conclusion, this study shows for the first time that sheep preantral follicles can be preserved in situ successfully at 4 degrees C in 0.9% saline solution or Braun-Collins solution for up to 24h.
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Affiliation(s)
- E R. Andrade
- LAMOFOPA, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Faculdade de Veterinária, State University of Ceará, Av. Paranjana, 1700 Campus do Itaperi, CEP 60740-000, CE, Fortaleza, Brazil
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41
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Gonzalez F, Batista M, Cabrera F, Calero P, Alabart JL, Gracia A. Local Effect of the Corpus Luteum on Ovarian Follicular Functional and Morphological Features in the Goat. Reprod Domest Anim 2001. [DOI: 10.1046/j.1439-0531.2001.00267.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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42
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Robert C, Gagné D, Bousquet D, Barnes FL, Sirard MA. Differential Display and Suppressive Subtractive Hybridization Used to Identify Granulosa Cell Messenger RNA Associated with Bovine Oocyte Developmental Competence1. Biol Reprod 2001; 64:1812-20. [PMID: 11369613 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod64.6.1812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The main objective of this study was to identify mRNA expressed in the granulosa cells characterizing differentiated follicles bearing developmentally competent bovine oocytes. Analytical comparisons were made on mRNA pools of granulosa cells using differential display reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (DDRT) analysis and suppressive subtractive hybridization (SSH). With DDRT, mRNA patterns of granulosa cells from small (< 4 mm) and large (> 8 mm) follicles cultured in the presence or absence of LH were compared to identify mRNA associated with follicular size or with the LH response. Nine clones were sequenced, and two were identified. One of the clones, DRAK 1, was associated with the presence of LH in the medium. Other comparisons directed toward the identification of mRNA associated with the presence of a competent oocyte were done on granulosa cells collected in vivo from superstimulated heifers. With the DDRT analysis, four clones associated with the oocyte developmental competence status were identified. With the SSH analysis, four clones specific to the presence of an incompetent oocyte were sequenced and none were identified, whereas 49 clones specific to the presence of a competent oocyte were sequenced and 18 were identified. Among these clones, early growth response 1, sprouty 2, cytochrome C oxidase, matrix metalloproteinase inducer, matrix metalloproteinase, epiregulin, prostaglandin receptor, and progesterone receptor were the most relevant to the ovarian physiology being examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Robert
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction, Department of Animal Sciences, Laval University, Sainte-Foy, Québec, Canada G1K 7P4
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Austin EJ, Mihm M, Evans AC, Knight PG, Ireland JL, Ireland JJ, Roche JF. Alterations in intrafollicular regulatory factors and apoptosis during selection of follicles in the first follicular wave of the bovine estrous cycle. Biol Reprod 2001; 64:839-48. [PMID: 11207199 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod64.3.839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in follicular fluid (FF) concentrations of estradiol, inhibin forms, and insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs), percentage of apoptotic granulosa cells (%A), and follicular size for individual follicles in a growing cohort were determined throughout the first wave of follicular development during the bovine estrous cycle and related to FSH decline. Four groups of heifers (n = 31) were ovariectomized between Days 1.5 and 4.5 of the estrous cycle at 5 +/- 1, 33 +/- 2, 53 +/- 1, and 84 +/- 2 h after the periovulatory peak in FSH concentrations. Follicles > or = 2.5 mm were dissected, measured, and FF aspirated. The five largest follicles