Adverse maternal events around the time of conception influence embryonic development. Thus, aberrations in the uterine environment during early pregnancy, such as those resulting from maternal metabolic or nutritional disruption, can alter gene expression in the developing embryo, leading to variations in its developmental trajectory. Dietary supplementation of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA), especially Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) improves metabolic and reproductive health across species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of peri-conceptual LCPUFA supplementation on endometrial gene expression, uterine health and embryonic gene expression in overweight horses. Thirteen non-lactating light horse mares (mean ± SEM age=13.56±0.11 yr; mean ± SEM BCS=7.07±0.21) were supplemented with concentrate (n=6) or an isocaloric diet containing 0.06 g/kg BW algae-derived omega-3 LCPUFA (n=7) beginning 60 d prior to sample collection. Four consecutive ovulatory cycles were monitored, and uterine endometrial samples were obtained 12 d post-ovulation in cycles 1, 3 and 4. Mares were bred and embryos were flushed 12 d post ovulation 2,3 and 4. Endometrial biopsies obtained from supplemented mares contained increased DHA and omega-3 fatty acids as a percent of total fat (P< 0.05). Endometrial biopsy scores were assigned to endometrial tissues and mares receiving the LCPUFA supplementation had improved scores during the first ovulatory period as compared to control animals (P=0.009). Candidate genes essential to inflammation, prostaglandin synthesis and embryonic development were evaluated by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Data were log transformed and analyzed using the GLM procedure in SAS (v9.3). When examining the data independent of breeding and pregnancy status, endometrial obtained samples from LCPUFA supplemented mares contained reduced IL6 (P= 0.04) and TNFa (P=0.03) mRNA abundance and tended to have increased transcript abundance for Uterocalin (P= 0.09), SAA (P= 0.06) and IL10 (P= 0.06). Endometrial samples from mares fed LCPUFA pregnant in cycle 3 contained greater IL10 (P< 0.001), PTGFS (P=0.05), OXTR (P=0.05) and PLA2G3 mRNA (P= 0.009) and had a tendency for increased SAA (P= 0.08), PTGES (P=0.10) and SLCO2A1 (P=0.10) mRNA abundance. Supplemented mares bred but not pregnant at day 12 in cycle 3 had reduced expression of PTGER2 (P=0.001) and PTGS1 (P= <0.001) in endometrial samples. In embryos obtained post ovulatory cycle 3 and 4, relative transcript abundance of GATA4 and GATA6, markers of endoderm differentiation, along with GATA3 and ELF3, markers of trophectoderm differentiation were greater (P< 0.05) in embryos from LCPUFA supplemented mares (n=5), than controls (n=5). These results indicate that algae-derived LCPUFA supplementation during the peri-conceptual period alters the post-ovulatory uterine environment in the horse by modifying expression of genes related to inflammation and regulating prostaglandin synthesis. Additionally, embryos obtained from supplemented mares displayed differential gene expression related to embryonic lineage specification. / Ph. D.

The high incidence of pregnancy loss is a major issue facing the cattle industry. Use of in vitro fertilized (IVF) bovine embryos has become increasingly popular to help alleviate several of these reproductive issues and provide a means to enhance genetic gain for production traits. An uterine paracrine factor cocktail containing epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) (collectively termed EFI) was recently identified as a means for improving in vitro derived bovine embryo development and trophectoderm cell numbers. The objectives of this work were to determine if EFI treatment during in vitro bovine embryo culture improves transferable embryo quality and post-transfer placental and fetal development. For each replicate (3 total), slaughterhouse-derived bovine oocytes were matured and fertilized in vitro. At day 4 post-fertilization, ≥8 cell embryos were harvested, pooled, and exposed to either the EFI treatment (10ng/ml EGF, 10ng/ml FGF2, 50ng/ml IGF1) or carrier only (1% Bovine Serum Albumin). At day 7, individual embryos were transferred to estrous synchronized beef cattle. Artificial insemination (AI) was completed on a subset of cows. The EFI treatment increased (P<0.05) the percentage of transferable embryos. Pregnancy rate at day 28 post-estrus was similar among treatments. Circulating concentrations of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) were determined from plasma harvested at day 28, 42 and 56. Transrectal ultrasonography was used to measure fetal crown-rump length (CRL) at day 42 and 56 and to determine fetal sex at day 60. There were no main effect differences observed across days for PAG concentration. Fetus sex by ET/AI group interactions were absent at day 28 but existed at days 42 and 56 (P<0.05). At both days, this interaction reflected fetus sex-dependent changes within the ET control group, where PAG concentrations were greater (P<0.05) in male fetuses than female fetuses. No CRL differences or interactions existed among fetal sex and pregnancy group. In summary, addition of the EFI cocktail