Academic literature on the topic 'Mice Reproduction Regulation'

Lifetime reproduction of female transgenic rat growth hormone (TRrGH) mice and their normal siblings was evaluated on a high-protein (38%) diet, a standard diet (23% protein), and the standard diet supplemented with sucrose cubes. Compared with those on the standard diet, normal mice fed the high-protein diet showed significant increases in litter size, number of litters, and lifetime fecundity. Number of litters and lifetime fecundity were also enhanced in normal mice fed sucrose. TRrGH mice showed no significant improvements in reproduction on the high-protein diet, but they were significantly smaller. Sucrose dramatically improved reproduction of TRrGH mice, with no reduction in mature mass. The percentage of fertile TRrGH mice increased from 45% on standard chow to 71% with sucrose. The number and size of litters of TRrGH mice also significantly increased with sucrose, mean lifetime fecundity doubling from 9 pups on standard food to 18 pups on sucrose. However, TRrGH mice did not attain the reproductive success of normal mice on any diet. These results suggest that TRrGH mice are energetically stressed by enforced channelling of energy into growth. An immense literature addresses infertility due to energy limitation and stress generally. We synthesize these aspects with growth hormone transgenesis to derive an integrated view of neuroendocrine energy regulation relevant to restoring fertility of transgenic GH animals.

Kisspeptin is vital for the neuroendocrine regulation of GNRH secretion. Kisspeptin neurons are now recognized as a central pathway responsible for conveying key homeostatic information to GNRH neurons. This pathway is likely to mediate the well-established link between energy balance and reproductive function. Thus, in states of severely altered energy balance (either negative or positive), fertility is compromised, as isKiss1expression in the arcuate nucleus. A number of metabolic modulators have been proposed as regulators of kisspeptin neurons including leptin, ghrelin, pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), and neuropeptide Y (NPY). Whether these regulate kisspeptin neurons directly or indirectly will be discussed. Moreover, whether the stimulatory role of leptin on reproduction is mediated by kisspeptin directly will be questioned. Furthermore, in addition to being expressed in GNRH neurons, the kisspeptin receptor (Kiss1r) is also expressed in other areas of the brain, as well as in the periphery, suggesting alternative roles for kisspeptin signaling outside of reproduction. Interestingly, kisspeptin neurons are anatomically linked to, and can directly excite, anorexigenic POMC neurons and indirectly inhibit orexigenic NPY neurons. Thus, kisspeptin may have a direct role in regulating energy balance. Although data fromKiss1rknockout and WT mice found no differences in body weight, recent data indicate that kisspeptin may still play a role in food intake and glucose homeostasis. Thus, in addition to regulating reproduction, and mediating the effect of energy balance on reproductive function, kisspeptin signaling may also be a direct regulator of metabolism.

The hormone leptin acts on the brain to regulate feeding, metabolism, and reproduction; however, its cellular targets and molecular mechanisms of action remain to be fully elucidated. The melanocortins, which are derived from the precursor proopiomelanocortin (POMC), are also implicated in the physiological regulation of body weight. POMC-containing neurons express the leptin receptor, and thus it is conceivable that the POMC gene itself may be part of the signaling pathway involved in leptin’s action on the brain. Using in situ hybridization and computerized image analysis, we tested the hypothesis that the POMC gene is a target for regulation by leptin by comparing cellular levels of POMC mRNA in the hypothalamus among groups of leptin-deficient (ob/ob) mice, leptin-treated ob/ob mice, and wild-type controls. POMC mRNA levels were significantly reduced throughout the arcuate nucleus in vehicle-treated ob/ob mice relative to wild-type controls, whereas POMC mRNA levels in leptin-treated ob/ob mice were indistinguishable from wild-type controls. These observations suggest that one or more products of POMC serve as an integrative link between leptin and the central mechanisms governing body weight regulation and reproduction.

