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Noto V, Nitta-Oda BJ, Berger T. Gene Expression in Porcine Bulbourethral Glands. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1115. [PMID: 38612354 PMCID: PMC11010832 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The porcine bulbourethral glands produce a gel-type secretion. Although the role of these contributions to reproductive success remains murky, the bulbourethral glands are major accessory sex glands in this species. Isometric growth in the early neonatal interval is followed by allometric growth in the late juvenile interval (6 to 11 weeks of age), while circulating endogenous steroids are low. The rate of allometric growth increases during the peripuberal interval (16 to 20 weeks of age) when systemic testosterone is relatively high. Gene expression for androgen receptor (AR) and for the steroid 5 alpha-reductase 2 (SRD5A2) enzyme that synthesizes the more potent androgen dihydrotestosterone from its precursor was evaluated by qPCR analyses of bulbourethral gland tissue. Tissues were collected from control boars (2 weeks to 40 weeks of age) and from littermates of these boars treated with letrozole to suppress endogenous estrogen synthesis. Gene expression for these two key proteins in androgen signaling was quite low during the initial allometric growth in the late juvenile and prepuberal intervals, suggesting that this initial growth was not primarily stimulated by androgens. These observations are consistent with a more direct estrogen-mediated inhibition of growth via GPER previously proposed, with the sensitivity extending into the late juvenile interval when estrogens as well as androgens are normally relatively low.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Trish Berger
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Dimitrov R, Stamatova-Yovcheva K. MRI Anatomical Investigation of Rabbit Bulbourethral Glands. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13091519. [PMID: 37174556 PMCID: PMC10177450 DOI: 10.3390/ani13091519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Anatomical MRI is appropriate for the interpretation of soft tissue findings in the retroperitoneal part of the pelvic cavity. The aim of the current study was to use rabbits as an imaging model to optimize MRI protocols for the investigation of bulbourethral glands. The research was conducted on twelve clinically healthy, sexually mature male rabbits, eight months of age (New Zealand White), weighing 2.8 kg to 3.2 kg. Tunnel MRI equipment was used. The transverse MRI in the T2-weighted sequence obtained detailed images that were of higher anatomical contrast than those in T1-weighted sequences. The hyperintensity of the glandular findings at T2, compared to the adjacent soft tissues, was due to the content of secretory fluids. The quality of the anatomical tissue contrast has not shown much dependence on the choice of the sequence in dorsal MRI. The sagittal visualization of the rabbit bulbourethral glands corresponded to the localization of the research plane toward a median plane. The imaging results could be used as a morphological base for clinical practice and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosen Dimitrov
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Kamelia Stamatova-Yovcheva
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
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Roca J, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Padilla L, Lucas X, Barranco I. Extracellular vesicles in seminal fluid and effects on male reproduction. An overview in farm animals and pets. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 246:106853. [PMID: 34556398 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid bilayer nanovesicles released by most functional cells to body fluids, containing bioactive molecules, mainly proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids having actions at target cells. The EVs have essential functions in cell-to-cell communication by regulating different biological processes in target cells. Fluids from the male reproductive tract, including seminal plasma, contain many extracellular vesicles (sEVs), which have been evaluated to a lesser extent than those of other body fluids, particularly in farm animals and pets. Results from the few studies that have been conducted indicated epithelial cells of the testis, epididymis, ampulla of ductus deferens and many accessory sex glands release sEVs mainly via apocrine mechanisms. The sEVs are morphologically heterogeneous and bind to functional cells of the male reproductive tract, spermatozoa, and cells of the functional tissues of the female reproductive tract after mating or insemination. The sEVs encapsulate proteins and miRNAs that modulate sperm functions and male fertility. The sEVs, therefore, could be important as reproductive biomarkers in breeding sires. Many of the current findings regarding sEV functions, however, need experimental confirmation. Further studies are particularly needed to characterize both membranes and contents of sEVs, as well as the interaction between sEVs and target cells (spermatozoa and functional cells of the internal female reproductive tract). A priority for conducting these studies is development of methods that can be standardized and that are scalable, cost-effective and time-saving for isolation of different subtypes of EVs present in the entire population of sEVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Lorena Padilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Xiomara Lucas
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Isabel Barranco
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, IT-40064 Bologna, Italy
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Sohn JH, Fukui D, Nojiri T, Minowa K, Kimura J, Koyabu D. Three-Dimensional and Histological Observations on Male Genital Organs of Greater Horseshoe Bat, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum. J MAMM EVOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10914-020-09525-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
AbstractAnatomy of bat genital organs has been conventionally studied by gross and microscopic observations to date. Here, we employ both histological observation and diceCT (diffusible iodine-based contrast-enhanced computed tomography) to study the detailed three-dimensional morphological structure of the male genital organs in bats, using the greater horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum. This is the first study to three-dimensionally describe the whole reproductive organs of bats in detail. Our highly resolved three-dimensional reconstruction reveals that the male organs of R. ferrumequinum consist of paired testes, epididymides, deferent ducts, and five accessory genital glands. The boundary between the ampullary and vesicular glands has been difficult to identify in previous observations, but our diceCT imaging allowed us to clearly differentiate the two. We found that the ampullary gland is located at the terminal part of the deferent ducts, and the vesicular gland lies distal to the ampullary glands. This species possesses a single and carrot-shaped urethral gland, which is not found in most chiropteran families. The presence of the urethral gland in this species and its secretions suggest that after copulation this species is capable of forming a vaginal plug, which can seal the female’s vaginal orifice to block the entrance of spermatozoa from other males. The presence of the urethral gland and elongated epididymal tail and the fact that some individuals can terminate their hibernation and reactivate imply forced copulation on hibernating females can occur in R. ferrumequinum.
