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ISHIMARU M, OKANO A, MATSUI A, MURASE H, KOROSUE K, AKIYAMA K, TAYA K. Effects of an extended photoperiod on body composition of young Thoroughbreds in training. J Vet Med Sci 2024; 86:58-65. [PMID: 37967974 PMCID: PMC10849847 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.23-0349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of an extended photoperiod (EP) on body composition of Thoroughbreds colts and fillies from December at one year old to April at two years old were investigated. Seventy-three Thoroughbreds reared and trained in Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido were used. Forty-one horses were under the EP conditions from December 20 to April 15, and the 32 horses were under natural light alone as the control group. Body weight (BW), rump fat thickness (RFT), fat free mass (FFM) and percentage of fat (%F) were used as parameters of body composition. The present study revealed that BW and FFM increased with age in the EP group in colts. In fillies, BW increased with age in both the EP and the control group, however FFM increased with age only in the EP group. From December to April, only colts had a higher rate of increase in both BW and FFM in the EP group than in the control group. However, according to the mean rates of increase in FFM from January to March, the EP group was significantly higher than the control group in both sexes. Furthermore, monthly increase rate of FFM in March was significantly higher in the EP group than in the control group in both sexes. These results suggests that EP treatment to young Thoroughbreds in training at Hokkaido, which is shorter daylength in winter, accelerate the increase of FFM, representing muscle mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mutsuki ISHIMARU
- International Department, Japan Racing Association, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi OKANO
- Ritto Training Center, Japan Racing Association, Shiga, Japan
| | - Akira MATSUI
- Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Harutaka MURASE
- Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Kenji KOROSUE
- Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido, Japan
| | | | - Kazuyoshi TAYA
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology,
Tokyo, Japan
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2
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Shakeel M, Yoon M. Functions of somatic cells for spermatogenesis in
stallions. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2022; 64:654-670. [PMID: 35969700 PMCID: PMC9353347 DOI: 10.5187/jast.2022.e57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis and testis development are highly structured physiological
processes responsible for post-pubertal fertility in stallions. Spermatogenesis
comprises spermatocytogenesis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis. Although germ cell
degeneration is a continuous process, its effects are more pronounced during
spermatocytogenesis and meiosis. The productivity and efficiency of
spermatogenesis are directly linked to pubertal development, degenerated germ
cell populations, aging, nutrition, and season of the year in stallions. The
multiplex interplay of germ cells with somatic cells, endocrine and paracrine
factors, growth factors, and signaling molecules contributes to the regulation
of spermatogenesis. A cell-to-cell communication within the testes of these
factors is a fundamental requirement of normal spermatogenesis. A noteworthy
development has been made recently on discovering the effects of different
somatic cells including Leydig, Sertoli, and peritubular myoid cells on
manipulation the fate of spermatogonial stem cells. In this review, we discuss
the self-renewal, differentiation, and apoptotic roles of somatic cells and the
relationship between somatic and germ cells during normal spermatogenesis. We
also summarize the roles of different growth factors, their
paracrine/endocrine/autocrine pathways, and the different cytokines associated
with spermatogenesis. Furthermore, we highlight important matters for further
studies on the regulation of spermatogenesis. This review presents an insight
into the mechanism of spermatogenesis, and helpful in developing better
understanding of the functions of somatic cells, particularly in stallions and
would offer new research goals for developing curative techniques to address
infertility/subfertility in stallions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shakeel
- Department of Animal Science and
Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224,
Korea
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of
Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pir Mehr Ali Shah, Arid Agriculture
University, Rawalpindi 44000, Pakistan
| | - Minjung Yoon
- Department of Animal Science and
Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224,
Korea
- Department of Horse, Companion and Wild
Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224,
Korea
- Reseach Center for Horse Industry,
Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Korea
- Corresponding author: Minjung Yoon,
Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University,
Sangju 37224, Korea. Tel: +82-54-530-1233, E-mail:
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3
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Zhou R, Wu J, Liu B, Jiang Y, Chen W, Li J, He Q, He Z. The roles and mechanisms of Leydig cells and myoid cells in regulating spermatogenesis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:2681-2695. [PMID: 30980107 PMCID: PMC11105226 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03101-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is fundamental to the establishment and maintenance of male reproduction, whereas its abnormality results in male infertility. Somatic cells, including Leydig cells, myoid cells, and Sertoli cells, constitute the microenvironment or the niche of testis, which is essential for regulating normal spermatogenesis. Leydig cells are an important component of the testicular stroma, while peritubular myoid cells are one of the major cell types of seminiferous tubules. Here we addressed the roles and mechanisms of Leydig cells and myoid cells in the regulation of spermatogenesis. Specifically, we summarized the biological features of Leydig cells and peritubular myoid cells, and we introduced the process of testosterone production and its major regulation. We also discussed other hormones, cytokines, growth factors, transcription factors and receptors associated with Leydig cells and myoid cells in mediating spermatogenesis. Furthermore, we highlighted the issues that are worthy of further studies in the regulation of spermatogenesis by Leydig cells and peritubular myoid cells. This review would provide novel insights into molecular mechanisms of the somatic cells in controlling spermatogenesis, and it could offer new targets for developing therapeutic approaches of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhou
- Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Jingrouzi Wu
- Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Bang Liu
- Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Yiqun Jiang
- Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Jian Li
- Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Quanyuan He
- Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Zuping He
- Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
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4
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Wang J, Liu Q, Qi H, Wang Y, Gao Q, Gao F, Zhang H, Han Y, Yuan Z, Weng Q. Seasonal expressions of androgen receptor, P450arom and estrogen receptors in the epididymis of the wild ground squirrel (Citellus dauricus Brandt). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 270:131-138. [PMID: 30539793 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 09/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the seasonal expressions of androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptors alpha and beta (ERα and ERβ) and aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom) in the epididymis of the wild ground squirrel. Histologically, the epididymis was with larger duct diameter and cell population during the breeding season. AR was presented in the peritubular smooth muscle cells and epithelial cells in the whole epididymis with stronger staining in the breeding period. P450arom was intensely localized in epithelial cells and spermatozoa during the breeding season, absent in the non-breeding season and moderately stained in pre-hibernation. During the breeding season, ERα was intensely expressed in epithelial cytoplasm and/or nucleus, whereas in the non-breeding season and pre-hibernation, weaker staining signal was found in nucleus of epithelial cells. ERβ was absent in the entire annual cycle by immunohistochemical and Real-time PCR detection. The mRNA levels of AR, P450arom and ERα were higher in the epididymis of the breeding season when compared to those of the non-breeding season and pre-hibernation. Taken together, these results suggest that epididymis of the wild ground squirrel is a primary target for androgen and estrogen, and the expression of P450arom represents that epididymis may be a potential source of estrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Wang
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Qian Liu
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Hongyu Qi
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Yi Wang
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Qiong Gao
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Fuli Gao
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Haolin Zhang
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Yingying Han
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Zhengrong Yuan
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, PR China.
| | - Qiang Weng
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, PR China.
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Ball BA, Davolli GM, Esteller-Vico A, Fleming BO, Wynn MAA, Conley AJ. Inhibin-A and Inhibin-B in stallions: Seasonal changes and changes after down-regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Theriogenology 2018; 123:108-115. [PMID: 30296651 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.09.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The biological function of inhibin is mediated by two heterodimers, inhibin-A and inhibin-B. The relative importance of inhibin-A and -B in male reproductive function varies considerably across species with inhibin-B predominating in many species, whereas inhibin-A appears relatively more important in rams. Research reported to date in stallions has examined total or immunoreactive (ir) inhibin which does not distinguish the two heterodimers. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize changes in inhibin-A and inhibin-B concentrations in stallions: 1) across season for a period of one year, and 2) after downregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. In Study one, serum samples were obtained monthly from five stallions for a period of one year. Serum concentrations of inhibin-A, inhibin-B, testosterone and estrone sulfate were determined by ELISA. In Study two, stallions were treated with the GnRH antagonist, acyline (n = 4; 330 mg/kg acyline IM) or vehicle control (n = 4; vehicle alone) every five days for 50 days. Plasma concentrations of inhibin-A and -B were determined by ELISA at Days 0, 6, 12, 22, 37, 59, 80, 87 and 104 after initiation of acyline treatment. Testis volume was determined by ultrasonography at weekly intervals. In Study 1, both inhibin-A and inhibin-B showed seasonal changes in concentration with highest concentrations in increasing day length and lowest concentrations in short day lengths. Inhibin-B (overall mean 107.8 ± 4.1 pg/mL) was present at 4.7-fold higher concentrations in serum than inhibin-A (overall mean 23.0 ± 0.7 pg/mL). In Study 2, plasma concentrations of inhibin-B but not inhibin-A were significantly downregulated by administration of the GnRH antagonist, acyline. When the HPG axis was downregulated by acyline, testis volume was strongly correlated with inhibin-B (r = 0.73; P < 0.05) but not inhibin-A (r = 0.22; P = 0.20). In summary, inhibin-B appears to be the predominant form of inhibin in the stallion which undergoes seasonal regulation along with other reproductive parameters and is co-regulated with other endocrine parameters of the HPG axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- B A Ball
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA.
