Metabolic stress and reproductive features in post-partum goats supplemented for a long period with detoxified castor meal as the source of dietary nitrogen / Estresse metabólico e características reprodutivas em cabras pós-parto suplementadas por longo período com mamona desintoxicada como fonte de nitrogênio na dieta

This study evaluated the effect of detoxified castor meal on the reproductive performance, metabolic stress, milk production, and kid development in peripartum goats. The diet of the animals were with (DCM, n= 20) or without (WDCM, n= 21) detoxified castor meal during the entire gestation and until weaning, 60 days post-birth. No differences were observed in the gestation period, litter size, rate of multiple births, and mortality between the two groups. The postpartum plasma concentrations of progesterone remained below 1ng/mL in all animals, thus, confirming the absence of active corpora lutea. The thickness of sternum adipose tissue and loin area, levels of urea and cholesterol, milk production, and daily weight gain in the kids were low in the DCM group when compared to those in the WDCM group (P< 0.05). To conclude, the use of detoxified castor meal in peripartum goats resulted in lower level of performance in the kids because of reductions in the amount of milk received from their mothers during lactation. In addition, the diet containing detoxified castor meals was not efficient in recovering from the loss of stored body reserves able to initiate the recovery of the cyclic activity of the goats.(AU)

Este estudo avaliou o efeito da torta de mamona desintoxicada na reprodução, no estresse metabólico, na produção de leite e no desenvolvimento de cabritos no periparto de cabras. Um grupo foi alimentado com torta de mamona (DCM, n=20), e o outro (WDCM, n=21) não recebeu tal suplemento , durante a gestação até o desmame, 60 dias pós-parto. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas no período de gestação, no número de cabritos, na taxa de partos múltiplos e na mortalidade entre os dois grupos. Em todos os animais, a concentração plasmática de progesterona ficou abaixo de 1ng/mL, confirmando a ausência de atividade lútea. A espessura da gordura subcutânea do esterno e da área de olho-de-lombo, a concentração de ureia e colesterol, a produção de leite e o ganho de peso dos cabritos foram menores no grupo DCM (P<0,05). Conclui-se que o uso de torta de mamona desintoxicada no periparto de cabra resultou em cabritos mais leves devido à redução na produção de leite das matrizes e as cabras não retornaram ao cio, pois não recuperaram a massa corporal.(AU)

Metabolic stress and reproductive features in post-partum goats supplemented for a long period with detoxified castor meal as the source of dietary nitrogen / Estresse metabólico e características reprodutivas em cabras pós-parto suplementadas por longo período com mamona desintoxicada como fonte de nitrogênio na dieta

This study evaluated the effect of detoxified castor meal on the reproductive performance, metabolic stress, milk production, and kid development in peripartum goats. The diet of the animals were with (DCM, n= 20) or without (WDCM, n= 21) detoxified castor meal during the entire gestation and until weaning, 60 days post-birth. No differences were observed in the gestation period, litter size, rate of multiple births, and mortality between the two groups. The postpartum plasma concentrations of progesterone remained below 1ng/mL in all animals, thus, confirming the absence of active corpora lutea. The thickness of sternum adipose tissue and loin area, levels of urea and cholesterol, milk production, and daily weight gain in the kids were low in the DCM group when compared to those in the WDCM group (P< 0.05). To conclude, the use of detoxified castor meal in peripartum goats resulted in lower level of performance in the kids because of reductions in the amount of milk received from their mothers during lactation. In addition, the diet containing detoxified castor meals was not efficient in recovering from the loss of stored body reserves able to initiate the recovery of the cyclic activity of the goats.(AU)

Este estudo avaliou o efeito da torta de mamona desintoxicada na reprodução, no estresse metabólico, na produção de leite e no desenvolvimento de cabritos no periparto de cabras. Um grupo foi alimentado com torta de mamona (DCM, n=20), e o outro (WDCM, n=21) não recebeu tal suplemento , durante a gestação até o desmame, 60 dias pós-parto. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas no período de gestação, no número de cabritos, na taxa de partos múltiplos e na mortalidade entre os dois grupos. Em todos os animais, a concentração plasmática de progesterona ficou abaixo de 1ng/mL, confirmando a ausência de atividade lútea. A espessura da gordura subcutânea do esterno e da área de olho-de-lombo, a concentração de ureia e colesterol, a produção de leite e o ganho de peso dos cabritos foram menores no grupo DCM (P<0,05). Conclui-se que o uso de torta de mamona desintoxicada no periparto de cabra resultou em cabritos mais leves devido à redução na produção de leite das matrizes e as cabras não retornaram ao cio, pois não recuperaram a massa corporal.(AU)

