两种不同终止子在转基因鲤鱼中的促生长效应

转基因构建体中启动子的选择会直接影响转植基因的活性, 近年来有研究表明转基因构建体中终止子的选择会一定程度地影响转植基因的活性。为了更好地筛选转基因构建体和培育快速生长的转“全鱼”生长激素(Growth hormone, GH)基因鱼, 文章用鲤鱼β-actin基因终止子和生长激素基因终止子分别构建了转基因构建体, 显微注射得到转“全鱼”GH基因鱼P0代养殖群体, 比较两种不同终止子构建体的活性。统计分析发现, 生长激素基因终止子构建体的养殖群体的体重频率呈正态分布且平均体重显著高于β-actin基因终止子构建体的养殖群体, β-actin基因终止子构建体的养殖群体的体重频率呈右倾趋势的非正态分布。值得一提的是在混合养殖组中得到一条生长最为快速的鲤鱼证实为转基因阳性且为生长激素基因终止子构建体的转基因鲤鱼。该结果表明转“全鱼”生长激素基因鲤鱼可快速生长, 并能将转植基因向下代遗传。实验结果提示生长激素基因终止子构建体比β-actin基因终止子构建体表现的促生长活性要强。     

快速生长转基因鲤鱼可望在中国实现商品化

由中国科学院院士、中国科学院水生生物所朱作言研究员主持的“快速生长转基因鲤鱼的中试研究”已通过成果鉴定。中国科学院李振声院士、中国工程院刘筠院士和林浩然院士等专家鉴定认为,该项研究建立了快速生长转基因鲤鱼的高效、安全养殖模式;对转“全鱼”生长激素基因鱼食品消费安全进行了严密的科学实验,证实了转“全鱼”生长激素基因鱼的食品消费安全性,为转“全鱼”生长激素基因鲤鱼的大规模商品化生产提供了科学依据,研究成果居国际领先水平。 朱作言院士主持的该项研究,筛选获得了快速生长的转“全鱼”生长激素基因黄河鲤鱼核心群200尾,其生长速度比对照鱼快140％以上。试验证明：转基因鱼怀卵量略低于普通黄河鲤鱼,受精率和孵化率与对照鱼无显著差异,转“全鱼”生长激素基因黄河鲤鱼具备大规模苗种繁育生产能力;转“全鱼”生长激素基因鲤鱼F1代的大规模养殖不仅增产,而且可降低养殖成本,并为转基因鱼的进一步选育提供材料;转“全鱼”生长激素基因三倍体鱼平均体重增长速度比对照鱼提高15％,铒料利用效率提高11．1％,由此建立了转“全鱼”生长激素基因高效、安全的养殖模式。试验还证明：摄食转“全鱼”生长激素基因鱼对小鼠的生长、脏器发育、血液生理生化指标、繁殖能力及其后代的生长发育均无影响。为此,专家建议,尽快推广养殖转基因三倍体鲤鱼,在我国建立世界首例转基因动物品种商品化生产的范例。杨淑培     

