Comparison of dot blot hybridization, polymerase chain reaction, and virus isolation for detection of bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) in artificially infected bovine semen.

Bovine semen samples spiked with bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) were used to compare dot blot hybridization, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and virus isolation for detection of BHV-1 in bovine semen. The PCR amplification used primers targeting the BHV-1 thymidine kinase gene and a nucleic acid releasing cocktail (GeneReleaser); the PCR product was used as the DNA probe in dot blot hybridization; virus isolation was done in primary bovine fetal testis (BFT) cell cultures. Semen diluted 1:20 in tissue culture medium had the least cytotoxicity and inhibition of viral cytopathic effects in BFT cells, allowing detection of 1 TCID50/100 microL of BHV-1 suspension by virus isolation. The presence of foreign DNA such as bovine sperm DNA or salmon sperm DNA increased the sensitivity of dot blot hybridization in detecting BHV-1, allowing detection of 20,000 TCID50/100 microL of neat semen. The inhibition of PCR amplification of BHV-1 DNA in bovine semen was eliminated by diluting the samples 1:20 in tissue culture medium. The best PCR amplification was obtained when semen was diluted 1:20 and when a reaction buffer of pH 9.0, with 1.0 mM MgCl2 was used. Under these conditions, the PCR followed by ethidium bromide staining of agarose gels could detect 1 TCID20/100 microL of sample, whereas PCR followed by Southern blot hybridization could detect 0.01 TCID50/100 microL of sample.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

利用流式细胞仪建立牦牛X、Y精子分选体系的研究

旨在探索与优化牦牛精子分选条件,建立高效的牦牛X、Y精子分选技术体系.本研究制备了牦牛精液细胞悬液,采用不同量的DNA染料Hoechst33342和诱惑红共孵育精子细胞.利用流式细胞仪分选牦牛X、Y精子,通过比较分选效率、分选后精子活力及发育潜能,优化分选条件.运用RT-PCR检测分选精子的纯度,利用精子分析系统检测分...     

秦岭羚牛性别鉴定的初步研究

根据牛的Sry基因核心序列设计合成1对引物F1、R1。应用PCR技术对羚牛(TAKIN)Sry基因进行扩增,结果在羚牛雄性样本扩增出1条带(230 bp),而在雌性样本未见扩增带,显示了Sry基因的性别特异性,应用这1对引物对60只未知性别的羚牛组织样本进行了性别鉴定,结果雄性14个,雌性46个。该试验为羚牛种群性别比率及其种群动态变化机制研究提供了资料。     

Semen Collection and Polymerase Chain Reaction‐Based Sex Determination of Black‐Headed and Straw‐Necked Ibis

This study aimed to develop a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based sexing and effective semen collection methods for black‐headed and straw‐necked ibis species. However, most birds are not sexually dimorphic, that is, the sexes appear similar. Therefore, the gender should be determined before semen collection. DNA was extracted from the blood samples of 11 black‐headed and 4 straw‐necked ibis. The sex was determined after PCR amplification of the EE0.6 region of W‐chromosome. The PCR products were separated using gel electrophoresis. A single band indicated the presence of the EE0.6 region and that the individual was a female, while no band indicated that the individual was a male. Further, the single bands from seven specimens were amplified. Semen collection was performed by massage or a combination of massage with electro‐ejaculation and was attempted during all four seasons. The semen was successfully collected in March from male straw‐necked ibis using the massage method. Limited motility, viability and concentration of straw‐necked ibis sperm were observed. The sperm length was 180 μm and that of the nucleus was 30 μm with acrosome located at the tip of the nucleus. Thus, the PCR‐based sexing proved to be an accurate molecular sexing method for black‐headed and straw‐necked ibis. Furthermore, we successfully collected semen and observed the stained sperm nucleus and acrosome of the straw‐necked ibis sperm. We propose that the use of this PCR methodology can be applied as a routine method for sex determination and semen collection in ibis species for future ecological research. However, considering our limited success, further studies on semen collection method are required.     

