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Introduction: A Brief Guide to the Periconception Environment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1014:1-14. [PMID: 28864982 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-62414-3_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Definition of the periconception period is not an exact science and is probably somewhat arbitrary. One can define it as spanning the period from the final stages of gamete maturation until formation of the embryo and the stages of embryonic development and implantation. Hence, the periconception period includes periods when spermatozoa are in the female reproductive tract, oocytes are matured and ovulated into the oviduct, fertilization occurs and the embryo undergoes development. By definition the implantation process and the early stages of placenta formation are also regarded as a part of the periconception period. In this article we highlight a few of the major advances which have transformed this topic over the last two decades. It is now clear that the fitness and wellbeing of developing mammalian embryos, including the human, are highly dependent on the health status, diet and habits of both parents especially in the months and weeks that precede the formation of oocytes and spermatozoa.
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The presence of ovarian cysts in a captive Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus L. 1758). BMC Vet Res 2017; 13:240. [PMID: 28810859 PMCID: PMC5558751 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1164-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Several pathological changes associated with reproductive systems of marine mammals have been reported in primary literature. However, no such records exist regarding ovarian cysts in the Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus L. 1758). Case presentation A nulliparous female Antillean manatee, held in captivity at the Wroclaw Zoological Garden, died in April 2015. The animal was 370 cm long from nose to tail and weighed 670 kg. The width of manatee’s fluke was 80 cm. The post-mortem examination of the reproductive system showed the numerous pathological cysts on the external surface of the left and the right ovaries. Morphologically, the cysts had varying diameters and were attached to the ovaries by stalks. Some of the cysts were thin-walled and contained fluid, while several others were solid or contained a semi-solid mass. The structure of the ovaries displayed features of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The cysts also exhibited positivity with cytokeratin and vimentin. There were no pathological changes within the uterus, uterine tube and vagina. Conclusion Although we were unable to definitively determine the exact source of the ovarian cysts in the studied manatee, we found that one of the causes may be age-related. Our study also revealed that ovarian cysts in the Antillean manatee form both types of corpora lutea (CL). Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12917-017-1164-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Eissa AE, M. Abu-Sei A. Synopsis on the Most Common Pathologies of Dolphins. JOURNAL OF FISHERIES AND AQUATIC SCIENCE 2015. [DOI: 10.3923/jfas.2015.307.322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Murphy S, Barber JL, Learmonth JA, Read FL, Deaville R, Perkins MW, Brownlow A, Davison N, Penrose R, Pierce GJ, Law RJ, Jepson PD. Reproductive Failure in UK Harbour Porpoises Phocoena phocoena: Legacy of Pollutant Exposure? PLoS One 2015. [PMID: 26200456 PMCID: PMC4511585 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproductive failure in mammals due to exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can occur either through endocrine disrupting effects or via immunosuppression and increased disease risk. To investigate further, full necropsies and determination of summed 25 polychlorinated biphenyls congeners (∑PCBs lipid weight) in blubber were undertaken on 329 UK-stranded female harbour porpoises (1990-2012). In sexually mature females, 25/127 (19.7%) showed direct evidence of reproductive failure (foetal death, aborting, dystocia or stillbirth). A further 21/127 (16.5%) had infections of the reproductive tract or tumours of reproductive tract tissues that could contribute to reproductive failure. Resting mature females (non-lactating or non-pregnant) had significantly higher mean ∑PCBs (18.5 mg/kg) than both lactating (7.5 mg/kg) and pregnant females (6 mg/kg), though not significantly different to sexually immature females (14.0 mg/kg). Using multinomial logistic regression models ΣPCBs was found to be a significant predictor of mature female reproductive status, adjusting for the effects of confounding variables. Resting females were more likely to have a higher PCB burden. Health status (proxied by "trauma" or "infectious disease" causes of death) was also a significant predictor, with lactating females (i.e. who successfully reproduced) more likely to be in good health status compared to other individuals. Based on contaminant profiles (>11 mg/kg lipid), at least 29/60 (48%) of resting females had not offloaded their pollutant burden via gestation and primarily lactation. Where data were available, these non-offloading females were previously gravid, which suggests foetal or newborn mortality. Furthermore, a lower pregnancy rate of 50% was estimated for "healthy" females that died of traumatic causes of death, compared to other populations. Whether or not PCBs are part of an underlying mechanism, we used individual PCB burdens to show further evidence of reproductive failure in the North-east Atlantic harbour porpoise population, results that should inform conservation management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinéad Murphy
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan L Barber
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft, United Kingdom
| | | | - Fiona L Read
- Oceanlab, University of Aberdeen, Newburgh, Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Deaville
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew W Perkins
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Brownlow
- Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, SRUC Veterinary Services Drummondhill, Inverness, United Kingdom
