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Esfandyari S, Winston NJ, Fierro MA, Scoccia H, Stocco C. Oocyte-secreted factors strongly stimulate sFRP4 expression in human cumulus cells. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:6255760. [PMID: 33905521 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Secreted frizzled-related protein-4 (SFRP4) belongs to a family of soluble ovarian-expressed proteins that participate in female reproduction, particularly in rodents. In humans, SFRP4 is highly expressed in cumulus cells (CCs). However, the mechanisms that stimulate SFRP4 in CCs have not been examined. We hypothesise that oocyte-secreted factors such as growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) are involved in the regulation of SFRP4. Human CCs were collected from patients undergoing fertility treatments and treated with GDF9 or BMP15 or their combination in the presence of FSH or vehicle. FSH treatment significantly decreased SFRP4 mRNA levels when compared with nontreated cells. However, SFRP4 mRNA levels were increased significantly by GDF9 plus BMP15 in a concentration-dependent manner in the presence or absence of FSH. The combination of GDF9 plus BMP15 also increased SFRP4 protein levels and decreased the activity of the β-catenin/T cell factor-responsive promoter significantly. GDF9 plus BMP15 inhibited steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and LH/hCG receptor stimulation by FSH, while treatment with SFRP4 blocked the stimulatory effect of FSH on these genes. The evidence demonstrates that GDF9 and BMP15 act in coordination to stimulate SFRP4 expression and suggests that SFRP4 mediates the anti-luteinising effects of the oocyte in human CCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Esfandyari
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nicola J Winston
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Michelle A Fierro
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Humberto Scoccia
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Carlos Stocco
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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Convissar S, Winston NJ, Fierro MA, Scoccia H, Zamah AM, Stocco C. Sp1 regulates steroidogenic genes and LHCGR expression in primary human luteinized granulosa cells. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 190:183-192. [PMID: 30954507 PMCID: PMC6511456 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Luteinizing hormone and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) bind to the luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor (LHCGR). LHCGR is required to maintain corpus luteum function but the mechanisms involved in the regulation of LHCGR in human luteal cells remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to characterize the expression of LHCGR mRNA in primary human luteinized granulosa cells (hLGCs) obtained from patients undergoing in vitro fertilization and to correlate LHCGR expression with the response of hLGCs to hCG by assessing the expression of genes known to be markers of hCG actions. The results show that LHCGR expression is low in freshly isolated cells but recovers rapidly in culture and that hCG maintains LHCGR expression, suggesting a positive feedback loop. The activity of a LHCGR-LUC reporter increased in cells treated with hCG but not with follicle-stimulating hormone. Treatment with hCG also stimulated the expression of genes involved in steroidogenesis in a time-dependent manner. LHCGR promoter expression was found to be regulated by SP1, which we show is highly expressed in hLGCs. Moreover, SP1 inhibition prevented the stimulation of steroidogenic genes and the increase in LHCGR-LUC reporter activity by hCG. Finally, we provide evidence that a complex formed by SP1 and GATA4 may play a role in the maintenance of LHCGR expression. This report reveals the mechanisms involved in the regulation of the LHCGR and provides experimental data demonstrating that the proximal region of the LHCGR promoter is sufficient to drive the expression of this gene in primary hLGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Convissar
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States
| | - Nicola J Winston
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, United States
| | - Michelle A Fierro
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, United States
| | - Humberto Scoccia
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, United States
| | - Alberuni M Zamah
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, United States
| | - Carlos Stocco
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States.
