Bcl-2/Bax protein and mRNA expression in yak (Bos grunniens) placentomes.

Placental function is complex and influenced by various factors; furthermore, it depends on a delicate balance between cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and cell death. Bcl-2 and Bax proteins are key apoptosis regulators and are considered to play an important role in the maintenance of both dynamic balance and integrity of many tissues. Changes in Bcl-2 and Bax expressions have been described during different developmental stages in normal human placentas.

Pure cultures and characterization of yak Sertoli cells.

The culture of primary Sertoli cells has become an important resource in the study of their function. However, their use is limited because of contamination of isolated cells with other testicular cells, mainly germ cells. The aim was to establish technique to obtain pure yak Sertoli cells as well as to study the growth kinetics and biological characteristics of Sertoli cells in vitro.

The expression of Fas/FasL and apoptosis in yak placentomes.

To clarify the status and distribution of Fas and Fas-Ligand (FasL) in yak's placentomes, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was carried out to analyze the expression and location of Fas and FasL in paraffin embedded sections. The area of positive stained sites was selected and measured using image analyses software (Image Pro-Plus 6.0).

Successful embryo transfer in Tianzhu white yak using standard protocol.

The present study was carried out to investigate the efficiency of superovulation, oestrus synchronization, and embryo recovery in Tianzhu white yaks and also to confirm the pregnancy rate of black yaks, to which embryos collected from white yaks were transplanted. Forty-seven yaks were selected from different experiment groups, including 10 Tianzhu white female yaks (donor, group A) and 37 black female yaks (recipient, groups B and C). Superovulation of the donor was induced by the application procedure of CIDR-B+FSH+PG.