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Barbarestani SY, Samadi F, Zaghari M, Pirsaraei ZA, Kastelic JP. Dietary supplementation with barley sprouts and d-aspartic acid improves reproductive hormone concentrations, testicular histology, antioxidant status, and mRNA expressions of apoptosis-related genes in aged broiler breeder roosters. Theriogenology 2024; 214:224-232. [PMID: 37924739 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.10.030] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
The objective was to determine effects of dietary supplementation of barley sprouts (BS) and/or d-aspartic acid (DA) on the reproductive potential of aged broiler roosters. Birds (n = 32, 50 wk old) were randomly allocated to receive dietary supplements of BS powder (2 % of basal diet), and DA (200 mg/kg BW), both, or neither, for 12 wk. Roosters were housed individually, with 14-h light/10-h dark, ad libitum feed and water, and euthanized after 12 wk. Mean (±SEM) total phenolic compounds and IC50 in methanol extract of sprouted barley were 302.8 ± 10.9 mg GAE/g and 600.8 ± 50.5 mg TE per 100 g, respectively. In weekly semen collections, sperm total and progressive motility, plasma membrane integrity, sperm concentration, and sperm production were higher (P < 0.05) in both the DA + BS and BS groups compared to the Control, but sperm abnormalities were unaffected. Feeding DA increased right, left, and combined testicular weights (P < 0.05, P < 0.05, and P < 0.01, respectively) and, the testicular index (P = 0.01). Feeding BS increased seminiferous tubule diameter (P < 0.01), whereas BS + DA increased seminiferous epithelium thickness (P < 0.01). There were more spermatogonia (P < 0.01) and Leydig cells (P < 0.05) in BS-fed roosters but Sertoli cells were highest in BS + DA (P < 0.01). Serum MDA concentrations were lowest in BS (P < 0.01), whereas serum testosterone and LH were highest in DA (P < 0.05) and BS + DA (P < 0.01), respectively. Feeding BS reduced serum total cholesterol (P < 0.05) and increased serum HDL-cholesterol (P < 0.01), with decreases in serum LDL (P < 0.01) and the LDL/HDL ratio (P < 0.01) for BS + DA compared to Control. Relative expression of glutathione peroxidase mRNA was increased by BS (P < 0.01) or DA (P < 0.05), whereas relative mRNA expression of SOD was highest in BA (P < 0.01). Control roosters were highest for both BAX (P < 0.01) and the relative expression of the BAX/BCL-2 ratio (P < 0.01), whereas BS + DA increased BCL-2 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, feeding BS, and/or DA significantly improved reproductive potential in aged broiler roosters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarallah Yarmohammadi Barbarestani
- Department of Animal and Poultry Physiology, Faculty of Animal Science, Gorgan University of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Golestan, Iran.
| | - Firooz Samadi
- Department of Animal and Poultry Physiology, Faculty of Animal Science, Gorgan University of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Golestan, Iran.
| | - Mojtaba Zaghari
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
| | - Zarbakht Ansari Pirsaraei
- Department of Animal Science, Sari Agricultural Science and Natural Resources University, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - John P Kastelic
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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Hu J, Zhang Z, Xiao S, Cao Y, Chen Y, Weng J, Jiang H, Li W, Chen JY, Liu C. Microhomology-mediated circular DNA formation from oligonucleosomal fragments during spermatogenesis. eLife 2023; 12:RP87115. [PMID: 37847146 PMCID: PMC10581685 DOI: 10.7554/elife.87115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The landscape of extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) during mammalian spermatogenesis, as well as the biogenesis mechanism, remains to be explored. Here, we revealed widespread eccDNA formation in human sperms and mouse spermatogenesis. We noted that germline eccDNAs are derived from oligonucleosomal DNA fragmentation in cells likely undergoing cell death, providing a potential new way for quality assessment of human sperms. Interestingly, small-sized eccDNAs are associated with euchromatin, while large-sized ones are preferentially generated from heterochromatin. By comparing sperm eccDNAs with meiotic recombination hotspots and structural variations, we found that they are barely associated with de novo germline deletions. We further developed a bioinformatics pipeline to achieve nucleotide-resolution eccDNA detection even with the presence of microhomologous sequences that interfere with precise breakpoint identification. Empowered by our method, we provided strong evidence to show that microhomology-mediated end joining is the major eccDNA biogenesis mechanism. Together, our results shed light on eccDNA biogenesis mechanism in mammalian germline cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Department of Andrology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Urology, Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Sai Xiao
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yalei Cao
- Department of Urology, Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Yinghong Chen
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Jiaming Weng
- Department of Urology, Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Urology, Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third HospitalBeijingChina
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital Institute of UrologyBeijingChina
| | - Wei Li
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of ScienceBeijingChina
| | - Jia-Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Department of Andrology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
- Nanchuang (Jiangsu) Institute of Chemistry and HealthNanjingChina
| | - Chao Liu
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of ScienceBeijingChina
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Xu W, Liu C, Zhang Z, Sun C, Li Q, Li K, Jiang H, Li W, Sun Q. DEtail-seq is an ultra-efficient and convenient method for meiotic DNA break profiling in multiple organisms. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2023; 66:1392-1407. [PMID: 36723795 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-022-2277-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Programmed DNA double-strand break (DSB) formation is a crucial step in meiotic recombination, yet techniques for high-efficiency and precise mapping of the 3' ends of DSBs are still in their infancy. Here, we report a novel technique, named DNA End tailing and sequencing (DEtail-seq), which can directly and ultra-efficiently characterize the 3' ends of meiotic DSBs with near single-nucleotide resolution in a variety of species, including yeast, mouse, and human. We find that the 3' ends of meiotic DSBs are stable without significant resection in budding yeast. Meiotic DSBs are strongly enriched in de novo H3K4me3 peaks in the mouse genome at leptotene stage. We also profile meiotic DSBs in human and find DSB hotspots are enriched near the common fragile sites during human meiosis, especially at CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF)-associated enhancers. Therefore, DEtail-seq provides a powerful method to detect DSB ends in various species, and our results provide new insights into the distribution and regulation of meiotic DSB hotspots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, 100084, China.
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, 518120, China.
| | - Chao Liu
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Urology, Department of Andrology, Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, and Department of Human Sperm Bank, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Changbin Sun
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, 518120, China
| | - Qin Li
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Kuan Li
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Urology, Department of Andrology, Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, and Department of Human Sperm Bank, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Wei Li
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623, China.
| | - Qianwen Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, 100084, China.
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Zhang Y, Zhu Y, Cao X, Zhang G, Liu S. Cell adhesion function was altered during the seasonal regression of the seminiferous epithelium in the mink species Neovison vison. J Anim Sci 2023; 101:skad190. [PMID: 37282598 PMCID: PMC10276646 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skad190] [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: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Minks are seasonal breeders whose seminiferous epithelium undergoes regression through massive germ cell death, leaving only Sertoli cells and spermatogonial cells in the tubules. However, the molecular mechanisms that control this biological process remain largely unknown. This study describes a transcriptomic analysis of mink testes at various reproductive stages (active, regressing, and inactive). A comparison of seminiferous epithelium at different stages of reproduction shows that cell adhesion is altered during regression. In addition, genes and proteins involved in forming the blood-testis barrier (BTB) were examined in sexually active and inactive minks. The seminiferous epithelium in the testes of sexually inactive minks expressed occludin, but this expression was not discernibly observed in the testes of sexually active minks. There was no discernible expression of CX43 in the seminiferous epithelium in the testes of sexually inactive minks, but CX43 was expressed in the testes of sexually active minks. During the regression process, we observed a remarkable increase in the expression levels of Claudin-11, which is associated with Sertoli-germ cell junctions. In conclusion, these findings suggest a loss of Sertoli-germ cell adhesion, which may regulate postmeiotic cell shedding during testicular regression in mink.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufei Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Zhao Wu Da Road No. 306, Hohhot 010018, China
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Basic Veterinary Science, Hohhot 010018, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology in Animal Disease, Ministry of Agriculture, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Yanzhu Zhu
- Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaodong Cao
- School of pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonmous Region, China
- School of pharmacy New Drug Safety Evaluation Research Center, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonmous Region, China
| | - Guanhua Zhang
- Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Comprehensive Inspection and Testing Center of chifeng, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Shuying Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Zhao Wu Da Road No. 306, Hohhot 010018, China
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Basic Veterinary Science, Hohhot 010018, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology in Animal Disease, Ministry of Agriculture, Hohhot 010018, China
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Forebrain nuclei linked to woodpecker territorial drum displays mirror those that enable vocal learning in songbirds. PLoS Biol 2022; 20:e3001751. [PMID: 36125990 PMCID: PMC9488818 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Vocal learning is thought to have evolved in 3 orders of birds (songbirds, parrots, and hummingbirds), with each showing similar brain regions that have comparable gene expression specializations relative to the surrounding forebrain motor circuitry. Here, we searched for signatures of these same gene expression specializations in previously uncharacterized brains of 7 assumed vocal non-learning bird lineages across the early branches of the avian family tree. Our findings using a conserved marker for the song system found little evidence of specializations in these taxa, except for woodpeckers. Instead, woodpeckers possessed forebrain regions that were anatomically similar to the pallial song nuclei of vocal learning birds. Field studies of free-living downy woodpeckers revealed that these brain nuclei showed increased expression of immediate early genes (IEGs) when males produce their iconic drum displays, the elaborate bill-hammering behavior that individuals use to compete for territories, much like birdsong. However, these specialized areas did not show increased IEG expression with vocalization or flight. We further confirmed that other woodpecker species contain these brain nuclei, suggesting that these brain regions are a common feature of the woodpecker brain. We therefore hypothesize that ancient forebrain nuclei for refined motor control may have given rise to not only the song control systems of vocal learning birds, but also the drumming system of woodpeckers. Vocal learning is thought to have evolved in three orders of birds (songbirds, parrots, and hummingbirds). This study shows that woodpeckers have evolved a set of brain nuclei to mediate their drum displays, and these regions closely mirror those that underlie song learning in songbirds.
