284THE EFFECT OF FEEDING PROPYLENE GLYCOL TO DAIRY COWS DURING THE EARLY 
POSTPARTUM PERIOD ON SERUM INSULIN CONCENTRATION AND THE RELATIONSHIP WITH 
OOCYTE DEVELOPMENTAL COMPETENCE

High yielding dairy cows are typically in negative energy balance postpartum (pp). It has been shown that initiation of the first pp ovulation and, therefore, the resumption of normal oestrous cycles is delayed in high genetic merit dairy cows and is associated with lower circulating insulin concentration (Gutierrez et al., 1999 J. Reprod. Fertil. 24, 32 abst). Evidence shows that propylene glycol (PG) rapidly elevates systemic concentrations of insulin (Bremmer et al., 2000 J. Dairy Sci. 83, 2239–2251). The aim of this study was to determine the effects of PG feeding to dairy cows in the early pp period, on serum insulin and ovarian function, and on oocyte developmental competence after in vitro maturation, fertilization, and culture. Thirteen Holstein-Friesian cows were assigned to PG (n=6) or control (n=7) groups. Each treated cow received 500mL of PG and each control was given 500mL of water daily from Day 5pp until day of AI. Blood samples for insulin were collected at 0, 30, 60 and 90min post-drenching on Days 5, 15 and 25 pp. All cows were fed 3kg concentrates at milking (twice daily) and had ad libitum access to a 50:50 maize silage : grass silage forage from the time of last blood collection. Oocytes were collected by ovum pick-up (OPU) in four sessions (following treatment with pFSH) beginning on Day 25–35 pp. The recovered oocytes were graded (Grade 1 to 4) in terms of their surrounding cumulus cells and the appearance of the cytoplasm. Grade 1–2 oocytes were matured in vitro, then fertilized using frozen-thawed bull semen, and subsequently cultured up to Day 8 in synthetic oviduct fluid. All data were analyzed using SAS version 6.12 and split-plot designs, following square root or arc sine transformation, if appropriate. PG significantly increased (P<0.001) serum insulin concentration (0min: 1.55±0.19; 30min: 4.48±0.82; 60min: 4.74±0.72; 90min: 4.10±0.56) compared to the control group (0min: 1.91±0.28; 30min 1.96±0.27; 60min: 2.37±0.44; 90min: 2.04±0.26). The follicle size distribution was similar between treated and control cows for categories 2–4mm (4.0±0.47; 4.3±0.70), 8–10mm (3.2±0.47; 2.5±0.39), and >10mm (0.42±0.12; 0.67±0.17). However, there were significantly more follicles in the 5–7mm category (6.2±0.82 v. 3.3±0.43; P<0.05) for treated cows. The number of follicles punctured (13.8±1.02; 10.7±1.04), the number of oocytes recovered (4.5±0.53; 3.5±0.61), and the number of Grade 1–2 oocytes (2.8±0.35; 1.8±0.35) were not different between treated and control cows. Although cleavage rate (68.3 v. 58.9%) and blastocyst yield (25.3 v. 14.4%) were higher for treated cows, the differences were not significant. In conclusion, these results indicate that feeding cows with PG during the early pp period increased the circulating insulin concentration. However, the developmental competence of the recovered oocytes did not differ between the groups.

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75 EFFECT OF PHENAZINE ETHOSULFATE ON PORCINE BLASTOCYST DEVELOPMENT, APOPTOSIS, AND CRYOTOLERANCE AFTER OPEN PULLED STRAW VITRIFICATION

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rdv20n1ab75 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

pp. 118

Author(s):

B. Gajda ◽

Z. Smorag ◽

M. Bryla

Keyword(s):

