In breeding season and non-breeding season, the effects of three kinds of progesterone plugs on estrous control in ewes were studied. Meanwhile, the advantages and the disadvantages of the progesterone plugs were anal...In breeding season and non-breeding season, the effects of three kinds of progesterone plugs on estrous control in ewes were studied. Meanwhile, the advantages and the disadvantages of the progesterone plugs were analyzed. The results showed that there were no significant difference among three progesterone plugs on modulating the ewes＇ estrus and pregnancy, and affecting estrous rate and fecundation rate （P〉0.05）. It was observed that the progesterone plug produced by Animal Husbandry Research Center of Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences could modulate the ewes＇ estrus and pregnancy effectively, and the low cost and convenience in operation made it popularize in the reproducation of sheep widely.展开更多
[ Objective] To find an efficient and low-consumption estrus synchronization method and thus to provide the basis for embryo transfer. [Method] A total of 120 healthy multiparous yellow cattle were selected as recepto...[ Objective] To find an efficient and low-consumption estrus synchronization method and thus to provide the basis for embryo transfer. [Method] A total of 120 healthy multiparous yellow cattle were selected as receptor cows for embryo transfer and assigned into three groups ran- domly （ n = 40）. To induce estrous synchronization, the cattle in the group I were injected 4 mg prostaglandin （PG） ; those in the group II were first transplanted with vaginal embolism and then injected with 4 mg PG; and those in the group III were first transplanted with vaginal embolism and then injected with 0.4 mg PG and 2.0 ml follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）. The rate of estrous synchronization, rate of embryo transfer and rejec- tion rate were compared between different treatments. [Result] The rates of estrous synchronization of the group I, II and III were 0%, 80% and 78%, respectively, and their rates of embryo transfer were 27.5%, 60.0% and 45.0%, respectively. [ Conclusion] Transplantation with vaginal embolism followed by injection with PG and FSH is the optimum method to induce estrus synchronization in yellow cattle.展开更多
To access the production of a novel uterine luminal fluid 250?kD protein (ULF 250) during the various phases of the estrous cycle in relation to estrogen concentration, and to validate that the production and secreti...To access the production of a novel uterine luminal fluid 250?kD protein (ULF 250) during the various phases of the estrous cycle in relation to estrogen concentration, and to validate that the production and secretion of ULF 250 are regulated by estradiol and progesterone Methods An immunohistochemical method was used to localize ULF 250 in rat uteri during each phase of the estrous cycle, and in uteri of ovariectomized rats treated with estradiol and progesterone Results Positive immunostaining of ULF 250 occurred in the epithelial cells of the uterus at all phases of the estrous cycle; whereas the stroma was immunonegative During the proestrus phase of the cycle, the glandular epithelial cells and glandular luminal content were stained strongly During the estrus phase of the cycle, intense staining occurred in the glandular and uterine luminal epithelial cells, including the luminal content of the glands In the metestrus phase of the cycle, only uterine epithelial cells were stained; during the diestrus phase, intense staining of the secreted contents of the uterine cavity and the glandular lumen occurred The distribution of ULF 250 in the uteri of ovariectomized female rats treated with estradiol alone and estradiol plus progesterone were examined In both groups, intense staining of the glandular luminal epithelial cells of the uterine endometrium occurred; in the estradiol treated animals, only the luminal contents were stained The present findings suggest that progesterone inhibits the secretion of ULF 250 that is stimulated by estradiol Conclusions ULF 250 is produced by the glandular and luminal epithelial cells of the uterine endometrium and fluctuates with the phases of the estrous cycle Its production is stimulated by estradiol and its secretion is regulated by progesterone展开更多
In recent years, the rate of infertility has not stopped increasing in the world. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the aqueous extract of Schumanniophyton magnificum (Rubiaceae) on cyclicity...In recent years, the rate of infertility has not stopped increasing in the world. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the aqueous extract of Schumanniophyton magnificum (Rubiaceae) on cyclicity, ovulation and gestation in mature rats. Methods: After a qualitative phytochemical analysis of these aqueous extracts, the experimental studies carried out were based on the evaluation of the pro-fertility effects of this extract in mature rats. For this purpose, 35 rats were used for the estrous cyclicity test and treated for 21 days at the end of which vaginal smears were taken and the duration, as well as the frequency of the appearance of the phases of the cycle, were evaluated. The ovulation test was performed on 80 female rats, which were divided into two groups of 40 animals and treated respectively in the morning and evening with distilled water, β-oestradiol or plant extract at doses of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg. At the end of estrus, the rats were sacrificed, the ovaries were removed and weighed, the hemorrhagic points counted and the blood samples