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Beltrán-Frutos E, Seco-Rovira V, Martínez-Hernández J, Ferrer C, Serrano-Sánchez MI, Pastor LM. Cellular Modifications in Spermatogenesis during Seasonal Testicular Regression: An Update Review in Mammals. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12131605. [PMID: 35804504 PMCID: PMC9265002 DOI: 10.3390/ani12131605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The most common form of reproduction in mammals is seasonal reproduction. This ensures that offspring are born at the most suitable time for survival, due to the abundance of food and the optimal temperatures for early postnatal development. In males, one way to achieve this is to decrease or lose fertility over a given period. This loss is associated with a greater or lesser degree of spermatogenesis modification that affects both germ and Sertoli cells. This paper reviews the different cellular mechanisms that have been postulated in recent years to explain how the activity of the seminiferous epithelium decreases during the non-reproductive period. Abstract Testicular regression occurs during the non-breeding season in many mammals. This affects spermatogenesis, resulting in decreased or arrested activity. Both lead to a decrease or cessation in sperm production. In recent years, the cellular mechanisms that lead to infertility in males in non-reproductive periods have been studied in very different species of mammals. At the start of the present century, the main mechanism involved was considered as an increase in the apoptotic activity of germ cells during the regression period. The loss of spermatogonia and spermatocytes causes not only a decrease in spermatogenesis, but an arrest of the seminiferous epithelium activity at the end of regression. Recently, in some mammal species, it was found that apoptosis is the usual mechanism involved in epithelium activity arrest, although it is firstly atrophied by massive desquamation of the germ cells that are released from their binding with the Sertoli cells, and which are shed into the lumen of the seminiferous tubule. In other species, it has been shown that not only germ cell apoptosis, but also Sertoli cell apoptosis, including decreased proliferative activity, spermatophagy or autophagy, are involved in testicular regression. Furthermore, the most recent studies indicate that there are multiple patterns of seminiferous epithelium regression in seasonally breeding animals, which may not only be used by different species, but also by the same ones to reproduce in the best conditions, ensuring their survival. In conclusion, at this time, it is not possible to consider the existence of a paradigmatic cellular mechanism in the involution of the seminiferous epithelium applicable to all male mammals with seasonal reproduction, rather the existence of several mechanisms which participate to a greater or lesser extent in each of the species that have been studied to date.
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Gumułka M, Hrabia A, Rozenboim I. Annual changes in cell proliferation and apoptosis and expression of connexin 43 in the testes of domestic seasonal breeding ganders. Theriogenology 2022; 186:27-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Xi H, Ren F, Li Y, Du Y, Wang L, Hu J. Changes in histology, protein expression, and autophagy in dairy goat testes during nonbreeding season†. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:1344-1354. [PMID: 34467369 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Seasonal reproduction contributes to increased chances of offspring survival in some animals. Dairy goats are seasonal breeding mammals. In this study, adult male Guanzhong dairy goats (10-12 months old) were used. Testis size, semen quality, hormone level, apoptosis of germ cells, and autophagy of Sertoli cells were analyzed in dairy goats during the breeding (October) and nonbreeding (April) seasons. We found that, during the nonbreeding season for dairy goats, semen quality, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, and testosterone levels were reduced, and the number of apoptotic germ cells increased. The proliferation with decrease activity of germ cells in dairy goat during the nonbreeding season was significantly affected. However, the testis size did not change seasonally. Interestingly, Sertoli cell autophagy was more active during the nonbreeding season. The expression levels of FSH receptor, wilms tumor 1, androgen binding protein, glial cell derived neurotrophic factor, and stem cell factor decreased in dairy goats during the nonbreeding season. In summary, our results indicate that spermatogenesis in dairy goats during the nonbreeding season was not completely arrested. In addition, germ cell apoptosis and the morphology of Sertoli cells considerably changed in dairy goats during the nonbreeding season. Sertoli cell autophagy is involved in the seasonal regulation of spermatogenesis in dairy goats. These findings provide key insights into the fertility and spermatogenesis of seasonal breeding animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaming Xi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fa Ren
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yu Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yeqing Du
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Liqiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jianhong Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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Akhtar MF, Ahmad E, Ali I, Shafiq M, Chen Z. The Effect of Inhibin Immunization in Seminiferous Epithelium of Yangzhou Goose Ganders: A Histological Study. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11102801. [PMID: 34679823 PMCID: PMC8532643 DOI: 10.3390/ani11102801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The current study investigated the effect of inhibin immunization on germ cell numbers (spermatogonia, spermatocytes, round, and elongated spermatids), seminiferous tubules (ST) diameter, Johnsen's score, epithelial height (μm), luminal tubular diameter (μm), and number of ST per field (ST/field) of Yangzhou goose ganders. Histological evaluation showed apoptosis and regression of testes after inhibin (INH) immunization, with a concomitantly marked reduction in the round and elongated spermatids in the experiment (INH) group compared to the control group. The diameter of seminiferous tubules (ST) and epithelial height (EH) were positively correlated at 181, 200, and 227 days of age. In comparison, luminal tubular diameter (LD) was negatively correlated on day 227 to ST diameter and epithelial height. On day 227, many seminiferous tubules per field (ST/field) were negatively correlated to ST diameter, EH, and LD. INH immunization elevated ST diameter, EH, and LD, while Johnsen's score and number of ST/field had reciprocal expression. In conclusion, the concomitant effect of INH immunization and seasonality in breeding regressed germ cells and damaged spermatogenesis in seminiferous epithelium Yangzhou ganders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Faheem Akhtar
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China;
| | - Ejaz Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan;
| | - Ilyas Ali
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China;
| | - Muhammad Shafiq
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515063, China;
| | - Zhe Chen
- Key Laboratory of Crop and Livestock Integration, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
- Correspondence:
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Molele RA, Mahdy MAA, Zakariah M, Ibrahim MIA, Fosgate GT, Brown G. Age-related histomorphometric and ultrastructural changes in the Sertoli cells of Japanese quail (Coturnix Coturnix japonica). Tissue Cell 2021; 73:101650. [PMID: 34555776 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2021.101650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Prepared sections from pre-pubertal, pubertal, adult, and aged Japanese quail testes were examined by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and measurements of seminiferous tubular diameter (STD), luminal diameter (SLD), epithelial height (SEH) and cross-sectional area of the seminiferous tubules (AST) were taken using an image analyzer. Apoptotic Sertoli cells with features such as cell shrinkage and chromatin condensation were observed in pre-pubertal and aged quail. There was a significant difference between the mean Sertoli cell number (SCN), SLD, SEH, STD and AST among the four age groups (P < 0.001). The highest SCN (mean ± standard error) was recorded in the adult (30.53 ± 0.42), with the aged group displaying the lowest mean (11.80 ± 0.27) SCN. Spearman's rho correlation coefficients demonstrated a strong relationship between the SCN and SEH in the pubertal (ρ=0.915; P < 0.001), adult (ρ=0.878; P < 0.001), and aged (ρ=0.858; P < 0.001) groups, while a significant moderate correlation was observed in the pre-pubertal (ρ=0.606; P < 0.001) group. There were significant moderate correlations between the SCN and STD in the pre-pubertal (ρ=0.445; P < 0.001), pubertal (ρ=0.653; P < 0.001), adult (ρ=0.440; P < 0.001), and aged (ρ=0.514; P < 0.001) groups. Furthermore, significant moderate correlations were estimated between the SCN and AST in the pre-pubertal (ρ=0.453; P < 0.001), pubertal (ρ=0.661; P < 0.001), adult (ρ=0.393; P = 0.001), and aged (ρ=0.498; P < 0.001) groups. This study provides baseline data on the morphology and development of the Sertoli cell, as well as testicular morphometry in avian species during the pre-pubertal, pubertal, adult, and aged stages using the Japanese quail as a model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reneilwe A Molele
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, 0110, South Africa.
