Study on the Reproductive Function in Transgenic Pig Harboring Human Erythropoietin (hEPO) Gene
2008
Lee, H.G. (National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Suwon, Republic of Korea) | Lee, H.C. (National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Suwon, Republic of Korea) | Chung, H.J. (National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea) | Hwang, I.S. (National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Suwon, Republic of Korea) | Choi, M.S. (National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Suwon, Republic of Korea) | Byun, S.J. (National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Suwon, Republic of Korea) | Lee, S.H. (National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Suwon, Republic of Korea) | Kim, M.J. (National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Suwon, Republic of Korea) | Woo, J.S. (National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Suwon, Republic of Korea) | Chang, W.K. (National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Suwon, Republic of Korea) | Lee, P.Y. (National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Namwon, Republic of Korea) | Lee, H.T. (Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea), E-mail: [email protected] | Park, J.K. (National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Suwon, Republic of Korea), E-mail: [email protected]
Our previous study showed that transgenic (TG) pigs harboring human EPO (hEPO) gene have been shown to have reproductive disorders, including low pregnancy rates, irregular estrus cycle and low little size. To investigate these reasons, we assessed estrus behavior (standing response) and plasma 17β-estradiol (E₂) level, which partly reflect reproductive function, during the estrus cycles after synchronization and superovulation by hormone treatments. Then, we analysed blood composition and expression of hEPO gene in TG pigs. Pigs were injected with PG600. After 10 days, pigs were fed with Regumate porcine for 6 days. Blood samples were collected from jugular vein. Analysis of blood composition and E₂ level were measured by Hemavet 950 and E₂ ELISA kit, respectively. And, the expression of hEPO gene in reproductive organs was quantitated by real-time RT-PCR. The percentage of estrus behavior in TG was significantly decreased. Hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and red blood cell (RBC) number were significantly higher in TG than wild type (WT). On the other hand, high expression of hEPO gene in TG was observed in the mammary gland as well as in the uterus. Moreover, plasma E₂ level was significantly higher in TG than WT. These results suggest that nonspecific expression of hEPO gene in the other organs of TG may affect blood composition and plasma E₂ level, thereby causing reproductive disorders.
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