220 ULTRASOUND BIOMICROSCOPY: A NONINVASIVE APPROACH FOR STUDYING THE DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL FOLLICLES IN THE BOVINE OVARY

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 268
Author(s):  
L. M. Pfeifer ◽  
G. P. Adams ◽  
R. A. Pierson ◽  
L. G. Siqueira ◽  
J. Singh
Keyword(s):  
Follicular Development ◽  
Ultrasound Biomicroscopy ◽  
Growth Patterns ◽  
Signal Attenuation ◽  
Depth Of Penetration ◽  
Transvaginal Approach ◽  
Antral Follicles ◽  
Canada Data

Ultrasonography has revolutionized our understanding of the dynamics of antral follicles >3 mm; however, very little is known about the growth patterns of small antral follicles (0.2-2 mm). Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) permits in vivo imaging of tissues with spatial resolution of 50 μm or more, although the depth of penetration is limited to about 2.5 cm. Our objectives were to (1) evaluate the feasibility of UBM for imaging cow v. heifer ovaries in vivo for study of small antral follicles; (2) compare transvaginal v. transrectal imaging approaches; and (3) compare the echotextures in images acquired by UBM and conventional ultrasonography of the wall and antrum (follicular fluid) from follicles >3 mm. Mature cows (n = 5) and prepubertal heifers (11-13 months; n = 5) were examined once irrespective of ovarian status using conventional ultrasonography (Aloka 900, Tokyo, Japan) with a 7.5-MHz transducer via a transrectal approach, and with a 5-MHz transducer via a transvaginal approach. A second series of examinations was performed using an ultrasound biomicroscope (Visualsonics Vevo 660, Toronto, Ontario, Canada) equipped with either a 40-MHz probe (transvaginal) or a 30-MHz probe (transrectal). All examinations were recorded digitally in real time. Spot-analyses of images of the antrum and line-analyses of images of the wall of follicles >3 mm were performed using a custom-developed software program (Synergyne 2 version 2.8, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada). Data were analyzed by 2-sample t-test or two-way ANOVA. Using the transvaginal approach, more follicles were detected by UBM than by conventional ultrasonography in heifers (40.4 ± 17.4 v. 14.6 ± 5.6; P = 0.01) but not in cows (38.3 ± 16.4 v. 21.7 ± 6.2; P = 0.20). Using the transrectal approach, however, more follicles were detected by conventional ultrasonography than by UBM in both heifers (17.6 ± 4.9 v. 8.6 ± 5.6; P = 0.02) and cows (20.3 ± 7 v. 5.3 ± 6.1; P = 0.04). More small follicles (<3 mm) were detected using the transvaginal approach with UBM than by using conventional ultrasonography in both heifers (32.4 ± 4.24 v. 7.2 ± 1.4; P < 0.0001) and cows (35.0 ± 13.8 v. 10.7 ± 7.5; P = 0.0013). The number of medium (3-5 mm) and large (> 5 mm) follicles detected using the transvaginal approach was similar between UBM and conventional ultrasonography in both heifers and cows (P > 0.90). For transrectal UBM imaging, both distance between the scanhead and the ovary and signal attenuation due to intervening tissues resulted in poor image quality. Lower signal attenuation caused by thinner vaginal walls in heifers than in cows resulted in better quality of UBM imaging in the transvaginal approach. Mean pixel values and heterogeneity of images of the follicle antrum were higher in UBM images than in conventional ultrasonography images. In conclusion, UBM using a transvaginal approach may be used for the in vivo assessment of small ovarian follicles in cattle. However, sequential monitoring of follicular development still needs to be tested and some limitations of the technique, such as the approach, need to be considered. This study was supported by NSERC and CIHR, Canada. Luiz Pfeifer was supported by CAPES foundation, Brazil.

