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EPISOME-MEDIATED TRANSFER OF DRUG RESISTANCE IN ENTEROBACTERIACEAE. VI. HIGH-FREQUENCY RESISTANCE TRANSFER SYSTEM IN ESCHERICHIA COLI.

Watanabe, Tsutomu (Keio University, Tokyo, Japan). Episome-mediated transfer of drug resistance in Enterobacteriaceae. VI. High-frequency resistance transfer system in Escherichia coli. J. Bacteriol. 85:788-794. 1963.-R-factors (transmissible drug-resistance factors composed of the resistance-transfer factor and markers of resistance to sulfonamide, streptomycin, chloramphenicol, and tetracycline) gave rise to a high-frequency transfer system in Escherichia coli K-12 F(-), F(+), and Hfr strains that was similar to the high-frequency colicinogeny transfer system (HFCT) found by Stocker and Ozeki in Salmonella typhimurium with colicinogenic factor I. The procedure for obtaining a high-frequency transfer system of R-factors was identical to that for HFCT. The majority of cells of the high-frequency resistance transfer system were composed of cells which had just received R-factors by conjugation. These cells could act as highly competent donor cells for further transfer of the R-factors by conjugation. The frequencies of transfer of R-factors were as high as 1.5 to 7.5 per resistant donor cell introduced into mixed incubation with drug-sensitive recipient cells for 1 hr at 37 C, whereas the usual donor cells could transfer the R-factors at frequencies of, at most, 1:30 under similar conditions of mixed cultivation. It was also found that the aerobic conditions for growth of donor cells rather reduced the frequencies of transfer of R-factors in the usual systems. Possible mechanisms of the high-frequency resistance transfer system are discussed.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

GENE TRANSFER BY F' STRAINS OF ESCHERICHIA COLI K-12. II. INTERACTION BETWEEN F-MEROGENOTE AND CHROMOSOME DURING TRANSFER.

Pittard, James (Yale University, New Haven, Conn.) and Edward A. Adelberg. Gene transfer by F' strains of Escherichia coli K-12. II. Interaction between F-merogenote and chromosome during transfer. J. Bacteriol. 85:1402-1408. 1963.-When F' strains harboring the F-merogenate F(14) are mated with female recipients, the transfer of the F-merogenote begins, in the majority of cases, before chromosome transfer. The markers on F(14) are transferred in the sequence met-1, arg-1, ilva-16, and sex-factor, met-1 being transferred first and sex-factor being transferred last, 9 min after met-1. In the class of zygotes that have received both the F-merogenote marker met-1 and the chromosomal marker xyl or mal, the gradient of recombination frequencies for the F-merogenote markers arg-1 and ilva-16 is much steeper than in the corresponding zygotes that have not received chromosomal markers. In F' strains which exhibit an increased frequency of transfer of chromosome markers, this gradient of recombination frequencies for merogenote markers is much steeper. An analysis of experiments involving an F' strain with a much shorter F-merogenote, F(16), and of a triparental mating in which F-merogenote and chromosome were transferred from different donor cells reveals that the effect of chromosome transfer on the recovery of distal F-merogenote markers in the zygotes is not due to any form of postzygotic elimination. It is suggested that, when F' strains which are transferring F-merogenote begin to transfer chromosome, the latter event causes breakage of the F-merogenote. A second consequence of this interaction is a delay of 8 to 10 min in the first appearance of chromosomal markers in the zygotes.

Chromosomes↗

Transfer of cholesteryl esters and phospholipids as well as net deposition by microsomal triglyceride transfer protein.

Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) activity is classically measured using radioactive lipids. We described a simple fluorescence assay to measure its triacylglycerol (TAG) transfer activity. Here, we describe fluorescence-based methods to measure the transfer of phospholipids (PLs) and cholesteryl esters (CEs) by MTP. Both transfer activities increased with time and MTP amounts and were inhibited to different extents by an MTP antagonist, BMS197636. We also describe a method to measure the net deposition of fluorescent lipids in acceptor vesicles. In this procedure, negatively charged donor vesicles are incubated with MTP and acceptor vesicles, and lipids transferred to acceptors are quantified after the removal of donor vesicles and MTP by the addition of DE52. Lipid deposition in acceptor vesicles was dependent on time and MTP. Using these methods, TAG transfer activity was the most robust activity present in purified MTP; CE and PL transfer activities were 60-71% and 5-13% of the TAG transfer activity, respectively. The method to determine lipid transfer is recommended for routine MTP activity measurements for its simplicity. These methods may help identify specific inhibitors for individual lipid transfer activities, in characterizing different domains involved in transfer, and in the isolation of mutants that bind but cannot transfer lipids.

