A mouthless late-term coach whipray Himantura uarnak embryo (Elasmobranchii, Dasyatidae) has implications for our understanding of matrotrophy in chondrichthyans

Maternal nutrient provisioning occurs in most live-bearing chondrichthyan lineages. It is particularly conspicuous in the Myliobatiformes, whereby the endometrium secretes a nutrient-rich histotroph that is utilized by the developing embryo. The occurrence of a deformed and mouthless, late-term myliobatiform embryo is described here, demonstrating that the direct, oral ingestion of histotroph is not obligatory in these animals.

Phylogenetic analysis of viviparity, matrotrophy, and other reproductive patterns in chondrichthyan fishes

The reproductive diversity of extant cartilaginous fishes (class Chondrichthyes) is extraordinarily broad, reflecting more than 400 million years of evolutionary history. Among their many notable reproductive specialisations are viviparity (live-bearing reproduction) and matrotrophy (maternal provision of nutrients during gestation). However, attempts to understand the evolution of these traits have yielded highly discrepant conclusions. Here, we compile and analyse the current knowledge on the evolution of reproductive diversity in Chondrichthyes with particular foci on the frequency, phylogenetic distribution, and directionality of evolutionary changes in their modes of reproduction. To characterise the evolutionary transformations, we amassed the largest empirical data set of reproductive parameters to date covering nearly 800 extant species and analysed it via a comprehensive molecular-based phylogeny. Our phylogenetic reconstructions indicated that the ancestral pattern for Chondrichthyes is 'short single oviparity' (as found in extant holocephalans) in which females lay successive clutches (broods) of one or two eggs. Viviparity has originated at least 12 times, with 10 origins among sharks, one in batoids, and (based on published evidence) another potential origin in a fossil holocephalan. Substantial matrotrophy has evolved at least six times, including one origin of placentotrophy, three separate origins of oophagy (egg ingestion), and two origins of histotrophy (uptake of uterine secretions). In two clades, placentation was replaced by histotrophy. Unlike past reconstructions, our analysis reveals no evidence that viviparity has ever reverted to oviparity in this group. Both viviparity and matrotrophy have arisen by a variety of evolutionary sequences. In addition, the ancestral pattern of oviparity has given rise to three distinct egg-laying patterns that increased clutch (brood) size and/or involved deposition of eggs at advanced stages of development. Geologically, the ancestral oviparous pattern arose in the Paleozoic. Most origins of viviparity and matrotrophy date to the Mesozoic, while a few that are represented at low taxonomic levels are of Cenozoic origin. Coupled with other recent work, this review points the way towards an emerging consensus on reproductive evolution in chondrichthyans while offering a basis for future functional and evolutionary analyses. This review also contributes to conservation efforts by highlighting taxa whose reproductive specialisations reflect distinctive evolutionary trajectories and that deserve special protection and further investigation.

Embryonic specializations for vertebrate placentation

The vertebrate placenta, a close association of fetal and parental tissue for physiological exchange, has evolved independently in sharks, teleost fishes, coelacanths, amphibians, squamate reptiles and mammals. This transient organ forms during pregnancy and is an important contributor to embryonic development in both viviparous and oviparous, brooding species. Placentae may be involved in transport of respiratory gases, wastes, immune molecules, hormones and nutrients. Depending on the taxon, the embryonic portion of the placenta is comprised of either extraembryonic membranes (yolk sac or chorioallantois) or temporary embryonic tissues derived via hypertrophy of pericardium, gill epithelium, gut, tails or fins. These membranes and tissues have been recruited convergently into placentae in several lineages. Here, we highlight the diversity and common features of embryonic tissues involved in vertebrate placentation and suggest future studies that will provide new knowledge about the evolution of pregnancy. This article is part of the theme issue 'Extraembryonic tissues: exploring concepts, definitions and functions across the animal kingdom'.

