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Huo J, Mówińska AM, Eren AN, Schoen J, Chen S. Oxygen levels affect oviduct epithelium functions in air-liquid interface culture. Histochem Cell Biol 2024:10.1007/s00418-024-02273-1. [PMID: 38530407 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-024-02273-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Key reproductive events such as fertilization and early embryonic development occur in the lumen of the oviduct. Since investigating these processes in vivo is both technically challenging and ethically sensitive, cell culture models have been established to reproduce the oviductal microenvironment. Compartmentalized culture systems, particularly air-liquid interface cultures (ALI; cells access the culture medium only from the basolateral cell side), result in highly differentiated oviduct epithelial cell cultures. The oxygen (O2) tension within the oviduct is 4-10% across species, and its reduced O2 content is presumed to be important for early reproductive processes. However, cell culture models of the oviduct are typically cultivated without O2 regulation and therefore at about 18% O2. To investigate the impact of O2 levels on oviduct epithelium functions in vitro, we cultured porcine oviduct epithelial cells (POEC) at the ALI using both physiological (5%) and supraphysiological (18%) O2 levels and two different media regimes. Epithelium architecture, barrier function, secretion of oviduct fluid surrogate (OFS), and marker gene expression were comparatively assessed. Under all culture conditions, ALI-POEC formed polarized, ciliated monolayers with appropriate barrier function. Exposure to 18% O2 accelerated epithelial differentiation and significantly increased the apical OFS volume and total protein content. Expression of oviduct genes and the abundance of OVGP1 (oviduct-specific glycoprotein 1) in the OFS were influenced by both O2 tension and medium choice. In conclusion, oviduct epithelial cells can adapt to a supraphysiological O2 environment. This adaptation, however, may alter their capability to replicate in vivo tissue characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianchao Huo
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Reproductive Biology, Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), 18196, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Aleksandra Maria Mówińska
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Reproductive Biology, Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), 18196, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Ali Necmi Eren
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, 13355, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jennifer Schoen
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany.
- Institute of Reproductive Biology, Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), 18196, Dummerstorf, Germany.
- Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, 13355, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Shuai Chen
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany.
- Institute of Reproductive Biology, Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), 18196, Dummerstorf, Germany.
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2
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Julia G, Barbara KM, Sebastian S, Joanna K, Agnieszka N, Julianna Ł, Elżbieta K, Monika BP. Extracellular vesicles from follicular fluid may improve the nuclear maturation rate of in vitro matured mare oocytes. Theriogenology 2022; 188:116-124. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Simintiras CA, Dhakal P, Ranjit C, Fitzgerald HC, Balboula AZ, Spencer TE. Capture and metabolomic analysis of the human endometrial epithelial organoid secretome. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2026804118. [PMID: 33876774 PMCID: PMC8053979 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2026804118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Suboptimal uterine fluid (UF) composition can lead to pregnancy loss and likely contributes to offspring susceptibility to chronic adult-onset disorders. However, our understanding of the biochemical composition and mechanisms underpinning UF formation and regulation remain elusive, particularly in humans. To address this challenge, we developed a high-throughput method for intraorganoid fluid (IOF) isolation from human endometrial epithelial organoids. The IOF is biochemically distinct to the extraorganoid fluid (EOF) and cell culture medium as evidenced by the exclusive presence of 17 metabolites in IOF. Similarly, 69 metabolites were unique to EOF, showing asymmetrical apical and basolateral secretion by the in vitro endometrial epithelium, in a manner resembling that observed in vivo. Contrasting the quantitative metabolomic profiles of IOF and EOF revealed donor-specific biochemical signatures of organoids. Subsequent RNA sequencing of these organoids from which IOF and EOF were derived established the capacity to readily perform organoid multiomics in tandem, and suggests that transcriptomic regulation underpins the observed secretory asymmetry. In summary, these data provided by modeling uterine luminal and basolateral fluid formation in vitro offer scope to better understand UF composition and regulation with potential impacts on female fertility and offspring well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pramod Dhakal
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211
| | - Chaman Ranjit
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211
| | | | - Ahmed Z Balboula
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211
| | - Thomas E Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211;
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65201
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4
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Jordaens L, van Hoeck V, Pintelon I, Thys S, Bols PEJ, Marei WFA, Leroy JLMR. Altered embryotrophic capacities of the bovine oviduct under elevated free fatty acid conditions: an in vitro embryo--oviduct co-culture model. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 32:553-563. [PMID: 32036843 DOI: 10.1071/rd19019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal metabolic stress conditions are of growing importance in both human and dairy cattle settings as they can have significant repercussions on fertility. Upregulated lipolysis is a common trait associated with metabolic disorders and results in systemically elevated concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs). The effects of high NEFA concentrations on the follicular environment, oocyte and embryo development is well documented. However, knowledge on the effects of NEFAs within the oviduct, representing the initial embryonic growth environment, is currently lacking. Therefore, the experiments outlined here were designed to obtain fundamental insights into both the direct and indirect interactions between NEFAs, bovine oviductal cells and developing zygotes. Hence, zygotes were co-cultured with NEFA-pre-exposed bovine oviductal cells or subjected to simultaneous NEFA exposure during the co-culture period. The outcome parameters assessed were embryo development with cleavage (48h post insemination (pi)), morula (120-126h pi) and blastocyst (192h pi) rates, as well as morula intracellular lipid content and blastocyst quality using Bodipy and differential staining respectively. Our data suggest a direct embryotoxicity of NEFAs as well as impaired embryo development through a reduced oviductal ability to support and protect early embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Jordaens
- Laboratory for Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Gamete Research Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1 (U-building), B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - V van Hoeck
- Laboratory for Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Gamete Research Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1 (U-building), B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - I Pintelon
- Laboratory for Cell Biology and Histology, Antwerp Centre for Advanced Microscopy, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1 (T-building), B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - S Thys
- Laboratory for Cell Biology and Histology, Antwerp Centre for Advanced Microscopy, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1 (T-building), B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - P E J Bols
- Laboratory for Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Gamete Research Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1 (U-building), B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - W F A Marei
- Laboratory for Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Gamete Research Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1 (U-building), B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; and Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, 11222 Giza, Egypt
| | - J L M R Leroy
- Laboratory for Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Gamete Research Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1 (U-building), B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; and Corresponding author.
