Synchronous bilateral breast cancer treated with a 3-week hypofractionated radiotherapy schedule: clinical and dosimetric outcomes

Background and purpose

Synchronous bilateral breast cancer (SBBC) accounts for 1–3.5% of breast cancer patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate dosimetric issues, clinical outcomes, and acute toxicities for SBBC patients receiving synchronous bilateral hypofractionated radiotherapy (SBHRT) and to compare them with patients treated with synchronous bilateral normofractionated RT schedule (SBNRT).

Materials and methods

From April 2016 to March 2020, 39 SBBC patients were referred to our institution. Patients were divided according to their prescription dose: Group A: 50 Gy/25fx (fractions), B: 60–64 Gy/25fx, C: 40.05 Gy/15fx; D: 48 Gy/15fx. Toxicity was evaluated using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE)v.5.0.

Results

34 patients were finally evaluated. Median follow-up was 24 months for NF schedule and 9 months for HF schedule. In the HF schedule, no acute side-effects > G2 were observed and no dermatitis was reported in 6^th month´s assessments. 95% of patients have no evidence of disease and only 1 patient presented local relapse in the first mammography after RT. No distant failures or deaths were observed. Regarding dosimetric issues, the inter-patient average D_mean for the heart was: Group A: 5.0 Gy (4.6–5.5), Group B: 4.4 Gy (4.1–5.4), Group C: 4.8 Gy (4.5–5.1) and Group D: 5.3 Gy (4.4–5.6). For the lungs, the inter-patient average D_mean was: Group A: 10.8 Gy (9.8–12.2), Group B: 11.5 Gy (11.3–12), Group C: 9.8 Gy (9.3–10.5) and Group D: 10.5 Gy (10–11.3).

Conclusions

This is the first study reporting the safety, feasibility, and tolerability of 40.05 Gy/15fx over 3 weeks for the treatment of SBBC patients. Further study with larger accrual is mandatory.

Arabidopsis ILITHYIA protein is necessary for proper chloroplast biogenesis and root development independent of eIF2α phosphorylation

One of the main mechanisms blocking translation after stress situations is mediated by phosphorylation of the α-subunit of the eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2), performed in Arabidopsis by the protein kinase GCN2 which interacts and is activated by ILITHYIA(ILA). ILA is involved in plant immunity and its mutant lines present phenotypes not shared by the gcn2 mutants. The functional link between these two genes remains elusive in plants. In this study, we show that, although both ILA and GCN2 genes are necessary to mediate eIF2α phosphorylation upon treatments with the aromatic amino acid biosynthesis inhibitor glyphosate, their mutants develop distinct root and chloroplast phenotypes. Electron microscopy experiments reveal that ila mutants, but not gcn2, are affected in chloroplast biogenesis, explaining the macroscopic phenotype previously observed for these mutants. ila3 mutants present a complex transcriptional reprogramming affecting defense responses, photosynthesis and protein folding, among others. Double mutant analyses suggest that ILA has a distinct function which is independent of GCN2 and eIF2α phosphorylation. These results suggest that these two genes may have common but also distinct functions in Arabidopsis.

Survival capacity of Mycoplasma agalactiae and Mycoplasma mycoides subsp capri in the diluted semen of goat bucks and their effects on sperm quality

This study examines the viability of Mycoplasma agalactiae (Ma) and Mycoplasma mycoides subsp capri (Mmc) during 150 minutes of incubation at 37 °C in contaminated diluted semen (DS) doses. The effects of the presence of both microorganisms on sperm viability, motility, and morphology were also examined. In a second experiment, the viability of Ma and its effects on sperm viability were determined in ejaculate samples and skimmed milk semen extender samples. Ma and Mmc were able to survive in DS at concentrations considered infectious, and no significant differences in mean concentrations were detected (7.1 log colony-forming units [CFU]/mL). However, initial concentration of Ma declined (P < 0.05) from 7.5 to 6.9 log CFU/mL and Mmc declined (P < 0.05) from 7.7 to 7.1 log CFU/mL after incubation. Conversely, ejaculate concentrations of Ma increased significantly (from 7.1 to 7.4 log CFU/mL, P < 0.05). These observations suggest that the natural breeding medium is more suitable for Ma than the medium used for artificial insemination (AI). The presence of Mmc slightly reduced sperm viability in the DS (from 21.7% to 16.6%, P < 0.05). The absence of major effects on sperm quality could lead to the unnoticed use of semen contaminated with Ma and Mmc for AI. As both bacteria were able to survive the conditions of ejaculates and semen doses, these findings suggest a risk of venereal transmission of contagious agalactia and support the use of mycoplasma-free semen samples for (AI).

Cross-talk between free and bound spermatozoa to modulate initial sperm:egg ratios at the site of fertilization in the mammalian oviduct

This essay proposes that highly localized communication between free and bound spermatozoa in the caudal portion of the oviduct acts to regulate the numbers detaching from the epithelium and progressing to the site of fertilization close to the time of ovulation. Low initial sperm:egg ratios are essential for monospermic fertilization. Liberation of surface macromolecules and metabolic prompting from activated spermatozoa, together with altered patterns of sperm movement and dynamic differences in intracellular Ca(2+) ion status between neighboring sperm cells, would influence the progressive release of spermatozoa from the reservoir in the oviduct isthmus. Different intensities of preovulatory epithelial binding, reflecting a range of states in the sperm surface membranes and associated proteins, would provide a further explanation for a chronologically staggered periovulatory detachment of spermatozoa. Intimate sperm-sperm interactions within the confines of the oviduct isthmus offer a sensitive means of fine-tuning the vanguard of competent male gametes reaching the isthmo-ampullary junction.

227 CALRETICULIN, A 60-kDa PROTEIN, PREVENTS POLYSPERMY IN ZONA PELLUCIDA-FREE PIG OCYTES

After gamete membrane fusion or artificial oocyte activation, cortical granules undergo exocytosis and the released content modifies the zona pellucida (ZP), preventing polyspermy. Calreticulin (CRT), a calcium-binding highly conserved protein of 60 kDa, is contained in cortical granules from hamster eggs (Muñoz-Gotera et al. 2001 Mol. Reprod. Dev. 60), and we recently showed it is exocytosed from chemically activated ZP-free pig oocytes (Romar et al. 2012 Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 24). When pig ZP-enclosed oocytes were incubated with CRT, monospermy was not improved (Romar et al. 2011, Maternal communication with gametes and embryo, p. 72), suggesting that the likely role of CRT in preventing polyspermy might be carried out at the oolemma level. Our objective was to evaluate whether CRT prevents polyspermy in pig ZP-free oocytes by treating the cells with this protein before being inseminated. In vitro-matured cumulus–oocyte complexes (44 h, NCSU-37 medium) were decumulated and ZP was digested with Tyrode’s acid. The ZP-free oocytes were incubated for 30 min in TALP medium supplemented with 0, 100, 1000, and 5000 pg of CRT (ab91577, Abcam, Cambridge, MA, USA) per oocyte. After washing, ZP-free oocytes were inseminated (25 000 sperm mL–1) and gametes were co-cultured for 18 h. Putative zygotes were fixed and stained with Hoechst 33342 to analyse the fertilization results. Four replicates with 30 to 35 oocytes per group were done, and results were analysed by one-way ANOVA. A P-value ≤0.05 was taken to denote statistical significance. Incubation with CRT did not affect penetration rates that were similar among groups (77.12 ± 3.88 and 72.73 ± 4.07, respectively, for the 0- and 5000-pg CRT groups). However, the mean number of sperm per penetrated oocyte decreased from 3.01 ± 0.28 (0-pg group) to 2.07 ± 0.16 (5000-pg group), and monospermy rate increased from 30.77 ± 4.87 (0-pg group) to 52.27 ± 5.36 (5000-pg group; P ≤ 0.05). Incubation with CRT did not affect the number of sperm attached to oolemma, which was similar among all groups (11.45 ± 1.16 v. 10.75 ± 1.17, respectively, for 0 and 5000 pg of CRT). These preliminary data suggest that CRT, a protein exocytosed after oocyte activation, participates in the membrane block to polyspermy in pigs. Future studies to describe the exact mechanism of action of this chaperone protein are necessary. Supported by MEC and FEDER (AGL2009-12512-C02-01).

Spermatozoa and seminal plasma fatty acids as predictors of cryopreservation success

There is a lack of information about the importance of fatty acid composition of the human sperm membranes and seminal plasma in the cryopreservation procedure. Our aims were to study the possible relationships between the fatty acid composition of human spermatozoa or seminal fluid before freezing, and the sperm quality, measured in terms of viability and motility, before and after freezing-thawing. A further objective of this study was to determine whether the antioxidant capacity (TAC) of the seminal plasma is related to fatty acid (FA) composition and to success of the cryopreservation process. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), ω3 PUFAs and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in spermatozoa were significantly positively correlated with sperm viability and motility parameters before and after freezing. An inverse relationship was found for monounsaturated (MUFA), ratio ω6/ω3, ratio saturated saturated fatty acids/PUFA (SFA/PUFA) with the seminal parameters. Seminal plasma fatty acid composition was not related to viability. However, motility parameters before and after freezing were related to stearic acid (C18:0) and DHA. TAC in seminal plasma was directly related to PUFA, w3 and DHA. On the other hand, SFA, C22:0, C24:0 and MUFA in seminal plasma were inversely related to the antioxidant capacity. TAC was directly correlated with motion parameters after thawing, We described a significant correlation between the fatty acid composition of the human spermatozoa or seminal plasma and the sperm parameters of the samples after thawing. PUFA, W3 and specially DHA are directly correlated with sperm motility and viability after freezing/thawing, and MUFA was inversely correlated. This means that in the future the fatty acid composition could be used as a predictor of the capacity of cryopreservation. On the other hand, we could design further procedures to modify the lipid composition or/and antioxidant capacity of ejaculate to make it more resistant to the cryopreservation process.

