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Miller DJ. Sperm in the Mammalian Female Reproductive Tract: Surfing Through the Tract to Try to Beat the Odds. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2024; 12:301-319. [PMID: 37906840 PMCID: PMC11149062 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-021022-040629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian sperm are deposited in the vagina or the cervix/uterus at coitus or at artificial insemination, and the fertilizing sperm move through the female reproductive tract to the ampulla of the oviduct, the site of fertilization. But the destination of most sperm is not the oviduct. Most sperm are carried by retrograde fluid flow to the vagina, are phagocytosed, and/or do not pass barriers on the pathway to the oviduct. The sperm that reach the site of fertilization are the exceptions and winners of one of the most stringent selection processes in nature. This review discusses the challenges sperm encounter and how the few sperm that reach the site of fertilization overcome them. The sperm that reach the goal must navigate viscoelastic fluid, swim vigorously and cooperatively along the walls of the female tract, avoid the innate immune system, and respond to potential cues to direct their movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Miller
- Department of Animal Sciences and Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA;
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Padma AM, Truong M, Jar-Allah T, Song MJ, Oltean M, Brännström M, Hellström M. The development of an extended normothermic ex vivo reperfusion model of the sheep uterus to evaluate organ quality after cold ischemia in relation to uterus transplantation. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2019; 98:1127-1138. [PMID: 30932168 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.13617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Uterus transplantation has recently proved that infertility in women with uterine factor infertility can be cured. It is still an experimental procedure with numerous critical details remaining to be established, including tolerance to warm and cold ischemic insults. In preparation for human uterus transplantation trials, most teams use the sheep as a model system for research and team training, since the vasculature and the uterus is of similar size as in the human. We, therefore, aimed to develop an ex vivo sheep uterus reperfusion platform that mimics the reperfusion situation so that initial assessments and comparisons can be performed without the need for costly and labor-intensive in vivo transplantation experiments. MATERIAL AND METHODS Isolated sheep uteri were perfused with the preservation solution IGL-1 and were then exposed to cold ischemia for either 4 (n = 6) or 48 hours (n = 7). Uteri were then reperfused for 48 hours under normothermic conditions with an oxygenated recirculating perfusate containing growth factors and synthetic oxygen carriers. Histological and biochemical analysis of the perfusate was conducted to assess reperfusion injury. RESULTS Quantification of cell density indicated no significant edema in the myometrium or in the endometrium of uteri exposed to 4 hours cold ischemia and then a normothermic ex vivo reperfusion for 48 hours. Only the outer serosa layer and the inner columnar luminal epithelial cells were affected by the reperfusion. However, a much faster and severe reperfusion damage of all uterine layers were evident during the reperfusion experiment following 48 hours of cold ischemia. This was indicated by major accumulation of extracellular fluid, presence of apoptotic-labeled glandular epithelial layer and vascular endothelium. A significant accumulation of lactate was measured in the perfusate with a subsequent decrease in pH. CONCLUSIONS We developed a novel ex vivo sheep uterus model for prolonged perfusion. This model proved to be able to distinguish reperfusion injury-related differences associated to organ preservation. The experimental setup is a platform that can be used to conduct further studies on uterine ischemia- and reperfusion injury that may lead to improved human uterus transplantation protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvind M Padma
- Laboratory for Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - MyLan Truong
- Laboratory for Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Tagrid Jar-Allah
- Laboratory for Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Min J Song
- Laboratory for Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Daejeon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Mihai Oltean
- Laboratory for Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mats Brännström
- Laboratory for Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Stockholm IVF-EUGIN, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mats Hellström
- Laboratory for Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Han Y, Biswas D, Yoon JD, Jeon Y, Hyun SH. Effect of porcine uterus as ex vivo model of fertilizing ability and gene expression pattern on blastocysts. Theriogenology 2019; 129:146-153. [PMID: 30851478 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The success of in vitro embryo production demonstrates that the oviduct can be bypassed during early embryonic development. Using an ex vivo model of porcine uterus is one of the strategies used to investigate fertilization within the oviductal environment. In this study, in vitro-matured porcine oocytes (MII) were fertilized with 7.5 × 107, 15 × 107, or 30 × 107 sperm cells for 20 min in the oviduct of a porcine uterine ex vivo model. MII oocytes used for in vitro fertilization (IVF) served as control 1; those cultured in the oviduct of the ex vivo model for 20 min before IVF served as control 2. In present study, the penetration rate, polyspermy, and fertilization efficiency, and accumulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the treatment groups were significantly decreased compared to those in the control 1 group. During embryonic development, the cleavage rates in the treatment groups were significantly lower than those in the control groups. The cleavage rate in the 30 × 107 sperm cell-treated group was higher than that in the 7.5 × 107 sperm cell-treated group. The blastocyst formation rate in control 1 and 2, and 30 × 107 sperm cell-treated groups increased compared to that in the 7.5 and 15 × 107 sperm cell-treated groups. PCNA, HSP70.2, and GLUT1 were upregulated in the treatment groups and POU5F1, BAX, GPX1 were upregulated in the treatment and control 2 groups, compared to the control 1 group. These results suggest that an ex vivo model may decrease the penetration rate and fertilization efficiency by increasing the accumulated ROS levels and inducing the expression of apoptosis- and stress-related genes. However, the model improved the monospermy rate and expression of embryo developmental competence genes. This is the first study that evaluates the effect of an ex vivo model of porcine uterus on fertilization parameters, and the development of porcine embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongquan Han
