To solve the problem of immune incompatibility, nuclear transplantation has been envisaged as a means to produce cells or tissues for human autologous transplantation. Here we have derived embryonic stem cells by the ...To solve the problem of immune incompatibility, nuclear transplantation has been envisaged as a means to produce cells or tissues for human autologous transplantation. Here we have derived embryonic stem cells by the transfer of human somatic nuclei into rabbit oocytes. The number of blastocysts that developed from the fused nuclear transfer was comparable among nuclear donors at ages of 5, 42, 52 and 60 years, and nuclear transfer (NT) embryonic stem cells (ntES cells) were subsequently derived from each of the four age groups. These results suggest that human somatic nuclei can form ntES cells independent of the age of the donor. The derived ntES cells are human based on karyotype, isogenicity, in situ hybridization, PCR and immunocytochemistry with probes that distinguish between the various species. The ntES cells maintain the capability of sustained growth in an undifferentiated state, and form embryoid bodies, which, on further induction, give rise to cell types such as neuron and muscle, as well as mixed cell populations that express markers representative of all three germ layers. Thus, ntES cells derived from human somatic cells by NT to rabbit eggs retain phenotypes similar to those of conventional human ES cells, including the ability to undergo multilineage cellular differentiation.展开更多
In this study we used U0126, a potent and specific inhibitor of MEK, to study the roles of MEK/ERK/p90rsk signaling pathway in the meiotic cell cycle of mouse oocytes. The phosphorylation of MAP kinase and p90rsk in t...In this study we used U0126, a potent and specific inhibitor of MEK, to study the roles of MEK/ERK/p90rsk signaling pathway in the meiotic cell cycle of mouse oocytes. The phosphorylation of MAP kinase and p90rsk in the oocytes treated with 1.5 μMU0126 was the same as that in oocytes cultured in drug-free medium. With 1.5 μM U0126 treatment, the spindles appeared normal as they formed in oocytes, but failed to maintain its structure.Instead, the spindle lost one pole or elongated extraordinarily. After further culture, some oocytes extruded gigantic polar bodies (＞30 μm) that later divided into two small ones. Some oocytes underwent symmetric division and produced two equal-size daughter cells in which normal spindles formed. In oocytes with different division patterns,MAP kinase was normally phosphorylated. When the concentration of U0126 was increased to 15 mM, the phosphorylation of both MAPK and p90rsk were inhibited, while symmetric division was decreased. When incubating in medium containing 15 μM U0126 for 14 h, oocytes were activated, but part of them failed to emit polar bodies. MII oocytes were also activated by 15 μM U0126, at the same time the dephosphorylation of MAP kinase and p90rsk was observed. Our results indicate that 1) MEK plays important but not indispensable roles in microtubule organization;2) MEK keeps normal meiotic spindle morphology, targets peripheral spindle positioning and regulates asymmetric division by activating some unknown substrates other than MAP kinase/p90rsk; and 3) activation of MEK/ERK/p90rsk cascade maintains MII arrest in mouse oocytes.展开更多
reconstituted embryos were produced by nuclear transplantation using bovine ear fibroblasts at G 0 or non-G 0 stage as donor nuclei and oocytes collected from superovulated multiparous or young rabbits as recipi...reconstituted embryos were produced by nuclear transplantation using bovine ear fibroblasts at G 0 or non-G 0 stage as donor nuclei and oocytes collected from superovulated multiparous or young rabbits as recipients. After cultivation in two kinds of medium M199+10%FBS or RD+10%FBS, 112 of them developed to 2-cell stage (62.2%) and 26 to morula stage (14.4%) and 20 of them eventually developed to blastocyst stage (11.1%). There is no significant difference for the cleavage rates in two groups of reconstituted embryos derived from G 0 -stage and non-G 0 stage donor cells respectively. However, G 0-stage donor cells could result in higher rate of 8-cell16-cell stage embryos significantly (P<0.05), as well as higher rate of blastocysts (P<0.01). It seems that using two different culture systems had no significant effects on the cleavage rate, morula rate or blastocyst rate (P>0.05).展开更多
The effects of various Ca 2+ modifying drugs on moue egg fertilization were studied.Ca 2+ chelator,ethylen glycol bis (2 aminoethyl) tetracetic acid(EGTA),and calmodulin (CaM) antagonist,trifluoperzaine...The effects of various Ca 2+ modifying drugs on moue egg fertilization were studied.Ca 2+ chelator,ethylen glycol bis (2 aminoethyl) tetracetic acid(EGTA),and calmodulin (CaM) antagonist,trifluoperzaine(TFP),inhibited fertilization in a dose dependent manner,whild Ca 2+ channel bolcker,verapamil,did not have any effect.When intracellular Ca 2+ release was blocked by 8 (N,N diethylamino) octy1 3,4, 5 trimethoxybenzonate(TMB 8) or the Ca 2+ oscillations were inhibited by an inhibitor of endoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ ATPase,thapsigargin,the second polar body emission and pronuclear formation were significantly decreased.In contrast,inhibition of intracellular Ca 2+ release via bolckage of inositol 1,4,5 triphosphate (IP3) production by neomycin or lithium did not affect fertilization.The results sugest that both extracellular influx,intracellular Ca 2+ release and CaM activation are required for normal fertilization.However,extracellular influx through voltage gated Ca 2+ channel and intracellular release induced by IP3 are not the only pathways for producing Ca 2+ transients in moue eggs.展开更多
