Fetal cells and DNA have been detected in the maternal circulation during and after pregnancy in a few mammalian species. The incidence of similar microchimerism in cattle could have repercussion for the application of modern biotechnologies such as the transfer of transgenic embryos. To determine if feto-maternal leakage can occur in pregnant cows, we have analyzed maternal blood samples for the presence of fetal DNA during gestation and post-partum periods. Y chromosome-specific DNA was detected in up to 73% of blood samples from naturally mated heifers carrying conventional bull calves and a transgene-specific sequence in up to 50% of recipient cows carrying transgenic fetuses. These findings document for the first time that transplacental leakage of fetal DNA into the maternal circulation can occur in cattle despite the epitheliochorial placenta of ruminants, with potential implications for the utilization of recipient cows in the food chain.

Bovine fetal microchimerism in normal and embryo transfer pregnancies and its implications for biotechnology applications in cattle / L. Turin, P. Invernizzi, M. Woodcock, F.R. Grati, F. Riva, G. Tribbioli, G. Laible. - In: BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL. - ISSN 1860-6768. - 2:4(2007), pp. 486-491. [10.1002/biot.200600218]

Bovine fetal microchimerism in normal and embryo transfer pregnancies and its implications for biotechnology applications in cattle

L. Turin;P. Invernizzi;F.R. Grati;F. Riva;G. Tribbioli;
2007

Abstract

Fetal cells and DNA have been detected in the maternal circulation during and after pregnancy in a few mammalian species. The incidence of similar microchimerism in cattle could have repercussion for the application of modern biotechnologies such as the transfer of transgenic embryos. To determine if feto-maternal leakage can occur in pregnant cows, we have analyzed maternal blood samples for the presence of fetal DNA during gestation and post-partum periods. Y chromosome-specific DNA was detected in up to 73% of blood samples from naturally mated heifers carrying conventional bull calves and a transgene-specific sequence in up to 50% of recipient cows carrying transgenic fetuses. These findings document for the first time that transplacental leakage of fetal DNA into the maternal circulation can occur in cattle despite the epitheliochorial placenta of ruminants, with potential implications for the utilization of recipient cows in the food chain.
Settore VET/05 - Malattie Infettive degli Animali Domestici
2007
Article (author)
File in questo prodotto:
Non ci sono file associati a questo prodotto.
Pubblicazioni consigliate

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2434/42050
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? 9
  • Scopus 28
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? ND
social impact