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Derbala MK, Sargious MAN, Hagag NM, Pycock JF, Abu-Seida AM. A case of a twin surviving to term following the abortion of its co-twin at 9 months in an Arabian mare. J Equine Vet Sci 2024; 139:105132. [PMID: 38897332 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105132] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Twin pregnancy in mares is one of the leading causes of abortions. Abortion invariably impacts both fetuses. This report describes an unusual case of a twin surviving to term following the abortion of its co-twin at 9 months in a 7-year-old Egyptian Arabian mare. At the time of abortion at 9 months of gestation, the size of the aborted fetus was equivalent to one of approximately 5 months of age while the age of the live co-twin was 9 months. Both fetuses were males. A skin sample was collected from the aborted fetus and hair samples were collected from the dam, sire and live foal for parentage analysis. The parentage analysis confirmed that both fetuses were by the same dam and sire stallion. The authors suggest several scenarios to explain this condition. This report describes a unique case of a twin surviving to term following the abortion of its co-twin at 9 months in a mare.
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Affiliation(s)
- M K Derbala
- Animal Reproduction Research Institute, Diagnostic Imaging and Endoscopy Unit, ARC, Giza, Egypt
| | - M A N Sargious
- Animal Health Research Institute, Genome Research Unit, ARC, Giza, Egypt
| | - N M Hagag
- Animal Health Research Institute, Genome Research Unit, ARC, Giza, Egypt
| | - J F Pycock
- Diplomate in Equine Stud Medicine, Messenger Farm, United Kingdom
| | - A M Abu-Seida
- Department of Surgery, Anesthesiology and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, PO: 12211, Egypt..
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Martínez-Boví R, Gaber JTH, Sala-Ayala L, Plaza-Dávila M, Cuervo-Arango J. Pregnancy and Luteal Responses to Embryo Reinsertion following Embryo Flushing in Donor Mares. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1605. [PMID: 38891652 PMCID: PMC11171359 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The effect of embryo reinsertion immediately after embryo flushing was studied. In Experiment 1, eight mares were used during 32 cycles (8 cycles in each group). For the first two groups, inseminated mares were flushed 8 days after ovulation and prostaglandin F2α was not administered: in group EF-ET (embryo flushing and embryo transfer) the embryo was reinserted in the same donor mare, while in the EF group, no further procedure was performed. In the third group (ET), non-inseminated mares (recipients) received a Day 8 embryo. Progesterone concentration was measured before EF/ET and 72 h after in the three groups. In Experiment 2, twelve mares were used during 17 cycles in two groups, EF-ET (n = 11) and ET (n = 6), as in Experiment 1, except that every mare was flushed 24 h after embryo transfer to retrieve the embryo. Fewer pregnancies resulted after transfer in EF-ET cycles (0/8, 0%) than in the ET group (6/8, 75%). Progesterone concentration decreased significantly (p = 0.05) 72 h after EF-ET but not in EF or ET cycles (p > 0.1). Three mares from the EF-ET showed full luteolysis and signs of endometritis. In Experiment 2, more (5/6; p = 0.08) grade 1 embryos were recovered in the ET compared to the EF-ET group (3/7); 4 embryos were graded 3-4 (were broken or had signs of degeneration) in the EF-ET group but none in the ET group. In both groups, capsule fragments were obtained as indicative of the presence of a recently destroyed embryo in the EF-ET (n = 3) and ET (n = 1) groups. Positive bacterial cultures were obtained in 2/11 and 1/6 embryo flushes from the EF-ET and ET groups, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Juan Cuervo-Arango
- Equine Fertility Group, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46115 Alfara del Patriarca, Spain; (R.M.-B.); (J.T.H.G.); (L.S.-A.); (M.P.-D.)
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Martini M, Degl’Innocenti A, Altomonte I, Sodi I, Bocci C, Fanelli D, Moroni R, Panzani D, Camillo F, Salari F. Report on a Milking Mule: Milk Qualitative Characteristics during Lactation. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1585. [PMID: 38891633 PMCID: PMC11171045 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111585] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite their inability to reproduce naturally, mules can host embryos and be surrogate dams. The aim of this investigation was to increase our knowledge of the qualitative composition of mule's milk and its variations throughout the whole lactation period-namely, from 6 h after foaling to 180 days in milk (DIM). Milk was obtained from a mule dam that had foaled after receiving a mule embryo transfer. For each sample, the gross, mineral, and fatty acid composition was evaluated. The average quality of the mule milk was as follows: protein 1.97 g 100 mL-1, fat 0.90 g 100 mL-1, and ash 0.39 g 100 mL-1. Saturated fatty acids made up, on average, 50.00 g 100 g-1 of fat. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids made up half of the total fatty acid content (31.80 g 100 g-1 and 18.2 g 100 g-1 of fat, respectively). Linoleic acid and linolenic acid were the main polyunsaturated fatty acids in the milk. The milk composition changed throughout lactation. Dry matter, protein, fat, and ash decreased significantly from early lactation (6 h to 14 DIM). The n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased at the end of lactation. The changes in milk composition throughout lactation are probably due to adaptations to the growth requirements of the foal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Martini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.M.); (I.S.); (C.B.); (D.F.); (R.M.); (D.P.); (F.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Andrea Degl’Innocenti
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche, Università di Siena, Policlinico S. Maria alle Scotte, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Iolanda Altomonte
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.M.); (I.S.); (C.B.); (D.F.); (R.M.); (D.P.); (F.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Irene Sodi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.M.); (I.S.); (C.B.); (D.F.); (R.M.); (D.P.); (F.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Carlotta Bocci
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.M.); (I.S.); (C.B.); (D.F.); (R.M.); (D.P.); (F.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Diana Fanelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.M.); (I.S.); (C.B.); (D.F.); (R.M.); (D.P.); (F.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Rebecca Moroni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.M.); (I.S.); (C.B.); (D.F.); (R.M.); (D.P.); (F.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Duccio Panzani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.M.); (I.S.); (C.B.); (D.F.); (R.M.); (D.P.); (F.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Francesco Camillo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.M.); (I.S.); (C.B.); (D.F.); (R.M.); (D.P.); (F.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Federica Salari
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.M.); (I.S.); (C.B.); (D.F.); (R.M.); (D.P.); (F.C.); (F.S.)