Production of monoclonal antibody against recombinant bovine sex-determining region Y (SRY) and their preferential binding to Y chromosome-bearing sperm

Separation of X and Y chromosome-bearing sperm is an appropriate method for the selection of desired sex of offspring to increase the profit in livestock industries. The purpose of this study was the production of a monoclonal antibody against recombinant bovine sex-determining region Y protein for separation Y sperm. The hybridoma cells from splenocytes of immunized female's balb/C mice and Sp2/0 cells were made. The binding affinity of our monoclonal antibody (mAbSRY2) was compared with mouse monoclonal SRY-15. The Western blot method indicated that mAbSRY2 successfully detected the rbSRY protein. The specificity and sensitivity of mAbSRY2 is comparable to SRY-15 commercially ones. The SRY gene in 100% of bull semen contains the Y chromosome that had the strongest binding affinity to mAbSRY2 was synthesized. In other words, the binding affinity of semen contains the X sperms near the negative control. In general, this immunological method can help to separate X from Y sperms. However, the mAbSRY2 is bind to Y-bearing sexed sperm, but in the future; the sexed sperms need to apply in farms.     

Effect of Overnight Staining on the Quality of Flow Cytometric Sorted Stallion Sperm: Comparison with Tradtitional Protocols

Flow cytometry is considered the only reliable method for the separation of X and Y chromosome bearing spermatozoa in equines. The MoFlo SX DP sorter is highly efficient, allowing the production of foals of the desired sex. However, to achieve acceptable pregnancy rates the currently used protocol requires working with fresh semen obtained close to, or at, the sorting facility. An alternative protocol was tested during two consecutive breeding seasons. Fresh stallion semen was cooled for 20 h, during which staining with Hoechst 33342 took place. On the following day, this sample was flow sorted and compared with spermatozoa from the same ejaculate that had been sexed on the previous day. All sperm parameters evaluated remained unchanged when fresh sorted and refrigerated sorted semen were compared. Pre‐sorting storage at 5°C did not alter sperm velocities nor kinetics, viability or membrane permeability, production of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial membrane potential or DNA fragmentation index of the sorted sample. The findings open for the possibility of using semen from stallions housed far from the sorting facilities. Processed and stained sperm could be shipped refrigerated on the previous day, sorted and inseminated on the next day.     

奶牛性控冻精人工授精影响因素研究

用分离X和Y精子的性控精液进行人工授精是控制家畜性别之最简单可行的方法.然而,低密度性控精液输精效果还不如常规人工授精,许多技术环节都有待改进.以常规冻精和稀释常规冻精为对照,研究解冻方法、输精时间和部位、不同精液来源和输精员以及育成和经产牛等因素对性控冻精人工授精妊娠率的影响.结果显示,精液解冻水浴温度和持续时间对人工授精效果有显著影响,性控精液对解冻水浴温度更敏感;性控冻精和稀释常规冻精比常规冻精对输精时间要求更严格;3种精液输精到排卵卵泡同侧子宫角基部受胎率都显著高于输精于子宫体和同侧子宫角前端;3种精液育成牛受胎率(80%)都显著高于经产牛(50%);于输精同时注射促排卵素3号明显提高性控冻精受胎率;经严格挑选、能够从事胚胎移植操作的技术熟练输精员之间性控冻精受胎率差异不显著;在所设计的不同条件下,性控冻精与稀释同样倍数的常规冻精行为相似,说明精子分离过程没有对精子造成特殊损伤.研究结果说明,精确控制人工授精各个技术环节可以实现消除性控与非性控、低密度与高密度精演之间的差别,获得高妊娠率.     

Generation of Sperms Containing EGFP‐LacZ Following Transfection of Chicken Testis with a Eukaryotic Dual Reporter Vector

