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Alexander T, Flock U, Klein R, Reese S, Meyer-Lindenberg A, Walter B. Physiological Anti-Müllerian Hormone Concentrations in Male and Female Dogs and Cats before and around Puberty. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2561. [PMID: 39272346 PMCID: PMC11394462 DOI: 10.3390/ani14172561] [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: 07/11/2024] [Revised: 08/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years several studies established the diagnostic value of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in companion animals. However, less is known about physiological AMH concentrations in young individuals highlighting the necessity to apply the diagnostic findings to this group. The aim of this study was to determine the AMH values of healthy male and female dogs between the age of 8 and 48 weeks, tomcats under 8 weeks and up to 48 weeks of age and queens between 2 to 12 weeks of age. In total, 96 blood samples were collected. Anti-Müllerian hormone was measured in all samples and testosterone was measured in the oldest age group of the males in both species. The hormones were analyzed using a human based chemiluminescence immune assay. Overall, AMH concentrations were higher in males than in females (p < 0.001). According to the AMH concentration there was no difference in males, but queens had significant higher AMH concentrations than bitches (p < 0.001). AMH remained high in males up to week 24 and decreased significantly thereafter (tomcats: p = 0.015; male dogs: p = 0.013), which correlated with an increase in testosterone levels for male dogs only. In bitches, AMH remained below the detection limit until the week 16 and slightly increased subsequently. In queens, AMH was detectable from the beginning with a significant increase in the older age group (p = 0.003). Half of the cats in the older age group even approached the chemiluminescence immune assay's upper limit. The results show that female cats secrete AMH much earlier than female dogs in which AMH secretion begins just shortly before the start of the puberty. In the male animals, the decrease in AMH concentration around puberty was similar in dogs and cats, but a correlation with the increase of testosterone was only observed in dogs. Further research is required to determine the origin of the high AMH concentrations in female kittens and the lack of correlation between testosterone and AMH concentrations in male kittens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Alexander
- Clinic of Small Animal Surgery and Reproduction, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Veterinaerstr. 13, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrike Flock
- Clinic of Small Animal Surgery and Reproduction, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Veterinaerstr. 13, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Ruth Klein
- Laboklin GmbH & Co.KG, Steubenstr. 4, 97688 Bad Kissingen, Germany
| | - Sven Reese
- Chair of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Veterinaerstr. 13, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Andrea Meyer-Lindenberg
- Clinic of Small Animal Surgery and Reproduction, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Veterinaerstr. 13, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Beate Walter
- Small Animals Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Veterinaerstr. 13, 80539 Munich, Germany
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Kaya S, Koral Taşcı S, Demir MC, Karadağ MA, Kumcu MS, Kaçar C, Ermutlu DG, Kuru M. Determination of anti-Müllerian hormone levels in blood and urine in fertile cats. Theriogenology 2024; 224:102-106. [PMID: 38761666 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, blood anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels have been investigated in female animals to diagnose many conditions, such as the presence of ovarian tissue, follicle reserve, and granulosa cell tumors. Since blood collection is an invasive method, diagnosis with a non-invasive method is important in terms of practicality and animal welfare. This study aimed to investigate the presence of AMH in cat urine and determine whether a correlation exists between blood and urine AMH levels. In addition, it was aimed at revealing whether there was a change in blood and urine AMH levels according to ovarian follicle distribution. Twenty-seven healthy, fertile female cats in the follicular phase were included. Following blood and urine sample collection, a routine ovariohysterectomy was performed. Histological analysis of the removed ovarian tissue was used to determine ovarian follicle types. While both AMH and estrogen levels were determined in blood samples, only AMH levels were investigated in urine samples. Blood AMH levels averaged 10.61 ± 0.75 ng/mL (range: 5-16 ng/mL), while urine AMH levels averaged 5.67 ± 0.91 ng/mL (range: 0.2-13 ng/mL). While urinary AMH level was <1 ng/mL in 7 cats, urinary AMH was >1 ng/mL in all remaining cats. While the study demonstrated AMH excretion in urine, no correlation was found between blood and urine AMH values. However, a significant positive correlation was observed between blood AMH levels and serum estrogen levels (P < 0.001). These findings suggest that urinary AMH may be a product of proteolytic degradation, potentially leading to inaccurate estimations of ovarian activity based solely on urine AMH levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Semra Kaya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafkas University, Türkiye.
