ICSI受精卵胞质注射生产转基因猪胚胎的初步研究

试验旨在探讨单精子胞浆内注射(intracytoplasmic sperm injection,ICSI)法生产猪体外受精卵和应用猪ICSI受精卵进行胞质注射生产转基因胚胎的可行性。首先对比了猪体外受精(in vitro fertilization,IVF)受精卵与ICSI受精卵的胚胎发育效率;然后观察了猪ICSI受精卵的双原核形成时间及效率,对精子注射到胞质后6~18h分6个时间段进行地衣红染色,对比精子进入卵胞质后的状态及原核形成;最后对猪IVF受精卵受精后8~10h及ICSI受精卵受精后12~14h进行EGFP-N1质粒(20ng/μL)胞质注射,观察胚胎发育效率及转基因效率。结果表明,ICSI受精卵的胚胎发育率(卵裂率89.4%和67.9%、囊胚率36.5%和16.1%)显著优于IVF组(P0.05),适合用于猪的体外受精卵试验;猪ICSI受精卵双原核在精子注射到卵胞质后12~14h形成,双原核形成率为54.90%,显著高于其余5个试验组(P0.05);ICSI受精卵胞质注射组胚胎卵裂率(86.2%和66.3%)、囊胚率(30.0%和13.6%)及转基因效率(18.5%和0)均显著高于IVF受精卵胞质注射试验组(P0.05)。本试验结果为采用ICSI受精卵进行胞质注射生产转基因猪的研究奠定了基础。     

不同激活条件及半胱氨酸处理对猪ICSI胚胎发育影响研究

本试验探讨了不同辅助激活方法(Calciumionophore A23187激活、Calciumionophore A23187+6-DMAP联合激活和电激活)、不同精子预处理方法(液氮冻融处理和0.1%Triton X-100处理)和在添加半胱氨酸的胚胎培养液中培养不同时间(0 h、4 h、12 h和168 h)对猪卵母细胞内单精子注射(ICSI)胚胎体外发育的影响。结果显示:与无辅助激活相比,A23187+6-DMAP联合激活和电激活均能显著提高ICSI卵母细胞的激活率、卵裂率和囊胚率(P0.05),A23187+6-DMAP联合激活能显著提高ICSI卵母细胞的受精率(P0.05)。液氮冻融精子组ICSI卵母细胞的雄原核形成率显著高于活精子组(P0.05)。在添加半胱氨酸的胚胎培养液中培养4 h的ICSI卵母细胞受精率、雄原核形成率和囊胚率显著高于0 h组(P0.05)。以上结果表明,猪卵母细胞在ICSI后需要辅助激活来启动胚胎顺利发育,A23187+6-DMAP激活效果较好。液氮冻融精子可以促进ICSI后雄原核的形成。半胱氨酸处理4 h对猪ICSI卵母细胞受精和发育均有促进作用。     

猪卵母细胞与猪、水牛及食蟹猴精子的胞质内显微受精

为探讨猪精子、水牛精子及食蟹猴精子分别注入到猪卵母细胞后原核形成及早期胚胎发育情况,利用屠宰场收集的猪卵母细胞,经体外成熟44～48h后,进行胞质内显微受精(ICSI)操作。试验1:体外培养18～19h,用Ho-echst33342荧光染色,检查原核形成情况。试验2:进行体外培养,ICSI后2d检查分裂率,7d记录囊胚率。试验1结果显示:在原核形成率上,猪同种显微受精,原核形成率(50.10%)显著高于注入水牛精子(37.06%)及食蟹猴精子(37.48%),且差异显著(P0.05),注入水牛精子和食蟹猴精子间差异不显著。试验2结果显示:猪同种显微受精所得的分裂率(86.58%)和囊胚率(29.93%)与水牛精子注入(70.98%,18.48%)、食蟹猴精子注入(78.69%,16.92%)差异显著(P0.05)。结果表明,水牛精子、食蟹猴精子分别注入到猪卵母细胞后,观察到雌雄原核和精子解聚;水牛精子注入猪卵母细胞与食蟹猴精子注入猪卵母细胞,经体外培养发育到囊胚。     