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Abiaezute CN, Nwaogu IC, Igwebuike UM. Histology, ultrastructure, and seasonal variations in the bulbourethral gland of the African straw-colored fruit bat Eidolon helvum. J Morphol 2020; 281:1446-1455. [PMID: 32896971 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
We studied the morphological characteristics and seasonal changes of the bulbourethral gland of Eidolon helvum in a typical African tropical environment. Forty-eight bulbourethral glands were examined using gross anatomical, histological, histochemical, and ultrastructural techniques during the early rainy, late rainy, and peak dry seasons. The pear-shaped bilateral bulbourethral glands were located extra-abdominally in the inguinal region. Trabeculae from the capsule divided the parenchyma into numerous lobules of tubuloalveolar glandular acini. The mucosa was covered by a simple columnar epithelium consisting up of principal secretory cells, columnar dense cells and basal cells, which were progressively pronounced during the dry season. The principal cells contained eosinophilic granules, which were PAS positive while the dense cells did not show affinity for the stains. The mean gross weights, acini diameters, and epithelial heights were greater during the rainy season than the dry season. Ultrastructural evaluation showed that the cytoplasm of the principal cells contained well-developed Golgi complexes, rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and secretory vesicles of varying electron densities and sizes. The secretory vesicles were numerous during the early rainy season, decreased during the late rainy season and were scanty during the peak dry season. The simple columnar epithelium observed during the rainy season was replaced by an undefined stratified epithelium during the dry season, and this was associated with cellular degenerations and regenerations. In conclusion, E. helvum has a typical mammalian bulbourethral gland, with a unique cell type, the dense cell whose functions are not well-understood. The gland exhibits cyclical seasonal variation in structure and secretory activity; being active during the early rainy season (breeding season), and showing the lowest activity during the dry season (non-breeding season). Glandular epithelial cell renewal occurs during the dry season in preparation for the next breeding season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clifford Nwabugwu Abiaezute
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Innocent Chima Nwaogu
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Udensi Maduabuchi Igwebuike
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
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Structural, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical evidence of testosterone effects and its ablation on the bulbourethal gland of the Artibeus planirostris bat (Chiroptera, Mammalia). Tissue Cell 2017; 49:470-482. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Revised: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Grahofer A, Nathues H, Gurtner C. Multicystic degeneration of the Cowper's gland in a Large White boar. Reprod Domest Anim 2016; 51:1044-1048. [PMID: 27568915 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The present report describes a case of multicystic degeneration of the Cowper's gland in a 1.3-year-old purebred Large White intact boar with reduced fertility in Switzerland. Based on the case history, a general physical examination, an andrological investigation and a transrectal ultrasonography combined with a subsequent thorough pathological examination including histology a multicystic degeneration of the Cowper's gland were diagnosed. The case indicates that cystic degeneration of the bulbourethral gland should be contemplated in the differential diagnoses of andrological disorders even though it has not been described in pigs so far. While selecting breeding boars, a morphological check of the bulbourethral gland can be performed, since degeneration of the gland would potentially have an impact on future fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Grahofer
- Clinic for Swine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - H Nathues
- Clinic for Swine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - C Gurtner
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Nerkar AA, Gujar MP, Gadegone MM. Ultrastructure of the secretory epithelial cells of the Cowper's gland in the Indian fruit bat, Rousettus leschenaulti (Desmarest) during the reproductive cycle. J Microsc Ultrastruct 2016; 4:156-161. [PMID: 30023222 PMCID: PMC6014196 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmau.2016.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The present paper describes the ultrastructural characteristics of the Cowper’ glands of the Indian fruit bat, Rousettus leschenaulti during its sexually inactive-breeding cycle. The functional significance of the secretions of the Cowper's gland in reproduction is discussed. In Rousettus, Cowper's glands are small, pear-shaped, bilaterally symmetrical and are situated on either side of the base of the penis. Each lobule is made up of secretory acini lined by columnar or pyramidal cells. Ultrastructurally, the secretory epithelial cells are characterized by well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum, extensively developed Golgi complex, and mitochondria. Three different types of secretory granules can be identified on the basis of electron density. These granules represent the different stages of granule maturation. The secretory products are released into the lumen both by apocrine and merocrine modes. The secretory material synthesized by the Cowper’ gland may be involved in various male reproductive processes of this species of bat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana A Nerkar
