Oviduct epithelial cells constitute two developmentally distinct lineages that are spatially separated along the distal-proximal axis

Owing to technical advances in single-cell biology, the appreciation of cellular heterogeneity has increased, which has aided our understanding of organ function, homeostasis, and disease progression. The oviduct (also known as the fallopian tube) is the distalmost portion of the female reproductive tract. It is essential for reproduction and the proposed origin of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC). In mammals, the oviduct is morphologically segmented along the ovary-uterus axis into four evolutionally conserved regions. It is unclear, however, if there is a diversification of epithelial cell characteristics between these regions. In this study, we identify transcriptionally distinct populations of secretory and multiciliated cells restricted to the distal and proximal regions of the oviduct. We demonstrate that distal and proximal populations are distinct lineages specified early in Müllerian duct development and are maintained separately. These results aid our understanding of epithelial development, homeostasis, and initiation of disease from the oviduct.

Altering the Microbiome Inhibits Tumorigenesis in a Mouse Model of Oviductal High-Grade Serous Carcinoma

Studies have shown bacteria influence the initiation and progression of cancers arising in sites that harbor rich microbial communities, such as the colon. Little is known about the potential for the microbiome to influence tumorigenesis at sites considered sterile, including the upper female genital tract. The recent identification of distinct bacterial signatures associated with ovarian carcinomas suggests microbiota in the gut, vagina, or elsewhere might contribute to ovarian cancer pathogenesis. Here, we tested whether altering the microbiome affects tumorigenesis in a mouse model of high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) based on conditional oviduct-specific inactivation of the Brca1, Trp53, Rb1, and Nf1 tumor suppressor genes. Cohorts of control (n = 20) and antibiotic-treated (n = 23) mice were treated with tamoxifen to induce tumor formation and then monitored for 12 months. The antibiotic cocktail was administered for the first 5 months of the monitoring period in the treatment group. Antibiotic-treated mice had significantly fewer and less advanced tumors than control mice at study endpoint. Antibiotics induced changes in the composition of the intestinal and vaginal microbiota, which were durable in the fecal samples. Clustering analysis showed particular groups of microbiota are associated with the development of HGSC in this model. These findings demonstrate the microbiome influences HGSC pathogenesis in an in vivo model that closely recapitulates the human disease. Because the microbiome can modulate efficacy of cancer chemo- and immunotherapy, our genetically engineered mouse model system may prove useful for testing whether altering the microbiota can improve the heretofore poor response of HGSC to immunotherapies. SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides strong in vivo evidence for a role of the microbiome in ovarian cancer pathogenesis.

Anatomy and histology of the foramen of ovarian bursa opening to the peritoneal cavity and its changes in autoimmune disease-prone mice

The ovarian bursa is a small peritoneal cavity enclosed by the mesovarium and mesosalpinx, which surrounds the ovaries and oviductal infundibulum in mammals. The ovarian bursa is considered as the structure facilitating the transport of ovulated oocytes into the oviduct. Our previous study revealed reduced oocyte pick-up function in the oviduct of lupus-prone MRL/MpJ-Faslpr/lpr mouse, suggesting the possibility of an escape of ovulated oocytes into the peritoneal cavity, despite the presence of an almost complete ovarian bursa in the mouse. In this study, we revealed anatomical and histological characteristics of the ovarian bursa in C57BL/6 N, MRL/MpJ, and MRL/MpJ-Faslpr/lpr mice. All strains had the foramen of ovarian bursa (FOB), with a size of approximately 0.04 to 0.12 cm2 , surrounded by the ligament of ovarian bursa (LOB), which is part of the mesosalpinx. The LOB was partially lined with the cuboidal mesothelial cells and consisted of a thick smooth muscle layer in all strains. In 6-month-old MRL/MpJ-Faslpr/lpr mice, in which the systemic autoimmune abnormality deteriorated and oocyte pick-up function was impaired, the size of the FOB tended to be larger than that of other strains. Additionally, in MRL/MpJ-Faslpr/lpr mice at 6 months of age, there was infiltration by numerous immune cells in the mesosalpinx suspending the isthmus; however, the LOB prevented severe inflammation and showed deposition of collagen fibers. These results not only indicate that the FOB is a common structure within mice, but also imply the physiological function of the LOB and its role in maintaining the microenvironment around the ovary, as well as regulating healthy reproduction.