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Impact of extracellular folic acid levels on oviductal gene expression. Theriogenology 2020; 154:161-170. [PMID: 32622196 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Folate plays a specific role as methyl donor for nucleotide synthesis and genomic methylation patterns, which in turn are important epigenetic determinants in gene expression. Previous studies have revealed the presence of folate in bovine oviductal fluid as well as the existence of a fine-tuned regulation of the gene expression of folate receptors and transporters in bovine oviduct epithelial cells (BOECs). However, the functional implications of folate in the oviduct remain unknown. The present study aimed to assess the effect of folic acid (FA) on expression levels of selected genes that potentially respond to the folate status in in vitro BOECs. To obtain an insight into the optimization of a culture system for assays, gene expression of folate receptors and transporters was compared between BOECs grown in monolayers and in suspension. The results showed that BOECs from isthmus and ampulla in suspension culture better preserved the region-dependent gene expression profile than in monolayers. Subsequently, BOECs from both anatomical regions were separately cultured in suspension for 24 h assaying different FA concentrations: I) TCM-199 (control); II) TCM-199 + 1 μM FA (similar to the oviduct concentration); III) TCM-199 + 10 μM FA and IV) TCM-199 + 100 μM FA. Expression analysis of genes related to important cellular processes including folate transport, DNA methylation, cell-cell interaction, antioxidant activity and signaling pathways was performed in BOECs using RT-qPCR. Our data demonstrated that addition of 1 μM FA did not affect mRNA levels of most genes analyzed. In contrast, BOECs cultured with 10 μM FA exhibited increased mRNA expression levels of genes involved in folate intake, DNA methylation and antioxidant protection. It is worth noting that at 100 μM FA, transcriptional response in BOECs mainly resulted in decreased mRNA levels of the majority of the genes assayed. Interestingly, cytotoxicity analysis showed a similar LDH activity in the culture media of the experimental groups, indicating that cell integrity was not affected by the FA concentrations assayed. In conclusion, our findings suggest that folate can affect BOECs, promoting changes in gene activity in a framework of functional readjustments in response to environmental conditions.
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Umezu K, Kurata S, Takamori H, Numabe T, Hiradate Y, Hara K, Tanemura K. Characteristics and Possible Role of Bovine Sperm Head-to-Head Agglutination. Cells 2020; 9:cells9081865. [PMID: 32784858 PMCID: PMC7463926 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although sperm head-to-head agglutination has been reported in many mammalian species, the biological significance of this unique sperm–sperm interaction remains largely unknown. Here, we aimed to examine the functional characteristics of agglutinated bovine sperm to determine the possible role of sperm agglutination in the fertilization process. We initially examined temporal changes to the degree of head-to-head agglutination in culture, and found that bovine sperm agglutinated despite the lack of sperm agglutination inducers in medium. Sperm viability and motility were evaluated by SYBR14/PI and JC-1 staining, respectively, to identify the relationship between sperm agglutination and fertilizing ability. Agglutinated sperm had increased motility, viability, and intact mitochondrial function compared with unagglutinated sperm. Furthermore, we found that heparin significantly increased the percentage of unagglutinated sperm, but did not affect viability of both agglutinated and unagglutinated sperm, suggesting that sperm agglutination dictated the viability. In conclusion, agglutinated bovine sperm maintained viability and motility for a longer time than unagglutinated sperm. Thus, we propose that the head-to-head agglutination is a crucial sperm–sperm interaction to ensure the fertilizing ability of sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Umezu
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development, School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0845, Japan; (S.K.); (Y.H.); (K.H.)