were taken for hormonal studies. The last phase of the study consisted in evaluating the effects of these plant extracts on the evolution of gestation. Thus, 42 mature rats were treated during the periods from the 1st to the 10th day (1st stage), and from the 11th to the 17th day (2nd stage). At the end of these two phases, a laparotomy was performed and the number of implantation sites and corpus luteum was counted. And finally, at parturition, from the 18th to the 22nd day (3rd stage), the number of living pups was performed and the gestational parameters were calculated. Results: Administration at the beginning of prœstrus allowed a significant increase (p S. magnificum extract. On the other hand, a significant decrease in progesterone levels (p S. magnificum at doses of 200, 800 mg/kg (p S. magnificum when compared to the control (23 ± 0.16 d). Conclusion: It appears from all these investigations that the aqueous extract of S. magnific展开更多
<span><b><span style="font-family:"">Aim: </span></b></span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">Beneficial effects of<b> &l...<span><b><span style="font-family:"">Aim: </span></b></span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">Beneficial effects of<b> </b>virgin coconut oil (VCO) consumption to improve cognition <span>in menopausal females<sup> </sup>remain inconclusive. This study examined the effect of VCO supplementation in aging cycling and non-cycling rodents to assess its impact on cognition. <b>Methods:</b> Sprague-Dawley rats (10</span></span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">-</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">18 months) were randomly assigned to a supplemented VCO group (SVCO) that received oral doses of 1.42 mL/kg/day VCO (n = 10) and a non-supplemented (</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">NVCO) group (n = 10). Their performance in a biased Y-maze discriminative learning paradigm was assessed over a 16-week period. Rats were initially allowed 3 minutes to explore the maze (</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><i></span></span></span><span><span><i><span style="font-family:"">habituated</span></i></span></span><span><span><i><span style="font-family:""></i></span></i></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">) and subsequently </span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><i></span></span></span><span><span><i><span style="font-family:"">pre-trained</span></i></span></span><span><span><i><span style="font-family:""></i></span></i></span></span><span><span><i><span style="font-family:""> </span></i></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">in the non-preferred, white chamber to associate the presentation of a tone with a treat (reward). </span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><i></span></span></span><span><span><i><span style="font-family:"">Training</span></i></span></span><span><span><i><span style="font-family:""></i></span></i></span></span><span><spa展开更多
In mammals, gonadal function is controlled by the activity of hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons, which control the secretion of adenohypophyseal and gonadal hormones. However, there are a number of u...In mammals, gonadal function is controlled by the activity of hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons, which control the secretion of adenohypophyseal and gonadal hormones. However, there are a number of unanswered questions in relation to gonadal function. It is currently unknown how erotogenic stimulation of the genitals influences the subpopulation of hypothalamic medial preoptic area neurons, antidromically identified as projecting to the median eminence at different periods of the estrous cycle. Additionally, the distinctiveness of hypothalamic medial preoptic area neurons, with respect to methods of feedback control by exogenous hormones, is also unknown. In this study, spontaneous discharges from individual neurons encountered within the medial preoptic area, gono-like neurons, were recorded extracellularly using glass microelectrodes. To confirm the cellular and histochemical properties of the recording units, antidromic stimulation was performed using a side-by-side bipolar stimulating electrode placed into the median eminence, alongside microiontophoretic injections of the conventional tracer, horseradish peroxidase. In addition, further immunohistochemical analyses were performed. Results showed that elevated gono-neuron activity was accompanied by increased background activity and greater responses to erotogenic stimuli during estrus. Application of clitoral traction stimulation resulted in increased activation of the gono-like neurons. This neuronal activity was noticeably inhibited by β-estradiol administration. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed the presence of gonadotropin-releasing hormone-reactive protein in hypothalamic cells in which electrophysiological recordings were taken. Thus, medial preoptic area neurons represent the subset of hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons described from brain slices in vitro, and might serve as a useful physiological model to form the basis of future in vivo studies.展开更多