| | - Nick Davison
- Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, SRUC Veterinary Services Drummondhill, Inverness, United Kingdom
| | - Rod Penrose
- Marine Environmental Monitoring, Penwalk, Llechryd, Cardigan, Ceredigion, United Kingdom
| | - Graham J Pierce
- Oceanlab, University of Aberdeen, Newburgh, Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom
| | - Robin J Law
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, United Kingdom; Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft, United Kingdom
| | - Paul D Jepson
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, United Kingdom
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Impacts of endocrine disrupting chemicals on reproduction in wildlife. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 753:55-70. [PMID: 25091906 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0820-2_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The European Environment Agency (The Weybridge + 15 (1996-2011) report. EEA Technical report, vol 2. Copenhagen, 2012) and the United Nations Environment programme together with the World Health Organisation (State of the science of endocrine disrupting chemicals-2012. Geneva, Switzerland) both recently published major and highly authoritative reviews of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the natural environment and their effects on reproduction and health in both humans and wildlife. One surprising conclusion to emerge from these reviews was that there are relatively few well documented reports of endocrine disruption (ED) in wild mammals, mainly because much of the available evidence is correlative and does not conclusively demonstrate that the chemicals in question cause the physiological and phenotypic problems attributed to them. However, based on strong evidence from studies of wild birds, reptiles, invertebrates, and laboratory animals, it is difficult to imagine that wild mammals would be the exception. This chapter is therefore included to emphasize the point that the role of reproductive science within wildlife conservation is much broader than a narrow focus on artificial breeding technologies.
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Storelli MM, Barone G, Giacominelli-Stuffler R, Marcotrigiano GO. Contamination by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) from the Southeastern Mediterranean Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2012; 184:5797-805. [PMID: 21960363 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-011-2382-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2010] [Accepted: 09/16/2011] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) including dioxin-like PCBs (non-ortho, PCB 77, PCB 126, and PCB 169 and mono-ortho, PCB 105, PCB 118, and PCB 156) were measured in different organs and tissues (melon, blubber, liver, kidney, lung, heart, and muscle tissue) of striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea (Adriatic Sea). The mean highest levels were in blubber and melon, followed by liver, kidney, lung, heart, and muscle tissue. PCB profiles were similar in all tissues and organs being dominated by the higher chlorinated homologues (hexa-CBs, 55.8-62.1%; penta-CBs, 15.4-20.0%; and hepta-CB PCB 180, 12.7-16.5%). Major PCBs in all tissues were congeners 138 and 153 collectively accounting for 50.6-58.3% of the total PCB concentrations, followed by PCB 101, 105, 118, and 180 constituting from 27.0% to 31.0%. PCB levels were higher in adult males than in adult females. The estimated 2,3,7,8-TCDD toxic equivalents of non- and mono-ortho PCBs were much higher than the threshold level above which adverse effects have been observed in other marine mammals species, suggesting that striped dolphins in this region are at risk for toxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Maddalena Storelli
- Pharmacological-Biological Department, Chemistry and Biochemistry Section, Medicine Veterinary Faculty, University of Bari, Strada Prov.le per Casamassima, km 3, 70010 Valenzano, BA, Italy.
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Borrell A, Aguilar A. Differences in DDT and PCB residues between common and striped dolphins from the southwestern Mediterranean. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2005; 48:501-8. [PMID: 15886895 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-004-0039-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2004] [Accepted: 10/02/2004] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Organochlorine concentrations (OCs) and stable isotopes were investigated in the blubber of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) and striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) from the southwestern Mediterranean. Samples were obtained from dolphins entangled in fishing nets during the 1992-1994 fishing season and from biopsies taken in 1992. Intrapopulation variations were studied, but because most of the dolphins were juveniles or calves (90%), no significant differences were found on the basis of reproductive condition or sex. Only mature male common dolphins showed significantly higher levels of most of the compounds studied than immature individuals did. There were quantitative and qualitative interspecific differences in organochlorine compounds profile. As compared to common dolphins, striped dolphins carried higher concentrations of organochlorine concentrations (OCs), their %DDE/tDDT and PCB/tDDT ratios were significantly higher, and recalcitrant PCB congeners were more abundant. Distribution and information on composition of stomach contents would in principle support a higher exposure to OCs in common dolphins as compared to striped dolphins, thus apparently contradicting the observed results. However, stable isotopes showed that striped dolphins exploit a higher trophic level, thus explaining observed differences. Interspecific dissimilarities in metabolic capacity to handle OCs may be an added factor. Although in the two species OC concentrations exceeded levels considered to be ineffective in marine mammals, pollution-induced effects on populations could not be properly assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Borrell
- Department of Animal Biology Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Spain.
