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Simple Summary: The early crosstalk between the ovulated oocytes and the oviduct occurs in the fimbria, which is sensitive to the sex hormone fluctuation. Morphological and molecular changes were investigated in the oviductal fimbria epithelium of the baboon (Papio hamadryas) during the menstrual cycle. A well-differentiated epithelium consisting of ciliated and nonciliated cells was present only during the preovulatory phase when the epithelial surface displayed acidic glycans, complex fucosylated N-glycans, and oligolactosamine residues. Nonciliated cells contained small apical protrusions and thin microvilli, suggesting secretory and absorptive activities. In addition, nonciliated cells expressed HSP60 and HSP90 in the apical blebs as well as nuclear estrogen and progesterone receptors. Interestingly, ciliated cells displayed HSP70, HSP90, and progesterone receptors in the cilia. The findings, in addition to adding to knowledge of the baboon oviduct, may represent a benchmark for translational studies of the primate oviduct, including humans. The oviductal fimbria is the first extraovarian anatomical structure that the cumulus–oocyte complex (COC) encounters, and is sensitive to sex hormone changes. The morphology, glycan pattern, expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs), estradiol receptor (ER), and progesterone receptor (PR) were investigated in the oviductal fimbria epithelium of the baboon (Papio hamadryas) during the menstrual cycle. The morphology was investigated by light and scanning electron microscopy; the glycopattern was characterized using conventional and lectin histochemistry; HSPs (60, −70, −90), ER, and PR were localized immunohistochemically. Well-differentiated ciliated and nonciliated cells were present only during the preovulatory phase. The nonciliated cells contained small apical protrusions and thin microvilli. During the preovulatory phase (1) the luminal surface of the fimbria displayed acidic glycans, complex N-glycans containing fucose, and oligolactosamine residues; (2) nonciliated cells expressed HSP60 and HSP90 in the apical blebs, HSP70 in the nucleus and cytoplasm, as well as nuclear ERα and PR; (3) ciliated cells showed HSP70 in the nucleus, cytoplasm, and cilia that also expressed HSP90 and PR. These results are related to the function of the fimbria where the early COC–oviduct crosstalk occurs and may represent a benchmark for translational studies of other primates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of HSPs in female reproductive and their relationship with the steroid hormone fluctuation have been reported in several mammals but not in non-human primates. The present research dealt with the oviductal expression and localization of the more studied HSPs (60, 70, and 90) as well as the morphological changes in the Hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas) during the follicular, preovulatory, and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. Therefore, western blots, histomorphological, and immunohistochemical analyses were carried out. The results of western blot analysis displayed the lowest HSP expression in the luteal phase. The histomorphology showed that the mucosal epithelium consisted of undifferentiated cuboidal cells in follicular and luteal phases and well-distinguishable columnar ciliated and non-ciliated cells during the preovulatory phase. Immunohistochemistry evidenced that the mucosal epithelium contained cytoplasmic and nuclear HSP60, 70, and 90 immunostaining in the follicular and luteal phases. During the preovulatory phase, the non-ciliated cells showed: (i) cytoplasmic HSP60; (ii) nuclear and cytoplasmic HSP90. Ciliated cells showed cytoplasmic and ciliary HSP70 and ciliary HSP90. The stromal cells and myocytes of muscular layer displayed a decreased cytoplasmic HSP60 in the preovulatory phase and nuclear and low cytoplasmic HSP70 throughout the menstrual cycle. Nuclear HSP90 decreased in ampulla stromal cells and the follicular phase myocytes. These findings indicate that the expression pattern of HSP60,70, and 90 is related to the morphofunctional features of the baboon oviductal ampulla during the menstrual cycle and could represent a referent point for further studies in the oviduct of Primates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The oviduct or Fallopian tube is the anatomical region where fertilization and early embryonic development take place. The morphology and activity of the epithelial cells are under the control of the sex hormone levels. The non-ciliated cells secrete oviduct-specific estrogen-dependent glycoproteins whose glycan component, despite its key role in the oviductal function, has not yet been studied in baboon species. This study examined the morphology and the glycan composition of the oviductal epithelium of the baboon Papio hamadryas during the menstrual cycle. Different segments of the laparoscopically removed oviducts from healthy adult females during the follicular, preovulatory, and