Male germ cells modified by foreign genes can be used to generate transgenic chicken. In this study, in vivo transfection of chicken testis with an EGFP‐LacZ dual reporter expression vector was performed. Large‐scale plasmid DNA preparation of the EGFP‐LacZ eukaryotic expression vector was carried out and efficient transfection of chicken testicle cells using the prepared plasmid DNA was confirmed in vitro. The reporter plasmid was directly injected into adult rooster testes. Semen samples were collected on 10‐days post‐transfection and every other day thereafter; and a total of six collections were made. Semen slides were subjected to fluorescence microscopy and β‐galactosidase activity assay to identify sperms carrying the reporter genes. The presence of EGFP and LacZ was further confirmed by PCR amplification with sperm genomic DNA as template. The testicles of those birds were subjected to cryostat sectioning, fluorescence microscopy and β‐galactosidase activity assay. The results showed that sperms with green fluorescence were not observed on semen slides; however, sperms positive for β‐galactosidase were detected. Specific amplicons of EGFP and lacZ were detected in four of the six sequentially collected semen samples. Fluorescence microscopy of the corresponding semen slides revealed yellow‐green fluorescence, but not clear green fluorescence. The β‐galactosidase activity assay and GFP histochemistry using monoclonal antibodies demonstrated positive staining for subsets of testicle cells. Together, these results showed that direct injection of the dual reporter vector into adult rooster testis allowed in vivo transfection of chicken sperm precursor cells, which further developed into sperm containing EGFP‐LacZ.     

Effects of sex-sorted spermatozoa on the efficiency of in vitro fertilization and ultrastructure of in vitro produced bovine blastocysts

Frozen-thawed sexed semen from six bulls (Holstein) was used for studying their efficiency in an in vitro fertilization (IVF)-programme and to compare their ultrastructure with in vitro produced bovine blastocysts produced with non-sorted sperm. Progressive motility of sorted spermatozoa, their IVF rate, development of produced blastocysts and the ultrastructure of the blastocysts were analysed. The cleavage rates of sexed sperm of bulls (groups S1, S2 and S4) were significantly lower than that of unsorted control sperm (P < 0.01). Blastocyst development at day 7 of the sexed semen groups varied between 3.5% and 28.8% versus 33.6% for non-sexed semen. The individual blastocyst yield with sexed semen of group S5 (28.8%) was similar to the mean blastocyst production of the non-sexed control spermatozoa (C, 33.6%; P > 0.05). The remaining five sexed sperm groups resulted in significantly lower developmental rates of blastocysts on day 7 (S1, 4.9%; S2, 0%; S3, 0%, S4, 3.5%; S6, 25.8%, P < 0.01). Group S2 showed microbiological contamination in 50% (four of eight) and S3 in 100% of the experiments (eight of eight). Progressive motility of sexed sperm was significantly lower than that of unsorted sperm (S1, 48 +/- 12.0%; S2, 41 +/- 11.9%; S3, 39.0 +/- 9.9%; S4, 42 +/- 4.6%; P < 0.01; S5, 72 +/- 7.1% and S6, 64 +/- 9.3; P < 0.05 versus C 82 +/- 4.6%). The percentage of progressive motile spermatozoa showed a good correlation with the developmental capacity of blastocysts (r(2): >0.70), the regression parameter was significant (P < 0.01). Furthermore, with a straw containing 10 x 10(6) sexed spermatozoa significantly lower number oocytes was fertilized than with the same concentration of non-sexed sperm (P < 0.01). Our results demonstrate that the suitability of sperm sorting for in vitro fertilization (IVF) is lower than no sexed sperm. Our ultrastructural studies showed that blastocysts produced with flow-cytometrically sex-sorted spermatozoa possessed deviations in the number and structure of organelles like mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and nuclear envelope. These morphological alterations may be responsible for compromised development that observed in embryos produced with sex-sorted spermatozoa. Thus, we conclude that sperm sex sorting can markedly affect the efficiency of an IVF-programme.     

Detection of Brucella melitensis in semen using the polymerase chain reaction assay

An evaluation of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of Brucella melitensis DNA in bovine and ovine semen was performed. Since semen contains different components that inhibit PCR amplification, a protocol was used to purify Brucella-DNA from bovine and ovine semen samples prior to conducting amplification of the targeted DNA. When separated fractions of naturally Brucella contaminated semen were analyzed by the PCR, most of B. melitensis DNA were present in the seminal fluid and non-sperm fractions.The PCR examination results for detection of B. melitensis DNA in different semen fractions were compared with the results for traditional cultural methods of Brucella from semen. The PCR was more sensitive than the traditional cultural methods since it detected Brucella-DNA in 12 (10%) out of 120 semen samples while direct culture detected only 7 (5.8%) in the same semen samples. The limit of detection by PCR was 100 CFU/ml of semen. In addition, the results of PCR were available in one day, whereas isolation and identification of Brucella organisms required days or even weeks. The PCR may be used as a supplementary test for detection of B. melitensis in semen.     