| | - G M Davolli
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - A Esteller-Vico
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - B O Fleming
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - M A A Wynn
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - A J Conley
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
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6
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Chaichanathong S, Taya K, Watanabe G, Nagaoka K, Wajjwalku W, Sudsukh A, Thongtip N. Immunohistochemical localization of inhibin/activin subunits in adult Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) testes. J Vet Med Sci 2018; 80:549-552. [PMID: 29375089 PMCID: PMC5880841 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.17-0531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunolocalization of inhibin-α and inhibin/activin βA and βB subunits in the testes of Asian elephant was determined. Testicular sections were immunostained with polyclonal antisera against inhibin subunit-α and
inhibin/activin βA and βB using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method. Positive immunostaining against inhibin-α subunit was strongly present in Sertoli cells, and positive immunostaining for the inhibin/activin βA
and βB subunits was observed in both Sertoli and Leydig cells. These results indicated that while Sertoli cells are the predominant source of inhibin and activin secretions in the testes of adult male Asian elephant,
Leydig cells are a source of activin but not inhibin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirinart Chaichanathong
- Center for Agricultural Biotechnology, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand.,Center of Excellence on Agricultural Biotechnology: (AG-BIO/PERDO-CHE), Bangkok 10900, Thailand.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
| | - Kasuyoshi Taya
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Gen Watanabe
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan.,Cooperative Division of Veterinary Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Kentaro Nagaoka
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan.,Cooperative Division of Veterinary Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Worawidh Wajjwalku
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
| | - Apichaya Sudsukh
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Nikorn Thongtip
- Center for Agricultural Biotechnology, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand.,Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
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7
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Katsumata E, Jaroenporn S, Ueda Y, Arai K, Katsumata H, Watanabe G, Taya K. Circulating gonadotropins and testicular hormones during sexual maturation and annual changes in male bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). J Vet Med Sci 2017; 79:1899-1905. [PMID: 28993599 PMCID: PMC5709572 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.16-0544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
To reveal the reproductive biology in male bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), circulating gonadotropins (follicle stimulating hormone [FSH] and luteinizing hormone [LH]) and testicular hormones
(testosterone and inhibin) were monitored for 8−12 years in 2 captive bottlenose dolphins (Mars and Regulus). During the study period, Mars was undergoing sexual maturation, whereas Regulus was already mature at the beginning of
the study. Assuming that Mars had reached sexual maturity when the significant increase in circulating testosterone levels was observed, serum concentration of inhibin was higher in the sexually immature stage than in the mature
stage, whereas the serum concentration of FSH was higher in the sexually mature stage than in the immature stage. No difference was observed in the LH levels between pre- and post-sexual maturation. There was a significant
increase in serum concentration of testosterone during spring in both animals. These results suggest that the mechanism responsible for regulating FSH secretion by inhibin functions during the sexually immature stage in this
species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etsuko Katsumata
- Kamogawa Sea World, 1464-18 Higashi-cho, Kamogawa, Chiba 296-0041, Japan
| | - Sukanya Jaroenporn
- Primate Research Unit, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Yoko Ueda
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Arai
- Kamogawa Sea World, 1464-18 Higashi-cho, Kamogawa, Chiba 296-0041, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Katsumata
- Kamogawa Sea World, 1464-18 Higashi-cho, Kamogawa, Chiba 296-0041, Japan
| | - Gen Watanabe
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan.,United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi Taya
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan.,International Marine Biological Research Institute, Kamogawa Sea World, 1464-18 Higashi-cho, Kamogawa, Chiba 296-0041, Japan
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8
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Banco B, Grilli G, Giudice C, Marques AT, Cotti Cometti S, Visigalli G, Grieco V. Immunophenotyping of Rabbit Testicular Germ and Sertoli Cells Across Maturational Stages. J Histochem Cytochem 2016; 64:715-726. [PMID: 27680667 DOI: 10.1369/0022155416669918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
During testicular maturation, both Sertoli cells (SCs) and germ cells (GCs) switch from an immature to a mature immunophenotype. The reexpression of markers of immaturity in adults has been reported in cancer and in other testicular pathologies, in men as well as in animal species. Naturally affected with testicular cancer, rabbits have long been used in human reproductive research, but reports on the expression of testicular cell markers in this species are few and data about the immunophenotype of normal postnatal SCs and GCs are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunophenotype of SCs and GCs in the rabbit, from neonatal to adult age, using the antibodies anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), vimentin (VIM), CKAE1/AE3 (cytokeratins [CKs]), desmin (DES), inhibin alpha (INH-α), placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP), and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. In SCs, VIM was constantly expressed, and AMH and CKs expression was limited to neonatal and prepubertal age, whereas DES, INH-α, PLAP, and PAS were constantly negative. GCs were negatively stained for PLAP, PAS, and for the other markers. Results revealed analogies with human testicular immunophenotype, suggesting that rabbits could represent a potential experimental model for the study of human testicular pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Banco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy (BB, GG, CG, ATM, SCC, VG)
| | - G Grilli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy (BB, GG, CG, ATM, SCC, VG)
| | - C Giudice
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy (BB, GG, CG, ATM, SCC, VG)
| | - A Tomas Marques
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy (BB, GG, CG, ATM, SCC, VG)
| | - S Cotti Cometti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy (BB, GG, CG, ATM, SCC, VG)
| | - G Visigalli
- Clinica Veterinaria Liana Blu, Varedo (MI), Italy (GV)
| | - V Grieco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy (BB, GG, CG, ATM, SCC, VG)
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Suzuki T, Mizukami H, Nambo Y, Ishimaru M, Miyata K, Akiyama K, Korosue K, Naito H, Nagaoka K, Watanabe G, Taya K. Different effects of an extended photoperiod treatment on growth, gonadal function, and condition of hair coats in Thoroughbred yearlings reared under different climate conditions. J Equine Sci 2016; 26:113-24. [PMID: 26858576 PMCID: PMC4739141 DOI: 10.1294/jes.26.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
One- to two-year-old Thoroughbred colts and fillies being reared in Miyazaki (warm climate) and Hidaka (cold climate), Japan, were administered extended photoperiod (EP) treatment between December 20 and the following April 10, and its effect on growth, endocrine changes, gonadal activation, and hair coat condition was investigated. In colts reared in Miyazaki, no effect of EP treatment was noted on the growth indices, including body weight (BW), height at withers (HW), girth, and cannon circumference (CC), whereas the BWs and CCs of fillies were significantly higher in the EP treatment group than the control. In Hidaka, the BWs and HWs of colts and HWs of fillies were significantly higher in the EP treatment group. Gonadal activation characterized by an increase in circulating hormone concentrations was earlier in the EP treatment group for fillies reared in Miyazaki [luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), progesterone (P4), and estradiol-17β (E2)] and in colts (LH, testosterone, and E2) and fillies (LH, FSH, P4, and E2) reared in Hidaka. Regardless of sex and climate, prolactin was significantly higher in the EP treatment group, whereas insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) was not. Initial ovulation occurred before April in more of the EP treatment group than the control regardless of the climate. Molting of the hair coat, examined in March, was advanced in the EP treatment group regardless of sex and climate. These results suggest that EP treatment may promote growth and gonadal activation in fillies reared in Miyazaki and in colts and fillies reared in Hidaka and that the effect may be mediated by prolactin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yasuo Nambo
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Mutsuki Ishimaru
- Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido 057-0171, Japan
| | - Kenji Miyata
- Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido 057-0171, Japan
| | - Kentaro Akiyama
- Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido 057-0171, Japan
| | - Kenji Korosue
- Miyazaki Yearling Training Farm, Japan Racing Association, Miyazaki 880-0036, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Naito
- Equine Department, Japan Racing Association, Tokyo 105-0003, Japan
| | - Kentaro Nagaoka
- United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan; Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Gen Watanabe
- United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan; Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi Taya
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan; Shadai Corporation, Hokkaido 059-1432, Japan
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10
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Kunii H, Nambo Y, Okano A, Matsui A, Ishimaru M, Asai Y, Sato F, Fujii K, Nagaoka K, Watanabe G, Taya K. Effects of an extended photoperiod on gonadal function and condition of hair coats in Thoroughbred colts and fillies. J Equine Sci 2015; 26:57-66. [PMID: 26170762 PMCID: PMC4496423 DOI: 10.1294/jes.26.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of an extended photoperiod (EP) in Thoroughbreds colts and fillies from winter at one year old to spring at two years old on the gonadal functions, coat condition, and endocrine changes were investigated. Sixty-two Thoroughbreds (31 colts and 31 fillies) reared in the Hidaka Training and Research Center (Hidaka), Japan Racing Association were used. Thirty of them (15 colts and 15 fillies) were reared under EP conditions from December 20 to April 10, and the remaining 32 horses were reared under natural light alone as a control group. For EP, a 100-watt white bulb was set near the ceilings of stalls, and lighting conditions of 14.5-hr light and 9.5-hr dark periods were established. Blood was collected from the jugular vein once a month from October at one year old to February at two years old in both colts and fillies, and then twice a month in colts and weekly in fillies after March, and the coat condition was evaluated in January and April in 56 horses. To
investigate endocrine changes, the plasma concentrations of prolactin, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), immunoreactive (ir-) inhibin, testosterone, estradiol-17β and progesterone were measured. No significant difference was noted in the coat condition between the two groups in January, but they changed from winter to summer coats (molting of winter coats) in April in the EP group compared with the control group. Regarding endocrine changes, the plasma concentrations of prolactin, FSH, ir-inhibin and testosterone were significantly higher in the EP colts than in the control group from January to April. The plasma concentrations of LH tended to rise in the EP colts from January to April compared with the control group. In the EP fillies, the plasma concentrations of prolactin, LH, ir-inhibin, estradiol-17β and progesterone were significantly higher during January and April, but a significantly high level of FSH was noted in the control than EP group
