Experimental ischemia/reperfusion model impairs endocannabinoid signaling and Na+/K+ ATPase expression and activity in kidney proximal tubule cells.

LLC-PK1 cells, an immortalized epithelial cell line derived from pig renal proximal tubules, express all the major players of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) such as CB1, CB2 and TRPV1 receptors, as well as the main enzymes involved in the biosynthesis and degradation of the major endocannabinoids named 2-arachidonoylglycerol, 2-AG and anandamide, AEA. Here we investigated whether the damages caused by ischemic insults either in vitro using LLC-PK1 cells exposed to antimycin A (an inductor of ATP-depletion) or in vivo using Wistar rats in a classic renal ischemia and reperfusion (IR) protocol, lead to changes in AEA and 2-AG levels, as well as altered expression of genes from the main enzymes involved in the regulation of the ECS. Our data show that the mRNA levels of the CB1 receptor gene were downregulated, while the transcript levels of monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), the main 2-AG degradative enzyme, were upregulated in LLC-PK1 cells after IR model. Accordingly, IR was accompanied by a significant reduction in the levels of 2-AG and AEA, as well as of the two endocannabinoid related molecules, oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) in LLC-PK1 cells. In kidney cortex homogenates, only AEA levels were significantly decreased. In addition, we found that in both the in vitro and in vivo model IR caused a reduction in the expression and activity of the Na+/K+ ATPase. These changes were reversed by the CB1/CB2 agonist WIN55,212, in a CB1-receptor dependent manner in the LLC-PK1 IR model. In conclusion, the ECS and Na+/K+ ATPase are down-regulated following IR in LLC-PK1 cells and rat kidney. We suggest that CB1 agonists might represent a potential strategy to reverse the consequences of IR injury in kidney tissues.

Participation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 in paclitaxel-induced acute visceral and peripheral nociception in rodents.

The clinical use of paclitaxel as a chemotherapeutic agent is limited by the severe acute and chronic hypersensitivity caused when it is administered via intraperitoneal or intravenous routes. Thus far, evidence has suggested that transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) has a key role in the chronic neuropathy induced by paclitaxel. Despite this, the role of TRPV1 in paclitaxel -related acute nociception, especially the development of visceral nociception, has not been evaluated. Thus, the goal of this study was to evaluate the participation of TRPV1 in a model of acute nociception induced by paclitaxel in rats and mice. A single intraperitoneal (i.p.) paclitaxel administration (1 mg/kg, i.p.) produced an immediate visceral nociception response 1 h after administration, caused mechanical and heat hypersensitivity, and diminished burrowing behaviour 24 h after administration. These nociceptive responses were reduced by SB-366791 treatment (0.5 mg/kg, i.p., a TRPV1 antagonist). In addition, TRPV1-positive sensory fibre ablation (using resiniferatoxin, 200 µg/kg, s.c.) reduced visceral nociception and mechanical or heat hypersensitivity caused by paclitaxel injection. Similarly, TRPV1 deficient mice showed a pronounced reduction in mechanical allodynia to paclitaxel acute injection and did not develop heat hypersensitivity. Moreover, 24 h after its injection, paclitaxel induced chemical hypersensitivity to capsaicin (a TRPV1 agonist, 0.01 nmol/site) and increased TRPV1 immunoreactivity in the dorsal root ganglion and sciatic nerve. In conclusion, TRPV1 is involved in mechanical and heat hypersensitivity and spontaneous-pain behaviour induced 24 h after a single paclitaxel injection. This receptor is also involved in visceral nociception induced immediately after paclitaxel administration.

Mitochondrial involvement in memory impairment induced by scopolamine in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Scopolamine (SCO) administration to rats induces molecular features of AD and other dementias, including impaired cognition, increased oxidative stress, and imbalanced cholinergic transmission. Although mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in different types of dementias, its role in cognitive impairment induced by SCO has not been well elucidated. The aim of this work was to evaluate the in vivo effect of SCO on different brain mitochondrial parameters in rats to explore its neurotoxic mechanisms of action. METHODS: Saline (Control) or SCO (1 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally 30 min prior to neurobehavioral and biochemical evaluations. Novel object recognition and Y-maze paradigms were used to evaluate the impact on memory, while redox profiles in different brain regions and the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity of the whole brain were assessed to elucidate the amnesic mechanism of SCO. Finally, the effects of SCO on brain mitochondria were evaluated both ex vivo and in vitro, the latter to determine whether SCO could directly interfere with mitochondrial function. RESULTS: SCO administration induced memory deficit, increased oxidative stress, and increased AChE activities in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Isolated brain mitochondria from rats administered with SCO were more vulnerable to mitochondrial swelling, membrane potential dissipation, H2O2 generation and calcium efflux, all likely resulting from oxidative damage. The in vitro mitochondrial assays suggest that SCO did not affect the organelle function directly. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the present results indicate that SCO induced cognitive dysfunction and oxidative stress may involve brain mitochondrial impairment, an important target for new neuroprotective compounds against AD and other dementias.

