1
|
Zhu X, Huang Q, Jiang L, Nguyen VT, Vu T, Devlin G, Shaima J, Wang X, Chen Y, Ma L, Xiang K, Wang E, Rong Q, Zhou Q, Kang Y, Asokan A, Feng L, Hsu SWD, Shen X, Yao J. Longitudinal intravital imaging of mouse placenta. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk1278. [PMID: 38507481 PMCID: PMC10954206 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk1278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Studying placental functions is crucial for understanding pregnancy complications. However, imaging placenta is challenging due to its depth, volume, and motion distortions. In this study, we have developed an implantable placenta window in mice that enables high-resolution photoacoustic and fluorescence imaging of placental development throughout the pregnancy. The placenta window exhibits excellent transparency for light and sound. By combining the placenta window with ultrafast functional photoacoustic microscopy, we were able to investigate the placental development during the entire mouse pregnancy, providing unprecedented spatiotemporal details. Consequently, we examined the acute responses of the placenta to alcohol consumption and cardiac arrest, as well as chronic abnormalities in an inflammation model. We have also observed viral gene delivery at the single-cell level and chemical diffusion through the placenta by using fluorescence imaging. Our results demonstrate that intravital imaging through the placenta window can be a powerful tool for studying placenta functions and understanding the placental origins of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyi Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Qiang Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710004, China
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
| | - Laiming Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Van-Tu Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Tri Vu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Garth Devlin
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Jabbar Shaima
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapy, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Xiaobei Wang
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapy, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Lijun Ma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Kun Xiang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Ergang Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Qiangzhou Rong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Qifa Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Yubin Kang
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapy, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Aravind Asokan
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Liping Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Shiao-Wen D. Hsu
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Xiling Shen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
| | - Junjie Yao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liang Y, Lai S, Huang L, Li Y, Zeng S, Zhang S, Chen J, Deng W, Liu Y, Liang J, Xu P, Liu M, Xiong Z, Chen D, Tu Z, Du L. JAZF1 safeguards human endometrial stromal cells survival and decidualization by repressing the transcription of G0S2. Commun Biol 2023; 6:568. [PMID: 37244968 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04931-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Decidualization of human endometrial stromal cells (hESCs) is essential for the maintenance of pregnancy, which depends on the fine-tuned regulation of hESCs survival, and its perturbation contributes to pregnancy loss. However, the underlying mechanisms responsible for functional deficits in decidua from recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) patients have not been elucidated. Here, we observed that JAZF1 was significantly downregulated in stromal cells from RSA decidua. JAZF1 depletion in hESCs resulted in defective decidualization and cell death through apoptosis. Further experiments uncovered G0S2 as a important driver of hESCs apoptosis and decidualization, whose transcription was repressed by JAZF1 via interaction with G0S2 activator Purβ. Moreover, the pattern of low JAZF1, high G0S2 and excessive apoptosis in decidua were consistently observed in RSA patients. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that JAZF1 governs hESCs survival and decidualization by repressing G0S2 transcription via restricting the activity of Purβ, and highlight the clinical implications of these mechanisms in the pathology of RSA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingyu Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Siying Lai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Lijun Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Yulian Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Shanshan Zeng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Jingsi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Wenbo Deng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Jingying Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Pei Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Mingxing Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Zhongtang Xiong
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Dunjin Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China.
| | - Zhaowei Tu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China.
