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A special issue of Biology (ISSN 2079-7737). This special issue belongs to the section "Physiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2021) | Viewed by 32661

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Prof. Dr. Ryan Ashley

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Guest Editor

Department of Animal & Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
Interests: placenta; uterus; trophoblast; chemokines; endocrinology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The use of domestic animals as models for biomedical research has advanced the field of reproductive physiology for both agriculture and human reproduction. It is becoming increasingly apparent that several human reproductive processes are more similar to livestock animals such as cattle, sheep, and pigs than rodent models. Moreover, the human genome is more similar to cattle, sheep, and pigs compared to rodents, and may serve as better models for some genetic diseases. With respect to pregnancy, farm animals hold a great deal of promise for advancing our understanding of reproductive processes associated with ovarian steroidogenesis, embryo development and implantation, the formation of the placenta, and fetal development, in hopes of developing therapies for humans suffering from infertility and other pregnancy diseases such as preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction.

Prof. Dr. Ryan Ashley
Guest Editor

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Keywords

livestock
ovary
uterus
placenta
fetus

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 1340 KiB

Open AccessArticle

MOET Efficiency in a Spanish Herd of Japanese Black Heifers and Analysis of Environmental and Metabolic Determinants

by Juan M. Vázquez-Mosquera, Aitor Fernández-Novo, Martin Bonet-Bo, Natividad Pérez-Villalobos, Jose L. Pesántez-Pacheco, Maria Luz Pérez-Solana, Eduardo de Mercado, Juan Carlos Gardón, Arantxa Villagrá, Francisco Sebastián, Sonia Salomé Pérez-Garnelo, Daniel Martínez and Susana Astiz

Biology 2022, 11(2), 225; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11020225 - 30 Jan 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3328

Abstract

Multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) systems have been intensively implemented in Japanese Black cattle in Japan and to create Japanese Black herds out of these areas. Environmental conditions influence MOET efficiency. Thus, we describe results of 137 in vivo, non-surgical embryo flushings performed between 2016–2020, in a full-blood Japanese Black herd kept in Spain and the possible effects of heat, year, bull, donor genetic value, and metabolic condition. Additionally, 687 embryo transfers were studied for conception rate (CR) and recipient related factors. A total of 71.3% of viable embryos (724/1015) were obtained (5.3 ± 4.34/flushing). Donor metabolites did not affect embryo production (p > 0.1), although metabolite differences were observed over the years, and by flushing order, probably related to the donor age. CR was not affected by embryo type (fresh vs. frozen), recipient breed, and whether suckling or not suckling (p > 0.1). CR decreased significantly with heat (44.3 vs. 49.2%; (p = 0.042)) and numerically increased with recipient parity and ET-number. Pregnant recipients showed significantly higher levels of cholesterol-related metabolites, glucose, and urea (p < 0.05). Therefore, adequate MOET efficiency can be achieved under these conditions, and heat stress should be strongly avoided during Japanese Black embryo transfers. Moreover, recipients’ metabolites are important to achieve pregnancy, being probably related to better nutrient availability during pregnancy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Reproductive Physiology)

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12 pages, 307 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using Pen-Side Measurable Blood Parameters to Predict or Identify Dystocic Lambing Events

by Amellia Redfearn, Jody McNally, Heather Brewer, Emma Doyle and Sabine Schmoelzl

Biology 2022, 11(2), 206; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11020206 - 27 Jan 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2738

Abstract

Dystocia is the greatest contributor to neonatal lamb mortality in Australia and poses significant welfare and economic concerns worldwide. In this study, we set out to investigate whether pen-side analysis technology could be employed to detect blood parameters predictive of dystocic labour events in sheep. In a pilot trial, we collected and analysed blood samples in pen-side assays for glucose, lactate, pH, pCO₂, pO₂, base excess, HCO₃, TCO₂, sO₂, lactate, sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, urea nitrogen, creatinine, haematocrit, haemoglobin and anion gap. From the pilot data, we identified creatinine, TCO₂, chloride and calcium as potentially useful markers. To develop a time course and to establish variability of the selected blood parameters, a time series of samples was collected from 12 ewes, from mid-gestation to 48 h after birth. For the main trial, blood samples were collected at mid- and late gestation for glucose determination and for the full set of blood parameters at three time points before, at and after birth. Possible predictors of lambing difficulty were chloride, haematocrit and haemoglobin, sampled one week before birth; creatinine, sampled at birth; and blood pH and base excess after birth. In conclusion, we found that pen-side analysis of blood markers showed promise in identifying dystocic lambing events. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Reproductive Physiology)