during bovine embryo culture improved the quality of transferable embryos, but did not affect placental function or embryonic/fetal development. Increasing the numbers of transferable embryos is of value given the cost of in vitro embryo production, but no apparent increases in embryo or placental competency were detected. The EFI treatment increased (P<0.05) the percentage of transferable embryos. / Master of Science / The high incidence of pregnancy loss is a major issue facing the cattle industry. Use of in vitro fertilized (IVF) bovine embryos has become increasingly popular to help alleviate several of these reproductive issues and provide a means to enhance genetic gain for production traits. An uterine paracrine factor cocktail containing epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) (collectively termed EFI) was recently identified as a means for improving in vitro derived bovine embryo development and trophectoderm cell numbers. The objectives of this work were to determine if EFI treatment during in vitro bovine embryo culture improves transferable embryo quality and post-transfer placental and fetal development. For each replicate, slaughterhouse-derived bovine oocytes were matured and fertilized in vitro and at day 4 post-fertilization, embryos were exposed to either the EFI treatment (10ng/ml EGF, 10ng/ml FGF2, 50ng/ml IGF1) or carrier only (1% Bovine Serum Albumin). Artificial insemination (AI) was completed on a subset of cows and the remaining cattle receive embryos at day 7. The EFI treatment increased (P<0.05) the percentage of transferable embryos. Pregnancy rate at day 28 post-estrus was similar among treatments. Circulating concentrations of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) were determined from plasma harvested at day 28, 42 and 56. Transrectal ultrasonography was used to measure fetal crown-rump length (CRL) at day 42 and 56 and to determine fetal sex at day 60. There were no main effect differences observed across days for PAG concentration. Fetus sex by ET/AI group interactions were absent at day 28 but existed at days 42 and 56 (P<0.05). At both days, this interaction reflected fetus sex-dependent changes within the ET control group, where PAG concentrations were greater (P<0.05) in male fetuses than female fetuses. No CRL differences or interactions existed among fetal sex and pregnancy group. In summary, addition of the EFI cocktail during bovine embryo culture improved the quality of transferable embryos, but did not affect placental function or embryonic/fetal development. Increasing the numbers of transferable embryos is of value given the cost of in vitro embryo production, but no apparent increases in embryo or placental competency were detected. The EFI treatment increased (P<0.05) the percentage of transferable embryos.

This literature review has been analyzed and synthesized to clarify the problems associated with gestational diabetes mellitus. Gestational diabetes is a metabolic disorder with medical complications that increase perinatal outcomes of morbidity and mortality. Due to the long-range implications of gestational diabetes on the mother and the child conceived, screening, management and interventions should be utilized. This review consists of literature from the last four years, 1996 to 1999, in regards to different aspects of gestational diabetes. The analysis reflects that universal screening consensus has not been attained and whether an alternative management can be more effective. The interventions of patient education, diet therapy, exercise, monitoring of the condition, and the emotional and personal support counseling are what nurses do best. It is the foundation of health care and health prevention to the patient.

Yes / There is an absence of evidence about interventions to prevent or treat obesity in early childhood and in South Asian populations, in whom risk is higher. Objectives: To study patterns and the aetiology of childhood obesity in a multiethnic population and develop a prevention intervention. Design: A cohort of pregnant women and their infants was recruited. Measures to compare growth and identify targets for obesity prevention, sensitive to ethnic differences, were collected. A feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) was undertaken. Setting: Bradford, UK. Participants: A total of 1735 mothers, 933 of whom were of South Asian origin. Intervention: A feasibility trial of a group-based intervention aimed at overweight women, delivered ante- and postnatally, targeting key modifiable lifestyle behaviours to reduce infant obesity. Main outcome measures: The feasibility and acceptability of the pilot intervention. Data sources: Routine NHS data and additional bespoke research data. Review methods: A systematic review of diet and physical activity interventions to prevent or treat obesity in South Asian children and adults. / National Institute for Health Research

This study focused on perceptions and experiences of pregnant women who opted in against those who opted out of voluntary antenatal HIV counseling and testing. The pregnant women's perceptions and experiences were assessed in order to gain insight into their views towards voluntary antenatal counseling and testing.