luteal phases were processed. The stage of the menstrual cycle was based on the sex hormone levels and the vaginal cytology features. The morphological and glycopattern analyses revealed that in the epithelium lining, all the oviductal segments were taller, more differentiated, and richer in glycoconjugates during the preovulatory phase than in the follicular and luteal phases. A region-specific glycosylation pattern was also detected. These results provide an insight into the molecular differences occurring in the oviductal regions during the phases of the menstrual cycle of the baboon oviduct, which is a primate phylogenetically close to humans and whose reproductive tract is similar to that of women and influenced by the same hormonal events. The mammalian oviduct is a highly specialized structure where fertilization and early embryonic development occur. Its mucosal epithelium is involved in maintaining and modulating a dynamic intraluminal fluid. The oviductal epithelium consists of ciliated and non-ciliated (secretory) cells whose differentiation and activity are sex hormone-dependent. In this study, we investigated for the first time both the morphology and the glycan composition of baboon oviductal epithelium during the menstrual cycle. Oviducts were laparoscopically removed from 14 healthy adult female Papio hamadryas whose menstrual cycle phase was assessed based on the sex hormone levels and the vaginal cytology features. Histological investigations were carried out on fimbriae, infundibulum, ampulla, and isthmus separately fixed in 4% (v/v) paraformaldehyde, embedded in paraffin wax, and stained with hematoxylin-eosin for morphological analyses and using a panel of nine fluorescent lectins for glycoconjugate characterization. The histomorphological analysis revealed that in the entire oviduct (i) the ciliated and non-ciliated cells were indistinguishable during the follicular and luteal phases, whereas they were highly differentiated during the preovulatory phase when the non-ciliated cells exhibited apical protrusions, (ii) the epithelium height was significantly higher in the preovulatory phase compared to other menstrual phases, and (iii) the number of ciliated cells significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased from the fimbriae to the infundibulum and progressively reduced in the other oviductal segments with the lower presence of ciliated cells in the isthmus. The glycan characterization revealed a complex and region-specific composition during the different phases of the menstrual cycle. It can be summarized as follows: (i) high-mannosylated N-linked glycans (Con A reactivity) were present throughout the oviductal epithelium during the entire menstrual cycle and characteristically in the apical protrusions of non-ciliated cells of the ampulla during the preovulatory phase; (ii) sialoglycans with α2,3-linked sialic acids (MAL II binding) were expressed along the entire oviductal surface only during the preovulatory phase, whereas α2,6-linked ones (SNA affinity) were also detected in the surface of the luteal phase, although during the preovulatory phase they were characteristically found in the glycocalyx of the isthmus cilia, and O-linked sialoglycans with sialic acids linked to Galβl,3GalNAc (T antigen) (KsPNA) and terminal N-acetylgalactosamine (Tn antigen) (KsSBA) were found in the entire oviductal surface during all phases of the menstrual cycle; (iii) GalNAc terminating O-linked glycans (HPA staining) were mainly expressed in the entire oviducts of the luteal and preovulatory phases, and characteristically in the apical protrusions of the isthmus non-ciliated cells of the preovulatory phase; and (iv) fucosylated glycans with α1,2-linked fucose (LTA reactivity) occurred in the apical surface of fimbriae during the luteal phase, whereas α1,3/4-linked fucose (UEA I binders) were present in the apical protrusions of the ampulla non-ciliated cells and in the apical surface of isthmus during the preovulatory phase as well as in the isthmus apical surface of follicular-phase oviducts. These results demonstrate for the first time that morphological and glycan changes occur in the baboon oviductal epithelium during the menstrual cycle. Particularly, the sex hormone fluctuation affects the glycan pattern in a region-specific manner, probably related to the function of the oviductal segments. The findings add new data concerning baboons which, due to their anatomical similarity to humans, make an excellent model for female reproduction studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study evaluated two vessel-sealing devices for dissecting ovaries in adult obese African lionesses undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy. We evaluated the surgery time the intra- and postoperative complications. The results of our study confirmed the significant advantages of employing the Caiman 12 vessel-sealing device in comparison with the LigaSure Atlas in terms of the time needed to complete ovariectomy, although both instruments