scholarly journals Male-derived copulatory plugs enhance implantation success in female Mus musculus†

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lough-Stevens Michael ◽  
Caleb Ghione ◽  
Matthew Urness ◽  
Adelaide Hobbs ◽  
Colleen Sweeney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mus Musculus ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Fertilization Rates ◽  
Copulatory Plug ◽  
Female Remating ◽  
Implantation Rates ◽  
Transfer Method ◽  
Copulatory Plugs ◽  
Threshold Amount ◽  
Implantation Success

Abstract Among a wide diversity of sexually reproducing species, male ejaculates coagulate to form what has been termed a copulatory plug. A number of functions have been attributed to copulatory plugs, including, but not limited to, the inhibition of female remating and the promotion of ejaculate movement. Here we demonstrate that copulatory plugs also influence the likelihood of implantation, which occurs roughly four days after copulation in mice. Using a bead transfer method to control for differences in ejaculate retention and fertilization rates, we show that implantation rates significantly drop among females mated to genetically engineered males incapable of forming plugs (because they lack functional TGM4, the main enzyme responsible for its formation). Surprisingly, this result does not correlate with differences in circulating progesterone levels among females, an important hormone involved in implantation. In this paper we discuss three models that connect male-derived copulatory plugs to implantation success, including the hypothesis that plugs contribute to a threshold amount of stimulation required for females to become receptive to implantation.

P–183 Air quality oscillations inside the IVF laboratory do not affect clinical outcomes

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Mass. Hernaez ◽  
V Montalvo ◽  
A Garcia-Faura ◽  
B Marques ◽  
M López-Teijón
Keyword(s):  
Live Birth ◽  
Active Carbon ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Air Contaminants ◽  
Birth Rates ◽  
Fertilization Rates ◽  
Live Birth Rates ◽  
Implantation Rates

Abstract Study question Do air contaminant oscillations impair in vitro fertilization clinical results? Summary answer Oscillations of the main air contaminants (SO2, NO, NO2, O3, CO, PM10, C6H6) inside the IVF laboratory do not impair success rates. What is known already Pollution is a challenge that as humans we face around the world. Given the limited number of studies that demonstrate the effect of pollution into IVF treatments, the effect that air contaminants have on in vitro human gametes/embryos is not clear. IVF laboratories are designed to limit the stress that gametes and embryos suffer during culture and manipulation. Controlling temperature, humidity, light, and filtering the air is essential to have a successful IVF program. However, HEPA and active carbon filters are not enough to ensure that gametes/embryos are not exposed to contaminants, exposing them to potentially harmful gases and particles. Study design, size, duration Prospective study comprising treatments throughout 2019, recording levels of the main air contaminants (SO2, NO, NO2, O3, CO, PM10, C6H6) every 10 minutes inside the IVF laboratory in order to assess the effect of these pollutants. We included egg donor cycles without PGT-A. Participants/materials, setting, methods A total of 724 egg donation treatments were included. Using uninterrupted culture (Global, CooperSurgical) in time lapse incubators (Embryoscope, Vitrolife). A mean concentration of every pollutant during the 6 days of every treatment was calculated. We analyzed success rates such as fertilization rates, blastocyst rates, pregnancy rates, implantation rates, miscarriage rates, and live birth rates. Main results and the role of chance Our results show that no contaminant affects neither fertilization rates nor good quality blastocyst rates. The only pollutants that have an association with pregnancy rates are NO and CO (p = 0.014 y p = 0.021) in both the univariate and the multivariate statistical analysis. Still, this association is week and could be explained due to the large data set. When analyzing further data we do not find any association between the dose of contaminants and implantation rates, miscarriage rates nor live birth rates (p > 0.01) demonstrating that oscillations in levels of these contaminants do not affect clinical results. Our results differ with the results from a previous study where they detected an effect of SO2 and O3 when analyzing frozen embryo transfer results. This might be explained because the levels of these gases were lower in our clinic and the pregnancy and live birth rates are higher. Limitations, reasons for caution Although we measured the levels of the contaminants inside the IVF laboratory, we did not measure the levels inside the incubators. Wider implications of the findings: This results show that IVF success rates are not impaired by oscillations in air quality if the laboratory does use the necessary HEPA and active-carbon air filter systems. Trial registration number Not applicable