The present paper reported the preliminary results of identification of humannonserum oviduct specific proteins. The 1D-SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and 2D-SDS-PAFE in conjunction with the immunoblott...The present paper reported the preliminary results of identification of humannonserum oviduct specific proteins. The 1D-SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and 2D-SDS-PAFE in conjunction with the immunoblotting assay were used in the present study. The results showed that the nonserum oviduct specific proteins with MW130, 100 and 80 kD existed in human oviduct fluid or oviductal extract. In addition, the antibody against pig oviduct antigens could more strongly cross-react with human oviduct antigens, mainly recognizing 130,116 and 100 kD proteins from human oviduct. It is suggested that in human oviduct there are some specific antigens possessing some similar epitopes to those in pig oviducts. This result seems to be consistent with predominant cross reactivity existing in antigens of porcine and human zona pellucida.展开更多
The correlation or serum estradiol concentrstion and uterine estrogen receptor (ER) gene expression (ERn and ERc quantitated by Dextrsn Coat Charcoal assay and ER mRNA by Northern blotting) was studied during the rat ...The correlation or serum estradiol concentrstion and uterine estrogen receptor (ER) gene expression (ERn and ERc quantitated by Dextrsn Coat Charcoal assay and ER mRNA by Northern blotting) was studied during the rat estrous cycle and early Pregnant stage (dl-d10). The ER gone expression was up - regulated by estrogen and the levels of ER mRNA synchronized with the changes of ER protein, suggesting that estrogen influenced the trsnscriPtional step of the ER gene. Post-coitum ER expression increased with the serum estrsdiol progressively, reached a peak on d4-ds (Just before implantation), but drastically dropped to the nadir on d6-d7 (during implantation) and then recovered. It was of interest to discover that ER mRNA level in the nonimplantstion sites (NIS) of uterus was much higher than that in the implantstion sites (IS).展开更多
The damaging effect of seven compounds isolated from Triplelygium Wilfordii Hook.F were tested on the rat Leydig cells and Sertoli cells in culture. The reslllts showed thai 10 μg/ ml orthosphenic acid (TW2), 10μg/...The damaging effect of seven compounds isolated from Triplelygium Wilfordii Hook.F were tested on the rat Leydig cells and Sertoli cells in culture. The reslllts showed thai 10 μg/ ml orthosphenic acid (TW2), 10μg/ ml 39,22α -dihydroxy-△12 ursen- 30-oic acid(TW5), 5.0 μg/ ml 39,22a--dihydroxy-△12-oleallen--29-oic acid(TW6), 5.0 μg/ ml salaspermic acid(TW7), 0.5μg/ ml celastrol(TW27) alld 1.25μg/ ml polpunonic acid (TW28) Ivere all detrimental to Leydig cells. and Sertoli cells. Holvever, 30 μg/ ml wilforlide A (TW1) did not affect the viability of Leydig cells and Sertoli cells significantly.The most toxic compounds was TW27, and the leasl,TW1.These results suggested that the-COOH at the C-20 site of these triterpenoids may be the functional chemical group responsible for the damaging effect on the Leydig cells and Sertoli. cells.展开更多
A membrane protein was isolated from mouse sperm heads that had undergone acrosomal reaction induced by C2+ ionophore, A 23187, which, with a molecular weight of 77.6 kd, shows capability to block egg-sperm fusion. As...A membrane protein was isolated from mouse sperm heads that had undergone acrosomal reaction induced by C2+ ionophore, A 23187, which, with a molecular weight of 77.6 kd, shows capability to block egg-sperm fusion. As revealed by analysis usintg isotopic markers, this protein is one of the chief membrane proteins of inner acrosomal membrane or the outer membrane of equatorial segment and Post-acrosomal region; treatment of mouse sperms with 0.6 μg/ml of the Purified protein for 30 minutes reduced the sperm-egg fusion index by 51%.The above results led us to the conclusion that the protein is an active participant in sperm-egg fusion. The possible existence of sperm receptor on egg plasma membrane was discussed.展开更多
Morphological changes of tubulin during the resumption of meiosis in both mouse oocyte and fertilized egg were revealed by indirect immunofluorescent marking with monoclonal antibody against β tubulin. During germin...Morphological changes of tubulin during the resumption of meiosis in both mouse oocyte and fertilized egg were revealed by indirect immunofluorescent marking with monoclonal antibody against β tubulin. During germinal vesicle period (GV), tubulin was found to be distributed around the GV menibrane. With the disruption of GV membrane, microtubule complexes (MTCs) appeared in cytoplasm, first around GV membrane later to spread to other portions as well. Quantitative difference was noted among different oocytes. MTCs coexisted with spindlesformed by prometaphase tubulin, while metaphase tubulin polymerized into spindles and anaphase and telophase tubulin was concentrated in the two poles of the meiotic apparatus and the midbody. In egg arrested in the 2nd metaphase, whether maturing in vitro or vivo, all the tubulin went to form spindles with no MTCs left in the cytoplasm. After fertilization in vitro,MTCs reappeared in the egg cytoplasm activated by sperms while no MTCs could be revealed in cytoplasm after formation of pronucleus. As demonstrated by this experiment,cytoplasmic tubulin in eggs are polymerized chiefly into two forms: the star-shaped MTCs and the spindle.Cytoplasmic MTCs are the structure newly formed when the 1st and 2nd oocytes resumed meiosis. With colchicine disrupting the polymerization of tubulin, the maternal chromosomes,instead of orderly arrangement and orderly separation, either formed disordered mass or were divided into multiple chromatin masses. However, the penetration of sperm into egg, and decondensation and formation of pronuclei were not affected.展开更多
