scholarly journals A human-based assisted reproduction protocol for the menstruating spiny mouse, Acomys cahirinus

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0244411
Author(s):  
Jarrod McKenna ◽  
Nadia Bellofiore ◽  
Sally Catt ◽  
Mulyoto Pangestu ◽  
Peter Temple-Smith
Keyword(s):  
Assisted Reproduction ◽  
Small Animal ◽  
Human Reproduction ◽  
Spiny Mouse ◽  
Embryo Cryopreservation ◽  
In Vitro Fertilisation ◽  
Human Reproductive ◽  
Cycle Lengths

The Egyptian or Common spiny mouse (A. cahirinus) is the first rodent species to show human-like menstruation and spontaneous decidualisation. We consider from these, and its other, human-like characteristics that this species will be a more useful and appropriate small animal model for human reproductive studies. Based on this, there is a need to develop specific laboratory-based assisted reproduction protocols including superovulation, in-vitro fertilisation, embryo cryopreservation and transfer to expand and make this model more relevant. Because standard rodent superovulation has not been successful in the spiny mouse, we have selected to test a human protocol. Female spiny mice will receive a subcutaneous GnRH agonist implant and be allowed to recover. Menstrual cycle lengths will then be allowed to stabilize prior to ovarian stimulation. After recovery, females will be injected IP once a day for 4 days with a FSH analogue, to induce follicular growth, and on day 5 will be injected IP with a hCG analogue to trigger ovulation. Females will either be culled 36hrs after trigger to collect oocytes or immediately paired with a stud male and two cell embryos collected 48hrs later. Mature oocytes will be inseminated using fresh spiny mouse spermatozoa and all in-vitro grown and in-vivo collected two cell embryos will be cryopreserved using methods developed in a close spiny mouse relative, the Mongolian gerbil. For embryo transfer, vitrified embryos will be rapidly warmed and non-surgically transferred to surrogate mice. Surrogates will be monitored until pregnancy is apparent (roughly 30 days) and then left undisturbed until birth, 38–40 days after transfer. By successfully developing robust assisted reproduction protocols in A. cahirinus we will be able to use this rodent as a more effective model for human reproduction.

Insulin secretion in the spiny mouse (Acomys cahirinus). Dose and time kinetic studies with glucose in vivo and in vitro

Diabetes ◽  
1975 ◽  
Vol 24 (12) ◽  
pp. 1094-1100 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Rabinovitch ◽  
A. Gutzeit ◽  
A. E. Renold ◽  
E. Cerasi
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Secretion ◽  
Kinetic Studies ◽  
Spiny Mouse ◽  
Acomys Cahirinus

scholarly journals Menstrual flow as a non-invasive source of endometrial organoids

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tereza Cindrova-Davies ◽  
Xiaohui Zhao ◽  
Kay Elder ◽  
Carolyn J. P. Jones ◽  
Ashley Moffett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Pregnancy ◽  
Recurrent Miscarriage ◽  
Milk Proteins ◽  
Receptor Expression ◽  
In Vitro Fertilisation ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Menstrual Flow ◽  
Pregnancy Hormones

AbstractAssessment of the endometrium often necessitates a biopsy, which currently involves an invasive, transcervical procedure. Here, we present an alternative technique based on deriving organoids from menstrual flow. We demonstrate that organoids can be derived from gland fragments recovered from menstrual flow. To confirm they faithfully reflect the in vivo state we compared organoids derived from paired scratch biopsies and ensuing menstrual flow from patients undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF). We demonstrate that the two sets of organoids share the same transcriptome signature, derivation efficiency and proliferation rate. Furthermore, they respond similarly to sex steroids and early-pregnancy hormones, with changes in morphology, receptor expression, and production of ‘uterine milk’ proteins that mimic those during the late-secretory phase and early pregnancy. This technique has wide-ranging impact for non-invasive investigation and personalised approaches to treatment of common gynaecological conditions, such as endometriosis, and reproductive disorders, including failed implantation after IVF and recurrent miscarriage.