| | - Lili Du
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Acuña F, Portiansky EL, Miglino MA, Flamini MA, Barbeito CG. Embryonic-placental relationship in Lagostomus maximus as compared to other hystricognath rodents and eutherian mammals. ZOOLOGY 2023; 158:126082. [PMID: 36905895 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2023.126082] [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: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Reproductive specializations in caviomorphs (infraorder Hystricognathi), are very peculiar within the Order Rodentia. These include long gestations, the birth of offspring with an extreme degree of precociality, and short lactation periods. This study describes the embryo-placental relationship of viable implantation sites (IS) of the plains viscacha, Lagostomus maximus, after 46 post-coital days. The observations recorded in this study are comparatively discussed with those of other hystricognaths and eutherians. At this stage, the embryo resembles that of other eutherians. At this time of embryo development, the placenta exhibits a size, shape, and organization similar to that it will have in its mature state. Besides, the subplacenta is already highly folded. These characteristics are adequate to sustain the development of future precocial offspring. The mesoplacenta, a structure present in other hystricognaths and related to uterine regeneration is described for the first time in this species. This detailed description of the placental and embryonic structure contributes to the knowledge of the reproductive and developmental biology of the viscacha, as well as that of hystricognaths. These characteristics will allow testing other hypotheses related to the morphology and physiology of the placenta and subplacenta, and their relationship with the growth and development of precocial offspring in Hystricognathi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Acuña
- Laboratorio de Histología y Embriología Descriptiva, Experimental y Comparada, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina.
| | - Enrique Leo Portiansky
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina; Laboratorio de Análisis de Imágenes, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - María Angélica Miglino
- Departamento de Cirugia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária y Zootecnia, Universidade de San Pablo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mirta Alicia Flamini
- Laboratorio de Histología y Embriología Descriptiva, Experimental y Comparada, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Claudio Gustavo Barbeito
- Laboratorio de Histología y Embriología Descriptiva, Experimental y Comparada, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Investigation of SAMD1 ablation in mice. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3000. [PMID: 36810619 PMCID: PMC9944271 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29779-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
SAM domain-containing protein 1 (SAMD1) has been implicated in atherosclerosis, as well as in chromatin and transcriptional regulation, suggesting a versatile and complex biological function. However, its role at an organismal level is currently unknown. Here, we generated SAMD1-/- and SAMD1+/- mice to explore the role of SAMD1 during mouse embryogenesis. Homozygous loss of SAMD1 was embryonic lethal, with no living animals seen after embryonic day 18.5. At embryonic day 14.5, organs were degrading and/or incompletely developed, and no functional blood vessels were observed, suggesting failed blood vessel maturation. Sparse red blood cells were scattered and pooled, primarily near the embryo surface. Some embryos had malformed heads and brains at embryonic day 15.5. In vitro, SAMD1 absence impaired neuronal differentiation processes. Heterozygous SAMD1 knockout mice underwent normal embryogenesis and were born alive. Postnatal genotyping showed a reduced ability of these mice to thrive, possibly due to altered steroidogenesis. In summary, the characterization of SAMD1 knockout mice suggests a critical role of SAMD1 during developmental processes in multiple organs and tissues.
Collapse
|
5
|
Acuña F, Barbeito CG, Portiansky EL, Ranea G, Miglino MA, Flamini MA. Spontaneous embryonic death in plains viscacha (Lagostomus maximus - Rodentia), a species with unique reproductive characteristics. Theriogenology 2022; 185:88-96. [PMID: 35395589 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Spontaneous embryonic death is a conserved reproductive event in Eutherians. The macro and microscopic characteristics of this type of death are similar between the different taxa. However, in the hystricomorphic rodent plains viscacha (Lagostomus maximus) is exceptional in terms of massiveness (80% embryonic resorption). In this species, of the 10-12 implantation sites (IS) (half in each uterine horn), only the caudal embryos will survive, resorbing the cranial and intermediate IS. We hypothesize that uterine structural variations in L. maximus restrict growth and promote embryo death, with the consequent loss of placental homeostasis in the cranial and middle IS. In this study, different studies (ultrasonography, macroscopy and microscopy) were carried out to analyze different aspects of the intermediate gestation of L. maximus (46 days postcoitus). Ultrasonographic studies revealed that the cranial and middle IS (IS-1, IS-2, and IS-3) had no recognizable embryonic and placental structures as compared to the caudal implantation sites (IS-4). Macroscopically, the areas corresponding to the embryos in the cranial and middle IS were occupied by a necrotic black semi-fluid mass. Moreover, the placenta in these IS was undifferentiated. However, in the caudal IS both the embryo and its placenta were distinguishable. Using histological and immunohistochemical techniques, it was observed that the placentas of IS-1, IS-2 and IS-3 were disorganized and showed hemorrhage, inflammatory infiltration containing neutrophils, macrophages, mast cells and foreign body giant cells, apoptotic trophoblast, and a layer of collagen fibers and fibroblasts that circumscribed each of these IS. In contrast, the placenta of the caudal IS showed an organized maternal-embryonic interface. The characteristics observed in IS in resorption of viscachas in intermediate gestation show that, regardless of gestation time, embryonic death has a similar macro and microscopic morphological pattern among eutherians with invasive placentation. However, the massiveness and sectorization of embryonic death in the plains viscacha make the species a unique model for the study of this reproductive event.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Acuña
- Laboratorio de Histología y Embriología Descriptiva, Experimental y Comparada, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CCT-La Plata, Argentina.
