scholarly journals In vitro development of preimplantation porcine embryos using alginate hydrogels as a three-dimensional extracellular matrix

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (7) ◽  
pp. 943 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine N. Sargus-Patino ◽  
Elane C. Wright ◽  
Sarah A. Plautz ◽  
Jeremy R. Miles ◽  
Jeff L. Vallet ◽  
...  

Between Days 10 and 12 of gestation, porcine embryos undergo a dramatic morphological change, known as elongation, with a corresponding increase in oestrogen production that triggers maternal recognition of pregnancy. Elongation deficiencies contribute to embryonic loss, but exact mechanisms of elongation are poorly understood due to the lack of an effective in vitro culture system. Our objective was to use alginate hydrogels as three-dimensional scaffolds that can mechanically support the in vitro development of preimplantation porcine embryos. White cross-bred gilts were bred at oestrus (Day 0) to Duroc boars and embryos were recovered on Days 9, 10 or 11 of gestation. Spherical embryos were randomly assigned to be encapsulated within double-layered 0.7% alginate beads or remain as non-encapsulated controls (ENC and CONT treatment groups, respectively) and were cultured for 96 h. Every 24 h, half the medium was replaced with fresh medium and an image of each embryo was recorded. At the termination of culture, embryo images were used to assess morphological changes and cell survival. 17β-Oestradiol levels were measured in the removed media by radioimmunoassay. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to analyse steroidogenic transcript expression at 96 h in ENC and CONT embryos, as well as in vivo-developed control embryos (i.e. spherical, ovoid and tubular). Although no differences in cell survival were observed, 32% (P < 0.001) of the surviving ENC embryos underwent morphological changes characterised by tubal formation with subsequent flattening, whereas none of the CONT embryos exhibited morphological changes. Expression of steroidogenic transcripts STAR, CYP11A1 and CYP19A1 was greater (P < 0.07) in ENC embryos with morphological changes (ENC+) compared with CONT embryos and ENC embryos with no morphological changes (ENC–), and was more similar to expression of later-stage in vivo-developed controls. Furthermore, a time-dependent increase (P < 0.001) in 17β-oestradiol was observed in culture media from ENC+ compared with ENC– and CONT embryos. These results illustrate that preimplantation pig embryos encapsulated in alginate hydrogels can undergo morphological changes with increased expression of steroidogenic transcripts and oestrogen production, consistent with in vivo-developed embryos. This alginate culture system can serve as a tool for evaluating specific mechanisms of embryo elongation that could be targeted to improve pregnancy outcomes.


2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 162
Author(s):  
J. R. Miles ◽  
C. N. Sargus ◽  
S. A. Plautz ◽  
J. L. Vallet ◽  
A. K. Pannier