Estrogens are essential for fertility and also have important effects on regulation of adiposity and the euglycemic state. We report here that lipin1, a candidate gene for lipodystrophy and obesity that is a phosphatidic acid phosphatase critical in regulation of cellular levels of diacylglycerol and triacylglycerol and a key regulator of lipid utilization, is rapidly and robustly down-regulated in the uterus by estradiol via the estrogen receptor. Lipin1 is expressed predominantly in the uterine luminal and glandular epithelium, and during the estrous cycle, lipin1 is lowest when blood levels of estrogen are highest. Lipin1 is expressed throughout all cells in the liver of ovariectomized female mice, and a sustained down-regulation is observed at the mRNA, protein and immunohistochemical levels after estrogen administration. Because the coupling of proper energy use and availability is central to reproduction, we also investigated expression of lipin1 in the uterus and liver of several mouse models of diabetes. Nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice, which have high blood levels of estrogen and impaired fertility, were severely deficient in lipin1 in the uterus and liver, which, interestingly, could be restored by insulin treatment. By contrast, nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient (NOD-SCID) mice, which do not develop diabetes, showed normal levels of lipin1. Our findings of lipin1 regulation by estrogen in two key target organs suggest a new role for this lipid-regulating phosphatase not only in central metabolic regulation but also in uterine function and reproductive biology. Estrogen regulation of lipin1 may provide a mechanistic link between estrogens, lipid metabolism, and lipid signaling.

Abstract Kisspeptin (a product of the Kiss1 gene) and its receptor (GPR54 or Kiss1r) have emerged as key players in the regulation of reproduction. Mutations in humans or genetically targeted deletions in mice of either Kiss1 or Kiss1r cause profound hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Neurons that express Kiss1/kisspeptin are found in discrete nuclei in the hypothalamus, as well as other brain regions in many vertebrates, and their distribution, regulation, and function varies widely across species. Kisspeptin neurons directly innervate and stimulate GnRH neurons, which are the final common pathway through which the brain regulates reproduction. Kisspeptin neurons are sexually differentiated with respect to cell number and transcriptional activity in certain brain nuclei, and some kisspeptin neurons express other cotransmitters, including dynorphin and neurokinin B (whose physiological significance is unknown). Kisspeptin neurons express the estrogen receptor and the androgen receptor, and these cells are direct targets for the action of gonadal steroids in both male and female animals. Kisspeptin signaling in the brain has been implicated in mediating the negative feedback action of sex steroids on gonadotropin secretion, generating the preovulatory GnRH/LH surge, triggering and guiding the tempo of sexual maturation at puberty, controlling seasonal reproduction, and restraining reproductive activity during lactation. Kisspeptin signaling may also serve diverse functions outside of the classical realm of reproductive neuroendocrinology, including the regulation of metastasis in certain cancers, vascular dynamics, placental physiology, and perhaps even higher-order brain function.

Cadmium is a common toxicant that is detrimental to many tissues. Although a number of transcriptional signatures have been revealed in different tissues after cadmium treatment, the genes involved in the cadmium caused male reproductive toxicity, and the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. Here we observed that the mice treated with different amount of cadmium in their rodent chow for six months exhibited reduced serum testosterone. We then performed RNA-seq to comprehensively investigate the mice testicular transcriptome to further elucidate the mechanism. Our results showed that hundreds of genes expression altered significantly in response to cadmium treatment. In particular, we found several transcriptional signatures closely related to the biological processes of regulation of hormone, gamete generation, and sexual reproduction, respectively. The expression of several testosterone synthetic key enzyme genes, such as Star, Cyp11a1, and Cyp17a1, were inhibited by the cadmium exposure. For better understanding of the cadmium-mediated transcriptional regulatory mechanism of the genes, we computationally analyzed the transcription factors binding sites and the mircoRNAs targets of the differentially expressed genes. Our findings suggest that the reproductive toxicity by cadmium exposure is implicated in multiple layers of deregulation of several biological processes and transcriptional regulation in mice.

