miR‐182 selectively targets HOXA10 in goat endometrial epithelium cells in vitro

Proper HOXA10 expression was essential for endometrial receptivity what was crucial for successful embryo implantation in mammalian. This study confirmed that miR‐182 regulated the expression levels of HOXA10 by binding to its 3′ UTR, selectively downregulated HOXA10 in goat endometrial epithelium cells (gEECs) but not stromal cell (gESCs) in vitro. However, HOXA10 and miR‐182 both up‐expressed in the goat endometrium at gestational day 15 (D15) compared with gestational day 5 (D5), suggesting that there were some other factors regulated the expression of HOXA10 during the development of goat endometrium in vivo. What's more, HOXA10 gene silencing (HOXA10‐siRNA) resulted in gEECs apoptosis in vitro, and it regulated the protein levels of oestrogen receptor a (ERa), progesterone receptor B (PRb), insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R), BCL‐2, pleiotrophin (PTN), AKT and p‐JNK in gEECs. Furthermore, HOXA10 might regulate the protein levels of endometrial receptivity biomarker genes, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), osteopontin (OPN), cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and prolactin receptor (PRLR) in gEECs. In conclusion, miR‐182 targeted HOXA10 selectively in EECs in vitro, and HOXA10 played an important role in maintaining the function of EECs in dairy goats.     

Induction of ovine trophoblast cell fusion by fematrin‐1 in vitro

Endogenous retroviruses present in the genomes take a specific role in placental formation in various vertebrates, including bovine and sheep. Fematrin‐1, which is the envelope (Env) protein of bovine endogenous retrovirus found in bovine placenta, is involved in the formation of fetomaternal hybrid cells in cattle placenta. This study was conducted to clarify whether fematrin‐1 possesses fusogenic activity in trophoblast cells. Another question is whether Env proteins only have species‐specific activity or not. For this, fematrin‐1 gene was transfected in ovine trophoblast cells, and we examined fusogenic activity with Cos‐7 cells. Although fematrin‐1 fusogenic activity was detected in both neutral and acidic pH conditions, acidic condition significantly enhanced it. These activities were rather weaker than those of vesicular stomatitis virus G protein as a positive control. However, the ratio of fematrin‐1 and vesicular stomatitis virus G protein fusion index was confirmed similar to those in the previous reports. Some fusion cells showed multinucleate cells. These results imply that fematrin‐1 is involved in the formation of trophoblast hybrid cells even in different species trophoblastic cells.     

孕酮对奶牛子宫内膜上皮细胞Wnt/β-catenin信号通路关键蛋白表达的影响

为研究孕酮对奶牛子宫内膜上皮细胞Wnt/β-catenin信号通路关键蛋白表达的影响,本试验以原代奶牛子宫内膜上皮细胞为材料,添加不同浓度孕酮(0、1、3、5 ng/mL)对其培养,采用CCK-8法检测孕酮对细胞增殖的影响;免疫印迹法检测孕酮对Wnt/β-catenin信号通路关键蛋白表达的影响。结果表明:与对照组相比,添加1、3 ng/mL孕酮组奶牛子宫内膜上皮细胞增殖率提高(P>0.05),5 ng/mL孕酮组细胞增殖率降低(P>0.05);与对照组相比,1 ng/mL和3 ng/mL孕酮组Wnt/β-catenin信号通路关键蛋白β-catenin、cyclin D1和c-Myc的表达水平均升高(P<0.01),而5 ng/mL孕酮则抑制了β-catenin的表达(P<0.05),且cyclin D1和c-Myc蛋白表达较3ng/mL孕酮组有下降趋势(P>0.05)。综上,高浓度孕酮抑制了体外培养的原代奶牛子宫内膜上皮细胞Wnt/β-catenin信号通路的激活和表达,提示该信号通路参与了奶牛产后子宫复旧延迟进程,为进一步研究奶牛子宫内膜的发病机制提供思路。     