营养状况对幼年鲤鱼肝脏IGF-Ⅰ mRNA表达的影响

通过室外喂养观察3种营养状况对幼年鲤鱼生长、血清生长激素（GH）水平和组织胰岛素样生长因子－Ⅰ（IGF-Ⅰ）mRNA表达的影响。一组鱼喂含40％酪蛋白的饵料（H组）,一组鱼喂含20％酪蛋白的饵料（L组）,饵料的总能量相同;另一组鱼先饥饿32天再投喂含40％酪蛋白的饵料。禁食后饥饿组鲤鱼体重和体长的生长受阻,在第16天饥饿组鱼血清GH水平明显升高,到第32天达到H组的4倍;而肝组织IGF－Ⅰ mRNA水平在第16天无明显下降,但是到第32天已降到不到H组的一半。鲤鱼其它组织饥饿32天未发现IGF－Ⅰ mRNA表达有明显变化。饥饿32天后开始投喂含40％酪蛋白的饵料,鲤鱼生长、肝组织IGF－Ⅰ mRNA的表达水平逐渐恢复,再投喂16天皆与H组无明显差异。再投喂过程中,GH水平也逐渐下降,第16天恢复正常。实验结果提示鲤鱼营养对肝组织IGF－Ⅰ mRNA的表达有调节作用。营养缺乏将导致鲤鱼肝组织IGF－Ⅰ mRNA的表达水平也相应恢复正常,从而导致鲤鱼生长恢复。同时,实验结果也提示,鲤鱼肝以外的组织IGF－Ⅰ mRNA表达不受营养调节。L组鲤鱼在喂养过程中,体重和体长的增长比H组低,但即使喂养40天,两组鱼体重和体长并无显著差异。两组鱼血清生长激素水平和各组织IGF－Ⅰ mRNA的表达水平到实验第32天也未发现有明显差异。推测在鲤鱼含正常能量和20％酪蛋白的饵料已能维持正常IGF－Ⅰ mRNA的表达。L组和H组鱼肝IGF－Ⅰ mRNA在喂养1个月后仍无显著差异也可能与实验时间较短有关。     

BiP表达下调改善双载体转断裂FⅧ基因的功效

双载体转凝血Ⅷ因子(FⅧ)基因可作为一种转基因策略克服腺相关病毒(AAV)载体容量限制,但重链分泌的低效性影响转基因功效.为提高重链分泌,本文用RNA干扰技术下调内质网内蛋白伴侣分子免疫球蛋白重链结合蛋白(BiP)的表达,观察对HEK293细胞双载体共转FⅧ基因分泌重链和生物活性的影响.结果显示,RNA干扰可明显下调BiP表达,但不影响细胞生长;ELISA检测BiP下调细胞单独转重链基因时的重链分泌量为98±38 ng/mL,与轻链共转基因时显著升高到157±32 ng/mL,明显高于对照细胞单独转重链基因和共转重链和轻链基因的重链分泌量(分别为29±8 ng/mL和79±19 ng/mL);Cotest法检测显示,BiP下调细胞共转重链和轻链基因细胞分泌的凝血生物活性为0.73±0.23 IU/mL,明显高于对照细胞共转重链和轻链基因(0.39±0.07 IU/mL).结果表明,BiP表达下调通过促进重链分泌,可提高双载体共转FⅧ基因的功效,为进一步动物体内双AAV载体转FⅧ基因的甲型血友病基因治疗研究提供了实验依据.     

人生长激素基因在转基因鲤鱼体内的遗传

通过有性繁殖转移入生长激素基因鲤鱼(P₁),获得了转基因鲤鱼的子一代(F₁)和子二代(F₂);外源基因在转基因P1与普通鲤鱼杂交产生的F₁代和转基因F1代自交产生的F₂代鱼中的存在率分别为45．4％和66．7％,外源基因拷贝数在子代个体之间存在很大差异,从每细胞2拷贝到每细胞200拷贝不等;外源基因在转基因鱼子代中仍可表达具有生物功能的产物．人生长激素(h1GH),并能促进鱼的生长。     

转青鱼生长激素基因日本白鲫原代的研制

构建由青鱼β-actin基因启动子和青鱼生长激素(GH)基因精确拼接的"全鱼"基因pbcAbcGHc,并采用显微注射法将pbcAbcGHc导入日本白鲫的受精卵中.对照养殖结果显示150日龄P0代转基因日本白鲫的平均体重是对照组1.37倍,平均体长是对照组1.07倍.选择30尾P0代转基因日本白鲫,PCR方法检测出外源青鱼GH基因在P0代转基因日本白鲫尾鳍基因组DNA中的整合率为90%;在一尾生长速度显著的转青鱼GH基因日本白鲫P0的肌肉、肝脏两种组织中可检测到外源青鱼GH基因的转录.P0代转青鱼GH基因日本白鲫P0的成功获得为建立转青鱼GH基因日本白鲫纯系奠定了基础.     