Cell Number ◽

Developmental Competence ◽

Control Group ◽

Tunel Staining ◽

Bovine Embryos ◽

Blastocyst Development ◽

Morula Stage ◽

Phenazine Ethosulfate ◽

And Control

It is possible to improve the success of cryopreservation of in vitro-produced bovine embryos by modifying the embryos with the metabolic regulator phenazine ethosulfate (PES) (Seidel 2006 Theriogenology 65, 228–235). The PES treatment increased glucose matabolism, tended to increase the pentose phosphate pathway flux of glucose, and clearly reduced accumulation of lipids in cultured bovine embryos (De La Torre-Sanchez et al. 2006 Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 18, 597–607). It is known that porcine embryos have a considerably high content of lipids, and the success rates of their cryopreservation appear to be highly correlated with cytoplasmic lipid content. In our preliminary study, we observed that supplementation of NCSU-23 medium with PES has a positive effect on efficiency of pig blastocysts of good quality (Gajda et al.. 2007 Acta Biochim. Pol. 54(Suppl 1), 52 abst). In the present study, the effects of PES on pig blastocyst development, apoptosis, and survival after vitrification were investigated. In Exp. 1, porcine zygotes obtained from superovulated gilts were cultured in NCSU-23 medium supplemented with 0 (control), 0.025, 0.05, or 0.075 µm PES. The culture was performed at 39�C, with 5% CO2 in air, for 96–120 h. Embryo quality criteria were developmental competence (cleavage, morula stage, and blastocyst stage), cell number per blastocyst, and the degree of apoptosis as assessed by TUNEL staining. In Exp. 2, expanded blastocysts cultured with 0.025 µm PES were vitrified in a ethylene glycol and dimethyl sulfoxide mixture using open pulled straw (OPS) technology (Vajta et al. 1997 Acta Vet. Scand. 38, 349–352). After thawing, the blastocysts were cultured in vitro for re-expansion or transferred to synchronized recipients. Data were analyzed by chi-square test. There was a difference between the 0.025 µm PES-treated and the control group in percentage of cleaved embryos (99.0 and 91.4%, respectively; P < 0.05), between all experimental groups and control in percentage of morula stage (90.7, 87.8, 83.8, and 80.0%, respectively), and between 0.025 and 0.05 µm PES-treated and control in percentage of blastocyst rates (70.0, 75.5, and 65.7%, respectively). The number of cells and percentage of TUNEL-positive nuclei per blastocyst were lower in the PES-treated than in the control group. The survival rate of blastocysts after vitrification and thawing was enhanced in the presence of PES compared to that in the PES-free group (45.2 and 38.9%, respectively; P < 0.05). After transfer of 56 expanded blastocysts cultured with PES and vitrified into 3 recipients, two gilts were confirmed pregnant at 35 days of gestation. In conclusion, a higher blastocyst percentage with a low incidence of apoptosis was obtained in the presence of PES compared to control. These blastocysts also had an increased ability to survive cryopreservation.

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64 VALPROIC ACID ENHANCES IN VITRO DEVELOPMENT OF SOMATIC CELL NUCLEAR TRANSFER EMBRYOS IN PIGS

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rdv22n1ab64 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

pp. 190

Author(s):

Y. J. Kim ◽

K. S. Ahn ◽

M. J. Kim ◽

H. Shim

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Valproic Acid ◽

Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer ◽

Nuclear Transfer ◽

Developmental Competence ◽

Control Group ◽

In Vitro Development ◽

Vitro Development ◽

And Control

Epigenetic modification influences reprogramming and subsequent development of somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos. Such modification includes an increase of histone acetylation and a decrease of DNA methylation in transferred donor nuclei. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) such as trichostatin A (TSA) and valproic acid (VPA) have been known to maintain high cellular levels of histone acetylation. Hence, the treatment of HDACi to NT embryos may increase efficiency of cloning. Indeed, TSA treatment has significantly enhanced the developmental competence of nuclear transfer embryos in several species including pigs (Zhang et al. 2007 Cloning Stem Cells 9, 357-363; Li et al. 2008 Theriogenology 70, 800-808). Valproic acid, another type of HDACi, has often been used to assist reprogramming of somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells in mice. In the present study, we tested the potency of VPA compared with TSA on the enhancement of in vitro development in porcine nuclear transfer embryos. Reconstructed embryos were produced by transferring nuclei of adult ear skin fibroblasts into enucleated oocytes. After electrical activation, these embryos were cultured in PZM-3 containing no HDACi (control), 5 mM VPA, or 50 nM TSA for 24 h, and another 5 days thereafter without HDACi. At least 3 replicates were conducted for the following experiments. The rates of cleavage were not different among the VPA, TSA, and control groups. However, the rate of blastocyst development was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in embryos treated with VPA than in those treated with TSA and without HDACi (125/306, 40.8% v. 94/313, 30.0% v. 80/329, 24.3%). Differential staining of inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm (TE) also supported the beneficial effect of VPA treatment in NT embryos. Compared with the control group, the number of TE cells was significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the VPA and TSA treatment groups (79.3 ± 7.4 v. 74.6 ± 9.2 v. 40.0 ± 6.7). Moreover, VPA treatment significantly increased (P < 0.05) the number of ICM cells compared with the control (15.6 ± 1.7 v. 10.8 ± 2.6), whereas no differences were observed between the TSA treatment and control group (12.9 ± 3.0 v. 10.8 ± 2.6). The present study demonstrates that VPA enhances in vitro development of nuclear transfer embryos, in particular by an increase of blastocyst formation and the number of ICM cells, suggesting that VPA may be more potent than TSA in supporting developmental competence of cloned embryos. However, long-term effects of different HDACi in the development of nuclear transfer embryos, including any adverse outcome from destabilizing epigenetic condition, remain to be determined by further in vivo embryo transfer studies.