Two cases of reciprocal chromosomal translocation (4; 7)(p+; q-) (2; 8)(q-; q+) in piglets produced by ICSI

In this study, the karyotypes of 14 piglets from four different litters produced by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and embryo transfer were analysed. The chromosome analysis was based on a classical cytogenetic examination following the standard protocols of lymphocyte cultures. Two cases of reciprocal translocation [(4; 7)(p+; q-) and (2; 8)(q-; q+)] were detected in two female transgenic piglets. These animals showed neither anatomical nor physiological alterations and had normal growth. To our knowledge, this is the first karyotype study of piglets produced by ICSI.

237 PROTEIN-TYROSINE PHOSPHORYLATION AND CALCIUM UPTAKE IN BOAR SPERM SUBPOPULATIONS AFTER DIFFERENT DISCONTINUOUS PERCOLL GRADIENT CENTRIFUGATIONS

Semen is composed of an heterogeneous population of sperm with varying degrees of structural and functional differentiation. To optimize in vitro fertilization (IVF), different selection methods have been used to isolate sperm subpopulations with high fertilizing capacity. The aim of this study was to evaluate protein-tyrosine phosphorylation (P-Tyr) and calcium uptake in boar sperm subpopulations from the same ejaculate. Spermatozoa from fertile and normozoospermic boars were treated by 2-step discontinuous gradient centrifugation consisting of 3 different combinations of isotonic Percoll (45/60, 60/75, and 45/90%). An aliquot of semen was kept without centrifugation as a control group. Immunofluorescence was employed to determine the localization of proteins phosphorylated in tyrosine residues (Tardif et al. 2001 Biol. Reprod. 65, 784–792). In order to measure intracellular free [Ca2+], spermatozoa treated as described above were incubated with 2.5 μM Fura-2AM in a noncapacitating medium (Tardif et al. 2003 Biol. Reprod. 68, 207–213) for 45 min at 37°C. Then, spermatozoa were resuspended in TALP medium (Rath et al. 1999. J. Anim. Sci. 77, 3346–3352), incubated (5% CO2, 38.5°C) for a further 10 min and then analysed in a fluorescence spectrofluorometer during 30 min with excitation wavelength set at 340–380 nm and emission held at 510 nm. The calculation of intracellular free [Ca2+] was performed according to the equation of (Grynkiewicz et al. 1985 J. Biol. Chem. 260, 3440–3450). The results showed that Percoll treatment increased the percentage of cells with P-Tyr v. control group (P < 0.01). Among Percoll groups, 45/90% showed the highest pattern of cells with signal in equatorial region, acrosome, and tail. As was observed with P-Tyr results, the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration (nM) was different between control group and spermatozoa treated with Percoll gradient (P < 0.01). Among Percoll groups, 45/90% showed the highest levels in calcium uptake and 45/60 showed the lowest levels (299.26; P < 0.01). In conclusion, it could be stated after Percoll centrifugation that sperm subpopulations have different abilities to protein-tyrosine phosphorylation and calcium uptake that could be related to different levels of in vitro fertility. Supported by Fundación Séneca 08752/PI/08.

236 PROTEIN TYROSINE PHOSPHORYLATION IN BOAR SPERM DURING CO-CULTURE WITH OVIDUCTAL EPITHELIAL CELLS

Essentials steps of the capacitation are coordinated in the caudal isthmus of the oviduct, where sperm are stored in intimate contact with the epithelium. A crucial event involved in capacitation is the protein tyrosine phosphorylation. The aim of this study was to characterise the different protein tyrosine phosphorylation patterns in boar sperm after the co-culture with oviducal epithelial cells (POEC). Epithelial cells were stripped from the oviducts of cycling sows and cultivated for 7 days on Petri dishes. Sperm (with and without treatment by discontinuous gradient of isotonic Percoll) were added and co-incubated for 1 h. Six different samples were analysed by indirect immunofluorescence to determine the localization of proteins phosphorylated in tyrosine residues (Tardif et al. 2001 Biol. Reprod. 65, 784–792): ejaculated control, ejaculated bound and unbound POEC, sperm washed through Percoll, and sperm Percoll-washed bound and unbound POEC. Four patterns were determined according to their surface distribution: nonphosphorylated spermatozoa, head and/or tail phosphorylated, equatorial segment phosphorylated, equatorial segment, and head and/or tail phosphorylated. Sperm without any treatment showed lower tyrosine phosphorylation levels than sperm washed through Percoll (66.90% v. 1.90%; P < 0.01). The most common tyrosine phosphorylation distribution in sperm adhesion to POEC was located in equatorial segment (57.78%; P < 0.01). A significant difference regarding head phosphorylation (P < 0.01) was found between sperm bound to oviductal epithelium and unbound sperm (0.00% v. 4.75%). Binding to POEC occurred mainly in sperm with nonphosphorylated heads and tails, whereas higher proportions of equatorial segment and head and/or flagellum phosphorylated cells were found in unbound population (50.25% v. 83.75%; P < 0.01). The data of this study showed differences in the sperm-POEC binding in relation to protein tyrosine phosphorylation patterns, indicating a selective function in the sperm-oviductal epithelial cells interaction. Supported by Fundación Séneca 08752/PI/08.

303 EFFECT OF THE PRESENCE OF EXOGENOUS DNA AND RECOMBINASE-A PROTEIN ON THE BOAR SPERM FUNCTIONALITY

Since 1989, a new method for the production of transgenic animals has been available, namely sperm-mediated gene transfer based on the intrinsic ability of sperm cells to bind exogenous DNA molecules and to transfer them into the oocyte. It has been reported that coating exogenous DNA with recombinase-A protein (RecA) may improve the efficiency of transgenic embryo production (Garcia-Vazquez FA et al. 2006 Reprod. Domest. Anim. 41, 338). The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the presence of DNA and DNA-RecA complex on the sperm functionality. Spermatozoa were incubated with linealized plasmid 5.7 kb enhanced green fluorescent protein (DNA) or RecA-DNA complexes (40:1 or 40:3 protein:DNA w/w) in a relation of 108 cells mL–1 and 5 to 15 μg of DNA mL–1. Sperm viability, membrane lipid disorder, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and motion parameters were evaluated by flow cytometry and computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) for control (no DNA), DNA (5 μg), RecA 5 (5 μg), and RecA 15 (15 μg). A total of 5 replicates were used. Data were analyzed by ANOVA. The sperm viability measured by propidium iodide staining was significantly reduced by the presence of RecA DNA complexes (viable cells 77.5a v. 69.4ab v. 55.6b v. 35.8c%; P < 0.01). Lipid membrane disorder (measured by merocyanine 540 and Yopro 1 staining) were significantly reduced in the group with high exogenous DNA concentration (RecA 15 group), with a reduction of percentage of viable cells and low lipid disorder (67.4a v. 60.0a v. 51.5a v. 24.3b; P < 0.01). However, the ROS generation (measured by 2′,5′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate) was not different in the different experimental groups (fluorescent units 20.3 v. 25.5 v. 26.2 v. 13.9; P = 0.36). The motion parameters measured by CASA were affected by the presence of DNA-RecA complexes with a significant reduction in percentage of motile and progressive motile cells in the group RecA 15 (% progressive motility 46.7a v. 43.9a v. 46.8a v. 20.3b; P < 0.01). Also, it was detected a change in the pattern of motility with an increase in the sperm velocities (velocity average path, velocity straight line, and VCL) in groups DNA and RecA 5 and a reduction of these values when the concentration of DNA was 15 μg mL–1 (VCL μm s–1 97.5a v. 106.4b v. 109.1b v. 58.1c; P < 0.01). The motions parameters (LIN, STR, WOB, ALH, BCF) showed significant lower values for the group RecA 15. These results shown that the presence of DNA and RecA-DNA complex modified the pattern of motility and reduced the viability and functionality of the boar sperm in a concentration dose way. It is necessary to select an adequate DNA and RecA concentration that would protect the sperm functionality and optimize the binding process. Supported by BIOCARM 10BIO2005/01-6463 and AGL2006-03495.