Evidence from simultaneous intracellular- and surface-pH transients that carbonic anhydrase IV enhances CO2 fluxes across Xenopus oocyte plasma membranes.

Human carbonic anhydrase IV (CA IV) is GPI-anchored to the outer membrane surface, catalyzing CO2/HCO3 (-) hydration-dehydration. We examined effects of heterologously expressed CA IV on intracellular-pH (pHi) and surface-pH (pHS) transients caused by exposing oocytes to CO2/HCO3 (-)/pH 7.50. CO2 influx causes a sustained pHi fall and a transient pHS rise; CO2 efflux does the opposite. Both during CO2 addition and removal, CA IV increases magnitudes of maximal rate of pHi change (dpHi/dt)max, and maximal pHS change (ΔpHS) and decreases time constants for pHi changes (τpHi ) and pHS relaxations (τpHS ). Decreases in time constants indicate that CA IV enhances CO2 fluxes. Extracellular acetazolamide blocks all CA IV effects, but not those of injected CA II. Injected acetazolamide partially reduces CA IV effects. Thus, extracellular CA is required for, and the equivalent of cytosol-accessible CA augments, the effects of CA IV. Increasing the concentration of the extracellular non-CO2/HCO3 (-) buffer (i.e., HEPES), in the presence of extracellular CA or at high [CO2], accelerates CO2 influx. Simultaneous measurements with two pHS electrodes, one on the oocyte meridian perpendicular to the axis of flow and one downstream from the direction of extracellular-solution flow, reveal that the downstream electrode has a larger (i.e., slower) τpHS , indicating [CO2] asymmetry over the oocyte surface. A reaction-diffusion mathematical model (third paper in series) accounts for the above general features, and supports the conclusion that extracellular CA, which replenishes entering CO2 or consumes exiting CO2 at the extracellular surface, enhances the gradient driving CO2 influx across the cell membrane.

Early modulation of the transcription factor Nrf2 in rodent striatal slices by quinolinic acid, a toxic metabolite of the kynurenine pathway.

Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor involved in the orchestration of antioxidant responses. Although its pharmacological activation has been largely hypothesized as a promising tool to ameliorate the progression of neurodegenerative events, the actual knowledge about its modulation in neurotoxic paradigms remains scarce. In this study, we investigated the early profile of Nrf2 modulation in striatal slices of rodents incubated in the presence of the toxic kynurenine pathway metabolite, quinolinic acid (QUIN). Tissue slices from rats and mice were obtained and used throughout the experiments in order to compare inter-species responses. Nuclear Nrf2 protein levels and oxidative damage to lipids were compared. Time- and concentration-response curves of all markers were explored. Nrf2 nuclear activation was corroborated through phase 2 antioxidant protein expression. The effects of QUIN on Nrf2 modulation and oxidative stress were also compared between slices of wild-type (Nrf2(+/+)) and Nrf2 knock-out (Nrf2(-/-)) mice. The possible involvement of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAr) in the Nrf2 modulation and lipid peroxidation was further explored in mice striatal slices. In rat striatal slices, QUIN stimulated the Nrf2 nuclear translocation. This effect was accompanied by augmented lipid peroxidation. In the mouse striatum, QUIN per se exerted an induction of Nrf2 factor only at 1h of incubation, and a concentration-response effect on lipid peroxidation after 3h of incubation. QUIN stimulated the striatal content of phase 2 enzymes. Nrf2(-/-) mice were slightly more responsive than Nrf2(+/+) mice to the QUIN-induced oxidative damage, and completely unresponsive to the NMDAr antagonist MK-801 when tested against QUIN. Findings of this study indicate that: (1) Nrf2 is modulated in rodent striatal tissue in response to QUIN; (2) Nrf2(-/-) striatal tissue was moderately more vulnerable to oxidative damage than the Wt condition; and (3) early Nrf2 up-regulation reflects a compensatory response to the QUIN-induced oxidative stress in course as part of a general defense system, whereas Nrf2 down-regulation might contribute to more intense oxidative cell damage.