Abstract The molecular mechanisms that underlie embryo implantation are poorly understood. Under the control of sex steroids, uterine endometrium undergoes tremendous, yet tightly controlled, proliferation in each estrous cycle to facilitate implantation; disorders of endometrial proliferation underlie several uterine diseases. We have previously identified the Emx2 gene as a transcriptional target of HOXA10 regulation in the reproductive tract. Here we report the function of Emx2 in murine implantation and regulation of endometrial proliferation. We transfected mice on d 2 post coitus with pcDNA3.1/Emx2, Emx2 antisense, or respective controls consisting of empty pcDNA3.1 or a random order oligonucleotide by intrauterine lipofection. Increased expression of Emx2 reduced average implantation rate by approximately 40% (P = 0.00006) resulting in an average number of implanted embryos per litter of 13.7 in the control group to 8.2 in the pcDNA3.1/Emx2-treated group. Neither treatment altered the number of mice attaining pregnancy with at least one embryo. Decreased Emx2 expression did not alter litter size. Neither treatment affected the birth weight of the pups. To elucidate potential mechanisms through which Emx2-regulated reproduction, markers of endometrial differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis were assessed. Increased Emx2 expression significantly decreased endometrial cell proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression and 5′-bromo-2′ deoxyuridine incorporation. Markers of stromal cell differentiation (IGF binding protein-1, prolactin), epithelial differentiation (calcitonin), and apoptosis (activated caspase3) were unchanged. In human endometrial epithelial cells in vitro, Emx2 reduced cell number indicating diminished proliferation. Emx2 controls mammalian reproduction by adjusting endometrial cell proliferation without effecting differentiation. Regulated uterine Emx2 expression is necessary during reproduction for maximal implantation and litter size.

Ghrelin has a well-known role in the regulation of appetite, satiety, energy metabolism, and reproduction; however ghrelin has not been implicated in reproductive tract development. We examined the effect of ghrelin deficiency on the developmental programming of female fertility. We observed that female wild-type mice born of ghrelin heterozygote dams (i.e. exposed in utero to ghrelin deficiency) had diminished fertility and produced smaller litters. We demonstrate that exposure to in utero ghrelin deficiency led to altered developmental programming of the reproductive tract. The number of ovarian follicles, corpora lutea, and embryos produced were identical in both exposed and unexposed mice. However wild-type embryos transferred to uteri of mice exposed to in utero ghrelin deficiency had a 60% reduction in the rate of embryo implantation compared with those transferred to wild-type unexposed uteri. We identified significant alterations in the uterine expression of four genes critical for implantation and a defect in uterine endometrial proliferation. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the mechanism of subfertility was abnormal endometrial function. In utero exposure to decreased levels of ghrelin led to defects in developmental programming of the uterus and subsequent subfertility in wild-type offspring.

Metabolic dysfunctions are often linked to reproductive abnormalities. Adiponectin (ADP), a peripheral hormone secreted by white adipose tissue, is important in energy homeostasis and appetite regulation. GnRH neurons are integral components of the reproductive axis, controlling synthesis, and release of gonadotropins. This report examined whether ADP can directly act on GnRH neurons. Double-label immunofluorescence on brain sections from adult female revealed that a subpopulation of GnRH neurons express ADP receptor (AdipoR)2. GnRH/AdipoR2+ cells were distributed throughout the forebrain. To determine the influence of ADP on GnRH neuronal activity and the signal transduction pathway of AdipoR2, GnRH neurons maintained in explants were assayed using whole-cell patch clamping and calcium imaging. This mouse model system circumvents the dispersed distribution of GnRH neurons within the forebrain, making analysis of large numbers of GnRH cells possible. Single-cell PCR analysis and immunocytochemistry confirmed the presence of AdipoR2 in GnRH neurons in explants. Functional analysis revealed 20% of the total GnRH population responded to ADP, exhibiting hyperpolarization or decreased calcium oscillations. Perturbation studies revealed that ADP activates AMP kinase via the protein kinase Cζ/liver kinase B1 pathway. The modulation of GnRH neuronal activity by ADP demonstrated in this report directly links energy balance to neurons controlling reproduction.