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Hobeika E, Armouti M, Kala H, Fierro MA, Winston NJ, Scoccia B, Zamah AM, Stocco C. Oocyte-Secreted Factors Synergize With FSH to Promote Aromatase Expression in Primary Human Cumulus Cells. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:1667-1676. [PMID: 30541132 PMCID: PMC6441017 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2018-01705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT The role of growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) on aromatase regulation is poorly understood in humans. OBJECTIVE Determine GDF9 and BMP15 effects on FSH stimulation of estradiol production in primary human cumulus granulosa cells (GCs). We hypothesized that the combination of GDF9 and BMP15 potentiates FSH-induced aromatase expression. DESIGN Primary human cumulus GCs in culture. SETTING University infertility center. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS GCs of 60 women undergoing in vitro fertilization were collected. INTERVENTIONS Cells were treated with GDF9 and/or BMP15 (GB) in the presence or absence of FSH, dibutyryl cAMP, or SMAD inhibitors. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Promoter activity, mRNA, protein, and estradiol levels were quantified. RESULTS FSH and GB treatment increased CYP19A1 promoter activity, mRNA, and protein levels as well as estradiol when compared with cells treated with FSH only. GB treatment potentiated cAMP stimulation of aromatase and IGF2 stimulation by FSH. GB effects were inhibited by SMAD3 inhibitors and IGF1 receptor inhibitors. GB, but not FSH, stimulates SMAD3 phosphorylation. CONCLUSION The combination of GDF9 and BMP15 potently stimulates the effect of FSH and cAMP on CYP19a1 promoter activity and mRNA/protein levels. These effects translate into an increase in estradiol production. This potentiation seems to occur through activation of the SMAD2/3 and SMAD3 signaling pathway and involves, at least in part, the effect of the IGF system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elie Hobeika
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Marah Armouti
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Hamsini Kala
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Michele A Fierro
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Nicola J Winston
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Bert Scoccia
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Alberuni M Zamah
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Carlos Stocco
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Carlos Stocco, PhD, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, 835 South Wolcott Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60612. E-mail:
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Stocco C, Baumgarten SC, Armouti M, Fierro MA, Winston NJ, Scoccia B, Zamah AM. Genome-wide interactions between FSH and insulin-like growth factors in the regulation of human granulosa cell differentiation. Hum Reprod 2017; 32:905-914. [PMID: 28158425 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Study question Is the genome-wide response of human cumulus cells to FSH and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) comparable to the response observed in undifferentiated granulosa cells (GCs)? Summary answer FSH actions in human cumulus cells mimic those observed in preantral undifferentiated GCs from laboratory animals, and approximately half of the regulated genes are dependent on the simultaneous activation of the IGF1 receptor (IGF1R). What is known already Animal studies have shown that FSH and the IGFs system are required for follicle growth and maturation. In humans, IGF levels in the follicular fluid correlate with patients' responses to IVF protocols. The main targets of FSH and IGFs in the ovary are the GCs; however, the genomic mechanisms involved in the response of GCs to these hormones are unknown. Study design, size, duration Human cumulus cells isolated from IVF patients were cultured for 48 h in serum-free media in the presence of vehicle, FSH, IGF1R inhibitor or their combination. Participants/materials, setting, methods Discarded cumulus cells were donated to research by reproductive-aged women undergoing IVF due to non-ovarian etiologies of infertility at a university-affiliated clinic. The effect of FSH and/or IGF1R inhibition on cumulus cell function was evaluated using Affymetrix microarrays, quantitative PCR, western blot, promoter assays and hormone level measurements. Main results and the role of chance The findings demonstrate that human cumulus cells from IVF patients respond to FSH with the expression of genes known to be markers of the preantral to preovulatory differentiation of GCs. These results also demonstrate that ~50% of FSH-regulated genes require IGF1R activity and suggest that several aspects of follicle growth are coordinately regulated by FSH and IGFs in humans. This novel approach will allow for future mechanistic and molecular studies on the regulation of human follicle maturation. Large scale data Data set can be accessed at Gene Expression Omnibus number GSE86427. Limitations, reasons for caution Experiments were performed using primary human cumulus cells. This may not represent the response of intact follicles. Wider implications of the findings Understanding the mechanisms involved in the regulation of GC differentiation by FSH and IGF in humans will contribute to improving treatments for infertility. Study funding/competing interest(s) The project was financed by the National Instituted of Health grant number R56HD086054 and R01HD057110 (C.S.). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish or preparation of the manuscript. We have no competing interests to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Stocco
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sarah C Baumgarten
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Marah Armouti
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Michelle A Fierro
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nicola J Winston
