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Batista RITP, Dias JH, Gonçalves JD, Vergani GB, Oliveira MEF, Souza-Fabjan JMG, Fonseca JF. The presence of estradiol benzoate in the cervical relaxation treatment for non-surgical embryo collection does not impair embryonic morphological quality, cryosurvival, and gene expression profile. Theriogenology 2024; 218:208-213. [PMID: 38335708 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.01.038] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Non-surgical embryo recovery (NSER) is usually preceded by a cervical relaxation in ovine donors, based on estradiol benzoate (EB), prostaglandin (PGF), and oxytocin (OT). However, it is hypothesized that, due to poorly understood mechanisms, EB can result in embryotoxic actions. To evaluate this, 20 min before NSER superovulated sheep were induced to cervical relaxation with 0.0 (G0.0), 0.5 (G0.5), or 1.0 mg (G1.0) of EB associated with 37.5 μg of PGF 16 h before NSER and 50 IU of OT. In doing so, the efficiency and duration of the NSER procedure showed no compromise (P > 0.05). Additionally, the presence of EB did not affect (P > 0.05) the embryo's morphological quality, the development dynamics, or the abundance of transcripts associated with embryonic quality (OCT4 and NANOG), cellular stress (HSP90 and PRDX1), and apoptosis (BCL2 and BAX). A similar result (P > 0.05) was also observed when comparing embryonic cryosurvival at 24 (52.0, 52.0, and 54.0) and 48 h (60.0, 54.0, and 58.0) of in vitro culture (G0.0, G0.5, and G1.0, respectively). Thus, we can conclude that EB use does not compromise embryonic quality and cryoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Joedson Dantas Gonçalves
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Via de acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n, 14884-900, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Brun Vergani
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Via de acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n, 14884-900, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Emilia Franco Oliveira
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Via de acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n, 14884-900, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Jeferson Ferreira Fonseca
- Embrapa Caprinos e Ovinos, Núcleo Regional Sudeste, Rodovia MG 133, Km 42, CEP 36155 - 000, Coronel Pacheco, MG, Brazil
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Correia LFL, Leal GR, Brandão FZ, Batista RITP, Souza-Fabjan JMG. Effect of antifreeze protein I in the freezing solution on in vivo-derived sheep embryos. Res Vet Sci 2024; 168:105132. [PMID: 38183895 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.105132] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of different antifreeze protein type I (AFP I) concentrations added to a slow freezing solution in sheep in vivo-derived embryos. Good-quality embryos were allocated into: AFP-free (CONT); 0.1 μg/mL of AFP I (AFP0.1); or 0.5 μg/mL of AFP I (AFP0.5). After thawing, embryos were in vitro cultured (IVC) for 48 h. At 24 h and 48 h of IVC, dead cells and apoptosis, mitochondrial activity, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and glutathione (GSH) evaluations were performed. At 24 h, evaluated embryos were submitted to RT-qPCR for metabolism (SIRT2, PRDX1, OCT4, CDX2) and quality (AQP3, CDH1, HSP70, BAX, BCL2) genes. The in vitro survival rate was 56% (22/39) for CONT, 60% (32/53) for AFP0.1, and 53% (23/43) for AFP0.5 (p > 0.05). A tendency (p = 0.09) for a higher blastocyst hatching rate was noted in AFP0.1 (62%) compared to AFP0.5 (33%), and both groups were similar to CONT (50%). An increased (p < 0.05) mitochondrial activity at 24 h was observed in AFP0.1 compared to CONT. No differences (p > 0.05) were observed in oxidative stress homeostasis and viability between treatments. A downregulation (p < 0.05) of CDH1 in AFP0.1 and a downregulation of AQP3 in AFP0.5 were observed in comparison to the other groups. An upregulation (p < 0.05) was detected in HSP70 and BCL2 on AFP0.5 compared to AFP0.1 group. The addition of AFP I in slow freezing solution can benefit cryopreserved sheep in vivo-derived embryos, without affecting embryonic survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas F L Correia
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brazil Filho, 64, CEP 24230-340 Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Gabriela R Leal