| | - Serap Koral Taşcı
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafkas University, Türkiye
| | - Murat Can Demir
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafkas University, Türkiye
| | - Muhammet Ali Karadağ
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafkas University, Türkiye
| | - Merve Sena Kumcu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafkas University, Türkiye
| | - Cihan Kaçar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafkas University, Türkiye
| | - Dilem Gülece Ermutlu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafkas University, Türkiye
| | - Mushap Kuru
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafkas University, Türkiye
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Chumsri S, Boonorrana I, Suwimonteerabutr J, Tipkantha W, Thongphakdee A, Chatdarong K. Serum anti-Müllerian hormone around the time of ovulation simulated by exogenous hormones in clouded leopards (Neofelis nebulosa). Reprod Domest Anim 2024; 59:e14516. [PMID: 38268213 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is produced by granulosa cells of the antral follicles. It serves as a promising biomarker for ovarian reserve and responsiveness to ovarian stimulation in humans and domestic animals. This study aimed to validate the AMH Gen II enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and correlate ovarian structures with serum AMH concentrations after stimulation treatment in clouded leopards (Neofelis nebulosa). Serum samples were collected from 12 women (age 6.21 ± 3.56 years), and serum AMH concentrations were analysed using AMH Gen II ELISA. The animals were divided into two groups based on ovarian structures [preovulatory follicles (>2 mm) and/or corpora hemorrhagica] along with the presence of uterine tonicity visualized laparoscopically around the time of ovulation. Animals that exhibited these reproductive features were identified as the responder group (n = 9, aged 7.59 ± 2.96 years), whereas those lacking the corresponding features were assigned to the nonresponder group (n = 3, aged 2.06 ± 0.53 years). The intra-assay coefficient of variation (CV) and interassay CV was 3.56% and 7.75%, respectively. The linearity of AMH dilution was confirmed (r2 = .998), and the percentage of recovery ranged from 93% to 115%. The results demonstrated that overall serum AMH concentrations around the time of ovulation were negatively correlated with age (rs = -.692, p = .013). However, serum AMH concentrations were not correlated with the average number of ovarian structures (rs = -.535, p = .074). Thus, AMH Gen II ELISA was validated in clouded leopards. Around the time of ovulation, serum AMH decreased with advancing age and ovarian responsiveness cannot be evaluated using serum AMH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sittat Chumsri
- Research Unit of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Itti Boonorrana
- Conservation and Research Institute, Zoological Park Organization of Thailand under the Royal Patronage of H.M. the King, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Junpen Suwimonteerabutr
- Research Unit of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wanlaya Tipkantha
- Conservation and Research Institute, Zoological Park Organization of Thailand under the Royal Patronage of H.M. the King, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ampika Thongphakdee
- Conservation and Research Institute, Zoological Park Organization of Thailand under the Royal Patronage of H.M. the King, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kaywalee Chatdarong
- Research Unit of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Santos LC, Silva JF. Molecular Factors Involved in the Reproductive Morphophysiology of Female Domestic Cat ( Felis catus). Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3153. [PMID: 37835759 PMCID: PMC10571923 DOI: 10.3390/ani13193153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The domestic cat (Felis catus) is considered an important model for the study of feline reproductive morphophysiology. However, although the morphological changes and clinical signs that occur during the estrous cycle and pregnancy are well known, little is known about the molecular mechanisms involved in the reproductive physiology of this animal species. Thus, this paper reviews the current knowledge about the modulation and expression profile of hormonal, immunological, redox, and growth mediators involved in the uterine, ovarian, and placental morphophysiology of domestic cats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juneo Freitas Silva