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bert Scoccia
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - A Musa Zamah
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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Convissar S, Armouti M, Fierro MA, Winston NJ, Scoccia H, Zamah AM, Stocco C. Regulation of AMH by oocyte-specific growth factors in human primary cumulus cells. Reproduction 2017; 154:745-753. [PMID: 28874516 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The regulation of AMH production by follicular cells is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of the oocyte-secreted factors, growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15), on AMH production in primary human cumulus cells. Cumulus cells from IVF patients were cultured with a combination of GDF9, BMP15, recombinant FSH and specific signaling inhibitors. Stimulation with GDF9 or BMP15 separately had no significant effect on AMH mRNA levels. In contrast, simultaneous stimulation with GDF9 and BMP15 (G + B) resulted in a significant increase in AMH mRNA expression. Increasing concentration of G + B (0.6, 2.5, 5 and 10 ng/mL) stimulated AMH in a dose-dependent manner, showing a maximal effect at 5 ng/mL. Western blot analyses revealed an average 16-fold increase in AMH protein levels in cells treated with G + B when compared to controls. FSH co-treatment decreased the stimulation of AMH expression by G + B. The stimulatory effect of G + B on the expression of AMH was significantly decreased by inhibitors of the SMAD2/3 signaling pathway. These findings show for the first time that AMH production is regulated by oocyte-secreted factors in primary human cumulus cells. Moreover, our novel findings establish that the combination of GDF9 + BMP15 potently stimulates AMH expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Convissar
- Department of Physiology and BiophysicsThe University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Marah Armouti
- Department of Physiology and BiophysicsThe University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Michelle A Fierro
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and InfertilityDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Nicola J Winston
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and InfertilityDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Humberto Scoccia
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and InfertilityDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - A Musa Zamah
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and InfertilityDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Carlos Stocco
- Department of Physiology and BiophysicsThe University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Baumgarten SC, Convissar SM, Zamah AM, Fierro MA, Winston NJ, Scoccia B, Stocco C. FSH Regulates IGF-2 Expression in Human Granulosa Cells in an AKT-Dependent Manner. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2015; 100:E1046-55. [PMID: 26066673 PMCID: PMC4524996 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2015-1504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT IGF-2 is highly expressed in the granulosa cells of human dominant ovarian follicles; however, little is known about the regulation of the IGF-2 gene or the interaction of IGF-2 and FSH during follicle development. OBJECTIVE To examine the mechanisms involved in the regulation of the IGF-2 gene by FSH and the interplay between FSH and IGF-2 during granulosa cell differentiation. Design, Setting, Patients, and Interventions: Cumulus granulosa cells were separated from cumulus-oocyte complexes isolated from the follicular aspirates of in vitro fertilization patients and cultured for in vitro studies. MAIN OUTCOME Protein and mRNA levels of IGF-2 and CYP19A1 (aromatase) were quantified using Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR. IGF-2 promoter-specific activation was determined by the amplification of alternative exons by PCR. Cell proliferation was assessed after treatment with FSH and/or IGF-2. RESULTS FSH significantly enhanced IGF-2 expression after 8 hours of treatment and at low doses (1 ng/mL). Reciprocally, IGF-2 synergized with FSH to increase cell proliferation and the expression of CYP19A1. When IGF-2 activity was blocked, FSH was no longer able to stimulate CYP19A1 expression. Determination of IGF-2 promoter usage in human cumulus cells showed that the IGF-2 gene is driven by promoters P3 and P4. However, FSH exclusively increased P3 promoter-derived transcripts. Moreover, the FSH-induced stimulation of P3-driven IGF-2 transcripts was blocked by cotreatment with inhibitors of AKT or IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R). The inhibitory effect of the IGF-1R inhibitor on FSH-induced IGF-2 mRNA accumulation was reversed by overexpression of a constitutively active AKT construct. CONCLUSIONS FSH is a potent enhancer of IGF-2 expression in human granulosa cells. In return, IGF-2 activation of the IGF-1R and AKT is required for FSH to stimulate CYP19A1 expression and proliferation of granulosa cells. These findings suggest a positive loop interaction between FSH and IGF-2 that is critical for human granulosa cell proliferation and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C Baumgarten
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics (S.C.B., S.M.C., C.S.), and Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (A.M.Z., M.A.F., N.J.W., B.S.), University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60612
| | - Scott M Convissar
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics (S.C.B., S.M.C., C.S.), and Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (A.M.Z., M.A.F., N.J.W., B.S.), University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60612
| | - A Musa Zamah
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics (S.C.B., S.M.C., C.S.), and Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (A.M.Z., M.A.F., N.J.W., B.S.), University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60612
| | - Michelle A Fierro