EP2受体激动剂Butaprost对奶牛子宫内膜上皮细胞中血管内皮生长因子基因表达的影响

[目的]观察EP2受体激动剂Butaprost对奶牛子宫内膜上皮细胞中血管内皮生长因子(vascular endothelial growth factor,VEGF)基因表达的影响,探讨前列腺素类化合物对奶牛子宫内膜组织修复的机制。[方法]分离培养奶牛子宫内膜上皮细胞,采用荧光定量PCR技术检测EP2受体激动剂Butaprost对奶牛子宫内膜上皮细胞中VEGFmRNA表达的影响。[结果]10-6mol/L的Butaprost作用于奶牛子宫内膜上皮细胞4、8、16、24h可显著(P<0.05)或极显著(P<0.01)地促进VEGFmRNA的表达。[结论]EP2受体激动剂Butaprost能够促进奶牛子宫内膜上皮细胞中VEGF基因的表达。     

LRH-A3 and HCG increase pregnancy rate during timed artificial insemination in dairy cows

The objective of this study was to use luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone A3 (LRH-A3) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) to improve pregnancy rate of dairy cows during timed artificial insemination (TAI). In experiment 1, the TAI process (0 d, GnRH, 100 μg; 7 d, PGF2α, 0.4 mg; 56 hr, GnRH, 100 μg; 16 hr, AI) was applied to 160 dairy cows on 50th and 60th days after parturition respectively. In experiment 2, 320 postpartum dairy cows were treated with TAI (Group A), TAI + 25 μg LRH-A3 (Group B), TAI + 1,500 IU HCG 5 days after AI (Group C), and TAI + 25 μg LRH-A3 + 1,500 IU HCG 5 days after AI (Group D). In experiment 3, endometrial cells were treated with HCG. The results showed that TAI did not affect the pregnancy rate, while LRH-A3 and HCG increased the pregnancy rate of the cow. HCG of 5 IU/ml and 10 IU/ml increased the expressions of leukemia inhibitory factor but decreased those of interleukin-6, epidermal growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor in endometrial cells. This study provided a plan for the use of LRH-A3 and HCG to increase pregnancy rate during TAI in dairy cows.     

Effect of Conceptus on Transforming Growth Factor (TGF) β1 mRNA Expression and Protein Concentration in the Porcine Endometrium—In Vivo and In Vitro Studies

Transforming growth factor (TGF) β and its receptors are expressed at the conceptus-maternal interface during early pregnancy in the pig. The present studies were conducted to examine: (1) the effect of conceptus products on TGFβ1 mRNA expression and protein concentration in the porcine endometrium using in vivo and in vitro models, and (2) the effect of TGFβ1 on proliferation of porcine trophoblast cells in vitro. During in vivo experiments, gilts with one surgically detached uterine horn were slaughtered on days 11 or 14 of the estrous cycle and pregnancy. For in vitro studies, endometrial explants and luminal epithelial (LE) cells co-cultured with stromal (ST) cells were treated with conceptus-exposed medium (CEM). Moreover, porcine trophoblast cells were treated with TGFβ1, and the number of viable cells was measured. On day 11, the presence of conceptuses had no effect on TGFβ1 mRNA expression, but decreased the TGFβ1 protein concentration in the connected uterine horn compared with the detached uterine horn. In contrast to day 11, on day 14 after estrus, TGFβ1 mRNA expression and protein content in the endometrium collected from the gravid uterine horn were greater when compared with the contralateral uterine horn. The treatment of endometrial slices with CEM resulted in greater TGFβ1 mRNA expression and protein secretion. LE cells responded to CEM with an increased TGFβ1 mRNA level. Moreover, TGFβ1 stimulated the proliferation of day 14 trophoblast cells. In summary, porcine conceptuses may regulate TGFβ1 synthesis in the endometrium at the time of implantation. TGFβ1, in turn, may promote conceptus development by increasing the proliferation of trophoblast cells.     

猪子宫腔液外泌体来源的TIMP2蛋白对胚胎附植的影响

旨在研究猪子宫腔液外泌体来源的TIMP2蛋白对妊娠早期胚胎附植的影响.本研究采用超速离心法分离妊娠第9天(n=3)和第12天(n=3)大白猪子宫腔液外泌体,利用Western blot(WB)检测外泌体中TIMP2蛋白的变化,并通过免疫组化试验研究TIMP2蛋白在子宫中的表达定位.进一步用外泌体与猪胚胎滋养层细胞(po...     