Animals↗

Glycolipid transfer protein from pig brain transfers glycolipids with beta-linked sugars but not with alpha-linked sugars at the sugar-lipid linkage.

The glycolipid transfer protein purified from pig brain facilitates the transfer of various glycosphingolipids and glyceroglycolipids (Yamada, K., Abe, A. and Sasaki, T. (1985) J. Biol. Chem. 260, 4615-4621). In this paper, the transfer of Man beta 1----4Glc beta 1-Cer and Man alpha 1----4Man beta 1-Cer isolated from a bivalve, Corbicula japonica, the transfer of 3-[Glc alpha 1-]-sn-1,2-diacylglycerol and 3-[Glc alpha 1----2Glc alpha 1-]-sn-1,2-diacylglycerol prepared from Streptococcus lactis, and the transfer of 3-[Glc beta 1-]-rac-1,2-dipalmitylglycerol have been investigated. The transfer of these lipids from liposomes to mitochondria was assayed by the decrease of these lipids in the donor liposomes. These lipids were determined by chromatographic isolation of the lipids, acid hydrolysis of the isolated lipids, and subsequent determination of glucose in the hydrolysate. The glycolipid transfer protein facilitated the transfer of ManGlcCer and ManManGlcCer. The transfer protein did not facilitate the transfer of Glc alpha-diacylglycerol or Glc alpha Glc alpha-diacylglycerol. However, the transfer of Glc beta-dipalmitylglycerol was facilitated by the protein. These results strongly suggest that the glycolipid transfer protein has the specificity to the presence of beta-linked glucose or galactose directly linked to either ceramide or diacylglycerol.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Effects of stress and other environmental factors on horizontal plasmid transfer assessed by direct quantification of discrete transfer events.

Selection pressure may affect the horizontal transfer of plasmids. The inability to distinguish between gene transfer and the growth of transconjugants complicates testing. We have developed a method that enables the quantification of discrete transfer events. It uses large numbers of replicate matings (192 or 384) in microtiter wells and the counting of transfer-positive and transfer-negative wells. We applied the method to study the transfer of the IncP1 plasmid pRO103 between Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas putida strains. pRO103 encodes resistance to mercury and tetracycline and partial degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). The results showed positive correlation between transfer and donor metabolic activity, and an optimal temperature for transfer of 29 degrees C. On stimulation of donor activity, the optimal temperature was decreased to 24.5 degrees C. HgCl(2) above 1.0 microg L(-1) negatively affected transfer, whereas 2,4-D up to 0.3 mM had no effect. The negative effect of mercury was shown to be a result of stressing of the recipient. No effects of mercury on transfer could be detected by traditional filter mating. Thus, the method is superior to filter mating and, as the experimental design allows the manipulation of individual parameters, it is ideal for the assessment and comparison of effects of environmental factors on plasmid transfer.

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid↗

Transfer properties of the bovine brain phospholipid transfer protein. Effect of charged phospholipids and of phosphatidylcholine fatty acid composition.