Demonstration of hysteresis in refractoriness of canine ventricular myocardium

1988 ◽  
Vol 255 (6) ◽  
pp. H1342-H1348
Author(s):  
C. Giorgi ◽  
M. Vermeulen ◽  
R. Cardinal ◽  
P. Savard ◽  
R. Nadeau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulse Width ◽  
Cycle Length ◽  
Ventricular Myocardium ◽  
Ventricular Muscle ◽  
Cycle Lengths ◽  
Long Pulse ◽  
Basic Cycle Length ◽  
Canine Ventricular Myocardium

The properties and determinants of hysteresis during ventricular effective refractory period (VERP) measurements by an extrastimulus technique were determined in 15 anesthetized open-chest dogs as well as in isolated ventricular muscle (n = 6). VERP was determined both by decreasing the S1-S2 interval and also by increasing S1S2. Hysteresis was then calculated by subtracting the VERP obtained with the decreasing S1S2 from the VERP obtained with the increasing S1S2. The effects of basic cycle length, pulse width, stimulation intensity, and the number of basic drives on VERP and hysteresis were evaluated. VERP was shorter for long pulse width, high stimulation intensities, and shorter basic cycle lengths. These modifications were not associated with significant changes of hysteresis. VERP was shorter during decreasing S1S2 than during increasing S1S2. Hysteresis was greater with 6 basic drive cycles than with 12 (P less than 0.001) in both in vivo and in vitro preparations. The data suggest that 1) hysteresis occurs during VERP measurements; 2) hysteresis is independent of stimulation modality; and 3) hysteresis decreases with the number of basic drive cycles.

In vitro fertilisation of mouse oocytes reconstructed by transfer of metaphase II chromosomes results in live births

Zygote ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min-Kang Wang ◽  
Da-Yuan Chen ◽  
Ji-Long Lui ◽  
Guang-Peng Li ◽  
Qing-Yuan Sun
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Transfer ◽  
Normal Structure ◽  
Human Reproduction ◽  
In Vitro Fertilisation ◽  
Kunming Mouse ◽  
Mouse Oocytes ◽  
Assisted Human Reproduction ◽  
And Function ◽  
Apparatus Transfer

The interaction between nucleus and cytoplasm can be explored through nuclear transfer. We describe here another tool to investigate this interaction: MII meiotic apparatus transfer (MAT) between mouse oocytes. In this study, the MII oocyte meiotic apparatus or spindle from C57BL/6 mice, a black strain, was transferred into an enucleated metaphase oocyte from Kunming mouse, a white strain. The results showed that the enucleation rate by treating oocytes with 3% sucrose was 100%, but the electrofusion efficiency was very low, with only 17.6% of reconstructed karyoplast-recipient cytoplasm pairs fused. When the fused oocytes were exposed to spermatozoa from C57BL/6 mice, 9 of 11 (82%) were fertilised. Eight reconstructed embryos at 1- to 4-cell stages were transferred into the oviducts of two synchronously pregnant Kunming strain fosters and one delivered two normal C57BL/6 offspring. This study indicates that MII meiotic apparatus or spindle sustains normal structure and function after micromanipulation and electrofusion. MAT provides a model for further research on the application of this technique to assisted human reproduction.

scholarly journals Neuromuscular Development and Disease: Learning From in vitro and in vivo Models

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zachary Fralish ◽  
Ethan M. Lotz ◽  
Taylor Chavez ◽  
Alastair Khodabukus ◽  
Nenad Bursac
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Cell Culture ◽  
Animal Models ◽  
Schwann Cells ◽  
Motor Neurons ◽  
Small Animal ◽  
In Vivo Models ◽  
Small Animal Models

