Genetic influences on mouse sperm capacitation in vivo and in vitro

Intial in vivo studies were performed to observe the proportion of eggs fertillized at specific intervals after natural mating and ovulation in our research mouse colony. Proestrous females of the C57BL/10Wt, SJL/Wt inbred strains and the F₁ hybrid cross (B10 × SJL or reciprocals) were paired in the after-noon with males of their respective strain and examined for vaginal plugs at the midpoint of the dark period (2400 hours). Oviducts were periodically collected from mated females, and ovulation was first observed at 4, 5.2, and 3 hours after 2400 hours in the B10, SJL, and F₁ hyrid, respectively. The clutch of eggs from each ovulating female, was placed in culture, and cleavage oviduct lavage verifying female mating was placed in culture, and cleavage was used as the criterion for fertilizaition. Fifty percent of the eggs were fertilized 2.2, 5.0, and 2.5 hours after ovulation in B10, SJL, and F₁ hybrid females, respectively. Because twice the legth of time was required to fertilize a similar proportion of eggs from the SJL strain as the F₁ hybrid, these two strains were used for determining their rate of fertilization under more fully controlled conditions in vitro. Forty-nine percent of F₁ hybrid eggs were fertilized after 4 hours incubation with SJL epididymal sperm, whereas 53% fo SJL and 56% of F₁ hybrid eggs were fertilized after only 2 hours incubation with F₁ hybrid epididymal sperm. Thus, using sperm from these two mouse strains, the amount of time required to fertilize approximately 50% of the eggs within a clutch both in vivo and vitro was very similar. These observations demonstrte teh validity of using this in vitro system for fertilization studies and confirm that the temporal events in sperm capacitation and egg penetration are dependent on the genotype of the sperm. Similarities in fertilization rates at specific times after ovulation or insemination in vitro imply that the initiationof sperm capacitation in vivo occurs near the time of ovulation and several hours after mating. We tentatively suggest that follicular fluid may be required for completion of mouse sperm capacitaiton in vivo.     

Ultrastructural observations on cortical granules in human follicular oocytes cultured in vitro

The fine structure, distribution, and fate of cortical granules in human oocytes cultured in vitro are reported. Follicular maturation in women with blocked Fallopian tubes was induced by clomiphene citrate and human chorionic gonadotropin, and preovulatory eggs were obtained by improved methods of laproscopy and oocyte recovery. These oocytes were then inseminated and cultured in a modified Ham's F10 medium for 3 to 72 hr to assess their fertilizability. Cortical granules were observed in all 17 unfertilized oocytes investigated, which had completed various stages of meiotic maturation. A marked increase in their numbers was observed in oocytes cultured for 3 to 6 hr. There was no evidence of spontaneous cortical granule release in any of the oocytes studied. It is concluded that cortical maturation expressed by proliferation of cortical granules is as significant a criterion as nuclear maturation in assessing maturity and fertilizability of oocytes cultured in vitro. A short sojourn in culture before insemination could improve chances of normal fertilization and embryo development, which has been recently achieved in our laboratory.     

不同日龄小鼠超排、体外授精及二细胞胚胎移植的比较研究（摘报）

The development of oocytes, superovulated at 28, 56 and 112 days in three mice strains (ICR, B6C3F1, and C57BL/6J) with PMSG and HCG, were examined using the techniques of in vitro fertilization, culture, and transfer of these two-cell embryos to pseudopregnant recipients. The highest numbers of oocytes were obtained from superovulated 28-day-old mice in three strains. Approximately 90% of oocytes developed to the two-cell stage after in vitro fertilization, and about 50% became pregnant through the recipients. These results suggested that donor age at 28 days had prominent discrepancy with 56 and 112-day-old mice (P < 0.01) in oocytes superovulation, and no influence on the rate of insemination and pregnancy.     

