Piglet production by non-surgical transfer of vitrified embryos, transported to commercial swine farms and warmed on site

We investigated the feasibility of piglet production by non‐surgical embryo transfer (Ns‐ET) of vitrified porcine blastocysts and expanded blastocysts transported to commercial farms and warmed on site (V/T/W embryos). Ns‐ET was performed by depositing 11–20 vitrified and warmed embryos at a proximal site within the uterus via a catheter. In Experiment 1, the effect of donor–recipient estrous cycle asynchrony on the efficiency of Ns‐ET of vitrified and ordinary warmed embryos was investigated at the experimental facility. With a 1‐day delay recipients relative to that of donor, the farrowing rate was 50.0% and the survival rate to term was 21.1%. In Experiment 2, Ns‐ET using recipients with a 1‐day delay and vitrified embryos after one‐step warming and dilution was evaluated at the experimental facility. Although the resulting farrowing rate was 42.9%, the survival rate was 6.4%. In Experiment 3, Ns‐ET was conducted using V/T/W embryos at four commercial farms, where piglets derived from them were produced. When artificial insemination was conducted prior to Ns‐ET, the farrowing and survival rates obtained using V/T/W embryos were 75.0%, and 21.3%, respectively. These results show that Ns‐ET of V/T/W embryos using this protocol would be feasible for piglet production at farms.

Insemination of recipient sows improves the survival to term of vitrified and warmed porcine expanded blastocysts transferred non-surgically

This study was performed to evaluate reproductive performance after non‐surgical embryo transfer (Ns‐ET) of 10–15 porcine expanded blastocysts (ExBs) that had been vitrified and warmed (V/W) using the micro volume air cooling (MVAC) method. The effect of asynchrony between the donor and recipient estrous cycle was investigated. Ns‐ET was conducted in recipients whose estrous cycle was asynchronous to that of donors by a delay of 2, 1, or 0 days. In the 2‐day and 1‐day groups, the similar farrowing rates (27.3% and 25.0%) and survival rates to term (13.9% and 15.7%) were obtained after Ns‐ET of V/W ExBs. None of the recipients in 0‐day group farrowed. Artificial insemination (AI) prior to Ns‐ET was then evaluated. Ten–15 V/W ExBs were transferred non‐surgically to 12 recipients whose estrous cycles were asynchronous to that of donors by a 2‐day delay. All of the recipients produced piglets, and all (100.0%) delivered piglets were derived from the transferred V/W ExBs. The survival rate of V/W ExBs to term was 25.2%. These results demonstrate that Ns‐ET of V/W ExBs using MVAC can facilitate piglet production, even if 10–15 embryos are transferred. Moreover, piglets were obtained stably when AI was performed prior to Ns‐ET.

Porcine embryo collection using single subcutaneous administration of follicle-stimulating hormone in a large volume of saline

The effects of a single subcutaneous or intramuscular injection of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) on follicular growth and expression of estrous behavior and its single subcutaneous administration on the number of corpora lutea (CL) and embryos were investigated in pigs. All four sows that were subcutaneously administered 5 AU FSH expressed normal estrus and had no ovarian cysts. Two of the four sows that were administered 5 AU FSH intramuscularly did not exhibit estrus, and another sow had a short estrus period. All four sows had ovarian cysts. The mean numbers of CL, embryos, and blastocysts following the subcutaneous administration of 5 AU FSH (16.8, 16.0, and 13.8, respectively) did not differ significantly from those for the control animals treated intramuscularly with 1000 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin (18.5, 16.5, and 14.3, respectively). In conclusion, embryo recovery was possible using a single subcutaneous administration of FSH.

