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Pewhom A, Supapakorn T, Srakaew N. Male reproductive cycle in a population of the endemic butterfly lizard, Leiolepis ocellata Peters, 1971 (Squamata: Agamidae) from northern Thailand. BMC ZOOL 2022; 7:45. [PMID: 37170386 PMCID: PMC10127433 DOI: 10.1186/s40850-022-00145-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Fundamental knowledge on the seasonal reproductive microanatomy and endocrinology of reptiles has been collected from several studies of various species. The present study was to determine annual changes in hormonal profiles, and detailed histomorphometric and histochemical characteristics of the entire male reproductive system of the tropical agamid lizard, Leiolepis ocellata.
Results
Male L. ocellata individuals (n = 75) collected from the territory of two provinces (Lampang and Tak) in northern Thailand exhibited annual variation in sex hormonal, histomorphometric, and histochemical characteristics of the male reproductive system. The reproductive cycle was subdivided into eight reproductive periods (early first active, first active, resting, second recrudescent, second active, regressive, quiescent, and first recrudescent), thus displaying a bimodal pattern with two actively reproductive periods. Circulating sex hormones (testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone) peaked in the first active (February) and the second active (June–July) periods. Likewise, gonadosomatic index (GSI) and histomorphometric variables of the testes and of the genital ducts (rete testis, ductuli efferentes, ductus epididymis, and ductus deferens) revealed their highest values in the first active period. Marked increase in protein and carbohydrate production was detectable in the ductuli efferentes during the active periods.
Conclusions
The male reproductive cycle of L. ocellata showed a biannual pattern of the hormonal profile, and detailed histomorphometric and histochemical characteristics of the entire reproductive system. Hence, the present study provides improved basic knowledge on the reptilian reproductive biology with comparative viewpoints to other reptiles.
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Blank M, Novaes G, Losano J, Sant’Anna S, Vieira S, Grego K, Pereira R. Insights on sperm assays and cryopreservation in six Neotropical pit vipers. Cryobiology 2022; 106:55-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Machado SA, Sharif M, Kadirvel G, Bovin N, Miller DJ. Adhesion to oviduct glycans regulates porcine sperm Ca2+ influx and viability. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237666. [PMID: 32822385 PMCID: PMC7442259 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Before fertilization, sperm bind to epithelial cells of the oviduct isthmus to form a reservoir that regulates sperm viability and capacitation. The sperm reservoir maintains optimum fertility in species, like swine, in which semen deposition and ovulation may not be well synchronized. We demonstrated previously that porcine sperm bind to two oviductal glycan motifs, a biantennary 6-sialylated N-acetyllactosamine (bi-SiaLN) oligosaccharide and 3-O-sulfated Lewis X trisaccharide (suLeX). Here, we assessed the ability of these glycans to regulate sperm Ca2+ influx, capacitation and affect sperm lifespan. After 24 h, the viability of sperm bound to immobilized bi-SiaLN and suLeX was higher (46% and 41% respectively) compared to viability of free-swimming sperm (10–12%). Ca2+ is a central regulator of sperm function so we assessed whether oviduct glycans could affect the Ca2+ influx that occurs during capacitation. Using a fluorescent intracellular Ca2+ probe, we observed that both oviduct glycans suppressed the Ca2+ increase that occurs during capacitation. Thus, specific oviduct glycans can regulate intracellular Ca2+. Because the increase in intracellular Ca2+ was suppressed by oviduct glycans, we examined whether glycans affected capacitation, as determined by protein tyrosine phosphorylation and the ability to undergo a Ca2+ ionophore-induced acrosome reaction. We found no discernable suppression of capacitation in sperm bound to oviduct glycans. We also detected no effect of oviduct glycans on sperm motility during capacitation. In summary, LeX and bi-SiaLN glycan motifs found on oviduct oligosaccharides suppress the Ca2+ influx that occurs during capacitation and extend sperm lifespan but do not affect sperm capacitation or motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio A. Machado
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - Momal Sharif
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - Govindasamy Kadirvel
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - Nicolai Bovin
- Shemyakin Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - David J. Miller