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brazil Filho, 64, CEP 24230-340 Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Felipe Z Brandão
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brazil Filho, 64, CEP 24230-340 Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ribrio I T P Batista
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brazil Filho, 64, CEP 24230-340 Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Joanna M G Souza-Fabjan
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brazil Filho, 64, CEP 24230-340 Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
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Dos Santos-Neto PC, Cuadro F, Souza-Neves M, Crispo M, Menchaca A. Refinements in embryo manipulation applied to CRISPR technology in livestock. Theriogenology 2023; 208:142-148. [PMID: 37329588 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.05.028] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The implementation of CRISPR technology in large animals requires further improvements in embryo manipulation and transfer to be applied with commercial purposes. In this study we report (a) developmental competence of CRISPR/Cas microinjected zygotes subjected to in vitro culture in large scale programs in sheep; (b) pregnancy outcomes after early-stage (2-8-cell) embryo transfer into the oviduct or the uterine horn; and (c) embryo survival and birth rate after vitrification/warming of CRISPR/Cas microinjected zygotes. Experiment 1 consisted of a retrospective analysis to evaluate embryo developmental rate of in vitro produced zygotes subjected to CRISPR/Cas microinjection (n = 7,819) compared with a subset of non-microinjected zygotes (n = 701). Development rates to blastocyst on Day 6 were 20.0% for microinjected zygotes and 44.9% for non-injected zygotes (P < 0.05). In Experiment 2, CRISPR/Cas microinjected zygotes were transferred on Day 2 after in vitro fertilization (2-8 cell embryos) into the oviductal ampulla (n = 262) or into the uterine horn (n = 276) in synchronized recipient ewes at prefixed time (i.e., approximately two days after ovulation). Pregnant/transferred recipients (24.0% vs. 25.0%), embryo survival/transferred embryos (6.9% vs. 6.2%), and born lambs/pregnant embryos (72.2% vs. 100.0%) did not differ significantly in the two groups. In Experiment 3, CRISPR/Cas microinjected zygotes were maintained under in vitro culture until blastocyst stage (Day 6), and subjected to vitrification/warming via the Cryotop method (n = 474), while a subset of embryos were left fresh as control group (n = 75). Embryos were transferred into the uterine horn of recipient females at prefixed time 8.5 days after the estrous synchronization treatment (i.e., approximately six days after ovulation). Pregnancy rate (30.8% vs. 48.0%), embryo survival rate (14.8% vs. 21.3%), and birth rate (85.7% vs. 75.0%) were not different (PNS) between vitrified and fresh embryos, respectively. In conclusion, the current study in sheep embryos reports (a) suitable developmental rate after CRISPR/Cas microinjection (i.e., 20%), even though it was lower than non-microinjected zygotes; (b) similar outcomes when Day 2-embryos were placed into the uterine horn instead of the oviduct, avoiding both time-consuming and invasive oviduct manipulation, and extended in vitro culture during one week; (c) promising pregnancy and birth rates obtained with vitrification of CRISPR/Cas microinjected embryos. This knowledge on in vitro embryo development, timing of embryo transfer, and cryopreservation of CRISPR/Cas microinjected zygotes have practical implications for the implementation of genome editing technology in large animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- P C Dos Santos-Neto
- Instituto de Reproducción Animal Uruguay, Fundación IRAUy, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - F Cuadro
- Instituto de Reproducción Animal Uruguay, Fundación IRAUy, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - M Souza-Neves
- Instituto de Reproducción Animal Uruguay, Fundación IRAUy, Montevideo, Uruguay; Unidad de Biotecnología en Animales de Laboratorio, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - M Crispo
- Unidad de Biotecnología en Animales de Laboratorio, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - A Menchaca
- Instituto de Reproducción Animal Uruguay, Fundación IRAUy, Montevideo, Uruguay; Plataforma de Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Montevideo, Uruguay.