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91 Can propylene glycol modulate insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 in superovulated dairy heifers?

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rdv31n1ab91 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 31 (1) ◽

pp. 171

Author(s):

R. Dupras ◽

L. Mills ◽

G. Robert ◽

C. Meunier ◽

Y. Chorfi

Keyword(s):

Growth Factor ◽

Propylene Glycol ◽

Serum Insulin ◽

Control Group ◽

Insulin Like Growth Factor ◽

Serum Concentrations ◽

Dairy Heifers ◽

Glycol Solution ◽

Post Hoc ◽

And Control

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of propylene glycol (PPG) on serum concentrations of insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 in superovulated dairy heifers. We hypothesised that administration of PPG would have a positive effect on superovulation results via increased insulin and IGF-1. A total of 20 clinically healthy Holstein heifers with an average age of 12 months were used for this experiment. Superovulation was performed using a standard protocol. Briefly, each heifer received 3mg of oestradiol-17β IM and an intravaginal progesterone-releasing insert (CIDR) containing 1.9g of progesterone at random stages of the oestrous cycle (designated Day 0). From Day 4 to 8, heifers received a total of 200mg of NIH-follicle-stimulating hormone-P1 administered intramuscularly through 9 injections of decreasing doses (from 50 to 10mg) at 12-h intervals. On Day 7, heifers received 2 injections of 500µg of cloprostenol, a PGF2α analogue, at ~6-h intervals, after which intravaginal inserts were removed. Artificial insemination was performed on Day 10, 12h after treatment with 100µg of gonadotropin-releasing hormone IM. Embryos were flushed from the uterus of donor heifers 6 days after AI. The method consisted of simultaneously using 1 catheter per uterine horn. Catheters were maintained in place to perform 2 flushes 1h apart. A total of 1L of flushing medium was used, 700 and 300mL for the first and the second flush, respectively. Embryos were assessed for viability immediately after collection using the IETS classification. Heifers were divided into 2 groups (PPG and control group). From Day 4 to 14 of the superovulation protocol, PPG group received a daily dose of 400mL of a 66.7% propylene glycol solution, whereas the control group received the same amount of water. Two months later, the same experiment was conducted by inverting the groups. At Day 4 and 14, four blood samples were collected to measure insulin and IGF-1 at 25-min intervals. The first sample (0) was taken before heifers received PPG or water. Insulin was analysed using an ELISA kit following manufacturer’s instructions, whereas IGF-1 was determined using a chemiluminescence immunoassay. Embryo associated data were analysed using t-test. Both IGF-1 and insulin data were analysed using a two-way ANOVA, followed by Bonferroni post-hoc test. Treatment with PPG had no effect on the number of transferable embryos (8±5.1v. 7±5.5), degenerated embryos (0.5±0.8v. 1.5±2.4), or unfertilized oocytes (0.3±0.7v. 0.7±1.2) recovered. There was also no effect of PPG on IGF-1 serum concentrations at the beginning (Day 4) or the end (Day 14) of the treatment regimen. However, PPG treatment enhanced (P = 0.02) serum insulin concentrations 50min after administration on Day 4 (10.69 v. 6.88 pmol/L), as well as at 25 (19.58 v. 9.64 pmol/L) and 50min (16.67v. 8.21 pmol/L) on Day 14. It has been suggested that PPG metabolism may stimulate insulin and IGF-1 secretion, which can promote embryo development. However, in the present study, there was no effect of oral doses of PPG on IGF-1. Although higher serum concentrations of insulin were observed after PPG treatment, there was no effect of PPG treatment on the number of transferable embryos recovered following superovulation.

