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Andressa Minozzo O, Thamiris Vieira M, Mateus José S. Transverse and vertical incisions affect the viability of in vitro-produced embryos submitted to a simplified microsurgery approach. Theriogenology 2024; 226:294-301. [PMID: 38959839 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.06.029] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Integrating in vitro embryo production with embryonic microsurgery facilitates the generation of monozygotic twins. However, despite their potential benefits, these methods have not been widely adopted in commercial settings because of their substantial costs. Hence, there is a need to streamline the bisection procedure while ensuring efficient production of viable demi-embryos. In this study, we investigated the impact of different orientations of microsurgical incisions in relation to inner cell mass on embryonic development, morphology, viability, and expression of cell fate protein markers using a simplified microsurgery approach. Ovaries were transported from the slaughterhouse to the laboratory and aspirated to obtain oocytes that were selected and subjected to in vitro embryo production. The selected expanded blastocysts (n = 204) underwent microsurgery. The blastocysts were immobilized to facilitate incision using an adapted microblade, yielding demi-embryos (vertical incision) and viable embryonic fragments (transverse incision). The structures were then re-cultured for 12 h. Viability was assessed by measuring the re-expansion rate after re-culture, followed by immunofluorescence analysis of proteins (CDX2 and NANOG) and apoptosis analysis using terminal deoxynucleotyl transferase dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL). Microsurgically derived embryos exhibited remarkable plasticity, as evidenced by a slight reduction (P < 0.05) in the re-expansion rate (transverse 64.2 % and vertical 57.2 %) compared to that of the control group (blastocysts without microsurgery) (86.7 %). They also demonstrated the ability of morphological reconstitution after culturing. Despite the anticipated decrease (P < 0.05) in the total number of cells and embryo volume, microsurgery did not result in a significant increase (P > 0.05) in the number of apoptotic cells. Furthermore, microsurgery led to higher (P < 0.05) expression of markers associated with pluripotency, indicating its efficiency in preserving regenerative capacity. Moreover, microsurgery, whether followed by immunosurgery or not, made the isolation of embryonic cells easier. In conclusion, both transverse and vertical microsurgery incisions enabled the production of identical demi-embryos and served as tools for isolating embryonic cells without compromising the resumption of development and the apoptotic index.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sudano Mateus José
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil; Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, SP, Brazil.
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Yoshino H, Kizaki K, Hirata TI, Iga K, Matsuda H, Yamanouchi T, Hashiyada Y, Imai K, Ishiguro-Oonuma T, Kanazawa T, Takahashi T, Hashizume K. Interferon-Stimulated Gene Expression in Peripheral Blood Leucocytes as a Convenient Prediction Marker for Embryo Status in Embryo-Transferred Japanese Black Cows during the Peri-Implantation Period. Vet Sci 2023; 10:408. [PMID: 37505814 PMCID: PMC10386093 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10070408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy diagnosis during early gestation is important for cattle reproduction. The expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) was studied in embryo-transferred (ET) Japanese Black cattle. ISGs in PBLs-ISG15, MX1, MX2, and OAS1-were detected in multiple ovulation ET cattle using a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed. Gestational status was predicted using the average ISG levels during the normal estrous cycle (AVE) and the Youden index from the ROC curve analysis as cutoff values. The ISG15, MX1, and MX2 levels were significantly higher in pregnant cattle (n = 10) than in non-pregnant cattle (n = 23) on gestation day 21, whereas the levels of all ISGs were similar between non-pregnant and non-pregnant cattle with late embryonic death (n = 7). ISG15, MX1, and MX2 appropriately predicted the gestational status of ET cows. The statistical evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy in ET cows on day 21 of gestation presented higher values of sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive predictive values of ISG15, MX1, and MX2 using the Youden index than using the AVE. Therefore, ISG15, MX1, and MX2 are excellent biomarkers of gestational status during the peri-implantation period in ET cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitomi Yoshino
- Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, 3-18-8 Ueda, Morioka 020-8550, Iwate, Japan
| | - Keiichiro Kizaki
- Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, 3-18-8 Ueda, Morioka 020-8550, Iwate, Japan
| | - Toh-Ichi Hirata
- Field Science Center, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, 3-18-8 Ueda, Morioka 020-8550, Iwate, Japan
| | - Kosuke Iga
- Tohoku Agricultural Research Center, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, 4 Akahira, Shimo-kuriyagawa, Morioka 020-0198, Iwate, Japan
| | - Hideo Matsuda
- National Livestock Breeding Center, Nishigo 961-8061, Fukushima, Japan
| | | | - Yutaka Hashiyada
- National Livestock Breeding Center, Nishigo 961-8061, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Kei Imai