301 EVALUATION OF THE SPERM-MEDIATED GENE TRANSFER (SMGT) TECHNIQUE BY IN VITRO FERTILIZATION IN PIGS USING RecA PROTEIN

Sperm-mediated gene transfer (SMGT) is a transgenesis technique used in pigs mainly byAI (Lavitrano ML et al. 2002 Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 99, 14 230–14 235), and by intracytoplasmic spermi injection (ICSI) (Garcia-Vazquez FA et al. 2006 Reprod. Domest. Anim. 41, 338), but up to now, it has not been reported by IVF (Bolling LC et al. 2003 Transgenics 4, 77–86). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of SMGT by IVF in pigs and the use of recombinase RecA to avoid possible exogenous DNA degradation by endonucleases. We designed a study with 3 experimental groups: (1) sperm incubated without exogenous DNA (control group), (2) sperm incubated with exogenous DNA (DNA group), and (3) sperm incubated with the complex RecA:DNA (RecA group). Ejaculates from mature boars were recovered and the seminal plasma was discarded to avoid detrimental effects on DNA binding. The spermatozoa were incubated with DNA or RecA-DNA and used as vectors for transferring linealized plasmid DNA [5.7 kb enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)] into in vitro-matured porcine oocytes by IVF. Spermatozoa and oocytes were coincubated for 2 h in TALP medium; then, the fertilized oocytes were transferred into the culture drops with NCSU-23 medium. The binding of the DNA to the spermatozoa was confirmed by the use of enzymatic fluorescein-12-dUTP-labeled DNA and measured by flow cytometry. The total number of oocytes used was 584 (n = 59; n = 382; n = 143 for the 3 experimental groups, respectively). Embryos were examined for cleavage rate at 48 h after fertilization, and for embryo development at 144 h. Expression of EGFP in embryos was examined using a fluorescence inverted microscope. The results in our experiment showed that the coincubation of sperm with exogenous DNA induced a lower cleavage rate than when the RecA:DNA complex was used (DNA: 25.13 � 2.22 v. RecA: 41.26 � 4.13%, P < 0.05), and both no different from the control group (38.98 � 6.40). On the other hand, the production of blastocysts was similar in the 3 groups (Control: 21.74 � 8.79 v. DNA: 21.87 � 4.24 v. RecA: 15.25 � 4.72%) as well as the quality of the obtained embryos. The average number of cells per blastocyst was similar in the 3 groups (36.40 � 9.28 v. 37.26 � 3.32 v. 28.45 � 3.34, respectively). None of the produced embryos was detected for expressing protein EGFP. In conclusion, under our experimental conditions, IVF is not an effective technique for SMGT, whereas using ICSI-SMGT under the same conditions (DNA and DNA:RecA groups), we obtained a high percentage of transgenic embryos (Garcia-Vazquez FA et al. 2006 Reprod. Domest. Anim. 41, 338). Three main causes are hypothesized to be probably related to this conclusion: (i) the penetration of the oocytes is achieved only by the not DNA-bound viable spermatozoa in a competitive system, (ii) the DNA was only bound to altered membrane or dead spermatozoa, and (iii) the exogenous DNA is only present on sperm surface and in the process of fusion with oocyte membrane, the DNA is not internalized.

Evaluation of a cushioned method for centrifugation and processing for freezing boar semen

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the use of an iodixanol cushion during centrifugation on sperm recovery and yield after centrifugation (sperm recovery, sperm motility, viability, membrane lipid disorder, acrosome reaction and ROS generation); and to investigate how this procedure affects sperm function after freezing-thawing (sperm motility, membrane lipid disorder, acrosomal status and homologous in vitro penetration test). The sperm-rich fractions from fertile boars were centrifuged under two centrifugation régimes: 800xg for 10min (standard method) and 1000xg for 20min with an iodixanol (60% w/v) cushion at the bottom of the centrifuge tubes (Cushion method). The highest recovery was achieved using the cushion method (sperm loss for cushion method was 0.50%+/-0.18 versus 2.97%+/-0.43 for standard method, P<0.01) and sperm quality was not significantly affected by the centrifugation régime. The motion parameters (% progressive motility, % motility, VCL, VSL, VAP, ALH, BCF, P<0.05) of frozen-thawed samples showed higher values using the standard method. However, a higher number of viable spermatozoa with lower lipid disorders were found in spermatozoa processed with the cushion method. The in vitro penetration assay showed that the individual boar influenced the parameters studied but there were no differences between the two centrifugation régimes used. Our results support the hypothesis that the proportion of sperm loss in frozen-thawed semen was significantly influenced by the centrifugation régime. Therefore, the iodixanol cushion method is a suitable tool for cryopreservation of boar semen in order to reduce sperm loss without affecting sperm quality.

297 ADDITION OF GLUTATHIONE TO THAWING MEDIUM FOR BULL SPERMATOZOA IMPROVES THE IN VITRO EMBRYO PRODUCTION

The cold shock of spermatozoa is associated with oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation (Chatterjee et al. 2001 Mol. Reprod. Dev. 60, 498–506). Glutathione (l-�-glutamyl-l-cysteinylglycine; GSH) plays an important role as an intracellular defense mechanism against oxidative stress. The process of freezing is associated with a significant reduction in GSH content in novine spermatozoa (Bilodeau et al. 2000 Mol. Reprod. Dev. 55, 282–288). The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of GSH supplementation of the thawing extender on bull sperm used for in vitro embryo production. To examine the effect of GSH supplementation during the thawing process, spermatozoa from 6 different bulls were incubated without addition of GSH (control), and with addition of 1 mM or 5 mM GSH to the sperm-TALP medium, and maintained 30 min at 37�C in these media before assay. IVM and IVF were performed as described Coy et al. (2005 Reproduction 129, 19–26, 747–755). Oocytes were fertilized with frozen–thawed semen (106 total sperm/mL). After 18 h co-incubation, they were cultured in KSOM medium for 7 days. Embryos were examined for developmental stages at Day 2 (2–4 cells), Day 3 (8–16 cells), and Day 7 (morula–blastocysts). Finally, the total number of nuclei of blastocysts was determined by staining with Hoechst 33342 (10 mg mL-1; 20 min). The percentage of cleavage in the different embryo stages was higher in the 5 mM GSH group [n = 233, Day 2 (64.63%), Day 3 (56.92%), and Day 7 (31.28%)] than in control [n = 229, Day 2 (47.64%), Day 3 (42.16%), and Day 7 (22.32%)], and the 1 mM group maintained an intermediate position with [n = 246, Day 2 (54.88%), Day 3 (49.56%), and Day 7 (28.98%)]. The bull sperm affected significantly the cleavage parameters studied. The number of nuclei within the blastocysts ranged from 39.93 to 47.71, and no differences were observed between experimental groups. It is known that addition of GSH produces a reduction in ROS generation (Gadea et al. 2005 J. Androl. 26, 749–756). The results showed that in the treatment group there is a reduction in ROS generation in spermatozoa and an improvement in the cleavage rate and blastocyst formation when GSH was used. This study demonstrates that only a short period of incubation of the spermatozoa in an antioxidant could improve the spermatozoa functionality of producing more and better embryos. This work was supported by AGL2003-03144, BIOCARM 10BIO2005/01-6463 and Seneca 03018/PI/05.

401 USE OF FLOW CYTOMETRY TO EVALUATE THE CAPACITY OF BOAR SPERM TO BIND TO EXOGENOUS DNA OF DIFFERENT SIZES

Sperm-mediated gene transfer (SMGT) is based on the ability of sperm cells to bind exogenous DNA and transfer it into the egg at fertilization (Lavitrano et al. 1989 Cell 57, 717–723). SMGT has been reported in several species, but different degrees of efficiency have been reported in different laboratories. In this study, in order to optimize and understand the mechanism of SMGT, the capacity of spermatozoa to bind 2 different sizes of exogenous DNA (previously marked with fluorescein using flow cytometry), the kinetics of DNA binding, and the effect of the male used were evaluated. Semen from 7 fertile boars was recovered and immediately diluted 1 : 10 in SFM (swine fertilize medium) at 37�C and later centrifuged (800g 10 min, 25�C), discarding the seminal plasma to avoid a detrimental effect on DNA binding to cells. Two groups were established depending on the size of DNA (Group A: 5.4 kb; Group B: 20 kb). Linearized plasmid DNA (5.4 kb and 20 kb), marked by random primed DNA labeling with fluorescein-12-dUTP (Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany) was added (1 � 108 spermatozoa/mL + 5 �g of DNA/mL) in each group and incubated at 16�C. Initial spermatozoa contact with DNA was the starting point, initiating the measurements in the cytometer. Time measurements were taken at 0, 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min of incubation. Samples were analyzed on a Coulter Epics XL flow cytometer (Beckman Coulter, Inc., Fullerton, CA, USA). A total of 10 000 sperm cells were counted per sample and 3 measurements in each incubation time, with sample running rates of approximately 600 events/s. Fluorescence was measured using the FL1 sensor, with a 525-nm band-pass filter to detect fluorescein isothiocyanate. The results showed that no significant effect on the parameters studied was associated with the kind of DNA employed, and the main DNA binding to spermatozoa was achieved as soon as 15 min in both groups (Group A: 13.43 � 0.74%; Group B: 13.97 � 0.77%); thereafter, no further significant increase in the binding was detected (Group A: 14.27 � 0.88%, 14.16 � 1.05%, 13.41 � 1.11%, 13.53 � 1.26%; Group B: 13.97 � 0.77%, 15.23 � 0.93%, 15.19 � 0.92%, 15.17 � 1.05%, at 30, 60, 90, and 120 min, respectively). Nevertheless, a significant boar effect was detected. These data suggest that boar sperm is able to bind 20 kb with the same efficiency as 5 kbp and that flow cytometry is a practical tool to evaluate sperm DNA binding capacity in a specific and objective manner and to select the boar that produces better results. This work was supported by BIOCARM 10BIO2005/01-6463.

326 COMPARING CHANGES IN MEMBRANE LIPID ORDER IN EPIDIDYMAL AND EJACULATED BOAR SPERMATOZOA

The diffusion of lipids in the plasma membrane of ejaculated spermatozoa is influenced by seminal plasma proteins and the composition of the suspending medium (Wolfe et al. 2001 Mol. Reprod. Dev. 59, 306–313). Merocyanine 540 (M540) is a hydrophobic dye that has been shown to stain cell membranes more intensely if their lipid components are in a higher state of disorder, as is the case of capacitated spermatozoa. It is believed that the membrane fluidity changes detected by M540 precede the calcium influx, making M540 a method for evaluating the early events of capacitation. The aim of this study was to determine if there are differences in the dynamics of lipid disorder in the plasma membrane of ejaculated and epididymal boar spermatozoa under different conditions of capacitation. The sperm capacitation treatments were: washed in Delbucco's PBS supplemented with 0.1 % BSA (PBS-BSA), washed on a Percoll gradient (PG), and unwashed (UW: Control). During measurement, the samples were kept at 38�C and 5 % CO2 to maintain constant incubation conditions. Membrane lipid order and sperm viability were determined by flow cytometry with M540 (2.7 �M) and Yo-Pro-1 (25 nM), respectively. Samples were analyzed on a Coulter Epics XL flow cytometer (Beckman Coulter Co., Inc., Fullerton, CA, USA). A total of 10 000 gated events were collected per sample, with sample running rates of approximately 600 events/s. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA). For the epidydimal vs. ejaculated results, the percentage of low lipid disorder spermatozoa was higher in the epididymal (19.23%) than in the ejaculated (5.84%) groups, and the proportion of high disorder (42.85%) and dead cells (48.59%) was higher in the ejaculated group. In relation to sperm treatment (UW, PBS-BSA, and PG), the percentage of high disorder was similar in all of the treatment groups (UW: 44.62 %; PBS-BSA: 43.08%; PG: 43.41%). Finally, the percentage of low disorder was lower in the PBS-BSA and PERCOLL (10.68% and 12.83%, respectively) groups, and the highest was obtained for the UW group (14.09%). In conclusion, the staining with M540 revealed that the lipid disorder was affected by the source of the sperm and the sperm treatment. A significant increase in membrane lipid low disorder and decrease in high disorder and dead cells were detected when epididymal sperm were compared with ejaculated sperm, so the seminal plasma and the sperm treatment to eliminate disorder have an important effect in the lipid membrane order. Supported by MEC (AGL2006-03495/GAN) and Fundaci�n S�neca (03018/PI/05).

