Developmental and family history-based analysis of congenital fused labia phenotype in the captive common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus).

Background: Congenital fused labia (CFL) is defined as a failure or significant delay in the opening of the juvenile sealed labia majora. This phenotype is known to be variably common in adult captive female marmosets but has never been investigated in detail before.

Materials And Methods: Here, we define, describe and quantify the variations in the degree of closure of the vulva in 122 captive marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) from 1.

A retrospective analysis of adverse effects of an in vivo fluoroquinolone antibiotic enrofloxacin treatment on oocyte quality in the common marmoset.

Here we report a retrospective analysis of negative effects of routine enrofloxacin treatment of recurrent diarrhea on the ovary and the developing oocytes of the common marmoset, a small New World primate. The most deleterious effect on oocytes was observed about two months post treatment suggesting that the enrofloxacin effect is on early growing follicles. Manifestations of toxicity included decreased numbers of growing follicles and recovered culturable oocytes, as well as signs of early atresia of granulosa cells.

Detection of cross-sex chimerism in the common marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus) in interphase cells using fluorescence in situ hybridisation probes specific for the marmoset X and Y chromosomes.

Chimerism associated with placental sharing in marmosets has been traditionally analysed using conventional chromosome staining on metaphase spreads or polymerase chain reaction. However, the former technique requires the presence of proliferating cells, whereas the latter may be associated with possible blood cell contamination. Therefore, we aimed to develop a single-cell analysis technique for sexing marmoset cells.

Body weight-associated differences in ovarian morphology in captive common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus).

In captivity, Callithrix jacchus (common marmoset) is on average heavier than their wild-living counterparts, and has a tendency to produce triplet litters rather than the normal twins. To provide initial basic information about possible weight-related differences among the ovaries, a morphometric study of follicular phase ovaries from 48 young adult marmosets has been carried out. Nearly 90% of these ovaries were found to contain some degree of luteal tissue composed of large and/or small cells.

Critical estradiol dose optimization for oocyte in vitro maturation in the common marmoset.

The aim of the present study was to critically evaluate the effect of different concentrations of estradiol (E2) during IVM of common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) oocytes from antral follicles. The doses tested were 0, 0.1, 1, or 10 μg/mL E2 (referred to as 0 E2, 0.

Semen characteristics of captive common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus): a comparison of a German with a Brazilian colony.

Background: The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is of interest for reproductive studies because of their high and variable fertility in captivity. However, to understand this variability, much basic information still needs to be gathered. This study is the first to characterize marmoset semen comparing a German and a Brazilian colony.

Gross morphometry of the heart of the Common marmoset.

The Callithrix jacchus is a Brazilian endemic species that has been widely used as an experimental model in biomedical research. Anatomical data are necessary to support experimental studies with this species. Eleven hearts of C.

Numerical chromosome disorders in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)--comparison between two captive colonies.

Background: Chromosomal analyses were performed for marmosets from two colonies - Deutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ) and Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC). Chlorine-based disinfectants are used in DPZ; no chemical disinfection is applied in BPRC.

Methods: The rates of chromosomal non-disjunction, polyploidy and endoreduplication were investigated after G-banding.

Sperm head morphometry in ejaculates of adult marmosets (Callithrix jacchus): a model for studying sperm subpopulations and among-donor variations.

In humans and other mammals, sperm morphology has been considered one of the most important predictive parameters of fertility. The objective was to determine the presence and distribution of sperm head morphometric subpopulations in a nonhuman primate model (Callithrix jacchus), using an objective computer analysis system and principal component analysis (PCA) methods to establish the relationship between the subpopulation distribution observed and among-donor variation. The PCA method revealed a stable number of principal components in all donors studied, that represented more than 85% of the cumulative variance in all cases.

Variations of chromatin, tubulin and actin structures in primate oocytes arrested during in vitro maturation and fertilization--what is this telling us about the relationships between cytoskeletal and chromatin meiotic defects?

A nonhuman primate model was applied to investigate the relationships between variations in the organization of microtubules, microfilaments, and chromatin in metaphase I and metaphase II oocytes. Marmoset oocytes were subjected to in vitro maturation and coincubation with sperm. Oocytes which failed to cleave were investigated for chromatin, tubulin, and actin using Hoechst 33258, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled alpha-tubulin antibody and rhodamine-labeled phalloidin, respectively.

Quantification of ZP1, ZP2 and ZP3 mRNA of marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus) oocytes from periantral and antral follicles.

In mammals, the oocyte and preimplantation embryo are protected by the zona pellucida (ZP) consisting mainly of ZP glycoproteins, which are responsible for sperm binding, induction of the acrosome reaction and zona pellucida hardening to prevent polyspermia. The ZP proteins become increasingly important as possible predictors for in vitro cultured oocytes competence. As little is known about the stage-dependent expression of ZP1, ZP2 and ZP3 in marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus) oocytes, mRNA expression was investigated with real-time RT-PCR.

A case report of spontaneous opening of congenitally fused labia in a female common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) followed by pregnancy and birth of twins.

A first case of spontaneous opening of congenitally fused labia (CFL phenotype) in a captive common marmoset followed by pregnancy and birth is presented here. The occurrence of this phenotype has been previously published in captive marmosets, but so far the etiology is unknown.

Protamine-1 represents a sperm specific gene transcript: a study in Callithrix jacchus and Bos taurus.