| | - Claudio Gustavo Barbeito
- Laboratorio de Histología y Embriología Descriptiva, Experimental y Comparada, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CCT-La Plata, Argentina
| | - Enrique Leo Portiansky
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CCT-La Plata, Argentina; Laboratorio de Análisis de Imágenes, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Guadalupe Ranea
- Laboratorio de Histología y Embriología Descriptiva, Experimental y Comparada, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - María Angélica Miglino
- Departamento de Cirugía, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad de San Pablo, San Pablo, Brazil
| | - Mirta Alicia Flamini
- Laboratorio de Histología y Embriología Descriptiva, Experimental y Comparada, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mohammadpour A, Mahabady MK, Ranjbar R, Tabandeh MR, Jamshidian J. Effect of Mentha spicata L. Essential Oil Orally Exposure During Organogenesis in Wistar Rats and Development of Fetus Bone. Pharm Chem J 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11094-022-02626-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
7
|
Wang Z, Meng N, Wang Y, Zhou T, Li M, Wang S, Chen S, Zheng H, Kong S, Wang H, Yan W. Ablation of the miR-465 Cluster Causes a Skewed Sex Ratio in Mice. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:893854. [PMID: 35677715 PMCID: PMC9167928 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.893854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The X-linked miR-465 cluster is highly expressed in the testis, sperm, newborn ovary, and blastocysts as well as in 8-16 cell embryos. However, the physiological role of the miR-465 cluster is still largely unknown. This study aims to dissect the role of the miR-465 cluster in murine development. Despite abundant expression in the testis, ablation of the miR-465 miRNA cluster using CRISPR-Cas9 did not cause infertility. Instead, a skewed sex ratio biased toward males (60% males) was observed among miR-465 KO mice. Further analyses revealed that the female conceptuses selectively degenerated as early as embryonic day 8.5 (E8.5). Small RNA deep sequencing, qPCR, and in situ hybridization analyses revealed that the miRNAs encoded by the miR-465 cluster were mainly localized to the extraembryonic tissue/developing placenta. RNA-seq analyses identified altered mRNA transcriptome characterized by the dysregulation of numerous critical placental genes, e.g., Alkbh1, in the KO conceptuses at E7.5. Taken together, this study showed that the miR-465 cluster is required for normal female placental development, and ablation of the miR-465 cluster leads to a skewed sex ratio with more males (~60%) due to selective degeneration and resorption of the female conceptuses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuqing Wang
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, United States
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, United States
| | - Nan Meng
- Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, United States
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, United States
| | - Tong Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Musheng Li
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Shawn Wang
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Sheng Chen
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, United States
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, United States
| | - Huili Zheng
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, United States
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, United States
| | - Shuangbo Kong
- Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Haibin Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wei Yan
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, United States
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, United States
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Wei Yan,
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jiang Y, Huang F, Chai X, Yuan W, Ding H, Wu X. The role of IP-10 and its receptor CXCR3 in early pregnancy. Mol Immunol 2021; 140:59-69. [PMID: 34655920 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2021.