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics (S.C.B., S.M.C., C.S.), and Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (A.M.Z., M.A.F., N.J.W., B.S.), University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60612
| | - Nicola J Winston
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics (S.C.B., S.M.C., C.S.), and Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (A.M.Z., M.A.F., N.J.W., B.S.), University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60612
| | - Bert Scoccia
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics (S.C.B., S.M.C., C.S.), and Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (A.M.Z., M.A.F., N.J.W., B.S.), University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60612
| | - Carlos Stocco
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics (S.C.B., S.M.C., C.S.), and Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (A.M.Z., M.A.F., N.J.W., B.S.), University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60612
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Baumgarten SC, Convissar SM, Fierro MA, Winston NJ, Scoccia B, Stocco C. IGF1R signaling is necessary for FSH-induced activation of AKT and differentiation of human Cumulus granulosa cells. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2014; 99:2995-3004. [PMID: 24848710 PMCID: PMC4121023 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2014-1139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT FSH is routinely administered to in vitro fertilization patients to induce follicle maturation. During this process, granulosa cells differentiate and acquire specific functional characteristics that are required to coordinate ovulation and oocyte maturation. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to gain insight into the molecular mechanisms regulating human granulosa cell differentiation. Design, Setting, Patients, and Interventions: Cumulus and mural granulosa cells were isolated from the follicular aspirates of in vitro fertilization patients and analyzed immediately or cultured in serum-free media in the presence of FSH, IGFs, or an inhibitor of type I IGF receptor (IGF1R) activity. MAIN OUTCOME We quantified the mRNA and protein levels of steroidogenic enzymes, components of the IGF system, and gonadotropin receptors; measured 17β-estradiol levels; and examined the activation of intracellular signaling pathways to assess the granulosa cell differentiation as well as the FSH and IGF actions in both cumulus and mural cells. RESULTS In freshly isolated cells, LH receptor (Lhr) and steroidogenic acute regulator (Star) were expressed at lower levels in cumulus than mural cells, whereas FSH receptor (Fshr) and anti-Müllerian hormone (Amh) were expressed at higher levels in cumulus than mural cells. In vitro, the expression of Igf2, the differentiation markers Lhr, Star, and Cyp19a1 (aromatase) as well as 17β-estradiol production remained low in untreated cumulus cells but increased significantly after FSH treatment. Strikingly, this stimulatory effect of FSH was abolished by the inhibition of IGF1R activity. FSH-induced activation of v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 3 (AKT) required IGF1R activity, and overexpression of constitutively active AKT rescued the induction of differentiation markers and 17β-estradiol production by FSH in the presence of the IGF1R inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS The cumulus cell response to FSH resembles the differentiation of preantral to preovulatory granulosa cells. This differentiation program requires IGF1R activity and subsequent AKT activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C Baumgarten
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics (S.C.B., S.M.C., C.S.) and Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (M.A.F., N.J.W., B.S.), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60612
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Scoccia B, Demir H, Kang Y, Fierro MA, Winston NJ. In vitro fertilization pregnancy rates in levothyroxine-treated women with hypothyroidism compared to women without thyroid dysfunction disorders. Thyroid 2012; 22:631-6. [PMID: 22540326 PMCID: PMC3412578 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2011.0343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to ovulatory dysfunction resulting in oligo-amenorrhea. Treatment with levothyroxine can reverse such dysfunction and thus should improve fertility. The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess whether in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancy rates differ in levothyroxine-treated women with hypothyroidism compared to women without thyroid dysfunction/disorders. METHODS Treated hypothyroid and euthyroid women undergoing IVF at an academic IVF center were studied after Institutional Review Board approval. Women with hypothyroidism were treated with levothyroxine 0.025-0.15 mg/day for at least 3 months to maintain baseline thyrotropin (TSH) levels of 0.35-4.0 μU/mL prior to commencing IVF treatment (HYPO-Rx group). Causes of infertility were similar in both groups with the exception of male factor, which was more common in the HYPO-Rx group. The main outcomes studied were implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, clinical miscarriage rate, and live birth rate. RESULTS We reviewed the first IVF retrieval cycle performed on 240 women aged 37 years or less during the period January 2003 to December 2007. Women with treated hypothyroidism (n=21) had significantly less implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates than euthyroid women (n=219). CONCLUSIONS We conclude that, despite levothyroxine treatment, women with hypothyroidism have a significantly decreased chance of achieving a pregnancy following IVF compared to euthyroid patients. A larger prospective study is necessary to assess confounding variables, confirm these findings, and determine the optimal level of TSH prior to and during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bert Scoccia
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, 820 South Wood St., Chicago, IL 60612-7313, USA.
