Theriogenology最新文献

{"title":"Response of bovine endometrium to interferon tau in the presence of lipopolysaccharide","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.08.026","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.08.026","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>We recently demonstrated that conceptus-derived interferon tau (IFNT), responsible for maternal recognition in cattle, acts on the uterus in a dose- and time-dependent manner by upregulating key interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) in the endometrium. In high producing dairy cows, postpartum uterine infection is a major factor influencing fertility and pregnancy outcome. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an endotoxin of Gram-negative bacteria such as <em>Escherichia coli</em>, generates an altered uterine environment by inducing excessive inflammation at the maternal-conceptus interface. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether the endometrial response to IFNT is altered in the presence of LPS. Endometrial explants were isolated from uteri collected at a local abattoir from Holstein Friesian cows (n = 8) during the mid-luteal stage of the estrous cycle, and cultured in RPMI medium for 24 h in 5 % CO₂ in humidified air without (control), or with IFNT (100 ng/mL), a single Day 15 conceptus, LPS (1 μg/mL), both IFNT and LPS, or both a Day 15 conceptus and LPS. Incubation with IFNT and a Day 15 conceptus up-regulated (P &lt; 0.05) well-known classical ISGs (<em>ISG15</em>, <em>OAS1</em>, <em>MX1</em> and <em>MX2</em>) as well as other candidate ISGs (<em>CMPK2</em>, <em>IFI35</em>, <em>TRIM38</em> and <em>TNFSF10</em>) and down-regulated expression of <em>IL1B</em> in endometrial explants. Incubation with LPS increased (P &lt; 0.05) abundance of <em>NFKB1</em> (a key transcription factor involved in inflammatory and immune response), <em>TNFA</em>, <em>IL1B</em> and <em>IL6</em> (pro-inflammatory cytokines), <em>IL10</em> (anti-inflammatory cytokine), <em>IL8</em>, <em>CXCL1</em>, <em>CXCL3</em> and <em>CCL2</em> (chemokines), and, to a lesser extent, classical ISGs in endometrial explants. However, LPS did not alter endometrial response to IFNT, irrespective of IFNT concentration (1, 10 or 100 ng/mL). Results suggest that the expression of ISGs, up-regulated by conceptus-derived IFNT, is not altered in the endometrium in the presence of LPS; however, the increased expression of inflammation-related genes induced by LPS indicate an altered endometrial immune response that may be associated with compromised pregnancy establishment or pregnancy failure.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142048515","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Factors influencing pregnancy loss between days 30 and 70 in a single cattle herd: A comprehensive analysis of sire, cow, and other contributing factors","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.08.022","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.08.022","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This retrospective study utilized a mixed-effects logistic model analysis to investigate variables associated with the probability of pregnancy loss (PL) between days 30 and 70 in a dataset comprising 9507 pregnancies from a single cattle herd over 10 years. The model incorporated fixed-effect variables including cow breed (Holstein, Crossbred, and Brown Swiss), parity (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th or more), insemination seasons, insemination number (≤3 vs &gt;3), estrus nature (spontaneous vs synchronized), postpartum problems, sire breed (Holstein, Fleckvieh, Brown Swiss, and Montbéliarde), zygote genotypic (pure vs crossbred), days in milk (DIM) at insemination, actual 305-day milk yield, and sire conception rate. Additionally, random effects included sire (n = 129), cow (n = 3463), and production years (n = 10). The results revealed that cows inseminated with Brown Swiss sires or sires with lower initial conception rates had higher PL rates. Biparous cows, cows with lower 305-day milk yield, cows inseminated later in DIM, cows receiving the 4th or subsequent insemination, and cows inseminated during winter or autumn had lower PL rates. The estrus type and zygote genotype did not significantly impact PL. The random effects of cow, sire, and production years were estimated at 0.230, 0.054, and 0.112, respectively. In conclusion, the study findings suggested that improving management practices for high-yielding cows, cows in early lactation stages, and cows exposed to thermal stress conditions, along with utilizing Brown Swiss cows and sires with high initial conception rates per insemination, could potentially decrease overall PL rates on the farm. Nonetheless, the results did not support the use of Crossbred cows, sires from different breeds, or specific sires to mitigate PL rates on the farm.