High-concentration bovine serum albumin enhances fertilization ability of cold-stored rat sperm.

Cold transport of the cauda epididymides is a useful technique for shipping laboratory rat sperm. Cold transport of rat sperm avoids potential risks of microbiological infection, animal escape or death, and animal welfare issues. Previously, we reported that a cold-storage solution containing dimethyl sulfoxide and quercetin maintained the fertility of cold-stored rat sperm. However, cold-stored rat sperm exhibited a decreased fertilization rate after 24-h storage. To recover the fertility of cold-stored sperm, we focused on the effects of bovine serum albumin (BSA), a cholesterol acceptor that induces sperm capacitation. We sought to determine the optimal concentration of BSA in fertilization medium based on the fertility of cold-stored rat sperm. High concentrations of BSA (40 mg/ml) enhanced the fertilization rate of cold-stored rat sperm and maintained sperm fertility for 144 h. Embryos derived from cold-stored and BSA-treated sperm normally developed into pups after embryo transfer. In summary, high BSA concentrations enhanced the fertility of cold-stored rat sperm and prolonged the storage period to 144 h, thereby expanding the transportable region for genetically engineered rats.

Cryopreservation of mouse resources.

The cryopreservation of sperm and embryos is useful to efficiently archive valuable resources of genetically engineered mice. Till date, more than 60,000 strains of genetically engineered mice have been archived in mouse banks worldwide. Researchers can request for the archived mouse strains for their research projects. The research infrastructure of mouse banks improves the availability of mouse resources, the productivity of research projects, and the reproducibility of animal experiments. Our research team manages the mouse bank at the Center for Animal Resources and Development in Kumamoto University and continuously develops new techniques in mouse reproductive technology to efficiently improve the system of mouse banking. In this review, we introduce the activities of mouse banks and the latest techniques used in mouse reproductive technology.

Cryopreservation of mammalian embryos: Derivation of a method.

In 1972, a procedure was derived to cryopreserve mouse embryos. Over the past four decades, this procedure has been adapted to freeze embryos of more than twenty-five mammalian species. Cryopreservation of embryos has become a routine procedure in both veterinary and human medicine, having been used to freeze millions of embryos of mice and cattle, and many hundreds of thousands of human embryos. After transfer into appropriate foster mothers, cryopreserved embryos have developed into innumerable live offspring. This article describes the background that led to the derivation of the procedure and the events that transpired during its development. The first successful embryo cryopreservation procedure was developed by collaboration of three investigators, each bringing a special expertise and perspective to the project.

The CARD Method for Simple Vitrification of Mouse Oocytes: Advantages and Applications.

A light modification on the mouse embryos CARD simple vitrification protocol makes it possible the oocyte freezing. This rapid and handy method for cryopreservation of mouse oocytes has many advantages and multiple applications like banking the female gamete for future use, controlling the IVF timing, and facilitating the transgenic production. In this chapter we described the protocol for cryopreserving oocytes by simple vitrification method and the in-vitro fertilization carried out using fresh or frozen sperm. With this method, nearly all of the cryopreserved oocytes were recovered, resulting in more than 90% morphologically normal. From those oocytes used for in vitro fertilization, 89% of the oocytes were fertilized.

The CARD Method for Mouse Sperm Cryopreservation and In Vitro Fertilization Using Frozen-Thawed Sperm.

In the last few years sperm cryopreservation was rapidly established as the technique to efficiently manage production, preservation, and transportation of genetically engineered mice. However, occasionally, the reduced fertility of the frozen-thawed mouse sperm can make it difficult to revitalize the mouse by in vitro fertilization (IVF). In particular, the frozen-thawed sperm of C57BL/6 mice, widely used as the background of choice for genetically engineered strains, show very low fertility after freezing and thawing. To overcome this problem, we have developed a new protocol for sperm cryopreservation and IVF with frozen-thawed C57BL/6 sperm as well as other mouse strains. This protocol has the following three modifications: (1) addition of L-glutamine to the sperm cryoprotectant, (2) addition of methyl-ß-cyclodextrin to the sperm preincubation medium, and (3) addition of reduced glutathione to the fertilization medium. These modifications greatly enhanced the fertility of frozen-thawed C57BL/6 sperm, resulting in a stable fertilization rate >80% in IVF. Our results indicate that this robust protocol for sperm cryopreservation may improve the archiving and distributing system for genetically engineered mice.