Mode of uterine milk secretion in the white shark

Examination of the uterus of a dead female white shark (Carcharodon carcharias), which contained the earliest known white shark embryos, revealed that the uterine wall produces lipid-rich secretion (histotroph or "uterine milk") for embryonic nutrition. Uterine tissue was processed for light and electron microscopy, and immunohistochemical techniques to identify its secretory mechanism. Our results indicate that the white shark uterus secretes lipids via holocrine secretion. This type of secretion is characterized by the release of large lipid droplets accumulated in the epithelial cells into the uterine lumen through cell disintegration. The secretory epithelium of the uterus is stratified, and new surface epithelial cells are continuously supplied from deeper epithelial layers to replace the dead secretory cells at the surface. This vertical replacement possibly facilitates the active renewal of the surface epithelium, which is necessary for maintaining holocrine secretory mechanisms. These secretory mechanisms are different from those of myliobatiform stingrays, another elasmobranch taxon that exhibits lipid histotrophy. This may reflect the different origins of lipid histotrophy between these taxa. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Composition of uterine milk and its changes with gestational period in red stingrays (Hemitrygon akajei)

Uterine milk is secreted in the uterus for embryo nutrition in several elasmobranch species and may contribute to rapid embryonic growth, but the details of its composition and its functions are poorly understood. In this study, to explore the roles of uterine milk for embryos, its components throughout the gestational period were analysed in detail. Uterine milk was collected from pregnant red stingrays (Hemitrygon akajei) in the early, middle and late gestational periods, respectively (n= 3 for each period). The crude composition, constituent proteins and fatty acids in the milk were analysed. The uterine milk was rich in proteins throughout the gestational period, whereas lipids dramatically increased in the middle period and reduced slightly towards the late period. Some proteins potentially associated with nutrition, cartilage growth and embryonic immunity were found. Several enzymes related to central metabolism were also detected. The constituent fatty acids in the middle and late periods were similar to those in the egg yolks of elasmobranchs, except for C18:2, which was rich only in the uterine milk. The most abundant fatty acid in the milk was C16:1, which could function as a lipokine to promote lipid metabolism in the embryo. This study's data suggest that uterine milk may be secreted in addition to the egg yolk in elasmobranchs to support rapid and healthy embryonic growth.

Microanatomy of the female reproductive system of the viviparous freshwater whipray Fluvitrygon signifer (Chondrichthyes: Myliobatiformes: Dasyatidae). II. The genital duct

Background

Fundamental knowledge on microscopic structures of the whole female chondrichthyan genital ducts from a single species remains unavailable. The present study describes microanatomy of the entire female genital duct (anterior oviduct, oviducal gland, uterus and vagina) of the freshwater dasyatid Fluvitrygon signifer.

Results

The females have only the left genital duct. The genital ducts reveal histological variation among individuals in terms of tissue organization, histochemical profiles and secretory activities. The anterior oviducts of mature females possess branched mucosal folds and exhibit dynamic relationship between production and secretion of secretory substances, while those of immature/regenerating females have short, unbranched mucosal folds and inactive secretory activities. The oviducal gland comprises glandular tubules, which show histological and histochemical heterogeneity and, thus, can be classified into three types. The uterus is categorized into five patterns principally based on histological features of the trophonematal and uterine mucosa. The vagina displays different histochemical reactions, likely reflecting various degrees of glycosylation of secretory granules.

Conclusions

The genital ducts of the females of F. signifer show differential microscopic and histochemical characteristics, indicating their different reproductive statuses.

Structure of the paraplacenta and the yolk sac placenta of the viviparous Australian sharpnose shark, Rhizoprionodon taylori

INTRODUCTION

Viviparity (live-birth) has evolved from oviparity (egg-laying) multiple times in sharks. While most transitions from oviparity to viviparity have resulted in non-placental forms of viviparity, some sharks develop a yolk sac placenta during pregnancy. The Australian sharpnose shark (Rhizoprionodon taylori) is a placental species that suspends embryonic development in a diapause for most of pregnancy.

METHODS

To identify structures involved in supporting rapid embryonic growth in late pregnancy, we examined uterine and placental morphology by light and electron microscopy.

