1
|
Dip AS, Martín E, Hernández MB, Miotti MD. Characterization of sperm morphology in two species of Neotropical bats: Artibeus planirostris and Sturnira erythromos (Phyllostomidae, Chiroptera). Microsc Res Tech 2024; 87:3037-3046. [PMID: 39126422 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Sperm morphology is considered the best indicator of male fertility. In Neotropical bats, important aspects of sperm morphology have been scantly studied. The aim of the present study was to characterize and compare the sperm morphology and morphometry of Artibeus planirostris and Sturnira erythromos. A total of 11 specimens were analyzed from the Colección de Mamíferos Lillo: five A. planirostris and six S. erythromos. The fixed epididymis were extracted and macerated in Farmer's solution, followed by the routine cytological procedure with different stains. To carry out the description and morphometric analysis, microphotographs were taken under an optical, epifluorescence and scanning electron microscope. A total of 50 sperm from each individual were measured for morphometric analysis. The percentage of normal/abnormal spermatozoa was estimated and the sperm abnormalities were classified. Both species showed morphologically simple spermatozoa with a spatulate head, a short neck, a helical midpiece and a tail that tapers at the final end, similar to other species of Phyllostomidae. The differences observed were: apex of the head was conical in A. planirostris and was oval in S. erythromos; longer head and midpiece in S. erythomos and longer sperm in A. planirostris. Both species showed a high percentage of sperm with normal appearance: 65% for A. planirostris and 72% for S. erythromos. The main sperm abnormalities were: scattered tails and heads, coiled tails, folded midpieces and presence of cytoplasmic droplets. The present work will improve the understanding of their reproductive biology. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Morphological descriptions and morphometric analyses of the sperm of Artibeus planirostris and Sturnira erythromos were carried out with optical, epifluorescence and scanning electron microscopy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sofía Dip
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
- CONICET NOA Sur (Centro Científico Tecnológico - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas), Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Eduardo Martín
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
- Instituto de Genética y Microbiología, Fundación Miguel Lillo, Tucumán, Argentina
| | | | - María Daniela Miotti
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dip AS, Martín E, Andrada RA, Hernández MB, Miotti MD. Sperm morphology and comparison morphometry measurements of two species of bats, Molossus molossus and Molossops temminckii (Chiroptera: Molossidae). Microsc Res Tech 2023; 86:1626-1634. [PMID: 37572016 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Sperm morphology is considered a species-specific character and has been used as a tool in the classification of numerous mammalian taxa. Neotropical bats have been poorly studied, and important aspects on sperm morphology have not been elucidated. The aim of the present study was to describe and compare the sperm morphology and morphometry of Molossus molossus and Molossops temminckii. A total of 14 adults specimens were analyzed from the Colección Mamíferos Lillo, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán: five M. molossus and nine M. temminckii. The epididymis were extracted and macerated in Farmer's solution, followed by a coloration with different stains. To carry out the description and morphometric analysis, microphotographs were taken under an optical, epifluorescence, and scanning electron microscope (SEM). A total of 50 sperm from each individual were measured for morphometric analysis. The length and width of the head, midpiece and tail were taken as variables. Sperm from M. molossus and M. temminckii were practically identical, both morphologically and morphometrically. In both species, a distal bulge was observed at the end of the intermediate piece in a percentage greater than 85%. The main characteristics shared between the species were: presence of acrosomal blebs in the upper half of the head of the spermatozoa; cephalic equatorial segment with filiform ornamentations; intermembrane space of head apex wedge-shaped; helical middle piece and annulus at the end of middle piece. In the present study, SEM allowed us to visualize structures, such as acrosomal vesicles, that were not detected with other types of microscopy. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The similarities in the sperm morphology between M. molossus and M. temminckii were observed with three types of microscopy: optical, epifluorescence and scanning electron, and supported by morphometric and statistical analyses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sofía Dip
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
- CONICET NOA Sur (Centro Científico Tecnológico-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas), Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Eduardo Martín
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
- Instituto de Genética y Microbiología, Fundación Miguel Lillo, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Rubén Aldo Andrada
- Instituto de Genética y Microbiología, Fundación Miguel Lillo, Tucumán, Argentina
| | | | - María Daniela Miotti