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Souza-Fabjan JMG, Oliveira MEF, Guimarães MPP, Brandão FZ, Bartlewski PM, Fonseca JF. Review: Non-surgical artificial insemination and embryo recovery as safe tools for genetic preservation in small ruminants. Animal 2023; 17 Suppl 1:100787. [PMID: 37567658 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100787] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial insemination (AI) and in vivo embryo production (or multiple ovulation and embryo transfer, MOET) programs are both instrumental in accelerating the propagation of genetically and economically superior goats and sheep. The aim of this review was to present the current gestalt of non-surgical AI and embryo recovery (NSER) procedures in small ruminants. Small body size, precluding rectal palpation, and highly limited penetrability of the uterine cervix in ewes are the major reasons for the scarce use of non-surgical assisted reproduction techniques in this species. As a result, AI and embryo recovery techniques in sheep mainly involve laparoscopy or laparotomy (LAP). In does, however, the Embrapa method of AI allows for successful intrauterine deposition of semen, resulting in pregnancy rates from 50 to 80% under field conditions (>3 000 goats inseminated) when frozen-thawed semen is used. After the administration of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), non-surgical (transcervical) embryo recovery is also feasible in goats, with the cervical penetration rate approaching 100%. There is a paucity of information on the efficacy of non-surgical AI using frozen semen in sheep, but the results are satisfactory with fresh, cooled, or chilled ram semen. An application of the NSER technique in ewes has greatly improved over the last decade, and cervical penetration rates of ∼90% can be achieved when a hormonal cervical dilation protocol using PGF2α, oxytocin, and/or estradiol ester (e.g., estradiol benzoate) is applied. In some genotypes of sheep, sufficient cervical dilation can be induced without estradiol ester included in the protocol. Several studies indicated that recovery of transferable quality ovine embryos using NSER is comparable to that employing a ventral midline laparotomy, and NSER is evidently a method of choice when animal welfare is concerned. Considering both the number of retrievable embryos and animal well-being, the NSER is a viable alternative for surgical procedures. With further developments, it has the makings of a primary, if not exclusive, embryo recovery technique in small ruminants worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M G Souza-Fabjan
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brazil Filho, 64, Cep 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
| | - M E F Oliveira
- Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n, Cep 14884-900 Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - M P P Guimarães
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brazil Filho, 64, Cep 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - F Z Brandão
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brazil Filho, 64, Cep 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - P M Bartlewski
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - J F Fonseca
- Embrapa Caprinos e Ovinos, Rodovia MG 133, Km 42, Cep 36155000, Coronel Pacheco, MG, Brazil
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Dias JH, Gonçalves JD, Arrais AM, Souza-Fabjan JMG, Bastos R, Batista RITP, Siqueira LGB, Oliveira MEF, Fonseca JF. Effects of different doses of estradiol benzoate used in a cervical relaxation protocol on the success of non-surgical embryo recovery and luteal function in superovulated ewes. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2023; 82:106751. [PMID: 35901610 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2022.106751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the effectiveness of different doses of estradiol benzoate (EB) to promote cervical relaxation and their effects on luteal function and outcomes of non-surgical embryo recovery (NSER) in sheep. Multiparous (MULT) and nulliparous (NULL) crossbred Lacaune X Santa Inês ewes were superovulated and naturally bred. Seven days after progesterone withdrawal, females were randomly assigned to one of three distinct cervical relaxation protocols, consisting of i.m. treatment with 37.5 µg d-cloprostenol and different doses of EB: 0.0 mg (0.0EB group; n = 3 NULL and 14 MULT); 0.5 mg (0.5EB group; n = 4 NULL and 12 MULT) or 1.0 mg (1.0EB group, n = 6 NULL and 11 MULT) 16 h before NSER. All ewes received 50 IU of oxytocin 20 min before NSER (D17). Blood samples were collected and ultrasound exams (B-mode and color Doppler) were performed at two timepoints: immediately before d-cloprostenol and EB treatments and prior to NSER. Estrous