Theriogenology RSS feed: Current Issue. Theriogenology provides an international forum for researchers, clinicians, and industry professionals in animal reproductive biology. This acclaimed journal publishes articles on a wide range of topics in reproductive biology and biotechnology, including basic and applied studies in cryobiology of gametes and embryos, conservation biology, and assisted reproduction of domestic, wild, avian, and aquatic species.http://www.theriojournal.com/?rss=yesElsevier Inc.en © 2010 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Theriogenology0093-691X7361 April 2010 © 2010 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. healthpermissions@elsevier.comhttp://www.theriojournal.com/article/PIIS0093691X10000853/abstract?rss=yesEditorial Board10.1016/S0093-691X(10)00085-3Theriogenology 73, 6 (2010)2010-04-01Theriogenology2010-04-01736S0093-691X(10)X0004-8iihttp://www.theriojournal.com/article/PIIS0093691X10000877/abstract?rss=yesContents10.1016/S0093-691X(10)00087-7Theriogenology 73, 6 (2010)2010-04-01Theriogenology2010-04-01736S0093-691X(10)X0004-8vvihttp://www.theriojournal.com/article/PIIS0093691X10000221/abstract?rss=yesMaternal communication with gametes and embryos stands at the base of early embryonic development, implantation, and maintenance of a pregnancy. This interaction not only underpins pregnancy but also influences the future health of the offspring. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms involved in the communication between the maternal tract and gametes and embryos in terms of the molecules involved and their function is of major scientific, economic, and health importance. Hence, with the support of the European Union, a COST ACTION program (FA0702; www.cost-gemini.eu) entitled “Maternal Interaction with Gametes and Embryos” was launched on 28 February 2008. The main objective of the action is to establish a network of researchers working on different aspects of maternal interaction with gametes and embryo in different species to advance toward creation of a so-called interactome map of cell-to-cell interactions as well as endocrine and paracrine interactions between gametes, embryos, and female reproductive tract during different stages of the reproductive cycle and pregnancy at health and under disturbed maternal nutrition and metabolism. Some of the specific aims of this action are as follows:PrefaceA. Van Soom, A. Fazeli10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.01.002Theriogenology 73, 6 (2010)2010-02-04Theriogenology2010-02-04736S0093-691X(10)X0004-8711712http://www.theriojournal.com/article/PIIS0093691X09002866/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: The capacity for sperm storage within the female reproductive tract occurs widely across all groups of vertebrate species and is exceptionally well developed in some reptiles (maximum duration, 7 yr) and fish (maximum duration, >1 yr). Amphibians (most salamanders and one species of frog; duration approximately 5 mo), all birds examined to date and some bats, have also evolved the ability to store spermatozoa in the female reproductive tract. Although there are many reports on both the occurrence of female sperm storage and its adaptive benefits, few studies have been directed toward explaining the mechanisms involved. Phylogenetic evidence suggests that the capacity for sperm storage has evolved independently within different taxonomic groups, and it is by no means clear whether these groups have established similar or different mechanisms or whether simple and common principles have been exploited during evolution. If the process has indeed developed by the invention of numerous different and species-specific mechanisms, it is surprising that none have yet been elucidated by technologists wishing to improve the long-term storage of fresh semen. On the other hand, if there is a simple and common solution to the problem, readily accessed by diverse groups of species, it is equally logical to suppose that the mechanism should be easily discovered in the laboratory. While recognizing that studies on wild species are usually neither practically or ethically easy to undertake, it is clear that there is a huge and largely unexplored field to be investigated.Sperm storage in the vertebrate female reproductive tract: How does it work so well?W.V. Holt, R.E. Lloyd10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.07.002Theriogenology 73, 6 (2010)2009-07-27Theriogenology2009-07-27736S0093-691X(10)X0004-8Reviews713722http://www.theriojournal.com/article/PIIS0093691X09004713/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Although the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, has emerged as a model system for human disease, its potential as a model for mammalian reproductive biology has not been fully exploited. Here we describe how Drosophila can be used to study the interactions between sperm and the female reproductive tract. Like many insects, Drosophila has two types of sperm storage organs, the spermatheca and seminal receptacle, whose ducts arise from the uterine wall. The spermatheca duct ends in a capsule-like structure surrounded by a layer of gland cells. In contrast, the seminal receptacle is a slender, blind-ended tubule. Recent studies suggest that the spermatheca is specialized for long-term storage, as well as sperm maturation, whereas the receptacle functions in short-term sperm storage. Here we discuss recent molecular and morphological analyses that highlight possible themes of gamete interaction with the female reproductive tract and draw comparison of sperm storage organ design in Drosophila and other animals, particularly mammals. Furthermore, we discuss how the study of multiple sperm storage organ types in Drosophila may help us identify factors essential for sperm viability and, moreover, factors that promote long-term sperm survivorship.Beyond