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FACULDADE DE VETERINÁRIA
PROGRAMA DE PÓS-GRADUAÇÃO EM MEDICINA VETERINÁRIA
(CLÍNICA E REPRODUÇÃO ANIMAL)
Niterói, RJ
2022
AUGUSTO RYONOSUKE TAIRA
Niterói, RJ
2022
AUGUSTO RYONOSUKE TAIRA
Niterói, RJ
2022
À minha avó, Valery Hubner Cabrera, pelo amor
incondicional para comigo e por me ensinar o
verdadeiro valor da vida: amar. Aos meus
afilhados e sobrinha, pois eles são a nova geração
para um mundo melhor em que acredito. A todos
que de alguma forma contribuíram para a
realização desta tese,
Dedico.
AGRADECIMENTOS
A Deus por me permitir vivenciar com saúde esse ciclo e sempre me guiar ao
longo dessa jornada.
Aos meus pais Maria Cristina H. C. Taira e Alberto Y. Taira por serem meu porto
seguro e por me apoiarem independente das minhas escolhas. Agradeço também aos meus
irmãos Kendra Y. Taira e Alvaro Y. Taira que, independentemente de tudo, sempre
acreditaram em mim! Sou grato a todos os meus familiares, vocês tornaram essa
caminhada muito mais leve e feliz!
Ao meu melhor amigo, companheiro para todos os momentos, muito obrigado por
caminhar comigo, juntos somos mais fortes e acreditamos no que somos capazes. Junior
C. Bergamaschi você foi e é essencial em minha vida, muito obrigado.
Ao meu orientador professor Felipe Zandonadi Brandão, agradeço pela
oportunidade e pela confiança em mim depositada. Quem diria que um experimento com
“chivos” abriria portas para este doutorado. Tivemos pouco tempo durante nossa
passagem pelo Uruguai, mas nunca irei esquecer aquele 4x1 do Brasil sobre o Uruguai
em pleno estádio Centenário. Meses depois, sem que eu pudesse imaginar, recebi um e-
mail com o convite para participar da seleção do doutorado, e sem dúvida mudou minha
vida! Muito obrigado por esta oportunidade professor.
Aos meus coorientadores, Dr. Jeferson Ferreira da Fonseca sou grato por toda
ajuda e aprendizado nos experimentos. Sempre com boa vontade, com ideias geniais e
sugestões brilhantes, muito obrigado por todo o aprendizado. Ao Dr. Rodolfo Ungerfeld,
que me recebeu prontamente em seu laboratório durante o meu mestrado e novamente
durante o doutorado, eu aprendo muito com o senhor. Muito obrigado por ser tão humano
e compartilhar o seu conhecimento, hoje eu só tenho a agradecer. Muito obrigado aos
coorientadores, sou uma pessoa muito melhor desde que os conheci.
Às instituições de fomento, Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de
Nível Superior (CAPES) pela concessão da bolsa de estudo, Conselho Nacional de
Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq – 400785/2016-1), a Empresa
Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA - 02.13.06.026.00.02) e a Faperj (E-
26/202.781/2018) pelo financiamento do estudo.
A todos os professores do Programa de Pós-Graduação da UFF, por toda a
dedicação e aprendizado. Em especial à professora Drª. Joanna Maria Gonçalves de Souza
Fabjan por ser uma pessoa bondosa e extremamente inteligente. Obrigado pela
participação na minha tese, tanto experimental quanto nas excelentes correções dos
artigos, admiro-te muito.
Aos membros da banca examinadora pela contribuição para melhoria desse
trabalho, em especial à Drª. Juliana Dantas Rodrigues dos Santos, que se tornou uma das
minhas melhores amigas durante o doutorado. Contigo essa caminhada foi mais leve. Ao
professor Dr. Felipe Farias Pereira da Camara Barros, o qual tive a oportunidade de que
me coorientasse durante o mestrado, irmão de república, muito obrigado por estar
presente. Não poderia deixar de mencionar a Drª. Lorena Lacuesta Gómez e a Drª. Julia
Giriboni Pinto, minha troca com vocês foi incrível, me recordo do primeiro baile de salsa
que fui e da despedida no paintball. Minha estadia no país de vocês foi indescritível, tenho
um carinho enorme por todos.
Aos meus amigos de pós-graduação, obrigado por todos os momentos que
compartilhamos, por terem tornado meus dias mais leves. Obrigado por terem auxiliado
durante todas as etapas experimentais, esta tese não seria possível sem ajuda de cada um
de vocês.
A equipe da Fazenda Escola, por serem tão dedicados e solícitos para me ajudar
durante os experimentos.
A todos aqueles que de alguma forma contribuíram para a realização desse
trabalho,
Muito obrigado!
“Ninguém sabe tudo, assim como ninguém ignora tudo. O saber
começa com a consciência do saber pouco. É sabendo que sabe pouco que
uma pessoa se prepara para saber mais”.
Paulo Freire
RESUMO
A indústria da produção in vivo de embriões tem movimentado a pecuária em âmbito
internacional. No entanto, podemos classificar o processo de superovulação (SOV) como
etapa-chave, isto porque, existe alta variabilidade de respostas. A obtenção de protocolos
de superovulação com respostas eficientes é algo que desafia os cientistas. Neste
contexto, objetivou-se estudar diferentes fontes de progestágenos e o efeito macho
durante a SOV sobre a produção e qualidade de embriões ovinos. No primeiro
experimento dois progestágenos (MAP: acetato de medroxiprogesterona e P4:
prpgesterona) foram comparados durante a SOV após o protocolo “Dia 0”. A população
folicular e a quantidade de corpos lúteos (CL) não diferiram entre os tratamentos
(P>0,05). Em relação à recuperação de embriões, as estruturas recuperadas por animal
foram semelhantes entre os grupos (P>0,05). Contudo, no grupo P4 houve tendência (P
= 0,08) a um maior número de estruturas viáveis por ovelha, seguida pelo tratamento com
MAP e controle. A taxa de viabilidade de embriões oriundos do grupo P4 foi maior
quando comparado a embriões obtidos do grupo controle (71,9% vs. 24,5%; P = 0,01),
mas foi similar quando comparado ao grupo MAP (49,9%; P = 0,2). Em relação à
expressão gênica dos embriões, o tratamento com P4 e MAP resultou em um maior
número de transcritos de TGFB1 (envolvido na proliferação e diferenciação celular) em
relação ao grupo controle (P<0,05). No experimento 2, o efeito do estímulo com macho
durante a SOV foi avaliado sobre o desenvolvimento folicular, taxa ovulatória e produção
de embriões. O número de corpos lúteos, folículos anovulatórios, estruturas recuperadas,
embriões viáveis bem como estruturas degeneradas e não fertilizadas foram semelhantes
(P>0,05) entre os grupos. No entanto, o grupo macho (ME) tendeu a ter maior taxa de
viabilidade comparada ao controle (CON) (73,8 ± 12,4 vs. 36,7 ± 13,0%; P = 0,051). Os
diâmetros dos dois maiores folículos do grupo ME tiveram valores mais altos em relação
ao CON (P<0,0001 e P = 0,002, respectivamente). Em conclusão, a utilização da P4
durante a SOV tende a ter uma maior taxa de viabilidade. Quando o efeito macho é
acrescentado, notam-se os aumentos dos diâmetros dos dois folículos maiores,
melhorando a taxa de viabilidade dos embriões produzidos.
Palavras-chave: Expressão gênica, multiplas ovulações, produção de embrião, protocolo
Dia 0.
Abstract
The in vivo embryo production industry has moved livestock on an international
scale. However, we can classify the superovulation (SOV) process as a key step,
because there is a high variability of responses. Obtaining SOV protocols with
efficient responses is something that intrigues scientists. In this context, the
objective was to study different sources of progestogens and the male effect during
SOV on the production and quality of ewes embryos. The first experiment
compared two sources of progestogen (MPA or P4) during SOV after the “Day 0”
protocol. The follicular population and the amount of corpora lutea (CL) did not
differ between treatments (P>0.05). Regarding embryo recovery, the structures
recovered per animal were similar between groups (P>0.05). However, in the P4
group there was a trend (P = 0.08) to a greater number of viable structures per
ewe, followed by treatment with MPA and control. The rate of viability of
embryos from the P4 group was higher when compared to embryos obtained from
the control group (71.9%; 24.5%; respectively; P = 0.01), but it was similar when
compared to the MPA group (49.9% %; P = 0.2). Regarding the gene expression
of embryos, treatment with P4 and MPA resulted in a greater number of TGFB1
transcripts (involved in cell proliferation and differentiation) compared to the
control group (P<0.05). Experiment 2 evaluated the effect of male stimulation
during SOV on follicular development, ovulatory rate and embryos yield. The
number of corpora lutea, anovulatory follicles, recovered structures, viable
embryos, as well as degenerated and unfertilized structures were similar (P>0.05)
between groups. However, the male group (ME) tended to have a higher viability
rate compared to the control (CON; 73.8 ± 12.4 and 36.7 ± 13.0% respectively; P
= 0.051). The diameters of the largest and second largest follicles in the ME group
had higher values in relation to the CON (P<0.0001 and P = 0.002 respectively).
In conclusion, using P4 during SOV tends to have a higher viability rate. When
male effect is added, it increases in the diameters of the first and second largest
follicles improving the viability rate of the produced embryos.
Keywords: Gene expression, multiple ovulations, embryo production, Day 0
protocol.