- Department of Sustainable Agriculture, Rakuno Gakuen University, 582 Bunkyodai-Midorimachi, Ebetsu 069-8501, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Toshina Ishiguro-Oonuma
- Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, 3-18-8 Ueda, Morioka 020-8550, Iwate, Japan
| | - Tomomi Kanazawa
- Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, 3-18-8 Ueda, Morioka 020-8550, Iwate, Japan
| | - Toru Takahashi
- Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, 3-18-8 Ueda, Morioka 020-8550, Iwate, Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi Hashizume
- Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, 3-18-8 Ueda, Morioka 020-8550, Iwate, Japan
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Funeshima N, Noguchi T, Onizawa Y, Yaginuma H, Miyamura M, Tsuchiya H, Iwata H, Kuwayama T, Hamano S, Shirasuna K. The transfer of parthenogenetic embryos following artificial insemination in cows can enhance pregnancy recognition via the secretion of interferon tau. J Reprod Dev 2019; 65:443-450. [PMID: 31378757 PMCID: PMC6815739 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2019-026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Repeat breeding is a reproductive disorder in cattle. Embryo transfer following artificial insemination (AI) improves pregnancy rate by replenishing interferon tau (IFNT), but it results in a notably higher rate of twin occurrence. This study hypothesized that parthenogenetic (PA) embryo transfer following AI (AI + PA) could improve the conception rate because that PA embryo become as a supplemental source of IFNT without twins. PA embryos showed higher IFNT mRNA expression than in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryos. An examination of the effect of the cultured conditioned media (CM) of PA or IVF embryos on Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells with stably introduced promoter-reporter constructs of interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15, marker of IFN response) showed higher stimulation levels of ISG15 promoter activity with PA than with IVF embryo. We investigated in vivo the effect of AI + PA on healthy Japanese Black cattle. Cattle transferred with PA embryo alone were non-fertile, but those that underwent AI + PA showed a pregnancy rate of 53.3%, the similar as that with AI alone (60%). In pregnant cattle in AI + PA group, adding the PA embryo upregulated the expression of ISGs and plasma progesterone concentration. No twin were generated in AI only and AI + PA groups. Using repeat breeding Holstein cows that did not become pregnant with 4-9 times of AI, transfer of PA embryo following AI resulted in a higher pregnancy rate than that of control (AI only). We suggest that AI + PA may be beneficial for improving maternal pregnancy recognition in repeat breeder cattle while avoiding twin generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsumi Funeshima
- Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Noguchi
- University Farm, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Shizuoka 418-0109, Japan
| | - Yuri Onizawa
- Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan
| | - Hikari Yaginuma
- Animal Bio-Technology Center, Livestock Improvement Association of Japan Inc., Tokyo 135-0041, Japan
| | - Motoharu Miyamura
- Animal Bio-Technology Center, Livestock Improvement Association of Japan Inc., Tokyo 135-0041, Japan
| | - Hideki Tsuchiya
- Animal Bio-Technology Center, Livestock Improvement Association of Japan Inc., Tokyo 135-0041, Japan
| | - Hisataka Iwata
- Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan
| | - Takehito Kuwayama
- Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan
| | - Seizo Hamano
- Animal Bio-Technology Center, Livestock Improvement Association of Japan Inc., Tokyo 135-0041, Japan.,Maebashi Institute of Animal Science, Livestock Improvement Association of Japan Inc., Gunma 371-0121, Japan
| | - Koumei Shirasuna
- Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan
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Yaginuma H, Funeshima N, Tanikawa N, Miyamura M, Tsuchiya H, Noguchi T, Iwata H, Kuwayama T, Shirasuna K, Hamano S. Improvement of fertility in repeat breeder dairy cattle by embryo transfer following artificial insemination: possibility of interferon tau replenishment effect. J Reprod Dev 2019; 65:223-229. [PMID: 30745523 PMCID: PMC6584180 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2018-121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Repeat breeder cattle do not become pregnant until after three or more breeding attempts; this represents a critical reproductive disorder. Embryo transfer (ET) following artificial
insemination (AI) in repeat breeder cattle reportedly improves pregnancy rate, leading to speculation that interferon tau (IFNT) is associated with this phenomenon. However, the reason why
the conception rate improves remains unknown. We investigated the effect of ET following AI on repeat breeder cattle in field tests, and determined whether adding an embryo affects the
maternal immune cells detected by interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), marker genes of IFN response. In total, 1122 repeat breeder cattle were implanted with in vitro
fertilization (IVF) embryos after previous AI. ET following AI resulted in pregnancy rates of 46.9% in repeat breeder dairy cattle. In basic in vivo tests, to investigate
the effect of adding embryos, ISGs mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in the AI + ET group than in the AI + sham group (transfer of only embryonic cryopreservation solution).
