100 TIMING OF BLASTOCOELIC CAVITY RE-EXPANSION REPRESENTS A QUALITY INDEX OF IN VITRO PRODUCED OVINE BLASTOCYSTS

2006 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 158
Author(s):  
G. G. Leoni ◽  
F. Berlinguer ◽  
S. Succu ◽  
F. Mossa ◽  
M. Galioto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
In Vitro Culture ◽  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Embryo Quality ◽  
Glucose Transporter ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Simple Method ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

There is general consensus that the quality of in vitro-produced embryos is inferior to that of their in vivo counterparts and that along with other factors this may be responsible for the poorer cryosurvival and the lower pregnancy rates reported for these embryos. The feasibility to accurately select viable embryos would be valuable for improving pregnancy rates and avoiding futile transfer attempts. The aim of our study was to assess whether in vitro-produced ovine embryo quality could be determined by the timing blastocoelic cavity re-expansion after vitrification, thawing, and in vitro culture. Embryos were produced in vitro from ovine ovaries collected at the local slaughterhouse following a standard protocol developed for ovine oocytes, as previously described (Berlinguer et al. 2005 Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 17, 201). Blastocysts were then vitrified/warmed according to a simple method (Leoni et al. 2002 Cryobiology 45, 204-212) and cultured in vitro in TCM-199 supplemented with 10% FCS for 72 h in 5% CO2 in air at 39�C. Vitrified embryos were divided into two groups: (A) expanded within 8 h of in vitro culture after warming; (B) expanded during 8 to 16 h of in vitro culture after warming. Of the 338 vitrified/warmed embryos, 173 (51.1%) showed a re-expanded blastocoelic cavity after 8 h of in vitro culture, whereas 58 (17.1%) re-expanded during 8 to 16 h of in vitro culture. We also analyzed by semiquantitative RT-PCR a panel of genes expressed during pre-implantation embryo development (glucose transporter, HPS-10, e-caderin, poly(A)polimerase, and ubiquitine); our results showed that these genes, apart from ubiquitine which showed no difference in the two groups, were more expressed in Group A blastocysts compared to Group B. Group A blastocysts showed higher hatching rates (67.6%) than Group B blastocysts (43.1%; P < 0.01). The total cell number calculated for the hatched blastocysts after staining with Hoechst 33342 was significantly higher in Group A (140.7 � 8.3, n = 42) than Group B (102.2 � 8.4, n = 27; P < 0.01). Pregnancy rate (detected by ultrasonography 30 days after embryo transfer) after laparoscopic embryo transfer to 12 synchronized recipient Sarda sheep was 40% (6/15) in Group A and 13.4% (2/15) in Group B. The results indicated that timing of blastocoelic cavity re-expansion after vitrification/warming and in vitro culture can be considered as a reliable index of in vitro-produced ovine embryo quality, and in addition, a better prediction for improved survival rate after transfer to synchronized recipients. This work was supported by Cofin 2003.

Salivary oestradiol and progesterone after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer using different luteal support regimens

1990 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 351 ◽  
Author(s):  
YF Wong ◽  
EP Loong ◽  
KR Mao ◽  
PP Tam ◽  
NS Panesar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
In Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Luteal Support ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
Ivf Et

Salivary oestradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) levels have been shown to reflect the biologically active fractions in the serum. The luteal-phase status of stimulated cycles was investigated after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Thirty patients were randomly allocated to one of three luteal therapy groups: group A had no support, group B had intramuscular P and group C had intramuscular P and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). One pregnancy was achieved in group A, two in group B and three in group C. Significant correlations between salivary and serum levels of E2 and of P in matched samples during luteal phase were found. Salivary E2 levels from luteal day 8 through day 14 and P levels from day 3 through day 14 were significantly higher in the pregnant than in the nonpregnant cycles. Among the nonpregnant cycles, salivary E2 and P levels were significantly higher in group C than in group A or B. These findings suggest that, in stimulated cycles for IVF-ET, determination of salivary E2 and P levels may be used as reliable alternatives to serum concentrations for assessing the luteal phase. Also, the additional hCG has an enhanced luteotrophic effect, as reflected by the higher salivary E2 and P levels, which may lead to a better pregnancy rate.