A1区替换提高人BDD-FⅧ重链的分泌并缓解其与轻链共转基因细胞链分泌的不均衡性

双载体转凝血Ⅷ因子基因(FⅧ)可有效克服腺相关病毒(AAV)载体容量限制,但FⅧ重链分泌的低效性导致重、轻链分泌的不均衡。重链分泌的低效性源自其A1区存在与内质网蛋白质分子伴侣结合的位点。本文在我们最近运用蛋白质剪接的双载体共转B区缺失型FⅧ(BDD-FⅧ)重链和轻链基因研究的基础上,将重链的A1区替换为猪FⅧ的A1区,用融合蛋白内含子的重链和轻链转基因实验,定量分析了重链的分泌及其对共转重链和轻链基因细胞分泌剪接BDD-FⅧ蛋白和活性的影响。结果显示,变构体重链单独转基因时其分泌得到明显改善,达到89±12 ng/ml,明显高于人BDD-FⅧ重链的分泌(25±9 ng/ml);该变构体重链与轻链共转基因细胞分泌的剪接变构体BDD-FⅧ和活性分别为219±51 ng/ml和1.47±0.22 U/ml,明显高于剪接的人BDD-FⅧ的分泌量和活性(1 16±32 ng/ml和0.8±0.11 U/ml)。单独变构体重链和轻链转基因细胞合并培养后,其培养上清中检测到剪接的变构体BDD-FⅧ和活性,分别为38±7 ng/ml和0.22±0.05 U/ml,提示为不依赖细胞机制的蛋白质剪接所产生。结果表明,A1区替换后重链分泌的增强,可促进基于蛋白质剪接技术的双载体共转重链和轻链基因细胞分泌的剪接BDD-FⅧ水平和活性,并可缓解链分泌的不均衡性,为动物体内应用双AAV载体共转BDD-FⅧ重链和轻链基因研究奠定了实验基础。     

鲤鱼生长激素基因在鲫鱼中的基因转移及PCR检测

鲫鱼群体内,个体之间的生长速度差别不大,遗传保守性较强,用常规育种方法很难获得生长速度快、个体差异较大的后代。通过基因转移技术,将外源基因如鱼的生长激素基因导入鱼的受精卵中,而获得转基因鱼是钱定向育种的一条有效途径。已有报道,在虹鳟鱼生长激素cDNA上游连结一个病毒启动子构建成表达质粒,由此获得的转基因鲤鱼比对照生长速度快20％。但是未见有将鲤鱼生长激素基因导入鲫鱼受精卵的报导。我们克隆了鲤鱼生长激素基因,并用它构建了含有病毒启动子（F.1,插入0．8Kb,位于XbaI和PstI之间)的表达质粒（Fig.2,命名为pCMV－TK－CGH）。用该质粒对鲫鱼受精卵进行注射,注射了1000粒卵,获得了转基因实验鲫鱼480尾。孵化率为48％。将其中100尾幼鱼于水簇箱中进行放养。选择其中个体较大的50尾进行PCR检测。其中8条鱼的基因组DNA有0．6Kb的PCR扩增产物（Fig.3),表明其上整合有外源的鲤鱼生长激素基因,其整合率为16％。其中最大的一条体重4．2g,体和6cm,比对照（0．7g,4cm）体重增加5倍,体长增加2cm(Fig.4)。我们构建的是高效表达质粒,其上含有巨细胞病毒增强子和人单纯疱疹病毒胸苷激酶启动子（属强启动子）,对鲤鱼生长激素基因有较强的启动作用。鲤鱼和鲫鱼在分类上属同科不同属,考虑到两者生长激素基因有较强的启动作用。鲤鱼和鲫鱼在分类上属同科不同属,考虑到两者生长激素基因的同源性,对转基因鲫鱼的PCR检测参照了加拿大学者Du所用引物的设计、使注射的外源基因与其本身的内源生长激素基因相区别。我们的转基因整合率（16％）与Zhang(10%)、Grass和Hackett等报道的接近。转基因鲫鱼生长速度增加的倍数（5倍）与Du等人的结果（2－6）接近。但是,这一生长速度快的优势能否遗传给后代,有待进一步观察。     