ICSI受精卵胞质注射生产转基因猪胚胎的初步研究

试验旨在探讨单精子胞浆内注射（intracytoplasmic sperm injection,ICSI）法生产猪体外受精卵和应用猪ICSI受精卵进行胞质注射生产转基因胚胎的可行性。首先对比了猪体外受精（in vitro fertilization,IVF）受精卵与ICSI受精卵的胚胎发育效率;然后观察了猪ICSI受精卵的双原核形成时间及效率,对精子注射到胞质后6~18 h分6个时间段进行地衣红染色,对比精子进入卵胞质后的状态及原核形成;最后对猪IVF受精卵受精后8~10 h及ICSI受精卵受精后12~14 h进行EGFP-N1质粒（20 ng/μL）胞质注射,观察胚胎发育效率及转基因效率。结果表明,ICSI受精卵的胚胎发育率（卵裂率89.4%和67.9%、囊胚率36.5%和16.1%）显著优于IVF组（P<0.05）,适合用于猪的体外受精卵试验;猪ICSI受精卵双原核在精子注射到卵胞质后12~14 h形成,双原核形成率为54.90%,显著高于其余5个试验组（P<0.05）;ICSI受精卵胞质注射组胚胎卵裂率（86.2%和66.3%）、囊胚率（30.0%和13.6%）及转基因效率（18.5%和0）均显著高于IVF受精卵胞质注射试验组（P<0.05）。本试验结果为采用ICSI受精卵进行胞质注射生产转基因猪的研究奠定了基础。     

不同浓度DTT或GSH预处理猪精子对ICSI效果的影响

试验采用不同浓度的DTT或GSH预处理猪精子,统计ICSI后精核解聚率、雄原核形成率及胚胎发育情况.结果表明,①精核解聚率随DTT浓度的增加而提高,6 mmol/L DTT处理组的2PN 2Pb形成率(P＜0.01)和卵裂率(P＜0.05)均高于其余各组.随着DTT浓度的增加,囊胚总细胞数呈现下降趋势.表明6 mmol/LDTT预处理精子的ICSI效果较好,但DTT在促进精核解聚的同时所产生的副作用在一定程度上影响了ICSI胚胎的后期发育;②随着GSH浓度的升高,注射卵母细胞的2PN 2Pb形成率、MPN形成率和精核解聚率均呈上升趋势.0.5 mmol/L GSH处理组的卵裂率高于其余处理组(P＜0.05)和对照组(P＜0.01),囊胚发育率显著高于对照组(P＜0.05).说明0.50 mmol/L GSH处理组的ICSI效果较好;③0.5 mmol/L GSH处理组的2PN 2Pb形成率、卵裂率和囊胚总细胞数极显著高于6 mmol/LDTT处理组(P＜0.01),两者MPN形成率差异显著(P＜0.05).表明0.5 mmol/L GSH预处理精子的ICSI效果要好于6 mmol/L DTT.     

水牛和黄牛同种及种间显微授精(ICSI)的初步研究

试验探讨了水牛和黄牛同种及种间显微授精的可行性。体外成熟22~24 h的水牛和黄牛卵母细胞分别注入冷冻/解冻的尼里－拉菲水牛和利木赞黄牛精子,进行同种或种间的显微授精操作,构建的ICSI胚胎一部分培养到16~18 h固定染色检查原核形成情况,另外一部分胚胎培养2~9 d分别记录胚胎的分裂情况及囊胚发育情况。结果发现,水牛同种(水牛+水牛)和水牛异种(水牛+黄牛)显微授精胚胎的双原核率(47.73%和36.67%)、分裂率(68.00%和72.64%)和囊胚发育率(16.44%和22.39%)均无显著差异(P＞0.05);黄牛同种(黄牛+黄牛)和黄牛异种(黄牛+水牛)显微授精胚胎的双原核率(60.00%和45.28%)、分裂率(73.33%和71.31%)和囊胚发育率(28.57%和33.70%)亦无显著差异(P＞0.05)。以上结果表明:①水牛精子注射到黄牛卵子和黄牛精子注射到水牛卵子的种间授精胚胎均可以体外发育到囊胚阶段;②黄牛卵子无论同种和种间显微授精的效果均优于水牛卵子。     

