Live births from urine derived cells

Here we report urine-derived cell (UDC) culture and subsequent use for cloning which resulted in the successful development of cloned canine pups, which have remained healthy into adulthood. Bovine UDCs were used in vitro to establish comparative differences between cell sources. UDCs were chosen as a readily available and noninvasive source for obtaining cells. We analyzed the viability of cells stored in urine over time and could consistently culture cells which had remained in urine for 48hrs. Cells were shown to be viable and capable of being transfected with plasmids. Although primarily of epithelial origin, cells were found from multiple lineages, indicating that they enter the urine from more than one source. Held in urine, at 4°C, the majority of cells maintained their membrane integrity for several days. When compared to in vitro fertilization (IVF) derived embryos or those from traditional SCNT, UDC derived embryos did not differ in total cell number or in the number of DNA breaks, measured by TUNEL stain. These results indicate that viable cells can be obtained from multiple species' urine, capable of being used to produce live offspring at a comparable rate to other cell sources, evidenced by a 25% pregnancy rate and 2 live births with no losses in the canine UDC cloning trial. This represents a noninvasive means to recover the breeding capacity of genetically important or infertile animals. Obtaining cells in this way may provide source material for human and animal studies where cells are utilized.

Demetylation of the sex-determining region Y gene promoter and incidence of disorder of sex development in cloned dog males

Canine cloning is occasionally accompanied by abnormal sexual development. Some male donor cells produce cloned pups with female external genitalia and complete male gonadal dysgenesis, which is classified as an XY disorder of sex development (XY DSD). In this study, we examine the potential of 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC), a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, to reduce the phenotypic abnormality XY DSD in somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)- derived pups. We used a 9-year-old normal male German Shepherd dog as a cell donor. Donor cells were treated with 10 nM 5-aza-dC for 4 days before being used for SCNT. At the same stage of cell development, significantly lower levels of DNA methylation of the sex-determining region Y (SRY) promoter was observed in the treated donor cells compared to that in the untreated cells (95.2% versus 53.3% on day 4 for the control and treated groups, respectively). No significant differences were observed in the control or treatment groups concerning fusion rate, pregnancy rate (30 days or entire period), the number of pups, or the incidence of XY DSD. However, more XY DSD dogs were observed in the control group (31.25%) than in the treatment group (14.29%). Hypermethylation of the SRY promoter was observed in the XY DSD cloned pups in both the treatment (84.8%) and control groups (91.1 ± 1.4%) compared to the methylation level in the phenotypically normal male pups of the treatment (23.2 ± 20.9%) and control groups (39.1 ± 20.1%). These results suggest that 5-aza-dC treatment of donor cells can reduce the methylation level of the SRY promoter in donor cells, and thus, 5-aza-dC is advantageous for reducing the incidence of XY DSD in canine cloning.

Effect of Adding Cerium on Microstructure and Morphology of Ce-Based Inclusions Formed in Low-Carbon Steel

Intra-granular Acicular Ferrite (IAF), as one of the most well-known desirable microstructure of ferrite with a chaotic crystallographic orientation, can not only refine the microstructure and retard the propagation of cleavage crack but also provide excellent combination of strength and toughness in steel. The effect of adding cerium on microstructure and controlling proper cerium-based inclusions in order to improve properties in low-carbon commercial steel (SS400) were investigated. The type of inclusions can be controlled by changing S/O ratio and Ce content. Without Ce modification, MnS is a dominate inclusion. After adding Ce, the stable inclusion phases change from AlCeO₃ to Ce₂O₂S. The optimum amount of cerium, 0.0235 wt.%, lead in proper grain refinement and formation of cerium oxide, oxy-sulfide and sulfide inclusions. Having a high amount of cerium results in increasing the number of inclusions significantly as a result it cannot be effective enough and the inclusions will act like barriers for others. It is found that the inclusions with a size of about 4∼7 μm can serve as heterogeneous nucleation sites for AF formation. Thermodynamic calculations have been applied to predict the inclusion formation in this molten steel as well, which show a good agreement with experimental one.

Neotropical Physoderinae revisited, with description of a new, sexually dimorphic species of Leptophysoderes Weirauch (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

The small reduviid subfamily Physoderinae has the greatest species diversity in the Oriental region and Madagascar. Only the two monotypic genera Cryptophysoderes Wygodzinsky and Maldonado and Leptophysoderes Weirauch are currently known from the Neotropical region. We here describe and document a new, sexually dimorphic species of Physoderinae, Leptophysoderes sarapiqui sp. nov. from Costa Rica. The generic diagnosis of Leptophysoderes is modified to accommodate the new species. Females and immatures of Leptophysoderes are documented for the first time.

295 EFFECT OF TREHALOSE DURING IN VITRO MATURATION OF PIG OOCYTES ON OOCYTE MATURATION AND EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT AFTER PARTHENOGENESIS

Autophagy is a critical process for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and mammalian early embryogenesis. Autophagy can be regulated by various chemical inducers. However, there are few reports about effect of autophagy inducer in vitro maturation (IVM) of porcine oocyte. The present study investigated the effects of supplementary trehalose, a novel mTOR-independent autophagy enhancer, on oocyte maturation and embryonic development after parthenogenetic activation (PA). Immature oocytes were treated with various concentrations (0, 25, 50, and 100 mM) of trehalose in M-199 (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA) supplemented with 10 ng mL–1 of epidermal growth factor (EGF; Sigma-Aldrich Corp.), 1 ug mL–1 of insulin (Sigma-Aldrich Corp.), 4 IU mL–1 of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG; Intervet, Boxmeer, Holland), 4 IU mL–1 of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG; Intervet), and 10% (vol/vol) porcine follicular fluid (pFF) for 10 h, and transferred to another IVM medium without trehalose. Osmolality of each groups (0, 25, 50, and 100 mM trehalose) was in the 290 to 295, 310 to 315, 330 to 335, and 375 to 380 osmol range, respectively. After 44 h of IVM, trehalose treatment during IVM did not improve nuclear maturation rates of oocytes in any group (90.7, 92.1, 92.7, and 90.1%, respectively). The developmental competence of oocytes matured with different trehalose concentrations was evaluated after PA. There were no significant differences in cleavage rates. However, blastocyst (BL) formation was different. Oocytes treated with 25 mM of trehalose during IVM had a significantly higher (P < 0.05) BL formation rate (64.2%) after PA compared with the control (52.0%). The BL quality was also improved in the 25 mM trehalose-treated group. Early BL rate significantly reduced in the 25 mM trehalose-treated group as compared to control (19.6 v. 29.9%, P < 0.05). By contrast, expanded BL rate significantly increased in the 25 mM trehalose-treated group than of control (27.7 v. 11.0%, P < 0.05). Total cell numbers of BL were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the 25 mM trehalose-treated group compared to those in the control group (52.2 v. 36.8). However, BL rate and quality of oocytes treated with 50 and 100 mM trehalose were similar with control group. In conclusion, these results indicate that 25 mM trehalose during IVM improved the developmental potential of porcine embryos. Trehalose will be useful for large-scale production of BL with good quality in porcine in vitro production.This work was supported by a grant from the Next-Generation Bio Green 21 Program (No. PJ009563032014), Rural Development Administration, Republic of Korea.

28 EFFECTS OF RECLONING ON THE PRODUCTION OF PIGS OVEREXPRESSING 11 β-HYDROXYSTEROID DEHYDROGENASE TYPE 1 (11β-HSD1)

The incidence of metabolic syndrome is increasing globally, as the prevalence of obesity continues to rise. However, the basic mechanisms of metabolic syndrome are not completely known yet. Therefore, animal disease models are required for the study of metabolic syndrome. The overexpression of 11 β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) in mice leads to metabolic syndrome; thus, we attempted to produce pigs with overexpression of 11β-HSD1 gene by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). However, low transgenic (TG) efficiency has been an obstacle to the production of TG pigs. A SCNT method in which somatic cells derived from TG pig are used as the nuclear donor (re-cloning method) is an effective technique for TG pig production. In this study, we attempted to increase TG efficiency by the re-cloning method. Pregnancy efficiency, production efficiency, and TG efficiency were compared with sources of donor cells (transfected TG fetal fibroblast v. TG fibroblast derived from newborn TG cloned pig). A total of 1382 and 881 TG SCNT embryos were produced from fetal fibroblast v. cloned fibroblast, and then transferred to 13 and 10 recipients. The pregnancy rate was not significantly different (30.8% v. 20.0%). Seventeen live piglets and 5 stillborn piglets were born from 4 recipients in the fetal fibroblast group, and 8 live piglets, 2 stillborn piglets, and 3 mummies were born from 2 recipients in the cloned fibroblast group. There were no significant differences in the production efficiency (3.7% v. 5.0%). All of the 13 re-cloned piglets showed reporter and target gene integration. But, of 22 fetal fibroblast-cloned piglets, reporter gene integration was confirmed in 9, but only 3 clone piglets showed reporter gene integration. Efficiency of TG was significantly increased in re-cloning group (13.6% v. 100.0%). In this study, TG efficiency of 11β-HSD1 overexpressed pigs was improved by re-cloning method. These results indicate that re-cloning is an efficient method for production of TG cloned pigs.This work was supported by a grant from the Next-Generation Bio Green 21 Program (No. PJ009563032014), Rural Development Administration, Republic of Korea.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor mimicking carotid body tumor--case report and review

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor is a rare neurogenic tumor that usually presents in geriatic patients. Typically, it is found in the trunk and extremities and rarely presents in the head and neck region. It may mimic a carotid body tumor when it presents in the neck. We report the first case of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor of the vagus nerve in an adolescent boy. He presented with an asymptomatic lateral neck lump that was thought to be a benign schwannoma on preoperative imaging. We describe the diagnostic dilemma and management difficulties in this patient and review the literature.