Ultrasound biomicroscopy: a non-invasive approach for in vivo evaluation of oocytes and small antral follicles in mammals

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 48 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. F. M. Pfeifer ◽  
G. P. Adams ◽  
R. A. Pierson ◽  
J. Singh
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Function ◽  
Ultrasound Biomicroscopy ◽  
Biomedical Sciences ◽  
Depth Of Penetration ◽  
In Vivo Evaluation ◽  
Invasive Approach ◽  
Antral Follicles ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
And Control

The use of ultrasonography has changed our understanding of the ovarian function in live animals. However, most of the studies that have used ultrasonography to image the ovary have provided data only of structures >1 mm in diameter. The recent availability of high-resolution ultrasound technology with high-frequency transducers (25–70 MHz), offers the potential to examine the developmental dynamics of small antral follicles and the cumulus–oocyte complex (COC) in vivo. In this review we provide data from a series of studies performed by Veterinary Biomedical Sciences Laboratory describing the advantages and disadvantages, as well as image characteristics, of ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) to study ovarian biology in mammals. Data and images of small ovarian structures in rabbits, cattle, mice and humans are shown. The UBM technique allowed visualisation of small antral follicles ranging in size from 300 to 700 μm in all species examined, as well as COC within follicles in rabbits, cattle and humans. Furthermore, UBM permitted clear distinction of the follicular wall from the surrounding ovarian stroma in cattle and humans. At present, the limited depth of penetration of UBM restricts the use of this technique to an experimental setting. In that regard, further studies using UBM will probably result in a greater understanding of the pattern and control of early antral folliculogenesis and oogenesis.

scholarly journals Histological study of capuchin monkey (Cebus apella) ovarian follicles

2004 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 495-501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheyla Farhayldes Souza Domingues ◽  
Luiz Viana Diniz ◽  
Sonia Helena Costa Furtado ◽  
Otavio Mitio Ohashi ◽  
David Rondina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Histological Study ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Cebus Apella ◽  
Neotropical Primates ◽  
Preantral Follicles ◽  
Antral Follicles ◽  
The Right

The present study aimed to obtain quanti-qualitative data about the follicular ovarian population in Cebus apella females. Seven ovaries were obtained from 4 C. apella adult females. The ovaries were subjected to light microscopy. The number of preantral and antral follicles for each ovary was estimated using the Fractionator method. The preantral follicles were classified into primordial, transitional, primary and secondary follicles. Antral follicles were those that presented an antral cavity. All counted follicles were classified as normal or degenerated. The diameter of the follicles, oocytes and their nuclei were determined to accompany the follicular development. All results were represented as mean ± SE. The number of preantral follicles was 56,938 ± 21,888 and 49,133 ± 26,896 for the right and left ovaries, respectively. The percentage of normal follicles was 80 ± 4.95%. The follicular diameter ranged from 22 ± 0.5 µm to 61.2 ± 4.0 µm. Regarding the antral follicles, the number of normal and degenerate follicles per ovary were 60.0 ± 19.0 and 3 ± 1.8 follicles, respectively. The antral follicular diameter was 514.4 + 56.6 µm. In conclusion, the information obtained in this study can be used as a parameter for subsequent in vivo or in vitro studies about folliculogenesis in non-human neotropical primates of the C. apella species.

scholarly journals Expression of Anti-Mullerian Hormone Protein during Early Follicular Development in the Primate Ovary in Vivo Is Influenced by Suppression of Gonadotropin Secretion and Inhibition of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor

Endocrinology ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 148 (5) ◽  
pp. 2273-2281 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fiona H. Thomas ◽  
Evelyn E. Telfer ◽  
Hamish M. Fraser
Keyword(s):  
Gnrh Antagonist ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Follicular Phase ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Gonadotropin Secretion ◽  
Preantral Follicles ◽  
Antral Follicles ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor ◽  
Vegf Trap

Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) plays a role during early follicular development and selection. The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of AMH protein expression in the marmoset ovary and to investigate the effects of inhibition of gonadotropins or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) activity on AMH expression in vivo. GnRH antagonist or VEGF Trap, a soluble decoy receptor, was administered on d 0 or 5 of the follicular phase of the cycle, and ovaries were collected at the end of the follicular phase (d 10). AMH protein was expressed in the marmoset ovary in granulosa cells from the primary stage, with the most abundant staining at the preantral and early antral stages. Inhibition of gonadotropin secretion or VEGF activity between d 0–10 of the cycle decreased AMH expression in early preantral follicles (P &lt; 0.01), and AMH expression was decreased in late preantral follicles in the presence of the VEGF Trap (P &lt; 0.01), compared with controls. There was significantly less AMH expression in early antral follicles with both treatments (P &lt; 0.01), and a decrease in the ratio of oocyte-associated/basement-membrane-associated granulosa cell expression of AMH (P &lt; 0.05). When treatments were administered from d 5–10 of the cycle, both VEGF Trap and GnRH antagonist decreased AMH expression in preantral follicles (P &lt; 0.01) but had no significant effect on early antral follicles. In conclusion, VEGF and gonadotropins are involved in the regulation of expression of AMH in the marmoset. This AMH expression may be a marker of abnormal folliculogenesis in the absence of gonadotropin stimulation or functional angiogenesis.

Leptin Supplementation Stimulates Synergism with Growth Factors and Hormones to Express Its Receptor in Cultured Preantral Follicles of Sheep

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Sravani Pragna ◽  
V. Praveen Chakravarthi ◽  
Deepa Pathipati ◽  
B. Rambabu Naik ◽  
L.S.S. Varaprasad Reddy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factors ◽  
Leptin Receptor ◽  
Culture Media ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Cumulus Cells ◽  
Ovarian Follicles ◽  
Antral Follicles ◽  
Receptor Mrna

Background: Leptin receptor is a transmembrane receptor that regulates reproduction at molecular level.Since for action of any hormone on target cell and to have local action on any tissue, expression of its own receptor is necessary and also it is not known whether such improvement in ovarian follicular development by Leptin is mediated through presence of its homologous receptors in the sheep ovaries. Therefore this study aimed on expression of Leptin receptor mRNA in cultured ovarian follicles of sheep by RT PCR.Methods: Leptin receptor mRNA expression in sheep was studied using qRT-PCR from: (i) In vivo grown preantral, early antral, antral, large antral follicles and cumulus oocyte complexes obtained from large antral follicles subjected to 24h of in vitro maturation and (ii) PFs’ exposed to three different culture media for 3min, two, four or six days and subsequently matured in vitro for 24h. Result: Leptin receptor was observed at all stages ovarian follicles in both cumulus cells and oocytes. Leptin supplementation along with other growth factors and hormones stimulated the expression of its receptor mRNA which is parallel to in vivo stages which could suggest synergistic action of growth factors and hormones with Leptin. 

Shall I trust you? From child human-robot interaction to trusting relationships

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cinzia Di Dio ◽  
Federico Manzi ◽  
Giulia Peretti ◽  
Angelo Cangelosi ◽  
Paul L. Harris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Pattern ◽  
Human Robot Interaction ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
Social Relevance ◽  
Robot Interaction ◽  
Cognitive Correlates ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Relationship

Studying trust within human-robot interaction is of great importance given the social relevance of robotic agents in a variety of contexts. We investigated the acquisition, loss and restoration of trust when preschool and school-age children played with either a human or a humanoid robot in-vivo. The relationship between trust and the quality of attachment relationships, Theory of Mind, and executive function skills was also investigated. No differences were found in children’s trust in the play-partner as a function of agency (human or robot). Nevertheless, 3-years-olds showed a trend toward trusting the human more than the robot, while 7-years-olds displayed the reverse behavioral pattern, thus highlighting the developing interplay between affective and cognitive correlates of trust.