SUMÁRIO
CAPÍTULO 1 ........................................................................................................ 1
1. INTRODUÇÃO ................................................................................................ 2
CAPÍTULO 2 ...................................................................................................... 27
ABSTRACT........................................................................................................ 28
1. Introduction..................................................................................................... 29
3. Results............................................................................................................. 34
5. Conclusions..................................................................................................... 36
Reference ............................................................................................................ 37
CAPÍTULO 3 ...................................................................................................... 49
Biostimulation with the ram effect increases the follicle recruitment, ovulatory
diameter, and embryo viability rate in superovulated ewes ........................................... 50
ABSTRACT........................................................................................................ 50
1. Introduction..................................................................................................... 51
2.3. Hormonal treatments for cervical dilation and embryo collection .............. 56
3. Results............................................................................................................. 58
4. Discussion ....................................................................................................... 59
References........................................................................................................... 62
3. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS..........................................................................72
Lista de Figuras
Capítulo II
Figure 1. Schematic representation of the experimental design. Experimental
groups: CON – superovulated ewes without any exogenous progestogens; TP4 – use of
an intravaginal device containing P4 during superovulation with FSH; TMPA – use of an
intravaginal sponge containing progestin (medroxyprogesterone acetate; MPA) during
superovulation with FSH. . ............................................................................................ 46
Figure 2. Follicular population of the different experimental groups throughout a
superovulatory treatment. Number of A) small (< 3 mm), B) medium (3-5 mm), and C)
large (> 5 mm) follicles throughout a superovulatory treatment, from the Day 0 protocol
in sheep. The moments of FSH, GnRH, and PGF2α administration are indicated with
arrows. Ewes were treated with an intravaginal sponge containing medroxyprogesterone
acetate (grey bars) or an intravaginal implant containing P4 (white bars), or were given
no exogenous progestogens (black bars). The follicular population was assessed by
transrectal B-mode ultrasonography (US) every 12 h, from the first FSH dose until 36 h
after the GnRH administration (M1 to M10). Different letters: P < 0.05 regardless of the
treatment ....................................................................................................................... ..47
Figure 3. Expression of embryonic competence markers in in vivo-produced
blastocysts. Genes associated with pluripotency (octamer-binding transcription factor 4
– OCT4 and Homeobox protein – NANOG), cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation
(transforming growth factor beta 1 – TGFB1), apoptosis (B-cell lymphoma protein 2 –
BCL2 and BCL2 associated X protein – BAX), mitochondrial activity (Nuclear
respiratory factor 1 – NRF1), and trophectoderm differentiation (Caudal Type Homeobox
2 – CDX2) were evaluated in grade I and II blastocysts. CON – ewes superovulated
without exogenous progestogen (black bars); TMPA – ewes with a medroxyprogesterone
acetate sponge during superovulation (white bars); TP4 – ewes with a progestogen (P4)
implant during superovulation (grey bars). Different letters differ statistically (P <
0.05).................................................................................................................................48
Capítulo III
Figure 1. Experimental procedures and treatments, including hormonal
administration, period of ram stimulation, ultrasonic evaluation, and embryo recovery;
MPA: medroxyprogesterone acetate; CIDR: progesterone device; eCG: equine Chorionic
Gonadotropin; FSH: follicle stimulating hormone; AI: artificial insemination;
Experimental groups: GCON – superovulated ewes which remained isolated from rams;
GRE – superovulated ewes where there was placement of rams with ewes during the latter
part of the period when the hormonal treatment regimen was imposed. ........................ 69
Figure 2. Number of A) small (<3 mm), B) medium (3–5 mm), and C) large (>5
mm) follicles throughout the period when the hormonal treatment regimen was imposed,
based on the “Day 0” protocol in superovulated ewes where there was placement of rams
with ewes (GRE; black bars) and superovulated ewes which remained isolated from rams
(GCON; white bars). The timing of FSH, GnRH, and cloprostenol administration is
indicated with arrows. Different capital letters indicate differences over time (P<0.05).
Different lower-case letters indicate differences between groups at the same time point
(P<0.05). ........................................................... ..............................................................70
LISTA DE TABELAS
Capítulo II
Table 1. The sequence of the specific primers used in the RT-qPCR for the gene
expression evaluation of in vivo-derived embryos in sheep ........................................... 44
Table 2. Superovulatory response and embryo production from Santa Inês
ewes................................................................................................................................45
Capítulo III
Table 1. Ultrasonographic outcomes from Santa Inês ewes in which there was
superovulation with FSH (133 mg in six decreasing doses) after “Day 0” protocol, when
there was or was not placement of rams with ewes during the superovulatory treatment
regimen. The data are expressed as LSmeans ± SEM. ................................................... 67
Table 2. Ovarian response and embryo production in Santa Inês ewes treated to
super-stimulate ovarian follicular development with FSH (133 mg in six decreasing
doses), where there was or was not placement of rams with ewes (GRE and GCON,
respectively) during the period when the treatment regimen was imposed to super-
stimulate follicular development in ewes that were subjected to non-surgical embryo
recovery .......................................................................................................................... 68
LISTA DE ABREVIATURAS, SIGLAS E SÍMBOLOS
% por cento
< menor
= igual
> maior
± mais ou menos
≥ maior ou igual à
® marca registrada
ºC graus Celsius
µg micrograma
µl microlitro
ATP Adenosina trifosfato
BAX Apoptosis regulator BAX (Regulador de apoptose BAX)
BCL2 B-cell lymphoma protein 2 (Proteína 2 do linfoma de células B)
Be blastocisto eclodido
Bi blastocisto inicial
Bl blastocisto
Bn blastocisto em eclosão
BPM-15 Bone morphogenetic protein 15 (Proteína morfogenética óssea 15)
Bx blastocisto expandido
CDX2 Type Homeobox 2 (Proteína homeobox caudal tipo 2)
CL corpo lúteo
COC complexo cumulus-oócitos
DNA ácido desoxirribonucleico
E2 estradiol
eCG gonadotrofina coriônica equina
EPV espaço perivitelino
FGA acetato de fluorogestona
FSH hormônio folículo estimulante
FSHr receptor do hormônio folículo estimulante
GAPDH Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase” (Gliceraldeído-3-fosfato
desidrogenase)
GDF9 Growth differentiation factor 9” (Fator 9 de diferenciação de crescimento)
GnRH hormônio liberador de gonadotrofina
h horas
hCG gonadotrofina coriônica humana
IATF inseminação artificial em tempo fixo
IETS Sociedade Internacional de Transferência de Embriões
IFNT interferon tau
LH hormônio luteinizante
LHr receptor do hormônio luteinizante
MAP acetato de medroxiprogesterona
Mc mórula compacta
MCL-1 Proteína de diferenciação celular de leucemia mielóide
mg miligrama
Mi mórula inicial
Min minutos
MOTE múltipla ovulação e transferência de embrião
mRNA ácido ribonucleico mensageiro
mtDNA ácido desoxirribonucleico mitocondrial
NANOG Homeobox protein NANOG (Proteína Homeobox NANOG)
NRF1 Nuclear respiratory factor 1” (Fator respiratório nuclear 1)
OCT4 Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Fator de transcrição de ligação a
octâmero 4)
oFSH hormônio folículo estimulante de origem ovina
P4 progesterona
PCR reação em cadeia da polimerase
pFSH hormônio folículo estimulante de origem suína
PGF2α prostaglandina F2 alfa
qRT-PCR Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (Reação em
cadeia da polimerase via transcriptase reversa quantitativa)
RELN reelin (reelina)
RNA ácido ribonucléico
ROS espécie reativa de oxigênio
RPCL regressão prematura de corpo lúteo
SOV superovulação
TFAM Fator Mitocondrial de Transcrição A
TGF-β1 O fator de crescimento transformador beta 1
YWHAZ proteína 14-3-3 zeta
ZAR 1 Proteina do zigoto 1
α alfa
β beta
CAPÍTULO 1
Fundamentação teórica
1
1. INTRODUÇÃO
2
(DELGADILLO et al., 2009). Dessa forma, hipotetizamos que o efeito macho durante a
SOV incrementa as taxas ovulatórias e diminui o número de folículos anovulatórios,
estimulado pelo aumento das concentrações de LH.
3
2. FUNDAMENTAÇÃO TEÓRICA
4
concentrações de FSH e assim, de um a três folículos manterão o crescimento enquanto
os outros entram em atresia após a divergência folicular (MENCHACA et al., 2010).
O FSH apresenta uma função primordial na formação do antro folicular, estimula
a mitose das células da granulosa e a formação do fluido folicular. Com o
desenvolvimento das células da granulosa ocorre o aumento dos receptores para LH e da
atividade da aromatase. Tal fenômeno prepara as células da granulosa para a luteinização
após um pico de LH. Vale mencionar que a atividade estereidogênica é dependente da
ação de FSH e LH nas células da granulosa e da teca, respectivamente (HAFEZ; HAFEZ,
2004).
A secreção pulsátil de FSH nas ovelhas ocorre aproximadamente a cada seis dias,
o que resulta em três pulsos originando três ondas de crescimento. O hormônio ativina
junto com o FSH estimula a maturação dos oócitos e os capacita para o desenvolvimento.
Já a folistatina atua na inibição de FSH e na inativação da ativina, tornando-se um
importante modulador da secreção de FSH (GOMES et al., 2012).