Effect of oral drenching of glycerin as a source of pre-mating energetic supplementation on reproductive response in goats

The availability of glycerol has increased because of the biofuels industry, and glycerol can have a significant effect on reproductive efficiency when used as an alternative energy source in animal feeds. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of pre-mating oral drenching of glycerin on ovarian and fertility responses in goats. Sixty Anglonubian mixed-breed goats were submitted to estrus synchronization by CIDR-prostaglandin PGF2α treatment and mated. At CIDR removal, onset of estrus, and 24 h after estrus behavior, the animals received 150 ml of saline solution (control group, n = 20), 150 ml of glycerol (150 ml group, n = 20), or 300 ml of glycerol (300 ml group, n = 20). The administration of glycerin increased plasma glucose in the 300 ml group (P < 0.05) and the insulin concentration at 12 h after glycerin drenching in both treated groups. Goats from the 300 ml group showed a lower ovulation rate when compared to the control group (1.15 ± 0.08 vs. 0.89 ± 0.14; P < 0.05) but exhibited larger follicles at 48, 24, and 12 h prior to ovulation (P < 0.05). Administration of 300 ml of glycerol was also associated with a significant reduction in the pregnancy rate (80.00% vs. 38.89%; P < 0.05) and in pregnant animals it was associated with lower growth of embryonic vesicles (1.78 ± 0.07 mm/day vs. 1.31 ± 0.07 mm/day; P < 0.05) compared to the control treatment. Gestational losses in the 300 ml group occurred between mating and the 45th day of pregnancy. No differences were found for the reproductive parameters analyzed in the study between the 150 ml and control groups. In conclusion, the supplementation with glycerol before the mating did not appear to be a viable alternative to increase reproductive efficiency of adult does.(AU)

Lipotoxicity: impact on oocyte quality and reproductive efficiency in mammals

Lipotoxicity is characterized by excessive saturated fatty acids in the blood, increasing storage in non-adipose cells, which leads to changes in the expression pattern of genes related to endoplasmic reticulum stress (e.g., ATF4, ATF6, CHOP, And GRP78), pro- and anti-apoptotic pathways (e.g., Baxand Bcl-2, and protein stability, including heat shock proteins, e.g., HSP70). A negative sub-cellular effect is usually an end result, which also occurs in the ovarian follicular population, affecting granulosa cells and cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), which leads to adecrease in oocyte quality and mitochondrial activity, and increased apoptosis. The addition of high doses of non-esterified fatty acids to oocyte in vitro maturation medium has been shown to slow the progression of meio sis, hampering oocyte maturation and subsequent in vitro embryo development. Due to its importance in the control of cellular lipid droplets and expression correlation with cytosolic lipid accumulation, the expression of the Plin 2 (Perilipin 2) Protein is also highlighted. The aim of this Review is to discuss some reproductive implications of dietary li pid supplementation in ruminant females, and the potential effects of lipotoxicityon oocyte qualityand reproduction, and the main mechanisms involved in the expression of genes related to endoplasmic reticulum stress and cellular lipid accumulation.

Effect of oral drenching of glycerin as a source of pre-mating energetic supplementation on reproductive response in goats

