Urokinase-type plasminogen activator does not affect in vitro bovine embryo development and quality

Abstract

The effects of modification of the in vitro embryo culture media (IVC) with the addition of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) on the yield and/or quality of bovine embryos were examined in two experiments. In Experiment 1, denuded embryos were cultured in semi-defined synthetic oviductal fluid (SOF) for seven days, while in Experiment 2 embryos were co-cultured with cumulus cell monolayer in a serum-containing SOF medium. Plasminogen activator activity (PAA) and plasminogen activator inhibition (PAI) were determined in all spent IVC media. At the activity used (5 IU/ml), u-PA had no effect either on in vitro embryo production rates or on embryo quality as revealed by gene expression analysis of 10 important mRNA transcripts related to apoptosis, oxidation, implantation and metabolism. PAA and PAI analysis indicated the need for wellbalanced plasminogen activators and inhibitors as a culture environment for embryo development. However, more research is needed to unveil the mechanism by which u-PA is involved in in vitro embryo production systems.

Exogenous activation and inhibition of plasminogen/plasmin activity during in vitro maturation of bovine cumulus‐oocyte complexes: A biological and spectroscopic approach

“…In contrast, the inclusion of PLAT during IVF affects embryonic development and reduces cleavage and yield (Krania et al, 2014). Considering all these observations, the present results agree with the conclusions of Krania et al (2015), who highlighted the fact that a balanced activity between PLG activators and inhibitors is required to ensure the success of IVP in bovines.…”

“…Their results support the hypothesis that members of the PAS participate at different levels during the various steps of early embryonic development in vitro. Moreover, the inclusion of exogenous PLAU in the in vitro bovine embryo culture medium does not affect either embryo yield or its quality (Krania et al, 2015). In contrast, the inclusion of PLAT during IVF affects embryonic development and reduces cleavage and yield (Krania et al, 2014).…”