The influence of unintentional radio interference on the equipment operation quality of satellite radio navigation systems consumers

2020 ◽  
pp. 165-170
Keyword(s):  
Underlying Surface ◽  
Navigation Systems ◽  
Signal Attenuation ◽  
Radio Navigation ◽  
Equipment Operation ◽  
Atmospheric Noise ◽  
Detection Mode ◽  
Signal Mode ◽  
Cosmic Noise

The analysis an influence of reflections from the underlying surface, atmospheric noise, the Earth’s surface, cosmic noise and signal attenuation of the signal the atmosphere, as well as the flight dynamics of the aircraft (AC) on the signal/noise ratio and, accordingly, on the accuracy of AC navigation definitions by using consumer equipment of the satellite radio navigation systems. The analysis an influence of reflections from the underlying surface on the equipment operation quality of the satellite radio navigation systems consumers is carried out by using the Beckman model, in accordance with the earth’s surface appears to consist of flat faces with an arbitrary slope. It is noted that reflections from the underlying surface have a greater effect on the quality of functioning of the consumer equipment of the satellite radio navigation systems in the tracking signal mode than in the detection mode. In this case, the influence of reflections increases with decreasing flight altitude and an increase in the angle of heel of the AC in the direction of the navigation spacecraft.

scholarly journals Kisspeptin level in the aging ovary is regulated by the sympathetic nervous system

2017 ◽  
Vol 232 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Fernandois ◽  
Gonzalo Cruz ◽  
Eun Kyung Na ◽  
Hernán E Lara ◽  
Alfonso H Paredes
Keyword(s):  
Adrenergic Receptor ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Sympathetic Nerves ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Reproductive Aging ◽  
Beta Adrenergic Receptor ◽  
Beta Adrenergic ◽  
Primordial Follicles ◽  
Follicular Cyst

Previous work has demonstrated that the increase in the activity of sympathetic nerves, which occurs during the subfertility period in female rats, causes an increase in follicular cyst development and impairs follicular development. In addition, the increase in ovarian sympathetic activity of aged rats correlates with an increased expression of kisspeptin (KISS1) in the ovary. This increase in KISS1 could participate in the decrease in follicular development that occurs during the subfertility period. We aimed to determine whether the blockade of ovarian sympathetic tone prevents the increase in KISS1 expression during reproductive aging and improves follicular development. We performed 2 experiments in rats: (1) an in vivo blockade of beta-adrenergic receptor with propranolol (5.0 mg/kg) and (2) an ovarian surgical denervation to modulate the sympathetic system at these ages. We measured Kisspeptin and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) mRNA and protein levels by qRT-PCR and western blot and counted primordial, primary and secondary follicles at 8, 10 and 12 months of age. The results showed that ovarian KISS1 decreased but FSHR increased after both propranolol administration and the surgical denervation in rats of 8, 10 and 12 months of age. An increase in FSHR was related to an increase in the number of smaller secondary follicles and a decreased number of primordial follicles at 8, 10 and 12 months of age. These results suggest that intraovarian KISS1 is regulated by sympathetic nerves via a beta-adrenergic receptor and participates locally in ovarian follicular development in reproductive aging.

scholarly journals Influence of calcium ion-modified implant surfaces in protein adsorption and implant integration

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduardo Anitua ◽  
Andreia Cerqueira ◽  
Francisco Romero-Gavilán ◽  
Iñaki García-Arnáez ◽  
Cristina Martinez-Ramos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Adsorption ◽  
Titanium Implant ◽  
Volume Density ◽  
Bone Implant ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Intervention Costs ◽  
Medial Section ◽  
Post Implantation