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Winston NJ, Johnson MH, McConnell JM, Cook DI, Day ML. Expression and role of the ether-à-go-go-related (MERG1A) potassium-channel protein during preimplantation mouse development. Biol Reprod 2003; 70:1070-9. [PMID: 14668215 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.103.020917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Potassium channels play important roles in many cellular processes, including cell-cycle progression and cell differentiation. In the present study, we investigated the pattern of expression of the mouse ether-à-go-go-related (KCNH2; MERG1A) potassium channel during mouse embryogenic development. Analysis by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction revealed maternal MERG1A transcripts until the late 2-cell stage of development, after which MERG1A expression from the zygotic genome was low until the 8-cell stage, then rose in the morula, but was low in trophoblast compared to inner cell mass cells. A trophoblast stem cell line also was shown to express MERG1A mRNA. Immunoblotting of oocytes, blastocysts, and the trophoblast stem cell line revealed different posttranslationally processed forms of MERG1A. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that the subcellular localization of MERG1A varied at different stages of the embryogenic cell cycle. In addition, MERG1A protein levels increased following compaction at the 8-cell stage, and its distribution became polarized. This relocalization of MERG1A was affected by treatment with specific inhibitors of ether-à-go-go-related gene (ERG)-channel function and of actin polymerization. Puromycin treatment of morulae indicated that membrane-associated MERG1A had a half-life of greater than 24 h. The ERG-specific inhibitor E-4031 reduced the incidence of blastocyst formation and the number of cells per blastocyst. These results show that MERG1A is developmentally regulated and suggest that it might play a role in early mouse embryogenic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Winston
- Department of Physiology and Institute for Biomedical Research, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
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Abstract
We have established an assay to measure protein phosphatase activity in mouse oocytes using [32P]-radiolabeled phosphorylase a as the substrate. Removal of the radiolabel from the substrate in vitro was linear with time and could be inhibited totally by the addition of okadaic acid (inhibitor of type 1 and type 2 protein phosphatases), or partially by protein inhibitor 2 (inhibitor of type 1 protein phosphatases). We performed a detailed study of the activity of type 2A protein phosphatases in mouse oocytes undergoing meiotic maturation and after parthenogenetic activation of mature oocytes arrested in metaphase II. Significant changes in the activity of type 2A protein phosphatases were observed during the first meiotic and the first mitotic cell cycles. These alterations in type 2A protein phosphatase activity occurred in the absence of changes in the quantity of the catalytic sub-unit and can be correlated with changes in the activity of protein kinases and rearrangement of the cellular cytoskeleton. Our observations support a role for type 2A protein phosphatases in cell cycle regulation and demonstrate that, like the protein kinases, the type 2A phosphatases also undergo changes in their activity during early mammalian development.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Winston
- Laboratoire de Biologie Cellulaire du Développement, UMR 7622, CNRS, Université Paris 6, France
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Winston NJ. Stability of cyclin B protein during meiotic maturation and the first mitotic cell division in mouse oocytes. Biol Cell 1997; 89:211-9. [PMID: 9429304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
This report examines in detail the metabolism of the cyclin protein B1 during meiotic maturation and following the activation of mature mouse oocytes using immunoprecipitation of the radiolabelled protein. The net synthesis of cyclin B increases progressively during meiotic maturation, reaching its maximum levels at least 1 h before oocytes exit into metaphase of meiosis II (MII). This increase correlates with the rise in cdc2 kinase activity reported previously and suggests an association between the length of the first meiotic M phase (MI) and the net synthesis of cyclin B, that seems to regulate the time required for the cdc2 kinase to reach its maximum activity. Moreover, no marked degradation of cyclin B was observed before the MI to MII transition and that which occurs does so independently of the presence of microtubules, which are essential for cyclin degradation during metaphase II arrest and exit of oocytes into interphase of the first mitotic cell cycle. Cyclin B is degraded rapidly during the transitions MI to MII, MII to the first mitotic interphase and MII to an abortive third metaphase state (MIII). However, whilst its degradation was incomplete during the MI to MII transition, virtually no cyclin B protein was detected following both the MII to interphase and MII to MIII transitions. Thus, the decision of oocytes to exit into MIII, or interphase is not controlled at the level of cyclin B degradation. Lastly, in aging, non-activated oocytes, the net synthesis of cyclin B declines. Whereas, in activated eggs cultured in parallel although the rate of net synthesis declines initially, it is effectively 'rescued' being two-fold greater than in non-activated oocytes of an equivalent age. This gradual fall in the net synthesis of cyclin B observed in aging oocytes may contribute to the increasing ease with which they become activated, compared to recently ovulated oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Winston