297 DERIVATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF THE TRANSGENIC SOMATIC CELL NUCLEAR TRANSFER-DERIVED BOVINE EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS

Bovine transgenic embryonic stem (ES) cells have not been reported yet because it seems that the derivation methods and the culture conditions for the inner cell mass are neither consistent nor optimized. Isolation of inner cell mass and primary culture of ES colonies is a critical step toward the establishment of authentic bovine ES cell lines. Herein, we reconstructed somatic cell nuclear transferred (SCNT) bovine blastocysts carrying a vector expressing the human INF-α gene, and isolated inner cell masses to derive transgenic bovine embryonic stem cells. In addition, we added 2 inhibitors, inhibition (2i system) of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (Erk1/2) cascade, PD0325901(3 Î1/4M), and of glycogen synthase kinase 3, CHIR99021 (1 Î1/4M), in the inner cell mass primary culture to check reliability of the 2i system for bovine ES culture. The 2 inhibitors made the morphology of colonies more intact, and primary colonies were better maintained in early passages. However, there were no significant effects on the attachment rate and maintenance in late passages (percent of percent over 3 passages: 2i system, 21/38 (55.3%); control, 22/42 (33.3%); P < 0.05). Inner cell masses were isolated mechanically and subcultured by an enzymatic in primary inner cell mass culture. Massive growth of trophoblast cells appears to inhibit inner cell mass growth, so hatching and hatched blastocysts were cut with a needle to remove trophoblast cells. Poor quality blastocysts were attached by the whole seeding method, and the margin trophoblast cells were consecutively removed in early passages. Established bovine ES cells express alkaline phosphatase, Oct-4, SSEA1, SSEA4, Tra-1–60, and Tra-1–81. We confirmed pluripotent gene expression of bovine ES like cells; Oct-4, SSEA1, and Rex 1 were positive, but trophoblast marker CDX2 was negative. This study shows that the 2i system is a reasonable method for use during inner cell mass culture in early passages. We established 6 transgenic nuclear transfer bovine ES cell lines with the 2i system and 4 in vitro fertilized bovine ES cell lines (all were over 10 passages).

282 IDENTIFICATION OF SRY AND STEROIDOGENIC FACTOR-1 (SF1) GENES IN CANINE XY MALE-TO-FEMALE SEX DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDER

Cloning by the process of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) has been achieved in a variety of mammalian species and has many promising applications. In this process, however, due to reasons beyond current scientific understanding, many results contrary to expectation have also been produced. For instance, abnormal sex development such as demasculinization has been observed in 1 of 6 healthy German shepherd offspring produced with SCNT (1 normal donor (not cloned), 5 cloned but normally developed progenies, 1 cloned sex reversed progeny, and 1 recloned sex reversed progeny from 1 cloned sex reversed progeny). Sex-determining region Y (SRY) is one of the most basic and crucial genes that initiate male sex determination in many mammals. Steroidogenic factor-1 (SF1, NR5A1), which is closely related to SRY, also regulates several genes involved in sex determination. Numerous studies have reported that reduced or deleted SRY gene expression as well as SF1 gene mutations can produced XY sex reversal. To verify the hypothetical association between phenotypic disorder of sex determination and genetic modification by SCNT, we extracted genomic DNA from tissues of normal progeny (not cloned), primary cultured cells of cloned but normally developed progeny, cloned sex reversed progeny, and recloned sex reversed progeny at the age of 1 year and carried out PCR with produced primers based on available SRY and SF1 gene information (SRY gene from AF107021 in GenBank; SF1 gene from ENSCAFG00000023086 in Ensembl). The cloned PCR products were subcloned into T-vector for sequence analysis, which showed no mutation in genetic sequences of SRY and SF1. Taken together, in our case of abnormal sex determination, there was no apparent association between phenotypic sex determination disorder and SRY/SF1 gene mutation. Other sex reversal and related mutation studies have pointed to a wide range of signal networks that include Sox9 and so forth. Further studies should be focused on these other genes in the signal network.

45 IN VITRO DEVELOPMENT OF BOVINE TRANSGENIC NUCLEAR TRANSFER EMBRYOS IN SERUM-FREE AND SERUM-SUPPLEMENTED MEDIA

Novel serum-free media (IVD101) has been shown to be effective for the production of in vitro-produced embryos for subsequent implantation into cows (Hoshi 2003 Theriogenology 59, 675–685). The objective of the present study was to determine whether serum-free embryo cultivation during preimplantation stage could be used for the production of bovine transgenic nuclear transfer embryos. Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos were produced by using donor cells containing a vector to induce the production of human erythropoietin in cow's milk. αS1-casein was selected as the promoter to be used in this study through the specific promoter activity test, and enhanced green fluorescent protein(EGFP) gene was attached to the CMV promoter to allow observation of the donor cell during the experiment. Adult fibroblast cells were transfected with lipofectamine. After G418 selection, the transfected cells were injected to the enucleated oocytes, and injected embryos were accomplished by cell-to-cell fusion. These embryos were then activated with calcium ionomycin and 6-dimethylaminopurine. The reconstructed embryos were cultured in IVD101 and mSOF media at 38.5°C, in a 5% CO2, 5% O2, and 90% N2 atmosphere. Embryos were cultured for 4 days, followed by addition of FBS in case of mSOF media. On day-7, the developmental ability and the number of cells in the reconstructed embryos were determined. Statistical analysis of embryo development data was carried out using unpaired t-test, or ANOVA. There were no significant differences in the cleavage rate (69.6 ± 3.2% v. 64.5 ± 5.0%), blastocyst rate (18.7 ± 1.3% v. 22.0 ± 1.6%), and cell number (113.9 ± 7.5 v. 103.6 ± 7.9) between IVD101 and mSOF+FBS cultured embryos. These results indicated that serum-free media did not reduce the developmental competence of SCNT embryos compared with serum-supplemented media. Further studies are required to investigate whether this serum-free transgenic embryo cultivation could be used for developmental potential in terms of full-term development after embryo transfer.

57 GENE EXPRESSION PATTERN OF MINIATURE PIG SOMATIC CELL NUCLEAR TRANSFER EMBRYOS TREATED WITH THE HISTONE DEACETYLASE INHIBITOR SCRIPTAID

It was recently shown that treatment of cloned embryos with histone deacetylase inhibitors improves efficiency for the success rate of developmental potential to term in several species. The objective of the present study was to investigate the influence of the histone deacetylase inhibitor Scriptaid (Sc) on in vitro development in early porcine SCNT embryos and on their gene expression pattern. Based on the findings of previous porcine studies (Zhao et al. 2009), the reconstructed oocytes were treated with 500 nM Scriptaid for 14 to 16 h after post-fusion activation (6-DMAP/demecolcine). In our preliminary study, blastocyst rate significantly increased in the Sc-treated group, compared with the control group (25.1 ± 2.8% and 13.8 ± 1.9%, respectively, P < 0.05). We determined gene expression using quantitative real-time RT-PCR. The results showed that OCT3/4 gene was expressed at a similar level in in vivo and SCNT blastocysts with/without Sc. IGF2 and H19 genes tended to be highly expressed in both SCNT blastocysts with (1.6-fold and 3.1-fold, respectively) and without (2.0-fold and 5.8-fold, respectively) Sc than that of the in vivo blastocysts. We found differences in imprinted gene expression patterns between in vivo and cloned blastocysts. Expression of H19 and IGF2 in SCNT blastocysts after Scriptaid treatment decreased towards the expression levels of in vivo blastocysts. These results indicated that Scriptaid treatment in SCNT embryos may also have beneficial effects on in vitro developmental competence as well as their gene expression pattern.

330 REDUCED HYPERACUTE REJECTION BY TRIPLE TRANSGENIC EXPRESSION OF HUMAN COMPLEMENT REGULATORY FACTORS (hDAF and hCD59) AND H-TRANSFERASE

The present study was conducted to establish a porcine transgenic cell line with human CRPs and HT genes, focused on hyperacute rejection (HAR) considering clinical xenotransplantation as alternative sources of human organs. As a first step towards establishing the stable cell line, the cDNA for 3 genes encoding human DAF, CD59, and H-transferase were cloned and sequenced. A tricistronic expression vector was constructed with the aid of 2 IRES elements (pCMV-hDAF_IRES-hHT_IRES-hCD59). The CMV-based expression vector was then introduced into miniature pig ear fibroblast cells by electroporation. Reverse transcription PCR analysis revealed that cell lines stably expressing human transgene-specific transcripts were established. The inhibitory effect of immune response in the established transgenic cell lines was measured by human serum-mediated cytolysis assay, as measured by ELISA. Under the assay conditions (based on human serum from 10 to 50%), the transgenic cell group showed significantly greater survival rate under various serum concentrations than did the nontransgenic cell control group. Moreover, the transgenic cell lines used as nuclear donors for a subsequent NT experiment were confirmed to be expressing their transgene transcripts in vitro developed preimplantation stage embryos. These results indicated that the established cell lines with human transgenes might have an inhibitory effect against lysis by human complement. It is possible that these transgenic cells could serve as nuclear donors to produce transgenic cloned pigs for xenotransplantation.

