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Tavalieri Y, Alarcón R, Tschopp M, Luque E, Muñoz-de-Toro M, Galoppo G. Exposure to atrazine and endosulfan alters oviductal adenogenesis in the broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:35927-35937. [PMID: 38743328 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33662-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The molecular pathways involved in oviductal adenogenesis are highly conserved among vertebrates. In this work, we study the histomorphological changes and molecular pathways involved in Caiman latirostris oviductal adenogenesis and the effects of in ovo exposure to environmentally relevant doses of endosulfan (END) and atrazine (ATZ) on these processes. To this end, the histomorphological changes at epithelial and subepithelial compartments, the protein expressions of β-catenin and Wnt-7a, and the gene expression of metalloproteinases (MMPs) and its inhibitors (TIMPs) were evaluated as biomarkers of oviductal adenogenesis in prepubertal juvenile C. latirostris. Exposure to END altered adenogenesis-related epithelium characteristics and mRNA expression of MMP2, MMP9, and TIMP1. Exposure to ATZ increased the width of the subepithelial stroma with loosely arranged collagen fibers and increased β-catenin expression in buds (invaginated structures that precede glands). The results demonstrate that in ovo exposure to ATZ and END alters oviductal adenogenesis at tissue, cellular, and molecular levels. An altered oviductal adenogenesis could impair fertility, raising concern on the effects of pesticide pollution in wildlife and domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamil Tavalieri
- Institute of Health and Environment of the Coast-Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL)-, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL)-National Council of Cientific and Technical Research-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Universitaria S/N, 4to Piso, CP3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Department of Human Pathology, Faculty of Biochemistry and Bilogical Sciences (FBCB), Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Ciudad Universitaria S/N, 4to Piso, CP3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Ramiro Alarcón
- Institute of Health and Environment of the Coast-Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL)-, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL)-National Council of Cientific and Technical Research-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Universitaria S/N, 4to Piso, CP3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences (FBCB), Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Ciudad Universitaria S/N, 4to Piso, CP3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - María Tschopp
- Institute of Health and Environment of the Coast-Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL)-, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL)-National Council of Cientific and Technical Research-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Universitaria S/N, 4to Piso, CP3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Enrique Luque
- Institute of Health and Environment of the Coast-Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL)-, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL)-National Council of Cientific and Technical Research-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Universitaria S/N, 4to Piso, CP3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Mónica Muñoz-de-Toro
- Institute of Health and Environment of the Coast-Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL)-, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL)-National Council of Cientific and Technical Research-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Universitaria S/N, 4to Piso, CP3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Department of Human Pathology, Faculty of Biochemistry and Bilogical Sciences (FBCB), Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Ciudad Universitaria S/N, 4to Piso, CP3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Germán Galoppo
- Institute of Health and Environment of the Coast-Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL)-, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL)-National Council of Cientific and Technical Research-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Universitaria S/N, 4to Piso, CP3000, Santa Fe, Argentina.
- Department of Human Pathology, Faculty of Biochemistry and Bilogical Sciences (FBCB), Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Ciudad Universitaria S/N, 4to Piso, CP3000, Santa Fe, Argentina.