Sexing of Dog Sperm by Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization

Effective preselection of sex has been accomplished in several species of livestock and also in humans using the flow cytometric sperm sorting method. A guaranteed high sorting accuracy is a key prerequisite for the widespread use of sperm sexing. The standard validation method is flow cytometric remeasurement of the DNA content of the sexed sperm. Since this method relies on the same instrument that produced the original sperm separation, it is not truly independent. Therefore, to be able to specifically produce either male or female offspring in the dog, we developed a method of direct visualization of sex chromosomes in a single sperm using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) as a validation method. Denaturation of canine spermatozoa by immersion in 1 M NaOH for 4 min yielded consistent hybridization results with over 97% hybridization efficiency and a good preservation of sperm morphology. There was no significant difference between the theoretical ratio (50:50) and the observed ratio of X- and Y-chromosome-bearing spermatozoa in any of the three dogs. In addition, the mean purities of flow-sorted sex chromosomes in spermatozoa of the three dogs were 90.8% for the X chromosome fraction and 89.6% for the Y chromosome fraction. This sorting was evaluated by using the dual color FISH protocol. Therefore, our results demonstrated that the FISH protocol worked reliably for both unsorted and sexed sperm samples.     

First Established Pregnancies in Mediterranean Italian Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) Following Deposition of Sexed Spermatozoa near the Utero Tubal Junction

At the time of AI following Ovsynch protocol, a total of 51 buffaloes were randomly divided in a first group (n = 30) subjected to conventional AI into the uterine body with 20 million non-sex sorted frozen-thawed spermatozoa, while a second group (n = 21) was inseminated near the utero-tubal junction (UTJ) ipsilateral to the ovary carrying the preovulatory follicle with 2.5 million live (4 million total) sex-sorted frozen-thawed spermatozoa. The semen used for flowcytometric sorting was collected and processed on a farm in Italy, and then shipped to a laboratory in Germany. Eleven buffaloes were inseminated with X-chromosome bearing spermatozoa and 10 with Y-chromosome bearing spermatozoa. Conception rates after conventional and UTJ inseminations were 43.3% (n = 13) and 42.8% (n = 9) respectively (p = 0.97). Eight of the nine foetuses obtained after insemination with sexed spermatozoa corresponded to the sex as predicted by the cell sorting procedure (five male and four female foetuses by ultrasound vs six male and three female foetuses by cell sorting). In conclusion, for the first time buffalo semen has been successfully subjected to procedures for flowcytometric sperm sorting and freezing. Low doses of sexed spermatozoa have been deposited near the UTJ giving conception rates similar to those of conventional AI with full dose.     

兔早期胚胎PCR性别鉴定体系的建立

根据兔SRY基因序列设计两对引物作为兔雄性特异性引物,根据兔APP基因序列设计1对引物作为内标引物,分别建立了兔早期胚胎性别鉴定的双重PCR和巢式PCR反应体系,在不同浓度的基因组DNA和兔早期胚胎上进行性别鉴定应用,同时,对兔SRY巢式PCR引物特异性进行了分析。结果表明,多重PCR扩增兔基因组DNA可以准确判定其性别,扩增灵敏度为100pg基因组DNA;多重PCR鉴定24枚兔32细胞桑椹胚性别,只能对整胚成功鉴定。巢式PCR,公兔基因组DNA扩增出282bp的SRY基因片段,母兔没有扩增产物,扩增灵敏度为10pg;对24枚兔32细胞桑椹胚性别鉴定结果表明,巢式PCR可以对少至4个胚胎细胞进行准确鉴定,同一胚胎结果符合率为100%(24/24)。SRY引物只对兔雄性基因组DNA特异,而其他动物(人、牛、绵羊、小鼠)雄性DNA及兔的冲卵液,均无PCR产物。     