The availability of glycerol has increased because of the biofuels industry, and glycerol can have a significant effect on reproductive efficiency when used as an alternative energy source in animal feeds. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of pre-mating oral drenching of glycerin on ovarian and fertility responses in goats. Sixty Anglonubian mixed-breed goats were submitted to estrus synchronization by CIDR-prostaglandin PGF2α treatment and mated. At CIDR removal, onset of estrus, and 24 h after estrus behavior, the animals received 150 ml of saline solution (control group, n = 20), 150 ml of glycerol (150 ml group, n = 20), or 300 ml of glycerol (300 ml group, n = 20). The administration of glycerin increased plasma glucose in the 300 ml group (P < 0.05) and the insulin concentration at 12 h after glycerin drenching in both treated groups. Goats from the 300 ml group showed a lower ovulation rate when compared to the control group (1.15 ± 0.08 vs. 0.89 ± 0.14; P < 0.05) but exhibited larger follicles at 48, 24, and 12 h prior to ovulation (P < 0.05). Administration of 300 ml of glycerol was also associated with a significant reduction in the pregnancy rate (80.00% vs. 38.89%; P < 0.05) and in pregnant animals it was associated with lower growth of embryonic vesicles (1.78 ± 0.07 mm/day vs. 1.31 ± 0.07 mm/day; P < 0.05) compared to the control treatment. Gestational losses in the 300 ml group occurred between mating and the 45th day of pregnancy. No differences were found for the reproductive parameters analyzed in the study between the 150 ml and control groups. In conclusion, the supplementation with glycerol before the mating did not appear to be a viable alternative to increase reproductive efficiency of adult does.

Lipotoxicity: impact on oocyte quality and reproductive efficiency in mammals

Lipotoxicity is characterized by excessive saturated fatty acids in the blood, increasing storage in non-adipose cells, which leads to changes in the expression pattern of genes related to endoplasmic reticulum stress (e.g., ATF4, ATF6, CHOP, And GRP78), pro- and anti-apoptotic pathways (e.g., Baxand Bcl-2, and protein stability, including heat shock proteins, e.g., HSP70). A negative sub-cellular effect is usually an end result, which also occurs in the ovarian follicular population, affecting granulosa cells and cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), which leads to adecrease in oocyte quality and mitochondrial activity, and increased apoptosis. The addition of high doses of non-esterified fatty acids to oocyte in vitro maturation medium has been shown to slow the progression of meio sis, hampering oocyte maturation and subsequent in vitro embryo development. Due to its importance in the control of cellular lipid droplets and expression correlation with cytosolic lipid accumulation, the expression of the Plin 2 (Perilipin 2) Protein is also highlighted. The aim of this Review is to discuss some reproductive implications of dietary li pid supplementation in ruminant females, and the potential effects of lipotoxicityon oocyte qualityand reproduction, and the main mechanisms involved in the expression of genes related to endoplasmic reticulum stress and cellular lipid accumulation.(AU)

Expressão gênica de adipocinas em ovelhas alimentadas com resíduos da indústria do biodiesel da mamona / Adipokine gene expression in ewes fed with residues from the biodiesel castor industry

A expressão de RNAm para leptina, receptor de leptina (obRb), adiponectina, receptor de adiponectina (AdipoR1) e resistina foi avaliada por meio da técnica de PCR em tempo real, em tecidos ovariano, hipofisário, adiposo do omento e da região perirrenal, em ovelhas alimentadas sem farelo de mamona ou com farelo de mamona detoxificada durante 14 meses. O tipo de dieta não afetou os níveis de RNAm para leptina, obRb, adiponectina, AdipoR1 e resistina nos diferentes tecidos avaliados (P>0,05). Nos tecidos ovariano e hipofisário, não foi verificada a expressão da adiponecina e da resistina, respectivamente. Como consequência, pode-se concluir que o farelo de mamona detoxificada pode ser utilizado como fonte proteica na dieta de ovelhas, sem afetar a expressão do gene resistina e dos genes leptina e adiponectina, bem como de seus receptores.(AU)

The expression of leptin, leptin receptor (obRb), adiponectin, adiponectin receptor (AdipoR1) and resistin was assessed by real-time PCR technique in ovarian, pituitary, and the omental adipose perirenal tissue in sheep feed without castor meal or with detoxified castor meal. The type of diet did not affect mRNA levels for leptin, obRb, adiponectin, resistin AdipoR1 evaluated in different tissues (P>0.05). However, in pituitary and ovarian tissues there was no expression of resistin and adiponectin, respectively. The detoxified castor meal can be used in sheep diets as alternative food protein without affecting the expression of leptin and adponectin as well as their receptors and resistin.(AU)

