scholarly journals Molecular characterization of egg envelope glycoprotein ZPD in the ovary of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)

Reproduction ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 137 (2) ◽  
pp. 333-343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tsukasa Sato ◽  
Mihoko Kinoshita ◽  
Norio Kansaku ◽  
Kenichi Tahara ◽  
Akira Tsukada ◽  
...  

The egg envelope surrounding avian oocytes exhibits a three-dimensional network of coarse fibers between the granulosa cells and the oocyte. Our previous studies have demonstrated that one of the matrix's components, ZP3, is synthesized in the ovarian granulosa cells. Another component, ZP1, which is critically involved in triggering the sperm acrosome reaction, is synthesized in the liver. We have previously isolated cDNAs encoding quail ZP3 and ZP1, and we now report the isolation of cDNA encoding quail ZPD. By RNase protection assay and in situ hybridization, we have demonstrated that ZPD transcripts are restricted to the granulosa cells of preovulatory follicles. The expression level of ZPD increased progressively during follicular development, and the highest expression was observed in the largest follicles. Western blot analyses using the specific antibody against ZPD indicate that the 40 kDa protein is the authentic ZPD, and the contents of ZPD protein also increased during follicular development. Moreover, we found that the addition of FSH to the culture media enhances the ZPD secretion in the cultured granulosa cells. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis revealed the presence of several ZPD isoforms with different pI values ranging from 5.5 to 7. Immunohistochemical analyses indicate that the materials recognized with anti-quail ZPD antibody were accumulated in the egg envelope of large yellow follicles. These results demonstrate the presence of ZPD protein in the egg envelope, and that the amount of ZPD in the egg envelope as well as the mRNA in the cells increases at the latter stages of folliculogenesis.

Reproduction ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 139 (2) ◽  
pp. 359-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mihoko Kinoshita ◽  
Daniela Rodler ◽  
Kenichi Sugiura ◽  
Kayoko Matsushima ◽  
Norio Kansaku ◽  
...  

The avian perivitelline layer (PL), a vestment homologous to the zona pellucida (ZP) of mammalian oocytes, is composed of at least three glycoproteins. Our previous studies have demonstrated that the matrix's components, ZP3 and ZPD, are synthesized in ovarian granulosa cells. Another component, ZP1, is synthesized in the liver and is transported to the ovary by blood circulation. In this study, we report the isolation of cDNA encoding quail ZP2 and its expression in the female bird. By RNase protection assay and in situ hybridization, we demonstrate that ZP2 transcripts are restricted to the oocytes of small white follicles (SWF). The expression level of ZP2 decreased dramatically during follicular development, and the highest expression was observed in the SWF. Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses using the specific antibody against ZP2 indicate that the 80 kDa protein is the authentic ZP2, and the immunoreactive ZP2 protein is also present in the oocytes. Moreover, ultrastructural analysis demonstrated that the immunoreactive ZP2 localizes to the zona radiata, the perivitelline space, and the oocyte cytoplasm in the SWF. By means of western blot analysis and immunofluorescence microscopy, we detected a possible interaction of the recombinant ZP2 with ZP3 and that this interaction might lead to the formation of amorphous structure on the cell surface. These results demonstrate for the first time that the avian ZP gene is expressed in the oocyte, and that the ZP2 protein in the oocyte might play a role for the PL formation in the immature follicles of the ovary.