73 IMPROVEMENT OF CANINE CLONING EFFICIENCY BY OPTIMIZED DONOR CELL PREPARATION

The Tibetan Mastiff is the oldest dog breed in the world, and it is at the edge of extinction. Li et al. (2008) believe that protection of and research on the Tibetan Mastiff is extremely urgent, yet few studies have been carried out, particularly at the molecular level. Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is an efficient technique for the conservation of endangered animals because it can increase the number of individuals within a population. Considering the virtually unlimited value of cloned canids in critical biotechnology applications, including gene conservation of endangered canids and disease models, the effect of cell-cycle synchronization methods, including the use of cycling canine adult skin fibroblasts (CASF), on the cell-cycle stage and viability of donor nuclei was analyzed. To improve the efficiency of cloned dog production, optimal conditions of donor cells were analyzed by culture duration (Days 1, 2, 3, and 4), passages (2, 4, 7, 10, and 11 passages) and mitotic regulator Plk-1/-4 gene expression. Simerly et al. (2003) reported that the depletion of microtubule motors and centrosomal proteins during enucleation of SCNT procedures caused abnormal development of SCNT embryos. We therefore analyzed Plk-1/-4-induced centriole biogenesis in CASF at different passages of donor cells. In this study, somatic cells were collected from a purebred 9-month-old male Mastiff and an 11-month-old female mastiff. In vivo-matured oocytes were retrieved from outbreed dogs by operation. Cycling cells cultured at Day 4 showed a similar effect to that of cells that were artificially synchronized (contact inhibition or serum starvation). It was also confirmed that fresh and short-term culture (<5 passages) resulted in fewer harmful effects and the same cell viability as control cells, using proliferation assays and expression levels of Plk-1/-4 genes. Therefore, 4 passage-cycling cells at Day 4 were used as donor cells of SCNT. A total of 289 oocytes were reconstructed with each male or female somatic cell and then simultaneously fused/activated with 2 DC pulses of 1.9 kV cm-1 for 30 s of electrical stimulation. Finally, 224 embryos were transferred to 16 naturally synchronized recipients. As a result, we were able to use somatic cells collected from both female and male Tibetan Mastiffs to produce 10 female and 6 male mastiffs. Moreover, one surrogate delivered a quartet of identical cloned female Tibetan Mastiffs puppies; each of 3 surrogates also delivered triplets. Microsatellite analysis demonstrated the genotypic identity of the cloned puppies. In conclusion, the present study shows that (1) cell-cycle synchronization of donor cells by serum starvation/contact inhibition is not required, (2) Plk-1/-4 mRNA can be used to select the donor cells, (3) electrical stimulation alone is sufficient for the activation of SCNT embryos for the production of SCNT cloned dogs, and (4) the cloned dog delivery efficiency (7.1%) was threefold higher than in previous reports. SWP and YWJ contributed equally to this work. WSH was corresponding author and SHH was co-corresponding author.

60 EFFECTS OF REPETITIVE IONOMYCIN TREATMENT ON BOVINE SOMATIC CELL NUCLEAR TRANSFER (SCNT) EMBRYOS

In bovine somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), oocyte activation is an essential element for the successful development of cloned embryos. Chemical treatment with ionomycin induces transient levels of Ca2+, and this has been used in the activation of reconstructed embryos. In vitro-fertilized oocytes are naturally activated by sperm following several Ca2+ transients known collectively as Ca2+ oscillations. We aimed to improve the developmental efficiency of embryos produced by SCNT by mimicking this Ca2+ oscillation artificially. SCNT was performed as follows; bovine calf skin fibroblast cells were transferred into the perivitelline space of IVM oocytes, and then these NT couplets were treated with electrical fusion (2 pulses, 1.75 kV cm-1, 15 μs). Reconstructed embryos were subsequently cultured in SOF medium (5% CO2, 5% O2, and 38°C). To mimic Ca2+ oscillation, we carried out 3 different repetitive ionomycin (10 μM) treatments at 1-h intervals. There were 3 groups: group 1 (4 min, 1 time), group 2 (30 s, 4 times), and group 3 (1 min, 4 times). The difference in embryo development amongst these experimental groups was then analyzed using the one-way ANOVA test after arcsine transformation to maintain homogeneity of variance. All analyses were performed using SAS (version 8.1, SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA). Significant differences among the treatments were determined when the P-value was <0.05. In experiment 1, to assess developmental efficiency, the cleavage rate was investigated on Day 2 and the formation rate of blastocysts (BL) was examined on Day 7. In group 3, a significant increase in BL formation was observed [47/263 (17.8%), 50/259 (19.3%), and 67/258 (26.0%), respectively]. In experiment 2, culturing each group of embryos with different ionomycin treatments caused no significant differences among the groups in terms of the total number of BL (164.3, 158.5, and 145.1, respectively). In experiment 3, expression of apoptosis-related genes in each group was evaluated by real-time PCR and the TUNEL assay. The 3 BL within each group were analyzed for the expression of apotosis-related genes. Expression of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 gene was increased in group 3, whereas the expression of the pro-apoptotic Bax was decreased. A decrease in the number of apoptotic nuclei was also observed in group 3. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that repetitive ionomycin treatment is an improved activation method that can increase the developmental competence of SCNT embryos by decreasing the incidence of apoptosis.

Comparing histopathological classification with MYCN, 1p36 and 17q status detected by fluorescence in situ hybridisation from 14 untreated primary neuroblastomas in Singapore

INTRODUCTION

Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumour in children, accounting for about 5.3 percent of all childhood cancers in Singapore. Several genetic abnormalities have been reported as prognostic markers, including amplification of the MYCN gene, deletion of the short arm of chromosome 1 (1p) and gain of the long arm of chromosome 17 (17q). However, the correlation between tumour histology and these genetic parameters remains to be established in our local population.

METHODS

14 untreated primary neuroblastoma tumours, diagnosed consecutively in our hospital between 2003 and 2007, were included for this study. Tumour tissues were classified histologically as favourable or unfavourable, according to the modification of World Heath Organization Classification of Tumours, by associating the degree of differentiation and mitotic-karyorrhectic index of the neuroblastoma to the age of the patient. Fluorescence in situ hybridisation analysis for MYCN, 1p status and 17q status were subsequently performed on tumour touch imprints.

RESULTS

Five tumours with favourable histology were all negative for the three genetic parameters being investigated. The other nine tumours showing unfavourable histology exhibited one or more of the three genetic parameters. All MYCN amplified tumours either had additional 1p deletion and/or 17q gain.

CONCLUSION

Our limited data suggests that 1p deletion and 17q gain are reliable independent parameters correlating with an unfavourable histology and poor clinical outcome. The use of 1p deletion and 17q gain studies, in addition to MYCN amplification studies, should be considered routinely in predicting prognosis in neuroblastomas.

38 EFFECTS OF 5-AZACYTIDINE ON DNA HYPERMETHYLATION STATUS OF CLONED MINIATURE PIG EMBRYO

During somatic cell nuclear transfer, somatic cells should undergo epigenetic reprogramming in order to attain successful totipotency. Although there are many reasons of low efficiency of cloning, the aberrant DNA methylation status in donor cells is thought to reduce efficiency and increase abnormalities in cloned embryos. The methylation level of cloned embryos is higher than that of in vivo-produced or in vitro-fertilized embryos before occurring de novo methylation. This hyper DNA methylation status has been considered as a reason for the abnormal development of cloned embryos and the related decrease in term number. The aim of this research is to validate the DNA methylation pattern in cloned porcine embryos and to confirm whether reduction of hyper DNA methylation levels results in an improvement in cloning efficiency. First, immunostaining was used to evaluate the stage-specific changing pattern of DNA methylation of cloned embryos. In this result, we demonstrated that the 1-cell stage embryos and blastocyst had the highest level of methylation compared to 2- or 4-cell stage embryos. Second, this methylation level was higher in SCNT-derived embryos compared to parthenogenic embryos, suggesting that the methylation level was associated with the nucleus of donor cells. Third, cloned embryos were treated with various concentration of 5-azacytidine, which is a demethylating agent, to find adequate concentration. In results, 500 nm of 5-azacytidin group from 0 to 24 h after activation produced significantly more blastocysts compared to control group (control; 5.4 ± 2.3, 500 nm/0 24-h treatment; 12.7 ± 2.1, P < 0.05) and also showed low DNA methylation level of inner cell mass different from that of control group. In conclusion, our results suggest that cloned porcine embryos show typical demethylation. But, they are generally on a hyper level of DNA methylation. This high DNA methylation level is associated with somatic cells and affects on blastocyst development. We also suggest that 5-azacytidine could improve blastocyst development rate of cloned porcine embryos by aiding weak and abnormal demethylation process.

Effects of pulse voltage on inkjet printing of a silver nanopowder suspension

Inkjet printing of a liquid suspension prepared by dispersing silver powders of size around 4 nm in deionized (DI) water at 30 wt% was investigated in this study. By comparing with the results of pure DI water, the effects of nanoparticles on droplet formation between the nozzle and the substrate were also studied. A bipolar pulse waveform was employed in driving the piezoelectric printhead with pulse voltage set as the primary variable of this study. Observations showed that a higher driving pulse voltage was required for the silver suspension to form droplets than DI water. The liquid column broke up at the nozzle orifice for DI water while the silver suspension broke up further away below the nozzle office. It was also observed that the droplet size of the silver suspension was smaller than that of DI water. For the silver suspension the liquid column formed was thinner and longer and the pinch-off time of the liquid column to form droplets was also longer. However, the characteristic adjustment time for droplet recombination was shorter for the silver suspension than for DI water.

268 THE EFFECTS OF METFORMIN ON THE INSULIN SIGNALING PATHWAY ON PORCINE GRANULOSA LUTEIN CELLS IN A PRIMARY CULTURE SYSTEM

Metformin (N,N22-dimethylbiguanide) is an oral antihyperglycaemic drug which increases insulin-stimulated glucose uptake as an insulin sensitizing agent (ISA) and has direct effects on ovarian steroidogenesis in human. To investigate the effects of metformin on the insulin signaling pathway on porcine granulosa lutein cells in a primary culture system, we examined mRNA expressions of porcine insulin receptor, insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor, and insulin receptor substrate-1; expressions of downstream targets (Raf, MEK1/2, ERK, PDK1, mTOR, p70, and nuclear factor kB) of the insulin receptor signaling pathway; the luciferase activity of transcription factors activator protein 1; and nuclear factor kB. Granulosa cells were plated in DMEM and 10% fetal bovine serum at a density of 3.5 � 107 in a T-25 tissue culture flask and cultured for 48 h at 37�C in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2 and 95% air. Then, porcine granulosa lutein cells (pGLs) were cultured in a serum-free DMEM as a control group or supplemented with 10-5 M metformin, 100 ng mL-1 of insulin, or both for 24 h. The monolayer was collected for RT-PCR and western blot analysis. For transient transfections, porcine granulosa cells were plated in DMEM and 10% FBS at a concentration of 2.5 � 106/well in 24-well culture dishes for 16 h and then transfected with plasmid constructs using FuGene6 Transfection Reagent. Reporter vectors used in these studies were AP-1-luc and NF-κ B-luc. Cells were treated post-transfection with 10-5 M metformin, 100 ng mL-1 insulin, or both for 48 h. The luciferase activity was assayed using the dual luciferase assay kit with a Microlumat LB 96 P luminometer. Metformin with insulin significantly increased mRNA expressions of insulin receptor, insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor, and insulin receptor substrate-1, whereas metformin alone had no significant effect on the expression of genes. Metformin alone and with insulin significantly increased expressions of downstream targets of the insulin receptor signaling pathway except MEK2. Metformin with insulin significantly elicited an induction of luciferase activity in the transfection of activator protein 1 and nuclear factor kB reporter, whereas metformin alone did not. Metformin induced expressions of target molecules in the insulin signaling pathway but had no effect on the luciferase activity of activator protein 1 and nuclear factor kB in porcine granulosa lutein cells. Metformin with insulin increased the luciferase activity of activator protein 1. These results suggest that metformin with insulin could change the function of ovarian granulosa cells induced by activator protein 1 activity.