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The local immune microenvironment of the uterus plays an important role in a successful pregnancy. IP-10 (CXCL10) has been extensively studied in many immune-related diseases. However, the immune role of IP-10 in early pregnancy has not been fully recognized. This study mainly investigated the role of pro-inflammatory chemokine IP-10 in pregnancy. The levels of IP-10 and its receptor chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) were lower in the decidual tissues of an abortion-prone mice than in normal pregnant mice. Meantime, the expression of IP-10 and CXCR3 was higher in the decidual tissues of early pregnant women than in the endometrial tissues of non-pregnant women. IP-10 promoted the production of interleukin 17 (IL-17) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and also promoted the migration and differentiation of uterine decidual T cells to type 1 T helper (Th1) cells and Th17 cells. The abortion rate of early pregnant mice increased but the number of CD49b+, CD11b+, and CD3ε+ cells in the decidual tissues decreased upon treatment with anti-IP-10 antibody. Moreover, anti IP-10 antibody decreased the expression of RANTES but increased the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-10. A successful pregnancy requires the participation of IP-10. IP-10 participates in formation of the pro-inflammatory immune microenvironment during early pregnancy by regulating the distribution of immune cells and promoting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 430011, China
| | - Fengying Huang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 430011, China
| | - Xiaoshan Chai
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 430011, China
| | - Wen Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 430011, China
| | - Hui Ding
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 430011, China
| | - Xianqing Wu
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 430011, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Li B, Qiao C, Jin X, Chan HM. Characterizing the Low-Dose Effects of Methylmercury on the Early Stages of Embryo Development Using Cultured Human Embryonic Stem Cells. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2021; 129:77007. [PMID: 34328791 PMCID: PMC8323991 DOI: 10.1289/ehp7349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Global concerns of methylmercury (MeHg) exposure have been raised, especially on its effects on pregnant women. Recent epidemiological studies have revealed associations between maternal blood/hair MeHg concentrations, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and developmental deficits. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. OBJECTIVES In this study, we characterized the effects of MeHg exposure on undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and extrapolated the effects to human embryonic development. METHODS hESCs were exposed to 0, 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 or 200nM MeHg for 24 h or 6 d. Cell adherence and colony formation and expansion were examined under the microscope. Cell attachment, viability/proliferation, apoptosis, stress response, cell cycle, autophagy, and expression of cell lineage marker genes and proteins were measured at the end of exposures. RESULTS Our results indicated that exposure to nanomolar concentrations of MeHg was associated with a) higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1), suggesting increased stress and adaptive responses; b) lower cellular adhesion, viability/proliferation, and colony formation and expansion; c) higher levels of apoptosis, reflected by higher cleaved caspase-3 expression and Annexin V binding; d) higher levels of cytoskeleton protein α-tubulin expression; e) higher rates of G1/S phase cell cycle arrest; and f) autophagy inhibition, as shown by a lower LC3BII/LC3BI ratio and accumulation of SQSTM1 (p62). These outcomes were accompanied by higher expressions of self-renewal genes or proteins or both, including OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, and cytokine receptor IL6ST, as well as pluripotency and the cell fate regulator cyclin D1. DISCUSSION These results revealed that under the selection pressure of exposure to low doses of MeHg, some hESCs underwent apoptosis, whereas others adapted and survived with enhanced self-renewal gene expression and specific morphological phenotypes. Findings from the present study provide in vitro evidence that low doses of MeHg adversely affect hESCs when exposed during a period of time that models embryonic pre-, during, and early postimplantation stages. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP7349.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bai Li
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cunye Qiao
- Biostatistics and Modeling Division, Bureau of Food Surveillance and Science Integration, Food Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch (HPFB), Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xiaolei Jin
- Regulatory Toxicology Research Division, Bureau of Chemical Safety, Food Directorate, HPFB, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hing Man Chan