The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a specialized cholinergic synaptic interface between a motor neuron and a skeletal muscle fiber that translates presynaptic electrical impulses into motor function. NMJ formation and maintenance require tightly regulated signaling and cellular communication among motor neurons, myogenic cells, and Schwann cells. Neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) can result in loss of NMJ function and motor input leading to paralysis or even death. Although small animal models have been instrumental in advancing our understanding of the NMJ structure and function, the complexities of studying this multi-tissue system in vivo and poor clinical outcomes of candidate therapies developed in small animal models has driven the need for in vitro models of functional human NMJ to complement animal studies. In this review, we discuss prevailing models of NMDs and highlight the current progress and ongoing challenges in developing human iPSC-derived (hiPSC) 3D cell culture models of functional NMJs. We first review in vivo development of motor neurons, skeletal muscle, Schwann cells, and the NMJ alongside current methods for directing the differentiation of relevant cell types from hiPSCs. We further compare the efficacy of modeling NMDs in animals and human cell culture systems in the context of five NMDs: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy, and Pompe disease. Finally, we discuss further work necessary for hiPSC-derived NMJ models to function as effective personalized NMD platforms.

Abstract 1767: Feasibility of In Vivo Cardiac Stem Cell Tracking, by SPECT and PET Imaging, Using the Sodium-iodide Symporter as Reporter Gene

Circulation ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 116 (suppl_16) ◽  
Author(s):  
John Terrovitis ◽  
Keng Fai Kwok ◽  
Riikka Läutamaki ◽  
James M Engles ◽  
Andreas S Barth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cell ◽  
Reporter Gene ◽  
Cell Tracking ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Small Animal ◽  
Cell Labeling ◽  
Sodium Iodide Symporter ◽  
Cell Injection

Background. Stem cells offer the promise of cardiac repair. Stem cell labeling is a prerequisite to tracking cell fate in vivo . Aim. To develop a reporter gene that permits in vivo stem cell labeling. We examined the sodium-iodide symporter (NIS), a protein that is not expressed in the heart, but promotes cellular uptake of 99m Tc or 124 I, thus permitting cell tracking by SPECT or PET imaging, respectively. Methods. The human NIS gene ( h NIS) was expressed in rat cardiac derived stem cells (rCDCs) using lentivirus driven by the CAG or CMV promoter. NIS function in transduced cells was confirmed by in vitro 99m Tc uptake. Eleven rats were injected with 1 or 2 million rCDCs intramyocardially immediately after LAD ligation; 6 with CMV-NIS and 5 with CAG-NIS cells. Dual isotope SPECT imaging was performed on a small animal SPECT/CT system, using 99m Tc for cell detection and 201 Tl for myocardial delineation, 24 hrs after cell injection. PET was performed on a small animal PET scanner using 124 I for cell tracking and 13 NH 3 for myocardial delineation, 48hrs after cell injection. Contrast Ratio (CR) was defined as [(signal in the cells)-(signal in blood pool)]/signal in blood pool. High resolution ex vivo SPECT scans of explanted hearts (n=3) were obtained to confirm that in vivo signal was derived from the cell injection site. The presence of h NIS mRNA was confirmed in injected hearts after animal sacrifice (n=2), by real-time RT-PCR. Results. NIS expression in rCDCs did not affect cell viability/proliferation (p=0.718, ctr vs NIS). In vitro 99m Tc uptake was 6.0±0.9% vs 0.07±0.05, without and with perchlorate (specific NIS blocker), respectively. NIS-transduced rCDCs were easily visualized as spots of 99m Tc or 124 I uptake within a perfusion deficit in the SPECT and PET images. CR was considerably higher when cells were transduced by the CMV-NIS virus in comparison to the CAG-NIS virus (70±40% vs 28±29%, p=0.085). Ex vivo small animal SPECT imaging confirmed that in vivo 99m Tc signals were localized to the injection sites. PCR confirmed the presence of h NIS mRNA in injected hearts. Conclusion. NIS expression allows non invasive in vivo stem cell tracking in the myocardium, using both SPECT and PET. This reporter gene has great potential for translation in future clinical applications.

scholarly journals New 55Co-labeled Albumin-Binding Folate Derivatives as Potential PET Agents for Folate Receptor Imaging

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren L. Radford ◽  
Solana Fernandez ◽  
Rebecca Beacham ◽  
Retta El Sayed ◽  
Renata Farkas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Folate Receptor ◽  
Small Animal ◽  
Small Animal Pet ◽  
Receptor Imaging ◽  
Albumin Binding ◽  
Liver Uptake ◽  
Biodistribution Studies ◽  
Positron Emission