| | - Mohamed A A Mahdy
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, 83523, Egypt
| | - Musa Zakariah
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, 0110, South Africa; Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, PMB 1069 University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria
| | - Mohammed I A Ibrahim
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, 0110, South Africa; Department of Basic Science, University of West Kordofan, West Kordofan State, Sudan
| | - Geoffrey T Fosgate
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, 0110, South Africa
| | - Geoffrey Brown
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, 0110, South Africa
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Lallemand F, Chiver I, Barros Dos Santos E, Ball GF, Balthazart J. Repeated assessment of changes in testes size in canaries by X-ray computer tomography. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 310:113808. [PMID: 33964288 PMCID: PMC8277721 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies have evaluated changes in time of testicular development in birds by exploratory laparotomy or post-mortem autopsy. The invasive nature of these approaches has obviously limited the frequency at which these measures can be collected. We demonstrate here that accurate assessment of gonadal size can be reliably and repeatedly obtained by computer-assisted X-ray tomography (CT scans). This approach provides images of the testes in the three orthogonal planes that allow measuring either the largest diameter or even the volume of the testes, providing results that match those obtained by surgical approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ioana Chiver
- GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Gregory F Ball
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park MD, United States
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Martínez-Hernández J, Seco-Rovira V, Beltrán-Frutos E, Ferrer C, Serrano-Sánchez MI, Pastor LM. Proliferation, apoptosis, and number of Sertoli cells in the Syrian hamster during recrudescence after exposure to short photoperiod†‡. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:588-597. [PMID: 31621831 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The Sertoli cell (Sc) has been described as a quiescent cell once the animal has reached sexual maturity. Syrian hamster is an animal that displays testicular regression due to short photoperiod, during which process germ cells and Sc are removed through apoptosis. The aim of this work was to investigate histochemically whether the spontaneous testicular recrudescence processes after exposure to a short photoperiod lead to an increase in Sc proliferative activity in order to restore the normal population. Three spontaneous recrudescence groups were established: initial (IR), advanced (AR), and total (TR) recrudescence, which were compared with animal undergoing the regression process (mild: MRg, strong: SRg, and total: TRg) and animals in long photoperiod (Controls). Histological sections were submitted to histochemical techniques for detecting apoptotic and proliferative Sc with bright-field and fluorescence microscopy. For each group, the proliferative Sc index (PScI) and apoptotic Sc index (AScI), and the total number of Sc were obtained. The results revealed the existence of Vimentin+/TUNEL+ as well as Vimentin+/PCNA+ cells. The PScI was significantly higher in TRg and IR than in the other groups. The AScI was only significantly higher in MRg and SRg with respect to the other groups. The total number of Sc increased among TRg, IR, and AR, reaching values similar to those of the Controls. In conclusion, the increase in Sc proliferation from final regression and recrudescence, accompanied by a similar rate of apoptosis to the Control group, is the cause of the restoration of the Sc population during spontaneous recrudescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Martínez-Hernández
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Medical School, IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Vicente Seco-Rovira
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Medical School, IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Ester Beltrán-Frutos
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Medical School, IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Concepción Ferrer
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Medical School, IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - María Isabel Serrano-Sánchez
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Medical School, IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Pastor
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Medical School, IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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Falvo S, Rosati L, Di Fiore MM, Di Giacomo Russo F, Chieffi Baccari G, Santillo A. Proliferative and Apoptotic Pathways in the Testis of Quail Coturnix coturnix during the Seasonal Reproductive Cycle. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11061729. [PMID: 34207904 PMCID: PMC8226535 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The quail Coturnix coturnix exhibits an annual cycle of testis size, sexual steroid production, and spermatogenesis. The testicular levels of both 17β-estradiol (E2) and androgens are higher during the reproductive period compared to the non-reproductive period, suggesting that estrogens act in synergy with the androgens for the initiation of spermatogenesis. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the estrogen responsive system in quail testis in relation to the reproduction seasons, with a focus on the molecular pathways activated in both active and regressive quail testes. The results indicated that estrogens participated in the activation of mitotic and meiotic events during the reproductive period by activating the ERK1/2 and Akt-1 pathways. In the non-reproductive period, when the E2/ERα levels are low, ERK1/2 and Akt-1 pathways remain inactive and apoptotic events occur. Our results suggest that the activation or inhibition of these molecular pathways plays a crucial role in the physiological switch “on/off” of the testicular activity in male quail during the seasonal reproductive cycle. Abstract The quail Coturnix coturnix is a seasonal breeding species, with the annual reproductive cycle of its testes comprising an activation phase and a regression phase. Our previous results have proven that the testicular levels of both 17β-estradiol (E2) and androgens are higher during the reproductive period compared to the non-reproductive period, which led us to hypothesize that estrogens and androgens may act synergistically to initiate spermatogenesis. The present study was, therefore, aimed to investigate the estrogen responsive system in quail testis in relation to the reproduction seasonality, with a focus on the molecular pathways elicited in both active and regressive quail testes. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that the expression of ERα, which is the predominant form of estrogen receptors in quail testis, was correlated with E2 concentration, suggesting that increased levels of E2-induced ERα could play a key role in the resumption of spermatogenesis during the reproductive period, when both PCNA and SYCP3, the mitotic and meiotic markers, respectively, were also increased. In the reproductive period we also found the activation of the ERK1/2 and Akt-1 kinase pathways and an increase in second messengers cAMP and cGMP levels. In the non-reproductive phase, when the E2/ERα levels were low, the inactivation of ERK1/2 and Akt-1 pathways favored apoptotic events due to an increase in the levels of Bax and cytochrome C, with a consequent regression of the gonad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (S.F.); (M.M.D.F.); (F.D.G.R.); (G.C.B.)
| | - Luigi Rosati
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, 80138 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Maria Maddalena Di Fiore
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (S.F.); (M.M.D.F.); (F.D.G.R.); (G.C.B.)
| | - Federica Di Giacomo Russo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (S.F.); (M.M.D.F.); (F.D.G.R.); (G.C.B.)
| | - Gabriella Chieffi Baccari
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (S.F.); (M.M.D.F.); (F.D.G.R.); (G.C.B.)
| | - Alessandra Santillo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (S.F.); (M.M.D.F.); (F.D.G.R.); (G.C.B.)
- Correspondence:
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Mediterranean Pine Vole, Microtus duodecimcostatus: A Paradigm of an Opportunistic Breeder. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11061639. [PMID: 34205873 PMCID: PMC8228771 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In temperate zones of the Earth, some mammalian species reproduce seasonally whereas others do it continuously. Other species are summer breeders in the north and winter breeders in the south. Thus, the reproductive pattern seems not to be a species-specific but a population-specific trait. We investigated the reproduction pattern of the Mediterranean pine vole, Microtus duodecimcostatus, in the area around the city of Granada in Southern Spain, and found that individuals living in wastelands reproduce seasonally whereas those living in close poplar plantations (just 8 km apart) reproduce throughout the year, as did voles captured in wastelands and kept in captivity. These animals represent thus a paradigm of an opportunistic breeder as particular individuals stop breeding or not, depending on the environmental conditions they face at any moment. Sexually inactive male voles undergo complete testis inactivation and their sperm production is halted. The immune system in active testes is depressed, a phenomenon known as “immune privilege” that protect germ cells from autoimmune attack. We studied gene activity in active and inactive testes and our results indicate that such an immune privilege is lost in inactive testes, suggesting an important role for this process during testis regression. Abstract Most mammalian species of the temperate zones of the Earth reproduce seasonally, existing a non-breeding period in which the gonads of both sexes undergo functional regression. It is widely accepted that photoperiod is the principal environmental cue controlling these seasonal changes, although several exceptions have been described in other mammalian species in which breeding depends on cues such as food or water availability. We studied the circannual reproductive cycle in males of the Mediterranean pine vole, Microtus duodecimcostatus, in the Southeastern Iberian Peninsula. Morphological, hormonal, functional, molecular and transcriptomic analyses were performed. As reported for populations of other species from the same geographic area, male voles captured in wastelands underwent seasonal testis regression in summer whereas, surprisingly, those living either in close poplar plantations or in our animal house reproduced throughout the year, showing that it is the microenvironment of a particular vole subpopulation what determines its reproductive status and that these animals are pure opportunistic, photoperiod-independent breeders. In addition, we show that several molecular pathways, including MAPK, are deregulated and that the testicular “immune privilege” is lost in the inactive testes, providing novel mechanisms linking seasonal testosterone reduction and testis regression.
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15
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Jeon GH, Lee SH, Cheon YP, Choi D. Blood-Testis Barrier and Sperm Delayed in the Cauda Epididymis of the Reproductively Regressed Syrian Hamsters. Dev Reprod 2021; 25:1-14. [PMID: 33977170 PMCID: PMC8087257 DOI: 10.12717/dr.2021.25.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The Syrian (golden) hamsters are seasonal breeders whose reproductive functions
are active in summer and inactive in winter. In experimental facility mimicking
winter climate, short photoperiod (SP) induces gonadal regression. The
blood-testis barrier (BTB) of the sexually involuted animals have been reported
to be permeable, allowing developing germ cells to be engulfed or sloughed off
the epithelium of the seminiferous tubules. The expressions of genes related to
the tight junction composing of BTB were investigated in the reproductive active
and inactive testes. Claudin-11, occludin, and junctional adhesion molecule
(JAM) were definitely expressed in the active testes but not discernably
detected in the inactive testes. And spermatozoa (sperm) were observed in the
whole lengths of epididymides in the active testes. They were witnessed in only
cauda region of the epididymides but not in caput and corpus regions in animals
with the inactive testes. The results imply that the disorganization of BTB is
associated with the testicular regression. The developing germ cells are
swallowed into the Sertoli cells or travel into the lumen, as supported by the
presence of the sperm delayed in the last region of the epididymis. These
outcomes suggest that both apoptosis and desquamation are the processes that
eliminate the germ cells during the regressing stage in the Syrian hamsters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geon Hyung Jeon
- Dept. of Life Science, College of Public Health and Welfare Sciences, Yong-In University, Yongin 17092, Korea
| | - Sung-Ho Lee
- Dept. of Biotechnology, Sangmyung University, Seoul 03016, Korea
| | - Yong-Pil Cheon
- Division of Developmental Biology and Physiology, Dept. of Biotechnology, Sungshin University, Seoul 02844, Korea
| | - Donchan Choi
- Dept. of Life Science, College of Public Health and Welfare Sciences, Yong-In University, Yongin 17092, Korea
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Abstract
Organisms use changes in photoperiod for seasonal reproduction to maximize the survival of their offspring. Birds have sophisticated seasonal mechanisms and are therefore excellent models for studying these phenomena. Birds perceive light via deep-brain photoreceptors and long day–induced thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH, thyrotropin) in the pars tuberalis of the pituitary gland (PT), which cause local thyroid hormone activation within the mediobasal hypothalamus. The local bioactive thyroid hormone controls seasonal gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion and subsequent gonadotropin secretion. In mammals, the eyes are believed to be the only photoreceptor organ, and nocturnal melatonin secretion triggers an endocrine signal that communicates information about the photoperiod to the PT to regulate TSH. In contrast, in Salmonidae fish the input pathway to the neuroendocrine output pathway appears to be localized in the saccus vasculosus. Thus, comparative analysis is an effective way to uncover the universality and diversity of fundamental traits in various organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Nakane
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
- Laboratory of Animal Integrative Physiology, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Takashi Yoshimura
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
- Laboratory of Animal Integrative Physiology, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
- Avian Bioscience Research Center, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
- Division of Seasonal Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
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17
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Massoud D, Lao-Pérez M, Hurtado A, Abdo W, Palomino-Morales R, Carmona FD, Burgos M, Jiménez R, Barrionuevo FJ. Germ cell desquamation-based testis regression in a seasonal breeder, the Egyptian long-eared hedgehog, Hemiechinus auritus. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0204851. [PMID: 30286149 PMCID: PMC6171879 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Testes of seasonally breeding species experience a severe functional regression before the non-breeding period, which implies a substantial mass reduction due to massive germ-cell depletion. Two alternative mechanisms of seasonal germ-cell depletion have been described in mammals, apoptosis and desquamation (sloughing), but their prevalence has not been determined yet due to reduced number of species studied. We performed a morphological, hormonal, and molecular study of the mechanism of seasonal testicular regression in males of the Egyptian long eared-hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus). Our results show that live, non-apoptotic, germ cells are massively depleted by desquamation during the testis regression process. This is concomitant with both decreased levels of serum testosterone and irregular distribution of the cell-adhesion molecules in the seminiferous epithelium. The inactive testes maintain some meiotic activity as meiosis onset is not halted and spermatocytes die by apoptosis at the pachytene stage. Our data support the notion that apoptosis is not the major testis regression effector in mammals. Instead, desquamation appears to be a common mechanism in this class.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diaa Massoud
