Is the zona pellucida an efficient barrier to viral infection?
Abstract: Although the transfer of embryos is much less likely to result in disease transmission than the transport of live animals, the sanitary risks associated with embryo transfer continue to be the subject of both scientific investigations and adaptations of national and international legislation. Therefore, the implications are important for veterinary practitioners and livestock breeders. In vivo-derived and in vitro-produced embryos are widely used in cattle and embryos from other species, such as sheep, goats, pigs and horses, are also currently being transferred in fairly significant numbers. Bearing in mind the wide variety of embryos of different species and the correspondingly large number of viruses that are of concern, it is expedient at this time to look again at the importance of the zona pellucida (ZP) as a barrier against viruses and at the susceptibility or otherwise of embryonic cells to viral infection if ever they are exposed. For embryos with an intact ZP, viral infection of the embryo is unlikely to occur. However, the virus may stick to the ZP and, in this case, International Embryo Transfer Society (IETS) washing procedures in combination with trypsin treatment are mandatory. A caveat is the fact that currently more and more types of embryos are becoming available for transfer and scientific data cannot be extrapolated from one species to another. These topics are discussed in the present review.
Publication Date: 2009-12-17 PubMed ID: 20003842DOI: 10.1071/RD09230Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Review
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
The study discusses the role of the zona pellucida (ZP) as a barrier against viral infection in transferred embryos in animals, deliberating the efficiency of washing procedures and trypsin treatment in preventing viral adhesion to the ZP.
Objective of the Study
- The research aims to investigate the effectiveness of the zona pellucida, a membrane surrounding animal embryos, as a barrier against viral infections, particularly during the process of embryo transfer in different animal species such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and horses.
Focus on Various Animal Species
- The researchers have widened the scope of their study to include embryos of various animal species, acknowledging the significant number of such embryos being transferred currently.
- This wider scope is crucial due to the large variety of viruses that need to be considered in different species.
Zona Pellucida as a Defense Mechanism
- The researchers argue that embryos with an intact ZP are less likely to be infected by viruses.
- Zona pellucida’s resistance against viral infection, however, does not prevent viruses from sticking to it, posing a risk.
Cleaning Procedures of Embryos
- To counter potential viral infections, International Embryo Transfer Society’s washing procedures coupled with a treatment using an enzyme called trypsin are essential.
- These procedures are used to clean the embryos before transfer, reducing the risk of viral transmission.
Challenges and Concerns
- The study points out that as more types of embryos become available for transfer, making extrapolation of scientific data from one species to another challenging.
- Therefore, monitoring or tailoring safety measures based on a specific animal species becomes increasingly important.
Summary
- In summary, the study reviews the effectiveness of the zona pellucida as a barrier against viral infections in animals like cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and horses, while discussing potential risks and cleaning procedures for the safe transfer of embryos.
Cite This Article
APA
Van Soom A, Wrathall AE, Herrler A, Nauwynck HJ.
(2009).
Is the zona pellucida an efficient barrier to viral infection?
Reprod Fertil Dev, 22(1), 21-31.
https://doi.org/10.1071/RD09230 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ugent, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium. ann.vansoom@Ugent.be
MeSH Terms
- Animal Husbandry / methods
- Animals
- Cattle
- Embryo Transfer / methods
- Embryo Transfer / veterinary
- Embryo, Mammalian / virology
- Female
- Goats
- Horses
- Sheep
- Swine
- Virus Diseases / prevention & control
- Virus Diseases / transmission
- Virus Diseases / veterinary
- Zona Pellucida / physiology
- Zona Pellucida / ultrastructure
References
This article includes 60 references
Citations
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