Spermatozoa are transcriptionally inactive cells, but contain acetylated histones, normally a characteristic of transcriptionally active cells. Acetylgroups are thought to represent epigenetic marks that are transmitted to the oocyte and are involved in starting gene expression in the zygote and in regulating gene expression during early embryogenesis. We performed reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in the common marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus) and in bovine spermatozoa, oocytes, zygotes, two- and four-cell embryos to evaluate the presence of specific transcripts known to play a role during fertilisation and early embryo development, namely protamine-1 (PRM1), protamine-2 (PRM2), histone H1 (H1), histone H3 (H3), histone H4 (H4), cAMP-responsive element modulator (CREM), DNA methyltransferase-1 (DNMT1), TATA box-binding protein (TBP).

Epidermal growth factor effects on marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus) oocyte in vitro maturation, IVF and embryo development are altered by gonadotrophin concentration during oocyte maturation.

Background: This is the first study of the effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on marmoset monkey oocytes matured in vitro.

Methods: We have evaluated the effects of 10 ng/ml EGF in combination with 1 or 10 IU/ml of gonadotrophins (FSH/hCG 1:1 ratio) during in vitro maturation (IVM) of marmoset oocytes. Immature cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were retrieved from ovarian antral follicles of unprimed monkeys.

Rapidly evolving marmoset MSMB genes are differently expressed in the male genital tract.

Background: Beta-microseminoprotein, an abundant component in prostatic fluid, is encoded by the potential tumor suppressor gene MSMB. Some New World monkeys carry several copies of this gene, in contrast to most mammals, including humans, which have one only. Here we have investigated the background for the species difference by analyzing the chromosomal organization and expression of MSMB in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus).

Effects of ovarian stimulation, with and without human chorionic gonadotrophin, on oocyte meiotic and developmental competence in the marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus).

A reliable ovarian stimulation protocol for marmosets is needed to enhance their use as a model for studying human and non-human primate oocyte biology. In this species, a standard dose of hCG did not effectively induce oocyte maturation in vivo. The objectives of this study were to characterize ovarian response to an FSH priming regimen in marmosets, given without or with a high dose of hCG, and to determine the meiotic and developmental competence of the oocytes isolated.

The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) has two very similar semenogelin genes as the result of gene conversion.

The semen coagulum proteins have undergone substantial structural changes during evolution. In primates, these seminal vesicle-secreted proteins are known as semenogelin I (SEMG1) and semenogelin II (SEMG2). Previous studies on the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) showed that ejaculated semen from this New World monkey contains semenogelin, but it remained unclear whether it carries both genes or only SEMG1 and no SEMG2, like the closely related cotton-top tamarin (Saguinus oedipus).

Effects of human pituitary FSH isoforms on mouse follicles in vitro.

The effects of human FSH glycoforms on mouse follicle development and function in vitro were analysed, and an attempt was made to relate markers of follicular maturation to the expression of immunolocalized connexin (Cx) 43 and Cx26-based gap junctions. Three FSH fractions comprising discrete pI ranges [7.10-5.

Cryopreservation of human embryos.

Cryopreservation of human embryos from the 2-cell stage up to the morula stage is a safe procedure which has been carried out for the last 25 years. Experience with blastocyst cryopreservation is still limited and pregnancy rates after the use of frozen, thawed blastocysts vary extremely. Vitrification has improved the success of embryo cryopreservation.

Meiotic abnormalities in in vitro-matured marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus) oocytes: development of a non-human primate model to investigate causal factors.

Background: Meiotic abnormalities are thought to be a major causal factor of low embryo development rates, for embryos developed from in vitro-matured oocytes. A new non-human primate model, in the common marmoset, is being developed to facilitate investigation of the mechanisms involved.

Methods: Oocytes were dissected from antral follicles from three size classes.

Comparison of the effects of Percoll and PureSperm on the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) semen.

Density gradient centrifugation is a widely used technique for the separation of motile from non-motile sperm, for the removal of contaminating agents such as bacteria and viruses, and for the removal of seminal plasma or cryoprotectant. In the choice of a density gradient medium for a new species, it is important to perform toxicity tests. The present study was carried out to evaluate the potential toxic effects of two silica-based density gradient products (Percoll and PureSperm), on the sperm of the common marmoset.

Ejaculates from the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) contain semenogelin and beta-microseminoprotein but not prostate-specific antigen.

Human seminal plasma contains high concentrations of prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), beta-microseminoprotein (MSP), semenogelin I (SgI), and semenogelin II (SgII), whereas only PAP and MSP are present in rodents. In order to gain a better understanding of the evolution and function of semen proteins, we have studied ejaculates from the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)-a New World monkey. Semen samples were analyzed with SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and isoelectric focusing.

Localization and synthesis of zona pellucida proteins in the marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus) ovary.

In most species, the zona pellucida (ZP), an extracellular matrix surrounding the mammalian oocyte, is composed of three glycoproteins: ZPA, ZPB and ZPC. Based mainly on results with mice, the site of zona pellucida biosynthesis has been suggested to be exclusively in the oocyte cytoplasm. However, evidence is accumulating that among various species cumulus/granulosa cells may be involved.

Oocyte-sperm interaction in the course of IVF: a scanning electron microscopy analysis.

Interaction between the spermatozoon and the zona pellucida during the first steps of fertilization was analysed on approximately 500 polyploid and unfertilized IVF oocytes by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Oocytes demonstrate high inter- and intra-individual variations in size and morphology which do not correlate either with the maturity of the oocytes or with the age of the women. During gamete interaction, corona radiata cells are widely dispersed around the zona but are still in contact with it through cytoplasmic filaments.