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Valli FE, Simoncini MS, González MA, Piña CI. How do maternal androgens and estrogens affect sex determination in reptiles with temperature-dependent sex? Dev Growth Differ 2023; 65:565-576. [PMID: 37603030 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12887] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Temperature sex determination (TSD) in reptiles has been studied to elucidate the mechanisms by which temperature is transformed into a biological signal that determines the sex of the embryo. Temperature is thought to trigger signals that alter gene expression and hormone metabolism, which will determine the development of female or male gonads. In this review, we focus on collecting and discussing important and recent information on the role of maternal steroid hormones in sex determination in oviparous reptiles such as crocodiles, turtles, and lizards that possess TSD. In particular, we focus on maternal androgens and estrogens deposited in the egg yolk and their metabolites that could also influence the sex of offspring. Finally, we suggest guidelines for future research to help clarify the link between maternal steroid hormones and offspring sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florencia E Valli
- CICYTTP-CONICET/Prov. Entre Ríos/UADER, Diamante, Argentina
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Cátedra de Bromatología y Nutrición, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Melina S Simoncini
- CICYTTP-CONICET/Prov. Entre Ríos/UADER, Diamante, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Autónoma de Entre Ríos, Diamante, Argentina
| | - Marcela A González
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Cátedra de Bromatología y Nutrición, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Carlos I Piña
- CICYTTP-CONICET/Prov. Entre Ríos/UADER, Diamante, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Autónoma de Entre Ríos, Diamante, Argentina
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Abstract
Despite their evolutionary and biomedical importance, studies of the morphology and function of female genitalia have continued to lag behind those of male genitalia. While studying female genitalia can be difficult because of their soft, deformable and internal nature, recent advances in imaging, geometric analyses of shape and mechanical testing have been made, allowing for a much greater understanding of the incredible diversity of form and function of female genitalia. Here we summarize some of these methods, as well as discuss some big questions in the field that are beginning to be examined now, and will continue to benefit from further work, especially a comparative approach. Topics of further research include examination of the morphology of female genitalia in situ, in-depth anatomical work in many more species, studies of the interplay between natural and sexual selection in influencing features of vaginal morphology, how these diverse functions influence the mechanical properties of tissues, and studies of clitoris morphology and function across amniotes. Many other research topics related to female genitalia remain largely unexplored, and we hope that the papers in this issue will continue to inspire further research on female genitalia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia L R Brennan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA 01075, USA
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Riviere E, Rossi SP, Tavalieri YE, Muñoz de Toro MM, Calandra RS, Mayerhofer A, Matzkin ME, Frungieri MB. Pleiotropic actions of melatonin in testicular peritubular myoid cells of immature Syrian hamsters. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2022; 1866:130187. [PMID: 35691458 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2022.130187] [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: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peritubular myoid cells are emerging as key regulators of testicular function in adulthood. However, little is known about the role of testicular peritubular myoid cells (TPMCs) in the development of the male gonad. We found that, compared to testes of young adult hamsters, gonads of 21 day-old animals show increased melatonin concentration, seminiferous tubular wall thickening and a heterogeneous packaging of its collagen fibers thus raising the question whether melatonin may be involved in the regulation of TPMCs. METHODS We established primary cultures of TPMCs from immature hamsters (ihaTPMCs), which we found express melatonergic receptors. RESULTS Exogeneous melatonin decreased the levels of inflammatory markers (NLRP3 inflammasome, IL1β) but increased the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2, key enzyme mediating prostaglandin synthesis) and of the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in ihaTPMCs. Melatonin also stimulated ihaTPMCs proliferation and the expression of extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen type I and IV. Furthermore, collagen gel contraction assays revealed an enhanced ability of ihaTPMCs to contract in the presence of melatonin. CONCLUSION Melatonin regulates immune and inflammatory functions as well as contractile phenotype of the peritubular wall in the hamster testis. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE If transferable to the in vivo situation, melatonin-dependent induction of ihaTPMCs to produce factors known to exert paracrine effects in other somatic cell populations of the gonad suggests that the influence of melatonin may go beyond the peritubular wall and indicates its contribution to testicular development and the establishment of a normal and sustainable spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Riviere
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME-CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Soledad P Rossi
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME-CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina; Cátedra de Bioquímica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Yamil E Tavalieri
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe 3000, Argentina
| | - Mónica M Muñoz de Toro
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe 3000, Argentina
| | - Ricardo S Calandra
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME-CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU), 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - María E Matzkin
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME-CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina; Cátedra de Bioquímica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Mónica B Frungieri
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME-CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina; Cátedra de Química, Ciclo Básico Común, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1405CAE, Argentina.