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
| | - Miguel Lao-Pérez
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Alicia Hurtado
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Walied Abdo
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafr El Sheikh University, Kafr El Sheikh, Egypt
| | | | - Francisco David Carmona
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Miguel Burgos
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Rafael Jiménez
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- * E-mail:
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18
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Martínez-Hernández J, Seco-Rovira V, Beltrán-Frutos E, Ferrer C, Canteras M, Sánchez-Huertas MDM, Pastor LM. Testicular histomorphometry and the proliferative and apoptotic activities of the seminiferous epithelium in Syrian hamster during spontaneous recrudescence after exposure to short photoperiod. Reprod Domest Anim 2018; 53:1041-1051. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.13201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Martínez-Hernández
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Medical School; IMIB-Arrixaca; Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia; Murcia Spain
| | - Vicente Seco-Rovira
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Medical School; IMIB-Arrixaca; Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia; Murcia Spain
| | - Ester Beltrán-Frutos
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Medical School; IMIB-Arrixaca; Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia; Murcia Spain
| | - Concepción Ferrer
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Medical School; IMIB-Arrixaca; Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia; Murcia Spain
| | - Manuel Canteras
- Department of Statistics, Medical School; University of Murcia; Murcia Spain
| | - María del Mar Sánchez-Huertas
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Medical School; IMIB-Arrixaca; Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia; Murcia Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Pastor
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Medical School; IMIB-Arrixaca; Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia; Murcia Spain
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19
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Leão R, Castro F, Xavier P, Vaz D, Grázia J, Baião N, Avelar G, Marques Júnior A. Comb, cloaca and feet scores and testis morphometry in male broiler breeders at two different ages. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2017. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-9233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT In broiler breeder roosters, the weight of the testes is positively associated with daily sperm production and fertility. In birds, the testes are located in the coelomic cavity, not being accessible to reproductive evaluation as mammalian testes. The reproductive evaluation of roosters is based on phenotypic traits. Any changes on testes will be reflected on fertility levels. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the potential of association of phenotypic traits as body weight (BW), comb scores (COS), cloaca scores (CLS) and feet scores (FS) with testicular morphometric parameters in adult Cobb® Mx roosters in two ages (25 and 45 weeks of age). The low BW roosters had lower testes weight (TW), smaller seminiferous tubule diameter (STD) and lower comb and cloaca scores than the medium and high BW roosters (P≤0.05). Heavy roosters had the highest COS and bigger seminiferous epithelium height (SEH). There was no statistical difference between the BW categories in FS and volumetric proportion of seminiferous tubule (ST) and interstitial tissue (IT). Considering the age effect, roosters with 45 weeks of age had lower TW and ST than 25-week roosters. Positive, moderate and significant correlation was found between testes weight and phenotypic characteristics as BW, COS and CLS in 45week roosters. A positive, moderate and significant correlation was found between body weight and histologic testicular characteristics as STD and SHE in both evaluated ages. In conclusion, there is a regression in the testes weight with age and it is more intense in Cobb® Mx roosters with lower BW. Furthermore, it is concluded that the BW positively influences the testes weight and histological quality of the testes. COS and CLS can be used with moderate potential prediction to identify roosters with low testes weight at 45 weeks of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- R.A.C. Leão
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - P.R. Xavier
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - D.P. Vaz
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - N.C. Baião
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - G.F. Avelar
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
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20
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Banerjee S, Chaturvedi CM. Apoptotic mechanism behind the testicular atrophy in photorefractory and scotosensitive quail: Involvement of GnIH induced p-53 dependent Bax-Caspase-3 mediated pathway. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2017; 176:124-135. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2017.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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21
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Testicular atrophy and reproductive quiescence in photorefractory and scotosensitive quail: Involvement of hypothalamic deep brain photoreceptors and GnRH-GnIH system. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2017; 175:254-268. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2017.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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22
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Liu T, Wang L, Chen H, Huang Y, Yang P, Ahmed N, Wang T, Liu Y, Chen Q. Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Apoptosis during Dissociated Spermatogenesis. Front Physiol 2017; 8:188. [PMID: 28424629 PMCID: PMC5372796 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis is a tightly controlled process by which tissues eliminate unwanted cells. Spontaneous germ cell apoptosis in testis has been broadly investigated in mammals that have an associated spermatogenesis pattern. However, the mechanism of germ cell apoptosis in seasonally breeding reptiles following a dissociated spermatogenesis has remained enigmatic. In the present study, morphological evidence has clearly confirmed the dissociated spermatogenesis pattern in Pelodiscus sinensis. TUNEL and TEM analyses presented dynamic changes and ultrastructural characteristics of apoptotic germ cells during seasonal spermatogenesis, implying that apoptosis might be one of the key mechanisms to clear degraded germ cells. Furthermore, using RNA-Seq and digital gene expression (DGE) profiling, a large number of apoptosis-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at different phases of spermatogenesis were identified and characterized in the testis. DGE and RT-qPCR analysis revealed that the critical anti-apoptosis genes, such as Bcl-2, BAG1, and BAG5, showed up-regulated patterns during intermediate and late spermatogenesis. Moreover, the increases in mitochondrial transmembrane potential in July and October were detected by JC-1 staining. Notably, the low protein levels of pro-apoptotic cleaved caspase-3 and CytC in cytoplasm were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blot analyses, indicating that the CytC-Caspase model might be responsible for the effects of germ cell apoptosis on seasonal spermatogenesis. These results facilitate understanding the regulatory mechanisms of apoptosis during spermatogenesis and uncovering the biological process of the dissociated spermatogenesis system in reptiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengfei Liu
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjing, China
| | - Lingling Wang
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjing, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjing, China
| | - Yufei Huang
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjing, China
| | - Ping Yang
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjing, China
| | - Nisar Ahmed
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjing, China
| | - Taozhi Wang
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjing, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjing, China
| | - Qiusheng Chen
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjing, China
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Ullah R, Shen Y, Zhou YD, Huang K, Fu JF, Wahab F, Shahab M. Expression and actions of GnIH and its orthologs in vertebrates: Current status and advanced knowledge. Neuropeptides 2016; 59:9-20. [PMID: 27255391 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2016.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Revised: 05/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The physiology of reproduction is very complex and is regulated by multiple factors, including a number of hypothalamic neuropeptides. In last few decades, various neuropeptides have been discovered to be involved in stimulation or inhibition of reproduction. In 2000, Tsutsui and colleagues uncovered gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH), a neuropeptide generating inhibitory drive to the reproductive axis, in the brain of Coturnix quail. Afterward, GnIH orthologs were discovered in other vertebrates from fish to mammals including human. In these vertebrates, all the discovered GnIH and its ortholgs have LPXRFamide (X=L or Q) sequence at C-terminus. GnIH orthologs of mammals and primates are also termed as RFamide-related peptide (RFRP)-1 and -3 that too have an LPXRFamide (X=L or Q) motif at their C-terminus. GnIH and its orthologs form a member of the RFamide peptide family. GnIH signals via its canonical G protein coupled receptor 147 (GPR147). Both GnIH and GPR147 are expressed in hypothalamus and other brain regions. Besides actions through the hypothalamic GnRH and kisspeptinergic neurons, GnIH-GPR147 signaling exerts inhibitory effect on the reproductive axis via pituitary gonadotropes and directly at gonadal level. Various factors including availability and quality of food, photoperiod, temperature, social interaction, various stresses and some diseases modulate GnIH-GPR147 signaling. In this review, we have discussed expression and actions of GnIH and its orthologs in vertebrates. Special emphasis is given on the role of GnIH-GPR147 signaling pathway in the regulation of reproduction. We have also reviewed and discussed currently available literature on the participation of GnIH-GPR147 signaling pathway in the stress modulation of reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahim Ullah
- Department of Endocrinology, Children Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Laboratory of Reproductive Neuroendocrinology, Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan; Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Ministry of Health and Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Yi Shen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Ministry of Health and Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Yu-Dong Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Ministry of Health and Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Ke Huang
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neuroendocrinology, Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan; Laboratory of Reproductive Neuroendocrinology, Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Jun-Fen Fu
- Department of Endocrinology, Children Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Fazal Wahab
- Stem Cell Biology Unit, German Primate Center, Leibniz-Institute for Primate Research, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Gottingen, Germany
| | - Muhammad Shahab
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neuroendocrinology, Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
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Banerjee S, Tsutsui K, Chaturvedi CM. Apoptosis-mediated testicular alteration in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) in response to temporal phase relation of serotonergic and dopaminergic oscillations. J Exp Biol 2016; 219:1476-87. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.129155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Reproductive performance of many avian species, including Japanese quail, is reported to be modulated by specific temporal phase relation of serotonergic and dopaminergic oscillations. Accordingly, it has been shown that the serotonin precursor 5-HTP and the dopamine precursor l-DOPA given 8 h apart induce gonadal suppression and given 12 h apart lead to gonadal stimulation, while other temporal relationships were found to be ineffective. In the present study, we investigated the effects of 8- and 12-h phase relation of neural oscillations on testicular responses including expression of GnRH-I, GnIH, pro-apoptotic proteins (p53 and Bax), inactive and active executioner caspase-3, and the uncleaved DNA repair enzyme PARP-1. Testicular volume and mass decreased significantly in 8-h quail and increased in 12-h quail compared with controls. Expression of ir-GnIH, p53, Bax and active-caspase-3 increased and that of GnRH-I, pro-caspase-3 and uncleaved PARP-1 decreased in 8-h quail compared with controls. A TUNEL assay also confirmed testicular regression in these quail. Testes of 12-h quail exhibited significantly increased expression of GnRH-I, pro-caspase-3 and uncleaved PARP-1 compared with the control group. Our findings suggest that differential response of avian testes to 8- and 12-h phase relation of serotonergic and dopaminergic neural oscillations may be attributed to autocrine/paracrine action of GnIH expression, which is upregulated in regressed testes, leading to apoptotic changes, and downregulated in developed testes, causing apoptotic inhibition. It is concluded that specific phase relation of neural oscillations may modulate the local testicular GnRH-GnIH system and alter the apoptotic mechanism in quail testes. Moreover, these findings highlight the physiological effects of time-dependent drug delivery, including the specific time intervals between two drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somanshu Banerjee
- Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
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25
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Davies S, Behbahaninia H, Giraudeau M, Meddle SL, Waites K, Deviche P. Advanced seasonal reproductive development in a male urban bird is reflected in earlier plasma luteinizing hormone rise but not energetic status. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2015; 224:1-10. [PMID: 25985895 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Revised: 05/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Urban animals inhabit an environment considerably different than do their non-urban conspecifics, and to persist urban animals must adjust to these novel environments. The timing of seasonal reproductive development (i.e., growth of gonads and secondary sex organs) is a fundamental determinant of the breeding period and is frequently advanced in urban bird populations. However, the underlying mechanism(s) by which birds adjust the timing of reproductive development to urban areas remain(s) largely unknown. Here, we compared the timing of vernal reproductive development in free-ranging urban and non-urban male Abert's Towhees, Melozone aberti, in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, and tested the non-mutually exclusive hypotheses that earlier reproductive development is due to improved energetic status and/or earlier increase in endocrine activity of the reproductive system. We found that urban birds initiated testicular development earlier than non-urban birds, but this disparity was not associated with differences in body condition, fat stores, or innate immune performance. These results provide no support for the hypothesis that energetic constraints are responsible for delayed reproductive development of non-urban relative to urban male Abert's Towhees. Urban birds did, however, increase their plasma luteinizing hormone, but not plasma testosterone, earlier than non-urban birds. These findings suggest that adjustment to urban areas by Abert's Towhees involves increases in the endocrine activity of the anterior pituitary gland and/or hypothalamus earlier than non-urban towhees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Davies
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA(1).