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Use of oocytes selected by brilliant cresyl blue staining enhances rabbit cloned embryo development in vitro

Zygote ◽

10.1017/s0967199419000200 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 27 (3) ◽

pp. 166-172 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Linying Jia ◽

Bo Ding ◽

Chong Shen ◽

Shiwei Luo ◽

Yanru Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Mass ◽

Developmental Competence ◽

Blue Staining ◽

Control Group ◽

Control Groups ◽

Brilliant Cresyl Blue ◽

Positive Group ◽

Cresyl Blue ◽

And Control

SummaryRabbits play an important role in people’s lives due to their high nutritional value and high-quality hair that can be used as raw material for textiles. Furthermore, rabbits are an important animal model for human disease, as genome-edited animals are particularly valuable for studying gene functions and pathogenesis. Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is an important technique for producing genome-edited animals and it has great value in saving endangered species and in clone stem cell therapy. However, the low efficiency of SCNT limits its application, with the selection of suitable rabbit oocytes being crucial to its success. In the present study, we collected oocytes from ovarian follicles and stained them with 26 μM brilliant cresyl blue (BCB). We then matured the oocytes in vitro and used them for SCNT. Comparison of the BCB-positive oocytes with BCB-negative oocytes and the control group showed that the BCB-positive group had a significantly higher maturation rate (81.4% vs. 48.9% and 65.3% for the negative and control groups, respectively), cleavage rate (86.6% vs. 67.9% and 77.9%), blastocyst rate (30.5% vs. 12.8% and 19.6%), total number of blastocysts (90±7.5 vs. 65.3±6.3 and 67.5±5.7), and inner cell mass (ICM)/ trophectoderm (TE) index (42.3±4.2 vs. 30.2±2.1 and 33.9±5.1) (P<0.05). The BCB-positive group had a significantly lower apoptosis index (2.1±0.6 vs. 8.2±0.9 and 6.7±1.1 for the negative and control groups, respectively) (P<0.05). These findings demonstrate that BCB-positive oocytes have a higher maturation ability and developmental competence in vitro, indicating that BCB staining is a reliable method for selecting oocytes to enhance the efficiency of SCNT.

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Involvement of the sphingolipid ceramide in heat-shock-induced apoptosis of bovine oocytes

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rd10330 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 23 (7) ◽

pp. 876 ◽

Cited By ~ 30

Author(s):

Dorit Kalo ◽

Zvi Roth

Keyword(s):

Heat Shock ◽

De Novo ◽

Specific Inhibitor ◽

Annexin V ◽

Developmental Competence ◽

Control Group ◽

Cleavage Rate ◽

Oocyte Developmental Competence ◽

Induced Apoptosis

Programmed cell death via the sphingomyelin pathway has been suggested to underlie heat-shock disturbance of oocyte developmental competence. A series of experiments were performed to characterise the role of the sphingolipid ceramide in heat-shock-induced apoptosis, and to determine whether ceramide formation can be regulated. Bovine cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were aspirated from ovaries collected in the cold season (November–April), in vitro-matured, fertilised and cultured for 8 days. Exposure of COCs to heat shock (41°C) during maturation reduced cleavage rate and blastocyst formation relative to the control group (38.5°C). Annexin-V binding (V-FITC assay), which is associated with the early apoptotic event of membrane phosphatidylserine turnover, was higher in oocytes exposed to short-term versus long-term heat shock, suggesting that heat-shock-induced apoptosis involves membrane alterations. Similar to heat exposure, oocyte maturation with C2-ceramide had a dose-dependent deleterious effect on the first cleavages and subsequent embryonic development in association with increased annexin-V binding. Blocking endogenous ceramide generation with fumonisin B1, a specific inhibitor of dihydroceramide synthase (i.e. de novo formation), moderated, to some extent, the effects of heat shock on oocyte developmental competence, suggesting that ceramide plays an important role in heat-shock-induced apoptosis.

