Histological Feature of Ovarian Structures Throughout the Reproductive Cycle in Alpine Goats (Capra Hircus)

AbstractThe knowledge about ovarian physiology in small ruminants is still limited, especially when compared to other domestic species. Ovarian function in goats is mainly assessed by ultrasonographic techniques, whereas a quali-quantitative feature of the follicular and luteal structures throughout the reproductive cycle in naturally cycling goats is scarce. This study provides a detailed description of the functional morphology and size of 742 ovarian structures (follicles, corpora hemorrhagica and corpora lutea) in relation to the oestrus phase, the body weight and the age of 25 Alpine goats (Capra hircus). The current study demonstrated that, the number and size of the follicles were related to the stage of the reproductive cycle (P < 0.0001). Also, the mean number of follicles was high during both prepubertal anestrus and diestrus, whereas it was low in the oestrus. Large (3-4 mm in diameter) and very large follicles (> 4 mm) (P < 0.001), and small follicles (< 2 mm; P < 0.05) varied throughout the reproductive cycle, while medium follicles (2-3 mm) were invariably observed. Large and very large follicles were predominant during the diestrus phase and small follicles in the prepubertal anestrus. It is evident from the current study that the number of follicles (P < 0.05) was significantly affected with both body weight and age. On the other hand, the size of follicles was significantly affected with body weight only (P < 0.0001). These results could contribute to a deeper understanding of ovarian transformations with important implications in assisted reproductive technologies, thereby concurring in advancing the efficiency of ultrasound in breeding programs for this species.

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Non-surgical embryo transfer in goats and sheep: the Brazilian experience

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rd18324 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 31 (1) ◽

pp. 17 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Jeferson F. Fonseca ◽

Maria Emilia F. Oliveira ◽

Felipe Z. Brandão ◽

Ribrio I. T. P. Batista ◽

Alexandre R. Garcia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Embryo Transfer ◽

Large Scale ◽

Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽

Rapid Development ◽

Small Ruminants ◽

Germplasm Conservation ◽

Reproductive Technologies ◽

Dairy Goat ◽

Corpora Lutea ◽

Embryo Recovery

Brazil has presented tremendous progress in non-surgical embryo transfer (NSET) in sheep and goats. New instruments and techniques for non-surgical embryo recovery (NSER) and NSET in small ruminants were implemented. Recent improvements include refinement of the protocols for cervical relaxation combining oestradiol–oxytocin–cloprostenol treatment at specific times before NSER in sheep; recipient goats do not require any hormonal drugs to induce cervical dilation and direct embryo transfer by the cervical route yields excellent results. Transrectal ovarian ultrasonography (B-mode but especially colour Doppler) have proven to be accurate methods to localise and enumerate corpora lutea and luteinised unovulated follicles in recipient and donor does and ewes. An array of new criteria for selecting superior animals for NSER and NSET (e.g. cervical mapping) have been developed by Brazilian researchers. Extensive studies on both technologies were initially conducted in commercial breeds of goats and sheep but have been gradually extended to some native breeds of sheep (germplasm conservation) and dairy goat operations. It is speculated that, in future, NSER and NSET may become methods of choice for caprine and ovine embryo recovery and transfer in Brazil, and then globally. Due primarily to the efficiency of NSET in goats, a novel interspecies (e.g. bovine) IVP method may soon be developed on a large scale. The Brazilian experience is an invaluable source of information and know-how promoting the replacement of conventional surgical assisted reproductive technologies with non-surgical procedures and hence supporting the rapid development of the embryo transfer industry in small ruminants.