History of cryobiology, with special emphasis in evolution of mouse sperm cryopreservation.

Confucius said study the past if you would define the future and a popular statement says that history depends on who writes it. To talk about history it is necessary to find and define a milestone where to start the narration. The intention of this quick review is to take the reader through moments and selected publications; part and pieces of memories showing how the concept of cryopreservation, specifically for mouse sperm, was conceived and sustained as we know it today. Beginning with the development of the microscope (1677) and continuing through the 17th century with the first documented observation by L. Spallanzani describing that sperm could maintain the motility under cold conditions. As J. Sherman suggested, we divide the cryopreservation evolution into two sequences, previous to and after 1949 when Polge, Smith and Parkes discovered the property of glycerol as cryoprotectant. Later, in 1972, D. Whittingham, S. Leibo, and P. Mazur applying a slow freezing process achieved the first embryo freezing (mouse). During that time many theories were scientifically confirmed. Among those, Peter Mazur demonstrated the relation between the speed of freezing and intracellular ice formation, and Stanley Leibo that each cell type has their unique freezing curve. In 1950, after the discovery of the protective aspect of glycerol, sperm from many mammals were frozen, except from the mouse. It was in the early 90's when the mouse sperm freezing becomes important and it was a real challenge for many groups, nevertheless, the technique using skim milk and raffinose modified by Dr Nakagata was the beginning of a different story ….

Mouse Ovary Cryopreservation.

Ovary cryopreservation in combination with orthotopic ovary transplantation can produce live offspring and complement embryo and sperm cryopreservation programs. One method for ovary cryopreservation is described here.

Treatment of sperm with extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate improves the in vitro fertility rate of inbred and genetically modified mice with low fertility.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most important techniques used for assisted reproduction in mouse colony management. As with natural mating, where mice have varying fertility indices, fertility rates of genetically modified (GM) [transgenic (Tg), knock out (KO) and congenic (Cg)] mice are influenced by their genetic background. Lines of GM mice that have poor fertility have a concomitant poor IVF outcome. Treatment of mouse sperm with extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATPe) enhanced in vitro fertilization rates in outbred and hybrid mice. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of using extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate-treated sperm for IVF of inbred wild type, and genetically modified mouse lines, for which standard IVF did not work well. The IVF was performed using the GM mice on C57BL/10SnJ, C57BL/6J, BALB/cJ and NFS/N background strains and wild type (WT) mice such as C57BL/6N, BALB/cAnN, and B6129SF1 strains. Oocytes from superovulated females were fertilized in vitro with sperm from the same background strain, and either treated or not treated with ATPe. The ATPe treatment enhanced IVF outcome in most of the GM and some WT strains, as indicated by the percentage of embryos that progressed to the two-cell stage. There was no marked difference between ATPe treated and control groups for the development rate of two-cell embryos to blastocysts in culture, or in the number of pups born after transfer of two-cell embryos into recipient females. The observed improvement of the IVF results following ATPe treatment of transgenic and KO mouse sperm were a potential solution for improving the outcome of assisted reproduction techniques used for rederivation or for gamete banking.

Refinements in the cryopreservation of mouse ovaries.

Here we describe a new technique for cryopreserving mouse ovaries by using 0.5-mL straws. One advantage of this method is that it uses the same controlled-rate freezer and programming routinely used for the cryopreservation of mouse embryos. Using a 0.5-mL French straw loaded in the same way as for embryo freezing (for example, the one-step dilution method) with 1 M sucrose as an osmotic buffer and 2 M propylene glycol as the cryoprotectant containing the ovary sample, we further standardized the 2 methodologies. Applying this technique, 11 ovarian halves were cryopreserved in straws and stored under liquid nitrogen. Straws containing the frozen ovarian halves were thawed in a water bath at room temperature and the recovered ovaries orthotopically implanted into 11 recipient female mice; 8 of the 11 frozen ovarian halves resulted in functional ovaries. The 73% pregnancy rate resulted in a total of 53 pups born, of which 38 (72%) were generated from cryopreserved ovaries. Ovarian cryopreservation has been demonstrated to be a valid option for banking mouse genetic resources. Unlike frozen embryos, cryopreservation of ovarian tissue preserves haploid gametes. Despite this limitation, ovarian cryopreservation is the only technique that can be used to preserve oocytes from aged or problematic breeders. This advantage is especially important in situations where the only males available in the line are infertile, aged, or problematic breeders.