The monolayer technique has been used to study the transfer of [14C]phosphatidylinositol from the monolayer to phosphatidylcholine vesicles. An equivalent transfer rate was found for egg phosphatidylcholine, dioleoylphosphatidylcholine, dielaidoylphosphatidylcholine and dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine. A reduced transfer rate was found for a shorter-chain derivative, dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine, and for species with two polyunsaturated fatty acid chains such as dilinoleoylphosphatidylcholine, diheptadecadienoylphosphatidylcholine, dilinolenoylphosphatidylcholine and diether and dialkyl derivatives. No activity was found for 1,3-dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine. The presence of up to 5 mol% phosphatidylinositol in egg phosphatidylcholine vesicles had no effect on the transfer rate. Introduction of more than 5 mol% phosphatidylinositol or phosphatidic acid into the phosphatidylcholine vesicles gradually decreased the rate of phosphatidylinositol transfer from the monolayer. 20 mol% acidic phospholipid was nearly completely inhibitory. Transfer experiments between separate monolayers of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol showed that the protein-bound phosphatidylcholine is readily exchanged for phosphatidylinositol, but the protein-bound phosphatidylinositol exchange for phosphatidylcholine occurs at a 20-times lower rate. The release of phosphatidylinositol is dependent on the lipid composition and the concentration of charged lipid in the acceptor membrane, but also on the ratio between donor and acceptor membranes. The main transfer protein from bovine brain which transfers phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylcholine transfers also phosphatidylglycerol, but not phosphatidylserine or phosphatidic acid. The absence of significant changes in the surface pressure indicate that the phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylcholine transfer is not accompanied by net mass transfer.

Animals↗

Bovine brain phosphatidylinositol transfer protein. Effects of pH, ionic strength and lipid composition on transfer activity.

Phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylcholine are transferred between bilayer membranes in the presence of a specific phosphatidylinositol transfer protein isolated from bovine brain. The effects of pH, ionic strength and lipid composition on the rate of transfer of these phospholipids between small unilamellar vesicles have been investigated. At low ionic strength, phosphatidylinositol transfer between vesicles prepared from phosphatidylcholine and 5 mol% phosphatidylinositol was maximal at about pH 5 and moderately dependent on hydrogen ion concentration in more alkaline regions. A similar dependence on pH was noted for phosphatidylcholine transfer between membranes containing phosphatidylcholine or mixtures of phosphatidylcholine and 5 mol% phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine or stearylamine. The rate of transfer between anionic vesicles was somewhat higher than that between neutral or cationic vesicles. At higher ionic strength the transfer reactions in neutral and alkaline regions were less sensitive to pH. Phospholipid transfers between vesicles containing 5 mol% of anionic lipid increased sharply as ionic strength decreased below 0.1. In contrast, phosphatidylcholine transfer between membranes which contained only zwitterionic phospholipids or 5 mol% stearylamine was unaffected by variations of ionic strength. Irrespective of the lipid composition of membranes, pH affected both the apparent Km and Vmax, while ionic strength generally affected the apparent Vmax. These results indicate a significant role of electrostatic interactions in the phospholipid transfer catalyzed by phosphatidylinositol transfer protein.

Animals↗

Comparison of blastocyst transfer to day 3 transfer with assisted hatching in the older patient.

OBJECTIVE: To compare cycle outcomes in similar populations of women over 40 who underwent blastocyst transfer compared with women who had day 3 embryo transfer with assisted hatching (ET/AH). DESIGN: Retrospective study. STTING: University hospital-based program. PATIENT(S): Eighty-six IVF cycles in women ages 40 to 43 years who had more than three eight-cell embryos on day 3. On day 3 of embryo culture, patients chose either to undergo blastocyst transfer or day 3 ET/AH. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Pregnancy and cryopreservation rates were recorded. RESULT(S): In 48 cycles, blastocyst transfer was performed, and in 38 cycles day 3 ET/AH was performed. There was no statistically significant difference between the blastocyst transfer group and the day 3 ET/AH group with respect to age (41.1 +/- 0.9 years vs. 41.6 +/- 0.8 years), percentage of intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles (29.2% vs. and 27.6%), number of oocytes (14.9 +/- 5.6 vs. 12.8 +/- 4.0), or number of eight-cell embryos (6.1 +/- 2.2 vs. 5.4 +/- 1.5). Significantly fewers embryos were transferred per cycle with blastocyst transfer (2.6 +/- 1.0) compared with day 3 ET/AH (5.9 +/- 2.0). The viable pregnancy rate was similar in the blastocyst transfer group (29.2%) and in the day 3 ET/AH group (26.3%). Embryos for cryopreservation were available in significantly more cycles in the blastocyst transfer group (52.1%) than in the day 3 ET/AH group (21.1%). Cleavage stage arrest occurred only in one cycle. CONCLUSIONS: Blastocyst transfer appears to be as effective as day 3 ET/AH in older patients with good embryos. Higher cryopreservation rate in the blastocyst transfer group may represent an advantage over day 3 ET/AH. Older women may also benefit from the information that extended culture provides them regarding their oocyte quality.