the mouse model: Using Drosophila as a model for sperm interaction with the female reproductive tractY. Heifetz, P.K. Rivlin10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.11.001Theriogenology 73, 6 (2010)2009-12-16Theriogenology2009-12-16736S0093-691X(10)X0004-8Reviews723739http://www.theriojournal.com/article/PIIS0093691X09004300/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Nowadays, in vitro study of follicular dynamics of primordial and primary follicular stages is limited because in vitro culture systems for these follicles are lacking, both in domestic animal species and in human. Therefore, additional insights might be generated by grafting ovarian tissue into immunodeficient mice to study activation and maturation of early follicular stages. A considerable amount of data has already been gathered in laboratory animals and through clinical application of human assisted reproduction technologies where live births were reported recently after the use of (cryopreserved) ovarian grafts. However, given that human preantral follicles are difficult to obtain and that there are many similarities between the bovine and human species with regard to ovarian physiology, the bovine model offers exciting additional prospects and is therefore discussed in more detail. This review will focus on recent developments related to preantral follicle and (repeated) ovarian tissue retrieval and xenotransplantation of (bovine) ovarian tissue strips to immunodeficient mice as a model to study preantral follicular dynamics. Different grafting strategies will be discussed as well as the consequences of this procedure on the viability and dynamic behavior of the grafted tissue and follicles.Xenotransplantation in immunodeficient mice to study ovarian follicular development in domestic animalsP.E.J. Bols, J.M.J. Aerts, A. Langbeen, I.G.F. Goovaerts, J.L.M.R. Leroy10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.10.002Theriogenology 73, 6 (2010)2009-11-13Theriogenology2009-11-13736S0093-691X(10)X0004-8Reviews740747http://www.theriojournal.com/article/PIIS0093691X09003227/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: The culture of early embryos in the surrogate xeno-oviduct was first developed in the early 1950s to allow transport of embryos at long distances. Later, it was applied to the study of culture requirements of the early embryo especially that of bovine origin. In this article, we review the data available on the culture of in vitro–matured and in vitro–fertilized embryos of Bos taurus, Sus scrofa, Equus caballus and Ovis aries in the surrogate sheep oviduct compared with data on in vitro culture in different media. Short-term and long-term cellular and molecular effects are described mainly for the bovine species where more extensive use of this technique has been made. A comparison with in vitro culture in various conditions and species indicate that embryos cultured in the sheep oviduct have close similarities to totally in vivo–derived embryos. The data provided demonstrate that the technique of in vivo culture in the surrogate sheep oviduct is versatile and allows a high rate of embryonic development in all species examined.Short-term and long-term effects of embryo culture in the surrogate sheep oviduct versus in vitro culture for different domestic speciesG. Lazzari, S. Colleoni, I. Lagutina, G. Crotti, P. Turini, I. Tessaro, D. Brunetti, R. Duchi, C. Galli10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.08.001Theriogenology 73, 6 (2010)2009-09-02Theriogenology2009-09-02736S0093-691X(10)X0004-8Reviews748757http://www.theriojournal.com/article/PIIS0093691X09002891/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Analysis of luminal fluid microenvironments in the reproductive tract is pivotal to elucidate embryo-maternal signaling mechanisms responsible for successful reproduction in mammals, including cattle. Besides facilitating production of an optimized medium for in vitro fertilization and embryo culture in assisted reproductive technologies, screening of luminal fluid constituents in the oviduct and uterus could also provide critical information for elucidation of mechanisms underlying developmental programming. A key issue in this type of research is the sampling of luminal fluids. In this review we discuss the sampling techniques available for bovine species, including a recent in situ technique developed with the Ghent device, which allows rapid recovery of measurable amounts of pure uterine luminal fluid with minimal disturbance to the donor animal.Sampling techniques for oviductal and uterine luminal fluid in cattleM.A. Velazquez, I. Parrilla, A. Van Soom, S. Verberckmoes, W. Kues, H. Niemann10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.07.004Theriogenology 73, 6 (2010)2009-08-17Theriogenology2009-08-17736S0093-691X(10)X0004-8Reviews758767http://www.theriojournal.com/article/PIIS0093691X09002878/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: The oviduct plays a major part in different reproductive processes providing the microenvironment for numerous steps in early embryogenesis. Consequently, there is a growing demand to perform comparative studies focusing on causal mechanisms related to embryo development within its environment including complex and holistic strategies. However, the routine flushing and transfer procedure of bovine embryos is limited to the morula and blastocyst stage. Additionally, the use of in vitro production of bovine embryos provides access to an extra amount of embryos at various stages. But the quality of these embryos does not reflect the quality of its ex vivo counterparts. For two decades our own studies have focused on use of the oviductal environment of different species to optimize early embryo development for different purposes. The current article briefly highlights some main characteristics of the fallopian tube and