Chlamydia muridarum infection differentially alters smooth muscle function in mouse uterine horn and cervix

Chlamydia trachomatis infection is a primary cause of reproductive tract diseases including infertility. Previous studies showed that this infection alters physiological activities in mouse oviducts. Whether this occurs in the uterus and cervix has never been investigated. This study characterized the physiological activities of the uterine horn and the cervix in a Chlamydia muridarum (Cmu)-infected mouse model at three infection time points of 7, 14, and 21 days postinfection (dpi). Cmu infection significantly decreased contractile force of spontaneous contraction in the cervix (7 and 14 dpi; P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively), but this effect was not observed in the uterine horn. The responses of the uterine horn and cervix to oxytocin were significantly altered by Cmu infection at 7 dpi (P < 0.0001), but such responses were attenuated at 14 and 21 dpi. Cmu infection increased contractile force to prostaglandin (PGF_2α) by 53-83% in the uterine horn. This corresponded with the increased messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of Ptgfr that encodes for its receptor. However, Cmu infection did not affect contractions of the uterine horn and cervix to PGE₂ and histamine. The mRNA expression of Otr and Ptger4 was inversely correlated with the mRNA expression of Il1b, Il6 in the uterine horn of Cmu-inoculated mice (P < 0.01 to P < 0.001), suggesting that the changes in the Otr and Ptger4 mRNA expression might be linked to the changes in inflammatory cytokines. Lastly, this study also showed a novel physiological finding of the differential response to PGE₂ in mouse uterine horn and cervix.

Chronic fetal hypoxia disrupts the peri-conceptual environment in next-generation adult female rats

KEY POINTS

Exposure to chronic hypoxia during gestation influences long-term health and development, including reproductive capacity, across generations. If the peri-conceptual environment in the developing oviduct is affected by gestational hypoxia, then this could have implications for later fertility and the health of future generations. In the present study, we show that the oviducts of female rats exposed to chronic hypoxia in utero have reduced telomere length, decreased mitochondrial DNA biogenesis and increased oxidative stress The results of the present study show that exposure to chronic gestational hypoxia leads to accelerated ageing of the oviduct in early adulthood and they help us understand how exposure to hypoxia during development could influence reproductive health across generations.

ABSTRACT

Exposure to chronic hypoxia during fetal development has important effects on immediate and long-term outcomes in offspring. Adverse impacts in adult offspring include impairment of cardiovascular function, metabolic derangement and accelerated ovarian ageing. However, it is not known whether other aspects of the female reproductive system may be similarly affected. In the present study, we examined the impact of chronic gestational hypoxia on the developing oviduct. Wistar rat dams were randomized to either normoxia (21%) or hypoxia (13%) from day 6 post-mating until delivery. Post-delivery female offspring were maintained in normoxia until 4 months of age. Oviductal gene expression was assayed at the RNA (quantitative RT-PCR) and protein (western blotting) levels. Oviductal telomere length was assayed using Southern blotting. Oviductal telomere length was reduced in the gestational hypoxia-exposed animals compared to normoxic controls (P < 0.01). This was associated with a specific post-transcriptional reduction in the KU70 subunit of DNA-pk in the gestational hypoxia-exposed group (P < 0.05). Gestational hypoxia-exposed oviducts also showed evidence of decreased mitochondrial DNA biogenesis, reduced mtDNA copy number (P < 0.05) and reduced gene expression of Tfam (P < 0.05) and Pgc1α (P < 0.05). In the hypoxia-exposed oviducts, there was upregulation of mitochondrial-specific anti-oxidant defence enzymes (MnSOD; P < 0.01). Exposure to chronic gestational hypoxia leads to accelerated ageing of the oviduct in adulthood. The oviduct plays a central role in early development as the site of gamete transport, syngamy, and early development; hence, accelerated ageing of the oviductal environment could have important implications for fertility and the health of future generations.