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142040491","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"IP3R1 is required for meiotic progression and embryonic development by regulating mitochondrial calcium and oxidative damage","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.08.023","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.08.023","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Calcium ions (Ca²⁺) regulate cell proliferation and differentiation and participate in various physiological activities of cells. The calcium transfer protein inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor (IP₃R), located between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria, plays an important role in regulating Ca²⁺ levels. However, the mechanism by which IP₃R1 affects porcine meiotic progression and embryonic development remains unclear. We established a model in porcine oocytes using siRNA-mediated knockdown of IP₃R1 to investigate the effects of IP₃R1 on porcine oocyte meiotic progression and embryonic development. The results indicated that a decrease in IP₃R1 expression significantly enhanced the interaction between the ER and mitochondria. Additionally, the interaction between the ER and the mitochondrial Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺]_m) transport network protein IP₃R1-GRP75-VDAC1 was disrupted. The results of the Duolink II in situ proximity ligation assay (PLA) revealed a weakened pairwise interaction between IP₃R1-GRP75 and VDAC1 and a significantly increased interaction between GRP75 and VDAC1 after IP₃R1 interference, resulting in the accumulation of large amounts of [Ca²⁺]_m. These changes led to mitochondrial oxidative stress, increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduced ATP production, which hindered the maturation and late development of porcine oocytes and induced apoptosis. Nevertheless, after treat with [Ca²⁺]_m chelating agent ruthenium red (RR) or ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine (NAC), the oocytes developmental abnormalities, oxidative stress and apoptosis caused by Ca²⁺ overload were improved. In conclusion, our results indicated IP₃R1 is required for meiotic progression and embryonic development by regulating mitochondrial calcium and oxidative damage.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142044650","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"MiR-302c-3p regulates autophagy and apoptosis in ovarian granulosa cells via the LATS2/YAP axis in chickens","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.08.020","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.08.020","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The degenerative process of follicular atresia in hens naturally commences in granulosa cells, significantly impacting laying hens' reproductive performance. Past studies suggested that granulosa cell autophagy and apoptosis work together to cause follicular atresia. Recent research indicates that miRNA regulates granulosa autophagy and apoptosis, which contributes to the development of follicular atresia. However, the role of <em>miR-302c-3p</em> in follicular atresia and development remains unclear. In this study with the RNA-seq approach, we found that <em>miR-302c-3p</em> expression was significantly decreased in atrophic follicles, suggesting its involvement in the follicular atresia process. Following this, we performed in vitro studies to confirm that miR-302c-3p inhibits autophagy and apoptosis in chicken granulosa cells. Mechanistically, LATS2 is considered as the putative target gene of miR-302c-3p, and it has been demonstrated that LATS2 exerts a positive regulatory role in the modulation of autophagy and apoptosis in chicken granulosa cells. Furthermore, we verified the regulatory function of <em>miR-302c-3p</em> in chicken granulosa cells via the LATS2-YAP signaling pathway. Our results collectively demonstrates that <em>miR-302c-3p</em> targets <em>LATS2</em> to modulate the YAP signaling pathway, impacting autophagy and apoptosis in granulosa cells leading to follicular atresia.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-08-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142011561","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hydroxyapatite nanoparticle improves ovine oocyte developmental capacity by alleviating oxidative stress in response to vitrification stimuli","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.08.016","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.08.016","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The wide application of ovine oocyte vitrification is limited by its relatively low efficiency. Nanoparticle is potentially to be used in cryopreservation technology for its unique characteristics with high biocompatibility, potent antioxidant property as well as superiority in membrane permeation and heat transduction. However, the effect of nanoparticle on ovine oocyte cryopreservation as well as the underlying mechanism has not been systematically evaluated. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of nanoparticles on ovine oocytes cryopreservation and further identify the underlying mechanism. Firstly, the effects of Hydroxyapatite (HA) and Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles on the developmental potential of vitrified ovine oocytes were determined, and the results showed that neither HA (VC = 85.95 ± 6.23 % vs. VH = 92.47 ± 8.11 %, <em>P</em> &gt; 0.05) nor Fe₃O₄ (VC = 85.95 ± 6.23 % vs. VF = 89.39 ± 6.32 %, <em>P</em> &gt; 0.05) had adverse effect on the survival rate of vitrified-thawed oocytes. Notably, both HA (VC = 77.78 ± 0.09 % vs. VH = 44.00 ± 0.09 %, <em>P</em>＜0.01) and Fe₃O₄ (VC = 77.78 ± 0.09 % vs. VF = 51.67 ± 0.15 %, <em>P</em>＜0.01) nanoparticles effectively reduced the level of oocyte apoptosis after freezing and thawing. What's more, HA could significantly improve the cleavage rate of frozen oocytes (VC = 33.79 ± 2.83 % vs. VH = 59.54 ± 4.13 %, <em>P</em>＜0.05). Moreover, reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) level (VC = 13.66 ± 0.47 vs. VH = 12.61 ± 0.53, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.05), increased glutathione (GSH) content (VC = 60.69 ± 7.89 vs. VH = 87.92 ± 1.05, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.05) and elevated mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) level (VC = 1.43 ± 0.04 vs. VH = 1.63 ± 0.01，<em>P</em>＜0.01) were observed in oocytes treated with HA nanoparticles when compared with that of the control group. Furthermore, Smart-RNA sequence technology was utilized to identify differentially expressed mRNAs (DEMs) induced by nanoparticles during cryopreservation. When compared with the control counterparts, a total of 721 DEMs (309 up-regulated and 412 down-regulated mRNAs) were identified in oocytes treated with HA, while 702 DEMs (480 up-regulated and 222 down-regulated mRNAs) were identified in oocytes treated with Fe₃O₄. A comparison of DEMs showed that total 692 mRNAs were expressed in oocytes treated with HA and Fe₃O₄. Notably, we discovered that 15 mRNAs were specially highly expressed in oocytes treated with HA, and Focal adhesion signaling pathway mainly contributed to the improved ovine oocyte quality after vitrification by alleviating oxidative stress.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-08-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142011557","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparison of two intravaginal progesterone-releasing devices in lactating Holstein cows synchronized with a 5-d GnRH-based timed-AI protocol","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.08.018","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.08.018","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The objective of the study was to compare the effectiveness of CIDR vs. PRID-Delta devices for use in a 5-day Ovsynch protocol for TAI in lactating Holstein cows that were either not in estrus after the end of the voluntary waiting period or non-pregnant and not returning to estrus following the previous AI. Cows fitted with a collar-mounted automated activity monitoring system (Alta Cow Watch) were subjected to a standard 5-d Ovsynch protocol [100 μg of gonadorelin (GnRH) on Day 0 and 500 μg of cloprostenol on Days 5 and 6] and allocated randomly to receive either an intravaginal device containing 1.35 g (CIDR; n = 304) or 1.55 g (PRID ® DELTA; n = 304) of progesterone between Day 0 and 5. All cows received a second administration of GnRH at approximately 56 h and timed-AI (TAI) 72 h after intravaginal device removal. Inseminations were done using conventional frozen-thawed semen. Estrus events prior to TAI were recorded and transrectal ultrasonography was done on Day 0 to determine presence of a corpus luteum (CL) and 33 and 61 d post-TAI, respectively, to diagnose and confirm pregnancy. Cows had an average of 2.2 lactations, 124.3 days in milk, and a milk yield of 43.6 kg/d at enrollment. The overall percentage of cows with a CL at initiation of treatment was 68.8 % and did not differ between treatment groups. Cows with a CL had greater pregnancy per AI (P/AI) at 33 and 61 d post-TAI than cows without a CL (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01; 46.9 and 42.3 % <em>vs.</em> 32.1 and 27.4 %, respectively). The overall percentage of cows that expressed estrus prior to TAI was 24.8 % and did not differ between treatment groups; however, estrus expression prior to TAI affected P/AI at 33 and 61 d post-TAI (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01; 53.6 and 49.0 % <em>vs.</em> 38.5 and 33.9 % for those expressing or not expressing estrus, respectively). Pregnancy per AI at 33 d post-TAI tended to differ between treatment groups (<em>P</em> = 0.08; 46.1 <em>vs.</em> 38.5 % for PRID and CIDR groups, respectively) and P/AI at 61 d post-TAI was greater (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01) for PRID-treated cows (43.8 %) compared to CIDR-treated cows (31.6 %). Thus, PRID-treated cows had lower pregnancy loss than CIDR-treated cows (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01; 5.0 vs. 17.9 %). Also, treatment with a PRID tended (<em>P</em> = 0.08) to result in fewer twin pregnancies (7.9 <em>vs.