- Nucleo de Pesquisas em Reproducao e Endocrinologia, Centro de Microscopia Eletronica, Departamento de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Campus Soane Nazare de Andrade, Ilheus 45662-900, Brazil;
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Walter B. [Diagnostic utility of the anti-Mullerian hormone in companion animals]. TIERARZTLICHE PRAXIS. AUSGABE K, KLEINTIERE/HEIMTIERE 2023; 51:252-257. [PMID: 37820616 DOI: 10.1055/a-2146-6645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
The anti-Mullerian hormone is a glycoprotein secreted by Sertoli cells in males and granulosa cells in females. The initial identification of this hormone in canine and feline serum was achieved in 2011. Meanwhile, a variety of studies have demonstrated its clinical significance as a tool in the endocrine diagnosis. This review summarizes the current knowledge about anti-Mullerian hormone in small animal reproduction and describes future opportunities for its diagnostic usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beate Walter
- Chirurgische und Gynäkologische Kleintierklinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
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6
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Serum antimüllerian hormone concentrations in female cats. Relation with ovarian remnant syndrome, ovarian cysts and gonadectomy status. Theriogenology 2023; 200:106-113. [PMID: 36805247 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.02.010] [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: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to reveal (1) the determination of the serum antimüllerian hormone concentrations in cats with ovarian remnant syndrome and ovarian cyst, (2) the effectiveness of the serum antimüllerian hormone concentrations in detecting gonadectomy status, and (3) ovarian expression of the antimüllerian hormone in the ovarian cysts and ovarian remnant tissue. For this purpose, a total of 31 domestic cats older than 1 year, including ORS (n = 9), OC (n = 3), spayed (n = 8), and intact (n = 11), were used in the study. Serum and intrafollicular AMH concentrations were determined by the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, and expression of the AMH was determined by the immunohistochemical method. The serum AMH concentration in the ORS group was 1.49 ± 1.24 ng/ml (0.10-3.63 ng/ml) whereas it was 1.78 ± 0.92 ng/ml (0.8-2.63 ng/ml) in the OC group. AMH concentration in the intrafollicular fluid was determined as 0.023 ng/ml in a cat with an ovarian cyst. While the serum AMH concentration was below 0.01 ng/ml in spayed cats, it was 5.80 ± 3.30 ng/ml (1.88-11.86 ng/ml) in the intact cats. There was a significant difference between the spayed and intact groups in terms of serum AMH concentration (p < 0.05). Moreover, in cats with ovarian cyst and ovarian remnant syndrome, no difference was found between the groups in terms of serum AMH concentration (p > 0.05). No difference was found between the ovarian remnant syndrome and intact cats in terms of serum AMH concentration (p > 0.05). In immunohistochemical staining, ovarian cysts were found to be negative for AMH while a moderate (+2) AMH positivity was observed in other follicles. Furthermore, in cats with ovarian remnant syndrome, severe (+3) AMH positivity was observed. As a result, it was determined that gonadectomy status can be accurately diagnosed by the AMH measurement. Ovarian remnant syndrome cannot be diagnosed accurately by AMH measurement. In addition, it was found that AMH did not seem to play a role in the pathogenesis of ovarian cysts in cats.