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Blanco M, Foss R, Tönißen A, Rohn K, Burger D, Sieme H. Age and treatment on the day of embryo transfer in recipient mares affect likelihood of pregnancy. Tierarztl Prax Ausg G Grosstiere Nutztiere 2023; 51:358-366. [PMID: 38056470 DOI: 10.1055/a-2186-2693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This retrospective evaluation of data from a large commercial embryo transfer facility aimed to determine the extent to which age and treatment on the day of embryo transfer in recipient mares influence the likelihood of pregnancy. MATERIAL AND METHODS Embryo recovery was carried out on days 8-10 post-ovulation using transcervical uterine flushing. Recipient mares grouped according to their age were treated once on the day of embryo transfer (Day 3-8 post ovulation) and were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 groups: Mares in Group A (n=101) received antispasmodic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Mares in Group B (n=100) received gentamicin and flunixin meglumine. Group C (control) (n=103) did not receive any treatment. Detomidine (0.008 mg/kg bwt i.v.) was administered to all recipients before transfer of the embryo. The influence of treatment and recipient´s age was calculated using binary logistic regression. RESULTS Day 16 post-transfer pregnancy rates were highest in Group A (74/101, 73.3a%), when compared to Group B (60/100, 60%), and Group C (57/103, 55.3b%) (a vs b, p<0.05). Pregnancy loss rates at D45 were not different between groups, A (8/74, 10.8%), B (5/60, 8.3%), and C (6/57, 10.5%), respectively (p>0.05). Pregnancy losses were increased in recipient mares 17-22 years (33.3a%) compared to younger recipient mares (2-6 years 7b%, 7-11 years 10%, 12-16 years 8b%) (a:b p<0.05). The regression model showed that the predicted probability for pregnancy after embryo transfer decreased as the age of the recipient mare increased for treated recipients in Group A (p=0.012), there was no effect of treatment and recipient´s age in Group B, and a decreased likelihood of pregnancy in recipients of advanced age (≥12 years of age) in untreated recipients (group C). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Likelihood of pregnancy increased following single administration of antispasmodic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory drugs at the time of embryo transfer in recipients 2-12 years of age. Likelihood of pregnancy in recipients decreased in recipients≥12 years of age. These results, obtained under the conditions of a large commercial embryo transfer program, offer an opportunity to improve pregnancy rates in recipient mares≤12 years of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Blanco
- Studfarm Lewitz - PS Pferdehaltung, Neustadt-Glewe, Germany
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine - Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Foundation, Hanover, Germany
| | - Rob Foss
- Equine Medical Services, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Anna Tönißen
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine - Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Foundation, Hanover, Germany
| | - Karl Rohn
- Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Foundation, Germany
| | - Dominik Burger
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine ISME, University of Berne, and Agroscope, Avenches, Switzerland
| | - Harald Sieme
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine - Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Foundation, Hanover, Germany
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Umair M, Scheeren VFDC, Beitsma MM, Colleoni S, Galli C, Lazzari G, de Ruijter-Villani M, Stout TAE, Claes A. In Vitro-Produced Equine Blastocysts Exhibit Greater Dispersal and Intermingling of Inner Cell Mass Cells than In Vivo Embryos. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119619. [PMID: 37298570 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119619] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro production (IVP) of equine embryos is increasingly popular in clinical practice but suffers from higher incidences of early embryonic loss and monozygotic twin development than transfer of in vivo derived (IVD) embryos. Early embryo development is classically characterized by two cell fate decisions: (1) first, trophectoderm (TE) cells differentiate from inner cell mass (ICM); (2) second, the ICM segregates into epiblast (EPI) and primitive endoderm (PE). This study examined the influence of embryo type (IVD versus IVP), developmental stage or speed, and culture environment (in vitro versus in vivo) on the expression of the cell lineage markers, CDX-2 (TE), SOX-2 (EPI) and GATA-6 (PE). The numbers and distribution of cells expressing the three lineage markers were evaluated in day 7 IVD early blastocysts (n = 3) and blastocysts (n = 3), and in IVP embryos first identified as blastocysts after 7 (fast development, n = 5) or 9 (slow development, n = 9) days. Furthermore, day 7 IVP blastocysts were examined after additional culture for 2 days either in vitro (n = 5) or in vivo (after transfer into recipient mares, n = 3). In IVD early blastocysts, SOX-2 positive cells were encircled by GATA-6 positive cells in the ICM, with SOX-2 co-expression in some presumed PE cells. In IVD blastocysts, SOX-2 expression was exclusive to the compacted presumptive EPI, while GATA-6 and CDX-2 expression were consistent with PE and TE specification, respectively. In IVP blastocysts, SOX-2 and GATA-6 positive cells were intermingled and relatively dispersed, and co-expression of SOX-2 or GATA-6 was evident in some CDX-2 positive TE cells. IVP blastocysts had lower TE and total cell numbers than IVD blastocysts and displayed larger mean inter-EPI cell distances; these features were more pronounced in slower-developing IVP blastocysts. Transferring IVP blastocysts into recipient mares led to the compaction of SOX-2 positive cells into a presumptive EPI, whereas extended in vitro culture did not. In conclusion, IVP equine embryos have a poorly compacted ICM with intermingled EPI and PE cells; features accentuated in slowly developing embryos but remedied by transfer to a recipient mare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Umair
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Mabel M Beitsma
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Cesare Galli
- Avantea srl, Via Porcellasco 7/F, 26100 Cremona, Italy
| | | | - Marta de Ruijter-Villani
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tom A E Stout
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anthony Claes
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
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6
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Vitrifying expanded equine embryos collapsed by blastocoel aspiration is less damaging than slow-freezing. Theriogenology 2023; 202:28-35. [PMID: 36893660 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.02.028] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
The cryotolerance of equine blastocysts larger than 300 μm can be improved by aspirating blastocoele fluid prior to vitrification; however, it is not known whether blastocoele aspiration also enables successful slow-freezing. The aim of this study was therefore to determine whether slow-freezing of expanded equine embryos following blastocoele collapse was more or less damaging than vitrification. Grade 1 blastocysts recovered on day 7 or 8 after ovulation were measured (>300-550 μm, n = 14 and > 550 μm, n = 19) and blastocoele fluid was aspirated prior to slow-freezing in 10% glycerol (n = 14), or vitrification (n = 13) in 16.5% ethylene glycol/16.5% DMSO/0.5 M sucrose. Immediately after thawing or warming, embryos were cultured for 24 h at 38 °C and then graded and measured to assess re-expansion. Control embryos (n = 6) were cultured for 24 h following aspiration of blastocoel fluid, without cryopreservation or exposure to cryoprotectants. Subsequently, embryos were stained to assess live/dead cell proportion (DAPI/TOPRO-3), cytoskeleton quality (Phalloidin) and capsule integrity (WGA). For 300-550 μm embryos, quality grade and re-expansion were impaired after slow-freezing but not affected by vitrification. Slow-freezing embryos >550 μm induced additional cell damage as indicated by a significant increase in dead cell proportion and disruption of the cytoskeleton; neither of these changes were observed in vitrified embryos. Capsule loss was not a significant consequence of either freezing method. In conclusion, slow-freezing of expanded equine blastocysts collapsed by blastocoel aspiration compromises post-thaw embryo quality more than vitrification.