TLR3 deficiency exacerbates the loss of epithelial barrier function during genital tract Chlamydia muridarum infection

Problem

Chlamydia trachomatis infections are often associated with acute syndromes including cervicitis, urethritis, and endometritis, which can lead to chronic sequelae such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and tubal infertility. As epithelial cells are the primary cell type productively infected during genital tract Chlamydia infections, we investigated whether Chlamydia has any impact on the integrity of the host epithelial barrier as a possible mechanism to facilitate the dissemination of infection, and examined whether TLR3 function modulates its impact.

Method of study

We used wild-type and TLR3-deficient murine oviduct epithelial (OE) cells to ascertain whether C. muridarum infection had any effect on the epithelial barrier integrity of these cells as measured by transepithelial resistance (TER) and cell permeability assays. We next assessed whether infection impacted the transcription and protein function of the cellular tight-junction (TJ) genes for claudins1-4, ZO-1, JAM1 and occludin via quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and western blot.

Results

qPCR, immunoblotting, transwell permeability assays, and TER studies show that Chlamydia compromises cellular TJ function throughout infection in murine OE cells and that TLR3 deficiency significantly exacerbates this effect.

Conclusion

Our data show that TLR3 plays a role in modulating epithelial barrier function during Chlamydia infection of epithelial cells lining the genital tract. These findings propose a role for TLR3 signaling in maintaining the integrity of epithelial barrier function during genital tract Chlamydia infection, a function that we hypothesize is important in helping limit the chlamydial spread and subsequent genital tract pathology.

Protective Effect Of Vitamin C On Monosodium Glutamate Induced Changes In The Oviduct Of Rats

BACKGROUND

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Vitamin C on Monosodium Glutamate induced histopathological changes in oviduct of adult female Sprague Dawley rats. The duration of study was 6 months. It was an analytical experimental randomized control trial.

METHODS

In this experimental study, 45 female adult Sprague Dawley rats of 10-14 weeks were used and divided into 3 groups. Each group contains 15 rats. Control group (C) received standard laboratory diet. Experimental group A, was given Monosodium Glutamate (0.08 mg/kg body weight/ day) whereas experimental group B, was served on both MSG and Vitamin C (250 mg/kg body weight/day). All groups received diet for a period of 4 weeks. After 4 weeks all rats were sacrificed and oviducts were obtained. For the study of tissue under light microscopy, tissue processing was done by using Haematoxylin and Eosin stain and 5micrometer thick sections were taken from the ampullary part of oviduct.

RESULTS

After administration of MSG, group A showed vacuolization of epithelial cells, infiltration of RBCs in lumen with substantial decrease in the diameter of oviduct in group A. Protective effects were seen in vitamin C supplemented group B, with decrease in epithelial vacuolization and RBCs infiltrate along with increase in diameter of oviduct.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin C has protective effect on Monosodium Glutamate induced histological changes in oviduct of rats.

Uterotubal junction prevents chlamydial ascension via innate immunity

Ascension to the oviduct is necessary for Chlamydia to induce tubal infertility. Using the Chlamydia muridarum induction of hydrosalpinx mouse model, we have demonstrated a significant role of the uterotubal junction in preventing chlamydial ascending infection. First, delivery of C. muridarum to either side of the uterotubal junction resulted in significant reduction in live organisms from the tissues on the opposite sides. However, the recovery yields remained similar among different sections of the uterine horn. These observations suggest that the uterotubal junction may function as a barrier between the uterine horn and oviduct. Second, deficiency in innate immunity signaling pathways mediated by either MyD88 or STING significantly compromised the uterotubal junction barrier function, permitting C. muridarum to spread freely between uterine horn and oviduct. Finally, transcervical inoculation of C. muridarum led to significantly higher incidence of bilateral hydrosalpinges in the STING-deficient mice while the same inoculation mainly induced unilateral hydrosalpinx in the wild type mice, suggesting that the STING pathway-dependent uterotubal junction plays a significant role in preventing tubal pathology. Thus, we have demonstrated for the first time that the uterotubal junction is a functional barrier for preventing tubal infection by a sexually transmitted agent, providing the first in vivo evidence for detecting chlamydial infection by the STING pathway.