Biphasic regulation of type II phosphatidylinositol-4 kinase by sphingosine: cross talk between glycero- and sphingolipids in the kidney.

Phosphatidylinositol-4 kinase (PI-4K) is responsible for the generation of phosphatidylinositol-4 phosphate (PtdIns(4)P), a bioactive signaling molecule involved in several biological functions. In this study, we show that sphingosine modulates the activity of the PI-4K isoform associated with the basolateral membranes (BLM) from kidney proximal tubules. Immunoblotting with an anti-α subunit PI-4K polyclonal antibody revealed the presence of two bands of 57 and 62kDa in the BLM. BLM-PI-4K activity retains noteworthy biochemical properties; it is adenosine-sensitive, not altered by wortmanin, and significantly inhibited by Ca(2+) at the µM range. Together, these observations indicate the presence of a type II PI-4K. Endogenous phosphatidylinositol (PI) alone reaches PI-4K half-maximal activity, revealing that even slight modifications in PI levels at the membrane environment promote significant variations in BLM-associated-PI-4K activity. ATP-dependence assays suggested that the Mg.ATP(2-) complex is the true substrate of the enzyme and that free Mg(2+) is an essential cofactor. Another observation indicated that higher concentrations of free ATP are inhibitory. BLM-associated-PI-4K activity was ~3-fold stimulated in the presence of increasing concentration of sphingosine, while in concentrations higher than 0.4mM, in which S1P is pronouncedly formed, there was an inhibitory effect on PtdIns(4)P formation. We propose that a tightly coupled regulatory network involving phosphoinositides and sphingolipids participate in the regulation of key physiological processes in renal BLM carried out by PI-4K.

Comparative gene expression analysis of Dtg, a novel target gene of Dpp signaling pathway in the early Drosophila melanogaster embryo.

In the early Drosophila melanogaster embryo, Dpp, a secreted molecule that belongs to the TGF-ß superfamily of growth factors, activates a set of downstream genes to subdivide the dorsal region into amnioserosa and dorsal epidermis. Here, we examined the expression pattern and transcriptional regulation of Dtg, a new target gene of Dpp signaling pathway that is required for proper amnioserosa differentiation. We showed that the expression of Dtg was controlled by Dpp and characterized a 524-bp enhancer that mediated expression in the dorsal midline, as well as, in the differentiated amnioserosa in transgenic reporter embryos. This enhancer contained a highly conserved region of 48-bp in which bioinformatic predictions and in vitro assays identified three Mad binding motifs. Mutational analysis revealed that these three motifs were necessary for proper expression of a reporter gene in transgenic embryos, suggesting that short and highly conserved genomic sequences may be indicative of functional regulatory regions in D. melanogaster genes. Dtg orthologs were not detected in basal lineages of Dipterans, which unlike D. melanogaster develop two extra-embryonic membranes, amnion and serosa, nevertheless Dtg orthologs were identified in the transcriptome of Musca domestica, in which dorsal ectoderm patterning leads to the formation of a single extra-embryonic membrane. These results suggest that Dtg was recruited as a new component of the network that controls dorsal ectoderm patterning in the lineage leading to higher Cyclorrhaphan flies, such as D. melanogaster and M. domestica.

Mitochondrial dysfunction in the hippocampus of rats caused by chronic oxidative stress.

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of chronic oxidative stress on mitochondrial function and its relationship to progressive neurodegeneration in the hippocampus of rats chronically exposed to ozone. Animals were exposed to 0.25 ppm ozone for 7, 15, 30, or 60 days. Each group was tested for (1) protein oxidation and, manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity using spectrophotometric techniques, (2) oxygen consumption, (3) cytochrome c, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ Co-activator 1α (PGC-1α), B-cell lymphoma (Bcl-2), and Bax expression using Western blotting, (4) histology using hematoxylin and eosin staining, and (5) mitochondrial structure using electron microscopy. Our results showed increased levels of carbonyl protein and Mn-SOD activity after 30 days of ozone exposure and decreased GPx activity. The SDH activity decreased from 7 to 60 days of exposure. The oxygen consumption decreased at 60 days. Western blotting showed an increase in cytochrome c at 60 days of ozone exposure and an increase in iNOS up to 60 days of ozone exposure. The expression of PGC-1α was decreased after 15, 30, and 60 days compared to the earlier time Bcl-2 was increased at 60 days compared to earlier time points, and Bax was increased after 30 and 60 days of exposure compared to earlier time points. We observed cellular damage, and mitochondrial swelling with a loss of mitochondrial cristae after 60 days of exposure. These changes suggest that low doses of ozone caused mitochondrial abnormalities that may lead to cell damage.

