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Lim M, Brown HM, Rose RD, Thompson JG, Dunning KR. Dysregulation of bisphosphoglycerate mutase during in vitro maturation of oocytes. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:1363-1372. [PMID: 34052998 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02230-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Oxygen is vital for oocyte maturation; however, oxygen regulation within ovarian follicles is not fully understood. Hemoglobin is abundant within the in vivo matured oocyte, indicating potential function as an oxygen regulator. However, hemoglobin is significantly reduced following in vitro maturation (IVM). The molecule 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (2,3-BPG) is essential in red blood cells, facilitating release of oxygen from hemoglobin. Towards understanding the role of 2,3-BPG in the oocyte, we characterized gene expression and protein abundance of bisphosphoglycerate mutase (Bpgm), which synthesizes 2,3-BPG, and whether this is altered under low oxygen or hemoglobin addition during IVM. METHODS Hemoglobin and Bpgm expression within in vivo matured human cumulus cells and mouse cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were evaluated to determine physiological levels of Bpgm. During IVM, Bpgm gene expression and protein abundance were analyzed in the presence or absence of low oxygen (2% and 5% oxygen) or exogenous hemoglobin. RESULTS The expression of Bpgm was significantly lower than hemoglobin when mouse COCs were matured in vivo. Following IVM at 20% oxygen, Bpgm gene expression and protein abundance were significantly higher compared to in vivo. At 2% oxygen, Bpgm was significantly higher compared to 20% oxygen, while exogenous hemoglobin resulted in significantly lower Bpgm in the COC. CONCLUSION Hemoglobin and 2,3-BPG may play a role within the maturing COC. This study shows that IVM increases Bpgm within COCs compared to in vivo. Decreasing oxygen concentration and the addition of hemoglobin altered Bpgm, albeit not to levels observed in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Lim
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Hannah M Brown
- The Victorian Heart Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ryan D Rose
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Fertility SA, St. Andrews Hospital, South Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jeremy G Thompson
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kylie R Dunning
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
- Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
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2
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Kim DS, Kim SH, Yoon JT. Regulatory effect of apoptosis on morphological changes in cell mass of porcine blastocyst through supplementation of rapamycin during in vitro culture. J Adv Vet Anim Res 2020; 7:614-620. [PMID: 33409304 PMCID: PMC7774785 DOI: 10.5455/javar.2020.g459] [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: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The study of an in vitro embryosis is crucial in genetics for breed improvement and reproduction in livestock, identifying the causes of infertility, and stem cell application. Meanwhile, the problem of nucleic acid denaturation observed during embryo development is yet to be resolved. This study was set out to analyze the nucleic acid denaturation during the development of in vitro embryos. Materials and Methods Using an in-vitro fertilization-embryo in porcine, the cell development and apoptosis were evaluated by adding rapamycin by concentration to the TCM-199 containing 10% FBS or 10% porcine follicle fluid (pFF). Real-time PCR, zymography, DNA fragment, Western blot, and immunofluorescence analysis were also carried out to determine the development rate of inner cell mass in the in-vitro fertilization-embryo. Results The findings indicated that the addition of rapamycin to the 10% pFF group during in vitro maturation led to an increase in the rates of cleavage and blastocyst development and the expression of active matrix metallopeptidase (MMP-9), while nucleic acid denaturation was suppressed. In other words, the addition of rapamycin was found to increase the expression of MMP-2 in the inner cell mass and trophoblast, while it inhibited apoptosis. Conclusion The addition of rapamycin influences the regulation of apoptosis and MMPs, and based on this, it is presumed to have a positive effect on blastocyst development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae Seung Kim
- Major in the Animal Biotechnology, Graduate School of Future Convergence Technology, Hankyong National University, Anseong, Korea.,These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Sang Hwan Kim
- Institute of Genetic Engineering, Hankyong National University, Ansung, Korea.,These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Jong Taek Yoon
- Department of Animal Life and Environment Science, Hankyong National University, Ansung, Korea
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3
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Lim M, Brown HM, Kind KL, Thompson JG, Dunning KR. Hemoglobin: potential roles in the oocyte and early embryo†. Biol Reprod 2020; 101:262-270. [PMID: 31058953 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemoglobin (Hb) is commonly known for its capacity to bind and transport oxygen and carbon dioxide in erythroid cells. However, it plays additional roles in cellular function and health due to its capacity to bind other gases including nitric oxide. Further, Hb acts as a potent antioxidant, quenching reactive oxygen species. Despite its potential roles in cellular function, the preponderance of Hb research remains focused on its role in oxygen regulation. There is increasing evidence that Hb expression is more ubiquitous than previously thought, with Hb and its variants found in a myriad of cell types ranging from macrophages to spermatozoa. The majority of nonerythroid cell types that express Hb are situated within hypoxic environments, suggesting Hb may play a role in hypoxia-inducible factor-regulated gene expression by controlling the level of oxygen available or as an adaptation to low oxygen providing a mechanism to store oxygen. Oocyte maturation and preimplantation embryo development occur within the low oxygen environments of the antral follicle and oviduct/uterus, respectively. Interestingly, Hb was recently found in human cumulus and granulosa cells and murine cumulus-oocyte complexes and preimplantation embryos. Here, we consolidate and analyze the research generated todate on Hb expression in nonerythroid cells with a particular focus on reproductive cell types. We outline future directions of this research to elucidate the role of Hb during oocyte maturation and preimplantation embryo development and finally, we explore the potential clinical applications and benefits of Hb supplementation during the in vitro culture of gametes and embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Lim
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics.,Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Hannah M Brown
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Karen L Kind
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jeremy G Thompson
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics.,Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kylie R Dunning
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics.,Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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4
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Lim M, Brown HM, Kind KL, Breen J, Anastasi MR, Ritter LJ, Tregoweth EK, Dinh DT, Thompson JG, Dunning KR. Haemoglobin expression in in vivo murine preimplantation embryos suggests a role in oxygen-regulated gene expression. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:724-734. [PMID: 30482269 DOI: 10.1071/rd17321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Haemoglobin expression is not restricted to erythroid cells. We investigated the gene expression of the haemoglobin subunits haemoglobin, alpha adult chain 1 (Hba-a1) and haemoglobin, beta (Hbb), 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate mutase (Bpgm) and the oxygen-regulated genes BCL2/adenovirus E1B interacting protein 3 (Bnip3), solute carrier family 2 (facilitated glucose transporter), member 1 (Slc2a1) and N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 (Ndrg1) in the murine preimplantation embryo, comparing invivo to invitro gene expression. Relatively high levels of Hba-a1 and Hbb were expressed invivo from the 2-cell to blastocyst stage; in contrast, little or no expression occurred invitro. We hypothesised that the presence of haemoglobin invivo creates a low oxygen environment to induce oxygen-regulated gene expression, supported by high expression of Slc2a1 and Ndrg1 in invivo relative to invitro embryos. In addition, analysis of an invitro-derived human embryo gene expression public dataset revealed low expression of haemoglobin subunit alpha (HBA) and HBB, and high expression of BPGM. To explore whether there was a developmental stage-specific effect of haemoglobin, we added exogenous haemoglobin either up to the 4-cell stage or throughout development to the blastocyst stage, but observed no difference in blastocyst rate or the inner cell mass to trophectoderm cell ratio. We conclude that haemoglobin in the invivo preimplantation embryo raises an interesting premise of potential mechanisms for oxygen regulation, which may influence oxygen-regulated gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Lim
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - H M Brown
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - K L Kind
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - J Breen
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - M R Anastasi
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - L J Ritter
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - E K Tregoweth
- Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - D T Dinh
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - J G Thompson
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - K R Dunning
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
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Respiration Rates of Individual Bovine In Vivo-Produced Embryos Measured with a Novel, Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL REPRODUCTION AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.12750/jet.2013.28.4.91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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Abstract
In 1946, at the end of World War II, I entered graduate school at Cornell University, where I remained for 44 years. During that time, my laboratory produced more than 300 publications in the field of reproductive biology, including studies on nutrition and reproduction, the role of the hypothalamus in pituitary gonadotropin release, corpus luteum formation and function, hormone assays, and estrous cycle synchronization. At age seventy, I retired from Cornell and accepted the Gordon Cain Endowed Professorship at Louisiana State University, where I continued my work on the bovine corpus luteum and added research on the collection, maturation, in vitro fertilization, and culture of bovine oocytes. In 1994, I moved to the Pennington Biomedical Research Center and soon thereafter started the research that led to development of the lytic peptide-gonadotropin conjugates, which target and destroy cancer cell membranes. I am continuing my work on the development of targeted cancer cell drugs and, yes, research is still fun!