Ethanol impedes embryo transport and impairs oviduct epithelium

Most studies have demonstrated that alcohol consumption is associated with decreased fertility. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of alcohol on pre-implantation embryo transport and/or early embryo development in the oviduct. We reported here that ethanol concentration-dependently suppressed the spontaneous motility of isolated human oviduct strips (EC50 50±6mM), which was largely attenuated in the present of L-NAME, a classical nitric oxide synthase(NOS) competitive inhibitor. Notably, either acute or chronic alcohol intake delayed egg transport and retarded early development of the embryo in the mouse oviduct, which was largely rescued by co-administration of L-NAME in a acute alcohol intake group but not in chronic alcohol intake group. It is worth mentioning that the oviductal epithelium destruction was verified by scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations in chronic alcohol intake group. In conclusion, alcohol intake delayed egg transport and retarded early development of the embryo in the oviduct by suppressing the spontaneous motility of oviduct and/or impairing oviductal epithelium. These findings suggested that alcohol abuse increases the incident of ectopic pregnancy.

Leiomyosarcoma FNCLCC G3 pT2B of broad ligament adherent to right oviduct - case report with molecular profiling

Here we present a report of 61-year-old female patient. Uterus with left appendages was removed together with clinically tagged "tumor of right ovary" and then extensively sampled and routinely processed with Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) and some additional staining. There was discernible oviduct adherent to grayish, solid, polycyclic 22 cm in diameter focally necrotic tumor to be diagnosed high-grade conventional leiomyosarcoma FNCLCC (Fédération Nationale des Centres de Lutte Contre le Cancer) G3 pT2b, according to 7th edition pTNM, according to World Health Organization (WHO) 2013 International Classification of Diseases for Oncology (ICD-O): 8890÷3, in nearby of right oviduct. Grade of differentiation was given according to FNCLCC classification: grade 3 {point score: 6 = 1 [microscopically necrosis comprised 10% of the tumor] + 3 [high mitotic index eight mitoses÷one high-power field (HPF) in hot spots in HE slides; Ki67 labeled approximately 60% of tumor cells] + 2 [histopathological type: conventional leiomyosarcoma]}. The staging was more appropriate for pT2b (7th edition pTNM) for deeply seated sarcoma of soft tissues, in examined samples, there was no trace of microscopically evident ovarian texture) rather than pT1a for ovarian tumors. The tumor was alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-positive. Detected epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) immuno-reactivity indicates a possible change in mesenchymal origin. Next generation sequencing revealed tumor protein p53 (TP53) mutation C275Y (7577114 C>T). Each soft tissue malignancy should be carefully reported with appropriate choice of staging and precisely graded with internationally acknowledged classification.

The p47phox deficiency significantly attenuates the pathogenicity of Chlamydia muridarum in the mouse oviduct but not uterine tissues