Overexpression of folate receptors (FRs) on different tumor types (e.g., ovarian, lung) make FRs attractive in vivo targets for directed diagnostic/therapeutic agents. Currently, no diagnostic agent suitable for positron emission tomography (PET) has been adopted for clinical FR imaging. In this work, two 55Co-labeled albumin-binding folate derivatives-[55Co]Co-cm10 and [55Co]Co-rf42-with characteristics suitable for PET imaging have been developed and evaluated. High radiochemical yields (≥95%) and in vitro stabilities (≥93%) were achieved for both compounds, and cell assays demonstrated FR-mediated uptake. Both 55Co-labeled folate conjugates demonstrated high tumor uptake of 17% injected activity per gram of tissue (IA/g) at 4 h in biodistribution studies performed in KB tumor-bearing mice. Renal uptake was similar to other albumin-binding folate derivatives, and liver uptake was lower than that of previously reported [64Cu]Cu-rf42. Small animal PET/CT images confirmed the biodistribution results and showed the clear delineation of FR-expressing tumors.

scholarly journals Phospholipid composition and resistance to vitrification of in vivo blastocyst of a Brazilian naturalized porcine breed

2019 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 837-847
Author(s):  
J.F.W. Sprícigo ◽  
L.O. Leme ◽  
A.L. Guimarães ◽  
J.C. Oliveira Neto ◽  
P.C.P. Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phospholipid Composition ◽  
Embryo Cryopreservation ◽  
Blastocyst Development ◽  
Apoptotic Pathway ◽  
Maldi Tof ◽  
Porcine Embryo ◽  
Low Efficiency ◽  
Hatching Rates

ABSTRACT Piau porcine blastocysts were submitted to MALDI-TOF to identify the main phospholipids (PL). After that, in vivo blastocysts (D6) were vitrified (n=52), non-vitrified were used as control (n=42). After warming, blastocysts were in vitro cultured to assess re-expansion and hatching at 24 and 48 hours. Finally, at 48 hours, hatched blastocysts were submitted to RT-qPCR searching for BCL2A1, BAK, BAX and CASP3 genes. For MALDI-TOF, the ion intensity was expressed in arbitrary units. Blastocyst development was compared by Qui-square (P< 0.05). Among the most representative PL was the phosphatidylcholine [PC (32:0) + H]+; [PC (34:1) + H]+ and [PC (36:4) + H]+. Beyond the PL, MALDI revealed some triglycerides (TG), including PPL (50:2) + Na+, PPO (50:1) + Na+, PLO (52:3) + Na+ and POO (52:2) + Na. Re-expansion did not differ (P> 0.05) between fresh or vitrified blastocysts at 24 (33.3%; 32.7%) or 48 hours (2.4%; 13.5%). Hatching rates were higher (P< 0.05) for fresh compared to vitrified at 24 (66.7%; 15.4%) and 48 hours (97.6%; 36.0%). BAX was overexpressed (P< 0.05) after vitrification. In conclusion, Piau blastocysts can be cryopreserved by Cryotop. This study also demonstrated that the apoptotic pathway may be responsible for the low efficiency of porcine embryo cryopreservation.

Effects of testosterone and prolactin on steroidogenesis in post-ovulatory cumuli oophori and on in vitro oocyte fertilisation in the rat

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Starowicz ◽  
Jerzy Galas ◽  
Małgorzata Duda ◽  
Zbigniew Tabarowski ◽  
Maria Szołtys
Keyword(s):  
In Vitro Fertilisation ◽  
Fertilisation Rate ◽  
In Vitro Effects ◽  
Very High ◽  
Secretion Rates ◽  
T Testosterone