Steady-state levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) mRNA in goat ovaries and the effect of VIP on the in vitro development of isolated preantral follicles

The aims of this study were to verify the steady-state level of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) mRNA in goat follicles at various developmental stages and to investigate the influence of VIP on the survival, antrum formation and growth of secondary follicles cultured for 6 days. Primordial, primary and secondary goat follicles and small and large antral follicles were obtained to quantify VIP mRNA by real-time reverse transcription with the polymerase chain reaction. The influence of VIP and the presence or absence of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) on the development of secondary follicles and on mRNA expression for VIP and FSH receptor (FSHR) were determined after 6 days of culture. Survival, antrum formation and follicular diameter were evaluated every other day of culture. The levels of VIP mRNA in primary and secondary follicles were significantly higher than in primordial follicles. Cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) from both small and large antral follicles had significantly higher levels ofVIP mRNA than their respective granulosa/theca cells. During culture, the addition of VIP and/or FSH had o effect on follicular development. However, the presence of FSH and/or VIP in the culture medium significantly reduced VIP mRNA levels, but did not alter FSHR mRNA levels. In conclusion, VIP mRNA was detected in all goat follicular categories and cellular types, VIP and/or FSH did not affect the development of secondary follicles and reduce the expression of VIP mRNA levels.(AU)

Steady-state levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) mRNA in goat ovaries and the effect of VIP on the in vitro development of isolated preantral follicles

The aims of this study were to verify the steady-state level of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) mRNA in goat follicles at various developmental stages and to investigate the influence of VIP on the survival, antrum formation and growth of secondary follicles cultured for 6 days. Primordial, primary and secondary goat follicles and small and large antral follicles were obtained to quantify VIP mRNA by real-time reverse transcription with the polymerase chain reaction. The influence of VIP and the presence or absence of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) on the development of secondary follicles and on mRNA expression for VIP and FSH receptor (FSHR) were determined after 6 days of culture. Survival, antrum formation and follicular diameter were evaluated every other day of culture. The levels of VIP mRNA in primary and secondary follicles were significantly higher than in primordial follicles. Cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) from both small and large antral follicles had significantly higher levels ofVIP mRNA than their respective granulosa/theca cells. During culture, the addition of VIP and/or FSH had o effect on follicular development. However, the presence of FSH and/or VIP in the culture medium significantly reduced VIP mRNA levels, but did not alter FSHR mRNA levels. In conclusion, VIP mRNA was detected in all goat follicular categories and cellular types, VIP and/or FSH did not affect the development of secondary follicles and reduce the expression of VIP mRNA levels.

Impacto dos contaminantes ambientais sobre a saúde reprodutiva de fêmeas ruminantes / Impact of environmental contaminants on reproductive health of female ruminants

Diversos poluentes ambientais têm sido identificados como desreguladores endócrinos (DE). Estes agentes exógenos, além de interferirem negativamente na fisiologia hormonal, prejudicam a saúde reprodutiva de animais e humanos, gerando grandes preocupações entre comunidades científicas, bem como no âmbito da saúde pública. Esta revisão tem como objetivo apresentar e discutir estudos que relatam alterações reprodutivas causadas pela exposição a desreguladores endócrinos, enfatizando os efeitos nocivos sobre a foliculogênese, a maturação oocitária, o desenvolvimento embrionário, a gestação e a puberdade.(AU)

Several environmental pollutants have been identified as endocrine disruptors (ED). These exogenous agents, in addition to negatively influence hormonal physiology, undermine the reproductive health of animals and humans, sparking concerns among scientific communities, as well as within public health. This review aims to demonstrate and discuss studies that have reported reproductive changes caused by exposure to endocrine disrupters, emphasizing the harmful effects on folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation, embryo development, pregnancy and puberty.(AU)

Impacto dos contaminantes ambientais sobre a saúde reprodutiva de fêmeas ruminantes / Impact of environmental contaminants on reproductive health of female ruminants

Diversos poluentes ambientais têm sido identificados como desreguladores endócrinos (DE). Estes agentes exógenos, além de interferirem negativamente na fisiologia hormonal, prejudicam a saúde reprodutiva de animais e humanos, gerando grandes preocupações entre comunidades científicas, bem como no âmbito da saúde pública. Esta revisão tem como objetivo apresentar e discutir estudos que relatam alterações reprodutivas causadas pela exposição a desreguladores endócrinos, enfatizando os efeitos nocivos sobre a foliculogênese, a maturação oocitária, o desenvolvimento embrionário, a gestação e a puberdade.