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kohzaki M, Ootsuyama A, Umata T, Okazaki R. Comparison of the fertility of tumor suppressor gene-deficient C57BL/6 mouse strains reveals stable reproductive aging and novel pleiotropic gene. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12357. [PMID: 34117297 PMCID: PMC8195996 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91342-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor suppressor genes are involved in maintaining genome integrity during reproduction (e.g., meiosis). Thus, deleterious alleles in tumor suppressor-deficient mice would exhibit higher mortality during the perinatal period. A recent aging model proposes that perinatal mortality and age-related deleterious changes might define lifespan. This study aimed to quantitatively understand the relationship between reproduction and lifespan using three established tumor suppressor gene (p53, APC, and RECQL4)-deficient mouse strains with the same C57BL/6 background. Transgenic mice delivered slightly reduced numbers of 1st pups than wild-type mice [ratio: 0.81–0.93 (p = 0.1–0.61)] during a similar delivery period, which suggest that the tumor suppressor gene-deficient mice undergo relatively stable reproduction. However, the transgenic 1st pups died within a few days after birth, resulting in a further reduction in litter size at 3 weeks after delivery compared with that of wild-type mice [ratio: 0.35–0.68 (p = 0.034–0.24)] without sex differences, although the lifespan was variable. Unexpectedly, the significance of reproductive reduction in transgenic mice was decreased at the 2nd or later delivery. Because mice are easily affected by environmental factors, our data underscore the importance of defining reproductive ability through experiments on aging-related reproduction that can reveal a trade-off between fecundity and aging and identify RECQL4 as a novel pleiotropic gene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masaoki Kohzaki
- Department of Radiobiology and Hygiene Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, 1-1 Iseigaoka Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan.
| | - Akira Ootsuyama
- Department of Radiation Biology and Health, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, 1-1 Iseigaoka Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Umata
- Radioisotope Research Center, Facility for Education and Research Support, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, 1-1 Iseigaoka Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Ryuji Okazaki
- Department of Radiobiology and Hygiene Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, 1-1 Iseigaoka Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Siragher E, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Placental hypoxia: What have we learnt from small animal models? Placenta 2021; 113:29-47. [PMID: 34074553 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Intrauterine hypoxia is a feature of pregnancy complications, both at high altitude and sea level. To understand the placental response to reduced oxygen availability, small animal models of maternal inhalation hypoxia (MIH) or reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) may be utilised. The aim of this review was to compare the findings of those studies to identify the role of oxygen availability in adapting placental structural and functional phenotypes in relation to fetal outcome. It also sought to explore the evidence for the involvement of particular genes and protein signalling pathways in the placenta in mediating hypoxia driven alterations. The data available demonstrate that both MIH and RUPP can induce placental hypoxia, which affects placental structure and vascularity, as well as glucose, amino acid, calcium and possibly lipid transport capacity. In addition, changes have been observed in HIF, VEGF, insulin/IGF2, AMPK, mTOR, PI3K and PPARγ signalling, which may be key in linking together observed phenotypes under conditions of placental hypoxia. Many different manipulations have been examined, with varied outcomes depending on the intensity, timing and duration of the insult. Some manipulations have detrimental effects on placental phenotype, viability and fetal growth, whereas in others, the placenta appears to adapt to uphold fetal growth despite the challenge of low oxygen. Together these data suggest a complex response of the placenta to reduced oxygen availability, which links to changes in fetal outcomes. However, further work is required to explore the role of fetal sex, altered maternal physiology and placental molecular mechanisms to fully understand placental responses to hypoxia and their relevance for pregnancy outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Siragher