Then, we examined the effect of cultured conditioned media (CM) of IVF embryos on splenic immune cells and Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells with stably introduced ISG15
promoter-reporter constructs. These cells exhibited a specific increase in ISG15 mRNA expression and promoter activity when treated with the CM of IVF embryos, suggesting that IVF embryos
have the potential to produce and release IFNT. In conclusion, ET following AI is beneficial for improving conception in repeat breeder cattle. Added embryos may produce and secrete IFNT,
resulting in the increased expression of ISGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hikari Yaginuma
- Animal Bio-Technology Center, Livestock Improvement Association of Japan Inc., Tokyo 135-0041, Japan
| | - Natsumi Funeshima
- Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan
| | - Nao Tanikawa
- Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan
| | - Motoharu Miyamura
- Animal Bio-Technology Center, Livestock Improvement Association of Japan Inc., Tokyo 135-0041, Japan
| | - Hideki Tsuchiya
- Animal Bio-Technology Center, Livestock Improvement Association of Japan Inc., Tokyo 135-0041, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Noguchi
- University Farm, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Shizuoka 418-0109, Japan
| | - Hisataka Iwata
- Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan
| | - Takehito Kuwayama
- Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan
| | - Koumei Shirasuna
- Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan
| | - Seizo Hamano
- Animal Bio-Technology Center, Livestock Improvement Association of Japan Inc., Tokyo 135-0041, Japan.,Maebashi Institute of Animal Science, Livestock Improvement Association of Japan Inc., Gunma 371-0121, Japan
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A microwell culture system that allows group culture and is compatible with human single media. J Assist Reprod Genet 2018; 35:1869-1880. [PMID: 29998386 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-018-1252-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE A microwell culture system that facilitates group culture, such as well-of-the-well (WOW), improves embryonic development in an individual culture. We examined the effect of WOW on embryonic development in vitro with commercially available human single culture media. METHODS Using four different commercial human single culture media, in vitro development and imprinted gene expression of bovine embryos cultured in WOW were compared to droplet culture (one zygote per drop). To determine the effects of microwell and group culture on embryonic development, different numbers of embryos were cultured in droplet or WOW. Diffusion simulation of accumulating metabolites was conducted using the finite volume method. RESULTS WOW had a positive effect on bovine embryonic development, regardless of the type of single culture media. Imprinted gene expression was not different between droplet- and WOW-derived blastocysts. The microwell and group cultures in WOW showed a significant positive effect on the rate of total blastocysts and the rate of development to the expanded and hatching blastocyst stages. The assumed cumulative metabolite concentration of WOW with one embryo was 1.47 times higher than that of droplet culture with one embryo. Furthermore, the concentration of WOW with three embryos was 1.54 times higher than that of WOW with one embryo. CONCLUSIONS In using human single culture media, a microwell culture system that allows group culture could be a powerful clinical tool for improving the success of assisted reproductive technologies.