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Andrade CS, Pletsch ÂA, Soares EM, Morielle-Versute E, Taboga SR, Souza CC, Beguelini MR. Annual reproductive cycle of males of the great fruit-eating bat, Artibeus lituratus: Testicular variations, abiotic regulation and sperm analysis. Tissue Cell 2023; 83:102131. [PMID: 37315504 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2023.102131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Artibeus lituratus is one of the most well-known bat species in the Neotropics, probably due to its high abundance and the ability to inhabit urban areas. It plays an important ecological role in the ecosystem due to its ability to disperse seeds, which contributes to the regeneration of degraded areas. Actually, the species has been used as an important experimental model for ecotoxicological studies of the impact of pesticides on male reproduction. Despite that, the reproductive pattern of A. lituratus is still controversial due to inconsistent descriptions of the reproductive cycle. Thus, the aim of the present work was to evaluate the annual variations of the testicular parameters and sperm quality of A. lituratus and analyze their responses to annual variations in abiotic factors in the Cerrado area in Brazil. Testes of five specimens were collected each month for one year (12 sample groups) and submitted to histological, morphometric, and immunohistochemical analyses. Analyses of the sperm quality were also performed. Results demonstrate that A. lituratus presents a continuously active process of spermatogenesis throughout the year, with two significant peaks in spermatogenic production (September-October and March), which indicates a bimodal polyestric pattern of reproduction. These reproductive peaks seem to be related to an increase in proliferation and, consequently, in the number of spermatogonia. Conversely, seasonal variations in testicular parameters are correlated with annual fluctuations in rainfall and photoperiod but not with temperature. In general, the species presents smaller spermatogenic indexes with a similar sperm quantity and quality to other bat species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cleber S Andrade
- Center of Biological and Health Science, UFOB - Universidade Federal do Oeste da Bahia, Barreiras, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Ândrea A Pletsch
- Center of Biological and Health Science, UFOB - Universidade Federal do Oeste da Bahia, Barreiras, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Emília M Soares
- Center of Biological and Health Science, UFOB - Universidade Federal do Oeste da Bahia, Barreiras, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Eliana Morielle-Versute
- Department of Zoology and Botany, UNESP - Univ. Estadual Paulista, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sebastião R Taboga
- Department of Biology, UNESP - Univ. Estadual Paulista, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carolina C Souza
- Center of Biological and Health Science, UFOB - Universidade Federal do Oeste da Bahia, Barreiras, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Mateus R Beguelini
- Center of Biological and Health Science, UFOB - Universidade Federal do Oeste da Bahia, Barreiras, Bahia, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Farias TDO, Figueiredo AFA, Wnuk NT, Vieira CP, Lara NDLEM, Avelar GFD, Talamoni SA, Costa GMJ. Sperm production and seminal analyses in a Neotropical sperm-storing vespertilionid bat yellowish myotis (Myotis levis). Theriogenology 2021; 174:73-84. [PMID: 34425303 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Yellowish myotis is a Neotropical vespertilionid bat that presents a seasonal reproduction. The sperm is produced in the Mature stage, stored in the Regressed stage and released in the Rest stage (mating period). Aiming to understand, for the first time, the relationship between testis and epididymis physiology in yellowish myotis reproduction, the spermatogenesis length, sperm production, and seminal parameters were herein evaluated. Fifty-one adult male bats were captured in Santuário do Caraça, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The gonads were collected in the Maturing and Mature stages for histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analyses, whereas the epididymis was evaluated in all reproductive stages for seminal studies. Our results demonstrated that the yellowish myotis spermatogenic process is fast, lasting 31.70 ± 0.15 days. Despite the low Sertoli cell efficiency (6.60 ± 1.23), the high numbers of Sertoli cells per testis enable an elevated sperm production in the Mature stage. The sperm concentration, vitality, and motility presented the highest values in the Regressed stage; however, in this period, an increased incidence of sperm morphological defects was detected. In the following period (Rest stage), a drastic reduction of defective sperm was observed, suggesting quality control of sperm before the mating period. Furthermore, the epididymis ability to maintain a long-term sperm-storage was observed in 26.7% of the bats in the Maturing stage. In summary, yellowish myotis presented a fast and high sperm production during the Mature stage. These sperms are stored and selected before mating period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Talita De Oliveira Farias
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
| | - André Felipe Almeida Figueiredo
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
| | - Natalia Teixeira Wnuk
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
| | - Carolina Pinhol Vieira
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
| | - Nathalia de Lima E Martins Lara
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
| | - Gleide Fernandes de Avelar
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
| | - Sônia Aparecida Talamoni
- Laboratory of Mastozoology, Department of Biological Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais - PUC Minas, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
| | - Guilherme Mattos Jardim Costa
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ocampo‐González P, López‐Wilchis R, Espinoza‐Medinilla EE, Rioja‐Paradela TM. A review of the breeding biology of Chiroptera. Mamm Rev 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paola Ocampo‐González