329 COMPARING CHANGES IN MOTION PARAMETERS IN EPIDIDYMAL AND EJACULATED BOAR SPERMATOZOA UNDER THREE DIFFERENT TREATMENTS

The motion ability of mammalian spermatozoa is acquired during their epididymal transit but observed only upon dilution with seminal plasma (SP) at the time of ejaculation (Yanahimachi 1994 in The Physiology of Reproduction, New York: Raven Press). The bicarbonate present in seminal plasma activates multiple sperm functions, some of which are essential for the initiation of motility. Sperm hyperactivity has been observed in vitro in various mammalian species, especially if capacitation of spermatozoa was induced with Ca2+ and bicarbonate media, such as TALP (Harrison et al. 1996 Mol. Reprod. Dev. 45, 378–391). Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) is a tool for the objective assessment of sperm motility. The aim of this study was to determine if there are differences in motility parameters of ejaculated (EJ) and epididymal (EP) boar spermatozoa under different treatments. Ejaculated and epididymal sperm cells from 10 different boars in each group were used. The sperm treatments were: washed in Dulbecco&apos;s PBS supplemented with 0.1&percnt; BSA (PBS-BSA), washed on a Percoll gradient (PG), and unwashed (UW: Control); the sperm samples were incubated in TALP medium at 38.5&deg;C and 5&percnt; CO2 during the analysis. Motion parameters were determined using a computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system. A 7-&micro;L drop of the sample was placed on a warmed (37&deg;C) slide. At least 4 fields per sample were evaluated, with a minimum of 100 spermatozoa counted per sub-sample. The CASA-derived motility characteristics studied were motility (MOT, &percnt;), progressive motility (PM, &percnt;), curvilinear velocity (VCL, &micro;m s&minus;1), straight-line velocity (VSL, &micro;m s&minus;1), average path velocity (VAP, &micro;m s&minus;1), linearity of the curvilinear trajectory (LIN, ratio of VSL/VCL, &percnt;), straightness (STR, ratio of VSL/VAP, &percnt;), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH, &micro;m), wobble of the curvilinear trajectory (WOB, ratio of VAP/VCL, &percnt;), and beat cross-frequency (BCF, Hz). Data were analyzed by ANOVA. If we evaluated all of the data together (EJ vs. EP), EP sperm after treatment showed a higher motility (PM: 38.20&percnt;; MOT: 74.23&percnt;) than EJ sperm (PM: 29.27&percnt;; MOT: 63.24&percnt;), and all of the motion parameters related to velocities and ALH were higher in EP (VCL: 86.02; VSL: 41; VAP: 57.94; ALH: 3.21) than in EJ (VCL: 69.70; VSL: 34.67; VAP: 48.16; ALH: 2.54). No differences were found for LIN, STR, WOB, and BCF. The treatments significantly affected the VCL and ALH, with lower values for the PG treatment. When VCL was lower and the VSL and VAP were similar, consequently the LIN and WOB were significantly higher for the PG group. STR also was higher for the PG group. In conclusion, when both groups of sperm were incubated in TALP medium, the EJ sperm showed a decrease in the majority of motion parameters when compared with EP sperm. This work was supported by MEC (AGL2006-03495/GAN) and Fundaci&oacute;n S&eacute;neca (03018/PI/05).

Class prediction of closely related plant varieties using gene expression profiling

In recent years, class prediction experiments have been largely developed in cancer research with the aim of classifying unknown samples by examining their expression signature. In natural populations, a significant component of gene expression variability is also heritable. Citrus species are an ideal model to accomplish the study of these questions in plants, due to the existence of varieties derived from somatic mutations that are likely to differ from each other by one or a few point mutations but are phenotypically indistinguishable at early vegetative stages. The small genetic variability existing among these varieties makes molecular markers ineffective in distinguishing genotypes within a particular species. Gene expression profiles have been used to predict mandarin clementine varieties (Citrus clementina Hort. ex Tan.) by means of two independent supervised learning algorithms: Support Vector Machines and Prediction Analysis of Microarrays. The results show that transcriptional variation is variety-dependent in citrus, and supervised clustering methods may correctly assign blind samples to varieties when both training and test samples are under the same experimental conditions.

135 THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT TREATMENTS OF PORCINE EJACULATED AND EPIDIDYMAL SPERMATOZOA ON ROS GENERATION

The production of pig embryos in vitro is still relatively inefficient compared with results obtained with oocytes matured and fertilized in vivo. The main reasons for this limited performance are polyspermy after IVF and the poor developmental ability of embryos produced by IVM-IVF (Kikuchi et al. 2002 Biol. Reprod. 1033-1041). Between factors affecting polyspermy are the sperm procedures before IVF. Usually, these procedures including centrifugations that increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation in spermatozoa. ROS play an important role in sperm physiology including capacitation. Physiological concentrations of ROS have been proposed to enhance sperm capacitation by increasing cAMP synthesis and by inhibiting protein tyrosine phosphatases whilst activating tyrosine kinases. In general, epididymal spermatozoa appear to be able to capacitate and fertilize eggs in vitro much more easily than ejaculated spermatozoa (Yanagimachi Mammalian Fertilization. In: The Physiology of Reproduction, Raven Press 1988; 135-182). In this study, we investigated how different sources (ejaculated spermatozoa vs. epididymal spermatozoa) and sperm capacitating methods, usually employed in porcine IVF, could be affect ROS generation. Sperm-rich fractions from five fertile boars and sperm from five different epididyimides were used. The semen samples were then: (i) washed in Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline (DPBS) supplemented with 0.1% BSA, (ii) left unwashed, or (iii) washed on a Percoll (Pharmacia, Uppsala, Sweden) gradient (Mat�s et al. 2003 Reproduction 125, 133-141). Production of ROS was measured by incubating the spermatozoa in the in vitro fertilization medium (TALP) in the presence of 0.7 �m 22,72-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate at 37�C under 5% CO2 in 100% humidified air. Every 15 min (from 15 to 135) the samples were analyzed and evaluated by flow cytometry. Measurements were expressed as the mean green intensity fluorescence units and it was used as index of ROS generation (Gadea et al. 2005 J. Androl. 26, 396-404). ANOVA analysis revealed a significant effect of sperm treatment on the ROS generation (P < 0.001). The highest value was obtained in sperm washed on a Percoll gradient and the lowest in unwashed semen. When ejaculated vs. epididymal semen was analyzed, the same tendency was observed in both. However, the values were always lower in epididymal semen than in ejaculated semen (P < 0.001). As a conclusion, ROS generation is different between treatments and between semen procedures for the time interval studied, and this finding may help to explain the different outcome in IVF among laboratories. This work was supported by Ministerio de Educaci�n y Ciencia, AGL2003-03144.

94 ADDITION OF REDUCED GLUTATHIONE TO THAWING MEDIUM IMPROVED THE SPERM MOTILITY AND REDUCED ROS GENERATION IN FROZEN OVINE AND CAPRINE SPERMATOZOA

The processes of cooling and freezing/thawing produce physical and chemical stress on the sperm membrane, and this stress is associated with oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation that further reduce sperm viability and fertilizing ability. It is known that the process of freezing is associated with a significant reduction of the intracellular reduced glutathione (GSH) content. The aim of these experiments was to investigate the effects of addition of GSH to thawing extenders on motility parameters and ROS generation in frozen-thawed ovine and caprine spermatozoa. Frozen spermatozoa from eight rams (Ovis aries) and eight bucks (Capra hircus) (generously provided by Ovigen, Zamora, Spain) were thawed in a water bath at 37�C for 30 s and resuspended in sperm-TALP medium (Parrish et al. 1986 Theriogenology 25, 591-600) without (control) and with addition of 1 mM or 5 mM GSH. After 30 min of incubation at 37�C, sperm motility was evaluated using a computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system (SCA, Microptic, Barcelona, Spain). The recorded parameters of motility were: % total, % progressive, curvilinear velocity, straight-line velocity, average path velocity, linearity of the curvilinear trajectory, straightness, amplitude of lateral head displacement, wobble of the curvilinear trajectory and beat cross frequency. Another set of sperm samples was incubated in the presence of (0.7 �M) 22,72-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (Gadea et al. 2005 J. Androl. 26, 396-404) to estimate production of ROS by flow cytometry. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA, considering the specific sperm treatment (GSH addition) and the males as the main variables. In ram frozen spermatozoa, all of the motility parameters were significantly improved when the medium was supplemented with GSH (P < 0.01) with even better results when 5 mM GSH was used. As an example, progresive motility increased from 31.16% (control) to 39.17 and 43.97%, respectively, for 1 and 5 mM GSH. Despite of the male effect detected (P < 0.01), all eight rams studied presented a similar pattern (interaction P > 0.05). The generation of ROS was significantly reduced when GSH was added (6.23a for control vs. 5.32b and 3.85c for 1 and 5 mM, respectively; P < 0.01). In buck frozen spermatozoa, % motility and progressive motility were significantly higher in GSH groups than in the control (P < 0.01), with no differences between 1 and 5 mM GSH. However, for the other motility parameters, the differences were not significant, which probably could be related to differences in the pattern shown by different animals (interaction of buck by treatment P < 0.05). ROS generation was significantly reduced when GSH was added (7.50a for control vs. 4.32b and 2.70b for 1 and 5 mM, respectively; P < 0.01). The addition of GSH to the thawing medium had a positive influence on the parameters studied in both species, increasing the motility patterns and reducing the ROS generation. In conclusion, we can assume that the addition of reduced glutathione to the thawing medium exerts a protective effect on spermatozoa functionality. This work was supported by AGL-2003-03144.