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Affiliation(s)
- William Hansel
- Liberty Hyde Bailey Emeritus Professor, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
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7
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Hansel W. From hyperkeratosis to apoptosis: lessons learned from 65 years of research. Biol Reprod 2012; 87:19, 1-11. [PMID: 22517625 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.112.100305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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Hwang IS, Kim SW, Byun SJ, Kim KW, Chung HK, Park JJ, Gobianand K, Park JK, Yoo JG. The effect of horse serum on in vitro development of porcine parthenogenetic embryos. Reprod Biol 2012; 12:25-39. [PMID: 22472938 DOI: 10.1016/s1642-431x(12)60075-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine the effect of different sera and serum-like substances on the preimplantation development of porcine parthenogenetic embryos. Chemically activated (calcium ionophore A23187+cytochalasin B) pig oocytes were pre-cultured for five days. On day 5, the parthenogenetic embryos were treated with porcine follicular fluid (PFF), fetal bovine serum (FBS), horse serum (HS) or porcine serum albumin (PSA), and were cultured two more days. Horse serum was found to be the most effective protein source in enhancing parthenote development judging by blastocyst formation and hatching. Next, three different concentrations of HS (10, 20 and 30%) were used to determine the optima HS concentration needed to improve the development of porcine parthenogenetic embryos. All HS concentrations increased the blastocyst cell number and decreased the incidence of blastocyst apoptotic cells with 20% being the most effective. In conclusion, horse serum enhanced parthenogenetic embryo development and the quality of porcine parthenogenetic embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- In-Sul Hwang
- Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Suwon, Republic of Korea
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9
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Gilbert RO. The effects of endometritis on the establishment of pregnancy in cattle. Reprod Fertil Dev 2012; 24:252-7. [DOI: 10.1071/rd11915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometritis is common in post partum dairy cows and is associated with impaired reproductive performance reflected in reduced first service conception, reduced hazard of pregnancy over the breeding period and increased risk of reproductive culling. The observed effects may be mediated directly by bacterial products, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS, endotoxin), or indirectly by inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines, eicosanoids, nitric oxide and oxidative stress affecting sperm, ovarian, uterine and embryonic function. An inflammatory milieu in the uterus has been associated with changes in sperm motility and function as well as increased sperm phagocytosis. Zygotes resulting from fertilisation of oocytes with sperm subjected to oxidative stress are less likely to develop to the blastocyst stage. In addition, LPS and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα) impair follicular steroidogenesis, growth and ovulation. Oocytes exposed to LPS or prostaglandin (PG) F2α during maturation are less likely to develop to blastocyst stage after fertilisation. Embryos exposed to inflammatory mediators during development have fewer trophoectoderm cells. Nitric oxide impairs development of preimplantation embryos and TNFα increases blastomere apoptosis. Endometritis in women has been associated with higher rates of implantation failure. Extragenital inflammation (e.g. mastitis) is also associated with an increased rate of embryonic loss in cattle. These observations make it clear that direct and indirect effects of endometritis, and inflammation in general, can interrupt successful reproduction at several crucial stages.
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10
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Deb GK, Dey SR, Bang JI, Cho SJ, Park HC, Lee JG, Kong IK. 9-cis retinoic acid improves developmental competence and embryo quality during in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes through the inhibition of oocyte tumor necrosis factor-α gene expression1. J Anim Sci 2011; 89:2759-67. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2011-3848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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11
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Nguyen T, Nakao T, Gautam G, Su L, Ranasinghe R, Yusuf M. Relationship between milk somatic cell count and postpartum ovarian cyclicity and fertility in dairy cows. Acta Vet Hung 2011; 59:349-62. [PMID: 21727067 DOI: 10.1556/avet.2011.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The main objective of the study was to describe the relationship of high somatic cell count (SCC) with the incidence of abnormal postpartum resumption of ovarian cyclicity and reproductive performance in dairy cows. The factors influencing SCC were also investigated. Four hundred and forty-seven cows from six dairy herds in Japan were monitored for SCC and postpartum resumption of ovarian cyclicity. Cows with high SCC (200,000 to 500,000) had a higher incidence of prolonged luteal phase (P < 0.01) than cows with an SCC of 50,000 to 100,000. The high SCC cows (> 500,000) also showed a higher incidence of delayed first ovulation post partum than cows with an SCC ≤500,000 (P < 0.05) during the first month post partum. Cows with an SCC of 200,000 to 500,000 showed lower conception and pregnancy rates, and more days from calving to conception than cows with an SCC of less than 200,000 (P < 0.05). Cows in parity 5 or more had a higher incidence of high SCC than cows in the first and second parities (P < 0.05). It is concluded that cows with a high SCC have a higher incidence of abnormal postpartum resumption of ovarian cyclicity, leading to reduced reproductive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thinh Nguyen
- 1 Yamaguchi University Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture 1677-1 Yoshida Yamaguchi 753-8515 Japan
| | - Toshihiko Nakao
- 1 Yamaguchi University Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture 1677-1 Yoshida Yamaguchi 753-8515 Japan
| | - Gokarna Gautam
- 1 Yamaguchi University Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture 1677-1 Yoshida Yamaguchi 753-8515 Japan
| | - Long Su
- 1 Yamaguchi University Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture 1677-1 Yoshida Yamaguchi 753-8515 Japan
| | - Ranasinghe Ranasinghe
- 1 Yamaguchi University Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture 1677-1 Yoshida Yamaguchi 753-8515 Japan
| | - Muhammad Yusuf
- 1 Yamaguchi University Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture 1677-1 Yoshida Yamaguchi 753-8515 Japan
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Nielsen HI, Ali J. Embryo Culture Media, Culture Techniques and Embryo Selection: A Tribute to Wesley Kingston Whitten. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1177/205891581000100102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
This review article gives a brief history of the classical experiments that led to the development of the embryo culture medium and in vitro embryo culture. It proposes that, in view of the outstanding and significant pioneering contributions of Wesley Kingston Whitten to the development of embryo culture medium, he be considered the “Father of Embryo Culture Medium”. Furthermore, it describes the nutritional requirements of early embryos and how these requirements with specific references to carbohydrates, amino acids, phosphates, growth factors, etc, have been utilized to formulate increasingly more complex embryo culture media. This has led to the development of progressively more efficacious embryo culture media including the formulation of completely defined and synthetic protein-free embryo culture medium. The review also describes physical factors, growth factors, insemination methods for the fertilization of oocytes and culture methods affecting embryo growth, development, metabolism, oxygen embryotoxicity and survival. In procedural terms, the review also summarizes the evolution of embryo culture techniques from tube culture to, microdrop culture under oil to co-culture to ultra microdrop culture techniques. It includes techniques of in vitro maturation and for the selection of potentially viable embryos of various developmental stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Ingolf Nielsen
- Fertility Center Dronninglund, Aalborg Hospital, Aarhus University Hospital, Dronninglund, Denmark
- Padmashree Dr. DY Patil University, Medical College, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Jaffar Ali
- IVF Laboratory, CTHM Reproductive Medicine Unit, Women's Specialized Hospital, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh
- Stem Cell Unit, Department of Anatomy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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13
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Pyruvate reduces in vitro the embryotoxic effect of peritoneal fluid from infertile women with endometriosis. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2007; 136:67-73. [PMID: 18079036 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2007.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2006] [Revised: 05/09/2007] [Accepted: 06/14/2007] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To ascertain the embryotoxicity of peritoneal fluid from infertile women with endometriosis (PF-E), on mouse embryos in culture and to examine the effect of pyruvate in the culture medium on PF-E induced embryotoxicity. STUDY DESIGN Blood-free peritoneal fluid samples were obtained during laparoscopic investigation for infertility from 21 infertile women with endometriosis. The severity of endometriosis ranged from minimal or mild (PF-min to mild-E; n=7), moderate (PF-mod-E; n=7), to severe (PF-sev-E; n=7). Peritoneal fluid samples were centrifuged at 600 x g for 10 min and 4 degrees C, and the supernatant was incubated at 56 degrees C for 30 min in a water bath to inactivate the complement protein. Mice were super ovulated with intraperitoneal injection (IP) of 5IU of pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin and human chorion gonadotrophin. Twenty-four hours after confirmation of mating two-cell mouse embryos were obtained. They were then cultured in modified Whitten's medium (mWM) with peritoneal fluid from patients with endometriosis, and either in the absence or presence of excess pyruvate (0.062 mmol(-1)). Embryos were cultured for 72 h. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Addition of 5% PF-E significantly (p<0.001) suppressed embryo growth at 24, 48, and 72 h of culture and the degree of suppression correlated with the severity of the disease. The presence of 0.062 mmol(-1) pyruvate in the culture medium significantly (p<0.001) reduced the embryotoxicity of PF-min to mild-E and PF-mod-E at each stage of development, but was only seen at 24h of culture (p<0.001) in cultures with PF-sev-E even when the concentration of pyruvate in the medium was increased to 0.31 mmol(-1). This study confirms the embryotoxicity of PF-E in vitro, which was reduced by the presence pyruvate in the culture medium, particularly in cultures containing fluid from women with endometriosis of minimum or mild to moderate severity.