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Carbajal-Márquez RA, Cedeño-Vázquez JR, González-Solís D, Martins M. Diet and Feeding Ecology of Crotalus tzabcan (Serpentes: Viperidae). SOUTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HERPETOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.2994/sajh-d-17-00081.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rubén A. Carbajal-Márquez
- Departamento de Sistemática y Ecología Acuática, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, unidad Chetumal, Av. Centenario km 5.5, Chetumal, 77014, Quintana Roo, Mexico
| | - J. Rogelio Cedeño-Vázquez
- Departamento de Sistemática y Ecología Acuática, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, unidad Chetumal, Av. Centenario km 5.5, Chetumal, 77014, Quintana Roo, Mexico
| | - David González-Solís
- Departamento de Sistemática y Ecología Acuática, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, unidad Chetumal, Av. Centenario km 5.5, Chetumal, 77014, Quintana Roo, Mexico
| | - Marcio Martins
- Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, CEP 05508‑090, São Paulo 1146, Brazil
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Silva KMP, Barros VA, Rojas CA, Almeida-Santos SM. Infundibular sperm storage and uterine muscular twisting in the Amazonian lancehead, Bothrops atrox. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2019; 303:3145-3154. [PMID: 31674144 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Although knowledge about the reproduction of snakes of the genus Bothrops has increased recently, many questions remain regarding sperm storage by these neotropical pitvipers. The relationship between two known sperm storage sites-the nonglandular uterus and the infundibulum-has yet to be detailed for Bothrops. In addition, the formation of uterine muscular twisting (UMT) and its function in sperm storage in the nonglandular uterus have been questioned. This article presents data on both sperm storage sites (posterior infundibulum and nonglandular uterus) in the Amazonian lancehead, Bothrops atrox, aiming to address the role of UMT in bothropoid reproduction considering female reproductive stages, timing of sperm storage, and morphology and histochemistry of sperm receptacles. The oviduct of B. atrox is composed of the infundibulum (anterior and posterior), the glandular uterus, the nonglandular uterus and the pouch. Sperm storage occurs in the posterior infundibulum and nonglandular uterus in vitellogenic females. In the posterior infundibulum sperm is stored in receptacles, while in the nonglandular uterus it is stored in crypts in the UMT of vitellogenic females. Both sperm storage sites possess granules testing positive for neutral mucopolysaccharides in the presence of spermatozoa, possibly favoring the conditions for spermatozoa surveillance during sperm storage in the reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina M P Silva
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Verônica A Barros
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Claudio A Rojas
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Selma M Almeida-Santos
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
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Loren Rebouças Santos H, Diego de Brito Sousa J, Arthur Alcântara J, de Almeida Gonçalves Sachett J, Soares Villas Boas T, Saraiva I, Sergio Bernarde P, Freire Valente Magalhães S, Cardoso de Melo G, Maia Peixoto H, Regina Oliveira M, Sampaio V, Marcelo Monteiro W. Rattlesnakes bites in the Brazilian Amazon: Clinical epidemiology, spatial distribution and ecological determinants. Acta Trop 2019; 191:69-76. [PMID: 30579811 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Crotalus bites are considered a public health problem especially in Latin America. This study was performed to describe the epidemiology, spatial distribution and environmental determinants of Crotalus durissus bites in the Brazilian Amazon. Crotalus durissus envenomings official database included cases reported from 2010 to 2015. A total of 70,816 snakebites were recorded in the Amazon Region, 3058 (4.3%) cases being classified as crotalid, with a mean incidence rate of 11.1/100,000 inhabitants/year. The highest mean incidence rates were reported in Roraima, Tocantins and Maranhão. Area covered by water bodies, precipitation and soil humidity were negatively associated to rattlesnake encountering. Rattlesnake bites incidence was positively associated to tree canopy loss and altitude. In the Amazon, severe manifestations at admission, delayed medical assistance, lack of antivenom administration and ages ≥61 and 0-15 years were predictors of death in C. durissus snakebites. Spatial distribution of rattlesnake bites across the Brazilian Amazon showed higher incidence in areas of transition from the equatorial forest to the savanna, and in the savanna itself. Such results may aid focused policy-making in order to mitigate the burden, clinical complications and death as well as to manage Crotalus rattlesnake populations in the Brazilian Amazon.