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Downing Street, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Downing Street, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Barbeito CG, Acuña F, Miglino MA, Portiansky EL, Flamini MA. Placentation and embryo death in the plains viscacha (Lagostomus maximus). Placenta 2021; 108:97-102. [PMID: 33857820 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Caviomorpha are an exceptional group among rodents due to their extended gestational period and the delivery of precocial offspring. Among them, Lagostomus maximus is characterized by its polyovulation, polyembryony, and the highest embryonic death known in mammals. Its chorioallantoic placenta is hemomonochorial, an ancestral character among rodents. It resembles more the human placenta than the murine models. As in all caviomophs, the chorioallantoic placenta is divided in a main placenta and a subplacenta. The former is organized in labyrinth lobes surrounded by trophospongium, as in most caviomorphs. The giant cells (more numerous than in other caviomorphs) near the decidua could be related to invasiveness. During placentation of L. maximus, uterine natural killer cells are found. These cells have been related to invasiveness and remodeling of blood vessels in Mus musculus and Homo sapiens, although in other caviomorphs are not frequently found. In L. maximus, the placenta develops in all conceptuses (5-6 per uterine horn). Necrosis was observed in each implantation site at day 70 post-coitum, except in that closest to the vagina in each horn. This process of embryo death followed by resorption begins at day 26-30 post-coitum. Recently, we found variations in the percentage of blood vessel and uterine gland areas that could explain the regional differences in embryo survival. The characteristics of the placenta and implantation of L. maximus are important to stablish a unique model for studying placentation as well as early embryonic death, of interest for human and veterinary medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Gustavo Barbeito
- Laboratory of Descriptive, Experimental and Comparative, Histology and Embryology, Argentina; National Council of Scientific and Technical Research, CCT-La Plata, Argentina.
| | - Francisco Acuña
- Laboratory of Descriptive, Experimental and Comparative, Histology and Embryology, Argentina; National Council of Scientific and Technical Research, CCT-La Plata, Argentina
| | | | - Enrique Leo Portiansky
- National Council of Scientific and Technical Research, CCT-La Plata, Argentina; Image Analysis Laboratory, School of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata, Argentina
| | - Mirta Alicia Flamini
- Laboratory of Descriptive, Experimental and Comparative, Histology and Embryology, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Shafique S, Winn LM. Gestational valproic acid exposure induces epigenetic modifications in murine decidua. Placenta 2021; 107:31-40. [PMID: 33735658 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Valproic acid (VPA), a widely prescribed antiepileptic drug and an effective treatment for bipolar disorder and neuropathic pain, results in multiple developmental defects following in utero exposure. Uterine decidua provides nutritional and physical support during implantation and early embryonic development. Perturbations in the molecular mechanisms within decidual tissue during early pregnancy might affect early embryonic growth, result in early pregnancy loss or cause complications in the later gestational stage. VPA is a known histone deacetylase inhibitor and epigenetic changes such as histone hyperacetylation and methylation have been proposed as a mechanism of VPA-induced teratogenesis. METHODS This study investigated the effects of in utero VPA exposure on histone modifications in murine decidual tissue. Pregnant CD-1 mice were exposed to 400 mg/kg VPA or saline on GD9 via subcutaneous injection. Decidual tissue from each gestational sac was harvested at 1, 3 and 6 h following exposure. Levels of acetylated histones H3, H4 and H3K56, as well as methylated histones H3K9 and H3K27 were acid extracted and assessed by western blotting followed by acid histone extraction. RESULTS VPA exposure induced a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the levels of acetylated H3 at 1, 3 h; acetylated H4 at 1, 3 and 6 h and trimethylated H3K9 at 6 h. In contrast, no significant perturbations were noted in the levels of monomethylated H3K9, trimethylated H3K27 and acetylated H3K56. DISCUSSION The results from this study suggest that VPA-induced decidual histone modifications might play an important role as a mechanism of VPA-induced teratogenesis during early embryonic growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sidra Shafique
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Louise M Winn