Male reproductive aging, or andropause, is associated with gradual age-related changes in testicular properties, sperm production, and erectile function. The testis, which is the primary male reproductive organ, produces sperm and androgens. To understand the transcriptional changes underlying male reproductive aging, we performed transcriptome analysis of aging testes in mice. A total of 31,386 mRNAs and 9387 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were identified in the mouse testes of diverse age groups (3, 6, 12, and 18 months old) by total RNA sequencing. Of them, 1571 mRNAs and 715 lncRNAs exhibited changes in their levels during testicular aging. Most of these aging-related transcripts exhibited slight and continuous expression changes during aging, whereas some (9.6%) showed larger expression changes. The aging-related transcripts could be classified into diverse expression patterns, in which the transcripts changed mainly at 3–6 months or at 12–18 months. Our subsequent in silico analysis provided insight into the potential features of testicular aging-related mRNAs and lncRNAs. We identified testis-specific aging-related transcripts (121 mRNAs and 25 lncRNAs) by comparison with a known testis-specific transcript profile, and then predicted the potential reproduction-related functions of the mRNAs. By selecting transcripts that are altered only between 3 and 18 months, we identified 46 mRNAs and 34 lncRNAs that are stringently related to the terminal stage of male reproductive aging. Some of these mRNAs were related to hormonal regulation. Finally, our in silico analysis of the 34 aging-related lncRNAs revealed that they co-localized with 19 testis-expressed protein-coding genes, 13 of which are considered to show testis-specific or -predominant expression. These nearby genes could be potential targets of cis-regulation by the aging-related lncRNAs. Collectively, our results identify a number of testicular aging-related mRNAs and lncRNAs in mice and provide a basis for the future investigation of these transcripts in the context of aging-associated testicular dysfunction.

Les amphibiens sont des vertébrés liés aux alternances entre la vie aquatique et la vie terrestre et aux alternances saisonnières. Le développement embryonnaire commence par une phase aquatique et se termine par une métamorphose qui donnera une forme juvénile terrestre pouvant rester dans le milieu aquatique chez certaines espèces retournées secondairement à la vie aquatique. Les cycles de reproduction sont régulés, entre autres, par les hormones hypophysaires: LH et FSH (gonadotropes) et PRL (prolactine). La régulation hydrominérale des vertébrés est également assurée par des hormones neurohypophysaires telles que l'arginine vasopressine (AVP), l'ocytocine (OT), l'arginine vasotocine (AVT), la mésotocine (MST) et l'isotocine (IST). Le but du travail effectué dans le cadre de cette thèse a été d'apporter quelques éléments de compréhension des liens pouvant exister entre la reproduction et la régulation hydrominérale. Les cycles de reproduction de Typhlonectes compressicauda sont soumis à des alternances saisonnières caractérisées par une saison des pluies et une saison sèche.Dans le présent travail nous avons mis en évidence les principales hormones impliquées dans la régulation de la balance hydrique (AVT, MST). Parallèlement, une étude précise de la structure des reins avec la mise en évidence des récepteurs de différentes hormones concernées a été menée. La mise en évidence par biochimie (western blot et dosage) des différentes hormones et de leurs récepteurs (immunohistochimie) a également été effectuée chez Xenopus laevis, espèce aquatique représentant un modèle d'étude conventionnel, de manière à apprécier l'implication de ces hormones lorsque l'animal termine sa métamorphose
The amphibians are vertebrates the cycle of life being related to both the alternations between aquatic and terrestrial phases and seasonal alternations. Embryonic development begins with an aquatic phase and completed with a metamorphosis, at the end of which terrestrial juveniles animals can persist in the aquatic environment in secondary aquatic species. The breeding cycles are regulated by the pituitary hormones: LH, FSH (gonadotropins) and PRL (prolactin). The hydromineral regulation of vertebrates is also ensured by neurohypophysial neurohormones such as arginine vasopressin (AVP), oxytocin (OT), vasotocin (AVT), mesotocin (MST), and isotocin (IST).The work in the context of this thesis was to bring some elements for understanding the relationships that may exist between the reproduction and hydromineral regulations.The reproductive cycles in Typhlonectes compressicauda are submitted to seasonal alternations characterized by a rainy season and a dry season. In the present work we highlighted the main hormones involved in the regulation of hydric balance in amphibians (AVT, MST). In parallel, a precise study of the structure of the kidneys with the identification of receptors of various hormones concerned, was performed. The identification of both various hormones and their receptors by biochemistry (Western blot, assay) and immunohistochemistry was also performed on Xenopus laevis, an aquatic species representing also a conventional model for the study, in way to appreciate the implication of these hormones when the animal completes its metamorphosis