- Département de Biologie du Développement, Institut Jacques-Monod, CNRS, Université Paris 7, France
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Murphy M, Stinnakre MG, Senamaud-Beaufort C, Winston NJ, Sweeney C, Kubelka M, Carrington M, Bréchot C, Sobczak-Thépot J. Delayed early embryonic lethality following disruption of the murine cyclin A2 gene. Nat Genet 1997; 15:83-6. [PMID: 8988174 DOI: 10.1038/ng0197-83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 194] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
In higher eukaryotes, cell cycle progression is controlled by cyclin dependent kinases (Cdks) complexed with cyclins. A-type cyclins are involved at both G1/S and G2/M transitions of the cell cycle. Cyclin A2 activates cdc2 (Cdk1) on passage into mitosis and Cdk2 at the G1/S transition. Antisense constructs, or antibodies directed against cyclin A2 block cultured mammalian cells at both of these transitions. In contrast, overexpression of cyclin A2 appears to advance S phase entry and confer anchorage-independent growth, and can lead to apoptosis. A second A-type cyclin, cyclin A1 has been described recently which, in the mouse, is expressed in germ cells but not somatic tissues. To address the possible redundancy between different cyclins in vivo and also the control of early embryonic cell cycles, we undertook the targeted deletion of the murine cyclin A2 gene. The homozygous null mutant is embryonically lethal, demonstrating that the cyclin A2 gene is essential. Surprisingly, homozygous null mutant embryos develop normally until post-implantation, around day 5.5 p.c. This observation may be explained by the persistence of a maternal pool of cyclin A2 protein until at least the blastocyst stage, or an unexpected role for cyclin A1 during early embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Murphy
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 370, Faculté Necker, Paris, France
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Abstract
The majority of human conceptuses fertilized normally in vitro fail to establish a pregnancy following their replacement in utero. However, since conceptuses are usually transferred after only one or two cell divisions, their developmental outcome is not known. It has been found that a significant number of human oocytes which can be fertilized carry chromosomal abnormalities, even in the absence of ovarian stimulation. After fertilization, preimplantation-stage conceptuses developing in vitro display a high incidence of cellular abnormalities. Similar disruptions of cellular organization have also been noted in conceptuses fertilized in vivo. Thus, developmental abnormalities and the demise of the conceptus prior to the stage of implantation may stem from the poor quality of the oocyte. The conditions encountered in vitro have also been proposed to cause or contribute to the early demise of human conceptuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Winston
- Laboratoire de Physiologie du Developpement, Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS-Université Paris VII, France
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Abstract
The activity of calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) was measured in mouse oocytes arrested in metaphase II and following their activation parthenogenetically. In metaphase II-arrested oocytes CaMKII was inactive. However, following the exposure of oocytes to ethanol, the kinase was highly active, returning to baseline activity within 15 min of their removal from ethanol. The increase in kinase activity was similar in recently ovulated and older oocytes despite an age-dependent difference in their ability to progress to interphase. Moreover, the microtubule-depolymerizing drug nocodazole, which blocks the exit from M phase in mouse oocytes, had no effect on CaMKII activation. These results illustrate clearly that CaMKII is activated in mouse oocytes in response to a rise in intracellular calcium and is acting upstream of the microtubule-dependent cyclin destruction machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Winston
- Département de Biologie du Développement, Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS-Université Paris VII, France