不同因素对奶牛分离精子ICSI效率的影响

本研究旨在探讨不同的联合激活处理、精子预处理方法和单精子注射方式对奶牛分离精子ICSI效率的影响。借助显微操作仪将经不同预处理的奶牛分离X精子直接注入体外成熟22～24h的牛卵母细胞胞质内,注射过程采用回吸胞质和不回吸胞质2种处理,最后分别用3种激活方案对注射卵进行激活。结果表明:用CR1aa+Ionomycin+6-DMAP对ICSI注射卵进行激活后,卵裂率和囊胚率都高于A23187+CHX和7%ET+CHX两种联合激活组(63.74%vs61.09%、53.75%;28.54%vs17.68%、22.00%,P0.05);采用percoll密度梯度离心法处理精子,卵裂率(77.10%vs62.19%,P0.05)与囊胚率(26.95%vs22.82%,P0.05)均高于上游法处理组;ICSI时回吸胞质获得的注射卵,其卵裂率和囊胚率均显著高于不回吸胞质处理组(63.10%,25.35%vs41.56%,19.40%,P0.05)。结果表明,用percoll密度梯度离心法处理精子、注射时回吸胞质、用CR1aa+Iono-mycin+6-DMAP激活ICSI注射卵,可显著提高奶牛分离精子ICSI的效率。     

激活方法对水牛卵母细胞孤雌发育的影响

系统探讨了几种激活方法对水牛卵母细胞孤雌发育的影响。体外成熟 (IVM) 2 6 h的水牛卵母细胞经 7%乙醇(EH)、钙离子载体 (A2 3187)或离子霉素 (Ion)激活处理 5 min后 ,在 2 m mol/ L 6 -甲二氨基嘌呤 (6 - DMAP)中培养 3～4 h,然后再继续培养 6～ 11d,观察其胚胎发育情况。结果发现 ,5μmol/ L Ion激活处理的水牛卵母细胞分裂率显著高于 EH处理的卵母细胞 (6 3.0 % vs5 4 .2 % ,P<0 .0 5 ) ,其原核形成率也显著高于 EH处理的卵母细胞。激活处理前 ,无Ca2 培养液孵育时间的长短 ,对水牛卵母细胞孤雌发育无显著影响 (P>0 .0 5 )。如用 A2 3187激活处理水牛卵母细胞 ,其激活分裂率则随着浓度的升高而提高。从而表明 ,5 μmol/ L Ion可有效激活水牛卵母细胞     

玻璃化冷冻牛卵母细胞单精子注射后体外发育能力的研究

实验研究了不同成熟培养时间的牛卵母细胞玻璃化冷冻及胞质内单精子注射(ICSI)后的受精效果。结果表明:成熟后的新鲜牛卵母细胞按照ICSI注射方法穿刺而不注射精子组与未经穿刺的对照组相比,孤雌激活后的卵裂率、囊胚发育率及囊胚细胞数无显著差异(P>0.05);成熟培养16h(MⅠ)和23h(MⅡ)卵母细胞冷冻解冻后形态正常率均显著低于新鲜对照组(76.66%、87.33%vs100.0%)(P<0.05),冷冻解冻后二者分别成熟培养至24h,ICSI后胚胎的囊胚发育率(5.29%、14.41%)显著低于新鲜对照组(24.40%)(P<0.05);成熟培养23h与成熟培养16h的卵母细胞冷冻解冻后形态正常率及ICSI后囊胚发育率(14.41%vs5.29%)均有显著性差异(P<0.05)。实验证明,ICSI操作不会影响卵母细胞发育潜力;玻璃化冷冻影响卵母细胞解冻后形态正常率以及ICSI后胚胎的发育能力;成熟培养23h比16h的卵母细胞冷冻保存后经ICSI的胚胎发育潜力高。     

精子预处理和第一极体位置对绵羊胞质内显微受精的影响

实验分别采用DTT处理与不处理精子的比较;活精子和死精子进行精子胞浆内注射(ICSI);第一极体位于6点和12点的不同位置,研究3个因素对绵羊精子胞质内显微受精的影响.结果表明:DTT处理与不处理在卵裂率上差异不显著(P＞0.05),囊胚发育率差异显著(P＜0.05).在第一极体位置,死、活精子对ICSI的卵裂率及囊胚率无明显影响(P＞0.05).     