reviews the endoscopic approach to access the fallopian tube using the stepwise minimal invasive technique established in different species.Endoscopic approaches to manage in vitro and in vivo embryo development: Use of the bovine oviductU. Besenfelder, V. Havlicek, A. Kuzmany, G. Brem10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.07.003Theriogenology 73, 6 (2010)2009-08-17Theriogenology2009-08-17736S0093-691X(10)X0004-8Reviews768776http://www.theriojournal.com/article/PIIS0093691X09004294/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: The oviduct provides the optimal environment for the transport of sperm and oocyte at the earliest stages of mammalian embryo development. During the early postfertilization period, several major developmental events occur in the embryo including (i) the first cleavage division, (ii) activation of the embryonic genome, (iii) compaction of the morula, and (iv) formation of the blastocyst. Most of these events are initiated in the oviduct. The absence of assistance from the oviduct may compromise the developmental ability of the cattle embryo under in vitro culture conditions. The oviducts of several mammalian species, including rabbits, cow, sheep (in situ), and mice (organ culture), can sustain early bovine embryos and yield blastocysts of better quality compared with those of culture conditions in vitro, leading to normal pregnancy rates in recipient animals. This review focuses on the use of oviducts in vitro or in vivo as intermediate hosts for postfertilization culture environment of bovine in vitro–produced zygotes with emphasis on the mouse model.Culture of bovine embryos in intermediate host oviducts with emphasis on the isolated mouse oviductD. Rizos, M.A. Ramirez, B. Pintado, P. Lonergan, A. Gutierrez-Adan10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.10.001Theriogenology 73, 6 (2010)2009-11-26Theriogenology2009-11-26736S0093-691X(10)X0004-8Reviews777785http://www.theriojournal.com/article/PIIS0093691X09004725/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: The integrity of gamete transport, fertilization, and early embryonic development in the oviduct are essential prerequisites for successful reproduction. Although the basic mechanisms of gamete transport, gamete interaction, and early embryogenesis are known in most mammals, the interactions between gametes and oviductal epithelium as well as the communication between the early embryo and the female reproductive tract remain to be elucidated. Recent techniques of live cell imaging such as digital videomicroscopy and confocal fluorescence microscopy are valuable tools that provide actual new insights into these interactions. By applying these techniques, the mechanisms of sperm transport, sperm storage, oocyte transport, gamete interaction, and early embryo-maternal crosstalk can be analyzed under in vivo or in situ conditions. Detailed knowledge of these very early and important processes creates the basis to develop new therapeutic concepts for subfertility and infertility and to improve the techniques of assisted reproduction. The current review will focus on a short description of recent techniques of live cell imaging in the reproductive tract followed by an overview of actual observations during the early events of reproduction.New aspects of gamete transport, fertilization, and embryonic development in the oviduct gained by means of live cell imagingS. Kölle, S. Reese, W. Kummer10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.11.002Theriogenology 73, 6 (2010)2010-01-18Theriogenology2010-01-18736S0093-691X(10)X0004-8Reviews786795http://www.theriojournal.com/article/PIIS0093691X0900288X/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: In mammals, sperm ascension within the female reproductive tract involves a transient adhesion to the caudal isthmus of the oviduct. Sperm adhesion to this specialized region, which is termed the “oviductal reservoir”, extends the sperm fertile life span by delaying capacitation until, around ovulation, specific signals induce sperm release. In vivo and in vitro studies demonstrated that carbohydrates on the oviductal cell apical membranes and lectin-like molecules on the rostral sperm surface are involved in adhesion in a species-specific way. In this respect, the most intensely studied species are pigs and cattle. On the other hand, less is known about molecules involved in sperm release. Direct evidence that molecules present in the oviductal fluid trigger the release of sperm bound to in vitro cultured oviductal epithelium has been provided only in cattle. However, the identity of sperm and/or oviductal molecules that respond to these releasing signals is still unknown. The comprehension of molecular mechanisms underlying sperm-oviduct interaction may advance our understanding of the behavior of sperm within the female reproductive tract and provide new tools for sperm selection, extension of fertile life and modulation of capacitation in the field of reproductive biotechnologies. The aim of the present paper is to review the available knowledge on molecules involved in sperm selection, storage and release from the oviductal reservoir.Molecules involved in sperm-oviduct adhesion and releaseR. Talevi, R. Gualtieri10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.07.005Theriogenology 73, 6 (2010)2009-08-17Theriogenology2009-08-17736S0093-691X(10)X0004-8Reviews796801http://www.theriojournal.com/article/PIIS0093691X09004701/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: A comprehensive understanding of the complex embryo-maternal interactions during the preimplantation period requires the analysis of very early stages of pregnancy. These are difficult to assess in vivo due to the small size of the embryo exerting local paracrine effects. Specifically designed experiments and holistic transcriptome and proteome analyses to address the