RESULTS

Paraplacental uterine regions have morphological specialisations consistent with secretion and fluid transport between uterine tissues and the lumen. Uterine secretions in the lumen may be absorbed by the outgrowths on the embryonic umbilical cord ('appendiculae'), which are densely covered by microvilli. The placenta consists of uterine villi that interdigitate with the yolk sac and enhance the surface area available for fetomaternal exchange. The yolk sac does not invade the uterine epithelium, and the egg capsule remains intact at the placental interface, separating maternal and fetal tissues. Some placental uterine epithelial cells are secretory, and endocytic vesicles in the opposing yolk sac ectodermal cells suggest that nutrient transport is by histotrophic uterine secretion followed by fetal absorption. Respiratory gases, water and possibly small nutrients likely diffuse across the placenta, where maternal and fetal blood vessels are ~2 μm apart.

DISCUSSION

Placental structure in R. taylori is similar to most other sharks, but there are differences in cellular structures between species that may indicate species-specific placental transport mechanisms.

Morphological and functional development of the spiral intestine in cloudy catshark (Scyliorhinus torazame)

Cartilaginous fish have a comparatively short intestine known as the spiral intestine that consists of a helical spiral of intestinal mucosa. However, morphological and functional development of the spiral intestine has not been fully described. Unlike teleosts, cartilaginous fish are characterized by an extremely long developmental period in ovo or in utero; for example, in the oviparous cloudy catshark (Scyliorhinus torazame), the developing fish remains inside the egg capsule for up to 6 months, suggesting that the embryonic intestine may become functional prior to hatching. In the present study, we describe the morphological and functional development of the spiral intestine in the developing catshark embryo. Spiral formation of embryonic intestine was completed at the middle of stage 31, prior to 'pre-hatching', which is a developmental event characterized by the opening of the egg case at the end of the first third of development. Within 48 h of the pre-hatching event, egg yolk began to flow from the external yolk sac into the embryonic intestine via the yolk stalk. At the same time, there was a rapid increase in mRNA expression of the peptide transporter pept1 and neutral amino acid transporter slc6a19 Secondary folds in the intestinal mucosa and microvilli on the apical membrane appeared after pre-hatching, further supporting the onset of nutrient absorption in the developing intestine at this time. We demonstrate the acquisition of intestinal nutrient absorption at the pre-hatching stage of an oviparous elasmobranch.

Viviparous stingrays avoid contamination of the embryonic environment through faecal accumulation mechanisms

In viviparous (live-bearing) animals, embryos face an embryo-specific defecation issue: faecal elimination in utero can cause fatal contamination of the embryonic environment. Our data from the viviparous red stingray (Hemitrygon akajei) reveals how viviparous elasmobranchs circumvent this issue. The exit of the embryonic intestine is maintained closed until close to birth, which allows the accumulation of faeces in the embryonic body. Faecal accumulation abilities are increased by (1) the large intestine size (represents about 400–600% of an adult intestine, proportionally), and (2) the modification in the intestinal inner wall structure, specialized to increase water uptake from the faecal matter. According to the literature, faecal accumulation may occur in embryos of the lamniform white shark as well. The reproductive biology of myliobatiform stingrays and lamniform sharks is characterized by the onset of oral feeding before birth (i.e. drinking of uterine milk and eating of sibling eggs, respectively), which is expected to result in the production of large amounts of faeces during gestation. The strong ability of faecal accumulation in these lineages is therefore likely an adaptation to their unique embryonic nutrition mechanism.

Ultrasonographic and hormonal characterization of reproductive health and disease in wild, semiwild, and aquarium-housed southern stingrays (Hypanus americanus)

OBJECTIVE

To characterize physical examination, plasma biochemical, and ultrasonographic findings in aquarium-housed, managed semiwild, and wild southern stingrays (Hypanus americanus) with and without reproductive disease.

ANIMALS

Southern stingrays from aquarium (n = 48), lagoon (managed semiwild; 34), and wild (12) habitats.