The genetic architecture of placental abruption (PA) remains poorly understood. We examined variations in SNPs of circadian clock-related genes in placenta with PA risk. We also explored placental and maternal genomic contributions to PA risk. Placental genomic DNA samples were isolated from 280 PA cases and 244 controls. Genotyping was performed using the Illumina Cardio-MetaboChip. We examined 116 SNPs in 13 genes known to moderate circadian rhythms. Logistic regression models were fit to estimate odds ratios (ORs). The combined effect of multiple SNPs on PA risk was estimated using a weighted genetic risk score. We examined independent and joint associations of wGRS derived from placental and maternal genomes with PA. Seven SNPs in five genes (ARNTL2, CRY2, DEC1, PER3 and RORA), in the placental genome, were associated with PA risk. Each copy of the minor allele (G) of a SNP in the RORA gene (rs2899663) was associated with a 30% reduced odds of PA (95% CI 0.52-0.95). The odds of PA increased with increasing placental-wGRS (P_trend<0.001). The ORs were 1.00, 2.16, 3.24 and 4.48 across quartiles. Associations persisted after the maternal-wGRS was included in the model. There was evidence of an additive contribution of placental and maternal genetic contributions to PA risk. Participants with placental- and maternal-wGRS in the highest quartile, compared with those in the lowest quartile, had a 15.57-fold (95% CI 3.34- 72.60) increased odds of PA. Placental variants in circadian clock-related genes are associated with PA risk; and the association persists after control of genetic variants in the maternal genome

The purpose of this study is to examine the problems that pregnant teenagers encounter at school and at home while they are trying to complete their high school education. Data were collected by in-depth interviews. Twenty pregnant adolescents, who were between the ages of 15 through 18, and were participants in a special teen pregnancy program were interviewed. The major findings in this study included the respondents': 1) unstable family life histories, 2) denial that they were pregnant, 3) need for self-identity as an adult, 4) conflict with parents and 5) motivation to complete their high school education. This study points to the need for more research on the problems that pregnant adolescents encounter in their everyday lives.

Yeung Sau-Man. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 139-172). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Title page --- p.i / Acknowledgements --- p.ii / Table of Content --- p.iv / List of Figures --- p.viii / List of Graphs --- p.x / List of Tables --- p.xi / Abbreviations --- p.xiv / Abstract --- p.xv / Chinese Abstract --- p.xvii / Chapter Chapter 1 --- General Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Diabetes Mellitus --- p.2 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- Type 1 diabetes mellitus --- p.3 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Type 2 diabetes mellitus --- p.5 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- Maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) --- p.6 / Chapter 1.1.4 --- Gestational diabetes --- p.7 / Chapter 1.2 --- Effect of Diabetes on Pregnancy --- p.9 / Chapter 1.3 --- Suggested Causes of Diabetic Embryopathy --- p.10 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Glucose --- p.10 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Ketone bodies --- p.11 / Chapter 1.3.3 --- Somatomedin inhibitors --- p.12 / Chapter 1.3.4 --- TNF-α --- p.12 / Chapter 1.3.5 --- Oxidative stress --- p.13 / Chapter 1.4 --- Animal Model of Diabetes --- p.15 / Chapter 1.4.1 --- Chemically-induced --- p.15 / Chapter 1.4.2 --- Mutants --- p.17 / Chapter 1.5 --- Gene-teratogen Interaction under Diabetic Pregnancy --- p.19 / Chapter 1.6 --- Strategy of the Thesis --- p.21 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- General Materials and Methods --- p.24 / Chapter 2.1 --- Mouse Maintenance and Mating Method --- p.25 / Chapter 2.2 --- Induction of Diabetes --- p.25 / Chapter 2.3 --- Preparation of All-trans Retinoic Acid --- p.26 / Chapter 2.4 --- Dissection of Embryos --- p.26 / Chapter 2.5 --- DNA Extraction from Yolk Sac for Genotyping --- p.27 / Chapter 2.6 --- Genotyping of Embryos --- p.28 / Chapter 2.7 --- Preparation of RNA Probes for In Situ Hybridization --- p.29 / Chapter 2.7.1 --- Mini-scale preparation of plasmid DNA --- p.29 / Chapter 2.7.2 --- Linearization of plasmid DNA --- p.30 / Chapter 2.7.3 --- In vitro