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14
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Georgiou AS, Snijders APL, Sostaric E, Aflatoonian R, Vazquez JL, Vazquez JM, Roca J, Martinez EA, Wright PC, Fazeli A. Modulation of The Oviductal Environment by Gametes. J Proteome Res 2007; 6:4656-66. [DOI: 10.1021/pr070349m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Stephen Georgiou
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Level 4, The Jessop Wing, Tree Root Walk, Sheffield S10 2SF, United Kingdom, Biological and Environmental Systems Group, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield S1 3JD, United Kingdom, and Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, 30.071 Murcia, Spain
| | - Ambrosius P. L. Snijders
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Level 4, The Jessop Wing, Tree Root Walk, Sheffield S10 2SF, United Kingdom, Biological and Environmental Systems Group, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield S1 3JD, United Kingdom, and Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, 30.071 Murcia, Spain
| | - Edita Sostaric
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Level 4, The Jessop Wing, Tree Root Walk, Sheffield S10 2SF, United Kingdom, Biological and Environmental Systems Group, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield S1 3JD, United Kingdom, and Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, 30.071 Murcia, Spain
| | - Reza Aflatoonian
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Level 4, The Jessop Wing, Tree Root Walk, Sheffield S10 2SF, United Kingdom, Biological and Environmental Systems Group, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield S1 3JD, United Kingdom, and Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, 30.071 Murcia, Spain
| | - Jose L. Vazquez
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Level 4, The Jessop Wing, Tree Root Walk, Sheffield S10 2SF, United Kingdom, Biological and Environmental Systems Group, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield S1 3JD, United Kingdom, and Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, 30.071 Murcia, Spain
| | - Juan M. Vazquez
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Level 4, The Jessop Wing, Tree Root Walk, Sheffield S10 2SF, United Kingdom, Biological and Environmental Systems Group, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield S1 3JD, United Kingdom, and Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, 30.071 Murcia, Spain
| | - Jordi Roca
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Level 4, The Jessop Wing, Tree Root Walk, Sheffield S10 2SF, United Kingdom, Biological and Environmental Systems Group, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield S1 3JD, United Kingdom, and Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, 30.071 Murcia, Spain
| | - Emilio A. Martinez
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Level 4, The Jessop Wing, Tree Root Walk, Sheffield S10 2SF, United Kingdom, Biological and Environmental Systems Group, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield S1 3JD, United Kingdom, and Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, 30.071 Murcia, Spain
| | - Phillip C. Wright
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Level 4, The Jessop Wing, Tree Root Walk, Sheffield S10 2SF, United Kingdom, Biological and Environmental Systems Group, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield S1 3JD, United Kingdom, and Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, 30.071 Murcia, Spain
| | - Alireza Fazeli
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Level 4, The Jessop Wing, Tree Root Walk, Sheffield S10 2SF, United Kingdom, Biological and Environmental Systems Group, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield S1 3JD, United Kingdom, and Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, 30.071 Murcia, Spain
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15
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Takenaka M, Horiuchi T. Recombinant human albumin supports mouse blastocyst development, suppresses apoptosis in blastocysts and improves fetal development. Reprod Med Biol 2007; 6:195-201. [PMID: 29699278 DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-0578.2007.00185.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Human serum albumin (HSA) is usually added to human in vitro fertilization culture medium to support embryo development, but carries some risk of contamination with various other compounds. Recombinant human albumin (rHA) has been shown to be a chemically defined protein. We evaluated the effect of rHA on mouse embryo development. Methods: B6D2F1 pronuclear oocytes were cultured in protein-free potassium simplex optimized medium with non-essential and essential amino acids supplemented with rHA, HSA (1 mg/mL) or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA; 0.1 mg/mL) for 96 h. The incidence of apoptosis and the generation of nitric oxide (NO) in blastocysts and fetal development after embryo transfer were examined. Results: Blastocyst development was equal in the three supplements. The incidence of apoptosis and the generation of NO in blastocysts developed in rHA was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than in HSA or PVA. After transfer of blastocysts developed in rHA, the percentage of fetal development was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than in HSA or PVA (75.8 ± 2.2%vs 46.8 ± 7.5% or 42.4 ± 3.9%, respectively). Conclusions: Supplementing culture medium with rHA resulted in decreased apoptosis and increased fetal development after embryo transfer. The results show that the presence of rHA in the culture medium is beneficial for producing high-quality blastocysts. (Reprod Med Biol 2007; 6: 195-201).
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Affiliation(s)
- Manami Takenaka
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Scientific Research, Prefectural University of Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Toshitaka Horiuchi
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Scientific Research, Prefectural University of Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan
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16
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Papis K, Poleszczuk O, Wenta-Muchalska E, Modlinski JA. Melatonin effect on bovine embryo development in vitro in relation to oxygen concentration. J Pineal Res 2007; 43:321-6. [PMID: 17910599 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-079x.2007.00479.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin promotes mouse embryo development in vitro. An effect of melatonin on bovine embryo development is described here. Slaughterhouse derived oocytes were subjected to standard in vitro maturation and fertilization procedures. Presumptive zygotes were cultured for 2 days in CR1aaLA medium supplemented with melatonin (10(-4) m) or without melatonin (control). Culture was performed under two different gas atmospheres containing physiological (7%) or atmospheric (20%) oxygen concentrations (2x2 factorial analysis). After day 2, embryos from each treatment group developed to at least four-cell stage, were cultured without melatonin until day 10 at optimum 7% O2 atmosphere. Blastocyst formation rates of presumptive zygotes and of four-cell embryos were calculated for each group. Significant interactions between oxygen tension and the melatonin treatment were found. Out of four-cell embryos put into in vitro culture after initial incubation in medium containing melatonin, decreased blastocyst rate was observed in melatonin group (47.7%) compared with control (67.7%; P=0.0327) when lower oxygen concentration was applied. A beneficial effect of melatonin was observed in 20% O2: out of 61 embryos, 42 (68.9%) developed to the blastocyst stage after treatment in melatonin versus 32 of 63 (50.8%; P=0.0458) blastocysts that developed in control group. In conclusion, beneficial or harmful effects of melatonin on bovine embryo development in vitro were observed, depending on the oxygen tension during the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Papis
- Department of Experimental Embryology, Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Poland.