</em> 14.5 % for PRID and CIDR treated cows, respectively). In conclusion, lactating dairy cows subjected to a 5-d Ovsynch TAI protocol plus a PRID-Delta had greater P/AI at 61 d post-TAI, lower pregnancy loss between 33 and 61 d post-TAI, and fewer twin pregnancies compared to cows subjected to a 5-d Ovsynch protocol plus a CIDR.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142011556","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Placental homogeneity: Characterizing transcriptional variation among equine chorioallantoic locations","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.08.019","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.08.019","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The proper function of the placenta is essential for the health and growth of the fetus and the mother. The placenta relies on dynamic gene expression for its correct and timely development and function. Although numerous studies have identified genes vital for placental functions, equine placental molecular research has primarily focused on single placental locations, in sharp contrast with the broader approach in human studies. Here, we hypothesized that the molecular differences across different regions of the equine placenta are negligible because of its diffuse placental type with a macroscopic homogenous distribution of villi across the placental surface. We compared the transcriptome and stereological findings of the body, pregnant horn, and non-pregnant horn within the equine chorioallantois. Our transcriptomic analysis indicates that the variation between regions of the placenta within individuals is less than the variation observed between individuals. A low number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (n = 8) was identified when comparing pregnant and non-pregnant horns within the same placenta, suggesting a remarkable molecular uniformity. A higher number of DEGs was identified when comparing each horn to the body (193 DEGs comparing pregnant horn with body and 207 DEGs comparing non-pregnant horn with body). Genes with a higher expression in the body were associated with processes such as extracellular matrix synthesis and remodeling, which is relevant for placental maturation and placenta-endometrial separation at term and implies asynchrony of these processes across locations. The stereological analysis showed no differences in microcotyledonary density, and width between the locations. However, we observed a greater chorioallantoic thickness in the body and pregnant horn compared to the non-pregnant horn. Overall, our findings reveal a uniform transcriptomic profile across the placental horns, alongside a more distinct gene expression pattern between the uterine body and horns. These regional differences in gene expression suggest a different pace in the placental maturation and detachment among the placental locations.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0093691X2400339X/pdfft?md5=6164dc8379128769a7aeeb2387bfeb2e&pid=1-s2.0-S0093691X2400339X-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142011555","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dithiothreitol prevents the spontaneous release of cortical granules in in vitro aged mouse oocytes by protecting regulatory proteins of cortical granules exocytosis and thickening the cortical actin cytoskeleton","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.08.015","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.08.015","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In assisted fertility protocols, <em>in vitro</em> culture conditions mimic physiological conditions to preserve gametes in the best conditions. After collection, oocytes are maintained in a culture medium inside the incubator until <em>in vitro</em> fertilization (IVF) is performed. This time outside natural and physiological conditions exposes oocytes to an oxidative stress that renders <em>in vitro</em> aging. It has been described that <em>in vitro</em> aging produces a spontaneous cortical granule (CG) release decreasing the fertilization rate of oocytes. Nevertheless, this undesirable phenomenon has not been investigated, let alone prevented. In this work, we characterized the spontaneous CG secretion in <em>in vitro</em> aged oocytes. Using immunofluorescence indirect, quantification, and functional assays, we showed that the expression of regulatory proteins of CG exocytosis was affected. Our results demonstrated that <em>in vitro</em> oocyte aging by 4 and 8 h altered the expression and localization of alpha-SNAP and reduced the expression of NSF and Complexin. These alterations were prevented by supplementing culture medium with dithiothreitol (DTT), which in addition to having a protective effect on those proteins, also had an unexpected effect on the actin cytoskeleton. Indeed, DTT addition thickened the cortical layer of fibrillar actin. Both DTT effects, together, prevented the spontaneous secretion of CG and recovered the IVF rate in <em>in vitro</em> aged oocytes. We propose the use of DTT in culture media to avoid the spontaneous CG secretion and to improve the success rate of IVF protocols in <em>in vitro</em> aged oocytes.