2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 359 ◽  
Author(s):  
Érica S. S. Leal ◽  
Luis A. Vieira ◽  
Naíza A. R. Sá ◽  
Gerlane M. Silva ◽  
Franciele O. Lunardi ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to evaluate the viability, antrum formation and in vitro development of isolated secondary follicles from vitrified caprine ovarian cortex in a medium previously established for fresh isolated secondary follicles, in the absence (α-minimum essential medium (α-MEM+) alone) or presence of FSH and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF; α-MEM++FSH+VEGF). Ovarian fragments were distributed among five treatments (T1 to T5): fresh follicles were fixed immediately (T1), follicles from fresh tissue were cultured in vitro in α-MEM+ (T2) or α-MEM++FSH+VEGF (T3) and follicles from vitrified tissue were cultured in vitro in α-MEM+ (T4) or α-MEM++FSH+VEGF (T5). After 6 days of culture, treated follicles (T2, T3, T4 and T5) were evaluated for morphology, viability and follicular development (growth, antrum formation and proliferation of granulosa cells by Ki67 and argyrophilic nucleolar organiser region (AgNOR) staining). The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the culture media were also assessed. Overall, morphology of vitrified follicles was altered (P < 0.05) compared with the fresh follicles. Follicular viability, antrum formation and ROS were similar between treatments (P > 0.05). The average overall and daily follicular growth was highest (P < 0.05) in T3. Granulosa cells in all treatments (T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5) stained positive for Ki67. However, fresh follicles from T3 had significantly higher AgNOR staining (P < 0.05) compared with follicles of T1, T2, T4 and T5. In conclusion, secondary follicles can be isolated from vitrified and warmed ovarian cortex and survive and form an antrum when growing in an in vitro culture for 6 days.


Reproduction ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 131 (4) ◽  
pp. 641-649 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inger B Carlsson ◽  
Mika P E Laitinen ◽  
Jennifer E Scott ◽  
Henna Louhio ◽  
Louiza Velentzis ◽  
...  

The receptor tyrosine c-Kit and its cognate ligand, c-Kit ligand (KL, stem cell factor, SCF), are involved in ovarian follicular development in several animal species. We studied the expression of KL and c-Kit usingin situhybridization and immunohistochemistry in donated human ovarian cortical tissue. The KL transcripts were expressed in granulosa cells of primary follicles, whereas the expression of c-Kit was confined to the oocyte and granulosa cells in primary and secondary follicles. We employed an ovarian organ culture using firstly serum-containing and then serum-free medium to study the effects of KL and an anti-c-Kit antibody, ACK2, on the development and survival of ovarian folliclesin vitro. Culture of ovarian cortical slices for 7 days resulted in a 37% increase in the number of primary follicles and a 6% increase in secondary follicles. The proportion of viable follicles decreased in all cultures. The addition of KL (1, 10 and 100 ng/ml) into the culture media did not affect the developmental stages of the follicles or the proportion of atretic follicles. Inclusion of ACK2 (800 ng/ml) in the culture medium significantly increased the proportion of atretic follicles on days 7 (49 vs 28% in control cultures) and 14 (62 vs 38%) of culture. In conclusion, c-Kit and KL are expressed in human ovaries during follicular development. Blocking the c-Kit receptor induces follicular atresia. The KL/c-Kit signaling system is likely to control the survival of human ovarian follicles during early follicular development.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-148
Author(s):  
Ankaj Kaundal ◽  
Pravin Kumar ◽  
Rajendra Awasthi ◽  
Giriraj T. Kulkarni

Aim: The study was aimed to develop mucoadhesive buccal tablets using Aster ericoides leaves mucilage. Background : Mucilages are naturally occurring high-molecular-weight polyuronides, which have been extensively studied for their application in different pharmaceutical dosage forms. Objective: The objective of the present research was to establish the mucilage isolated from the leaves of Aster ericoides as an excipient for the formulation of the mucoadhesive buccal tablet. Method: The mucilage was isolated from the leaves of Aster ericoides by maceration, precipitated with acetone and characterized. Tablets were prepared using wet granulation technique and evaluated for various official tests. Results: The mucilage was found to be non-toxic on A-431 and Vero cell lines. It was insoluble but swellable in cold and hot water. The results indicate that mucilage can form a three-dimensional network. The pH of the mucilage (6.82 ± 0.13) indicated that it might be non-irritant to the buccal cavity. The mucilage was found to be free from microbes. The release of drug was by Fickian diffusion. The in vivo buccal tablet acceptance was 80%. No significant difference between the diastolic blood pressure of standard and Aster tablets treated volunteer group was recorded. Conclusion: The mucilage was found to be non-toxic on A-431 and Vero cell lines. It was insoluble but swellable in cold and hot water. The results indicate that mucilage can form a three-dimensional network. The pH of the mucilage (6.82 ± 0.13) indicated that it might be non-irritant to the buccal cavity. The mucilage was found to be free from microbes. The release of drug was by Fickian diffusion. The in vivo buccal tablet acceptance was 80%. No significant difference between the diastolic blood pressure of standard and Aster tablets treated volunteer group was recorded. Other: However, to prove the potency of the polymer, in vivo bioavailability studies in human volunteers are needed along with chronic toxicity studies in suitable animal models.