Between Day 10 and 12 of gestation, the pig embryo elongates from a sphere to a long thin, filament. During this time, the embryo increases the production of oestrogen via an increase in steroidogenic transcripts, which is critical for maternal recognition of pregnancy. To date, attempts to elongate porcine embryos in vitro have been unsuccessful. Therefore, the objective of this study was to utilise alginate hydrogels to establish a culture system that promotes in vitro embryo elongation with a corresponding increase in steroidogenic transcripts and oestradiol production. In 3 replicate collections, White crossbred gilts (n = 15) were bred at Day 0 of the oestrous cycle. At Day 9 of gestation, reproductive tracts were collected and flushed with RPMI-1640 containing antibiotics. Embryos were recovered, grouped according to size and washed with RPMI-1640 containing antibiotics and 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). Embryos were randomly assigned to be encapsulated using a double encapsulation technique (0.7% sodium alginate and 1.5% calcium chloride solution) or used as controls. Encapsulated and control embryos were cultured for 96 h in CO2 -pretreated RPMI-1640 containing antibiotics and 10% FBS at 38°C, 5% CO2 in air and 100% humidity. Every 24 h, the embryos were imaged and half of the media was replaced. The removed media was stored at –20°C and used to assess oestradiol levels by radioimmunoassay. At the end of culture, a subset of encapsulated and control embryos were snap frozen and used to assess the expression level of steroidogenic transcripts (STAR, CYP11 and CYP19) using quantitative PCR. All data were analysed using general linear model (GLM) procedures for ANOVA. Cell survival, assessed by blastocyst fragmentation and confirmed by live/dead staining in representative embryos, was greater (P = 0.01) for encapsulated embryos (60.1 ± 4.8%) compared with controls (33.3 ± 4.8%). Of encapsulated embryos, 27% had some morphological change (minor flattening and tubal formation) and 14% had significant morphological changes (considerable flattening and tubal formation elongating through the gel), consistent with in vivo embryo elongation. In contrast, the control embryos had no morphological changes observed and remained spherical during culture. The expression levels of STAR, CYP11 and CYP19 were significantly (P < 0.05) greater in encapsulated embryos compared with control embryos. Furthermore, a significant (P < 0.01) time-dependent increase in oestradiol levels in the culture media of encapsulated embryos was identified compared with controls and culture media alone. These results illustrate that cultured pig embryos encapsulated in alginate hydrogels undergo limited morphological changes with increased expression of steroidogenic transcripts and oestrogen production. †USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.



Zygote ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 475-484 ◽  
Author(s):  
G.M. Silva ◽  
R. Rossetto ◽  
R.N. Chaves ◽  
A.B.G. Duarte ◽  
V.R. Araújo ◽  
...  

SummaryThe aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) alginate culture systems on in vitro development of pre-antral caprine follicles. In addition, the influence of the reproductive age of the ovary donor on the in vitro culture success was investigated. Pre-antral follicles from pre-pubertal or adult goats were isolated and cultured directly on a plastic surface (2D) or encapsulated in an alginate-based matrix (3D). After 18 days, the oocytes underwent in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) to produce embryos. The 3D system showed higher rates of follicle survival, lower rates of oocyte extrusion, and a greater number of recovered oocytes for IVM and IVF (P < 0.05). Only pre-antral follicles from adult animals produced MII oocytes and embryos. The estradiol concentrations increased from day 2 to day 12 of culture in all groups tested (P < 0.05). Conversely, progesterone concentrations were lower in 3D-cultured follicles than in 2D-cultured follicles, with differences on days 2 and 6 of culture (P < 0.05). We provide compelling evidence that a 2D or 3D alginate in vitro culture system offers a promising approach to achieving full in vitro development of caprine pre-antral follicles to produce mature oocytes that are capable of fertilization and viable embryos.



2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (16) ◽  
pp. 8367
Author(s):  
Hien Lau ◽  
Shiri Li ◽  
Nicole Corrales ◽  
Samuel Rodriguez ◽  
Mohammadreza Mohammadi ◽  
...  

Pre-weaned porcine islets (PPIs) represent an unlimited source for islet transplantation but are functionally immature. We previously showed that necrostatin-1 (Nec-1) immediately after islet isolation enhanced the in vitro development of PPIs. Here, we examined the impact of Nec-1 on the in vivo function of PPIs after transplantation in diabetic mice. PPIs were isolated from pancreata of 8–15-day-old, pre-weaned pigs and cultured in media alone, or supplemented with Nec-1 (100 µM) on day 0 or on day 3 of culture (n = 5 for each group). On day 7, islet recovery, viability, oxygen consumption rate, insulin content, cellular composition, insulin secretion capacity, and transplant outcomes were evaluated. While islet viability and oxygen consumption rate remained high throughout 7-day tissue culture, Nec-1 supplementation on day 3 significantly improved islet recovery, insulin content, endocrine composition, GLUT2 expression, differentiation potential, proliferation capacity of endocrine cells, and insulin secretion. Adding Nec-1 on day 3 of tissue culture enhanced the islet recovery, proportion of delta cells, beta-cell differentiation and proliferation, and stimulation index. In vivo, this leads to shorter times to normoglycemia, better glycemic control, and higher circulating insulin. Our findings identify the novel time-dependent effects of Nec-1 supplementation on porcine islet quantity and quality prior to transplantation.