scholarly journals Photopolymerizable Injectable Cartilage Mimetic Hydrogel for the Treatment of Focal Chondral Lesions: A Proof of Concept Study in a Rabbit Animal Model

2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 212-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecilia Pascual-Garrido ◽  
Elizabeth A. Aisenbrey ◽  
Francisco Rodriguez-Fontan ◽  
Karin A. Payne ◽  
Stephanie J. Bryant ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Model ◽  
Chondrogenic Differentiation ◽  
Osteochondral Lesions ◽  
Chondral Defect ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
Safranin O

Background: In this study, we investigate the in vitro and in vivo chondrogenic capacity of a novel photopolymerizable cartilage mimetic hydrogel, enhanced with extracellular matrix analogs, for cartilage regeneration. Purpose: To (1) determine whether mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) embedded in a novel cartilage mimetic hydrogel support in vitro chondrogenesis, (2) demonstrate that the proposed hydrogel can be delivered in situ in a critical chondral defect in a rabbit model, and (3) determine whether the hydrogel with or without MSCs supports in vivo chondrogenesis in a critical chondral defect. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Rabbit bone marrow–derived MSCs were isolated, expanded, encapsulated in the hydrogel, and cultured in chondrogenic differentiation medium for 9 weeks. Compressive modulus was evaluated at day 1 and at weeks 3, 6, and 9. Chondrogenic differentiation was investigated via quantitative polymerase reaction, safranin-O staining, and immunofluorescence. In vivo, a 3 mm–wide × 2-mm-deep chondral defect was created bilaterally on the knee trochlea of 10 rabbits. Each animal had 1 defect randomly assigned to be treated with hydrogel with or without MSCs, and the contralateral knee was left untreated. Hence, each rabbit served as its own matched control. Three groups were established: group A, hydrogel (n = 5); group B, hydrogel with MSCs (n = 5); and group C, control (n = 10). Repair tissue was evaluated at 6 months after intervention. Results: In vitro, chondrogenesis and the degradable behavior of the hydrogel by MSCs were confirmed. In vivo, the hydrogel could be delivered intraoperatively in a sterile manner. Overall, the hydrogel group had the highest scores on the modified O’Driscoll scoring system (group A, 17.4 ± 4.7; group B, 13 ± 3; group C, 16.7 ± 2.9) ( P = .11) and showed higher safranin-O staining (group A, 49.4% ± 20%; group B, 25.8% ± 16.4%; group C, 36.9% ± 25.2%) ( P = .27), although significance was not detected for either parameter. Conclusion: This study provides the first evidence of the ability to photopolymerize this novel hydrogel in situ and assess its ability to provide chondrogenic cues for cartilage repair in a small animal model. In vitro chondrogenesis was evident when MSCs were encapsulated in the hydrogel. Clinical Relevance: Cartilage mimetic hydrogel may offer a tissue engineering approach for the treatment of osteochondral lesions.

Effects of Removal of the Statoacoustic Ganglion Complex upon the Growing Otocyst

1976 ◽  
Vol 85 (6_suppl) ◽  
pp. 2-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas R. Van De Water
Keyword(s):  
Organ Culture ◽  
Inner Ear ◽  
Nerve Fibers ◽  
Trophic Effect ◽  
Group A ◽  
Sensory Structures ◽  
Statoacoustic Ganglion ◽  
Group B