92 EVALUATION OF BOAR SPERM FUNCTIONALITY AFTER A CUSHIONED CENTRIFUGATION TECHNIQUE

Separation of sperm from seminal plasma is required in most semen freezing procedures. Semen is typically subjected to centrifugation to concentrate sperm into a pellet and allow removal of the seminal plasma prior to dilution in freezing extender. Centrifugation is a relatively effective method to recover sperm, however, the process also causes considerable sperm damage. The use of a dense, inert, and isotonic solution as a cushion in the bottom of the centrifuge tube allows a greater centrifugation speed to be applied and results in greater sperm recovery. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the effects of this cushioned centrifugation technique on in vitro sperm viability and functionality. Sperm-rich fractions from 16 fertile boars were diluted and cooled to 15�C; then subsamples were centrifuged by one of two different techniques. A standard method (SM), 800 g for 10 min in 50-mL tubes (Westendorf et al. 1975 Dtsch. Tier�rztl. Wschr. 82, 261-267) and a cushioned method (CM), 1000 g for 20 min using 45 mL of diluted semen on 5 mL of an isotonic iodixanol solution (60% w/v gradient) were performed. Sperm samples were stained with merocyanine 540 (M540) and Yo-Pro 1 (Harrison et al. 1996 Mol. Rep. Dev. 45, 378-391) to detect changes in lipid packing disorder of the plasma membrane. Another set of sperm samples was incubated in the presence of (0.7 �M) 22,72-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (Gadea et al. 2005 J. Androl. 26, 396-404) to estimate production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). A final set of sperm samples was stained with peanut aggultinin-fluorscein isothiocyanate (PNA-FITC) and propidium iodide to evaluate the acrosome reaction. All of these parameters were evaluated by flow cytometry before and after centrifugation. ANOVA analysis revealed that centrifugation altered lipid packing disorder and viability. Raw semen (RS) had a larger number of viable low lipid disorder sperm than centrifuged semen (RS = 86.9a vs. SM = 81.64b vs. CM = 80.6b, P < 0.01) and a decreased number of dead sperm cells (RS = 9.5a vs. SM = 15.0b vs. CM = 16.3b, P < 0.01). However, the cushioned and standard centrifugation methods yielded similar results for all the parameters measured. No significant differences were found for generation of ROS or in the number of sperm exhibiting the acrosome reaction. In conclusion, compared to the standard centrifugation method, this simple cushioned modification is a more efficient means of processing boar semen for freezing because significantly less sample losses are detected; also, it provides similar levels of sperm viability and functionality, and consequently a higher number of doses per ejaculation can be produced.

373 SPERM TREATMENT AFFECTS THE EFFICIENCY OF PORCINE TRANSGENIC EMBRYO PRODUCTION BY ICSI

Sperm mediated gene transfer (SMGT) is an interesting tool for animal transgenesis, consisting of the use of sperm cells as a vector for transmitting exogenous DNA into eggs at the moment of fertilization. A degradation of sperm membrane followed by incubation with DNA and fertilization using intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) proved to be efficient in mice (Perry et al. 1999 Science 284, 1180-1183; Moreira et al. 2004 Biol. Reprod. 71, 1943-1947) and rats (Kato et al. 2004 Mol. Reprod. Dev. 69, 153-158). In this study, we evaluated the effect of the sperm treatment (a quick freezing-thawing process for disrupting sperm membranes) on further transgenic expression and the embryo development of injected porcine oocytes. Ejaculated sperm cells from five fertile mature boars were used as vectors for transferring plasmid DNA (GFP: green fluorescent protein) into matured porcine in vitro oocytes by ICSI. Semen was recovered and immediately diluted 1:10 in SFM (swine fertilize medium) at 37�C and later centrifuged (800g, 10 min, 25�C), discarding the seminal plasma to avoid a detrimental effect on DNA binding to cells without further preparation (control), or after they had been subjected to membrane disruption by a quick freeze-thawing process (FT). Linealized plasmid DNA (5.4 kb) was added (1 � 108 sperm/mL + 5 mg DNA/mL) and incubated at 16�C for 30 min. 5 min before ICSI, sperm were pre-warmed at 37�C. Denuded oocytes were washed twice in DPBS medium supplemented with 10% FCS (fetal calf serum) and transferred to ICSI drops. Injected oocytes were kept in TALP medium (Rath et al. 1999 J. Anim. Sci. 77, 3346-3352) for 18 h, and then transferred to NCSU-23 medium for further embryo culture. Embryos were examined for cleavage rate at 48 h following injection, and for embryo development at 144 h. GFP expression in embryos was examined under fluorescent light using a fluorescence inverted microscope. In this preliminary study, 105 and 101 oocytes were injected for control and FT groups, respectively. The cleavage rate was similar between groups (control: 49/105 (46.7%) vs. FT: 39/101 (38.6%); P = 0.25). However, the blastocyst formation rate was lower in the FT than in control group (control: 13/105 (12.4%) vs. FT: 4/101 (4.0%); P = 0.03). In relation to transgenic expression, the FT group showed a significantly higher number of transgenic embryos (control: 50.98 % vs. FT: 75.51%; P = 0.01). These results confirmed that treatment of the sperm prior to the ICSI could affect the efficiency of the production of transgenic embryos. The disruption of sperm membrane increases the DNA binding and the possibilities of carrying the DNA into the oocyte, and freezing-thawing technique is simple and effective to achieve this purpose. However, the freezing process could damage the sperm nucleus structure and decrease the viability of the embryo produced. Nevertheless, the efficiency of the transgenesis expression was very high (more than 75% of the embryos were obtained), and it should be a useful tool to produce transgenic pigs. This work was supported by AGL2003-03144.

Concentrations of carnosine, anserine, L-histidine and 3-methyl histidine in boar spermatozoa and sheep milk by a modified HPLC method

The present study deals with the application of high-performance-liquid-chromatography (HPLC) method for a quantitative detection of carnosine, anserine, L-histidine and 3-methyl-L-histidine in biological material with o-phthaldialdehyde (OPA) post column derivatisation at the constant temperature of 50 degrees C. For this purpose, some mobile-phases were prepared with scalar acetonitrile concentrations. A complete separation of all molecules, particularly for carnosine and 3-methyl-L-histidine, was obtained with a solution of acetonitrile and 6mM hydrochloric acid with 0.48 M sodium chloride (5%:95% v/v). Post column derivatisation reaction at temperature of 50'C permitted to obtain an increase in sensibility of all molecules. This method has been utilised for detection of histidine dipeptides in boar spermatozoa and in sheep milk. Concentrations (mean +/- S.E. nmol/10(9) spermatozoa) of carnosine (0.96 +/- 0.14) and anserine (0.83 +/- 0.18) in boar spermatozoa were significantly lower than those of L-histidine (52.85 +/- 4.86) and 3-methyl-L-histidine (83.07 +/- 7.1). Positive correlation was found between carnosine and anserine contents (r = 0.740; p < 0.01) and between L-histidine and 3-methyl-L-histidine (r = 0.657; p < 0.01). All histidine dipeptides studied were also present in 40 samples of sheep milk. In a case of samples without unit-forming colonies (UFC) of Staphylococcus coagulase-positive, carnosine concentrations (9.17 +/- 0.89 nmol/ml) were higher than anserine (0.51 +/- 0.02 nmol/ml) and both were significantly lower in respect to L-histidine (49.51 +/- 6.48 nmol/ml) and 3-metyl-L-histidine (81.21 +/- 6.82 nmol/ml). A negative correlation was observed between carnosine milk levels (r = -0.773; p < 0.01) and UFC/ml of Staphylococcus coagulase-positive. In conclusion this very simple and fast method can be used to detect histidine dipeptides in biological compartments where their concentrations are very low.

Effect of semen collection method on pre- and post-thaw Guirra ram spermatozoa

In this study, we evaluated the potential effect of the method of recovery (artificial vagina or electroejaculation) on the production and quality of Guirra ram spermatozoa cryopreserved for the possible constitution of a sperm bank. In order to address this question, we evaluated the effect of semen collection method on fresh semen quality parameters, including: volume, concentration, production, microscopic analysis (abnormal sperm and intact apical ridge) and sperm motility parameters determined by CASA system. For frozen-thawed semen, we evaluated motility parameters by CASA and intact apical ridge, acrosomal status, assessed by dual staining by IP and FITC-PNA and capacitation status, assessed by M540 and Yo-pro1, using flow cytometry. The main findings from this study were: (i) that electroejaculation resulted in a lower recovery efficiency (80% of the cases), as a consequence of contamination with urine or lack of response to the electrical stimulation; (ii) the fresh seminal quality was not significantly different between recovery methods, except for the concentration of spermatozoa, but total number of spermatozoa and the consequent number of possible seminal doses for artificial insemination were similar; and, (iii) a higher number of stable and functional spermatozoa (higher number of live non-capacitated cells, higher live acrosome intact cells and live acrosome reacted cells) were found for frozen-thawed spermatozoa collected by electro ejaculation than by artificial vagina. According to our results, we are able to develop both methodologies in the creation of the Guirra sperm bank. Assuming the advantages and limitations of both methodologies, in Guirra breed, would enable the rapid constitution of a sperm bank including samples from a large number of non-trained rams in a short period of time, which will increase the genetic variability, and so guarantee the conservation of this breed.