A dominância folicular é o processo pelo qual o folículo selecionado exerce
dominância sobre os demais folículos recrutados, suprimindo o crescimento dos mesmos
e inibindo o recrutamento de uma nova onda em ambos ovários. Este folículo dominante
desempenha um papel ativo na supressão do crescimento dos subordinados, pois a
secreção de estradiol e inibina funcionam como retroalimentação negativa sobre a
hipófise, inibindo a secreção de FSH. O folículo então passa a ser dependente do LH e
não mais de FSH, devido a maior expressão de receptores de LH nas células da granulosa
(MENCHACA et al., 2010).
5
retirada da fonte de progestágeno foi associada uma aplicação de prostaglandina F2α
(PGF2α) e 36 h após uma aplicação de GnRH. Deste modo, a ovulação foi sincrônica em
90% dos animais até 72 h após a retirada do progestágeno. Assim, o melhor momento
para o início da SOV foi definido, com o aumento da média de embriões por animal
superovulado. Além disso, a aplicação de GnRH aprimorou as condições ovarianas para
o protocolo de SOV e induziu a ovulação da maioria dos animais (TEIXEIRA et al.,
2016).
Um estudo realizado utilizando a lecirelina como fonte de gonadotrofina também
demonstrou eficiência na taxa de ovulação, sugerindo o período de 80 h após a remoção
da fonte de progestágeno para o início dos protocolos de SOV em doadoras da raça Santa
Inês (BALARO et al., 2016). Em outro estudo foi demonstrado que o uso de implantes
de progesterona associados à agonistas de PGF2α foi suficiente para a sincronização da
emergência folicular em ovelhas da raça Santa Inês sem a necessidade de adição de
análogos de GnRH, todavia, houve efeito negativo sobre a taxa de recuperação
embrionária (SOUZA-FABJAN et al., 2017).
Notou-se que protocolos de sincronização de estro com nove dias apresentaram
maior taxa de ovulação e produção de embrião quando comparados aos protocolos de seis
dias (FIGUEIRA et al., 2020). Contudo, a proposta de tratamentos curtos tem como
intuito controlar a resposta folicular e a ovulação em um menor período, apresentar taxas
de fertilização aceitáveis e, em alguns casos, possibilitar a reutilização dos dispositivos
intravaginais de progesterona.
2.3.Protocolos de superovulação
6
dos animais (COGNIÉ et al., 2003). Assim com a utilização desta técnica ocorre um
aumento na pressão de seleção da fêmea doadora e redução do intervalo entre gerações,
podendo-se utilizar fêmeas jovens (FONSECA et al, 2014).
Podemos destacar o processo de superovulação e o método de coleta de embriões
como etapas-chave (GOMES et al., 2014). Além disso, alguns fatores intrínsecos como
raça, idade e quantidade de coletas realizadas bem como alguns fatores extrínsecos a
exemplo da estação do ano e alimentação dos animais podem influenciar a estimulação
ovariana e o procedimento de coleta, resultando em uma alta variabilidade de respostas
(GONŹALEZ-BULNES et al., 2004; CORREIA et al., 2017; PINTO et al., 2017;
BERGSTEIN‐GALAN et al., 2019).
Os protocolos de SOV, são baseados no bloqueio da dinâmica folicular com
progesterona e na aplicação de altas doses de gonadotrofinas exógenas, dentre as quais se
destaca o hormônio folículo estimulante (FSH) de origem ovina (oFSH) ou suína (pFSH),
podendo-se utilizar a gonadotrofina coriônica equina (eCG) e a gonadotrofina coriônica
humana (hCG), embora seu uso esteja sendo reduzido. (OLIVEIRA, 2011).
A eCG foi amplamente utilizada para SOV, entretanto, esta gonadotrofina
apresenta uma meia-vida longa, o que acarreta alta incidência de folículos anovulatórios
e consequentemente altas concentrações de estradiol, que está correlacionado com a
menor taxa de recuperação embrionária e maior incidência de regressão prematura de
corpo lúteo (RPCL; AZAWI et al., 2010). Segundo Evans e Armstrong (1984), altas
concentrações de estrógeno alteram o transporte de gametas no trato reprodutivo levando
a diminuição da recuperação embrionária.
Outro fator, está relacionado à produção de anticorpos anti-eCG, observado em
fêmeas que receberam sucessivas aplicações. Com esses anticorpos circulantes, ocorre
inibição da ação da gonadotrofina, atraso ou ausência da ovulação, o que pode afetar a
fertilidade dos animais (FONSECA et al, 2014).
Atualmente, uma alternativa ao uso da eCG, são múltiplas aplicações de FSH seja
de origem suína, ovina ou caprina sendo a gonadotrofina de escolha para SOV em ovinos.
A utilização desta gonadotrofina (FSH), apresenta melhores taxas de ovulação, menor
incidência de folículos anovulatórios e uma resposta individual mais uniforme ao
protocolo (BARTLEWSKI et al., 2016). Porém o uso deste hormônio gera a necessidade
de intensificação do manejo, pois apresenta uma meia-vida de 10 h, o que leva a
necessidade do uso fracionado em múltiplas doses (6 a 8) e consecutivas aplicações
durante o protocolo de SOV (DEMOUSTIER et al., 1988).
7
Não existe um consenso na dose total de FSH a ser utilizado durante o protocolo
de SOV. Gibbons et al. (2010) compararam o uso de duas doses de FSH (80 mg ou 200
mg) para superovular ovelhas Merino e, não encontraram diferença no número de
embriões recuperados grau I e II, mesmo com a menor taxa de ovulação em animais que
receberam a dose de 80 mg. Em ovelhas Santa Inês, o número de ovulações e de folículos
anovulatórios não variou entre as ovelhas que receberam 100, 133 ou 200 mg de FSH,
diferentemente do que foi observado no estudo citado anteriormente, a menor dose
resultou na melhor taxa de ovulação (MACIEL et al., 2016)
Segundo Maciel et al. (2016) a aplicação de doses de 100 mg de FSH resulta em
melhores taxas de ovulação e menor percentual de falhas anovulatórias. Recomenda-se
que o início da aplicação de FSH ocorra 48 h após a retirada da fonte de progestágeno e
que seja mantida a aplicação em doses decrescentes por dois a quatro dias (FONSECA et
al, 2014).
Em um estudo que avaliou a utilização de FSH em protocolos sucessivos foi
possível observar um aumento da população de folículos médios e grandes. Porém o uso
sucessivo de protocolos de SOV em ovelhas promoveu uma tendência à menores taxas
de ovulação, o que pode estar associado à uma diminuição das concentrações de LH por
esgotamento. Esses achados justificam o aumento dos cistos ovarianos com a aplicação
dos protocolos. Para minimizar a queda nas taxas de ovulação, foi abordada a estratégia
de alternar um ciclo estral fisiológico e a aplicação de eCG em protocolos de SOV, esse
procedimento resultou em benefícios na viabilidade de tais protocolos (PINTO et al.,
2020).
A eficácia de determinadas doses de FSH foi avaliada em outro estudo, no qual
foi demonstrado que o uso de 100 mg ou 200 mg são eficientes em protocolos de SOV.
Porém, a resposta ovulatória e a qualidade embrionária foram afetadas com o uso da
menor dose (100 mg). Isto foi constatado através do aumento de células embrionárias
apoptóticas (MACIEL et al., 2019).
Outro grande entrave dentro da SOV é a regressão prematura de corpo lúteo
(RPCL) em pequenos ruminantes. Esses corpos lúteos regredem no período que antecede
a colheita dos embriões (entre o 4º e 5º dia pós-ovulação). Normalmente, a luteólise
ocorre entre o 5º e 6º dia pós-ovulação (CORREIA et al., 2017). Nesse sentido, a
regressão luteal está associada a elevadas concentrações plasmáticas de estrógeno durante
a fase luteal inicial, que promove um decréscimo na resposta aos protocolos de SOV
(FONSECA, 2006).
8
Algumas estratégias têm sido estudadas para redução do processo de RPCL, como
o uso de drogas tais como o flunixin meglumine, um antiinflamatório não esteroidal. Este
medicamento induziu o decréscimo na pulsatilidade de PGF2α evitando ou reduzindo a
ocorrência da RPCL (AKÉ-LOPEZ et al., 2005). Além disso, a administração de agentes
luteotrópicos como o hCG ou o GnRH é uma alternativa para evitar a RPCL. Essas
estratégias podem impulsionar o aumento da recuperação de embriões viáveis
(FONSECA et al., 2014; RODRIGUEZ et al., 2015).
2.4.Progestágenos exógenos
9
fertilização e de recuperação embrionária, além do aumento na recuperação de embriões
viáveis, quando as ovelhas foram suplementadas com progesterona durante a fase de
superestimulação com FSH. Esses achados demonstram a importância da progesterona
durante a fase pré-ovulatória tendo uma função expressiva na competência oocitária
(CUADRO et al., 2018).
Como fontes de progestágeno podem ser utilizados os dispositivos intravaginais
de liberação lenta de P4 - CIDR® (Controlled Internal Drug Release – Dispositivo interno
de liberação controlada de droga), implantes auriculares, esponjas intravaginais com
acetato de fluorogestona (FGA) ou acetato de medroxiprogesterona (MAP) (SOUZA,
2013). Bartlewski et al. (2015) demonstraram uma queda na taxa de recuperação
embrionária nas ovelhas que receberam CIDR quando comparada ao MAP.