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17
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Tesfaye D, Kadanga A, Rings F, Bauch K, Jennen D, Nganvongpanit K, Hölker M, Tholen E, Ponsuksili S, Wimmers K, Montag M, Gilles M, Kirfel G, Herzog V, Schellander K. The Effect of Nitric Oxide Inhibition and Temporal Expression Patterns of the mRNA and Protein Products of Nitric Oxide Synthase Genes During In Vitro Development of Bovine Pre-implantation Embryos. Reprod Domest Anim 2006; 41:501-9. [PMID: 17107508 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2006.00701.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to determine the effect of Nitric oxide (NO) inhibition in bovine in vitro development and expression analysis of the three Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms: endothelial (eNOS), neuronal (nNOS) and inducible (iNOS), mRNA and protein in bovine oocytes and embryos. Selective inhibitor of NOS, N-omega-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) was applied at different doses (0, 0.1, 1 and 10 mm) in maturation (experiment 1A), culture medium (experiment 1B) and in both maturation and culture media (experiment 1C). No significant differences were observed in cleavage and blastocyst rates when oocytes were matured in the presence of l-NAME as long as the inhibitor was omitted during fertilization and culture. However, significantly lower blastocyst rates were observed when l-NAME was present at higher level (10 mm) in culture medium alone and in both maturation and culture media. In experiment 2, mRNA isolated from triplicate pools of oocytes and embryos (n = 15-20) was subjected to quantitative real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to investigate the expression of eNOS, iNOS and nNOS mRNA in normal IVP bovine oocytes and embryos. While eNOS and iNOS transcripts were detected at higher level in oocytes (immature and mature), two-cell and four-cell stage embryos, the nNOS was detected only in immature oocyte, two-cell and morula stages. In experiment 3, eNOS and iNOS protein expression analysis was performed in IVP oocytes and embryos and both proteins were detected in the cytoplasm and the nuclei (weak) of oocytes and embryos. These data provide the first evidence for the role of NO production and the presence of mRNA and protein products of NOS isoforms during bovine embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Tesfaye
- Institute of Animal Science, Animal Breeding and Husbandry Group, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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18
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Kim JH, Lee SH, Kim S, Jeong YW, Koo OJ, Hashem MDA, Park SM, Lee EG, Hossein MS, Kang SK, Lee BC, Hwang WS. Embryotrophic effects of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and hemoglobin on in vitro porcine embryos development. Theriogenology 2006; 66:449-55. [PMID: 16472851 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2005.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2005] [Revised: 12/15/2005] [Accepted: 12/19/2005] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the embryotrophic effects of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and hemoglobin (Hb) on porcine preimplantation embryo development. Porcine embryos produced by in vitro maturation/fertilization were cultured for 6 days in modified North Carolina State University-23 medium (mNCSU-23) supplemented with EDTA and/or Hb. In Exp. 1, culturing porcine zygotes with 100 microM EDTA significantly increased cleavage frequencies (85.3%) at 48 h post insemination and the number of inner cell mass (ICM) (9.6+/-5.5) compared to the control (7.0+/-2.8). However, 100 microM EDTA did not improve blastocyst formation compared to 0, 1 or 10 microM EDTA. In Exp. 2, in vitro fertilized oocytes were cultured with 0, 1 or 10 microg/ml Hb. Culturing with Hb did not promote porcine embryo development, but significantly increased the cell numbers of blastocysts in 1 microg/ml Hb compared to 0 or 10 microg/ml Hb. In Exp. 3, culturing embryos with 100 microM EDTA+1 microg/ml Hb significantly improved frequencies of cleavage, blastocyst formation, and total cell numbers in blastocysts compared to the control. Moreover, 100 microM EDTA, 1 microg/ml Hb and their combination reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and decreased the incidence of apoptosis. In conclusion, the present study clearly demonstrated that the combining treatment of EDTA and Hb improved IVF porcine embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hye Kim
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, South Korea
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19
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Manser RC, Houghton FD. Ca2+ -linked upregulation and mitochondrial production of nitric oxide in the mouse preimplantation embryo. J Cell Sci 2006; 119:2048-55. [PMID: 16638811 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.02927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated a role for the signalling agent nitric oxide in regulating preimplantation embryo development. We have now investigated the biochemical mode of action of nitric oxide in mouse embryos in terms of mitochondrial function and Ca2+ signalling. DETA-NONOate, a nitric oxide donor, decreased day 4 blastocyst cell number and oxygen consumption, consistent with a role for nitric oxide in the inhibition mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase. Using live cell imaging and the nitric-oxide-sensitive probe DAF-FM diacetate, nitric oxide was detected at all stages of preimplantation development and FRET analysis revealed a proportion of the nitric oxide to be colocalised with mitochondria. This suggests that mitochondria of preimplantation embryos produce nitric oxide to regulate their own oxygen consumption. Inhibiting or uncoupling the electron transport chain induced an increase in nitric oxide and [Ca2+]i as well as disruption of Ca2+ deposits at the plasma membrane, suggesting that mitochondrial disruption can quickly compromise cellular function through Ca2+ -stimulated nitric oxide production. A link between antimycin-A-induced apoptosis and nitric oxide signalling is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary C Manser
- Department of Biology, University of York, PO Box 373, York, YO10 5YW, UK
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20
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Orsi NM. Embryotoxicity of the nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside in preimplantation bovine embryos in vitro. Anim Reprod Sci 2006; 91:225-36. [PMID: 15964159 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2005.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2005] [Revised: 04/21/2005] [Accepted: 04/29/2005] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Many early pregnancy complications are associated with an imbalance in pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, resulting in alterations in nitric oxide (NO) profile. Since very little is known about the modus operandi of this free radical in early embryos, this study characterised NO embryotoxicity in terms of bovine embryo development and metabolism. Embryos were generated by in vitro maturation and fertilisation of oocytes aspirated from abattoir-derived ovaries. Zygote to blastocyst rates were measured in SOFaaBSA in the presence and absence of the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) over the 0-50 microM range (n=10 per group). Since concentrations <10 microM SNP depressed blastocyst rate, blastocyst cell numbers (determined by bisbenzimide staining; n=22 and 20), glucose, pyruvate, lactate (measured ultramicrofluorometrically) and amino acid profiles (quantified by HPLC; n=28 and 23) were assessed at 0 and 10 microM SNP. SNP depressed cell numbers, reduced pyruvate and glucose uptake, perturbed quantitative tyrosine, threonine, phenylalanine, lysine, glycine, tryptophan, methionine and valine profiles, and decreased retention into the negative range (P<0.05). Qualitative asparagine and lysine profiles were affected by SNP, while proportional amino acid production and consumption were increased and decreased, respectively (P<0.05). These findings indicate that SNP (presumably through increases in NO profile): (i) fails to improve bovine embryo development in vitro, (ii) exerts toxic effects, likely through ATP starvation induced by cytochrome c oxidase (oxidative phosphorylation) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (glycolysis) inhibition, and (iii) may affect albumin endocytosis/hydrolysis or protein biosynthesis, rather than causing a loss of intracellular amino acids or simply depressing their metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas M Orsi
- Perinatal Research Group, Academic Unit of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, D Floor, Clarendon Wing, Leeds General Infirmary, Belmont Grove, Leeds, LS2 9NS, UK.
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21
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Ikeda S, Kitagawa M, Imai H, Yamada M. The Roles of Vitamin A for Cytoplasmic Maturation of Bovine Oocytes. J Reprod Dev 2005; 51:23-35. [PMID: 15750294 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.51.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin A is one of the micronutrients which have been implicated in cattle reproduction. In cattle, ingested vitamin A, mainly as beta-carotene (BC) from forages and retinol ester from formula feed, is metabolized and transported to the oocytes and cumulus-granulosa cells in ovarian follicles through binding to various interacting molecules. The active form of vitamin A, retinoic acid (RA), functions as a regulator of gene expression in these targets. Early research showed the positive effects of vitamin A supplementation on bovine fertility in artificial insemination, and several studies on effects of vitamin A metabolites used in other artificial reproductive techniques (ART), including superovulation, ovum pick up, and in vitro maturation culture have provided evidence for the specific roles of vitamin A in oocyte cytoplasmic maturation (acquisition of developmental competence of oocytes during their meiotic maturation period for the embryonic development after fertilization). BC may enhance cytoplasmic maturation by its antioxidant properties which cannot be replaced by RA. Furthermore, RA may promote cytoplasmic maturation of bovine oocytes via its modulatory effects on the gene expression of gonadotrophin receptors, midkine, cyclooxygenase-2, and nitric oxide synthase in cumulus-granulosa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuntaro Ikeda
- Livestock Farm, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
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22
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Manser RC, Leese HJ, Houghton FD. Effect of inhibiting nitric oxide production on mouse preimplantation embryo development and metabolism. Biol Reprod 2004; 71:528-33. [PMID: 15070826 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.103.025742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is a free radical that functions as a cell signaling molecule but at high concentrations can be toxic. It is formed from arginine, which is consumed by the mouse blastocyst, but its effect on early embryo development has been little studied. In this study, the role of NO in mouse preimplantation development has been examined in terms of developmental rate and oxidative metabolism. Zygotes were cultured in one of four media; potassium simplex optimization medium (KSOM), KSOM with amino acids (KSOMaa), KSOM without glutamine (KSOM-glut), or KSOM with 0.5 mM arginine (KSOMarg) +/- l-NAME (a specific inhibitor of NO production). End points were Day 4 blastocyst rates, cell counts determined using bisbenzimide and oxygen consumption. In KSOM and KSOM-glut, the blastocyst rate was decreased by 1 mM l-NAME from 50.2% +/- 3.1% and 37.4% +/- 4.5% to 6% +/- 3% and 0%, respectively. In KSOMaa, cavitation rates were unaltered but the blastocysts contained fewer cells (P < 0.001). Blastocysts cultured in KSOM and KSOM-glut consumed significantly more oxygen than those cultured in KSOMaa (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively). However, the addition of 0.1 mM or 1 mM l-NAME to KSOMaa significantly increased the amount of oxygen consumed (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). The data suggest a physiological role for NO in mouse preimplantation metabolism and development. One possibility is that NO may limit oxygen consumption at the blastocyst stage at the level of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase.