The TGFβ family of cytokines are potent signalling molecules that regulate tissue development, inflammation and immunity. Previous studies in mice with a null mutation in the Tgfb1 gene (TGFβ1-/- mice) implicate a key role for TGFβ1 in male reproductive function. These mice show profound infertility due to an inability to copulate successfully, associated with reduced testosterone and sperm production. The focus of this project was to 1) further characterize mechanisms underpinning reproductive deficiency in male TGFβ1-/- mice, 2) identify a reliable physiological marker of TGFβ1 availability in vivo, and 3) to determine whether exogenous TGFβ1 administration influences TGFβ1 availability and restores fertility. To investigate the causes of unsuccessful copulation by TGFβ1-/- mice, penis morphometry was examined. Penile organ structure, as assessed by scanning electron microscopy, was comparable between genotypes however a superfluous epidermal covering that impeded penile spine protrusion was evident in TGFβ1-/- mice. The epidermal covering was not due to increased epithelial cell proliferation, as measured by Brdu labelling and immunohistology. Behavioural observations of erectile activity showed that TGFβ1-/- mice achieved spontaneous erections albeit at reduced frequency compared to TGFβ1+/+ mice. The efficacy of exogenous TGFβ1 replacement was evaluated by first identifying measures of in vivo TGFβ1 availability and/or function and selecting an effective route of administration. Serum TGFβ1 and testosterone levels were reliable discriminators of TGFβ1 genotype. Gene expression and phagocytic function of peritoneal macrophages revealed no differences between genotypes. Exogenous sources of TGFβ1 for replacement studies included colostrum, naturally occurring in breast milk and recombinant human latent TGFβ1 (rhLTGFβ1). Colostrum did not increase circulating levels and rhTGFβ1 injection caused only transient elevation of serum levels. Thus mini-osmotic pumps were used to deliver a constant supply of cytokine to TGFβ1-/- mice. The fertility status of TGFβ1-/- mice receiving exogenous TGFβ1 was investigated. Reproductive behaviour in response to normal receptive female mice was assessed twice during treatment, on day 7 and day 14. Blood, liver and reproductive tissues were collected at sacrifice. Circulating TGFβ1 was increased in TGFβ1 treated TGFβ1-/- mice above TGFβ1-/- control levels, although this did not affect circulating testosterone. Erectile activity and sperm production were unchanged. Videotaping behaviour with estrous females revealed that the TGFβ1+/+ mice successfully mounted and intromitted, unlike the TGFβ1-/- controls. The TGFβ1-/- mice receiving exogenous TGFβ1 displayed moderately enhanced mounting and intromission behaviour although this remained less frequent than in the TGFβ1+/+ controls. Ejaculation behaviour was not observed in any TGFβ1-/- mice regardless of TGFβ1 replacement, compared to TGFβ1+/+ controls where >90% mice displayed ejaculated. Modest improvement in the copulation activity of the TGFβ1-/- mice receiving exogenous TGFβ1 suggests that systemic TGFβ1 availability can influence reproductive performance in male TGFβ1-/- mice. However since fertility was not restored, locally produced TGFβ1 in the reproductive tract and/or hypothalamic pituitary axis are also implicated in regulating fertility. These findings advance our knowledge of the role of the TGFβ1 cytokine in male reproductive physiology and may have relevance for devising new treatments for infertility and erectile dysfunction in men.
Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of Adelaide, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, 2008