BiP表达下调改善双载体转断裂FVIII基因的功效

双载体转凝血Ⅷ因子（FⅧ）基因可作为一种转基因策略克服腺相关病毒(AAV)载体容量限制,但重链分泌的低效性影响转基因功效. 为提高重链分泌,本文用RNA干扰技术下调内质网内蛋白伴侣分子免疫球蛋白重链结合蛋白(BiP)的表达,观察对HEK293细胞双载体共转FⅧ基因分泌重链和生物活性的影响. 结果显示,RNA干扰可明显下调BiP表达,但不影响细胞生长; ELISA检测BiP下调细胞单独转重链基因时的重链分泌量为98±38 ng/mL,与轻链共转基因时显著升高到157±32 ng/mL,明显高于对照细胞单独转重链基因和共转重链和轻链基因的重链分泌量(分别为29±8 ng/mL和79±19 ng/mL);Cotest法检测显示,BiP下调细胞共转重链和轻链基因细胞分泌的凝血生物活性为0.73±0.23 IU/mL,明显高于对照细胞共转重链和轻链基因(0.39±0.07 IU/mL). 结果表明, BiP表达下调通过促进重链分泌,可提高双载体共转FⅧ基因的功效,为进一步动物体内双AAV载体转FⅧ基因的甲型血友病基因治疗研究提供了实验依据.     

vWF-△Pro改善基于蛋白质剪接的双载体BDD-FⅧ基因转移

多聚体von Willebrand因子(vWF)的功能之一是保护凝血Ⅷ因子(FⅧ)免受蛋白水解引起的快速清除.前肽缺失突变体vWF(vWF-ΔPro)不能形成多聚体,但可以结合FⅧ蛋白.为探讨vWF-ΔPro对基于蛋白质反式剪接作用介导的双载体转FⅧ基因后连接的FⅧ蛋白的分泌和活性的影响,将vWF-ΔPro基因和融合SspDnaB内含肽的B结构域缺失型FⅧ(BDD-FⅧ)断裂基因共转染293细胞进行转基因的瞬时表达,用Western印迹检测了单独转染vWF-ΔPro基因细胞的vWF-ΔPro表达量和蛋白形式,并检测了其对FⅧ的结合力;用ELISA法观察分泌至培养上清中的剪接的BDD-FⅧ,并用Coatest法检测由其产生的生物活性.结果显示,vWF-ΔPro转基因细胞呈现二聚体蛋白表达形式,其结合FⅧ的能力与转野生型vWF基因细胞相近;vWF-ΔPro共转染细胞上清中剪接BDD-FⅧ蛋白浓度为198±21ng/mL,活性为1.78±0.18IU/mL,明显高于未转染vWF-ΔPro基因的细胞对照(91±12ng/mL和1.05±0.13IU/mL),与共转染野生型vWF基因细胞对照相近(221±19ng/mL和1.95±0.22IU/mL),表明vWF-ΔPro可显著改善内含肽剪接的BDD-FⅧ蛋白的分泌和生物活性.为vWF-ΔPro转基因的基于蛋白质剪接技术双AAV载体转BDD-FⅧ基因动物体内实验提供了依据.     

Oxygen uptake of growth hormone transgenic coho salmon during starvation and feeding

Oxygen uptake of growth hormone transgenic coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch was measured in individual fish with a closed-system respirometer and was compared with that of similar-sized non-transgenic control coho salmon during starvation and when fed a fixed ration or to satiation. Transgenic and control fish did not differ in their standard oxygen uptake after 4 days of starvation, although control fish had a higher routine oxygen uptake, scope for spontaneous activity and initial acclimation oxygen uptake. During feeding, transgenic fish ate significantly more than control fish, and had an overall oxygen uptake that was 1·7 times greater than control fish. When fish that had eaten the same per cent body mass were compared, transgenic fish had an oxygen uptake that was 1·4 times greater than control fish. Differences in oxygen uptake in growth hormone transgenic coho salmon and non-transgenic fish appear to be due to the effects of feeding, acclimation and activity level, and not to a difference in basal metabolism.     