were ranked based on their diameter (F1 to F5). Diameters of F1 to F5 were positively correlated with interval from FSH peak (r > or = 0.6, P < 0.05). Five hours after the FSH peak, follicular diameter and FF concentrations of estradiol, inhibins, and IGFBPs were similar for F1 to F5. From 5 to 33 h, amounts of the six precursor inhibin forms (> or = 48 kDa) increased (P < 0.05) in F1 follicles. The IGFBPs in F1 follicles remained low at all time periods. At 33 h, amounts of IGFBP-4 and -5 were higher (P < 0.05) in F4 and F5 compared with F1 follicles. At 84 h, IGFBP-2, -4, and -5 were increased (P < 0.05) in F3, F4, and F5 compared with F1. At 5, 33, or 53 h, %A was not different between follicles in any size class. At 84 h %A was increased (P < 0.05) in follicles <6 mm in diameter. However, at that time, %A did not differ between the selected DF and the largest subordinate follicle. For individual heifers, the selected DF at 84 h was largest in size, highest in estradiol, and lowest in IGFBP-2 and -4. The F1 follicle had highest estradiol in 23 of 27 heifers irrespective of stage of the wave and lowest IGFBP-4 in 19 of 21 heifers from 33 h. We concluded that the earliest intrafollicular changes that differentiate a dominant-like follicle from the growing cohort are enhanced capacity to produce estradiol and maintenance of low levels of IGFBPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- E J Austin
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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Rosales-Torres AM, Avalos-Rodríguez A, Vergara-Onofre M, Hernández-Pérez O, Ballesteros LM, García-Macedo R, Ortíz-Navarrete V, Rosado A. Multiparametric study of atresia in ewe antral follicles: histology, flow cytometry, internucleosomal DNA fragmentation, and lysosomal enzyme activities in granulosa cells and follicular fluid. Mol Reprod Dev 2000; 55:270-81. [PMID: 10657046 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2795(200003)55:3<270::aid-mrd5>3.0.co;2-h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The differential quantitative participation of apoptosis and necrosis in ewe antral follicles of two different sizes, separated in four stages of atresia using macroscopic, histologic, and esteroid quantification methods was assessed. Annexin V binding and propidium iodide (PI) uptake was used to detect healthy live cells (Annexin V negative/PI negative), early apoptotic cells (Annexin V+/PI-), and necrotic or late apoptotic cells (PI+). Additionally we used internucleosomal DNA fragmentation as a quantitative estimate of apoptosis. Presence and distribution of lysosomal enzymes in follicular fluid and granulosa cells was used as a measure of necrotic cell death. DNA flow cytometry and gel electrophoresis were positively correlated with the progression of atresia, small atretic follicles tend to have higher percentages of internucleosomal cleaved DNA than follicles >6 mm. Annexin/PI binding also indicates that apoptosis and necrosis increase with atresia progression, generally apoptosis outweighs necrosis in small follicles. Acid phosphatase and glucosaminidase in follicular fluid of 3-6 mm follicles showed no significant modifications between healthy and initially atretic follicles, and only a small, but significant increase in activity in advancedly atretic follicles. On the contrary, lysosomal enzyme activity in follicles >6 mm showed positive correlation between atresia stages and the activities of acid phosphatase and glucosaminidase in follicular fluid. A similar size-differential behavior was found in free or membrane-bound lysosomal enzyme activity of granulosa cells. Necrosis, but principally apoptosis, were present during all stages of follicular maturation indicating that growth and maturation of ovarian follicles involves a continuous renewal of granulosa cells, regulated by apoptosis. Mechanisms regulating this equilibrium may participate in the final destiny, whether ovulation or atresia of ovarian follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Rosales-Torres
- Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Xochimilco, Depto de Producción Agrícola y Animal, Deleg Coyoacán, Mexico.