The acrosomal protein Dickkopf-like 1 (DKKL1) facilitates sperm penetration of the zona pellucida.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the role of Dkkl1 in mouse development, viability, and fertility. DESIGN: Prospective experimental study. SETTING: Government research institution. ANIMAL(S): Mice of C57BL/6, B6D2F1/J, and 129X1/SvJ strains, as well as transgenic mice of mixed C57BL/6 and 129X1/SvJ strains were used for the studies. INTERVENTION(S): Expression of the Dkkl1 gene was characterized during early mouse development, and the effects of Dkkl1 ablation on reproduction and fertility were characterized in vitro and in vivo. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Dkkl1 RNA expression was determined by Northern blotting hybridization as well as quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assays. In vitro fertilization assays were used to assess fertility of sperm from male mice lacking functional Dkkl1. RESULT(S): Dkkl1 is a gene unique to mammals that is expressed primarily in developing spermatocytes and its product localized in the acrosome of mature sperm. Here we show that Dkkl1 also is expressed in the trophectoderm/placental lineage. Surprisingly, embryos lacking DKKL1 protein developed into viable, fertile adults. Nevertheless, the ability of sperm that lacked DKKL1 protein to fertilize wild-type eggs was severely compromised in vitro. Because this defect could be overcome either by removal of the zona pellucida or by the presence of wild-type sperm, Dkkl1, either directly or indirectly, facilitates the ability of sperm to penetrate the zona pellucida. Penetration of the zona pellucida by Dkkl1(-) sperm was delayed in vivo as well as in vitro, but the delay in vivo was compensated by other factors during preimplantation development. Accordingly, Dkkl1-/- males offer an in vitro fertilization model for identifying factors that may contribute to infertility. CONCLUSION(S): DKKL1 is a mammalian-specific, acrosomal protein that strongly affects in vitro fertilization, although the effect is attenuated in vivo.

Fertility comparison between wild type and transgenic mice by in vitro fertilization.

Transgenic mice are increasingly used as animal models for studies of gene function and regulation of mammalian genes. Although there has been continuous and remarkable progress in the development of transgenic technology over several decades, many aspects of the resulting transgenic model's phenotype cannot be completely predicted. For example, it is well known that as a consequence of the random insertion of the injected DNA construct, several founder mice of the new line need to be analyzed for possible differences in phenotype secondary to different insertion sites. The Knock out technique for transgenic production disrupts a specific gene by insertion or homologous recombination creating a null expression or replacement of the gene with a marker to localize it expression. This modification could result in pleiotropic phenotype if the gene is also expressed in tissues other than the target organs. Although the future breeding performance of the newly created model is critical to many studies, it is rarely anticipated that the new integrations could modify the reproductive profile of the new transgenic line. To date, few studies have demonstrated the difference between the parent strain's reproductive performance and the newly developed transgenic model. This study was designed to determine whether a genetic modification, knock out (KO) or transgenics, not anticipated to affect reproductive performance could affect the resulting reproductive profile of the newly developed transgenic mouse. More specifically, this study is designed to study the impact of the genetic modification on the ability of gametes to be fertilized in vitro. We analyzed the reproductive performance of mice with different background strains: FVB/N, C57BL/6 (129Sv/J x C57Bl/6)F1 and outbred CD1((R)) and compared them to mice of the same strain carrying a transgene or KO which was not anticipated to affect fertility. In vitro Fertilization was used to analyze the fertility of the mice. Oocytes from superovulated females were inseminated with sperm of same background. Fertility rate was considered as the percentage of two cell embryos scored 24 h after insemination. The data collected from this study shows that the fertilization rate is affected (reduced to half fold) in some of the transgenic mice compared to the respective Wild Type (WT) mice. For the WT the average fertility rate ranged from 80% (C57BL/6), 90% (FVB/N), 45% (129Sv/J x C57Bl/6)F1 and 43% (CD1). For transgenic mice it was 52% (C57BL/6), 65% (FVB/N), 22% (129Sv/J x C57Bl/6)F1 and 25% (CD1).

Uptake of cholesterol by the retina occurs primarily via a low density lipoprotein receptor-mediated process.