Adult somatic cell nuclear transfer was con-ducted by using cultured ear fibroblast cells obtained from a Holstein female cow (GN) and a Galoway herd bull (GLV). The percentages of reconstructed eggs developed into bl...Adult somatic cell nuclear transfer was con-ducted by using cultured ear fibroblast cells obtained from a Holstein female cow (GN) and a Galoway herd bull (GLV). The percentages of reconstructed eggs developed into blas-tocysts were similar in GN (23.98%, 123 of 513) and in GLV groups (29.55%, 138 of 467). However, the rate of recon-structed female (GN) embryos developed into term was higher than that of male (GLV) (8.02% and 1.82%, respec-tively). Three kinds of cows, Luxi Yellow cows, Holstein heifers and Holstein cows with normal reproductive records were used as recipients. When the reconstructed embryos from GN were transferred, there was no difference in the pregnancy rate among three kinds of recipients, but the abortion rate of Luxi Yellow cows was significantly higher (85.71%) than in the other two groups (14.29% and 0%, respectively; P < 0.05). And the percentages of newborn calves in transferred embryos were significantly different between Luxi Yellow cows and Holstein breed (1.54%, 10.39% and 20.0%, respectively, P < 0.05). However, when reconstructed embryos from GLV were transferred, there was no difference among three kinds of recipients in the pregnancy rate, the abortion rate and the delivery rate.展开更多
The high failure rate of interspecific pregnancy is a major obstacle to the successful interspecific cloning of mammals. To investigate the reasons for the failure of inter-specfic pregnancy between rats and mice, we ...The high failure rate of interspecific pregnancy is a major obstacle to the successful interspecific cloning of mammals. To investigate the reasons for the failure of inter-specfic pregnancy between rats and mice, we transferred rat blastocysts into mouse uteri on the third day of pseudopreg-nancy (D3). Our previous study showed that intact rat em-bryos could still be observed in mouse uteri on D9. In the present study, we found that expression of CD57 and CD68 increased significantly at the maternal-fetal interface fol-lowing the transfer of rat embryos. Similarly, Leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) expression increased, but vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expession decreased. In a co-culture system, the percentage of rat ectoplacental cones (EPCs) with adhesion and outgrowth and outgrowth area on mouse uterine decidual cells were less than that of mouse EPCs. These results indicate that an increase in the immu-nological rejection response and a decrease in the invasive-ness of rat embryos may be important reasons for the failure of interspecific pregnancy between rat and mouse.展开更多
Nitric oxide (NO) is a multifunctional messen-ger molecule produced through oxidation of L-arginine to L-citrulline by enzyme NO synthase (NOS). In the current study, mouse blastocysts were cultured in the different m...Nitric oxide (NO) is a multifunctional messen-ger molecule produced through oxidation of L-arginine to L-citrulline by enzyme NO synthase (NOS). In the current study, mouse blastocysts were cultured in the different media, and the implantation capacity of blastocyst was evaluated by evaluating the percentage of embryos adhesion and out-growth after culture for 12, 24 or 48 h. Matrix metallopro-teinase-2 (MMP-2) mRNA was detected by RT-PCR, and MMP-2 protein was detected by gelatin zymography. Inhibi-tion of blastocyst adhesion and outgrowth was observed in embryo cultured with 500 mmol/L NOS inhibitor NG-mono- methyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) alone; however, 100 mmol/L S-nitroso-Nacetylpenicillamine (SNAP), a NO donor, and 20 mmol/L cGMP analogue, 8-Br-cGMP could block this inhibi-tion. The expression and production of MMP-2 in the blas-tocysts were suppressed by L-NMMA, and SNAP or 8-br-cGMP could reverse this suppression. These results suggest that NO induces embryo implantation by cGMP sig-naling pathway.展开更多
On day 3 of gestation, one uterine horn of fe-male pregnant mouse was injected intraluminally with 5 mL 0.1 mg/mL lactacystin, a specific inhibitor of ubiquitin-pro- teasome pathway (UPP), while the contralateral horn...On day 3 of gestation, one uterine horn of fe-male pregnant mouse was injected intraluminally with 5 mL 0.1 mg/mL lactacystin, a specific inhibitor of ubiquitin-pro- teasome pathway (UPP), while the contralateral horn served as control. Animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation on day 5, 6, 7 of gestation, respectively. Then the number of implanted embryos in each uterine horn was calculated, and the expression of VEGF and its receptors was examined. The data showed that the number of implanted embryos was decreased significantly after treatment with lactacystin. The results of RT-PCR and Western blot indicated that expres-sion of VEGF and its receptors at mRNA and protein levels was significantly decreased in the treated uterus, meanwhile, the expression of HIF-1a (the a subunit of HIF, a transcrip-tional factor of VEGF) was reduced at both mRNA and pro-tein levels. These data suggested that the effect of UPP on VEGF expression was realized through regulating HIF-1a expression. In addition, UPP is likely to take part in the modulation of VEGF receptors expression. These changes may be one of the reasons for the reduction of implanted embryos.展开更多