Copulatory plugs in Richardson's ground squirrels

1984 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
pp. 267-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gail R. Michener
Keyword(s):  
Vaginal Wall ◽  
Vaginal Epithelium ◽  
Ground Squirrels ◽  
Copulatory Plug ◽  
Plug Formation ◽  
Copulatory Plugs

The frequency with which copulatory plugs, coagulated ejaculate located in the vaginae of recently inseminated females, occur in Richardson's ground squirrels was determined during a 4-year study. In each year, on average, 37% of females captured on 3 consecutive days centered on the time of mating had a copulatory plug. Plugs filled the vaginal lumen, firmly adhered to the vaginal wall, sometimes remained in place as long as 15 – 17 h, and were expelled via sloughing of the vaginal epithelium. The function(s) of copulatory plugs could not be determined in this study, but protection of the male's sperm investment and prevention of sperm leakage were potential consequences of plug formation.

scholarly journals The Effect of Vitrification of Oocytes Cumulus Complex Apoptosis of Mice (Mus musculus) to Apoptosis, Rate of Fertilization and Embryo Quality

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Widjiati Widjiati ◽  
Aulanni’am Aulanni’am ◽  
Viski Fitri Hendrawan
Keyword(s):  
Mus Musculus ◽  
Embryo Quality ◽  
Cold Shock ◽  
Molecular Level ◽  
Fertilization Rate ◽  
Apoptosis Rate ◽  
Fertilization Rates ◽  
Cumulus Oocyte Complex

The purpose of this study was to determine the quality of cumulus oocyte complex (COC) after vitrification process toward apotosis of COC, fertilization rate and embryo quality. Frozen occurs during the cold shock that can lead to changes in the molecular level COC. These changes will affect the quality of frozen thawed oocytes after COC. The study used two groups, There are COC not frozen and frozen COC. Parameter observed were apotosis of blastomere cells, fertilization rate and embryo quality. Apoptosis of COC were observed with tunnel apoptec staining, fertilization rates were measured based on number of zygotes and embryo quality were observed through number of blastocyst. The data of apotosis of blastomere cells were analyzed by Kruscal Wallis. The result showed that the apoptosis number, fertilization rate, and morula number between are significantly (p less than 0.05) between groups. The administration of frozen COC increase number of apoptotic blastomer cells, decreased fertilization rate up to 51.1% and embryo quality up to 69.2 %. In conclusion, Frozen on COC increased apotosis of COC, decreased both of fertilization rate and embryo quality. The embryo Frozen of vitrification is required in the ART technology necessary to add an antioxidant to improve the fertilization rate and embryo quality

scholarly journals Randomized allocation of oocytes to IVF or ICSI for IVF-naïve cases with unexplained infertility in an IVF-ICSI Split protocol favors ICSI to optimize live birth outcomes

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 010-037
Author(s):  
John Lui Yovich ◽  
Jason Lee Conceicao ◽  
Nicole Marjanovich ◽  
Rachel Wicks ◽  
Jesmine Wong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Outcomes ◽  
Live Birth ◽  
Embryo Quality ◽  
Unexplained Infertility ◽  
Male Factor ◽  
Blastocyst Culture ◽  
Fertilization Rates ◽  
Live Birth Rates ◽  
Implantation Rates ◽  
In Pregnancy

In assisted reproduction treatments (ART), applying the ICSI method for fertilization of oocytes rather than traditional IVF method, is regarded as controversial for two reasons, namely utility and safety. Our study examines an IVF-ICSI Split model for couples with unexplained infertility, where male factor is meticulously excluded and ART is conducted by a strict algorithm, a commitment to blastocyst culture, along with single embryo transfers and a high commitment to cryopreservation. From 242 treatment cycles, 3346 oocytes recovered (13.8 per OPU) were randomly allocated to IVF or ICSI and the fertilization rates standardized to the number of 2PNS arising from each group applying the metaphase II oocyte number identified for the ICSI group, as the denominator for both groups. The fertilization rates were significantly higher overall for ICSI (83.2% vs 65.4%; p<0.0001), being most pronounced for women under 40 years. The resultant embryos had equivalent implantation rates in both fresh ET and frozen (FET) cycles with no significant differences in pregnancy rates, miscarriage rates or live birth outcomes indicating equivalent embryo quality. However, there were significantly higher numbers of ICSI-generated embryos cryopreserved and subsequent FET procedures showed higher live birth rates (21 births vs 6 births; p<0.005) and potential livebirths (214 births vs 104 births; p<0.0001). No congenital fetal abnormalities were detected in any of the 199 babies delivered during the study period to December 2020, neither IVF-generated nor ICSI-generated. Whilst the data strongly favors ICSI, there were 2 women (from 26 with fertilization in one arm only) who demonstrated fertilization only in the IVF arm of the study. We conclude that the IVF-ICSI Split model should be undertaken on all IVF-naïve women with unexplained infertility to determine the appropriate fertilization mode, albeit ICSI will be safely preferred for >90% of cases.