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Hashiyada Y. The contribution of efficient production of monozygotic twins to beef cattle breeding. J Reprod Dev 2017; 63:527-538. [PMID: 29033399 PMCID: PMC5735263 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2017-096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Production of sires with high breeding potential is indispensable for prompt and reliable breeding using their semen in the cattle industry. Currently, in Japan, we aim to further the production of Japanese black sires via a new
breeding system that uses genetically homologous monozygotic twins so that better growth performance and carcass traits can be translated to the increased production of beef with higher economic value. Several studies have
reported that monozygotic twins are produced by embryo bisection. On the other hand, with the evolution and stabilization of in vitro fertilization technology, it has become possible to produce multiple
monozygotic twin calves from blastomeres separated from a cleavage-stage embryo. This review attempts to clarify breeding practices through revalidation of the factors that affect the production efficiency of monozygotic twin
calves by embryo bisection. Furthermore, the establishment of a system for monozygotic twin embryo production via the simplified technique of blastomere separation is reviewed while showing data from our previously performed
studies.
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Hirayama H, Moriyasu S, Kageyama S, Sawai K, Takahashi H, Geshi M, Fujii T, Koyama T, Koyama K, Miyamoto A, Matsui M, Minamihashi A. Enhancement of maternal recognition of pregnancy with parthenogenetic embryos in bovine embryo transfer. Theriogenology 2014; 81:1108-15. [PMID: 24581587 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2013] [Revised: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
This study was performed to elucidate the changes in IFNT messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in in vivo-fertilized and parthenogenetic bovine embryos and their interferon-τ (IFNT) secretion amounts during the elongation phase. We assessed the induction capability of maternal recognition of pregnancy by parthenogenetic embryos and attempted cotransfer of in vivo-fertilized and parthenogenetic embryos. The expression level of IFNT mRNA in in vivo-fertilized embryos peaked on Day 18 after estrus, and the highest amount of uterine IFNT was observed on Day 20. Transfer of 10 parthenogenetic embryos produced a detectable amount of uterine IFNT. Transfer of one or three parthenogenetic embryos inhibited luteolysis. An increase in ISG15 mRNA levels in peripheral granulocytes was induced by the transfer of three parthenogenetic embryos. Cotransfer of three parthenogenetic embryos significantly improved the pregnancy rate on Day 40 in code 3 in vivo-fertilized embryos compared with single transfer without parthenogenetic embryos (65% vs. 35%). However, the pregnancy rate on Day 90 (35%) in cotransfer of code 3 in vivo-fertilized embryos did not differ from that upon single transfer (29%), because the cotransfer group had a higher incidence of pregnancy loss than with single transfer (47% vs. 17%) after Day 40. Cotransfer did not affect the pregnancy rate of code 2 in vivo-fertilized embryos. The incidence of pregnancy loss was higher in cotransfer of code 2 in vivo-fertilized embryos than in single transfer (30% vs. 7%). In conclusion, parthenogenetic embryos in the elongation phase secreted IFNT, enabling induction of maternal recognition of pregnancy. The present study revealed that enhancement of the maternal recognition of pregnancy using parthenogenetic embryos promoted the viability of poor-quality embryos until Day 40 of gestation. However, the incidence of pregnancy loss increased after Day 40 in the cotransfer of parthenogenetic embryos. A technique for promoting the full-term survival of poor-quality embryos is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Hirayama
- Animal Biotechnology Group, Animal Research Center, Hokkaido Research Organization, Shintoku, Hokkaido, Japan.