- Reproductive Biology Section, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Civil Lines, Ravindranath Tagore Road, Nagpur Maharashtra State, 440001, India
| | - Maher P Gujar
- Reproductive Biology Section, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Civil Lines, Ravindranath Tagore Road, Nagpur Maharashtra State, 440001, India
| | - Mohan M Gadegone
- Cell Biology Section, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Civil Lines, Ravindranath Tagore Road, Nagpur Maharashtra State, 440001, India
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Adebayo AO, Akinloye AK, Olukole SG, Oyeyemi MO, Taiwo VO, Ihunwo AO, Oke BO. Gross, Histological and Ultrastructural Features of the Bulbourethral Gland in the Greater Cane Rat (Thryonomys swinderianus). Anat Histol Embryol 2014; 44:59-65. [DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2013] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. O. Adebayo
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Ibadan; Ibadan Nigeria
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy; College of Veterinary Medicine; Federal University of Agriculture; P.M.B 2240 Abeokuta Nigeria
- School of Anatomical Sciences; Faculty of Health Sciences; University of the Witwatersrand; Johannesburg South Africa
| | - A. K. Akinloye
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy; College of Veterinary Medicine; Federal University of Agriculture; P.M.B 2240 Abeokuta Nigeria
| | - S. G. Olukole
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Ibadan; Ibadan Nigeria
| | - M. O. Oyeyemi
- Department of Veterinary Surgery and Reproduction; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Ibadan; Ibadan Nigeria
| | - V. O. Taiwo
- Department of Veterinary Pathology; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Ibadan; Ibadan Nigeria
| | - A. O. Ihunwo
- School of Anatomical Sciences; Faculty of Health Sciences; University of the Witwatersrand; Johannesburg South Africa
| | - B. O. Oke
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Ibadan; Ibadan Nigeria
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The anatomy and histology of the reproductive tract of the male Babirusa (Babyrousa celebensis). Theriogenology 2013; 79:1054-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2012] [Revised: 01/20/2013] [Accepted: 01/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Kershaw-Young CM, Maxwell WMC. Seminal Plasma Components in Camelids and Comparisons with Other Species. Reprod Domest Anim 2012; 47 Suppl 4:369-75. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2012.02100.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Kershaw-Young CM, Evans G, Maxwell WMC. Glycosaminoglycans in the accessory sex glands, testes and seminal plasma of alpaca and ram. Reprod Fertil Dev 2012; 24:362-9. [DOI: 10.1071/rd11152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2011] [Accepted: 08/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The viscous nature of alpaca semen limits its use in cryopreservation and other assisted reproductive technologies. The cause and source of this viscosity is unknown although it has been postulated, but never proven, that glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) secreted by the bulbourethral gland are responsible. The present study investigated the concentration and composition of GAGs in alpaca seminal plasma, testes, bulbourethral gland and prostate gland and compared them to those in the ram to determine the relationship between seminal plasma GAGs and viscosity and to identify the source of seminal plasma GAGs. Alpaca seminal plasma contained more GAGs than ram (P < 0.001) and the predominant GAG, keratan sulfate, was correlated with viscosity (P = 0.05, R2 = 0.2635). The alpaca bulbourethral gland contained most GAGs compared with prostate or testis (P < 0.001). In the ram, the prostate contained most GAGs. These findings suggest that GAGs, particularly keratan sulfate, may be the cause of seminal plasma viscosity in alpacas, and that the seminal plasma GAGs originate from the bulbourethral gland.
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Chaves EM, Aguilera-Merlo C, Filippa V, Mohamed F, Dominguez S, Scardapane L. Anatomical, Histological and Immunohistochemical Study of the Reproductive System Accessory Glands in Male Viscacha (Lagostomus maximus maximus). Anat Histol Embryol 2010; 40:11-20. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0264.2010.01032.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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