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Souza E, Almeida‐Santos SM. Reproduction in the bushmaster (
Lachesis muta
): Uterine muscular coiling and female sperm storage. ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/azo.12369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Eletra Souza
- Departamento de Ecologia Instituto de Biociências Universidade de São Paulo São Paulo Brazil
- Departamento de Zoologia e Botânica Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” São José do Rio Preto Brazil
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução Instituto Butantan São Paulo Brazil
| | - Selma Maria Almeida‐Santos
- Departamento de Zoologia e Botânica Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” São José do Rio Preto Brazil
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução Instituto Butantan São Paulo Brazil
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2
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Wen C, Mai C, Wang B, Li J, Sun C, Yang N. Detrimental effects of excessive fatty acid secretion on female sperm storage in chickens. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2020; 11:26. [PMID: 32266065 PMCID: PMC7114795 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-020-0432-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Female sperm storage (FSS), the maintenance of sperm inside the female reproductive tract for an extended period of time, is pervasive among organisms with internal fertilization. Because FSS enables asynchronous mating and fertilization, it could be extremely important to reproduction. However, the physiological mechanisms underlying prolonged preservation and maintenance are poorly understood. Here, we used chicken, a typical oviparous animal, to determine the mechanisms ensuring sperm functionality in sperm storage tubules (SSTs). Results We performed an insemination experiment on over two thousand hens at two periods, and found that the FSS capabilities varied widely among individuals. Except for the differences in the SST density between the two groups with distinct FSS abilities, we quantitatively profiled small-molecule metabolites derived from SST cells, and identified 28 metabolites with differential expression. In particular, high levels of lipids, fatty acids and lipid peroxidation product were observed in hens with low FSS capability. Pathway analysis showed that these differential metabolites were significantly enriched in the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids. Moreover, we detected the total antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation level of SSTs, and found that chickens with a lower FSS ability had a significantly higher content of lipid peroxidation end-product, which was 2.4-fold greater than chickens with a higher FSS capability, and no significant difference was found in the total antioxidant capacity between these two groups. Conclusions Our findings reveal that the long-term storage of sperm and the maintenance of their function in the female reproductive tract require an adequate microenvironment. The superabundance of fatty acids secreted by SST cells had detrimental effects on sperm storage in the female reproductive tract. Lipid peroxidation produces toxic biological substances that may cause irreversible damage to resident spermatozoa, resulting in short-term sperm retention and decreased fertility. Our findings provide new avenues for studying sperm storage and sustaining fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoliang Wen
- 1Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China.,2National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Chunning Mai
- 1Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China.,2National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Bin Wang
- 1Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China.,2National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Junying Li
- 1Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China.,2National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Congjiao Sun
- 1Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China.,2National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Ning Yang
- 1Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China.,2National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
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3
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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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4
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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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5
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Muniz‐Da‐Silva DF, Passos J, Siegel DS, Almeida‐Santos SM. Caudal oviduct coiling in a viperid snake,
Crotalus durissus. ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/azo.12271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Diego F. Muniz‐Da‐Silva
- Setor de Anatomia, Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia Universidade São Paulo, Cidade Universitária São Paulo Brazil
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução Instituto Butantan São Paulo Brazil
| | - Juliana Passos
- Setor de Anatomia, Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia Universidade São Paulo, Cidade Universitária São Paulo Brazil
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução Instituto Butantan São Paulo Brazil
| | - Dustin S. Siegel
- Department of Biology Southeast Missouri State University Cape Girardeau Missouri
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6
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Friesen CR, Kerns AR, Mason RT. Factors influencing paternity in multiply mated female red-sided garter snakes and the persistent use of sperm stored over winter. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-014-1749-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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7
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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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8
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Aldridge R, Jellen B, Siegel D, Wisniewski S. The Sexual Segment of the Kidney. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1201/b10879-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
