Molecular cloning of three nonhuman primate follicle stimulating hormone beta-subunit cDNAs

The follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) beta-subunit cDNAs were cloned and sequenced for an old world primate, the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta), and two New World primates, the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) and pygmy marmoset (Cebuella pygmaea). The cDNA and predicted amino acid sequences of the rhesus monkey FSH beta-subunit were related most closely to the human FSH beta-subunit (> 96% identity). The common and pygmy marmosets have identical FSH beta-subunit cDNAs, whereas the marmoset FSH beta-subunit diverges from the rhesus and human molecules with less than 93% identity. These results have significance for the implementation of assisted reproductive technologies in the nonhuman primate as well as the evolution of genes encoding reproductive hormones.

Rhesus monkey placental transgene expression after lentiviral gene transfer into preimplantation embryos

Transgenic mice have provided invaluable information about gene function and regulation. However, because of marked differences between rodents and primates, some areas of human biology such as early embryonic development, aging, and maternal-fetal interactions would be best studied in a nonhuman primate model. Here, we report that gene transfer into rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) preimplantation embryos gives rise to transgenic placentas that express a reporter transgene (eGFP). Blastocysts resulting from culture of in vitro fertilized ova were transduced with a self-inactivating lentiviral vector and transferred into recipient females. One twin and one singleton pregnancy were produced from a single stimulation cycle, and one live rhesus monkey was born from each pregnancy. Placentas from all conceptuses showed expression of the transgene as detected by reverse transcription-PCR, ribonuclease protection assay, direct epifluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot analysis. Integration in somatic tissues of the offspring was not detected. A maternal immune response to the xenogeneic placental antigen was shown by the presence of anti-GFP antibodies in peripheral blood of the recipient females by day 99 of gestation (term = 165 days). These results demonstrate that transgene expression during gestation is compatible with successful pregnancy in nonhuman primates and provides an approach that could be broadly applicable to the development of novel models for primate biomedical research.

Pregnancy and live birth from nonsurgical transfer of in vivo- and in vitro-produced blastocysts in the rhesus monkey

Embryo transfer in the rhesus monkey has been historically limited to transfer of cleavage stage embryos. In order to allow genetic manipulation of rhesus embryos in vitro, without using invasive surgical techniques, it is important to explore the transfer of morula and blastocyst stage embryos. Embryos were produced by in vitro fertilization from gonadotropin-stimulated monkeys, or were obtained by nonsurgical uterine flushing of naturally mated or artificially inseminated females. Nonsurgical transfer was accomplished by inserting a metal guide through the cervix into the uterus, after which a hollow cell sampler was inserted over the guide. The guide was removed and a catheter was inserted containing one to five embryos. Several pregnancies resulted from in vitro- and in vivo-derived blastocysts, and two pregnancies were carried to term resulting in one live birth. Blood samples were collected regularly to monitor plasma levels of chorionic gonadotropin, luteinizing hormone, and progesterone. The recipients received progesterone as a subcutaneous implant or daily injections from the day of transfer. The approach described in this study provides the opportunity to explore transgenic and chimeric models in the monkey by the development of noninvasive methods to transfer late-stage embryos that have been manipulated in vitro.

Peripheral giant cell granuloma: a case report

The peripheral giant cell granuloma is a reactive lesion of the soft tissue of the oral cavity. Clinical appearance ranges from normal tissue coloration to dark red or purplish. These are elevated lesions generally 5-15 mm in diameter. Etiology is considered to be chronic irritation. To decrease the risk of clinical recurrence, treatment is complete excision to include the underlying periosteum. Histologic features of the peripheral giant cell granuloma include multinucleated giant cells with a stroma that may contain osteoblasts, myofibroblasts, macrophages, and Langerhans cells. A case report is presented.

Near-body flow dynamics in swimming fish

We consider the motions and associated flow patterns of a swimming giant danio (Danio malabaricus). Experimental flow-visualization techniques have been employed to obtain the unsteady two-dimensional velocity fields around the straight-line swimming motions and a 60 degrees turn of the fish in the centerline plane of the fish depth. A three-dimensional numerical method is also employed to predict the total velocity field through simulation. Comparison of the experimental and numerical velocity and vorticity fields shows good agreement. The fish morphology, with its narrow peduncle region, allows for smooth flow into the articulated tail, which is able to sustain a large load for thrust generation. Streamlines of the flow detail complex processes that enhance the efficiency of flow actuation by the tail. The fish benefits from smooth near-body flow patterns and the generation of controlled body-bound vorticity, which is propagated towards the tail, shed prior to the peduncle region and then manipulated by the caudal fin to form large-scale vortical structures with minimum wasted energy. This manipulation of body-generated vorticity and its interaction with the vorticity generated by the oscillating caudal fin are fundamental to the propulsion and maneuvering capabilities of fish.

Cloning of neurotrimin defines a new subfamily of differentially expressed neural cell adhesion molecules

Previous studies in the laboratory indicated that glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins may generate diversity of the cell surface of different neuronal populations (Rosen et al., 1992). In this study, we have extended these findings and surveyed the expression of GPI-anchored proteins in the developing rat CNS. In addition to several well characterized GPI-anchored cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), we detected an unidentified broad band of 65 kDa that is the earliest and most abundantly expressed GPI-anchored species in the rat CNS. Purification of this protein band revealed that it is comprised of several related proteins that define a novel subfamily of immunoglobulin-like (Ig) CAMs. One of these proteins is the opiate binding-cell adhesion molecule (OBCAM). We have isolated a cDNA encoding a second member of this family, that we have termed neurotrimin, and present evidence for the existence of additional family members. Like OBCAM, with which it shares extensive sequence identity, neurotrimin contains three immunoglobulin-like domains. Both proteins are encoded by distinct genes that may be clustered on the proximal end of mouse chromosome 9. Characterization of the expression of neurotrimin and OBCAM in the developing CNS by in situ hybridization reveals that these proteins are differentially expressed during development. Neurotrimin is expressed at high levels in several developing projection systems: in neurons of the thalamus, subplate, and lower cortical laminae in the forebrain and in the pontine nucleus, cerebellar granule cells, and Purkinje cells in the hindbrain. Neurotrimin is also expressed at high levels in the olfactory bulb, neural retina, dorsal root ganglia, spinal cord, and in a graded distribution in the basal ganglia and hippocampus. OBCAM has a much more restricted distribution, being expressed at high levels principally in the cortical plate and hippocampus. These results suggest that these proteins, together with other members of this family, provide diversity to the surfaces of different neuronal populations that could be important in the specification of neuronal connectivity.