As a homodimeric glycoprotein, vascular en- dothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a highly specific mitogen of vascular endothelial cells. It can induce proliferation and migration, and inhibit apoptosis of endothelial ce...As a homodimeric glycoprotein, vascular en- dothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a highly specific mitogen of vascular endothelial cells. It can induce proliferation and migration, and inhibit apoptosis of endothelial cell. VEGF is involved in many processes in the female reproductive sys-tem, such as ovulation, periodical changes of endometrium, embryo implantation and development. VEGF plays impor-tant roles in some reproductive diseases, including pree-clampsia and fetal hypoevolutism in uterus. Based on our studies on angiogenesis and its relevant factors in the female reproductive system these years, the functions of VEGF in female reproductive system are reviewed, and the research prospect and application of VEGF are also discussed.展开更多
MMPs and their natural tissue inhibitors TIMPs are crucial in coordinated breakdown and remodel- ing of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in physiological and pathological situations. Placentation is a key event of pregn...MMPs and their natural tissue inhibitors TIMPs are crucial in coordinated breakdown and remodel- ing of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in physiological and pathological situations. Placentation is a key event of pregnancy in which MMPs/TIMPs system plays important roles in regulating the extravillus cytotrophoblast (EVTs) invasion. This paper focuses on expression patterns and regulatory mechanisms of MMPs/TIMPs family members during the process of placentation. Their implications in curing pregnancy-related diseases are also discussed.展开更多
We studied the infectious effect of SARS-CoV virus on juvenile and adult Brandt’s Vole (Microtus brandtii) by nasal cavity spraying method (CCID50 is 105.7). SARS virus caused serious deaths in adults. The death adul...We studied the infectious effect of SARS-CoV virus on juvenile and adult Brandt’s Vole (Microtus brandtii) by nasal cavity spraying method (CCID50 is 105.7). SARS virus caused serious deaths in adults. The death adults demonstrated hemorrhage from mouth, nasal cavity and intestine, hemorrhageious interstitial pneumonia and gore in liver, spleen and kidney. The survival adults demonstrated local hemorrhagic spot in lung and emphysema, but the other organs showed no pathological abnormality. SARS virus caused no deaths in juveniles, but locomotion of infected juveniles became slower. In the early stage, there was local pneumonia in lung and SARS viruses were isolated from the pathological tissue. Only one control juvenile lived and the infected juvenile showed local pneumonia in lung. The results demonstrated that SARS-CoV infected Brandt’s vole seriously and adults were more susceptive to SARS-CoV than juveniles. The Brandt’s vole may be a potential animal model for SARS research.展开更多
The target molecule of monoclonal antibody AA98 (AA for short) is a new vascular endothelial cell related factor and plays a role in angiogenesis as indicated by the previous data. To investigate its role in angiogene...The target molecule of monoclonal antibody AA98 (AA for short) is a new vascular endothelial cell related factor and plays a role in angiogenesis as indicated by the previous data. To investigate its role in angiogenesis and placentation in primate, we examined its expression in the implantation sites on D17, 19, 28 and 34 of gestation in rhesus monkey by immunohistochemistry and Western immunoblot. Western blot analysis showed that the primary antibody used in this study was specific for its epitope. AA protein was mainly expressed in small blood vessels and in some cytotrophoblast cells. The AA staining was found mainly in the endothelial cells and vascular small muscle.This observation supported the AA's role in angiogenesis. AA was spatio-temporarily expressed in cytotrophoblasts: weak in proliferating trophoblast within cell column and endovascular trophoblast, strong in trophoblastic subpopulation within the basal plate and vascular trophoblast; AA staining within the basal plate was down-regulated during early placentation. The shift of AA98 expression in extravillous trophoblasts suggestes a role of this new factor during the course of cytotrophoblast metastasis and spiral artery remodeling. The spatio-temporarily expression indicats that AA98 could be also used as a trophoblast cellular marker to characterize the acquisition of a vascular endothelial and invasive phenotype.展开更多
In order to investigate the effects of different kinds of nuclear recipients from Kunming (KM) mouse on developmental potential of somatic nuclear transfer em- bryos, the enucleated MⅡ oocytes, enucleated zygotes and...In order to investigate the effects of different kinds of nuclear recipients from Kunming (KM) mouse on developmental potential of somatic nuclear transfer em- bryos, the enucleated MⅡ oocytes, enucleated zygotes and 2-cell blastomere were used to produce cloned mouse em-bryos. Using fibroblast deriving from C57/BL6 ear tissue as nuclear donor, we produced cloned embryos by transferring the fibroblast nuclei into enucleated KM mouse oocytes (sin-gle nuclear transfer, SNT), transferring pronuclei from the SNT embryos into enucleated KM zygotes (nuclear into zy-gote, NZ), and 2-cell blastomere nuclei from SNT embryos into enucleated KM mouse oocytes (nuclear into oocytes, NO); tetraploid embryos (tetraploid embryos, TE) were ob-tained