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9
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Prokupek AM, Eyun SI, Ko L, Moriyama EN, Harshman LG. Molecular evolutionary analysis of seminal receptacle sperm storage organ genes of Drosophila melanogaster. J Evol Biol 2010; 23:1386-98. [PMID: 20500366 DOI: 10.1111/j.1420-9101.2010.01998.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Sperm storage organs are common and broadly distributed among animal taxa. However, little is known about how these organs function at the molecular level. Additionally, there is a paucity of knowledge about the evolution of genes expressed in these organs. This investigation is an evolutionary expressed sequence tag (EST) study of genes expressed in the seminal receptacle, one of the sperm storage organs in Drosophila. The incidence of positive selection is higher for the seminal receptacle genes than Drosophila reproductive genes as a whole, but lower than genes associated with the spermatheca, a second type of Drosophila sperm storage organ. By identifying overrepresented classes of proteins and classes for which sperm storage function is suggested by the nature of the proteins, candidate genes were discovered. These candidates belong to protein classes such as muscle contraction, odorant binding and odorant receptor, protease inhibitor and immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Prokupek
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
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10
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Holt W, Lloyd R. Sperm storage in the vertebrate female reproductive tract: How does it work so well? Theriogenology 2010; 73:713-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2009] [Accepted: 05/22/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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11
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Roy VK, Krishna A. Evidence of androgen-dependent sperm storage in female reproductive tract of Scotophilus heathi. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2010; 165:120-6. [PMID: 19539620 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2009.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2009] [Revised: 06/11/2009] [Accepted: 06/12/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of present study was to investigate the role of androgen in sperm storage in the female genital tract of Scotophilus heathi. Spermatozoa were observed in the distal part of oviduct and utero-tubal junction of all the female bats collected between January and early March. Increase in circulating testosterone level coincided with the arrangement of sperm with their head oriented towards the epithelial lining of reproductive tract. Immunocytochemical and Western blot analysis revealed the presence of androgen receptor (AR) only in the distal part of the oviduct and utero-tubal junction, the site of sperm storage. Localization of AR in the cytoplasm of luminal epithelial cells in utero-tubal junction of S. heathi suggests non-genomic action of androgen at the site of sperm storage. Further study showed the presence of intense immunoreactivity of androgen binding protein (ABP) in the glandular epithelial cells of utero-tubal junction. It is hypothesized that androgen creates a unique microenvironment e.g. secretion of ABP within lumen of utero-tubal junction which helps to store spermatozoa for prolonged period in the female genital tract of S. heathi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Kumar Roy
- Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
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12
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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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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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15
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Almeida-Santos SM, Abdalla FMF, Silveira PF, Yamanouye N, Breno MC, Salomão MG. Reproductive cycle of the Neotropical Crotalus durissus terrificus: I. Seasonal levels and interplay between steroid hormones and vasotocinase. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2004; 139:143-50. [PMID: 15504392 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2004.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Crotaline snakes present delayed fertilization and sperm storage because secondary vitellogenesis is not completed by the time of mating. The release of vitellogenesis and synchrony between ovulation and fertilization suggest a steroidal modulation. We investigated changes of sexual steroid levels during reproduction in the Neotropical rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus, analyzing macroscopical variations of reproductive condition (vitellogenesis, pregnancy, and post-partum) and plasma levels of estradiol, progesterone, and vasotocinase cystine aminopeptidase (CAP) activity over 2 years. Data showed 44.4% non-reproductive snakes (40.1% primary vitellogenesis and 4.3% post-partum) and 55.6% reproductive (36.8% secondary vitellogenesis and 18.8% pregnant). Estradiol was low in spring and summer, increasing in autumn till it peaked in winter. Estradiol in secondary vitellogenesis was significantly higher than in primary vitellogenesis, or in pregnant and post-partum females, Progesterone dropped significantly in autumn compared to summer, winter, and spring. Pregnant females showed the highest levels of progesterone compared to primary or secondary vitellogenesis, or post-partum females. CAP activity showed lowest values in reproductive females in autumn and greatest levels in post-partum females. A significant negative linear relationship was obtained between CAP activity and estradiol. The combination of morphological observations, levels of steroids and CAP activity allowed us to suggest a similar morphological reproductive pattern between temperate and tropical rattlesnakes, and to infer the role of estradiol, progesterone and CAP activity on vitellogenesis, gestation and sperm storage, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Almeida-Santos
- Laboratório de Herpetologia, Instituto Butantan, Av. Dr. Vital Brazil 1500, Butantã 05503-900, São Paulo-SP, Brazil
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