Several environmental pollutants have been identified as endocrine disruptors (ED). These exogenous agents, in addition to negatively influence hormonal physiology, undermine the reproductive health of animals and humans, sparking concerns among scientific communities, as well as within public health. This review aims to demonstrate and discuss studies that have reported reproductive changes caused by exposure to endocrine disrupters, emphasizing the harmful effects on folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation, embryo development, pregnancy and puberty.

Fator de crescimento epidermal como mediador de sobrevivência e desenvolvimento folicular / Epidermal growth factor as mediator of survival and follicular development

Diversos fatores intraovarianos atuam no ovário dos mamíferos regulando o desenvolvimento folicular. Entre eles, destaca-se o fator de crescimento epidermal (EGF), considerado um potente fator mitogênico para células foliculares e luteais. Tendo em vista a importância deste fator no âmbito do desenvolvimento folicular, a presente revisão de literatura tem como objetivo descrever as principais implicações do EGF na foliculogênese, destacando seu padrão de expressão no ovário, suas principais vias de sinalização celular, bem como seu efeito como fator de sobrevivência e de desenvolvimento folicular.(AU)

Several intra-ovarian factors act regulating the mammalian follicular development in the ovary. Among them highlights the epidermal growth factor (EGF), considered a potent mitogenic factor for follicular and luteal cells. Given the importance of this factor within the follicular development, this review describes the main implications of EGF in the folliculogenesis, focusing on its expression pattern in the ovary, the major pathways of cell signaling and its effect as a survival and follicular development factor.(AU)

Fator de crescimento epidermal como mediador de sobrevivência e desenvolvimento folicular / Epidermal growth factor as mediator of survival and follicular development

Diversos fatores intraovarianos atuam no ovário dos mamíferos regulando o desenvolvimento folicular. Entre eles, destaca-se o fator de crescimento epidermal (EGF), considerado um potente fator mitogênico para células foliculares e luteais. Tendo em vista a importância deste fator no âmbito do desenvolvimento folicular, a presente revisão de literatura tem como objetivo descrever as principais implicações do EGF na foliculogênese, destacando seu padrão de expressão no ovário, suas principais vias de sinalização celular, bem como seu efeito como fator de sobrevivência e de desenvolvimento folicular.

Several intra-ovarian factors act regulating the mammalian follicular development in the ovary. Among them highlights the epidermal growth factor (EGF), considered a potent mitogenic factor for follicular and luteal cells. Given the importance of this factor within the follicular development, this review describes the main implications of EGF in the folliculogenesis, focusing on its expression pattern in the ovary, the major pathways of cell signaling and its effect as a survival and follicular development factor.

Ascorbic acid improve the survival and in vitro growth of isolated caprine preantral follicles

The present study aims to investigate the influence of two concentrations of ascorbic acid on the survival, growth , antral formation and m RNA expression of the matrix metalloproteinases - 9 (MMP - 9) and their tissue inhibitor - 2 (TIMP - 2) on caprine preantral follicles during long - term in vitro culture. Isolated preantral follicles were individ ually cultured without or with ascorbic acid at 50 μ g/ml (AA50) or 100 μ g/ml (AA100) during 18 days. The parameters evaluated were follicular viability, growth, antrum formation and extruded oocytes. The genes MMP - 9 and TIMP - 2 were quantified by real - time polymer ase chain reaction (qPCR) after 18 days of culture in the control medium (MEM + ) or ascorbic acid (50 or 100 μ g/ml) and in fresh control (non cultured) . At the end of culture, AA50 significantly increased the percentage of viable follicles compared w ith other treatments . Moreover, mean daily increase in follicular diameter (μm/day) was significantly higher in the presence of both concentrations of ascorbic acid than in MEM + alone. Higher rates of antral formation and lower percentages of extruded oocy tes were observed in medium containing AA50 compared with control medium. Real Time RT - PCR assays showed that AA50 increase s MMP - 9 expression significantly compared with fresh control and MEM + alone. In conclusion, ascorbic acid at 50 μ g/ml was very import ant for the maintenance of caprine preantral follicle viability and development after in vitro culture and influences in vitro the enzymes involved with basement membrane remodeling.