- Correspondence: (K.U.); (K.T.); Tel.: +81-22-757-4307 (K.U.); +81-22-757-4305 (K.T.)
| | - Shouhei Kurata
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development, School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0845, Japan; (S.K.); (Y.H.); (K.H.)
| | - Hironori Takamori
- Miyagi Prefectural Livestock Experimental Station, Osaki, Miyagi 989-6445, Japan;
| | - Takashi Numabe
- Miyagi Agricultural Development Corporation, Sendai, Miyagi 981-0914, Japan;
| | - Yuuki Hiradate
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development, School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0845, Japan; (S.K.); (Y.H.); (K.H.)
| | - Kenshiro Hara
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development, School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0845, Japan; (S.K.); (Y.H.); (K.H.)
| | - Kentaro Tanemura
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development, School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0845, Japan; (S.K.); (Y.H.); (K.H.)
- Correspondence: (K.U.); (K.T.); Tel.: +81-22-757-4307 (K.U.); +81-22-757-4305 (K.T.)
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de Almeida Monteiro Melo Ferraz M, Nagashima JB, Venzac B, Le Gac S, Songsasen N. A dog oviduct-on-a-chip model of serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1575. [PMID: 32005926 PMCID: PMC6994655 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58507-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the fifth cause of cancer-related mortality in women, with an expected 5-year survival rate of only 47%. High-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC), an epithelial cancer phenotype, is the most common malignant ovarian cancer. It is known that the precursors of HGSC originate from secretory epithelial cells within the Fallopian tube, which first develops as serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC). Here, we used gene editing by CRISPR-Cas9 to knock out the oncogene p53 in dog oviductal epithelia cultured in a dynamic microfluidic chip to create an in vitro model that recapitulated human STIC. Similar to human STIC, the gene-edited oviduct-on-a-chip, exhibited loss of cell polarization and had reduced ciliation, increased cell atypia and proliferation, with multilayered epithelium, increased Ki67, PAX8 and Myc and decreased PTEN and RB1 mRNA expression. This study provides a biomimetic in vitro model to study STIC progression and to identify potential biomarkers for early detection of HGSC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer Beth Nagashima
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, Virginia, 22630, USA
| | - Bastien Venzac
- Applied Microfluidics for Bioengineering Research, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology and TechMed Center, University of Twente, 7500 AE, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Séverine Le Gac
- Applied Microfluidics for Bioengineering Research, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology and TechMed Center, University of Twente, 7500 AE, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Nucharin Songsasen
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, Virginia, 22630, USA
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Chen S, Schoen J. Air-liquid interface cell culture: From airway epithelium to the female reproductive tract. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 54 Suppl 3:38-45. [PMID: 31512315 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The air-liquid interface (ALI) approach is primarily used to mimic respiratory tract epithelia in vitro. It is also known to support excellent differentiation of 3D multilayered skin models. To establish an ALI culture, epithelial cells are seeded into compartmentalized culture systems on porous filter supports or gel substrata. After an initial propagation period, the culture medium is removed from the apical side of the epithelium, exposing the cells to the surrounding air. Therefore, nutritive supply to the cells is warranted only by the basolateral cell pole. Under these conditions, the epithelial cells differentiate and regain full baso-apical polarity. Some types of epithelia even generate in vivo-like apical fluid or mucus. Interestingly, the ALI culture approach has also been shown to support morphological and functional differentiation of epithelial cells that are not normally exposed to ambient air in vivo. This review aims at giving a brief overview on the characteristics of ALI cultures in general and ALI models of female reproductive tract epithelia in particular. We discuss the applicability of ALI models for the investigation of the early embryonic microenvironment and for its implications in assisted reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Jennifer Schoen
- Institute of Reproductive Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
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Amniotic microvesicles impact hatching and pregnancy percentages of in vitro bovine embryos and blastocyst microRNA expression versus in vivo controls. Sci Rep 2020; 10:501. [PMID: 31949175 PMCID: PMC6965648 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-57060-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryo development and implantation are dynamic processes, responsive to external signals, and can potentially be influenced by many environmental factors. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of a culture medium supplemented with amniotic-derived microvesicles (MVs) on in vitro embryo hatching after cryopreservation, and pregnancy rate following embryo transfer. In addition, miRNA profiling of blastocysts produced in vitro, with or without (control; CTR) amniotic MV supplementation, was also evaluated using blastocysts produced in vivo. In vitro embryos were cultured with and without amniotic MV supplementation. In vivo blastocysts were obtained from superovulated cows. Samples for RNA isolation were obtained from three pools of 10 embryos each (in vivo, in vitro-CTR and in vitro + MVs). Our results show that the hatching percentage of cryopreserved in vitro + MVs embryos is higher (P < 0.05) than in vitro-CTR embryos and the pregnancy rate with fresh and cryopreserved in vitro + MVs embryos is higher than in vitro-CTR embryos. In addition, the analysis of differently expressed (DE) microRNAs showed that embryos produced in vivo are clearly different from those produced in vitro. Moreover, in vitro-CTR and in vitro + MVs embryos differ significantly for expression of two miRNAs that were found in higher concentrations in in vitro-CTR embryos. Interestingly, these two miRNAs were also reported in degenerated bovine embryos compared to good quality blastocysts. In conclusion, MV addition during in vitro production of embryos seems to counteract the adverse effect of in vitro culture and partially modulate the expression of specific miRNAs involved in successful embryo implantation.
