Tatsuo Kawarasaki

Arthroscopic, histological and MRI analyses of cartilage repair after a minimally invasive method of transplantation of allogeneic synovial mesenchymal stromal cells into cartilage defects in pigs

Background aims Transplantation of synovial mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) may induce repair of cartilage defects. We transplanted synovial MSCs into cartilage defects using a simple method and investigated its usefulness and repair process in a pig model. Methods The chondrogenic potential of the porcine MSCs was compared in vitro. Cartilage defects were created in both knees of seven pigs, and divided into MSCs treated and non-treated control knees. Synovial MSCs were injected into the defect, and the knee was kept immobilized for 10 min before wound closure. To visualize the actual delivery and adhesion of the cells, fluorescence-labeled synovial MSCs from transgenic green fluorescent protein (GFP) pig were injected into the defect in a subgroup of two pigs. In these two animals, the wounds were closed before MSCs were injected and observed for 10 min under arthroscopic control. The defects were analyzed sequentially arthroscopically, histologically and by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for 3 months. Results Synovial MSCs had a higher chondrogenic potential in vitro than the other MSCs examined. Arthroscopic observations showed adhesion of synovial MSCs and membrane formation on the cartilage defects before cartilage repair. Quantification analyses for arthroscopy, histology and MRI revealed a better outcome in the MSC-treated knees than in the non-treated control knees. Conclusions Leaving a synovial MSC suspension in cartilage defects for 10 min made it possible for cells to adhere in the defect in a porcine cartilage defect model. The cartilage defect was first covered with membrane, then the cartilage matrix emerged after transplantation of synovial MSCs.

Relaxin-like factor (RLF)/insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) is secreted from testicular Leydig cells as a monomeric protein comprising three domains B–C–A with full biological activity in boars

RLF (relaxin-like factor), also known as INSL3 (insulin-like peptide 3), is a novel member of the relaxin/insulin gene family that is expressed in testicular Leydig cells. Despite the implicated role of RLF/INSL3 in testis development, its native conformation remains unknown. In the present paper we demonstrate for the first time that boar testicular RLF/INSL3 is isolated as a monomeric structure with full biological activity. Using a series of chromatography steps, the native RLF/INSL3 was highly purified as a single peak in reverse-phase HPLC. MS/MS (tandem MS) analysis of the trypsinized sample provided 66% sequence coverage and revealed a distinct monomeric structure consisting of the B-, C- and A-domains deduced previously from the RLF/INSL3 cDNA. Moreover, the N-terminal peptide was four amino acid residues longer than predicted previously. MS analysis of the intact molecule and PMF (peptide mass fingerprinting) analysis at 100% sequence coverage confirmed this structure and indicated the existence of three site-specific disulfide bonds. RLF/INSL3 retained full bioactivity in HEK (human embryonic kidney)-293 cells expressing RXFP2 (relaxin/insulin-like family peptide receptor 2), the receptor for RLF/INSL3. Furthermore, RLF/INSL3 was found to be secreted from Leydig cells into testicular venous blood. Collectively, these results indicate that boar RLF/INSL3 is secreted from testicular Leydig cells as a B–C–A monomeric structure with full biological activity.

Profile of new green fluorescent protein transgenic Jinhua pigs as an imaging source

Animal imaging sources have become an indispensable material for biological sciences. Specifically, gene-encoded biological probes serve as stable and high-performance tools to visualize cellular fate in living animals. We use a somatic cell cloning technique to create new green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing Jinhua pigs with a miniature body size, and characterized the expression profile in various tissues/organs and ex vivo culture conditions. The born GFP-transgenic pig demonstrate an organ/tissue-dependent expression pattern. Strong GFP expression is observed in the skeletal muscle, pancreas, heart, and kidney. Regarding cellular levels, bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells, hepatocytes, and islet cells of the pancreas also show sufficient expression with the unique pattern. Moreover, the cloned pigs demonstrate normal growth and fertility, and the introduced GFP gene is stably transmitted to pigs in subsequent generations. The new GFP-expressing Jinhua pigs may be used as new cellular/tissue light resources for biological imaging in preclinical research fields such as tissue engineering, experimental regenerative medicine, and transplantation.