Com isso, informações sobre o tipo de dispositivo, a via de administração, a
farmacocinética, o metabolismo do composto ativo e a quantidade de hormônio contido
e liberado pelo dispositivo são necessárias para avaliar o período de exposição ao
progestágeno de escolha e o efeito na fertilidade da fêmea (MENCHACA et al., 2017)
2.4.1. CIDR®
O CIDR® é um dispositivo intravaginal de silicone com liberação lenta de
progesterona análoga a P4 endógena, porém apresenta um custo mais alto quando
comparado aos outros dispositivos utilizados (FONSECA et al., 2014). A vantagem na
utilização deste dispositivo é o fornecimento de concentrações de P4 imediata pela
dispersão homogênea das partículas sólidas desse hormônio. Além disso, fornece bem-
estar animal permitindo drenagem de secreções vaginais, diminuindo assim, possíveis
infecções. As concentrações de P4 obtidas com o uso do CIDR visam diminuir o suporte
de LH e, promover a renovação folicular por meio do recrutamento de novos folículos,
até atingirem o estágio pré-ovulatório, de cinco a sete dias após a inserção do dispositivo
(GONZALEZ-BULNES et al., 2020).
Dispositivos intravaginais provenientes de protocolos anteriores, têm uma
tendência de induzirem folículos pré-ovulatórios persistentes (SOUZA, 2013). Não sendo
indicada a reutilização de dispositivos oriundos de protocolos anteriores de doze dias ou
mais, pois não são considerados economicamente viáveis (SWELUM et al., 2018).
Santos-Neto et al. (2015) comparando três diferentes dispositivos intravaginais
quanto à taxa de prenhez após IATF cervical ou intrauterina com sêmen fresco, realizadas
48 ou 54 h após a remoção dos dispositivos intravaginais, respectivamente, observaram
10
melhores taxas nas fêmeas tratadas com dispositivos intravaginais de silicone (CIDR) em
comparação aos animais que receberam esponjas intravaginais com acetato de
medroxiprogesterona (MAP).
Em outro estudo observou-se que o uso de CIDR, acetato de fluorogestona (FGA)
ou MAP, em protocolos de seis dias, é igualmente eficaz para a indução de estro em
ovelhas no período de anestro (YU, 2019). Bartlewski et al. (2015) compararam o uso do
MAP e CIDR em protocolos de seis dias em ovelhas e constataram que apesar de não
haver diferença entre a resposta ovulatória e a produção de embrião entre os grupos,
houve uma redução do tamanho máximo dos folículos, após injeção de E2 no grupo
CIDR. Além disso, os folículos antrais foram significativamente menores.
11
al., 2019). Outro fator a ser considerado são as doses de MAP contidas nas esponjas. O
uso de baixas doses de MAP, como 40 mg, ou metade de um dispositivo intravaginal de
60 mg, quando comparada a tradicionalmente utilizada (60 mg), foi eficaz na
sincronização do cio em ovelhas Merino fora da estação de monta, induzindo estro dentro
de 36 – 48 h após a retirada da esponja (GREYLING et al., 1994; YU et al., 2019). Isso
porque, a diferença na quantidade de progestágeno presente nos dispositivos intravaginais
(40, 50 ou 60 mg) não altera os níveis absorvidos de MAP (SIMONETTI et al., 2000).
Já em protocolos de estimulação ovariana para a produção in vitro de embriões,
Bragança et al. (2020) compararam o uso de MAP, CIDR ou a progesterona endógena
(controle) durante a estimulação ovariana e constataram que, para a estimulação ovariana
a partir do protocolo “Dia 0”, não é necessário o incremento de progesterona, isso porque,
os folículos aspirados, oócitos recuperados, taxa de recuperação e grau dos oócito não
diferiram entre os grupos.
2.5.Efeito macho
12
Há fortes tendências dos países em diminuir a utilização de hormônios,
reafirmando o benefício da utilização desta biotécnica por ser considerado “verde, ético
e limpo” (SOUZA, 2013). Assim, a bioestimulação quando associada a protocolos de
sincronização de estro, aumentam o número de animais responsivos ao tratamento,
otimizando os protocolos hormonais, isso porque, após a introdução do macho junto às
fêmeas, ocorre à redução da retroalimentação negativa do estradiol no eixo hipotalâmico
hipofisário e o incremento nas concentrações deste hormônio culmina com a luteólise
mais precoce, antecipando o momento do estro (MEILÁN; UNGERFELD, 2014).
Contudo, ainda não foi identificado na literatura relatos de pesquisas que
avaliaram o efeito macho durante os protocolos de superovulação, com o objetivo de
estimular o aumento das concentrações de LH para melhorar as taxas ovulatórias e
consequentemente otimizar a produção de embrião.
2.6.Qualidade do embrião
13
manutenção da pluripotência (OCT4 e NANOG) são expressos nas células de massa
celular interna que são mediados pela ação do CDX2 expresso nas células
trofectodérmicas. A transcrição do DNA mitocondrial e a replicação no estágio de
blastocisto em ruminantes, são coordenadas pelo NRF1 que quando alteradas
comprometem a proliferação mitocondrial e a homeostase celular. Este
comprometimento afeta a liberação do citocromo C pelas membranas das mitocôndrias
que gerará um desequilíbrio entre os genes anti-apoptótico (BCL-2) e pró-apoptótico
(BAX) desencadeando a morte celular programada (BRAIR et al., 2020).
Alguns genes envolvidos em estresse celular (HSP70, PMSB5) e funções
apoptóticas (BAX, BCL2, CASPASE 3) fornecem uma ideia a respeito do metabolismo
celular e consequentemente a competência ao desenvolvimento embrionário, tornando-
os importantes marcadores moleculares (CÁNEPA et al., 2014; MISHRA et al., 2016).
Em pequenos ruminantes existe uma correlação positiva entre o tamanho do
folículo com um melhor desenvolvimento e qualidade oocitária para a produção in vitro
de embriões (SOUZA-FABJAN et al., 2014). Além disso, a expressão gênica desses
oócitos é modulada pelo tratamento hormonal utilizado. Especificamente a expressão de
marcadores da via esteroidogênica, que é reduzida com o aumento das doses de FSH,
bem como alguns marcadores que refletem na qualidade oócitária (BRAGANÇA et al.,
2018).
14
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26
CAPÍTULO 2
Publicado na:
Animal Reproduction Science – v. 238 (2022) 106933 -
doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.106938
27
Progestogen supplementation during superovulation leads to higher embryo viability and
Augusto Ryonosuke Tairaa*, Ribrio Ivan Tavares Pereira Batistaa, Juliana Dantas
Rodrigues Santosa, Pedro Henrique Nicolau Pintoa, Mario Felipe Alvarez Balaroa,
Caroline Gomes do Espírito Santoa, Viviane Lopes Braira, Joanna Maria Gonçalves
Souza-Fabjana, Rodolfo Ungerfeldb, Jeferson Ferreira da Fonsecac, Felipe Zandonadi
Brandãoa
a
Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brasil Filho, 64,
CEP 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
b
Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Lasplaces 1620, Montevideo,
11600, Uruguay
c Embrapa Caprinos e Ovinos, Núcleo Regional Sudeste, Rodovia MG 133, Km 42, CEP
36155-000, Coronel Pacheco, MG, Brazil
*Corresponding author: augusto.vete@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to compare the effect of the administration of either
medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) or progesterone (P4) in superovulation (SOV)
treatments applied during the first follicular wave on follicular development, embryo
yield, and the expression of genes related to pluripotency maintenance, differentiation of
the trophectoderm, cell growth and differentiation, apoptosis and energy metabolism in
sheep embryos. The estrous cycle of 36 multiparous ewes was synchronized with a short
protocol, and the animals were randomly allocated to three groups. At the beginning of
SOV, 12 ewes per treatment received an intravaginal sponge impregnated with 60 mg of
MPA (TMPA), or an intravaginal device containing 0.33 g of P4 (TP4), or received no
progestogen treatment (CON). The device was kept until the fifth dose of FSH. Ewes
were mated with five fertile rams. Gene expression was performed by RT-qPCR using
grade I and II blastocysts. The numbers of corpora lutea, total structures and viable
embryos recovered per ewe were similar (P > 0.05) among groups. However, the viability
rate was higher in TP4 (71.9 ± 16.3%) compared to CON (24.4 ± 16.8%; P = 0.01) and
similar to TMPA (49.9 ± 16.3%; P = 0.2). Similarly, when compared with CON,
28
treatment with P4 or MPA positively regulated the TGFB1 transcript involved in cell
proliferation and differentiation (P = 0.01 and P = 0.03, respectively). In conclusion,
supplementation with P4 during the first follicular wave of the estrous cycle improves
embryo viability and alters the expression of the TGFB1 gene.
Keywords: Gene expression; Multiple ovulations; Embryo production; Day 0 protocol;
Progestins; Ewes
1. Introduction
The presence of large follicles at the beginning of an FSH treatment decreases the
ovarian response and, thus, embryo production in small ruminants (Rubianes et al., 1995;
Menchaca et al., 2002). To avoid the presence of a large follicle, Menchaca et al. (2002)
proposed beginning the superovulatory treatment at the onset of the first follicular wave
of the estrous cycle, the so-called “Day 0 protocol”. With this protocol, the administration
of FSH begins immediately after ovulation (Day 0 of the ovulatory cycle), when there are
no large follicles present. Although this treatment has been effectively used for the
production of embryos (in vivo/in vitro) in sheep (Menchaca et al., 2009; Balaro et al.,
2016; Bragança et al., 2020) and goats (Menchaca et al., 2007; Taşdemir et al., 2011;
Mogase et al., 2016), the obtained embryo quality is not as good as expected. This is
mainly explained by the low progesterone (P4) concentrations present during the
treatment and the effects on the characteristics of the growing follicles and oocytes.