behavior, corpora lutea count and NSER success outcomes were not affected by EB treatments nor parity (P > 0.05). Embryo recovery rate was greater for ewes in the 0.5EB group and in the NULL ewes (P < 0.05). Ovarian biometrics differed between the two evaluation timepoints in all groups (P < 0.05). Plasma estradiol increased over time, reaching a significant greater level in 1.0EB ewes compared to controls on D17 (P < 0.05), whereas progesterone concentrations decreased over time in all groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, treatments did not affect NSER success but they did affect luteal function by altering P4 and E2 concentrations. Therefore, the NSER technique can be successfully performed in ewes with or without prior treatment with EB.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H Dias
- Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, s/n, 36570-000, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - J D Gonçalves
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Via de acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n, 14884-900, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - A M Arrais
- Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Rodovia BR 465, Km7, s/n, 23890-000, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - J M G Souza-Fabjan
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brazil Filho, 64, 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - R Bastos
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Av. Alberto Lamego, n° 2000, 28013-642, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - R I T P Batista
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brazil Filho, 64, 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - L G B Siqueira
- Embrapa Gado de Leite, Av. Eugênio do Nascimento, 610, 36038-330, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - M E F Oliveira
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Via de acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n, 14884-900, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - J F Fonseca
- Embrapa Caprinos e Ovinos, Três Lagoas Farm, Road Sobral -Groaíras, km 04, CP 145, 62010-970, Sobral, CE, Brazil.
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Guo Y, Bai J, Zhang Z, Liu Y, Lu S, Liu C, Ni J, Zhou P, Fu X, Sun WQ, Wan P, Shi G. Pregnancy of Cryopreserved Ovine Embryos at Different Developmental Stages. CRYOLETTERS 2022. [DOI: 10.54680/fr22510110512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Developmental stage and cryopreservation method have significant impact on the pregnancy rate after transfer of embryos produced in vivo. OBJECTIVE: To determine the pregnancy outcomes from ovine embryos cryopreserved at different developmental stages. MATERIALS
AND METHODS: Embryos at different developmental stages were obtained from donor ewes through simultaneous estrus treatment and laparoscopic artificial insemination. Embryos, either cryopreserved via vitrification or slow freezing method, were implanted into recipient ewes. The pregnancy
rate was determined 35 days after transfer. RESULTS: The pregnancy rate of developing embryos increases after transfer from the morula stage, early blastocyst to expanded blastocyst stages (64.9%, 73.9% and 81.3%, respectively). However, cryopreservation significantly decreases the
pregnancy rate of embryos at all three developmental stages, and there is no significant difference among developmental stages (43.9%, 43.7%, 52.9%, respectively). There is also no significant difference in the pregnancy rate between slowly-frozen embryos and vitrified embryos. CONCLUSION:
The pregnancy outcomes of embryo transfer is better at the expanded blastocyst stage than at earlier stages. However, no difference is observed in the pregnancy rate of embryos at different developmental stage after cryopreservation, either by slow freezing and vitrification. Cryopreservation
methods for ovine embryos, both slow freezing and vitrification, need further improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhua Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, Xinjiang, P.R. China
| | - Jiachen Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, Xinjiang, P.R. China
| | - Zhenliang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, Xinjiang, P.R. China
| | - Yucheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, Xinjiang, P.R. China
| | - Shouliang Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, Xinjiang, P.R. China
| | - Changbin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, Xinjiang, P.R. China
| | - Jianhong Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, Xinjiang, P.R. China
| | - Ping Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, Xinjiang, P.R. China
| | - Xiangwei Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, Xinjiang, P.R. China