could be considered safe. The use of the Caiman 12 is recommended when performing laparoscopic ovariectomies in adults with obesity. To evaluate two vessel-sealing devices with different jaw lengths for dissecting ovaries in adult obese African lionesses undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy. Twelve lionesses (n = 12) were recruited. The surgical procedures were performed through three portals, with a retractor platform positioned at the umbilical port and cannulas placed 3–4 cm cranial and caudal to the device at the level of the midline. Ovariectomy was performed using a vessel-sealing device according to a randomization list. We evaluated the surgery time the intra- and postoperative complications. The total surgery time was 49.3 min (range 40–61 min) in the Atlas group and significantly lower in the Caiman group (mean 31.8 min, range 26–51 min). The installation phase was similar between the groups. The ovariectomy time was significantly lower in the Caiman group (mean 7.8 min, range 4–11 min) than in the Atlas group (mean 20 min, range 16–30 min). Controlled bleeding was observed at the tip of the uterine horn in two cases in the Atlas group. No other complications were noted. The results of our study confirmed the significant advantages of employing the Caiman 12 vessel-sealing device in comparison with the LigaSure Atlas in terms of the time needed to complete ovariectomy, although both instruments could be considered safe. The use of the Caiman 12 is recommended when performing laparoscopic ovariectomies in adults with obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of Lippia citriodora extract on selected blood parameters and on plasma oxidative markers in Avelignese horses was evaluated. Twenty‐four horses were divided into three groups, consisting of eight animals each. Results of two experimental groups, 0.5 mg of verbascoside per kg of metabolic body weight (bw0.75) in the low‐dose group (LVB) and 1.0 mg of verbascoside per kg of metabolic body weight (bw0.75) in the high‐dose group (HVB), were compared to the control group (CON). Groups fed L. citriodora extract (HVB and LVB) showed a significant decrease in triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (p < .01), bilirubin, and transaminases (p < .05), and an increase in HDL cholesterol (p < .01) compared to the CON group. Oxidative status was improved due to significant decrease in plasma concentration of ROMs and TBARS (p < .01) and increase in levels of vitamin A and vitamin E (p < .01). Based on obtained results, it is assumed that dietary supplementation with L. citriodora extract might find a useful application in horse feeding, with positive impact observed in blood parameters and plasma oxidative markers, with beneficial effects on the physiological welfare of livestock animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of dietary supplementation of verbascoside and lycopene, alone and in combination, on some blood parameters, plasma oxidative status and meat quality traits in intensively reared rabbits were investigated. The test lasted 60 days and was conducted on 200 weaned‐rabbits, divided into four groups of 50 animals each (5 animals each cage × 10 repetitions). The control group (CON) received a fattening feed without any feed supplements, whereas the experimental groups received the following: the first, an integration in 22 g of PLX®23 (Lippia citriodora extract; VB group) per ton of feed; the second, an integration in 100 g of LycoBeads® (Solanum lycopersicum extract; LIC group) per ton of feed; and the third, an integration of both feed supplements in combination at the same doses (LIC+VB group). The dietary supplementation with Lippia citriodora and Solanum lycopersicum resulted in an improvement of the blood lipid profile, oxidative plasma markers, and hepatic and renal activity of treated growing rabbits. Feed additives also produced meat with a lower content in SFA and an increased PUFA content, and inhibited the lipid oxidation improving the oxidative stability of rabbit meat. The dietary supplementation, even reporting no effects on productive parameters and carcass yield, showed an improvement on several blood parameters, as indicator of animal welfare, and on quality and healthy meat markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The follicular development in the cow occurs in a wave-like pattern, and it takes place also during pregnancy. In the cow, Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin (eCG) is used for superovulation, but a decrease in total fertility has been reported, likely because of its immunogenic properties in species other than equine. In this regard, immune response has been implicated in follicular growth, ovulation, and placental development. So, aims of our study are to test the safety of eCG administered during pregnancy and characterize the ovarian activity, the quality of oocytes, the hormonal status, and interleukin levels in eCG-treated pregnant cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]