by fusing two blastomeres, one is from the SNT cloned embryos, and the other from normal 2-cell KM mouse em-bryos. In group SNT, the cloned embryos could not develop beyond 8-cell stage and the rate of 8-cell stage is only 0.3%; in group NO, the reconstructed embryos could develop to morula stage, the rate of 8-cell stage was significantly greater than that of SNT group (P < 0.05); in group NZ, the devel-opment rate was further improved, and the reconstructed embryos could develop into blastocyst stage, the rate of blastocyst was 1.9%; in group TE, as high as 62.3% of the reconstructed embryos could develop into blastocyst. Results suggested that different nuclear recipients could significantly affect the developmental potential of cloned mouse embryos; KM MⅡ oocyte cytoplasm was not so effective as zygotes to reprogram the mouse somatic cell nuclei; serial nuclear transfer could improve the developmental potential of cloned mouse embryos.展开更多
基金supported by grants from the Major State Basic Research Development Program of China(No.001CB5099)the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China(No.2001AA216121)+3 种基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.30040003)Projects of Shanghai Science&Technology Development Foundation(No.99DJ14002,00DJ14033,01DJ14003)the Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.KSCX-2-3-08)Shanghai Municipal Education Commission and by Shanghai Second Medical University
文摘To solve the problem of immune incompatibility, nuclear transplantation has been envisaged as a means to produce cells or tissues for human autologous transplantation. Here we have derived embryonic stem cells by the transfer of human somatic nuclei into rabbit oocytes. The number of blastocysts that developed from the fused nuclear transfer was comparable among nuclear donors at ages of 5, 42, 52 and 60 years, and nuclear transfer (NT) embryonic stem cells (ntES cells) were subsequently derived from each of the four age groups. These results suggest that human somatic nuclei can form ntES cells independent of the age of the donor. The derived ntES cells are human based on karyotype, isogenicity, in situ hybridization, PCR and immunocytochemistry with probes that distinguish between the various species. The ntES cells maintain the capability of sustained growth in an undifferentiated state, and form embryoid bodies, which, on further induction, give rise to cell types such as neuron and muscle, as well as mixed cell populations that express markers representative of all three germ layers. Thus, ntES cells derived from human somatic cells by NT to rabbit eggs retain phenotypes similar to those of conventional human ES cells, including the ability to undergo multilineage cellular differentiation.
基金This study was supported by grants from the Special Funds for Major State Basic Research(“973”)Project(G1999055902)of ChinaNational Natural Science Foundation of China(30225010,30170358)Knowledge Innovation Program(KSCX2-SW-303,KSCX-IOZ-07)of Chinese Academy of Sciences.
文摘In this study we used U0126, a potent and specific inhibitor of MEK, to study the roles of MEK/ERK/p90rsk signaling pathway in the meiotic cell cycle of mouse oocytes. The phosphorylation of MAP kinase and p90rsk in the oocytes treated with 1.5 μMU0126 was the same as that in oocytes cultured in drug-free medium. With 1.5 μM U0126 treatment, the spindles appeared normal as they formed in oocytes, but failed to maintain its structure.Instead, the spindle lost one pole or elongated extraordinarily. After further culture, some oocytes extruded gigantic polar bodies (＞30 μm) that later divided into two small ones. Some oocytes underwent symmetric division and produced two equal-size daughter cells in which normal spindles formed. In oocytes with different division patterns,MAP kinase was normally phosphorylated. When the concentration of U0126 was increased to 15 mM, the phosphorylation of both MAPK and p90rsk were inhibited, while symmetric division was decreased. When incubating in medium containing 15 μM U0126 for 14 h, oocytes were activated, but part of them failed to emit polar bodies. MII oocytes were also activated by 15 μM U0126, at the same time the dephosphorylation of MAP kinase and p90rsk was observed. Our results indicate that 1) MEK plays important but not indispensable roles in microtubule organization;2) MEK keeps normal meiotic spindle morphology, targets peripheral spindle positioning and regulates asymmetric division by activating some unknown substrates other than MAP kinase/p90rsk; and 3) activation of MEK/ERK/p90rsk cascade maintains MII arrest in mouse oocytes.
基金The research was supported by a Key Project of the“Tenth Five-Year”Science&Technology Development Plan(01606006)from Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Province,China.
文摘reconstituted embryos were produced by nuclear transplantation using bovine ear fibroblasts at G 0 or non-G 0 stage as donor nuclei and oocytes collected from superovulated multiparous or young rabbits as recipients. After cultivation in two kinds of medium M199+10%FBS or RD+10%FBS, 112 of them developed to 2-cell stage (62.2%) and 26 to morula stage (14.4%) and 20 of them eventually developed to blastocyst stage (11.1%). There is no significant difference for the cleavage rates in two groups of reconstituted embryos derived from G 0 -stage and non-G 0 stage donor cells respectively. However, G 0-stage donor cells could result in higher rate of 8-cell16-cell stage embryos significantly (P<0.05), as well as higher rate of blastocysts (P<0.01). It seems that using two different culture systems had no significant effects on the cleavage rate, morula rate or blastocyst rate (P>0.05).