| | - Wendell Q. Sun
- Institute of Biothermal Science and Technology, School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Pengcheng Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, Xinjiang, P.R. China
| | - Guoqing Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, Xinjiang, P.R. China
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Santos JDR, Batista RITP, Ungerfeld R, Taira AR, Espírito Santo CGD, Souza-Fabjan JMG, Fernandes DADM, Balaro MFA, Cosentino IO, Brair VL, Pinto PHN, Carvalho ABDS, Fonseca JFD, Brandão FZ. Hormonal protocol used for cervical dilation in ewes does not affect morphological embryo quality but reduces recovery rate and temporarily alters gene expression. Vet Rec 2021; 190:e1064. [PMID: 34750835 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.1064] [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: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Information on the impact of hormonal protocols for cervical dilation on the quality of ovine embryos is scarce. METHODS To compare the quality of embryos after cervical dilation protocol, ewes (n = 64) were allocated into either a treated group (100 μg estradiol benzoate intravenous and 0.12 mg cloprostenol intramuscularly, 12 hours before embryo collection plus 100 iu oxytocin intravenous 15 minutes before the collection procedure) or a control group (saline). Luteal function was analysed using ultrasonography and P4 measurement. Some collected embryos were frozen/thawed for gene expression, others were cultured in vitro, frozen/thawed for gene expression, and the remaining embryos were fixed for the apoptosis test (TUNEL test). RESULTS The treatment reduced fluid (p=0.04) and structure (p=0.03) recovery rates, but the morphological quality, development stage, and apoptosis incidence of the embryos were not affected by treatment. The corpora lutea of the control group had greater blood perfusion (p = 0.002) and greater P4 concentrations at 6, 9, and 12 h after the treatment (p < 0.0001). The expression of BAX, BCL2, PRDX1, and HSP90 genes were not affected by the treatment. However, the embryos in the treated group had fewer NANOG and OCT4 transcripts than control embryos (p = 0.008; p = 0.006, respectively). After culture, there was no difference between the groups in any gene. CONCLUSION The hormonal protocol for cervical dilation reduced the efficiency of embryo collection. In addition, the treatment induced luteolysis and a transient alteration of embryo gene expression, however there were no detectable changes in embryo morphological quality, development stage, or incidence of apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Dantas Rodrigues Santos
- Departamento de Patologia e Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Rodolfo Ungerfeld
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Augusto Ryonosuke Taira
- Departamento de Patologia e Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Caroline Gomes do Espírito Santo
- Departamento de Patologia e Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Daniel Andrews de Moura Fernandes
- Departamento de Patologia e Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mário Felipe Alvarez Balaro
- Departamento de Patologia e Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Isabel Oliveira Cosentino
- Departamento de Patologia e Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Viviane Lopes Brair
- Departamento de Patologia e Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Pedro Henrique Nicolau Pinto
- Departamento de Patologia e Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Beatriz da Silva Carvalho
- Departamento de Patologia e Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Felipe Zandonadi Brandão
- Departamento de Patologia e Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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8
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Fonseca JF, Vergani GB, Lima MSD, Silva KM, Monteiro AWU, Ramos AF, Alves BRC, Souza-Fabjan JMG, Oliveira MEF, Batista RITP. Nonsurgical Embryo Recovery as a Feasible Tool for Supporting Embryo Biobanks of Locally Adapted Brazilian Sheep and Goats. Biopreserv Biobank 2021; 20:493-501. [PMID: 34747654 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2021.0066] [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] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study assessed the outcomes of nonsurgical embryo recovery (NSER) after superovulation (SOV) in five locally adapted Brazilian breeds of sheep and goats. The objective was to evaluate the feasibility and efficiency of using SOV combined with a less-invasive embryo collection technique for supplying the Brazilian animal gene bank with germplasm from specific genotypes of interest. Morada Nova (n = 20), Santa Inês (n = 20), and Somalis (n = 20) ewes received