in January. The ovulation day was advanced in the EP fillies compared with the control group. The present study clearly demonstrated that EP treatment during rearing advanced the molting of winter coats in both colts and fillies. These results suggested to be due to the action of prolactin being increased by EP treatment. In addition, EP treatment stimulated the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis even in yearlings, and advanced ovulation in fillies. Since EP treatment-induced changes in the yearlings were within the physiological range, and the method is safe and simple, EP treatment may be an effective technique in horse husbandry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirokazu Kunii
- The Horse Racing School, Japan Racing Association, Chiba 270-1431, Japan
| | - Yasuo Nambo
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan ; United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Atsushi Okano
- Miho Training Center, Japan Racing Association, Ibaraki 300-0493, Japan
| | - Akira Matsui
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Tochigi 320-0856, Japan
| | - Mutsuki Ishimaru
- Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido 057-0171, Japan
| | - Yo Asai
- Miho Training Center, Japan Racing Association, Ibaraki 300-0493, Japan
| | - Fumio Sato
- Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido 057-0171, Japan
| | - Kazuki Fujii
- United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan ; Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Kentaro Nagaoka
- United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan ; Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Gen Watanabe
- United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan ; Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi Taya
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan ; Shadai Corporation, Hokkaido 059-1432, Japan
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Mizukami H, Suzuki T, Nambo Y, Ishimaru M, Naito H, Korosue K, Akiyama K, Miyata K, Yamanobe A, Nagaoka K, Watanabe G, Taya K. Comparison of growth and endocrine changes in Thoroughbred colts and fillies reared under different climate conditions. J Equine Sci 2015; 26:49-56. [PMID: 26170761 PMCID: PMC4496422 DOI: 10.1294/jes.26.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Development and endocrine changes in Thoroughbreds colts and fillies were compared between those reared at two facilities of the Japan Racing Association, the Hidaka Training and Research Center (Hidaka) and Miyazaki Yearling Training Farm (Miyazaki). Thoroughbred colts and fillies born in Japan between 2003 and 2010 were used. Each colt group and filly group was divided into 2 groups, respectively, and raised in Hidaka or Miyazaki for 7 months from September at 1 year old to April at 2 years old. For the growth parameters, the body weight, height at withers, and girth and cannon circumferences were measured once a month. For parameters of endocrine function, circulating prolactin, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), testosterone, progesterone, and estradiol-17β levels were measured. Regarding growth, the rate of increase over the 7-month period was significantly higher in both colts and fillies raised in
Miyazaki than in Hidaka in all 4 parameters: body weight, height at withers, and girth and cannon circumferences. The endocrine changes of the colts and fillies born in 2007 were as follows. In colts, although circulating prolactin tended to be higher in colts reared in Hidaka from October to April, circulating LH, FSH, testosterone, estradiol-17β and IGF-1 tended to be higher in colts reared in Miyazaki than in Hidaka, suggesting that the gonadotropin-releasing hormone-LH/FSH system and the growth hormone-IGF-1 system were more active in colts reared in Miyazaki as compared with those reared in Hidaka. In fillies, circulating prolactin tended to be higher in fillies reared in Hidaka in February and March, but no significant difference was noted in the serum LH, FSH, IGF-1, or progesterone level between the 2 groups. Circulating estradiol-17β tended to be higher in fillies reared in Miyazaki than in Hidaka in October and November. Regarding ovarian function, the initial
ovulation occurred by the end of March in 2 (16.7%) of 12 fillies reared in Hidaka and 7 (38.9%) of 18 fillies reared in Miyazaki, suggesting that the ovarian function was more active in fillies reared in Miyazaki as compared with those reared in Hidaka. Based on these findings, it was clarified that development of the body and gonads was faster in Miyazaki compared with Hidaka in both colts and fillies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yasuo Nambo
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan ; United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Mutsuki Ishimaru
- Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido 057-0171, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Naito
- Equine Department, Japan Racing Association, Tokyo 106-8401, Japan
| | - Kenji Korosue
- Miyazaki Yearling Training Farm, Japan Racing Association, Miyazaki 880-0036, Japan
| | - Kentaro Akiyama
- Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido 057-0171, Japan
| | - Kenji Miyata
- Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido 057-0171, Japan
| | - Akira Yamanobe
- Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido 057-0171, Japan
| | - Kentaro Nagaoka
- United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan ; Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Gen Watanabe
- United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan ; Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi Taya
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan ; Shadai Corporation, Hokkaido 059-1432, Japan
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Zhang M, Sheng X, Sun R, Li Q, Zhang H, Zhou J, Xu M, Weng Q, Watanabe G, Taya K. Seasonal changes in immunoreactivity of inhibin/activin subunits in the epididymis of wild ground squirrels (Citellus dauricus Brandt). J Reprod Dev 2013; 59:302-7. [PMID: 23535148 PMCID: PMC3934136 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2012-141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The inhibin/activin subunits (α, βA and βB) have been found in epididymal tissue of many mammals, but there have been no data available for wild seasonal breeders so far. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunoreactivities of inhibin/activin α, βA and βB subunits in the epididymis of wild ground squirrels during the breeding and nonbreeding seasons. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were performed to detect the epididymal immunolocalizations and immunoreactivities of the three subunits. Strong immunostaining of α subunit was present in the interstitial part of the caput epididymis and epithelial parts of the corpus epididymis and cauda epididymis during the breeding season, whereas no α subunit was found in the nonbreeding season. βA and βB subunits were expressed in all cell types of the epithelium throughout the whole seasonal cycle, and immunostaining in the breeding season was likely stronger compared with that of the nonbreeding season. These results suggested that the epididymis might be a potential source of inhibin and activin in the wild male ground squirrel, and the secretion of epididymal inhibin and activin showed distinct seasonal changes. Furthermore, inhibin and activin might function as paracrine and/or autocrine factors that have an effect on the epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Zhang
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, PR China
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13
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SHENG X, ZHANG H, ZHANG M, ZHANG W, HU X, SONG M, ZHOU J, XU M, WENG Q, WATANABE G, TAYA K. Seasonal Changes in Immunoreactivity of Activin Signaling Component Proteins in Wild Ground Squirrel Testes. J Reprod Dev 2012; 58:126-31. [DOI: 10.1262/jrd.11-005s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xia SHENG
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Haolin ZHANG
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Mengyuan ZHANG
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Wei ZHANG
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xiao HU
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Moshi SONG
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Jiao ZHOU
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Meiyu XU
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Qiang WENG
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Gen WATANABE
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
- Department of Basic Science, United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi TAYA
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
- Department of Basic Science, United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
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DHAKAL P, HIRAMA A, NAMBO Y, HARADA T, SATO F, NAGAOKA K, WATANABE G, TAYA K. Circulating Pituitary and Gonadal Hormones in Spring-born Thoroughbred Fillies and Colts from Birth to Puberty. J Reprod Dev 2012; 58:522-30. [DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2011-025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Pramod DHAKAL
- Department of Basic Veterinary Science, United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
- Department of Basic Veterinary Science, United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Akiko HIRAMA
- Miho Training Center, Japan Racing Association, Ibaraki 300-0415, Japan
- Miho Training Center, Japan Racing Association, Ibaraki 300-0415, Japan
| | - Yasuo NAMBO
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
- Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido 057-0171, Japan
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
- Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido 057-0171, Japan
| | - Takehiro HARADA
- Department of Basic Veterinary Science, United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
- Department of Basic Veterinary Science, United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Fumio SATO
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
- Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido 057-0171, Japan
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
- Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido 057-0171, Japan
| | - Kentaro NAGAOKA
- Department of Basic Veterinary Science, United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
- Department of Basic Veterinary Science, United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Gen WATANABE
- Department of Basic Veterinary Science, United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
- Department of Basic Veterinary Science, United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi TAYA
- Department of Basic Veterinary Science, United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
- Department of Basic Veterinary Science, United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
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Li Q, Weng J, Zhang H, Lu L, Ma X, Wang Q, Cao H, Liu S, Xu M, Weng Q, Watanabe G, Taya K. Immunohistochemical evidence: testicular and scented glandular androgen synthesis in muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) during the breeding season. Eur J Histochem 2011; 55:e32. [PMID: 22297438 PMCID: PMC3284234 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2011.e32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2011] [Revised: 05/27/2011] [Accepted: 05/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to elucidate the relationship between androgens and the function of the muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) scented glands during the breeding season, we investigated immunolocalization of steroidogenic enzymes P450scc, 3βHSD and P450c17 in the muskrat testes and scented glands. Nine adult muskrats were obtained in March (n=3), May (n=3) and July (n=3) 2010. Steroidogenic enzymes were immunolocalized using polyclonal antisera raised against bovine adrenal P450scc, human placental 3βHSD and porcine testicular P450c17. Histologically, all types of spermatogenic cells including mature-phase spermatozoa in seminiferous tubules were observed in all testes. Glandular cells, interstitial cells, epithelial cells and excretory tubules were identified in scented glands during the breeding season. P450scc, 3βHSD and P450c17 were only identified in Leydig cells during the breeding season; P450scc and P450c17 were observed in glandular cells of scented glands, however, 3βHSD was not found in scented glands during the breeding season. These novel findings provide the first evidence showing that scented glands of the muskrats are capable of locally synthesizing androgens and androgens acting via an endocrine, autocrine or paracrine manner may play an important role in scented gland function during the breeding season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q Li