Development of a citrus genome-wide EST collection and cDNA microarray as resources for genomic studies

A functional genomics project has been initiated to approach the molecular characterization of the main biological and agronomical traits of citrus. As a key part of this project, a citrus EST collection has been generated from 25 cDNA libraries covering different tissues, developmental stages and stress conditions. The collection includes a total of 22,635 high-quality ESTs, grouped in 11,836 putative unigenes, which represent at least one third of the estimated number of genes in the citrus genome. Functional annotation of unigenes which have Arabidopsis orthologues (68% of all unigenes) revealed gene representation in every major functional category, suggesting that a genome-wide EST collection was obtained. A Citrus clementina Hort. ex Tan. cv. Clemenules genomic library, that will contribute to further characterization of relevant genes, has also been constructed. To initiate the analysis of citrus transcriptome, we have developed a cDNA microarray containing 12,672 probes corresponding to 6875 putative unigenes of the collection. Technical characterization of the microarray showed high intra- and inter-array reproducibility, as well as a good range of sensitivity. We have also validated gene expression data achieved with this microarray through an independent technique such as RNA gel blot analysis.

Effect of oviductal and cumulus cells on zona pellucida and cortical granules of porcine oocytes fertilized in vitro with epididymal spermatozoa

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of porcine oviductal epithelial cell (POEC) monolayers and cumulus cells on the zona pellucida (ZP) and cortical granules (CG) of in vitro matured porcine oocytes. Denuded and cumulus-enclosed oocytes were exposed to POEC before or during in vitro fertilization (IVF). The functional effects of the co-culture system were the tested on the ZP resistance, measured by the time necessary to dissolve the ZP with 0.1% pronase, and the distribution and density of the cortical granules. CG density in the equator and cortex of each oocyte was evaluated by confocal microscopy after staining with fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled peanut agglutinin (FITC-PNA). Both variables were assessed immediately after an in vitro maturation period (IVM group), 3 and 6h after culture with or without (Control) oviductal cells (Experiment 1) and 3h after insemination with frozen-thawed epididymal spermatozoa in the presence or absence (Control) of oviductal cells (Experiment 2). The time to dissolve the ZP of oocytes from IVM group was 440.4 +/- 61.7 s and no difference was observed among groups in Experiment 1. In contrast, the density of CG was affected; oocytes pre-incubated for 6h had a higher density than those pre-incubated for 3 h (P <0.001). Oocytes fertilized in vitro in the presence of POEC (Experiment 2) had a similar ZP digestion time as control oocytes 3 h after insemination. The presence of POEC during IVF as well as the presence of cumulus cells had no effect on the density and distribution of CG. However, a significant decrease in the density of CG was observed in the fertilized oocytes compared to in vitro matured oocytes (P <0.001). It is concluded that under the conditions employed the oviductal and cumulus cells in the perifertilization period had no effect on ZP hardening and CG density. However, an increase in CG density was observed when oocytes were maintained in culture. In addition, no hardening of ZP was observed after IVF, and denuded and cumulus-enclosed oocytes showed similar cortical reactions after insemination with epididymal spermatozoa regardless of the presence of POEC.

89 EVALUATION OF A CUSHIONED CENTRIFUGATION TECHNIQUE FOR PROCESSING BOAR SEMEN FOR FREEZING

Boar semen freezing procedures include the use of centrifugation to concentrate sperm and remove seminal plasma prior to dilution in freezing extender. The centrifugation techniques employed have necessarily been a compromise between the need to recover as many spermatozoa as possible after centrifugation and the damage caused by pelleting the sperm. The use of an inert, dense, and isotonic solution as a cushion in the bottom of the tube leads to the use of higher-speed centrifugation to ensure maximum sperm recovery. However, it is necessary to know the viability and functionality of the samples after the thawing process. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of cushion-technique centrifugation on the in vitro sperm viability and the penetrating capacity after thawing. Sperm-rich fractions from five fertile boars were diluted and cooled to 15°C before centrifugation. Two centrifugation regimes were used: 800g for 10 min called the “standard method” (SM) (Westendorf P etal. 1975 Dtsch. Tierzartl Wochenschr. 82, 261–267) and 1000g for 20 min on an iodixanol isotonic solution 60% w/v gradient (Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, MO, USA) called the “cushion method” (CM). Spermatozoa were diluted in lactose/egg-yolk extender, cooled to 5°C over 2 h and then frozen with glycerol and Equex by classic methodology (Westendorf P et al. 1975 Dtsch. Tierzartl Wochenschr. 82, 261–267). Frozen sperm samples were thawed in a circulating water bath at 38°C for 30 s. To detect increases in plasma membrane lipid packing disorder and viability, frozen-thawed samples of sperm were stained with merocyanine 540 (M540) and Yo-Pro 1 (Harrison et al. 1996 Mol. Rep. Dev. 45, 378–391) and evaluated by flow cytometry. In vitro penetration ability was assessed using the homologous in vitro penetration (hIVP) test with immature oocytes (Gadea and Matas 2000 Theriogenology 54, 1343–1357). ANOVA analysis revealed that centrifugation by CM showed higher values of intact viable spermatozoa than SM centrifugation (60.21 v. 54.68%, P < 0.05). The in vitro penetration assay showed no differences in penetration rate or mean number of sperm penetrated per oocyte. However, significant boar and interaction effects were found (P < 0.01). These results indicated that different effects of the treatment were found for every boar. In conclusion, the cushioned centrifugation method gives a simple means of processing porcine semen for freezing more efficiently without loss of fertilizing capacity. This work was supported by AGL-2003-03144.

85 ADDITION OF REDUCED GLUTATHIONE TO FREEZING MEDIUM IMPROVED THE SPERM FUNCTIONALITY OF THAWED BOAR SPERMATOZOA

The processes of cooling and freezing/thawing produce physical and chemical stresses on the sperm membrane that are associated with the oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation that reduce sperm viability and fertilizing ability. It is known that the process of freezing is associated with a significant reduction of the GSH content in boar sperm (Gadea et al. 2004 Theriogenology 62, 690–701). The addition of antioxidants to freezing medium could prevent the formation of ROS and improve the seminal parameters. The aim of these experiments was to investigate the effects of the addition of reduced glutathione (GSH) to freezing extenders on capacitation status and changes in the sulfhydryl groups of proteins on the sperm surface. Ejaculate-rich fractions from three mature boars were frozen by classic methodology (Westendorf et al. 1975 Dtsch. Tierarztl Wochenschr. 82, 393–395) using lactose/egg-yolk extender with 0 mM (group 0), 1 mM (group 1), or 5 mM (group 5) GSH. To detect increase in plasma membrane lipid packing disorder, sperm samples were stained with merocyanine 540 (M540) and Yo-Pro 1 (Harrison et al. 1996 Mol. Reprod. Dev. 45, 378–391). Cells were classified as low M540 (viable, noncapacitated), high M540 (viable, capacitated), or Yo-Pro-1 positive (dead sperm) using flow cytometry. The sulfhydryl status of proteins from spermatozoa surface was evaluated with a fluorescent stain 5-iodoacetamidofluoresceine (5-IAF). The addition of GSH to the freezing medium had a positive influence on the parameters studied, increasing the proportion of viable noncapacitated spermatozoa and reducing the number of dead with a similar number of viable capacitated (Table 1). The proportion of spermatozoa stained by 5-IAF was significantly lower when GSH was added. In conclusion, we can assume that the addition of reduced glutathione to the freezing medium had a protective effect on spermatozoa functionality. Table 1. Capacitation status and changes in sulfhydryl groups of proteins (5-IAF staining) after thawing of frozen boar spermatozoa This work was supported by AGL- 2003-03144.

The Predictive Value of Porcine Seminal Parameters on Fertility Outcome under Commercial Conditions

The aim of this study was to address the question of whether differences in farrowing rate and litter size after the use of different ejaculates could be predicted using the standard semen parameters under commercial conditions. In this study, a total of 1818 sows were used to evaluate the fertility predictive value of different sperm parameters. Logistic regression analysis (univariate and multivariate) was used to correlate the dichotomous farrowing rate data to the sperm parameters. Linear regression was also used to determine the relationship between litter size and semen parameters (Pearson correlation and multiple regression). Receiver-operating curves (ROC) were used to determine the overall performance characteristics of each semen variable in the logistic regression model. Semen analysis, under commercial conditions, allows to identify ejaculates with very low fertility potential but the pre-selection of the samples, the high number of sperm per doses and the high quality of the semen used in artificial insemination (AI) programmes reduces the variability. Therefore, it is unlikely to detect fertility differences associated with seminal parameters.