an intravaginal progesterone (330 mg) device for 9 days, while Canindé (n = 15) and Moxotó (n = 15) goats received an intravaginal medroxyprogesterone acetate (60 mg) device for 6 days. All females received 133 mg of porcine follicle-stimulating hormone (pFSH) administrated in six decreasing doses 12 hours apart, starting 60 hours before device removal, plus 37.5 μg of d-cloprostenol at the fifth and sixth pFSH dose. Donors in estrus were mated with fertile males. The corpora lutea (CL) number was assessed by ultrasonography 1 day before NSER. On day 6.5 or 7 after estrus, NSER was performed following hormonally induced cervical relaxation. A total of 97% of sheep and 90% of goats responded with estrus, and among those, 91% of sheep and 85% of goats presented a CL. In ewes, the numbers of CL were greater (p < 0.05) in the Santa Inês breed, while similar (p > 0.05) CL numbers were found among the goat breeds. All viable embryos were freezable (excellent and good quality) and the number per donor was 7.8 for sheep and 4.9 for goats. All parameters of NSER efficiency, embryo yield, and fertility post-NSER did not differ (p > 0.05) between breeds among each species. The SOV-NSER procedures applied for an embryo biobank supply of locally adapted Brazilian breeds of small ruminants were efficient regarding production of cryopreservable embryos, and preservation of donor fertility. Therefore, SOV followed by NSER is recommended for embryo biobank assembly in sheep and goats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriel B Vergani
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Monalisa S D Lima
- Faculdade de Veterináris, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Bruna R C Alves
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
| | | | - Maria E F Oliveira
- Embrapa Caprinos e Ovinos, Sobral, Brazil.,Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal, Brazil
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9
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Arrais AM, Mello MRBD, Vergani GB, Figueira LM, Esteves SN, Pereira VSDA, Bartlewski PM, Oliveira MEF, Souza-Fabjan JMG, Fonseca JFD. NonSurgical Embryo Recovery from Estrus-Synchronized or Superovulated Morada Nova Ewes: A Feasible Strategy for Sheep Embryo Banking. Biopreserv Biobank 2021; 19:360-368. [PMID: 33769085 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2020.0125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study assessed the feasibility of in vivo embryo production and nonsurgical embryo recovery (NSER) in Morada Nova ewes (an endangered native Brazilian breed of sheep) subjected to different estrus synchronization and/or superovulation protocols. Ewes received intravaginal sponges soaked with 60 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP), which were kept in place for six (G6; n = 12), nine (G9; n = 12), or 12 (G12; n = 12) days. Half of the ewes in each group remained estrus synchronized only (SYNCH) and the other half was superovulated (SOV) with 133 mg porcine follicle-stimulating hormone (pFSH). There were no differences (p > 0.05) in antral follicle counts determined with ultrasonography 60 hours before MAP sponge removal (or at the time of the first pFSH dose) among G6 (6.4 ± 0.9), G9 (6.2 ± 0.7), and G12 (5.5 ± 0.6). Estrus responses and NSER success rates did not vary (p > 0.05) among the three progestin-treatment groups of ewes for either estrus-induced or superovulated animals. The onset of estrus occurred 10-12 hours later (p < 0.01) in G9SYNCH ewes compared with G6SYNCH and G12SYNCH, and the duration of estrus was ∼19 hours greater (p < 0.01) in G9SOV than in G6SOV. The average duration of the NSER procedure was 32.6 ± 1.3 minutes. At least one structure was recovered in 85.7% of synchronized and in 87.5% of superovulated ewes. Viable embryo recovery rates were also similar (p > 0.05) for G6 (1.0 ± 0.3 and 2.5 ± 1.5), G9 (1.3 ± 0.5 and 4.8 ± 2.0), and G12 groups (1.0 ± 0.3 and 4.8 ± 2.3; estrus-synchronized and superovulated ewes, respectively). In conclusion, progestogen pretreatment of different durations and NSER can be employed in Morada Nova ewes, resulting in reasonable viable embryo recovery rates in both estrus-synchronized and superovulated animals. Therefore, both techniques are suitable for use in commercial settings as well as small ruminant conservation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Matos Arrais
- Departamento de Reprodução e Avaliação Animal, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Brazil
| | | | - Gabriel Brun Vergani
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal, Brazil
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10