文摘The effects of various Ca 2+ modifying drugs on moue egg fertilization were studied.Ca 2+ chelator,ethylen glycol bis (2 aminoethyl) tetracetic acid(EGTA),and calmodulin (CaM) antagonist,trifluoperzaine(TFP),inhibited fertilization in a dose dependent manner,whild Ca 2+ channel bolcker,verapamil,did not have any effect.When intracellular Ca 2+ release was blocked by 8 (N,N diethylamino) octy1 3,4, 5 trimethoxybenzonate(TMB 8) or the Ca 2+ oscillations were inhibited by an inhibitor of endoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ ATPase,thapsigargin,the second polar body emission and pronuclear formation were significantly decreased.In contrast,inhibition of intracellular Ca 2+ release via bolckage of inositol 1,4,5 triphosphate (IP3) production by neomycin or lithium did not affect fertilization.The results sugest that both extracellular influx,intracellular Ca 2+ release and CaM activation are required for normal fertilization.However,extracellular influx through voltage gated Ca 2+ channel and intracellular release induced by IP3 are not the only pathways for producing Ca 2+ transients in moue eggs.
文摘The present paper reported the preliminary results of identification of humannonserum oviduct specific proteins. The 1D-SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and 2D-SDS-PAFE in conjunction with the immunoblotting assay were used in the present study. The results showed that the nonserum oviduct specific proteins with MW130, 100 and 80 kD existed in human oviduct fluid or oviductal extract. In addition, the antibody against pig oviduct antigens could more strongly cross-react with human oviduct antigens, mainly recognizing 130,116 and 100 kD proteins from human oviduct. It is suggested that in human oviduct there are some specific antigens possessing some similar epitopes to those in pig oviducts. This result seems to be consistent with predominant cross reactivity existing in antigens of porcine and human zona pellucida.
文摘The correlation or serum estradiol concentrstion and uterine estrogen receptor (ER) gene expression (ERn and ERc quantitated by Dextrsn Coat Charcoal assay and ER mRNA by Northern blotting) was studied during the rat estrous cycle and early Pregnant stage (dl-d10). The ER gone expression was up - regulated by estrogen and the levels of ER mRNA synchronized with the changes of ER protein, suggesting that estrogen influenced the trsnscriPtional step of the ER gene. Post-coitum ER expression increased with the serum estrsdiol progressively, reached a peak on d4-ds (Just before implantation), but drastically dropped to the nadir on d6-d7 (during implantation) and then recovered. It was of interest to discover that ER mRNA level in the nonimplantstion sites (NIS) of uterus was much higher than that in the implantstion sites (IS).
文摘The damaging effect of seven compounds isolated from Triplelygium Wilfordii Hook.F were tested on the rat Leydig cells and Sertoli cells in culture. The reslllts showed thai 10 μg/ ml orthosphenic acid (TW2), 10μg/ ml 39,22α -dihydroxy-△12 ursen- 30-oic acid(TW5), 5.0 μg/ ml 39,22a--dihydroxy-△12-oleallen--29-oic acid(TW6), 5.0 μg/ ml salaspermic acid(TW7), 0.5μg/ ml celastrol(TW27) alld 1.25μg/ ml polpunonic acid (TW28) Ivere all detrimental to Leydig cells. and Sertoli cells. Holvever, 30 μg/ ml wilforlide A (TW1) did not affect the viability of Leydig cells and Sertoli cells significantly.The most toxic compounds was TW27, and the leasl,TW1.These results suggested that the-COOH at the C-20 site of these triterpenoids may be the functional chemical group responsible for the damaging effect on the Leydig cells and Sertoli. cells.
文摘A membrane protein was isolated from mouse sperm heads that had undergone acrosomal reaction induced by C2+ ionophore, A 23187, which, with a molecular weight of 77.6 kd, shows capability to block egg-sperm fusion. As revealed by analysis usintg isotopic markers, this protein is one of the chief membrane proteins of inner acrosomal membrane or the outer membrane of equatorial segment and Post-acrosomal region; treatment of mouse sperms with 0.6 μg/ml of the Purified protein for 30 minutes reduced the sperm-egg fusion index by 51%.The above results led us to the conclusion that the protein is an active participant in sperm-egg fusion. The possible existence of sperm receptor on egg plasma membrane was discussed.
文摘Morphological changes of tubulin during the resumption of meiosis in both mouse oocyte and fertilized egg were revealed by indirect immunofluorescent marking with monoclonal antibody against β tubulin. During germinal vesicle period (GV), tubulin was found to be distributed around the GV menibrane. With the disruption of GV membrane, microtubule complexes (MTCs) appeared in cytoplasm, first around GV membrane later to spread to other portions as well. Quantitative difference was noted among different oocytes. MTCs coexisted with spindlesformed by prometaphase tubulin, while metaphase tubulin polymerized into spindles and anaphase and telophase tubulin was concentrated in the two poles of the meiotic apparatus and the midbody. In egg arrested in the 2nd metaphase, whether maturing in vitro or vivo, all the tubulin went to form spindles with no MTCs left in the cytoplasm. After fertilization in vitro,MTCs reappeared in the egg cytoplasm activated by sperms while no MTCs could be revealed in cytoplasm after formation of pronucleus. As demonstrated by this experiment,cytoplasmic tubulin in eggs are polymerized chiefly into two forms: the star-shaped MTCs and the spindle.Cytoplasmic MTCs are the structure newly formed when the 1st and 2nd oocytes resumed meiosis. With colchicine disrupting the polymerization of tubulin, the maternal chromosomes,instead of orderly arrangement and orderly separation, either formed disordered mass or were divided into multiple chromatin masses. However, the penetration of sperm into egg, and decondensation and formation of pronuclei were not affected.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.39830280).