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Matayoshi PM, Souza PM, Gasparotto VPO, Araujo MS, Simões CRB, Souza FF, Oba E, Machado VMV, Júnior RSF, Prestes NC. Hormonal and ultrasonographic characterization of the seasonal reproductive cycle of male and female Crotalus durissus terrificus. Anim Reprod 2018; 15:1236-1245. [PMID: 34221138 PMCID: PMC8203107 DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-ar2017-0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Research concerning to characterize seasonal reproductive cycle in males and females of
Crotalus durissus terrificus by ultrasound and hormonal measurement.
Reproductive aspects (follicular and testicular cycles, and pregnancy) from 28 adult snakes
(14 males and 14 females) during different months of the years were studied. Snakes housed
individually in cages in an environment with controlled luminosity and humidity, and fed
monthly. Females were examined by ultrasound during quiescence and active follicular phase,
and pregnancy for follicular and embryo/fetal development. Males were evaluated to testicular
echotexture and measurements during reproductive and non-reproductive season. The blood
samples were collected from males and females for serum testosterone and progesterone determination,
respectively. In 77% males the testes were identified by ultrasound and found increased size
during summer, decreased serum testosterone in winter, and positive correlation between
serum testosterone and testes size. There was no change in testicular echotexture in according
to season. Testosterone concentration was decreased during winter and it was positively
correlated with testes size. In 71% females, were observed follicular development (vitellogenesis)
and gestation since winter to spring by ultrasonography. Parturition occurred mainly in
summer. Pregnancy length was 123.0 ± 11.4 days, with mean 6.9 ± 1.5 newborns/female,
and there was gradual increase of serum progesterone during this period. There was no variation
in progesterone concentration in non-gravid females. Males and females Tropical Rattlesnake
show seasonal variation of reproductive cycle and was clear a biennial cycle in female. The
ultrasonography can be considered an essential tool to accomplish the follicular development,
pregnancy and testicular alterations in Tropical Rattlesnake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla M Matayoshi
- Departamento de Reprodução Animal e Radiologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Priscilla M Souza
- Universidade Federal de Tocantins (UFT), Campus Araguaina, Araguaina, Tocantins, Brasil
| | - Vinícius P O Gasparotto
- Centro de Estudos de Venenos e Animais Peçonhentos (CEVAP), Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Michelle S Araujo
- Departamento de Reprodução Animal e Radiologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Carla R B Simões
- Departamento de Reprodução Animal e Radiologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Fabiana F Souza
- Departamento de Reprodução Animal e Radiologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Eunice Oba
- Departamento de Reprodução Animal e Radiologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Vânia M V Machado
- Departamento de Reprodução Animal e Radiologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Rui S F Júnior
- Centro de Estudos de Venenos e Animais Peçonhentos (CEVAP), Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Nereu C Prestes
- Departamento de Reprodução Animal e Radiologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brasil
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Bertocchi M, Pelizzone I, Parmigiani E, Ponzio P, Macchi E, Righi F, Di Girolamo N, Bigliardi E, Denti L, Bresciani C, Di Ianni F. Monitoring the reproductive activity in captive bred female ball pythons (P. regius) by ultrasound evaluation and noninvasive analysis of faecal reproductive hormone (progesterone and 17β-estradiol) metabolites trends. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0199377. [PMID: 29949610 PMCID: PMC6021098 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The royal python (Python regius) is commonly bred in captivity. To have a successful breeding season, accurate monitoring of the reproductive activity is necessary. The use of non-invasive monitoring methods in exotics is important in order to minimize stress. For this purpose ultrasound has been anecdotally used to monitor royal python reproductive activity. However, there is limited information regarding the reproductive cycle of this species. The aim of the present study is to monitor the female reproductive cycle of the royal python using ultrasonography and gonadal steroid metabolite measurements in the faeces. The reproductive activity of one hundred twenty-nine adult female P. regius was examined during two consecutive years. We performed brief scans on non-anaesthetized snakes using a portable ultrasound system and a 10–12 MHz linear array transducer (MyLab™ 30 Gold, Esaote). Ultrasound features, dimension and echogenicity of the reproductive structures were determined. During the second reproductive cycle, the hormonal profiles of 30 