Economic effects of using sexed semen in Japanese dairy herds

Dairy farm agricultural income should increase when sexed semen is used instead of unsexed semen. This study simulated three scenarios: using unsexed semen (N), using X sperm of Holstein and unsexed semen of Japanese Black (H), and using X sperm of Holstein and Y sperm of Japanese Black (HJ). Two management scenarios were considered: conventional management (CONV); and the use of Japanese Black semen with surplus cows to produce F₁s where sufficient replacement female Holstein calves were obtained for maintenance (MAINT). In CONV, the agricultural incomes of H and HJ were 610 000–2 400 000 yen higher than that of N. The agricultural income increased when the difference in the prices between Holstein males and average F₁ male/female calves was 34 000–50 000 yen, that between Holstein male and female calves was 80 000–110 000 yen, and that between F₁ male and female calves was 50 000–90 000 yen. Therefore, the agricultural income can be increased by using sexed semen to select calves of a more valued breed and sex.     

Applications of flow cytometry to artificial insemination: a review.

Flow cytometry is a technique in which sub-populations of cells can be analysed and separated according to the staining pattern seen with various fluorescent markers. This review describes some of the ways in which flow cytometry can be applied to the investigation of sperm populations, either as a means of quality control of semen or to examine the characteristics of different sub-populations of sperm within an ejaculate. These methods can replace or augment existing subjective assessments of semen characteristics. Using this technique it is possible to produce aliquots of sexed sperm for insemination or for in vitro fertilisation. An objective assessment can be made of the effects of environmental stress on male physiology by monitoring changes in semen quality.     

Sexing sperm of domestic animals

The ability to preselect or predetermine the sex of offspring prior to conception is a highly desired technological tool for assisted female breeding programs specifically for milk production, and in males, for meat production and increasing livestock numbers. The current technology is based on the well-known differences in X- and Y-sperm in the amount of DNA. The technology uses modified flow cytometric instrumentation for sorting X- and Y-bearing sperm. The method can be validated on the basis of live births, laboratory reanalysis of sorted sperm for DNA content, and embryo biopsy for sex determination. Currently, the sex of animals has been predetermined with 90 % accuracy by sexing spermatozoa. In the bovine breeding industry, flow cytometric sperm sexing has not fulfilled its original promise. Sexed sperm doses are too expensive for widespread application while the fertility of sexed sperm doses is lower than unsexed ones. Essentially all bovine sexed semen is frozen and then applied through artificial insemination (AI) or in vitro fertilization. There is still a need in the animal breeding industry to develop a technique for sperm sexing that provides sufficient spermatozoa for AI doses, does not compromise sperm fertility, and is widely applicable to a range of species. In this review, we will summarize the current state-of-the-art in sex preselection in domestic animals and some wildlife species using flow cytometric sperm-sorting of X from Y sperm based on DNA differences.     

使用流式细胞仪分离精子进行仔猪性别控制的研究

本研究旨在探索流式细胞仪分离精子在猪性别控制中的应用。使用流式细胞仪分离猪XY精子,而后通过母猪输卵管授精生产"预知"性别的仔猪,并使用吖啶橙染色法检测粗分离对精子核酸含量的影响。结果,成功利用分离获得的猪X和Y精子对母猪进行输卵管授精,母猪怀孕率、产仔率均为100%;输Y精子母猪产仔雄性率100%(♂6/6),对照母猪产仔雄性率57.14%(♂8/14);3头输X精子母猪产母仔率91.67%(♀11/12),对照母猪产雌性仔猪40%(♀2/5);使用性别分离精子不影响母猪的怀孕率、产仔率,但窝产仔数较低;吖啶橙染色法检测结果表明,流式细胞仪粗分离对猪精子核酸含量没有显著影响(P>0.05)。本研究结果提示,使用流式细胞仪分离精子授精可以有效改变仔猪的性别比例。本研究结果为猪分离精子性别控制技术的推广应用奠定了基础。     