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Briski O, Salamone DF. Past, present and future of ICSI in livestock species. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 246:106925. [PMID: 35148927 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.106925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
During the past 2 decades, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has become a routine technique for clinical applications in humans. The widespread use among domestic species, however, has been limited to horses. In horses, ICSI is used to reproduce elite individuals and, as well as in humans, to mitigate or even circumvent reproductive barriers. Failures in superovulation and conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) have been the main reason for the use of this technology in horses. In pigs, ICSI has been successfully used to produce transgenic animals. A series of factors have resulted in implementation of ICSI in pigs: need to use zygotes for numerous technologies, complexity of collecting zygotes surgically, and problems of polyspermy when there is utilization of IVF procedures. Nevertheless, there have been very few additional reports confirming positive results with the use of ICSI in pigs. The ICSI procedure could be important for use in cattle of high genetic value by maximizing semen utilization, as well as for utilization of spermatozoa from prepubertal bulls, by providing the opportunity to shorten the generation interval. When attempting to utilize ICSI in ruminants, there are some biological limitations that need to be overcome if this procedure is going to be efficacious for making genetic improvements in livestock in the future. In this review article, there is an overview and projection of the methodologies and applications that are envisioned for ICSI utilization in these species in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Briski
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Agronomía, Departamento de Producción Animal, Buenos Aires, Laboratorio Biotecnología Animal (LabBA), Av. San Martin 4453, Ciudad Autónoma de, Buenos Aires 1417, Argentina; CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción Animal (INPA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - D F Salamone
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Agronomía, Departamento de Producción Animal, Buenos Aires, Laboratorio Biotecnología Animal (LabBA), Av. San Martin 4453, Ciudad Autónoma de, Buenos Aires 1417, Argentina; CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción Animal (INPA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Karen A, Abd-Elfattah A, Nasef M, Rahman RU, Ihsan MB, Muthukumaran S. Factors affecting outcomes of embryo transfer in dromedary camels: a retrospective study. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 57:402-417. [PMID: 34971452 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14078] [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] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to use a comprehensive approach for evaluating 12 factors related to embryo quality (shape, size and transparency), donors (age, ET type, number of recovered embryos and day of uterine flushing), recipients (age), males (age and individual variations), and environment (season and year) which could affect the outcome of ET in terms of pregnancy (PR) and pregnancy losses in dromedary camels. During three breeding seasons, 116 donors females were mated repeatedly at 12 to 14-day intervals by fertile camel males (n=33) without stimulation of the ovaries (WSPO). Superovulation (SPO ET) regimen was applied for each donor female twice or thrice per season. In the occasions of applying superovulation regimen, donor females having an ovulatory follicle were mated instead of GnRH administration and superovulation regimen was applied 4 days post-mating (MIX ET). The uteri of all donor females were flushed at Day 8 or 9 post-mating and a total of 2095 embryos were recovered and transferred individually to 924 recipient females. Pregnancy diagnoses were conducted at Day 10 after ET (Days 18 to 19 of gestation) by using progesterone assay and by transrectal ultrasonography (TRU) at Days 30 and 60 of gestation. By using logistic regression analysis, transparency of embryos and age of recipient females had significant effects on PR at Days 18 to 19 (P< 0.01), 30 (P < 0.01) and 60 (P < 0.01; P < 0.05, respectively) of gestation. The shape of embryos had significant effects on the PR at Days 30 (P < 0.05) and 60 (P < 0.01) of gestation. Type of ET and the breeding season (year) had significant (P< 0.05) effects on the PR at Day 30, while day of flushing had the same effect on PR at Day 60. Regarding the pregnancy losses, transparency and shape of the embryo, type of ET, breeding season had significant (P<0.05) effect on the late embryonic mortalities (LEM) and shape and season of year had significant (P<0.01 and P< 0.05, respectively) effect on LEM/early fetal mortalities (EFM). Regarding male individual factor, there was a tendency for a significant (P =0.055) effect of camel males on the PR at Days 18 to 19 and rate of LEM. In conclusion, transferring a spherical, transparent or a large-sized embryo (> 750 µm) into recipient females aging between 8 and 11 y could greatly improve the PR from Days 18 to 60 of gestation. Also, embryo recovered from donor females with Mix ET type or embryos sired by certain camel male or at Day 8 post mating of the donor could improve the two-month PR. In addition, transferring a transparent or spherical-shaped embryo or embryos recovered from donor females with SPO or Mix ET could reduce the pregnancy losses during the first two months of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aly Karen
- Department of Reproduction and Research Centre, Tharb Camel Hospital, Leawina, Qatar.,Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheish University, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Abd-Elfattah
- Department of Reproduction and Research Centre, Tharb Camel Hospital, Leawina, Qatar
| | - Mostafa Nasef
- Department of Reproduction and Research Centre, Tharb Camel Hospital, Leawina, Qatar
| | - Raza Ur Rahman
- Department of Reproduction and Research Centre, Tharb Camel Hospital, Leawina, Qatar
| | - Muhammad Babar Ihsan
- Department of Reproduction and Research Centre, Tharb Camel Hospital, Leawina, Qatar
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D’ Fonseca NMM, Gibson CME, van Doorn DA, Roelfsema E, de Ruijter-Villani M, Stout TAE. Effect of Overfeeding Shetland Pony Mares on Embryonic Glucose and Lipid Accumulation, and Expression of Imprinted Genes. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092504. [PMID: 34573470 PMCID: PMC8470267 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In pregnant individuals, maternal overnutrition is associated with disturbances in the expression of specific genes and nutrient transporters in the early embryo, which can affect both fetal and placental development and have lasting effects on the health of resulting offspring. To examine how maternal overfeeding affects the equine embryo, Shetland pony mares were fed either a high-energy (HE: 200% of net energy requirements) or maintenance (control) diet. Mares from both groups were inseminated, and day-seven embryos were recovered and transferred to recipients from the same or the alternate group. The expression of several genes, nutrient transporters and DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs; play an important role in regulating gene expression) were determined in extra-embryonic membranes after recovery on day 28 of gestation. The expression of nutrient transporters was also assessed in endometrium recovered from recipient mares immediately after embryo removal. In addition, glucose uptake by day-28 extra-embryonic membranes, and lipid droplet accumulation in day-seven embryos were assessed. Maternal overfeeding resulted in elevated expression of several genes, DNMTs and nutrient transporters following embryo transfer from an HE to a control mare. The expression of two amino acid transporters was also elevated in the endometrium after embryo transfer from HE to control. Maternal overfeeding did not affect lipid droplet accumulation in day-seven embryos, or glucose uptake by membranes of day-28 embryos. It remains to be seen whether the alterations in gene expression are maintained throughout gestation and into postnatal life. Abstract Maternal overfeeding is associated with disturbances in early embryonic epigenetic reprogramming, leading to altered expression of imprinted genes and nutrient transporters, which can affect both fetal and placental development and have lasting effects on the health of resulting offspring. To examine how maternal overfeeding affects the equine embryo, Shetland pony mares were fed either a high-energy (HE: 200% of net energy requirements) or maintenance (control) diet. Mares from both groups were inseminated, and day-seven embryos were recovered and transferred to recipients from the same or the alternate group. The expression of a panel of imprinted genes, glucose and amino acid transporters, and DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) were determined in conceptus membranes after recovery on day 28 of gestation (late pre-implantation phase). The expression of nutrient transporters was also assessed in endometrium recovered from recipient mares immediately after conceptus removal. In addition, glucose uptake by day-28 extra-embryonic membranes, and lipid droplet accumulation in day-seven blastocysts were assessed. Maternal overfeeding resulted in elevated expression of imprinted genes (IGF2, IGF2R, H19, GRB10, PEG10 and SNRPN), DNMTs (DNMT1 and DNMT3B), glucose (SLC2A1), fructose (SLC2A5) and amino acid (SLC7A2) transporters following ET from an HE to a control mare. Expression of amino acid transporters (SLC1A5 and SLC7A1) was also elevated in the endometrium after ET from HE to control. Maternal overfeeding did not affect lipid droplet accumulation in blastocysts, or glucose uptake by day-28 membranes. It remains to be seen whether the alterations in gene expression are maintained throughout gestation and into postnatal life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicky M. M. D’ Fonseca
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; (C.M.E.G.); (D.A.v.D.); (E.R.); (M.d.R.-V.); (T.A.E.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Charlotte M. E. Gibson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; (C.M.E.G.); (D.A.v.D.); (E.R.); (M.d.R.-V.); (T.A.E.S.)
| | - David A. van Doorn
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; (C.M.E.G.); (D.A.v.D.); (E.R.); (M.d.R.-V.); (T.A.E.S.)
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen Roelfsema
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; (C.M.E.G.); (D.A.v.D.); (E.R.); (M.d.R.-V.); (T.A.E.S.)
| | - Marta de Ruijter-Villani
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; (C.M.E.G.); (D.A.v.D.); (E.R.); (M.d.R.-V.); (T.A.E.S.)
| | - Tom A. E. Stout
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; (C.M.E.G.); (D.A.v.D.); (E.R.); (M.d.R.-V.); (T.A.E.S.)
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10
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Overfeeding Extends the Period of Annual Cyclicity but Increases the Risk of Early Embryonic Death in Shetland Pony Mares. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020361. [PMID: 33535548 PMCID: PMC7912773 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity has been associated with altered reproductive activity in mares, and may negatively affect fertility. To examine the influence of long-term high-energy (HE) feeding on fertility, Shetland pony mares were fed a diet containing 200% of net energy (NE) requirements during a three-year study. The incidence of hemorrhagic anovulatory follicles (HAF) and annual duration of cyclicity were compared to those in control mares receiving a maintenance diet. Day-7 embryos were flushed and transferred between donor and recipient mares from both groups; the resulting conceptuses were collected 21 days after transfer to assess conceptus development. HE mares became obese, and embryos recovered from HE mares were more likely to succumb to early embryonic death. The period of annual cyclicity was extended in HE compared to control mares in all years. The incidence of HAFs did not consistently differ between HE and control mares. No differences in embryo morphometric parameters were apparent. In conclusion, consuming a HE diet extended the duration of cyclicity, and appeared to increase the likelihood of embryos undergoing early embryonic death following embryo transfer.