animals were also evaluated, with a monthly collection of faecal samples. These samples were classified according to reproductive stage, as identified by ultrasonographic examination, and the mean faecal progesterone and 17β-estradiol levels were calculated using the results from an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Progesterone levels increased during the reproductive cycle. Estradiol levels showed greater variability, although they appeared to increase before coupling when compared to the levels between coupling and egg laying. The present study suggests that it is possible to identify different phases in the female royal python reproductive cycle: anovulatory phase, transition, folliculogenesis and embryogenesis. Ultrasound is also useful for identifying follicular regression or slugs. Gonadal steroid metabolite measurements from the faeces could help integrate reproductive information. The use of ultrasonography in addition to the steroid metabolite measurement in the faeces gives an accurate picture of ovarian activity in captive adult female royal pythons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Bertocchi
- Department of Veterinary Science, Università degli Studi di Parma, Via Del Taglio, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Enrico Parmigiani
- Department of Veterinary Science, Università degli Studi di Parma, Via Del Taglio, Parma, Italy
| | - Patrizia Ponzio
- Department of Veterinary Science, Università degli Studi di Torino, Via Leonardo da Vinci, Grugliasco (TO), Italy
| | - Elisabetta Macchi
- Department of Veterinary Science, Università degli Studi di Torino, Via Leonardo da Vinci, Grugliasco (TO), Italy
| | - Federico Righi
- Department of Veterinary Science, Università degli Studi di Parma, Via Del Taglio, Parma, Italy
| | - Nicola Di Girolamo
- Tai Wai Small Animal and Exotic Hospital, Lap Wo Building, Tai Wai, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
| | - Enrico Bigliardi
- Department of Veterinary Science, Università degli Studi di Parma, Via Del Taglio, Parma, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Laura Denti
- Department of Veterinary Science, Università degli Studi di Parma, Via Del Taglio, Parma, Italy
| | - Carla Bresciani
- Department of Veterinary Science, Università degli Studi di Parma, Via Del Taglio, Parma, Italy
| | - Francesco Di Ianni
- Department of Veterinary Science, Università degli Studi di Parma, Via Del Taglio, Parma, Italy
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Rojas CA, Barros VA, Almeida-Santos SM. A histological and ultrastructural investigation of the female reproductive system of the water snake (Erythrolamprus miliaris
): Oviductal cycle and sperm storage. ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/azo.12234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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10
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Hoss SK, Garcia MJ, Earley RL, Clark RW. Fine-scale hormonal patterns associated with birth and maternal care in the cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus), a North American pitviper snake. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 208:85-93. [PMID: 25169835 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2014] [Revised: 08/10/2014] [Accepted: 08/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Steroid hormones regulate many aspects of reproductive physiology and behavior, including parental care. Reptiles display a variety of egg- and neonate-directed parental behaviors, yet few studies have addressed their endocrine correlates. Viviparous female pitvipers remain at the birth site with their young for one to two weeks until neonates complete their first shed cycle ('ecdysis'). To study possible relationships between steroid hormones and these behaviors, we conducted a captive study on wild-caught pregnant cottonmouths. Females were divided into two treatment groups: Maternal Attendance (MA) - females were allowed a maternal attendance period, where neonates were left with the mother until they completed ecdysis and then were removed; Separated (SE) - females had their neonates removed within 24h of birth. Serial blood samples were collected from MA females at various points during and after attendance; SE females had samples collected on a similar temporal schedule. Plasma levels of progesterone (P), estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), and corticosterone (CORT) were measured in all samples. We did not find a difference in the overall pattern of P, E2, or T between MA and SE females; however, MA females exhibited a significant peak in CORT on the day that neonates shed that was not observed in SE females. It is possible that the elevated CORT observed in MA females was stimulated by increased activity and/or changing chemical cues of shedding neonates. Based on evidence that free-ranging pitvipers cease MA when all offspring complete ecdysis, we hypothesize that CORT has a role in signaling mothers to terminate care and disperse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon K Hoss
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182, USA.
