1
|
Garcia VC, Almeida-Santos SM. Reproductive cycles of two island pitvipers species (Serpentes, Viperidae) determined by ultrasonography and radiography. Anat Histol Embryol 2024; 53:e13038. [PMID: 38563615 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.13038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
We used ultrasonography and radiography to assess the sexual organs and characterize the reproductive cycle of captive golden lancehead (Bothrops insularis) and Alcatrazes lancehead (B. alcatraz), two endangered island snake species in Brazil. We assessed 46- individuals of golden lancehead and 12 of Alcatrazes lancehead kept in captivity between 2014 and 2020. Follicular development was similar between species, but follicles in Alcatrazes lancehead were smaller than in the golden lanceheads. Female golden lanceheads produced 24 live young, seven stillborn and 73 undeveloped eggs. Parturition of live young occurred between midsummer (February) and early autumn and gestation averaged 8 months. Female Alcatrazes lanceheads produced four live young in midsummer, and one undeveloped egg in early autumn. Males and females of both species have seasonal and biennial reproductive cycles. Sperm storage in both sexes is essential to coordinate male and female cycles. The data obtained with golden lancehead and Alcatrazes lancehead in captivity, demonstrate a degree of conservatism, following data from other Bothrops.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viviane Campos Garcia
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Selma Maria Almeida-Santos
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Khouri RS, Almeida-Santos SM, Fernandes DS. Reproductive maturity and sexual dimorphism of a population of Amerotyphlops brongersmianus from a Restinga area in southeastern Brazil (Serpentes: Typhlopidae). Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2023; 306:2610-2620. [PMID: 36883757 DOI: 10.1002/ar.25191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Natural history data are important for a better understanding of distinct aspects of snake biology, and this information in scarce on Scolecophidia. Here we focus on sexual maturity and sexual dimorphism within a population of Amerotyphlops brongersmianus from the Restinga de Jurubatiba National Park, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. The smallest sexually active male and female showed snout-vent length of 117.5 and 158.4 mm, respectively. Females had statistically significant larger body and head length sizes, whereas males had longer tails. Juveniles showed no sexual dimorphism for any analyzed feature. Secondary vitellogenic follicles had a more opaque, yellowish/darker aspect, being larger than 3.5 mm. We reinforce that in addition to traditional features for determining sexual maturity, morphological and histological characteristics of kidneys should be evaluated in males, as well as the morphology of the infundibulum in females. Histological data show development of seminiferous tubules and presence of spermatozoa in males, and infundibulum receptacles and uterine glands in females as a sign of sexual maturity. This type of information is essential for a more accurate description of data on sexual maturity, allowing access to information on the development of reproductive structures that are not available macroscopically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Stella Khouri
- Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Departamento de Vertebrados, Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Daniel Silva Fernandes
- Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Departamento de Vertebrados, Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Campos Garcia V, Dos Santos Amorim LG, Almeida-Santos SM. Morphological and structural differences between the hemipenes and hemiclitores of golden lancehead snakes, Bothrops insularis (Amaral, 1922), revealed by radiography. Anat Histol Embryol 2022; 51:557-560. [PMID: 35674001 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The golden lancehead (Bothrops insularis) is a critically endangered and island endemic snake. A remarkable characteristic of golden lanceheads is the high frequency of females showing hemiclitores. Here, we use radiography to identify morphological and structural differences between the hemipenes and hemiclitores in captive individuals. Sex was identified using the probing method and confirmed by visualizing the gonads by ultrasound. Hemipenes appeared as herringbone-shaped structures with bone radiopacity and hemiclitores as triangular structures with soft tissue radiopacity. These differences suggest that hemiclitores spines fail to develop the level of ossification observed in hemipenis spines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viviane Campos Garcia