Control of UVB immunosuppression in the mouse by autosomal and sex-linked genes

Irradiation with UVB (290–320 nm) initiates a systemic immunosuppression detectable as suppression of contact hypersensitivity (CHS). We investigated susceptibility to UV suppression in reciprocal F₁-hybrid and backcross mice derived from BALB/c (low susceptibility) and C57BL/6 (high susceptibility) inbred strains. CB6F₁ male mice exhibited high susceptibility and B6CF₁ male mice exhibited low susceptibility, indicating a major X-linked effect in the genetic control of UV immune suppression. Females of either F₁ hybrid showed intermediate suppression, consistent with random X-inactivation. A model of monogenic X-linked control was not sufficient, and evidence for the action of two genetically unlinked autosomal genes was found in parental backcross animals. Both sexes of (BALB/c × CB6F₁) mice showed a 1 high: 1 low ratio of phenotypes, indicating control by a major autosomal locus, Uvs1, confirmed by propagation of the high phenotype through selective backcrossing for nine generations to BALB/c. Uvs1 was not genetically linked to 12 chromosomal markers including the pigment genes b (brown) and c (albino). Backcross animals (C57BL/6 × CB6F₁) showed a significant sex difference, male mice giving a 3 high: 1 low ratio of phenotypes, compatible with the action of a second autosomal locus, Uvs2, in this hybrid. The findings are compatible with a model in which high phenotype (Uvs1 ^b/Uvs1 ^b) is dominant when subjected to recessive epistatis by the X-chromosome locus Uvs3, or by the autosomal locus Uvs2. The finding of genetic control by interacting autosomal and X-linked genes is unique. Genetically determined high susceptibility to UV immunosuppression may be an important risk factor for UV-related human diseases.     

Inhibition of In Vitro Fertilizing Capacity of Cryopreserved Mouse Sperm by Factors Released by Damaged Sperm,and Stimulation by Glutathione

Background

In vitro fertilization (IVF) of eggs by frozen and thawed C57BL/6J mouse sperm is inhibited by dead sperm and enhanced by preincubation of the sperm in calcium-free medium. In other species, the presence of sperm killed by freezing and thawing has been associated with the generation of hydrogen peroxide.

Methodology/Principal Findings

The proportion of eggs fertilized by cryopreserved C57BL/6J mouse sperm was increased significantly by increasing the volume of fertilization medium in which sperm and eggs were coincubated. Enhanced fertilization occurred even though the concentration of potentially fertile sperm was decreased fivefold. This suggested that if a putative soluble factor was inhibiting fertilization, dilution of that factor, but not the sperm, should increase the fertilization rate. This was achieved by coincubation of the gametes in cell culture inserts (Transwells^®) that during incubation were transferred progressively to wells containing fresh fertilization medium. Fertilization rates using inserts were high (66.6±2.4% versus 27.3%±2.8% in wells alone). On the assumption that the soluble factor could be H₂O₂, reduced glutathione was added to the fertilization medium. This enhanced fertilization rate significantly (76.6%±2.0% versus 21.2%±1.9%), while addition of oxidized glutathione did not (82.7%±6.5% with reduced glutathione; 44.5±8.8% with oxidized glutathione; 47.8%±12.1% with no glutathione). Positive effects of reduced glutathione on IVF were also seen with frozen 129S1, FVB, and C3H sperm, and sperm from two lines of genetically modified C57BL/6J mice.

Conclusions/Significance

IVF in cell culture inserts and addition of glutathione to fertilization medium significantly increased the proportion of eggs fertilized by cryopreserved mouse sperm from four inbred strains, suggesting that reactive oxygen species generated during fertilization inhibit fertilization. The modified IVF techniques developed here enhance the feasibility and efficiency of using cryopreserved sperm from genetically modified lines of inbred mice.     