<span style="font-family:Verdana;">Kisspeptin has been demonstrated to affect reproductive cyclicity and the attainment of puberty in multiple species, presumably through its actions on gonadotropin re...<span style="font-family:Verdana;">Kisspeptin has been demonstrated to affect reproductive cyclicity and the attainment of puberty in multiple species, presumably through its actions on gonadotropin releasing hormone and luteinizing hormone. Kisspeptin administration causes increased plasma concentrations of LH in pigs, sheep, and rats. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate changes in the hypothalamic kisspeptin system throughout the estrous cycle in gilts. Estrus was synchronized in forty crossbred gilts (191 d, 121 kg) and estrus detection was performed by exposing gilts to a mature boar. The first day gilts stood immobile was denoted d 1 of the estrous cycle. Blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture on d 1, 4, 7, 9, 14, 16, and 19 of the estrous cycle. Ten animals were slaughtered on d 1, 9, 14, and 21 of the estrous cycle when medial basal hypothalami, anterior pituitary glands, and blood were collected. Relative expression of hypothalamic kisspeptin (KISS1), kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R), estrogen receptors-a, anterior pituitary gland GnRH receptor, </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">β</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">-actin</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;" "="">,</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and GAPDH was determined using real-time reverse transcriptase PCR. Fold changes in relative expression were determined using the Relative Expression Software Tool. Relative expression of KISS1 was increased (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">P</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> = 0.006) 3.2 fold on d 1 versus d 21 and 2.3 fold (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">P</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> = 0.003) on d 9 versus d 21 of the estrous cycle, but was not different (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">P</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> > 0.05) among the remaining days of the estrous cycle. Relative expression of estrogen receptor-b was decreased (</span展开更多
The estrous cycle is a physiological process modulated by hormonal changes associated, in turn, with alterations of the attraction or sensitivity with which females perceive different sensory stimuli. Auditory stimuli...The estrous cycle is a physiological process modulated by hormonal changes associated, in turn, with alterations of the attraction or sensitivity with which females perceive different sensory stimuli. Auditory stimuli play an important role in the social interaction of several mammals, including their sexual behavior and the mother-young relationship. Since the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and nucleus accumbens (Acc) had been associated with the processing and assignation of the incentive value of stimuli, this study was designed to analyze whether electroencephalographic (EEG) activity in the PFC and Acc was modified during the two antagonist phases of the estrous cycle (proestrus-estrus and diestrus) when female rats heard sound recordings with different types of cries emitted by other rats. EEGs were recorded in eight female virgin Wistar rats, 80-100 days old, bilaterally implanted in the PFC and Acc during an awake-quiet state, in three conditions: when hearing 1) cries of pups;2) cries of adult male rats;and, 3) cries of adult female rats. The cries were recorded from pups (2-10 days old) and male and female adult rats after gentle prodding by a human hand. Each auditory stimulus (which included vocalizations up to 22 kHz) was randomly played back through a speaker placed near the female rats. Only upon perceiving the cries of male rats did the females in the proestrus-estrous phase show a lower relative power in the 14-30 Hz band in the Acc and an increased inter-prefrontal correlation in the 8-13 Hz band. It is probable that these EEG changes are associated with the lower activation or non-anxious state that the female rat presents specifically during the proestrus-estrous phase in response to the alarm cries of adult male rats.展开更多
Health status of donor cows during superovulation is important to ensure optimal embryo quality at time of collection. Because nutritional and metabolic status impact embryo quality some form of nutritional supplement...Health status of donor cows during superovulation is important to ensure optimal embryo quality at time of collection. Because nutritional and metabolic status impact embryo quality some form of nutritional supplementation is often provided before and during superovulation. OmniGen-AF® (OG) feeding has been shown to assist in the maintenance of animal health through regulation of metabolic status and balance and supporting aspects of immune function. We observed feeding donor cows OG decreased percent degenerate embryos recovered following superovulation increased serum progesterone concentration and improved in vitro embryo development. Evaluation of OG feeding on markers of metabolic function and inflammatory and immune function in beef cattle embryo donors are reported here. Similarly, cow metabolic and inflammatory response with repeated superovulation protocols is not known. Biomarkers to monitor and evaluate cow health during superovulation may provide management options to improve embryo recovery and quality. Twenty-four Angus cross-bred cattle were randomly assigned to four treatment groups, fed 0 or 56 g/hd/day for 49 days and superovulated with 200 or 400 mg Folltropin V (FSH). Blood was collected weekly for analyses. The protocol was repeated on all cows 90</span><span style="font-family:""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">-</span><span style="font-family:""> </span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">120 d later with cows reassigned to their original groups. No differences (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">P</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> > 0.10) were observed due to OG feeding or FSH dose on metabolic and inflammatory markers. Replicate exerted a significant effect where serum concentration of albumin, IL1β, IL6, PGE</span><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">2</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and leptin were lower (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">P</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> < 0.05) 展开更多