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Lígia Grazziely Dos Santos Amorim
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Selma Maria Almeida-Santos
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Silva KMP, Almeida-Santos SM, Lobo LM, Bravo-Vega CA, Rici REG, Sasa M. Morphology and seasonality of the sexual segment of the kidney in genus Bothrops snakes. J Morphol 2021; 283:236-249. [PMID: 34951038 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In Squamata, the sexual segment of the male kidney (SSK) produces secretory granules that are transmitted to the female tract during copulation. Here, we investigate the morphology of SSK in various species of the pitviper-genus Bothrops, a medically relevant clade of Neotropical snakes, using histology, histochemistry, as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy. We also evaluated the relationship of SSK hypertrophy with spermatogenesis and storage of sperm. The SSK in Bothrops consists of tall columnar epithelial cells filled with electron-dense secretory granules. These granules are apparently released into the lumen by an apocrine secretory process. In general, the ultrastructural morphology of SSK in Bothrops is similar to those described for other pitvipers in the genus Agkistrodon. In most Bothrops males, the SSK produces carbohydrates and proteins, and occurs in all lobes of the kidney, occupying most of the kidney mass. In contrast, intersexual females (with male copulatory organs) of Bothrops insularis had a smaller SSK diameter than males and did not show hypertrophy. The seasonal development of SSK in Bothrops species seems to be driven by environmental factors rather than phylogeny, since sister species exhibited periods of hypertrophy at different months. In most Bothrops males, hypertrophy occurs at various seasons of the year (spring, summer, autumn), even in winter, and seasonal changes in SSK do not necessarily accompany spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luís Miguel Lobo
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos Andrés Bravo-Vega
- Departamento de Ingeniería Biomédica, Grupo de Investigación en Biologia Matemática y Computacional BIOMAC, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Rose Eli Grassi Rici
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mahmood Sasa
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Costa Rica y Museo de Zoología, Centro de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Ecología Tropical, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Coeti RZ, Antoniazzi MM, Sánchez R, Almeida-Santos SM. Sperm storage in coral snakes: A spermatozoa ultrastructural approach (Serpentes: Elapidae). ZOOL ANZ 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2020.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
6
|
Garcia VC, Navas-Suárez PE, Fonseca-Pinto ACBDC, Unruh SM, Knöbl T, Vac MH, Momo C, Arias Lugo MA, Catão-Dias JL, Almeida-Santos SM, Braz H. Enterococcus faecalis causes osteitis deformans in a Golden Lancehead snake (Bothrops insularis): a case report. Braz J Vet Res Anim Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.11606/issn.1678-4456.bjvras.2020.163926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteitis deformans (Paget’s disease) is a chronic bone disorder characterized by excessive osteoclast-mediated bone resorption followed by new bone formation. The present paper reports this condition in an 18-year-old captive golden lancehead (Bothrops insularis) from Brazil. This patient initially exhibited anorexia and swelling in the middle third of the spine associated with locomotor disability. For diagnosis, radiography, ultrasound, computed tomography, cytology, and microbiological culture were performed. Diagnostic imaging showed bone changes, vertebral fusion, and bone proliferation. Cytology revealed blood cells how toxic heterophiles, reactive monocytes, young red blood cells, and polychromasia compatible with an infectious process. A bacterial culture identified an ampicillin-susceptible strain of Enterococcus faecalis. Antibiotic treatment was promptly started, but the snake died 25 days later. Histopathologically, the bone tissue showed a generalized thickening of the vertebral trabeculae. For the first time, the presence of E. faecalis associated with the development of osteitis deformans in snakes was presented.