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Moore BC, Kelly DA, Piva M, Does M, Kim DK, Simoncini M, Leiva PML, Pina CI. Genital anatomy and copulatory interactions in the broad snouted Caiman (Caiman latirostris). Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2021; 305:3075-3087. [PMID: 34236769 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24699] [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: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The broad snouted caiman is a crocodylian native to South America that is subject to extensive conservation management in both wild and farming environments. Although reproductive behaviors like egg laying and clutch care have been examined in this species, little else is known about their copulatory system. We examined the anatomy of male and female cloacal and genital tissues ex vivo to build hypotheses of their interactions during copulation and the effects of that interaction on insemination. Male phallic glans tissues were artificially inflated to expand into their copulatory state, allowing the examination and quantification of structural changes at the gross and tissue levels. Digital reconstruction of MRI stacks yielded three-dimensional tissue compartment specific glans models of the inflated state. Silicone molds of female cloacae and oviducts in conjunction with dissection and diceCT analysis allowed us to assess internal geometry and infer how male and female features interact in copulo. We observed glans expansion within the female proctodeum would result in a copulatory lock limiting deeper intromission or retraction. Intromission and subsequent creation of the copulatory lock produces extensive clitoral compression, providing a possible mechanism for female assessment of male copulatory performance. Further, glans expansion forms a distal lumen that positions the glans tip in or near the vaginal openings. A coiled, muscular vagina provides a possible mechanism for postcopulatory sexual selection by excluding semen. Together, the complex male-female interaction supports evidence for cryptic selection by female choice, which can act as a driver of genital coevolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon C Moore
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Deartment of Biology, School of Health Sciences, Stephens College, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Diane A Kelly
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Milan Piva
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Mark Does
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Dong Kyu Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Melina Simoncini
- CICyTTP (CONICET-Prov. ER-UADER), Proyecto Yacare, FCYT/UADER, Diamante, Entre Ríos, Argentina
| | - Pamela M L Leiva
- CICyTTP (CONICET-Prov. ER-UADER), Proyecto Yacare, FCYT/UADER, Diamante, Entre Ríos, Argentina
| | - Carlos I Pina
- CICyTTP (CONICET-Prov. ER-UADER), Proyecto Yacare, FCYT/UADER, Diamante, Entre Ríos, Argentina
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6
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Tavalieri YE, Alarcón R, Tschopp MV, Canesini G, Luque EH, Muñoz-de-Toro M, Galoppo GH. Exposure to xenoestrogens alters the expression of key morphoregulatory proteins of oviduct adenogenesis in the broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris). AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2021; 235:105817. [PMID: 33853019 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2021.105817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) are contaminants ubiquitously found in the environment, which pose a potential threat to aquatic and wetland ecosystems. Caiman latirostris, a crocodilian species that inhabits South American wetlands, is highly sensitive to EDC exposure. Previously, we reported that early postnatal exposure to EDCs such as Bisphenol A (BPA) and 17β-Estradiol (E2) alters C. latirostris oviduct differentiation. The aim of this work was to elucidate the molecular mechanisms behind this alteration. To accomplish this, we established the ontogenic changes in histological features and the expression of Wnt-7a, Wnt-5a, β-catenin, FoxA2, desmin, and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the oviduct of C. latirostris. Then, we evaluated the effects of BPA and E2 exposure on these histological features and protein expressions. Our results showed that during the postnatal differentiation of the oviduct the presence of histological features related to adenogenesis is associated with the levels of expression of FoxA2, β-catenin, Wnt-5a and Wnt-7a. Early postnatal exposure to BPA and E2 decreased the presence of histological features related to adenogenesis and altered the levels of expression of FoxA2, β-catenin, Wnt-5a and Wnt-7a, as well as the desmin/α-SMA ratio. These findings suggest that altered levels of Wnt-7a, Wnt-5a, β-catenin and FoxA2 could play a role in the BPA and E2-induced alteration in oviduct differentiation in C. latirostris. Thus, impaired adenogenesis and, probably, impaired reproduction in wildlife naturally exposed to BPA and other estrogenic agonists cannot be completely ruled out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y E Tavalieri
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000 Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Patología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000 Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - R Alarcón
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000 Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Fisiología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000 Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - M V Tschopp
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000 Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Fisiología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000 Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - G Canesini
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000 Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Patología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000 Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - E H Luque
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000 Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Fisiología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000 Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - M Muñoz-de-Toro
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000 Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Patología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000 Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - G H Galoppo
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000 Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Patología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000 Santa Fe, Argentina.