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Lapuente C, Faya M, Blanco PG, Grisolia-Romero M, Marchetti C, Gobello C. Anti-Müllerian hormone in queens: Serum concentrations and total ovarian follicle population. Theriogenology 2023; 197:111-115. [PMID: 36495634 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.11.033] [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: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were: a) To report anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) serum concentrations in neonatal, pre and postpubertal female cats. b) To establish the relationship between serum AMH with either age and estrous cycle c) To correlate the total number of different ovarian follicle types with AMH in adult queens. A single blood sample was collected from 10 neonates (including 5 male), 15 prepubertal and 48 postpubertal female cats to measure AMH. Eight, 10, and 18 of this latter group were in follicular (FP), luteal phase (LP), and anestrus (AN), respectively. The total number of each follicle type was histologically counted using the Gougeon and Chainy (1987) formula in a subgroup of 10 adult queens. Overall AMH mean of these the female cats was 6.31 ± 0.54 ng/mL. The neonatal females had lower AMH serum concentrations than their male littermates (2.56 ± 0.49 vs. >23 ng/mL; P < 0.01). Concentrations were also higher in prepubertal than in neonatal and postpubertal cats (11.79 ± 1.36 vs. 2.56 ± 0.49 vs. 4.87 ± 0.38 ng/mL; P < 0.01). Queens below 12 mo of age had the highest AMH levels (10.41 ± 1.16; P < 0.01). Age was inversely correlated with AMH (r = -0.5; P < 0.01). Animals in FP had lower AMH concentrations than AN females (2.51 ± 0.33 vs. 5.46 ± 0.76 ng/mL; P < 0.05). No difference in the total number of each follicle type were found between either ovary (P > 0.05). A high correlation was only found between small antral follicles and AMH concentrations (r = 0.85; P < 0.01). It was concluded, that AMH can provide an indirect, reliable marker for the assessment of ovarian follicle size and functionality. Age as well as pubertal state should be considered when evaluating AMH concentrations in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Lapuente
- Center of Reproductive Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata, Argentina; CONICET, Argentina
| | - M Faya
- Catholic University of Cordoba, Argentina; CONICET, Argentina
| | - P G Blanco
- Center of Reproductive Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata, Argentina; CONICET, Argentina
| | - M Grisolia-Romero
- Center of Reproductive Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata, Argentina; Catholic University of Cordoba, Argentina; CONICET, Argentina
| | - C Marchetti
- Center of Reproductive Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata, Argentina; Catholic University of Cordoba, Argentina; CONICET, Argentina
| | - C Gobello
- Center of Reproductive Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata, Argentina; CONICET, Argentina.
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Flock U, Reese S, Otzdorff C, Klein R, Walter B. Anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations in queens throughout the estrous cycle. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2022; 81:106749. [PMID: 35834880 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2022.106749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Studies in cats and dogs have proven the usefulness of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) as a diagnostic tool to determine the castration status or to diagnose ovarian remnant syndrome. Yet the secretion pattern of AMH over the estrous cycle in queens has not been investigated so far. Seven healthy sexually intact female cats were examined daily for signs of estrous behavior over a trial period of 4 months. Five queens showed regular estrous behavior, 1 queen was mated in her first heat and 1 queen never showed any signs of heat. To distinguish between inter-estrus and metestrus progesterone levels were determined. Serum samples for AMH and progesterone measurement were collected from the regular cycling queens in late anestrus, at several times during heat, inter-estrus and metestrus, from the mated queen during her first heat and during pregnancy, and in the acycling queen at various times during the trial period. The measured AMH values in anestrus were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than in heat (P < 0.001), metestrus (P = 0.12) and inter-estrus (P = 0.449). In anestrus the median AMH levels were 10.26 ng/ml (range 4.96 to 22.90 ng/ml), in heat 5.97 ng/ml (range 3.32- 22.96 ng/ml), in inter-estrus 10.47 (range 3.35-22.96 ng/ml) and in metestrus 6.38 ng/ml (range 4.50-10.75 ng/ml. The pregnant cat showed median AMH concentrations of 6.47 ng/ml (range 5.60-9.80 ng/ml) during her pregnancy. The acycling queen had solely low AMH values with a median concentration of 0.39 ng/ml. In conclusion there were high variations of the AMH levels among and within the individual cats and between heat cycles in the single cat. Remarkable high AMH concentrations were measured in the younger queens of the study in their first estrous cycles and also in anestrus, when less ovarian activity is expected. Further studies are necessary to emphasize the reasons for these high AMH concentrations especially in young queens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Flock
- Clinic of Small Animal Surgery and Reproduction, LMU Munich, Veterinaerstr. 13, Munich 80539, Germany
| | - Sven Reese
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Veterinaerstr. 13, Munich 80539, Germany
| | - Christiane Otzdorff
- Clinic of Small Animal Surgery and Reproduction, LMU Munich, Veterinaerstr. 13, Munich 80539, Germany
| | - Ruth Klein
- Laboklin GmbH and Co.KG, Steubenstr. 4, Bad Kissingen 97688, Germany
| | - Beate Walter
- Clinic of Small Animal Surgery and Reproduction, LMU Munich, Veterinaerstr. 13, Munich 80539, Germany.