2000 ◽  
Vol 164 (6) ◽  
pp. 3047-3055 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dragana Jankovic ◽  
Marika C. Kullberg ◽  
Nancy Noben-Trauth ◽  
Patricia Caspar ◽  
William E. Paul ◽  
...  


2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 154
Author(s):  
H.S. Park ◽  
M.Y. Lee ◽  
S.P. Hong ◽  
J.I. Jin ◽  
J.K. Park ◽  
...  

Recent techniques in somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) have been widely used for animal research. In addition, SCNT techniques may allow for the rescue of endangered species. Despite efforts for wildlife preservation, however, some threatened or endangered wild animal species will likely become extinct. As a preliminary experiment of a series in wildlife research, we tried to identify an improved method for the production of more transferable NT embryos in goats. Mature donor animals of Korean native goats (20–25kg) were synchronized with a CIDR (type G; InterAg, New Zealand) vaginal implant for 10 days followed by a total of 8 twice daily injections of 70mg of FSH (Folltropine, London, Ontario, Canada) and 400IU of hCG (Chorulon, Intervet, Moxmeer, The Netherlands). Oocytes were then collected surgically by retograde oviduct flush or direct aspiration from ovarian follicles in vivo at 29–34h after hCG. Oocytes collected from follicles were matured in TCM-199 containing 10% FBS and hormones. Prepared ear skin cells from the goat were cultured in TCM-199 containing 10% FBS at 39°C, 5% CO2 in air, and confluent monolayers were obtained. Oocytes were enucleated and donor cells from serum starvation (0.5%) culture were fused through a single electric pulse (DC 2.36kvcm−1, 17μs), and then activated by a single electric pulse (AC 5vmm−1, 5s+DC 1.56kvcm−1, 30μs) or chemical treatment (5μgmL−1 ionomycin 5min−1, 1.9mM 6-DMAP/4h). Reconstructed oocytes were cultured in M16 medium with 10% goat serum (GS) for 6–7 days. Data were analyzed by chi-square test. In in vitro development, significantly (P&lt;0.05) more oocytes were cleaved (24/30, 80.0%) and developed (7/24, 29.2%) to morula or blastocyst stage, respectively, in NT oocytes activated by Iono + DMAP compared to electric stimulated oocytes (2/21, 40.0%; 0/2, 0%). There was a significant difference in in vitro development of NT embryos by the method of oocyte collection. Cleavage rate was higher (P&lt;0.05) in NT embryos from in vivo oocytes (23/28, 82.1%) than in in vitro matured oocytes (19/35, 54.3%), and further development to morula or blastocyst was also significantly (P&lt;0.05%) higher in NT embryos from in vivo oocytes (7/23, 30.4%) than in NT embryos from in vitro matured oocytes (0/19, 0%). When we compared NT embryos to parthenotes, developmental rate was not significantly different between NT embryos and parthenotes. These results strongly suggest that the in vivo oocytes will have superior developmental potential to oocytes matured in vitro. Table 1 Effect of different oocyte source on in vitro development following caprine SCNT



2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 202 ◽  
Author(s):  
W.F. Swanson ◽  
A.L. Manharth ◽  
J.B. Bond ◽  
H.L. Bateman ◽  
R.L. Krisher ◽  
...  