The main objective of these studies was to determine the in vitro effects of prolactin (PRL) and testosterone (T) on steroidogenic function in post-ovulatory cumuli oophori containing unfertilised (ufCOCs) or fertilised (fCOCs) oocytes and to determine the differences between ufCOCs and fCOCs. In vivo, progesterone (P4) content was distinctly higher in isolated ampullae containing ufCOCs than in those containing fCOCs. Moreover, the expression of androgen (ARs) and prolactin (PRL-Rs) receptors was distinctly higher in ufCOCs than in fCOCs. Also, in vitro P4 profiles were generally higher in incubated ufCOCs, which had very high secretion rates of this steroid, especially after treatment with PRL+T. Testosterone significantly increased P4 levels only in incubated fCOCs, while the anti-androgen dihydroxyflutamide (2-Hf) markedly decreased P4 levels in both ufCOCs and fCOCs. Among post-incubation ufCOCs fertilised in vitro, the highest fertilisation rate was observed for oocytes in ufCOCs exposed to PRL+T, while those incubated with 2-Hf or T+2-Hf were not fertilisable. These studies establish differences in steroidogenic function and expression of ARs and PRL-Rs between post-ovulatory ufCOCs and fCOCs, with higher concentrations of P4 being observed in the microenvironment of ufCOCs. PRL+T stimulated P4 production by ufCOCs and increased in vitro fertilisation rate.

161 LIPID CONTENT, RESISTANCE TO CRYOPRESERVATION, AND SEX RATIO OF IN VITRO BOVINE BLASTOCYSTS PRODUCED IN A SERUM-FREE SYSTEM

2006 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 188
Author(s):  
F. George ◽  
C. Daniaux ◽  
G. Genicot ◽  
F. Focant ◽  
B. Verhaeghe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Ratio ◽  
Lipid Content ◽  
Culture Medium ◽  
Nile Red ◽  
Embryo Cryopreservation ◽  
Hatching Rate ◽  
Free System ◽  
Serum Free

In vitro-produced (IVP) bovine blastocysts are known to be more sensitive to cryopreservation than their in vivo counterparts. Removing serum from the culture medium decreases sanitary risk and could improve embryo resistance to cryopreservation by preventing the accumulation of intracellular lipids. Our objectives were to evaluate the lipid content, resistance to cryopreservation, and sex ratio of IVP embryos cultured in a serum-free system. Oocytes from slaughterhouse ovaries were matured in a serum-free enriched medium (Donnay et al. 2004 Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 16, 274) and cultured in 5% O2 in modified SOF supplemented with 5% FCS (FCS) or with insulin-transferrin-selenium (ITS) and 0.1 mg/mL polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) (ITS-PVP) or 4 mg/mL BSA (ITS-BSA) (Daniaux et al. 2005 Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 17, 217). Day 5 morulae were stained with the fluorescent dye Nile Red in order to evaluate their lipid content (Genicot et al. 2005 Theriogenology 63, 1181). Day 7 blastocysts (diameter ≥160 µm) were selected, classified according to their size, and frozen in HEPES-SOF containing 1.5 M ethylene glycol, 0.1 M sucrose, and 1.8 mg/mL wheat peptones (George et al. 2002 Reproduction 29, 51). The lipid content was significantly lower in morulae cultured in ITS-BSA compared with the two other media (320 ± 10 arbitrary fluorescence units vs. 383 ± 12 in FCS and 406 ± 10 in ITS-PVP; n = 271; ANOVA2: P < 0.01). After cryopreservation, a higher total hatching rate was found 24 h post-thawing in blastocysts cultured in ITS-BSA and for both serum-free conditions at 48 h (Table 1). In particular, embryos ≤180 µm cultured in FCS were less resistant to cryopreservation than embryos of the same size produced without serum. Expanded blastocysts cultured in ITS-BSA were sexed by PCR (Grisart et al. 1995 Theriogenology 43, 1097) and a higher proportion of male embryos was found (62.7%; n = 51). In conclusion, a complete serum-free system was set up from oocyte maturation to embryo cryopreservation that gave high quality embryos resistant to cryo-preservation. Embryos produced in ITS-BSA presented a lower lipid content, but a shift of the expanded blastocyst sex ratio toward males was observed. Table 1. Hatching rates post-thawing as a function of the blastocyst size and the culture medium

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