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142007008","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Successful ultrasound-guided ovum pick-up (OPU) and subsequent in vitro embryo production in a domestic cat","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.08.017","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.08.017","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Ovum Pick Up (OPU) is a minimally invasive technique widely used in cattle and mares for oocyte retrieval, involving ultrasound-guided puncture of ovarian follicles. It has been demonstrated that this technique is safe for its repeated use in the same female without affecting her reproductive health, allowing for the retrieval of oocytes in individuals regardless of their reproductive status. The oocytes obtained through OPU can subsequently be used for <em>in vitro</em> embryo production (IVP) using assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) or be cryopreserved in biobanks for their future use. Traditionally, the minimally invasive technique of choice performed <em>in vivo</em> in domestic and wild felines was LOPU (laparoscopic-guided ovum pick up). The present study was designed to explore if ultrasound-guided OPU in the domestic cat is safe and effective. In an initial series of <em>ex vivo</em> experiments (n = 92 ovaries, n = 434 oocytes), the effect of different aspiration pressures for oocyte collection was explored. These experiments identified 43 mmHg as the optimal aspiration pressure, resulting in the highest recovery rate and a favorable maturation and blastocyst rate. Subsequently, 16 grade I and II oocytes were retrieved by OPU and 101 oocytes were retrieved following ovariectomy and slicing. Sixteen oocytes obtained with each technique were subjected to <em>in vitro</em> maturation (IVM) and <em>in vitro</em> fertilization (IVF). A total of 14 presumptive zygotes were selected for <em>in vitro</em> culture (IVC) from each group (OPU and slicing), obtaining a cleavage rate of 57.1 % and 64.2 %, a morula rate of 28.5 % in both groups, and a blastocyst rate of 7.14 % and 14.2 % respectively. The hormonal stimulation protocol was well-tolerated, with no adverse effects observed. Moreover, no complications arose during the ovariectomy performed post-OPU. The use of this technique in domestic cats represents a significant step forward in terms of safety, replicability, and invasiveness, serving as a valuable model for its application in wild felids species. Additional research involving a greater number of animals is required to validate these encouraging findings.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141997666","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tamoxifen-induced alterations in the expression of connexin 43 in the chicken ovary","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.08.011","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.08.011","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Connexin 43 (Cx43) is a gap junction protein that participates in small molecule exchange between adjacent cells. It is a predominant Cx within the mammalian ovary, where is associated with proper follicle development. The expression and regulation of Cx43 in the chicken ovary is largely unknown. The aim of the present study was to examine the expression of the Cx43 gene (<em>GJA1</em>) and protein as well as the immunolocalization of Cx43 in the laying hen ovary in relation to follicle development, and to examine how tamoxifen (TMX; an estrogen receptor modulator) treatment affects these factors. qRT-PCR and western blotting demonstrated differences in Cx43 mRNA transcript and protein abundances in ovarian white follicles, yellowish follicles, small yellow follicles, and the largest yellow preovulatory follicles (F3–F1). In general, Cx43 was more abundant in hierarchical than prehierarchical follicles and in granulosa cells compared with theca cells. Further, the response to TMX treatment depended on the stage of follicle development and the layer of the follicular wall. Ovarian regression following TMX treatment was accompanied by an increase in Cx43 expression in most ovarian tissues, which may impact the formation and function of Cx43 hemichannels. Overall, our results showed, for the first time, the differences in Cx43 mRNA and protein levels between ovarian follicles, suggesting the potential involvement of this gap junction protein in the regulation of ovarian follicle development and function. In addition, the results indicate a possible role for estradiol in regulation of Cx43 transcription and/or translation in the chicken ovary. Understanding the contribution of Cx43 in mechanisms underlying ovarian follicle development may be of considerable importance for poultry egg production.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0093691X24003315/pdfft?md5=68aacbd5df5e0c17de55d318302b7735&pid=1-s2.0-S0093691X24003315-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141979082","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}