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In vivo embryo production and recovery in lacaune ewes after imposing a superovulation treatment regimen is related to pFSH dose. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 223:106625. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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11
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Morais MCC, Esteves LV, Souza-Fabjan JM, Oliveira MEF, Silva MR, Brandão FZ, Fonseca JF. Factors affecting pregnancy rates for goat embryos recovered and transferred by transcervical route. Small Rumin Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2020.106215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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12
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Dos Santos VMB, Pinto PHN, Balaro MFA, Santos JDR, Taira AR, do Espirito Santo CG, Gonçalves FM, da Fonseca JF, Brandão FZ. Use of oxytocin to attain cervical dilation for transcervical embryo transfer in sheep. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:1446-1454. [PMID: 32757343 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this work was to determine whether a cervical dilation protocol (CDP) composed of only oxytocin can be used to perform transcervical (non-surgical) embryo transfer in sheep (NSET) without affecting the viability of the corpus luteum (CL). Likewise, we evaluated whether a cervical transposing test with a Hegar dilator (CT Hegar test), performed at oestrous time, could be used to screen ewes for NSET (greater or lower chances to transpose the cervix). For that, oestrous and ovulation synchronization was performed in 25 Santa Inês ewes to induce the dioestrous condition. Animals went through the following CDP in a crossover design: E + OX, oestradiol benzoate (100 µg intravenously [IV]) and oxytocin (100 IU IV); OX, oxytocin (100 IU IV); and SAL, saline solution (IV). Using a Hegar dilator, cervical transposing attempts were performed at oestrous (D0) and dioestrous time (D8). The viability of the CL (morphology, luteal blood flow and progesterone values) was evaluated by ultrasonography (colour Doppler and B-mode) and by serum progesterone measurement from D7 to D13. The cervical transposing rate was lower for the SAL group (64%; 16/25; p < .05) and did not differ between the E + OX (88%; 22/25, p > .05) and OX (84%; 21/25, p > .05) groups. No treatment affected the CL viability. The CT Hegar test showed a high sensitivity (85.7%-93.3%), satisfactory accuracy (72%-84%), low false-negative rate (6.7%-14.6%), but high false-positive rate (46%-66.7%). In conclusion, a CDP protocol composed exclusively of oxytocin can lead to good cervical transposing rates and does not affect the viability of the CL. In addition, a screening test (CT Hegar) performed at oestrus can identify ewes for which cervical transposing will likely not occur at NSET.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Juliana D R Santos
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Augusto R Taira
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Felipe Z Brandão
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
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13
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Brair VL, Maia ALRS, Correia LFL, Barbosa NO, Santos JDR, Brandão FZ, Fonseca JF, Batista RITP, Souza-Fabjan JMG. Gene expression patterns of in vivo-derived sheep blastocysts is more affected by vitrification than slow freezing technique. Cryobiology 2020; 95:110-115. [PMID: 32554154 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2020.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Transfer of fresh sheep embryos frequently results in higher pregnancy rate compared to cryopreserved ones, possibly due to a failure in the communication between the cryopreserved embryo and the endometrium during pre-implantation and pregnancy establishment. Thus, this study assessed the effect of sheep embryo cryopreservation (slow freezing or vitrification) on embryo survival rate and expression of genes related to trophectoderm differentiation (CDX2), pluripotency maintenance (NANOG), cell proliferation (TGFB1), mitochondrial activity (NRF1) and apoptosis (BAX and BCL2). Superovulation (n = 32 ewes) was performed and embryos were transcervically collected. One hundred good quality (Grade I and II) embryos were allocated into three groups: fresh embryos (CTL; n = 15), slow freezing (SF; n = 42) or vitrification (VT; n = 43). After thawing/warming, three pools of five blastocysts per group were used for RT-qPCR; the remaining 55 embryos were cultured in vitro in SOFaa medium at 38.5 °C and 5% CO2 (SF: n = 27 and VT: n = 28). Survival rate of SF and VT were, respectively, 29.6% (8/27) and 14.2% (4/28) at 24 h; and 48.1% (13/27) and 32.1% (9/28) at 48 h (P > 0.05). Only CDX2 was affected (up-regulated, P < 0.05) in both groups compared to CTL. The BAX transcript was upregulated in VT, compared to SF group. The VT increased (P < 0.05) the expression of all genes, except for NANOG and NRF1, when compared to the CTL. In conclusion, although in vitro survival was similar between techniques, VT led to increased changes in blastocyst gene expression compared to CTL and SF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane L Brair