Adult↗

Two-blastocyst transfer has similar pregnancy rates and a decreased multiple gestation rate compared with three-blastocyst transfer.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of the number of blastocysts transferred on pregnancy and multiple gestation rates. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Academic infertility center. PATIENT(S): Patients < 40 years undergoing IVF, with FSH levels of < 15 mIU/mL and more than three eight-cell embryos. INTERVENTION(S): Embryos were cultured in P1 until day 3 and then transferred to blastocyst medium. A maximum of three blastocysts were transferred. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Pregnancy, multiple gestation, and implantation rates. RESULT(S): All 55 patients developed blastocysts and underwent ET. Twenty-four patients had three embryos transferred and 29 patients had two embryos transferred. Two patients had only one embryo each for transfer. There was no difference in the viable pregnancy rate between the two-blastocyst transfer and three-blastocyst transfer groups (62% vs. 58%). In the two-blastocyst transfer group, 39% of pregnancies were multiple gestations (all twin gestations), compared with 79% of pregnancies in the three-blastocyst transfer group (50% twin gestations, 29% triplet gestations). The implantation rate was 47% in both groups. CONCLUSION(S): A commercially available, sequential culture system is highly effective for producing viable blastocysts. Two-blastocyst transfer eliminated the risk of triplets while maintaining the same high success rates seen with three-blastocyst ET.

Adult↗

Electron transfer and conformational change in complexes of trimethylamine dehydrogenase and electron transferring flavoprotein.

The trimethylamine dehydrogenase-electron transferring flavoprotein (TMADH.ETF) electron transfer complex has been studied by fluorescence and absorption spectroscopies. These studies indicate that a series of conformational changes occur during the assembly of the TMADH.ETF electron transfer complex and that the kinetics of assembly observed with mutant TMADH (Y442F/L/G) or ETF (alpha R237A) complexes are much slower than are the corresponding rates of electron transfer in these complexes. This suggests that electron transfer does not occur in the thermodynamically most favorable state (which takes too long to form), but that one or more metastable states (which are formed more rapidly) are competent in transferring electrons from TMADH to ETF. Additionally, fluorescence spectroscopy studies of the TMADH.ETF complex indicate that ETF undergoes a stable conformational change (termed structural imprinting) when it interacts transiently with TMADH to form a second, distinct, structural form. The mutant complexes compromise imprinting of ETF, indicating a dependence on the native interactions present in the wild-type complex. The imprinted form of semiquinone ETF exhibits an enhanced rate of electron transfer to the artificial electron acceptor, ferricenium. Overall molecular conformations as probed by small-angle x-ray scattering studies are indistinguishable for imprinted and non-imprinted ETF, suggesting that changes in structure likely involve confined reorganizations within the vicinity of the FAD. Our results indicate a series of conformational events occur during the assembly of the TMADH.ETF electron transfer complex, and that the properties of electron transfer proteins can be affected lastingly by transient interaction with their physiological redox partners. This may have significant implications for our understanding of biological electron transfer reactions in vivo, because ETF encounters TMADH at all times in the cell. Our studies suggest that caution needs to be exercised in extrapolating the properties of in vitro interprotein electron transfer reactions to those occurring in vivo.

Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase↗

Reducing multiple pregnancies by restricting the number of embryos transferred to two at the first embryo transfer attempt.

Though the multiple pregnancy rate in in-vitro fertilization-embryo transfer must be reduced, strict and uniform regulation of the number of embryos transferred may make it impossible for women with little natural fecundity to carry children. We therefore restricted the number of embryos per transfer. In the first half of the observation period (n = 100), we limited the number of embryos transferred to three regardless of the number of previous transfers. In the second half (n = 137), we strictly regulated the number of embryos transferred to two at the first attempt and three in the second and later attempts. The multiple pregnancy rate per pregnancy was significantly lower (P < 0.005) in the second period (20.4%) than in the first period (52.9%), while the clinical pregnancy rate and the implantation rate per transfer were similar in both observation periods. 60.7% (17/28) of the multiple pregnancies arose from the first embryo transfer attempt, and 17.9% (5/28) of them arose from a second attempt. The 18 multiple pregnancies in the first period involved six sets of triplets, while the 10 multiple pregnancies that arose in the second period all involved twins. The implantation rate per transfer at the first attempt was significantly higher than that at the second or later attempts. The criterion for determining the number of embryos transferred should be simple to minimize errors of judgement. We believe that our method of restricting the numbers of embryos transferred may be one method of reducing multiple pregnancies without eliminating the possibility of having children for women with low fecundity.