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea; Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Dibyendu Biswas
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea; Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea; Department of Medicine, Surgery and Obstetrics, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Babugonj Campus, Barisal, 8210, Bangladesh
| | - Junchul David Yoon
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea; Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Yubyeol Jeon
- Laboratory of Theriogenology and Reproductive Biotechnologies, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonbuk National University, 79 Gobong-ro, Iksan, Jeolabuk-do, 54596, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sang Hwan Hyun
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea; Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea.
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Oppelt PG, Weber M, Mueller A, Boosz A, Hoffmann I, Raffel N, Lotz L, Beckmann MW, Dittrich R. Comparison of dienogest and progesterone effects on uterine contractility in the extracorporeal perfusion model of swine uteri. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2018; 97:1293-1299. [DOI: 10.1111/aogs.13428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia G. Oppelt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Erlangen University Hospital; Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg; Erlangen Germany
| | - Meike Weber
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Erlangen University Hospital; Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg; Erlangen Germany
| | - Andreas Mueller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Karlsruhe Hospital; Karlsruhe Germany
| | - Alexander Boosz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Karlsruhe Hospital; Karlsruhe Germany
| | - Inge Hoffmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Erlangen University Hospital; Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg; Erlangen Germany
| | - Nathalie Raffel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Erlangen University Hospital; Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg; Erlangen Germany
| | - Laura Lotz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Erlangen University Hospital; Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg; Erlangen Germany
| | - Matthias W. Beckmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Erlangen University Hospital; Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg; Erlangen Germany
| | - Ralf Dittrich
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Erlangen University Hospital; Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg; Erlangen Germany
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Bafor EE, Ebidame VO, Elvis-Offiah UB, Omoruyi O, Eze GI, Igbinuwen O, Braimoh KP. A role of alpha-tocopherol and phylloquinone in the modulation of uterine contractility and reproductive function in mouse models. Medicina (B Aires) 2017; 53:190-202. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medici.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Revised: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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Markiewicz W, Bogacki M, Blitek M, Jaroszewski JJ. Comparison of the porcine uterine smooth muscle contractility on days 12-14 of the estrous cycle and pregnancy. Acta Vet Scand 2016; 58:20. [PMID: 27004513 PMCID: PMC4802636 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-016-0201-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Uterine contractile activity is very important for many reproductive functions including embryo transport, implantation, gestation and parturition. Abnormal contractility leads to implantation failure, spontaneous miscarriage, preterm birth and many other disorders. The objective of the present study was to assess the effects of acetylcholine (ACh), noradrenaline (NA), oxytocin (OT) and prostaglandins F2α (PGF2α) and E2 (PGE2) on the contraction of uterine strips collected from the horns of cyclic gilts (12–14 days of the estrous cycle—group I) and from pregnant (12–14 days after first insemination gilts in which one of the uterine horn was gravid (group IIa) and the second one was non-gravid (group IIb). Uterine strips consisting of the endometrium with the myometrium and myometrium alone were examined. Results ACh increased the tension in all groups as compared to the pretreatment period, and the increase was the highest in group IIb; the amplitude decreased in all groups, and the frequency increased mainly in groups I and IIa. NA did not affect the tension in any group, but decreased the amplitude and frequency in group IIb as compared to groups I and IIa. OT caused the highest increase in the tension in group IIb, a decrease in the amplitude and an increase in the frequency of contractions as compared to the pretreatment period. PGF2α induced the highest increase in the tension and amplitude in group IIb, with a decline in the frequency in this group. PGE2 increased the tension and frequency only in group IIb, and caused the greatest eduction in the amplitude in this group. Conclusions These results indicate that contractility of the porcine smooth muscle collected from uterine horns with embryos was different from those obtained from the uterine horns without embryos and the horns of cyclic gilts.