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11 pages, 282 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clinical Trial on the Usefulness of On-Site Evaluation of Canine Fetal Fluids by Reagent Test Strip in Puppies at Elective Caesarean Section

by Jasmine Fusi, Barbara Bolis, Monica Probo, Massimo Faustini, Augusto Carluccio and Maria Cristina Veronesi

Biology 2022, 11(1), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11010038 - 27 Dec 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2260

Abstract

The reagent urinary test strips (TS) marketed for urines represent the first-line diagnostic tool in many instances. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of TS for the on-field evaluation of fetal fluids’ composition in newborn dogs at elective caesarean section. Of a total of 137 puppies born at term, 127 survived and 10 did not survive. One hundred and thirteen amniotic and 107 allantoic samples from surviving newborns were collected, and 8 amniotic and allantoic fluids were collected from the non-surviving newborns and assessed by strips. Significantly lower amounts of amniotic glucose and higher amounts of amniotic and allantoic nitrites, amniotic protein, allantoic urobilinogen, and amniotic bilirubin concentrations were found in non-surviving when compared to surviving newborns. In the surviving ones, higher specific gravity and bilirubin concentrations, and lower pH, were found in allantoic than in amniotic fluids. Higher amniotic and allantoic glucose concentrations, higher amniotic and allantoic pH, and lower amniotic and allantoic protein concentrations were found in medium/large- than in small-sized puppies. The TS allowed the quick evaluation of fetal fluids in puppies at birth. The differences between surviving and non-surviving puppies seem to suggest that the on-site analysis of fetal fluids’ composition by TS could represent a first-line diagnostic tool in the field of canine neonatology, allowing the quick recognition of puppies needing assistance as a complementary tool for clinical evaluation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Reproductive Physiology)

27 pages, 8120 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptomic Profile of New Gene Markers Encoding Proteins Responsible for Structure of Porcine Ovarian Granulosa Cells

by Jakub Kulus, Magdalena Kulus, Wiesława Kranc, Karol Jopek, Maciej Zdun, Małgorzata Józkowiak, Jędrzej M. Jaśkowski, Hanna Piotrowska-Kempisty, Dorota Bukowska, Paweł Antosik, Paul Mozdziak and Bartosz Kempisty

Biology 2021, 10(11), 1214; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology10111214 - 20 Nov 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4082

Abstract

The extracellular matrix (ECM) in granulosa cells is functionally very important, and it is involved in many processes related to ovarian follicle growth and ovulation. The aim of this study was to describe the expression profile of genes within granulosa cells that are associated with extracellular matrix formation, intercellular signaling, and cell–cell fusion. The material for this study was ovaries of sexually mature pigs obtained from a commercial slaughterhouse. Laboratory-derived granulosa cells (GCs) from ovarian follicles were cultured in a primary in vitro culture model. The extracted genetic material (0, 48, 96, and 144 h) were subjected to microarray expression analysis. Among 81 genes, 66 showed increased expression and only 15 showed decreased expression were assigned to 7 gene ontology groups “extracellular matrix binding”, “extracellular matrix structural constituent”, “binding, bridging”, “cadherin binding”, “cell adhesion molecule binding”, “collagen binding” and “cadherin binding involved in cell-cell adhesion”. The 10 genes with the highest expression (POSTN, ITGA2, FN1, LAMB1, ITGB3, CHI3L1, PCOLCE2, CAV1, DCN, COL14A1) and 10 of the most down-regulated (SPP1, IRS1, CNTLN, TMPO, PAICS, ANK2, ADAM23, ABI3BP, DNAJB1, IGF1) were selected for further analysis. The results were validated by RT-qPCR. The current results may serve as preliminary data for further analyses using in vitro granulosa cell cultures in assisted reproduction technologies, studies of pathological processes in the ovary as well as in the use of the stemness potential of GCs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Reproductive Physiology)

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19 pages, 2357 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Kisspeptin, Neurokinin B, and Dynorphin Expression during Pubertal Development in Female Sheep

by Eliana G. Aerts, KaLynn Harlow, Max J. Griesgraber, Elizabeth C. Bowdridge, Steven L. Hardy, Casey C Nestor and Stanley M. Hileman

Biology 2021, 10(10), 988; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology10100988 - 30 Sep 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3097

