Animal Models and Human Reproduction

Our knowledge of reproductive biology has increased enormously in recent years on cellular, molecular, and genetic levels, leading to significant breakthroughs that have directly benefitted in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in humans and animal systems. Animal Models and Human Reproduction presents a comprehensive reference that reflects the latest scientific research being done in human reproductive biology utilizing domestic animal models. Chapters on canine, equine, cow, pig, frog, and mouse models of reproduction reflect frontier research in placental biology, ovarian function and fertility, non-coding RNAs in gametogenesis, oocyte and embryo metabolism, fertilization, cryopreservation, signal transduction pathways, chromatin dynamics, epigenetics, reproductive aging, and inflammation. Chapters on non-human primate models also highlight recent advancements into such issues as human in vitro fertilization (IVF) and assisted reproductive technologies (ART). This book offers animal scientists, reproductive biology scientists, clinicians and practitioners, invaluable insights into a wide range of issues at the forefront of human reproductive health.

Auteur
About the Editors
Heide Schatten Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, USA
Gheorghe M. Constantinescu Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, USA

Contenu

List of Contributors xv

1 Anatomy of the Reproductive System 1
Gheorghe M. Constantinescu

1.1 Male Genital Organs in Domestic Mammals 1

1.2 Female Genital Organs in Domestic Mammals 5

1.3 The Genital System in Domestic Mammals Species by Species 9

1.4 Genital Organs in Laboratory Mammals 35

References 56

2 Anatomy of Mammalian (Endocrine) Glands Controlling the Reproduction 59
Gheorghe M. Constantinescu

2.1 The Hypothalamus Including the Hypophysis 59

2.2 The Cerebral Epiphysis 61

2.3 The Thyroid Gland 61

2.4 The Adrenal Glands 62

2.5 The Sexual Glands 63

2.6 The Liver 63

References 63

3 Models for Investigating Placental Biology 65
Laramie Pence and Bhanu P. Telugu

3.1 Introduction 65

3.2 Classification of Placenta 66

3.3 Development of Human Placenta 69

3.4 Modeling Placental Development and Diseases of Placental Origin 73

3.5 Summary 82

References 82

4 Early Developmental Programming of the Ovarian Reserve, Ovarian Function, and Fertility 91
Francesca Mossa, Siobhàn W. Walsh, Alex C.O. Evans, Fermin Jimenez-Krassel, and James J. Ireland

4.1 Introduction 91

4.2 Impact of Prenatal Environmental Challenges on Fetal Oogonia (Germ Cells) 92

4.3 Impact of Prenatal Environmental Challenges on Fetal Follicle/Oocyte Numbers (Healthy versus Atretic) and Oocyte Quality 94

4.4 Impact of Prenatal Environmental Challenges on the Ovarian Reserve (Total Number of Morphologically Healthy Follicles/Oocytes in Ovaries) in Offspring 95

4.5 Impact of Prenatal Environmental Challenges on Ovarian Function (e.g., Pituitary Gonadotropin Secretion, Ovarian Hormone/Growth Factor Production, Response to Gonadotropins, Follicle Development, Irregular Reproductive Cycles, and Ovulation Rate) in Offspring 98

4.6 Impact of Prenatal Environmental Challenges on Fertility (as Measured by Conception Rates, Fecundity, or Age at Puberty or Menopause) in Offspring 100

4.7 Summary and Conclusion 101

References 102

5 Small Non-Coding RNAS in Gametogenesis 109
Lukasz Smorag and D. V. Krishna Pantakani

5.1 Small Non-Coding RNAs 109

5.2 Function of sncRNAs in Gametogenesis 109

Acknowledgment 119

References 119

6 The Ovarian Follicle of Cows as a Model for Human 127
Marc-André Sirard

6.1 Introduction 127

6.2 A Similar Physiology of Folliculogenesis 128

6.3 Assisted Reproduction 131

6.4 Testing the Competence Hypothesis 136

6.5 Conclusion 136

References 136

7 Production of Energy and Determination of Competence: Past Knowledge, Present Research, and Future Opportunities in Oocyte and Embryo Metabolism 145
Jason R. Herrick, Elena Silva, and Rebecca L. Krisher

7.1 Introduction 145

7.2 Measuring Metabolism 145

7.3 The Relationship Between Oocyte Metabolism and Quality 148

7.4 Embryo Metabolism 152

7.5 Metabolic Biomarkers 157

7.6 Toward Personalized Culture Media: Formulating Media for Specific Maternal Conditions 158

7.7 Summary 161

References 162

8 Signal Transduction Pathways in Oocyte Maturation 177
François J. Richard, Nicolas Santiquet, Annick Bergeron, and Daulat Raheem Khan

8.1 Introduction 177

8.2 Phosphodiesterase 181

8.3 Gap Junction Communications 192

8.4 Metabolic Switch (AMPK) 193

8.5 Conclusion 198

References 198

9 Pig Models of Reproduction 213
B.R. Mordhorst and R.S. Prather

9.1 Introduction 213

9.2 Early Embryonic Development 213

9.3 Oocyte Maturation 215

9.4 Fertilization 216 9.5 Tubouterine Contractility 216</p&...