PURPOSE: In this study we examined the uptake of circulating lipoproteins into the retina, using a naturally fluorescent cholesterol analog for imaging and deuterated cholesterol for quantification by mass spectroscopy. The purpose of this study was to better understand cholesterol uptake, transport and homeostasis in the retina. METHODS: Human low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) were labeled with the fluorescent cholesterol analog cholesta-5,7,9(11)-trien-3beta-ol (CTL) and deuterated cholesterol (25,26,26,26,27,27,27-[2H]cholesterol, D7Ch). Rats were injected intravenously with CTL-LDL, CTL-HDL and D7Ch-LDL. Fluorescent confocal microscopy was used to image the uptake of CTL and mass spectroscopy was used to quantify D7Ch. Immunohistochemistry and fluorescent confocal microscopy were used to localize apoB (an LDL marker protein) and LDL receptor (LDLR) protein in rat and monkey retinas. RESULTS: CTL-specific fluorescence was imaged by confocal microscopy in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), choriocapillaris and parts of the neural retina within 2 h post-injection and was visualized in the photoreceptor outer segments by 4 h. Replacing LDL with HDL as the CTL carrier gave a less robust and more delayed labeling of retinal layers. Human apolipoprotein B (apoB) was also localized in the rat choriocapillaris and RPE by 4 h post-injection. Human apoB was detected by immunoblot analysis in the rat retina primarily as a about 70 kDa protein, suggesting proteolytic degradation. LDL-mediated uptake of cholesterol was quantified by mass spectroscopy using deuterated cholesterol in place of CTL. In addition, apoB and LDLR were localized in monkey retina by immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSIONS: The retina is capable of rapid uptake of circulating LDL via an LDLR-mediated process primarily occurring in the RPE and also possibly Müller cells. Despite the dominance of HDL over LDL in rat serum, LDL appears to be the preferred carrier for cholesterol transport to and uptake by the retina. The results also suggest that blood-borne LDL represents a significant contributor to the steady-state levels of cholesterol and possibly other lipids in the retina.

RPE cells internalize low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and oxidized LDL (oxLDL) in large quantities in vitro and in vivo.

PURPOSE: To determine whether plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) could be internalized by the RPE and which receptors may be involved. A secondary objective was to determine whether ARPE19 cells could be used as a model to investigate cholesterol processing in the RPE. METHODS: Commercially available human LDL was labeled with rhodamine or AlexaFluor 568. Immunofluorescence was performed using commercially available antibodies to LDL-R, CD36, and LOX-1. Cells and tissues were imaged using epifluorescence and confocal fluorescence microscopy. Immunoblot analysis and RT-PCR were performed using published techniques. RESULTS: Intravenously injected rhodamine-labeled LDL (rhoLDL) was detected in the rat RPE by fluorescence confocal microscopy 24 hours after injection. The rhoLDL was present in some areas and absent in others. Cultured ARPE19 cells were also found to internalize LDL and oxidized LDL (oxLDL) readily. Using AlexaFluor 568-labeled LDL we determined that the average cultured RPE cell could internalize approximately 12 to 16 pg of LDL and oxLDL in 24 hours. Immunoblots readily detected the presence of CD36 and LDL-R in the cultured RPE cells but not LOX-1, whereas RT-PCR detected mRNA for all three receptors. Dual-labeling experiments using AlexaFluor 568-labeled LDL and AlexaFluor 488 for the immunolocalization of the receptors showed colocalization of LDL-R with the internalized LDL and CD36 with oxLDL particles. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma LDL readily enters the RPE through the choriocapillaris but is not found homogeneously throughout the retina. This may suggest some form of regulation to the permeability of the fenestrated choroidal endothelial cell junctions. ARPE19 cells are a good model for studying the internalization mechanisms of LDL and oxLDL in vitro. LDL may be used as a vector to carry hydrophobic molecules into the RPE.

Frozen sperm as an alternative to shipping live mice.