PROCEDURES

Limited, opportunistic prosections were performed of presumed anatomically normal wild southern stingrays and compared with findings for aquarium-housed stingrays with reproductive disease. Ultrasonographic video data from both groups were used to assign a score (1 to 5) indicating increasing severity of ovarian and uterine reproductive disease. Plasma total 17β-estradiol, estrone, progesterone, and testosterone concentrations were measured with enzyme immunoassays validated for use in southern stingrays.

RESULTS

Ultrasonographic ovarian scores were significantly correlated with uterine scores. No reproductive disease was detected in semiwild or wild stingrays, but 65% (31/48) of aquarium-housed stingrays had developing or advanced reproductive disease (ie, ultrasonographic ovarian or uterine score of 4 or 5). Significant correlations were identified between ovarian and uterine disease status and plasma concentrations of all steroid hormones except testosterone.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Findings suggested that ultrasonography and plasma hormone concentrations may be useful in the identification of reproductive disease and determination of disease severity in southern stingrays.

Live-bearing without placenta: Physical estimation indicates the high oxygen-supplying ability of white shark uterus to the embryo

One of the mysteries of shark aplacental viviparity is the ability of the embryos to acquire oxygen from their mothers without a placental connection. It has been assumed that embryonic respiration in aplacental viviparous shark depends on oxygen from the uterine wall, although this hypothesis has not been confirmed quantitatively. Morphological observations of the uterine wall of white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) provided the first quantitative evidence to support the ability of the uterus to supply ample oxygen to the embryo of viviparous elasmobranchs. The uterine surface of the white shark is characterized by (1) uterine lamellae that develop perpendicular to the uterine wall, (2) uterine lamellae folded in an accordion-like fashion, and (3) numerous micro-ridges on the lamellar surface. These modifications result in increased uterine surface are to up to 56 folds compared to the uterus with a smooth surface. Histological observations revealed that the diffusion barrier of the uterine wall is approximately 12 µm. By using these values, the oxygen-diffusion capacity of 1 cm² of the uterine wall of white shark was estimated to be 63.6 nmol·min^-1·torr^-1. This value is 250-400 times greater than that observed in other aplacental viviparous sharks (Squalus spp.) and is comparable with that of fish gills.

Reproductive cycle and maternal-embryonic nutritional relationship of shovelnose guitarfish Pseudobatos productus in the Gulf of California

Samples of the shovelnose guitarfish Pseudobatos productus were collected on board a vessel and at landings of artisanal commercial fisheries in the Gulf of California from May 2004 to June 2007. Samples of 650 females, 2047 embryos and 484 uterine eggs were examined. The reproductive cycle is annual, ovulation and parturition occur in July, the uterine eggs are in diapause for 9 months (July-March) before an accelerated growth of embryos of 3 months. Histological analyses of the uterine wall of pregnant females suggested that no secretions were used for embryo nourishment. The standard percentage of water content was 48·6% in fertilized eggs and 80·75% in full-term embryos. Dry mass loss during embryonic development was 16·3% and the chemical balance of development was 0·84. This indicates that P. productus is a strictly lecithotrophic, viviparous species, that makes no maternal contribution of nutrients during embryonic development.

Reproductive biology of the stingrays, Myliobatis goodei and Myliobatis ridens (Chondrichthyes: Myliobatidae), in southern Brazil

This study, carried out between spring 2012 and winter 2014, characterized the sexual development and reproductive cycle of Myliobatis goodei and Myliobatis ridens in the extreme south of Brazil to support future management and conservation plans. Ninety-five specimens of M. goodei (24 males and 71 females) and 175 M. ridens (24 males and 151 females) were sampled. Female M. goodei attained disc-width-at-50% maturity (WD50 ) at 683 mm. Uterine fecundity was four to five embryos. The largest male recorded, a mature individual, had a disc width of 650 mm. In M. ridens, WD50 was 662 mm. Uterine fecundity varied from one to eight embryos. The largest male on record was a maturing 590 mm WD individual. The hepato-somatic index was higher in autumn in females of M. goodei, and in the summer in M. ridens. The gonado-somatic index and the largest vitellogenic follicle diameter were higher in spring in both species. Pregnant females of both species were recorded during spring, although for M. ridens, these females also occurred in summer. Embryos had WD of 61-218 and 40-236 mm for M. goodei and M. ridens, respectively. The incidence of pregnant females in southern Brazil in spring-summer coincides with the small-scale beach artisanal fisheries season peak, when M. goodei and M. ridens suffer fishing mortality, while using the coastal shallow areas in the warmer periods (spring-summer) to give birth.