猪性控精子纯度实时荧光定量PCR检测方法的建立

研究旨在利用实时荧光定量PCR法检测杜洛克猪性控精子，以期建立一种快速、准确且经济高效的性控精子纯度检测方法。选取位于猪Y染色体上的Y染色体性别决定区（sex-determining region Y，SRY）基因和位于X染色体上的A-激酶锚定蛋白4（A-kinase anchoring protein 4，AKAP4）基因，以猪耳组织样提取的基因组DNA为模板进行PCR扩增验证引物的特异性，利用胶回收试剂盒进行回收并质粒小提，将获得的两种质粒经检测后稀释至相同浓度（20 ng/μL），混合构建含有不同比例SRY和AKAP4基因的质粒模板，用于绘制检测精子纯度所用标准曲线的反应模板。分别使用SRY和AKAP4基因特异引物检测3个混合的X精子（P.x_gro1、P.x_gro2、P.x_gro3）和3个混合的Y精子（P.y_gro1、P.y_gro2、P.y_gro3）的纯度。结果显示，用SRY基因特异性引物检测P.x_gro1、P.x_gro2、P.x_gro3精子的纯度分别为91.44%、91.93%、88.99%，P.y_gro1、P.y_gro2、P.y_gro3精子的纯度分别为89.91%、87.31%、88.71%；用AKAP4基因特异性引物检测P.x_gro1、P.x_gro2、P.x_gro3精子的纯度分别为91.44%、91.93%、88.99%，P.y_gro1、P.y_gro2、P.y_gro3精子的纯度分别为89.91%、87.31%、88.71%；卡方适合性检验结果显示，两次检测结果之间差异不显著，表明使用这种方法进行精子纯度检测所得结果准确。本试验通过实时荧光定量PCR法准确检测了经流式细胞仪分选后的精子的纯度，建立了一种利用实时荧光定量PCR法检测猪精液中X精子和Y精子比例的新方法。     

奶牛性别鉴定的研究与应用

选取牛雄性性别决定基因SRY (sex region of Y chromosome),根据基因序列设计特异引物,应用PCR技术对5头荷斯坦奶牛DNA样品进行扩增,鉴定其性别;并对设计的引物灵敏度进行检测;对已有的公、母各20头荷斯坦奶牛DNA样品进行PCR盲检,获取奶牛高灵敏度特异性引物,用于奶牛性别鉴定。结果表明,4头公牛DNA样品可以扩增出目标条带(66 bp),1头母牛DNA样品无法扩增出条带,阴性对照扩增无条带;最佳引物灵敏度为1.6 pg/μL,可以很好地满足性别鉴定需要。40头个体中,20头个体DNA样品可以扩增出条带,其余20头个体DNA样品无法扩增出条带,检测结果与实际性别对比准确率为100%。试验结果表明,设计的引物灵敏度比较好,能够满足奶牛性别鉴定的需要。     

Characteristics of calves produced with sperm sexed by flow cytometry/cell sorting

The objectives of this study were to determine whether calves produced by sexed sperm differed from controls and to what extent the sex ratio of calves was altered by the sexing procedure. Data were collected from 1,169 calves produced from sperm sexed by flow cytometry/cell sorting after staining with Hoechst 33342, and 793 calves produced from control sperm during breeding trials between 1997 and 2001. Least squares ANOVA were completed using factors of treatment (sexed vs. control sperm), 19 management groups from 13 field trials, and calf sex. Responses analyzed include gestation length, birth weight, calving ease, calf vigor, weaning weight, abortion rate, and death rates (neonatal and through weaning). No significant difference was observed for any response due to treatment or treatment interactions (P > 0.10). Therefore, calves produced from sexed sperm grew and developed normally both pre- and postnatally. A neurological disorder was observed in four control calves and one sexed calf from one farm. No gross anatomical abnormalities were reported for any calves in the study. Differences were observed for all responses among management groups (P < 0.03 for abortions and P < 0.01 for all other responses). Heifer and bull calves differed (P < 0.001) in gestation length (278.4 and 279.6 d), birth weight (32.8 and 35.2 kg), calving ease (1.15 and 1.30), and weaning weight (233 and 247 kg). Gestation length did not affect characteristics of calves. The sex ratio at birth of calves from unsexed control sperm was 49.2% male. Sexing accuracy of X-sorted sperm was 87.8% female calves, and Y-sorted sperm produced 92.1% male calves. Flow cytometry/cell sorting can be used to preselect sex of calves safely with approximately 90% accuracy.