53 EFFECTS OF INSULIN-TRANSFERRIN-SELENIUM IN DEFINED AND PORCINE FOLLICULAR FLUID-SUPPLEMENTED MEDIUM ON IN VITRO PRODUCTION OF PORCINE SCNT EMBRYOS

Insulin promotes the uptake of glucose and amino acids, and is beneficial for maturation of oocytes in vitro. Transferrin is an iron-transport protein and selenium is an essential trace element. Insulin-transferrin-selenium (ITS) together has been used in some in vitro maturation systems. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of ITS in defined and porcine folicular fluid (pFF)-supplemented IVM medium on the glutathione (GSH) concentration, and on developmental competence after somatic cell nuclear transfer. ITS liquid media supplement (I-3146) was purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (St Louis, MO, USA). Basic IVM medium was TCM-199 supplemented with 10 ng mL-1 epidermal growth factor, 4 IU mL-1 pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and hCG and either 1% PVA (defined medium) or 10% pFF. Ten �g mL-1 insulin, 5.5 �g mL-1 transferrin, and 5 �g mL-1 selenium was used for the entire 44-h culture period. The GSH content of a gruop of 10 to 20 oocytes was determined by the dithionitrobezoic acid-glutathione disulfide (DTNB-GSSG) reductase recycling assay. Fetal fibroblasts were used as somatic cell donors and reconstructed embryos were cultured in mNCSU-23 medium for 168 h. Cleavage and blastocyst formation was observed at 48 h and 168 h, respectively. The quality of blastocysts was assessed by differential staining of the inner cell mass (ICM) and the trophectoderm (TE) cells. Each experiment was replicated for 5 times. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, and Tukey was used as a posthoc test. The level of GSH production significantly varied in different culture conditions. The highest GSH concentration was observed in the pFF + ITS group (8.2 picomol/oocyte). A total of 116, 125, 126, and 120 reconstructed oocytes were cultured, and 10.1, 15.3, 17.2, and 21.8% blastocysts were observed for PVA, PVA + ITS, pFF, and pFF + ITS groups, respectively (P &lt; 0.05). The numbers of inner cell mass, trophrectoderm cells, and total cells were significantly higher in the pFF + ITS group compared with the other groups. The average number of total cells in blastocysts was 31.9 � 1.8, 43.1 � 3.5, 46.7 � 4.9, and 52.3 � 6.7 for PVA, PVA + ITS, pFF, and pFF + ITS groups, respectively (P &lt; 0.05). ITS supplement improved the developmental competence in both the defined and the pFF supplemented groups. We recommend supplementing porcine IVM medium with 10 �g mL-1 insulin, 5.5 �g mL-1 transferrin, and 5 �g mL-1 selenium.

Effects of combined expression of human complement regulatory proteins and H-transferase on the inhibition of complement-mediated cytolysis in porcine embryonic fibroblasts

The expression of human complement regulatory proteins (CRP) and H-transferase (HT) in porcine cells is one of the strategies for suppression of hyperacute rejection (HAR) of xenotransplants in human recipients. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of combined expression of human complement regulators and HT on human serum-mediated cytolysis in porcine embryonic fibroblasts. For the combinated expression of human CRPs in transformed pig cells, cDNAs of human DAF, MCP, and CD59 were cloned into the same insertional plasmid under the control of pCMV IE and LTR. The double combination of CRPs, hDAF-hMCP, and hMCP-hCD59 survived over 50% in the presence of 50% human serum, compared to the control. Moreover, the cell viability was increased more than 65% and 80% in the combination of human DAF-CD59 and DAF-MCP-CD59, respectively. In addition, the combination of HT gene to hDAF-hCD59 vector increased the viability close to 80%, similar to the triple combination of CRPs. These observations suggest that the combined expression of human CRPs and HT in the same insertional vector may be more effective in protecting porcine cells from human complement-mediated cytolysis.

The effects of Goami No. 2 rice, a natural fiber-rich rice, on body weight and lipid metabolism

OBJECTIVE

Increased intake of dietary fiber reduces the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. We assessed the effects of a fiber-rich diet on body weight, adipokine concentrations, and the metabolism of glucose and lipids in non-obese and obese subjects in Korea, where rice is the main source of dietary carbohydrates.

RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES

Eleven healthy, non-obese and 10 obese subjects completed two 4-week phases of individual isoenergetic food intake. During the control diet phase, subjects consumed standard rice; during the modified diet phase, subjects consumed equal proportions of fiber-rich Goami No. 2 rice and standard rice. We used a randomized, controlled, crossover study design with a washout period of 6 weeks between the two phases.

RESULTS

After the modified diet phase, body weight was significantly lower in both the non-obese and obese subjects (non-obese, 57.0 +/- 2.9 vs. 56.1 +/- 2.8 kg, p = 0.001; obese, 67.7 +/- 2.1 vs. 65.7 +/- 2.0 kg, p < 0.001 for before vs. after). The BMI was significantly lower in obese subjects (26.9 +/- 0.5 vs. 26.0 +/- 0.6 kg/m2, p < 0.001). The modified diet was associated with lower serum triacylglycerol (p < 0.01), total cholesterol (p < 0.01), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.05), and C-peptide (p < 0.05) concentrations in the obese subjects.

DISCUSSION

These results indicate that fiber-rich Goami No. 2 rice has beneficial effects and may be therapeutically useful for obese subjects.

53 EVALUATION OF NUCLEAR REPROGRAMMING IN CLONED MINIATURE PIG EMBRYOS USING GENES OF Oct-4 FAMILY

Xenotransplantation as a source of organs is a rapidly expanding field which can save thousands of human lives each year. Cloned miniature pigs have been considered as a model system for xenotransplantation. However, the efficiency of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is extremely low, with most clones resulting in early lethality and several aberrancies. Possible explanation of the developmental failure of SCNT embryos is related to insufficient reprogramming of the somatic cell nucleus. In order to test this, we analyzed the reprogramming capacity of differentiated fibroblast cell nuclei and undifferentiated germ cell nuclei with Oct-4 and four Oct-4-related genes (Ndp5211, Dppa2, Dppa3, and Dppa5) as molecular markers using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Oct-4 expression patterns were similar among IVF-derived embryos and cloned embryos derived from fibroblasts or germ cells during pre-implantation embryo development. However, the expression level was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in hatched blastocysts of fibroblast clones compared to other hatched blastocysts. Also, 9 of 13 cloned morulae and 12 of 40 cloned blastocysts failed to reactivate at least one of the five tested genes, whereas all of the germ cell clones and control embryos correctly expressed these genes. Analysis with miniature pig fetuses collected at Day 30 of gestation revealed that normal and cloned fetuses successfully expressed these genes. In conclusion, our results suggest that analysis of expression of Oct-4 and related genes could be a reliable marker for evaluating the reprogramming status of transplanted donor nuclei in cloned embryos. The reprogramming of fibroblast cloned embryos is highly error-prone. This may contribute to their embryonic lethality because cloned embryos that fail to reactivate the marker genes may fail to be successfully implanted. This study was supported by grants from the Ministry of Science and Technology (Top Scientist Fellowship), and the Biogreen 21-1000520030100000.

234 POTENTIAL SEASONAL INFLUENCE ON THE RECOVERY OF IN VIVO-MATURED CANINE OOCYTES BY FLUSHING FALLOPIAN TUBES

Reproductive physiology, especially the gamete physiology of bitches, hinders the success of in vitro maturation procedure. Assisted reproductive techniques (ART) in canine greatly depend on in vivo matured oocytes. The study was designed to evaluate the potential of flushing fallopian tubes to collect in vivo-matured oocytes for ART by laparotomy and to study the seasonal effects and the parity of donor bitches on the success of oocyte retrieval. A total of 124 bitches, 39, 44, 25, and 16 in spring, summer, autumn and winter, respectively, were used. The average temperature (�F) and relative humidity (%) were 55.29 and 57.17, 75.67, and 72.83, 59.65 and 64.67, and 33.55 and 58.67 for spring, summer, autumn, and winter, respectively. Eighteen nulliparous and 18 multiparous bitches were used to determine the effect of parity. Vaginal cytology and serum progesterone concentration were checked daily to determine ovulation time. Laparotomy was performed under general anesthesia after 72 h when progesterone initially reached 4.0 nm/mL or more. About 7 mL of TCM-199 supplemented with HEPES (Gibco, Grand Island, NY, USA) was used to flush each individual fallopian tube. After morphological assessment under a stereomicroscope, the oocytes were denuded in 0.5% (W/V) hyaluronidase solution (Sigma, St. Louis, MO, USA) and stained with 5 �g/mL bisbenzimide (Sigma). Nuclear status was then observed under ultraviolet light. Based on the nuclear stage, cumulus cell layers, color, and homogeneity of ooplasm, the oocytes were categorized as good, fair, poor, immature, or aged. The good and fair oocytes were considered usable and poor, aged, and immature oocytes were considered unusable for ART. In vivo-matured oocytes can be collected all year around by flushing fallopian tubes. A significantly higher average number of oocytes per bitch were observed during the spring (11.21 � 0.56), compared to the other seasons (7.88 � 0.63 to 9.27 � 0.35) (P < 0.05). A comparatively higher percentage of usable oocytes were collected during autumn. The percentage of oocyte recovery was 74.67, 67.51, 71.57, and 62.70 for autumn, spring, summer, and winter, respectively (P > 0.05). Both the number and the quality of oocytes were influenced by the parity of the donor bitch. Significantly more oocytes were collected from the multiparous bitches compared to nulliparous bitches (10.4 � 0.54 and 7.7 � 0.86, respectively). The percentage of usable oocytes was larger in multiparous bitches compared to nulliparous (70.75 and 64.74, respectively) (P > 0.05). Collection of in vivo-produced oocytes could be a potential source of matured oocytes for ART in canine.