The antioxidant effect of the mesoionic compound SYD-1 in mitochondria.

The sydnone SYD-1 (3-[4-chloro-3-nitrophenyl]-1,2,3-oxadiazolium-5-olate] possesses important antitumor activity against Sarcoma 180 and Ehrlich tumors. We previously showed that SYD-1 depresses mitochondrial phosphorylation efficiency, which could be involved in its antitumoral activity. Considering the important role of mitochondria in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the involvement of ROS in cell death mechanisms, we evaluated the effects of SYD-1 on oxidative stress parameters in rat liver mitochondria. SYD-1 (0.5 and 0.75µmolmg(-1) protein) inhibited the lipoperoxidation induced by Fe(3+)/ADP-oxoglutarate by approximately 75% and promoted total inhibition at the highest concentration tested (1.0µmolmg(-1) protein). However, SYD-1 did not affect lipoperoxidation started by peroxyl radicals generated by α-α'-azodiisobutyramidine dihydrochloride. The mesoionic compound (0.25-1.0µmolmg(-1) protein) demonstrated an ability to scavenge superoxide radicals, decreasing their levels by 9-19%. The activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase did not change in the presence of SYD-1 (0.25-1.0µmolmg(-1) protein). SYD-1 inhibited mitochondrial swelling dependent on the formation/opening of the permeability transition pore induced by Ca(2+)/phosphate by approximately 30% (1.0µmolmg(-1) protein). When Ca(2+)/H2O2 were used as inducers, SYD-1 inhibited swelling only by approximately 12% at the same concentration. NADPH oxidation was also inhibited by SYD-1 (1.0µmolmg(-1) of protein) by approximately 48%. These results show that SYD-1 is able to prevent oxidative stress in isolated mitochondria and suggest that the antitumoral activity of SYD-1 is not mediated by the increasing generation of ROS.

Hypertonicity increases NO production to modulate the firing rate of magnocellular neurons of the supraoptic nucleus of rats.

Increases in plasma osmolality enhance nitric oxide (NO) levels in magnocellular neurosecretory cells (MNCs) of the supraoptic nucleus (SON) and modulate the secretion of both vasopressin (VP) and oxytocin (OT). In this paper, we describe the effects of hypertonicity on the electrical properties of MNCs by focusing on the nitrergic modulation of their activity in this condition. Membrane potentials were measured using the patch clamp technique, in the presence of both glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission blockers, in coronal brain slices of male Wistar rats. The recordings were first made under a control condition (295 mosm/kg H2O), then in the presence of a hypertonic stimulus (330 mosm/kg H2O) and, finally, with a hypertonic stimulus plus 500 µM L-Arginine or 100 µM N-nitro-L-Arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME). Hypertonicity per se increased the firing frequency of the neurons. L-Arginine prevented the increase in fire frequency induced by hypertonic stimulus, and L-NAME (inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase) induced an additional increase in frequency when applied together with the hypertonic solution. Moreover, L-Arginine hyperpolarizes the resting potential and decreases the peak value of the after-hyperpolarization; both effects were blocked by L-NAME and hypertonicity and/or L-NAME reduced the time constant of the rising phase of the after-depolarization. These results demonstrate that an intrinsic nitrergic system is part of the mechanisms controlling the excitability of MNCs of the SON when the internal fluid homeostasis is disturbed.

Active site characterization and molecular cloning of Tenebrio molitor midgut trehalase and comments on their insect homologs.