Relationships between endometrial cytology and interval to first ovulation, and pregnancy in postpartum dairy cows in a single herd

The objectives were to investigate the relationships between endometrial cytology (EC) and interval from calving to first ovulation, and pregnancy in dairy cows, and that between uterine fluid and EC. On day 25 postpartum, 39 dairy cows were grouped based on EC, as having low (?8%) or high (>8%) polymorphonuclear cells (PMN), and the quantity of uterine fluid was assessed by ultrasound. The interval from calving to first ovulation was shorter in low, than in high PMN cows (32 vs. 45 d). A greater proportion of cows with uterine fluid had high PMN (64% vs. 21%), and the PMN increased from 14% to 34% as the quantity of uterine fluid increased. The mean interval from calving to ovulation was longer in primiparous cows with high PMN (49 d) compared to that of primiparous and multiparous cows with low PMN (28 and 29 d, respectively). Although the conception rate to first service at 92 d postpartum was not different between PMN groups, the cumulative pregnancy at 270 d tended to be higher in low than in high PMN (80% vs. 58%) multiparous cows. Also, cows that had uterine fluid on day 25 postpartum had a shorter interval from calving to pregnancy than those with no uterine fluid (161 vs. 208 d). In conclusion, combining transrectal ultrasonography with endometrial cytology on day 25 postpartum has diagnostic value in the assessment of uterine inflammation.     

Expression of ADAMTS1 mRNA in bovine endometrium and placenta during gestation

A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 1 (ADAMTS1) is a secreted protease. Through the regulation of extracellular matrix remodeling or developmental processes or both, ADAMTS1 is involved in several biological functions, including ovulation and embryo receptivity. However, the expression and possible role of ADAMTS1 in bovine endometrium is unknown. In this study, we analyzed ADAMTS1 mRNA expression in bovine endometrium during the estrous cycle, peri-implantation period, and at different stages of gestation by using quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qPCR) and in situ hybridization. The qPCR results indicated that the expression of ADAMTS1 mRNA was not affected by the day of the estrous cycle and was similar to cyclic levels on day 35 of gestation; however, the expression was more abundant in cotyledonary tissues of the placenta during late gestation. The in situ hybridization study showed that ADAMTS1 mRNA was detected mainly in uterine luminal epithelia and stromal cells during the estrous cycle and peri-implantation period. A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 1 mRNA was also expressed in the peri-implantation conceptus as well as in trophoblast cells, which include binucleate cells, and increased during late gestation. Furthermore, treatment of stromal cell with progesterone (300 nM) stimulated the expression of ADAMTS1 mRNA. This study indicates that ADAMTS1 participates in bovine endometrial remodeling, which is required for implantation and placental development in coordination with ovarian steroids.     

中兽药散剂治疗奶牛临床型乳房炎的研究

奶牛乳房炎严重影响奶业生产。本试验使用中兽药散剂替代抗生素对临床型奶牛乳房炎进行治疗,并对治疗过程中的奶牛乳房炎病程情况、奶牛免疫情况和牛奶品质进行观察,评估中兽药散剂的治疗效果。结果显示：中兽药散剂可有效通乳消痈;可降低牛奶中体细胞数量;可提高粒细胞含量（从2%以下提高到46.3%）;可抑制炎症,降低IL-1β、IL-6和TNF-α的含量（降低66.3%~71.0%）。得出结论：中药散剂可提高奶牛的免疫功能,治疗乳房炎。     

Structure and functions of the placenta in common minke (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), Bryde’s (B. brydei) and sei (B. borealis) whales

The structure and functions of placentas were examined in 3 species of rorqual whales, common minke (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), Bryde’s (B. brydei) and sei (B. borealis) whales, with the aim of confirming the structural characteristics of the chorion, including the presence of the areolar part, and clarifying steroidogenic activities and fetomaternal interactions in the placentas of these whales. Placentas were collected from the second phase of the Japanese Whale Research Program under Special Permit in the North Pacific (JARPN II). Histological and ultrastructural examinations revealed that these whale placentas were epitheliochorial placentas with the interdigitation of chorionic villi lined by monolayer uninucleate cells (trophoblast cells) and endometrial crypts as well as folded placentation by fold-like chorionic villi. Moreover, well-developed pouch-like areolae were observed in the placentas, and active absorption was suggested in the chorionic epithelial cells of the areolar part (areolar trophoblast cells). Berlin blue staining showed the presence of ferric ions (Fe³⁺) in the uterine glandular epithelial cells and within the stroma of chorionic villi in the areolar part. An immunohistochemical examination revealed tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP; known as uteroferrin in uteri) in the cytoplasm of glandular cells and areolar trophoblast cells. This result suggested that, in cetaceans, uteroferrin is used to supply iron to the fetus. Furthermore, immunoreactivity for P450scc and P450arom was detected in trophoblast cells, but not in areolar trophoblast cells, suggesting that trophoblast cells synthesize estrogen in whale placentas. Therefore, we herein immunohistochemically revealed the localization of aromatase and uteroferrin in cetacean placentas during pregnancy for the first time.     