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Winston NJ, McGuinness O, Johnson MH, Maro B. The exit of mouse oocytes from meiotic M-phase requires an intact spindle during intracellular calcium release. J Cell Sci 1995; 108 ( Pt 1):143-51. [PMID: 7738091 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.108.1.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To study the role of the metaphase spindle during the period of oocyte activation, mouse oocytes were fertilised or activated parthenogenetically in the presence or absence of the microtubule inhibitor nocodazole. In both cases, nocodazole caused the disappearance of the spindle and prevented the passage of the oocytes into interphase. However, the calcium spiking responses of the oocytes were not affected by nocodazole, being repetitive after fertilisation and a single spike after activation. If, after their activation or fertilisation in nocodazole, oocytes were later removed from the drug, only those that had been fertilised progressed into interphase. This progress was associated with continuing calcium spiking. Moreover, both the spiking and the progress to interphase could be blocked or reduced in incidence by removal of external calcium or addition of 5,5′-dimethyl BAPTA-AM. Oocytes that had been activated by ethanol in the presence of nocodazole and then removed from it, to allow re-formation of the spindle, only progressed into interphase if given a second exposure to ethanol, thereby eliciting a second calcium transient. These results show that exit from meiotic M-phase requires the simultaneous presence of a fully intact spindle during the release of calcium and that those factors leading to the degradation of cyclin B are only activated transiently. Since cyclin is being degraded continuously in the metaphase-II-arrested mouse oocyte and since this degradation is microtubule-dependent, these data suggest that the superimposition of a high concentration of intracellular calcium is required to tilt the equilibrium further in favour of cyclin degradation if exit from M-phase is to occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Winston
- Departement de Biologie du Développement, Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS-Université Paris VII, France
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Kubiak JZ, Weber M, de Pennart H, Winston NJ, Maro B. The metaphase II arrest in mouse oocytes is controlled through microtubule-dependent destruction of cyclin B in the presence of CSF. EMBO J 1993; 12:3773-8. [PMID: 8404848 PMCID: PMC413659 DOI: 10.1002/j.1460-2075.1993.tb06055.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In unfertilized eggs from vertebrates, the cell cycle is arrested in metaphase of the second meiotic division (metaphase II) until fertilization or activation. Maintenance of the long-term meiotic metaphase arrest requires mechanisms preventing the destruction of the maturation promoting factor (MPF) and the migration of the chromosomes. In frog oocytes, arrest in metaphase II (M II) is achieved by cytostatic factor (CSF) that stabilizes MPF, a heterodimer formed of cdc2 kinase and cyclin. At the metaphase/anaphase transition, a rapid proteolysis of cyclin is associated with MPF inactivation. In Drosophila, oocytes are arrested in metaphase I (M I); however, only mechanical forces generated by the chiasmata seem to prevent chromosome separation. Thus, entirely different mechanisms may be involved in the meiotic arrests in various species. We report here that in mouse oocytes a CSF-like activity is involved in the M II arrest (as observed in hybrids composed of fragments of metaphase II-arrested oocytes and activated mitotic mouse oocytes) and that the high activity of MPF is maintained through a continuous equilibrium between cyclin B synthesis and degradation. In addition, the presence of an intact metaphase spindle is required for cyclin B degradation. Finally, MPF activity is preferentially associated with the spindle after bisection of the oocyte. Taken together, these observations suggest that the mechanism maintaining the metaphase arrest in mouse oocytes involves an equilibrium between cyclin synthesis and degradation, probably controlled by CSF, and which is also dependent upon the three-dimensional organization of the spindle.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Z Kubiak
- Département de Biologie du Développement, CNRS, Université Paris VII, France
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Winston
- Department of Anatomy, University of Cambridge, UK