Rapid and simultaneous detection of chromosome Y- and 1-bearing porcine spermatozoa by fluorescence in situ hybridization

This study was carried out to develop a rapid and simultaneous detection system of chromosome Y‐ and 1‐bearing porcine spermatozoa by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Chromosome Y‐ and 1‐specific DNA probes were produced by polymerase chain reaction with digoxigenin (Dig)‐ or biotin‐dUTP. The hybridization probe mixture of labeled Y‐chromosome and chromosome 1‐specific DNA was applied to the preparation, immediately denatured at 75°C for 8 min, hybridized for 5 min at 37°C and overall FISH steps were done within a few hours. When double FISH with Dig‐labeled chromosome Y‐specific and biotin‐labeled chromosome 1‐specific probes was applied to sperm nuclei pretreated with dithiothreitol, the average of 50.9% of sperm nuclei had the Dig‐signal, 99.2% of the sperm nuclei had the biotin‐signal and the average of 0.3% of sperm nuclei showed no signal. The putative rate of Y‐bearing spermatozoa ranged from 49.8% to 52.8% among 5 boars and the average putative rate of Y‐bearing spermatozoa was 51.0%. The results indicated that a rapid and simultaneous FISH with chromosome Y‐ and 1‐specific porcine DNA probes produced by PCR made possible more accurate assessment of Y‐bearing porcine spermatozoa.

ISLETS FROM RATS AND PIGS TRANSGENIC FOR PHOTOGENIC PROTEINS.

Translational research is necessary for the development of efficient experimental animal models that can be used to develop innovative medical treatments, such as improvements in organ or tissue transplantation. We have developed animal models that produce photogenic proteins in their islet cells: rats models expressing the gene for luciferase or green fluorescent protein (GFP), and pig models expressing the gene for GFP or Kusabira-Orange. We also developed methods for preserving isolated islets in culture and showed that the fluorescence of the islets remains at usable levels for at least seven days. These models will enable transplanted islets to be visualized without the need for chemical reactions, and will be useful for research on the biology of islets as well as for the development of new transplantation methods.

The effect of estrogen administration during early pregnancy upon the survival of single implanted pig embryos.

In the present study, we investigated the influence of exogenous estrogen on embryo survival after transfer into prepubertal gilts in which estrus had been induced. In the first experiment, estrus was induced in prepubertal gilts by the administration of 1,000 IU of eCG and 750 IU of hCG every 72 h. Several blastocysts were recovered on d 6 (d 0 is the day of hCG administration), and 1 embryo was transferred to the tip of 1 side of the uterine horn on d 6 (Control). In treated groups, after embryo transfer, 5 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB) was administered on d 11 (EB5mg-1) or d 11, d 13, and d 15 (EB5mg-3) or d 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 (EB5mg-5) or 20 mg of estradiol dipropionate (EDP) was administered on d 11 (EDP20mg-1) or d 11 and d 14 (EDP20mg-2). Autopsy examinations were performed on d 53 to 60. Although nontreated gilts did not become pregnant, gilts in each of the estradiol-treated groups became pregnant. The greatest pregnancy rate (77.8%, 7/9) was obtained with EDP20mg-2 (EDP20mg-2 > control: P < 0.05). In a second experiment, 1 blastocyst was transferred to prepubertal gilts and treated with EDP20mg-2. Pregnancy in recipient pigs was confirmed by ultrasonography, and pigs were allowed to farrow. Embryo survival rate was high on d 30 of pregnancy (75%, 9/12) but had a tendency (P = 0.0995) to decline from d 30 to delivery (33.3%, 4/12). In a third experiment, prepubertal gilts were administered 5 mg of EDP on d 11 (EDB5mg-1) and d 11 and d 14 (EDP5mg-2). Autopsy examinations were performed on d 53 to 58. Pseudopregnancy rate was high for EDP5mg-2 (63.6%, 7/11) compared with EDP5mg-1 (0%, 0/11; P < 0.05). In a fourth experiment, prepubertal gilts were transferred 1 blastocyst and treated with EDP5mg-2. Pregnancy was confirmed in recipient pigs by ultrasonography, and pigs were subsequently allowed to farrow. Embryo survival rate remained unchanged from d 30 of pregnancy to delivery (66.7%; 8/12). One piglet died from dystocia, and 1 suffered from deformity involving double-breasted hooves and died 6 d after birth. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in survival rate on d 30 of pregnancy and weaning (50%, 6/12). Body weight at birth and at weaning did not differ from that reported in previous studies. In conclusion, this study showed that EDP5mg-2 treatment during early pregnancy leads to full-term development of a single embryo.

Segmental spinal dysgenesis with caudal agenesis in a Holstein calf

A rare complex dysraphic malformation, comprising segmental spinal dysgenesis with caudal agenesis, was found in a Holstein calf that was unable to stand and was slightly short at the lumbosacral spine with taillessness. The thoracolumbar and sacrococcygeal regions of the midline axial segments showed severe deformities. In the spinal cord, the thoracolumbar region showed severe constriction with myelodysplastic changes, and the sacrococcygeal region showed dorsoventral separation with connection to a neural mass. In the spine, vertebral anomalies according to the degree of the segmentation error were confirmed. The cervical and thoracic segments also showed milder dysraphic changes. These changes suggest a multisegmental causal insult impairing the early embryonic notochord. This represents the first bovine case definitively confirmed morphologically.