ABSTRACT
Background: Sheep industry has taken steps toward transforming itself into a more efficient and competitive field. There are many varieties of sheep breeds in the world that each of them serves a useful purpose in the economies of different civilizations. Ghezel sheep is one of the Iranian important breeds that are raised for meat, milk and wool. Field of spermatogonial cell technologies provides tools for genetic improvement of sheep herd and multiple opportunities for research. Spermatogonial cells are the only stem cells capable of transmitting genetic information to future generations
Methods: This study was designed to extend the technique of isolation and in vitro proliferation of spermatogonial cells in Ghezel sheep
Results: Isolated cells were characterized further by using specific markers for type A spermatogonia, including PLZF. Also, sertoli cells were characterized by vimentin which is a specific marker for sertoli cells. After 10 days of co-culture, viability rates of the cells was above 94.7%, but after the freezing process the viability rates were 74 percent
Conclusion: In this study, a standard method for isolation and in vitro proliferation of spermatogonial stem cells in Ghezel sheep was developed
ABSTRACT
Previous studies reported many discrepancies about the effects of corpus luteum [CL] and ovarian follicle size on the developmental competence of oocytes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of CL and different size of follicle on the developmental potential of bovine oocytes. After ovarian classification based on presence or absence of CL, sample follicles were placed in three groups according to their diameter; small [S; 3-6 mm], medium [M; 6-9 mm], and large [L; 10-20 mm]. Collected oocytes in each group were subjected to the in vitro embryo production processes. Results showed that, the percentages of blastocyst obtained from oocytes originating from small and medium follicles of ovaries bearing a CL [CL+S-oocytes and CL+M-oocytes, respectively] were lower [p<0.001] than those of small and medium follicles of ovaries not bearing a CL [CL-S-oocytes and CL-M-oocytes? Respectively] [30.8% and 33.6% vs. 36.9% and 38.7% respectively]. Although, the percentages of blastocyst obtained from CL-M-oocytes and CL-L-oocytes were greater[p< 0.001] than those of CL+S-oocytes and CL+M-oocytes. There were no significant differences in the percentages of blastocyst formation between controls [C-oocytes], CL-S-oocytes and CL+L-oocytes. According to the results of this study, the negative effect of CL on the developmental competence of bovine oocyte depends on the follicle size. Therefore, oocytes originating from large grown follicles were not influenced by negative effects of CL as much as those originating from small and medium follicles did
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To determine the values of amniotic fluid (AF) progesterone and biochemical constituents and its associated placenta traits in Iranian crossbred ewes (Arkhar-Merino×Ghezel).@*METHODS@#Sixty ewes (2-5 years old, weighing 40-50 kg) were treated with controlled internal drug release induced 30 mg progesterone for 14 d and were injected with 400 IU pregnant mare serum gonadotropin at the time of CIDR withdrawal. After the detection of estrus, ewes were hand-mated. After expelling of each fetus accompanied by fetal membranes, 10 mL AF was taken from fetal sac for spectrophotometer methods (glucose, urea, creatinine, total protein, cholesterol, triglycerides, calcium and phosphorus) and radioimmunoassay (progesterone) analysis.@*RESULTS@#Results indicated that there were highly positive correlations between placental efficiency and cotyledon density (r=0.764, P0.01), except for PW (r=0.665).@*CONCLUSIONS@#In conclusion, the significant correlation between the AF biochemical and progesterone with placental traits for the above-mentioned metabolites suggests that metabolic changes in AF levels will reflect the condition in the AF.
ABSTRACT
bjective: To determine the values of amniotic fluid (AF) progesterone and biochemical constituents and its associated placenta traits in Iranian crossbred ewes (Arkhar-Merino×Ghezel). Methods: Sixty ewes (2-5 years old, weighing 40-50 kg) were treated with controlled internal drug release induced 30 mg progesterone for 14 d and were injected with 400 IU pregnant mare serum gonadotropin at the time of CIDR withdrawal. After the detection of estrus, ewes were hand-mated. After expelling of each fetus accompanied by fetal membranes, 10 mL AF was taken from fetal sac for spectrophotometer methods (glucose, urea, creatinine, total protein, cholesterol, triglycerides, calcium and phosphorus) and radioimmunoassay (progesterone) analysis. Results: Results indicated that there were highly positive correlations between placental efficiency and cotyledon density (r=0.764, P0.01), except for PW (r=0.665). Conclusions: In conclusion, the significant correlation between the AF biochemical and progesterone with placental traits for the above-mentioned metabolites suggests that metabolic changes in AF levels will reflect the condition in the AF.
ABSTRACT
Spermatogonial Stem Cell [SSC] technologies provide multiple opportunities for research in the field of biotechnology and regenerative medicine. The therapeutic use of Embryonic Stem Cells [ESCs] is restricted due to severe ethical and immunological concerns. Therefore, we need a new pluripotent cell type. Despite well-known role of germ cells in the gametogenesis, some facts apparently show their multipotentiality. In the present study, bovine SSCs were co-cultured with Sertoli cell for 7 days. Sertoli cells and SSCs were identified by Vimentin and Oct-4 immunocytochemical staining method, respectively. In order to differentiate SSCs into osteoblasts, we used consecutive inducer media without separation of the colonies. We characterized osteoblasts using Alizarin red staining