| | - Mark J Garcia
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, 300 Hackberry Lane, Box 870344, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA.
| | - Ryan L Earley
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, 300 Hackberry Lane, Box 870344, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA.
| | - Rulon W Clark
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182, USA.
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Lind CM, Beaupre SJ. Natural variation in steroid hormone profiles of male Timber Rattlesnakes, Crotalus horridus, in northwest Arkansas. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 206:72-9. [PMID: 24997417 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2014] [Revised: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
We describe the seasonal profile of circulating steroid hormones (testosterone and corticosterone) in relation to the breeding season in free ranging male Timber Rattlesnakes, Crotalus horridus, over the course of three active seasons. In addition, we examine variation in steroid concentrations across years and in relation to body condition. We found that seasonal profiles of plasma testosterone were different compared to other crotalines with similar mating patterns. Concentrations of testosterone were elevated above baseline in the three months leading up to the single late summer breeding season. Testosterone peaked in July at the onset of the breeding season and dropped to baseline during the peak months of breeding (August and September). Testosterone concentrations also varied annually. Although the exact cause of annual variation could not be established, our results indicate that weather patterns may have driven observed differences. Testosterone concentrations were positively related to body condition, indicating that testosterone production is modulated according to energetic status (particularly in the two months prior to the breeding season). Corticosterone did not vary seasonally or with any measured variable, a result similar to other studied crotalines. Our results highlight the importance of long-term descriptive studies of the regulatory mechanisms that underlie behavior and physiology in diverse taxa, as these mechanisms can vary greatly within and among populations and are valuable in elucidating the intrinsic and extrinsic sources of such variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig M Lind
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, 850 West Dickson Street, SCEN 601, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA.
| | - Steven J Beaupre
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, 850 West Dickson Street, SCEN 601, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
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Natural History ofBothrops itapetiningaeBoulenger, 1907 (Serpentes: Viperidae: Crotalinae), an Endemic Species of the Brazilian Cerrado. J HERPETOL 2014. [DOI: 10.1670/12-191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Schuett GW, Repp RA, Hoss SK, Herrmann HW. Environmentally cued parturition in a desert rattlesnake,Crotalus atrox. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/bij.12166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gordon W. Schuett
- Department of Biology and Center for Behavioral Neuroscience; Georgia State University; 33 Gilmer Street, SE, Unit 8 Atlanta GA 30303-3088 USA
| | - Roger A. Repp
- National Optical Astronomy Observatory; 950 North Cherry Avenue Tucson AZ 85719 USA
| | - Shannon K. Hoss
- Department of Biology; San Diego State University; 5500 Campanile Drive San Diego CA 92182-4614 USA
| | - Hans-Werner Herrmann
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment; University of Arizona; Tucson AZ 85721 USA
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TOZETTI ALEXANDROM, MARTINS MARCIO. Daily and seasonal activity patterns of free range South-American rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus). AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2013; 85:1047-52. [DOI: 10.1590/s0001-37652013005000043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2011] [Accepted: 09/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed at describing daily and seasonal variation in the activity of a population of South-American rattlesnakes (Crotalus durissus) in a savanna like habitat (Cerrado) in Southeastern Brazil. Seasonal and daily activities of snakes were evaluated by the number of captures of snakes during road surveys, accidental encounters, and relocations by radio-tracking. Our results show that climatic variables such as air temperature and rainfall have little influence on the activity pattern of rattlesnakes. Our findings indicate that rattlesnakes spend most of the day resting and most of the night in ambush posture. The South-American rattlesnake is active throughout the year with a discrete peak in activity of males during the matting season. The possibility of maintaining activity levels even during the coldest and driest season can facilitate the colonization of several habitats in South America. This possibility currently facilitates the colonization of deforested areas by rattlesnakes.