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7
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Tavalieri YE, Galoppo GH, Canesini G, Luque EH, Muñoz-de-Toro MM. Effects of agricultural pesticides on the reproductive system of aquatic wildlife species, with crocodilians as sentinel species. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 518:110918. [PMID: 32619582 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Agricultural pesticides represent a significant class of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) to which non-target organisms around the world are constantly exposed. Laboratory studies have found strong evidence showing the endocrine-disruptive potential of these pesticides at environmentally relevant exposure levels. Since the field of endocrine disruption continues to grow in richness and complexity, this review aims to provide an update on the effects of two agricultural pesticides that act as EDCs: atrazine and endosulfan. We will focus mainly on the effects on crocodilians due to their worldwide occurrence in tropical and sub-tropical wetland ecosystems and their ecological and physiological features, which render them vulnerable to exposure to pesticides with endocrine-disrupting action at all life stages. The results here reviewed provide important insights into the effects of hormonally active agricultural pesticides at cellular, tissue, and organ levels in the reproductive system of crocodiles. A better understanding of the effects of exposure to environmentally relevant doses of EDCs on the reproductive system of crocodilians will contribute to protect and improve the health of both wildlife species and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y E Tavalieri
- Laboratorio de EcoFisioPatología, Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - G H Galoppo
- Laboratorio de EcoFisioPatología, Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - G Canesini
- Laboratorio de EcoFisioPatología, Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - E H Luque
- Laboratorio de EcoFisioPatología, Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - M M Muñoz-de-Toro
- Laboratorio de EcoFisioPatología, Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina.
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8
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Moore BC, Brennan PLR, Francis R, Penland S, Shiavone K, Wayne K, Woodward AR, Does MD, Kim DK, Kelly DA. Glans inflation morphology and female cloaca copulatory interactions of the male American alligator phallus†. Biol Reprod 2020; 104:374-386. [PMID: 33112370 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The phallic glans of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is the distal termination of the semen-conducting sulcus spermaticus and during copulation has the closest, most intimate mechanical interactions with the female urodeum, the middle cloacal chamber that contains the opening to the vaginal passages and oviducts. However, the details of this interface leading to insemination and gamete uptake are unclear. Here, we: (1) histologically characterize the underlying tissue types and morphologically quantify the shape changes associated with glans inflation into the copulatory conformation, (2) digitally reconstruct from MRI the 3D shape of functional tissue compartments, and (3) diffusible iodine-based contrast-enhanced computed tomography image the copulatory fit between male phallus and female cloaca. We discuss these results in relation to tissue type material properties, the transfer on intromittent forces, establishing potential copulatory lock, inflated glans volume scaling with body mass/length, the mechanics of semen targeting and insemination, and potential female cryptic choice impacting multiple clutch paternity. In part, this study further clarifies the phallic morphological variation observed among crocodylians and begins to investigate the role(s) these divergent male forms play during copulation interacting with female cloacal forms to increase reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon C Moore
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Biology Department, Sewanee: The University of the South, Sewanee, TN, USA
| | | | - Rachel Francis
- Biology Department, Sewanee: The University of the South, Sewanee, TN, USA
| | - Samuel Penland
- Biology Department, Sewanee: The University of the South, Sewanee, TN, USA
| | - Kelsie Shiavone
- Biology Department, Sewanee: The University of the South, Sewanee, TN, USA
| | - Kathryn Wayne
- Biology Department, Sewanee: The University of the South, Sewanee, TN, USA
| | - Allan R Woodward
- Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Mark D Does
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Dong Kyu Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Diane A Kelly
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst MA, USA
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9