| | | | - Mathieu Giraudeau
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; School of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney, Heydon-Laurence Bldg AO8, Science Rd., Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia(1)
| | - Simone L Meddle
- The Roslin Institute, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, Scotland, UK
| | - Kyle Waites
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Pierre Deviche
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
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26
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Jiménez R, Burgos M, Barrionuevo FJ. Circannual Testis Changes in Seasonally Breeding Mammals. Sex Dev 2015; 9:205-15. [PMID: 26375035 DOI: 10.1159/000439039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In the non-equatorial zones of the Earth, species concentrate their reproductive effort in the more favorable season. A consequence of seasonal breeding is seasonal testis regression, which implies the depletion of the germinative epithelium, permeation of the blood-testis barrier, and reduced androgenic function. This process has been studied in a number of vertebrates, but the mechanisms controlling it are not yet well understood. Apoptosis was assumed for years to be an important effector of seasonal germ cell depletion in all vertebrates, including mammals, but an alternative mechanism has recently been reported in the Iberian mole as well as in the large hairy armadillo. It is based on the desquamation of meiotic and post-meiotic germ cells as a consequence of altered Sertoli-germ cell adhesion molecule expression and distribution. Desquamated cells are either discarded alive through the epididymis, as in the mole, or subsequently die by apoptosis, as in the armadillo. Also, recent findings on the reproductive cycle of the greater white-toothed shrew at the meridional limits of its distribution area have revealed that the mechanisms controlling seasonal breeding are in fact far more plastic and versatile than initially suspected. Perhaps these higher adaptive capacities place mammals in a better position to face the ongoing climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Jiménez
- Departamento de Genx00E9;tica e Instituto de Biotecnologx00ED;a, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
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Gumułka M, Rozenboim I. Effect of breeding stage and photoperiod on gonadal and serotonergic axes in domestic ganders. Theriogenology 2015; 84:1332-41. [PMID: 26318228 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Revised: 07/12/2015] [Accepted: 07/12/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Reduction in reproductive potential of ganders with progress in seasonal breeding is a known problem in commercial geese production. The role of changes in hypothalamic-pituitary-gondal axis and testis functions in this process is not clear. This article presents studies on the hypothalamic (GnRH-I, vasoactive intestinal peptide), pituitary (LHβ, prolactin [PRL], PRL receptor [PRLR]), testis (PRLR) axis messenger RNA (mRNA) expression during different stages of the breeding period and photoperiodic conditions. Testis mass; histologic and functional (testosterone [T]) parameters; and plasma concentrations of T, LH, and PRL were evaluated. We collected (six times) samples from 2-year-old ganders (n = 48) maintained in short day (10L:14D) during the period from November to July. Moreover, in the peak of sexual activity (March), an additional group was on exposure (6 weeks) to long day (LD; 16L:8D). During the first half of reproduction (January, March; photosensitive period), GnRH-I (1.9 vs. 0.3 relative quantity [RQ]) and LHβ (3.0 vs. 0.7 RQ) mRNA transcript expression and concentrations of T (1.9-2.9 vs. 0.3 ng/mL), LH (13.6-7.4 vs. 0.7 ng/mL) were found to be higher (P < 0.05) than at the end of breeding (July). With progress in breeding, marked elevation (P < 0.05) in PRL (22.0-387.1 ng/mL) concentration related to similar changes in vasoactive intestinal peptide (0.9-3.0 RQ) and PRL mRNA abundance (1.3-11.5 RQ; May, July) was observed. However, testis PRLR mRNA increased (P < 0.05) only at the end of reproduction (1.2 RQ) compared to the peak of sexual activity (0.4 RQ; March). Furthermore, changes in mRNA transcript expression of the lactotrophic axis were accompanied with reduction of testis weight (left: 11.1-5.8 g), spermatogenesis (spermatogenic index: 5.4-3.0), and steroidogenesis (T: 24.8-1.3 ng/g testis), which may suggest their pivotal inhibitory modulation role in the regression of seasonal reproductive activity in ganders. The LD conditions (similar to spring-summer) resulted in earlier peripheral changes in T (0.9 vs. 1.8 ng/mL), LH (1.1 vs. 3.8 ng/mL), and PRL (296.1 vs. 161.2 ng/mL) concentrations than in short day, and this may be related to the advance in the timing of the sexual activity failure observed under natural light regimes. The lack of differences in gonadal and lactotrophic axis mRNA expression after LD treatment suggested a regulation based on the posttranslational mechanisms or modification of transcript or protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Gumułka
- Department of Swine and Small Animal Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Israel Rozenboim
- Department of Animal Sciences, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
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28
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Dawson A. Annual gonadal cycles in birds: modeling the effects of photoperiod on seasonal changes in GnRH-1 secretion. Front Neuroendocrinol 2015; 37:52-64. [PMID: 25194876 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2014.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Revised: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
This paper reviews current knowledge of photoperiod control of GnRH-1 secretion and proposes a model in which two processes act together to regulate GnRH1 secretion. Photo-induction controls GnRH1 secretion and is directly related to prevailing photoperiod. Photo-inhibition, a longer term process, acts through GnRH1 synthesis. It progresses each day during daylight hours, but reverses during darkness. Thus, photo-inhibition gradually increases when photoperiods exceed 12h, and reverses under shorter photoperiods. GnRH1 secretion on any particular day is the net result of these two processes acting in tandem. The only difference between species is their sensitivity to photo-inhibition. This can potentially explain differences in timing and duration of breeding seasons between species, why some species become absolutely photorefractory and others relatively photorefractory, why breeding seasons end at the same time at different latitudes within species, and why experimental protocols sometimes produce results that appear counter to what happens naturally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alistair Dawson
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0QB, UK.