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VAN DYKE JAMESU, BEAUPRE STEVENJ, KREIDER DAVIDL. Snakes allocate amino acids acquired during vitellogenesis to offspring: are capital and income breeding consequences of variable foraging success? Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8312.2012.01880.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Reproduction in Male Crotalus adamanteus Beauvois
(Eastern Diamond-Backed Rattlesnake): Relationship of Plasma Testosterone to Testis and Kidney Dimensions and the Mating Season. SOUTHEAST NAT 2011. [DOI: 10.1656/058.010.0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Smith CF, Schuett GW, Schwenk K. Relationship of plasma sex steroids to the mating season of copperheads at the north-eastern extreme of their range. J Zool (1987) 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7998.2009.00669.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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19
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Peptidase activities in the semen from the ductus deferens and uterus of the neotropical rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus. J Comp Physiol B 2009; 179:635-42. [DOI: 10.1007/s00360-009-0345-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2008] [Revised: 11/04/2008] [Accepted: 01/31/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Marinho CE, Almeida-Santos SM, Yamasaki SC, Silveira PF. Seasonal variation of peptidase activities in the reproductive tract of Crotalus durissus terrificus. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2009; 160:84-92. [PMID: 19027015 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2008.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2008] [Revised: 10/05/2008] [Accepted: 10/26/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Seasonal quantitative patterns of acid (APA), basic (APB), puromycin-sensitive (APN-PS) and puromycin-insensitive neutral (APN-PI), cystyl (CAP), dipeptidyl IV (DPPIV), type-1 pyroglutamyl (PAP-I) and prolyl-imino (PIP) aminopeptidases and prolyl oligopeptidase (POP) activities in soluble (SF) and solubilized membrane-bound (MF) fractions from ductus deferens, vagina and uterus were studied to evaluate their relationships with the reproductive cycle and the extensive long-term spermatozoa storage (LTSS) of the Neotropical rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus. APB, PIP and POP were detected only in SF, while other peptidases were detected in SF and MF. APB, APN-PI and APN-PS were predominant in most tissues in all seasons. Peptidase activities had a common pattern of increment during the dry season (winter/autumn), which coincides with the mating period (autumn) and LTSS in the female (winter), as well as the reduction of spermatozoa motility and maintenance of fertilization capacity of spermatozoa. The high CAP activity in the soluble fraction of the vagina during winter, compared to summer (time of parturition) and spring, coincides with the relaxation of this tissue. In the soluble fraction, the low PAP-I activity of the ductus deferens coincided with its high activity in the vagina during the winter; and the inverse occurred in summer, which is consistent with the physiological process of preserving spermatozoon viability. In conclusion, the studied peptidase activities had seasonal and tissue-specific characteristics, which suggest a relevant role in the reproductive physiology of C. d. terrificus.