transcription --- p.31 / Chapter 2.8 --- Whole Mount In Situ Hybridization --- p.33 / Chapter 2.8.1 --- Fixation and dehydration of embryos --- p.33 / Chapter 2.8.2 --- Hybridization --- p.33 / Chapter 2.8.3 --- Post-hybridization wash --- p.34 / Chapter 2.8.4 --- Antibody wash and color development --- p.35 / Chapter 2.8.5 --- Embryo powder preparation --- p.36 / Chapter 2.8.6 --- Pre-absorption of antibody --- p.35 / Chapter 2.9 --- Whole Mount TUNEL Staining --- p.36 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- "Maternal Diabetes, Sp2H and RA Interaction" --- p.39 / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.40 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Neural tube defects --- p.41 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Retinoic acid as environmental factor --- p.41 / Chapter 3.1.3 --- Sp2H as genetic factor --- p.44 / Chapter 3.1.4 --- Experimental design of this chapter --- p.46 / Chapter 3.2 --- Material and Methods --- p.47 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Sp2H mice --- p.47 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Mating and RA injection protocol --- p.47 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Dissection of fetuses and analysis of neural tube development --- p.48 / Chapter 3.3 --- Results --- p.49 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Maternal diabetes alone --- p.50 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Sp2H mutation alone --- p.51 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- RA alone --- p.52 / Chapter 3.3.4 --- Maternal diabetes and RA interaction --- p.53 / Chapter 3.3.5 --- Sp2H mutation and RA interaction --- p.55 / Chapter 3.3.6 --- Sp2H mutation and maternal diabetes interaction --- p.57 / Chapter 3.3.7 --- "Maternal diabetes, Sp2H mutation and RA interaction" --- p.59 / Chapter 3.4 --- Discussion --- p.62 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Maternal diabetes alone does not cause neural tube defects --- p.62 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- RA induces neural tube defects --- p.63 / Chapter 3.4.3 --- Interaction of maternal diabetes with RA in increasing the susceptibility to neural tube defects --- p.64 / Chapter 3.4.4 --- Embryos with Sp2H allele show increased susceptibility to neural tube defects when triggered by maternal diabetes and RA --- p.67 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Molecular and Cellular Bases of Interaction --- p.71 / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.72 / Chapter 4.1.1 --- Mechanism of diabetic embryopathy --- p.72 / Chapter 4.1.2 --- Mechanism of Sp2H mutation in development of neural tube defects --- p.74 / Chapter 4.1.3 --- Mechanism of RA teratogenicity --- p.75 / Chapter 4.1.4 --- "Possible common pathways shared by maternal diabetes, RA and Sp2H mutation" --- p.76 / Chapter 4.1.5 --- Experimental design of this chapter --- p.78 / Chapter 4.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.80 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Sample collection for studying Pax3 expression in Sp2H/+ And +/+ embryos in response to maternal diabetes or RA by whole mount in situ hybridization --- p.80 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- "Sample collection for studying the level of apoptosis in response to the interaction of maternal diabetes, Sp2H mutation and RA by whole mount TUNEL staining" --- p.82 / Chapter 4.3 --- Results --- p.86 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Expression levels of Pax3 mRNA detected by whole mount in situ hybridization / Chapter 4.3.1.1 --- Expression of Pax3 in Sp2H/+/- and +/+ embryos --- p.86 / Chapter 4.3.1.2 --- Effect of maternal diabetes on Pax3 expression in Sp2H/+ and +/+ embryos --- p.87 / Chapter 4.3.1.3 --- Effect of RA on Pax3 expression in Sp2H /+ and +/+ embryos --- p.88 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Level of apoptosis detected by whole mount TUNEL --- p.89 / Chapter 4.3.2.1 --- Effect of Sp2H allele on apoptosis --- p.94 / Chapter 4.3.2.2 --- Effect of maternal diabetes on apoptosis in Sp2H/+ and +/+ embryos --- p.95 / Chapter 4.3.2.3 --- Effect of RA on apoptosis in Sp2H/+ and +/+ embryos --- p.96 / Chapter 4.3.2.4 --- Effect of maternal diabetes and RA on apoptosis in Sp2H/+ and +/+ embryos --- p.97 / Chapter 4.4 --- Discussion --- p.99 / Chapter 4.4.1 --- Underexpression of Pax3 and increases in apoptosis under maternal diabetes --- p.99 / Chapter 4.4.2 --- "RA does not down regulate Pαx3, but increases apoptosis" --- p.102 / Chapter 4.4.3 --- Interaction of maternal diabetes and RA in increasing apoptosis --- p.104 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- "Maternal Diabetes, NOD and RA Interaction" --- p.108 / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.109 / Chapter 5.1.1 --- Diabetic embryopathy in NOD mice --- p.109 / Chapter 5.1.2 --- Experimental design of this chapter --- p.110 / Chapter 5.