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Detection of Carbonyl Reductase-1 (CBR-1) enzyme in pre-implantation equine conceptuses and its putative role in embryo mobility. J Equine Vet Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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2
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Evaluation of SmartFlare probe applicability for verification of RNAs in early equine conceptuses, equine dermal fibroblast cells and trophoblastic vesicles. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 29:2157-2167. [PMID: 28248633 DOI: 10.1071/rd16362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Live cell RNA imaging has become an important tool for studying RNA localisation, dynamics and regulation in cultured cells. Limited information is available using these methods in more complex biological systems, such as conceptuses at different developmental stages. So far most of the approaches rely on microinjection of synthetic constructs into oocytes during or before fertilisation. Recently, a new generation of RNA-specific probes has been developed, the so named SmartFlare probes (Merck Millipore). These consist of a central 15-nm gold particle with target-specific DNAs immobilised on its surface. Because of their central gold particle, SmartFlare probes are detectable by transmission electron microscopy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the uptake and distribution of SmartFlare probes in equine conceptuses at developmental stages suitable for embryo transfer (Days 6-10), equine trophoblast vesicles and equine dermal fibroblast cell cultures, and to determine whether differences among these cell types and structures exist. Probe uptake was followed by transmission electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy. Although the embryonic zona pellucida did not reduce uptake of the probe, the acellular capsule fully inhibited probe internalisation. Nanogold particles were taken up by endocytosis by all cell types examined in a similar manner with regard to time and intracellular migration. They were processed in endosomal compartments and accumulated within lysosomal structures after longer incubation times. In conclusion, the SmartFlare probe is applicable in equine conceptuses, but its use is limited to the developmental stages before the formation of the embryonic capsule.
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3
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Influence of partial or total replacement of glycerol by alternative cryoprotectants in Ghent freezing extender on post-thaw sperm quality in stallions. Reprod Domest Anim 2017; 52:715-721. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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4
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Evaluation of hypo-osmotic swelling test and supra vital staining technique as indicators for donkey semen
freezability. PFERDEHEILKUNDE 2017. [DOI: 10.21836/pem20170208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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5
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Season Does Not Influence Embryo Recovery Rate and Conceptus Size Until Day 14 After Ovulation in the Horse. Reprod Domest Anim 2015; 50:299-303. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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6
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153 SEASON DOES NOT INFLUENCE EARLY CONCEPTUS GROWTH AND RECOVERY IN THE HORSE. Reprod Fertil Dev 2015. [DOI: 10.1071/rdv27n1ab153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the horse is a seasonal breeding species, a considerable number of mares continues to cycle throughout autumn and winter. This allows for embryo collection outside the breeding season. However, slower equine embryo growth during the non-breeding season has been hypothesised. Because in this species, smaller embryo size (<0.3 mm diameter) is beneficial for conceptus cryopreservation, embryo collection outside the breeding season could be an interesting approach for the production of frozen horse embryos. In the present study we have therefore analysed embryo recovery rates in a herd of research mares (Haflinger breed, n = 30) that are used for embryo production throughout the year. Oestrous mares were inseminated (500 Mio progressively motile sperm) at 48-h intervals and ovulation was detected by transrectal ultrasound. Diameter of the conceptus at collection was measured with a microscope scale (<day 11) or by electronic calipers of the ultrasound machine (>day 10). Statistical analysis was done with the SPSS Statistics 21 software. The influence of collection day (7 to 14 after ovulation) and season (SPR: March – May; SUM: June – August; AUT: September – November; WIN: December – February) on conceptus size was analysed by GLM univariate analysis. Influence of season on recovery rate was compared by Chi-squared analysis. Values for conceptus diameter are given as means ± s.e.M. A total of 352 embryo collection attempts were performed. Mean recovery was 64.2%. It was not affected by season (number of embryos collected: SPR: 51/72, SUM 67/105, AUT 71/114, WIN 37/61 flushes). The conceptus diameter was evaluated in a total of 165 embryos. Conceptus diameter significantly increased (P < 0.001) with day of pregnancy (e.g. day 7: 0.5 ± 0.05, day 8: 0.76 ± 0.2, day 10: 3.8 ± 0.2, day 12: 9.8 ± 0.6, day 14: 17.5 ± 1.0 mm), but was not influenced (P = 0.957) by season (e.g. day 10: SPR 4.2 ± 0.6, SUM 3.6 ± 0.4, AUT 3.9 ± 0.4, WIN 3.8 ± 0.6 mm). These results demonstrate that embryo collection in horses can be performed successfully throughout the year if mares continue to ovulate during the non-breeding season. Because conceptus growth is similar with regard to season, production of cryopreserved equine embryos is not facilitated at a specific time of the year.
