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Gambini A, Jarazo J, Olivera R, Salamone DF. Equine cloning: in vitro and in vivo development of aggregated embryos. Biol Reprod 2012; 87:15, 1-9. [PMID: 22553223 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.112.098855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The production of cloned equine embryos remains highly inefficient. Embryo aggregation has not yet been tested in the equine, and it might represent an interesting strategy to improve embryo development. This study evaluated the effect of cloned embryo aggregation on in vitro and in vivo equine embryo development. Zona-free reconstructed embryos were individually cultured in microwells (nonaggregated group) or as 2- or 3-embryo aggregates (aggregated groups). For in vitro development, they were cultured until blastocyst stage and then either fixed for Oct-4 immunocytochemical staining or maintained in in vitro culture where blastocyst expansion was measured daily until Day 17 or the day on which they collapsed. For in vivo assays, Day 7-8 blastocysts were transferred to synchronized mares and resultant vesicles, and cloned embryos were measured by ultrasonography. Embryo aggregation improved blastocyst rates on a per well basis, and aggregation did not imply additional oocytes to obtain blastocysts. Embryo aggregation improved embryo quality, nevertheless it did not affect Day 8 and Day 16 blastocyst Oct-4 expression patterns. Equine cloned blastocysts expanded and increased their cell numbers when they were maintained in in vitro culture, describing a particular pattern of embryo growth that was unexpectedly independent of embryo aggregation, as all embryos reached similar size after Day 7. Early pregnancy rates were higher using blastocysts derived from aggregated embryos, and advanced pregnancies as live healthy foals also resulted from aggregated embryos. These results indicate that the strategy of aggregating embryos can improve their development, supporting the establishment of equine cloned pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Gambini
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Agriculture Faculty, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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HOCHI S, BRAUN J, OGURI N. The hatching process of equine embryos in vitro. Equine Vet J 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1993.tb04836.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Stout TAE, Meadows S, Allen WR. Stage-specific formation of the equine blastocyst capsule is instrumental to hatching and to embryonic survival in vivo. Anim Reprod Sci 2005; 87:269-81. [PMID: 15911176 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2004.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2004] [Revised: 10/06/2004] [Accepted: 11/09/2004] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Early embryonic development in the horse is characterized by the formation of an unusual acellular glycoprotein "capsule" between the trophectoderm and the overlying zona pellucida. This structure is first detected between days 6 and 7 after ovulation and completely envelops the spherical conceptus until as late as day 23 of gestation. In the present study, a micromanipulator was used to remove the capsule from 15 embryos on day 6-7 after ovulation. None of these denuded embryos developed into ultrasonographically detectable pregnancies after surgical transfer into recipient mares whereas four of six control embryos handled and transferred similarly but without capsule removal developed normally, thereby demonstrating clearly a role for the capsule in embryonic survival. In addition, observation of the embryonic investments after embryo collection and during micromanipulation led to the hypothesis that hatching of the horse embryo from its zona pellucida is assisted by the force of the expanding capsule, which causes the attenuating zona to literally burst open.
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Affiliation(s)
- T A E Stout
- University of Cambridge Equine Fertility Unit, Mertoun Paddocks, Woodditton Road, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 9BH, UK.