An experiment was designed to answer the question as to whether or not the neural elements of the statoacoustic ganglion complex have a trophic effect upon the histodifferentiation of the sensory structures of the embryonic mouse inner ear anlage as it develops in vitro. The embryonic inner ear anlage with associated otic mesenchyme and statoacoustic ganglion complex was excised from 11, 12, and 13-day CBA/C57 mouse embryos. The inner ear explants of each gestational age group were further divided into two groups: the first group “A” (with) statoacoustic ganglion was explanted to the organ culture system without further surgical intervention; the second group “B” (without) statoacoustic ganglion underwent further surgical manipulation during which their statoacoustic ganglion complexes were dissected away prior to explantation to in vitro. The explanted embryonic inner ears were allowed to develop in organ culture until the equivalent of gestation day 21 in vivo was reached for each group; then all cultures were fixed and histologically processed and stained by a nerve fiber stain, in combination with a stain for glucoprotein membranes. Each specimen was code labeled and scored for histodifferentiation of sensory structures. Light microscopic observations confirmed that in group “A” cultures, statoacoustic ganglion neurons and their nerve fibers were present in association with the developed sensory structures; neither ganglion cell neurons nor their nerve fibers were found to be present in the sensory structures that developed in the group “B” organ culture specimens. Quantification revealed no consistent trend of greater occurrence of any sensory structure in the groups of explants analyzed. The presence of such a trend would have signified the probable existence of a trophic effect of the statoacoustic ganglion neural elements upon development of inner ear sensory structures in the group “A” explants of the 11, 12, and 13-day embryo inner ear organ culture specimens when compared to the aganglionic group “B” cultures. Microscopic comparison of the sensory structures and their sensory hair cells that developed in the organ cultures revealed no differences in the quality of the histodifferentiation of either group “A” or group “B” explants. A base to apex pattern of histodifferentiation of the organ of Corti sensory structures, which has been described to occur in vivo, was noted to occur in the in vitro developed cochlear ducts of all of the explanted inner ears without respect to whether neural elements were present (“A”) or absent (“B”) during development. It was concluded from the quantification of histodifferentiation data and the above observation on the pattern of differentiation of Corti's organ that no trophic effect of neural elements of the statoacoustic ganglion complex influencing the histodifferentiation of sensory structures of 11, 12, and 13-gestation day mouse embryo inner ear explants as they differentiate in vitro could be demonstrated.

scholarly journals High Serum FSH is Associated with Brown Oocyte Formation and a Lower Pregnacy Rate in Human IVF Parctice

2016 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 677-684 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongyi Xu ◽  
Kai Deng ◽  
Qingbing Luo ◽  
Juan Chen ◽  
Xin Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Embryo Quality ◽  
High Serum ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Good Quality Embryo ◽  
Serum Hormone ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
Ivf Et

Background/Aims: To investigate whether brown zona pellucida (ZP) of oocytes affects the outcome of fertilization, embryo quality and pregnancy rate in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Methods: Based on the ZP color of their oocytes, a total number of 703 patients dated from 2012 to 2014 were divided into a normal egg group (group A) and a brown oocyte group (group B), with 629 and 74 cases, respectively. Clinical characteristics, gonadotropin (Gn) days, Gn dosage, serum hormone levels on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) injection, ZP thickness (ZPT) of the eggs, fertilization rate, rescue intracytoplasmic sperm injection (rICSI) rate, good-quality embryo rate and pregnancy rate were compared between the two groups. Results: No significant differences were found in the duration and the causes of infertility, and their basal level of endocrine hormone before IVF-ET between normal egg group and brown egg group. The level of serum hormone including estradiol, progesterone and luteinizing hormone on the day of HCG injection were again similar. Moreover, there were no differences in number of mature oocytes, oocyte fertilization rates and rICSI rates after IVF between the two groups. However, we observed that the ZPT of brown oocytes (group B) was higher than that of normal oocytes (group A). Moreover, the Gn dosage and FSH levels on the day of HCG injection were significantly higher in group B than in group A and the good-quality embryo rate and pregnancy rate in group B were lower than those in group A. Conclusion: Compared with normal eggs, oocytes with a brown ZP were found to have a higher ZPT, lower embryo quality and lower pregnancy rate, which might be due to a high Gn dosage injection and high serum FSH levels during IVT-ET cycles.