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11
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Dorado J, Bottrel M, Ortiz I, Díaz-Jiménez M, Pereira B, Consuegra C, Carrasco JJ, Gómez-Arrones V, Domingo A, Hidalgo M. Factors Affecting Embryo Recovery Rate, Quality, and Diameter in Andalusian Donkey Jennies. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10111967. [PMID: 33114673 PMCID: PMC7693601 DOI: 10.3390/ani10111967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Embryo transfer has been successfully used for the conservation of equine endangered species, but a number of factors may affect the outcome of these techniques in mares. However, only a few studies have evaluated these factors in donkeys. The present study was conducted to determine which factors affect the recovery rate, morphological quality, and diameter in embryos from Andalusian donkey jennies. According to our results, the factors affecting embryo recovery rate were donor jenny, donor age, successive cycle within donor, number of flushings, and jack. Day of flushing and number of flushings had an effect on embryo diameter, whereas donor jenny and day of flushing had an effect on embryo quality. The knowledge of these factors is crucial to achieve a higher efficiency of embryo transfer in endangered donkey breeds. Abstract Embryo transfer and the vitrification of embryos could be used for the conservation and recovery of endangered donkey breeds. It is important to develop techniques that optimize recovery rates and the cryotolerance of donkey embryos. This study evaluates factors affecting the recovery rate, quality, and diameter of embryos obtained from donor jennies as a starting point for the use of vitrification and embryo transfer in the conservation of the Andalusian donkey. A total of 100 embryos were recovered out of 124 estrous cycles (80.6%). The donor jenny affected the rates of positive flushings (PFR; p = 0.040) and embryo recovery (ERR; p < 0.05) as well as embryo quality (p = 0.004). ERR was also affected by the number of flushings (p < 0.001), donor age (p < 0.05), successive cycle within donor (p < 0.001), and jacks (p < 0.05). Number of flushings (p < 0.001) and jack (p < 0.05) had a significant effect on PFR, whereas the day of flushing influenced the developmental stage (p < 0.001), embryo quality (p < 0.05), and diameter of embryos (p < 0.001). The number of flushings significantly influenced the diameter (p = 0.038) and embryo developmental stage (p = 0.001), whereas the developmental stage was statistically different between herds (p = 0.020). The factors influencing the success of this assisted reproductive technique were donor jenny, donor age, successive cycle within donor, day of flushing, number of flushings, and jack. The identification of these key points is crucial to achieve a higher efficiency of embryo transfer and vitrification processes, before considering their application in the conservation of endangered donkey breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Dorado
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain; (M.B.); (I.O.); (M.D.-J.); (B.P.); (C.C.); (M.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-957-212-136
| | - M. Bottrel
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain; (M.B.); (I.O.); (M.D.-J.); (B.P.); (C.C.); (M.H.)
| | - I. Ortiz
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain; (M.B.); (I.O.); (M.D.-J.); (B.P.); (C.C.); (M.H.)
| | - M. Díaz-Jiménez
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain; (M.B.); (I.O.); (M.D.-J.); (B.P.); (C.C.); (M.H.)
| | - B. Pereira
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain; (M.B.); (I.O.); (M.D.-J.); (B.P.); (C.C.); (M.H.)
| | - C. Consuegra
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain; (M.B.); (I.O.); (M.D.-J.); (B.P.); (C.C.); (M.H.)
| | - J. J. Carrasco
- Equine Reproduction Center, Centro de Selección y Reproducción Animal, (CENSYRA-Extremadura Government), 06007 Badajoz, Spain; (J.J.C.); (V.G.-A.); (A.D.)
| | - V. Gómez-Arrones
- Equine Reproduction Center, Centro de Selección y Reproducción Animal, (CENSYRA-Extremadura Government), 06007 Badajoz, Spain; (J.J.C.); (V.G.-A.); (A.D.)
| | - A. Domingo
- Equine Reproduction Center, Centro de Selección y Reproducción Animal, (CENSYRA-Extremadura Government), 06007 Badajoz, Spain; (J.J.C.); (V.G.-A.); (A.D.)
| | - M. Hidalgo
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain; (M.B.); (I.O.); (M.D.-J.); (B.P.); (C.C.); (M.H.)
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12
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Ducheyne KD, Rizzo M, Cuervo-Arango J, Claes A, Daels PF, Stout TAE, de Ruijter-Villani M. In vitro production of horse embryos predisposes to micronucleus formation, whereas time to blastocyst formation affects likelihood of pregnancy. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020; 31:1830-1839. [PMID: 31771747 DOI: 10.1071/rd19227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Invitro embryo production is an increasingly popular means of breeding horses. However, success is limited by a high incidence of early embryo loss. Although there are various possible causes of pregnancy failure, chromosomal abnormalities, including aneuploidy, are important potential contributors. This study evaluated the frequency of micronucleus formation as a proxy for aneuploidy in invitro-produced (IVP) and invivo-derived horse blastocysts. Associations between IVP embryo morphology, frequency of nuclear abnormalities and the likelihood of pregnancy were investigated. IVP blastocysts exhibited a higher frequency of cells with micronuclei than invivo-derived embryos (10% vs 1% respectively; P=0.05). This indication of chromosomal instability may explain the higher incidence of pregnancy failure after transfer of IVP embryos. However, the frequency of micronuclei was not correlated with brightfield microscopic morphological characteristics. Nevertheless, IVP embryos reaching the blastocyst stage after Day 9 of invitro culture were less likely to yield a pregnancy than embryos that developed to blastocysts before Day 9 (27% vs 69%), and embryos that had expanded before transfer were more likely to undergo embryonic death than those that had not expanded (44% vs 10%). These findings indicate that current embryo culture conditions are suboptimal and that the speed of embryo development is correlated with pregnancy survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaatje D Ducheyne
- Department of Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopaedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; and Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 114, 3584CM Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Marilena Rizzo
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 114, 3584CM Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Juan Cuervo-Arango
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 114, 3584CM Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Anthony Claes
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 114, 3584CM Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Peter F Daels
- Department of Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopaedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Tom A E Stout
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 114, 3584CM Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Marta de Ruijter-Villani
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 114, 3584CM Utrecht, Netherlands; and Corresponding author.
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13
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Gibson C, de Ruijter-Villani M, Bauersachs S, Stout TA. Asynchronous Embryo Transfer Followed by Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis of Conceptus Membranes and Endometrium Identifies Processes Important to the Establishment of Equine Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072562. [PMID: 32272720 PMCID: PMC7177982 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Preimplantation horse conceptuses require nutrients and signals from histotroph, the composition of which is regulated by luteal progesterone and conceptus-secreted factors. To distinguish progesterone and conceptus effects we shortened the period of endometrial progesterone-priming by asynchronous embryo transfer. Day 8 embryos were transferred to synchronous (day 8) or asynchronous (day 3) recipients, and RNA sequencing was performed on endometrium and conceptuses recovered 6 and 11 days later (embryo days 14 and 19). Asynchrony resulted in many more differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in conceptus membranes (3473) than endometrium (715). Gene ontology analysis identified upregulation in biological processes related to organogenesis and preventing apoptosis in synchronous conceptuses on day 14, and in cell adhesion and migration on day 19. Asynchrony also resulted in large numbers of DEGs related to 'extracellular exosome'. In endometrium, genes involved in immunity, the inflammatory response, and apoptosis regulation were upregulated during synchronous pregnancy and, again, many genes related to extracellular exosome were differentially expressed. Interestingly, only 14 genes were differentially expressed in endometrium recovered 6 days after synchronous versus 11 days after asynchronous transfer (day 14 recipient in both). Among these, KNG1 and IGFBP3 were consistently upregulated in synchronous endometrium. Furthermore bradykinin, an active peptide cleaved from KNG1, stimulated prostaglandin release by cultured trophectoderm cells. The horse conceptus thus responds to a negatively asynchronous uterus by extensively adjusting its transcriptome, whereas the endometrial transcriptome is modified only subtly by a more advanced conceptus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Gibson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; (C.G.); (M.d.R.-V.)