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Tozetti AM, Martins M. Habitat use by the South‐American rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus) in south‐eastern Brazil. J NAT HIST 2008. [DOI: 10.1080/00222930802007823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Zambotti-Villela L, Marinho CE, Alponti RF, Silveira PF. Hypothalamic activity during altered salt and water balance in the snake Bothrops jararaca. J Comp Physiol B 2007; 178:57-66. [PMID: 17703311 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-007-0199-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2007] [Revised: 07/20/2007] [Accepted: 07/28/2007] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The effects of water and salt overload on the activities of the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei and the adjacent periventricular zone of the hypothalamus of the snake Bothrops jararaca were investigated by measurements of Fos-like immunoreactivity (Fos-ir). Both water and salt overload resulted in changes in body mass, plasma osmolality, and plasma concentrations of sodium, potassium, and chloride. Hyper-osmolality increased Fos immunoreactivity in the rostral supraoptic nucleus (SON), the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), and adjacent periventricular areas. Both hyper- and hypo-osmolality increased Fos immunoreactivity in the intermediate SON, but not in other areas of the hypothalamus. Immunostaining was abundant in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-contacting tanycyte-like cells in the ependymal layer of the third ventricle. These data highlight some features of regional distribution of Fos immunoreactivity that are consistent with vasotocin functioning as a hormone, and support the role of hypothalamic structures in the response to disruption of salt and water balance in this snake.
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Alponti RF, Zambotti-Villela L, Murena-Nunes C, Marinho CE, do Amaral Olivo R, Silveira PF. Cystyl aminopeptidase activity in the plasma, viscera and brain of the snake Bothrops jararaca. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2005; 141:336-52. [PMID: 16006161 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2005.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2004] [Revised: 06/10/2005] [Accepted: 06/13/2005] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between plasma osmolality and cystyl aminopeptidase was characterized in the snake Bothrops jararaca and comparisons were made with the emerging picture of this relationship in rats. The profile of cystyl aminopeptidase activity under basal conditions was determined in the soluble and membrane-bound forms in visceral organs and in the central nervous system in comparison with that of alanyl aminopeptidase. The regional localization of cystyl and alanyl aminopeptidase activities was studied in the central nervous system. The basal level of plasma cystyl aminopeptidase, four- to six-fold higher than in rats, suggests its importance to help regulate circulating levels of neurohypophysial peptides in B. jararaca snake. The osmotic sensitivity of this plasma enzyme, undetectable in male, but about three-fold higher in female snakes than in rats, reveals a sexual dimorphism. In marked contrast to those observed in rats, low levels of soluble and particulate forms in the kidney indicate that cystyl aminopeptidase plays a minor metabolizing role at this anatomical location in B. jararaca. Despite of the regional-specific divergence between the levels of rat and snake enzymes, the bilaterally symmetric pattern of the diencephalic distribution of alanyl aminopeptidase reflects functional homologies between these two distantly related species.
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Yamanouye N, Silveira PF, Abdalla FMF, Almeida-Santos SM, Breno MC, Salomão MG. Reproductive cycle of the Neotropical Crotalus durissus terrificus: II. Establishment and maintenance of the uterine muscular twisting, a strategy for long-term sperm storage. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2004; 139:151-7. [PMID: 15504393 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2004.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2004] [Revised: 08/12/2004] [Accepted: 09/03/2004] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Crotaline snakes store sperm by means of a uterine musculature twisting (UMT). We investigated the influence of plasma levels of estradiol and progesterone and vasotocinase cystine aminopeptidase (CAP) activity on UMT formation and maintenance, and the in vitro uterine reactivity for AVT in Crotalus durissus terrificus in primary or secondary vitellogenesis with or without UMT. Frequency of females in secondary vitellogenesis with UMT is significantly higher than in primary one. Estradiol levels did not vary in all conditions studied, however, significantly low levels of progesterone were found in snakes in secondary vitellogenesis with UMT compared to those without it. UMT is always observed when high levels of estradiol and low levels of progesterone are detected. CAP activity did not change in the presence of UMT. AVT produced concentration-response contractions of the isolated uterus of snakes in all stages analysed and the pD2 value and maximum contractile response were significantly higher in primary vitellogenesis without UMT than in other reproductive conditions, indicating that uterus of those snakes presents a higher contractile capacity which may favour UMT establishment. In conclusion, we show a relationship of UMT and estradiol/progesterone balance and a possible participation of AVT in UMT formation and maintenance in the Neotropical rattlesnake.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Yamanouye
- Laboratório de Farmacologia, Instituto Butantan, Av. Dr. Vital Brazil 1500, Butantã 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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