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Affiliation(s)
- R C Manser
- Department of Biology (Area 3), University of York, PO Box 373, York YO10 5YW, United Kingdom.
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23
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Hansen PJ, Soto P, Natzke RP. Mastitis and Fertility in Cattle - Possible Involvement of Inflammation or Immune Activation in Embryonic Mortality*. Am J Reprod Immunol 2004; 51:294-301. [PMID: 15212683 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2004.00160.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Causes for pre-implantation embryo loss, which can be as high as 50% or more of fertilized embryos, are multifactorial and largely undescribed. Studies in cattle using mastitis as a model indicate that one cause of early embryonic loss is infectious disease or activation of immune responses at sites outside the reproductive tract. Infection of the mammary gland in dairy cattle is associated with a reduction in pregnancy rate (proportion of inseminated cows that become pregnant) and an increase in the number of inseminations required to establish pregnancy. Also, intravenous challenge with bacterial peptidoglycan and polysaccharide at approximately days 3-5 after breeding reduced subsequent pregnancy rate in sheep that had been previously immunized against the same material. The mechanism by which extrauterine activation of immune and inflammatory responses leads to embryonic loss is not clear although cytokines probably play a crucial role. Effects could be exerted at the level of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, ovary, reproductive tract or embryo. Interferon (IFN)-alpha, for example, which can reduce pregnancy rate in cattle when injected around 13-19 days after breeding, increases body temperature, inhibits secretion of luteinizing hormone, and reduces circulating concentrations of progesterone. Other cytokines or products of cytokine activation could cause embryonic loss by causing hyperthermia (as elevated temperature blocks oocyte function and embryonic development), exerting toxic effects on the corpus luteum [for example, IFN-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and prostaglandin F(2alpha)], stimulating endometrial prostaglandin synthesis [TNF-alpha and interleukin(IL)-1beta], reducing endometrial cell proliferation (IL-1beta), and interfering with oocyte maturation and embryonic development (TNF-alpha, nitric oxide, and prostaglandin F(2alpha)). Although largely neglected by reproductive immunologists, study of the involvement of the immune system in pre-implantation embryonic loss is likely to lead to new methods for enhancing fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Park ES, Hwang WS, Jang G, Cho JK, Kang SK, Lee BC, Han JY, Lim JM. Incidence of apoptosis in clone embryos and improved development by the treatment of donor somatic cells with putative apoptosis inhibitors. Mol Reprod Dev 2004; 68:65-71. [PMID: 15039949 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to promote in vitro-development of clone embryos by the treatment of donor somatic cells with hemoglobin (Hb) and/or beta-mercaptoethanol (ME), based on the analysis of apoptosis after somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). Prospective, randomized study was conducted and, in vitro-matured bovine oocytes and fetal fibroblasts were provided for SCNT. In the first series of experiment, embryo apoptosis after SCNT was monitored by a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated d-UTP nick end-labeling assay. As results, apoptosis occurred more (P < 0.05) frequently after SCNT than after in vitro-fertilization (IVF) of control treatment. Subsequently, donor somatic cells treated with Hb (1 microg/ml) and/or ME (10 microM) were provided for SCNT. Either Hb or ME greatly reduced apoptosis (0.083 +/- 0.006 vs. 0.058-0.068 +/- 0.005), while combined treatment did not. ME was more promotive than Hb; significant increases were found in morula compaction (86%), cell numbers of blastocyst (131.3 +/- 1.3 cells/blastocyst), and inner cell mass (31.9 +/- 0.8 cells/blastocyst) cell, and the ratio of inner cell mass to trophectodermal cell numbers (0.24 +/- 0.01). In conclusion, the treatment of donor somatic cells with ME or Hb could reduce apoptosis after SCNT, resulting improved preimplantation development.
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Affiliation(s)
- E S Park
- School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Korea
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25
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LEE S, CHO M, KIM E, KIM T, LEE C, HAN J, LIM J. Renovation of a Drop Embryo Cultures System by Using Refined Mineral oil and the Effect of Glucose and/or Hemoglobin Added to a Serum-free Medium. J Vet Med Sci 2004. [DOI: 10.1292/jvms.66.63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Seungtae LEE
- School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University
| | - Meeyoung CHO
- School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University
| | - Eunjung KIM
- School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University
| | - Taemin KIM
- School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University
| | - Changkyu LEE
- School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University
| | - Jaeyong HAN
- School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University
| | - Jeongmook LIM
- School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University
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26
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Soto P, Natzke RP, Hansen PJ. Identification of Possible Mediators of Embryonic Mortality Caused by Mastitis: Actions of Lipopolysaccharide, Prostaglandin F2α
, and the Nitric Oxide Generator, Sodium Nitroprusside Dihydrate, on Oocyte Maturation and Embryonic Development in Cattle. Am J Reprod Immunol 2003; 50:263-72. [PMID: 14629032 DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0897.2003.00085.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Mastitis and immunization against constituents of organisms causing mastitis can reduce fertility of cattle and sheep, respectively. For the current experiments, it was hypothesized that these effects are mediated via actions of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2), and nitric oxide on oocyte maturation and embryonic development. METHOD OF STUDY To evaluate effects on oocyte maturation, oocytes were matured with various concentrations of LPS, PGF2alpha, or the nitric oxide (NO) generator, sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Following maturation, oocytes were fertilized and cultured until day 8 after fertilization. To test effects on embryo growth, oocytes were matured and fertilized and cultured after fertilization with LPS, PGF2alpha, or SNP. RESULTS Addition of 100 and 1000 ng/mL LPS and 50 and 100 ng/mL PGF2alpha to oocyte maturation medium reduced the proportion of oocytes that became blastocysts at day 8 after fertilization. When added after fertilization, in contrast, neither LPS nor PGF2alpha reduced development to the blastocyst stage. Unlike for LPS and PGF2alpha, addition of SNP during oocyte maturation was without effect on the proportion of oocytes that became blastocysts at day 8 after fertilization. However, addition of 10 microM SNP to culture medium after fertilization completely prevented development to the blastocyst stage while 0.1 and 1 microM SNP did not affect development. CONCLUSIONS Results indicate that increased local concentrations of LPS, PGF2alpha, and NO can have deleterious consequences on oocyte function (LPS, PGF2alpha) and embryonic development (NO). Thus, these molecules are putative mediators of effects of infectious disease or inflammation, including mastitis, on fertility of cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Soto
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-0910, USA
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Virant-Klun I, Tomazevic T, Bacer-Kermavner L, Mivsek J, Valentincic-Gruden B, Meden-Vrtovec H. Successful freezing and thawing of blastocysts cultured in sequential media using a modified method. Fertil Steril 2003; 79:1428-33. [PMID: 12798893 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(03)00395-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical role of blastocyst freezing and thawing after prolonged culturing in sequential media. DESIGN Retrospective analysis of 293 blastocyst freeze-thawing cycles. SETTING University hospital infertility unit. PATIENT(S) Nonselected couples undergoing IVF. INTERVENTION(S) Blastocysts were frozen and thawed by a modified method. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Blastocyst recovery after freeze-thawing and pregnancy rates after the transfer. Evaluation of the effect of the number of transferred blastocysts, the method of IVF, and of the woman's age on the results achieved by frozen-thawed blastocysts. RESULT(S) Frozen-thawed blastocysts provided a 29.5% clinical pregnancy rate per transfer. After the transfer of three blastocysts the pregnancy rate was 42.0%, and after the transfer of one or two blastocysts it was approximately the same (25.0% and 28.0%, respectively). The method of IVF did not affect pregnancy rates, but the increasing age of the woman did. Pregnancies were characterized by a low abortion rate (8.0%) regardless of the age of the woman. CONCLUSION(S) A modified method for blastocyst freeze-thawing provides good clinical results. It offers the possibility for a single-thawed blastocyst transfer and represents a good alternative for older women because of its lower risk of spontaneous abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irma Virant-Klun
- Reproductive Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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28