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, China
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Lu L, Zhang H, Lv N, Ma X, Tian L, Hu X, Liu S, Xu M, Weng Q, Watanabe G, Taya K. Immunolocalization of Androgen Receptor, Aromatase Cytochrome P450, Estrogen Receptor Alpha and Estrogen Receptor Beta Proteins during the Breeding Season in Scent Glands of Muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus). Zoolog Sci 2011; 28:727-32. [DOI: 10.2108/zsj.28.727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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17
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Dhakal P, Tsunoda N, Nakai R, Kitaura T, Harada T, Ito M, Nagaoka K, Toishi Y, Taniyama H, Gen W, Taya K. Annual Changes in Day-length, Temperature, and Circulating Reproductive Hormones in Thoroughbred Stallions and Geldings. J Equine Sci 2011; 22:29-36. [PMID: 24833985 PMCID: PMC4013971 DOI: 10.1294/jes.22.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, immunoreactive(ir)-inhibin, testosterone, estradiol-17β, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I in Thoroughbred stallions along with changes in prolactin secretion in geldings were studied. The correlations of day-length with changes in the concentrations of these hormones were also studied. Five stallions and thirteen geldings were employed to draw blood samples in monthly basis and radioimmunoassay was performed to measure these hormones. All hormones showed a seasonal pattern, the levels being highest during the breeding season and lowest during the winter months. Most of the hormones were at their highest concentration during the month of April, the mid of spring in northern hemisphere. The concentration of circulating IGF-I also demonstrated seasonality, the peak lying on the month of April. The plasma concentration of prolactin also increased during the breeding season. This phenomenon was similar both in stallions and geldings although geldings had lower concentration than that of stallions. The changes in concentration of prolactin in stallions and geldings correlated more towards the day-length than towards the temperature. These results clearly indicate the seasonality of pituitary and gonadal hormones of Thoroughbred stallions, the activity being highest during the month of April and May of the breeding season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pramod Dhakal
- Department of Basic Veterinary Science, United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan ; Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | | | - Rie Nakai
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Tomoki Kitaura
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Takehiro Harada
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Masahiro Ito
- Department of Basic Veterinary Science, United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan ; Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Kentaro Nagaoka
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Yuko Toishi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Taniyama
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Rakuno Gakuen University, Hokkaido 069-8501, Japan
| | - Watanabe Gen
- Department of Basic Veterinary Science, United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan ; Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi Taya
- Department of Basic Veterinary Science, United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan ; Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
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MA X, ZHANG H, WENG J, SHENG X, LU L, HU X, LIU S, XU M, WENG Q, WATANABE G, TAYA K. Immunolocalization of Inhibin/Activin Subunit Proteins During the Breeding Season in Testes and Scented Glands of Muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus). J Vet Med Sci 2011; 73:1199-205. [DOI: 10.1292/jvms.10-0486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting MA
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University
| | - Haolin ZHANG
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University
| | - Jiaju WENG
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University
| | - Xia SHENG
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University
| | - Lu LU
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University
| | - Xiao HU
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University
| | - Shuqiang LIU
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University
| | - Meiyu XU
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University
| | - Qiang WENG
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
| | - Gen WATANABE
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
- United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University
| | - Kazuyoshi TAYA
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
- United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University
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Banco B, Giudice C, Veronesi M, Gerosa E, Grieco V. An Immunohistochemical Study of Normal and Neoplastic Canine Sertoli Cells. J Comp Pathol 2010; 143:239-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2010.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2009] [Revised: 02/22/2010] [Accepted: 04/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Hejmej A, Kotula-Balak M, Sadowska J, Bilińska B. Expression of connexin 43 protein in testes, epididymides and prostates of stallions. Equine Vet J 2010; 39:122-7. [PMID: 17378440 DOI: 10.2746/042516407x169393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY Connexin 43 (Cx43) is a ubiquitously distributed gap junction protein in testes and other reproductive tissues. Adjacent cells share ions and small metabolites through intercellular channels, which are present in gap junctions. Previously, Cx43 has not been reported in testes, epididymides and prostates either in healthy stallions or cryptorchid horses. OBJECTIVES To demonstrate the expression pattern of Cx43 in the reproductive tissues of stallions and examine whether naturally occurring bilateral cryptorchidism has any influence on distribution and expression of Cx43. METHODS The expression and the presence of Cx43 protein were detected by means of immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis using a polyclonal rabbit anti-Cx43 antibody. RESULTS In stallions, gap junctions appeared as structures localised to cell-cell contacts between adjacent cells. In testes, Cx43 expression was detected in the interstitial tissue and seminiferous tubules, between Leydig and Sertoli, as well as Sertoli and germ cells. In epididymides, Cx43 was localised between epithelial cells, whereas in prostates, between secretory cells of the glandular epithelium. In the cryptorchid, a clear reduction of Cx43 signal was observed in all reproductive tissues. CONCLUSIONS Coupling of Leydig cells via gap junctions may suggest that steroidogenic function of the testis is under the influence of these intercellular channels. Within seminiferous tubules, the expression was found to be stage-specific, pointing to its role in coordinating spermatogenesis. Differential distribution of Cx43 protein in the reproductive tract of normal and cryptorchid stallions indicates that expression is clearly dependent on the physiological status of the horse. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE Detection of Cx43 expression in equine testicular, epididymal, and prostatic cells is important for a better understanding of the role of intercellular membrane channels in direct cell communication within the reproductive tract of stallions.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Hejmej
- Department of Endocrinology and Tissue Culture, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Ingardena 6, 30-060 Kraków, Poland
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ZHANG H, SHENG X, HU X, LI X, XU H, ZHANG M, LI B, XU M, WENG Q, ZHANG Z, TAYA K. Seasonal Changes in Spermatogenesis and Immunolocalization of Cytochrome P450 17.ALPHA.-Hydroxylase/c17-20 Lyase and Cytochrome P450 Aromatase in the Wild Male Ground Squirrel (Citellus dauricus Brandt). J Reprod Dev 2010; 56:297-302. [DOI: 10.1262/jrd.09-078t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Haolin ZHANG
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University
| | - Xia SHENG
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University
| | - Xiao HU
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University
| | - Xiuwen LI
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University
| | - Hui XU
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University
| | - Mengyuan ZHANG
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University
| | - Ben LI
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University
| | - Meiyu XU
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University
| | - Qiang WENG
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
| | - Zhixiang ZHANG
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University
| | - Kazuyoshi TAYA
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
- Department of Basic Science, United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University
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22
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Kim Y, Kim JS, Song MS, Seo HS, Kim JC, Bae CS, Kim S, Shin T, Kim SH, Moon C. The expression and localization of inhibin isotypes in mouse testis during postnatal development. J Vet Sci 2009; 9:345-9. [PMID: 19043308 PMCID: PMC2811774 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2008.9.4.345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibin, which is important for normal gonadal function, acts on the pituitary gonadotropins to suppress follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion. The level and cellular localization of the inhibin isotypes, α, βA and βB, in the testis of mice were examined during postnatal development in order to determine if inhibin expression is related to testicular maturation. Mouse testes were sampled on postnatal days (PNDs) 1, 3, 6, 18, 48 and 120, and analyzed by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Western blot analysis showed very low levels of inhibin α, βA and βB expression in the testes at days 1 to 6 after birth. The levels then increased gradually from PND 18 to 48-120, and there were significant peaks at PND 48. Inhibin α, βA and βB were detected in testicular cells during postnatal development using immunohistochemistry. The immunoreactivity of inhibin α was rarely observed in testicular cells during PND 1 to 6, or in the cytoplasmic process of Sertoli cells surrounding the germ cells and interstitial cells during PND 18 to 120. Inhibin βA and βB immunoreactivity was rarely observed in the testis from PND 1 to 6. On the other hand, it was observed in some spermatogonial cells, as well as in the interstitial space between PND 48 and PND 120. We conclude that the expression of inhibin isotypes increases progressively in the testis of mice with increasing postnatal age, suggesting that inhibin is associated with a negative feedback signal for FSH in testicular maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujin Kim
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, College of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Medical Research Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 500-757, Korea
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23
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Koyago M, Nakada K, Tsunoda N, Moriyoshi M, Sawamukai Y. Change in Morphology of Spermatozoa from Dismount Semen during the Breeding Season in Thoroughbred Stallions in Japan. J Equine Sci 2009; 20:1-5. [PMID: 24833962 PMCID: PMC4013956 DOI: 10.1294/jes.20.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/14/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
To clarify the physiological changes of sperm morphology in active Thoroughbred stallions
during the breeding season, we examined the dismount semen collected from the penile
urethra immediately after service. The spermatozoa were analyzed for relationships between
the morphology and the stallion’s age or the number of services. Seasonal variation was
apparent in the rate of the sperm tail abnormalities, spermatozoa with cytoplasmic
droplets, appearance of medusa cells, and sperm head length. Area and width of the sperm
head correlated negatively with age (P<0.05). The rate of appearance of medusa cells
and the length of the sperm head were positively related to the number of services
(P<0.05), and the aspect ratio was negatively related (P<0.01).