| | - Marta de Ruijter-Villani
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; (C.G.); (M.d.R.-V.)
| | - Stefan Bauersachs
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty Zurich, University of Zurich, 8315 Lindau (ZH), Switzerland;
| | - Tom A.E. Stout
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; (C.G.); (M.d.R.-V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +0031-30-2533080; Fax: +0031-30-2537970
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14
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Clinical Application of in Vitro Embryo Production in the Horse. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 89:103011. [PMID: 32563449 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103011] [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: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The first reports of in vitro embryo production (IVEP) by conventional in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection in horses date respectively from approximately 30 and 25 years ago. However, IVEP has only become established in clinical practice during the last decade. The initial slow uptake of IVEP was largely because the likelihood of success was too low to make it an economically viable means of breeding horses. During the last decade, the balance has shifted, primarily because of significant improvements in the efficiency of recovering immature oocytes from live donor mares (historically <25%; now >50%) and in the successful culture of zygotes to the blastocyst stage in vitro (historically <10%; now >20%). It has also been established that immature oocytes can be "held" at room temperature for at least 24 hours, allowing overnight transport to a laboratory with expertise in IVEP. Moreover, because in vitro-produced embryos can be cryopreserved with no appreciable reduction in viability, they can be shipped and stored until a suitable recipient mare is available for transfer. Most importantly, in an established equine ovum pick-up intracytoplasmic sperm injection (OPU-ICSI) program, blastocyst production rates now exceed 1 per procedure, and posttransfer foaling rates exceed 50%, such that overall efficiency betters that of either embryo flushing or oocyte transfer. Moreover, OPU-ICSI can be performed year round and allows embryo production from mares with severe acquired subfertility and extremely efficient use of scarce or expensive frozen semen. Cumulatively, these factors have stimulated rapid growth in demand for IVEP among sport horse breeders.
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15
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Roser JF, Etcharren MV, Miragaya MH, Mutto A, Colgin M, Losinno L, Ross PJ. Superovulation, embryo recovery, and pregnancy rates from seasonally anovulatory donor mares treated with recombinant equine FSH (reFSH). Theriogenology 2019; 142:291-295. [PMID: 31711702 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The effectiveness of different treatments with recombinant equine FSH to stimulate follicular growth, multiple ovulations and embryo production in seasonally anovulatory mares was evaluated. During mid-winter season (July-August in Argentina, South America) forty light breed donor mares, presenting follicles <10 mm in diameter and no CL at ultrasound examination (deep-anestrus), were randomly assigned (n = 10/group) to one of the following treatments: Group 1: twice daily intramuscular (IM) injections of 0.65 mg reFSH (AspenBio Pharma, CO), Group 2: once daily IM injection of 1.3 mg reFSH, Group 3: twice daily IM injection of 0.32 mg reFSH, and Group 4: once daily IM injection of saline (control). Treatment was administered until a follicle of 35 mm was observed or for a total period of 10 days. When the largest follicle reached ≥35 mm in diameter, treatment was discontinued and 2500 IU hCG was injected intravenously (IV) 36 h later. Mares receiving hCG were inseminated with fresh semen every 48 h until ovulation(s) were detected or one dose of frozen semen (250 × 106 motile sperm) after the first ovulation was detected. Eight days after first ovulation, transcervical embryo recovery was performed. Recovered embryos were non-surgically transferred to anovulatory estrogen/progesterone treated recipients and pregnancy diagnosed by ultrasonography 7, 14 and 21 days later. All mares receiving reFSH, but none receiving saline control, responded to the treatment with follicular growth. On average, 6.5 days of reFSH treatment were required for mares to develop follicles of ovulatory size (>35 mm). Ovulations were detected in 80% of mares in Groups 1 and 2, 50% of mares in Group 3 and in none of Group 4 (Control). Among ovulating mares, no differences in number of ovulations, number of embryos recovered, or pregnancy rates were observed among reFSH treatments. Of treated mares, 6, 7, and 5 produced embryos in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The average embryo recovery rate per ovulated mare was 88%. The average embryo recovery rate per ovulation was 43%. Overall, a 59% pregnancy rate was achieved. These results indicate that treatment with reFSH during deep anestrus results in follicular development, ovulation of fertile oocytes, and production of embryos that established viable pregnancies after transfer. Also, a single daily administration of reFSH was as effective as two daily administrations, which allows for a simplified administration regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet F Roser
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Maria V Etcharren
- Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto, Argentina
| | - Marcelo H Miragaya
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, INITRA, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Adrian Mutto
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de General San Martin, Argentina
| | | | - Luis Losinno
- Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto, Argentina
| | - Pablo J Ross
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
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16
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Cuervo-Arango J, Claes AN, Stout TAE. In vitro-produced horse embryos exhibit a very narrow window of acceptable recipient mare uterine synchrony compared with in vivo-derived embryos. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:1904-1911. [PMID: 31587698 DOI: 10.1071/rd19294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the number of equine invitro-produced embryos (IVP) has increased markedly; as yet, there are few reports on what constitutes an 'ideal' recipient for an IVP embryo. This study retrospectively investigated the effects of recipient mare oestrous cycle characteristics on the likelihood of pregnancy after transfer of IVP (n=264) and invivo-derived embryos (n=262). IVP embryos tolerated only a narrow window of recipient mare 'synchrony', with transfer on Day 4 after ovulation resulting in a higher likelihood of ongoing pregnancy (69%) than transfer on Days 3, 5 or 6 (53.2%, 41.3% and 23.1% respectively; P=0.02). In contrast, Day 8 invivo-derived embryos tolerated a wide range of uterine (a)synchrony, with no difference in pregnancy or pregnancy loss for recipients that ovulated between Day 4 and Day 9 before transfer. However, transferring invivo-derived embryos to recipients that had a longer oestrus preceding transfer resulted in higher Day 12 and ongoing pregnancy rate (P<0.01). This effect was not significant in IVP embryos. In conclusion, Day 6-8 IVP blastocysts survive best after transfer to Day 4 recipient mares; Day 8 invivo-derived embryos survive equally well in Day 4-9 recipients, but do better in mares that have a long preceding oestrus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Cuervo-Arango
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584 CM Utrecht, Netherlands; and Corresponding author.