Abstract

The neural mechanisms underlying increases in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion that drive puberty onset are unknown. Neurons coexpressing kisspeptin, neurokinin B (NKB), and dynorphin, i.e., KNDy neurons, are important as kisspeptin and NKB are stimulatory, and dynorphin inhibitory, to GnRH secretion. Given this, we hypothesized that kisspeptin and NKB expression would increase, but that dynorphin expression would decrease, with puberty. We collected blood and hypothalamic tissue from ovariectomized lambs implanted with estradiol at five, six, seven, eight (puberty), and ten months of age. Mean LH values and LH pulse frequency were the lowest at five to seven months, intermediate at eight months, and highest at ten months. Kisspeptin and NKB immunopositive cell numbers did not change with age. Numbers of cells expressing mRNA for kisspeptin, NKB, or dynorphin were similar at five, eight, and ten months of age. Age did not affect mRNA expression per cell for kisspeptin or NKB, but dynorphin mRNA expression per cell was elevated at ten months versus five months. Thus, neither KNDy protein nor mRNA expression changed in a predictable manner during pubertal development. These data raise the possibility that KNDy neurons, while critical, may await other inputs for the initiation of puberty. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Reproductive Physiology)

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17 pages, 2431 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Extender, Storage Time and Temperature on Kinetic Parameters (CASA) on Bull Semen Samples

by Aitor Fernandez-Novo, Sergio Santos-Lopez, Clara Barrajon-Masa, Patricia Mozas, Eduardo de Mercado, Elisa Caceres, Aizic Garrafa, Juan V. Gonzalez-Martin, Natividad Perez-Villalobos, Agustín Oliet, Susana Astiz and Sonia S. Perez-Garnelo

Biology 2021, 10(8), 806; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology10080806 - 20 Aug 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3412

Abstract

CASA kinetic parameters are often evaluated in a diagnostic centre. How storage conditions affect ejaculates up to evaluation is unclear. We assessed, in 25 commercial bulls electroejaculated in the field, the impact of time until evaluation (0–2 h, 4–6 h, and 24 h post-ejaculation), holding temperature (5 °C vs. room temperature), and extender (AndroMed^®, BIOXcell^® or INRA96^®) on CASA kinetic parameters. Total and progressive motility, VCL, VAP, VCL, ALH, BCF, STR, LIN, and WOB were assessed. CASA kinetic parameters were preserved for up to 4–6 h post-ejaculation, except for AndroMed^®. Regardless of extender or temperature, motility decreased from 4–6 h up to 24 h, with the best values obtained with BIOXcell^® at 5 °C. Our results suggest that BIOXcell^® can preserve sperm motility for up to 6 h, either at 5 °C or room temperature, and also INRA96^® at room temperature, with motility assessments and the percentage of the most rapid sperms being the lowest with INRA96^® at 5 °C. The kinetic parameters decreased when analyses were performed at 24 h. Therefore, we suggest evaluating seminal quality as soon as possible, before 6 h after collection. These results help to fix adequate protocols for the short-term storage and shipment of bovine semen collected under field conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Reproductive Physiology)

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17 pages, 2218 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Extender Type, Storage Time, and Temperature on Bull Semen Parameters

by Aitor Fernandez-Novo, Sergio Santos-Lopez, Clara Barrajon-Masa, Patricia Mozas, Eduardo de Mercado, Elisa Caceres, Aizic Garrafa, Juan Vicente Gonzalez-Martin, Natividad Perez-Villalobos, Agustin Oliet, Susana Astiz and Sonia Salome Perez-Garnelo

Biology 2021, 10(7), 630; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology10070630 - 7 Jul 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5103

Abstract

Seminal parameters can be evaluated in situ, or samples can be delivered to a diagnostic centre. How storage conditions affect ejaculates up to evaluation is unclear. We assessed, in 25 commercial bulls electroejaculated in the field, the impact of time until evaluation (0–2 h, 4–6 h, and 24 h post-ejaculation), holding temperature (5 °C vs. room temperature), and extender (AndroMed^®, BIOXcell^® or INRA96^®) on semen quality. Acrosome integrity, sperm viability and morphology, CASA-total and progressive motility, pH, and colony-forming units were assessed. Semen quality was preserved for up to 4–6 h post-ejaculation, except for INRA96^® at 5 °C. Regardless of extender or temperature, motility decreased from 4 to 6 h up to 24 h, with the best values obtained with BIOXcell^® at 5 °C. pH differed from 4 to 6 h up to 24 h, acidifying when stored at room temperature. Microbiological load was stable over time with AndroMed^® and BIOXcell^®, and increased at room temperature with INRA96^®. Our results suggest that AndroMed^® and BIOXcell^® can preserve semen quality for up to 6 h, either at 5 °C or room temperature, while INRA96^® only at room temperature. These results help to fix adequate protocols for short-term storage and shipment of bovine semen collected under field conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Reproductive Physiology)