Ascorbic acid improve the survival and in vitro growth of isolated caprine preantral follicles

The present study aims to investigate the influence of two concentrations of ascorbic acid on the survival, growth , antral formation and m RNA expression of the matrix metalloproteinases - 9 (MMP - 9) and their tissue inhibitor - 2 (TIMP - 2) on caprine preantral follicles during long - term in vitro culture. Isolated preantral follicles were individ ually cultured without or with ascorbic acid at 50 μ g/ml (AA50) or 100 μ g/ml (AA100) during 18 days. The parameters evaluated were follicular viability, growth, antrum formation and extruded oocytes. The genes MMP - 9 and TIMP - 2 were quantified by real - time polymer ase chain reaction (qPCR) after 18 days of culture in the control medium (MEM + ) or ascorbic acid (50 or 100 μ g/ml) and in fresh control (non cultured) . At the end of culture, AA50 significantly increased the percentage of viable follicles compared w ith other treatments . Moreover, mean daily increase in follicular diameter (μm/day) was significantly higher in the presence of both concentrations of ascorbic acid than in MEM + alone. Higher rates of antral formation and lower percentages of extruded oocy tes were observed in medium containing AA50 compared with control medium. Real Time RT - PCR assays showed that AA50 increase s MMP - 9 expression significantly compared with fresh control and MEM + alone. In conclusion, ascorbic acid at 50 μ g/ml was very import ant for the maintenance of caprine preantral follicle viability and development after in vitro culture and influences in vitro the enzymes involved with basement membrane remodeling.(AU)

Bovine serum albumin improves in vitro development of caprine preantral follicles

This work investigated the effects of different protein supplements (fetal calf serum (FCS) and bovine serum albumin (BSA)) on the in vitro development of caprine preantral follicles. Preantral follicles (> 150 um) were isolated from ovarian cortex fragments and individually cultivated in a-MFM medium in an incubator at 37ºC for 24 days with 5% atmospheric Co2, and supplemented with either BSA at 1,25 or 3,0 mg/ml or FCS at 5 10%. An evaluation of follicular development was conducted based on survival rate, antrum formation, increase in follicular diameter, oocyte viability and obtainment of fully-grown oocytes. It was observed that from the 12th cultivation day, the oercentage of surviving follicles under treatment with BSA at 3.0 mg/ml was greater than that of the other treatments (p< 0,05) when compared to those treated with BSAA on the last day of cultivation the mean diameter and antrum formation of follicles treated with BSA at 3,0 mg/ml were greater than those of follicles under other treatments (P < 0,05). With oocyte growth, the percentage of oocytes cultivated with BSA (3,0 mg/ml) thatwere destined for in vitro maturation (IVM: >110 diameter( was higher than that of other treatments. Moreover, under thistreatment, 86% of oocytes presented a germinal vesicle and 14% restarted meiosis, out of wich 3% were mature (metaphase II). In conclusion supplementing cultuvation medium with BSA at 3,0 mg/ml not only improves follicular development but also provides meiotically-competent oocytes after in vitro cultivation of caprine preantral isolated follicles.(AU)

Bovine serum albumin improves in vitro development of caprine preantral follicles

This work investigated the effects of different protein supplements (fetal calf serum (FCS) and bovine serum albumin (BSA)) on the in vitro development of caprine preantral follicles. Preantral follicles (> 150 um) were isolated from ovarian cortex fragments and individually cultivated in a-MFM medium in an incubator at 37ºC for 24 days with 5% atmospheric Co2, and supplemented with either BSA at 1,25 or 3,0 mg/ml or FCS at 5 10%. An evaluation of follicular development was conducted based on survival rate, antrum formation, increase in follicular diameter, oocyte viability and obtainment of fully-grown oocytes. It was observed that from the 12th cultivation day, the oercentage of surviving follicles under treatment with BSA at 3.0 mg/ml was greater than that of the other treatments (p110 diameter( was higher than that of other treatments. Moreover, under thistreatment, 86% of oocytes presented a germinal vesicle and 14% restarted meiosis, out of wich 3% were mature (metaphase II). In conclusion supplementing cultuvation medium with BSA at 3,0 mg/ml not only improves follicular development but also provides meiotically-competent oocytes after in vitro cultivation of caprine preantral isolated follicles.