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Bovine oocyte developmental competence and gene expression following co-culturing with ampullary cells: An experimental study

International Journal of Reproductive BioMedicine ◽

10.18502/ijrm.v19i4.9063 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mehdi Azari ◽

Mojtaba Kafi ◽

Anise Asaadi ◽

Zohreh Pakniat ◽

Beheshteh Abouhamzeh

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

In Vitro Maturation ◽

Fertilization Rate ◽

Developmental Competence ◽

Control Group ◽

Sufficient Information ◽

Nuclear Maturation ◽

Oocyte Developmental Competence ◽

The Impact

Background: There is no sufficient information on the impact of bovine ampullary oviductal epithelial cells (BAOECs) on in vitro oocyte maturation competence and gene expression. Objective: This study aimed to examine the oocyte developmental competence following co-culturing with a monolayer of fresh and frozen-thawed ampullary cells. Materials and Methods: Bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were distributed into three groups: control group; where in COCs were cultured in cell-free media for 24 hr and FML and FTML groups in which the COCs were cultured in maturation media for 18 hr and then transferred into a media containing fresh and frozen-thawed BAOECs monolayer, respectively (BAOECs were extracted from the oviducts of slaughtered cattle and were then cultured freshly or frozen-thawed) for a further 6 hr. After 24 hr, the expanded COCs were evaluated for nuclear maturation, fertilization rate, and gene expression (GDF9, StAR, CASP3, and FSHr). Results: Nuclear maturation rate in the FTML group was significantly higher than the control group (p = 0.02). The fertilization rate of FTML group was significantly higher than the control and FML groups (p = 0.05 and p = 0.03, respectively). In terms of gene expression, GDF9 were upregulated in the presence of the BAOECs during the last 6 hr of the in vitro maturation (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the expression of the StAR gene in the FTML group was higher than the other groups (p = 0.02). Conclusion: Ampullary cells co-culturing (especially frozen-thawed cells) for in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes yields encourages the results and demonstrates the beneficial effect of co-culture on gene expression and developmental competence. Key words: Ampulla, Bovine, Fertilization, Gene expression, IVM.

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Glucogenic supply increases oocyte developmental competence in sheep

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rd11299 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 24 (8) ◽

pp. 1055 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

F. Berlinguer ◽

A. Gonzalez-Bulnes ◽

I. Contreras-Solis ◽

A. Spezzigu ◽

L. Torres-Rovira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Glucose Metabolism ◽

Corpus Luteum ◽

Follicular Development ◽

Growth Dynamics ◽

Oocyte Quality ◽

Developmental Competence ◽

Oocyte Developmental Competence ◽

In Vitro Embryo Production ◽

And Control

The present study aimed to determine the influence of a glucogenic supply on oocyte developmental competence. Oestrous cycles were synchronised in 22 Sarda ewes by the insertion (Day 0) of one intravaginal progestagen-impregnated sponge that was removed after 6 days. After removal, the ewes were randomly allocated into two experimental groups (treated and control ewes) and, from Day 7 to Day 11, treated ewes received oral administration of a glucogenic mixture, whereas control animals received water. Follicular development was stimulated by FSH administration from Days 8 to 10. Glucose metabolism was assessed from Days 7 to 11, whilst follicle and corpus luteum growth dynamics and functionality were evaluated between Days 6 and 11. At Day 11 ovaries were collected and processed for in vitro embryo production. Glucogenic treatment increased both the plasma levels of glucose, progesterone, oestradiol and the number of 2–3-mm follicles (P < 0.05). Higher fertilisation and blastocyst rates (P < 0.05) were obtained after IVM of oocytes recovered from treated ewes compared with control ones. In conclusion, glucogenic treatment modifies follicle and corpus luteum functionality and improves oocyte quality, as evaluated by in vitro developmental kinetics and blastocyst output.

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Agitation Techniques to Enhance Drainage of Retained Hemothorax

Surgical Innovation ◽

10.1177/1553350620978002 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 155335062097800

Author(s):

Ian A. Makey ◽

Nitin A. Das ◽

Samuel Jacob ◽

Magdy M. El-Sayed Ahmed ◽

Colleen M. Makey ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Trauma Surgery ◽