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29
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Ikegami K, Atsumi Y, Yorinaga E, Ono H, Murayama I, Nakane Y, Ota W, Arai N, Tega A, Iigo M, Darras VM, Tsutsui K, Hayashi Y, Yoshida S, Yoshimura T. Low temperature-induced circulating triiodothyronine accelerates seasonal testicular regression. Endocrinology 2015; 156:647-59. [PMID: 25406020 PMCID: PMC4298317 DOI: 10.1210/en.2014-1741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In temperate zones, animals restrict breeding to specific seasons to maximize the survival of their offspring. Birds have evolved highly sophisticated mechanisms of seasonal regulation, and their testicular mass can change 100-fold within a few weeks. Recent studies on Japanese quail revealed that seasonal gonadal development is regulated by central thyroid hormone activation within the hypothalamus, depending on the photoperiodic changes. By contrast, the mechanisms underlying seasonal testicular regression remain unclear. Here we show the effects of short day and low temperature on testicular regression in quail. Low temperature stimulus accelerated short day-induced testicular regression by shutting down the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis and inducing meiotic arrest and germ cell apoptosis. Induction of T3 coincided with the climax of testicular regression. Temporal gene expression analysis over the course of apoptosis revealed the suppression of LH response genes and activation of T3 response genes involved in amphibian metamorphosis within the testis. Daily ip administration of T3 mimicked the effects of low temperature stimulus on germ cell apoptosis and testicular mass. Although type 2 deiodinase, a thyroid hormone-activating enzyme, in the brown adipose tissue generates circulating T3 under low-temperature conditions in mammals, there is no distinct brown adipose tissue in birds. In birds, type 2 deiodinase is induced by low temperature exclusively in the liver, which appears to be caused by increased food consumption. We conclude that birds use low temperature-induced circulating T3 not only for adaptive thermoregulation but also to trigger apoptosis to accelerate seasonal testicular regression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Ikegami
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology (K.I., Y.A., E.Y., H.O., I.M., Y.N., W.O., T.Y.), Avian Bioscience Research Center (Y.A., T.Y.), Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Department of Genetics (Y.H.), Division of Stress Adaptation and Recognition, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, and Institute of Transformative Bio-molecules (T.Y.), Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan; Department of Applied Biochemistry (N.A., A.T., M.I.), Faculty of Agriculture, Center for Bioscience Research and Education (M.I.), Utsunomiya University, Utsunomiya 321-8505, Japan; Utsunomiya University Center for Optical Research and Education (M.I.), Utsunomiya, Tochigi 321-8585, Japan; Department of Biology and Center for Medical Life Science (K.T.), Waseda University, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan; Division of Germ Cell Biology (S.Y.), National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan; Division of Seasonal Biology (T.Y.), National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan; and Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section (V.M.D.), Department of Biology, Laboratory of Comparative Endocrinology, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
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30
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Valle S, Carpentier E, Vu B, Tsutsui K, Deviche P. Food restriction negatively affects multiple levels of the reproductive axis in male house finches, Haemorhous mexicanus. J Exp Biol 2015; 218:2694-704. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.123323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Nutrition influences reproductive functions across vertebrates, but the effects of food availability on the functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis in wild birds and the mechanisms mediating these effects remain unclear. We investigated the influence of chronic food restriction on the HPG axis of photostimulated House Finches, Haemorhous mexicanus. Food-restricted birds had underdeveloped testes with smaller seminiferous tubules than ad libitum-fed birds. Baseline plasma testosterone (T) increased in response to photostimulation in ad libitum-fed but not in food-restricted birds. Food availability did not, however, affect the plasma T increase resulting from a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) or a luteinizing hormone (LH) challenge. The number of hypothalamic GnRH-I immunoreactive (ir) but not proGnRH-ir perikarya was higher in food-restricted than ad libitum-fed finches, suggesting inhibited secretion of GnRH. Hypothalamic gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH)-ir and neuropeptide Y (NPY)-ir were not affected by food availability. Plasma corticosterone (CORT) was also not affected by food availability, indicating that the observed HPG axis inhibition did not result from increased activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This study is among the first to examine multilevel functional changes in the HPG axis in response to food restriction in a wild bird. The results indicate that food availability affects both hypothalamic and gonadal function, but further investigations are needed to clarify the mechanisms by which nutritional signals mediate these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelley Valle
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, USA
| | - Elodie Carpentier
- Universite de Poitiers, Faculté des Sciences Fondamentales et Appliquées, Poitiers, F-86022, France
| | - Bethany Vu
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, USA
| | - Kazuyoshi Tsutsui
- Department of Biology, Waseda University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan
| | - Pierre Deviche
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, USA
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Massoud D, Barrionuevo FJ, Ortega E, Burgos M, Jiménez R. The testis of greater white-toothed shrew Crocidura russula in Southern European populations: a case of adaptive lack of seasonal involution? JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2014; 322:304-15. [PMID: 24895181 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Males of all seasonal breeding mammals undergo circannual periods of testis involution resulting in almost complete ablation of the germinative epithelium. We performed a morphometric, histological, hormonal, and gene-expression study of the testes from winter and summer males of the greater white-toothed shrew, Crocidura russula, in populations of the southeastern Iberian Peninsula. Unexpectedly, we found no significant differences between the two study groups. Surprisingly, female data confirmed a non-breeding period in the summer, evidencing that males retain full testis function even when most females are not receptive. This situation, which has not been described before, does not occur in northern populations of the same species where, in addition, the reproductive cycle is inverted with respect to those in the south, as the non-breeding period occurs in winter instead in summer. Considering that the non-reproductive period shortens at lower latitude locations, we hypothesize that in southern populations the non-breeding period is short enough to make testis regression inefficient in terms of energy savings, because: (1) testes of C. russula are very small, a condition derived from their monogamy that implies low investment in spermatogenesis; and (2) the spermatogenic cycle of this species is slow and long. The inverted seasonal breeding cycle and the lack of seasonal testis regression described here are new adaptive processes that deserve further research, and provide evidence that the genetic and hormonal mechanisms controlling reproduction timing in mammals are more plastic and versatile than initially suspected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diaa Massoud
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
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32
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Seco-Rovira V, Beltrán-Frutos E, Ferrer C, Sáez FJ, Madrid JF, Pastor LM. The death of sertoli cells and the capacity to phagocytize elongated spermatids during testicular regression due to short photoperiod in Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus). Biol Reprod 2014; 90:107. [PMID: 24719257 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.112649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
In the Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus), an animal that displays testicular regression due to short photoperiod, germ cells are removed by apoptosis during this process and the apoptotic remains are phagocytized by Sertoli cells. The aim of this work was to investigate morphologically whether the testicular regression process due to short photoperiod leads to the apoptosis of Sertoli cells, and whether, during testicular regression, the elongated spermatids are eliminated through phagocytosis by Sertoli cells. To this end, we studied testis sections during testicular regression in Syrian hamster subjected to short photoperiod by means of several morphological techniques using conventional light microscopy (hematoxylin and eosin [H&E], semi-thin section vimentin, immunohistochemistry, SBA lectin, and TUNEL staining), fluorescence microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). H&E and semi-thin sections identified Sertoli cells with a degenerated morphology. Greater portion of Sertoli cells that were positive for TUNEL staining were observed especially during the mild regression (MR) and strong regression (SR) phases. In addition, TEM identified the characteristic apoptotic changes in the nucleus and cytoplasm of Sertoli cells. Moreover, during testicular regression and using light microscopy, some elongated spermatids were seen in basal position next to the Sertoli cell nucleus. This Sertoli phagocytic activity was higher in MR and SR phases. TEM confirmed this to be the result of the phagocytic activity of Sertoli cells. In conclusion, during testicular regression in Syrian hamster due to short photoperiod, when germ cells are known to be lost through apoptosis, there is morphological evidences that Sertoli cells are also lost through apoptosis, while some elongated spermatids are phagocytized and eliminated by the Sertoli cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Seco-Rovira
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Medical School, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum," University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Esther Beltrán-Frutos
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Medical School, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum," University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Concepción Ferrer
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Medical School, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum," University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco José Sáez
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology Unidad de Formación e Investigación 11/44, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of the Basque Country Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herrico Unibertsitatea, Leioa, Spain
| | - Juan Francisco Madrid
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Medical School, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum," University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Pastor
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Medical School, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum," University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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Stevenson TJ, Bernard DJ, McCarthy MM, Ball GF. Photoperiod-dependent regulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone 1 messenger ribonucleic acid levels in the songbird brain. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2013; 190:81-7. [PMID: 23660447 PMCID: PMC3742601 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2013] [Revised: 04/15/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Annual changes in day length induce marked changes in reproductive function in temperate zone vertebrates. In many avian species, in contrast to other seasonally breeding animals, plasticity in hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone - 1 (GnRH1) expression rather than (or in addition to) release governs changes in pituitary-gonadal activity. Investigations of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern GnRH1 plasticity were previously hindered by a collective inability of scientists in the field to characterize the gnrh1 cDNA in songbirds. We finally overcame this roadblock after data from the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) genome project enabled us to rapidly clone the gnrh1 cDNA from hypothalamic RNA of zebra finches and European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris). Here, we review the original data that identified GnRH1 protein plasticity in the songbird brain and discuss earlier failed attempts to clone gnrh1 in these animals. Then, we present recent efforts, including our own, that successfully characterized gnrh1 in zebra finch and starling, and demonstrated dynamic regulation of gnrh1 mRNA expression, particularly in sub-populations of preoptic area neurons, in the latter. Overall, this paper highlights GnRH1 plasticity in the avian brain, and weaves into the narrative the previously untold story of the challenges to sequencing gnrh1 in songbirds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler J Stevenson
- Institute for Mind and Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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34
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Waheed M, El-Bahr S, Al-haider A. Influence of Seminal Plasma Antioxidants and Osteopontin on Fertility of the Arabian Horse. J Equine Vet Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2012.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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35
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Yoshimura T. Thyroid hormone and seasonal regulation of reproduction. Front Neuroendocrinol 2013; 34:157-66. [PMID: 23660390 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2013.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2013] [Revised: 04/21/2013] [Accepted: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Organisms living outside the tropics use changes in photoperiod to adapt to seasonal changes in the environment. Several models have contributed to an understanding of this mechanism at the molecular and endocrine levels. Subtropical birds are excellent models for the study of these mechanisms because of their rapid and dramatic response to changes in photoperiod. Studies of birds have demonstrated that light is perceived by a deep brain photoreceptor and long day-induced thyrotropin (TSH) from the pars tuberalis (PT) of the pituitary gland causes local thyroid hormone activation within the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH). The locally generated bioactive thyroid hormone, T₃, regulates seasonal gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion, and hence gonadotropin secretion. In mammals, the eyes are the only photoreceptor involved in photoperiodic time perception and nocturnal melatonin secretion provides an endocrine signal of photoperiod to the PT to regulate TSH. Here, I review the current understanding of the hypothalamic mechanisms controlling seasonal reproduction in mammals and birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Yoshimura
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan.