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Jewgenow K, Heerdegen B, Müller K. Follicular Growth is Characterized by Biochemical Interplay of Proliferation and Apoptotic Death in Bovine Follicular Cells. Reprod Domest Anim 1999. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.1999.tb01405.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Hagemann LJ, Beaumont SE, Berg M, Donnison MJ, Ledgard A, Peterson AJ, Schurmann A, Tervit HR. Development during single IVP of bovine oocytes from dissected follicles: interactive effects of estrous cycle stage, follicle size and atresia. Mol Reprod Dev 1999; 53:451-8. [PMID: 10398421 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2795(199908)53:4<451::aid-mrd11>3.0.co;2-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Previous work suggests that a number of factors such as follicle size, day of estrous cycle, and level of atresia influence the developmental potential of bovine oocytes in vitro. To understand better the interactions of these factors, 1299 follicles > or =3 mm in diameter were dissected from ovaries of synchronized dairy cows on four days (d2, d7, d10, or d15) during the estrous cycle. The oocyte from each follicle was collected and matured, fertilized, and cultured singly to d8 (d0 of culture = IVF). Control follicles (302) were similarly dissected and processed from an ovary pair randomly collected from the abattoir on each slaughter day. Results showed that development to blastocyst was greater in oocytes collected during phases of follicular growth (d2 and d10) than those collected during phases of follicular dominance (d7 and d15; 44.8% vs. 36.0%, respectively: P < 0.001) over all follicle size categories (3-5 mm, 6-8 mm, 9-12 mm and > or =13 mm). Oocyte competence tended to increase with increasing follicle size (P < 0.1). Follicular cells from follicles containing an oocyte that developed to morula or greater by d8 (484 samples) were analyzed by flow cytometry to measure the level of apoptosis. Results showed an increase in mean percent apoptotic cells in subordinate follicles (18.65 +/- 0.86 over all size categories), particularly those of medium size (25.55 +/- 2.2 for 6-8 mm size follicles; P < 0.001), during the dominance phase compared to growth phase (9.25 +/- 0.95 over all sizes; P < 0.05). These results show a significant affect of the stage of estrous cycle on both oocyte competence and levels of follicular atresia.
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Affiliation(s)
- L J Hagemann
- AgResearch, Dairy & Beef Division, Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton, New Zealand.
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Blottner S, Frölich K, Roelants H, Streich J, Tataruch F. Influence of environmental cadmium on testicular proliferation in roe deer. Reprod Toxicol 1999; 13:261-7. [PMID: 10453910 DOI: 10.1016/s0890-6238(99)00014-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The influence of cadmium on spermatogenesis in roe deer was studied, comparing animals from areas with high (n = 37) and low (n = 23) cadmium exposure. Testes were evaluated during pre-rut (May) and rut (July/August). During these periods the cadmium accumulation (mg/kg kidney) in polluted regions averaged 3.41 and 3.52 in comparison with 1.61 and 1.81 in controls. Cadmium accumulation was positively correlated with testis weight during both seasons. In May the proliferation (units of tissue polypeptid specific antigen/g parenchyma) was lower in animals with higher cadmium (24.02 compared with 78.20; P < 0.01). During the rut, testicular proliferation and spermatozoa/g testis as well as apoptosis showed no significant changes with increased cadmium contamination. The results suggest delayed proliferation during the pre-rutting period in animals with high cadmium exposure, but other indications of effects on the testis were not significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Blottner
- Institute for Zoo Biology and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany.
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Jewgenow K, Heerdegen B, Müller K. In vitro development of individually matured bovine oocytes in relation to follicular wall atresia. Theriogenology 1999; 51:745-56. [PMID: 10728999 DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(99)00023-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Morphologically good-quality cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) can originate from slightly atretic follicles. Biochemical and ultrastructural investigations reveal that a very high percentage of bovine antral follicles express some degree of atresia. The aim of the present study was to determine the developmental competence of good quality COCs in relation to their biochemically estimated follicular wall apoptosis. For experimental design a single oocyte maturation system was established, followed by group culture processing oocytes together according to their level of follicular wall atresia estimated by an ELISA for apoptotic cell death. Single oocyte culture during maturation reduced the developmental capacity of oocytes significantly (P < 0.01), with 5% blastocysts versus 25% after common group culture. Blastocyst formation for single oocyte maturation was found exclusively in oocytes isolated from luteal stage ovaries with low degree of apoptosis. The level of follicular wall apoptosis in luteal stage follicles (0.79 +/- 0.05 units/mg protein, n = 198) was lower than in follicular stage follicles (1.14 +/- 0.05 units/mg protein, n = 208). This was caused by significant higher levels in small (< 3.5 mm diameter) and large (> 5.5 mm diameter) follicles of the latter group. In conclusion, despite reduced developmental capacity after single oocyte maturation, we were able to reveal some functional relationship between oocyte origin and quality. It was shown that morphologically good quality COCs isolated from follicles with higher degree of apoptosis lose their developmental capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Jewgenow