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Koyago
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Hokkaido 069-8501, Japan
| | - Ken Nakada
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Hokkaido 069-8501, Japan
| | | | - Masaharu Moriyoshi
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Hokkaido 069-8501, Japan
| | - Yutaka Sawamukai
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Hokkaido 069-8501, Japan
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24
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Roser JF. Regulation of testicular function in the stallion: An intricate network of endocrine, paracrine and autocrine systems. Anim Reprod Sci 2008; 107:179-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2008.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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25
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SHENG X, ZHANG H, ZHANG W, SONG M, ZHANG M, LI B, WENG Q, WATANABE G, TAYA K. Seasonal Changes in Spermatogenesis and Immunolocalization of Inhibin/Activin Subunits in the Wild Male Ground Squirrel ( Citellus dauricus Brandt). J Reprod Dev 2008; 54:460-4. [DOI: 10.1262/jrd.20032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xia SHENG
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University
| | - Haolin ZHANG
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University
| | - Wei ZHANG
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University
| | - Moshi SONG
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University
| | - Mengyuan ZHANG
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University
| | - Ben LI
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University
| | - Qiang WENG
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
| | - Gen WATANABE
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
- Department of Basic Science, United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University
| | - Kazuyoshi TAYA
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
- Department of Basic Science, United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University
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26
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Ohnuma K, Kaneko H, Noguchi J, Kikuchi K, Ozawa M, Hasegawa Y. Production of inhibin A and inhibin B in boars: changes in testicular and circulating levels of dimeric inhibins and characterization of inhibin forms during testis growth. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2007; 33:410-21. [PMID: 17010559 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2006.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2006] [Revised: 08/08/2006] [Accepted: 08/17/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the production of inhibin in boars from the infantile to pubertal periods by: (1) measurement of testicular and circulating levels of inhibin, (2) characterization of inhibin forms and (3) localization of inhibin alpha subunits in the testis. Total inhibin levels in the testis increased until 8 weeks of age but then declined to much lower values at 15 weeks. Testicular inhibin A and inhibin B were high until 8 weeks. Circulating levels of total inhibin and inhibin A were also high until 8 weeks, then declined from 10 weeks; inhibin B was not detected, because of low sensitivity of the inhibin B assay. Analyses of inhibin A and inhibin B levels in the eluted fractions obtained from testes after immunoaffinity chromatography and SDS-PAGE showed the presence of a peak of approximately 45 kDa until 10 weeks of age. As the boars aged, the levels of inhibin A and inhibin B increased in the molecular weight region of 29-31 kDa. The fractions corresponding to 29 and 30 kDa suppressed FSH release from rat pituitary cells, but the 45 kDa fraction had no FSH-suppressing activity. Total amounts of inhibin A isolated from the SDS gels were similar to those of inhibin B until 10 weeks of age, but were three times higher than those of inhibin B between 15 and 25 weeks. Further fractionation by reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography revealed that the 29-31 kDa immunoreactive material was composed of mature forms of inhibin A and inhibin B, in addition to a 26 kDa alpha monomer. Immunohistochemistry indicated that positive immunostaining for the alpha subunits was observed in Sertoli cells from the infantile to pubertal periods. Elongated spermatids also showed positive signals at age 25 weeks. These results clearly indicated that: (1) the boar testis has the ability to produce inhibin A and inhibin B during the infantile period but inhibin A is the predominant form towards puberty and (2) the molecular weight forms of inhibin and the sites of production of inhibin change with testicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuhiko Ohnuma
- Reproductive Biology Research Unit (Kannondai), National Institute of Agrobiological Science, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8602, Japan
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27
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TSUNODA N, WENG Q, NAGATA S, TANIYAMA H, WATANABE G, TAYA K. Effect of a Single Injection of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) on Testicular Hormones and Gonadotropins in the Thoroughbred Stallion. J Equine Sci 2007. [DOI: 10.1294/jes.18.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Qiang WENG
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
- Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University
| | | | | | - Gen WATANABE
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
- Department of Basic Veterinary Science, United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University
| | - Kazuyoshi TAYA
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
- Department of Basic Veterinary Science, United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University
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28
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Sakurada Y, Shirota M, Inoue K, Uchida N, Shirota K. New approach to in situ quantification of ovarian gene expression in rat using a laser microdissection technique: relationship between follicle types and regulation of inhibin-alpha and cytochrome P450aromatase genes in the rat ovary. Histochem Cell Biol 2006; 126:735-41. [PMID: 16770574 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-006-0205-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The recently developed laser microdissection (LMD) technique makes it possible to quantify local gene expression in the target cells of various tissues. Using the LMD technique, this study aimed at comparing the amounts of mRNAs encoding the inhibin-alpha subunit and cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450(arom)) in granulosa cells between preantral and antral follicles in immature rat ovaries. Serial frozen sections of the ovaries from 24-day-old female Wistar rats were made and 30 healthy preantral (100-200 microm maximum diameter) and ten healthy antral ( > 300 microm maximum diameter) follicles were selected in each ovary based on morphological examinations, including immunohistochemistry for inhibin-alpha, in sections adjacent to those used for LMD. The amounts of mRNAs encoding inhibin-alpha subunit and P450(arom) were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). While the amount of P450(arom) mRNA in the granulosa cell layers from the antral follicles was about 12-times higher than that in the preantral follicles, no difference in the amount of inhibin-alpha mRNA was found between these two types of follicles. Thus, the LMD technique allowed the in situ quantification of gene expression in the ovary and revealed that each granulosa cell expresses a stable amount of inhibin-alpha subunit mRNA independently of antral formation in immature rat ovaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Sakurada
- Research Institute of Biosciences and High-Tech Research Center, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 2298501, Japan
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29
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Weng Q, Medan MS, Xu M, Tsubota T, Watanabe G, Taya K. Seasonal changes in immunolocalization of inhibin/activin subunits and testicular activity in wild male raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides). J Reprod Dev 2006; 52:503-10. [PMID: 16702758 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.18011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Thirty-four pairs of testes from wild adult raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) were obtained between September 2000 and May 2003. The cellular localization of the inhibin alpha and inhibin/activin (betaA and betaB) subunits in wild raccoon dog testes was investigated. The testicular weight and size and seminiferous tubule diameters were measured. There were marked seasonal variations in testicular weight and size and seminiferous tubule diameters, with values relatively low in September and high in March. Spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes were observed in September, and spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and round spermatids were present in January. All types of spermatogenic cells, including mature spermatozoa, were found in March, indicating that the breeding season is around March in Japan. Thereafter, spermatogonia and degenerating spermatocytes were observed in April. The sections of testes were immunostained by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method (ABC) using polyclonal antisera raised against porcine inhibin alpha, inhibin/activin betaA and inhibin/activin betaB. The inhibin alpha and inhibin/activin (betaA and betaB) subunits were only expressed in Leydig cells in September. On the other hand, the inhibin alpha, betaA, and betaB subunits were observed in Leydig cells and Sertoli cells, but not in germ cells, in March. These results suggest that the testes of wild raccoon dogs have the ability to synthesize inhibins, and the cellular localization of inhibin/activin subunits showed season-related changes in the breeding and non-breeding seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Weng
- Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, China
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30
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Hejmej A, Gorazd M, Kosiniak-Kamysz K, Wiszniewska B, Sadowska J, Bilińska B. Expression of aromatase and oestrogen receptors in reproductive tissues of the stallion and a single cryptorchid visualised by means of immunohistochemistry. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2005; 29:534-47. [PMID: 16153502 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2005.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2004] [Revised: 03/07/2005] [Accepted: 03/11/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Androgen metabolism may proceed to amplify the action of testosterone by its aromatisation to oestradiol. Recently, a growing body of evidence suggests a role of oestrogens in the male reproductive tract via their specific oestrogen receptors (ERs). In order to check whether androgens are converted to oestrogens in the testis, epididymis and prostate of the stallion, the expression of aromatase was visualised by means of immunohistochemistry. Moreover, to show the cellular targets for oestrogens the presence of oestrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) and oestrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) was demonstrated in these tissues. Finally, to show whether naturally occurring cryptorchidism has any influence on the localisation of aromatase and distribution of ERs, the reproductive tissues of a single horse, bilaterally cryptorchid, were also taken for this study. The results demonstrated that aromatase and ERs are ubiquitously distributed throughout the male reproductive tract, what indicates a putative role of oestrogens in modulating the function of the reproductive tissues of the stallion. In the cryptorchid horse the increase in conversion of androgen to oestrogen was observed as manifested by aromatase overexpression. This is the first report showing the cellular site of oestrogen biosynthesis not only in the testis but also in the epididymis and prostate of sexually mature stallion and a single, adult cryptorchid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Hejmej
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Tissue Culture, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
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31
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Phillips DJ. Activins, inhibins and follistatins in the large domestic species. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2005; 28:1-16. [PMID: 15620803 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2004.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2004] [Accepted: 05/31/2004] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The activins and inhibins are members of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily and, along with follistatin, a high affinity binding protein of activin, form a group of interrelated factors originally isolated for their role in regulating the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Knowledge of their function, particularly that of activin, has expanded since being originally isolated, such that they are now regarded as important paracrine regulators in many cellular systems. This review summarizes the biology of these proteins as has been established in the large domestic animals. While the majority of data relate to the pituitary, ovary, uterus/placenta and testis, consideration is also given to emerging roles in inflammatory processes and in non-reproductive tissues or systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Phillips
- Center for Molecular Reproduction & Endocrinology, Monash Institute of Reproduction & Development, Monash University, Clayton, Vic. 3168, Australia.