文摘Adult somatic cell nuclear transfer was con-ducted by using cultured ear fibroblast cells obtained from a Holstein female cow (GN) and a Galoway herd bull (GLV). The percentages of reconstructed eggs developed into blas-tocysts were similar in GN (23.98%, 123 of 513) and in GLV groups (29.55%, 138 of 467). However, the rate of recon-structed female (GN) embryos developed into term was higher than that of male (GLV) (8.02% and 1.82%, respec-tively). Three kinds of cows, Luxi Yellow cows, Holstein heifers and Holstein cows with normal reproductive records were used as recipients. When the reconstructed embryos from GN were transferred, there was no difference in the pregnancy rate among three kinds of recipients, but the abortion rate of Luxi Yellow cows was significantly higher (85.71%) than in the other two groups (14.29% and 0%, respectively; P < 0.05). And the percentages of newborn calves in transferred embryos were significantly different between Luxi Yellow cows and Holstein breed (1.54%, 10.39% and 20.0%, respectively, P < 0.05). However, when reconstructed embryos from GLV were transferred, there was no difference among three kinds of recipients in the pregnancy rate, the abortion rate and the delivery rate.
基金supported by the Special Funds for the Major State Basic Research Project(Grant No.G1999055903)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.30170112)+1 种基金the Knowledge Innovation Project of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.KSCX-0501)the Innovative Program of the CAS(Grant No.KSCX3-IOZ-07).
文摘The high failure rate of interspecific pregnancy is a major obstacle to the successful interspecific cloning of mammals. To investigate the reasons for the failure of inter-specfic pregnancy between rats and mice, we transferred rat blastocysts into mouse uteri on the third day of pseudopreg-nancy (D3). Our previous study showed that intact rat em-bryos could still be observed in mouse uteri on D9. In the present study, we found that expression of CD57 and CD68 increased significantly at the maternal-fetal interface fol-lowing the transfer of rat embryos. Similarly, Leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) expression increased, but vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expession decreased. In a co-culture system, the percentage of rat ectoplacental cones (EPCs) with adhesion and outgrowth and outgrowth area on mouse uterine decidual cells were less than that of mouse EPCs. These results indicate that an increase in the immu-nological rejection response and a decrease in the invasive-ness of rat embryos may be important reasons for the failure of interspecific pregnancy between rat and mouse.
文摘Nitric oxide (NO) is a multifunctional messen-ger molecule produced through oxidation of L-arginine to L-citrulline by enzyme NO synthase (NOS). In the current study, mouse blastocysts were cultured in the different media, and the implantation capacity of blastocyst was evaluated by evaluating the percentage of embryos adhesion and out-growth after culture for 12, 24 or 48 h. Matrix metallopro-teinase-2 (MMP-2) mRNA was detected by RT-PCR, and MMP-2 protein was detected by gelatin zymography. Inhibi-tion of blastocyst adhesion and outgrowth was observed in embryo cultured with 500 mmol/L NOS inhibitor NG-mono- methyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) alone; however, 100 mmol/L S-nitroso-Nacetylpenicillamine (SNAP), a NO donor, and 20 mmol/L cGMP analogue, 8-Br-cGMP could block this inhibi-tion. The expression and production of MMP-2 in the blas-tocysts were suppressed by L-NMMA, and SNAP or 8-br-cGMP could reverse this suppression. These results suggest that NO induces embryo implantation by cGMP sig-naling pathway.
基金supported by the State Major Basic Research Project(Grant No.G1999055903)the 2002 Knowledge Innovation Project of the Chinese Academy of Sciences
文摘On day 3 of gestation, one uterine horn of fe-male pregnant mouse was injected intraluminally with 5 mL 0.1 mg/mL lactacystin, a specific inhibitor of ubiquitin-pro- teasome pathway (UPP), while the contralateral horn served as control. Animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation on day 5, 6, 7 of gestation, respectively. Then the number of implanted embryos in each uterine horn was calculated, and the expression of VEGF and its receptors was examined. The data showed that the number of implanted embryos was decreased significantly after treatment with lactacystin. The results of RT-PCR and Western blot indicated that expres-sion of VEGF and its receptors at mRNA and protein levels was significantly decreased in the treated uterus, meanwhile, the expression of HIF-1a (the a subunit of HIF, a transcrip-tional factor of VEGF) was reduced at both mRNA and pro-tein levels. These data suggested that the effect of UPP on VEGF expression was realized through regulating HIF-1a expression. In addition, UPP is likely to take part in the modulation of VEGF receptors expression. These changes may be one of the reasons for the reduction of implanted embryos.
基金supported by the State Key Basic Research Project(Grant No.1999055903)2002 CAS Knowledge Innovation Progress.