scholarly journals Single-unit transfusions of RBC enzymatically converted from group B to group O to A and O normal volunteers

Blood ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 77 (6) ◽  
pp. 1383-1388 ◽  
Author(s):  
LL Lenny ◽  
R Hurst ◽  
J Goldstein ◽  
LJ Benjamin ◽  
RL Jones
Keyword(s):  
Single Unit ◽  
Small Volume ◽  
Survival Times ◽  
Chronic Anemia ◽  
Group A ◽  
Alpha Galactosidase ◽  
Group B ◽  
Sustained Increase

Abstract Full-unit transfusions of RBC enzymatically converted from group B to group O by treatment with alpha-galactosidase (ECO RBC) to group O and A normal healthy individuals exhibit excellent in vivo survival times (24-hour survival 95.1% +/- 2.3%, T50 36.9 +/- 4.6 days). These results confirm our earlier findings describing ECO RBC in vitro viability and normal in vivo survival time after small-volume infusions. No significant increase in pretransfusion anti-B titer or score is observed in either group O or A subjects provided that sufficient enzyme is used to treat the cells: Cells transfused to group O recipients require higher levels of enzyme (185 to 200 U/mL RBC) than those infused to group A (90 U/mL RBC). Two separate single-unit transfusions of ECO RBC to one group O recipient (4.5 months apart) also survived normally (24-hour survival 96% and 92%, T50 40 and 36 days) and did not increase preexisting anti-B levels in this subject. ECO RBC were not agglutinated or lysed by recipient sera before or after transfusion. Similarly, no antibody development to the alpha- galactosidase used in cell treatment (and washed from the product before transfusion) could be detected in any subject. The sustained increase in hemoglobin levels after transfusion of ECO RBC suggests that this product will be useful in treatment of acute and chronic anemia.

363 FACTORS INFLUENCING PREGNANCY RATES FOLLOWING TRANSFER OF BOVINE IN VIVO EMBRYOS BIOPSIED FOR SEX DETERMINATION

2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 297
Author(s):  
S. Li ◽  
W. Yu ◽  
J. Fu ◽  
Y. Bai ◽  
F. Jin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Embryo Survival ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
First Time ◽  
Fresh Embryos

Data collected from commercial embryo transfer programs in 63 farms in China during June 2002 to December 2005 was analyzed to examine the effects of various factors (biopsy, freezing, sample size, embryo development and quality, in vitro culture, and recipient quality) on pregnancy rates of in vivo-biopsied embryos. Embryos were flushed from superovulated dairy cattle and subjected to a biopsy for sexing determination using protocols and sexing kits supplied by AB Technology Ltd. Fresh embryos were implanted on the same day or frozen with AG freeze medium (AB Technology Ltd., Pullman, WA, USA) for later transfer. Recipients were synchronized with CIDA + PG protocols. Embryos were cultured in 6-well dishes containing 1.3 mL of holding medium (AB Technology Ltd.) in each well at room temperature (20–25�C) for examination of embryo survival in vitro. The chi-square test was used in statistic analysis. The implantation of fresh embryos after biopsy did not affect pregnancy rates (49.6%, 257/518) compared to that of non-biopsied fresh and frozen–thawed embryo groups (52.9%, 47/140 and 46.6%, 177/380, respectively). However, for biopsied embryos subjected to frozen and thawed procedures before implantation, particularly for those subjected to the removal of a larger biopsy, a reduced pregnancy rate was observed (41.8%, 297/710; P &lt; 0.01). Pregnancy rates among biopsied embryos at 3 different development stages (morula-early blastocyst, blastocyst, and expanded blastocyst) were not different. Similar results were found between embryo groups of grade 1 and 2. A significant decrease in pregnancy rate (0/10) was observed with embryos held in vitro for a longer period of time (&gt;5 h), suggesting detrimental effects of in vitro conditions on embryo survival. The highest pregnancy rate (68.0%) was observed in recipients synchronized for the first time before being implanted with biopsied embryos. Significant decreases in such rates were found in recipients synchronized for the second or third times or those with an abortion history at the first or second synchronization-implantation treatment (P &lt; 0.01). Better pregnancy rates (45.6%, 41/90; 46.1%, 76/165; and 45.5%, 5/11) were obtained for recipients implanted with biopsied embryos at Days 7.5, 8.0, and 8.5 post-heat detection, respectively, compared to 16% at Day 7 (3/18, P &lt; 0.05). It is concluded that mechanical treatment (cutting) does not reduce the survival of biopsied embryos; however, cryopreservation reduces their ability to survive in vivo. The analyses also suggest that holding embryos in vitro should not be longer than 5 h unless more favorable in vitro conditions can be provided. To achieve better results of implantation of biopsied embryos, embryo transfer should be performed during 7.5–8.5 days post-estrus, and the healthy recipients synchronized for the first time should be used.