【目的】探讨季节性与常年性发情绵羊品种在HIOMT基因序列上的差异,为培育常年性发情绵羊品种提供辅助选择标记(MAS)。【方法】采用基因克隆测序及PCR-SSCP技术,分析小尾寒羊、新疆细毛羊、多浪羊和阿勒泰羊共计179个个体的羟基吲哚-氧...【目的】探讨季节性与常年性发情绵羊品种在HIOMT基因序列上的差异,为培育常年性发情绵羊品种提供辅助选择标记(MAS)。【方法】采用基因克隆测序及PCR-SSCP技术,分析小尾寒羊、新疆细毛羊、多浪羊和阿勒泰羊共计179个个体的羟基吲哚-氧-甲基转移酶(HIOMT)的3′非翻译区部分序列及其遗传多样性。【结果】在HIOMT基因的3′非翻译区存在PCR-SSCP多态,共发现AA、BB、CC、AB、AC和BC 6种基因型,在小尾寒羊群体中发现以上6种基因型,在新疆细毛羊群体中发现除CC基因型外的其他5种基因型,在阿勒泰羊群体中发现AA、BB、AB和BC 4种基因型,在多浪羊群体中只发现了AA、CC和AC 3种基因型。与AA基因型相比,BB基因型在第94,95,96和201 bp 4处发生了突变,CC基因型在第94,201和217 bp 3处发生了突变。Hardy-Weinberg平衡检验显示,小尾寒羊和多浪羊群体处于平衡状态,新疆细毛羊和阿勒泰羊群体处于非平衡状态。小尾寒羊、新疆细毛羊和阿勒泰羊群体多态信息含量为高度多态(PIC>0.5),多浪羊群体为中度多态(0.25<PIC<0.5)。经χ2独立性检验后,常年性发情的小尾寒羊和多浪羊与季节性发情的新疆细毛羊和阿勒泰羊群体间基因频率差异极显著(P<0.01)。【结论】HIOMT基因在不同绵羊品种中序列的差异性,可能是造成其季节性和常年性发情的原因之一。展开更多
The endometrium is composed of glandular and luminal epithelia supported by stromal connective tissue and multiple other cell types.It is a dynamic organ that undergoes physiological and functional alteration during t...The endometrium is composed of glandular and luminal epithelia supported by stromal connective tissue and multiple other cell types.It is a dynamic organ that undergoes physiological and functional alteration during the menstrual cycle.Organoids resemble the primary tissue of origin to recapitulate their corresponding biological and pathological characteristics.They are known for their ability to undergo extensive expansion while maintaining their genomic stability,facilitating their long-term storage and high-throughput screening.The development of the three-dimensional endometrial organoid system,which recapitulates the structural and functional characteristics of the endometrial glands,provides a powerful tool to study the normal endometrium and its related diseases.The Web of Science was searched for relevant literature using the keywords"endometrium","endometrial gland","organoid",and"culture model";a total of 134 articles were selected.In this review,the characteristics,applications,and limitations of endometrial epithelial organoids are discussed.展开更多
Background： Exercise-associated menstrual dysfunction （EAMD） is a common health problem in female athletes as a part of female athlete triad （FAT）, a condition related to low energy availability. In this study, w...Background： Exercise-associated menstrual dysfunction （EAMD） is a common health problem in female athletes as a part of female athlete triad （FAT）, a condition related to low energy availability. In this study, we explored the possibility that carbohydrate supplements can improve the status of EAMD and prevent exercise-induced ovarian injury in a FAT rat model. This research aimed to provide experimental evidence with regard to the relationship of energy intervention and EAMD. Methods： Forty-five female Sprague-Dawley rats （2 months old） were randomly divided into five experimental groups： control group （C）, 9-week exercise as model for EAMD （E）, post-EAMD recovery group （R）, oligosaccharide intervention group （O）, and glucose intervention group （G）. All rats were sacrificed at the end of 9 weeks. Serum samples were collected for measuring gonadotropin releasing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, 1713-estradiol and progesterone levels. The ovaries were taken for investigation of exercise- and carbohydrate-induced follicular subcellular structure changes. Results： Exercise induced irregular menstrual cycles and ovary subcellular structural damages, such as swollenness of mitochondria in rats from groups E and R. Both glucose and oligosaccharide supplements restored well-differentiated mitochondria in the ovarian follicular cells, and a significant improvement of endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi in swollenness in theca cells in groups O and G compared to groups C, E, and R. There was no difference in mitochondria subcellular structural changes between groups O and G. Group E showed attenuation of serum levels of 17β-estradiol and progesterone compared to C. There were no differences of 17β-estradiol serum levels among groups O, G, and R, while group G showed a lower level of progesterone than C. Conclusion： Female adult rats with 9-week continuous exercise can cause menstrual dysregulation as a model for EAMD. Post-EAMD intervention with glucose an展开更多