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Effect of exogenous human chorionic gonadotropin on ovulation in mice

Vavilov Journal of Genetics and Breeding ◽

10.18699/vj19.577 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 23 (8) ◽

pp. 1006-1010

Author(s):

S. Ya. Amstislavsky ◽

S. V. Ranneva ◽

D. S. Ragaeva ◽

E. A. Chuyko ◽

A. M. Popkova ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Chorionic Gonadotropin ◽

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin ◽

Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽

Polar Body ◽

Reproductive Technologies ◽

The Body ◽

Hormonal Stimulation ◽

Experimental Group

The implementation of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), hormonal stimulation in particular, may change the quality of ovulated oocytes. The purpose of our work was to study ovulation in CD1 mice after their stimulation with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and to investigate the effects of such hormonal stimulation on the pregnancy duration, fetal losses and the weight of the offspring. No significant differences were found in the total number of ovulated oocytes or in the number of immature (without a polar body) ovulated oocytes; nor were there differences between the groups in the number of oocytes with a developing polar body. However, the number of matured oocytes with a distinct polar body was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in mice stimulated with hCG (experimental group) as compared with the controls (6.2 ± 0.86 and 2.2 ± 0.97, respectively). No significant differences were observed between the experimental and control mice in the duration of pregnancy or in the numbers of term offspring, including the percentage of live and stillborn pups. However, the body weight of the offspring in the experimental group was significantly lower (p < 0.001) as compared with the controls on the fifth day after birth (3.16 ± 0.09 and 3.76 ± 0.07, respectively). Thus, exogenous hCG facilitates the development of mouse oocytes in vivo, which leads to the larger number of their mature forms at ovulation, however, the offspring born after hCG-stimulated pregnancy was characterized by a lower body weight on the fifth day after birth.

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Re-imagining Reproduction: Unsettling Metaphors in the History of Imperial Science and Commercial Surrogacy in India

Somatechnics ◽

10.3366/soma.2015.0149 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 88-103 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Kalindi Vora

Keyword(s):

Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽

Reproductive Technologies ◽

The Body ◽

Body Parts ◽

Colonial History ◽

Women's Bodies ◽

Commercial Surrogacy ◽

Art Practices ◽

History Of ◽

Travel Industry

This paper provides an analysis of how cultural notions of the body and kinship conveyed through Western medical technologies and practices in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) bring together India's colonial history and its economic development through outsourcing, globalisation and instrumentalised notions of the reproductive body in transnational commercial surrogacy. Essential to this industry is the concept of the disembodied uterus that has arisen in scientific and medical practice, which allows for the logic of the ‘gestational carrier’ as a functional role in ART practices, and therefore in transnational medical fertility travel to India. Highlighting the instrumentalisation of the uterus as an alienable component of a body and subject – and therefore of women's bodies in surrogacy – helps elucidate some of the material and political stakes that accompany the growth of the fertility travel industry in India, where histories of privilege and difference converge. I conclude that the metaphors we use to structure our understanding of bodies and body parts impact how we imagine appropriate roles for people and their bodies in ways that are still deeply entangled with imperial histories of science, and these histories shape the contemporary disparities found in access to medical and legal protections among participants in transnational surrogacy arrangements.

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Changes in the thyroid gland during the reproductive cycle of the male vespertilionid bat, Scotophilus heathi

Revista Brasileira de Biologia ◽

10.1590/s0034-71081998000400018 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 58 (4) ◽

pp. 707-716 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

A. KRISHNA ◽

K. SINGH

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Seasonal Variation ◽

Thyroid Gland ◽

Seasonal Change ◽

Reproductive Cycle ◽

The Body ◽

Winter Dormancy ◽

High Concentration ◽

Positive Correlation ◽

Low Concentration

The aim of present study was to compare the changes in thyroid gland with the reproductive cycle of S. heathi. Thyroid showed marked seasonal variation in weight, quantity of colloid and follicular epithelial height, suggesting the thyroid gland to be inactive during quiescence and winter dormancy and active during the time of recrudescence and breeding similarly to the testicular cycle. Plasma thyroxin (T4) concentration showed a significant seasonal change with high concentration during breeding and post-breeding and low concentration during quiescence. However, the T4 concentration increased from breeding to post-breeding phase, when the testes weight was declining. It is suggested that in S. heathi the positive correlation between thyroid and testicular cycles occurs only during the phases of the reproductive cycle when the body weight and testicular activity are also closely correlated.