37 CELL CYCLE ANALYSIS IN IN VITRO-CULTURED ADULT SKIN FIBROBLASTS OF THE GORAL (NAEMORHEDUS CAUDATUS)

The present study was undertaken to examine the cell cycle characteristics of goral adult skin fibroblasts under a variety of cell cycle-arresting treatments. Gorals are listed as an endangered animal in CITES Appendix I. Experimental findings suggest that G0/G1 stages of the cell cycle give better results in somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) in terms of normal ploidy and development of reconstructed embryos. In this regard, synchronization of the cell cycle stages in G0/G1 phase is suggested to be one of the key factors for determining the success of nuclear transplantation. Serum deprivation, contact inhibition, chemical inhibitors such as protease, and antioxidant inhibitors are widely used for cell cycle synchronization and inhibition of apoptosis. Four experiments were performed, and each with one-way completely randomized design involving three replicates of all treatments using the general linear models procedure in the statistical analysis system (SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, SC, USA). Least significant difference was used to determine statistical significance (P < 0.05) among treatment groups. In Exp. 1, effects of cyclic confluency, serum starvation, or full confluency on goral cells were studied. In Exp. 2, treatments with different antioxidants such as 2 mM beta-mercaptoethanol (B-ME), cysteine, or glutathione for 24 h were examined in fully confluent cells without serum starvation. In Exp. 3, three protein inhibitors, 2 mM 6-dimethylaminopurine (6-DMAP), 7.5 �g/mL cycloheximide, or 7.5 �g/mL cytochalasin B, were treated as in Exp. 2. In Exp. 4, different concentrations (0, 0.5, 1.0, or 2.5%) of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) were treated as in Exp. 2. In all experiments, cell cycle stages were analyzed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis. In Exp. 1, more cells (70.4%) were found in the G0/G1 stage in the serum starved medium compared to cells in the cyclic (66.1%) and fully confluent growth phase (65.5%). In Exp. 2, supplementing with B-ME (61.8%) or cysteine (62.0%) in the culture medium synchronized cell cycle to the G0/G1 stage better than glutathione (53.1%). In Exp. 3, more cells were synchronized to the G0/G1 stage in media supplemented with cyclohexamide (62.3%) than with 6-DMAP (5.7%) or cytochalasin B (13.3%). Incidence of apoptosis was higher in media containing 6-DMAP (91.8%) or cytochalasin B (76.6%). In Exp. 4, supplementing the medium with 0.5% (76.0%) or 1.0% (75.9%) DMSO synchronized the cells effectively to the G0/G1 stage compared to the untreated control medium (69.3%) or medium supplemented with 2.5% of DMSO (8.0%). In conclusion, cyclohexamide, B-ME, cysteine, or DMSO at the optimum concentration can synchronize the cell cycle effectively, which may have a positive impact on the outcome of SCNT in the goral. This study was supported by grants from the Korean MOST (Top Scientist Fellowship) and MAF (Biogreen 21 #20050301-034-443-026-04-00).

337 EFFECTS OF CANINE SYNTHETIC OVIDUCT FLUID MEDIUM SUPPLEMENTED WITH THE VARIOUS ENERGY SUBSTRATES ON IN VITRO MATURATION OF CANINE OOCYTES

In most mammals, maturation occurs within the ovarian follicle, and preovulatory oocytes are ovulated and ready for fertilization within the oviduct. In contrast, bitch ovulate primary oocytes, over a three day period, undergo both maturation and fertilization within the oviduct. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of canine synthetic oviduct fluid (cSOF) supplemented with the various energy substrates on in vitro maturation of canine oocytes. Oocytes were recovered by mincing ovaries collected after ovariohysterectomy in bitches at the follicular stage. Only oocytes with more than two layers of cumulus cells and with homogeneous cytoplasm >100 mm in diameter were selected. Then, oocytes cultured in tissue culture medium (TCM)-199 (control) or cSOF supplemented with various concentrations of glucose (0, 1.11, 3.89, or 5.56 mM, Exp. 1) or fructose (0, 1.11, 3.89, or 5.56 mM, Exp. 1), pyruvate (0, 0.1, 0.25, or 0.5 mM, Exp. 2) or lactate (0, 0.5, 1.0, or 5.0 mM, Exp. 3). In Exp. 4, the combined effects of glucose (1.11 mM), pyruvate (0.5 mM) and lactate (5.0 mM) on nuclear maturation of canine oocytes were investigated. A total of 2990 canine oocytes from 205 ovaries were used for experiments with replication at least three times. The oocytes were cultured for 72 h at 38.5�C in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2 in air. After 72 h, the oocytes were stained with 1.9 �g/mL Hoechst 33342 in glycerol and then evaluated under UV light to determine the stage of meiosis as follows: germinal vesicle (GV), germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), metaphase I (MI), metaphase II (MII) with first polar body. The results of Exp. 1 showed that maturation of canine oocytes to MII was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in medium supplemented with 1.11 mM glucose (4.8%) than for the control (1.8%) and the other glucose-supplemented groups (0 to 1.8%). In Exp. 2, oocytes cultured in cSOF supplemented with 0.5 mM pyruvate showed a significantly higher (P < 0.05) maturation rate to MII (6.3%) than did the other pyruvate-supplemented (0, 0.8, or 2.5%) groups or the control (2.4%). In Exp. 3, more oocytes were matured to the MII stage in cSOF supplemented with 5.0 mM lactate (7.3%) than were the other lactate-supplemented groups (0 to 2.4%) or the control (2.5%). Results of Exp. 4 showed more oocytes progressed to MII in cSOF supplemented with 0.5 mM pyruvate (8.2%), 1.11 mM glucose + 0.5 mM pyruvate (7.4%), or 1.11 mM glucose + 0.5 mM pyruvate 0.5 + 5.0 mM lactate (7.3%) than did the other combination groups (2.2 to 5.2%). In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that supplementing cSOF with 1.11 mM glucose, 0.5 mM pyruvate, or 5.0 mM lactate significantly increased the maturation of canine oocytes to MII, and the combined supplementation of 1.11 mM glucose, 0.5 mM pyruvate, and 5.0 mM lactate further promoted oocyte nuclear maturation compared to 1.11 mM glucose alone and the control. This study was supported by grants from the Korean MOST (Top Scientist Fellowship) and MAF (Biogreen 21 #20050301-034-443-026-01-00).

331 DEVELOPMENT OF CANINE SYNTHETIC OVIDUCT FLUID (cSOF) MEDIUM AND EFFECT OF THE cSOF IN IN VITRO NUCLEAR MATURATION OF CANINE OOCYTES

A bitch ovulates a primary oocyte that undergoes both maturation and fertilization within the oviduct fluid for 3 days. In an attempt to define the physiologically appropriate conditions for oocyte maturation in the bitch, in vitro conditions based upon the oviductal environment need to be established. The present study was conducted to develop canine synthetic oviduct fluid (cSOF) by investigating the composition of canine oviduct fluid, follicular fluid, and bursa fluid. The bursa and oviduct fluid were collected at Days 1 and 3 of ovulation, respectively. Before ovulation, follicles were punched and the fluid was collected by aspiration. Biochemical parameters (Ca, P, Mg, albumin, total protein, and glucose) were measured using a chromatographic enzymic method. Quantitative determination of electrolytes (Na, Cl, K) concentration in the follicular, bursa, and oviductal fluids was performed using an Electrolyte 5 Analyzer (Nora Biomedical, Waltham, MA, USA). The concentrations of sodium, potassium, and chloride were similar among oviduct (153.5, 5.2, and 121.5 mmol/L, respectively), bursa (149.5, 4.3, and 123 mmol/L, respectively), and follicular (147, 4.2, and 120.5 mmol/L, respectively) fluids. Glucose concentration was different in oviduct, bursa, and follicular fluids (1.09, 3.75, and 3.94 mmol/L, respectively). Total protein and magnesium concentrations were not different among the three fluids, but phosphorus concentration differed in oviduct, bursa, and follicular fluids (0.001, 0.044, and 0.024 g/L, respectively). The oviduct fluid showed lower concentrations of albumin and calcium (0.001 g/L and 1.372 mmol/L, respectively) compared to bursa (0.023 g/L and 2.532 mmol/L, respectively) or follicular fluid (0.025 g/L and 2.632 mmol/L, respectively). The cSOF1 and cSOF2 were developed on the basis of the oviduct and follicular fluids, respectively. Canine oocytes were recovered by slicing ovaries collected after ovariohysterectomy in bitches at follicular stages, and in vitro nuclear maturation of canine oocytes cultured in cSOF1 or cSOF2 were compared to that of intra-oviduct (in vivo) culture. For in vivo culture, the canine oocytes were transferred and cultured in intra-oviduct for 72 h and were recovered by intra-oviduct flushing using surgical methods. For in vitro culture, canine oocytes were cultured in cSOF1, cSOF2, or TCM-199 (control) for 72 h at 38.5�C in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2 in air. The experiment was replicated three times and statistical analysis was carried out by ANOVA with GLMs in the statistical analysis system program (SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Nuclear maturation of canine oocytes to MII was not different in cSOF1, cSOF2, or intra-oviduct (2.5%, 2.5%, and 2.2%, respectively) compared to the control (1.6%). However, the degeneration rates were significantly higher in oocytes cultured in intra-oviduct (48.2%) compared to control, cSOF1, and cSOF2 (1.6%, 6.8%, and 7.5%, respectively). In conclusion, the present study analyzed the components of the oviduct, bursa, and follicular fluids and developed two canine synthetic oviduct fluids (cSOF1 and 2). In addition, the present study demonstrated that cSOFs can be used for in vitro maturation of canine oocytes.