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BEARZI GIOVANNI, REEVES RANDALLR, NOTARBARTOLO-DI-SCIARA GIUSEPPE, POLITI ELENA, CAÑADAS ANA, FRANTZIS ALEXANDROS, MUSSI BARBARA. Ecology, status and conservation of short-beaked common dolphins Delphinus delphis
in the Mediterranean Sea. Mamm Rev 2003. [DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2907.2003.00032.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Reddy ML, Reif JS, Bachand A, Ridgway SH. Opportunities for using Navy marine mammals to explore associations between organochlorine contaminants and unfavorable effects on reproduction. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2001; 274:171-182. [PMID: 11453294 DOI: 10.1016/s0048-9697(01)00741-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The Department of Defense (DoD) has a unique marine mammal program maintained by the US Navy that includes the largest force of bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, worldwide. In recent years, this population of cetaceans that lives in netted open water enclosures in San Diego Bay has been monitored for levels of organochlorine (OC) contaminants in blubber, blood and milk. Data generated from these studies have afforded insight into the fate and possible effects of OC contaminants in marine mammals. We now report preliminary findings on the effects of maternal OC exposure on pregnancy outcome. Blubber OC levels were compared between females whose calves survived beyond 6 months and females whose calves were stillborn or died within 12 days of birth. The mean concentration of SigmaDDT was more than 3 times as high among dolphins whose calves died as that among dolphins whose calves survived beyond 6 months (P = 0.002). Mean SigmaPCB was more than 2.5 times higher in females whose calves did not survive (P= 0.076). This population is a logical sentinel for the assessment of environmentally mediated disease. Biological tissues and fluids can be sampled on a regular basis from the dolphins for accumulation of tissue residues, facilitated by conditioned husbandry behaviors. These trained behaviors help preclude possible alterations in health measures resulting from capture stress. Animals' diets can be monitored for contaminant levels. With these data, the expertise and facilities available at the Navy laboratory and in collaboration with other experts in the field, controlled studies can be designed to monitor and assess dietary exposure, measurable immune and neurologic responses and assess reproductive and transgenerational effects of contaminants. Biomarkers can be developed to relate the health of individual animals relative to contaminant exposures. Such investigations of natural exposure and response scenarios are a logical adjunct to traditional laboratory toxicity studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Reddy
- SAIC Maritime Division, San Diego, CA 92110, USA.
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Van Bressem MF, Van Waerebeek K, Siebert U, Wünschmann A, Chávez-Lisambart L, Reyes JC. Genital diseases in the peruvian dusky dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obscurus). J Comp Pathol 2000; 122:266-77. [PMID: 10805980 DOI: 10.1053/jcpa.1999.0369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cysts and one ovarian tumour, uterine tumours, vaginal calculi, abscesses of the broad ligament or undetermined testicular lesions were observed in 25 out of 502 female and male dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) caught off Peru in 1985-1987 or 1993-1994. Tentative or definitive diagnoses included Graafian follicle cysts, luteinized cyst, ovarian parasitic granulomatous inflammation, dysgerminoma, leiomyoma, fibroleiomyoma and chronic fibrino-suppurative inflammation of the broad ligament. All lesions described represented first reports for L. obscurus, and the diagnosis of dysgerminoma was the first in a cetacean. It is also the first time that trematode eggs have been reported in the ovaries of cetaceans and that a vaginal calculus has been encountered in a sexually immature cetacean. The finding of struvite as a major component in two vaginal calculi suggested an infectious aetiology. Of 11 mature females with ovarian tumour or cysts or uterine tumours, only one (9.1%) was pregnant, i.esignificantly less than the expected pregnancy rate (53.3% in a random sample of Peruvian dusky dolphins). Several females with ovarian or uterine lesions and males with aberrant testes were large animals. It is possible that some of these lesions were associated with normal senescence of the reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Van Bressem
- Peruvian Centre for Cetacean Research (CEPEC), Jorge Chávez 302, Lima 20, Pucusana, Peru
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