The number of antral follicles counted by ultrasound (AFC) is associated with fertility in cattle. Cows with higher follicle count (HFC) have higher performance in reproductive-assisted technologies than cows with lower follicle count (LFC). In this study, we aimed to define the preantral follicle count by histology and to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using a microarray in Nelore and Angus heifers with HFC and LFC. The ovaries of each animal were scanned with an ultrasound device 12-24 hours after estrus. The groups were formed based on the average number of total follicles (≥ 3 mm) counted ineach breed consistently ± the standard deviation. For the histological analysis, preantral follicles were counted and classified under a stereo microscope, and follicle density was determined. Microarray analysis was performed on pools of three follicles dissected from the ovaries of 15 Nelore (6 HFC and 9 LFC) and 17 Angus heifers (9 HFC and 8 LFC). Angus heifers have increased total and primordialfollicle density;Nelore heifers have increased antral follicle count. Different patterns of gene expression regulate follicle recruitment and development in Angus and Nelore heifersand may be associated with the different follicle densities observed in Angus vsNelore heifers. Furthermore, HFC heifers presented increased expression of genes associated with cellular development and metabolism. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

CFTR protein regulates electrolyte and fluid transport in almost all tissues with exocrine function, including male reproductive tract. Mutation of CFTR gene causes cystic fibrosis (CF), which affects the function of several organs, and impairs male fertility. The role of CFTR protein in different compartments of male reproductive tract (testis, epididymis, sperm) as well as an impact of CFTR mutation(s) on male fertility phenotype is discussed in relation with the choice of optimal technique for Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) management.

As global aquaculture continues to expand, increasing efforts are focusing on assisted reproductive technologies. This study sought to test whether salmon GnRH [D-Arg6, Pro9NEt]) analogue (sGnRHa) + domperidone injection at 0.25 mL/body weight (BW; 5-μg sGnRHa + 2.5-mg domperidone), 0.5 mL/kg BW (10-μg sGnRHa + 5-mg domperidone), or 1.0 mL/kg BW (20-μg sGnRHa + 10-mg domperidone) affects spawning performance and gamete quality in wild-caught Levantine scraper, Capoeta damascina. The ability of these treatments to elicit a response was further examined by in vivo stimulation of estradiol (E2) and 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP) and by its in vivo potency to induce oocyte maturation (OM). Females that received saline injection (control) did not spawn, whereas sGnRHa + domperidone induced ovulation and spawning across the hormonal gradient. Spawning success was highest with the 0.5 mL/kg dosage (80%) and female latency period decreased with increasing dosage. Females treated with 0.5 mL/kg had a significantly higher fecundity than those injected with 0.25 or 1.0 mL/kg. Mean oocyte diameter significantly increased in females treated with 0.5 or 1.0 mL/kg. Fertilization success, hatching rate, larvae morphology, and survival were not affected by hormonal treatment. At 12 h postinjection, E2 levels significantly declined in females treated with 0.5 or 1.0 mL/kg, whereas DHP levels significantly increased across the hormonal gradient. This steroidogenic shift is supported by histological analyses, where OM was accelerated by administration of sGnRHa + domperidone in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, the 0.5 mL/kg dosage of sGnRHa + domperidone is recommended for assisted reproduction of Levantine scraper.

Oocyte donation has played an increasingly important role in assisted reproductive technologies since the early 1980s. Over the past 30 years, unique legal standards have evolved to address issues in the oocyte donation procedure itself as well as the disputes over issues, such as parentage, that inevitably arise with new technologies, particularly for individuals seeking to build nontraditional families. This essay will explore oocyte donation's legal aspects as well as seminal law concerning the procedure, including statutory law (uniform and model provisions and enacted state laws) and selected judicial opinions concerning surrogacy and parentage, testing of oocyte donors, mix-ups of donated oocytes, and donor compensation.

This review examines the literature on the long-term outcomes for children and parents in families created through egg donation, focusing on child psychological adjustment, parental psychological health, and parent-child relationship quality. Where possible, outcomes were examined according to family disclosure status (i.e., whether or not the parents intended to tell/had told the child about their method of conception). The small body of empirical literature indicates that children and parents function well throughout childhood and into early adolescence, although there appear to be subtle differences in mother-child relationship quality. None of the differences found in relationship quality indicate problems in the mother-child relationship and instead reflect differences within the normal range.

One of the first steps towards a successful pregnancy is fertilization, where sperm and oocyte come together to form a zygote. In mammals, this process can occur in vitro, allowing assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to alleviate certain infertilities. ART - which includes in vitro fertilization and gamete donation - accounted for 1.7% of all US births in the US in 2015 (Sunderam et al. 2018). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.