Androstenedione and follicle stimulating hormone involvement in the viability and development of goat preantral follicles in vitro

This study investigated the effects of androstenedione and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) on the viability and growth of caprine preantral follicles. Ovarian tissues were cultured for 1 or 7 days in Minimum. Essential Medium (MEM) containing androstenedione (0, 1, 10, 50 or 100 ng/ml). FSH (50 ng/ml), or a combination of these two hormones. Cultured and non-cultured control tissues were processed for histological and fluorescence analysis. In comparison with non-cultured control, a sinfnificant reduction was noted in the percentage of normal follicles in all treatments after 1 and 7 days of culture (except in all treatment with 1 ng/ml of androstenedione for 1 day). As the culture period progressed from 1 to 7 days, treatments with 10 ng/ml of androstenedione + FSH or 50 ng/ml of androstenedione alone maintained the percentage of normal follicles. After 1 day, treatments with 10, 50, or 100 ng/ml of androstenedione + FSH, or with 50 ng/ml of androstenedione alone had more developing follicles than fresh control tissue. When comparing the culture periods, treatments with 1, 10 or 100 ng/ml of androstenedione alone, or FSH alone, or FSH with 1 ng/ml of androstenedione, showed an increase in the percentage of developing follicles. After 1 and 7 days, there were no differences in oocyte and follicular diameter among the treated samples and non-cultured control or MEM+ cultured tissue. Fluorescence analysis demonstrated that only fragments cultured in 50 or 100 ng/ml of androstenedione + FSH had viable preantral follicles similar to those observed in MEM+ alone. In conclusion, androstenedione at 50 or 100 ng/ml, either associated with FSH or at 50 ng/ml alone, plays an important role in the maintenance of caprine preantral follicle viability and activation after only a short in vitro culture period. In addition, after 7 days MEM+ alone was efficient in the maintenance of viability and in follicular activation, showing the importance of basic medium composition.(AU)

Androstenedione and follicle stimulating hormone involvement in the viability and development of goat preantral follicles in vitro

This study investigated the effects of androstenedione and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) on the viability and growth of caprine preantral follicles. Ovarian tissues were cultured for 1 or 7 days in Minimum. Essential Medium (MEM) containing androstenedione (0, 1, 10, 50 or 100 ng/ml). FSH (50 ng/ml), or a combination of these two hormones. Cultured and non-cultured control tissues were processed for histological and fluorescence analysis. In comparison with non-cultured control, a sinfnificant reduction was noted in the percentage of normal follicles in all treatments after 1 and 7 days of culture (except in all treatment with 1 ng/ml of androstenedione for 1 day). As the culture period progressed from 1 to 7 days, treatments with 10 ng/ml of androstenedione + FSH or 50 ng/ml of androstenedione alone maintained the percentage of normal follicles. After 1 day, treatments with 10, 50, or 100 ng/ml of androstenedione + FSH, or with 50 ng/ml of androstenedione alone had more developing follicles than fresh control tissue. When comparing the culture periods, treatments with 1, 10 or 100 ng/ml of androstenedione alone, or FSH alone, or FSH with 1 ng/ml of androstenedione, showed an increase in the percentage of developing follicles. After 1 and 7 days, there were no differences in oocyte and follicular diameter among the treated samples and non-cultured control or MEM+ cultured tissue. Fluorescence analysis demonstrated that only fragments cultured in 50 or 100 ng/ml of androstenedione + FSH had viable preantral follicles similar to those observed in MEM+ alone. In conclusion, androstenedione at 50 or 100 ng/ml, either associated with FSH or at 50 ng/ml alone, plays an important role in the maintenance of caprine preantral follicle viability and activation after only a short in vitro culture period. In addition, after 7 days MEM+ alone was efficient in the maintenance of viability and in follicular activation, showing the importance of basic medium composition.