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Kowsar R, Kowsar Z, Miyamoto A. Up-regulated mRNA expression of some anti-inflammatory mediators in bovine oviduct epithelial cells by urea in vitro: Cellular pathways by Reactome analysis. Reprod Biol 2019; 19:75-82. [PMID: 30626534 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Increased urea concentration is a major cause of low fertility in dairy cows fed high-protein diets. A strong correlation exists between the urea concentration in the blood and oviduct fluid of dairy cows. In this study, bovine oviduct epithelial cells (BOECs) were incubated with varying concentrations of urea (0, 20, 40, and 80 mg/dL) in the absence of ovarian sex steroids (estradiol and progesterone) and luteinizing hormone. The 80 mg/dL urea reduced the cell viability, and thus was excluded in further analysis. Compared to the control (U0), the 20 mg/dL urea (U20) increased the mRNA expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, interleukin (IL) 10, IL4, and prostaglandin (PG) E synthase (mPGES) but decreased the mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFA). Compared to U0, the 40 mg/dL urea (U40) decreased the mRNA expression of TNFA and increased alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP). U40 also increased TLR2, IL10, and IL4 mRNA expression compared to U0. In addition, compared to U20, the U40 decreased the mRNA expression of TLR4 and IL1B but increased that of AGP and TLR2. Subsequently, the mRNA expression data were then projected into the Reactome database. The Reactome analysis showed that pathways, including cytokine signaling in the immune system (i.e., TNFs bind their physiological receptors) and death receptor signaling (i.e., TNF signaling), were down-regulated in the presence of urea compared to the U0 group. These in vitro data implied that high urea level can alter the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory responses in BOECs, thus providing a suboptimal environment for the early reproductive events or a weakened innate immune system, predisposing the oviduct to infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasoul Kowsar
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, 84156-83111, Iran; Graduate School of Animal and Food Hygiene, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.
| | - Zohre Kowsar
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, 84156-83111, Iran
| | - Akio Miyamoto
- Graduate School of Animal and Food Hygiene, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
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Lange-Consiglio A, Perrini C, Albini G, Modina S, Lodde V, Orsini E, Esposti P, Cremonesi F. Oviductal microvesicles and their effect on in vitro maturation of canine oocytes. Reproduction 2018; 154:167-180. [PMID: 28652254 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The effect of conditioned medium (CM) or microvesicles (MVs), secreted by multicellular spheroids of oviductal cells, and the involvement of some microRNAs (miRNAs) were investigated in canine oocyte maturation. To generate CM, spheroids were cultured for 3 days. MVs were obtained by ultracentrifugation of CM at 100,000 g and measured for size and concentration by NanoSight instrument. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured at 38.5°C with 5% CO2 and 5% of O2 in synthetic oviductal fluid (SOF) in biphasic systems: for 24 h, with 5.0 μg/mL of LH and for other 48 h with 10% oestrous bitch serum. SOF was used as control (CTR) or supplemented with 10% CM or 25-50-75-100-150 × 106 MVs/mL labeled with PKH-26. Results show that multicellular aggregates secreted shedding vesicles. By fluorescence microscopy, the incorporation of labeled MVs was visible only at 72 h in oocyte cytoplasm. These MVs had a positive effect (P < 0.05) on maturation rate (MII) at the concentration of 75 and 100 × 106 MVs/mL compared to CM and CTR (20.34% and 21.82% vs 9.09% and 8.66% respectively). The concentration of 150 × 106 MVs/mL provided only 9.26% of MII. The expression of three specific miRNAs (miR-30b, miR-375 and miR-503) was studied. The lower rate of MII with the higher concentration of MVs is possibly due to the high level of miR-375. In conclusion, the oviductal MVs could be involved in cellular trafficking during oocyte maturation and their possible use in vitro could facilitate the exploitment of canine reproductive biotechnologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lange-Consiglio
- Reproduction UnitCentro Clinico-Veterinario e Zootecnico-Sperimentale di Ateneo, Università degli Studi di Milano, Lodi, Italy
| | - Claudia Perrini
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversità Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Giulia Albini
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversità Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Modina
- Department of HealthAnimal Science and Food Safety, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Valentina Lodde
- Department of HealthAnimal Science and Food Safety, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Eleonora Orsini
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversità Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Esposti
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversità Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Fausto Cremonesi
- Reproduction UnitCentro Clinico-Veterinario e Zootecnico-Sperimentale di Ateneo, Università degli Studi di Milano, Lodi, Italy.,Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversità Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
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12
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Perrini C, Esposti P, Cremonesi F, Consiglio AL. Secretome derived from different cell lines in bovine embryo production in vitro. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 30:658-671. [DOI: 10.1071/rd17356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the effects of conditioned medium (CM), composed of microvesicles (MVs) and soluble factors present in the supernatant (SN), of bovine endometrial and amniotic cells on embryo quality and rate of blastocyst production. Presumptive zygotes were randomly assigned on Days 1, 3 and 5 after fertilisation to synthetic oviducal fluid with amino acids (SOFaa; control) or to SOFaa supplemented with either 20% endometrial or amniotic CM, 20% SN or 100 × 106 MVs mL−1. Embryos were evaluated on Day 7. For groups supplemented with MVs derived from either endometrial or amniotic cells on Day 1 of culture, blastocysts had developed, but at a lower rate than in the control group. Blastocysts had developed in all groups in which endometrial or amniotic cell-derived CM or MVs were added on Day 3 of culture, but the rate of blastocyst development was significantly lower in both CM groups than in the MVs groups. The addition of all secretome fractions (CM, MVs and SN) derived from either bovine endometrial or amniotic cells on Day 5 of culture resulted in blastocyst production, but only amniotic MVs resulted in a blastocyst production rate comparable to that in the control group. Supplementation of SOFaa on Day 5 resulted in a qualitatively higher number of inner cell mass cells compared with the control group only for the amniotic CM and MVs groups. At day 7, these data were confirmed by RT-qPCR evaluation of genes (Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX) and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) involved in apoptosis and protection against reactive oxygen species. In conclusion, of the different secretome fractions tested, only amniotic MVs added to SOFaa resulted in better outcomes than in the control group.