The soluble midgut trehalase from Tenebrio molitor (TmTre1) was purified after several chromatographic steps, resulting in an enzyme with 58 kDa and pH optimum 5.3 (ionizing active groups in the free enzyme: pK(e1) = 3.8 ± 0.2 pK(e2) = 7.4 ± 0.2). The purified enzyme corresponds to the deduced amino acid sequence of a cloned cDNA (TmTre1-cDNA), because a single cDNA coding a soluble trehalase was found in the T. molitor midgut transcriptome. Furthermore, the mass of the protein predicted to be coded by TmTre1-cDNA agrees with that of the purified enzyme. TmTre1 has the essential catalytic groups Asp 315 and Glu 513 and the essential Arg residues R164, R217, R282. Carbodiimide inactivation of the purified enzyme at different pH values reveals an essential carboxyl group with pKa = 3.5 ± 0.3. Phenylglyoxal modified a single Arg residue with pKa = 7.5 ± 0.2, as observed in the soluble trehalase from Spodoptera frugiperda (SfTre1). Diethylpyrocarbonate modified a His residue that resulted in a less active enzyme with pK(e1) changed to 4.8 ± 0.2. In TmTre1 the modified His residue (putatively His 336) is more exposed than the His modified in SfTre1 (putatively His 210) and that affects the ionization of an Arg residue. The architecture of the active site of TmTre1 and SfTre1 is different, as shown by multiple inhibition analysis, the meaning of which demands further research. Trehalase sequences obtained from midgut transcriptomes (pyrosequencing and Illumina data) from 8 insects pertaining to 5 different orders were used in a cladogram, together with other representative sequences. The data suggest that the trehalase gene went duplication and divergence prior to the separation of the paraneopteran and holometabolan orders and that the soluble trehalase derived from the membrane-bound one by losing the C-terminal transmembrane loop.

Specific roles for Group V secretory PLA2 in retinal iron-induced oxidative stress. Implications for age-related macular degeneration.

Iron accumulation and oxidative stress are hallmarks of retinas from patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We have previously demonstrated that iron-overloaded retinas are a good in vitro model for the study of retinal degeneration during iron-induced oxidative stress. In this model we have previously characterized the role of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) and calcium-independent isoform (iPLA2). The aim of the present study was to analyze the implications of Group V secretory PLA2 (sPLA2), another member of PLA2 family, in cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) regulation. We found that sPLA2 is localized in cytosolic fraction in an iron concentration-dependent manner. By immunoprecipitation (IP) assays we also demonstrated an increased association between Group V sPLA2 and COX-2 in retinas exposed to iron overload. However, COX-2 activity in IP assays was observed to decrease in spite of the increased protein levels observed. p65 (RelA) NF-κB levels were increased in nuclear fractions from retinas exposed to iron. In the presence of ATK (cPLA2 inhibitor) and YM 26734 (sPLA2 inhibitor), the nuclear localization of both p65 and p50 NF-κB subunits was restored to control levels in retinas exposed to iron-induced oxidative stress. Membrane repair mechanisms were also analyzed by studying the participation of acyltransferases in phospholipid remodeling during retinal oxidation stress. Acidic phospholipids, such as phosphatidylinositol (PI) and phosphatidylserine (PS), were observed to show an inhibited acylation profile in retinas exposed to iron while phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) showed the opposite. The use of PLA2 inhibitors demonstrated that PS is actively deacylated during iron-induced oxidative stress. Results from the present study suggest that Group V sPLA2 has multiple intracellular targets during iron-induced retinal degeneration and that the specific role of sPLA2 could be related to inflammatory responses by its participation in NF-κB and COX-2 regulation.

Transporte-maturação de oócitos bovinos em palhetas

A demanda pela aspiração folicular associada à produção in vitro de embriões, no Brasil, aumentou com o objetivo de acelerar o ganho genético do rebanho bovino. A técnica, no entanto, apresenta limitações, especialmente relacionadas ao tempo e às condições de transporte dos oócitos até o laboratório. Para avaliar o uso de palhetas de 0,25mL no transportematuração simulado, complexos cumulus-oócitos (CCO) de vacas de frigorífico foram maturados in vitro. No experimento I, efetuou-se a maturação em meio TCM-199, em placas de 4 poços, em estufa a 38,5C, 5%CO2, por 24h (grupo controle) e em palhetas, em meio TCM-Hepes, mantidas por 6h em banho-maria (grupo BM) ou garrafa térmica (grupo T), a 38,5C. Nestes dois grupos, a maturação foi completada em placas, por 18h, nas mesmas condições do grupo controle. No experimento II, simulouse o transporte em palhetas, em meio TCM-Hepes, a 38,5ºC, por 24h, em estufa (grupo palheta). O grupo controle foi semelhante ao do experimento I. A fecundação (=D0) foi efetuada em meio TALP-Fert, por 18h, e o cultivo foi efetuado em meio SOFaaci, por 8 dias, em ambos os experimentos. As taxas de blastocistos em D7, no experimento I, foram semelhantes (P>0,05) para os grupos controle (31%;97/312), BM (21%;64/301) e T (31%;94/298). No experimento II, não houve diferença (P>0,05) nas taxas de blastocistos em D7 entre os grupos controle (30%;44/145) e