Control Group ◽

In Vivo Experiments ◽

Vibration Technique ◽

Retained Hemothorax ◽

And Control ◽

Negative Conclusion ◽

Benchtop Model

Background. Retained hemothorax (RH) is a common problem in cardiothoracic and trauma surgery. We aimed to determine the optimum agitation technique to enhance thrombus dissolution and drainage and to apply the technique to a porcine-retained hemothorax. Methods. Three agitation techniques were tested: flush irrigation, ultrasound, and vibration. We used the techniques in a benchtop model with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and pig hemothorax with tPA. We used the most promising technique vibration in a pig hemothorax without tPA. Statistics. We used 2-sample t tests for each comparison and Cohen d tests to calculate effect size (ES). Results. In the benchtop model, mean drainages in the agitation group and control group and the ES were flush irrigation, 42%, 28%, and 2.91 ( P = .10); ultrasound, 35%, 27%, and .76 ( P = .30); and vibration, 28%, 19%, and 1.14 ( P = .04). In the pig hemothorax with tPA, mean drainages and the ES of each agitation technique compared with control (58%) were flush irrigation, 80% and 1.14 ( P = .37); ultrasound, 80% and 2.11 ( P = .17); and vibration, 95% and 3.98 ( P = .06). In the pig hemothorax model without tPA, mean drainages of the vibration technique and control group were 50% and 43% (ES = .29; P = .65). Discussion. In vitro studies suggested flush irrigation had the greatest effect, whereas only vibration was significantly different vs the respective controls. In vivo with tPA, vibration showed promising but not statistically significant results. Results of in vivo experiments without tPA were negative. Conclusion. Agitation techniques, in combination with tPA, may enhance drainage of hemothorax.

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Supplementation of c-type natriuretic peptide during in vitro growth period benefits the development of murine preantral follicles

Zygote ◽

10.1017/s096719942000060x ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-5

Author(s):

Li Ang ◽

Cao Haixia ◽

Li Hongxia ◽

Li Ruijiao ◽

Guo Xingping ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Natriuretic Peptide ◽

Granulosa Cells ◽

Culture System ◽

Early Stage ◽

Developmental Competence ◽

Control Group ◽

Follicle Development ◽

Control Groups ◽

Preantral Follicles

Summary The present study investigated the effects of c-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) on the development of murine preantral follicles during in vitro growth (IVG). Preantral follicles isolated from ovaries of Kunming mice were cultured in vitro. In the culture system, CNP was supplemented in the experimental groups and omitted in the control groups. In Experiment 1, CNP was only supplemented at the early stage and follicle development was evaluated. In Experiments 2 and 3, CNP was supplemented during the whole period of in vitro culture. In Experiment 2, follicle development and oocyte maturity were evaluated. In Experiment 3, follicle development and embryo cleavage after in vitro fertilization (IVF) were assessed. The results showed that in the control groups in all three experiments, granulosa cells migrated from within the follicle and the follicles could not reach the antral stage. In the experimental groups in all three experiments, no migration of granulosa cells was observed and follicle development was assessed as attaining the antral stage, which was significantly superior to that of the control group (P < 0.0001). Oocyte meiotic arrest was effectively maintained, hence giving good developmental competence. In conclusion, CNP supplementation in the culture system during IVG benefited the development of murine preantral follicles.

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Effects of Intrauterine Infusion of a Chitosan Solution on Recovery and Subsequent Reproductive Performance of Early Postpartum Dairy Cows with Endometritis: A Pilot Field Trial

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11010197 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 197

Author(s):

Hiroaki Okawa ◽

Missaka M.P. Wijayagunawardane ◽

Peter L.A.M. Vos ◽

Osamu Yamato ◽

Masayasu Taniguchi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cows ◽

Reproductive Performance ◽

Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes ◽

Prostaglandin F2α ◽

Chitosan Solution ◽

Control Group ◽

Control Groups ◽

Early Postpartum Period ◽

Early Postpartum ◽

And Control

This study investigated the efficacy of intrauterine infusion of a chitosan solution (CHT) on uterine recovery in early postpartum dairy cows with or without endometritis, and their subsequent reproductive performance. In Experiment 1, cows with endometritis at 3 weeks postpartum were administered CHT (n = 5) and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) (n = 4). Untreated cows (n = 7) served as the control group. In Experiment 2, 18 cows with a normally recovered uterus at the fresh cow check (mean, 35 days postpartum) were assigned to the CHT (n = 10) and control (n = 8) groups, and intrauterine infusion was conducted in the CHT group. Overall, in Experiment 1, the percentage of polymorphonuclear leukocytes significantly declined in the CHT group (32.3 ± 10.2 to 5.5 ± 2.4, p < 0.05) from week 3 to week 5, but no decline occurred in the PGF2α and control groups. In Experiment 2, the CHT and control groups showed no significant differences in reproductive parameters, suggesting the absence of adverse effects of CHT on fertility. These results suggest that intrauterine infusion of CHT in the early postpartum period effectively accelerates uterine recovery from endometritis and might be a suitable replacement for PGF2α administration.

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