The Chlamydia muridarum induction of the upper genital tract pathology in mice has been used to investigate the mechanisms of chlamydial pathogenesis. We report that the NCF1 (neutrophil cytosolic factor1)-encoded p47phox (phagocyte oxidase), an essential subunit of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-oxidase, contributes significantly to C. muridarum induction of hydrosalpinx. Mice lacking p47phox (p47phox-deficient) were no longer able to develop significant hydrosalpinx following an intravaginal infection with C. muridarum. However, there was no significant difference in uterine horn dilation (as a result of the endometrial glandular duct dilation) between the p47phox-deficient and -sufficient mice. Thus, the role of NADPH oxidase in chlamydial pathogenesis is restricted to the oviduct tissue rather than the entire upper genital tract. Interestingly, both the p47phox-deficient and -sufficient mice displayed similar levels of chlamydial live organism shedding from the lower genital tract, suggesting that the NADPH oxidase is not required for the mouse control of chlamydial infection in the lower genital tract. Furthermore, the p47phox deficiency did not affect the infectious organism burden in the upper genital tract tissues, indicating that the NADPH-oxidase activity is not necessary for the mouse prevention of chlamydial ascension from the lower to upper genital tracts. However, the p47phox-defieicnt mice displayed a significantly reduced chronic inflammatory infiltration in the oviduct but not uterine tissues, supporting the finding that the NADPH oxidase activity is required for chlamydial induction of dilation in the oviduct but not the endometrial glandular duct. Thus, we have demonstrated a significant role of the host NADPH oxidase in promoting chronic inflammatory pathology in the oviduct following chlamydial infection.

The potential protective role of the combination of IL-22 and TNF-α against genital tract Chlamydia trachomatis infection

Th22 cells are a novel class of lymphocytes characterized by the secretion of both IL-22 and TNF-α. In summary, Th22 cells have little or no direct impact on other immune cells, but exert selective effects on epithelia. It is not known, however, whether Th22 cells play a role in genital mucosal immunity. Here, we demonstrate that IL-22 and TNF-α synergistically induce several immunomodulatory molecules, such as the antimicrobial peptide mBD-2 (murine β-defensin 2) and the antimicrobial chemokines CXCL-9, -10, and -11 in primary murine oviduct epithelial cells (MOECs). The induction of innate immunity is relevant in an in vitro infection model, in which MOECs stimulated with Th22 cell supernatants or recombinant IL-22 and TNF-α effectively inhibit the growth of Chlamydia trachomatis and maintain the survival of the epithelia compared with IL-22 or TNF-α alone. In summary, we demonstrate that the Th22 cell cytokines IL-22 and TNF-α play important roles in genital tract infection. The potential for Th22 cell cytokines to modulate innate immune mediators may lead to the development of new topical agents to treat and/or prevent immune-mediated sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In summary, we demonstrate that IL-22 and TNF-α represent a potent, synergistic cytokine combination for inducing genital mucosal immunity.

Differential expression of vitelline membrane outer layer protein 1: hormonal regulation of expression in the oviduct and in ovarian carcinomas from laying hens

Vitelline membrane outer layer protein 1 (VMO1), a basic protein present in the outer layer of the vitelline membrane of eggs, plays essential roles in separating the yolk from the egg white and preventing infection from bacteria by forming a barrier of fibrous layers in avian eggs. Although VMO1 is expressed in the oviduct of hens, little is known about endocrine regulation of transcription of VMO1 in the oviduct and its expression in cancerous ovaries of laying hens. Results of present study indicated that expression of VMO1 mRNA increased in the chick oviduct in response to diethylstilbestrol (DES, a synthetic non-steroidal estrogen). VMO1 mRNA and protein were particularly abundant in the glandular epithelium (GE) and luminal epithelium (LE) of the magnum of the oviducts of chicks treated with DES. Also, during the regression and recrudescence phases of the oviduct during induced molting with zinc feeding, VMO1 expression decreased as the oviduct regressed and increased with remodeling and recrudescence of the oviduct in laying hens. In addition, changes in relative expression of specific microRNAs (miR-1623, miR-1552-3p, miR-1573, miR-22-3p, miR-124a and miR-1764) regulating VMO1 gene were detected in the oviducts during the molting period. Moreover, abundant expression of VMO1 was found in GE of cancerous, but not normal ovaries of laying hens. Results of the present study suggest that VMO1 is regulated by estrogen and target microRNAs in the chicken oviduct and that it is a potential diagnostic marker of ovarian cancer in laying hens.