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Litter size components traits in two Algerian rabbit lines

World Rabbit Science ◽

10.4995/wrs.2021.14247 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 29 (1) ◽

pp. 51

Author(s):

Rafik Belabbas ◽

Maria de la Luz García ◽

Hacina AinBaziz ◽

Ali Berbar ◽

Maria José Argente

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Litter Size ◽

Principal Components ◽

Local Population ◽

The Body ◽

Ovulation Rate ◽

Phenotypic Correlation ◽

Limiting Factor ◽

Corpora Lutea ◽

Synthetic Line

The aim of this study was to estimate the limiting litter size components in rabbit females from a Synthetic line (n=32) and a Local population (n=34). Ovulation rate, number of implanted and live embryos were counted by laparoscopy at 12 d after mating. Prolificacy (total newborn, number born alive and mortality) and embryonic, foetal and prenatal survival at day of birth of the 3rd gestation were measured. The analysed traits were body weight of the female at mating, ovulation rate, implanted, live and resorbed embryos, embryonic, foetal and prenatal survival, as well as total newborn, number born alive and mortality at birth. Synthetic line females had a higher ovulation rate compared to the Local population (11.03±0.23 vs. 8.41±0.23 corpora lutea; P<0.0001). Synthetic line displayed a higher number of implanted embryos (10.00±0.25 vs. 7.85±0.25 embryos; P<0.0001). No difference was found between groups for number of resorbed embryos. Similar embryonic, foetal and prenatal survival rates were reported between the Synthetic line and the Local population. Additionally, total newborn was higher in the Synthetic line than in the Local population (+1.46 kits; P<0.05). A principal components analysis was performed. The first four principal components (PC) explained more than 90% of the total variation in both lines. Total newborn, number born alive and live embryos were the main variables defining the 1st PC. Resorbed embryos and foetal survival were located in the 2nd PC. Ovulation rate and embryonic survival were the predominant variables defining the 3rd PC. The body weight of females was located in the 4th PC. The phenotypic correlation between total newborn and its components were high and positive in both lines, except for ovulation rate and total newborn, where it was moderate in Synthetic line. In conclusion, the females from Synthetic line have a higher total newborn than those from Local population, as a consequence of a higher number of released oocytes and embryos that successfully reach implantation. However, a higher uterine crowding in Synthetic line seems to limit survival of foetuses that reach term of gestation, while ovulation rate is the principal limiting factor of total newborn in Local population.

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Negative impact of high doses of follicle-stimulating hormone during superovulation on the ovulatory follicle function in small ovarian reserve dairy heifers†

Biology of Reproduction ◽

10.1093/biolre/ioaa210 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Kaitlin R Karl ◽

Fermin Jimenez-Krassel ◽

Emily Gibbings ◽

Janet L H Ireland ◽

Zaramasina L Clark ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ovarian Reserve ◽

Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Follicle Stimulating Hormone ◽

Prostaglandin F2α ◽

Reproductive Technologies ◽

Corpora Lutea ◽

Ovulatory Follicle ◽

High Doses ◽

Stimulating Hormone

Abstract When women with small ovarian reserves are subjected to assisted reproductive technologies, high doses of gonadotropins are linked to high oocyte and embryo wastage and low live birth rates. We hypothesized that excessive follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) doses during superovulation are detrimental to ovulatory follicle function in individuals with a small ovarian reserve. To test this hypothesis, heifers with small ovarian reserves were injected twice daily for 4 days, beginning on Day 1 of the estrous cycle with 35, 70, 140, or 210 IU doses of Folltropin-V (FSH). Each heifer (n = 8) was superovulated using a Williams Latin Square Design. During each superovulation regimen, three prostaglandin F2α injections were given at 12-h interval, starting at the seventh FSH injection to regress the newly formed corpus luteum (CL). Human chorionic gonadotropin was injected 12 h after the last (8th) FSH injection to induce ovulation. Daily ultrasonography and blood sampling were used to determine the number and size of follicles and corpora lutea, uterine thickness, and circulating concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). The highest doses of FSH did not increase AMH, progesterone, number of ovulatory-size follicles, uterine thickness, or number of CL. However, estradiol production and ovulation rate were lower for heifers given high FSH doses compared to lower doses, indicating detrimental effects on ovulatory follicle function.