Dissemination of live mice by air and/or ground shipping is costly and can result in spread of disease between senders' and recipients' colonies. Transporting cryopreserved sperm that can be recovered and used for deriving live mice by using assisted reproductive techniques may be a more economical, efficient, and safer alternative to shipping live animals. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that sperm cryopreserved at one location and then transported transcontinentally via a common package delivery service using both air and ground transport to a second location could be recovered for in vitro fertilization (IVF) to successfully derive liveborn offspring at the second location. Split aliquots of sperm from individual mice were tested at both senders' and recipients' locations by using similar cryopreservation and IVF procedures, in order to control for differences in handling procedures. At both senders' locations, fertilization rates using cryopreserved sperm were lower than those using fresh sperm. However, fertilization rates using sperm recovered after cryopreservation at the senders' locations were not significantly different than those obtained when the same cryopreserved sperm was recovered and used at the recipients' locations. At the one location where tested, the numbers of pups born and subsequently weaned after IVF using either shipped or nonshipped cryopreserved sperm were similar. We conclude that cryopreserved sperm can be transported between different facilities and used for IVF to successfully derive liveborn mice.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa en el ecosistema de un bioterio: efecto potencial sobre ratones de distintas cepas endocriadas

Pseudomonas aeruginosa es un bacilo gram-negativo, patógeno oportunista, ampliamente distribuído en la naturaleza. Se investigó la presencia de dicho microorganismo en el bioterio convencional de la sección Leucemia Experimental del Instituto de Investigaciones Hematológicas "Mariano Castex" de la Academia Nacional de Medicina de Buenos Aires. La finalidad del estudio fue establecer las medidas necesarias para su erradicación. Se detectó la presencia del microorganismo en el ambiente (jaulas, estanterías, en un pequeño porcentaje de los animales, y en uno de los 4 miembros de personal). Se estableció la asociación entre endoparasitosis y colonización intestinal por P. aeruginosa. Los niveles séricos de IgG anti-P. aeruginosa estaban aumentados en animales portadores de P. aeruginosa. Se tomaron medidas tendientes a la erradicación del microorganismo. Se cambió el desinfectante usado en el bioterio y se erradicaron los ectoparásitos por tratamiento con piretrina y limonero, y los endoparásitos con piperacina. Se mejoró el estatus sanitario de los animales y se calificó a la colonia de ratones de la Academia Nacional de Medicina como convencional monitoreada grado II

Pseudomonas aeruginosa en el ecosistema de un bioterio: efecto potencial sobre ratones de distintas cepas endocriadas

Pseudomonas aeruginosa es un bacilo gram-negativo, patógeno oportunista, ampliamente distribuído en la naturaleza. Se investigó la presencia de dicho microorganismo en el bioterio convencional de la sección Leucemia Experimental del Instituto de Investigaciones Hematológicas "Mariano Castex" de la Academia Nacional de Medicina de Buenos Aires. La finalidad del estudio fue establecer las medidas necesarias para su erradicación. Se detectó la presencia del microorganismo en el ambiente (jaulas, estanterías, en un pequeño porcentaje de los animales, y en uno de los 4 miembros de personal). Se estableció la asociación entre endoparasitosis y colonización intestinal por P. aeruginosa. Los niveles séricos de IgG anti-P. aeruginosa estaban aumentados en animales portadores de P. aeruginosa. Se tomaron medidas tendientes a la erradicación del microorganismo. Se cambió el desinfectante usado en el bioterio y se erradicaron los ectoparásitos por tratamiento con piretrina y limonero, y los endoparásitos con piperacina. Se mejoró el estatus sanitario de los animales y se calificó a la colonia de ratones de la Academia Nacional de Medicina como convencional monitoreada grado II

Pseudomonas aeruginosa en el ecosistema de un bioterio: efecto potencial sobre ratones de distintas cepas endocriadas

Pseudomonas aeruginosa es un bacilo gram-negativo, patógeno oportunista, ampliamente distribuído en la naturaleza. Se investigó la presencia de dicho microorganismo en el bioterio convencional de la sección Leucemia Experimental del Instituto de Investigaciones Hematológicas "Mariano Castex" de la Academia Nacional de Medicina de Buenos Aires. La finalidad del estudio fue establecer las medidas necesarias para su erradicación. Se detectó la presencia del microorganismo en el ambiente (jaulas, estanterías, en un pequeño porcentaje de los animales, y en uno de los 4 miembros de personal). Se estableció la asociación entre endoparasitosis y colonización intestinal por P. aeruginosa. Los niveles séricos de IgG anti-P. aeruginosa estaban aumentados en animales portadores de P. aeruginosa. Se tomaron medidas tendientes a la erradicación del microorganismo. Se cambió el desinfectante usado en el bioterio y se erradicaron los ectoparásitos por tratamiento con piretrina y limonero, y los endoparásitos con piperacina. Se mejoró el estatus sanitario de los animales y se calificó a la colonia de ratones de la Academia Nacional de Medicina como convencional monitoreada grado II