Transporte de oócitos bovinos em meio de maturação sem controle de atmosfera gasosa

Oocytes (n=1177) aspirated from 2 to 8mm follicles obtained from bovine slaughterhouse ovaries (11 replications) were randomly distributed in four treatments. Oocytes were matured for 24h with modified TCM-199 Earle salts, plus 25mM bicarbonate, 25 mM HEPES, rFSH-h, Estrus Cow Serum (ECS), and piruvate at 39ºC, in incubator with 5% CO2 and saturated humidity (Control Group, n=296) or exposed to a simulated transport for 6 (T6, n=286), 12 (T12, n=294) or 18h (T18, n=301) in maturation medium containing TCM + HEPES, in a 39ºC water bath, with the same components used in the Control Group, but with 1mM bicarbonate. At the conclusion of each transport period, oocytes were transferred to dishes with maturation medium to reach 24h in incubator, under the same conditions described for the Control group. Fertilization was accomplished during 18h, with the same temperature and gaseous atmosphere, in FERT-TALP plus heparin. The insemination dose was 1x106 spermatozoa/mL, sorted by swim-up. Presumptive zygotes were cultured in SOF medium + 5% ECS for 8 days, in incubator at 39ºC using gasified bags with 5% CO2, 5% O2 and 90% N2. Cleavage rates did not differ between treatments. Embryonic development rates at D7 were similar for Control (20.9%), T6 (19.2%) and T12 (21.4%) groups, with a reduction (P 0.05) for group T18 (12.3%) when compared to Control and T12 groups. At D9, there was a lower production of expanded plus hatched blastocysts in T18 (P 0.05), without difference (P>0.05) in hatched blastocyst rate. The average number of cells of hatched blastocysts was similar (P>0.05) in Control (136), T6 (125.5) and T12 (126.8) groups. These results indicate the possibility of transporting bovine oocytes in maturation medium containing TCM + HEPES, without controlled gaseous atmosphere environment, at 39ºC, for up to 12 hours. This technique offers a practical and efficient alternative for the transport of bovine oocytes for in vitro production of bovine embryos (IVP).

Oócitos (n=1177) bovinos obtidos da aspiração de folículos com diâmetro entre 2 e 8mm, de ovários de matadouro foram divididos aleatoriamente em quatro tratamentos com 11 repetições. Os oócitos foram maturados por 24h em TCM-199 Sais de Earle, acrescido de 25mM de bicarbonato de sódio, 25mM de HEPES, rFHS-h, Soro de Vaca em Estro (SVE) e piruvato, em estufa a 39ºC, com 5% de CO2 em ar e umidade saturada (Grupo Controle, n=296) ou, submetidos ao transporte simulado por 6 (T6, n=286), 12 (T12, n=294) ou 18h (T18, n=301) em meio de maturação TCM+HEPES, em banho-maria a 39ºC, com os mesmos componentes utilizados para o Grupo Controle, porém com apenas 1mM de bicarbonato. Decorrido cada período de transporte, os mesmos foram transferidos para placas com meio de maturação, completando o período de 24h em estufa, nas mesmas condições do Grupo Controle. O período de fecundação foi de 18h em condições semelhantes de temperatura e atmosfera gasosa, em FERT-TALP acrescido de heparina, sendo a dose inseminante de 1x106 espermatozóides/mL, selecionados por migração ascendente. Os prováveis zigotos foram cultivados em meio SOF + 5% SVE por 8 dias, em estufa a 39ºC, em bolsas gaseificadas com 5% CO2, 5% O2 e 90% N2. Na avaliação da clivagem, não houve diferença entre os tratamentos. As taxas de desenvolvimento embrionário no dia 7 foram semelhantes para os grupos Controle (20,9%), T6 (19,2%) e T12 (21,4%), com uma redução (P 0,05) observada no grupo T18 (12,3%), em relação aos grupos Controle e T12. No dia 9, o T18 apresentou uma menor (P 0,05) produção de blastocistos expandidos mais eclodidos, em relação aos demais grupos, embora não tenha sido observada diferença (P>0,05) na taxa de eclosão. O número médio de células dos blastocistos eclodidos não diferiu (P>0,05) entre os grupos Controle (136), T6 (125,5) e T12 (126,8). Esses resultados indicam a possibilidade do transporte de oócitos bovinos em meio de maturação TCM+HEPES, sem controle da atmosfera gasosa, a 39ºC, pelo período de até 12h. Esta técnica oferece uma alternativa prática e eficiente para o transporte dos oócitos bovinos destinados à produção in vitro de embriões bovinos (PIV).