注射LHRHa对泥鳅血清性类固醇激素变化研究

研究了注射促黄体激素类似物(LHRHa)后,泥鳅(Misgurnus anguillicaudatus)血清性类同醇激素的变化规律,并探讨在泥鳅繁殖季节时.孕酮(P)、睾酮(T)和雌二醇(E2)对性腺发育的作用及调节机制.实验共分两组,对照组和实验组;对照组只注射生理盐水;实验组注射LHRHa,雌鱼0.2 μg/g,雄鱼减半.注射前尾静脉采血,作为血液样本分析基础水平(Oh),注射药物后分别在7、24、48、72和96h尾静脉采血.测定雌鱼睾酮、雌二醇和孕酮,雄鱼孕酮和睾酬血清浓度.实验结果表明:注射LHRHa,雌鱼血清睾酮和雌二醇浓度显著高于对照组,雄鱼血清睾酮和孕酮显著高于对照组(P<0.05);24h浓度较高.雌鱼孕酬、睾酮和雌二醇分别为(0.710±0.082)ng/mL、(9.00±0.57)ng/mL和(696.4±26.2)pg/mL,雄鱼孕酮和睾酮分别为(0.527±0.121)ng/mL和(9.62±0.62)ng/mL.实验组雌鱼孕酮变化基本规律为,基础水平(0-7h)-逐渐升至最高(7-24h)-逐渐降至基础水平(24-48h)-维持基础水平(48-96h).实验组雌鱼睾酮和雌二醇与雄鱼孕酮和睾酮变化规律基本相似,其规律为,逐渐上升至最高(0-24h)-逐渐降至基础水平(24-72h)-维持基础水(72-96h).24h对照组雌鱼睾酮和雌二醇显著升高,浓度分别为:睾酮(2.20±0.18)ng/mL,雌二醇(269.1±36.6)pg/mL.对照组雄鱼血清孕酮和睾酮浓度实验期间均无显著变化.研究认为:LHRHa能够刺激泥鳅性类同醇激素分泌,特别是睾酮的分泌,显著提高雌鱼性腺指数(GSI).但刺激P的分泌调控能力有限,实验期间处于较低水平,诱导排卵效果差,泥鳅的性类固醇激素可能有特殊的调节机制.雌二醇和睾酮对性腺成熟有重要作用,孕酮对介导卵细胞最终成熟和排卵可能起重要作用,而雌二醇和睾酮无明显效果.     

Effects of food deprivation on expression of growth hormone receptor and proximate composition in liver of black seabream Acanthopagrus schlegeli

The effects of food deprivation on the hepatic level growth hormone receptor (GHR) were investigated in black seabream (Acanthopagrus schlegeli) both at the protein level (by radioreceptor assay) and at the mRNA level (by ribonuclease protection assay). Serum levels of growth hormone (GH) and triiodothyronine (T₃) were also measured. Condition factor and hepatic proximate composition of the fish were also assessed. Significant decrease in hepatic GHR binding was recorded as early as on day 2 of starvation. On day 30 this decrease was even more pronounced, with the level in the starved fish reaching less than 20% the fed control level. A concomitant decrease in the hepatic GHR mRNA content was also noted during this period, with a progressive decrease from day 2 to day 30 of starvation. The extent of decrease in the mRNA content was less pronounced than the decrease in receptor binding, with the hepatic GHR mRNA content in the day 30 starved fish representing approximately 30% of the level in the fed control. In large contrast, serum GH level increased progressively during starvation. After 30 days of starvation, serum GH levels in the starved fish were more than three times the concentration found in the fed control. Serum T₃ levels, on the other hand, decreased during starvation, with the difference reaching significance on day 15 and day 30. After 30 days of starvation, serum T₃ levels in the starved fish were only approximately 40% the concentration found in the fed control. The hepatic lipid content exhibited an increasing trend during starvation. On day 30 the hepatic lipid content of the starved fish had doubled the level found in the fed control. However, the hepatic protein content did not exhibit much change during starvation. There was also a minor decrease in the moisture content of the liver during starvation, but the condition factor of the fish as a whole registered a gradual decrease during the course of food deprivation.     