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.112 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- NOD mice --- p.112 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Mating and RA Injection Protocol --- p.112 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Sample Collection for the Study of Pax3 Expression --- p.113 / Chapter 5.3 --- Results --- p.115 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- Maternal diabetic alone --- p.116 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- NOD mutation alone --- p.117 / Chapter 5.3.3 --- RA alone --- p.118 / Chapter 5.3.4 --- Maternal diabetes and RA interaction --- p.119 / Chapter 5.3.5 --- NOD mutation and RA interaction --- p.121 / Chapter 5.3.6 --- NOD mutation and maternal diabetes interaction --- p.123 / Chapter 5.3.7 --- "Maternal diabetes, NOD mutation and RA interaction" --- p.125 / Chapter 5.3.8 --- Expression of Pax3 in embryos with different copies of NOD alleles --- p.128 / Chapter 5.4 --- Discussion --- p.130 / Chapter 5.4.1 --- Maternal diabetes interacts with NOD mutation to increase susceptibility to neural tube defects --- p.130 / Chapter 5.4.2 --- Interaction of maternal diabetes with NOD mutation is greatly exacerbated when exposed to RA --- p.131 / Chapter 5.4.3 --- Pax3 is not involved in the interaction --- p.133 / Chapter Chapter 6 --- Conclusion and Future Perspectives --- p.134 / References --- p.139 / Figures / Graphs

Lee, Man Yuen. / "March 2008." / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 103-128). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Title Page --- p.i / Acknowledgements --- p.ii / Table of Content --- p.iii / List of Figures --- p.vii / List of Graphs --- p.viii / List of Tables --- p.x / Abbreviations --- p.xii / Abstract --- p.xiii / Abstract (Chinese) --- p.xv / Chapter Chapter 1: --- General Introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- Diabetes mellitus --- p.2 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- Type 1 diabetes mellitus --- p.3 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Type 2 diabetes mellitus --- p.4 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- Gestational diabetes --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2 --- Diabetic pregnancy --- p.6 / Chapter 1.3 --- Etiology of diabetes-induced malformations --- p.9 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Hyperglycaemia --- p.10 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Hyperketonaemia and somatomedin inhibitors --- p.10 / Chapter 1.3.3 --- Oxidative stress --- p.11 / Chapter 1.3.4 --- Deficiency of myo-inositol and arachidonic acid --- p.12 / Chapter 1.4 --- Vitamin A --- p.13 / Chapter 1.5 --- Retinoic acid --- p.14 / Chapter 1.5.1 --- RA signaling on embryo development --- p.15 / Chapter 1.5.2 --- RA teratogenicity --- p.15 / Chapter 1.5.3 --- RA regulation --- p.17 / Chapter 1.6 --- RA and maternal diabetes-induced caudal regression share similar pathogenic mechanisms --- p.19 / Chapter 1.7 --- Strategy of the thesis --- p.21 / Chapter Chapter 2: --- General Materials and Methods / Chapter 2.1 --- Animal --- p.25 / Chapter 2.2 --- Induction of diabetes --- p.25 / Chapter 2.3 --- Preparation of retinoic acid for mouse injection --- p.26 / Chapter 2.4 --- RA responsive cell line --- p.26 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Cell culture --- p.27 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Seeding and adding sample to 96-well plate --- p.28 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- Staining of cells --- p.28 / Chapter 2.5 --- Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) --- p.29 / Chapter 2.5.1 --- Collection and storage of tissues --- p.29 / Chapter 2.5.2 --- Total RNA extraction --- p.29 / Chapter 2.5.3 --- Reverse transcription --- p.30 / Chapter 2.5.4 --- Polymerase chain reaction --- p.30 / Chapter 2.5.5 --- Preparation of cDNA standard --- p.31 / Chapter 2.5.6 --- Mini-scale preparation of plasmid DNA --- p.32 / Chapter Chapter 3: --- Effects of Maternal Diabetes on RA Catabolism in the Tail Bud Region / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.34 / Chapter 3.2 --- Experimental design --- p.37 / Chapter 3.3 --- Materials and methods --- p.38 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Preparation of RA stock solution for cell culture --- p.38 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Preparation of RA standard solutions --- p.38 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Characterization of RA responsive cell line --- p.39 / Chapter 3.3.3.1 --- Determining optimal culture time for maximum response --- p.39 / Chapter 3.3.3.2 --- Testing toxicity of DMSO --- p.39 / Chapter 3.3.3.3 --- Detection of β-galactosidase activity by β_gal Assay Kit --- p.40 / Chapter 3.3.4 --- In vitro assay of enzymatic degradation of RA --- p.41 / Chapter 3.3.4.1 --- Testing toxicity of enzyme cofactor-reducing agent --- p.41 / Chapter 3.3.4.2 --- Collection of tail bud --- p.42 / Chapter 3.3.4.3 --- In vitro enzymatic reaction --- p.43 / Chapter 3.3.5 --- In vivo assay of enzymatic degradation of RA --- p.44 / Chapter 3.3.5.1 --- Determining the optimal time for maximum release of RA from the tail bud into the medium --- p.44 / Chapter 3.3.5.2 --- Monitoring of RA remained in the tail bud after injection of exogenous RA --- p.45 / Chapter 3.3.6 --- Statistical analysis --- p.45 / Chapter 3.4 --- Results --- p.46 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Optimization of RA responsive cell line --- p.46 / Chapter 3.4.1.1 --- Effect of incubation time with RA on β-galactosidase expression level --- p.46 / Chapter 3.4.1.2 --- Toxicity of RA and DMSO --- p.47 / Chapter 3.4.1.3 --- Comparison of X-gal staining assay and β_gal Assay Kit for detection of β-galactosidase expression --- p.48 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- In vitro assay of RA catabolic activity in the tail bud --- p.49 / Chapter 3.4.2.1 --- Toxicity of enzyme cofactor-reducing agent --- p.49 / Chapter 3.4.2.2 --- RA catabolic activity in lysed and intact tail buds --- p.50 / Chapter 3.4.2.3 --- Effect of enzyme cofactor and inhibitor --- p.50 / Chapter 3.4.2.4 --- Comparsion of in vitro RA catabolic activity of diabetic and non-diabetic groups --- p.51 / Chapter 3.4.3 --- In vivo assay of RA catabolic activity in the tail bud --- p.52 / Chapter 3.4.3.1 --- Optimal time for maximum release of RA from the tail bud into the medium --- p.53 / Chapter 3.4.3.2 --- Comparison of RA remained in the tail bud of embryos of diabetic and non-diabetic mice --- p.53 / Chapter 3.5 --- Discussion --- p.55 / Chapter Chapter 4: --- Analysis of Cyp26 Expression in the Tail Bud Region / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.60 / Chapter 4.2 --- Experimental design --- p.63 / Chapter 4.3 --- Materials and methods --- p.64 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Sample collection --- p.64 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Real-time quantitative RT-PCR --- p.64 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Statistical analysis --- p.66 / Chapter 4.4 --- Results --- p.67 / Chapter 4.4.1 --- "Relative expression levels of Cyp26al, Cyp26bl and Cyp26cl" --- p.67 / Chapter 4.4.2 --- Molecular changes in Cyp26al in tail bud region after maternal RA treatment --- p.68 / Chapter 4.5 --- Discussion --- p.72 / Chapter Chapter 5: --- Comparison of Cyp26al Heterozygous and Wild-type Embryos in Diabetic and Non-diabetic Pregnancies / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.76 / Chapter 5.2 --- Experimental design --- p.79 / Chapter 5.3 --- Materials and methods --- p.81 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- Animal --- p.81 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- DNA genotyping --- p.81 / Chapter 5.3.3 --- Measurement of RA remained in the tail bud after RA treatment --- p.82 / Chapter 5.3.4 --- Analysis of extent of caudal regression --- p.83 / Chapter 5.3.5 --- Real-time quantitative RT-PCR --- p.83 / Chapter 5.3.6 --- Statistical analysis --- p.84 / Chapter 5.4 --- Results --- p.85 / Chapter 5.4.1 --- Comparsion of pregnancy outcome of mating with ICR or Cyp26al+/- males --- p.85 / Chapter 5.4.2 --- Expression levels of Cyp26al determined by real-time quantitative RT-PCR --- p.85 / Chapter 5.4.3 --- Determination of RA catabolic activity --- p.86 / Chapter 5.4.4 --- Extent of caudal regression --- p.90 / Chapter 5.5 --- Discussion --- p.93 / Chapter Chapter 6: --- Conclusion and Future Perspectives --- p.96 / References --- p.102 / Figures / Graphs

Thesis (M.A) -- University of Limpopo, 2008 / Refer to document