The effect of artificial insemination prior to transfer of a limited number of vitrified and warmed porcine embryos by open pulled straw (OPS) method on their survival ability for farrowing

Embryo transfer (ET) of 20 porcine expanded blastocysts (ExBs) vitrified and warmed (VW) by open pulled straw (OPS) to a recipient allows stable piglet production. The efficiency of artificial insemination (AI) prior to ET of 10 VW ExBs for piglet production was investigated. For one trial, 10-15 VW ExBs from single donor were assigned, 10 were used for ET and the remains were assessed for their in vitro viability. In the non-AI/ET group, 10 were transferred to each of five recipients. As AI/ET group, 10 were transferred to each of five recipients after AI. In AI/non-ET group, only AI was performed to seven gilts. In the non-AI/ET group, the pregnancy rate was 40%, but none of them farrowed. In the AI/ET group, all recipients produced piglets. Four (80.0%) delivered piglets from transferred VW ExBs. The survival rate of VW ExBs to term was 20.0% (10/50). In the AI/non-ET group, six of the seven gilts farrowed. There was no difference in in vitro viability between the non-AI/ET and AI/ ET groups (62.5% and 68.3%, respectively). AI prior to ET can be an appropriate way to maintain pregnancy and assist the development of a low number of VW ExBs to term.

Production of piglets from in vitro-produced blastocysts by ultrasound-guided ovum pick-up from live donors

The objective of this research was to develop a system for piglet production by transvaginal ultrasound-guided ovum pick-up (OPU), in vitro production (IVP) of embryos and embryo transfer. First, to establish a culture system for a small number of oocytes or embryos, we evaluated the effect of different incubation volumes and culture densities on fertilizing ability and developmental competence in vitro. Porcine oocytes derived from slaughterhouse ovaries were matured, fertilized and then cultured in vitro in groups as follows: 50 oocytes in 500 μL medium for IVM, 20 oocytes in 100 μL medium for IVF and 20 embryos in 40 μL medium for IVC (Group I); 20 in 100 μL for IVM, 20 in 100 μL for IVF and 20 in 40 μL for IVC (Group II); and 10 in 100 μL for IVM, 10 in 100 μL for IVF and 10 in 40 μL for IVC (Group III). Percentages of sperm penetration, cleavage and blastocyst formation did not differ among the groups. Second, to increase the collection efficiency of porcine oocytes by transvaginal ultrasound-guided OPU, the effects of aspiration pressure on follicular oocyte collection were assessed. Oocytes were aspirated from ovaries of live sows using 80 or 100 mmHg. The recovered oocytes were divided into four categories according to the surrounding cumulus cells and quality of oocytes. The number of oocytes recovered using 100 mmHg pressure was significantly higher than with 80 mmHg pressure. However, there were no significant differences in the population of oocytes grouped by the morphological criteria, number of blastocysts per session and the total cell number in blastocysts between the two vacuum pressures. Finally, 81 oocytes obtained by OPU from five donor sows were subjected to IVP and 47 transferable embryos (9.4 ± 4.0 [mean ± SD] morulae/blastocysts per session) were obtained at 5 days after IVF. When they were transferred into five recipient gilts (5-16 embryos per recipient), three of five recipients became pregnant and farrowed a total of 12 live piglets. The present results demonstrate that porcine blastocysts can be produced by OPU-IVP and develop to full term after embryo transfer.

The effect of ovarian status and follicular diameter on maturational ability of domestic cat oocytes

The objective of this study was to clarify the effect of ovarian status and follicular size on morphological normality and maturational ability of cat oocytes. Ovarian status was classified into inactive, follicular, luteal and prepubertal, and follicles were classified into three groups according to their diameter (400-800, 800-1200 and 1200-2000 µm). In each ovarian status, the number of follicles decreased but the percentage of morphologically normal oocytes increased with the growth of follicles (p<0.05). Only a single follicle that was 1200-2000 µm in diameter was observed in two of the five prepubertal cats. In follicles that were 800-1200 µm in diameter, the percentage of normal oocytes and maturation rate were higher in prepubertal cats than in mature cats (p<0.05). Oocyte diameter tended to increase with the growth of follicles. After oocytes were cultured individually in droplets of maturation medium, the oocyte maturation rate increased with the growth of follicles in each ovarian status (p<0.05). In conclusion, oocytes collected from larger follicles possess higher maturational ability in vitro in sexually mature cats. In prepubertal cats, a higher maturation rate can be obtained from oocytes derived from small follicles compared with in mature cats.