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In vitro fertilization in pigs: New molecules and protocols to consider in the forthcoming years. Theriogenology 2015; 85:125-34. [PMID: 26271164 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Revised: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Assisted reproduction technology (ART) protocols are used in livestock for the improvement and preservation of their genetics and to enhance reproductive efficiency. In the case of pigs, the potential use of embryos for biomedicine is being followed with great interest by the scientific community. Owing to the physiological similarities with humans, embryos produced in vitro and many of those produced in vivo are used in research laboratories for the procurement of stem cells or the production of transgenic animals, sometimes with the purpose of using their organs for xenotransplantation. Several techniques are required for the production of an in vitro-derived embryo. These include in vitro oocyte maturation, sperm preparation, IVF, and further culture of the putative zygotes. Without doubt, among these technologies, IVF is still a critical limiting factor because of the well-known, but still unsolved, question of polyspermy. Despite the improvements made in the past decade, current IVF systems hardly reach 50% to 60% efficiency and any progression in porcine ARTs requires an unavoidable improvement in the monospermy rate. It is time, then, to learn from what happens under in vivo physiological conditions and to transfer this knowledge into ART. This review describes the latest advances in porcine IVF, from sperm preparation procedures to culture media supplements with special attention paid to molecules with a known or potential role in in vivo fertilization. Oviductal fluid is the natural medium in which fertilization takes place, and, in the near future, could become the definitive supplement for culture media, where it would help to solve many of the problems inherent in ARTs in swine and improve the quality of in vitro-derived porcine embryos.
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Geisler K, Künzel J, Grundtner P, Müller A, Beckmann MW, Dittrich R. The perfused swine uterus model: long-term perfusion. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2012; 10:110. [PMID: 23241226 PMCID: PMC3571897 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-10-110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2012] [Accepted: 12/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has previously been shown that the viability of swine uteri can be maintained within the physiological range in an open perfusion model for up to 8 hours. The aim of this study was to assess medium- to long-term perfusion of swine uteri using a modified Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate buffer solution (KRBB) in the established open perfusion model. METHODS In an experimental study at an infertility institute, 30 swine uteri were perfused: group 1: n = 11, KRBB; group 2: n = 8, modified KRBB with drainage of perfusate supernatant; group 3: n = 11, modified KRBB with drainage of perfusate every 2 h and substitution with fresh medium. Modified and conventional KRBB were compared with regard to survival and contraction parameters: intrauterine pressure (IUP), area under the curve (AUC), and frequency of contractions (F). RESULTS Modified KRBB showed significantly higher IUP, AUC, and F values than perfusion with conventional KRBB. In group 3, the organ survival time of up to 17 h, with a 98% rate of effective contraction time, differed significantly from group 1 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Using modified KRBB in combination with perfusate substitution improves the open model for perfusion of swine uteri with regard to survival time and quality of contraction parameters. This model can be used for medium- to long-term perfusion of swine uteri, allowing further metabolic ex vivo studies in a cost-effective way and with little logistic effort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudija Geisler
- Department of Gynecology, Erlangen University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Julian Künzel
- Department of Gynecology, Erlangen University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Philipp Grundtner
- Department of Gynecology, Erlangen University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Müller
- Department of Gynecology, Erlangen University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Ralf Dittrich
- Department of Gynecology, Erlangen University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
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