2014 ◽  
Vol 70 (9) ◽  
pp. i46-i46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias Weil ◽  
Thomas Häusler

The crystal structure of the room-temperature modification of K[Hg(SCN)3], potassium trithiocyanatomercurate(II), was redetermined based on modern CCD data. In comparison with the previous report [Zhdanov & Sanadze (1952).Zh. Fiz. Khim.26, 469–478], reliability factors, standard deviations of lattice parameters and atomic coordinates, as well as anisotropic displacement parameters, were revealed for all atoms. The higher precision and accuracy of the model is, for example, reflected by the Hg—S bond lengths of 2.3954 (11), 2.4481 (8) and 2.7653 (6) Å in comparison with values of 2.24, 2.43 and 2.77 Å. All atoms in the crystal structure are located on mirror planes. The Hg2+cation is surrounded by four S atoms in a seesaw shape [S—Hg—S angles range from 94.65 (2) to 154.06 (3)°]. The HgS4polyhedra share a common S atom, building up chains extending parallel to [010]. All S atoms of the resulting1∞[HgS2/1S2/2] chains are also part of SCN−anions that link these chains with the K+cations into a three-dimensional network. The K—N bond lengths of the distorted KN7polyhedra lie between 2.926 (2) and 3.051 (3) Å.


Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 1841
Author(s):  
Kang Li ◽  
Xuejie Zhang ◽  
Yan Qin ◽  
Ying Li

Aerogels have been widely used in the adsorption of pollutants because of their large specific surface area. As an environmentally friendly natural polysaccharide, cellulose is a good candidate for the preparation of aerogels due to its wide sources and abundant polar groups. In this paper, an approach to construct cellulose nanofibers aerogels with both the good mechanical property and the high pollutants adsorption capability through chemical crosslinking was explored. On this basis, TiO2 nanoparticles were loaded on the aerogel through the sol-gel method followed by the hydrothermal method, thereby the enriched pollutants in the aerogel could be degraded synchronously. The chemical cross-linker not only helps build the three-dimensional network structure of aerogels, but also provides loading sites for TiO2. The degradation efficiency of pollutants by the TiO2@CNF Aerogel can reach more than 90% after 4 h, and the efficiency is still more than 70% after five cycles. The prepared TiO2@CNF Aerogels have high potential in the field of environmental management, because of the high efficiency of treating organic pollutes and the sustainability of the materials. The work also provides a choice for the functional utilization of cellulose, offering a valuable method to utilize the large amount of cellulose in nature.


RSC Advances ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (33) ◽  
pp. 20446-20456
Author(s):  
Xi Ma ◽  
Ziwei Wang ◽  
Haoguo Yang ◽  
Yiqiu Zhang ◽  
Zizhong Zhang ◽  
...  

Compared with traditional layered graphene, graphene hydrogels have been used to construct highly efficient visible light-excited photocatalysts due to their particular three-dimensional network structure and efficient electron transport capacity.


e-Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 346-354
Author(s):  
Guoquan Qi ◽  
Hongxia Yan ◽  
Dongtao Qi ◽  
Houbu Li ◽  
Lushi Kong ◽  
...  

Abstract The chapter deals with the performance evaluation of the polyethylene of raised temperature resistance (PE-RT) and polyethylene (PE) using autoclave test under sour oil and gas medium conditions. The analyses of performance changes showed that PE-RT has good media resistance at 60°C. As the temperature increases, its mechanical properties decrease, accompanied by an increase in weight. Comparative analyses showed that no matter what temperature conditions are, PE-RT media resistance is better than PE80. The better media resistance of PE-RT depends on its higher degree of branching. Short branches are distributed between the crystals to form a connection between the crystals, thereby improving its heat resistance and stress under high-temperature conditions. PE-RT forms an excellent three-dimensional network structure through copolymerization, ensuring that it has better media resistance than PE80. However, the mechanical performance will be attenuated due to the high service temperature.


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