Effect of duration of in vitro maturation on nuclear maturation and fertilizability of feline oocytes

This study was conducted to improve in vitro production of embryos from domestic cats using TCM-199 as an IVM medium. The time sequence of nuclear maturation and the optimal timing of in vitro insemination were examined. Most oocytes were at the germinal vesicle stage immediately after collection; however, 8.3% had already resumed meiosis before IVM culture. After 30 h of IVM culture, the percentage of oocytes at metaphase II (MII) reached a peak (75.5%) and did not change (P>0.05) from 30 to 48 h after IVM culture. The percentage of oocytes with two pronuclei was higher (P<0.05) for oocytes matured for 30 and 36 h (38.2 and 33.0%, respectively) than for those after IVM culture for only 24 h (18.5%). Total sperm penetration rate was highest (P<0.05) for oocytes that had been matured for 30 h (46.1%). After 30 h of IVM and 18 h of IVF culture, 66.3 and 24.8% of inseminated oocytes had cleaved and developed to the blastocyst stage, respectively. We concluded that IVM of feline oocytes for 30 h in TCM-199 resulted in optimal nuclear maturation and sperm penetration.

Spindle cell carcinoma of the pancreas

We experienced a rare case of spindle cell carcinoma of the pancreas. The patient was a 74-year-old man who complained of abdominal pain and loss of weight. Ultrasonographic scans revealed a hypoechoic solid mass in the head of the pancreas, 4 cm in diameter, with a high echoic spot suggestive of central necrosis or hemorrhage. The mass was hypodense on enhanced computed tomographic scans and hypovascular on angiograms. At laparotomy, the tumor had invaded to the mesocolon, but dissemination and distant metastasis were not found. We therefore performed pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy and ascending colectomy. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 26 after an uneventful recovery. Two months later, he was readmitted because of ascites, with positivity of spindle cells shown on cytology; he died on day 92 after surgery. In the resected specimen, the tumor had a mostly sarcomatous component, consisting of spindle-shaped cells, and a small glandular component. Immunohistochemically, both components were positive for cytokeratin and epithelial membrane antigen, but negative for vimentin and desmin. The tumor was diagnosed as a spindle cell carcinoma of the pancreas. Perineural invasion, lymphatic permeation, and blood vessel invasion were found, but lymph node metastasis was not found. Although a curative operation was performed, the outcome in this patient was very poor.

Mucin core protein expression in extrahepatic bile duct carcinoma is associated with metastases to the liver and poor prognosis

BACKGROUND

Curative resection does not guarantee long term survival for the patient with extrahepatic bile duct carcinoma because of the possibility of metastases to the liver (LM). Expression of mucin core protein-1 (MUC1), sialyl-Le(x), and sialosyl-Tn in bile duct carcinoma was determined and compared with LM and prognosis.

METHODS

Immunohistochemical expression of MUC1, sialyl-Le(x), and sialosyl-Tn in 73 extrahepatic bile duct tumors was analyzed using the DF3, FH6, and TKH2 monoclonal antibodies, respectively. Scoring was based on the percentage of immunoreactive cells: negative, low expression (</=25% immunoreactive cells), and high expression (>25%).

RESULTS

High expression of MUC1, sialyl-Le(x), and sialosyl-Tn was observed in 68.5%, 34.2%, and 54.8%, respectively. of 73 cases. Patients with tumors showing high expression of MUC1 had a higher rate of LM (48.9%) and a significantly shorter survival period (median survival time, 17.8 months) compared with patients with tumors showing low (incidence of LM, 9.1%; median survival time, >100 months) or negative (incidence of LM, 11.1%; median survival time, 52.9 months) expression of MUC1 (P < 0.01). However, the survival period of patients with tumors showing high, low, or negative expression of sialyl-Le(x) or of sialosyl-Tn did not differ significantly. High MUC1 expression correlated with LM by logistic regression analysis and emerged as an independent prognostic factor in stepwise multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current study demonstrate that high expression of MUC1 correlates with LM and poor outcome in patients with extrahepatic bile duct carcinoma.