文摘As a homodimeric glycoprotein, vascular en- dothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a highly specific mitogen of vascular endothelial cells. It can induce proliferation and migration, and inhibit apoptosis of endothelial cell. VEGF is involved in many processes in the female reproductive sys-tem, such as ovulation, periodical changes of endometrium, embryo implantation and development. VEGF plays impor-tant roles in some reproductive diseases, including pree-clampsia and fetal hypoevolutism in uterus. Based on our studies on angiogenesis and its relevant factors in the female reproductive system these years, the functions of VEGF in female reproductive system are reviewed, and the research prospect and application of VEGF are also discussed.
基金supported by the Special Funds for Major State Basic Research Project(Grant No.G1999055903)Funds from CAS(Grant No.KSCX2-SW-322)trom NSFC(Grant No.30170112).
文摘MMPs and their natural tissue inhibitors TIMPs are crucial in coordinated breakdown and remodel- ing of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in physiological and pathological situations. Placentation is a key event of pregnancy in which MMPs/TIMPs system plays important roles in regulating the extravillus cytotrophoblast (EVTs) invasion. This paper focuses on expression patterns and regulatory mechanisms of MMPs/TIMPs family members during the process of placentation. Their implications in curing pregnancy-related diseases are also discussed.
基金supported by the Innovation Program of Institute of Zoology,the Chinese Academy of Sciences
文摘We studied the infectious effect of SARS-CoV virus on juvenile and adult Brandt’s Vole (Microtus brandtii) by nasal cavity spraying method (CCID50 is 105.7). SARS virus caused serious deaths in adults. The death adults demonstrated hemorrhage from mouth, nasal cavity and intestine, hemorrhageious interstitial pneumonia and gore in liver, spleen and kidney. The survival adults demonstrated local hemorrhagic spot in lung and emphysema, but the other organs showed no pathological abnormality. SARS virus caused no deaths in juveniles, but locomotion of infected juveniles became slower. In the early stage, there was local pneumonia in lung and SARS viruses were isolated from the pathological tissue. Only one control juvenile lived and the infected juvenile showed local pneumonia in lung. The results demonstrated that SARS-CoV infected Brandt’s vole seriously and adults were more susceptive to SARS-CoV than juveniles. The Brandt’s vole may be a potential animal model for SARS research.
基金This work was supported by the WHO/Rockefeller Fundation(Grant No.RF96020#78)the Knowledge Innovation Program of CAS(Grant No.KSCX-2-SW-201)+1 种基金the National“973”Program(Grant No.G1999055901)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.30270196)
文摘The target molecule of monoclonal antibody AA98 (AA for short) is a new vascular endothelial cell related factor and plays a role in angiogenesis as indicated by the previous data. To investigate its role in angiogenesis and placentation in primate, we examined its expression in the implantation sites on D17, 19, 28 and 34 of gestation in rhesus monkey by immunohistochemistry and Western immunoblot. Western blot analysis showed that the primary antibody used in this study was specific for its epitope. AA protein was mainly expressed in small blood vessels and in some cytotrophoblast cells. The AA staining was found mainly in the endothelial cells and vascular small muscle.This observation supported the AA's role in angiogenesis. AA was spatio-temporarily expressed in cytotrophoblasts: weak in proliferating trophoblast within cell column and endovascular trophoblast, strong in trophoblastic subpopulation within the basal plate and vascular trophoblast; AA staining within the basal plate was down-regulated during early placentation. The shift of AA98 expression in extravillous trophoblasts suggestes a role of this new factor during the course of cytotrophoblast metastasis and spiral artery remodeling. The spatio-temporarily expression indicats that AA98 could be also used as a trophoblast cellular marker to characterize the acquisition of a vascular endothelial and invasive phenotype.
基金the Climbing Project of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (Grant No. 97021109-2) and the Major Project of Knowledge Innovation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. KSCX1-05-01)
文摘In order to investigate the effects of different kinds of nuclear recipients from Kunming (KM) mouse on developmental potential of somatic nuclear transfer em- bryos, the enucleated MⅡ oocytes, enucleated zygotes and 2-cell blastomere were used to produce cloned mouse em-bryos. Using fibroblast deriving from C57/BL6 ear tissue as nuclear donor, we produced cloned embryos by transferring the fibroblast nuclei into enucleated KM mouse oocytes (sin-gle nuclear transfer, SNT), transferring pronuclei from the SNT embryos into enucleated KM zygotes (nuclear into zy-gote, NZ), and 2-cell blastomere nuclei from SNT embryos into enucleated KM mouse oocytes (nuclear into oocytes, NO); tetraploid embryos (tetraploid embryos, TE) were ob-tained by fusing two blastomeres, one is from the SNT cloned embryos, and the other from normal 2-cell KM mouse em-bryos. In group SNT, the cloned embryos could not develop beyond 8-cell stage and the rate of 8-cell stage is only 0.3%; in group NO, the reconstructed embryos could develop to morula stage, the rate of 8-cell stage was significantly greater than that of SNT group (P < 0.05); in group NZ, the devel-opment rate was further improved, and the reconstructed embryos could develop into blastocyst stage, the rate of blastocyst was 1.9%; in group TE, as high as 62.3% of the reconstructed embryos could develop into blastocyst. Results suggested that different nuclear recipients could significantly affect the developmental potential of cloned mouse embryos; KM MⅡ oocyte cytoplasm was not so effective as zygotes to reprogram the mouse somatic cell nuclei; serial nuclear transfer could improve the developmental potential of cloned mouse embryos.