147 Pre-incubation of bovine sperm used for IVF accelerates the developmental kinetics of the resulting embryos and possibly their sex ratio

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 198
Author(s):  
F. Kotarski ◽  
B. Zimmer ◽  
C. Wrenzycki
Keyword(s):  
Sex Ratio ◽  
Culture Conditions ◽  
Developmental Capacity ◽  
Developmental Rates ◽  
Group A ◽  
Disproportionate Number ◽  
Group B ◽  
The Individual

The sex ratio of newborn calves and embryos produced in vivo is ~1:1. However, numerous studies on bovine in vitro-produced embryos suggest that the sex ratio may differ from 1:1 and that the rate of development may be influenced by the sex of the embryo under certain culture conditions. The duration of sperm-oocyte interaction and sperm pre-incubation also affect the sex ratio of bovine embryos produced in vitro. It is well documented that in vitro male embryos reach the more advanced stages earlier than do their female counterparts. Selection of developmentally more advanced embryos in anticipation that they have a greater developmental capacity may be one of the underlying causes of the disproportionate number of males among offspring born after transfer of in vitro-produced embryos. The aim of the present study is to test whether a pre-incubation of sperm before IVF might improve the developmental rates and also influence the sex ratio of the resulting embryos. Bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes were recovered from abattoir-derived ovaries by the slicing method. After 24h of maturation, fertilization was realised using a standard protocol. Prior to IVF, sperm cells from 2 different bulls were treated as follows: sperm within group A were pre-incubated in IVF medium for one hour. This step was omitted for sperm in group B (control). After 19h of co-culture of COC and sperm, presumptive zygotes were cultured in SOFaa for a period of 7 days. Cleavage and developmental rates were recorded at Day 3 and 7 (Day 0=IVF). Day 7 blastocysts from all groups were sexed using bovine and Y chromosome-specific primers. Data were analysed by ANOVA. As shown in Table 1, sperm pre-incubation did not affect the cleavage and developmental rates for the individual bull (P&gt;0.05). On average, at Day 7 of development a higher number of blastocysts was determined when embryos had been produced from pre-incubated sperm (P ≤ 0.05). This held true for both bulls. The shift in favour of male embryos was detectable in all groups of embryos, with a drastic one for bull 1 after sperm pre-incubation. In conclusion, sperm pre-incubation accelerated embryo development and possibly enhanced the proportion of male embryos, which was already shifted toward males. Table 1.Developmental rates, developmental kinetics and sex ratio of embryos after sperm pre-incubation before IVF (mean±standard deviation)

scholarly journals Effect of hysteroscopic examination on the outcome of in vitro fertilization

2011 ◽  
Vol 68 (6) ◽  
pp. 476-480 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Trninic-Pjevic ◽  
Vesna Kopitovic ◽  
Sonja Pop-Trajkovic ◽  
Artur Bjelica ◽  
Irena Bujas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Uterine Cavity ◽  
Transvaginal Sonography ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Pregnancy And Delivery ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
Ivf Et