According to Cuadro et al. (2018), the administration of P4 by an intravaginal device
during FSH administration increases the fertilization rate, the number of viable embryos,
and the proportion of high-quality embryos.
Little is known, however, about whether the administration of P4 or other
progestogens during the superovulatory “Day 0 protocol” improves the response.
Menchaca et al. (2018) demonstrated that greater circulating progesterone concentrations
during the preovulatory follicular growth period increase the developmental competence
of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) for in vitro embryo production. Moreover,
treatment with P4 also increases the transcript levels associated with steroidogenesis
(FSH receptor, LH receptor, and α-estradiol receptor) and oocyte competence (zygote
arrest 1, growth differentiation factor 9, and B-cell lymphoma 2) in sheep COC (Bragança
et al., 2018). Based on this information, it could be hypothesized that the increase in the
in vitro developmental competence observed by Menchaca et al. (2018) is associated with
an increase in the steroidogenic activity during follicular growth and the accumulation of
29
transcripts related to developmental competence. The administration of different
progestogens also modifies the response since the use of P4 provides greater expression
of the transcripts of the reelin protein (RELN; associated with oocyte competence), FSHr,
and LHr than medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) (Bragança et al., 2018). This
difference might be explained by the different actions at the cellular level, time of
metabolism, and excretion (Lieberman and Curtis, 2017), although progestins are more
widely used than P4 worldwide due to their availability and cost. While MPA induces
similar effects as P4 by stimulating progesterone receptors, it also binds to other steroid
receptors, including the glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid, and androgen receptors
(Africander et al., 2013), thus activating several pathways simultaneously. Human studies
suggest that MPA, unlike P4, represses pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression in
cervical epithelial cells via a mechanism involving the recruitment of the glucocorticoid
receptor to cytokine gene promoters (Govender et al., 2014).
Considering the aforementioned information, it might be predicted that the
progestogen used during superovulatory treatment affects the competence of the in vivo
produced embryo to establish a pregnancy and generate healthy offspring. Therefore, the
hypothesis of this study was that the progestogens administered (both MPA and P4)
during the superovulatory treatment of ewes alter the follicular population, quantitative
and qualitative in vivo embryo production, and gene expression profile in blastocyst
embryos. The study aimed to determine whether the administration of P4 or MPA during
superovulatory treatment affects the response to the “Day 0 protocol” in ewes. The study
also included the comparison of the effects of these hormones on the expression profile
of genes associated with pluripotency (OCT4 and NANOG), cell growth, proliferation,
and differentiation (TGFB1), apoptosis (BCL2 and BAX), mitochondrial activity (NRF1),
and trophectoderm differentiation (CDX2).
30
2.1. Experimental location, animals, and study design
31
fertile Santa Inês rams, four times with a 12 h interval, starting immediately after the last
dose of FSH.
All ultrasonography (US) evaluations were performed by the same operator using
a portable device (Sonoscape S6, Sonoscape, Shenzhen, China) equipped with a 7.5 MHz
transrectal linear transducer. The follicular population was assessed in each animal using
B-mode US every 12 h, from the first FSH dose until 36 h after the GnRH administration,
totaling 10 moments of evaluation (M1 to M10). The follicles were classified based on
their diameter as small (< 3 mm), medium (3 to 5 mm), or large (> 5 mm), and the number
of follicles in each category was recorded, as proposed by Pinto et al. (2020).
Six days after the last mating, the ewes were deprived of food (24 h) and water
(12 h), submitted to general anesthesia, and settled in the Trendelenburg position (Lima
et al., 2015). The counting and evaluation of the CLs were performed by laparoscopy, as
described by Bruno-Galarraga et al. (2015), and only red-colored CLs were considered
functional. Ewes with ≥ 3 CLs were submitted to surgical embryo recovery through a
longitudinal ventral laparotomy (Santos et al., 2020). The recovered fluid was evaluated
using a stereomicroscope with 20 X to 40 X magnification. Embryos were classified
according to their developmental stage and quality (Mapletoft et al., 2020) and only grade
I and II blastocysts were selected and dry frozen in cryotubes (DNase and RNase free) in
liquid nitrogen until molecular analysis. For gene expression analysis, a total of 10 grade
I and II blastocysts were used to conform two pools comprising five blastocysts from
different animals in each group.
Total RNA extraction was performed using an RNeasyMicro Kit (Qiagen Inc.,
Valencia, EUA) according to the manufacturer’s instructions and treated with DNase for
15 min to avoid DNA contamination. RNAase free water (14 µL) was added, and the
RNA quantification of each pool was performed using 1 µL of sample on a
spectrophotometer (Nanodrop 2000, Wilmington, DE, USA); this resulted in a mean (ng)
total RNA/blastocyst of 7.72 ± 2.1, 8.42 ± 1.47, and 8.16 ± 0.86 for the CON, TMPA,
32
and TP4 groups, respectively. The SuperScript III first-strand synthesis Supermix
(Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA, USA) was used for reverse transcription, and the same RNA
concentration (17.5 ng/total RNA) was used in all samples. A mixture of oligo (dT) 20
primers, dNTP mixture, Superscript III-RT, RNase OUT, MgCl2, RT buffer, and RNA
sample with a final volume of 20 µL was prepared to perform the reverse transcription
reaction. The mixtures were first incubated at 65 ºC for 5 min and then at 50 ºC for
50 min. The reaction was stopped at 85 °C for 5 min, and then the samples were chilled
on ice. After that, RNase H was added to the samples and they were incubated at 37 ºC
for 20 min.
The relative quantification was done using a real-time polymerase chain reaction (ABI
Prism 7300 Sequence Detection Systems, Foster City, CA, USA) in triplicate. The
reactions (20 µL total volume) were achieved with a mixture of an SYBR green kit
(10 µL; Power SYBR Green, Applied Biosystems), 0.1 µM primers (described in Table
1), nuclease-free water, and reverse-transcribed cDNA (1 µL). Negative controls were
similarly run with each group of samples containing the RT-qPCR reaction mixture
without nucleic acids. Template cDNAs were denatured at 95 ºC for 10 min, and the gene
amplification was amplified by 40 cycles of thermal cycling programmed at 95 ºC for
15 s, 60 ºC for 15 s, and 60 ºC for 30 s. Fluorescence data were acquired during the
extension steps. After each RT-qPCR run, a melting curve analysis was performed to
confirm that a single specific product had been generated. The primer efficiency was
calculated using LinRegPCR software (Ramakers et al., 2003) for each reaction. The
primer efficiency standard was 1.96, 1.92, 1.94, 1.93, 1.91, 1.91, 1.95, 1.93, and 1.98 for
OCT4, NANOG, TGFB1, BCL2, BAX, NRF1, CDX2, GAPDH and H2AFZ, respectively.
Relative quantification was performed via the comparative Ct method (2−ΔΔCt) using the
REST 2008 software (Livak and Schmittgen, 2001) and the efficiencies were obtained
with the LinRegPCR software. The expression of each target gene was normalized using
the standards GAPDH and H2AFZ. The stability of the reference genes was calculated
according to the methodology described by Pfaffl et al. (2004) using the BestKeeper -
Excel tool. The values of the Pearson correlation coefficient observed for the GAPDH (r2
= 0.778) and H2AFZ (r2 = 0.765) genes demonstrate the stability (P < 0.01) of these
reference genes.
33
2.5. Calculations and statistical analysis
The numbers of small, medium, and large follicles were compared with a mixed
model, including treatment, time and their interaction as the main effects, considering
time as a repeated measure. The recovered structures were classified as embryos (all
stages and quality; Mapletoft et al., 2020), non-fertilized oocytes or free zona pellucida.
Only embryos grade I and II were considered as viable. The recovery rate was calculated
as recovered structures*100/number of CLs and the viability rate as viable
embryos*100/recovered structures. Data were compared with a mixed model (SAS
University Edition). The model included the treatments (CON, TMPA, and TP4) as the
main effects and the repetition as a random factor. The results are expressed as LSmeans
± SEM. For all tests, P < 0.05 was considered significant, and P < 0.1 was considered to
indicate a tendency.
3. Results
3.1. Effect of progestogens on the follicular population during SOV
The treatments did not affect the number of CLs or the recovery rate (Table 2).
However, there were tendencies for differences in the number of structures recovered and
the number of viable embryos (P = 0.08 for both) (Table 2). Only grade I and II embryos
were considered as viable. From those, 41.25% were morula, 56.25% were blastocysts,
and 2.5% were hatched blastocysts in the three groups. The treatments affected the
viability rate (P = 0.046), which was greater in TP4 than in CON (P = 0.014) and
intermediate in TMPA, without any differences with the other groups (Table 2).
34
3.3. Effect of progestogens on the gene expression profile
The administered progestogens did not affect the number of transcripts associated
with pluripotency (OCT4), maintenance of pluripotency (NANOG), apoptosis (BCL2),
mitochondrial activity (NRF1), or trophectoderm differentiation (CDX2). However, the
TGFB1 transcript was less expressed in the CON group embryos than in the TP4 and
TMAP embryos (P = 0.01 and P = 0.03, respectively) without differences between both
progestogens (Fig. 3).
The high concentrations of progestogen during follicular growth affect oocyte
competence, probably increasing the capacity of the oocyte to undergo cleavage and
embryonic development in vitro (Menchaca et al., 2018), most likely through the positive
regulation of TGFB1 – a gene involved in cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation,
contributing to the increase in oocyte competence.