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13
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Flow cytometry sex sorting affects bull sperm longevity and compromises their capacity to bind to oviductal cells. Livest Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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14
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García EV, Hamdi M, Barrera AD, Sánchez-Calabuig MJ, Gutiérrez-Adán A, Rizos D. Bovine embryo-oviduct interaction in vitro reveals an early cross talk mediated by BMP signaling. Reproduction 2017; 153:631-643. [PMID: 28250237 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Signaling components of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are expressed in an anatomically and temporally regulated fashion in bovine oviduct. However, a local response of this signaling to the presence of the embryo has yet to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate if early embryo-oviduct interaction induces changes in the gene expression of BMP signaling components. For this purpose, we used an in vitro co-culture system to investigate the local interaction between bovine oviductal epithelial cells (BOEC) from the isthmus region with early embryos during two developmental periods: before (from the 2-cell to 8-cell stage) or during (from the 8-cell to 16-cell stage) the main phase of embryonic genome activation (EGA). Exposure to embryos, irrespective of the period, significantly reduced the relative abundance of BMPR1B, BMPR2, SMAD1, SMAD6 and ID2 mRNAs in BOEC. In contrast, embryos that interacted with BOEC before EGA showed a significant increase in the relative abundance of SMAD1 mRNA at the 8-cell stage compared to embryos cultured without BOEC. Moreover, embryos at the 16-cell stage that interacted with BOEC during EGA showed a significant increase in BMPR1B, BMPR2 and ID2 mRNA. These results demonstrate that embryo-oviduct interaction in vitro induces specific changes in the transcriptional levels of BMP signaling, causing a bidirectional response that reduces the expression levels of this signaling in the oviductal cells while increases them in the early embryo. This suggests that BMP signaling pathway could be involved in an early cross talk between the bovine embryo and the oviduct during the first stages of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina V García
- Departamento de Reproducción AnimalInstituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, Spain .,Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO)CONICET-UNT, and Instituto de Biología 'Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri', Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Meriem Hamdi
- Departamento de Reproducción AnimalInstituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio D Barrera
- Departamento de Reproducción AnimalInstituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO)CONICET-UNT, and Instituto de Biología 'Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri', Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - María J Sánchez-Calabuig
- Departamento de Reproducción AnimalInstituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfonso Gutiérrez-Adán
- Departamento de Reproducción AnimalInstituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Departamento de Reproducción AnimalInstituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, Spain
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15
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Ferraz MAMM, Henning HHW, Costa PF, Malda J, Melchels FP, Wubbolts R, Stout TAE, Vos PLAM, Gadella BM. Improved bovine embryo production in an oviduct-on-a-chip system: prevention of poly-spermic fertilization and parthenogenic activation. LAB ON A CHIP 2017; 17:905-916. [PMID: 28194463 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc01566b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The oviduct provides the natural micro-environment for gamete interaction, fertilization and early embryo development in mammals, such as the cow. In conventional culture systems, bovine oviduct epithelial cells (BOEC) undergo a rapid loss of essential differentiated cell properties; we aimed to develop a more physiological in vitro oviduct culture system capable of supporting fertilization. U-shaped chambers were produced using stereo-lithography and mounted with polycarbonate membranes, which were used as culture inserts for primary BOECs. Cells were grown to confluence and cultured at an air-liquid interface for 4 to 6 weeks and subsequently either fixed for immune staining, incubated with sperm cells for live-cell imaging, or used in an oocyte penetration study. Confluent BOEC cultures maintained polarization and differentiation status for at least 6 weeks. When sperm and oocytes were introduced into the system, the BOECs supported oocyte penetration in the absence of artificial sperm capacitation factors while also preventing polyspermy and parthenogenic activation, both of which occur in classical in vitro fertilization systems. Moreover, this "oviduct-on-a-chip" allowed live imaging of sperm-oviduct epithelium binding and release. Taken together, we describe for the first time the use of 3D-printing as a step further on bio-mimicking the oviduct, with polarized and differentiated BOECs in a tubular shape that can be perfused or manipulated, which is suitable for live imaging and supports in vitro fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcia A M M Ferraz
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Heiko H W Henning
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Pedro F Costa
- Department of Orthopedics, Utrecht Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands and Utrecht Biofabrication Facility, Utrecht Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jos Malda
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands and Department of Orthopedics, Utrecht Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands and Utrecht Biofabrication Facility, Utrecht Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ferry P Melchels
- Department of Orthopedics, Utrecht Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands and Utrecht Biofabrication Facility, Utrecht Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - R Wubbolts
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tom A E Stout
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands. and Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter L A M Vos
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Bart M Gadella
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands. and Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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16
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An air-liquid interphase approach for modeling the early embryo-maternal contact zone. Sci Rep 2017; 7:42298. [PMID: 28181558 PMCID: PMC5299422 DOI: 10.1038/srep42298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
We developed an air-liquid interphase culture procedure for mammalian oviduct epithelial cells leading to the formation of functional epithelial tissues, which generate oviduct fluid surrogates. These in vitro oviduct epithelia can be co-cultured with living zygotes and enable embryonic development up to the blastocyst stage without addition of embryo culture medium. The described strategy is broadly applicable to analyze early embryo-maternal interactions under standardized in vitro conditions.