- Institute for Zoo Biology and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
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49
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Abstract
As the oocyte grows within the follicle, a number of factors influence its health and developmental competence. These factors include follicle size, day of estrous cycle, level of atresia and influence of other follicles such as the dominant follicle. Follicles were dissected from ovaries of synchronized dairy cows on four days during the estrous cycle, and the oocyte from each follicle collected, matured, fertilized and cultured singly until Day 8. Development to blastocyst was greater in oocytes collected during phases of follicular growth than those collected during phases of follicular dominance (P<0.001) over all follicle size categories. Oocyte competence tended to increase with increasing follicle size (P<0.1). Follicular cells analyzed by flow cytometry showed an increase in proportion of apoptotic cells in subordinate follicles during the dominant phase compared to growth phase (P<0.05). Thus, the dominant follicle on both oocyte competence and levels of atresia. Further studies on the effect of dominance has shown that lactate production in cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) from medium-sized follicles collected during a dominance phase and small follicles collected during a growth phase are no different from other follicles, despite having significantly lower uptake of glucose (P<0.1). Thus, COCs from different follicle subclasses differ in their nutrient requirements, and current IVM technology needs further improvement to better assist those oocytes that are developmentally challenged.
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Rouillier P, Matton P, Dufour M, Sirard MA, Guilbault LA. Steroid production, cell proliferation, and apoptosis in cultured bovine antral and mural granulosa cells: development of an in vitro model to study estradiol production. Mol Reprod Dev 1998; 50:170-7. [PMID: 9590533 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2795(199806)50:2<170::aid-mrd7>3.0.co;2-h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
This study was undertaken to characterize the relationship between changes in steroid production, cell cycle activity (ie, cell proliferation) and apoptosis in antral and mural bovine granulosa cells cultured in vitro. This was done to select conditions promoting optimal estradiol production by bovine granulosa cells cultured in completely defined conditions. In the first experiment, antral granulosa cells were cultured over the entire 4 days of the culture period in the presence of either 0, 2, or 10 ng/ml of FSH (chronic conditions) or were maintained under minimal FSH support (0.5 ng/ml FSH) for the first 3 days of culture and then were challenged over the fourth day of culture with either 0, 2, or 10 ng/ml FSH (challenged conditions). Compared with cells exposed to constant FSH levels (chronic conditions), the FSH-induced production of estradiol was higher (P < 0.006) and that of progesterone was lower (P < 0.02) over the last 24 h of culture, when antral granulosa cells were maintained under minimal FSH support during the first 3 days of culture (challenged conditions). In the second experiment, dynamics of estradiol and progesterone productions, conversion of [14C]androstenedione into subsequent steroid metabolites, DNA content, cell cycle activity, and apoptosis (as assessed by flow cytometry) of antral and mural granulosa cells over the first 3 days of culture under minimal FSH support and in response to a challenge with FSH during the last 24 h of culture were evaluated. Estradiol production as well as the conversion of androstenedione into testosterone and estradiol were greater (P < 0.01) in antral than in mural granulosa cells cultured under challenged conditions. A higher proportion of mural than antral granulosa cells were in the proliferative state at the end of culture (P < 0.03). This may be related to the decreased ability of mural cells to produce estradiol. FSH suppressed (P < 0.05) the spontaneous onset of apoptosis in both cell types. These results suggest that functional differences between these two cell compartments need to be considered in studying bovine granulosa cells in vitro. Because of their large (400 to 600%) FSH-induced estradiol production, antral granulosa cells cultured under challenged conditions provide a model that can be used to examine substances for their ability to alter estradiol production and apoptosis in bovine granulosa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Rouillier
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction, Département des Sciences Animales, Université Laval, Ste-Foy, Québec, Canada
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