Free 4-hydroxyproline content in serum of bedridden aged people is elevated due to fracture

Hydroxyproline (Hyp) content in biological fluids is used as a parameter of collagen catabolism, especially bone resorption. In this paper, we examined the relationship between aging and serum free 4-Hyp and proline (Pro) content using a newly introduced analytical technique which is chemiluminescence determination with electrogenerated tris (2,2'-bipyridine) ruthenium(III). Serum was collected from 50 bedridden aged people and 131 normal subjects living in Yamato-son, Amamioshima, Kagoshima. In the free 4-Hyp content of normal serum, the change in females is more gentle than that males with aging. The free 4-Hyp content of bedridden aged serum is significantly (p<0.05) elevated compared to normal aged serum. Bedridden aged females and males also show levels significantly (p<0.05) elevated in comparison to normal. These changes are due to bone resorption based on bedridden patients' atrophy. In bedridden aged people, free 4-Hyp of those with a fracture was significantly (p<0.05) elevated than in people without a fracture. No relationship between low bone density and high free 4-Hyp in serum was observed. It seems that bone resorption or bedridden atrophy may be enhanced in bedridden aged people by a fracture. In free Pro content in serum, no significant change was observed. These results show that the free 4-Hyp content in serum is useful in the clinical or biological inspection of bone resorption, especially in aged people.

Mucin core protein expression in extrahepatic bile duct carcinoma is associated with metastases to the liver and poor prognosis

BACKGROUND

Curative resection does not guarantee long term survival for the patient with extrahepatic bile duct carcinoma because of the possibility of metastases to the liver (LM). Expression of mucin core protein-1 (MUC1), sialyl-Le(x), and sialosyl-Tn in bile duct carcinoma was determined and compared with LM and prognosis.

METHODS

Immunohistochemical expression of MUC1, sialyl-Le(x), and sialosyl-Tn in 73 extrahepatic bile duct tumors was analyzed using the DF3, FH6, and TKH2 monoclonal antibodies, respectively. Scoring was based on the percentage of immunoreactive cells: negative, low expression (</=25% immunoreactive cells), and high expression (>25%).

RESULTS

High expression of MUC1, sialyl-Le(x), and sialosyl-Tn was observed in 68.5%, 34.2%, and 54.8%, respectively. of 73 cases. Patients with tumors showing high expression of MUC1 had a higher rate of LM (48.9%) and a significantly shorter survival period (median survival time, 17.8 months) compared with patients with tumors showing low (incidence of LM, 9.1%; median survival time, >100 months) or negative (incidence of LM, 11.1%; median survival time, 52.9 months) expression of MUC1 (P < 0.01). However, the survival period of patients with tumors showing high, low, or negative expression of sialyl-Le(x) or of sialosyl-Tn did not differ significantly. High MUC1 expression correlated with LM by logistic regression analysis and emerged as an independent prognostic factor in stepwise multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current study demonstrate that high expression of MUC1 correlates with LM and poor outcome in patients with extrahepatic bile duct carcinoma.

Molecular detection of circulating cancer cells during surgery in patients with biliary-pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

It remains unclear whether surgical treatment for biliary-pancreatic cancers provokes the hematogenous dissemination of cancer cells. The aim of this study was to detect circulating cancer cells in the blood stream before and during tumor resection for biliary-pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

We analyzed blood samples obtained perioperatively from the portal vein, peripheral artery, and superior vena cava, using a carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)-specific nested reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