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Ovarian Function in Adolescents Conceived Using Assisted Reproductive Technologies

Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology ◽

10.1016/j.jpag.2018.11.008 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 32 (2) ◽

pp. 117-121 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Paulina M. Merino ◽

Patricia Lopez ◽

Abril Salinas ◽

Carolina Pastene ◽

Alex Muñoz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ovarian Function ◽

Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽

Reproductive Technologies

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Microphysiologic systems in female reproductive biology

Experimental Biology and Medicine ◽

10.1177/1535370217697386 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 242 (17) ◽

pp. 1690-1700 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Alexandria N Young ◽

Georgette Moyle-Heyrman ◽

J Julie Kim ◽

Joanna E Burdette

Keyword(s):

Reproductive Biology ◽

Embryo Development ◽

Reproductive Tract ◽

New Technologies ◽

Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽

Reproductive Technologies ◽

Female Reproductive Tract ◽

The Body ◽

Technological Advancement ◽

Organ Systems

Microphysiologic systems (MPS), including new organ-on-a-chip technologies, recapitulate tissue microenvironments by employing specially designed tissue or cell culturing techniques and microfluidic flow. Such systems are designed to incorporate physiologic factors that conventional 2D or even 3D systems cannot, such as the multicellular dynamics of a tissue–tissue interface or physical forces like fluid sheer stress. The female reproductive system is a series of interconnected organs that are necessary to produce eggs, support embryo development and female health, and impact the functioning of non-reproductive tissues throughout the body. Despite its importance, the human reproductive tract has received less attention than other organ systems, such as the liver and kidney, in terms of modeling with MPS. In this review, we discuss current gaps in the field and areas for technological advancement through the application of MPS. We explore current MPS research in female reproductive biology, including fertilization, pregnancy, and female reproductive tract diseases, with a focus on their clinical applications. Impact statement This review discusses existing microphysiologic systems technology that may be applied to study of the female reproductive tract, and those currently in development to specifically investigate gametes, fertilization, embryo development, pregnancy, and diseases of the female reproductive tract. We focus on the clinical applicability of these new technologies in fields such as assisted reproductive technologies, drug testing, disease diagnostics, and personalized medicine.

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191 TIMING OF OVULATION IN THE GONADOTROPHIN-STIMULATED SOUTHERN HAIRY-NOSED WOMBAT, LASIORHINUS LATIFRONS

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rdv17n2ab191 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 17 (2) ◽

pp. 246 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

G.V. Druery ◽

M.D. Rival ◽

D.A. Taggart ◽

G.A. Shimmin ◽

A.B. Horsup ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Reproductive Tract ◽

Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽

Reproductive Technologies ◽

Ovarian Activity ◽

Corpora Lutea ◽

Transabdominal Ultrasonography ◽

Group 2 ◽

Follicular Response ◽

Circulating Levels ◽

Breeding Techniques

The southern hairy-nosed wombat (SHW), Lasiorhinus latifrons, is a model species in which to develop assisted breeding techniques for the endangered northern hairy-nosed wombat, Lasiorhinus krefftii. We recently showed that anoestrus SHW respond to eutherian gonadotrophins by production of multiple ovarian follicles, but ovulation had not occurred at the time of examination 24 h post-LH (Druery GV et al. 2003 Theriogenology 59, 391 abst). This study investigated the timing of ovulation in six anoestrus captive adult female SHW (n = 3 per group) after ovarian superstimulation using porcine FSH (200 mg total, Folltropin-V, Bioniche, Belleville, Ontario, Canada) administered s.c. at 12-h intervals over 7 days. Ovulation was triggered by a single s.c. dose of porcine LH (25 mg Lutropin-V, Bioniche) 12 h after the final FSH injection. Superstimulatory response was determined by laparoscopy immediately after the final FSH injection on Day 7 prior to LH. Group 1 was re-examined at 33, 36, and 39 h post-LH, and Group 2 at 42, 45, and 48 h post-LH, for evidence of ovulations using laparoscopy and transabdominal ultrasonography. Laparoscopy on Day 7 revealed an ovarian follicular response in all six females, which coincided with the highest levels of estradiol. The reproductive tract also responded to the treatment (swollen fimbriae and enlarged, highly vascular uteri). Multiple follicles (range 16–31) up to 11 mm in diameter were observed in five females. One female had ovulated, as determined by the presence of corpora lutea. Transabdominal ultrasonographic imaging was unable to confirm the number of follicles in stimulated ovaries. Ovulation had commenced by 36 h post-LH, with the majority occurring 39–45 h post-LH. Ovulation was recorded as having occurred if a dark red, highly vascular crater on the surface of the newly formed corpus hemorrhagicum was observed. Increased circulating levels of progesterone were confirmed 9 days after the last laparoscopies. These results have important implications for the development of assisted reproductive technologies in the SHW: (1) transabdominal ultrasound imaging is ineffective for determining ovarian activity; (2) laparoscopy is a well-tolerated, repeatable minor surgical procedure that can be used for intrauterine AI in this species in which nonsurgical AI is unlikely to succeed (Paris DBBP et al. 2003 Theriogenology 59, 401 abst); and (3) knowledge of the timing of ovulation will enable insemination of spermatozoa into the uterus prior to ovulation. Financial support was provided by Dr. M. Jacobson, and hormones were supplied by Bioniche.

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Inositol and folates in the restoration of reproductive function in women and prevention of congenital malformations

Reproductive Endocrinology ◽

10.18370/2309-4117.2021.61.95-100 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 95-100

Author(s):

H.I. Reznichenko ◽

Y.H. Reznichenko

Keyword(s):

Folic Acid ◽

Reproductive Health ◽

Congenital Malformations ◽

Ovarian Function ◽

Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽

Polycystic Ovary ◽

Reproductive Technologies ◽

Late Gestation ◽

Trophoblast Invasion ◽

Pregnancy And Childbirth

In recent years, Ukraine has seen a significant deterioration in the reproductive health of women in the face of declining birth rates. One of the main causes of comorbidity of infertility and background pathologies is the insufficient supply of a woman's body in the pre-pregnancy period with micronutrients – folate, vitamins, myo-inositol and others. This increases the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth and congenital malformations.Literature analysis showed that myo-inositol in combination with folate are an extremely important way to prevent fertility disorders, complications of pregnancy and childbirth, congenital malformations and support the reproductive health of the next generation. Myo-inositol in combination with folic acid promotes the effects of luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones, normalization of ovarian function, oocyte quality, trophoblast invasion during blastocyst attachment, prevention of congenital malformations by neutralizing the action of homocysteine with metafolin in the pregravid period and during pregnancy and assisted reproductive technologies, reducing the incidence of miscarriage, preeclampsia and other complications. The neuroprotective effect of myo-inositol indicates the importance of its use for fetal neuroprotection in late gestation, especially in hypoxia.Fertifolin, which contains an improved combination of natural nutrients as myo-inositol 1000 mg and folic acid 100 µg in the form of metafolin (calcium L-methylfolate), successfully copes with this goal. Metafolin has greater bioavailability and more actively helps to increase the level of folate in blood plasma, in contrast to folic acid. Metafolin is characterized by fewer drug interactions and less often masks the symptoms of B12-deficient anemia, reduces the risk of anemia, placental dysfunction, malformations of the neural tube. Fertifolin is also effectively used as an adjunct in polycystic ovary syndrome and in assisted reproductive technology protocols.

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