Maturation and fertilization of porcine oocytes in vitro

Four experiments were conducted to study 1) factors affecting porcine oocyte maturation in culture medium and 2) a new method for oocyte maturation outside the porcine body. In Experiment 1, five groups of oocytes were cultured in m-TCM199 or m-KRB medium for 24 to 28, 32 to 36 or 40 to 42 hours and then were fertilized in vitro. The cleavage rate (two to four-cell stage) of oocytes cultured for 32 to 36 hours was significantly higher than those of the other oocytes. The results indicate that a suitable culture period for the in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes is 32 to 36 hours. In Experiment 2, four groups of oocytes were cultured in m-KRB or m-KRB supplemented with PFF, PMSG or FSH for in vitro maturation, and the cleavage rates of oocytes were 7.94, 22.56, 30.23 and 23.26%, respectively, after in vitro fertilization. The results show that porcine follicular fluid (PFF) and gonadotrophins added to the culture medium promote porcine oocyte maturation in vitro. In Experiment 3, oocytes were cultured in m-KRB or m-TCM199, supplemented with both gonadotrophin and pocine folliclar fluid for maturation in vitro. After fertilization in vitro, the cleavage rates of oocytes were 26.32 and 27.93% for the two media. The results indicate that the difference between m-KRB and m-TCM199 was insignificant when the media were used to culture porcine oocytes. But there was a significant difference when PFF and gonadotrophins were added to the basic media. In Experiment 4, porcine oocytes were transferred into the reproductive tracts of other animals for maturation. After 34 to 36 hours, the oocytes were collected and fertilized in vitro. The cleavage rates of oocytes were 10.42, 28.45, 3.33 and 36.36%, respectively, for the oocytes matured in mouse uterine horns, rat uterine horns, rat oviducts or rabbit oviducts. The results show that porcine oocytes can be matured in the reproductive tracts of other animals.     

Effective production of microinjectable blastocysts for germ-line transmission of embryonic stem cells.

Blastocysts of C57BL/6 mice obtained either 2.5 or 3.5 days post-coitum (dpc) were examined for efficient microinjection after overnight in vitro culture. Incidences of zona-free embryos were much higher at 3.5 dpc after natural mating (1.05/mouse) and superovulation (2.83/mouse) than at 2.5 dpc after natural mating (0.05/mouse) and superovulation (0.01/mouse). By testing germ-line competency of gene-targeted J1 embryonic stem cells, superovulation and/or in vitro culture should be recommended for producing microinjectable blastocysts for production of high germ-line chimeras.     

An ultrastructural study of epididymal mouse spermatozoa binding to zonae pellucidae in vitro: sequential relationship to the acrosome reaction

Mouse sperm bind to the zona pellucida of the egg prior to penetration of the zona and entry into the perivitelline space. The question then arises: when does the acrosome reaction occur relative to these processes? An ultrastructural study of mouse epididymal sperm bound to the surface of the zona and in the privitelline space was undertaken to clarify this point. Cumulus-free mouse eggs were inseminated in either a complete defined culture medium capable of supporting in vitro fertilization or in Tris/NaCl buffer containing Ca+2. Both media support sperm binding to the zona to the same extent; binding is complete in 15 minutes. Unbound sperm were removed by a step gradient density centrifugation to yield a preparation of eggs with sperm firmly bound. All sperm in the perivitelline space had undergone the acrosome reaction. Sperm bound at the surface of the zonae pellucidae of eggs recovered at ten minutes after insemination all had intact acrosomes. At 40 minutes after insemination, half of the sperm were intact; the other half were in the initial stages of the acrosome reaction. At 90 minutes after insemination, 12% of the sperm had undergone the full acrosome reaction and were starting to penetrate the zona; of the balance, half were in various stages of the acrosome reaction, while half were still intact. These findings support the hypothesis that the sequence of the early reactions leading to fertilization in the mouse is: intact sperm binding to zona; acrosome reaction at the zona surface; penetration of the zona.     

Effects of cytochalasins B and D on the fertilization of zebrafish (Brachydanio) eggs

The effects of selected concentrations of cytochalasins B (1-10 micrograms/ml; CB) and D (10, 50 micrograms/ml; CD) on the morphology and fertilization of zebra danio (Brachydanio) eggs were studied primarily with light and scanning electron microscopy. Eggs pretreated with either CB (10 micrograms/ml) or CD (10, 50 micrograms/ml) prepared in Fish Ringer's solution-0.5% DMSO showed a flattened shape, alterations in the form of surface microplicae and microvilli, and occasional spontaneous exocytosis of cortical granules. All eggs preincubated in either CB or CD were activated upon transfer to tap water, showing cortical granule exocytosis, elevation of the chorion, and formation of a fertilization cone. When eggs were pretreated for 5 minutes with 1-5 micrograms/ml CB or 10 micrograms/ml CD and inseminated, they incorporated the fertilizing sperm and typically developed to the two-cell stage. A single sperm cell attached to and fused with the sperm entry site microvilli but failed to enter the cytoplasm in eggs preincubated with 10 micrograms/ml CB. Eggs that were immersed continuously in either CB (10 micrograms/ml) or CD (50 micrograms/ml) 15 seconds after insemination also failed to incorporate the fertilizing sperm. Treatment of eggs after insemination with CD (10 micrograms/ml), however, did not prevent sperm cell incorporation or fertilization cone formation. Our drug data suggest the presence of actin-containing filaments in the danio egg before and following fertilization. These filaments appear to play a role in maintaining the shape of the egg cell and its surface specializations and in the incorporation of the fertilizing sperm. The fertilization cone appears to form independently of actin polymerization.     