106EVALUATION OF ADDITION OF REDUCED GLUTATHIONE TO COOLING MEDIUM ON IN VITRO FERTILITY AND ACROSOME REACTION IN BOAR SPERMATOZOA

The process of cooling to 5°C prior to freezing produces physical and chemical stress on the sperm membrane associated with oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation that reduces sperm viability and fertilizing ability. The addition of antioxidants to cooling medium could prevent the formation of ROS and improve the seminal parameters. The aim of these experiments was to investigate the effects of addition of reduced glutathione (GSH) to cooling extenders on (1) plasma membrane integrity, (2) acrosome reaction induction by ionophore A 23187 or progesterone, and (3) in vitro fertilization. Ejaculate-rich fractions from three mature pietrain boars were diluted in Beltsville Thaw Solution (BTS) extender and cooled to 15°C over 2h (group C). Thereafter, sperm were centrifuged and diluted in lactose/egg-yolk extender with 0mM (group 0), 1mM (group 1) or 5mM (group 5) of GSH, cooled to 5°C over 2h. The acrosome reaction was then induced by 1μM calcium ionophore or 10μM progesterone in TALP medium and incubated in 5% CO2, 38.5°C for 30 or 45min, respectively. Membrane integrity was evaluated by propidium iodide, and acrosomal status was monitored by means of FITC-labeled peanut agglutinin. Finally, in vitro fertilization was performed with these four spermatozoa groups as described previously (Matás et al. 2003 Reproduction 125, 133–141). ANOVA analysis revealed that the addition of GSH had no effect on the membrane integrity (ranged 58.8 to 66.9) or acrosome reaction induction (ranged 24.3 to 28.2, and 55.7 to 41.4 for progesterone and calcium ionophore, respectively). However, the results of the penetration assay revealed that the cooling affected the penetration rate and the number of sperm per oocyte (Table 1), and this assay is better than the others to predict changes in the spermatozoa functionality (Gadea J and Matás C 2000 Theriogenology 54, 1343–1357). In conclusion, the cooling process affects the in vitro fertilization, but the addition of GSH to the medium did not influence the parameters studied. Supported by AGL2000-0485-CO2-01. Table 1 Homologous in vitro penetration

292CHANGES IN MEMBRANE SULFHYDRYL STATUS OF BOAR SPERMATOZOA BY FREEZING

The processes of cooling and freezing/thawing produce physical and chemical stresses on the sperm membrane that reduce the viability and fertilizing capacities. The cold shock and freezing of spermatozoa are associated with an oxidative stress, with reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation (Chatterjee et al., 2001, Mol. Reprod. Dev. 60, 498–506) and with a significant reduction of the GSH content (Gadea et al., in press). In the processes of capacitation, fertilization and freezing, qualitative and quantitative changes in protein membrane composition occurs, including changes in distribution of sulphydryl groups on the sperm membrane. The aim of this work was to evaluate the changes in the sulfhydryl groups of proteins from the sperm surface after cooling and freezing procedures as a marker of membrane changes. Ejaculate-rich fractions from three mature Pietrain boars were diluted in Beltsville Thaw Solution (BTS) extender and cooled to 15°C over 2h (control). Thereafter sperm were centrifuged and diluted in lactose/egg-yolk extender cooled to 5°C over 2h and later frozen with glycerol and equex by classic methodology (Westendorf et al., 1975, Dtsch. Tierärztl. Wschr. 82, 261–267). Sperm parameters were measured in extended semen (control) at 0, 1 and 2h after cold shock at 5°C and after freezing-thawing. The structure of the sperm membrane was evaluated with carboxyfluorescein diacetate/propidium iodide (DCF) (Harrison and Vickers, 1990, J. Reprod. Fert. 88, 343–352), and the sulfhydryl status of proteins from spermatozoa surface are evaluated with fluorescent-staining 5-iodoacetamidofluoresceine (5-IAF) and by acrosome integrity (normal apical ridge, NAR). Some seminal parameters to evaluate functionality such as motility (MOT), forward progressive motility (FPM, 0–5), and mitochondria activity with Rhodamine 123(MIT) were also evaluated. Data from 11 freezing batches were analyzed by one-way ANOVA. When ANOVA revealed a significant effect, values were compared by the Tukey test. The freezing process significantly affected all the sperm parameters studied. Motility was negatively affected from the onset of cooling to 5°C. However, DCF, NAR and 5-IAF were only affected after freezing process. Mitochondria activity decreased in the last period of the cooling procedure (2h) and it was lower after freezing. An inverse significant relation was found between 5-IAF and motility, viability, NAR and mitochondria functionality (P&lt;0.01). These results show that freezing damage produces an alteration in the structure of the sperm membranes (DCF, NAR, 5-IAF) and sperm functionality (motility and mitochondrial). However, only motility (MOT and FPM) was affected by cold shock when lactose/egg-yolk extender was used. Previous studies of cold shock with no cryo-protective medium (BTS) showed a marked effect on sulphydryl membrane characteristics (Marco and Gadea, 2003). These preliminary results in the use of 5-IAF in boar semen showed that freezing produces an alteration in the structure of the sperm membranes, which could be detected by simple fluorescent staining. This research was supported by grant AGL 2000-0485-C02-01.

Analysis of in vitro fertilizing capacity to evaluate the freezing procedures of boar semen and to predict the subsequent fertility

A porcine in vitro fertilization (IVF) system and seminal quality parameters of frozen-thawed boar semen were used to assess the effectiveness of two different thawing rates of frozen boar semen, and to address the question of whether differences between fertility of ejaculates could be predicted in a limited field trial. In the first experiment, two thawing procedures were analysed (37 degrees C, 30 s; 50 degrees C, 12 s) and no differences in sperm quality were found. However, when the procedure was 50 degrees C, 12 s the IVF results showed a higher number of sperm per penetrated oocyte and a near 10 points higher rate of pronuclear formation. In the second experiment, the fertility results obtained in the limited field trial show to be efficient enough for application in a commercial use, especially for three of the employed boars (fertility > or = 80%). In this limited study, the conventional seminal parameters are not accurate enough to discriminate good and bad boars in relation to fertility. On the contrary, parameters of in vitro penetrability are more precise to predict subsequent fertilities. As conclusion, the IVF fertilization system seems to be a good tool to evaluate the quality of frozen-thawed boar semen previous to its commercial way, to verify the bank semen storage quality and a good way to assay new sperm freezing procedures, as it is the more precise evaluating method in estimating the potential fertilizing ability.

Effects of oviductal and cumulus cells on in vitro fertilization and embryo development of porcine oocytes fertilized with epididymal spermatozoa

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of adding porcine oviductal epithelial cell (POEC) monolayers before or during the fertilization of denuded or cumulus-enclosed oocytes, in terms of fertilization results and subsequent embryo development. The variables determined were: penetration rate, mean number of spermatozoa per oocyte, male pronucleus formation rate, monospermy rate, cleavage rate after 48 h of fertilization, blastocyst rate, and mean number of nuclei per blastocyst. We used cumulus-free and cumulus-enclosed oocytes preincubated or fertilized in the presence of POEC, once the purity in epithelial cells of these cultures had been assessed. All the experiments involved the use of frozen-thawed epididymal spermatozoa to avoid replicate variability. The POEC cultures prepared showed a high proportion of epithelial cells (over 95%). Preincubation of oocytes with POEC before fertilization showed no effects on the fertilization variables determined. In contrast, during IVF under our experimental conditions, these cells attached to the cumulus cells and their interaction had a significant effect on some of the fertilization variables analyzed. The presence of POEC and cumulus cells during IVF increased oocyte penetrability. Moreover, in the absence of POEC, cumulus cells resulted in a reduced monospermy rate. On subsequent embryo culture, a lower cleavage and blastocyst formation rate were recorded when the oocytes had been preincubated with POEC before IVF.

Effect of sperm preparation method on in vitro fertilization in pigs

This study was designed to determine the effect of different sperm preparation treatments before IVF on the acrosome reaction, oocyte penetration time, early embryo development and timing of female and male pronucleus formation. Pooled sperm-rich fractions were (i) washed in PBS, (ii) left unwashed, or (iii) layered in a Percoll gradient. In Expt 1, the proportion of acrosome-reacted spermatozoa, determined by staining with fluorescein isothyocyanate-labelled peanut agglutinin lectin and propidium iodide, was highest after treatment with Percoll (P < 0.001). In Expt 2, oocytes matured in vitro were co-cultured with spermatozoa for 2, 4 or 6 h. Attached spermatozoa were then removed and the oocytes were cultured in fresh IVF medium for 16 h. Both sperm treatment and co-culture time were found to affect penetrability and monospermy rates (P < 0.001); spermatozoa treated with Percoll showed fastest oocyte penetration and highest penetrability. In Expt 3, matured oocytes were co-incubated with spermatozoa pretreated by the three above mentioned procedures (i, ii, iii) for 2, 6 and 2 h respectively. Putative zygotes were then washed and transferred to medium NCSU-23 until the blastocyst stage. In this experiment, sperm treatment had a significant effect on the cleavage rate (P < 0.001) and rate of blastocyst formation (P < 0.05); the group treated with Percoll showed the highest rate of blastocyst formation. Finally, in Expt 4, timing of female and male pronucleus formation for each sperm treatment was determined 4, 6 and 8 h after insemination. The time of female and male pronucleus formation was affected by the sperm treatment and was faster for the Percoll group (P < 0.05). The findings of the present study indicate that treatment with Percoll yields the best results in this in vitro pig embryo production system.

