Three-dimensional levitation culture improves in-vitro growth of secondary follicles in bovine model.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Does a three-dimensional culture system based on magnetic levitation with nanoparticles assembly maintain the follicular structure and viability with adequate growth rates leading to oocyte maturation after long-term culture? DESIGN: Randomized-controlled trial of treatments in a bovine model. Secondary follicles (n = 213) isolated from bovine ovaries were cultured in a two-dimensional system (two-dimensional control) or three-dimensional levitation system with different concentrations (three-dimensional 50 µl/ml, 100 µl/ml and 200 µl/ml) of magnetic nanoparticles. Follicular growth (diameter, daily growth and growth patterns), morphology (normal, degenerated and extruded follicles), antrum formation, oocyte viability and chromatin configuration were assessed. RESULTS: Secondary follicles of three-dimensional 200-µl/ml treatment showed higher viability, antrum formation and lower degeneration rates than two-dimensional control. Also, follicles cultured in the three-dimensional 200-µl/ml treatment presented a most homogenous daily growth rate as shown by the lowest variance and standard deviation. Compared with the two-dimensional control, the proportion of non-growing and slow-growing follicles were 3.8-fold lower and 1.6-fold higher, respectively, in the three-dimensional 200-µl/ml treatment. After in-vitro maturation, the three-dimensional 200-µl/ml had a greater proportion of viable oocytes (1.7-fold) and meiotic resumption rates (2.4-fold) than the two-dimensional control treatment. CONCLUSION: The three-dimensional levitation culture system improves the viability of in-vitro development of bovine secondary follicles, antrum formation and lower extrusion and degeneration rates and adequate growth rate leading to relevant oocyte viability and meiotic resumption after in-vitro maturation. This approach does not require a specific medium, and has the potential as an alternative method to in-vitro follicle culture in several species, including humans.

Use of castor oil in tissue repair of extensive wound in senile horse

Background: The use of antiseptics to inhibit or destroy microorganisms through synthetic or natural substances helps speed the healing process. Herbal derivatives of ricinoleic acid extracted from castor beans (Ricinus communis), is an important ally in the treatment of wounds of various animal species during the different stages of the healing process. This study investigates the use of a castor oil based ointment as an antiseptic and wound healing agent to treat an extensive lacerating wound in a senile horse. Case: A 17-year-old Quarter Horse presenting laceration located in the region of the semitendinosus and semimembranosus muscles of the right hindlimb. No changes were observed upon clinical examination while the haematological parameters creatine kinase and fibrinogen increased due to changes. The lesion initially was 35 cm long, and 19 cm wide and second intention healing was the treatment of choice after evaluation. The experimental use of the phytotherapic based on castor oil (Ricinus Assept®) was suggested. This choice was based on the horse owner request for a low-cost treatment. Following the decision, the treatment started with injury debridement by removing devitalized tissue followed by application of castor oil. This treatment was performed twice a day during 24 weeks, with curettage every 7 days to determine the progress of the healing process. The monitori...

Use of castor oil in tissue repair of extensive wound in senile horse

Background: The use of antiseptics to inhibit or destroy microorganisms through synthetic or natural substances helps speed the healing process. Herbal derivatives of ricinoleic acid extracted from castor beans (Ricinus communis), is an important ally in the treatment of wounds of various animal species during the different stages of the healing process. This study investigates the use of a castor oil based ointment as an antiseptic and wound healing agent to treat an extensive lacerating wound in a senile horse. Case: A 17-year-old Quarter Horse presenting laceration located in the region of the semitendinosus and semimembranosus muscles of the right hindlimb. No changes were observed upon clinical examination while the haematological parameters creatine kinase and fibrinogen increased due to changes. The lesion initially was 35 cm long, and 19 cm wide and second intention healing was the treatment of choice after evaluation. The experimental use of the phytotherapic based on castor oil (Ricinus Assept®) was suggested. This choice was based on the horse owner request for a low-cost treatment. Following the decision, the treatment started with injury debridement by removing devitalized tissue followed by application of castor oil. This treatment was performed twice a day during 24 weeks, with curettage every 7 days to determine the progress of the healing process. The monitori...(AU)