46 ANTI-APOPTOTIC EFFECT OF INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR-1 AND ITS RECEPTOR ON DEVELOPMENT OF PORCINE PRE-IMPLANTATION EMBRYOS PRODUCED BY IN VITRO FERTILIZATION AND SOMATIC CELL NUCLEAR TRANSFER

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I is a receptor-mediated autocrine and/or paracrine growth and/or survival factor for mammalian embryo development. It is known to promote the growth and development of mouse pre-implantation embryos. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of IGF-I (50 ng/mL), anti-IGF-I receptor (IGR-IR) antibody (0.05 �g/mL), and their combination on porcine pre-implantation embryo development. Furthermore, the mechanism underlying the embryotropic effects of IGF-I was evaluated by monitoring the incidence of apoptosis and expression of apoptosis-related genes. In both IVF and SCNT embryos, culturing with IGF-I increased the rate of blastocyst formation and this embryotropic effect was neutralized by culturing with IGF-I and anti-IGF-I receptor antibody. Significant effects on the development of blastocysts (P < 0.05) were found in IVF (16.9, 22.6, 9.3, and 13.5% for control, IGF-I, anti-IGF-IR antibody, and their combination, respectively) and SCNT (13.2, 21.0, 5.4, and 15.7%) embryos. Culturing IVF and SCNT embryos with IGF-I significantly increased the total number of cells in IVF blastocysts (58.3, 72.4, 41.1, and 55.2; P < 0.05), and SCNT blastocysts (49.2, 60.1, 35.2, and 43.1; P < 0.05), and it decreased the number of apoptotic nuclei in IVF blastocysts (3.9, 2.8, 5.5, and 3.9; P < 0.05) and SCNT blastocysts (4.6, 3.0, 6.1, and 4.9; P < 0.05). These effects of IGF-I were also neutralized by culturing with IGF-I along with anti-IGF-IR antibody. Expression of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 gene was increased, whereas expression of the pro-apoptotic Bax gene was decreased in both IVF and SCNT embryos cultured with IGF-I. In both IVF and SCNT embryos, anti-IGF-IR antibody along with IGF-I neutralized the effect of IGF-I on expression of Bcl-2 and Bax genes. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that IGF-I through its specific receptors improved the developmental competence of IVF and SCNT embryos by decreasing the incidence of apoptosis and regulating apoptosis-related genes in porcine pre-implantation embryos. This study was supported by grants from the Korean MOST (Top Scientist Fellowship) and MAF (Biogreen 21 #20050301-034-443-026-01-00).

41 STUDY ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SOMATIC CELL NUCLEAR TRANSFER USING IN VIVO-MATURED OOCYTES IN DOGS

The present study was performed to collect in vivo matured canine oocytes for somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and to investigate the developmental competence of canine parthenogenetic and SCNT embryos as the preliminary research for producing cloned dog. The day of ovulation as described by Hase et al. (2000 J. Vet. Med. Sci. 62, 243-248) was determined by serum progesterone levels and at that time vaginal cytology was performed to assess the cornified index. In vivo-matured oocytes were recovered by retrograde flushing of the oviducts at around 48 h (n = 20) or 72 h (n = 25) after the estimated time of ovulation. Overall size of each oocyte, as well as ooplasmic diameter, zona pellucida thickness, and perivitelline space width, was determined after removing the cumulus cells by pipetting (Exp. 1). To determine activation protocols, two treatments, (1) chemical activation (10 �M Ca ionophore for 4 min, followed by incubation for 4 h with 1.9 mM 6-dimethylaminopurine) and (2) electrical stimulation (3.1?3.4 kV/cm in 0.25M mannitol solution), were evaluated to induce parthenogenetic activation of oocytes (Exp. 2). Donor cells were obtained from the primary cell culture of a canine ear skin biopsy, and SCNT was performed according to our laboratory procedures (Jang et al. 2004 Theriogenology 62, 512-521). Three voltages (1.7?2.0 kV/cm, 2.1-2.4 kV/cm, and 3.1-3.4 kV/cm) were tested for fusion. The fused couplets were subjected to chemical or electrical stimulation as in parthenogenetic activation and in vitro developmental competence was monitored (Exp. 3). As a result, more in vivo-matured canine oocytes were obtained at 72 h (92%) than at 48 h (15%) after ovulation; the 72-h occytes had progesterone concentrations of 4-8 ng/mL and a cornified index (vaginal cytology) of 83.34. The average number of oocytes recovered was 12 and sizes of ooplasmic diameter, cytoplasm, zona pellucida, and perivitelline space in in vivo canine-matured oocytes (n = 120) were 178.8 � 9.3 �m, 125.0 � 8.2 �m, 21.7 � 3.7 �m, and 12.7 � 3.5 �m, respectively. Parthenogenetically activated oocytes developed to the 16-cell and morula stages, but failed to develop to the blastocyst stage. Among the three voltages, in the highest voltage (75.2%) the number of fused couplets was increased compared to either of the other voltages (33.3% and 44.0%). Cleavage rates (60.9% vs. 58.0%) of cloned embryos were not significantly affected by method of activation. In terms of in vitro developmental competence, cloned embryos developed to the 16-cell or morula stage in vitro after electrical or chemical activation, respectively. In conclusion, in the present study we demonstrated that measurement of progesterone levels, in combination with evaluation of vaginal cytology, can be used to determine the estimated time of ovulation in bitches. In addition, we determined fusion/activation protocols that resulted in in vitro development of a portion of parthenogenetically activated and cloned embryos to the 16-cell and morula stages. This study was supported by grants from the Biogreen 21-1000520030100000.

56 PRODUCTION OF TRANSGENIC RECLONED MINIATURE PIGS EXPRESSING HUMAN DECAY ACCELERATING FACTOR

This study was performed to produce transgenic recloned miniature pigs expressing human decay-accelerating factor (hDAF) to overcome the hyperacute rejection of pig-to-human xenotransplantation. The expression vector, named hDAF-Neo, was constructed by subcloning the amplified 2.2 kb hDAF cDNA fragment into the NheI and NotI site of the pEGFP-N1 (Clontech, Palo Alto, CA, USA) vector containing the chicken beta-actin promoter and rabbit globin poly A without a EGFP fragment. Day 30 fetal fibroblast cells (GN0) were used for producing the newborn cloned pigs (GN1). GN1 fibroblasts cultured from the newborn cloned pig derived from GN0 were used for transfection of the hDAF-Neo plasmid using FuGENE-6� (Roche Diagnostics, Indianapolis, IN, USA). Transfected fibroblast cell colonies were selected with neomycin. All data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and the protected least significant difference (LSD) test using general linear models in a statistical analysis system (SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC, USA) program to determine differences among experimental groups. Significant difference among the treatment groups was determined when the P value was less than 0.05. There was no significantly different development rate between GN0 and GN1 (12.8 vs. 13.0%) and between GN1-hDAF and GN2 (9.3 vs. 8.2%). Transfected recloned embryos (GN1-hDAF) had no significantly different blastocyst formation compared to normal (GN1). After embryo transfer, we obtained two transgenic recloned pigs. hDAF gene integration in transgenic recloned piglets was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. Cultured fibroblasts of transgenic recloned pigs showed 1.0-2.3 times higher levels of hDAF protein than did human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The levels of C3 deposition on cultured fibroblast cells after incubation with 10% human serum were decreased in transgenic recloned pigs compared to normal miniature pigs. In conclusion, the recloning procedure can be used to produce multiple genetically modified cloned pigs without any severe epigenetic abnormality. This study was supported by grants from the Korean MOST (Top Scientist Fellowship) and MAF (Biogreen 21 #20050301-034-443-026-01-00).

Fetus-in-fetu in the pelvis: report of a case and literature review

INTRODUCTION

Fetus-in-fetu is an extremely rare condition in which a malformed fetus is found in the body of its twin. To our knowledge, fewer than 100 cases have been reported. Wide variations of presentation have been described, although its embryo-pathogenesis and differentiation from a teratoma have not been well established.

CLINICAL PICTURE

We describe a male neonate with a fetoid-like mass in his pelvis associated with bilateral undescended testes. The mass was detected on prenatal ultrasound scans. The diagnosis of fetus-in-fetu was considered prenatally and confirmed on a computed tomography scan after birth.

OUTCOME

The mass was successfully excised. Histological examination, accompanied by a review of the literature, confirmed that the mass had features consistent with a fetus-in-fetu.

CONCLUSIONS

Although an extremely rare clinical entity, fetus-in-fetu can be diagnosed prior to surgery with current imaging modalities. When it arises in the retroperitoneum of a male infant, it can hinder the descent of the testes. Complete excision is curative.

