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Establishment of superovulation procedure in Japanese field vole, Microtus montebelli
Atsuko Kageyama1, Minako Tanaka2, Mami Morita2
1Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine and Life Science, Graduate School, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
Japanese field vole (Microtus montebelli) is a wild-derived rodent and have unique characteristic. Thus, these species have been expected as model animal. This study was performed to develop novel superovulation procedure for Japanese field vole. First, when 30 IU pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and 30 IU human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) were administrated 48 hours apart, females showed higher response to hCG compared with three concentrations of PMSG. Second, to effectively induce ovulation on females after vaginal opening, they were mated with vasectomized male instead of hCG administration. Average number of ovulated oocytes using PMSG mating (13.9 ± 1.9 oocytes) was higher than PMSG-hCG (control; 6.9 ± 2.3 oocytes) or PMSG-hCG mating (6.8 ± 0.8 oocytes). Finally, we attempted superovulation using GnRH agonist (GnRHa). With this treatment, we speculated that GnRHa might induce endogenous luteinizing hormone releasing to cause ovulation. Such superovulation was performed with 30 IU PMSG and different concentration of 20% polyvinylpyrrolidone-GnRHa (15, 30, 45, and 60 μg/kg). As results, average number of ovulated oocytes was highest with 30 μg/kg GnRHa (14.5 ± 4.1 oocytes). The numbers of ovulated oocytes of other concentrations were 5.0 ± 1.4 (15 μg/kg), 12.8 ± 2.7 (45 μg/kg), and 8.8 ± 3.7 oocytes (60 μg/kg). Nuclear status of most collected oocytes was the second meiotic division (range, 94.3%-100%). These superovulation procedures will be useful for development of in vitro culture systems and assisted reproductive technologies for not only Japanese field vole but also other voles.
Insights
This study developed new superovulation methods for Japanese field voles, a potential model animal. Mating with a vasectomized male or using a GnRH agonist resulted in significantly more ovulated oocytes compared to traditional hormone treatments.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Animal models
- Mammalian reproduction
Background:
- Japanese field voles (Microtus montebelli) possess unique characteristics making them valuable as model organisms.
- Developing efficient reproductive technologies is crucial for utilizing these voles in research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish novel and effective superovulation procedures for the Japanese field vole.
- To optimize hormone treatments for maximizing oocyte yield in this species.
Main Methods:
- Administered pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMSG) followed by either human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or mating with vasectomized males.
- Investigated superovulation using PMSG combined with varying doses of a GnRH agonist (GnRHa).
- Assessed the number of ovulated oocytes and their meiotic status.
Main Results:
- Mating with vasectomized males after PMSG administration yielded an average of 13.9 oocytes, significantly higher than the PMSG-hCG control (6.9 oocytes).
- Superovulation using PMSG and 30 μg/kg GnRHa resulted in the highest average oocyte yield (14.5 oocytes).
- Over 94% of collected oocytes were at the second meiotic division stage, indicating suitability for further use.
Conclusions:
- Novel superovulation protocols using mating or GnRH agonists are effective for Japanese field voles.
- These methods enhance oocyte retrieval, supporting the development of in vitro culture and assisted reproductive technologies.
- The developed procedures hold promise for applications in Japanese field voles and potentially other vole species.