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Winston NJ, Johnson MH, Braude PR. Assessment of the cellular DNA content of whole mounted mouse and human oocytes and of blastomeres containing single or multiple nuclei. ZYGOTE 1993; 1:17-25. [PMID: 8081798 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199400001258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The nuclear DNA content of intact, live or fixed, human and mouse oocytes and blastomeres has been measured rapidly and reliably. Chromosomal DNA has been stained with DAPI, the fluorescent emission from which has been measured photocytometrically. In vitro fertilised mouse oocytes and embryos at various stages of development were assessed for their DNA content. The mean values of 1C, 2C and 4C DNA content were clearly different, and it was possible to assign correctly individual values for DNA content to each class with 92%, 61% and 81% confidence respectively. Maintaining the cells as whole mounts allowed other morphological and structural features to be examined. When formation of multiple micronuclei was induced in mouse oocytes by their insemination in the presence of nocodazole, the additive signal from all the micronuclei in one zygote was equivalent to the expected DNA content. Application to early human blastomeres of this photocytometric technique for measurement of the total cellular DNA content revealed that multinucleated blastomeres contained 2C to 4C DNA levels, consistent with a diploid DNA content.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Winston
- Department of Anatomy, University of Cambridge, UK
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Abstract
Mouse 2-cell embryos arrested in development, either due to the effect of in vitro culture conditions ('2-cell block') or after exposure to the protein synthesis inhibitor anisomycin, were examined to determine the effect of the level of protein synthesis on development. The rate of protein synthesis was found directly to reflect the developmental potential of the embryos. Embryos cultured in the highest dose of the drug failed to divide and had the lowest rate of protein synthesis over the period of investigation, whereas untreated viable 2-cell embryos in the control group had the highest rate of protein synthesis and developed normally. Measurement of the nuclear DNA showed that both arrested and non-arrested embryonic cells completed DNA replication. Furthermore, drug-arrested embryos, like embryos which 'block' in culture, remained morphologically intact when left in culture. Disruption of the nuclear integrity and formation of micronuclei, as is frequently observed in arrested human embryos, was not seen in mouse embryos. These results indicate that developmentally arrested mouse embryos may not be a good model for studying cellular dysfunction in early human development. Experimentation using human material is required to address directly the problem of abnormal human development.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Winston
- Department of Anatomy, University of Cambridge, UK
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Nasr-Esfahani MH, Winston NJ, Johnson MH. Effects of glucose, glutamine, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and oxygen tension on the concentration of reactive oxygen species and on development of the mouse preimplantation embryo in vitro. J Reprod Fertil 1992; 96:219-31. [PMID: 1432953 DOI: 10.1530/jrf.0.0960219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Analysis over the first 48 h of development in vitro from the one-cell stage to the early four-cell stage indicated that (i) ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) exerts the major beneficial effect on culture to the blastocyst stage of F1 and MF1 embryos, (ii) glutamine assists development of MF1, but not F1, embryos to the blastocyst stage and probably functions as part of a metabolic response to oxidative damage to mitochondria and (iii) exposure to glucose at some time during early cleavage is essential for full development to blastocysts. None of the culture conditions examined affected significantly the increase in concentration of reactive oxygen species in late two-cell embryos in vitro, although F1 embryos in vitro often had lower peroxide concentrations than MF1 embryos. A decline in oxygen tension from 20 to 50% had no consistent effect on culture to the blastocyst stage or production of reactive oxygen species. Aminooxyacetate, an inhibitor of transaminase activity, prevented non-blocking embryos from developing beyond G2 of the second cell cycle. It is concluded that the chelation of transitional metals provides the most effective method of overcoming the block to development in vitro.
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Winston NJ, Braude PR, Pickering SJ, George MA, Cant A, Currie J, Johnson MH. The incidence of abnormal morphology and nucleocytoplasmic ratios in 2-, 3- and 5-day human pre-embryos. Hum Reprod 1991; 6:17-24. [PMID: 1874952 DOI: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.humrep.a137253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cleaving pre-embryos at 2 and 3 days and cavitated pre-embryos at 5 days post-insemination have been examined for cell number and the incidence of mononucleated cells. At least 60% of polynucleate or anucleate cells have been detected at all these stages and regardless of morphological grading at day 2. It is concluded that even by the time at which pre-embryo replacement would occur therapeutically, the majority of pre-embryos are unlikely to have full developmental potential. The possible origins of the abnormalities of nucleocytoplasmic ratios are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Winston
- Department of Anatomy, University of Cambridge, UK
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