scholarly journals The Effect of Embryo Transfer Process Duration on Implantation Success

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isıl Kasapoglu ◽  
Kiper Aslan ◽  
Adnan Orhan ◽  
Ozge Albayrak ◽  
Seyma Haskoylu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Transfer Process ◽  
Total Period ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Good Quality Embryo ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Transfer Method ◽  
Transferred Patients ◽  
Implantation Success ◽  
Group 1

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the embryo transfer duration of standard and simple embryo transfer method. STUDY DESIGN: This study was a retrospective cohort study conducted at a tertiary ART Centre, between June 2018- September 2018. Day 5 fresh embryo transferred patients aged between 18 - 40, BMI <35 kg/m2 without uterine pathology were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two groups. Group-1 consisted of patients who had successful implantation and Group-2 consisted of patients who did not have implantation. Groups were compared according to their embryo transfer durations. Ninety-two patients were enrolled in the study. Also, sub-steps of as; cleaning of the cervical mucus and placing the outer catheter in the cervix, loading the embryo to the catheter, the period between embryo loading and embryo transfer, and following that, time spent for retracting the outer catheter evaluated. RESULTS: Between Group-1 and Group-2, there was no significant difference for the period of cervical cleaning and placing the outer catheter into the cervix (Respectively; 63 sec vs. 76 sec; p=0.18), the period of embryo loading (Respectively; 69sec vs. 71sec; p=0.46), the period between embryo loading and embryo transfer (Respectively; 10 sec vs. 10 sec; p=0.74, retracing the outer catheter (Respectively; 25.5sec vs. 24sec; p=0.42 and the total period of embryo transfer (182sec vs. 182.5 sec; p=0.55). CONCLUSION: The embryo transfer duration is not related to implantation rates. The duration of the embryo transfer process steps is not a distinguishing factor if a good-quality embryo transfer is done.

scholarly journals Improving Sperm Oxidative Stress and Embryo Quality in Advanced Paternal Age Using Idebenone In Vitro—A Proof-of-Concept Study

Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1079
Author(s):  
Victoria Nikitaras ◽  
Deirdre Zander-Fox ◽  
Nicole O. McPherson
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Quality ◽  
Inner Cell Mass ◽  
Cell Mass ◽  
Weight Ratio ◽  
Paternal Age ◽  
Advanced Paternal Age ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Fertilization Rates ◽  
Implantation Rates

Advanced paternal age is associated with increased sperm reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased fertilization and pregnancy rates. Sperm washing during infertility treatment provides an opportunity to reduce high sperm ROS concentrations associated with advanced paternal age through the addition of idebenone. Sperm from men aged >40 years and older CBAF1 mice (12–18 months), were treated with 5 µM and 50 µM of idebenone and intracellular and superoxide ROS concentrations assessed. Following in vitro fertilization (IVF), embryo development, blastocyst differentiation, DNA damage and cryosurvival, pregnancy and implantation rates and fetal and placental weights were assessed. Five µM of idebenone given to aged human and mouse sperm reduced superoxide concentrations ~20% (p < 0.05), while both 5 and 50 µM reduced sperm intracellular ROS concentrations in mice ~30% (p < 0.05). Following IVF, 5 µM of idebenone to aged sperm increased fertilization rates (65% vs. 60%, p < 0.05), blastocyst total, trophectoderm and inner cell mass cell numbers (73 vs. 66, 53 vs. 47 and 27 vs. 24, respectively, p < 0.01). Treatment with idebenone also increased blastocyst cryosurvival rates (96% vs. 78%, p < 0.01) and implantation rates following embryo transfer (35% vs. 18%, p < 0.01). Placental weights were smaller (107 mg vs. 138 mg, p < 0.05), resulting in a larger fetal to placental weight ratio (8.3 vs. 6.3, p = 0.07) after sperm idebenone treatment. Increased sperm ROS concentrations associated with advanced paternal age are reduced with the addition of idebenone in vitro, and are associated with improved fertilization rates, embryo quality and implantation rates after IVF.