4. Discussion
The results of the study demonstrate that the administration of progesterone at the
beginning of SOV increases the rate of embryonic viability. Previously, in vitro studies
have demonstrated that plasma P4 concentrations in animals from which oocytes are
collected also affect in vitro embryo production (McEvoy et al., 1995; Menchaca et al.,
2018; Saad et al., 2019), which is consistent with the findings of the present study.
Additionally, previous in vivo studies have reported a markedly higher pregnancy rate in
dairy cows with a higher concentration of P4 compared to a lower concentration before
artificial insemination (Inskeep, 2004; Wiltbank et al., 2011). This benefical effect of P4
may be explained by in follicular fluid composition (Cerri et al., 2011), cumulus
expansion, and oocyte competence (Fair and Lonergan, 2012). Relatively lower
concentrations of P4 lead to the disruption of oocyte nuclear maturation (Rajamahendran
and Manikkam, 1994) and the impairment of fertilization (Rivera et al., 2011) and early
embryonic development (Mihm et al., 1994; Ahmad et al., 1995).
The gene expression data, specifically the TGFB1 gene, whose expression was
higher in embryos from the TMPA and TP4 groups, also suggest a greater capacity for
cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation of these embryos compared to embryos
from the CON group. Furthermore, these data suggest a greater capacity for the
implantation and post-implantation development of these embryos, since TGFB1 also
mediates the invasion of the endometrium by the trophectoderm during implantation
35
(Jones et al., 2006; Li, 2014; Monsivais et al., 2017). TGFB1 acts as an
autocrine/paracrine factor during embryonic development, modulating the
microenvironment in which the embryo develops and implants (Chow et al., 2001). It is
likely that higher progestogen concentrations during follicular growth can modify the
composition of both the follicular and uterine fluids (Lonergan and Sánchez, 2020),
impacting the oocyte and, consequently, embryo quality (Cuadro et al., 2018). Moreover,
Kim et al. (2006) reported that the addition of progesterone to a co-culture of human
endometrial epithelial and stromal cells also increases the concentration of TGFB1 in
media culture. Therefore, the addition of progestogens might have also increased the
concentration of TGFB1 in the uterus and due to the previously mentioned embryonic
maternal interaction characteristics (Chow et al., 2001), potentially leading to the
progressive increase of this gene in TP4 and TMPA embryos. Although this study does
not allow us to confirm whether these pathways are involved, it should be considered that
the treatments ended before ovulation, and so should have acted in the characteristics of
the ovulated oocytes and/or the milieu in which that oocyte/embryo developed.
In line with previous reports (Bragança et al., 2019), the tested treatments did not
affect the follicular population. Although Bartlewski et al. (2015) have reported that the
administration of P4, in comparison with MPA, increased the number of follicles ≥ 3 mm,
this difference was only transient and did not alter the ovulatory response. However,
while P4 increased the viable embryo rate compared with the controls, MPA did not.
Therefore, these results suggest that the difference in progestogen metabolism and
clearance (Husein and Kridli, 2002) does not modify the superovulatory response of ewes,
although it might modify the final embryo quality.
5. Conclusions
In conclusion, the administration of P4 during the Day 0 superovulatory treatment
protocol enhances the embryo viability rate. The effect of progestogens ended before
ovulation, however, the use of MPA/P4 modified the milieu of development of the
oocytes, increasing the final quality of the embryos by increasing the expression of the
TGFB1 gene.
36
Credit authorship contribution statement
A.R. Taira: Conceptualization, Methodology, Investigation, Data curation,
Formal analysis, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. R.I.T.P. Batista:
Conceptualization, Methodology, Formal analysis, Supervision, Visualization, Writing –
review & editing. J.D.R. Santos: Investigation, Data curation. P.H.N. Pinto:
Investigation, Data curation, Writing – review & editing. M.F.A. Balaro: Investigation,
Data curation, Writing – review & editing. C.G. Espírito Santo: Investigation, Data
curation. V.L. Brair: Investigation, Data curation, Writing – review & editing. J.M.G.S.
Fabjan: Investigation, Data curation. R. Ungerfeld: Methodology, Writing – review &
editing. J.F. Fonseca: Methodology, Writing – review & editing. F.Z. Brandão: Project
administration, Supervision, Resources, Visualization, Conceptualization, Methodology,
Writing – review & editing.
Acknowledgements
This work was funded by FAPERJ ((E-26/202.781/2018), CNPq (400785/2016-
1) and Embrapa (Project 02.13.06.026.00.02). PHNP had a postdoctoral scholarship from
FAPERJ. FZB, JFF and JMGS-F are fellows of the CNPq. JDRS had a scholarship
provided by FAPERJ.
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43
Table 1
The sequence of the specific primers used in the RT-qPCR for the gene expression
evaluation of in vivo-derived embryos in sheep.
44
Table 2
Superovulatory response and embryo production from Santa Inês ewes.
CON TMPA TP4 P
CLs (n) 6.0 ± 1.2 (0 - 11) 7.7 ± 1.1 (0 – 14) 8.2 ± 1.1 (0 – 18) ns
Recovered structures (n) 2.4 ± 0.9 (0 - 5) 4.8 ± 0.8 (1 – 10) 4.9 ± 0.8 (1 – 13) 0.08
Viable embryos (n) 1.0 ± 0.7 (0 - 4) 1.9 ± 0.7 (0 – 7) 3.3 ± 0.7 (0 – 9) 0.08
Recovery rate (%) 44.5 ± 9.5 (0 - 100) 62.4 ± 9.1 (25 – 100) 62.5 ± 9.1 (12 – 100) ns
Viability rate (%) 24.4 ± 16.8b (0 - 100) 49.9 ± 16.3ab (0 – 100) 71.9 ± 16.3a (0 – 100) 0.04
Different letters within the same row differ statistically (P < 0.05); within the brackets are
the absolute numbers; CON – ewes superovulated without exogenous progestogen;
TMPA – ewes with a medroxyprogesterone acetate sponge during superovulation; TP4 –
ewes with a progestogen (P4) implant during superovulation. Recovery rate: structures
recovered*100/number of CLs; viability rate: viable embryos recovered*100/recovered
structures. Data are presented as mean ± SEM.
45
Figure captions
46
Fig. 2. Follicular population of the different experimental groups throughout a
superovulatory treatment. Number of A) small (< 3 mm), B) medium (3-5 mm), and C)
large (> 5 mm) follicles throughout a superovulatory treatment, from the Day 0 protocol
in sheep. The moments of FSH, GnRH, and PGF2α administration are indicated with
arrows. Ewes were treated with an intravaginal sponge containing medroxyprogesterone
acetate (grey bars) or an intravaginal implant containing P4 (white bars), or were given
no exogenous progestogens (black bars). The follicular population was assessed by
transrectal B-mode ultrasonography (US) every 12 h, from the first FSH dose until 36 h
after the GnRH administration (M1 to M10). Different letters: P < 0.05 regardless of the
treatment.
47
Fig. 3. Expression of embryonic competence markers in in vivo-produced blastocysts.
Genes associated with pluripotency (octamer-binding transcription factor 4 – OCT4 and
Homeobox protein – NANOG), cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation
(transforming growth factor beta 1 – TGFB1), apoptosis (B-cell lymphoma protein 2 –
BCL2 and BCL2 associated X protein – BAX), mitochondrial activity (Nuclear
respiratory factor 1 – NRF1), and trophectoderm differentiation (Caudal Type Homeobox
2 – CDX2) were evaluated in grade I and II blastocysts. CON – ewes superovulated
without exogenous progestogen (black bars); TMPA – ewes with a medroxyprogesterone
acetate sponge during superovulation (white bars); TP4 – ewes with a progestogen (P4)
implant during superovulation (grey bars). Different letters differ statistically (P < 0.05).
48
CAPÍTULO 3
Publicado na
Theriogenology, v. 181 (2022), p. 140-146
doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.01.021
49
Biostimulation with the ram effect increases the follicle recruitment, ovulatory
diameter, and embryo viability rate in superovulated ewes
Augusto Ryonosuke Tairaa*, Felipe Zandonadi Brandãoa, Viviane Lopes Braira, Isabel
Oliveira Cosentinoa, Felipe Seabra Cardoso Leala, Ana Clara Sarzedas Ribeiroa, Mário
Felipe Alvarez Balaroa, Ribrio Ivan Tavares Pereira Batistaa, Joanna Maria Gonçalves
Souza-Fabjana, Jeferson Ferreira da Fonsecab, Rodolfo Ungerfeldc
a
Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brasil Filho, 64,
CEP 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
b
Embrapa Caprinos e Ovinos, Núcleo Regional Sudeste, Rodovia MG 133, Km 42, CEP
36155-000, Coronel Pacheco, MG, Brazil.
c
Departamento de Biociencias Veterinarias, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la
República, Lasplaces 1620, Montevideo, 11600, Uruguay.
*Corresponding author.
E-mail address: augusto.vete@gmail.com (AR Taira).
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to compare the preovulatory follicular development and
follicular development was imposed to 28 ewes on “Day 0”, from which 14 were
stimulated with active rams for 48 h, starting at the time of the fifth FSH dose, with the
ram being removed from the pen with the ewes and replaced which other ram every 12 h,
using four different rams (group GRE). The other 14 ewes remained isolated from rams
throughout the protocol (group GCON). All ewes were administered 133 mg of FSH, into
six doses in decreasing quantities, every 12 h. The follicular development and number of
increased number of large follicles, follicle diameter, and embryo viability rate (viable
50
embryos/recovered structures x 100) was greater in ewes of the GRE than GCON group.