Collapse
|
7
|
Cubides-Cubillos SD, Patané JSL, Pereira da Silva KM, Almeida-Santos SM, Polydoro DS, Galassi GG, Travaglia Cardoso SR, Silva MJDJ. Evidence of facultative parthenogenesis in three Neotropical pitviper species of the Bothrops atrox group. PeerJ 2020; 8:e10097. [PMID: 33240594 PMCID: PMC7680053 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined four suspected cases of facultative parthenogenesis in three species of a neotropical lineage of pitvipers of the Bothrops atrox group. Reproduction without mating was observed in captive females of B. atrox, B. moojeni and B. leucurus housed alone for seven years (the two former species) and nine years (the latter one). In addition to the observation of captivity data, we investigated molecularly this phenomenon using heterologous microsatellites. DNA was extracted from the mothers’ scales or liver, from embryo and newborn fragments, and yolked ova. Four of the microsatellites showed good amplification using Polymerase Chain Reaction and informative band segregation patterns among each mother and respective offspring. Captivity information, litter characteristics (comparison of the number of newborns, embryos and yolked ova) and molecular data altogether agreed with facultative parthenogenesis predictions in at least three out of the four mothers studied: B. atrox (ID#933) was heterozygous for three out of the four markers, and the sons S1 and S2 were homozygous; B. moojeni (BUT86) was heterozygous for two out of four markers, offspring S1, S3, E2, and E4, and O1 to O6 were homozygous; and B. leucurus (MJJS503) was heterozygous for three out of four markers, and son E1 and O1 were homozygous. B. moojeni (BUT44) was homozygous for all loci analyzed in the mother and offspring, which although not informative is also consistent with parthenogenesis. This study represents the first molecular confirmation of different pitviper species undergoing facultative parthenogenesis among Neotropical endemic snakes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - José S L Patané
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratório Especial de Ciclo Celular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Loebens L, Almeida-Santos SM, Cechin SZ. Reproductive biology of the Sword Snake Tomodon dorsatus (Serpentes: Dipsadidae) in South Brazil: comparisons within the tribe Tachymenini. AMPHIBIA-REPTILIA 2020. [DOI: 10.1163/15685381-bja10012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
We described the reproductive cycle, size-fecundity relationships, reproductive effort, and sexual maturity of Tomodon dorsatus in South Brazil. We examined 87 individuals (25 males and 62 females) from herpetological collections. The description of the reproductive cycle was based on the morpho-anatomical and histological changes in male testes, ductus deferens, and kidney and in female ovary and oviduct. The age at the onset of sexual maturity was estimated by skeletochronology of the caudal vertebra. The reproduction is seasonal semi-synchronous with most of the individuals showing a reproductive peak in the spring. Males and females have developed sperm storage strategies, increasing the reproductive success. Males store sperm in the ductus deferens during the autumn and winter, while females storage takes place in the utero-vaginal junction furrows during the autumn and early winter. Larger females produce a higher number of larger follicles and eggs. Females invest more in growth before reaching sexual maturity than males. Females reach sexual maturity earlier (4 years old) than males (5 years old) and have larger bodies but lower longevity. Reproductive strategies of Tachymenini specie are highly conserved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Loebens
- 1Laboratory of Herpetology, Department of Ecology and Evolution, Santa Maria Federal University, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | | | - Sonia Zanini Cechin
- 1Laboratory of Herpetology, Department of Ecology and Evolution, Santa Maria Federal University, Santa Maria, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Loebens L, Hendges CD, Almeida-Santos SM, Cechin SZ. Morphological variation and sexual dimorphism in two sympatric dipsadine snakes from Southern Brazil. ZOOL ANZ 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
10
|
Araoz ACC, Garcia VC, Pinto CM, Almeida-Santos SM. PARASITOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS OF ISLAND SNAKES KEPT IN CAPTIVITY AT THE BUTANTAN INSTITUTE. AVS 2018. [DOI: 10.5380/avs.v23i3.58549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
|
11
|
Rojas CA, Barros VA, Almeida-Santos SM. A histological and ultrastructural investigation of the female reproductive system of the water snake (Erythrolamprus miliaris
): Oviductal cycle and sperm storage. ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/azo.12234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
12
|
Almeida-Santos SM, Barros VA, Rojas CA, Sueiro LR, Nomura RHC. Reproductive Biology of the Brazilian Lancehead, Bothrops moojeni (Serpentes, Viperidae), from the State of São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil. South American Journal of Herpetology 2017. [DOI: 10.2994/sajh-d-16-00047.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Selma Maria Almeida-Santos
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Butantan. Avenida Vital Brasil, 1500, CEP 05503-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Verônica Alberto Barros