Genotype-specific environmental impact on the variance of blood values in inbred and F1 hybrid mice

Mice are important models for biomedical research because of the possibility of standardizing genetic background and environmental conditions, which both affect phenotypic variability. Inbred mouse strains as well as F₁ hybrid mice are routinely used as genetically defined animal models; however, only a few studies investigated the variance of phenotypic parameters in inbred versus F₁ hybrid mice and the potential interference of the genetic background with different housing conditions. Thus, we analyzed the ranges of clinical chemical and hematologic parameters in C3H and C57BL/6 inbred mice and their reciprocal F₁ hybrids (B6C3F1, C3B6F1) in two different mouse facilities. Two thirds of the blood parameters examined in the same strain differed between the facilities for both the inbred strains and the F₁ hybrid lines. The relation of the values between inbred and F₁ hybrid mice was also affected by the facility. The variance of blood parameters in F₁ hybrid mice compared with their parental inbred strains was inconsistent in one facility but generally smaller in the other facility. A subsequent study of F₁ hybrid animals derived from the parental strains C3H and BALB/c, which was done in the latter housing unit, detected no general difference in the variance of blood parameters between F₁ hybrid and inbred mice. Our study clearly demonstrates the possibility of major interactions between genotype and environment regarding the variance of clinical chemical and hematologic parameters.     

Evaluation of early embryonic mortality in donor insemination by a mathematical model,globally and depending on semen quality

Stating the probability of pregnancy per cycle as P_oP_FP_v, the product of the probabilities of ovulation, fertilization, and egg viability, the model allows an estimate of P_F and P_oP_v for a series of cycles with known insemination timing. Such results obtained from a series of donor insemination (AID) compared with those generally admitted in natural reproduction suggest that the lower pregnancy rate in AID (all the lower when the postthaw motility is low) is owing to a lower egg viability. Since the abortion rate does not seem higher, there might be a sizable rate of very early embryonic deaths in AID perhaps even as early as nondeveloping eggs.     

Organization of microfilaments in sea urchin (Arbacia punctulata) eggs at fertilization: Effects of cytochalasin B

Investigations were carried out to examine more closely the aggregations of microfilaments associated with the elongation of microvilli and formation of fertilization cones and the effects of cytochalasin B (CB) on these processes in Arbacia eggs following insemination. At 1 to 5 min postinsemination fertilized eggs were treated with 1–10 μg/ml CB and then prepared for electron microscopy at periodic intervals. Examination of CB-treated and untreated specimens demonstrated that: (1) Reorganization of the egg's microvilli took place soon after insemination; this process, as well as formation of fertilization cones, was correlated with the appearance of fascicles of microfilaments. (2) CB inhibited the formation of fertilization cones and the elongation of microvilli. Bundles of microfilaments were not observed in CB-treated zygotes. (3) CB prevented the normal movements (rotation) of the incorporating spermatozoon into the egg cortex but did not inhibit the migration or fusion of the male and female pronuclei.     