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17
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Ferraz MAMM, Henning HHW, Stout TAE, Vos PLAM, Gadella BM. Designing 3-Dimensional In Vitro Oviduct Culture Systems to Study Mammalian Fertilization and Embryo Production. Ann Biomed Eng 2016; 45:1731-1744. [PMID: 27844174 PMCID: PMC5489612 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-016-1760-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The oviduct was long considered a largely passive conduit for gametes and embryos. However, an increasing number of studies into oviduct physiology have demonstrated that it specifically and significantly influences gamete interaction, fertilization and early embryo development. While oviduct epithelial cell (OEC) function has been examined during maintenance in conventional tissue culture dishes, cells seeded into these two-dimensional (2-D) conditions suffer a rapid loss of differentiated OEC characteristics, such as ciliation and secretory activity. Recently, three-dimensional (3-D) cell culture systems have been developed that make use of cell inserts to create basolateral and apical medium compartments with a confluent epithelial cell layer at the interface. Using such 3-D culture systems, OECs can be triggered to redevelop typical differentiated cell properties and levels of tissue organization can be developed that are not possible in a 2-D culture. 3-D culture systems can be further refined using new micro-engineering techniques (including microfluidics and 3-D printing) which can be used to produce ‘organs-on-chips’, i.e. live 3-D cultures that bio-mimic the oviduct. In this review, concepts for designing bio-mimic 3-D oviduct cultures are presented. The increased possibilities and concomitant challenges when trying to more closely investigate oviduct physiology, gamete activation, fertilization and embryo production are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcia A M M Ferraz
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 104, 3584CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Heiko H W Henning
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584CM,, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tom A E Stout
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 104, 3584CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584CM,, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter L A M Vos
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 104, 3584CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bart M Gadella
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 104, 3584CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands. .,Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 79, 3584CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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18
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Simintiras CA, Fröhlich T, Sathyapalan T, Arnold GJ, Ulbrich SE, Leese HJ, Sturmey RGS. Modelling oviduct fluid formation in vitro. Reproduction 2016; 153:REP-15-0508. [PMID: 27738189 DOI: 10.1530/rep-15-0508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Oviduct fluid is the microenvironment that supports early reproductive processes including fertilisation, embryo cleavage, and genome activation. However, the composition and regulation of this critical environment remains rather poorly defined. This study uses an in vitro preparation of the bovine oviduct epithelium, to investigate the formation and composition of in vitro derived oviduct fluid (ivDOF) within a controlled environment. We confirm the presence of oviduct specific glycoprotein 1 in ivDOF and show that the amino acid and carbohydrate content resembles that of previously reported in vivo data. In parallel, using a different culture system, a panel of oviduct epithelial solute carrier genes, and the corresponding flux of amino acids within ivDOF in response to steroid hormones were investigated. We next incorporated fibroblasts directly beneath the epithelium. This dual culture arrangement represents more faithfully the in vivo environment and impacts on ivDOF composition. Lastly, physiological and pathophysiological endocrine states were modelled and their impact on the in vitro oviduct preparation evaluated. These experiments help clarify the dynamic function of the oviduct in vitro and suggest a number of future research avenues, such as investigating epithelial-fibroblast interactions, probing the molecular aetiologies of subfertility, and optimising embryo culture media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantine A Simintiras
- C Simintiras, Centre for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research (CCMR), Hull York Medical School (HYMS), Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Thomas Fröhlich
- T Fröhlich, Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Thozhukat Sathyapalan
- T Sathyapalan, Michael White Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology, Hull York Medical School (HYMS), Kingston upon Hull, Hu32rw, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Georg J Arnold
- G Arnold, Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Susanne E Ulbrich
- S Ulbrich, Animal Physiology, ETH Zurich, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Henry J Leese
- H Leese, Centre for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research (CCMR), Hull York Medical School (HYMS), Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Roger G S Sturmey
- R Sturmey, Centre for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research (CCMR), Hull York Medical School (HYMS), Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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19
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Maillo V, Sánchez-Calabuig MJ, Lopera-Vasquez R, Hamdi M, Gutierrez-Adan A, Lonergan P, Rizos D. Oviductal response to gametes and early embryos in mammals. Reproduction 2016; 152:R127-41. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The oviduct is a complex and organized thin tubular structure connecting the ovary with the uterus. It is the site of final sperm capacitation, oocyte fertilization and, in most species, the first 3–4days of early embryo development. The oviductal epithelium is made up of ciliary and secretory cells responsible for the secretion of proteins and other factors which contribute to the formation of the oviductal fluid. Despite significant research, most of the pathways and oviductal factors implicated in the crosstalk between gametes/early embryo and the oviduct remain unknown. Therefore, studying the oviductal environment is crucial to improve our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms controlling fertilization and embryo development. In vitro systems are a valuable tool to study in vivo pathways and mechanisms, particularly those in the oviducts which in livestock species are challenging to access. In studies of gamete and embryo interaction with the reproductive tract, oviductal epithelial cells, oviductal fluid and microvesicles co-cultured with gametes/embryos represent the most appropriate in vitro models to mimic the physiological conditions in vivo.