The analysis of telomere length and telomerase activity in cloned pigs and cows

Inefficiency in the production of cloned animals is most likely due to epigenetic reprogramming errors after somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). In order to investigate whether nuclear reprogramming restores cellular age of donor cells after SCNT, we measured telomere length and telomerase activity in cloned pigs and cattle. In normal pigs and cattle, the mean telomere length was decreased with biological aging. In cloned or transgenic cloned piglets, the mean telomere length was elongated compared to nuclear donor fetal fibroblasts and age-matched normal piglets. In cloned cattle, no increases in mean telomere length were observed compared to nuclear donor adult fibroblasts. In terms of telomerase activity, significant activity was observed in nuclear donor cells and normal tissues from adult or new-born pigs and cattle, with relatively higher activity in the porcine tissues compared to the bovine tissues. Cloned calves and piglets showed the same level of telomerase activity as their respective donor cells. In addition, no difference in telomerase activity was observed between normal and transgenic cloned piglets. However, increased telomerase activity was observed in porcine SCNT blastocysts compared to nuclear donor cells and in vitro fertilization (IVF)-derived blastocysts, suggesting that the elongation of telomere lengths observed in cloned piglets could be due to the presence of higher telomerase activity in SCNT blastocysts. In conclusion, gathering from the comparative studies with cattle, we were able to demonstrate that telomere length in cloned piglets was rebuilt or elongated with the use of cultured donor fetal fibroblasts.

Omental infarction in children: imaging features with pathological correlation

INTRODUCTION

Omental infarction is a rare occurrence in the paediatric population. It often presents as an acute abdomen that can mimic acute appendicitis and cholecystitis.

METHODS

Six cases of omental infarction in children, proven on histopathology, were retrospectively reviewed for their clinical presentation and imaging findings on ultrasonography and computed tomography.

RESULTS

These cases revealed clinical and imaging findings on computed tomography that were suggestive and helpful in the pre-operative diagnosis of omental infarction. Findings on ultrasonography were less specific. Histopathological specimens revealed findings of vasculitis in all cases.

CONCLUSION

There are clinical and imaging features that will help in the pre-operative diagnosis of this uncommon condition. We also postulate vasculitis as a possible underlying pathology for omental infarction.

Cats cloned from fetal and adult somatic cells by nuclear transfer

This work was undertaken in order to study the developmental competence of nuclear transfer (NT) into cat embryos using fetal fibroblast and adult skin fibroblast cells as donor nuclei. Oocytes were recovered by mincing the ovaries in Hepes-buffered TCM199 and selecting the cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) with compact cumulus cell mass and dark color. Homogenous ooplasm was cultured for maturation in TCM199+10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) for 12 h and used as a source of recipient cytoplast for exogenous somatic nuclei. In experiment 1, we evaluated the effect of donor cell type on the reconstruction and development of cloned embryos. Fusion, first cleavage and blastocyst developmental rate were not different between fetal fibroblasts and adult skin cells (71.2 vs 66.8; 71.0 vs 57.6; 4.0 vs 6.1% respectively; P < 0.05). In experiment 2, cloned embryos were surgically transferred into the oviducts of recipient queens. One of the seven recipient queens was delivered naturally of 2 healthy cloned cats and 1 stillborn from fetal fibroblast cells of male origin 65 days after embryo transfer. One of three recipient queens was delivered naturally of 1 healthy cloned cat from adult skin cells of female origin 65 days after embryo transfer. The cloned cats showed genotypes identical to the donor cell lines, indicating that adult somatic cells can be used for feline cloning.

High oxygen tension during in vitro oocyte maturation improves in vitro development of porcine oocytes after fertilization

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of oxygen tension during IVM and/or IVC on developmental competence of porcine follicular oocytes. Prospective, randomized experiments were designed, and oocytes were matured, inseminated and cultured in vitro in the designated condition. In experiment 1, either high (20%) or low (7%) oxygen tension was used for IVM. The high oxygen significantly improved blastocyst formation (23% versus 13%; P<0.01) after IVF than the low oxygen. Such treatment, however, did not significantly (P>0.05) improve the rates of nuclear maturation (89% in each treatment), sperm penetration (62-72%), monospermic fertilization (56-67%), pronuclear formation (90-96%), cleavage (49-53%) and blastocyst cell number (31-32 cells). In experiment 2, the combined effect of oxygen tension during IVM and IVC of embryos was evaluated by a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. Again, the high oxygen tension during IVM supported blastocyst formation more efficiently (P<0.01) than the low oxygen, and this was independent of oxygen tension during IVC (26-28% versus 15-16%). In oocytes matured under the high oxygen, a tendency to increase blastomere number (P=0.0630) was found, when the low oxygen was used for IVC after insemination (39-45 cells/blastocyst). In conclusion, the use of high oxygen tension (20% maintained by exposure to 5% CO2 in air) for IVM of porcine oocytes promoted blastocyst formation in vitro.

The effect of PDE5 inhibition on the erectile function in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor, DA-8159, on erectile function throughout the quantitative analysis of vascular endothelial cell, smooth muscle (SM), TGF-beta1 expression in rat corpus cavernosum and measurement of intracavernous pressure (ICP) in diabetic rats. DA-8159 (0, 5, 10, 20 mg/kg) was administered orally once a day to diabetic rats. After 8 weeks, immunohistochemistry and computerized image analysis were performed to quantify the percent area within the Corpora Cavernosa occupied by the endothelial cells, SM cells and fibrotic tissues. ICP/mean arterial pressure (MAP) was also measured by electrostimulation of the cavernous nerve. Diabetic rats showed a significant decrease in the SM and endothelial cell content, and an increase in the TGF-beta1 expression level within the cavernosa areas compared to the normal rats. The mean cavernous SM, endothelial cell content and TGF-beta1 expression level were 9.7+/-0.7, 4.5+/-0.7 and 17.9+/-2.1%, respectively. DA-8159 prevented reduction of SM (12.3+/-0.4% (5 mg/kg), 13.8+/-0.4% (20 mg/kg)) and endothelial cell content (5.6+/-0.5% (5 mg/kg), 6.3+/-0.6% (20 mg/kg)). Immunoreactivity of TGF-beta1 and intracorporal fibrosis were also significantly lower in DA-8159-treated groups (11.8+/-1.2% (5 mg/kg), 9.5+/-1.1% (20 mg/kg)). Electrostimulation of the cavernous nerve induced significant increase in maximum ICP (62.2+/-13.6 mmHg in 10 mg/kg vs 37.5+/-17.5 mmHg in diabetic group) and area under the curve of the ratio of ICP/MAP (8891.09+/-1957 in 10 mg/kg vs 6315.87+/-2272 in diabetic group). These results suggest that subchronic treatment of DA-8159 can prevent the development of erectile dysfunction (ED), and provides a rationale for the use of DA-8159 as treatment of diabetic ED.

Effects of amino acids on maturation, fertilization and embryo development of pig follicular oocytes in two IVM media

This study was conducted to develop a serum-free, defined medium for IVM of pig oocytes. Modified North Carolina State University (mNCSU)-23 media with or without supplementation with both epidermal growth factor (EGF) and gonadotrophin were used as base media. In separate experiments, each base medium was supplemented with porcine follicular fluid (pFF), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), PVA and essential amino acids (EAA), PVA and nonessential amino acids (NEAA) or PVA with both EAA and NEAA. Averaged across these five treatments, the percentage of blastocyst formation was higher (P < 0.05) in the base medium supplemented with EGF and gonadotrophins. In both base media, the addition of NEAA yielded similar percentages of maturation (81-82% versus 75-80%), sperm penetration (89-93% versus 80-86%) and blastocyst formation (4-18% versus 4-13%) as media supplemented with pFF. Although similar benefits were found after the addition of EAA, their addition was associated with lower (P < 0.05) maturation (66%) and sperm penetration (58%) than when pFF was added to the base medium without EGF and gonadotrophins. However, decreased maturation after EAA addition was not detected in the base medium containing EGF and gonadotrophins. Within the same base medium, monospermy, male pronucleus formation, cleavage and blastocyst formation were not affected by the treatments; and combined addition of EAA and NEAA did not further improve oocyte development. In conclusion, a maturation system using a defined mNCSU-23 medium supplemented with EGF, gonadotrophins and EAA or NEAA was developed which yielded a similar number of blastocysts compared with a pFF-containing medium.

Comparative analysis on the 5'-untranslated region of bovine viral diarrhea virus isolated in Korea

Samples of 249 bovine abortuses, one intestine, and four diarrheal stools from 254 cows were collected, and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Subsequently, virus isolation was preformed with PCR-positive samples, and then PCR product of 5^′-untranslated region (UTR) of BVDV isolate was sequenced and analyzed. Among the samples collected, 20 (from 17 bovine abortuses, one intestine, and two diarrheal stools) were positive for BVDV RT-PCR; four BVDVs (from two bovine abortuses, one intestine, and one diarrheal stool) were isolated. When the four isolates were biotyped in cell culture, one BVDV isolate from a bovine abortus was cytopathic and the others were non-cytopathic. In addition, three isolates were genotyped as BVDV-1 and one isolate from a diarrheal stool as BVDV-2. In phylogenetic analysis, it suggested that the BVDV-2 isolate in Korea is closer to the North American strains than Asian strains. This is the first report on the identification and isolation of BVDV-2 in Korea.

Incidence of apoptosis in clone embryos and improved development by the treatment of donor somatic cells with putative apoptosis inhibitors

This study was conducted to promote in vitro-development of clone embryos by the treatment of donor somatic cells with hemoglobin (Hb) and/or beta-mercaptoethanol (ME), based on the analysis of apoptosis after somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). Prospective, randomized study was conducted and, in vitro-matured bovine oocytes and fetal fibroblasts were provided for SCNT. In the first series of experiment, embryo apoptosis after SCNT was monitored by a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated d-UTP nick end-labeling assay. As results, apoptosis occurred more (P < 0.05) frequently after SCNT than after in vitro-fertilization (IVF) of control treatment. Subsequently, donor somatic cells treated with Hb (1 microg/ml) and/or ME (10 microM) were provided for SCNT. Either Hb or ME greatly reduced apoptosis (0.083 +/- 0.006 vs. 0.058-0.068 +/- 0.005), while combined treatment did not. ME was more promotive than Hb; significant increases were found in morula compaction (86%), cell numbers of blastocyst (131.3 +/- 1.3 cells/blastocyst), and inner cell mass (31.9 +/- 0.8 cells/blastocyst) cell, and the ratio of inner cell mass to trophectodermal cell numbers (0.24 +/- 0.01). In conclusion, the treatment of donor somatic cells with ME or Hb could reduce apoptosis after SCNT, resulting improved preimplantation development.