Development of mouse embryos in vitro is affected by strain and culture medium

One-cell and two-cell embryos from three random-bred strains of mice–CF1, Dub:(ICR), and CFW (Swiss-Webster)–were cultured to the blastocyst stage in Spindle's, Earle's, Ham's F10, Whittingham's T6, or Hoppe and Pitts' medium. CFW embryos were more successful than CF1 and Dub:(ICR) embryos in developing to the blastocyst stage in all five media. Dub:(ICR) and CFW two-cell embryos showed the best development in Spindle's, Whittingham's T6, and Hoppe and Pitts', whereas CF1 two-cell embryos were most successful in developing in Hoppe and Pitts' medium. Similar results were obtained with one-cell embryos, although fewer developed to the blastocyst stage, and T6 rather than Hoppe and Pitts' medium sustained the best development of CF1 one-cell embryos. For all strains, the least successful development was in Ham's F10, but CFW embryos did show good development in this medium. In addition to the effects of various media on mouse embryo development, our results indicate that the strain of mouse used for the bioassay of media is of critical importance. Random-bred CFW (Swiss-Webster) mice are as suitable as a hybrid strain for this purpose.     

Effect of antibody to detergent solubilized zonae pellucidae on in vivo and in vitro fertilization in the mouse

An antiserum was produced in one rabbit against mouse zonae pellucidae solubilized with 70 mM Na₂SO₃, 1% SDS, and 0.04 mM CuSO₄. An IgG of zona antibody completely inhibited fertilization both in vitro and in vivo in the mouse. F(ab′)₂ fragment obtained by pepsin digestion of IgG zona antibody inhibited fertilizability of eggs in vitro but did not inhibit fertilization in vivo after passive immunization.     

Wide hybridization in Brassica

Summary Crosses were made to obtain interspecific hybrids between B. fruticulosa (wild species , 2n = 16) × B. campestris (cultivar , 2n = 20). Although many pollen grains germinated and their tubes entered the style, only about 30% of the ovules received pollen tubes. Fertilized ovules aborted at various stages of development. A few hybrid seeds resulted from hand pollinations in the field, and they showed poor germination and seedling establishment. The in vitro culture of ovaries, ovules, and seeds increased the frequency of obtaining hybrid seeds and plants: the most effective method was ovary culture followed by ovule culture. The hybrid nature of the plants was confirmed through morphological, cytological, and electrophoretic studies. A meiotic analysis of F₁ hybrids (2n = 18) showed that they had 0–5 bivalents and were completely pollen sterile. Electrophoretic analysis of leaf esterases and acid phosphatases of F₁ hybrids revealed bands derived from each parent. Induced amphidiploids of F₁ hybrids contained mostly bivalents, and had about 50% fertile pollen.     

In vitro pollen tube growth and penetration of female gametophyte in Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)

 Pollen tube and female gametophyte interactions in Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) were examined in vitro. Formation of pollen tubes in Douglas fir occurred on a modified Murashige and Skoog medium in which concentrations of H₃BO₃ and Ca(NO₃)₂ were altered and supplemented with sucrose and polyethylene glycol. Addition of 100 μg/ml H₃BO₃ and 300 μg/ml Ca(NO₃)₂ resulted in optimum pollen viability. Lack of H₃BO₃ inhibited pollen tube formation. Addition of H₃BO₃ and Ca(NO₃)₂ significantly increased pollen tube formation within one week in culture. Using a medium supplemented with mannitol, viability of Douglas fir pollen can be sustained for 7 weeks in culture, about the same length of time as in vivo. However, pollen tubes are not formed. This suggests that the factors responsible for tube formation reside in the external environment of the pollen. Culture of female gametophytes to examine egg viability and longevity had not been done previously. We found that egg viability in culture is short-lived, and therefore the window to study and manipulate events of fertilization in Douglas fir is very limited. In spite of this, about 7% of the female gametophytes that were co-cultured became penetrated by pollen tubes. In vitro archegonial penetration has been repeatedly achieved, but pollen tubes also penetrated other parts of the female gametophytes. Pollen tubes also penetrated non-viable eggs. Most female gametophytes were not penetrated because of pollen tube branching and swelling, failure of tubes to orient towards the female gametophytes, or premature pollen tube death due to plasmolysis. This report outlines the first attempt towards in vitro fertilization in conifers. Received: 13 March 1997 / Revision accepted: 6 June 1997     