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Progestin treatment does not affect expression of cytokines, steroid receptors, oxytocin receptor, and cyclooxygenase 2 in fetal membranes and endometrium from pony mares at parturition. Theriogenology 2013; 79:59-68. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2012] [Revised: 09/17/2012] [Accepted: 09/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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8
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Sex-dependent insulin like growth factor-1 expression in preattachment equine embryos. Theriogenology 2012; 79:193-9. [PMID: 23122604 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2012] [Revised: 10/01/2012] [Accepted: 10/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
An adjustment of sex ratio of offspring to the conditions present at conception is seen in many mammals including horses. This depends on preferential survival of male embryos under conditions of high energy intake. In several species, growth factors including insulin like growth factor (IGF)-1 have been shown to promote embryonic development by decreasing apoptosis and increasing cell proliferation. We hypothesized that sex-related differences in IGF-1 expression in equine embryos during the phase of maternal recognition of pregnancy might exist and thus contribute to preferential survival of embryos from either of both sexes under specific environmental conditions. Insulin like growth factor-1 mRNA expression of in vivo-produced equine embryos on different days of pregnancy (Day 8, N = 6; Day 10, N = 8; Day 12, N = 14) was analyzed. Insulin like growth factor-1 mRNA expression was evaluated by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The sex of the embryo was determined by detection of X-inactivation specific transcript (Xist) RNA and equine sex determining region of the Y chromosome DNA. Embryos positive for Xist expression were classified as female, and Xist negative and equine sex determining region of the Y chromosome positive embryos were classified as male. From 28 embryos tested, 15 (54%) showed positive Xist expression and were thus classified as female. Insulin like growth factor-1 mRNA expression was influenced by sex (P = 0.01) but not by day of pregnancy (relative expression of IGF-1 in relation to β-actin, Day 8: male 5.1 ± 2.1, female 11.4; Day 10: male 5.2 ± 1.6, female 17.4 ± 6.7; Day 12: male 2.6 ± 0.3, female 11.6 ± 2.4). Results demonstrate an increased expression of IGF-1 in female equine embryos. Sex-related influences on expression of the IGF system are probably related to a gradual X chromosome inactivation.
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Evaluation of Xist expression in preattachment equine embryos. Theriogenology 2012; 78:1429-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2012] [Revised: 05/29/2012] [Accepted: 05/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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10
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Expression of 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 and Glucocorticoid Receptors in Reproductive Tissue of Male Horses at Different Stages of Sexual Maturity. Reprod Domest Anim 2012; 48:231-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2012.02137.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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11
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Applicability of a new cell culture device for cooled-storage of stallion semen. Reprod Domest Anim 2012; 48:e20-2. [PMID: 22612399 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2012.02115.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A new device for storage and shipping of cell cultures--the Petaka G3 cell management device--was tested for its applicability for cooled-storage of equine semen. Semen from three stallions was processed with EquiPro extender either without antibiotics (three ejaculates per stallion) or with gentamicin (250 mg/l; three ejaculates per stallion). Semen was either stored at five (anaerobic conditions) or 15 °C (aerobic conditions) in syringes or cell culture devices. Total and progressive motility, as well as membrane integrity of spermatozoa, were evaluated from days 1 to 7 after collection with computer-assisted semen analysis. In experiment 1 (extender without antibiotics), total motility, progressive motility and viability of spermatozoa significantly decreased over time (p < 0.05). The decrease was significantly faster at 15 °C than at 5 °C (p < 0.05). In the presence of gentamicin (experiment 2), this difference was no longer present. It can be concluded that cooled-storage of equine semen in sophisticated devices for cell culture is not advantageous to syringes for successful maintenance of semen longevity.
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Gene Expression of ACTH, Glucocorticoid Receptors, 11βHSD Enzymes, LH-, FSH-, GH Receptors and Aromatase in Equine Epididymal and Testicular Tissue. Reprod Domest Anim 2012; 47:928-35. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2012.01993.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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13
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Influences of treatment of early pregnant mares with the progestin altrenogest on embryonic development and gene expression in the endometrium and conceptus. Theriogenology 2011; 76:61-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2010] [Revised: 01/14/2011] [Accepted: 01/14/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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14
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Practical experience with the treatment of recipient mares with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug in an equine embryo transfer programme. Reprod Domest Anim 2011; 45:1039-41. [PMID: 19515030 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2009.01486.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
As part of a commercial embryo transfer programme, 20 embryos were transferred to spontaneously synchronous or synchronized recipient mares. In 14 cases, embryo recipients were treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), receiving flunixin meglumine i.v. at the time of transfer and vedaprofen orally twice a day on the 3 days after embryo transfer, while six embryos were transferred to untreated mares that served as controls. Out of the 14 recipient mares treated with NSAID, 11 (79%) were pregnant at 6-8 days after transfer and in 10 mares, the pregnancy was continued. From the six untreated recipients, only one became pregnant but underwent early embryonic death between day 14 and 35 after ovulation. In conclusion, pregnancy rate in NSAID-treated recipients is higher than that in untreated recipients and above reported average values, indicating that treatment of recipient mares with NSAID helps to increase pregnancy rates after transcervical transfer and can be recommended for equine embryo transfer.