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Choi YH, Roasa LM, Love CC, Varner DD, Brinsko SP, Hinrichs K. Blastocyst Formation Rates In Vivo and In Vitro of In Vitro-Matured Equine Oocytes Fertilized by Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection1. Biol Reprod 2004; 70:1231-8. [PMID: 14695908 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.103.023903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [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
This study was conducted to evaluate in vivo and in vitro development of in vitro-matured equine oocytes fertilized by intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Oocytes were collected from slaughterhouse-derived ovaries, matured in vitro, and injected with frozen-thawed stallion sperm. In vivo development was assessed after transfer of injected oocytes to the oviducts of recipient mares. Mares were killed 7.5-8.5 days after transfer and the uterus and oviducts flushed for embryo recovery. Of 132 injected oocytes transferred, 69 (52%) were recovered; of these, 25 (36%) were blastocysts with a blastocoele and capsule. In vitro development was assessed in three culture systems. Culture of zygotes in modified Chatot, Ziomek, Bavister medium with BSA containing either 5.5 mM glucose for 7.5 days or 0.55 mM glucose for 3 days, followed by 3 mM glucose for 2 days, then 4.3 mM glucose for 2.5 days, did not result in blastocyst formation. Culture of zygotes in Dulbecco modified Eagle medium (DMEM)/F-12 with 10% fetal bovine serum with and without coculture with equine oviductal epithelial explants yielded 16% and 15% blastocyst development, respectively. Development to blastocyst was significantly lower in G1.3/2.3/BSA than in DMEM/F-12/BSA or in either medium with 10% added serum (2% vs. 18%, 18% or 20%; P < 0.05), suggesting that requirements for equine embryo development differ from those for other species. These results indicate that in vitro-matured equine oocytes are sufficiently competent to form 36% blastocysts in an optimal environment (in vivo). While we identified an in vitro culture system that provided repeatable blastocyst development without coculture, this yielded only half the rate of development achieved in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y H Choi
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
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Tremoleda JL, Stout TAE, Lagutina I, Lazzari G, Bevers MM, Colenbrander B, Galli C. Effects of in vitro production on horse embryo morphology, cytoskeletal characteristics, and blastocyst capsule formation. Biol Reprod 2003; 69:1895-906. [PMID: 12904313 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.103.018515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocyst formation rates during horse embryo in vitro production (IVP) are disappointing, and embryos that blastulate in culture fail to produce the characteristic and vital glycoprotein capsule. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of IVP on horse embryo development and capsule formation. IVP embryos were produced by intracytoplasmic sperm injection of in vitro matured oocytes and either culture in synthetic oviduct fluid (SOF) or temporary transfer to the oviduct of a ewe. Control embryos were flushed from the uterus of mares 6-9 days after ovulation. Embryo morphology was evaluated with light microscopy, and multiphoton scanning confocal microscopy was used to examine the distribution of microfilaments (AlexaFluor-Phalloidin stained) and the rate of apoptosis (cells with fragmented or terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling-positive nuclei). To examine the influence of culture on capsule formation, conceptuses were stained with a monoclonal antibody specific for capsular glycoproteins (OC-1). The blastocyst rate was higher for zygotes transferred to a sheep's oviduct (16%) than for those cultured in SOF (6.3%). Day 7 IVP embryos were small and compact with relatively few cells, little or no blastocoele, and an indistinct inner cell mass. IVP embryos had high percentages of apoptotic cells (10% versus 0.3% for in vivo embryos) and irregularly distributed microfilaments. Although they secreted capsular glycoproteins, the latter did not form a normal capsule but instead permeated into the zona pellucida or remained in patches on the trophectodermal surface. These results demonstrate that the initial layer of capsule is composed of OC-1-reactive glycoproteins and that embryo development ex vivo is retarded and aberrant, with capsule formation failing as a result of failed glycoprotein aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi L Tremoleda
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Saito S, Ugai H, Sawai K, Yamamoto Y, Minamihashi A, Kurosaka K, Kobayashi Y, Murata T, Obata Y, Yokoyama K. Isolation of embryonic stem-like cells from equine blastocysts and their differentiation in vitro. FEBS Lett 2002; 531:389-96. [PMID: 12435581 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-5793(02)03550-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Embryonic stem (ES) cells are pluripotent cells with the potential capacity to generate any type of cell. We describe here the isolation of pluripotent ES-like cells from equine blastocysts that have been frozen and thawed. Our two lines of ES-like cells (E-1 and E-2) appear to maintain a normal diploid karyotype indefinitely in culture in vitro and to express markers that are characteristic of ES cells from mice, namely, alkaline phosphatase, stage-specific embryonic antigen-1, STAT-3 and Oct 4. After culture of equine ES-like cells in vitro for more than 17 passages, some ES-like cells differentiated to neural precursor cells in the presence of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), epidermal growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor. We also developed a protocol that resulted in the differentiation of ES-like cells in vitro to hematopoietic and endothelial cell lineages in response to bFGF, stem cell factor and oncostatin M. Our observations set the stage for future developments that may allow the use of equine ES-like cells for the treatment of neurological and hematopoietic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeo Saito