| | - Anthony N Claes
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584 CM Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Tom A E Stout
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584 CM Utrecht, Netherlands
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17
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Cuervo-Arango J, Claes AN, Stout TA. Effect of embryo transfer technique on the likelihood of pregnancy in the mare: a comparison of conventional and Wilsher's forceps-assisted transfer. Vet Rec 2018; 183:323. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.104808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Cuervo-Arango
- Department of Equine Sciences, Reproduction and Obstetrics Section, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Utrecht University; Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - Anthony N Claes
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Utrecht University; Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - Tom A Stout
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Utrecht University; Utrecht The Netherlands
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18
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Morphological evaluation of Day 8 embryos developed during induced aluteal cycles in the mare. Theriogenology 2018; 105:178-183. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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19
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Pérez-Marín CC, Vizuete G, Vazquez-Martinez R, Galisteo JJ. Comparison of different cryopreservation methods for horse and donkey embryos. Equine Vet J 2017; 50:398-404. [DOI: 10.1111/evj.12777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. C. Pérez-Marín
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Cordoba; Cordoba Spain
| | - G. Vizuete
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Cordoba; Cordoba Spain
| | - R. Vazquez-Martinez
- Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology; University of Cordoba; Cordoba Spain
| | - J. J. Galisteo
- Centro Militar de Cría Caballar de Ecija, Cría Caballar de las F.A.S.; Ecija, Seville Spain
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20
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21
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Wilsher S. The uterus and early pregnancy failure in the mare. EQUINE VET EDUC 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.12844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Wilsher
- The Paul Mellon Laboratory of Equine Reproduction “Brunswick” Newmarket UK
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23
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Embryo-maternal communication during the first 4 weeks of equine pregnancy. Theriogenology 2016; 86:349-54. [PMID: 27156682 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.04.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Revised: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The first month of equine pregnancy covers a period of rapid growth and development, during which the single-cell zygote metamorphoses into an embryo with a functional circulation and precursors of many important organs, enclosed within extraembryonic membranes responsible for nutrient uptake and gaseous exchange. After exiting the oviduct, the conceptus must influence uterine physiology to ensure adequate nutrition and preparation for implantation, while continued development results in the chorioallantois superseding the yolk sac as the primary interface for maternal interaction and exchange. Throughout the first month, pregnancy maintenance depends absolutely on progesterone secreted by the primary corpus luteum. However, although extension of luteal life span via maternal recognition of pregnancy is clearly essential, it is still not known how the horse conceptus signals its presence. On the other hand, our understanding of how luteolytic prostaglandin F2α release from the endometrium is averted has improved, and we are increasingly aware of the biological and practical significance of various events characteristic of early horse pregnancy, such as selective oviductal transport, the formation and dissolution of the blastocyst capsule, and prolonged intrauterine conceptus migration. It is also increasingly clear that embryo-maternal dialog during the first month is essential not only to conceptus survival but also has more profound and long-lasting implications. In this latter respect, it is now accepted that the maternal environment (e.g., metabolic or health status) may epigenetically alter gene expression capacity of the developing embryo and thereby permanently influence the health of the resulting foal right through adulthood.
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24
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Novel Long-Acting Progesterone Protocols Used to Successfully Synchronize Donor and Recipient Mares With Satisfactory Pregnancy and Pregnancy Loss Rates. J Equine Vet Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2015.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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25
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Brogan P, Henning H, Stout T, de Ruijter-Villani M. Relationship between colour flow Doppler sonographic assessment of corpus luteum activity and progesterone concentrations in mares after embryo transfer. Anim Reprod Sci 2016; 166:22-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2015.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Revised: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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26
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Panzani D, Vannozzi I, Marmorini P, Rota A, Camillo F. Factors Affecting Recipients' Pregnancy, Pregnancy Loss, and Foaling Rates in a Commercial Equine Embryo Transfer Program. J Equine Vet Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2015.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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27
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Marinone A, Losinno L, Fumuso E, Rodríguez E, Redolatti C, Cantatore S, Cuervo-Arango J. The effect of mare's age on multiple ovulation rate, embryo recovery, post-transfer pregnancy rate, and interovulatory interval in a commercial embryo transfer program in Argentina. Anim Reprod Sci 2015; 158:53-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2015.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Revised: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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28
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de Ruijter-Villani M, Deelen C, Stout TAE. Expression of leukaemia inhibitory factor at the conceptus?maternal interface during preimplantation development and in the endometrium during the oestrous cycle in the mare. Reprod Fertil Dev 2015; 28:RD14334. [PMID: 25881292 DOI: 10.1071/rd14334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) plays a critical role in blastocyst development and implantation in several species. The present study investigated mRNA and protein expression for LIF, as well as the low-affinity LIF receptor (LIFR) and interleukin-6 signal transducer (IL6ST), in equine endometrium, trophoblast and histotroph during early pregnancy and in the endometrium during the oestrous cycle. Endometrial LIF mRNA expression was upregulated after Day 21 of pregnancy, whereas LIF immunoreactivity increased in the endometrium on Day 28. Expression of LIF mRNA in the yolk sac membrane increased from Day 21 of pregnancy, whereas LIF immunoreactivity increased from Day 28 in the trophoblast. LIFR and IL6ST mRNA was expressed in the endometrium during both the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy and, although LIFR and IL6ST protein were localised to the glandular epithelium during the cycle and first 14 days of pregnancy, from Day 21 they were located in the luminal epithelium. Trophoblast expression of LIFR and IL6ST increased as pregnancy proceeded. In conclusion, LIF expression increased at the conceptus-maternal interface during capsule attenuation. Because contemporaneous upregulation of both LIFR and IL6ST was also observed in the trophoblast, we propose that LIF plays an important role in the development of endometrial receptivity for trophoblast growth, apposition and adhesion in mares.
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Botelho JH, Pessoa GO, Rocha LG, Yeste M. Hormone supplementation protocol using estradiol benzoate and long-acting progesterone is efficient in maintaining pregnancy of anovulatory recipient mares during autumn transitional phase. Anim Reprod Sci 2015; 153:39-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Revised: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Hendriks WK, Roelen BAJ, Colenbrander B, Stout TAE. Cellular damage suffered by equine embryos after exposure to cryoprotectants or cryopreservation by slow-freezing or vitrification. Equine Vet J 2014; 47:701-7. [DOI: 10.1111/evj.12341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2013] [Accepted: 08/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- W. K. Hendriks
- Department of Equine Sciences; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Utrecht University; The Netherlands
| | - B. A. J. Roelen
- Department of Farm Animal Health; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Utrecht University; The Netherlands
| | - B. Colenbrander
- Department of Equine Sciences; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Utrecht University; The Netherlands
| | - T. A. E. Stout
- Department of Farm Animal Health; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Utrecht University; The Netherlands
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Angel MA, Gil MA, Cuello C, Sanchez-Osorio J, Gomis J, Parrilla I, Vila J, Colina I, Diaz M, Reixach J, Vazquez JL, Vazquez JM, Roca J, Martinez EA. An earlier uterine environment favors the in vivo development of fresh pig morulae and blastocysts transferred by a nonsurgical deep-uterine method. J Reprod Dev 2014; 60:371-6. [PMID: 25030061 PMCID: PMC4219994 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2014-022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of recipient-donor estrous cycle synchrony on recipient reproductive performance
after nonsurgical deep-uterine (NsDU) embryo transfer (ET). The transfers (N=132) were conducted in recipients sows that
started estrus 24 h before (–24 h; N=9) or 0 h (synchronous; N=31), 24 h (+24 h; N=74) or 48 h (+48 h; N=18) after the
donors. A total of 30 day 5 morulae or day 6 blastocysts (day 0=onset of estrus) were transferred per recipient. The highest
farrowing rates (FRs) were achieved when estrus appeared in recipients 24 h later than that in the donors (81.1%), regardless
of the embryonic stage used for the transfers. The FR notably decreased (P<0.05) when recipients were –24 h asynchronous
(0%), synchronous (61.3%) or +48 h asynchronous (50%) relative to the donors. No differences in litter size (LS) and piglet