| | - Satoru Moriyasu
- Animal Biotechnology Group, Animal Research Center, Hokkaido Research Organization, Shintoku, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Soichi Kageyama
- Animal Biotechnology Group, Animal Research Center, Hokkaido Research Organization, Shintoku, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Ken Sawai
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, Morioka, Iwate, Japan
| | - Hitomi Takahashi
- Department of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, NARO Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Masaya Geshi
- Department of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, NARO Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takashi Fujii
- Animal Biotechnology Group, Animal Research Center, Hokkaido Research Organization, Shintoku, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Takeshi Koyama
- Dairy Cow Group, Konsen Agricultural Experiment Station, Hokkaido Research Organization, Nakashibetsu, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Keisuke Koyama
- Dairy Cow Group, Konsen Agricultural Experiment Station, Hokkaido Research Organization, Nakashibetsu, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Akio Miyamoto
- Graduate School of Animal and Food Hygiene, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Motozumi Matsui
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Applied Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Akira Minamihashi
- Animal Biotechnology Group, Animal Research Center, Hokkaido Research Organization, Shintoku, Hokkaido, Japan
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Sugimura S, Akai T, Hashiyada Y, Aikawa Y, Ohtake M, Matsuda H, Kobayashi S, Kobayashi E, Konishi K, Imai K. Effect of embryo density on in vitro development and gene expression in bovine in vitro-fertilized embryos cultured in a microwell system. J Reprod Dev 2012; 59:115-22. [PMID: 23154384 PMCID: PMC3934200 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2012-113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To identify embryos individually during in vitro development, we
previously developed the well-of-the-well (WOW) dish, which contains 25 microwells. Here
we investigated the effect of embryo density (the number of embryos per volume of medium)
on in vitro development and gene expression of bovine in
vitro-fertilized embryos cultured in WOW dishes. Using both conventional
droplet and WOW culture formats, 5, 15, and 25 bovine embryos were cultured in 125 µl
medium for 168 h. The blastocysts at Day 7 were analyzed for number of cells and
expression of ten genes (CDX2, IFN-tau,
PLAC8, NANOG, OCT4,
SOX2, AKR1B1, ATP5A1,
GLUT1 and IGF2R). In droplet culture, the rates of
formation of >4-cell cleavage embryos and blastocysts were significantly lower in
embryos cultured at 5 embryos per droplet than in those cultured at 15 or 25 embryos per
droplet, but not in WOW culture. In both droplet and WOW culture, developmental kinetics
and blastocyst cell numbers did not differ among any groups. IFN-tau
expression in embryos cultured at 25 embryos per droplet was significantly higher than in
those cultured at 15 embryos per droplet and in artificial insemination (AI)-derived
blastocysts. Moreover, IGF2R expression was significantly lower in the
25-embryo group than in the 5-embryo group and in AI-derived blastocysts. In WOW culture,
these expressions were not affected by embryo density and were similar to those in
AI-derived blastocysts. These results suggest that, as compared with conventional droplet
culture, in vitro development and expression of IFN-tau
and IGF2R in the microwell system may be insensitive to embryo
density.
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Sugimura S, Akai T, Hashiyada Y, Somfai T, Inaba Y, Hirayama M, Yamanouchi T, Matsuda H, Kobayashi S, Aikawa Y, Ohtake M, Kobayashi E, Konishi K, Imai K. Promising system for selecting healthy in vitro-fertilized embryos in cattle. PLoS One 2012; 7:e36627. [PMID: 22590579 PMCID: PMC3348877 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0036627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2012] [Accepted: 04/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventionally, in vitro–fertilized (IVF) bovine embryos are morphologically evaluated at the time of embryo transfer to select those that are likely to establish a pregnancy. This method is, however, subjective and results in unreliable selection. Here we describe a novel selection system for IVF bovine blastocysts for transfer that traces the development of individual embryos with time-lapse cinematography in our developed microwell culture dish and analyzes embryonic metabolism. The system can noninvasively identify prognostic factors that reflect not only blastocyst qualities detected with histological, cytogenetic, and molecular analysis but also viability after transfer. By assessing a combination of identified prognostic factors—(i) timing of the first cleavage; (ii) number of blastomeres at the end of the first cleavage; (iii) presence or absence of multiple fragments at the end of the first cleavage; (iv) number of blastomeres at the onset of lag-phase, which results in temporary developmental arrest during the fourth or fifth cell cycle; and (v) oxygen consumption at the blastocyst stage—pregnancy success could be accurately predicted (78.9%). The conventional method or individual prognostic factors could not accurately predict pregnancy. No newborn calves showed neonatal overgrowth or death. Our results demonstrate that these five predictors and our system could provide objective and reliable selection of healthy IVF bovine embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tomonori Akai
- Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd., Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
| | | | - Tamás Somfai
- National Livestock Breeding Center, Nishigo, Fukushima, Japan
- National Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yasushi Inaba
- National Livestock Breeding Center, Nishigo, Fukushima, Japan
- National Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | | | | | - Hideo Matsuda
- National Livestock Breeding Center, Nishigo, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Shuji Kobayashi
- National Livestock Breeding Center, Nishigo, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yoshio Aikawa
- National Livestock Breeding Center, Nishigo, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Masaki Ohtake
- National Livestock Breeding Center, Nishigo, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Eiji Kobayashi
- National Livestock Breeding Center, Nishigo, Fukushima, Japan
| | | | - Kei Imai
- National Livestock Breeding Center, Nishigo, Fukushima, Japan
- * E-mail:
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10
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Abstract
Embryo density is defined as the embryo-to-volume ratio achieved during in vitro culture; in other words, it is the number of embryos in a defined volume of culture medium. The same density can be achieved by manipulating either the number of embryos in a given volume of medium, or manipulating the volume of the medium for a given number of embryos: for example, a microdrop with five embryos in a 50 μl volume under oil has the same embryo-to-volume ratio (1:10 μl) as a microdrop with one embryo in a 10 μl volume under oil (1:10 μl). Increased embryo density can improve mammalian embryo development in vitro; however, the mechanism(s) responsible for this effect may be different with respect to which method is used to increase embryo density.Standard, flat sterile plastic petri dishes are the most common, traditional platform for embryo culture. Microdrops under a mineral oil overlay can be prepared to control embryo density, but it is critical that dish preparation is consistent, where appropriate techniques are applied to prevent microdrop dehydration during preparation, and results of any data collection are reliable, and repeatable. There are newer dishes available from several manufacturers that are specifically designed for embryo culture; most are readily available for use with human embryos. The concept behind these newer dishes relies on fabrication of conical and smaller volume wells into the dish design, so that embryos rest at the lowest point in the wells, and where putative embryotrophic factors may concentrate.Embryo density is not usually considered by the embryologist as a technique in and of itself; rather, the decision to culture embryos in groups or individually is protocol-driven, and is based more on convenience or the need to collect data on individual embryos. Embryo density can be controlled, and as such, it can be utilized as a simple, yet effective tool to improve in vitro development of human embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Reed
- Center for Reproductive Medicine of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
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11
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Sugimura S, Kobayashi S, Hashiyada Y, Ohtake M, Kaneda M, Yamanouchi T, Matsuda H, Aikawa Y, Watanabe S, Nagai T, Kobayashi E, Konishi K, Imai K. Follicular growth-stimulated cows provide favorable oocytes for producing cloned embryos. Cell Reprogram 2011; 14:29-37. [PMID: 22204594 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2011.0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined the influence of recipient oocytes on in vitro development, oxygen consumption, and gene expression in the resulting cloned bovine embryos. Oocytes derived from slaughterhouse ovaries and ovum pickup (OPU)-derived oocytes were used as recipient cytoplasts for the production of cloned embryos. A series of OPU sessions was conducted on Holstein cows without follicular growth treatment (FGT). In the same cows, we then performed dominant follicle ablation and subsequently administered follicle-stimulating hormone and prostaglandin F(2α) with controlled internal drug release device before a second series of OPU. Cumulus cells collected from single Holstein cows were used as donor cells. After measurement of oxygen consumption at the blastocyst stage with modified scanning electrochemical microscopy, analysis of 10 genes (CDX2, IFN-tau, PLAC8, OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, ATP5A1, GLUT1, AKR1B1, and IGF2R) was performed with real-time RT-PCR. Rates of fusion, cleavage, and blastocyst formation were not different among the treatment groups. Levels of oxygen consumption in cloned blastocysts derived from slaughterhouse ovaries or OPU without FGT were significantly lower than in blastocysts derived from artificial insemination (AI). However, oxygen consumption was increased in cloned blastocysts derived from OPU with FGT, depending on the individual oocyte donor. Furthermore, gene expression of IFN-tau and OCT4 in cloned blastocysts derived from OPU with FGT was similar to that in AI-derived blastocysts, whereas expression of those genes in cloned blastocysts derived from slaughterhouse ovaries or OPU without FGT was significantly different from that in AI-derived blastocysts. Thus, recipient oocytes collected by OPU in combination with manipulation of follicular growth in donor cows are suitable for producing cloned embryos.