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20
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Jordaens L, Arias-Alvarez M, Pintelon I, Thys S, Valckx S, Dezhkam Y, Bols P, Leroy J. Elevated non-esterified fatty acid concentrations hamper bovine oviductal epithelial cell physiology in three different in vitro culture systems. Theriogenology 2015; 84:899-910. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Revised: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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21
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Chen S, Einspanier R, Schoen J. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER): a functional parameter to monitor the quality of oviduct epithelial cells cultured on filter supports. Histochem Cell Biol 2015. [PMID: 26223877 PMCID: PMC4628619 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-015-1351-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cultivation of oviduct epithelial cells on porous filters fosters in vivo-like morphology and functionality. However, due to the optical properties of the filter materials and the cells’ columnar shape, cell quality is hard to assess via light microscopy. In this study, we aim to evaluate transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurement as a prognostic quality indicator for the cultivation of porcine oviduct epithelial cells (POEC). POEC were maintained in four different types of media for 3 and 6 w to achieve diverse culture qualities, and TEER was measured before processing samples for histology. Culture quality was scored using morphological criteria (presence of cilia, confluence and cell polarity). We furthermore analyzed the correlation between cellular height (as a measure of apical–basal polarization) and TEER in fully differentiated routine cultures (biological variation) and in cultures with altered cellular height due to hormonal stimulation. Fully differentiated cultures possessed a moderate TEER between 500 and 1100 Ω*cm2. Only 5 % of cultures which exhibited TEER values in this defined range had poor quality. Sub-differentiated cultures showed either very low or excessively high TEER. We unveiled a highly significant (P < 0.0001) negative linear correlation between TEER and epithelial height in well-differentiated cultures (both routine and hormone stimulated group). This may point toward the interaction between tight junction assembly and epithelial apical–basal polarization. In conclusion, TEER is a straightforward quality indicator which could be routinely used to monitor the differentiation status of oviduct epithelial cells in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Chen
- College of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Reproductive Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Ralf Einspanier
- Institute of Veterinary Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Oertzenweg 19b, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jennifer Schoen
- Institute of Reproductive Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196, Dummerstorf, Germany.
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22
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Palma-Vera S, Einspanier R, Schoen J. Bovine oviductal epithelial cells: long term culture characterization and impact of insulin on cell morphology. Reprod Biol 2014; 14:206-12. [PMID: 25152518 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2014.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2013] [Revised: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In vitro models that resemble cell function in vivo are needed to understand oviduct physiology. This study aimed to assess cell functions and insulin effects on bovine oviductal epithelial cells (BOECs) cultured in an air-liquid interface. BOECs (n=6) were grown in conditioned Ham's F12, DMEM or Ham's F12/DMEM with 10% fetal calf serum (FCS) for 3 weeks. After selecting the most suitable medium (Ham's F12), increasing insulin concentrations (1 ng/mL, 20 ng/mL and 5 μg/mL) were applied, and cell morphology and trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER; n=4) were evaluated after 3 and 6 weeks. Keratin immunohistochemistry and mRNA expression of oviductal glycoprotein 1 (OVGP1) and progesterone receptor (PGR) were conducted (n=4) to assess cell differentiation. BOECs grown without insulin supplementation or with 1 ng/mL of insulin displayed polarization and secretory activity. However, cells exhibited only 50% of the height of their in vivo counterparts. Cultures supplemented with 20 ng/mL insulin showed the highest quality, but the 5 μg/mL concentration induced massive growth. TEER correlated negatively with insulin concentration (r=-0.459; p=0.009). OVGP1 and PGR transcripts were still detectable after 3 and 6 weeks. Cellular localization of keratins closely resembled that of BOECs in vivo. Cultures showed heterogeneous expression of PGR and OVGP1 in response to estradiol (10 pg/mL). In summary, BOECs grown for long term in an air-liquid interface expressed markers of cell differentiation. Additionally, insulin supplementation (20 ng/mL) improved the cell morphology in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Palma-Vera
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Veterinary Biochemistry, Oertzenweg 19b, 14163 Berlin, Germany.
