Self-organization of developing embryo using scale-invariant approach

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Self-organization is a fundamental feature of living organisms at all hierarchical levels from molecule to organ. It has also been documented in developing embryos.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In this study, a scale-invariant power law (SIPL) method has been used to study self-organization in developing embryos. The SIPL coefficient was calculated using a centro-axial skew symmetrical matrix (CSSM) generated by entering the components of the Cartesian coordinates; for each component, one CSSM was generated. A basic square matrix (BSM) was constructed and the determinant was calculated in order to estimate the SIPL coefficient. This was applied to developing <it>C. elegans </it>during early stages of embryogenesis. The power law property of the method was evaluated using the straight line and Koch curve and the results were consistent with fractal dimensions (fd). Diffusion-limited aggregation (DLA) was used to validate the SIPL method.</p> <p>Results and conclusion</p> <p>The fractal dimensions of both the straight line and Koch curve showed consistency with the SIPL coefficients, which indicated the power law behavior of the SIPL method. The results showed that the ABp sublineage had a higher SIPL coefficient than EMS, indicating that ABp is more organized than EMS. The fd determined using DLA was higher in ABp than in EMS and its value was consistent with type 1 cluster formation, while that in EMS was consistent with type 2.</p

INHIBIN IMMUNIZATION FOR INCREASING OVULATION RATE AND SUPEROVULATION

The paper reviews the role of inhibin in the ruminant estrous cycle and the potential of inhibin vaccines in sheep and cattle to increase ovulation rate, fecundity and reliability of superovulation in embryo transfer programs. Immunization of ewes with various inhibin preparations (native inhibin, synthetic peptides or recombinant inhibin-alpha fusion proteins) resulted in an increased ovulation rate, that can be attributed to elevated plasma FSH concentrations. Persistent superovulatory responses were obtained with synthetic peptides. The ovulation rate increases obtained with inhibin immunization and exogenous FSH were shown to be additive so that less exogenous gonadotrophin is required to obtain a given ovulation rate and hence embryo recovery rate. In cattle a prototype vaccine has been developed, based on small doses of recombinant ovine inhibin-alpha protein. This results in raised plasma FSH concentrations and increased ovulation rates after booster vaccinations. Unlike in sheep, synthetic peptide immunization has not, so far, given a satisfactory superovulatory response. Preliminary evidence is reviewed showing that inhibin immunization should also result in less exogenous gonadotrophin being required in embryo transfer programs in cattle