birth weights were observed among the synchronous and +24 h or +48 h asynchronous groups. While a +24 h asynchronous
recipient was suitable for transfers performed with either morulae (FR, 74.3%; LS, 9.2 ± 0.6 piglets) or blastocysts (FR,
84.6%; LS, 9.8 ± 0.6 piglets), a + 48 h asynchronous recipient was adequate for blastocysts (FR, 87.5%; LS, 10.4 ± 0.7
piglets) but not for morulae (FR, 30.0%; LS, 7.3 ± 2.3 piglets). In conclusion, this study confirms the effectiveness of the
NsDU-ET technology and shows that porcine embryos tolerate better a less advanced uterine environment if they are
nonsurgically transferred deep into the uterine horn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Angel Angel
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Espinardo 30100, Spain
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Panzani D, Rota A, Marmorini P, Vannozzi I, Camillo F. Retrospective study of factors affecting multiple ovulations, embryo recovery, quality, and diameter in a commercial equine embryo transfer program. Theriogenology 2014; 82:807-14. [PMID: 25085596 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Revised: 06/15/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In this study, 198 donor mares of different breeds, ages, and reproductive category were inseminated with fresh, cooled and frozen or frozen and cooled semen at the embryo transfer station or in private artificial insemination centers during 10 breeding seasons. The results of this activity were retrospectively analyzed by Pearson Chi-square test and logistic regression to evaluate factors affecting multiple ovulations, embryo recovery, embryo quality, and embryo diameter. Out of the 661 cycles, 937 ovulations were recorded (mean ovulations/cycle: 1.42 ± 0.58). Ovulation rate and incidence of multiple ovulations were significantly affected by age, breed, and reproductive category. Uterine flushings for embryo recovery were performed between 7 and 10 days after ovulation and resulted in the recovery of 338 embryos (51.1% embryos/cycle and 36.1% embryos/ovulation, respectively). At least one embryo was recovered in 298 flushings (45.1%). The factors affecting embryo recovery were age, breed, reproductive category, type of semen, number of ovulations, and location of artificial insemination. Flushing protocol and day of flushing had no effect on embryo recovery. Age, type of semen, number of ovulations, and day of flushing had a significant influence on embryo diameter (N = 215). None of the factors included in the model had an effect on embryo quality distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duccio Panzani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Pisa, San Piero a Grado, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Rota
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Pisa, San Piero a Grado, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Iacopo Vannozzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Pisa, San Piero a Grado, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Camillo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Pisa, San Piero a Grado, Pisa, Italy
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Influence of l-arginine supplementation on reproductive blood flow and embryo recovery rates in mares. Theriogenology 2014; 81:752-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2013] [Revised: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 12/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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de Ruijter-Villani M, van Boxtel PRM, Stout TAE. Fibroblast growth factor-2 expression in the preimplantation equine conceptus and endometrium of pregnant and cyclic mares. Theriogenology 2013; 80:979-89. [PMID: 24035195 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2013] [Revised: 07/09/2013] [Accepted: 07/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Uterine-derived growth factors and cytokines play essential roles in regulating preimplantation conceptus development. In several species, fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) promotes embryogenesis, trophoblast cell migration, and adhesion. This study investigated mRNA expression for FGF2, its receptors (FGFR1-4), the activating factor FGF binding protein (FGF-BP) in equine endometrium and trophectoderm during early pregnancy and the estrous cycle, and localized FGF2 protein in both endometrium and conceptus tissues. FGF2, FGFRs1-4, and FGFBP mRNAs were expressed in endometrium throughout the estrous cycle and early pregnancy, and in days 14 to 28 conceptus membranes. FGF2 transcription was higher during estrus than on days 7 or 14 of diestrus, suggesting estrogen dependency. Endometrial expression of FGF2 mRNA and protein increased as pregnancy progressed from days 21 and day 28; FGF2 protein was localized predominantly in the luminal and glandular epithelium. FGF2 mRNA was detectable in trophectoderm from as early as day 14, and transcription and translation increased in day 21 and 28 allantochorion. FGF2 protein was localized mainly in the trophectoderm up to day 21 but was present in both trophectoderm and endoderm of day 28 allantochorion. FGFR1 mRNA was down-regulated in the endometrium at day 7 of diestrus but increased again by day 14. Gene expression for all of the FGFR2 splice variants, including FGFR2IIIc, was up-regulated during estrus. During early pregnancy, endometrial FGFR1 expression decreased, whereas FGFR2IIIc expression did not change. Conceptus mRNA expression for all FGFRs increased as pregnancy progressed. FGFBP expression remained unchanged in endometrium, but increased in the conceptus between days 14 and 28, suggesting a role in regulating FGF2 activity in the developing conceptus. We conclude that during weeks 3 and 4 of pregnancy, the equine endometrial epithelium produces FGF2, which may play a role in trophoblast development and adhesion.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Blastocyst/metabolism
- Cell Adhesion
- Embryo Implantation
- Embryonic Development
- Endometrium/metabolism
- Estrous Cycle/metabolism
- Female
- Fibroblast Growth Factor 2/metabolism
- Horses/embryology
- Immunohistochemistry
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy, Animal/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 1/metabolism
- Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 2/metabolism
- Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 3/metabolism
- Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 4/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta de Ruijter-Villani
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 114, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Pinna A, Martins G, Souza G, Lilenbaum W. Influence of Seroreactivity toLeptospiraand Reproductive Failures in Recipient Mares of Equine Embryo Transfer Programmes. Reprod Domest Anim 2013; 48:e55-7. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2012] [Accepted: 02/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Pinna
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology; Universidade Federal Fluminense; Niterói; RJ; Brazil
| | - G Martins
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology; Universidade Federal Fluminense; Niterói; RJ; Brazil
| | - G Souza
- Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária - Gado de leite; Juiz de Fora; MG; Brazil
| | - W Lilenbaum
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology; Universidade Federal Fluminense; Niterói; RJ; Brazil
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Kaercher F, Kozicki LE, Camargo CE, Weiss RR, dos Santos IW, Muradas PR, Bertol MAF, de Abreu RA. Embryo Transfer in Anovulatory Recipient Mares Treated with Estradiol Benzoate and Long-Acting Progesterone. J Equine Vet Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2012.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Smits K, Hoogewijs M, Woelders H, Daels P, Van Soom A. Breeding or Assisted Reproduction? Relevance of the Horse Model Applied to the Conservation of Endangered Equids. Reprod Domest Anim 2012; 47 Suppl 4:239-48. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2012.02082.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Jacob J, Haag K, Santos G, Oliveira J, Gastal M, Gastal E. Effect of embryo age and recipient asynchrony on pregnancy rates in a commercial equine embryo transfer program. Theriogenology 2012; 77:1159-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2011] [Revised: 10/13/2011] [Accepted: 10/13/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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WILSHER S, LEFRANC AC, ALLEN WR. The effects of an advanced uterine environment on embryonic survival in the mare. Equine Vet J 2011; 44:432-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2011.00473.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Raz T, Green GM, Carley SD, Card CE. Folliculogenesis, embryo parameters and post-transfer recipient pregnancy rate following equine follicle-stimulating hormone (eFSH) treatment in cycling donor mares. Aust Vet J 2011; 89:138-42. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2011.00691.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Paris DBBP, Kuijk EW, Roelen BAJ, Stout TAE. Establishing reference genes for use in real-time quantitative PCR analysis of early equine embryos. Reprod Fertil Dev 2011; 23:353-63. [DOI: 10.1071/rd10039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2010] [Accepted: 08/14/2010] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) is invaluable for investigating changes in gene expression during early development, since it can be performed on the limited quantities of mRNA contained in individual embryos. However, the reliability of this method depends on the use of validated stably expressed reference genes for accurate data normalisation. The aim of the present study was to identify and validate a set of reference genes suitable for studying gene expression during equine embryo development. The stable expression of four carefully selected reference genes and one developmentally regulated gene was examined by qPCR in equine in vivo embryos from morula to expanded blastocyst stage. SRP14, RPL4 and PGK1 were identified by geNorm analysis as stably expressed reference genes suitable for data normalisation. RPL13A expression was less stable and changed significantly during the period of development examined, rendering it unsuitable as a reference gene. As anticipated, CDX2 expression increased significantly during embryo development, supporting its possible role in trophectoderm specification in the horse. In summary, it was demonstrated that evidence-based selection of potential reference genes can reduce the number needed to validate stable expression in an experimental system; this is particularly useful when dealing with tissues that yield small amounts of mRNA. SRP14, RPL4 and PGK1 are stable reference genes suitable for normalising expression for genes of interest during in vivo morula to expanded blastocyst development of horse embryos.