Influence of age and gender on secretion of anti-Müllerian hormone in Asian (Elephas maximus) and African (Loxodonta africana) elephants

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) secretion was studied in Asian and African elephants varying in age and reproductive status. Overall mean concentrations did not differ (P > 0.05) between species, but were markedly higher in male than female Asian elephants (31.01 ± 4.22 ng/mL and 0.19 ± 0.02 ng/mL, mean ± SEM) and African elephants (40.27 ± 3.18 ng/mL, 0.17 ± 0.04 ng/mL), respectively. Anti-Müllerian hormone secretion was not significantly affected by ovarian cyclicity status (cycling vs noncycling), but was higher (P < 0.05) in prepubertal (0.40 ± 0.10 ng/mL) than reproductive age (8-35 y; 0.18 ± 0.04 ng/mL) and aged (≥ 36 y; 0.16 ± 0.03 ng/mL) females. In males, AMH secretion was not significantly affected by musth status, but was age-related, with higher concentrations (P > 0.05) in prepubertal (49.08 ± 6.11 ng/mL) as compared to aged (≥36 y; 22.27 ± 5.82 ng/mL) bulls; concentrations in mature bulls (8-35 y; 37.01 ± 3.17 ng/mL) were similar to prepubertal and older bulls. We concluded that circulating AMH concentrations in elephants were similar between species and not affected by reproductive status; however, concentrations were significantly higher in males than females, and in younger animals. The diagnostic value of AMH to assess fertility status of individual elephants remains to be determined.     

A one-year investigation of the relationship between serum GH levels and the growth of F4 transgenic and non-transgenic common carp Cyprinus carpio

It has been demonstrated that growth hormone (GH) transgenic fish often posses a trait for fast growth. Here, we investigated the growth of F₄'all-fish' GH transgenic carp Cyprinus carpio and their serum GH levels for a year. The results showed that F₄ all-fish GH transgenic carp were significantly larger in body mass ( c . two-fold, P < 0·001) and body length ( c . 1·3 fold, P < 0·001), compared with the non-transgenic group. The discrepancy of serum GH levels between the transgenic carp group and control group is 54 fold, when the water temperature was 12–34° C. When the water temperature decreased to 3·5° C in January, the discrepancy was 256 fold. The serum GH level of the transgenic group was relatively constant, while that of control varied greatly based on month and water temperature. The changes of growth rates between the transgenic group and the control group were similar for a year. Taken together, the results indicated that F₄ all-fish GH transgenic carp had not only higher and constant serum GH levels but also a significant fast-growing effect, compared with the control. To our knowledge, this is the first report on a one-year investigation of growth trait and serum growth hormone level in F₄ all-fish GH transgenic carp.     

Effects of vascular endothelial growth factor on porcine preimplantation embryos produced by in vitro fertilization and somatic cell nuclear transfer

This study examined the effects of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on porcine embryos produced by in vitro fertilization (IVF) and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) at different developmental stages. Four sets of experiments were performed. In the first, supplementation of the in vitro culture medium with 5 ng/mL VEGF was suitable for porcine IVF embryo development, and the blastocyst formation rate was significantly higher than the control and other groups (57.73 ± 6.78% (5 ng/mL VEGF) vs. 43.21 ± 10.22% (control), 42.16 ± 10.24% (50 ng/mL VEGF) and 41.91 ± 11.74% (500 ng/mL VEGF); P < 0.05). The total cell number after supplementation with 5 ng/mL VEGF was significantly higher than the control and other groups (151.85 ± 39.77 (5 ng/mL VEGF) vs. 100.00 ± 34.43 (control), 91.2 ± 31.51 (50 ng/mL VEGF), and 112.53 ± 47.66 (500 ng/mL VEGF); P < 0.05). In the second experiment, when VEGF was added at different developmental stages of IVF derived embryos (early stage, days 1-3, late stage, days 4-7), the blastocyst formation rate and total cell number were significantly higher at the late stage (47.71 ± 9.13% and 131.5 ± 20.70, respectively) than in the control (34.32 ± 7.44% and 85.50 ± 20.41, respectively) and at the early stage (33.60 ± 5.78% and 86.75 ± 25.10, respectively; P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the blastocyst development rate or total cell number between the whole culture period (days 1-7) and the late stage culture period after supplementation with 5 ng/mL VEGF (P > 0.05). In the third experiment, the cleavage rate was significantly higher when SCNT embryos were cultured with VEGF during the whole culture period than in the late stage (63.56 ± 15.52% vs. 39.72 ± 4.94%; P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the control and the early stage culture period (P > 0.05). The blastocyst formation rate was significantly higher at the late stage culture period with VEGF than at the early stage culture period (34.40 ± 15.06% vs. (16.07 ± 5.01%; P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the total cell number between the groups (P > 0.05). In experiment 4, using real-time PCR, VEGF mRNA expression was detected in all the developmental stages of IVF and SCNT embryos, but the expression level varied according to the developmental stage. VEGF receptor, KDR mRNA was detected in all stages IVF and SCNT embryos. However, flt-1 mRNA was not expressed in all embryonic stages of IVF and SCNT embryos. These data suggest that VEGF supplementation at the late embryonic developmental stage might improve the developmental potential of both IVF and SCNT preimplantation porcine embryos through its receptors.     