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36
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Dadhich RK, Barrionuevo FJ, Real FM, Lupiañez DG, Ortega E, Burgos M, Jiménez R. Identification of live germ-cell desquamation as a major mechanism of seasonal testis regression in mammals: a study in the Iberian mole (Talpa occidentalis). Biol Reprod 2013; 88:101. [PMID: 23515671 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.112.106708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In males of seasonally breeding species, testes undergo a severe involution at the end of the breeding season, with a major volume decrease due to massive germ-cell depletion associated with photoperiod-dependent reduced levels of testosterone and gonadotropins. Although it has been repeatedly suggested that apoptosis is the principal effector of testicular regression in vertebrates, recent studies do not support this hypothesis in some mammals. The purpose of our work is to discover alternative mechanisms of testis regression in these species. In this paper, we have performed a morphological, hormonal, ultrastructural, molecular, and functional study of the mechanism of testicular regression and the role that cell junctions play in the cell-content dynamics of the testis of the Iberian mole, Talpa occidentalis, throughout the seasonal breeding cycle. Desquamation of live, nonapoptotic germ cells has been identified here as a new mechanism for seasonal testis involution in mammals, indicating that testis regression is regulated by modulating the expression and distribution of the cell-adhesion molecules in the seminiferous epithelium. During this process, which is mediated by low intratesticular testosterone levels, Sertoli cells lose their nursing and supporting function, as well as the impermeability of the blood-testis barrier. Our results contradict the current paradigm that apoptosis is the major testis regression effector in vertebrates, as it is clearly not true in all mammals. The new testis regression mechanism described here for the mole could then be generalized to other mammalian species. Available data from some previously studied mammals should be reevaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh K Dadhich
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
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Tarulli GA, Stanton PG, Meachem SJ. Is the adult Sertoli cell terminally differentiated? Biol Reprod 2012; 87:13, 1-11. [PMID: 22492971 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.111.095091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
New data have challenged the convention that the adult Sertoli cell population is fixed and unmodifiable. The Sertoli cell has two distinct functions: 1) formation of the seminiferous cords and 2) provision of nutritional and structural support to developing germ cells. For these to occur successfully, Sertoli cells must undergo many maturational changes between fetal and adult life, the main switches occurring around puberty, including the loss of proliferative activity and the formation of the blood-testis barrier. Follicle-stimulating hormone plays a key role in promoting Sertoli cell proliferation, while thyroid hormone inhibits proliferative activity in early postnatal life. Together these regulate the Sertoli-germ cell complement and sperm output in adulthood. By puberty, the Sertoli cell population is considered to be stable and unmodifiable by hormones. But there is mounting evidence that the size of the adult Sertoli cell population and its maturational status is modifiable by hormones and that Sertoli cells can gain proliferative ability in the spermatogenically disrupted hamster and human model. This new information demonstrates that the adult Sertoli cell population, at least in the settings of testicular regression in the hamster and impaired fertility in humans in vivo and from mice and men in vitro, is not a terminally differentiated population. Data from the hamster now show that the adult Sertoli cell population size is regulated by hormones. This creates exciting prospects for basic and clinical research in testis biology. The potential to replenish an adult Sertoli-germ cell complement to normal in a setting of infertility may now be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard A Tarulli
- Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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Islam MN, Tsukahara N, Sugita S. Apoptosis-mediated seasonal testicular regression in the Japanese Jungle crow (Corvus macrorhynchos). Theriogenology 2012; 77:1854-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2010] [Revised: 01/05/2012] [Accepted: 01/06/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Bauer CM, Glassman LW, Cyr NE, Romero LM. Effects of predictable and unpredictable food restriction on the stress response in molting and non-molting European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris). Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2011; 160:390-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2011.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2011] [Revised: 07/11/2011] [Accepted: 07/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Pastor LM, Zuasti A, Ferrer C, Bernal-Mañas CM, Morales E, Beltrán-Frutos E, Seco-Rovira V. Proliferation and apoptosis in aged and photoregressed mammalian seminiferous epithelium, with particular attention to rodents and humans. Reprod Domest Anim 2011; 46:155-64. [PMID: 20149139 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2009.01573.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Imbalances in the proliferation and apoptosis processes are involved in numerous epithelial alterations. In the seminiferous epithelium, normal spermatogenesis is regulated by spermatogonia proliferation and germ cell apoptosis, and both processes are involved in diverse pathological alterations of the seminiferous epithelium. Other physiological phenomena including aging and short photoperiod, in which apoptosis and proliferation seem to play important roles, cause testicular changes. Aging is accompanied by diminished proliferation and increased apoptosis, the latter occurring in specific states of the seminiferous cycle and considered the cause of epithelium involution. However, there is no clear evidence concerning whether proliferation decreases in the spermatogonia themselves or is due to an alteration in the cell microenvironment that surrounds them. As regards the factors that regulate the process, the data are scant, but it is considered that the diminution of c-kit expression in the spermatagonia, together with the diminution in antiapoptotic factors (Bcl-x(L))) of the intrinsic molecular pathway of apoptosis play a part in epithelial regression. A short photoperiod, especially in rodents, produces a gradual involution of the seminiferous epithelium, which is related with increased apoptosis during the regression phase and a diminution of apoptosis during recrudescence. Proliferative activity varies, especially during the total regression phase, when it usually increases in the undifferentiated spermatogonia. In other species showing seasonal reproduction, however, decreased proliferation is considered the main factor in the regression of the seminiferous epithelium. Little is known about how both phenomena are regulated, although data in rodents suggest that both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis contribute to the increase in this process. In conclusion, regression of the seminiferous epithelium in physiological situations, as in many pathological situations, is a result of alterations in equilibrium between the proliferation and apoptosis of germinal cell types. However, both physiological phenomena showed important differences as regard proliferation/apoptosis and their regulation pathways, probably as a result of their irreversible or reversible character.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Pastor
- Department of Cellular Biology and Histology, Aging Institute, Medical School, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
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41
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Tsutsui K. Phylogenetic aspects of gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone and its homologs in vertebrates. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2010; 1200:75-84. [PMID: 20633135 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05510.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The decapeptide gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is the primary factor responsible for the hypothalamic control of gonadotropin secretion in vertebrates, but a hypothalamic neuropeptide inhibiting gonadotropin secretion was, until recently, unknown in vertebrates. In 2000, we discovered a novel hypothalamic dodecapeptide that inhibits gonadotropin release in quail and termed it gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH). GnIH acts on the pituitary and GnRH neurons in the hypothalamus via a novel G protein-coupled receptor for GnIH to inhibit gonadal development and maintenance by decreasing gonadotropin release and synthesis. The pineal hormone melatonin is a key factor controlling GnIH neural function. Because GnIH exists and functions in several avian species, GnIH is considered to be a new key neuropeptide controlling avian reproduction. After the discovery of GnIH in birds, the presence of GnIH homologs has been demonstrated in other vertebrates from fish to humans. Interestingly, mammalian GnIH homologs also act to inhibit reproduction by decreasing gonadotropin release in several mammalian species. It is concluded that GnIH and GnIH homologs act to inhibit gonadotropin release in higher vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuyoshi Tsutsui
- Laboratory of Integrative Brain Sciences, Department of Biology, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan.
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Tsutsui K, Bentley GE, Bedecarrats G, Osugi T, Ubuka T, Kriegsfeld LJ. Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) and its control of central and peripheral reproductive function. Front Neuroendocrinol 2010; 31:284-95. [PMID: 20211640 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2010.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2009] [Revised: 02/27/2010] [Accepted: 03/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Identification of novel neurohormones that regulate the reproductive axis is essential for the progress of neuroendocrinology. The decapeptide gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is the primary factor responsible for the hypothalamic control of gonadotropin secretion. Gonadal sex steroids and inhibin modulate gonadotropin secretion via feedback from the gonads, but a neuropeptide that directly inhibits gonadotropin secretion was unknown in vertebrates until 2000 when a hypothalamic dodecapeptide serving this function was discovered in quail. Because of its action on cultured pituitary in quail, it was named gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH). GnIH acts on the pituitary and on GnRH neurons in the hypothalamus via a novel G protein-coupled receptor (GPR147). GPR74 may also be a possible candidate GnIH receptor. GnIH decreases gonadotropin synthesis and release, inhibiting gonadal development and maintenance. Melatonin stimulates the expression and release of GnIH via melatonin receptors expressed by GnIH neurons. GnIH actions and interactions with GnRH seem common not only to several avian species, but also to mammals. Thus, GnIH is considered to have an evolutionarily conserved role in controlling vertebrate reproduction, and GnIH homologs have also been identified in the hypothalamus of mammals. As in birds, mammalian GnIH homologs act to inhibit gonadotropin release in several species. More recent evidence in birds and mammals indicates that GnIH may operate at the level of the gonads as an autocrine/paracrine regulator of steroidogenesis and gametogenesis. Importantly, GnIH in birds and mammals appears to act at all levels of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, and possibly over different time-frames (minutes-days). Thus, GnIH and its homologs appear to act as key neurohormones controlling vertebrate reproduction. The discovery of GnIH has enabled us to understand and manipulate vertebrate reproduction from an entirely new perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuyoshi Tsutsui
- Laboratory of Integrative Brain Sciences, Department of Biology, Waseda University, Center for Medical Life Science of Waseda University, 2-2 Wakamatsu-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan.