| | - R Einspanier
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Veterinary Biochemistry, Oertzenweg 19b, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - J Schoen
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Veterinary Biochemistry, Oertzenweg 19b, 14163 Berlin, Germany
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23
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Chen S, Einspanier R, Schoen J. Long-term culture of primary porcine oviduct epithelial cells: validation of a comprehensive in vitro model for reproductive science. Theriogenology 2013; 80:862-9. [PMID: 23973051 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2013] [Revised: 07/17/2013] [Accepted: 07/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Recently, we established a protocol for the cultivation of primary porcine oviduct epithelial cells (POEC), which promoted tissue-like morphology for a prolonged culture period. The present study focuses on developing this model into a comprehensive, standardized culture system, as a candidate tool for reproductive toxicity testing and basic research. We cultivated POEC isolated from 25 animals in our culture system for both 3 and 6 weeks and systematically analyzed effects of medium conditioning, supplementation with standardized sera, and culture duration in both freshly isolated and cryopreserved cells. The differentiation status was evaluated via histomorphometry, transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurement, and expression analyses. The culture system possessed high reproducibility, more than 95% of cultures achieved a fully differentiated phenotype. Cells recapitulated in vivo-like morphology and ultrastructure from 3 to 6 weeks. Cryopreservation of the cells prior to cultivation did not affect culture quality of POEC. Employment of conditioned medium ensured optimal promotion of POEC differentiation, and different standardized sera induced fully differentiated phenotypes. Consistent TEER establishment indicated the presence and maintenance of cell type-specific intercellular junctions. The functionality of POEC was proven by consistent mucin secretion and stable expression of selected markers over the whole culture duration. We conclude that POEC are suitable for experiments from 3 weeks up to at least 6 weeks of culture. Therefore, this culture system could be used for in vitro estrous cycle simulation and long-term investigation of toxic effects on oviduct epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Chen
- Institute of Veterinary Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Oertzenweg19b, 14163 Berlin, Germany
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24
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Cordova A, Perreau C, Schmaltz-Panneau B, Locatelli Y, Ponsart C, Mermillod P. [Use of an in vitro model in bovine to evidence a functional and molecular dialogue between preimplantation embryo and oviduct epithelial cells]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 41:537-9. [PMID: 23958329 DOI: 10.1016/j.gyobfe.2013.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2013] [Accepted: 07/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Beyond being a pipe between ovary and uterus, the oviduct is an active player in different aspects of early reproductive processes, in particular in the transport of embryos to the site of implantation and the regulation of its early development. Different studies evidenced a communication between oviduct and early embryo at the molecular and functional levels. Since the study of these interactions is difficult in vivo, different in vitro systems have been developed to mimic the maternal milieu during early development. These systems allowed to confirm the action of the cells on the quality of early development (blastocyst rate and viability). In turn, the embryos are producing signals that are able to modify and adapt the activity of maternal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Cordova
- UMR7247, physiologie de la reproduction et des comportements, Institut national de recherche agronomique (INRA), 37380 Nouzilly, France
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25
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Bovine oviductal monolayers cultured under three-dimension conditions secrete factors able to release spermatozoa adhering to the tubal reservoir in vitro. Theriogenology 2012; 79:429-35. [PMID: 23168352 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2012] [Revised: 10/16/2012] [Accepted: 10/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Different in vitro models have been developed to understand the interaction of gametes and embryos with the maternal reproductive tract. We recently showed that bovine oviductal monolayers three-dimensionally cultured in Gray's medium on collagen-coated microporous polycarbonate inserts under liquid-air interface conditions are well polarized, develop cilia, remain viable for at least 3 weeks postconfluence, and mantain the viability of bound spermatozoa significantly better than bidimensionally cultured monolayers. Herein, we used these culture conditions to understand whether: (1) spermatozoa adhering to three-dimensionally cultured oviductal monolayers can be released by heparin or penicillamine as previously shown with bidimensionally cultured oviductal monolayers and explants; and (2) media conditioned by three-dimensionally cultured oviductal monolayers were able to release spermatozoa adhering to oviductal explants. Findings demonstrated that (1) spermatozoa adhering to three-dimensionally cultured oviductal monolayers are readily released by heparin and penicillamine, (2) media conditioned by three-dimensionally cultured oviductal monolayers are able to release spermatozoa bound to oviductal explants, (3) do not depress sperm motility and viability, (4) they improve sperm kinetics, and (5) promote binding to the zona pellucida. In conclusion, in vitro data suggest that the release of spermatozoa adhering to the oviductal reservoir in vivo can be triggered by factors secreted by the oviduct itself that induce sperm capacitation.
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