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Expression of Genes in the Canine Pre-implantation Uterus and Embryo: Implications for an Active Role of the Embryo Before and During Invasion. Reprod Domest Anim 2008; 43:656-63. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2007.00966.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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17
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Induction of abortion with aglepristone significantly changed the expression of progesterone and estrogen receptors in canine endometrial stromal cells. Theriogenology 2008; 70:1439-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2008.04.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2007] [Revised: 04/23/2008] [Accepted: 04/24/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Cryopreservation of stallion semen has no negative effect on size, quality or expression of viability markers in early equine embryos. Anim Reprod Sci 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2008.05.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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19
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Embryo transfer induces a subclinical endometritis in recipient mares which can be prevented by treatment with non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs. Theriogenology 2008; 70:1147-58. [PMID: 18657311 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2008.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2008] [Revised: 06/04/2008] [Accepted: 06/07/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We tested the hypothesis that subclinical endometritis occurs after embryo transfer (ET) in the horse. Recipient mares were treated with meclofenamic acid (M) or flunixin meglumin (F) after ET or were left untreated (n=9 per group). Embryos were re-collected 4 days after transfer. Endometrial biopsies were taken for histology and analysis of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) by immunohistochemistry and for PCR. Bacteriological swabs were collected from the uterus and lavage fluid of donor and recipient mares. Progesterone and prostaglandin F(2alpha) release was analysed in recipient mares after ET. Four days after ET, four embryos were recovered from group M and three from group F and untreated mares, each. The number of polymorph nuclear neutrophils was reduced in treated mares (p<0.05). Expression of mRNA for inflammatory cytokines did not differ between groups. In group M, expression of endometrial prostaglandin-E-synthase was higher than in group F (p<0.05). Three out of nine control mares underwent preterm luteolysis (p<0.05 vs. treatment groups), prostaglandin release (p<0.05) and the number of COX-2 positive cells (p<0.01) were significantly higher than in treated mares. Only few bacteriological swabs were positive. In conclusion, treatment of embryo recipient mares with non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs inhibits the inflammatory response of the endometrium after ET. Meclofenamic acid may have advantages in comparison to flunixin meglumin due to a different influence on prostaglandin synthesis that may not result in inhibition of embryonic mobility.
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20
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Effect of a dietary antioxidant supplementation on semen quality in pony stallions. Theriogenology 2008; 69:940-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2008.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2007] [Revised: 01/16/2008] [Accepted: 01/29/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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21
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Significance of aquaporins and sodium potassium ATPase subunits for expansion of the early equine conceptus. Reproduction 2008; 135:497-508. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-07-0298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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22
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Effect of clenbuterol on the clearance of particles of charcoal (4 to 90 μm) from the uteri of mares. Vet Rec 2005; 156:279-81. [PMID: 15765896 DOI: 10.1136/vr.156.9.279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The failure of clearance mechanisms in the mare's uterus results in persistent inflammation and is considered a major cause of subfertility. Eighteen mares, of which three were susceptible to endometritis and four had been ovariectomised, underwent charcoal clearance testing to evaluate their clearance mechanisms. This consisted of installing 500 mg of charcoal (particle size 4 to 90 microm) added to 50 ml of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) into the uterus. Forty-eight hours later the uterus was flushed out with 0.0012 per cent methylene blue in 50 ml of PBS for determination of the diluting factor by photospectrometry. Flush volume, pH, specific gravity and pellet size were all analysed. To investigate the effect of a beta2-adrenergic agonist on the ability of genitally healthy oestrous mares to eliminate a suspension of charcoal from the uterus, four genitally healthy mares with appropriate charcoal clearance were also subjected to clearance testing following intravenous administration of 0.8 microg/kg of clenbuterol every 12 hours and 1 microg/kg of clenbuterol every eight hours. All parameters were within their normal range following clenbuterol treatment. However, minimal but significant differences in pre- and post-treatment values regarding fluid volume and extinction rate were recorded.
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