Effect of in vitrofertilization medium on the acrosome reaction, cortical reaction, zona pellucida hardening and in vitro development in pigs

Physiological events at the time of fertilization of pig oocytes may differ in vitro depending on the in vitro fertilization (IVF) medium. This hypothesis was tested by in vitro maturation of pig oocytes for 44 h in NCSU-37 medium and thereafter fertilization with frozen-thawed ejaculated spermatozoa. Three different IVF media (TCM-199, Tyrode's albumin lactate pyruvate (TALP) and Tris-buffered medium (TBM)) were used. For the acrosome reaction test, spermatozoa were incubated for 0-150 min in the three IVF media, and the proportion of live acrosome-reacted and acrosome-intact cells was determined by fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled peanut agglutinin (FITC-PNA) and propidium iodide (PI) staining. The cortical granule density of oocytes was evaluated by confocal microscopy, 2.5 and 5.0 h after culture in each medium in the presence or absence of spermatozoa. Zona pellucida resistance to pronase digestion was also determined in the same groups. The percentages of penetration, monospermy, male pronucleus formation, cleavage and blastocyst formation, and the number of cells per blastocyst after culture were determined. The results indicate that the acrosome reaction occurred much faster in TBM than in TCM-199 or TALP medium. Continuous cortical granule synthesis was observed in the three media when oocytes were incubated in the absence of spermatozoa. The presence of spermatozoa triggered the cortical reaction in a large proportion of oocytes fertilized in TCM-199 and TALP media. On the basis of the duration of pronase digestion, the zona pellucida of oocytes incubated in TCM-199 was harder (407.7 +/- 35.5 s) than that of oocytes cultured in TALP (235.4 +/- 18.2 s) or TBM (189.1 +/- 16.8 s). No zona pellucida hardening was noted in oocytes after insemination in any of the media. The percentages of penetration and cleavage were higher in oocytes cultured in TCM-199 and TALP than in TBM. The percentage of monospermy was higher in TCM-199 and TBM than in TALP. No effect of the medium was shown on the percentage of blastocyst formation or on the number of cells per blastocyst. In conclusion, the results highlight how differently the fertilization events take place in each IVF medium and how far these IVF media still are from achieving biological properties of gametes close to those observed in the physiological setting.

Effect of in vitrofertilization medium on the acrosome reaction, cortical reaction, zona pellucida hardening and in vitro development in pigs

Physiological events at the time of fertilization of pig oocytes may differ in vitro depending on the in vitro fertilization (IVF) medium. This hypothesis was tested by in vitro maturation of pig oocytes for 44 h in NCSU-37 medium and thereafter fertilization with frozen-thawed ejaculated spermatozoa. Three different IVF media (TCM-199, Tyrode's albumin lactate pyruvate (TALP) and Tris-buffered medium (TBM)) were used. For the acrosome reaction test, spermatozoa were incubated for 0-150 min in the three IVF media, and the proportion of live acrosome-reacted and acrosome-intact cells was determined by fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled peanut agglutinin (FITC-PNA) and propidium iodide (PI) staining. The cortical granule density of oocytes was evaluated by confocal microscopy, 2.5 and 5.0 h after culture in each medium in the presence or absence of spermatozoa. Zona pellucida resistance to pronase digestion was also determined in the same groups. The percentages of penetration, monospermy, male pronucleus formation, cleavage and blastocyst formation, and the number of cells per blastocyst after culture were determined. The results indicate that the acrosome reaction occurred much faster in TBM than in TCM-199 or TALP medium. Continuous cortical granule synthesis was observed in the three media when oocytes were incubated in the absence of spermatozoa. The presence of spermatozoa triggered the cortical reaction in a large proportion of oocytes fertilized in TCM-199 and TALP media. On the basis of the duration of pronase digestion, the zona pellucida of oocytes incubated in TCM-199 was harder (407.7 +/- 35.5 s) than that of oocytes cultured in TALP (235.4 +/- 18.2 s) or TBM (189.1 +/- 16.8 s). No zona pellucida hardening was noted in oocytes after insemination in any of the media. The percentages of penetration and cleavage were higher in oocytes cultured in TCM-199 and TALP than in TBM. The percentage of monospermy was higher in TCM-199 and TBM than in TALP. No effect of the medium was shown on the percentage of blastocyst formation or on the number of cells per blastocyst. In conclusion, the results highlight how differently the fertilization events take place in each IVF medium and how far these IVF media still are from achieving biological properties of gametes close to those observed in the physiological setting.

Effect of co-culture of porcine sperm and oocytes with porcine oviductal epithelial cells on in vitro fertilization

This study was designed to determine the effect of co-culture with porcine oviductal epithelial cell (POEC) monolayers on in vitro fertilization of pig oocytes. The in vitro penetrability of mature (experiment 1) or immature (experiment 2) oocytes was studied in presence or absence of POEC during IVF with fresh semen. In experiment 3, boar and POEC effects were analyzed but in this case with frozen-thawed spermatozoa. In experiment 4, the spermatozoa were pre-incubated before IVF with or without POEC in order to assess their effect on IVF sperm-related parameters. In experiment 5, the effect of POEC was studied by co-culturing them with oocytes before IVF to determine if monospermy was improved. The results showed that high sperm concentration and POEC increase oocyte penetrability (P<0.01) and decrease monospermy rate (P<0.01), in both mature and immature oocytes (P<0.01) with fresh semen and a 18 h culture time. With frozen semen was detected a boar and POEC effect (P<0.01) on penetration rate. The sperm pre-culture 2 h with POEC also resulted in an increase of sperm penetration in terms of number of sperm per oocyte (P<0.01) and this treatment did not increase monospermy when contact time between gametes was limited to 6 h although monospermy was higher when POEC were present during IVF. Finally, exposure of oocytes to POEC for 4 h before IVF facilitated monospermic penetration to over 70% (P<0.01). In conclusion, the use of POEC in porcine IVF systems provides the possibility of working with low sperm concentrations and the effect of POEC on monospermy depends on sperm concentration, boar and contact time between gametes. Moreover, the exposure of oocytes to POEC before IVF improves the rate of monospermy.

Effects of maturational stage, cumulus cells and coincubation of mature and immature cumulus-oocyte complexes on in vitro penetrability of porcine oocytes

The in vitro penetrability of porcine oocytes is conditioned by several factors, some of which remain unclear. Knowledge of the different effects of the cellular components involved in penetrability would no doubt serve to simplify laboratory IVF methods. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of the following factors on penetrability: oocyte maturational stage, the presence of isolated or oocyte-attached cumulus cells, and coincubation of in vitro-matured and immature oocytes. Immature oocytes and oocytes matured in Waymouth medium were obtained from non atretic follicles and fertilized in TCM 199 medium. Sperm-rich fractions were collected by the gloved hand method and semen was used for IVF at a final concentration of 1 x 10(6) cells/mL in all experiments. Under the same conditions of IVF, the penetrability of the immature cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) was significantly lower than that of mature COCs, in terms of penetration rate and mean number of sperm per penetrated oocyte. This difference was abolished when the oocytes were denuded, leading to similar penetration rates. Coincubation of mature and immature COCs reduced the penetrability of immature COCs compared with that observed when these were incubated in isolation. However, neither the addition of isolated cumulus cells from decumulated mature oocytes nor the addition of denuded mature oocytes to immature COCs modified the penetration rate. These findings suggest that the presence of surrounding cumulus cells is mainly responsible for the differences observed in penetrability, regardless of the maturational stage of the oocyte. Moreover, when mature and immature COCs are coincubated, penetrability of immature COCs is diminished by the effects of the mature COC and not by the independent actions of the cellular components.

Sperm factors related to in vitro penetration of porcine oocytes

This study was designed to evaluate the relationship between sperm factors and penetration capacity in an in vitro system with immature porcine oocytes. The sperm parameters evaluated in 145 ejaculates were volume, sperm concentration, total cells in the ejaculate, ATP content, morpho-anomalies, percentage of motile sperm cells, forward progressive motility (FPM), acrosome status (NAR), hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOS), osmotic resistance test (ORT), eosin-nigrosin viability stain and sperm membrane integrity (DCF). Porcine oocytes (a total of 8,736) were used to evaluate the capacity of the different sperm assays to predict penetration. Many parameters were found to be related to in vitro penetration ability; all conventional semen parameters, except sperm concentration and eosinnigrosin staining, were significantly better in high (>75%) than in low penetration rates (<75%). When the ejaculates were preselected the number of significantly related parameters was lower. When studying all conventional semen parameters through a stepwise multiple linear regression analysis of seminal measurements, up to 72.3% of total variance of the penetration rate could be predicted. However, as many as 4 parameters were needed (FPM in fresh semen, folded tail, NAR in post-treatment semen and DCF) for accurate prediction. On the other hand, the multiple logistic regression needed 7 parameters to discriminate 83.96% of the cases correctly. In summary, the results from the present study showed that almost all studied parameters were significantly different for predicting penetration process attained or failed, but most of them were correlated together. These findings emphasize the complexity of sperm functions and the difficulty of assessing the fertilizing ability.

Lipoma arborescens of the elbow: a case report

A 76-year-old woman with a longstanding history of right elbow swelling and recurrent joint effusion presented for consultation. There was no history of trauma and conventional radiographs were negative. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging were performed and showed a frond-like fatty synovial mass and joint effusion. Arthrotomy disclosed a lipoma arborescens of the right elbow.

A conserved domain of the arabidopsis GNOM protein mediates subunit interaction and cyclophilin 5 binding

The Arabidopsis GNOM protein, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) that acts on ADP ribosylation factor (ARF)-type G proteins, is required for coordination of cell polarity along the apical-basal embryo axis. Interallelic complementation of gnom mutants suggested that dimerization is involved in GNOM function. Here, direct interaction between GNOM molecules is demonstrated in vitro and by using a yeast two-hybrid system. Interaction was confined to an N-terminal domain conserved within a subgroup of large ARF GEFs. The same domain mediated in vitro binding to cyclophilin 5 (Cyp5), which was identified as a GNOM interactor in two-hybrid screening. Cyp5 displayed peptidylprolyl cis/trans-isomerase and protein refolding activities that were sensitive to cyclosporin A. Cyp5 protein accumulated in several plant organs and, like GNOM, was partitioned between cytosolic and membrane fractions. Cyp5 protein was also expressed in the developing embryo. Our results suggest that Cyp5 may regulate the ARF GEF function of the GNOM protein during embryogenesis.