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Butantan. Avenida Vital Brasil, 1500, CEP 05503-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Claudio Augusto Rojas
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Butantan. Avenida Vital Brasil, 1500, CEP 05503-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Letícia Ruiz Sueiro
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Butantan. Avenida Vital Brasil, 1500, CEP 05503-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Loebens L, Rojas CA, Almeida-Santos SM, Cechin SZ. Reproductive biology ofPhilodryas patagoniensis(Snakes: Dipsadidae) in south Brazil: Female reproductive cycle. ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/azo.12200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Loebens
- Laboratory of Herpetology; Santa Maria Federal University; Santa Maria Rio Grande do Sul Brazil
| | | | | | - Sonia Zanini Cechin
- Laboratory of Herpetology; Santa Maria Federal University; Santa Maria Rio Grande do Sul Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Loebens L, Cechin SZ, Theis TF, Moura LB, Almeida-Santos SM. Reproductive biology of Philodryas patagoniensis
(Snakes: Dipsadidae) in south Brazil: male reproductive cycle. ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/azo.12172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Loebens
- Laboratory of Herpetology; Santa Maria Federal University; 1000 Roraima Avenue, Camobi Santa Maria Rio Grande do Sul 97105-900 Brazil
| | - Sonia Zanini Cechin
- Laboratory of Herpetology; Santa Maria Federal University; 1000 Roraima Avenue, Camobi Santa Maria Rio Grande do Sul 97105-900 Brazil
| | - Tiago Felipe Theis
- Laboratory of Herpetology; Santa Maria Federal University; 1000 Roraima Avenue, Camobi Santa Maria Rio Grande do Sul 97105-900 Brazil
| | - Livia Bataioli Moura
- Laboratory of Herpetology; Santa Maria Federal University; 1000 Roraima Avenue, Camobi Santa Maria Rio Grande do Sul 97105-900 Brazil
| | - Selma Maria Almeida-Santos
- Laboratory of Ecology and Evolution; Butantan Institute; 1500 Vital Brazil Avenue São Paulo São Paulo, 05503-900 Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Abstract We investigated food patterns in the diet composition of 452 specimens of Crotalus durissus from Central Brazil. Thirty-three items were recorded corresponding to four categories: rodents (75.76%), marsupials (6.06%), unidentified mammals (9.09%) and reptiles (9.09%). Adults of both sexes and some juveniles feed mostly on mammals, specifically rodents, it is the most active and abundant prey throughout the year mainly in areas from Cerrado. In addition, we observed that in C. durissus there is a trend in the diet of females could be more diverse, maybe this can be associated to sexual differences involving different strategies of the feeding biology of this rattlesnake.
Collapse
|
16
|
Gomes CA, Almeida-Santos SM. Microhabitat use by species of the genera Bothrops and Crotalus (Viperidae) in semi-extensive captivity. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2012. [DOI: 10.1590/s1678-91992012000400007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
|
17
|
Sueiro LR, Rojas CA, Risk JY, França FOS, Almeida-Santos SM. <b>Anomalias cromáticas em Bothrops jararaca (Serpentes, Viperidae): Xantismo interfere na sobrevivência?</b><br>doi: 10.5007/2175-7925.2010v23n1p155. Biotemas 2011. [DOI: 10.5007/2175-7925.2010v23n1p155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
|
18
|
Marinho CE, Almeida-Santos SM, Yamasaki SC, Silveira PF. Seasonal variation of peptidase activities in the reproductive tract of Crotalus durissus terrificus. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2009; 160:84-92. [PMID: 19027015 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2008.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2008] [Revised: 10/05/2008] [Accepted: 10/26/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Seasonal quantitative patterns of acid (APA), basic (APB), puromycin-sensitive (APN-PS) and puromycin-insensitive neutral (APN-PI), cystyl (CAP), dipeptidyl IV (DPPIV), type-1 pyroglutamyl (PAP-I) and prolyl-imino (PIP) aminopeptidases and prolyl oligopeptidase (POP) activities in soluble (SF) and solubilized membrane-bound (MF) fractions from ductus deferens, vagina and uterus were studied to evaluate their relationships with the reproductive cycle and the extensive long-term spermatozoa storage (LTSS) of the Neotropical rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus. APB, PIP and POP were detected only in SF, while other peptidases were detected in SF and MF. APB, APN-PI and APN-PS were predominant in most tissues in all seasons. Peptidase activities had a common pattern of increment during the dry season (winter/autumn), which coincides with the mating period (autumn) and LTSS in the female (winter), as well as the reduction of spermatozoa motility and maintenance of fertilization capacity of spermatozoa. The high CAP activity in the soluble fraction of the vagina during winter, compared to summer (time of parturition) and spring, coincides with the relaxation of this tissue. In the soluble fraction, the low PAP-I activity of the ductus deferens coincided with its high activity in the vagina during the winter; and the inverse occurred in summer, which is consistent with the physiological process of preserving spermatozoon viability. In conclusion, the studied peptidase activities had seasonal and tissue-specific characteristics, which suggest a relevant role in the reproductive physiology of C. d. terrificus.