Meiotic competence of mouse oocytes reconstructed by replacing the germinal vesicle with a male pronucleus and somatic nucleus

The present study examines the contribution of the nucleus to meiotic competence in mouse oocytes that were reconstructed using nuclear transfer. Three types of reconstructed oocytes were produced: MP‐GV, by transplanting the male pronucleus (MP) into germinal vesicle (GV) stage oocytes; 3T3‐GV, by transplanting the nucleus of a National Institute of Health (NIH) 3T3 cell into a GV stage oocyte; and 3T3‐MII, by transplanting the nucleus of an NIH 3T3 cell into a metaphase II (MII) stage oocyte. The fusion rates differed, but not significantly, in the MP‐GV, 3T3‐GV, and 3T3‐MII groups (77, 63, 56%, respectively). Then, meiotic competence was compared in MP‐GV, 3T3‐GV and non‐manipulated GV stage oocytes as a control. Nuclear envelope breakdown occurred in all the reconstructed oocytes, as well as the control ones. The percentage of first polar body extrusion differed between the MP‐GV (100%), 3T3‐GV (72%), and control (67%) groups. DNA staining with Hoechst 33342 revealed that in the MP‐GV‐group oocytes that had reached MII stage, the chromosomes were condensed and aligned in a regular array similar to the normal metaphase plate. By contrast, in 3T3‐GV group oocytes, the condensed chromosomes were irregularly scattered in the cytoplasm. These results suggest that the donor nucleus affects meiotic competence in reconstructed oocytes.     

Excess polyspermy reduces the ability of porcine oocytes to promote male pronuclear formation after in vitro fertilization

Male pronucleus (MPN) formation is a very important physiological event during fertilization, which affects in vitro production of transferrable embryos. The aim of this study was to find out the correlation between the number of penetrated sperm and the occurrence of failure of MPN formation in porcine oocytes. In vitro matured porcine oocytes were fertilized in vitro with frozen epididymal sperm. Two different frozen sperm lots were tested in this study, which were different in terms of polyspermy rates. The numbers and the status of penetrated sperm in oocytes were evaluated 10 h after insemination. Under high polyspermy condition, the polyspermy rate was 83.5% with an average mean of 3.5 sperms per penetrated oocyte, whereas the percentage of polyspermy was 65.5% with an average mean of 2.4 sperms per penetrated oocyte under moderate polyspermic condition. Correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between the number of penetrated sperm and their MPN formation percentage both in the sperm lot of high polyspermy (R = −0.560, p < 0.05) and in the sperm lot of moderate polyspermy (R = −0.405, p < 0.05) which suggests that penetration of excessive spermatozoa disables the oocyte cytoplasm to promote MPN formation.     

DNA Methylation Pattern in Pronuclear-Stage Mouse Embryos: Effect of Oocyte Vitrification

This study was conducted to investigate the pattern of DNA methylation in pronuclearstage mouse embryos derived from vitrified-warmed oocytes.Mouse oocytes at metaphase Ⅱ (MⅡ) stage of meiosis were all...     