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Histological and morphometric analyses of seasonal testicular variations in the Jungle Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos). Anat Sci Int 2009; 85:121-9. [PMID: 19937424 DOI: 10.1007/s12565-009-0066-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2009] [Accepted: 10/16/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
A histological and morphometric study was conducted to examine the seasonal testicular variations in the Jungle Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos) of the Kanto area, Japan, from January to July. The paired testes mass, diameter and number of germ cells of the seminiferous tubules, and proportion of seminiferous tubule area and interstitium were examined. Hematoxylin and eosin-stained testis sections and ImageJ Software were used. Paired testes weight was found to increase by 55-fold from January to late March-early May, thereafter declining by 18-fold by June-July. Seminiferous tubule diameter increased fivefold from January to late March-early May, followed a fourfold decrease in June-July. The increase in testes weight correlated well with the increase in the diameter of the seminiferous tubule. In January, the seminiferous tubules constituted 56% of the testicular tissue and the interstitium 44%. During late March-early May, there was very little testicular interstitium (7.9%), and the seminiferous tubules were significantly enlarged (P < 0.05) (92%); this was followed by a gradual increase in the interstitial regression of testes. In January, the seminiferous epithelium contained a single layer of spermatogonia and Sertoli cells. The number of spermatogonia, primary and secondary spermatocytes, spermatids, and maturing spermatozoa were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in late March-early May, followed by regression from mid May. Our results indicate that the Jungle Crow has a non-breeding season in January, a pre-breeding season during February-mid March, a main breeding season during late March-early May, a transition period during mid May-late May, and a post-breeding season beginning in June.
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Gündüz B, Karakaş A, Terzi H, Öner J, Serin E, Kükner A. The effect of pinealectomy and leptin hormone on the proliferation and apoptosis activation in Syrian hamster testis in different photoperiods. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 32:343-52. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2008.00867.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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A new key neurohormone controlling reproduction, gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH): Biosynthesis, mode of action and functional significance. Prog Neurobiol 2009; 88:76-88. [PMID: 19428963 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2009.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2008] [Revised: 12/22/2008] [Accepted: 02/12/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Identification of novel neurohormones that play important roles in the regulation of pituitary function is essential for the progress of neurobiology. The decapeptide gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is the primary factor responsible for the hypothalamic control of gonadotropin secretion. Gonadal sex steroids and inhibin inhibit gonadotropin secretion via feedback from the gonads, but a neuropeptide inhibitor of gonadotropin secretion was, until recently, unknown in vertebrates. In 2000, a novel hypothalamic dodecapeptide that inhibits gonadotropin release was identified in quail and termed gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH). This was the first demonstration of a hypothalamic neuropeptide inhibiting gonadotropin release in any vertebrate. GnIH acts on the pituitary and GnRH neurons in the hypothalamus via a novel G protein-coupled receptor for GnIH to inhibit gonadal development and maintenance by decreasing gonadotropin release and synthesis. GnIH neurons express the melatonin receptor and melatonin stimulates the expression of GnIH. Because GnIH exists and functions in several avian species, GnIH is considered to be a new key neurohormone controlling avian reproduction. From a broader perspective, subsequently the presence of GnIH homologous peptides has been demonstrated in other vertebrates. Mammalian GnIH homologous peptides also act to inhibit reproduction by decreasing gonadotropin release in several mammalian species. Thus, the discovery of GnIH has opened the door to a new research field in reproductive neurobiology. This review summarizes the advances made in our understanding of the biosynthesis, mode of action and functional significance of GnIH, a newly discovered key neurohormone, and its homologous peptides.
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Mull CG, Lowe CG, Young KA. Photoperiod and water temperature regulation of seasonal reproduction in male round stingrays (Urobatis halleri). Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2008; 151:717-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2008.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2008] [Revised: 08/18/2008] [Accepted: 08/18/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Hurley LL, Wallace AM, Sartor JJ, Ball GF. Photoperiodic induced changes in reproductive state of border canaries (Serinus canaria) are associated with marked variation in hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone immunoreactivity and the volume of song control regions. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2008; 158:10-9. [PMID: 18597755 PMCID: PMC2833322 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2008.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2007] [Revised: 02/22/2008] [Accepted: 05/22/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In temperate zone songbirds, such as canaries (Serinus canaria), seasonal variation in gonadal activity and behavior are associated with marked brain changes. These include gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) expression and the volume of brain areas controlling song production. Questions have been raised about the consistency of seasonal brain changes in canaries. Laboratory studies of the American singer strain raised doubts as to whether this strain exhibits a robust photoperiodic response along with changes in brain GnRH content, and studies of free-living canaries have failed to identify seasonal changes in volume of song control nuclei. We assessed differences in brain GnRH and the song control system associated with photoperiod-induced variation in reproductive state in Border canaries. We found that males and females maintained for 10 weeks on long days (14L:10D) regress their gonads, exhibit a decline in testosterone and initiate molt; a response consistent with the onset of absolute photorefractoriness (i.e., failed to respond to previously stimulating daylengths). All birds regained photosensitivity (i.e., exhibited gonadal response to stimulating daylengths) after experiencing short days (8L:16D) for 6 weeks. Furthermore, comparisons of birds in either a photosensitive, photostimulated, or photorefractory state revealed a marked increase in GnRH protein expression in the photosensitive and photostimulated birds over photorefractory birds. A similar variation was observed in the volume of key forebrain song nuclei. Thus, Border canaries demonstrate measurable neuroplasticity in response to photoperiodic manipulations. These data, along with previous work on other strains of canaries, indicate the presence of intra-specific variation in photoperiodically regulated neuroplasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura L Hurley
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-2686, USA.
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Pollock B, Machin KL. Effects of cadmium, mercury, and selenium on reproductive indices in male lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) in the western Boreal forest. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2008; 54:730-739. [PMID: 17968482 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-007-9066-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2007] [Accepted: 08/27/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Combined lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) and greater scaup (A. marila) populations decreased from the 1980s to the 1990s and have not recovered. Factors limiting reproduction, including effects of contaminants and trace elements, have been highlighted as a concern in female scaup, but no studies have examined possible effects on male scaup. We examined the effects of cadmium, mercury, selenium, and corticosterone on pair status and on male reproductive indices, including testosterone, testes mass, and seminiferous tubule diameter, in male lesser scaup collected in the western boreal forest near Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, May and June, during 2004 and 2005. Male scaup that were larger in size (p = 0.048) and with better body condition (p = 0.038) were more likely to be paired. No relations were observed between independent variables and testosterone and testes mass. However, results suggested that seminiferous tubule diameter is influenced by a complex array of biologic and toxicologic parameters, which differ depending on pair status. Tubule diameters of paired male scaup were negatively influenced by hormones, whereas contaminants influenced diameter in unpaired male scaup. The effects of selenium were attenuated when bound with cadmium but not mercury. When selenium concentrations were high (greater than median value), there was a positive effect of cadmium on tubule diameter (R(2) = 0.30, n = 10, p = 0.007) but a negative relation with mercury (R(2) = 0.15, n = 10, p = 0.09). Seminiferous tubule diameter may be a sensitive indicator of sublethal effects of contaminants. This study showed contaminant and trace element effects at concentrations lower than threshold levels associated with major toxic effects. This study also demonstrated the complex nature of biologic systems and the importance of considering interactions to accurately characterize effects of metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Pollock
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, S7N 5B4, Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
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Dougherty CO, Ross WL, Young KA. Ovarian activity is differentially regulated across the breeding season in immature compared with adult American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos). Physiol Biochem Zool 2008; 81:356-65. [PMID: 18419560 DOI: 10.1086/587095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) reproduction is seasonal. While photoperiod alters reproductive physiology and behavior in nesting adults, whether seasonal photoperiod changes alter ovarian activity in nonnesting adult and immature birds was not known. Ovarian follicular composition was examined in immature and nonnesting adult crows. Birds were divided into groups reflecting daylight hour exposure when captured: 12L, 12:30L, 13:30L, and 14L, representing early-, progressing-, peak-, and postbreeding seasons in southern California. Adult ovarian mass peaked in 13:30L and then decreased 65% by 14L. In contrast, immature ovarian mass peaked in 12L and decreased 58% by 14L. Whereas no change in adult follicle composition occurred, primordial follicle numbers increased 42%, and previtellogenic follicles increased 86% in immatures, resulting in an overall follicle number increase in immatures by 13:30L and 14L. Adult atretic follicles declined 68% by 14L, while immature atretic follicle numbers remained constant. Adult apoptotic transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive follicle numbers remained constant until a 52% decrease occurred in 13:30L. TUNEL-positive follicles declined 58% by 12:30L among immatures. These data are the first to demonstrate that follicular composition is differentially regulated between nonnesting adult and immature American crows. Seasonal ovarian activity alterations in nonbreeding adults may serve to prime individuals for potential mating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coventry O Dougherty
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Long Beach, California 90840, USA
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Zhang L, Han XK, Qi YY, Liu Y, Chen QS. Seasonal effects on apoptosis and proliferation of germ cells in the testes of the Chinese soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis. Theriogenology 2008; 69:1148-58. [PMID: 18377973 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2008.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2007] [Revised: 01/07/2008] [Accepted: 01/27/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
To elucidate the processes involved in the spatial and temporal maturation of spermatogenic cells in the testes of the soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis, we used a histological morphology method, TdT-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay, the proliferating-cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and electron microscopy. Seminiferous tubules from 100 turtles, normal for size of testes and semen quality, were collected during 10 months of a complete annual cycle (10 turtles/month). The seminiferous epithelium was spermatogenically active through the summer and fall, but quiescent throughout the rest of the year; germ cells progressed through spermatogenesis in a temporal rather than a spatial pattern, resulting in a single spermatogenic event that climaxed with one massive sperm release in November. The TUNEL method detected few apoptotic cells in spermatogenic testis, with much larger numbers during the spermatogenically quiescent phase. Spermatocytes were the most common germ cell types labeled by the TUNEL assay (a few spermatogonia were also labeled). Apoptotic spermatocytes had membrane blebbing and chromatin condensation during the resting phase, but not during active spermatogenesis. We inferred that accelerated apoptosis of spermatogonia and spermatocytes partly accounted for germ cell loss during the nonspermatogenic phase. The PCNA was expressed in nuclei of spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes during the spermatogenically active phase. During the regressive phase, PCNA-positive cells also included spermatogonia and spermatocytes, but the number of positive spermatocytes was less than that during the spermatogenically active phase. We concluded that seasonal variations in spermatogenesis in the soft-shelled turtle were both stage- and process-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Zhang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095 PR China
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