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32
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Derar RI, Maeda Y, Hoque SM, Osawa T, Watanabe G, Taya K, Miyake YI. Effect of Active Immunization of Pony Mares against Recombinant Porcine Inhibin .ALPHA. Subunit on Ovarian Follicular Development and Plasma Steroids and Gonadotropins. J Vet Med Sci 2004; 66:31-5. [PMID: 14960807 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.66.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Two pony mares were immunized against recombinant porcine inhibin alpha subunit three times with 39 day intervals. Clinical findings and endocrinological changes before immunization were taken as the control. The first significant rise in the anti-inhibin titre (P<0.05) in the circulation was found 27 days after the first injection. Maximum binding activity was reached by the 12th day after the second booster dose. The number of small, medium and large sized follicles had increased significantly compared to before immunization (11.75 +/- 4.30, 2.75 +/- 0.69 and 2.51 +/- 0.63 vs 6.50 +/- 1.43, 1.83 +/- 0.44 and 1.33 +/- 0.38, respectively), but the ovulation rate remained unchanged after immunization. The average plasma concentration of FSH and estradiol-17beta during the estrous cycle increased significantly (P<0.05) after immunization. These results suggest that immunization against inhibin is a useful tool to increase the number of ovarian follicles during the estrous cycle of pony mares. Moreover, the present study supported the concept that inhibin plays a major role in the control of follicular growth through its inhibitory effect on FSH secretion synergistically with steroid hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Refaat Ibrahim Derar
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, Morioka 020-8550, Japan
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Abstract
Various barriers in the testis may prevent hormones from readily reaching the cells they are supposed to stimulate, especially the hydrophilic hormones from the pituitary. For example, LH must pass through or between the endothelial cells lining the blood vessels to reach the surface of the Leydig cells, and FSH has the additional barrier of the peritubular myoid cells before it reaches the Sertoli cells. The specialised junctions between pairs of Sertoli cells would severely restrict the passage of peptides from blood to the luminal fluid and therefore to the cells inside this barrier, such as the later spermatocytes and spermatids. There is evidence in the literature that radioactively labelled LH does not pass readily into the testis from the blood, and the concentration of native LH in the interstitial extracellular fluid surrounding the Leydig cells in rats is only about one-fifth of that in blood plasma. Furthermore, after injection with LHRH, there are large rises in LH in the blood within 15 min, at which time the Leydig cells have already responded by increasing their content of testosterone, but with no significant change in the concentration of LH in the interstitial extracellular fluid. Either the Leydig cells respond to very small changes in LH, or the testicular endothelial cells in some way mediate the response of the Leydig cells to LH, for which there is now some evidence from co-cultures of endothelial and Leydig cells. The lipophilic steroid hormones, such as testosterone, which are produced by the Leydig cells, have actions within the seminiferous tubules in the testis but also in other parts of the body. They should pass more readily through cells than the hydrophilic peptides; however, the concentration of testosterone in the fluid inside the seminiferous tubules is less than in the interstitial extracellular fluid in the testis, especially after stimulation by LH released after injection of LHRH and despite the presence inside the tubules of high concentrations of an androgen-binding protein. The concentration of testosterone in testicular venous blood does not rise to the same extent as that in the interstitial extracellular fluid, suggesting that there may also be some restriction to movement of the steroid across the endothelium. There is a very poor correlation between the concentrations of testosterone in fluids from the various compartments of the testis and in peripheral blood plasma. Determination of the testosterone concentration in the whole testis is also probably of little predictive value, because the high concentrations of lipid in the Leydig cells would tend to concentrate testosterone there, and hormones inside these cells are unlikely to have any direct effect on other cells in the testis. The best predictor of testosterone concentrations around cells in the testis is the level of testosterone in testicular venous blood, the collection of which for testosterone analysis is a reasonably simple procedure in experimental animals and should be substituted for tissue sampling. There seems to be no simple way of determining the concentrations of peptide hormones in the vicinity of the testicular cells.
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Janett F, Thun R, Niederer K, Burger D, Hässig M. Seasonal changes in semen quality and freezability in the Warmblood stallion. Theriogenology 2003; 60:453-61. [PMID: 12763159 DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(03)00046-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate seasonal changes in stallion semen quality and to determine the best time for semen cryopreservation. Experiments were performed using 10 Warmblood stallions from the National Stud Farm in Avenches (Switzerland). Ejaculates were collected and frozen every other week during 1 year from January to December 1999. Volume, concentration, and motility, and the number of morphologically normal sperm and sperm with major defects (abnormal heads, acrosome defects, nuclear vacuoles, proximal droplets, abnormal midpieces) were evaluated. For all frozen-thawed semen samples motility as well as viability (SYBR-14/PI) was tested, and the hypoosmotic swelling test (HOS) was performed. To analyze seasonal differences 4 periods of 3 months each were defined: autumn (September, October, November), winter (December, January, February), spring (March, April, May) and summer (June, July, August). During the 1 year experiment all semen quality parameters showed a clear seasonal pattern. The volume, total sperm count and motility in fresh semen were significantly higher (P<0.05) in summer than in winter, while sperm concentration was significantly lower in summer compared to the other seasons. Regarding morphology, normal sperm was significantly lower (P<0.05) in summer than at any other time of the year and higher values (P<0.05) were found for major defects in summer than in spring and autumn. In frozen-thawed semen motility was significantly (P<0.05) improved in autumn when compared to spring and summer. Viability was lowest in summer and differed significantly (P<0.05) from other seasons. The HOS test revealed significantly more (P<0.05) membrane damaged spermatozoa in winter than in spring, summer and autumn. Our results demonstrate that in our climatic conditions clear seasonal differences occur in semen quality of fresh and frozen-thawed semen and that cryopreservation of stallion semen should preferably be performed in autumn.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Janett
- Clinic of Reproduction, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland.
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35
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Janett F, Thun R, Bettschen S, Burger D, Hassig M. Seasonal changes of semen quality and freezability in Franches-Montagnes stallions. Anim Reprod Sci 2003; 77:213-21. [PMID: 12695055 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-4320(03)00039-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate seasonal changes of semen quality parameters in Franches-Montagnes stallions and to compare the freezability of ejaculates collected in autumn and winter. Experiments were performed using 15 stallions from the National Stud Farm in Avenches (Switzerland). Ejaculates were collected and evaluated every month during 1 year as well as cryopreserved in autumn and winter (September to February). In fresh semen the gel-free volume, concentration, motility and morphology (normal sperm, major defects, vacuoles and acrosome defects) were evaluated and in frozen-thawed semen the motility as well as the viability (SYBR-14/PI) were performed. To analyse seasonal differences four periods of 3 months each were defined as autumn (September, October, November), winter (December, January, February), spring (March, April, May) and summer (June, July, August). During the 1-year experiment all fresh semen quality parameters demonstrated a clear seasonal and individual pattern. The gel-free volume was significantly (P<0.05) higher in spring and summer compared to autumn and winter while sperm concentration was significantly (P<0.05) lower in spring than at any other time of the year. Total sperm number was significantly (P<0.05) higher and sperm motility significantly (P<0.05) lower in summer than in other seasons. Regarding sperm morphology, normal sperm was significantly (P<0.05) higher in autumn than in winter and summer and major defects were lowest (P<0.05) in autumn. In frozen-thawed semen motility was significantly (P<0.05) improved in the ejaculates collected in autumn compared to winter, while viability showed no obvious differences. Our results clearly demonstrate that individual and seasonal differences occurred in semen quality of Franches-Montagnes stallions. Ejaculates collected in autumn (September, October, November) demonstrated good quality, especially regarding sperm morphology, and were more suitable for cryopreservation because of better motility in frozen-thawed semen collected during autumn than in winter.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Janett
- Clinic of Reproduction, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland.