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias en Biodiversiad y Conservación de Ecosistemas Tropicales Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas Universidad de Ciencias y Artes de Chiapas Libramiento Norte Poniente 1150, Colonia Lajas Maciel Tuxtla Gutiérrez Chiapas29039México
| | - Ricardo López‐Wilchis
- Departamento de Biología Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana‐Iztapalapa Av. San Rafael Atlixco 186, Col. Vicentina Ciudad de México09340México
| | - Eduardo E. Espinoza‐Medinilla
- Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas Universidad de Ciencias y Artes de Chiapas Libramiento Norte Poniente 1150, Colonia Lajas Maciel Tuxtla Gutiérrez Chiapas29039México
| | - Tamara M. Rioja‐Paradela
- Posgrado en Ciencias en Desarrollo Sustentable y Gestión de Riesgos Universidad de Ciencias y Artes de Chiapas Libramiento Norte Poniente 1150, Colonia Lajas Maciel Tuxtla Gutiérrez Chiapas29039México
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
de Brito JLM, Amaral TS, Aguiar LMDS, Lucci CM. Evaluation of reproductive parameters in male Neotropical bats during dry and rainy months in a specific area of the Cerrado biome. Anat Histol Embryol 2020; 49:307-314. [PMID: 31943300 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyse the reproductive aspects of male bats of three common species of the Phyllostomidae family: Artibeus lituratus, Platyrrhinus lineatus and Sturnira lilium, during dry and rainy months in a specific area of the Cerrado biome. Body weight was significantly higher during the dry months for S. lilium. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) and testicular weight were not significantly different between dry and rainy periods. The tubular parameters were significantly bigger in A. lituratus than in the other two species during both periods. No difference in the tubular/interstitial ratio was observed in any of the species during both periods. In both periods, all sperm cells and germ cell developmental stages were visible on seminiferous tubules whereas sperm cells were observed in epididymides of all sampled animals. The percentage of morphologically normal sperm was low (35%-60%), with no difference between periods. Spermatozoa from A. lituratus presented a leaf-shaped head, while the head was round-shaped in the other two species. In conclusion, our data suggest that males from the three studied species did not present reproductive latency during the most critical weather periods (dry and rainy months) in the metropolitan region of Brasilia, Brazil.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Lis Mendes de Brito
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Biological Sciences Institute, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Thales Simioni Amaral
- Department of Zoology, Biological Sciences Institute, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | | | - Carolina Madeira Lucci
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Biological Sciences Institute, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Guerrero-Hernández J, Moreno-Mendoza N. Characterization of the myoepithelial cells in the major salivary glands of the fruit bat Artibeus jamaicensis. J Anat 2016; 229:302-13. [PMID: 27168421 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Bats constitute one of the most numerous mammalian species. Bats have a wide range of dietary habits and include carnivorous, haematophagous, insectivorous, frugivorous and nectivorous species. The salivary glands of these species have been of particular research interest due to their structural variability among chiropterans with different types of diets. Myoepithelial cells (MECs), which support and facilitate the expulsion of saliva from the secretory portions of salivary glands, are very important for their function; however, this cell type has not been extensively studied in the salivary glands of bats. In this study, we characterized the MECs in the major salivary glands of the fruit bat Artibeus jamaicensis. Herein, we describe the morphology of the parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands of A. jamaicensis at the light- and electro-microscopic level and the distribution of MECs in these glands, as defined by their expression of smooth-muscle markers such as α-smooth muscle actin (SMAα) and desmin, and of epithelial cell markers, such as KRT14. We found that the anatomical locations of the major salivary glands in this bat species are similar to those of humans, except that the bat sublingual gland appears to be unique, extending to join the contralateral homologous gland. Morphologically, the parotid gland has the characteristics of a mixed-secretory gland, whereas the submandibular and sublingual glands were identified as mucous-secretory glands. MECs positive for SMAα, KRT14 and desmin were found in all of the structural components of the three glands, except in their excretory ducts. Desmin is expressed at a lower level in the parotid gland than in the other glands. Our results suggest that the major salivary glands of A. jamaicensis, although anatomically and structurally similar to those of humans, play different physiological roles that can be attributed to the dietary habits of this species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julio Guerrero-Hernández
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, México D.F., México
| | - Norma Moreno-Mendoza
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, México D.F., México
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
In vitro capacitation and acrosome reaction in sperm of the phyllostomid bat Artibeus jamaicensis. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2016; 52:454-65. [DOI: 10.1007/s11626-015-9991-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
9
|
Electroejaculation and semen buffer evaluation in the microbat Carollia perspicillata. Theriogenology 2015; 83:904-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Revised: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|