Microanatomy of the male and female reproductive tracts in the long-tailed butterfly ray Gymnura poecilura, an elasmobranch with unusual characteristics

The anatomy of the male and female reproductive systems was investigated in the long-tailed butterfly ray Gymnura poecilura using gross observation and light microscopy. The testes are highly asymmetrical, to the extent that only the left testis is functional and the right testis is completely absent. Both of the male genital ducts are present and symmetrical, although spermatozoa only occur in the left duct. The genital ducts are straight and unconvoluted, with regular incomplete internal partitions throughout. Females do not possess a right ovary, nor do the oviducal glands exhibit distinct club and papillary zones, and the baffle zone lacks baffle plates. In all sections of the gland, the tubules display different secretory activities depending on the proximity to the gland lumen. The gland produces a thin egg membrane that encases each egg individually, while the endometrium is formed into trophonemata.

Quantification of maternal offloading of organic contaminants in elasmobranchs using the histotrophic round stingray (Urobatis halleri) as a model

Maternal offloading is one route by which young animals may accumulate persistent organic pollutants, such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), but has not been well documented in elasmobranchs despite their propensity to accumulate high concentrations of contaminants. Using the round stingray (Urobatis halleri) as a coastal elasmobranch model, we examined maternal offloading processes at two stages in the stingray's entire reproductive cycle. Post-ovulated and near-term pregnant female stingrays were sampled from southern California, and organic contaminants were measured in the ova and embryonic tissues and compared to concentrations measured in corresponding female livers to determine route and extent of transfer. Total organic contaminant loads measured in ovulated eggs were about two times lower than loads measured in embryos (p < 0.001) indicating mothers have the ability to transfer contaminants throughout pregnancy. Contaminant loads measured in pups showed a positive relationship with mother's contaminant concentrations (p < 0.001); however, mothers offloaded relatively low percentages (1.5 ± 1.7%) of their total contaminant load using contaminants measured in the liver as a proxy. However, histotrophy is only one form of supplemental provisioning utilized by elasmobranchs and variation in reproductive modes likely influences the extent to which female elasmobranchs may maternally offload contaminants.

Review: Exploration of placentation from human beings to ocean-living species

This review covers four topics. 1) Placental pathology in Himalayan mountain people. To determine morphological changes of the placenta at high altitude, pathological examination was made of 1000 Himalayan placentas obtained in Nepal and Tibet and the results compared with Japanese placentas delivered at sea level. Characteristic findings in the placental villi of the Himalayan group included high incidences of villous chorangiosis and chorangioma. These processes were clarified by ultrastructural observation. 2) Placentation in Sirenians. The giant Takikawa sea cow, which lived 5 million years ago, was discovered on Hokkaido, Japan. It was an ancestor of the dugong as well as the manatees. Sirenia, the sea cow group, shares a common ancestor with Proboscidea, the elephants, even though they now inhabit quite different environments. A comparison was made of their zonary endothelial type of placentation. 3) Placentation in sharks and rays. The remarkable placentation of hammerhead sharks and manta rays is described. 4) Placentation in the Antarctic minke whale. Placental tissue samples of this whale were obtained from the Japan Institute of Cetacean Research. In an ultrastructural study of the utero-placental junction, microfilamental processes of the allantochorionic zone and crypt formation were visualized.