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Yamanaka KI, Kaneda M, Inaba Y, Saito K, Kubota K, Sakatani M, Sugimura S, Imai K, Watanabe S, Takahashi M. DNA methylation analysis on satellite I region in blastocysts obtained from somatic cell cloned cattle. Anim Sci J 2011; 82:523-30. [PMID: 21794009 DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-0929.2011.00881.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Many observations have been made on cloned embryos and on adult clones by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), but it is still unclear whether the progeny of cloned animals is presenting normal epigenetic status. Here, in order to accumulate the information for evaluating the normality of cloned cattle, we analyzed the DNA methylation status on satellite I region in blastocysts obtained from cloned cattle. Embryos were produced by artificial insemination (AI) to non-cloned or cloned dams using semen from non-cloned or cloned sires. After 7 days of AI, embryos at blastocyst stage were collected by uterine flushing. The DNA methylation levels in embryos obtained by using semen and/or oocytes from cloned cattle were similar to those in in vivo embryos from non-cloned cattle. In contrast, the DNA methylation levels in SCNT embryos were significantly higher (P < 0.01) than those in in vivo embryos from non-cloned and cloned cattle, approximately similar to those in somatic cells used as donor cells. Thus, this study provides useful information that epigenetic status may be normal in the progeny of cloned cattle, suggesting the normality of germline cells in cloned cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken-Ichi Yamanaka
- National Agricultural Research Center for Kyushu Okinawa Region, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Koshi, Kumamoto, Japan
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NABENISHI H, OHTA H, NISHIMOTO T, MORITA T, ASHIZAWA K, TSUZUKI Y. Effect of the Temperature-Humidity Index on Body Temperature and Conception Rate of Lactating Dairy Cows in Southwestern Japan. J Reprod Dev 2011; 57:450-6. [DOI: 10.1262/jrd.10-135t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hisashi NABENISHI
- Domestic Animal Biotechnology Department, Miyazaki Livestock Research Institute, Miyazaki 889-4411, Japan
- Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Hiroshi OHTA
- Domestic Animal Biotechnology Department, Miyazaki Livestock Research Institute, Miyazaki 889-4411, Japan
| | - Toshihumi NISHIMOTO
- Domestic Animal Biotechnology Department, Miyazaki Livestock Research Institute, Miyazaki 889-4411, Japan
| | - Tetsuo MORITA
- Animal Nutrition Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Koji ASHIZAWA
- Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro TSUZUKI
- Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
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Sugimura S, Akai T, Somfai T, Hirayama M, Aikawa Y, Ohtake M, Hattori H, Kobayashi S, Hashiyada Y, Konishi K, Imai K. Time-Lapse Cinematography-Compatible Polystyrene-Based Microwell Culture System: A Novel Tool for Tracking the Development of Individual Bovine Embryos1. Biol Reprod 2010; 83:970-8. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.110.085522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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Nagai K, Sata R, Takahashi H, Okano A, Kawashima C, Miyamoto A, Geshi M. Production of trophoblastic vesicles derived from Day 7 and 8 blastocysts of in vitro origin and the effect of intrauterine transfer on the interestrous intervals in Japanese black heifers. J Reprod Dev 2009; 55:454-9. [PMID: 19420837 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.20222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was undertaken to produce trophoblastic vesicles (TVs) by using blastocysts of in vitro origin and to estimate the effect on the interestrous interval after transfer of 4 TVs into the uteri of heifers on Day 7. Morphological examination under a stereoscopic microscope revealed that the total formation rate of TVs prepared from IVP expanded blastocysts was 80.5% and that there was no difference in the formation rates of TVs derived from blastocysts between Day 7 (83.5%) and Day 8 (78.5%). After intrauterine transfer of TVs, observation of the corpus luteum (CL) by transrectal ultrasonography together with measurement of the plasma progesterone concentration confirmed that 2 of 4 recipients (50%) had a longer interestrous interval, 33.5 and 35.0 days, while the other 2 recipients had normal cycles, 20.0 and 24.5 days. In the control group transferred D-PBS, all 4 heifers had a normal cycles, 24.0-24.5 days. Consequently, the average number of days after intrauterine transfer of TVs compared with the 2 consecutive cycles just before the treatment was longer than in the controls (6.1 +/- 2.4 days vs. -0.8 +/- 1.1 days, P<0.05). These results indicate that preparation of TVs from blastocysts of in vitro origin is a useable method and that TVs from blastocysts may have the capacity to maintain CL function after intrauterine transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaya Nagai
- Graduate School of Animal and Food Hygiene, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
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