The objective was to investigate the expression of bone morphogenetic protein （BMP） family members in the mouse uterus during the estrous cycle by real-time polymerase chain reaction （PCR） and immunohistochemistry...The objective was to investigate the expression of bone morphogenetic protein （BMP） family members in the mouse uterus during the estrous cycle by real-time polymerase chain reaction （PCR） and immunohistochemistry. Uterine samples from Swiss ICR mice were collected and dissected free of surrounding tissue. One uterine horn was snap frozen in liquid nitrogen immediately after collection and stored at -80 ℃for RNA extraction, and the other was fixed in 40 mg/ml paraformaldehyde at room temperature for immunolocalization of BMP2 protein. Real-time PCR analysis showed that the expression level of Bmp2 was significantly higher at proestrus than at estrus and metestrus （P〈0.05）. The relative abundance of Bmp4 exhibited significant fluctuations, but there were no statistically significant differences between the expression levels of Bmp2 and Bmp4 （P〉0.05）. The expression levels of Bmprla and Bmpr2 remained unchanged during estrous cycles. However, the level of Bmprlb mRNA decreased significantly at estrus （P〈0.05）, increasing subsequently at metestrus. Furthermore, the level of Bmprlb mRNA was significantly lower than those of Bmprla and Bmpr2 mRNA at the corresponding stages （P〈0.05）. All three receptor-regulated Smads （R-Smads） detected were differentially expressed in the mouse uterus and the expression levels of Smadl and Smad5 were significantly higher than that of Smad8 （P〈0.05）. In addition, the expression level of Smad4 did not change substantially throughout the estrous cycle. Immunohistochemical experiments revealed that BMP2 protein was differentially expressed and localized mainly in the uterine luminal and glandular epithelial cells throughout the estrous cycle. In conclusion, our results provide information about the variation in the mRNA levels of Bmp2 and Bmp4 and related components of the BMP signaling pathway. The data provide quantitative and useful information about the roles of endometrial BMP proposed and demonstrated by others, such as the degradation an展开更多
基金Supported by Heilongjiang Institute of Agricultural Sciences Youth Funded Projects
文摘In breeding season and non-breeding season, the effects of three kinds of progesterone plugs on estrous control in ewes were studied. Meanwhile, the advantages and the disadvantages of the progesterone plugs were analyzed. The results showed that there were no significant difference among three progesterone plugs on modulating the ewes＇ estrus and pregnancy, and affecting estrous rate and fecundation rate （P〉0.05）. It was observed that the progesterone plug produced by Animal Husbandry Research Center of Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences could modulate the ewes＇ estrus and pregnancy effectively, and the low cost and convenience in operation made it popularize in the reproducation of sheep widely.
文摘[ Objective] To find an efficient and low-consumption estrus synchronization method and thus to provide the basis for embryo transfer. [Method] A total of 120 healthy multiparous yellow cattle were selected as receptor cows for embryo transfer and assigned into three groups ran- domly （ n = 40）. To induce estrous synchronization, the cattle in the group I were injected 4 mg prostaglandin （PG） ; those in the group II were first transplanted with vaginal embolism and then injected with 4 mg PG; and those in the group III were first transplanted with vaginal embolism and then injected with 0.4 mg PG and 2.0 ml follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）. The rate of estrous synchronization, rate of embryo transfer and rejec- tion rate were compared between different treatments. [Result] The rates of estrous synchronization of the group I, II and III were 0%, 80% and 78%, respectively, and their rates of embryo transfer were 27.5%, 60.0% and 45.0%, respectively. [ Conclusion] Transplantation with vaginal embolism followed by injection with PG and FSH is the optimum method to induce estrus synchronization in yellow cattle.
文摘To access the production of a novel uterine luminal fluid 250?kD protein (ULF 250) during the various phases of the estrous cycle in relation to estrogen concentration, and to validate that the production and secretion of ULF 250 are regulated by estradiol and progesterone Methods An immunohistochemical method was used to localize ULF 250 in rat uteri during each phase of the estrous cycle, and in uteri of ovariectomized rats treated with estradiol and progesterone Results Positive immunostaining of ULF 250 occurred in the epithelial cells of the uterus at all phases of the estrous cycle; whereas the stroma was immunonegative During the proestrus phase of the cycle, the glandular epithelial cells and glandular luminal content were stained strongly During the estrus phase of the cycle, intense staining occurred in the glandular and uterine luminal epithelial cells, including the luminal content of the glands In the metestrus phase of the cycle, only uterine epithelial cells were stained; during the diestrus phase, intense staining of the secreted contents of the uterine cavity and the glandular lumen occurred The distribution of ULF 250 in the uteri of ovariectomized female rats treated with estradiol alone and estradiol plus progesterone were examined In both groups, intense staining of the glandular luminal epithelial cells of the uterine endometrium occurred; in the estradiol treated animals, only the luminal contents were stained The present findings suggest that progesterone inhibits the secretion of ULF 250 that is stimulated by estradiol Conclusions ULF 250 is produced by the glandular and luminal epithelial cells of the uterine endometrium and fluctuates with the phases of the estrous cycle Its production is stimulated by estradiol and its secretion is regulated by progesterone