Transporte de oócitos bovinos em meio de maturação sem controle de atmosfera gasosa

Oocytes (n=1177) aspirated from 2 to 8mm follicles obtained from bovine slaughterhouse ovaries (11 replications) were randomly distributed in four treatments. Oocytes were matured for 24h with modified TCM-199 Earle salts, plus 25mM bicarbonate, 25 mM HEPES, rFSH-h, Estrus Cow Serum (ECS), and piruvate at 39ºC, in incubator with 5% CO2 and saturated humidity (Control Group, n=296) or exposed to a simulated transport for 6 (T6, n=286), 12 (T12, n=294) or 18h (T18, n=301) in maturation medium containing TCM + HEPES, in a 39ºC water bath, with the same components used in the Control Group, but with 1mM bicarbonate. At the conclusion of each transport period, oocytes were transferred to dishes with maturation medium to reach 24h in incubator, under the same conditions described for the Control group. Fertilization was accomplished during 18h, with the same temperature and gaseous atmosphere, in FERT-TALP plus heparin. The insemination dose was 1x106 spermatozoa/mL, sorted by swim-up. Presumptive zygotes were cultured in SOF medium + 5% ECS for 8 days, in incubator at 39ºC using gasified bags with 5% CO2, 5% O2 and 90% N2. Cleavage rates did not differ between treatments. Embryonic development rates at D7 were similar for Control (20.9%), T6 (19.2%) and T12 (21.4%) groups, with a reduction (P 0.05) for group T18 (12.3%) when compared to Control and T12 groups. At D9, there was a lower production of expanded plus hatched blastocysts in T18 (P 0.05), without difference (P>0.05) in hatched blastocyst rate. The average number of cells of hatched blastocysts was similar (P>0.05) in Control (136), T6 (125.5) and T12 (126.8) groups. These results indicate the possibility of transporting bovine oocytes in maturation medium containing TCM + HEPES, without controlled gaseous atmosphere environment, at 39ºC, for up to 12 hours. This technique offers a practical and efficient alternative for the transport of bovine oocytes for in vitro production of bovine embryos (IVP).

Oócitos (n=1177) bovinos obtidos da aspiração de folículos com diâmetro entre 2 e 8mm, de ovários de matadouro foram divididos aleatoriamente em quatro tratamentos com 11 repetições. Os oócitos foram maturados por 24h em TCM-199 Sais de Earle, acrescido de 25mM de bicarbonato de sódio, 25mM de HEPES, rFHS-h, Soro de Vaca em Estro (SVE) e piruvato, em estufa a 39ºC, com 5% de CO2 em ar e umidade saturada (Grupo Controle, n=296) ou, submetidos ao transporte simulado por 6 (T6, n=286), 12 (T12, n=294) ou 18h (T18, n=301) em meio de maturação TCM+HEPES, em banho-maria a 39ºC, com os mesmos componentes utilizados para o Grupo Controle, porém com apenas 1mM de bicarbonato. Decorrido cada período de transporte, os mesmos foram transferidos para placas com meio de maturação, completando o período de 24h em estufa, nas mesmas condições do Grupo Controle. O período de fecundação foi de 18h em condições semelhantes de temperatura e atmosfera gasosa, em FERT-TALP acrescido de heparina, sendo a dose inseminante de 1x106 espermatozóides/mL, selecionados por migração ascendente. Os prováveis zigotos foram cultivados em meio SOF + 5% SVE por 8 dias, em estufa a 39ºC, em bolsas gaseificadas com 5% CO2, 5% O2 e 90% N2. Na avaliação da clivagem, não houve diferença entre os tratamentos. As taxas de desenvolvimento embrionário no dia 7 foram semelhantes para os grupos Controle (20,9%), T6 (19,2%) e T12 (21,4%), com uma redução (P 0,05) observada no grupo T18 (12,3%), em relação aos grupos Controle e T12. No dia 9, o T18 apresentou uma menor (P 0,05) produção de blastocistos expandidos mais eclodidos, em relação aos demais grupos, embora não tenha sido observada diferença (P>0,05) na taxa de eclosão. O número médio de células dos blastocistos eclodidos não diferiu (P>0,05) entre os grupos Controle (136), T6 (125,5) e T12 (126,8). Esses resultados indicam a possibilidade do transporte de oócitos bovinos em meio de maturação TCM+HEPES, sem controle da atmosfera gasosa, a 39ºC, pelo período de até 12h. Esta técnica oferece uma alternativa prática e eficiente para o transporte dos oócitos bovinos destinados à produção in vitro de embriões bovinos (PIV).