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Riviere E, Rossi SP, Tavalieri YE, Muñoz de Toro MM, Ponzio R, Puigdomenech E, Levalle O, Martinez G, Terradas C, Calandra RS, Matzkin ME, Frungieri MB. Melatonin daily oral supplementation attenuates inflammation and oxidative stress in testes of men with altered spermatogenesis of unknown aetiology. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 515:110889. [PMID: 32622722 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown an inverse correlation between testicular melatonin concentration and inflammation/oxidative stress-related markers levels in infertile men showing unexplained azoospermia. Here, we evaluated the impact of melatonin oral supplementation (daily 3 mg dose used to treat sleep disorders) in the incidence of local inflammation, oxidative stress, and tubular wall fibrosis development in young and middle-aged infertile adult men. Compared with testes without histological alterations, gonads with morphological abnormalities showed lower melatonin concentration along with increased macrophage numbers, TBARS generation, and expression levels of inflammation-related markers and antioxidant enzymes, as well as tubular wall collagen fibers disorganization and thickening. Melatonin oral supplementation not only increased its own testicular levels but also decreased inflammation- and oxidative stress-related markers levels, and improved the tubular wall aspect. Overall, our work provides insights into the potential benefits of melatonin on the inflammatory and oxidative status in testes of patients suffering from unexplained infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Riviere
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina; Cátedra de Química, Ciclo Básico Común, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, C1405CAE, Argentina
| | - Soledad P Rossi
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina; Cátedra de Bioquímica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Yamil E Tavalieri
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, 3000, Argentina
| | - Mónica M Muñoz de Toro
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, 3000, Argentina
| | - Roberto Ponzio
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Reproducción, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, C1121ABG, Argentina
| | | | - Oscar Levalle
- División Endocrinología, Hospital Durand, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, C1405DCS, Argentina
| | | | - Claudio Terradas
- Instituto Médico PREFER, San Martín, Buenos Aires, B1650, Argentina; División Endocrinología, Hospital Durand, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, C1405DCS, Argentina; Fertilidad San Isidro, Buenos Aires, B1642, Argentina
| | - Ricardo S Calandra
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - María E Matzkin
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina; Cátedra de Química, Ciclo Básico Común, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, C1405CAE, Argentina.
| | - Mónica B Frungieri
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina; Cátedra de Química, Ciclo Básico Común, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, C1405CAE, Argentina
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10
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Galoppo GH, Tavalieri YE, Schierano-Marotti G, Osti MR, Luque EH, Muñoz-de-Toro MM. Long-term effects of in ovo exposure to an environmentally relevant dose of atrazine on the thyroid gland of Caiman latirostris. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 186:109410. [PMID: 32283336 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The increased incidence of human thyroid disorders, particularly in women, suggests that the exposure to endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) together with sex-related factors could play a role in thyroid dysregulation. Since the herbicide atrazine (ATZ) is an environmental EDC suspected to behave as a thyroid disruptor, and Caiman latirostris is a crocodilian species highly sensitive to endocrine disruption that can be exposed to ATZ, this study aimed to describe the histoarchitecture and sexually dimorphic features of the thyroid gland of C. latirostris, and to determine the long-term effects of in ovo exposure to an environmentally relevant dose of ATZ (0.2 ppm) on its thyroid gland and growth. Control caimans showed no sexual dimorphisms. In contrast, ATZ-exposed caimans showed altered embryo growth but an unaltered temporal pattern of development and a sexually dimorphic response in the body condition index growth curves postnatally, which suggests a female-related increase in fat storage. Besides, both male and female exposed caimans showed increases in the size of the thyroid stromal compartment, content of interstitial collagen, and follicular hyperplasia, and decreases in the expression of androgen receptor in the follicular epithelium. ATZ-exposed females, but not males, also showed evidences of thyroid enlargement, colloid depletion, increased follicular epithelial height and increased presence of microfollicular structures. Our results demonstrate that prenatal exposure of caimans to ATZ causes thyroid disruption and that females were more vulnerable to ATZ than males. The effects were organizational and observed long after exposure ended. These findings alert on ATZ side-effects on the growth, metabolism, reproduction and development of non-target exposed organisms, particularly females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germán Hugo Galoppo
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000, Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Patología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Yamil Ezequiel Tavalieri
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000, Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Patología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Gonzalo Schierano-Marotti
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Mario Raúl Osti
- Cátedra de Patología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Enrique Hugo Luque
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Mónica Milagros Muñoz-de-Toro
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000, Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Patología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 4to piso, CP3000, Santa Fe, Argentina.