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14 pages, 6274 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrin Adhesion Complex Organization in Sheep Myometrium Reflects Changing Mechanical Forces during Pregnancy and Postpartum

by Bryan A. McLendon, Avery C. Kramer, Heewon Seo, Fuller W. Bazer, Robert C. Burghardt and Gregory A. Johnson

Biology 2021, 10(6), 508; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology10060508 - 8 Jun 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2929

Abstract

Cells respond to extracellular mechanical forces through the assembly of integrin adhesion complexes (IACs) that provide a scaffold through which cells sense and transduce responses to those forces. IACs are composed of transmembrane integrin receptors that bind to extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins externally and connect with the actomyosin cytoskeleton internally. Myometrial smooth muscle cells respond to forces that arise due to increases in fetal growth/weight, placental fluid volumes, and blood flow. As a result, the uterus transforms into an organ that can forcefully expel the fetus and placental membranes during parturition. While earlier studies focused on IAC expression in the myometrial compartment of rodents and humans to explore pregnancy-associated responses, the present study examines IAC assembly in ovine myometrium where mechanical forces are expected to be amplified in a manner similar to humans. Results indicate that the ITGA5 and ITGB1 heterodimers associate with the ECM protein FN1 externally, and with VCL and TLN1 internally, to form IACs in myometrial cells during the first trimester of pregnancy. These IACs become increasingly ordered until parturition. This ordered structure is lost by one day postpartum; however, the abundance of the integrin proteins remains elevated for at least two weeks postpartum. Implications of the present study are that sheep are similar to humans regarding the assembly of IACs in the pregnant myometrium and suggest that IACs may form much earlier in human gestation than was previously implied by the rat model. Results highlight the continued value of the sheep model as a flagship gynecological model for understanding parturition in humans. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Reproductive Physiology)

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13 pages, 450 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Luteogenesis and Embryo Implantation Are Enhanced by Exogenous hCG in Goats Subjected to an Out-of-Season Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination Protocol

by Jorge A. Bustamante-Andrade, César A. Meza-Herrera, Rafael Rodríguez-Martínez, Zurisaday Santos-Jimenez, Oscar Ángel-García, Leticia R. Gaytán-Alemán, Ulises N. Gutierrez-Guzman, Amaury Esquivel-Romo and Francisco G. Véliz-Deras

Biology 2021, 10(5), 429; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology10050429 - 12 May 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2998

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible effect of two doses of hCG (100 and 300 IU) applied at two different times (7 and 14 d) after a fixed-time artificial insemination protocol (FTAI) upon some variables involved in the embryonic implantation rate in goats during the natural deep anestrous season (April, 25° north). The experimental units considered crossbred, multiparous, anovulatory goats (n = 69, Alpine, Saanen, Nubian x Criollo), with average body weight (43.6 ± 5.7 kg) and body condition score (1.86 ± 0.28 units) located in northern–semiarid Mexico (25° N, 103° W). Once the goat’s anestrus status was confirmed, goats were subjected to an estrus induction protocol. Upon estrus induction confirmation, goats (n = 61) were subjected to a FTAI procedure. Immediately after the FTAI, the goats were randomly distributed to five experimental groups: (1). G100-7 (n = 13) 100 IU, hCG 7 d post-FTAI, (2). G100-14 (n = 12) 100 IU hCG, 14 d post-FTAI, (3). G300-7 (n = 12) 300 IU, hCG, 7 d post-FTAI, (4). G300-14 (n = 12) 300 IU hCG 14 d post-FTAI, and (5). Control group, CONT (n = 12) 0.5 mL saline, 7 and 14 d post-FTAI. The response variables conception rate (39.36 ± 0.23), fertility rate (27.96%), prolificacy rate (1.1 ± 0.29 kids), ovulation rate (0.74 ± 0.20 corpus luteum) corpus luteum diameter (10.15 ± 0.59 mm), embryo number (1.58 ± 0.20), and embryo implantation rate (48.96%), did not differ between treatments. However, while the variables fecundity rate (67%), embryo efficiency index-1 (33.99 ± 0.20%), and embryo efficiency index-2 (27.94 ± 0.30%) were favored by the G300-14 treatment, the corpus luteum area was favored (p < 0.05) by both G300-7 (113.30 ± 0.19 mm²) and G300-14 (103.04 ± 0.17 mm²). Such reproductive strategy emerges as an interesting approach, not only to enhance the out-of-season reproductive outcomes, but also to boost one of the main rulers defining the global reproductive efficiency of a heard, namely, the embryo implantation efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Reproductive Physiology)

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