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Yuan YQ, Van Soom A, Coopman FOJ, Mintiens K, Boerjan ML, Van Zeveren A, de Kruif A, Peelman LJ. Influence of oxygen tension on apoptosis and hatching in bovine embryos cultured in vitro. Theriogenology 2003; 59:1585-96. [PMID: 12559463 DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(02)01204-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Various oxygen tensions are employed for in vitro embryo production. Since it is known that oxygen tension can influence the efficiency of embryo production and embryo quality, the aim of our study was to define an optimal oxygen concentration for bovine embryo production in vitro in synthetic oviduct fluid (SOF). Embryo quality criteria were hatching ability and the degree of apoptosis as assessed by TUNEL staining and Bax gene expression. In Experiment 1, the effects of 2, 5 and 20% O(2) tensions on embryo development were compared. The highest rate of eight-cell embryos (47%) at 72 hpi was obtained under 20% O(2). However, it seemed that 2 and 5% O(2) were also suitable as assessed by embryo survival rates at 144 hpi (29 and 30% at morula stage), 168 hpi (21 and 19% at blastocyst stage) and 216 hpi (14 and 17% at hatched blastocyst stage). In Experiment 2, comparisons were made between effects of 5, 20% and alternating O(2) (20% O(2) to 72 hpi and then changed to 5% O(2) up to 216 hpi) on embryo development. Alternating the O(2) tension significantly reduced the number of hatching blastocysts to 7%. Staining with TUNEL revealed that apoptosis occurred in all tested hatched blastocysts, but a significantly lower apoptotic cell ratio was found in embryos cultured under 5% O(2) (P<0.05). Total cell number of embryos cultured under 5% and alternating oxygen was significantly higher than that of other groups (P<0.05). Bax gene expression was detected by means of RT-PCR in only 2 of 66 hatched blastocysts. It can be concluded that 5% oxygen is optimal for bovine embryo culture in cell free media. Moreover, it is very likely that the apoptosis detected by TUNEL staining in this study is Bax-independent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Q Yuan
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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29
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Park ES, Hwang WS, Kang SK, Lee BC, Han JY, Lim JM. Improved embryo development with decreased apoptosis in blastomeres after the treatment of cloned bovine embryos with ?-mercaptoethanol and hemoglobin. Mol Reprod Dev 2003; 67:200-6. [PMID: 14694436 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.10392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
In preliminary experiments, the treatment of donor somatic cells with beta-mercaptoethanol (ME) or hemoglobin (Hb) improved in vitro-development of bovine cloned embryos. This study was subsequently evaluated whether the exposure to Hb and/or ME during in vitro-maturation or embryo culture could further promote the development of embryos cloned with ME-treated donor cells. A prospective, randomized study was conducted and, embryo development, cell number, and apoptosis in blastocysts were monitored. A significant (P < 0.05) effect was found after the combined treatment of cloned embryos with Hb (1 microg/ml) and ME (10 microM); the development of morulae (53 vs. 35%) was greatly improved, which resulted in enhanced blastocyst formation (38%). However, cell number and apoptosis in blastocysts were predominantly affected by ME rather than Hb; a significant increase in total cell number of blastomeres (142-154 vs. 123 cells/embryo), inner cell mass (ICM) (39-41 vs. 27), and trophectoderm (TE) (103-114 vs. 98), and the ratio of ICM to TE cell number (0.26-0.27 vs. 0.22) was found. Also, the apoptosis index indicating the ratio of apoptotic cell to normal blastomere number was greatly reduced after ME treatments (0.85 vs. 0.056-0.069). When embryos cloned with ME-treated cells were cultured in Hb + ME-containing medium, any of the treatments to recipient oocytes before enucleation did not further promote the development. In conclusion, combined treatment of cloned embryos with Hb + ME not only improved in vitro-development but also decreased blastomere apoptosis. The use of ME-treated donor cells and the culture of cloned embryos in Hb + ME-containing medium yielded the optimal results for promoting the production of blastocysts with improved quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eul Soon Park
- School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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Osborn BH, Haney AF, Misukonis MA, Weinberg JB. Inducible nitric oxide synthase expression by peritoneal macrophages in endometriosis-associated infertility. Fertil Steril 2002; 77:46-51. [PMID: 11779590 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(01)02940-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Determine whether peritoneal macrophages from women with endometriosis-associated infertility express more inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2) and produce more NO than fertile controls. DESIGN Unblinded clinical study. PATIENT(S) Nine infertile women with endometriosis and nine normal fertile women undergoing laparoscopy. INTERVENTION(S) Peritoneal fluid and macrophages were collected. Cells were also cultured with the NOS2 inducers interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) or IFN-gamma plus lipopolysaccharide (LPS). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Peritoneal fluid NO levels, peritoneal macrophage NOS activity, and peritoneal macrophage NOS2 protein expression. RESULT(S) NOS enzyme activity was higher in peritoneal macrophages from endometriosis patients. Immunoblots demonstrated NOS2 protein only in peritoneal macrophages from women with endometriosis. Peritoneal fluid NO concentration was similar in the two groups, but total peritoneal fluid NO content was higher in endometriosis patients. After 3 days' culture, peritoneal macrophages from women with endometriosis produced more NO in response to IFN-alpha or IFN-gamma plus LPS than controls. CONCLUSION(S) Peritoneal macrophages from women with endometriosis-associated infertility express higher levels of NOS2, have higher NOS enzyme activity, and produce more NO in response to immune stimulation in vitro. As high levels of NO adversely affect sperm, embryos, implantation, and oviductal function, reducing peritoneal fluid NO production or blocking NO effects may improve fertility in women with endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara H Osborn
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27705, USA
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Dinara S, Sengoku K, Tamate K, Horikawa M, Ishikawa M. Effects of supplementation with free radical scavengers on the survival and fertilization rates of mouse cryopreserved oocytes. Hum Reprod 2001; 16:1976-81. [PMID: 11527908 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/16.9.1976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was conducted to investigate the effects of supplementation with free radical scavengers on the survival and fertilization rates of freeze-thawed mouse oocytes. METHODS Superovulated oocytes with cumulus cells were cryopreserved by slow freezing in propanediol combined with a rapid thawing protocol. The cryopreservation medium was supplemented with the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, and with the nitric oxide (NO) scavenger, haemoglobin (Hb). RESULTS The addition of 50 IU/ml SOD showed significantly higher survival and fertilization capabilities compared with control (P < 0.01). Oocyte survival was greatly increased by concomitant addition of SOD with 10 IU/ml catalase (P < 0.01). On the other hand, the NO donor (sodium nitroprusside) inhibited survival and fertilization rates (P < 0.05). Significantly decreased survival and fertilization rates were also observed following the addition of high concentrations (10(-3) to 10(-6) nmol/l) of the NO synthase inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). In contrast, significantly better oocyte survival and fertilization rates were detected with low concentrations (10(-7) nmol/l) of L-NAME. Oocyte survival potential was significantly increased by addition of Hb (1 microg/ml, P < 0.05). Moreover, oocyte survival and fertilization rates were significantly promoted by the concomitant addition of SOD with Hb (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that supplementation of free radical scavengers, particularly combinations of SOD with NO scavengers in freezing and thawing media, improved the post-thaw survival and fertilization rates of cryopreserved mouse oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Dinara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Midorigaoka Higashi 2-1-1-1, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan
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Park SE, Chung HM, Cha KY, Hwang WS, Lee ES, Lim JM. Establishment of an animal embryo culture system containing various embryotropins and its efficacy for culturing ICR mouse one-cell embryos derived in vivo or in vitro. Fertil Steril 2001; 76:167-74. [PMID: 11438338 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(01)01831-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop an effective ICR mouse embryo culture medium. DESIGN In vitro model study. SETTING University-affiliated hospital. ANIMALS Four-week-old, superovulated mice. INTERVENTION(S) In vivo- or in vitro-derived one-cell embryos were cultured in preimplantation-1 medium (P-1). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Preimplantation development. RESULT(S) In vivo-derived embryos were cultured in BSA-containing P-1, to which one of the following substances was added: [1] no addition, [2] amino acids (aa), [3] aa+hemoglobin (hb), [4] aa+hb+cysteine (cys), [5] aa+hb and glucose (glu) added at the four-cell, or [6] aa+hb and glu+cys added at the four-cell stage. More (P<0.05) blastocysts developed after aa or aa+hb addition than after no addition, and glu addition to such medium further stimulated the formation (54%). In P-1 with aa+glu, the addition of 1 microg/mL hb was optimal. Additional improvement of blastocyst formation (78%) was achieved by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), supplementation and bovine serum albumin replacement with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) did not inhibit the development. P-1 supplemented with aa, hb, glu, EDTA, and PVA also supported the development of in vitro-derived embryos (70%). CONCLUSION(S) A modified P-1 medium was developed, and it supported the development of both in vivo- and in vitro-derived ICR mouse embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Park