CEA-mRNA expression was detected in the blood of 21 (52.5%) of 40 patients with biliary-pancreatic cancer. The patients with detectable CEA-mRNA expression included 8 (42.1%) of 19 with bile duct cancers and 13 (61.9%) of 21 with pancreatic cancers. CEA-mRNA expression was not detected in blood obtained from 15 healthy volunteers and 15 patients with benign disease. The positive rate of CEA-mRNA of advanced clinical stage (TNM pStage III and IV) showed higher than that of early stage (pStage I and II; P <0.05). Tumor resection increased significantly the positive rates of CEA-mRNA in the blood stream of three kinds of vessel.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical procedures provoke the hematogenous dissemination of cancer cells perioperatively. Therefore, new strategies during operations to prevent liver metastases are needed to improve the survival of patients with biliary-pancreatic cancer.

Liver metastases after curative resection in patients with distal bile duct cancer

BACKGROUND

Curative resection cannot ensure long-term survival for patients with distal bile duct cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the most frequent mode of recurrence after curative resection and to analyse its risk factors.

METHODS

Clinical details for 64 consecutive patients with distal bile duct cancer who underwent surgical resection between 1980 and 1997 were reviewed. Modes of recurrence and clinicopathological findings were analysed based on the residual tumour (R) classification.

RESULTS

The overall actuarial 5-year survival rate was 32 per cent. Of 42 patients undergoing R0 resection 10 were alive at 5 years, of 17 having R1 resection one was alive at 5 years, and none of the five patients having R2 resection survived for 5 years (R0 versus R1, P = 0.02). In the R0 group, the incidence of liver recurrence (14 of 42 patients) was similar to that in the R1 resection group (six of 17), although there were fewer lymph node and peritoneal recurrences than in patients who had R1 resection (P < 0.05). The high-risk factor for liver metastasis was microscopic vascular involvement. Important factors for survival were lymph node metastasis, microscopic vascular involvement and age. In addition, microscopic vascular involvement was the only independent factor for survival in the R0 group.

CONCLUSION

R0 resection provided significant survival benefit but had no effect on liver recurrence. Therefore, new agents or strategies to prevent liver metastasis are necessary for improvement of survival.

Comparison of relapse and long-term survival between pylorus-preserving and Whipple pancreaticoduodenectomy in periampullary cancer

BACKGROUND

Whether long-term survival and type of recurrence in periampullary cancer are influenced by the type of surgical procedure or not is still obscure. The purpose of this review was to analyze the results at a single institution.

METHODS

Between 1982 and 1996, 113 consecutive patients with either distal bile duct or ampullary cancers underwent either pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) or the Whipple procedure. The median follow-up was 30 months (range 12 to 150). Patient records were reviewed to determine type of recurrence and survival.

RESULTS

In distal bile duct or ampullary cancers, comparison of actuarial survival curves between PPPD and the Whipple operation revealed no significant differences. Even in node-positive patients, the 5-year survival rates did not differ significantly between those undergoing PPPD or the Whipple operation. Tumor recurrence was not correlated with the operative method, although among types of tumor recurrence, the rate of blood-borne metastasis was higher in distal bile duct or ampullary cancers.

CONCLUSIONS

PPPD is an acceptable alternative to the Whipple procedure in the treatment of periampullary cancer. Long-term survival and type of recurrence were not influenced by these types of surgical procedures.

Determination of catecholamines by radioenzymatic assay using ion-pair liquid chromatography

A simple radioenzymatic method for the simultaneous determination of norepinephrine, epinephrine and dopamine in human serum was developed. catecholamines were converted to normetanephrine (NMN), metanephrine (MN), 3-methoxytyramine (3-MT) and their 4-O-methyl isomers by catechol O-methyl transferase with S-adenosylmethionine-(3H-methyl) ([3H]SAM). After addition of unlabelled NMN, MN and 3-MT as carriers, the methyl derivatives were isolated from the reaction mixture by passing through a small boric acid gel column and separated from each other by ion-pair liquid chromatography. Interference by tailing of radioactivity of [3H] SAM and its degradation products eluted earlier was minimized by the use of a precolumn and a branched flow path.