The number of corpora lutea, follicular cysts, recovered structures, viable embryos, and
degenerated and unfertilized structures was similar in ewes of the GRE and GCON group.
Structures were recovered from more GRE than GCON ewes. In conclusion,
biostimulation with rams during the last phase of the treatment regimen to induce
superovulation enhanced the follicular growth and increased the embryo viability rate in
ewes.
1. Introduction
An important limitation of superovulatory treatments is that some follicles
respond to gonadotrophin stimulation, are recruited, grow, and develop to the size from
which there can be an ovulation but ultimately regress without there being an ovulation
[1]. This inconsistency between follicle recruitment and ovulation occurrence may be
consequence of insufficient pulsatile luteinizing hormone (LH) release from the anterior
morphological changes in the developing follicles and oocytes, including the induction
of final maturation, fertilizing capacity, and developmental competence [2]. One strategy
to increase the percentage of follicles that grow and from which there is ultimately
ovulation and therefore, viable embryo production could be to supplement the LH during
this important period of follicular development before there is atresia of these follicles.
pulses that induce follicular development and prevent atresia during the proestrus period
preceding ovulation. However, there might be natural strategies to increase the secretion
51
of LH. Social stimuli, such as the ram effect, may be an alternative strategy to stimulate
LH secretion. The placement of rams with ewes that have not been previously in the
resulting in an increased frequency of LH pulse release from the anterior pituitary in ewes,
does, and cows [3,4]. In anestrous ewes, when there is placement of a ram with anestrous
[5]. This management approach has previously been utilized to induce ovulations with
their pregnancies resulting in ewes that were previously seasonally [6] or postpartum [7.8]
cyclic ewes, even during periods when there is ongoing progestogen treatment [9]. This
related to an increase of LH secretion and an increase of the follicular growth rate [10].
secretion in ovariectomized ewes, whether treated with progestogens or not [11], and in
ewes at different stages of the estrous cycle [12]. Therefore, the ram effect has been used
to improve the results when there are treatments to synchronize the timing of estrus
With this in mind, the hypothesis of the present study was that placement of rams
with ewes that had not previously been penned with rams would enhance development of
follicles and increase the number of ovulations from large ovarian follicles during the
development. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the follicular development
and superovulatory outcomes when there was placement of rams with ewes during the
52
period when a treatment regimen was being imposed to super-stimulate ovarian follicular
development.
consistent with the ethical principles of the Brazilian Society of Science in Laboratory
Animals.
(22º 27’ S), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The study involved 28 multiparous Santa Inês ewes
(3.6 ± 1.1 years old; 42.9 ± 4.9 kg; 2.9 ± 0.3 of BCS on a scale of 1 to 5; mean ± SD). All
ewes were subjected to clinical and ultrasonic evaluations and were free from
reproductive or clinical disorders. Ewes were managed in an intensive system, fed with
chopped Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Cameron) and 300 g/per animal/daily
of concentrate (16% of crude protein), and free access to water and mineral salt
Experimental ewes were allocated to two groups of 14 ewes each and handled in
two repetitions, with seven animals/treatment, separated by one day to ensure that
effective and efficient embryo collection processes occurred. The two treatments were 1)
ram effect group (group GRE) and 2) control group (group GCON). The stage of the
estrous cycles among all the ewes were synchronized using a short-term progestin-based
53
medroxyprogesterone acetate (Progespon; Syntex, Buenos Aires, Argentina) for a
duration of six days, plus 0.24 mg of cloprostenol (Estron, Agner Unio, São Paulo, Brazil)
i.m., and 300 IU of eCG (Novormon 5000; MSD Animal Health, São Paulo, Brazil) i.m.,
one day before sponge withdrawal [15]. Thirty-six hours after sponge removal, 0.025 mg
of lecirelin i.m. was also administered (Gestran Plus; Tecnopec, São Paulo, Brazil) to
the sponge (Day 0), with 133 mg of FSH (Folltropin-V, Bioniche Animal Health, Ontario,
Canada) i.m. divided into six doses of decreasing quantity as treatments proceeded
(33.25/33.25, 19.95/19.95, 13.3/13.3 mg) every 12 h [17]. At the first FSH dose, an
Paulo, Brazil) was inserted into all animals and remained in situ until the fifth FSH dose
(Day 2). Along with the sixth FSH dose, there was administration of 0.24 mg of
All ewes were isolated from rams, without visual, olfactory, or auditory stimulus
for 60 days before the study began. During all the experimental steps, the ewes assigned
to the GCON and GRE group remained in separated barns of the rams (minimum distance
= 200 m). While the GCON ewes remained isolated from rams throughout the whole
study there was a "teaser" ram placed with the ewes of the GRE group after the
progesterone device was removed, at the time of administration of the fifth FSH. For this,
four different adult Santa Inês rams (2.9 ± 0.4 years old; 56.8 ± 3.1 kg; 3.0 ± 0.2 of BCS)
were used to induce the ram effect. The rams used were reproductively mature, and
sexually experienced, as they had been previously utilized for breeding, and subjected to
an andrological examination, and were fitted with a protective apron affixed to their
abdominal region to prevent copulation. Each ram remained peened with seven ewes,
54
with there being removal and replacement with a novel ram every 12 h thus, there was a
total 48 h of biostimulation.
Fresh semen collected from rams with previously proven fertility was deposited
into the cervical ostium of all ewes three times. Inseminations were performed 24, 36,
and 48 h after the fifth FSH dose, depositing 300 x 106 spermatozoa per dose. Cervical
insemination was performed with a speculum equipped with a light source and a
Uruguay).
(Sonoscape S6, Sonoscape, Shenzhen, China) equipped with a 7.5 MHz linear transducer
for transrectal use. All scans were performed by the same operator. The ovaries were first
evaluated at the beginning of the treatment regimen for inducing superovulation, to assess
the ovarian status (Day 0); thereafter, serial assessments were conducted every 12 h from
the fifth FSH dose until the last insemination (Day 2 to Day 4). The ovarian ultrasonic
evaluations continued every 24 h until the day before embryo collection (Day 5 to Day
9). Follicles were classified based on diameter as small (< 3 mm), medium (3 to 5 mm),
or large (> 5 mm). The number of follicles in each category was recorded based on the
criteria described by Pinto et al. [18]. The Doppler mode was used to assess the corpora
lutea, with the following settings: 20% color gain, 10 kHz pulse repetition frequency, 7
cm depth, and 75 kHz wall filter. One day before embryo recovery, the number of corpora
lutea and luteal perfusion were determined using Doppler-mode ultrasonography, and
55
2.3. Hormonal treatments for cervical dilation and embryo collection
For embryo collection, all animals were administered the hormonal cervical
dilation treatment regimen described by Leite et al. [20]: 100 µg of estradiol benzoate i.v.
(RIC-BE, Agener Union, São Paulo, Brazil) diluted in 2.5 mL of absolute ethyl alcohol
and 2.5 mL of saline, and 0.12 mg of cloprostenol i.m., 12 h before embryo collection. In
addition, 100 IU of oxytocin i.v. (Oxytocin Forte UCB; Centrovet, Goiânia, Brazil) was
Ewes were sedated with 0.1 mg/kg of acepromazine maleate i.v. (Acepran; Vetnil,
São Paulo, Brazil) and 0.3 mg/kg of diazepam i.v. (Diazepam; Santisa, São Paulo, Brazil),
Syntec, São Paulo, Brazil) [20]. Embryo collection was performed immediately, after
cervical traction and fixation. The structures were recovered using a closed-circuit system
(Embrapa Circuit for the recovery of goat/sheep embryos; Embrapa, Brazilia, Brazil),
After this procedure, the total structures (embryos, unfertilized oocytes, empty
Six blood samples were collected every 24 h from Day 4 to Day 9 (Fig. 1) using
jugular venipuncture procedures. Blood samples were centrifuged at 1500 g for 15 min,
and the serum was separated and immediately stored at -20 ˚C until the progesterone
56
radioimmunoassay utilizing a commercial kit (MP Diagnostics Division, Orangeburg,
New York, USA) [23]. Samples were analyzed in a single assay, with a sensitivity of 0.05
ng/mL and an intra-assay coefficient of variation of 8.9%, with all values within the curve.
The numbers of small, medium, and large follicles were compared with a mixed
model, including treatment, time, and their interaction as the main effects, considering
time as a repeated measure. The embryo recovery rate was calculated as recovered
The luteal functionality was evaluated and compared with results when using B-mode
and Doppler-mode ultrasonic procedures. The data were compared with a mixed model
(SAS University Edition). The model included the treatments (GCON and GRE) as main
factors and the repetition as a random factor. These results are expressed as LSmeans ±
SEM. The proportion of ewes from which at least one structure was recovered was
compared with the Fisher exact probability test. The dispersion of the proportion of large
follicles from which there were ovulations was compared using the Bartlett test. There
were considered to be mean differences when there was a P≤0.05, and there were
considered to be trends for mean differences when there was 0.05< P<0.1.
57
3. Results
3.1. Follicular population
The number of follicles from all categories of follicles (small, medium, and large)
varied according to the treatment, time, and an interaction between treatment and time
(P<0.0001 for the three factors in all the follicular categories). At the beginning of the
treatment regimen to induce superovulation (Day 0), the population of small, medium,
and large follicles was similar between groups; however, after the placement of the rams
with the ewes (fifth FSH dose; Day 2) until Day 3.5, ewes of the GRE group had more
large follicles than GCON ewes (Fig. 2). The number of small and medium follicles was
greater in ewes of the GCON than GRE group until Day 4 and Day 5, respectively.