Relationships between endometrial cytology and interval to first ovulation,and pregnancy in postpartum dairy cows in a single herd

The objectives were to investigate the relationships between endometrial cytology (EC) and interval from calving to first ovulation, and pregnancy in dairy cows, and that between uterine fluid and EC. On day 25 postpartum, 39 dairy cows were grouped based on EC, as having low (⩽8%) or high (>8%) polymorphonuclear cells (PMN), and the quantity of uterine fluid was assessed by ultrasound. The interval from calving to first ovulation was shorter in low, than in high PMN cows (32 vs. 45 d). A greater proportion of cows with uterine fluid had high PMN (64% vs. 21%), and the PMN increased from 14% to 34% as the quantity of uterine fluid increased. The mean interval from calving to ovulation was longer in primiparous cows with high PMN (49 d) compared to that of primiparous and multiparous cows with low PMN (28 and 29 d, respectively). Although the conception rate to first service at 92 d postpartum was not different between PMN groups, the cumulative pregnancy at 270 d tended to be higher in low than in high PMN (80% vs. 58%) multiparous cows. Also, cows that had uterine fluid on day 25 postpartum had a shorter interval from calving to pregnancy than those with no uterine fluid (161 vs. 208 d). In conclusion, combining transrectal ultrasonography with endometrial cytology on day 25 postpartum has diagnostic value in the assessment of uterine inflammation.     

Secondary Corpora Lutea Induced by hCG Treatment Enhanced Demi‐Embryo Survival in Lactating High‐Yielding Dairy Cows

Using a novel in vivo model considering a low developmental competence embryo (demi‐embryo) and a subnormal fertility recipient (lactating high‐yielding dairy cow), this experiment evaluated the effect of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) treatment at embryo transfer (ET) on embryonic size at implantation, embryonic survival and recipient plasma progesterone (P₄) and bovine pregnancy‐specific protein B (PSPB) concentrations until day 63 of pregnancy. Embryos were bisected and each pair of demi‐embryos was bilaterally transferred to recipients (n = 61) on day 7 of the oestrous cycle. At ET recipients were randomly assigned to treatment with 1500 IU hCG or to untreated controls. Higher (p < 0.01) pregnancy rates on days 25, 42 and 63, and embryo survival rate on day 63 were observed in hCG‐treated cows with secondary CL than in hCG‐treated cows without secondary CL and in untreated cows. Pregnancy rates and embryo survival rate were similar in hCG‐treated cows without secondary CL and untreated cows. Embryonic size on day 42 was not affected by treatment with hCG, presence of secondary CL and type of pregnancy (single vs twin). Presence of secondary CL increased (p < 0.05) plasma P₄ concentrations of pregnant cows on days 14, 19 and 25 but not thereafter and of non‐pregnant cows on days 14–21. Treatment with hCG and presence of secondary CL had no effect on plasma PSPB concentrations, which were higher (p < 0.05) in twin than in single pregnancies. In conclusion, secondary CL induced by hCG treatment at ET significantly increased plasma P₄ concentrations, the survival rate of demi‐embryos and the pregnancy rate of high‐yielding lactating dairy cows. Embryos were rescued beyond maternal recognition of pregnancy, but later embryonic survival, growth until implantation and placental PSPB secretion until day 63 of pregnancy were not affected by treatment or presence of secondary CL.     