Phase I evaluation of CCNU (lomustine) in tumor-bearing cats

1-(2-Chloroethyl)3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea (CCNU) is an alkylating agent in the nitrosourea subclass. A prospective evaluation of CCNU was done to determine the maximally tolerated dosage of CCNU in tumor-bearing cats. Response data were obtained when available. Twenty-five cats were treated with CCNU at a dosage of 50-60 mg/m3 body surface area. Complete hematologic data were available for 13 cats. Neutropenia was the acute dose-limiting toxicity. The median neutrophil count at the nadir was 1,000 cells/microL (mean, 2,433 cells/microL; range, 0-9,694 cells/microL). The time of neutrophil nadir was variable, occurring 7-28 days after treatment, and counts sometimes did not return to normal for up to 14 days after the nadir. Based on these findings, a 6-week dosing interval and weekly hematologic monitoring after the 1st treatment with CCNU are recommended. The nadir of the platelet count may occur 14-21 days after treatment. The median platelet count at the nadir was 43,500 cells/microL. No gastrointestinal, renal, or hepatic toxicities were observed after a single CCNU treatment, and additional studies to evaluate the potential for cumulative toxicity should be performed. Five cats with lymphoma and 1 cat with mast cell tumor had measurable responses to CCNU. Phase II studies to evaluate antitumor activity should be completed with a dosing regimen of 50-60 mg/m3 every 6 weeks.     

Furosemide continuous rate infusion in the horse: evaluation of enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects

Continuous rate infusion (CRI) of furosemide in humans is considered superior to intermittent administration (IA). This study examined whether furosemide CRI, compared with IA, would increase diuretic efficacy with decreased fluid and electrolyte fluctuations and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in the horse. Five mares were used in a crossover-design study. During a 24-hour period, each horse received a total of 3 mg/kg furosemide by either CRI (0.12 mg/kg/h preceded by a loading dose of 0.12 mg/kg IV) or IA (1 mg/kg IV q8h). There was not a statistically significant difference in urine volume over 24 hours between methods; however, urine volume was significantly greater after CRI compared with IA during the first 8 hours ([median 25th percentile, 75th percentile]: 9.6 L [8.9, 14.4] for CRI versus 5.9 L [5.3, 6.0] for IA). CRI produced a more uniform urine flow, decreased fluctuations in plasma volume, and suppressed renal concentrating ability throughout the infusion period. Potassium, Ca, and Cl excretion was greater during CRI than IA (1,133 mmol [1.110, 1,229] versus 764 mmol [709, 904], 102.7 mmol [96.0, 117.2] versus 73.3 mmol [65.0, 73.5], and 1,776 mmol [1,657, 2.378] versus 1,596 mmol [1,457, 1,767], respectively). Elimination half-lives of furosemide were 1.35 and 0.47 hours for CRI and IA, respectively. The area under the excretion rate curve was 1,285.7 and 184.2 mL x mg/mL for CRI and IA, respectively. Furosemide CRI (0.12 mg/kg/h) for 8 hours, preceded by a loading dose (0.12 mg/kg), is recommended when profound diuresis is needed acutely in horses.     

Prevalence of gastric lesions in racing Alaskan sled dogs

Human and equine athletes are reported to have a high prevalence of gastric disease, and anecdotal evidence suggests a similar phenomenon applies to racing sled dogs. To investigate the prevalence of gastric disease in racing sled dogs, we conducted 2 gastroscopy studies on dogs competing in the annual Iditarod Sled Dog Race. A pilot study of dogs that were either dropped from the 2000 Iditarod Sled Dog Race because of illness or that finished the race indicated that, approximately 5 days after competing, 10 of 28 dogs (35%) had endoscopic evidence of gastric ulceration, erosion, or hemorrhage. The next year, an endoscopic study of 73 dogs participating in the 2001 Iditarod race was performed in order to evaluate a larger population of dogs. Data from 70 of these dogs could be used; 34 (48.5%) had ulceration, erosion, gastric hemorrhage, or some combination of these findings. When this group of 70 dogs was compared retrospectively to a control group of 87 dogs presented to the Texas A&M University (TAMU) Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, the Iditarod sled dogs had a significantly higher prevalence (P = .049) of gastric lesions. These findings suggest that, similar to athletes of other species, elite canine athletes have an increased prevalence of gastric disease compared to the canine population at large.     

The Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Dairy Cattle in Central Kenya

The epidemiology of H. placei and of other gastrointestinal nematodes in yearling dairy cattle was examined on two farms in Kiambu District, central Kenya during each of 13 one-month periods from April 1993 to April 1994. On each farm, 32 newly weaned dairy calves were given a single dose of albendazole and then placed on experimental pastures. Twelve of the animals were designated for bi-monthly slaughter (n = 2) and analysis of worm population characteristics and 20 were designated for blood and faecal collection and for weighing. Two parasite-free tracer calves were grazed alongside the weaner calves each month throughout the study period and were also slaughtered for analysis of worm populations. Faecal egg counts, haematological and serum pepsinogen determinations, herbage larval counts, and animal live weight changes were recorded monthly. The study revealed that Haemonchus placei, Trichostrongylus axei, Cooperia spp. and Oesophagostomum radiatum were responsible for parasitic gastroenteritis and that H. placei was the predominant nematode present in the young cattle on both farms. Faecal egg counts from resident cattle and necropsy worm counts revealed that pasture larval levels were directly related to the amount of rainfall. The total worm burdens in the animals were highest during the rainy season (March–June and October–December) and lowest during the dry seasons (July–September and January–February). The very low recovery of immature larvae of H. placei from the tracer calves indicated that arrested development is not a feature of the life cycle of this parasite in central Kenya. The maintenance of the parasite population depended on continuous cycling of infection between the host and the pasture. The agroclimatic conditions of the study area were such that, in general, favourable weather conditions for the development and survival of the free-living stages of gastrointestinal nematodes existed all year round.     

Diversity of Ectoparasites in Sheep Flocks in Sa~o Paulo,Brazil

The occurrence of ectoparasites in sheep flocks is frequently reported but seldom quantified. Sheep production used to be a predominantly family activity in the state of Sa~o Paulo (Brazil), but it began to become a commercial activity in the past decade. Thus, information about the ectoparasites existing in sheep flocks has become necessary. The present data were obtained by means of questionnaires sent to all sheep breeders belonging to the `Associaça~o Paulista de Criadores de Ovinos' (ASPACO; Sa~o Paulo State Association of Sheep Breeders). Response reliability was tested by means of random visits paid to 10.6% of the respondents. Most of the properties (89.5%) reported the presence of one or more ectoparasites. Screw-worm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) was the most frequent ectoparasite (72.5%), followed by bot fly larvae (Dermatobia hominis, 45.0%), ticks (Amblyomma cajennense) and Boophilus microplus, 31.3%) and finally lice (Damalinia ovis, 13.8%). Combined infestations also occurred, the most common one being screw-worm with bot fly larvae (36.0%) followed by bot fly larvae with ticks (13.9%), screw-worm with ticks (9.3%), bot fly larvae with lice (6.9%), and ticks with lice (5.0%). The most common triple combination was screw-worm, bot fly larvae and ticks (12.8%). Breeds raised for meat or wool were attacked by bot fly larvae and ticks more often than other breeds. Lice were only absent from animals of indigenous breeds. The relationships among these ectoparasites are discussed in terms of sheep breeds, flock size, seasonality and the ectoparasitic combinations on the host.     

Evaluation of biohydrogenation rate of canola vs. soya bean seeds as unsaturated fatty acids sources for ruminants in situ

An experiment was conducted to study disappearance of C14 to C18 fatty acids, lag times and biohydrogenation (BH) rates of C18 fatty acids of ground soya bean and canola seeds in situ. Three ruminally fistulated Dallagh sheep were used to determine ruminal BH of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs). Differences in the disappearance of fatty acids through the bags and lag times were observed between the oilseeds. We saw that the longer the incubation time of the oilseeds in the rumen, the lower the content of C18:2 and C18:3. Significantly higher lag times for both C18:2 and C18:3 were observed in ground canola compared to ground soya bean. BH rates of C18:2 and C18:3 fatty acids in soya bean were three times higher than those of canola. These results suggest that the fatty acid profile of fat source can affect the BH of UFAs by rumen micro‐organisms. So that UFAs of canola had higher ability to escape from ruminal BH. It seems that fatty acid profile of ruminant products is more affected by canola seed compared to soya bean seed.