early embryo-maternal cross-talk in the oviduct require sufficient numbers of well-defined cells in a standardized experimental environment. The pronounced estrous cycle–dependent changes in gene expression and morphology of bovine oviduct epithelial cells (BOECs) clearly show that a precise definition of the stage of estrous cycle is essential for obtaining a well-defined homogenous population of functional cells. The number of intact cells isolated from individual ampullae by solely mechanical means was 10-fold higher than previously reported cell yields after enzymatic treatment, and the purity was comparable. Bovine oviduct epithelial cells have been cultured as monolayers or in suspension. Proliferating cells grown in monolayers dedifferentiated, with a concomitant loss of important morphologic characteristics. After several days in culture, BOECs in monolayers are less likely to mimic the oviduct environment in vivo than BOEC vesicles formed of epithelial sheets in short-term suspension culture. A 24-h culture system for BOECs isolated on Day 3.5 of the estrous cycle showed excellent preservation of morphologic criteria, marker gene expression, and hormone responsiveness. The short-term BOEC culture system provides well-defined and functional BOECs in sufficient quantities for studies of early embryo-maternal interactions in experiments that mimic the environment in the oviduct in vivo.In vitro systems for intercepting early embryo-maternal cross-talk in the bovine oviductS.E. Ulbrich, K. Zitta, S. Hiendleder, E. Wolf10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.09.036Theriogenology 73, 6 (2010)2009-12-07Theriogenology2009-12-07736S0093-691X(10)X0004-8Reviews802816http://www.theriojournal.com/article/PIIS0093691X09004968/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Both exogenous and endogenous factors during pregnancy may impact placental vascular development and cause different malformations of placental vessels. In humans, consequences of abnormal vascular development have been associated with different pregnancy-related pathologies ranging from miscarriage to intrauterine growth restriction or preeclampsia. Pregnancy-associated exposure to bacterial or viral infections or pharmacologic or toxic agents may also influence vascular development of the placenta and lead to preterm labor and delivery. Several steps of vascular adaptation on both the fetal and maternal side are necessary and include such events as uterine vasodilation, remodeling by extravillous trophoblast, as well as vasculogenesis and angiogenesis within the placenta. Ubiquitous as well as pregnancy-specific angiogenic factors are involved. Morphologic and stereologic approaches, as well as experiments in established laboratory animals, cannot be applied to large domestic animals or humans without hesitation. Thus, further studies into the different aspects of this process will require an appropriate in vitro model of placental vascular development. Reflecting the core of placental vascular development, the in vitro model should facilitate the interactions between trophoblast and stromal cells with endothelial progenitor cells. The effects of viral or bacterial infection as well as pharmacologic or toxic agents may be studied more closely in the process. This report reviews major aspects of vascular development in the placenta and describes the establishment of a three-dimensional in vitro model of human placental vascular development.How to study placental vascular development?F. Herr, N. Baal, R. Widmer-Teske, T. McKinnon, M. Zygmunt10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.11.003Theriogenology 73, 6 (2010)2009-12-28Theriogenology2009-12-28736S0093-691X(10)X0004-8Reviews817827http://www.theriojournal.com/article/PIIS0093691X1000021X/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Understanding the complex interaction between gametes or embryos and the maternal genital tract requires the use of experimental models. The selection of the right model is an important task to undertake, and despite many new developments in this area, an ideal model system has not yet been developed. In this review article, we focus on how the most appropriate model species and model system can be selected, each with its particular advantages and disadvantages. Selection criteria need to be based on the evaluation of the aim of the experiment, the tools that are available to the scientist, and the ethics that are involved in working with particular animal species and model systems. Society and politics direct scientists to “Refine, Reduce, and Replace” the use of experimental animals, which means that the use of in vivo models is increasingly being discouraged. An in vivo model allows experimentation in the full biological environment of a living organism. In contrast with in vivo models, in vitro models are less complex and are abstracts of in vivo systems, leading often to results that are different from the in vivo situation. If an investigator could understand all the components of a complex biological system and re-create them as individual smaller models in a computer, he or she could create in silico models that would completely represent the complexity of in vivo models. We predict that in the future, in silico modeling will be the natural departure from in vivo, in situ, and in vitro modeling approaches. In addition to numerous advantages that this modeling approach can bring to studying maternal interaction with gametes and embryo, it is perhaps the only true alternative method to animal experimentation.Modeling the interaction of gametes and embryos with the maternal genital tract: From in vivo to in silicoA. Van Soom, L. Vandaele, L.J. Peelman, K. Goossens, A. Fazeli10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.01.001Theriogenology 73, 6 (2010)2010-01-25Theriogenology2010-01-25736S0093-691X(10)X0004-8Reviews828837