Oocyte maturation in bitches

The canine species has been used as an experimental model for preservation of endangered species. Biotechnologies of reproduction, such as in vitro maturation (IVM), have been used to meet this objective. Several protocols for in vitro embryo production (IVEP) in swine and bovine species have been adapted for canids. However, the highest rate reported for in vitro maturation in canids is only 39%, which is still lower than those in other species. Therefore, current research on assisted reproduction in canids have focused on several IVM protocols, including the addition of proteins, hormones, meiosis inhibitors, growth factors and antioxidants to the maturation media and the determination of suitable timing for culture, so that variables involved in the process can be fine-tuned. This review has the main objective of describing major developments and limitations in the process of oocyte maturation in bitches.

Caracterização molecular do gene que codifica a TCTP (Translationally Controlled Tumor Protein) em tomate (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Santa Clara)

The gene encoding TCTP (Translationally Controlled Tumour Protein) is present in all eukaryotes and its product is involved in various cellular processes. Although well characterized in mammals, there are only few works available in the literature related to the analysis of this protein in plants. In this present work, the expression of the gene encoding TCTP was analyzed in different organs/tissues of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Santa Clara). A quantification performed by RT-qPCR revealed the presence of TCTP transcript in all tissues/organs analyzed, with the highest expression level found in leaves. With the exception of fruits in intermediate stage of maturation, for which a small increase on the expression was detected, there was minimal variation in the relative expression of TCTP in other organ/tissues. In parallel, the effects of the constitutive expression of TCTP were investigated using transgenic tobacco lines able to overexpress this protein at different levels (T1, T2 and T3). Seedlings of these lines, and of a non-transgenic control line, were grown in MS culture medium for 21 days. At the end of this period, the length of roots and leaves was taken and the seedlings were photographed. According to Tukey's test, the analysis of the mean root length revealed a significant difference between T1 and T3 lines when compared to the control, although the same was not observed for the T2 line. For leaves, according to Kruskal-Wallis test, there was a statistical difference between the averages of leaf growth obtained for the different lines evaluated. According to these results, we can conclude that TCTP shows an ubiquitous expression in tomato plants, with the highest expression detected in leaves, and also that its overexpression promoted a higher root and leaf development in two of three transgenic tobacco lines tested

Determinação de adenosina deaminase, fator de necrose tumoral-alfa e interleucina-1 em gestantes portadoras de pré-eclâmpsia

Preeclampsia is a specific disorder of pregnancy, characterized by arterial hypertension and proteinuria detected after 20 weeks of gestation. This pathology is associated with hyperuricemia, higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, enhanced leukocyte activation and oxidative stress. Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is an enzyme present in all human tissues and, it is involved with the maturation of the immune system. Although its function is not fully understood, ADA is considered an indicator of cellular inflammation and, its increased serum concentration is observed in inflammatory diseases, such as tuberculosis and rheumatoid arthritis. This study aimed to assess serum ADA levels in preeclamptic patients (PE) compared with normotensive pregnant (NT) and non-pregnant women (NP), and to correlate these values with TNF-α and IL-1β production. Ninety pregnant women were included: 60 were pre-eclamptic and 30 were normotensive matched for gestational age. As control group 20 healthy non-pregnant women matched with pregnant for age were included. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PMMC) obtained from the three groups studied were cultured with or without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 18h at 37oC, and TNF-α and IL-1β production was assessed in the supernatant of cultures by enzyme immunoassay (ELISA). ADA plasmatic concentration was determined by colorimetric method. The results show that ADA plasma levels were significantly higher in PE group compared with NT and NP groups. A positive correlation between ADA and uric acid levels was detected in preeclamptic women. There was no significant difference in relation to ADA levels when PE patients were classified in early and late-onset PE. The endogenous production of IL-1β and TNF-α by PBMC was significantly higher in PE group than in NT and NP women, showing the activation state of these cells in PE. LPS induced...(Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Microscopic Evidence of the Opportunistic Reproductive Strategy and Early Sexual Maturation of the Small-Sized Characin Knodus moenkhausii (Characidae, Pisces)

We investigated the reproductive biology of Knodus moenkhausii, an abundantsmall-sized characin fish with broad occurrence in the Parana River basin, Bra-zil. Specimens were collected monthly to determine fecundity, length at firstmaturity, reproductive period and spawning type. Gonads were macroscopically classified according to their form, size and texture in three different stages(immature, maturing or mature). Histological procedures were conducted toconfirm gonadal developmental stages, and it was possible to notice thatmaturing females actually presented atretic oocytes, and all males that weremacroscopically classified as immature, maturing and mature actually presentedabundant spermatozoa in their gonads. Because of these discrepancies, a reclas-sification of gonadal maturations stages was needed after histological analysis,reinforcing its importance to studies on the reproduction of small characins.Reproduction occurred throughout the year though with two peaks. The lengthof the smallest mature individuals was 13 mm SL for males and 24 mm SL for females. Despite presenting relatively small batch fecundity, some life historytraits such as early reproduction, multiple spawning throughout the year, inassociation with known opportunistic feeding habits, explain the high abun-dance of this species in locations where it occurs.