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36
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Sipahutar H, Sourdaine P, Moslemi S, Plainfossé B, Séralini GE. Immunolocalization of aromatase in stallion Leydig cells and seminiferous tubules. J Histochem Cytochem 2003; 51:311-8. [PMID: 12588959 DOI: 10.1177/002215540305100306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
High levels of plasma estrogens constitute an endocrine peculiarity of the adult stallion. This is mostly due to testicular cytochrome p450 aromatase, the only irreversible enzyme responsible for the bioconversion of androgens into estrogens. To identify more precisely the testicular aromatase synthesis sites in the stallion, testes from nine horses (2-5 years) were obtained during winter or spring. Paraplast-embedded sections were processed using rabbit anti-equine aromatase, followed by biotinylated goat anti-rabbit antibodies, and amplified with a streptavidin-peroxidase complex. Immunoreactivity was detected with diaminobenzidine. Immunofluorescence detection, using fluoroisothiocyanate-conjugated goat anti-rabbit antibodies, was also applied. Specific aromatase immunoreactivity was observed intensely in Leydig cells but also for the first time, to a lesser extent, in the cytoplasm surrounding germ cells at the junction with Sertoli cells. Interestingly, the immunoreactivity in Sertoli cells appears to vary with the spermatogenic stages in the basal compartment (with spermatogonia) as well as in the adluminal one (with spermatids). Relative staining intensity in Leydig and Sertoli cells and testicular microsomal aromatase activity increased with age. The present study in stallions indicates that in addition to Leydig cells, Sertoli cells also appear to participate in estrogen synthesis, and this could play a paracrine role in the regulation of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herbert Sipahutar
- EA2608, Laboratoire de Biochimie et de Biologie Moléculaire Université de Caen, Caen, France
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37
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Tanaka Y, Taniyama H, Tsunoda N, Herath CB, Nakai R, Shinbo H, Nagamine N, Nambo Y, Nagata SI, Watanabe G, Groome NP, Taya K. Localization and secretion of inhibins in the equine fetal ovaries. Biol Reprod 2003; 68:328-35. [PMID: 12493730 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.102.003749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
To clarify the source of inhibins in equine female fetuses, concentrations of immunoreactive (ir-) inhibin, inhibin pro-alphaC, and inhibin A in both fetal and maternal circulation and in fetal ovaries were measured. In addition, the localization of inhibin alpha and inhibin/activin beta(A), and beta(B) subunits and the expression of inhibin alpha(A) and inhibin/activin beta(A) subunit mRNA in fetal ovaries were investigated using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Concentrations of circulating ir-inhibin, inhibin pro-alphaC, and inhibin A were remarkably more elevated in the fetal than in the maternal circulation between Days 100 and 250 of gestation. Fetal ovaries contained large amounts of ir-inhibin, inhibin pro-alphaC, and inhibin A. In contrast, these inhibin forms were undetectable in both the maternal ovaries and placenta. The inhibin alpha and inhibin/activin beta(A) and beta(B) subunit proteins were localized to enlarged interstitial cells of the equine fetal ovary. Expression of inhibin alpha and inhibin/activin beta(A) subunit mRNAs were also observed in the interstitial cells. We conclude that the main source of large amounts of inhibins in fetal circulation is interstitial cells of fetal ovary and is not of maternal origin. Furthermore, these inhibins may play some important physiological roles in the development of gonads in the equine fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumiko Tanaka
- Department of Basic Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
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38
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Lemazurier E, Toquet MP, Fortier G, Séralini GE. Sex steroids in serum of prepubertal male and female horses and correlation with bone characteristics. Steroids 2002; 67:361-9. [PMID: 11958792 DOI: 10.1016/s0039-128x(01)00190-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We used radioimmunoassay (RIA) to measure monthly serum levels of unconjugated and conjugated sex steroids (testosterone T, androstenedione A, estradiol E(2), and estrone E(1)) in 4 male and 4 female foals during their first year of life. Maximal production of sex steroids was detected from April to August with hormonal peaks, corresponding to the natural breeding season in adults. In males, only A levels were more steady. Total estrogens (unconjugated plus conjugated E(2) and E(1)) were the major steroids in immature males in contrast to adults. Estrogens generally peaked in young females before males; the major estrogen was E(1), and total estrogens overtook total androgens (unconjugated and conjugated T and unconjugated A). We also sampled 3 male and 3 female foals with bone alterations in adulthood. For all animals, serum levels of four bone formation markers were obtained: osteocalcin (O), hydroxyproline (HP), and alkaline phosphatase (AP), and a radiographic score was determined. Only male foals with normal skeletal frame (good radiographic score GRS) in adulthood showed a correlation (P < 0.01) between the distribution frequency of each bone formation marker and unconjugated E(2) or E(1) levels; this finding highlighted the role of unconjugated estrogens in bone maturation in horses, since this was not found in the groups with bone alterations. In females, the threshold of estrogen synthesis and sensitivity was probably sufficient to be a nonlimiting factor at this stage of development. Our results strongly suggest a differential regulation of the estrogen/androgen balance in horses according to sex, sexual maturation, and photoperiod. Moreover, estrogens appear to be crucial for skeletal development in male colts, and these steroids are good modulators of skeletal frame characteristics in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Lemazurier
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Caen, Esplanade de La Paix, 14032 Caen Cedex, France
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39
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Lemazurier E, Moslemi S, Sourdaine P, Desjardins I, Plainfosse B, Seralini GE. Free and conjugated estrogens and androgens in stallion semen. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2002; 125:272-82. [PMID: 11884073 DOI: 10.1006/gcen.2001.7747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The steroid content of semen from a total of 11 mature fertile stallions was studied during two breeding seasons and one winter. The levels of free and conjugated substrates (testosterone and androstenedione), and products (estradiol and estrone), of aromatase were measured by radioimmunoassay with a validated method. The results were seasonally and monthly highly variable with characteristic peaks. The concentrations of free and conjugated estrogens were always higher in the gel-free ejaculate than in the gel except in one subfertile stallion used as comparison. Furthermore, the steroid production and the maximal resulting aromatase activity, estimated by the estrogens/androgens ratio, peaked in April-May and June. The breeding season (spring and summer) presents a clear estrogenic profile with estrogens/androgens ratios higher in contrast to the nonbreeding period (autumn and winter). The involvement of estrogens in the regulation of reproduction and equine spermatogenesis is discussed, and estrogens production and thus equine aromatase is proposed as a strong marker of testicular endocrine function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Lemazurier
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, Université de Caen, CAEN cedex, 14032, France
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40
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Matsuzaki S, Cruzana MB, Budipitojo T, Hondo E, Watanabe G, Taya K, Sasaki M, Kitamura N, Yamada J. Immunohistochemical localization of inhibin subunits in the testis of the bull. Anat Histol Embryol 2001; 30:375-8. [PMID: 11820408 DOI: 10.1046/j.1439-0264.2001.00350.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The differential localization of the inhibin beta subunits betaA and betaB in the testis of adult bull was studied using specific monoclonal and polyclonal primary antibodies. Inhibin betaA- and betaB-subunits were localized only in the Sertoli cells. The inhibin betaA-subunit was observed in the cytoplasm while the betaB-subunit was localized in the nucleus. No specific findings depending on spermatogenic stages were observed among the seminiferous tubules. Moreover, the inhibin alpha-subunit was not detected in the testis of the bulls. In addition, no inhibin subunits were detected in the Leydig cells and spermatogenic cells. These findings indicate the presence of betaA- and betaB-subunits in the bull, which may suggest a possibility that activin is produced and/or stored in the Sertoli cells and regulates spermatogenesis in an autocrine/paracrine manner. Moreover, the inhibin betaB-subunit may be produced in the nucleus but the functional meaning of this is not yet clear.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Matsuzaki
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Japan
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41
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Herath CB, Yamashita M, Watanabe G, Jin W, Tangtrongsup S, Kojima A, Groome NP, Suzuki AK, Taya K. Regulation of follicle-stimulating hormone secretion by estradiol and dimeric inhibins in the infantile female rat. Biol Reprod 2001; 65:1623-33. [PMID: 11717121 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod65.6.1623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasma and ovarian levels of the dimeric forms of inhibin and plasma estradiol-17beta were investigated and compared with changes in plasma gonadotropins from Postnatal Day (PND) 5 to PND 30 in the female rat. The inhibin subunit proteins were localized in follicular granulosa cells of the ovary. Plasma immunoreactive inhibin levels were low until PND 15 and increased thereafter. Plasma levels of inhibin B (alpha and beta(B) subunits) remained very low until PND 15 and then increased by approximately 24-fold. In contrast, plasma levels of inhibin A (alpha and beta(A) subunits) were relatively low and steady until PND 20, then increased by approximately 3-fold at PND 25. Changes in ovarian inhibin A and B levels closely resembled those in plasma levels. Plasma FSH levels were low at PND 10 but started to peak from PND 15 and remained high until PND 20, followed by a remarkable reduction at PNDs 25 and 30. This dramatic fall in FSH coincided with the rise of inhibin A. A significant inverse correlation was observed between plasma FSH and plasma inhibin A (r = -0.67, P < 0.0002), ovarian inhibin A (r = -0.48, P < 0.01), plasma inhibin B (r = -0.48, P < 0.05), and ovarian inhibin B (r = -0.54, P < 0.01). Plasma estradiol-17beta levels were elevated from PND 5 through PND 15, then fell sharply through PND 30. Plasma estradiol-17beta was significantly and positively (r = 0.75, P < 0.0002) correlated with plasma FSH. Plasma LH rose to higher levels at PND 15 and tended to be lower thereafter. The inhibin alpha, beta(A), and beta(B) subunits were localized to primary, secondary, and antral and large antral follicles, but the types of these immunopositive follicles varied with age. It appeared that, at PND 25 and afterward, all three subunits were mainly confined to large antral follicles in the ovary. We conclude that estradiol-17beta likely is the major candidate in stimulation of FSH secretion in the infantile female rat. We also conclude that inhibin regulation of pituitary FSH secretion through its negative feedback in the infantile female rat begins to operate after PND 20. We suggest that this negative feedback is achieved by increases in plasma levels of the two dimeric forms, and that inhibin A appears to be the major physiological regulator of FSH secretion at the initiation of this mechanism. We also conclude that large antral follicles in the ovary are the primary source of these bioactive inhibins that are secreted in large amounts into the circulation after PND 20.