Dynamics of follicular growth and progesterone concentrations in cyclic and anestrous suckling Nelore cows (Bos indicus) treated with progesterone,equine chorionic gonadotropin,or temporary calf removal

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of eCG and temporary calf removal (TCR) associated with progesterone (P4) treatment on the dynamics of follicular growth, CL size, and P4 concentrations in cyclic (n = 36) and anestrous (n = 30) Nelore cows. Cyclic (C) and anestrous (A) cows were divided into three groups. The control group received 2 mg of estradiol benzoate via intramuscular (IM) injection and an intravaginal device containing 1.9 g of P4 on Day 0. On Day 8, the device was removed, and the animals received 12.5 mg of dinoprost tromethamine IM. After 24 hours, the animals received 1 mg of estradiol benzoate IM. In the eCG group, cows received the same treatment described for the control group but also received 400 UI of eCG at the time of device removal. In the TCR group, calves were separated from the cows for 56 hours after device removal. Ultrasound exams were performed every 24 hours after device removal until the time of ovulation and 12 days after ovulation to measure the size of the CL. On the same day as the CL measurement, blood was collected to determine the plasma P4 level. Statistical analyses were performed with a significance level of P ≤ 0.05. In cyclic cows, the presence of the CL at the beginning of protocol resulted in a smaller follicle diameter at the time of device removal (7.4 ± 0.3 mm in cows with CL vs. 8.9 ± 0.4 mm in cows without CL; P = 0.03). All cows ovulated within 72 hours after device removal. Anestrous cows treated with eCG or TCR showed follicle diameter at fixed-timed artificial insemination (A-eCG 10.2 ± 0.3 and A-TCR 10.3 ± 0.5 mm) and follicular growth rate (A-eCG 1.5 ± 0.2 and A-TCR 1.3 ± 0.1 mm/day) similar to cyclic cows (C-eCG 11.0 ± 0.6 and C-TCR 12.0 ± 0.5 mm) and (C-eCG 1.4 ± 0.2 and C-TCR 1.6 ± 0.2 mm/day, respectively; P ≤ 0.05). Despite the similarities in CL size, the average P4 concentration was higher in the A-TCR (9.6 ± 1.4 ng/mL) than in the A-control (4.0 ± 1.0 ng/mL) and C-TCR (4.4 ± 1.0 ng/mL) groups (P < 0.05). From these results, we conclude that eCG treatment and TCR improved the fertility of anestrous cows by providing follicular growth rates and size of dominant follicles similar to cyclic cows. Additionally, TCR increases the plasma concentrations of P4 in anestrous cows.     