Abstract Background Calcium (Ca) is a well-known element in bone metabolism and blood coagulation. Here, we investigate the link between the protein adsorption pattern and the in vivo responses of surfaces modified with calcium ions (Ca-ion) as compared to standard titanium implant surfaces (control). We used LC–MS/MS to identify the proteins adhered to the surfaces after incubation with human serum and performed bilateral surgeries in the medial section of the femoral condyles of 18 New Zealand white rabbits to test osseointegration at 2 and 8 weeks post-implantation (n=9). Results Ca-ion surfaces adsorbed 181.42 times more FA10 and 3.85 times less FA12 (p<0.001), which are factors of the common and the intrinsic coagulation pathways respectively. We also detected differences in A1AT, PLMN, FA12, KNG1, HEP2, LYSC, PIP, SAMP, VTNC, SAA4, and CFAH (p<0.01). At 2 and 8 weeks post-implantation, the mean bone implant contact (BIC) with Ca-ion surfaces was respectively 1.52 and 1.25 times higher, and the mean bone volume density (BVD) was respectively 1.35 and 1.13 times higher. Differences were statistically significant for BIC at 2 and 8 weeks and for BVD at 2 weeks (p<0.05). Conclusions The strong thrombogenic protein adsorption pattern at Ca-ion surfaces correlated with significantly higher levels of implant osseointegration. More effective implant surfaces combined with smaller implants enable less invasive surgeries, shorter healing times, and overall lower intervention costs, especially in cases of low quantity or quality of bone.

Animal Models and Alternatives in the Quality Control of Vaccines: Are In Vitro Methods or In Vivo Methods the Scientific Equivalent of the Emperor's New Clothes?

1995 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-73
Author(s):  
Coenraad Hendriksen ◽  
Johan van der Gun
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Test Methods ◽  
In Vitro Test ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Inactivated Vaccines ◽  
Vitro Test

In the quality control of vaccine batches, the potency testing of inactivated vaccines is one of the areas requiring very large numbers of animals, which usually suffer significant distress as a result of the experimental procedures employed. This article deals with the potency testing of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids, two vaccines which are used extensively throughout the world. The relevance of the potency test prescribed by the European Pharmacopoeia monographs is questioned. The validity of the potency test as a model for the human response, the ability of the test to be standardised, and the relevance of the test in relation to the quality of the product are discussed. It is concluded that the potency test has only limited predictive value for the antitoxin responses to be expected in recipients of these toxoids. An alternative approach for estimating the potency of toxoid batches is discussed, in which a distinction is made between estimation of the immunogenic potency of the first few batches obtained from a seed lot and monitoring the consistency of the quality of subsequent batches. The use of animals is limited to the first few batches. Monitoring the consistency of the quality of subsequent batches is based on in vitro test methods. Factors which hamper the introduction and acceptance of the alternative approach are considered. Finally, proposals are made for replacement, reduction and/or refinement (the Three Rs) in the use of animals in the routine potency testing of toxoids.

scholarly journals Tyrosol-Enriched Tomatoes by Diffusion across the Fruit Peel from a Chitosan Coating: A Proposal of Functional Food

Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 335
Author(s):  
Silvia Tampucci ◽  
Antonella Castagna ◽  
Daniela Monti ◽  
Clementina Manera ◽  
Giuseppe Saccomanni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tomato Fruit ◽  
Storage Period ◽  
Food Matrix ◽  
Fruit Peel ◽  
Fresh Food ◽  
In Vitro Permeation ◽  
Active Transfer

Chitosan is receiving increasing attention from the food industry for being a biodegradable, non-toxic, antimicrobial biopolymer able to extend the shelf life of, and preserve the quality of, fresh food. However, few studies have investigated the ability of chitosan-based coatings to allow the diffusion of bioactive compounds into the food matrix to improve its nutraceutical quality. This research is aimed at testing whether a hydrophilic molecule (tyrosol) could diffuse from the chitosan-tyrosol coating and cross the tomato peel. To this end, in vitro permeation tests using excised tomato peel and an in vivo application of chitosan-tyrosol coating on tomato fruit, followed by tyrosol quantification in intact fruit, peel and flesh during a seven-day storage at room temperature, were performed. Both approaches demonstrated the ability of tyrosol to permeate across the fruit peel. Along with a decreased tyrosol content in the peel, its concentration within the flesh was increased, indicating an active transfer of tyrosol into this tissue. This finding, together with the maintenance of constant tyrosol levels during the seven-day storage period, is very promising for the use of chitosan formulations to produce functional tomato fruit.

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