精氨酸对干扰素-tau处理牛子宫内膜上皮细胞基因表达的影响

试验旨在研究精氨酸（Arg）对干扰素-tau（interferon-tau,IFNT）处理的牛子宫内膜上皮细胞的调控作用及其可能的机制。将牛子宫内膜上皮细胞接种至6孔细胞培养板中,当达到70%~80%融合度时,向细胞培养基中加入不同浓度的IFNT（0、100 ng/mL）,12 h后收集细胞检测未折叠蛋白反应（unfolded protein response,UPR）通路相关基因的表达情况;用不同浓度（0、0.05、0.1、0.2、0.5、1、2 mmol/L）Arg处理牛子宫内膜上皮细胞,24 h后用CCK8法检测其对增殖率的影响,筛选出Arg的最佳作用浓度;将子宫内膜上皮细胞随机分为Arg饥饿组、Arg饥饿+IFNT处理组、Arg添加+IFNT处理组,在Arg饥饿或添加处理6 h后加入100 ng/mL IFNT,IFNT处理12 h后检测UPR通路（BiP、PERK、CHOP、ATF6）、凋亡（BAX、Caspase9）和容受性（HOXA10）相关基因表达情况。结果显示,IFNT刺激可诱导牛子宫内膜上皮细胞UPR通路相关基因BiP、PERK、CHOP、ATF6的表达显著上调;0.5 mmol/L Arg可显著提高牛子宫内膜上皮细胞的增殖率（P<0.05）;Arg缺失可显著上调IFNT诱导下牛子宫内膜上皮细胞中BiP、PERK、CHOP、ATF6和BAX基因mRNA的表达（P<0.05）,并显著下调HOXA10基因mRNA的表达（P<0.05）,但对Caspase9基因mRNA表达无显著影响（P>0.05）。结果表明,Arg缺失可导致牛子宫内膜上皮细胞发生内质网应激,并影响子宫内膜宫受性的建立,可为进一步揭示Arg对牛子宫内膜的调控机制及制定减少妊娠早期胚胎丢失的营养调控策略提供参考。     

The bovine placenta; a source and target of steroid hormones: observations during the second half of gestation

Apart from estrone-3-sulfate (E1S) the bovine placenta produces progesterone (P4), though the corpus luteum is the major source of P4 responsible for maintaining pregnancy. So far the biological function of placental steroids in cattle is largely unknown. However, since the local availability of free estrone (E1) in the placenta seems to be controlled by sulfatase and sulfotranferase, the hypothesis was developed that placental estrogens and P4 might act as local regulatory factors. To test for such a function placentomes from 150, 220, 240, 270 days (D) pregnant and parturient cows were screened immunohistochemically for progesterone and estrogen receptors (PR, ER). PR were found at all stages in the caruncle in stromal cells and capillary pericytes but only at parturition in arterial walls. Percentage of PR-positive caruncular stromal cells (CSC) increased (P<0.05) from 51.8+/-2.6% at D150 to 58.9+/-1.8% at parturition. ER were detected in CSC, caruncular epithelial (CE) cells and in caruncular capillary pericytes. Mean percentage of ER-positive CSC decreased from 39.0+/-5.9% in pregnant cows to 17.5+/-8.3% at parturition (P<0.05). In CE all cells exhibited positive signals with the exception of those immediately surrounding large primary chorionic villi. Proliferation was assessed immunohistochemically by determining the percentage of Ki67-antigen positive cells. Highest values (P<0.001) were obtained for CE (58.0-68.3%), followed by the trophoblast (23.3-25.4%), CSC (10.6-45.3%) and the stroma of the chorionic villi (2.9-10.5%). A transient depression of proliferation in CSC between D150-270 (P<0.05) paralleled local estrogen tissue concentrations. The results suggest that placental estrogens and P4 are important factors controlling caruncular growth, differentiation and function.     

Factors associated with in utero or periparturient transmission of bovine leukemia virus in calves on a California dairy.

A three-year prospective study involving 143 calves born from infected cows was undertaken on a California dairy to evaluate possible factors of the dam associated with bovine leukemia virus infection in utero or during the periparturient period. In utero or periparturient infection occurred at a rate of 4.8% and was more likely in calves born to cows with an average peripheral blood lymphocyte count during pregnancy greater than 12,000 cells/microL (p = 0.043) or in calves born to cows that developed malignant lymphoma (p = 0.00004), but not in calves born to cows with p-24 antibodies (p = 0.675).