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brasil Filho, 64, CEP 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Ana Lucia R S Maia
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brasil Filho, 64, CEP 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Lucas Francisco L Correia
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brasil Filho, 64, CEP 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Nathalia O Barbosa
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brasil Filho, 64, CEP 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Juliana D R Santos
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brasil Filho, 64, CEP 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Felipe Z Brandão
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brasil Filho, 64, CEP 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jeferson F Fonseca
- Embrapa Caprinos e Ovinos, Núcleo Regional Sudeste, Rodovia MG 133, Km 42, CEP 36155-000, Coronel Pacheco, MG, Brazil
| | - Ribrio Ivan T P Batista
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brasil Filho, 64, CEP 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Joanna M G Souza-Fabjan
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brasil Filho, 64, CEP 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
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14
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Oliveira MEF, Zambrini FN, Souza-Fabjan JMG, Bartlewski PM, Guimarães JD, Brandão FZ, Fonseca JF. Repeated trans-cervical embryo recoveries in Santa inês ewes subjected to short- or long-term superovulatory treatment regimens. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 217:106469. [PMID: 32408969 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Outcomes of short- (6.5 days) and long-term (14.5 days) estrous synchronization for 6.5 d (G-6.5d) or 14.5 d (G-14.5d) and followed by the 4-day or 3-day declining-dose follicle-stimulating hormone superovulatory regimen, respectively, were compared using 16 estrous-cycling Santa Inês ewes. Non-surgical embryo recovery (NSER) procedures were performed 60 d apart starting 6 or 7 d after the onset of estrus; an i.m. injection of estradiol benzoate and of d-cloprostenol at 16 h was followed by an i.v. oxytocin injection administered 20 min before NSER. There was a longer (P < 0.05) period before estrous onset in ewes during the second (September) compared with the first study replicate (July) by approximately 14 h. The NSER could be performed in 11 of 15 ewes that were in estrus, with an average of three viable-embryos/donor and the mean duration of the procedure being 29 min. There were no differences in superovulatory responses between the two groups of ewes, but there were only degenerated embryos in ewes of the G-6.5d group. In summary: i. the duration of progestin-priming and of multiple-dose pFSH treatment had a limited effect on superovulatory responses in estrous-cycling Santa Inês ewes; ii. NSER is a safe and repeatable method of embryo collection in ewes subsequent to superovulation; and iii. duration of the superovulatory treatment regimen may alter the effects of endogenous steroids on oocyte/embryo quality in ewes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E F Oliveira
- Department of Phatobiology and Veterinary Theriogenology, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University, Via De Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, CEP 14884-900, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil; Embrapa Goats and Sheep Research Center, Estrada Sobral/Groaíras, Km 04, CP 145, CEP 62010-970, Sobral, CE, Brazil.
| | - F N Zambrini
- Department of Animal Science, Viçosa Federal University, Av. P.H. Rolfs, s/n, CEP 36571-000, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - J M G Souza-Fabjan
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brasil Filho, 64, CEP 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - P M Bartlewski
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1 Canada
| | - J D Guimarães
- Department of Animal Science, Viçosa Federal University, Av. P.H. Rolfs, s/n, CEP 36571-000, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - F Z Brandão
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brasil Filho, 64, CEP 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - J F Fonseca
- Embrapa Goats and Sheep Research Center, Estrada Sobral/Groaíras, Km 04, CP 145, CEP 62010-970, Sobral, CE, Brazil
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