文摘In recent years, the rate of infertility has not stopped increasing in the world. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the aqueous extract of Schumanniophyton magnificum (Rubiaceae) on cyclicity, ovulation and gestation in mature rats. Methods: After a qualitative phytochemical analysis of these aqueous extracts, the experimental studies carried out were based on the evaluation of the pro-fertility effects of this extract in mature rats. For this purpose, 35 rats were used for the estrous cyclicity test and treated for 21 days at the end of which vaginal smears were taken and the duration, as well as the frequency of the appearance of the phases of the cycle, were evaluated. The ovulation test was performed on 80 female rats, which were divided into two groups of 40 animals and treated respectively in the morning and evening with distilled water, β-oestradiol or plant extract at doses of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg. At the end of estrus, the rats were sacrificed, the ovaries were removed and weighed, the hemorrhagic points counted and the blood samples were taken for hormonal studies. The last phase of the study consisted in evaluating the effects of these plant extracts on the evolution of gestation. Thus, 42 mature rats were treated during the periods from the 1st to the 10th day (1st stage), and from the 11th to the 17th day (2nd stage). At the end of these two phases, a laparotomy was performed and the number of implantation sites and corpus luteum was counted. And finally, at parturition, from the 18th to the 22nd day (3rd stage), the number of living pups was performed and the gestational parameters were calculated. Results: Administration at the beginning of prœstrus allowed a significant increase (p S. magnificum extract. On the other hand, a significant decrease in progesterone levels (p S. magnificum at doses of 200, 800 mg/kg (p S. magnificum when compared to the control (23 ± 0.16 d). Conclusion: It appears from all these investigations that the aqueous extract of S. magnific
文摘<span><b><span style="font-family:"">Aim: </span></b></span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">Beneficial effects of<b> </b>virgin coconut oil (VCO) consumption to improve cognition <span>in menopausal females<sup> </sup>remain inconclusive. This study examined the effect of VCO supplementation in aging cycling and non-cycling rodents to assess its impact on cognition. <b>Methods:</b> Sprague-Dawley rats (10</span></span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">-</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">18 months) were randomly assigned to a supplemented VCO group (SVCO) that received oral doses of 1.42 mL/kg/day VCO (n = 10) and a non-supplemented (</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">NVCO) group (n = 10). Their performance in a biased Y-maze discriminative learning paradigm was assessed over a 16-week period. Rats were initially allowed 3 minutes to explore the maze (</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><i></span></span></span><span><span><i><span style="font-family:"">habituated</span></i></span></span><span><span><i><span style="font-family:""></i></span></i></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">) and subsequently </span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><i></span></span></span><span><span><i><span style="font-family:"">pre-trained</span></i></span></span><span><span><i><span style="font-family:""></i></span></i></span></span><span><span><i><span style="font-family:""> </span></i></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">in the non-preferred, white chamber to associate the presentation of a tone with a treat (reward). </span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><i></span></span></span><span><span><i><span style="font-family:"">Training</span></i></span></span><span><span><i><span style="font-family:""></i></span></i></span></span><span><spa
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program) No.2011CB505200,2012CB518503grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No.30371804
文摘In mammals, gonadal function is controlled by the activity of hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons, which control the secretion of adenohypophyseal and gonadal hormones. However, there are a number of unanswered questions in relation to gonadal function. It is currently unknown how erotogenic stimulation of the genitals influences the subpopulation of hypothalamic medial preoptic area neurons, antidromically identified as projecting to the median eminence at different periods of the estrous cycle. Additionally, the distinctiveness of hypothalamic medial preoptic area neurons, with respect to methods of feedback control by exogenous hormones, is also unknown. In this study, spontaneous discharges from individual neurons encountered within the medial preoptic area, gono-like neurons, were recorded extracellularly using glass microelectrodes. To confirm the cellular and histochemical properties of the recording units, antidromic stimulation was performed using a side-by-side bipolar stimulating electrode placed into the median eminence, alongside microiontophoretic injections of the conventional tracer, horseradish peroxidase. In addition, further immunohistochemical analyses were performed. Results showed that elevated gono-neuron activity was accompanied by increased background activity and greater responses to erotogenic stimuli during estrus. Application of clitoral traction stimulation resulted in increased activation of the gono-like neurons. This neuronal activity was noticeably inhibited by β-estradiol administration. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed the presence of gonadotropin-releasing hormone-reactive protein in hypothalamic cells in which electrophysiological recordings were taken. Thus, medial preoptic area neurons represent the subset of hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons described from brain slices in vitro, and might serve as a useful physiological model to form the basis of future in vivo studies.