- College of Medicine, Pochon CHA University and Infertility Medical Center of CHA General Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
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Chen HW, Jiang WS, Tzeng CR. Nitric oxide as a regulator in preimplantation embryo development and apoptosis. Fertil Steril 2001; 75:1163-71. [PMID: 11384644 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(01)01780-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanisms of nitric oxide (NO) in the development and apoptosis of preimplantation mouse embryos. DESIGN Prospective, controlled study. SETTING Medical college laboratory. SUBJECT(S) Two-cell embryos from outbred ICR mice. INTERVENTION(S) Hyperstimulation protocol, two-cell embryos were collected, then treated with or without an NO synthase inhibitor (L-NAME) or an NO donor (SNP) and combined with a cGMP analogue (8-Br-cGMP) or a selective inhibitor of NO-sensitive soluble guanylyl cyclase (ODQ). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The development of ICR mouse embryo from two cells to blastocyst stages in vitro. RESULT(S) The development of blastocyst was inhibited by L-NAME in a concentration-dependent manner (0.1-10 microM) and 0.1 microM SNP reversed this effect (80.5% of control). Annexin-V/propidium iodide and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling techniques demonstrated that excessive NO (> or =10 microM) might induce apoptosis in the mouse embryos. 8-Br-cGMP reversed the inhibitory effect of L-NAME and rescued the embryo growth. ODQ inhibited the embryo development in a dose-responsive fashion (0.1--100 microM) but had no effect in the NO-induced embryo apoptosis. P53 and Bax were found to be up-regulated during the embryo fragmentation. CONCLUSION(S) These results indicate that the cGMP pathway might be involved in the NO-regulated embryonic development, but not in NO-induced apoptosis, for which P53/Bax pathway might be involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- H W Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan
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Sengoku K, Takuma N, Horikawa M, Tsuchiya K, Komori H, Sharifa D, Tamate K, Ishikawa M. Requirement of nitric oxide for murine oocyte maturation, embryo development, and trophoblast outgrowth in vitro. Mol Reprod Dev 2001; 58:262-8. [PMID: 11170266 DOI: 10.1002/1098-2795(200103)58:3<262::aid-mrd3>3.0.co;2-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the extent to which NO participates in the developmental competence (oocyte maturation, fertilization and embryo development to blastocyst) using an in vitro culture system adding sodium nitroprusside (SNP), NO donor, and NOS inhibitor (N-omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, L-NAME). We also assessed the effects of NO/NOS system on blastocyst implantation using an in vitro trophoblast outgrowth assay. The treatment of low concentrations of SNP (10(-7) M) significantly stimulated meiotic maturation to metaphase II stages in cumulus enclosed oocytes. In contrast, 10(-3) and 10(-5) M L-NAME demonstrated a significant suppression in resumption of meiosis. This inhibition was reversed by the addition of SNP. No development beyond the four-cell stage was observed by the addition of high concentration of SNP (10(-3) M). Inhibition of embryo development, especially the conversion of morulae to blastocysts, was also observed in the treatment of lower doses of SNP (10(-5) and 10(-7) M). Similarly, inhibition of NO by NOS inhibitor resulted in the dose-dependent inhibition of embryo development and hatching rates, but the concomitant addition of SNP with L-NAME reversed the inhibitory effect by each SNP or L-NAME treatment. Furthermore, low concentration of SNP (10(-7) M) but not high concentration of SNP (10(-3) M) significantly stimulated trophoblast outgrowth, whereas the addition of L-NAME suppressed the spreading of blastocysts in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that NO may have crucial roles in oocyte maturation and embryogenesis including the process of implantation. The observed differences in required amount of NO and the sensitivity to cytotoxicity of NO in each developmental stage embryos may also suggest that NO/NOS system is tightly regulated in developmental stage specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Sengoku
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Asahikawa Medical College, Asahikawa, Japan.
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Park SE, Chung HM, Ko JJ, Lee BC, Cha KY, Lim JM. Embryotropic role of hemoglobin and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid in preimplantation development of ICR mouse 1-cell embryos. Fertil Steril 2000; 74:996-1000. [PMID: 11056248 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(00)01536-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate embryotropic action of hemoglobin (Hb) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) on preimplantation embryo development. DESIGN In vitro model study using mouse embryos. SETTING University affiliated hospital, Pochon CHA University. ANIMALS Four-week-old block strain ICR mice naturally mated after superovulation. INTERVENTION(S) One-cell embryos were cultured in serum-free, modified preimplantation-1 medium, to which 1 microg/ml Hb and/or 0.1 mM EDTA were added. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Preimplantation development and blastomere number. RESULT(S) More (P<.05) 1-cell embryos developed to the 4-cell (52% vs. 67%-84%), 8-cell (48% vs. 65%-81%), and blastocyst (40% vs. 61%-79%) stages after the addition of hemoglobin (Hb) and/or EDTA than after no addition. Highest proportion of embryos developed to each stage after the combined addition of Hb+EDTA. EDTA specifically stimulated the development before the 8-cell stage, which was as similar as Hb+EDTA. On the contrary, higher ratio of morula to blastocyst transformation was obtained after the addition of Hb or Hb+EDTA than after no addition (0.76 vs. 0.96-0.98). Significant increases in the cell number of blastocysts (46.5-47.2 vs. 53.2 cells), inner cell mass (ICM) cells (16.7-17.5 vs. 21 cells), and the ratio of ICM cells to trophoblasts (0.3-0.37 to 0.39) were found after the combined addition of Hb+EDTA, compared with no addition or with the addition of EDTA or Hb alone. CONCLUSIONS Hb and EDTA have stage-specific effects on supporting preimplantation embryo development; Hb promotes both the development before the 8-cell stage and the morula to blastocyst transformation, whereas EDTA mainly promotes the development to the 8-cell stage. The combined exposure of embryos to Hb and EDTA improves not only preimplantation development but also the growth and quality of blastocysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Park
- Infertility Medical Center of CHA General Hospital, College of Medicine, Pochon CHA University, Seoul, South Korea
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Jaroszewski JJ, Hansel W. Intraluteal administration of a nitric oxide synthase blocker stimulates progesterone and oxytocin secretion and prolongs the life span of the bovine corpus luteum. PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY FOR EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE. SOCIETY FOR EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2000; 224:50-5. [PMID: 10782047 DOI: 10.1046/j.1525-1373.2000.22365.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
To test the role of nitric oxide (NO) in secretory functions of bovine corpora lutea (CL), two groups of four Holstein heifers each were treated as follows: Group 1, Nomega-Nitro-L-Arginine Methyl Ester (L-NAME), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), on Day 11 or 12 of the cycle and Group 2, L-NAME on Days 17 and 18 of the cycle. All treatments were administered by an intraluteal microdialysis system (MDS). Drugs were infused for 4-hr periods on the designated days, and the treatment periods were preceded and followed by 4-hr control periods. Perfusate and jugular blood samples were collected at half-hour intervals. Perfusate samples were analyzed for progesterone (P4), oxytocin (OT), prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha), and leukotriene C4 (LTC4); jugular plasma samples were analyzed for P4, OT, and LH. Perfusion of L-NAME on Day 11 or 12 consistently increased P4 concentration in the perfusate, but had no effect on the life span of the CL. Perfusion of L-NAME on Days 17-18 also elevated P4 levels in the perfusate, and in addition, maintained P4 levels in the plasma of three of the four treated animals through Day 25 of the cycle. L-NAME perfusion also increased OT release concomitant with P4 into the perfusate at both the mid- and late-luteal phase treatments. For the most part, concentrations of LH, OT, and P4 in the jugular plasma samples collected during the perfusions were unaffected by treatments. L-NAME perfusion caused small, but significant (P < 0.05) increases in perfusate PGF2alpha and LTC4 at Days 17 and 18 and in LTC4 on Day 11 or 12. These data indicate that NO plays a direct luteolytic role in regression of the bovine CL.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Jaroszewski
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, USA