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Gültiken N, Yarim M, Aslan S, Gürler H, Yarim GF, Tuncay M, İnal S, Schäfer-Somi S. Expression of Anti-Müllerian Hormone and Its Type 2 Receptor in the Ovary of Pregnant and Cyclic Domestic Cats. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:877. [PMID: 35405866 PMCID: PMC8997022 DOI: 10.3390/ani12070877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
To evaluate the expression of AMH and its receptor AMHRII, ovaries of 33 p cats were investigated by western blot and immunohistochemistry. After ovariohysterectomy, the cats were grouped according to pregnancy stages and ovarian/placental endocrine activity: group I (n = 3, 24−29 days), II (n = 8, 32−40 days), III (n = 4, 41−46 days), IV (n = 6, 53−61 days) and according to cycle stages: V (n = 6, interestrus) and VI (n = 6, estrus). Serum progesterone- and AMH-concentration was measured. Follicle numbers did not differ between groups. The number of corpora lutea was higher in pregnant cats than in the non-pregnant cats. Serum AMH concentration was at maximum between day 30 and 50 of gestation, and was higher than in non-pregnant cats, then decreased towards term (p < 0.05). In the ovaries, AMH immunopositivity was observed in granulosa cells of secondary and antral follicles, and in interstitial cells of corpora lutea; highest percentage of immunopositive areas was detected in group III (p < 0.05). A positive correlation between the number of corpora lutea and the positive AMH signals in ovarian tissue was determined (r2 = 0.832, p < 0.05); however, only during mid-gestation (group II). Expression of AMHRII was in close co-localization with AMH and strong in the interstitial cells surrounding follicles undergoing atresia. AMHRII expression did not differ between pregnant groups but was higher compared to estrus cats (p ˂ 0.05). We conclude that AMH and AMHRII expression in the feline ovary is comparable to other species. The high serum AMH concentration and ovarian AMHRII expression between day 30 and 50 of gestation are probably related to ovarian activity and follicular atresia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilgün Gültiken
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ondokuz Mayis, Samsun 55200, Turkey; (N.G.); (H.G.); (M.T.)
| | - Murat Yarim
- Department of Pathology, University of Ondokuz Mayis, Samsun 55200, Turkey; (M.Y.); (S.İ.)
| | - Selim Aslan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia 99138, Cyprus;
| | - Hande Gürler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ondokuz Mayis, Samsun 55200, Turkey; (N.G.); (H.G.); (M.T.)
| | - Gul Fatma Yarim
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ondokuz Mayis, Samsun 55200, Turkey;
| | - Müge Tuncay
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ondokuz Mayis, Samsun 55200, Turkey; (N.G.); (H.G.); (M.T.)
| | - Sinem İnal
- Department of Pathology, University of Ondokuz Mayis, Samsun 55200, Turkey; (M.Y.); (S.İ.)