The diameter of the largest and second-largest follicles before ovulation was
greater in ewes of the GRE than GCON group (P<0.0001 and P=0.002, respectively).
There were the largest number of large follicles at the same time points in ewes of both
groups. Although the number of large follicles was greater in the ewes of the GRE than
GCON group (P=0.001; Table 1), the proportion of large follicles from which there were
ovulations was greater in ewes of the GCON group (P=0.02; Table 1). However, the
proportion of large follicles from which there were ovulations was more homogeneous in
The luteal perfusion assessed using Doppler procedures, as well as the number of
corpora lutea, viable embryos/number of corpora lutea, and anovulatory follicles did not
differ between groups. Similarly, the percentage embryo recovery, number of viable
embryos, and total number of recovered, degenerated, and unfertilized structures per ewe
did not differ between groups. Nonetheless, more ewes of the GRE group had at least one
58
structure recovered than ewes of the GCON group, furthermore, ewes of the GRE group
had a higher viability rate (viable embryos/recovered structures) (P=0.02 and P=0.05
concentrations only varying with time (P<0.0001). The values increased from Day 4 to 7
(0.02 ± 0.45 compared with 2.52 ± 0.45 ng/mL, respectively; P<0.0001), on Day 8 (4.24
4. Discussion
The main outcomes in the present study confirm the hypothesis, because the
placement of reproductively mature rams during the last phase of the superovulatory
protocol resulted in a greater the number of large follicles, larger diameter at the time of
ovulation, and increased embryonic viability rate. Although the number of corpora lutea
and concentrations of P4 were similar between ewes of the two groups, the results indicate
than occurred in the ewes where there was no biostimulation. Furthermore, the number
of ewes from which oocytes/embryonic structures were recovered was larger than in the
ewes for which there was no biostimulation imposed, and some outcomes were more
homogeneous among ewes of the group in which there was biostimulation imposed. This
is a positive outcome, considering the large amount of variability that often occurs in the
remains to be determined how this stimulation could also cause an increase in the number
59
of follicles from which there is ovulation; however, increasing the follicular recruitment
and embryo quality are key results in any strategy to improve the results of treatments to
The placement of rams with ewes induced an increase in the number of large
follicles. This was probably a consequence of the stimulation of the growth of small and
medium follicles because these results occurred simultaneously. The results from the
present study indicate the decrease of small and medium follicles was due to the greater
growth rate in ewes where there was biostimulation with rams of ovarian follicles [25,26],
which probably is the reason for the greater follicle growth, as previously reported in the
same breed [27]. The greater follicular growth rate in ewes in which there was
stimulation. The strategy of exchanging the “teaser” ram every 12 h was probably critical
as it repeatedly renewed the stimulus during the 48-h period when rams were with the
ewes because ram sexual behavior is related extent of biostimulation that results when
rams are placed with ewes, including the luteal function [28]. It is important to ensure
that the biostimulation effects are sufficient for inducing the endocrine/physiological
responses, which can be enhanced after a period when there is no ram penned with the
ewes. Similarly, it is interesting to hypothesize the possible effects of changing the length
of the stimulation period, because prolonging the period rams are penned with ewes might
be a strategy to increase the proportion of large follicles from which there are ovulations.
In the present study, biostimulation also had positive effects on embryo quality, a
result of the greater percentage of viable embryos. There may be several explanations for
this finding, which are not mutually contradictory. First, the proportion of viable oocytes
with fertilization capacity is related to the size of the follicles from which there is
ovulation [29]. In this sense, the estradiol:progesterone ratio of the largest follicles results
60
in the oocytes contained in these follicles having greater developmental competence than
those from smaller follicles, resulting in a greater percentage blastocyst rate after in vitro
fertilization [30]. Developmental competence is also related to the capacity for nuclear
and cytoplasmic maturation, because the pre-ovulatory surge release of LH induces the
fertilization [2,31]. Crozet et al. [32] reported similar results in goats, where the
percentage of morula or blastocyst produced in vitro was related to the follicular size at
the time of ovulation. However, it is possible that the difference in the preovulatory
was unrelated to the corpora lutea function and/or progesterone concentrations, ensuring
there was an adequate uterine milieu present for embryo development. In conclusion, the
biostimulation by placing rams with ewes during the latter portion of the treatment
stimulation of follicular growth and increased the percentage embryonic viability in ewes.
Acknowledgements
The authors thank Jasmine BS Pinheiro and Pedro HN Pinto for their assistance during
CAPES (code 001). FZB and JMGS-F are FAPERJ and CNPq fellows.
61
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65
Tables and figures
Table 1. Ultrasonographic outcomes from Santa Inês ewes in which there was
superovulation with FSH (133 mg in six decreasing doses) after “Day 0” protocol, when
there was or was not placement of rams with ewes during the superovulatory treatment
regimen. The data are expressed as LSmeans ± SEM.
GCON GRE P
Maximum number of large follicles 4.1 ± 0.7 7.6 ± 0.7 0.001
Moment at which the maximum number of
4.4 ± 0.9 4.5 ± 0.9 ns
large follicles was observed (day of treatment)
Largest follicle (mm) 5.9 ± 1.3 7.6 ±1.5 <0.0001
Second largest follicle (mm) 5.2 ±1.6 6.4 ± 0.8 0.002
Large follicles that ovulated (%)* 118.2 ±
208.8 ± 133.3 0.02
27.6
GCON: superovulated ewes which remained isolated from rams the period the treatment
regimen was imposed.
GRE: superovulated ewes where there was placement of rams with ewes during the
treatment the period the treatment regimen was imposed.
Large follicles that ovulated: number of corpora lutea*100/maximum number of large
follicles.
ns: not significant.
* The dispersion of the data differed (P=0.009).
66
Table 2. Ovarian response and embryo production in Santa Inês ewes treated to super-
stimulate ovarian follicular development with FSH (133 mg in six decreasing doses),
where there was or was not placement of rams with ewes (GRE and GCON, respectively)
during the period when the treatment regimen was imposed to super-stimulate follicular
development in ewes that were subjected to non-surgical embryo recovery.
GCON GRE P
Ewes washed with at last one structure recovered 12/14
6/14 (42.9) 0.02
(%) (85.7)
Number of corpora lutea 8.0 ± 1.0 9.1 ± 1.0 ns
Number of anovulatory follicles 1.2 ± 0.4 0.6 ± 0.4 ns
Recovered structures 3.0 ± 0.9 3.9 ± 0.9 ns
Number of viable embryos 2.2 ± 0.9 3.0 ± 0.8 ns
Number of unfertilized structures 0.8 ± 0.5 0.8 ± 0.5 ns
Number of degenerate structures 0.01 ± 0.1 0.08 ± 0.1 ns
Recovery rate (%) 31.3 ± 13.6 49.3 ± 13.3 ns
Viability rate (%) 36.7 ± 13.0 73.8 ± 12.4 0.05
Unfertilized rate (%) 13.3 ± 9.9 16.9 ± 9.5 ns
Degenerate rate (%) 0.01 ± 1.2 1.5 ± 1.2 ns
The data are expressed as LSmean ± SEM.
GCON: superovulated ewes which remained isolated from rams the period the treatment
regimen was imposed.
GRE: superovulated ewes where there was placement of rams with ewes during the
treatment the period the treatment regimen was imposed.
Recovery rate: recovered structures*100/number of corpora lutea.
Viability rate: viable embryos*100/recovered structures (oocytes or embryos).
Unfertilized rate: unfertilized structures*100/recovered structures (oocytes or embryos).
Degenerate rate: degenerated structures*100/recovered structures (oocytes or embryos).
ns: not significant.
67
Figure 1. Experimental procedures and treatments, including hormonal administration,
period of ram stimulation, ultrasonic evaluation, and embryo recovery; MPA:
medroxyprogesterone acetate; CIDR: progesterone device; eCG: equine Chorionic
Gonadotropin; FSH: follicle stimulating hormone; AI: artificial insemination;
Experimental groups: GCON – superovulated ewes which remained isolated from rams;
GRE – superovulated ewes where there was placement of rams with ewes during the latter
part of the period when the hormonal treatment regimen was imposed.
68
Figure 2. Number of A) small (<3 mm), B) medium (3–5 mm), and C) large (>5 mm)
follicles throughout the period when the hormonal treatment regimen was imposed, based
on the “Day 0” protocol in superovulated ewes where there was placement of rams with
ewes (GRE; black bars) and superovulated ewes which remained isolated from rams
(GCON; white bars). The timing of FSH, GnRH, and cloprostenol administration is
indicated with arrows. Different capital letters indicate differences over time (P<0.05).
69
Different lower-case letters indicate differences between groups at the same time point
(P<0.05).
70
3. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS
No presente estudo, podemos concluir que a administração de P4 durante o
protocolo de tratamento puperovulatório do Dia 0 aumentou a taxa de viabilidade
embrionária, devido ao incremento da expressão do gene TGFB1. Quando associado com
a bioestimulação do efeito macho durante a última parte do regime de tratamento
superovulatório, foi possível observar o incremento do crescimento folicular resultando
em um maior percentual de embriões viáveis, otimizando assim, a múltipla ovulação e
transferência de embrião ovinos.
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