Bacground/Aim. Implantation failure after embryo transfer is one of the main problems of in vitro fartilization (IVF) and intrauterine pathologies can lead to unsuccessful outcome. The aim of this study was to determine if hysteroscopic examination of uterine cavity and consequent treatment of intrauterine lesions prior to IVF could improve the pregnancy rate in women under 38. Methods. This study included 480 patients under 38, who had undergone IVF or IVF\ICSI - embryo transfer cycles, in which one or more good quality embryos were transferred. By transvaginal sonography performed within the past 2 months, the uterus was found normal in all the patients enrolled in our IVF unit. The patients were divided into three groups: group A - with no hysteroscopic evaluation and no pathology, group B - with hysteroscopy but no pathology, and group C - with abnormal hysteroscopy finding and corresponding treatment. Results. The obtained results revaled no difference in the mean age, duration of infertility, number of mature oocytes in either group (p > 0.05). Clinical pregnancy rates in the groups A, B and C were 36.9%, 58.75% and 32.7%, respectively, and delivery rates were 27.5%, 48.7% and 25.7%, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference among the groups concerning pregnancy and delivery rates. Conclusion. Considering the results of this study we could conclude that hysteroscopy, as a routine examination, should be performed before the first IVF-ET cycle in all patients thereby reducing the failures and then the costs of IVF-ET.

scholarly journals Specific and Cross-reacting Antibodies in ABO Heterospecific Twin Pregnancy

Blood ◽  
1957 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 883-906 ◽  
Author(s):  
WOLF W. ZUELZER ◽  
FLOSSIE COHEN ◽  
ABNER R. ROBINSON ◽  
KATHRYN BEATTIE
Keyword(s):  
B Cells ◽  
Maternal Serum ◽  
Hemolytic Disease ◽  
A Cells ◽  
Neutralization Techniques ◽  
Group A ◽  
Abo Hemolytic Disease ◽  
Group B

Abstract A "study in depth" is reported concerning the case of hemolytic disease of a group B infant born to a group O mother, whose group A twin was apparently unaffected. It was shown that the hemolytic disease of the affected infant was due to a specific anti-B antibody. The study included parallel examinations of the antibodies in the sera of the three individuals. The specificity of the B-anti-B reaction was demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. The powerful anti-B antibody of the mother had no effect on the group A twin, in whose serum anti-B was present in large amounts. In vitro, studied by the usual technics of cross absorption the maternal and the fetal anti-A and anti-B serum antibodies behaved as if strictly specific. By applying successive absorption, elution and neutralization techniques, however, it was possible to demonstrate additional cross-reacting antibodies in the maternal serum which could be separated from one another and from the specific anti-A and anti-B antibodies. From the erythrocytes of the normal group A twin such cross-reacting antibody could be eluted. The cross-reacting anti-B antibody, isolated in pure form in eluates, could be shown to be loosely attached to group A erythrocytes without producing visible agglutination reactions while after elution from A cells it did visibly agglutinate group B cells. It could be eluted from A cells, absorbed by fresh A cells and reeluted while retaining its anti-B effect. It was neutralized by group B saliva only. A separate anti-A antibody with similar properties was eluted from B cells and specifically neutralized by group A saliva. A partial affinity of these antibodies for heterologous erythrocytes but not for specific soluble substances was thus demonstrated. These findings support neither the linkage hypothesis of cross reactions between anti-A and anti-B nor the C-anti-C hypothesis of hemolytic disease. They are in keeping with the view that group O sera contain variable complexes of anti-A and anti-B antibodies, composed of multiple fractions with different partial specificities. It is suggested that the occurrence or non-occurrence of cross-reacting antibodies found in sera of group O mothers whose infants develop hemolytic disease is best explained on this basis. It is further stressed that the demonstration of an antibody in mother or child in ABO hemolytic disease does not necessarily indicate its pathologic significance.

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