Live-bearing manta ray: how the embryo acquires oxygen without placenta and umbilical cord

We conducted an ultrasonographic experiment on a pregnant manta ray, Manta alfredi (Chondrichthyes, Batoidea). This study showed how the embryo of the live-bearing elasmobranchs respires in the body of the female. In the embryonic stage, the manta ray embryo takes in uterine fluid by buccal-pumping. After birth, the manta ray shifts its respiratory mode from buccal-pumping to ram-ventilation. The rapid reduction of the spiracle size in the young manta ray may reflect this shift of respiratory mode. Unlike mammals or some carcharhinid sharks that acquire oxygen through a placenta and umbilical cord, the manta ray embryo does not have a direct connection with the mother. Thus, the manta ray embryo obtains oxygen by buccal-pumping of the uterine fluid, in the same way that the embryos of egg-laying species obtain oxygen from the water in the egg case. This finding extends our understanding of the diversity of embryonic respiratory systems in live-bearing vertebrates.

Uterine epithelial-sperm interaction, endometrial cycle and sperm storage in the terminal zone of the oviducal gland in the placental smoothhound, Mustelus canis

The fate of spermatozoa deposited within the female reproductive tract has been described in the smoothhound, Mustelus canis. Evidence of uterine epithelial-sperm interaction is presented, as well as documentation of sperm storage specifically in the terminal zone of the oviducal gland. Sperm fate is correlated with morphology of the endometrial cycle and specificity of storage in the oviducal gland. The endometrium of M. canis undergoes dramatic tissue remodeling associated with gestation. In females harboring fertilized ova or preimplantation yolk-reliant embryos, the uterine epithelium is simple cuboidal with mucous droplets for lubrication. The presence of the embryo elicits a response from the uterus, which becomes modified for nutrient and respiratory exchange into vascular uterine attachment sites that abut the distal aspect of the yolk sac. Areas of the uterus adjacent to the uterine attachment sites are termed paraplacental sites. Uterine attachment sites are simple squamous while the paraplacental epithelium is simple columnar. Paraplacental cells have basal metachromatic vesicles and a dense array of apical cytoplasmic filaments. Immediately postpartum the uterine attachment sites, now termed uterine or placental scars, begin to remodel to a mucous epithelium for the next gestational cycle. Paraplacental cells slough off the apical filamentous portion, and sperm become embedded in the epithelium. Bundled sperm occur throughout gestation in the terminal zone of the oviducal gland. Sperm are not embedded in the terminal zone epithelium as in the uterus. Following sperm release from the uterus, the paraplacental epithelium reverts to a mucous epithelium for the next reproductive cycle. Fertilization is presumed to occur in the anterior oviduct above the oviducal gland. The physiological mechanisms that mediate sperm-uterus attachment, release, and storage in the terminal zone of the oviducal gland are currently under investigation.

Ultrastructure of fetal alimentary organs: stomach and spiral intestine in the southern stingray, Dasyatis americana

In the fetal southern stingray, Dasyatis americana, both the stomach and spiral intestine function early in development to digest and absorb nutrient histotroph elaborated by uterine villi termed trophonemata. The gastric mucosa consists of a surface columnar mucous epithelium that is confluent with gastric pits or foveolae. Gastric glands are populated by oxynticopeptic and enteroendocrine cells. The surface mucous cells are pyramidal with apical microvilli. Oxynticopeptic cells are low columnar with a distinct and elaborate tubulovesicular system in the apical cytoplasm. Microvilli line the lumen of the gastric glands and cells have elaborate interdigitating lateral folds. Enteroendocrine cells are characterized by basal granules and a prominent rough endoplasmic reticulum. The fetal intestine is filled with bile-tinged viscous fluid. A core of submucosa supports spiral intestinal plicae that form the spiral valve from which villi project. The most prominent characteristic of the cells are enormous supranuclear vesicles formed by coalescence of smaller endocytotic vesicles. The apical cytoplasm has a profusion of smooth tubules, endoplasmic reticulum, and lysosomes. The large vesicles are interpreted as storage depots for continually ingested histotroph. Small vesicles may then bud off to be digested via the lysosomal system.