Fast-growing transgenic common carp mounting compensatory growth

Compensatory growth is a phase of accelerated growth apparent when favourable conditions are restored after a period of growth depression. To investigate if F₂ common 'all-fish' growth hormone gene transgenic common carp ( Cyprinus carpio ) could mount compensatory growth, a 9 week study at 29° C was performed. The control group was fed to satiation twice a day throughout the experiment. The other two groups were deprived of feed for 1 or 2 weeks, respectively, and then fed to satiation during the re-feeding period. At the end of the experiment, the live masses of fish in the deprived groups were still significantly lower than those of the controls. During the re-feeding period, size-adjusted mean specific growth rates and mean feed intakes were significantly higher in the deprived fish than in the controls, indicating a partial compensatory growth response in these fish. No significant differences were found in food conversion efficiency between the deprived and control fish during re-feeding, suggesting that hyperphagia was the mechanism responsible for increased growth rates. The proximate composition of the deprived fish at the end of the experiment was similar to that of the control fish. This study is, to our knowledge, the first to report that fast-growing transgenic fish can achieve partial compensation of growth following starvation.     

Biological and clinical significance of anti-Müllerian hormone determination in blood serum of the mare

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a member of the transforming growth factor β superfamily of growth and differentiation factors, is expressed in granulosa cells of preantral and small antral ovarian follicles. In humans, AMH appeared to regulate recruitment and growth of small ovarian follicles. Furthermore, circulating AMH concentrations were elevated in women with granulosa-cell tumors (GCT). In the horse, GCTs are the most common tumor of the ovary, and a variety of endocrine assays have been used to diagnose presumptive GCTs. The objectives of the present study were to validate a heterologous enzyme immunoassay for determination of serum AMH in the horse, and to determine concentrations of AMH in the blood of mares during the estrous cycle, pregnancy, and in mares with granulosa-cell tumors. Mares with normal estrous cycles (n = 6) and pregnant mares (n = 6) had blood samples collected throughout one interovulatory period and monthly throughout gestation, respectively. Mares diagnosed with GCT had blood samples taken before (n = 11) and after ovariectomy (n = 5). Tumors were sectioned and fixed for immunohistochemistry and snap frozen for immunoblot analyses and RT-qPCR. In normal cyclic mares and in pregnant mares, there was no effect of cycle stage or month of gestation on serum AMH concentrations. In GCT mares, serum concentrations of AMH (1901.4 ± 1144.6 ng/mL) were higher than those in cyclic (0.96 ± 0.08 ng/mL) or pregnant (0.72 ± 0.05 ng/mL) mares and decreased after tumor removal. Both AMH and AMH receptor (AMHR2) immunolabeling and expression were detected by immunohistochemistry in the tumor and cyst fluid obtained from mares with GCTs. Therefore, we concluded that AMH was a useful biomarker for detection of granulosa-cell tumors in mares.     

Serum insulin-like growth factor-I,iron, C-reactive protein,and serum amyloid A for prediction of outcome in dogs with pyometra

Pyometra, accumulation of pus in the uterus, is a bacterial infection that frequently initiates systemic inflammation. The disease may have lethal consequences when the systemic effects are severe or complications occur. Markers for identifying high-risk patients and predicting outcome are therefore in high demand. The objective of this study was to measure serum concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), iron, C-reactive protein (CRP), and serum amyloid A (SAA) in bitches with pyometra and to explore the possible value of these variables for detection of increased morbidity. In total, 31 bitches were diagnosed with pyometra and destined for surgical treatment (ovariohysterectomy) and 17 healthy bitches were included in the study. Concentrations of IGF-I and iron were lower in the pyometra group (mean concentration 221.2 ± 22.5 ng/mL and 16.9 ± 1.6 μmol/L, respectively) compared with the healthy control group (mean concentration 366.7 ± 46.2 ng/mL and 38.1 ± 2.7 μmol/L, respectively). In contrast, concentrations of CRP and SAA were significantly higher in bitches with pyometra (mean concentrations 212.9 ± 17.3 mg/L and 119.9 ± 8.5 mg/L, respectively) compared with the control group (<5 mg/L and <10 mg/L, respectively). None of the explored variables were associated with morbidity as measured by duration of postoperative hospitalization. In conclusion, IGF-I and iron concentrations were decreased in pyometra, whereas SAA and CRP concentrations were increased in the disease. Although unspecific, measurement of these variables may be valuable as adjunctive markers for prognosis in cases of pyometra.