Adult↗

The presence of blood in the transfer catheter negatively influences outcome at embryo transfer.

BACKGROUND: Embryo transfer (ET) influences pregnancy rates in patients undergoing assisted reproduction. Data are conflicting as to which variables affect ET success. This study examines variables that may affect outcome after ET in assisted reproductive technology patients who had high-quality embryos transferred. METHODS: Over a 23 month period, 669 consecutive cycles were examined. Only patients having grade I and grade II embryos, or blastocyst transfers, were included in this retrospective analysis. A total of 584 consecutive cycles met study criteria. At the time of ET, the following variables were recorded: aborted first attempt at ET; presence of blood and/or mucus in or on the transfer catheter after ET; ease of ET as judged by provider; need for mock embryo transfer immediately before the actual transfer and retention of embryos in the transfer catheter. These variables were retrospectively analysed for their impact on implantation rate (IR) and clinical pregnancy rate (CPR). RESULTS: There were 290 gestations (49.7% CPR). Multiple attempts at ET, subjective difficulty of ET, performance of a sham pass immediately prior to embryo transfer, and presence of mucus on or in the catheter did not affect the CPR or IR. No difference was noted in the mean age of patients having or lacking any of these factors. There was a significant association between the presence of blood on or in the catheter and decreased IR (P = 0.015) and CPR (P = 0.004). Retained embryos also decreased IR (P = 0.03). Multivariable analysis confirmed that the presence of blood on the transfer catheter was the most important of these transfer characteristics in predicting IR (P = 0.042) and CPR (P = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that when only high-grade embryos or blastocysts are transferred, the presence of blood on the catheter is associated with decreased IR and CPR in assisted reproduction.

Adult↗

Lipid transfer between human plasma low-density lipoprotein and a triolein/phospholipid microemulsion catalyzed by insect hemolymph lipid transfer particle.

Lipid transfer between human plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and an LDL-size microemulsion of triolein and phosphatidylcholine stabilized with human apolipoprotein A-I was catalyzed by the lipid transfer particle from hemolymph of the tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta). Net transfer of phospholipid and triacylglycerol from the emulsion to LDL was observed and the apparent initial rates of transfer were dependent on the amount of catalyst. Net transfer of phospholipid mass was twice as much as that of triacylglycerol with respect to both the initial rate and the final equilibrium state. The final amount of net transfer of both lipids was dependent upon the initial ratio of LDL: microemulsion present in the incubation mixture up to 1:1 on the basis of phospholipid. The microemulsion lipid composition was maximally altered from an initial weight ratio of 1.09 +/- 0.08 (phospholipid/triolein) to 0.90 +/- 0.03 by this reaction. Further increase of LDL in the incubation caused neither further net transfer nor further change in the lipid composition of the microemulsion. The catalyst neither affected spontaneous transfer of free cholesterol between the emulsion and LDL nor enhanced cholesteryl ester transfer in this reaction system. As a result of the facilitated reaction, LDL gained a significant amount of phospholipid and triacylglycerol causing up to an 8% increase in core lipids and 14% in phospholipid. Some free cholesterol is recovered in the emulsions via spontaneous exchange. Transfer or exchange of apolipoproteins during the course of facilitated lipid transfer did not occur.

Animals↗

Protein transfer between A-I-containing lipoprotein subpopulations: evidence of non-transferable A-I in particles with A-II.