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11
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Moore BC, Francis R, Foster A, Kelly DA, Does M, Kim DK, Groenewald HB, Myburgh JG. Morphological changes associated with Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) phallic glans inflation. J Morphol 2020; 281:636-645. [PMID: 32271493 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The crocodylian phallic glans is the distal inflatable structure that makes the most direct contact with the female cloacal and associated reproductive tract openings during copulation. Therefore, its form and function directly impact female tissue sensory interactions and insemination mechanics. Compared to mammals, less is known about glans functional anatomy among other amniotes, including crocodylians. Therefore, we paired an ex vivo inflation technique with magnetic resonance imaging 3D-reconstructions and corresponding histological analyses to better characterize the morphological glans restructuring occurring in the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) at copulation. The expansion of contiguous inflatable spongiform glans tissues is variably constrained by adjacent regions of dense irregular collagen-rich tissues. Therefore, expansion shows regional differences with greater lateral inflation than dorsal and ventral. Furthermore, this enlargement elaborates the cup-like glans lumen, dorsally reorients the glans ridge, stiffens the blunt and bifid glans tip, and putatively works to seal the ventral sulcus spermaticus semen conduit groove. We suggest how these dynamic male structures may interact with structures of the female cloacal urodeum and how these morphological changes, in concert with the varying material properties of the structural tissue compartments visualized in this study, aid copulatory gamete transfer and resulting fecundity. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Nile crocodile glans inflation produces a reproductively relevant copulatory structure directing insemination and female tissue interactions. Pairing magnetic resonance imaging 3D reconstruction with corresponding histology effectively studies functional anatomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon C Moore
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Biology Department, Sewanee: The University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee, USA
| | - Rachel Francis
- Biology Department, Sewanee: The University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee, USA
| | - Adam Foster
- Biology Department, Sewanee: The University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee, USA
| | - Diane A Kelly
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mark Does
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Dong K Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Herman B Groenewald
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Jan G Myburgh
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
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12
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Moore BC, Fitri WN, Augustine L. Crocodylian conservation and evolution insights from an anatomical and histological examination of phalli from male false gharial (Tomistoma schlegelii). Anat Histol Embryol 2020; 49:390-401. [PMID: 32154618 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
As wild population threats for the endangered false gharial (Tomistoma schlegelii) persist, conservation breeding programs, including developing semen collection techniques for subsequent artificial insemination, are becoming important species conservation measures. Developing reproductive biology understanding of a species is important to developing best practices and hopefully maximizing reproductive successes. However, information on crocodylians functional copulatory anatomy in general is lacking. To that end, zoological facilities and conservation centres have the exceptional opportunity to contribute new understandings that may not otherwise be attainable regarding crocodylian reproductive anatomy, particularly during routine physical examinations or post-mortem necropsies. Therefore, to better understand T. schlegelii reproductive biology, to contribute knowledge in support of zoo breeding conservation efforts and to contribute to what is known overall about crocodylian reproduction, we investigated phallic anatomy of adult male Tomistoma from two zoological populations, the St. Louis Zoo, USA and Sungai Dusun Wildlife Reserve, Peninsular Malaysia. Here, we present the gross anatomical features and histological analysis of underlying tissue-level details in pursuit of a better understanding of copulatory function and associated gamete transfer mechanisms. While much of the overall Tomistoma phallic morphology and inferred function corresponds to that of other crocodylian species and speaks to conserved aspects of functional anatomy across taxa, species-specific aspects of glans and glans tip morphology are also identified. These novelties are discussed in a general function and overall broader evolutionary contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon C Moore
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Sewanee: The University of the South, Sewanee, TN, USA
| | - Wan-Nor Fitri
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia.,Research Centre for Wildlife, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Lauren Augustine
- Curator of Herpetology, Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis, MO, USA.,Smithsonian National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, USA
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13
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Brennan PL, Orbach DN. Copulatory behavior and its relationship to genital morphology. ADVANCES IN THE STUDY OF BEHAVIOR 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.asb.2020.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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14
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Matzkin M, Valchi P, Riviere E, Rossi S, Tavalieri Y, Muñoz de Toro M, Mayerhofer A, Bartke A, Calandra R, Frungieri M. Aging in the Syrian hamster testis: Inflammatory-oxidative status and the impact of photoperiod. Exp Gerontol 2019; 124:110649. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2019.110649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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