文摘<span style="font-family:Verdana;">Kisspeptin has been demonstrated to affect reproductive cyclicity and the attainment of puberty in multiple species, presumably through its actions on gonadotropin releasing hormone and luteinizing hormone. Kisspeptin administration causes increased plasma concentrations of LH in pigs, sheep, and rats. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate changes in the hypothalamic kisspeptin system throughout the estrous cycle in gilts. Estrus was synchronized in forty crossbred gilts (191 d, 121 kg) and estrus detection was performed by exposing gilts to a mature boar. The first day gilts stood immobile was denoted d 1 of the estrous cycle. Blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture on d 1, 4, 7, 9, 14, 16, and 19 of the estrous cycle. Ten animals were slaughtered on d 1, 9, 14, and 21 of the estrous cycle when medial basal hypothalami, anterior pituitary glands, and blood were collected. Relative expression of hypothalamic kisspeptin (KISS1), kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R), estrogen receptors-a, anterior pituitary gland GnRH receptor, </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">β</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">-actin</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;" "="">,</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and GAPDH was determined using real-time reverse transcriptase PCR. Fold changes in relative expression were determined using the Relative Expression Software Tool. Relative expression of KISS1 was increased (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">P</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> = 0.006) 3.2 fold on d 1 versus d 21 and 2.3 fold (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">P</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> = 0.003) on d 9 versus d 21 of the estrous cycle, but was not different (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">P</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> > 0.05) among the remaining days of the estrous cycle. Relative expression of estrogen receptor-b was decreased (</span
文摘The estrous cycle is a physiological process modulated by hormonal changes associated, in turn, with alterations of the attraction or sensitivity with which females perceive different sensory stimuli. Auditory stimuli play an important role in the social interaction of several mammals, including their sexual behavior and the mother-young relationship. Since the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and nucleus accumbens (Acc) had been associated with the processing and assignation of the incentive value of stimuli, this study was designed to analyze whether electroencephalographic (EEG) activity in the PFC and Acc was modified during the two antagonist phases of the estrous cycle (proestrus-estrus and diestrus) when female rats heard sound recordings with different types of cries emitted by other rats. EEGs were recorded in eight female virgin Wistar rats, 80-100 days old, bilaterally implanted in the PFC and Acc during an awake-quiet state, in three conditions: when hearing 1) cries of pups;2) cries of adult male rats;and, 3) cries of adult female rats. The cries were recorded from pups (2-10 days old) and male and female adult rats after gentle prodding by a human hand. Each auditory stimulus (which included vocalizations up to 22 kHz) was randomly played back through a speaker placed near the female rats. Only upon perceiving the cries of male rats did the females in the proestrus-estrous phase show a lower relative power in the 14-30 Hz band in the Acc and an increased inter-prefrontal correlation in the 8-13 Hz band. It is probable that these EEG changes are associated with the lower activation or non-anxious state that the female rat presents specifically during the proestrus-estrous phase in response to the alarm cries of adult male rats.
文摘Health status of donor cows during superovulation is important to ensure optimal embryo quality at time of collection. Because nutritional and metabolic status impact embryo quality some form of nutritional supplementation is often provided before and during superovulation. OmniGen-AF® (OG) feeding has been shown to assist in the maintenance of animal health through regulation of metabolic status and balance and supporting aspects of immune function. We observed feeding donor cows OG decreased percent degenerate embryos recovered following superovulation increased serum progesterone concentration and improved in vitro embryo development. Evaluation of OG feeding on markers of metabolic function and inflammatory and immune function in beef cattle embryo donors are reported here. Similarly, cow metabolic and inflammatory response with repeated superovulation protocols is not known. Biomarkers to monitor and evaluate cow health during superovulation may provide management options to improve embryo recovery and quality. Twenty-four Angus cross-bred cattle were randomly assigned to four treatment groups, fed 0 or 56 g/hd/day for 49 days and superovulated with 200 or 400 mg Folltropin V (FSH). Blood was collected weekly for analyses. The protocol was repeated on all cows 90</span><span style="font-family:""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">-</span><span style="font-family:""> </span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">120 d later with cows reassigned to their original groups. No differences (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">P</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> > 0.10) were observed due to OG feeding or FSH dose on metabolic and inflammatory markers. Replicate exerted a significant effect where serum concentration of albumin, IL1β, IL6, PGE</span><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">2</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and leptin were lower (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">P</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> < 0.05)
文摘【目的】探讨季节性与常年性发情绵羊品种在HIOMT基因序列上的差异,为培育常年性发情绵羊品种提供辅助选择标记(MAS)。【方法】采用基因克隆测序及PCR-SSCP技术,分析小尾寒羊、新疆细毛羊、多浪羊和阿勒泰羊共计179个个体的羟基吲哚-氧-甲基转移酶(HIOMT)的3′非翻译区部分序列及其遗传多样性。【结果】在HIOMT基因的3′非翻译区存在PCR-SSCP多态,共发现AA、BB、CC、AB、AC和BC 6种基因型,在小尾寒羊群体中发现以上6种基因型,在新疆细毛羊群体中发现除CC基因型外的其他5种基因型,在阿勒泰羊群体中发现AA、BB、AB和BC 4种基因型,在多浪羊群体中只发现了AA、CC和AC 3种基因型。与AA基因型相比,BB基因型在第94,95,96和201 bp 4处发生了突变,CC基因型在第94,201和217 bp 3处发生了突变。Hardy-Weinberg平衡检验显示,小尾寒羊和多浪羊群体处于平衡状态,新疆细毛羊和阿勒泰羊群体处于非平衡状态。小尾寒羊、新疆细毛羊和阿勒泰羊群体多态信息含量为高度多态(PIC>0.5),多浪羊群体为中度多态(0.25<PIC<0.5)。经χ2独立性检验后,常年性发情的小尾寒羊和多浪羊与季节性发情的新疆细毛羊和阿勒泰羊群体间基因频率差异极显著(P<0.01)。【结论】HIOMT基因在不同绵羊品种中序列的差异性,可能是造成其季节性和常年性发情的原因之一。
基金supported in part by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81971396)Hong Kong Research Grant Council Grant(17115619&17115320)+1 种基金High Level-Hospital Program,Health Commission of Guangdong Province,China(HKUSZH201902015)HKU-SZH Fund for Shenzhen Key Medical Discipline(SZXK2020089)
文摘The endometrium is composed of glandular and luminal epithelia supported by stromal connective tissue and multiple other cell types.It is a dynamic organ that undergoes physiological and functional alteration during the menstrual cycle.Organoids resemble the primary tissue of origin to recapitulate their corresponding biological and pathological characteristics.They are known for their ability to undergo extensive expansion while maintaining their genomic stability,facilitating their long-term storage and high-throughput screening.The development of the three-dimensional endometrial organoid system,which recapitulates the structural and functional characteristics of the endometrial glands,provides a powerful tool to study the normal endometrium and its related diseases.The Web of Science was searched for relevant literature using the keywords"endometrium","endometrial gland","organoid",and"culture model";a total of 134 articles were selected.In this review,the characteristics,applications,and limitations of endometrial epithelial organoids are discussed.