HYBRID BREAKDOWN BETWEEN TWO HAPLODIPLOID SPECIES: THE ROLE OF NUCLEAR AND CYTOPLASMIC GENES

A central question in evolutionary biology concerns the population and genetic processes by which new species arise. Here, the genetic basis of hybrid breakdown between two haplodiploid species, Nasonia vitripennis and N. giraulti is investigated. Hybridization between the two species is normally prevented by microorganisms that cause bidirectional incompatibility. However, after elimination of microorganisms, F₁ hybrids females are readily produced (due to haplodiploidy, males develop from unfertilized eggs and are therefore not hybrids). F₁ hybrid females are viable and fecund, but recombinant (haploid) F₂ male offspring suffer from severe hybrid breakdown (larval and pupal mortality). This is typically interpreted as evidence for the existence of different coadapted gene complexes in the two species, which are broken up by recombination. F₂ recombinant eggs were rescued by fertilization with the complete chromosome complement from either species, supporting the view that hybrid lethality genes tend to be recessive. Negative epistatic interactions occur between nuclear genes of the two species, and between cytoplasmically inherited factors (cytoplasmic genes) of giraulti and nuclear genes of vitripennis. Interactions between nuclear genes and cytoplasmic genes are asymmetric. Experiments clearly demonstrate that the latter incompatibility is not due to maternal-effect genes, but to cytoplasmically inherited elements. Nuclear-mitochondrial interactions are possibly involved.     

Ram-specific effects on in-vitro fertilization and cleavage of sheep oocytes matured in vitro

The present experiments were designed to identify possible male-specific effects on early embryonic development in vitro: Sheep oocytes were matured in vitro for 24-26 h and then fertilized in vitro using equal numbers of viable spermatozoa from 1 of 6 Clun Forest rams. At 15-18 h after insemination, oocytes were either fixed and examined for fertilization and polyspermy or further cultured in modified M 199 medium for 3 days in an oviduct epithelial co-culture system. There were significant differences in 5 separate trials between the rams with respect to the rate of fertilization, degree of polyspermy and cleavage rate after monospermic fertilization. The mean rate of fertilization varied from 89% in Ram B to 43% in Ram C while the percentage of polyspermic eggs varied from 5 to 34%. Both the absolute number of embryos cleaving to the 16-cell stage and the calculated percentage of monospermic eggs reaching the 16-cell stage differed markedly between groups of eggs fertilized by different rams. The results indicate that the development of sheep eggs in vitro is differentially affected by the ram from which the spermatozoa are collected.     

Successful capacitation and homologous fertilization in vitro in Calomys musculinus and Calomys laucha (Rodentia - sigmodontinae)

Small South American rodents of the genus Calomys have been used extensively for virology and ecological research. Previous studies have demonstrated that Calomys musculinus and Calomys laucha have a relatively short oestrous cycle and that superovulation and parthenogenetic activation can be induced. The purpose of this study was to determine the requirements for in vitro manipulation of the male gamete and in vitro fertilization. Two culture media and different concentrations of spermatozoa were tested for their ability to support sperm motility, hyperactivation and the acrosome reaction. The ability of capacitated Calomys spermatozoa to penetrate zona-free hamster eggs was also evaluated. In vitro fertilization was assessed by examining attachment and binding to the zona pellucida, second polar body extrusion, pronucleus formation and the fertilizing sperm tail. The results of the study showed that: (i) Tyrode's albumin lactate pyruvate (TALP) medium was more effective than T6 medium for maintaining sperm motility in vitro; (ii) hyperactivation was achieved with TALP but not with T6; (iii) the acrosome reaction was easily distinguished by light microscopy and depends on time and sperm concentration; (iv) capacitated spermatozoa are able to penetrate zona-free hamster eggs; and (v) superovulated oocytes can be fertilized in vitro. This is the first report of capacitation and in vitro fertilization for Calomys sp. These results provide opportunities to use C. musculinus and C. laucha as new laboratory animals for research into reproductive biology.     

小鼠卵子在不同条件下的体外受精

本实验比较了小鼠精、卵细胞在不同生理状态下体外的受精能力。结果表明,体内受精率明显地高于体外(p<0.05),自发排出的卵子比超数排出的卵子受精率高(p<0.05),体外获能的附睾精子比体内获能的子宫精子受精率高(p<0.01)。唯独用超数排出的卵子和体外获能的附辜精子体外受精时,其受精率和体内相似。