Extracellular Vesicles and Reproductive Mechanisms: the Rabbit as an Animal Model
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The aim of this teaching is to provide students with the basic knowledge on the physiology of reproduction and alterations in the reproductive process that can induce hypofertility in both male and female rabbits. Presentation of techniques used in experimental trials for the synchronization of estrus, ovulation, induction of luteolysis, artificial insemination as well as for the recovery of seminal material, egg cells, embryos, reproductive organs hypothalamus and pituitary.
Moreover, the aim of this teaching is to review all processes of reproductive biology in the light of new knowledge of paracrine communication mechanisms through extra-cellular vesicles, and to give the student the essential knowledge on morphological and molecular responses to environmental stresses in the field of domestic animal reproduction. Evidence will be given to the impact of environmental stressors on gametes and preimplantation embryos and how these might contribute to adverse reproductive outcomes, with reference to the rabbit as an animal model.
Moreover, the aim of this teaching is to review all processes of reproductive biology in the light of new knowledge of paracrine communication mechanisms through extra-cellular vesicles, and to give the student the essential knowledge on morphological and molecular responses to environmental stresses in the field of domestic animal reproduction. Evidence will be given to the impact of environmental stressors on gametes and preimplantation embryos and how these might contribute to adverse reproductive outcomes, with reference to the rabbit as an animal model.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the student must demonstrate that he has assimilated the main physiological and molecular mechanisms of an in vivo and in vitro embryonic production system in view of the new knowledge of paracrine communication mediated by extra-cellular vesicles and the possible alteration due to stressors.
His autonomy of judgment will be expressed in the ability to critically interpret the literature on the subject and it is expected that the ability to express himself with scientific terminology will be improved by this exercise.
His autonomy of judgment will be expressed in the ability to critically interpret the literature on the subject and it is expected that the ability to express himself with scientific terminology will be improved by this exercise.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Course syllabus
Module 1: the rabbit as an animal model for studying reproductive processes: pathophysiology, experimental techniques, and translational aspects.
VET/02 -
Lezioni: 18 ore
Docente: Gabriele Brecchia
PROGRAMME
- Female gonadal axis hormones, their functions and actions in the female rabbit;
- Physiology of the estrous cycle of the female rabbit and possible control interventions (synchronization, ovulation and induction of luteolysis);
- Evaluation of the physiological processes that occur from artificial insemination to lactation of the female rabbit (fertilization, implantation, pregnancy and delivery);
- Factors that influence female rabbit fertility;
- Gonadal axis hormones and accessory glands of the male rabbit;
- Physiology of spermatogenesis in male rabbit;
- Factors that influence rabbit buck fertility;
- Collection of semen from the male rabbit and its evaluation;
- Blood and urine sampling and collection of the reproductive organs and nerve components of the gonadal axis in the rabbit.
Module 2: Role of extracellular vesicles in gamete maturation, fertilization, and embryo implantation: application aspects in the rabbit as an animal model
VET/10 -
Lezioni: 18 ore
Docente: Anna Lange Consiglio
PROGRAMME
· Extracellular vesicles;
· Extracellular vesicles and sperm maturation;
· Extracellular vesicles, communication in the ovarian follicle and oocyte maturation;
· Extracellular vesicles in fertilization;
· Extracellular vesicles and paracrine communication among embryos;
· Extracellular vesicles and endometrial-embryo cross-talk during implantation;
· Identification of fertility markers and possible future clinical implications.
Module 3: Morphological and molecular responses to environmental stressor in reproduction, application aspects in the rabbit as an animal model.
VET/01 - ANATOMIA DEGLI ANIMALI DOMESTICI - CFU: 2
Lezioni: 12 ore
Docente: Pocar Paola
PROGRAMME
- Introduction to environmental stressors;
- Environmental stressor and gametes' maturation and preimplantation embryo development;
- Environmental stressor and male reproduction;
- Environmental stressor and female reproduction;
- The developmental origins of adult disease (Barker hypothesis) in the reproductive field;
- Transgenerational reproductive consequences of environmental stress.
VET/02 -
Lezioni: 18 ore
Docente: Gabriele Brecchia
PROGRAMME
- Female gonadal axis hormones, their functions and actions in the female rabbit;
- Physiology of the estrous cycle of the female rabbit and possible control interventions (synchronization, ovulation and induction of luteolysis);
- Evaluation of the physiological processes that occur from artificial insemination to lactation of the female rabbit (fertilization, implantation, pregnancy and delivery);
- Factors that influence female rabbit fertility;
- Gonadal axis hormones and accessory glands of the male rabbit;
- Physiology of spermatogenesis in male rabbit;
- Factors that influence rabbit buck fertility;
- Collection of semen from the male rabbit and its evaluation;
- Blood and urine sampling and collection of the reproductive organs and nerve components of the gonadal axis in the rabbit.
Module 2: Role of extracellular vesicles in gamete maturation, fertilization, and embryo implantation: application aspects in the rabbit as an animal model
VET/10 -
Lezioni: 18 ore
Docente: Anna Lange Consiglio
PROGRAMME
· Extracellular vesicles;
· Extracellular vesicles and sperm maturation;
· Extracellular vesicles, communication in the ovarian follicle and oocyte maturation;
· Extracellular vesicles in fertilization;
· Extracellular vesicles and paracrine communication among embryos;
· Extracellular vesicles and endometrial-embryo cross-talk during implantation;
· Identification of fertility markers and possible future clinical implications.
Module 3: Morphological and molecular responses to environmental stressor in reproduction, application aspects in the rabbit as an animal model.
VET/01 - ANATOMIA DEGLI ANIMALI DOMESTICI - CFU: 2
Lezioni: 12 ore
Docente: Pocar Paola
PROGRAMME
- Introduction to environmental stressors;
- Environmental stressor and gametes' maturation and preimplantation embryo development;
- Environmental stressor and male reproduction;
- Environmental stressor and female reproduction;
- The developmental origins of adult disease (Barker hypothesis) in the reproductive field;
- Transgenerational reproductive consequences of environmental stress.
Prerequisites for admission
The students need an adequate background in anatomy, physiology, and reproductive biology.
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons and laboratory exercises in small groups are given.
In the lectures, students are involved by stimulating their interest and encouraging them to participate by asking questions and asking to summarize parts already covered in the previous lessons.
In small group practical exercises, the student is guided to achieve autonomy in the manual skills necessary for the evaluation and treatment of gametes and of the instruments necessary to manipulate them. The use of the ultracentrifuge will be introduced to isolate extracellular vesicles and in vitro models will be set up to simulate the action of stressors.
In the lectures, students are involved by stimulating their interest and encouraging them to participate by asking questions and asking to summarize parts already covered in the previous lessons.
In small group practical exercises, the student is guided to achieve autonomy in the manual skills necessary for the evaluation and treatment of gametes and of the instruments necessary to manipulate them. The use of the ultracentrifuge will be introduced to isolate extracellular vesicles and in vitro models will be set up to simulate the action of stressors.
Teaching Resources
Power point hand outs, lecture notes and scientific articles will be provided by the teacher.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is oral and aimed at verifying the knowledge acquired during the lessons and the vote will be expressed out of thirty.
morphological and molecular responses
VET/01 - VETERINARY ANATOMY - University credits: 2
Lessons: 12 hours
role of extracellular vesicles
VET/10 - VETERINARY CLINICAL OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 18 hours
the rabbit as an animal model for studying reproductive processes
VET/02 - VETERINARY PHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 18 hours