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Evaluation of two oestrus synchronization regimens in eFSH-treated donor mares. Vet J 2010; 188:105-9. [PMID: 20392656 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2010.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2009] [Revised: 03/10/2010] [Accepted: 03/13/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Reliable methods for regulating oestrus and superovulation in equine embryo transfer (ET) programs are desirable. The objective in this study was to compare two oestrus synchronization methods combined with equine follicle-stimulating hormone (eFSH) treatment in an ET program. In the progesterone and estradiol-17β (P&E) group, mares (n=12) were given progesterone and estradiol-17β, daily for 10 days, followed by prostaglandin (PG)F(2α) on the last day. In the PG group, mares (n=12) were given PGF(2α) 5 days post-ovulation. In both groups donor mares were allocated to eFSH therapy, and were subsequently bred. Embryo recovery and transfer were performed routinely. The interval to ovulation (mean ± SEM, range) was not statistically different between donor mares in the P&E group (10.2±0.3, 9-12 days) and donor mares in the PG group (8.7±0.7, 4-12 days). Among donor mares, the synchrony of ovulations was higher following the P&E regimen (P<0.05); however, there was a tendency (P<0.06) for fewer ovulations than in the PG group (1.5±0.3 vs. 2.5±0.4 ovulations, respectively). Embryo recovery (0.9±0.3 vs. 1.4±0.3 embryo/recovery) and recipient pregnancy rate per transferred embryo (4/9, 44% vs. 4/15, 27%) were similar. It was concluded that the P&E regimen was more reliable for synchronization of oestrus in eFSH-treated mares but the fewer ovulations may curtail any advantage of this regimen.
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Wilsher S, Clutton-Brock A, Allen WR. Successful transfer of day 10 horse embryos: influence of donor-recipient asynchrony on embryo development. Reproduction 2009; 139:575-85. [PMID: 19948839 DOI: 10.1530/rep-09-0306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
A total of 78 day 10 horse embryos were transferred non-surgically to recipient mares that had ovulated 9, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 day after (negative asynchrony), on the same day (synchronous), or 2 or 4 days before (positive asynchrony) the donor (n=6 or 8 mares per group). Pregnancy rates between 100% (6/6) and 63% (5/8) were seen in recipient mares that were between +2 and -6 days asynchronous. Embryo survival to the heartbeat stage declined in recipients that were -7 days asynchronous and no embryos survived in recipients that were -9 days asynchronous. Irrespective of uterine asynchrony, cessation of embryo mobility and fixation at the base of a uterine horn occurred when the conceptus was approximately 17 days old. Conceptus growth and development was slowed when embryos were placed in negatively asynchronous uteri. At the greatest degree of negative asynchrony at which embryos survived to the heartbeat stage, i.e. -7 and -6 days, development of the embryo proper and allantois was retarded. Luteostasis was achieved in recipient mares when day 10 embryos were transferred to recipient mares at any stage of asynchrony between -9 and +2 days with respect to the donor. These results indicate that in the horse, there is a wide window for establishment of pregnancy following embryo transfer to asynchronous recipients. Although progesterone priming of the uterus to a stage equivalent to that of the transferred embryo does not appear to be a prerequisite for embryo survival, it does nonetheless influence embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Wilsher
- The Paul Mellon Laboratory of Equine Reproduction, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 9DE, UK (formerly The Equine Fertility Unit, Newmarket, Suffolk, UK).
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Raz T, Card C. Efficiency of superovulation and in vivo embryo production in eFSH-treated donor mares after estrus synchronization with progesterone and estradiol-17beta. Theriogenology 2009; 72:169-78. [PMID: 19344941 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2008] [Revised: 01/25/2009] [Accepted: 02/05/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Reliable methods of regulating estrus and stimulating superovulations in equine embryo transfer programs are desirable. Our objectives were to investigate the efficacy of a progesterone and estradiol-17beta (P&E) estrus synchronization regimen in mares with and without subsequent equine follicle-stimulating hormone (eFSH) treatment and to examine the effects of eFSH on folliculogenesis and embryo production. Cycling mares were treated with P&E daily for 10 d. On the final P&E treatment day, prostaglandin F(2alpha) was administered, and mares were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups (n=20 mares/group). In both groups, mares were examined daily by transrectal ultrasonography. In the eFSH group, twice-daily eFSH treatments were initiated at follicle diameter 20 to 25 mm and ceased at follicle > or =35 mm; human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) was administered after 36 h. In the control group, eFSH treatments were not given, but hCG was administered at follicle > or =35 mm. Mares were inseminated with fresh semen, and embryo recovery attempts were performed 8 d postovulation. Synchrony of ovulations within each group appeared to be similar. Six mares in the eFSH group failed to ovulate. The eFSH treatment resulted in higher (P<0.05) numbers of preovulatory follicles and ovulations; however, embryo recovery rate did not increase (eFSH 1.0+/-0.4 vs. control 0.95+/-0.1 embryos/recovery attempt), and embryo per ovulation rate was significantly lower (36% vs. 73%). The eFSH-treated mares had significantly higher frequency of nonovulatory follicles (28% vs. 0) and higher periovulatory serum concentrations of estradiol-17beta. Based on our findings, combined P&E and eFSH regimens cannot be recommended for cycling donor mares.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Raz
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
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Wilsher S, Allen WR. Uterine influences on embryogenesis and early placentation in the horse revealed by transfer of day 10 embryos to day 3 recipient mares. Reproduction 2009; 137:583-93. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-08-0328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Eight day 10 horse embryos were transferred non-surgically to recipient mares that had ovulated 7 days after the donors. The embryonic vesicle was seen ultrasonographically in all eight recipients, and three out of eight (38%) of the vesicles developed an embryo proper with a beating heart. Conceptus expansion was initially slower than that in control mares but continued until day 22 (recipient day 15). Time of fixation of the vesicle was related to its diameter, rather than uterine stage. Although the embryo proper first appeared ultrasonographically on day 22, as normal, it grew more slowly and the allantois expanded more slowly than that in control mares with normal pregnancies. The development of endometrial cups and their secretion of equine chorionic gonadotropin in the two mares allowed to remain pregnant to >50 days occurred at a conceptus age ∼7 days later than that in the control mares. The results demonstrated the uniqueness of the horse conceptus in being able to overcome a 7-day asynchrony with the uterus, and also highlighted the overriding influence of the uterine environment on conceptus development in the mare.
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Paris MCJ, Mastromonaco GF, Paris DBBP, Krisher RL. A perspective on the role of emerging technologies for the propagation of companion animals, non-domestic and endangered species. Reprod Fertil Dev 2007; 19:iii-vii. [PMID: 17714624 DOI: 10.1071/rd07091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2007] [Accepted: 06/11/2007] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have been used successfully in humans, domestic and laboratory species for many years. In contrast, our limited knowledge of basic reproductive physiology has restricted the application of ART in companion animal, non-domestic and endangered species (CANDES). Although there are numerous benefits, and in some cases a necessity, for applying ART for the reproductive and genetic management of CANDES, the challenges encountered with even the most basic procedures have limited the rate of progress. In this foreword we discuss the status of conventional ART, such as artificial insemination and in vitro fertilisation, as well as their benefits and inherent difficulties when applied to CANDES. It is upon these techniques, and ultimately our knowledge of basic reproductive physiology, that the success of emerging technologies, such as those described in this special issue, are dependent for success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique C J Paris
- Institute for Breeding Rare and Endangered African Mammals (IBREAM), Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
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Abstract
Carl Hartman's title of 47 years ago is invoked in tribute to his first recovery of a bovine embryo 30 years before that, and his legacy of an emphasis on the value of descriptive and comparative studies in reproductive biology. The horse's qualification as a farm animal has waned since those times but, in a conference understandably dominated by research in ruminants and pigs, there are lessons to be learned from some peculiarities of equine embryonic development. Morphological and physiological features of the conceptus and its interaction with its environment during the first month of pregnancy are described and discussed, with emphasis on conceptus expansion, experimental study of the capsule and its associated proteins, and steroid production and metabolism by the various tissues within the conceptus. It is also suggested that easy access to entire conceptuses at advanced stages of development in horses offers valuable opportunities for comparative investigation of early organogenesis and fetal membrane differentiation and, possibly, how they are affected by embryo manipulation in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Betteridge
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada.
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