Feline cumulus cells and oocytes show massive accumulation of lipid droplets and upregulation of PLIN2 expression after in vitro maturation.

This study investigates lipid content and expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism in feline cumulus cells and oocytes before and after in vitro maturation (IVM). Domestic cats represent valuable models in reproductive research, yet the efficiency of in vitro embryo production remains suboptimal, with contributing factors still under investigation. We characterized lipid droplets (LDs) in oocytes collected from adult queens, both before and after IVM, using confocal microscopy with Bodipy 493/503 staining.

Lack of causative mutation in the AMH and AMHR2 genes in a cat (38,XY) with persistent Mullerian duct syndrome (PMDS).

A 1-year-old European shorthair male cat with a normally developed penis was subjected to genetic, endocrinological and histological studies due to unilateral cryptorchidism. The blood testosterone level was typical for males, while the level of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) was very low. Surgical removal of internal reproductive organs was followed by a histological study, which revealed inactive testicles with neoplastic changes and derivatives of Mullerian ducts.

Raw diets for dogs and cats: Potential health benefits and threats.

Raw meat-based diets for pet nutrition are becoming increasingly popular. The percentage of meat content, composition of nutrients, and amount of additives started to play an important role in the recipe of a given food. However, the use of healthier and unprocessed food must also be balanced with the animal's specific needs based on its anatomy, physiology, and behavior.

Cytogenetic and molecular insight into the genetic background of disorders of sex development in seventeen cats.

The genetic background of feline disorders of sex development (DSDs) is poorly understood. We performed comprehensive cytogenetic, molecular, and histological studies of 17 cats with abnormal external genitalia, unusual behavior, or tricolor coats (atypical in males). The DSD phenotype of three cats was associated with sex chromosome abnormalities: X/Y translocation (38,XX), 37,X/38,XY mosaicism, and XX/XY leukocyte chimerism.

[The domestic cat as a research model in the assisted reproduction procedures of wild felids].

The assisted reproduction techniques are an essential part of endangered species conservation programs. All wild felids are threatened with extinction, and the domestic cat is a good and easily available model for research on wild felids. The procedures used in cats and wild felids include artificial insemination, oocytes collection from female and sperm collection from male, in vitro maturation of oocytes, in vitro fertilization by IVF and ICSI, embryo culture, embryo transfer, cryopreservation of gametes and embryos.