Transfer of apolipoproteins (apo) between the two subpopulations of apo A-I-containing lipoproteins in human plasma: those with A-II [Lp(AI w AII)] and those without [Lp(AI w/o AII)], were studied by observing the transfer of 125I-apo from a radiolabeled subpopulation to an unlabeled subpopulation in vitro. When Lp(AI w AII) was directly radioiodinated, 50.3 +/- 7.4 and 19.5 +/- 7.7% (n = 6) of the total radioactivity was associated with A-I and A-II, respectively. In radioiodinated Lp(AI w/o AII), 71.5 +/- 6.8% (n = 6) of the total radioactivity was A-I-associated. Time-course studies showed that, while some radiolabeled proteins transferred from one population of HDL particles to another within minutes, at least several hours were necessary for transfer to approach equilibrium. Incubation of the subpopulations at equal A-I mass resulted in the transfer of 51.8 +/- 5.0% (n = 4) of total radioactivity from [125I]Lp(AI w/o AII) to Lp(AI w AII) at 37 degrees C in 24 h. The specific activity (S.A.) of A-I in the two subpopulations after incubation was nearly identical. Under similar incubation conditions, only 13.4 +/- 4.6% (n = 4) of total radioactivity was transferred from [125I]Lp(AI w AII) to Lp(AI w/o AII). The S.A. of A-I after incubation was 2-fold higher in particles with A-II than in particles without A-II. These phenomena were also observed with iodinated high-density lipoproteins (HDL) isolated by ultracentrifugation and subsequently subfractionated by immunoaffinity chromatography. However, when Lp(AI w AII) radiolabeled by in vitro exchange with free [125I]A-I was incubated with unlabeled Lp(AI w/o AII), the S.A. of A-I in particles with and without A-II differed by only 18% after incubation. These data are consistent with the following: (1) in both populations of HDL particles, some radiolabeled proteins transferred rapidly (minutes or less), while others transferred slowly (hours); (2) when Lp(AI w AII) and Lp(AI w/o AII) were directly iodinated, all labeled A-I in particles without A-II were transferable, but some labeled AI in particles with A-II were not; (3) when Lp(AI w AII) were labeled by in vitro exchange with [125I]A-I, considerably more labeled A-I were transferable. These observations suggest the presence of non-transferable A-I in Lp(AI w AII).

Adult↗

Transfer functions of the conjugative integrating element pSAM2 from Streptomyces ambofaciens: characterization of a kil-kor system associated with transfer.

pSAM2 is an 11-kb integrating element from Streptomyces ambofaciens. During matings, pSAM2 can be transferred at high frequency, forming pocks, which are zones of growth inhibition of the recipient strain. The nucleotide sequences of the regions involved in pSAM2 transfer, pock formation, and maintenance have been determined. Seven putative open reading frames with the codon usage typical of Streptomyces genes have been identified: traSA (306 amino acids [aa]), orf84 (84 aa), spdA (224 aa), spdB (58 aa), spdC (51 aa), spdD (104 aa), and korSA (259 aa). traSA is essential for pSAM2 intermycelial transfer and pock formation. It could encode a protein with similarities to the major transfer protein, Tra, of pIJ101. TraSA protein contains a possible nucleotide-binding sequence and a transmembrane segment. spdA, spdB, spdC, and spdD influence pock size and transfer efficiency and may be required for intramycelial transfer. A kil-kor system similar to that of pIJ101 is associated with pSAM2 transfer: the korSA (kil-override) gene product could control the expression of the traSA gene, which has lethal effects when unregulated (Kil phenotype). The KorSA protein resembles KorA of pIJ101 and repressor proteins belonging to the GntR family. Thus, the integrating element pSAM2 possesses for transfer general features of nonintegrating Streptomyces plasmids: different genes are involved in the different steps of the intermycelial and intramycelial transfer, and a kil-kor system is associated with transfer. However, some differences in the functional properties, organization, and sizes of the transfer genes compared with those of other Streptomyces plasmids have been found.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Transfer of recA protein from one polynucleotide to another. Effect of ATP and determination of the processivity of ATP hydrolysis during transfer.