The TGFβ family of cytokines are potent signalling molecules that regulate tissue development, inflammation and immunity. Previous studies in mice with a null mutation in the Tgfb1 gene (TGFβ1-/- mice) implicate a key role for TGFβ1 in male reproductive function. These mice show profound infertility due to an inability to copulate successfully, associated with reduced testosterone and sperm production. The focus of this project was to 1) further characterize mechanisms underpinning reproductive deficiency in male TGFβ1-/- mice, 2) identify a reliable physiological marker of TGFβ1 availability in vivo, and 3) to determine whether exogenous TGFβ1 administration influences TGFβ1 availability and restores fertility. To investigate the causes of unsuccessful copulation by TGFβ1-/- mice, penis morphometry was examined. Penile organ structure, as assessed by scanning electron microscopy, was comparable between genotypes however a superfluous epidermal covering that impeded penile spine protrusion was evident in TGFβ1-/- mice. The epidermal covering was not due to increased epithelial cell proliferation, as measured by Brdu labelling and immunohistology. Behavioural observations of erectile activity showed that TGFβ1-/- mice achieved spontaneous erections albeit at reduced frequency compared to TGFβ1+/+ mice. The efficacy of exogenous TGFβ1 replacement was evaluated by first identifying measures of in vivo TGFβ1 availability and/or function and selecting an effective route of administration. Serum TGFβ1 and testosterone levels were reliable discriminators of TGFβ1 genotype. Gene expression and phagocytic function of peritoneal macrophages revealed no differences between genotypes. Exogenous sources of TGFβ1 for replacement studies included colostrum, naturally occurring in breast milk and recombinant human latent TGFβ1 (rhLTGFβ1). Colostrum did not increase circulating levels and rhTGFβ1 injection caused only transient elevation of serum levels. Thus mini-osmotic pumps were used to deliver a constant supply of cytokine to TGFβ1-/- mice. The fertility status of TGFβ1-/- mice receiving exogenous TGFβ1 was investigated. Reproductive behaviour in response to normal receptive female mice was assessed twice during treatment, on day 7 and day 14. Blood, liver and reproductive tissues were collected at sacrifice. Circulating TGFβ1 was increased in TGFβ1 treated TGFβ1-/- mice above TGFβ1-/- control levels, although this did not affect circulating testosterone. Erectile activity and sperm production were unchanged. Videotaping behaviour with estrous females revealed that the TGFβ1+/+ mice successfully mounted and intromitted, unlike the TGFβ1-/- controls. The TGFβ1-/- mice receiving exogenous TGFβ1 displayed moderately enhanced mounting and intromission behaviour although this remained less frequent than in the TGFβ1+/+ controls. Ejaculation behaviour was not observed in any TGFβ1-/- mice regardless of TGFβ1 replacement, compared to TGFβ1+/+ controls where >90% mice displayed ejaculated. Modest improvement in the copulation activity of the TGFβ1-/- mice receiving exogenous TGFβ1 suggests that systemic TGFβ1 availability can influence reproductive performance in male TGFβ1-/- mice. However since fertility was not restored, locally produced TGFβ1 in the reproductive tract and/or hypothalamic pituitary axis are also implicated in regulating fertility. These findings advance our knowledge of the role of the TGFβ1 cytokine in male reproductive physiology and may have relevance for devising new treatments for infertility and erectile dysfunction in men.
Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of Adelaide, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, 2008