| | - Sabine Schäfer-Somi
- Platform for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria
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A comparison of in vitro culture systems for cat embryos. Theriogenology 2021; 179:149-154. [PMID: 34875537 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare several culture systems for cat embryos. Domestic cat oocytes were matured in vitro (IVM), fertilized (IVF), and cultured individually or in groups in drops under oil (20 μL or 50 μL) and in 16 microwell dishes (Primo Vision®). Moreover, the effects of co-culture with a) uncleaved oocytes, b) homospecific and c) heterospecific co-culture with cat and sheep companion embryos were investigated using a time-lapse system. A higher proportion of blastocysts and hatching blastocysts was observed after culture in Primo Vision® dishes compared with the classical individual (p < 0.001) and group (p < 0.05) culture systems. Culture of presumptive zygotes 16 hpi and the presence of uncleaved oocytes did not reduce blastocyst development compared with culture of embryos 24 hpi without uncleaved oocytes. Co-culture with later-stage companion cator sheep embryos accelerated development of catembryos. The highest percentage of blastocysts was obtained in the group co-cultured with sheep embryos (54%). Moreover, the blastocyst cavity formed on average 10 h faster in this group than for the control group and for embryos co-cultured with cat embryos. The proportion of hatching blastocysts was similar in the co-cultures with cat and with sheep embryos (20% vs. 22%) and significantly (p < 0.05) than in the control group (12%).
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11
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Walter B. Anti-Müllerian hormone in dogs and cats reproduction. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55 Suppl 2:26-31. [PMID: 32031297 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a glycoprotein secreted by Sertoli cells in males and granulosa cells in females. It has first been determined in blood serum of dogs and cats by Place et al. in 2011 with the use of a human-based ELISA test. Meanwhile, different immunoassays have been validated for AMH determination in animals and a variety of studies have demonstrated the clinical significance of AMH. This review summarizes the current knowledge about AMH in dogs and cats and describes future opportunities for its diagnostic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beate Walter
- Clinic of Small Animal Surgery and Reproduction at the Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
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Snoeck F, Szymanska KJ, Sarrazin S, Ortiz-Escribano N, Leybaert L, Van Soom A. Blocking connexin channels during vitrification of immature cat oocytes improves maturation capacity after warming. Theriogenology 2018; 122:144-149. [PMID: 30268031 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In the domestic cat, nuclear maturation and embryo development after vitrification of immature oocytes have been obtained but developmental competence after warming remains low. It has been reported that during folliculogenesis, the association and communication between the oocyte and the surrounding cumulus cells through connexin-based gap junctions is essential for normal oocyte and follicular development. Gap junctions result from the head-to-head interaction of two hemichannels; however, there is always a population of hemichannels not incorporated into gap junctions. These unopposed hemichannels are normally closed but may open under certain stress conditions, potentially also during vitrification and warming, turning them into toxic pores inducing cell injury and cell death. The aim of our study was to test whether inhibiting connexin 37 (Cx37) and connexin 43 (Cx43) channels with the connexin-targeting peptide Gap26 during vitrification and warming of cat immature cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) could improve oocyte maturation and competence of resultant blastocysts derived by parthenogenetic activation. In the first experiment, our immunostainings confirmed the presence of Cx43 protein in the cytoplasm of immature cat oocytes and in the plasma membranes of cumulus cells. In the second experiment, COCs were randomly divided in three different groups: a control group (control), a group vitrified without Gap26 (vitrified) and a group vitrified with Gap26 (vitrified-peptide). The maturation rate was checked and oocytes from all three different experimental groups were parthenogenetically activated and cultured in vitro until day 8. After vitrification and warming, 49% of the oocytes in the control group matured, while this was 8% and 19% in the vitrified and vitrified-peptide groups, respectively. Compared to the vitrified group, oocytes in the vitrified-peptide group had significantly larger maturation rates. No blastocysts were detected at day 8 in the vitrified group, while 2% and 13% of the oocytes further developed to blastocyst at day 8 in the vitrified-peptide and control non-vitrified group, respectively. We conclude that the use of Gap26 in vitrification and warming media to vitrify immature cat oocytes improves maturation success and allows such oocytes to reach the blastocyst stage (2%) at day 8 after parthenogenetic activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Féline Snoeck
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Katarzyna Joanna Szymanska
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Basic Medical Sciences - Physiology Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Steven Sarrazin
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Nerea Ortiz-Escribano
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Basic Medical Sciences - Physiology Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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