- Gene Engineering Division, BioResource Center, RIKEN, Tsukuba, 305-0074, Ibaraki, Japan
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Location of equine oviductal embryos on Day 5 post ovulation and oviductal transport time of Day 5 embryos autotransferred to the contralateral oviduct. Theriogenology 1996. [DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(96)00325-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Weber J, Woods G, Aguilar J. Effects of cervical dilation and intrauterine infusions on the timing of oviductal transport of equine embryos. Theriogenology 1996. [DOI: 10.1016/0093-691x(96)00111-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Vanderwall DK. Early embryonic development and evaluation of equine embryo viability. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 1996; 12:61-83. [PMID: 8726450 DOI: 10.1016/s0749-0739(17)30295-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Tremendous progress has been made in the development of assisted reproductive techniques that may enhance the reproductive efficiency of the horse. However, techniques that involve the manipulation of oocytes and/or embryos may themselves be detrimental to embryo viability and subsequent development. Therefore, an objective method of assessing viability of embryos before and/or after oocyte/embryo manipulation is desirable. At this time, morphologic evaluation is the most widely used method of determining the viability of equine embryos. Although morphologic assessment of embryo quality will not always accurately predict the survival of individual embryos, it is very useful for predicting the survival of groups of embryos. Other tests that have been used to evaluate equine embryo viability include (1) development during culture in vitro; (2) quantitating metabolism of the fluorescent substrate fluorescein diacetate; (3) quantitating uptake of the fluorescent stain DAPI; and (4) quantitating embryo metabolism. Although these tests offer potential advantages over morphologic assessment alone, their current limitations have prevented their routine use for embryo evaluation. It is likely that as improvements are made in these evaluation methods, they may offer advantages for use alone or in combination to more accurately assess the viability of equine embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- D K Vanderwall
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA
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HOCHI SI, AZUMA T, MIYAUSHIRO K, OGURI N. An Attempt to Produce Acellular Embryonic Capsule in Equine Blastocysts Cultured In Vitro. J Reprod Dev 1995. [DOI: 10.1262/jrd.41.367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shin-ichi HOCHI
- Laboratory of Horse Production, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080, Japan
| | - Toru AZUMA
- Laboratory of Horse Production, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080, Japan
| | - Kyoko MIYAUSHIRO
- Laboratory of Horse Production, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080, Japan
| | - Norihiko OGURI
- Laboratory of Horse Production, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080, Japan
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Freeman DA, Butler JE, Weber JA, Geary RT, Woods GL. Co-culture of day-5 to day-7 equine embryos in medium with oviductal tissue. Theriogenology 1991; 36:815-22. [PMID: 16727050 DOI: 10.1016/0093-691x(91)90347-g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/1991] [Accepted: 08/30/1991] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Oviductal and uterine embryos were collected from mares at 5 to 7 days following ovulation 1) to evaluate the effects of oviductal tissue explants on in vitro growth and development of equine embryos and 2) to study the morphologic development of equine embryos in culture. Embryos were incubated for 5 days in a medium (control group) or in medium supplemented with oviductal tissue explants (co-culture group). Embryos were evaluated and the media changed daily. Following 5 days in culture, 10 10 (100%) control embryos and 27 29 (93%) co-cultured embryos had doubled in diameter. All embryos that were recovered as morulae developed to the blastocyst stage in culture. By 5 days in culture, 6 10 (60%) control embryos and 19 29 (66%) co-cultured embryos had reached the hatching blastocyst stage of development. By 3 days in culture, significantly more (P<0.05) control embryos versus co-cultured embryos had degenerated (4 10 vs 2 29 , respectively). By 5 days in culture, significantly more (P<0.01) control embryos versus co-cultured embryos had degenerated (6 10 vs. 3 29 , respectively). Embryos cultured with oviductal tissue were sustained longer than embryos cultured in medium alone. Hatching was characterized by the blastocyst squeezing through a small opening in the zona pellucida or by the zona pellucida thinning over approximately half of the blastocyst surface and subsequently disappearing entirely.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Freeman
- Northwest Equine Reproduction Laboratory Department of Animal and Veterinary Science University of Idaho Moscow, ID 83843 USA
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