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Affiliation(s)
- C B Herath
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
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42
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Jin W, Arai KY, Herath CB, Kondo M, Ishi H, Tanioka Y, Watanabe G, Groome NP, Taya K. Inhibins in the male Göttingen miniature pig: Leydig cells are the predominant source of inhibin B. JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY 2001; 22:953-60. [PMID: 11700859 DOI: 10.1002/j.1939-4640.2001.tb03435.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The expression of inhibin subunits in the testes of the Göttingen miniature pig was examined by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. In addition, the major forms were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Strong positive immunostaining for the inhibin alpha subunit was observed in Sertoli and late-stage germ cells, but it was weak in Leydig cells. However, Leydig cells showed strong positive staining for the betaA subunit, but Sertoli cells and spermatogonia showed a weak reaction. Strong positive immunostaining for the betaB subunit was observed in Leydig cells but spermatogonia showed weak staining for it. In contrast to the staining specificity of inhibin alpha and betaA subunits, the betaB subunit did not exhibit positive staining in Sertoli cells. In situ hybridization revealed that although the a subunit mRNA signal was highly expressed in all cell types, the reaction appeared to be stronger in Sertoli cells and spermatogonia than in Leydig cells. betaA subunit mRNA expression was somewhat identical to that of the alpha subunit, however, germ cells showed a weak stain for it. A strong, positive mRNA signal for the betaB subunit was confined to Leydig cells and late-stage germ cells. ELISA results showed that concentrations of inhibin B and inhibin pro-alphaC were high in the circulation and testes. In contrast, inhibin A levels in both plasma and testes were undetectable. The present results strongly suggest that inhibin B is the major form of circulating inhibin and that Leydig cells are the predominant source of this dimeric inhibin in male Göttingen miniature pigs. Furthermore, the germ cells also appear to be an important source of circulating inhibins.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Jin
- Department of Basic Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Gifu University, Japan
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43
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Taniyama H, Hirayama K, Nakada K, Numagami K, Yaosaka N, Kagawa Y, Izumisawa Y, Nakade T, Tanaka Y, Watanabe G, Taya K. Immunohistochemical detection of inhibin-alpha, -betaB, and -betaA chains and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in canine testicular tumors and normal testes. Vet Pathol 2001; 38:661-6. [PMID: 11732800 DOI: 10.1354/vp.38-6-661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Immunohistochemical detection of inhibin-alpha, -betaA and -betaB chains and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) was carried out on primary testicular tumors from 15 dogs and normal testes from three adult dogs. Histopathologically, the tumors were composed of three types: Leydig cell tumors in five dogs, Sertoli cell tumors in five dogs, and seminoma in five dogs. In normal testes, immunostaining against inhibin-alpha, -betaA, and -betaB chains and 3beta-HSD revealed positive reactivity in the cytoplasm of Leydig cells. In testicular tumors, immunoreactive cells against inhibin-alpha, -betaA, and -betaB chains and 3beta-HSD were localized in all Leydig cell tumors but not in any Sertoli cell tumors or seminomas. The results of radioimmunoassay for plasma inhibin in dogs with Leydig cell tumors showed higher concentrations than those in dogs with Sertoli cell tumors and seminomas and those in normal dogs. The concentration of inhibin in the plasma was markedly decreased by the surgical removal of the Leydig cell tumor in one dog. Our findings suggest that inhibin is synthesized by normal and neoplastic Leydig cells in the canine testis, and the secreted inhibin may be inhibin A and inhibin B.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Taniyama
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Hokkaido, Japan
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44
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Abstract
Adult stallion secretes very high estrogen levels in its testicular vein and semen, and the responsible enzyme cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450 arom) is known to be present mainly in Leydig cells. We studied in further details the distribution of equine aromatase in various adult tissues including the brain (hypothalamic area), liver, kidney, small intestine, muscle, bulbourethral gland and testes. The aromatase mRNA was essentially detected by RT-PCR in testis (169+/-14 amol of aromatase mRNA per microg of total RNA) and was barely detectable in brain, or below 0.1 amol/microg RNA in other tissues. This range of expression was confirmed by ELISA (50+/-7 pg/microg total protein) in the testis, and by immunoblot, evidencing a 53 kDA specific protein band in testis and brain only. The corresponding aromatase activity was well detected, by 3H(2)O release from 1beta, 2beta(3)H-androstenedione, in testis and brain (200+/-23 and 25+/-6 pmol/min per mg, respectively) and below 3 pmol product formed/min per mg in other tissues. This study indicates that the testis, among the tissues analyzed, is the major source of aromatase in the adult stallion, and that the aromatase gene expression is specifically enhanced at this level, and is responsible for the high estrogen synthesis observed. Moreover, the study of aromatase in one colt testis has shown lower levels of transcripts, protein and enzyme activity, evidencing that aromatase is regulated during the development and may serve as a useful marker of testicular function. As the second organ where aromatase mRNA and activity are both well detected is brain, this study also underlines the possible role of neurosteroids in stallion on behaviour, brain function or central endocrine control.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Lemazurier
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, IBBA EA 2608, Université de Caen, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 cedex, Caen, France
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45
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Young KA, Ball GF, Nelson RJ. Photoperiod-induced testicular apoptosis in European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris). Biol Reprod 2001; 64:706-13. [PMID: 11159376 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod64.2.706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
To determine the extent to which testicular regression involves apoptotic cell death, photosensitive adult starlings were photostimulated for up to 9 wk by exposure to long-day (18 h of light) photoperiods. Apoptotic activity in recrudescing and regressing testes was assessed by in situ TUNEL labeling. Absolute testis mass in male starlings increased after 2 wk of photostimulation and subsequently decreased with continued long-day exposure. Seminiferous tubule diameter also increased after 1-3 wk of photostimulation, then decreased as photorefractoriness developed. Testosterone concentrations increased significantly by Week 2 of photostimulation and declined with further light exposure. TUNEL labeling was significantly elevated in germ cells with 4 wk of photostimulation. An approximate 7-fold increase in the degree of apoptotic cell death was observed over the course of gonadal regression. Incidences of TUNEL labeling in somatic Sertoli cells also increased. Light and electron microscopy examination confirmed that these somatic cells displayed morphological characteristics of apoptotic death. In rodents, Sertoli cells have not been previously reported to die during gonadal regression. These results suggest that seasonal testicular regression in European starlings is mediated by apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Young
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Division of Reproductive Biology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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46
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Kano K, Kurohmaru M, Hayashi Y, Taniguchi K. Effects of short photoperiod on the expression of smad2 and smad3 mRNA in Syrian hamster testis. J Vet Med Sci 2001; 63:25-30. [PMID: 11217058 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.63.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The testicular localization and expression of Smad2 and Smad3 mRNA involved in the intracellular signal transduction of activin, inhibin and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) were examined under the influence of long and short photoperiod in Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). In situ hybridization detected both Smad2 and Smad3 mRNA in spermatogonia and premeiotic spermatocytes in the active testis exposed to a long photoperiod, as well as in the regressed testis exposed to a short photoperiod. Northern blots showed that Smad2 mRNA was expressed at all stages over long and short photoperiods, whereas Smad3 mRNA was expressed at high levels in the photoperiod-induced regressed testis. The photoperiodic condition would change the balance between Smad2 and Smad3 transcripts in the testis. Thus, intracellular Smad2 and Smad3 might participate in transducing signals from activin, inhibin and TGF-beta in spermatogenetic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Kano
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, Morioka, Japan
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47
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TSUBOTA T, NAGASHIMA T, KOHYAMA K, MAEJIMA K, MURASE T, KITA I. Seasonal Changes in Testicular Steroidogenesis and Spermatogenesis in a Northern Fur Seal, Callorhinus ursinus. J Reprod Dev 2001. [DOI: 10.1262/jrd.47.415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Toshio TSUBOTA
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Division of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Gifu University
| | - Tomomi NAGASHIMA
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Division of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Gifu University
| | | | | | - Tetsuma MURASE
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Division of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Gifu University
| | - Isao KITA
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Division of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Gifu University
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48
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NAGATA SI, NAGAOKA K, SHINBO H, NAGAMINE N, TSUNODA N, TANIYAMA H, NAMBO Y, P. GROOME N, WATANABE G, TAYA K. Inhibin Pro-.ALPHA.C as the Marker of Testicular Function in the Stallion. J Reprod Dev 2000. [DOI: 10.1262/jrd.46.201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kentaro NAGAOKA
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509
| | - Hiromi SHINBO
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509
| | - Natsuko NAGAMINE
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509
- Shadai Corporation, Hayakita, Hokkaido 059-1432
| | | | | | - Yasuo NAMBO
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Utsunomiya, Tochigi 320-0856, Japan
| | - Nigel. P. GROOME
- School of Biological and Molecular Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Headington, Oxford, U.K
| | - Gen WATANABE
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509
| | - Kazuyoshi TAYA
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509
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