Brucella Mutagenesis (TAMU) The working hypothesis for this study was that survival of Brucella vaccines was directly related to their persistence in the host. This premise is based on previously published work detailing the survival of the currently employed vaccine strains S19 and Rev 1. The approach employed signature-tagged mutagenesis to construct mutants interrupted in individual genes, and the mouse model to identify mutants with attenuated virulence/survival. Intracellular survival in macrophages is the key to both reproductive disease in ruminants and reticuloendothelial disease observed in most other species. Therefore, the mouse model permitted selection of mutants of reduced intracellular survival that would limit their ability to cause reproductive disease in ruminants. Several classes of mutants were expected. Colonization/invasion requires gene products that enhance host-agent interaction or increase resistance to antibacterial activity in macrophages. The establishment of chronic infection requires gene products necessary for intracellular bacterial growth. Maintenance of chronic infection requires gene products that sustain a low-level metabolism during periods characterized little or no growth (1, 2). Of these mutants, the latter group was of greatest interest with regard to our originally stated premise. However, the results obtained do not necessarily support a simplistic model of vaccine efficacy, i.e., long-survival of vaccine strains provides better immunity. Our conclusion can only be that optimal vaccines will only be developed with a thorough understanding of host agent interaction, and will be preferable to the use of fortuitous isolates of unknown genetic background. Each mutant could be distinguished from among a group of mutants by PCR amplification of the signature tag (5). This approach permitted infection of mice with pools of different mutants (including the parental wild-type as a control) and identified 40 mutants with apparently defective survival characteristics that were tentatively assigned to three distinct classes or groups. Group I (n=13) contained organisms that exhibited reduced survival at two weeks post-infection. Organisms in this group were recovered at normal levels by eight weeks and were not studied further, since they may persist in the host. Group II (n=11) contained organisms that were reduced by 2 weeks post infection and remained at reduced levels at eight weeks post-infection. Group III (n=16) contained mutants that were normal at two weeks, but recovered at reduced levels at eight weeks. A subset of these mutants (n= 15) was confirmed to be attenuated in mixed infections (1:1) with the parental wild-type. One of these mutants was eliminated from consideration due to a reduced growth rate in vitro that may account for its apparent growth defect in the mouse model. Although the original plan involved construction of the mutant bank in B. melitensis Rev 1 the low transformability of this strain, prevented accumulation of the necessary number of mutants. In addition, the probability that Rev 1 already carries one genetic defect increases the likelihood that a second defect will severely compromise the survival of this organism. Once key genes have been identified, it is relatively easy to prepare the appropriate genetic constructs (knockouts) lacking these genes in B. melitensis Rev 1 or any other genetic background. The construction of "designer" vaccines is expected to improve immune protection resulting from minor sequence variation corresponding to geographically distinct isolates or to design vaccines for use in specific hosts. A.2 Mouse Model of Brucella Infection (UWISC) Interferon regulatory factor-1-deficient (IRF-1-/- mice have diverse immunodeficient phenotypes that are necessary for conferring proper immune protection to intracellular bacterial infection, such as a 90% reduction of CD8+ T cells, functionally impaired NK cells, as well as a deficiency in iNOS and IL-12p40 induction. Interestingly, IRF-1-/- mice infected with diverse Brucella abortus strains reacted differently in a death and survival manner depending on the dose of injection and the level of virulence. Notably, 50% of IRF-1-/- mice intraperitoneally infected with a sublethal dose in C57BL/6 mice, i.e., 5 x 105 CFU of virulent S2308 or the attenuated vaccine S19, died at 10 and 20 days post-infection, respectively. Interestingly, the same dose of RB51, an attenuated new vaccine strain, did not induce the death of IRF-1-/- mice for the 4 weeks of infection. IRF-1-/- mice infected with four more other genetically manipulated S2308 mutants at 5 x 105 CFU also reacted in a death or survival manner depending on the level of virulence. Splenic CFU from C57BL/6 mice infected with 5 x 105 CFU of S2308, S19, or RB51, as well as four different S2308 mutants supports the finding that reduced virulence correlates with survival Of IRF-1-/- mice. Therefore, these results suggest that IRF-1 regulation of multi-gene transcription plays a crucial role in controlling B. abortus infection, and IRF-1 mice could be used as an animal model to determine the degree of B. abortus virulence by examining death or survival. A3 Diagnostic Tests for Detection of B. melitensis Rev 1 (Kimron) In this project we developed an effective PCR tool that can distinguish between Rev1 field isolates and B. melitensis virulent field strains. This has allowed, for the first time, to monitor epidemiological outbreaks of Rev1 infection in vaccinated flocks and to clearly demonstrate horizontal transfer of the strain from vaccinated ewes to unvaccinated ones. Moreover, two human isolates were characterized as Rev1 isolates implying the risk of use of improperly controlled lots of the vaccine in the national campaign. Since atypical B. melitensis biotype 1 strains have been characterized in Israel, the PCR technique has unequivocally demonstrated that strain Rev1 has not diverted into a virulent mutant. In addition, we could demonstrate that very likely a new prototype biotype 1 strain has evolved in the Middle East compared to the classical strain 16M. All the Israeli field strains have been shown to differ from strain 16M in the PstI digestion profile of the omp2a gene sequence suggesting that the local strains were possibly developed as a separate branch of B. melitensis. Should this be confirmed these data suggest that the Rev1 vaccine may not be an optimal vaccine strain for the Israeli flocks as it shares the same omp2 PstI digestion profile as strain 16M.