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada; School of Environmental Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Acuña F, Barbeito CG, Portiansky EL, Miglino MA, Flamini MA. Prenatal development in Lagostomus maximus (Rodentia, Chinchillidae): A unique case among eutherian mammals of physiological embryonic death. J Morphol 2021; 282:720-732. [PMID: 33638264 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic death followed by resorption is a conserved process in mammals. Among the polyovular species, Lagostomus maximus (plains viscacha) constitutes a model of early and physiological embryonic death, since out of a total of 10-12 implants, 8-10 are resorbed during early/intermediate gestation, surviving are only the most caudal implantations of each uterine horn. This regular reproductive event is unique to this species, but many characteristics of the implantations during the early gestation of L. maximus, when embryonic death processes begin are unknown. The aim of the present work was to analyze the implantation sites of this species using morphological, morphometric, histochemical, lectinhistochemical, and immunohistochemical techniques to infer the possible causes of this event. Macroscopically, the length and width of the implantation sites significantly increased in a craniocaudal direction. Histochemically, the implantation sites did not differ in the expression of glycoconjugates and glycosidic residues. Furthermore, no variations were observed in cell renewal, hormone receptor expression, and decidualization. Both the glandular and vascular areas of the implantation sites significantly increased in the craniocaudal axis. Some necrotic cells and an inflammatory response with a predominance of lymphocytes and fibrin were observed in the cranial and middle but not in the caudal implantation sites. We conclude that signs of embryonic death and resorption are already observed in the early gestation of L. maximus. Our results reaffirm the hypothesis that postulates the key potential role of uterine glands and blood vessels in the gestation of the species, with emphasis on embryonic death. This pattern of embryonic death in L. maximus makes this species an unconventional mammalian model, which adds to the peculiarities of polyovulation (200-800 oocytes/estrus) and hemochorial placentation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Acuña
- Laboratorio de Histología y Embriología Descriptiva, Experimental y Comparada, Cátedra de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (LHYEDEYC, FCV-UNLP), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CCT - La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudio G Barbeito
- Laboratorio de Histología y Embriología Descriptiva, Experimental y Comparada, Cátedra de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (LHYEDEYC, FCV-UNLP), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CCT - La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Enrique L Portiansky
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CCT - La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Laboratorio de Análisis de Imágenes, Cátedra de Patología General, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (LAI, FCV-UNLP), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María A Miglino
- Departamento de Cirugía, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad de San Pablo, San Pablo, Brazil
| | - Mirta A Flamini
- Laboratorio de Histología y Embriología Descriptiva, Experimental y Comparada, Cátedra de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (LHYEDEYC, FCV-UNLP), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ali A, Derar DR. Relationships among the corpus luteum, follicles and conceptus in sheep. Anat Histol Embryol 2020; 50:65-71. [PMID: 32776363 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the intra- and interovarian relationships among the corpus luteum (CL), the largest follicle (LF) and follicular population in non-pregnant and between the conceptus and ovarian structures in pregnant ewes. In experiment 1, the follicular and luteal structures were examined in 538 reproductive systems of non-pregnant Awassi ewes. The follicular population was categorised into small (SF), medium (MF) and large (LF) groups. Inter-relationships between CL and follicular population and between LF and subordinate follicles were determined. In experiment 2, the location and number of conceptuses were identified and correlated with the ovarian structures in 58 reproductive systems of pregnant ewes. Effects of pregnancy status, stage of pregnancy, pregnancy side and conceptual number on follicular population were determined. The results showed that the right ovary was more active than the left ovary. CL had intraovarian positive effect on the number of medium and large follicles. LF had no local suppressive effect on the subordinate follicles. Side and stage of pregnancy and the conceptual number did not affect the follicular population. Accordingly, it can be concluded that the LF has no local suppressive effect on the subordinate follicles. The CL has intraovarian positive effect on the follicular population. Follicular population does not show remarkable changes during the first term of pregnancy. The present study probably provides information which may help in the understanding of the ovarian dynamics during pregnancy in sheep.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Ali
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Derar R Derar
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|