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Jablonka-Shariff A, Olson LM. Nitric oxide is essential for optimal meiotic maturation of murine cumulus-oocyte complexes in vitro. Mol Reprod Dev 2000; 55:412-21. [PMID: 10694749 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2795(200004)55:4<412::aid-mrd9>3.0.co;2-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to determine whether endothelial-derived nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) affects meiotic maturation of mouse oocytes in vitro. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) were isolated from ovarian follicles of 27-day-old PMSG-primed wildtype (WT), and eNOS-knockout (eNOS-KO) females, and cultured in drops of medium under oil at 37 degrees C for 16-18 hr. Experiment 1 was carried out to determine effects of eNOS deficiency on the ability of COC to mature in vitro. To determine whether acute synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) was required for oocyte maturation, COC collected from WT mice were cultured in medium without (control) or with different doses of N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), an inhibitor of NOS (exp. 2). To assess effects of NO deficiency on the kinetics of germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), COC from WT and eNOS-KO females were observed for 3.5 hr. COC from WT females were also incubated in medium without or with L-NAME (exp. 3 and 4). After the culture period, cumulus cells were removed, and oocytes were counted and classified as metaphase II (M II), metaphase I (M I) or showing atypical (degenerative) morphology. To determine viability and nuclear morphology of oocytes, they were stained with fluorescein diacetate or 4,6-diamidine-2'-phenylindole dihydrochloride, respectively. There were no differences in body weights but ovarian weights were lower in eNOS-KO mice compared with WT mice (P < 0.05). Ovaries from eNOS-KO mice contained fewer COC collected relative to WT mice (P < 0.01). Maturation of COC from eNOS-KO mice or WT oocytes treated with L-NAME resulted in a lower percentage of oocytes at M II stage (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively) and a higher percentage of oocytes at M I or atypical stages compared with those from WT (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). Many oocytes that showed either an arrest in M I stage or abnormal morphology were not viable. Several oocytes in M II stage demonstrated abnormalities in distribution of maternal chromosomes. Our data demonstrate that eNOS-derived NO is a key modulator of oocyte meiotic maturation in vitro. These results support our previous observations in vivo and indicate that eNOS/NO has independent functions in both oocyte maturation and follicular/oocyte development.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Jablonka-Shariff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63167, USA
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Hwang W, Kim H, Lee E, Lim J, Roh S, Shin T, Hwang K, Lee B. Purification and embryotropic roles of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in development of "HanWoo" (Bos taurus coreanae) oocytes co-cultured with bovine oviduct epithelial cells. J Vet Med Sci 2000; 62:1-5. [PMID: 10676882 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.62.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to purify a tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 in a serum-free medium conditioned with bovine oviduct epithelial cells (BOEC) and to evaluate its effect on development of "HanWoo" (Bos taurus coreanae) embryos to the blastocyst stage. In the first study using SDS-PAGE electrophoresis, the presence of 32 kDa proteins, which contains TIMP-1, was detected in the medium conditioned with BOEC, and TIMP-1 was then purified from the medium by gel filtration and HPLC techniques. When examined TIMP-1 secretion, fluorescent foci indicating the secretion of TIMP-1 were found after stained BOEC with fluorescein isothiocyanate. In the next experiment, two-cell embryos derived from in vitro-fertilization were cultured in a serum-free medium, to which 0, 1.25, 2.5 or 5 microg/ml of purified TIMP-1 was supplemented. More (P<0.05) embryos developed to the morula and blastocyst stages after the addition of 2.5 microg/ml to culture medium than after no addition. In conclusion, our data indicate that BOEC secrete TIMP-1 and this glycoprotein promotes the prehatched development of "HanWoo" embryos derived from in vitro-fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Hwang
- Department of Theriogenology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Korea
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Carrell DT, Peterson CM, Jones KP, Hatasaka HH, Udoff LC, Cornwell CE, Thorp C, Kuneck P, Erickson L, Campbell B. A simplified coculture system using homologous, attached cumulus tissue results in improved human embryo morphology and pregnancy rates during in vitro fertilization. J Assist Reprod Genet 1999; 16:344-9. [PMID: 10459515 PMCID: PMC3455776 DOI: 10.1023/a:1020533711711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study was undertaken to evaluate simplified methods of human embryo coculture using either attached or nonattached autologous cumulus tissue. METHODS Eight hundred one zygotes were cultured for 48 hr in a prospective, randomized trial comparing culture of embryos either with intact cumulus tissue, with cumulus tissue added to the droplet of culture medium, or without any cumulus tissue. In a follow-up study, embryo quality, pregnancy rates, and implantation rates were compared in 120 consecutive patients undergoing in vitro fertilization with a coculture system using cumulus tissue compared to a cohort of 127 patients undergoing IVF immediately preceding the institution of the coculture protocol. RESULTS Embryo morphology was significantly improved (P < 0.05) following culture with attached cumulus tissue (5.61 +/- 0.29) and culture with added cumulus tissue (4.72 +/- 0.31) compared to that of embryos grown in culture medium without cumulus tissue (3.95 +/- 0.26). The clinical pregnancy rate improved from 39.4% (50/127) to 49.2% (59/120) following institution of a system of coculture with attached cumulus tissue. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that a simple coculture system using autologous cumulus tissue can result in improved embryo morphology, implantation rates, and clinical pregnancy rates during in vitro fertilization. This coculture system is simple, is non-labor intensive, and eliminates many of the risks which may be present in other embryo coculture systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- D T Carrell
- Division of Urology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City 84132, USA
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Lim JM, Mei Y, Chen B, Godke RA, Hansel W. Development of bovine IVF oocytes cultured in medium supplemented with a nitric oxide scavenger or inhibitor in a co-culture system. Theriogenology 1999; 51:941-9. [PMID: 10729016 DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(99)00040-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Bovine IVF oocytes were cultured in modified bovine embryo culture medium (mBECM) supplemented with either a nitric oxide (NO) scavenger, hemoglobin (Hb, 1 microg/mL) and/or a NO synthesis inhibitor, L(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 1 or 1000 nM) in a cumulus-granulosa cell co-culture system. In Experiment 1, a total of 1,675 cumulus-oocytes complexes was collected for 7 mo and cultured to the blastocyst stage in mBECM with or without Hb after IVM and IVF. There were significant (P<0.0024) model effects of Hb addition and month of oocyte collection on embryo development. A significant (P<0.0023) monthly variation was detected in all developmental stages. However, addition of Hb to mBECM consistently enhanced embryo development to the blastocyst stage over all months. No statistical differences were found in the interaction between Hb addition and month except for the cleavage rate. Overall, a greater percentage of oocytes developed to the 8-cell (P<0.0459), 16-cell (P<0.001), morula (P<0.0013) and blastocyst (P<0.0024) stages after the addition of Hb. In Experiment 2, addition of L-NAME to mBECM supplemented with Hb did not further stimulate prehatched development. In conclusion, the promoting effect of Hb on in vitro development of embryos is highly repeatable over an extended period of time.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Lim
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology, LSU-Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA
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Lim JM, Reggio BC, Godke RA, Hansel W. Development of in-vitro-derived bovine embryos cultured in 5% CO2 in air or in 5% O2, 5% CO2 and 90% N2. Hum Reprod 1999; 14:458-64. [PMID: 10099994 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/14.2.458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
To evaluate the effects of a three gas mixture of 5% O2, 5% CO2 and 90% N2 (OCN) on preimplantation embryo development, bovine in-vitro fertilization (IVF) oocytes were cultured in a defined medium (mBECM) with various supplements either under 5% CO2 in air or under OCN. When cultured in mBECM alone, embryo development was significantly stimulated in OCN compared to 5% CO2 in air (experiment 1). In the OCN atmosphere, blastocyst formation was further increased after addition of fetal bovine serum (FBS; 10%) or FBS + cumulus granulosa cells (CGC) to mBECM. The ratio of blastocysts to 8-cell embryos, number of hatched blastocysts and embryo diameter were markedly increased, and zona thickness was decreased after FBS addition. However, development up to the morula stage was fully supported by mBECM alone. There was no significant effect of beta-mercaptoethanol (ME; 10 microM) in OCN. In the 5% CO2 atmosphere, embryo development was significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced after addition of FBS + CGC + ME. In experiment 2, in OCN, FBS added at 60 h post-insemination was effective in stimulating blastocyst formation, but changes in medium volume per oocyte from 13.6 to 1.36 microliters had only a marginal effect. In conclusion, OCN gas mixture provides a suitable atmosphere for early embryo growth in vitro and mBECM + FBS in the optimal culture medium under this atmosphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Lim
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology, Louisiana State University-Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge 70808, USA
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