The transfer of recA protein from a fluorescently modified single-stranded DNA, containing 1,N6-ethenoadenosine and 3,N4-ethenocytosine, to polydeoxythymidylic acid (poly(dT)) was shown to occur by a complex mechanism in both the absence and presence of ADP (Menetski, J. P., and Kowalczykowski, S. C. (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 2085-2092). A part of the mechanism involves the formation of a kinetic ternary intermediate. Since the binding and hydrolysis of ATP by recA protein is involved in many of the recA protein in vitro activities, we have analyzed the effect of ATP on the transfer reaction. In the presence of ATP, the transfer reaction is dependent on the concentration of the competitor single-stranded DNA, poly(dT). This result suggests that transfer does not occur by a simple dissociation mechanism. The reaction occurs via two kinetically distinct species of protein X DNA complexes with properties that are similar to those characterized for the transfer reaction in the absence of ATP. There is a complicated effect of nucleotide concentration on the rate of transfer. At low concentrations of ATP (less than 50 microM), increasing nucleotide concentration increases the rate of transfer; this is similar to the effect of ADP. However, at high concentrations of ATP (greater than 50 microM), increasing ATP concentration decreases the rate of transfer. Finally, the processivity of ATP hydrolysis during transfer was found to increase with increases in ATP concentration. Less than one ATP molecule was hydrolyzed per transfer event at low ATP concentrations (less than 20 microM) while greater than 50 molecules were hydrolyzed at high ATP concentration (greater than 250 microM). These data suggest that the rate of transfer is not directly coupled to the rate of hydrolysis.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Prospective evaluation of blastocyst stage transfer vs. zygote intrafallopian tube transfer in patients with repeated implantation failure.

OBJECTIVE: To compare extended culture with blastocyst stage transfer and zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT) in the management of IVF patients with repeated implantation failure. DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized study. SETTING: An IVF unit at a university hospital. PATIENT(S): Sixty-four infertile patients with more than three previous failed IVF-ET attempts. INTERVENTION(S): Patients were allocated to undergo either blastocyst stage transfer (Group 1; n = 32) or ZIFT (Group 2; n = 32). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates. RESULT(S): Patient characteristics and response to stimulation were comparable for both groups. Totals of 84.3% and 97% of the patients underwent blastocyst transfer and ZIFT, respectively. Significantly more embryos were transferred through ZIFT (5.5+/-0.8) as compared with blastocyst transfer (2.3+/-1.4), and there were significantly more cycles with embryo cryopreservation in the ZIFT group as compared to the blastocyst transfer group (15/32 vs. 4/32, respectively). Implantation rate (13.6% vs. 1.4%), clinical pregnancy rate (40.6% vs. 3.1%), and live birth rates (38.7% vs. 0%) were all significantly higher in the ZIFT group as compared to the blastocyst transfer group, respectively. CONCLUSION(S): Zygote intrafallopian transfer is a powerful clinical tool in the management of patients with RIF. In contrast, blastocyst stage transfer fails to improve the outcome in this poor-prognosis group. The pathophysiology of RIF should be the subject of intense investigation to allow the introduction of appropriate therapeutic measures earlier in the course of treatment.

Adult↗

Day 3 embryo transfer with combined evaluation at the pronuclear and cleavage stages compares favourably with day 5 blastocyst transfer.

BACKGROUND: The respective advantages of day 3 and day 5 embryo transfer are a matter of debate. Previous comparisons did not include pronuclear stage zygote scoring and cumulative success rates (fresh and cryopreserved embryos). METHODS: Patients were randomized prospectively for day 3 or day 5 embryo transfer. Day 3 embryos were selected for transfer and cryopreservation by using combined evaluation at the pronuclear and cleavage stages. RESULTS: There was no difference between day 3 and day 5 fresh embryo transfers as to the rates of pregnancy (58 versus 62%), clinical pregnancy (56 versus 58%), delivery (50 versus 48%), implantation (35 versus 38%) and birth (33 versus 36%) rates. The corresponding values for cryopreserved embryo transfers were also similar. However, day 3 embryo transfer compared favourably with day 5 transfer when the pregnancy (90 versus 66%), clinical pregnancy (85 versus 62%) and delivery (77 versus 52%) rates were calculated per oocyte recovery attempt. CONCLUSIONS: With a selected population of good prognosis patients and our embryo selection criteria, the implantation potential of day 3 and day 5 embryos is equal. Per oocyte recovery attempt, day 3 transfer is more clinically efficient than day 5 transfer, but at least one transfer of cryopreserved embryos is necessary to manifest this superiority.

Adult↗