Domestic cat embryos typically are cultured in media formulated for somatic cells or embryos from rodents or livestock species. Under these conditions, blastocyst development has been inconsistent and delayed relative to embryos grown in vivo, and embryo viability following transfer has been low. Our goal is to systematically define the culture requirements of the feline embryo to improve embryo development and viability. The objective of this study was to determine the ionic (NaCl, KCl, KH2PO4, and CaCl2:MgSO4) preferences of domestic cat IVF embryos. Anestral female cats were injected (i.m.) with 150IU eCG followed 84h later by 100IUhCG. Oocytes were recovered via laparoscopic follicular aspiration approximately 24h post-hCG injection (Day 0). Semen was collected from one of two males by means of an artificial vagina and washed once in HEPES-buffered IVF medium. Mature cumulus-oocyte complexes were co-incubated with 2.5–5×105 motile sperm mL−1 in IVF medium (100mM NaCl, 4.0mM KCl, 1.0mM KH2 PO4, 2.0mM CaCl2, 1.0mM MgSO4-7H2O, 25.0mM NaHCO3, 3.0mM glucose, 0.1mM pyruvate, 6.0mM L-lactate, 1.0mM glutamine, 0.1mM taurine, 1×MEM nonessential amino acids, 50μgmL−1 gentamicin, and 4.0mgmL−1 BSA) for 19 to 22h in 6% CO2 in air (38.7°C). Cumulus cells were removed and embryos cultured (8–11 embryos/50μL drop; 6% CO2, 5% O2, 89% N2, 38.7°C) in media containing 100.0 or 120.0mM NaCl, 4.0 or 8.0mM KCl, 0.25 or 1.0mM KH2PO4, and 1.0mM:2.0mM or 2.0mM:1.0mM CaCl2:MgSO4 (2×2×2×2 factorial design). The remaining components of the culture medium were identical to the IVF medium (but w/o gentamicin). Development to the blastocyst stage by Day 6, metabolism (glycolysis and pyruvate) of each blastocyst, and final cell number (Hoechst 33342 staining) of all embryos were evaluated. Final cell number of cleaved embryos and development to the blastocyst stage were analyzed using analysis of variance in the GLIMMIX macro of SAS. A total of 236 oocytes were inseminated, yielding 128 cleaved embryos (54%), including 6 blastocysts (4.7% of cleaved embryos). Cell number was not (P&gt;0.05) affected by NaCl, KCl, or KH2PO4 concentrations, but tended (P=0.057) to be higher after culture in 2.0mM:1.0mM CaCl2:MgSO4. Treatments did not significantly affect (P&gt;0.05) development to the blastocyst stage, but numerically more blastocysts were produced in 100.0mM NaCl (4/6), 8.0mM KCl (5/6), or 1.0mM KH2PO4 (5/6). Both CaCl2:MgSO4 ratios resulted in 3 blastocysts. Blastocysts contained 61.08±5.1 (mean±SEM, n=6) cells and actively metabolized glucose (glycolysis, 3.7±0.8pmol/embryo/3h or 0.06±0.01pmol/cell/3h) and pyruvate (0.75±0.27pmol/embryo/3h or 0.013±0.005pmol/cell/3h). These results suggest that the ionic composition of culture media influences the in vitro development of cat IVF embryos. (Supported by NIH grant RR15388.)



Author(s):  
Mustafa Numan BUCAK ◽  
Muharrem SATILMIŞ ◽  
Sedat Hamdi KIZIL ◽  
Tahir KARAŞAHİN ◽  
Numan AKYOL


Author(s):  
Sara Mantero ◽  
Federica Boschetti

Bioreactors are powerful tools for in vitro development of engineered substitutes through controlled biological, physical, and mechanical culture conditions: bioreactor technology allows a closer in vitro replication of native tissues. One of bioreactors applications is the design of in vitro 3D tissue models as a bridge between 2D and in vivo models, allowing the application of 3R (replacement, reduction, refinement) principle. To this aim, bioreactors can be used to culture cells seeded on engineered scaffolds under in vivo-like conditions. Another key use of bioreactors is for perfusion decellularization of tissues and organs to be used as scaffolds. This contribution describes a dynamic stretching. bioreactor, imposing a mechanical stretching to the cultured constructs, allowing the development of skeletal muscle engineered constructs, and a decellularization bioreactor, designed for decellularization of blood vessels.



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