Transporte-maturação de oócitos bovinos em palhetas

A demanda pela aspiração folicular associada à produção in vitro de embriões, no Brasil, aumentou com o objetivo de acelerar o ganho genético do rebanho bovino. A técnica, no entanto, apresenta limitações, especialmente relacionadas ao tempo e às condições de transporte dos oócitos até o laboratório. Para avaliar o uso de palhetas de 0,25mL no transportematuração simulado, complexos cumulus-oócitos (CCO) de vacas de frigorífico foram maturados in vitro. No experimento I, efetuou-se a maturação em meio TCM-199, em placas de 4 poços, em estufa a 38,5C, 5%CO2, por 24h (grupo controle) e em palhetas, em meio TCM-Hepes, mantidas por 6h em banho-maria (grupo BM) ou garrafa térmica (grupo T), a 38,5C. Nestes dois grupos, a maturação foi completada em placas, por 18h, nas mesmas condições do grupo controle. No experimento II, simulouse o transporte em palhetas, em meio TCM-Hepes, a 38,5ºC, por 24h, em estufa (grupo palheta). O grupo controle foi semelhante ao do experimento I. A fecundação (=D0) foi efetuada em meio TALP-Fert, por 18h, e o cultivo foi efetuado em meio SOFaaci, por 8 dias, em ambos os experimentos. As taxas de blastocistos em D7, no experimento I, foram semelhantes (P>0,05) para os grupos controle (31%;97/312), BM (21%;64/301) e T (31%;94/298). No experimento II, não houve diferença (P>0,05) nas taxas de blastocistos em D7 entre os grupos controle (30%;44/145) e

Transporte-maturação de oócitos bovinos em palhetas

A demanda pela aspiração folicular associada à produção in vitro de embriões, no Brasil, aumentou com o objetivo de acelerar o ganho genético do rebanho bovino. A técnica, no entanto, apresenta limitações, especialmente relacionadas ao tempo e às condições de transporte dos oócitos até o laboratório. Para avaliar o uso de palhetas de 0,25mL no transportematuração simulado, complexos cumulus-oócitos (CCO) de vacas de frigorífico foram maturados in vitro. No experimento I, efetuou-se a maturação em meio TCM-199, em placas de 4 poços, em estufa a 38,5C, 5%CO2, por 24h (grupo controle) e em palhetas, em meio TCM-Hepes, mantidas por 6h em banho-maria (grupo BM) ou garrafa térmica (grupo T), a 38,5C. Nestes dois grupos, a maturação foi completada em placas, por 18h, nas mesmas condições do grupo controle. No experimento II, simulouse o transporte em palhetas, em meio TCM-Hepes, a 38,5ºC, por 24h, em estufa (grupo palheta). O grupo controle foi semelhante ao do experimento I. A fecundação (=D0) foi efetuada em meio TALP-Fert, por 18h, e o cultivo foi efetuado em meio SOFaaci, por 8 dias, em ambos os experimentos. As taxas de blastocistos em D7, no experimento I, foram semelhantes (P>0,05) para os grupos controle (31%;97/312), BM (21%;64/301) e T (31%;94/298). No experimento II, não houve diferença (P>0,05) nas taxas de blastocistos em D7 entre os grupos controle (30%;44/145) e