scholarly journals COPULATORY PLUG DOES NOT INDUCE LUTEAL ACTIVITY IN THE MOUSE MUS MUSCULUS

Reproduction ◽  
1968 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 149-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. E. McGILL ◽  
D. M. CORWIN ◽  
D. T. HARRISON
Keyword(s):  
Mus Musculus ◽  
Copulatory Plug

scholarly journals A simple and economic protocol for efficient in vitro fertilization using cryopreserved mouse sperm

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. e0259202
Author(s):  
Magdalena Wigger ◽  
Simon E. Tröder ◽  
Branko Zevnik
Keyword(s):  
Mouse Models ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Embryo Freezing ◽  
Fertilization Rates ◽  
Highly Efficient ◽  
Colony Management

The advent of genome editing tools like CRISPR/Cas has substantially increased the number of genetically engineered mouse models in recent years. In support of refinement and reduction, sperm cryopreservation is advantageous compared to embryo freezing for archiving and distribution of such mouse models. The in vitro fertilization using cryopreserved sperm from the most widely used C57BL/6 strain has become highly efficient in recent years due to several improvements of the procedure. However, purchase of the necessary media for routine application of the current protocol poses a constant burden on budgetary constraints. In-house media preparation, instead, is complex and requires quality control of each batch. Here, we describe a cost-effective and easily adaptable approach for in vitro fertilization using cryopreserved C57BL/6 sperm. This is mainly achieved by modification of an affordable commercial fertilization medium and a step-by-step description of all other necessary reagents. Large-scale comparison of fertilization rates from independent lines of genetically engineered C57BL/6 mice upon cryopreservation and in vitro fertilization with our approach demonstrated equal or significantly superior fertilization rates to current protocols. Our novel SEcuRe (Simple Economical set-up for Rederivation) method provides an affordable, easily adaptable and harmonized protocol for highly efficient rederivation using cryopreserved C57BL/6 sperm for a broad application of colony management in the sense of the 3Rs.

Transferring embryos on day 2 versus day 3 in women with low fertilization rates does not affect pregnancy and implantation rates

2017 ◽  
Vol 107 (3) ◽  
pp. e49-e50
Author(s):  
G.Y. Christou ◽  
I. Dimitriadis ◽  
S.T. McLellan ◽  
C. Veiga ◽  
C.L. Bormann
Keyword(s):  
Fertilization Rates ◽  
Implantation Rates

scholarly journals Absorption and distribution of estradiol from male seminal emissions during mating

2016 ◽  
Vol 231 (3) ◽  
pp. 245-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denys deCatanzaro ◽  
Tyler Pollock
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Young Males ◽  
Copulatory Plug ◽  
Blastocyst Implantation ◽  
Male To Female ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Estradiol 17Β ◽  
Copulatory Plugs ◽  
Female Maturation

Estradiol-17β (E2) plays critical roles in female maturation, sexual receptivity, ovulation and fertility. In many mammals, contact with males can similarly affect these female parameters, whereas male excretions contain significant quantities of E2. We administered radiolabeled estradiol ([3H]E2) to male mice in doses representing a small fraction of their endogenous E2. These males were paired with sexually receptive females, and radioactivity was traced into the females’ systems. In Experiment 1, males were given [3H]E2 at 24 and 1 h before mating. Male-to-female [3H]E2 transfer intensified with increasing numbers of intromissions and spiked in the uterus after insemination. In Experiment 2, sexually experienced young males received [3H]E2 at 72 and 24 h before mating, and all mated to ejaculation. The copulatory plug deposited in the female reproductive tract contained substantial levels of radioactivity. The uteri, other tissues and blood serum of females displayed radioactivity indicative of E2 transfer. In Experiment 3, radioactivity was observed 3 and 18 h after insemination in the females’ uteri and other tissues, including parts of the brain. In Experiment 4, we observed substantial levels of radioactivity in semen as well as the copulatory plugs retrieved from the females after mating. Transferred E2 could directly affect abundant estrogen receptors in the female reproductive tract without potential metabolism by the liver. Sexually transferred E2 may facilitate uterine preparation for blastocyst implantation. These data converge with several lines of evidence indicating that male-sourced E2 can transfer to proximate females in bioactive form, contributing to various mammalian pheromonal effects.

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