Collapse
|
19
|
Marinho CE, Almeida-Santos SM, Carneiro SM, Yamasaki SC, Silveira PF. Peptidase activities in Crotalus durissus terrificus semen. Reproduction 2008; 136:767-76. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-08-0192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
AbstractTo understand the role of peptidases in seminal physiology ofCrotalus durissus terrificus, activity levels of representative enzymes in semen and their sensitivities to inhibitors, cofactors, and peptide hormones were evaluated. The existence of seminal fractions and the association of peptidases with these fractions were also characterized for the first time in snakes. The prominent inhibitors of aminopeptidases (APs) were amastatin for acid, basic, and neutral; bestatin for basic; and diprotin A for dipeptidyl-IV. Cystyl and prolyl-imino APs were similarly susceptible to the majority of these inhibitors. The basic and neutral were characterized as metallo-peptidases, acid AP was activated by MnCl2, and cystyl, prolyl-imino, and type I pyroglutamyl were characterized as sulphydryl-dependent APs. Angiotensin II, vasotocin, bradykinin, fertilization-promoting peptide, and TRH altered the majority of these peptidase activities; these peptides are possible substrates and/or modulators of these peptidases. Peptidase activities were found in all seminal fractions: seminal plasma (SP), prostasome-like (PR) structures, and soluble (S-) and membrane-bound fractions (MFs) of spermatozoa. The levels of activity of each peptidase varied among different seminal fractions. In SP, the higher activities were puromycin-insensitive neutral and basic APs. In PR, the higher activity was puromycin-insensitive neutral AP. In spermatozoa, the higher activity in subcellular SF was puromycin-sensitive neutral, while in MF both puromycin-sensitive and -insensitive neutral APs were equally higher than the other examined peptidases. Data suggested that these peptidases, mainly basic and neutral, have a high relevance in regulating seminal functions ofC. d. terrificus.
Collapse
|
20
|
Almeida-Santos SM, Abdalla FMF, Silveira PF, Yamanouye N, Breno MC, Salomão MG. Reproductive cycle of the Neotropical Crotalus durissus terrificus: I. Seasonal levels and interplay between steroid hormones and vasotocinase. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2004; 139:143-50. [PMID: 15504392 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2004.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2004] [Revised: 08/12/2004] [Accepted: 09/03/2004] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Crotaline snakes present delayed fertilization and sperm storage because secondary vitellogenesis is not completed by the time of mating. The release of vitellogenesis and synchrony between ovulation and fertilization suggest a steroidal modulation. We investigated changes of sexual steroid levels during reproduction in the Neotropical rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus, analyzing macroscopical variations of reproductive condition (vitellogenesis, pregnancy, and post-partum) and plasma levels of estradiol, progesterone, and vasotocinase cystine aminopeptidase (CAP) activity over 2 years. Data showed 44.4% non-reproductive snakes (40.1% primary vitellogenesis and 4.3% post-partum) and 55.6% reproductive (36.8% secondary vitellogenesis and 18.8% pregnant). Estradiol was low in spring and summer, increasing in autumn till it peaked in winter. Estradiol in secondary vitellogenesis was significantly higher than in primary vitellogenesis, or in pregnant and post-partum females, Progesterone dropped significantly in autumn compared to summer, winter, and spring. Pregnant females showed the highest levels of progesterone compared to primary or secondary vitellogenesis, or post-partum females. CAP activity showed lowest values in reproductive females in autumn and greatest levels in post-partum females. A significant negative linear relationship was obtained between CAP activity and estradiol. The combination of morphological observations, levels of steroids and CAP activity allowed us to suggest a similar morphological reproductive pattern between temperate and tropical rattlesnakes, and to infer the role of estradiol, progesterone and CAP activity on vitellogenesis, gestation and sperm storage, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S M Almeida-Santos
