2015 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
Clarification of mechanisms regulating early embryo-uterine interactions in cattle
| Project/Area Number |
26450379
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| Research Institution | Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine |
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Principal Investigator |
アコスタ トマス 帯広畜産大学, 畜産学部, 准教授 (80379718)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
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| Keywords | Bovine / Embryo / Uterus / Endometrium / Early pregnancy / Implantation / Embryonic loss / Early pregnancy |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
The understanding of the interaction between the conceptus and uterine environment is essential to reduce embryonic loss in mammals. The present research aimed to reveal the local mechanisms of action of embryonic products (Interferon tau; IFN and epidermal growth factor; EGF) on bovine uterus during the implantation and their interactions.
The series of experiments performed under this project demonstrated the following points: 1) Protein expression of EGF in bovine endometrium was higher between Days 8-12 post-ovulation (around the time that implantation begin) than at earlier and late luteal stages. 2) Expression of EGF receptor (EGFR) was higher between Days 12-17 than at earlier luteal stages. 3) Expression of EGF protein and and EGFR mRNA were higher in epithelial than in stromal cells. 4) EGF regulates prostaglandins synthesis in endometrial epithelial and stromal cells. In epithelial cells, EGF (10 and/or 100 nM) increased PGF2 and PGE2 secretion. In stromal cells, EGF (100 nM) increased PGF2 but not PGE2 secretion. 5) EGF produced by bovine endometrium support embryo development and increased the production of IFN. These results suggest that EGF regulates endometrial function especially around the time of implantation and improve embryo viability and development.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned.
Reason
The experiments were performed as planned originally.
During Fiscal Year 2015, we have collected experimental data that will allow to present an abstract at the Recently, the project leader received an invitation from the organizing committee of the sixth International Congress of Animal Reproduction in South America on August 11 and 12th 2016.109th Annual meeting of the Japanese Society for Reproduction and Development at Azabu University (September 11 to 15th 2016). The contents of the abstract will be submitted for publication in a scientific Journal.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
The experiments will be performed as initially planned. The effects of cortisol and EGF on conceptus implantation and pregnancy rates will be evaluated in vivo at Obihiro University farm. The quality of embryos produced in vivo will be evaluated morphologically and then cultured in the presence of EGF 10 ng/ml and cortisol for at least 4 h before transfer into recipient cows. At least 20 cows (10 controls and 10 treatment group) will be used in this experiment. The pregnancy rates obtained from treated and untreated embryos will be evaluated. The capacity of embryos to produce IFN and other factors in vitro may be useful indicator of embryo viability and to predict pregnancy cattle.
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| Causes of Carryover |
There was a decrease in the price of some reagents
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| Expenditure Plan for Carryover Budget |
Will be use to attend Scientific conference and to cover the cost of publication
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