Clinics in diagnostic imaging (90). Childhood nasopharyngeal carcinoma

An 11-year-old boy presented with a nasopharyngeal mass that was thought to represent a juvenile angiofibroma based on the initial clinical and radiological evaluation. Partial tumour resection was performed. Resected specimen revealed histological diagnosis of undifferentiated carcinoma. Further evaluation of the tumour including MR imaging, radioisotope bone scan, CT thorax and abdomen were performed. Differential diagnoses of childhood nasopharyngeal masses were discussed. The differences between childhood NPC and adult NPC, rhabdomyosarcoma, malignant lymphoma and juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma were also discussed.

Effect of maturation media and oocytes derived from sows or gilts on the development of cloned pig embryos

In order to develop a culture system and recipient cytoplasm that could improve the developmental competence of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos for successful cloning of pigs, we evaluated the effect of donor oocytes and in vitro maturation (IVM) media on maturation of oocytes and developmental competence of SCNT embryos. In Experiment 1, oocytes derived from sows or gilts were matured in two IVM media (TCM-199 versus NCSU-23) and maturation of oocytes was evaluated by the status of chromatin configuration, the diameter of matured oocytes, the thickness of the zona pellucida, and the size of the perivitelline space (PVS). Sow oocytes matured in TCM-199 (S-TCM group) and NCSU-23 (S-NCSU group) showed significantly higher (P<0.05) maturation rates (S-TCM and S-NSCU, 86+/-4 and 82+/-4%, respectively) when evaluated by metaphase-II status than the gilt oocytes matured in TCM-199 (G-TCM group, 71+/-3%) and in NCSU-23 (G-NCSU-23 group, 71+/-3%). Oocyte diameter, the thickness of the zona pellucida, and the perivitelline space of sow oocytes (S-TCM and S-NCSU) were larger than those of gilt oocytes (G-TCM and G-NCSU) after IVM (P<0.05). In Experiment 2, SCNT was performed, using in vitro-matured oocytes from each group as recipient cytoplasm and porcine fetal fibroblasts as karyoplasts. The reconstructed embryos were electrically fused and activated, and cleavage and blastocyst formation were monitored under a stereomicroscope. The total cell number of flattened blastocysts stained with 5 microM bisbenzimide on day 7 were counted. In addition, in vitro matured non-enucleated oocytes were also electrically activated (parthenogenetic activation) and pronuclear formation was monitored. No difference in pronuclear formation rate after parthenogenetic activation and fusion rate after SCNT was observed among experimental groups. A significantly higher cleavage rate (P<0.05) was observed in S-TCM (69+/-4%) when compared with only G-NCSU (58+/-4%), but not with G-TCM (60+/-4%) or S-NCSU (68+/-4%). The rate of blastocyst formation was significantly higher (P<0.05) in sow oocytes (24% in S-TCM and S-NCSU), when compared to that observed in G-TCM (15%), and G-NCSU (14%). When the same source of oocytes was used, there was no significant difference in rate of blastocyst formation in the two culture media. Total cell number of blastocysts were not significantly different among experimental groups. In conclusion, the present study clearly demonstrated that sow oocytes have a greater developmental competence than gilt oocytes, regardless of the maturation medium examined.

Optimization of culture medium for cloned bovine embryos and its influence on pregnancy and delivery outcome

This study was conducted to establish an effective culture system for supporting in vitro development of cloned bovine embryos and to evaluate whether improved development in the optimal culture system could contribute to enhancing pregnancy and delivery outcomes after transfer. Enucleated oocytes at the metaphase II stage were reconstructed with serum-starved ear fibroblasts and cloned embryos were subsequently cultured for 168 h in vitro. In Experiment 1, cloned embryos were cultured in either modified Charles Rosenkrans 2 amino acid medium (mCR2aa) or modified synthetic oviduct fluid medium (mSOF). More (P < 0.05) 2-cell embryos (78% versus 92%), morulae (51% versus 69%) and blastocysts (2% versus 39%) were obtained after culture in mSOF than after culture in mCR2aa. In Experiment 2, cloned embryos were successively cultured in mSOF supplemented with various macromolecules during different periods of culture. A successive culture of oocytes in BSA-containing medium for 72 h and then in FBS-containing medium for the next 96 h yielded a higher rate of blastocyst formation (49% versus 25-36%) than other combinations (BSA to BSA or PVA to PVA, BSA or FBS). This macromolecule supplementation also significantly increased the number of total blastomeres (117.3 cells/blastocyst) and inner cell mass cells (ICM, 49.7 cells/blastocyst), and the ratio of ICM cells to trophoblast cells (TB, 0.98). In Experiment 3, a total of 85 blastocysts obtained from each 2-step culture were transferred individually to recipient cows at the end of the culture period and 32 pregnancies (38%) were diagnosed on Day 60 after transfer. However, no (P > 0.05) significant differences due to culture were apparent in the pregnancy outcome. Although six calves were produced using the 2-step culture regime of either BSA-BSA or PVA-FBS, no calves were produced using the successive culture of BSA then FBS, which optimized preimplantation development. In conclusion, mSOF has more potential to support the development of clone embryos than mCR2aa, and successive supplementation of BSA and FBS to mSOF further promotes blastocyst formation. However, enhanced development in vitro might not directly contribute to improving pregnancy outcomes.

Development of bovine oocytes reconstructed with different donor somatic cells with or without serum starvation

We conducted this study to examine whether serum starvation in culture contributes to better development of bovine reconstructed oocytes and to evaluate which serum-starved somatic cell is the most effective for cloned calf production. In Experiment 1, donor cells of four different types (cumulus cells, ear fibroblasts, oviduct cells and uterine cells) were either serum-starved or not before fusion with enucleated oocytes, and reconstructed oocytes were further cultured for 168 h. Regardless of serum starvation, cumulus cells or ear fibroblasts yielded higher (P < 0.05) rates of fusion than other cells (62.6-69.3 versus 33.3-38.7%). In the serum-starved group, the first cleavage after reconstruction was significantly increased in cumulus cells and ear fibroblasts, compared with oviduct cells (93.4-94.3 versus 78.8-86.0%), and oocytes reconstructed with either of these yielded more blastocysts than oocytes reconstructed with oviduct or uterine cells (40.6-43.8 versus 20.3-19.0%). We observed a similar pattern in the non-starved group, but we found a significant increase in blastocyst formation was found only in cumulus cells compared with other donor cells (42.6 versus 15.4-27.7%). Overall comparison showed that serum starvation increased the rates of cleavage and development to the blastocyst stage, but we found a statistical significance only in the cleavage rate (80.0 versus 89.5%). In Experiment 2, we transferred randomly selected 59 blastocysts that were developed from oocytes reconstructed with serum-starved cells to 44 synchronised recipients. Of those recipients, 23 became pregnant on Day 60 after transfer (52.3%) and 12 (27.3%) delivered cloned calves. The mean gestation length and birth weight was 275 +/- 8 days and 39.6 +/- 15.6 kg, respectively. Although there was no significant difference among donor cells, blastocysts that were derived from oocytes reconstructed with ear fibroblasts yielded the highest rates of pregnancy (50.0%) and delivery (27.3%). In conclusion, serum starvation is effective for improving preimplantation development of oocytes reconstructed with cumulus or ear fibroblast cells and it may positively influence on obtaining better pregnancy outcome.

Encephalomyelitis associated with akabane virus infection in adult cows

Between August and September 2000, five 2-7-year-old cows in Korea exhibited neurologic signs and were diagnosed as infected with Akabane virus based on the results of histopathology, immunohistochemistry, serology, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. Immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR were equally effective and sensitive for diagnosing Akabane virus infection during the early stage of infection. Typical lymphohistiocytic inflammation characterized by perivascular mononuclear cell infiltration, gliosis, neuronophagia, and neuronal loss was noted in the brain and the ventral horn gray matter of the spinal cord. The lesions in the brain were most prominent in the pons and medulla oblongata. Akabane virus antigen was detected in the brain and spinal cord, mainly in degenerating neurons and glial cells. RT-PCR analysis revealed a target band of expected size in four cows. This is the first report on an outbreak of natural Akabane virus infection in adult cattle.

Effects of sex hormones on Na+/glucose cotransporter of renal proximal tubular cells following oxidant injury

It was reported that reactive oxygen metabolites play an important role in the pathogenesis of several renal diseases including glomerulonephritis, ischemia and acute tubular necrosis. However, the effect of oxidants and protective effect of sex steroid hormones on Na+/glucose cotransporter of renal proximal tubular cells is not yet elucidated. In the present study, we examined the effect of sex steroid hormones against tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced alteration of Na+/glucose cotransporter activity in primary cultured rabbit renal proximal tubule cells (PTCs). t-BHP inhibited alpha-methyl-D-glucopyranoside (alpha-MG) uptake in a dose-dependent manner. t-BHP-induced inhibition of alpha-MG uptake was due not to Km but to the decrease of Vmax. 0.5 mM t-BHP-induced inhibition of alpha-MG uptake was significantly blocked by estradiol-17beta, but not by progesterone and testosterone. This protective effect was not blocked by estrogen receptor antagonist or transcription and translation inhibitor. In addition, 0.5 mM t-BHP increased [3H]-arachidonic acid (AA) release and Ca2+ uptake. These effects of t-BHP were also significantly blocked by estradiol-17beta, but not by progesterone and testosterone. Protective efficacy of estradiol-17beta on t-BHP-induced inhibition of alpha-MG uptake is exhibited between antioxidants and iron chelators. In conclusion, estradiol-17beta, but not progesterone and testosterone, partially prevented t-BHP-induced inhibition of alpha-MG uptake through its antioxidant activity dependent upon phenol structures and inhibition of AA release and Ca2+ influx.