- Laboratório de Herpetologia, Instituto Butantan, Av. Dr. Vital Brazil 1500, Butantã 05503-900, São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Yamanouye N, Silveira PF, Abdalla FMF, Almeida-Santos SM, Breno MC, Salomão MG. Reproductive cycle of the Neotropical Crotalus durissus terrificus: II. Establishment and maintenance of the uterine muscular twisting, a strategy for long-term sperm storage. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2004; 139:151-7. [PMID: 15504393 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2004.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2004] [Revised: 08/12/2004] [Accepted: 09/03/2004] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Crotaline snakes store sperm by means of a uterine musculature twisting (UMT). We investigated the influence of plasma levels of estradiol and progesterone and vasotocinase cystine aminopeptidase (CAP) activity on UMT formation and maintenance, and the in vitro uterine reactivity for AVT in Crotalus durissus terrificus in primary or secondary vitellogenesis with or without UMT. Frequency of females in secondary vitellogenesis with UMT is significantly higher than in primary one. Estradiol levels did not vary in all conditions studied, however, significantly low levels of progesterone were found in snakes in secondary vitellogenesis with UMT compared to those without it. UMT is always observed when high levels of estradiol and low levels of progesterone are detected. CAP activity did not change in the presence of UMT. AVT produced concentration-response contractions of the isolated uterus of snakes in all stages analysed and the pD2 value and maximum contractile response were significantly higher in primary vitellogenesis without UMT than in other reproductive conditions, indicating that uterus of those snakes presents a higher contractile capacity which may favour UMT establishment. In conclusion, we show a relationship of UMT and estradiol/progesterone balance and a possible participation of AVT in UMT formation and maintenance in the Neotropical rattlesnake.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Yamanouye
- Laboratório de Farmacologia, Instituto Butantan, Av. Dr. Vital Brazil 1500, Butantã 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Almeida-Santos SM, Aparecida Peneti E, da Graça Salomão M, Santos Guimarães E, Sérgio de Sena P. Predatory combat and tail wrestling in hierarchical contests of the Neotropical rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus (Serpentes: Viperidae). AMPHIBIA-REPTILIA 1999. [DOI: 10.1163/156853899x00105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Selma Maria Almeida-Santos
- 1Laboratório de Herpetologia, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, Butantã, 05503-900, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Maria da Graça Salomão
- 3Laboratório de Herpetologia, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, Butantã, 05503-900, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Paulo Sérgio de Sena
- 5Departamento de Ciências Sociais, Ciências e Matemática, Centro Universitário Salesiano de São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Santoro ML, Sousa-e-Silva MC, Gonçalves LR, Almeida-Santos SM, Cardoso DF, Laporta-Ferreira IL, Saiki M, Peres CA, Sano-Martins IS. Comparison of the biological activities in venoms from three subspecies of the South American rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus terrificus, C. durissus cascavella and C. durissus collilineatus). Comp Biochem Physiol C Pharmacol Toxicol Endocrinol 1999; 122:61-73. [PMID: 10190029 DOI: 10.1016/s0742-8413(98)10079-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The subspecies of the South American rattlesnake, Crotalus durissus are classified according to their external morphological features and geographical distribution. We have determined some biological activities of C. durissus cascavella, C. durissus collilineatus and C. durissus terrificus venoms. C. durissus terrificus had a significantly higher clotting activity on bovine plasma and fibrinogen, human fibrinogen and rabbit plasma. C. durissus cascavella presented a statistically higher phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity in regard to C. durissus collilineatus. Their myotoxic and proteolytic activity, median lethal doses, or median platelet aggregating doses (on rabbit and human platelets) could not differentiate the three subspecies examined. However, the electrophoretic profile and the dose-response curve for edematogenic activity for C.d. cascavella venom were different from the others. With regard to the inorganic element content of the venoms, higher levels of Br, Cl and Mg, and a lower level of Zn, were found in C.d. cascavella venom. Crotamine-like activity could not be detected in C.d. cascavella venom. Furthermore, equine antivenom specific for C. durissus terrificus venom cross-reacted equally with the antigens of the three venom pools by ELISA and Western blotting. These results indicate that the venoms from the three studied subspecies of C. durissus were very similar, except for minor differences in paw edema-inducing activity, electrophoretic profile, phospholipase A2 activity, crotamine-like activity and inorganic element contents of C.d. cascavella venom.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M L Santoro
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo-SP, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|