基金supported by Shanghai Key Laboratory of Human Sport Competence Development and Maintenance,Shanghai University of Sport(NO.11DZ2261100)
文摘Background： Exercise-associated menstrual dysfunction （EAMD） is a common health problem in female athletes as a part of female athlete triad （FAT）, a condition related to low energy availability. In this study, we explored the possibility that carbohydrate supplements can improve the status of EAMD and prevent exercise-induced ovarian injury in a FAT rat model. This research aimed to provide experimental evidence with regard to the relationship of energy intervention and EAMD. Methods： Forty-five female Sprague-Dawley rats （2 months old） were randomly divided into five experimental groups： control group （C）, 9-week exercise as model for EAMD （E）, post-EAMD recovery group （R）, oligosaccharide intervention group （O）, and glucose intervention group （G）. All rats were sacrificed at the end of 9 weeks. Serum samples were collected for measuring gonadotropin releasing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, 1713-estradiol and progesterone levels. The ovaries were taken for investigation of exercise- and carbohydrate-induced follicular subcellular structure changes. Results： Exercise induced irregular menstrual cycles and ovary subcellular structural damages, such as swollenness of mitochondria in rats from groups E and R. Both glucose and oligosaccharide supplements restored well-differentiated mitochondria in the ovarian follicular cells, and a significant improvement of endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi in swollenness in theca cells in groups O and G compared to groups C, E, and R. There was no difference in mitochondria subcellular structural changes between groups O and G. Group E showed attenuation of serum levels of 17β-estradiol and progesterone compared to C. There were no differences of 17β-estradiol serum levels among groups O, G, and R, while group G showed a lower level of progesterone than C. Conclusion： Female adult rats with 9-week continuous exercise can cause menstrual dysregulation as a model for EAMD. Post-EAMD intervention with glucose an
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31172206)the Grant-in-Aid for Innovative Training of Doctoral Students in Jiangsu Province(No.CXLX13-287)
文摘The objective was to investigate the expression of bone morphogenetic protein （BMP） family members in the mouse uterus during the estrous cycle by real-time polymerase chain reaction （PCR） and immunohistochemistry. Uterine samples from Swiss ICR mice were collected and dissected free of surrounding tissue. One uterine horn was snap frozen in liquid nitrogen immediately after collection and stored at -80 ℃for RNA extraction, and the other was fixed in 40 mg/ml paraformaldehyde at room temperature for immunolocalization of BMP2 protein. Real-time PCR analysis showed that the expression level of Bmp2 was significantly higher at proestrus than at estrus and metestrus （P〈0.05）. The relative abundance of Bmp4 exhibited significant fluctuations, but there were no statistically significant differences between the expression levels of Bmp2 and Bmp4 （P〉0.05）. The expression levels of Bmprla and Bmpr2 remained unchanged during estrous cycles. However, the level of Bmprlb mRNA decreased significantly at estrus （P〈0.05）, increasing subsequently at metestrus. Furthermore, the level of Bmprlb mRNA was significantly lower than those of Bmprla and Bmpr2 mRNA at the corresponding stages （P〈0.05）. All three receptor-regulated Smads （R-Smads） detected were differentially expressed in the mouse uterus and the expression levels of Smadl and Smad5 were significantly higher than that of Smad8 （P〈0.05）. In addition, the expression level of Smad4 did not change substantially throughout the estrous cycle. Immunohistochemical experiments revealed that BMP2 protein was differentially expressed and localized mainly in the uterine luminal and glandular epithelial cells throughout the estrous cycle. In conclusion, our results provide information about the variation in the mRNA levels of Bmp2 and Bmp4 and related components of the BMP signaling pathway. The data provide quantitative and useful information about the roles of endometrial BMP proposed and demonstrated by others, such as the degradation an