Avian SERPINB12 expression in the avian oviduct is regulated by estrogen and up-regulated in epithelial cell-derived ovarian carcinomas of laying hens

Serine protease inhibitors (SERPINs) are involved in a variety of biological processes such as blood clotting, angiogenesis, immune system, and embryogenesis. Although, of these, SERPINB12 is identified as the latest member of clade B in humans, little is known of it in chickens. Thus, in this study, we investigated SERPINB12 expression profiles in various tissues of chickens and focused on effects of steroid hormone regulation of its expression. In the chicken oviduct, SERPINB12 mRNA and protein are abundant in the luminal (LE) and glandular (GE) epithelia of the magnum in response to endogenous or exogenous estrogen. Furthermore, SERPINB12 mRNA and protein increase significantly in GE of cancerous ovaries of laying hens with epithelia-derived ovarian cancer. Collectively, these results indicate that SERPINB12 is a novel estrogen-stimulated gene that is up-regulated by estrogen in epithelial cells of the chicken oviduct and that it is a potential biomarker for early detection of ovarian carcinomas in laying hens and women.

Hormonal regulation of beta-catenin during development of the avian oviduct and its expression in epithelial cell-derived ovarian carcinogenesis

Beta-catenin (CTNNB1) is a dual function molecule that acts as a key component of the cadherin complex and WNT signaling pathway. It has a crucial role in embryogenesis, tumorigenesis, angiogenesis and progression of metastasis. Recently, it has been suggested that the CTNNB1 complex is a major regulator of development of the mouse oviduct and uterus. However, little is known about the CTNNB1 gene in chickens. Therefore, in this study, we focused on the CTNNB1 gene in the chicken reproductive tract and hormonal control of its expression in the chicken oviduct. CTNNB1 was localized specifically to the luminal and glandular epithelium of the four segments of chicken oviduct and DES (diethylstilbestrol, a synthetic non-steroidal estrogen) increased its expression primarily in LE of the magnum. In addition, CTNNB1 mRNA and protein were expressed abundantly in glandular epithelium of endometrioid-type ovarian carcinoma, but not in normal ovaries. Moreover, CTNNB1 expression was post-transcriptionally regulated via its 3'-UTR by binding with target miRNAs including miR-217, miR-1467, miR-1623 and miR-1697. Collectively, these results indicate that CTNNB1 is a novel gene regulated by estrogen in epithelial cells of the chicken oviduct and that it is also abundantly expressed in epithelial cells of endometrioid-type ovarian carcinoma suggesting that it could be used as a marker for diagnosis of ovarian cancer in laying hens and women.

IL-23 induces IL-22 and IL-17 production in response to Chlamydia muridarum genital tract infection, but the absence of these cytokines does not influence disease pathogenesis

OBJECTIVE

Chlamydia trachomatis infections are a significant cause of reproductive tract pathology. Protective and pathological immune mediators must be differentiated to design a safe and effective vaccine.

METHODS

Wild-type mice and mice deficient in IL-22 and IL-23 were infected intravaginally with Chlamydia muridarum, and their course of infection and oviduct pathology were compared. Local genital tract and draining lymph node immune responses were also examined in IL-23-deficient mice.

RESULTS

IL-22- and IL-23-deficient mice exhibited normal susceptibility to infection and oviduct pathology. IL-23 was required for the development of a Chlamydia-specific Th17 response in the lymph nodes and for production of IL-22 and IL-17 in the genital tract. However, influx of Th1 and innate immune cells was not compromised in the absence of IL-23.

CONCLUSION

IL-22 and IL-23 play either redundant or minimal roles in the pathogenesis of Chlamydia infection in the mouse model. Induction of Th17-associated cytokines by a Chlamydia vaccine should be avoided as these responses are not central to resolution of infection and have pathologic potential.

The duration of Chlamydia muridarum genital tract infection and associated chronic pathological changes are reduced in IL-17 knockout mice but protection is not increased further by immunization

IL-17 is believed to be important for protection against extracellular pathogens, where clearance is dependent on neutrophil recruitment and local activation of epithelial cell defences. However, the role of IL-17 in protection against intracellular pathogens such as Chlamydia is less clear. We have compared (i) the course of natural genital tract C. muridarum infection, (ii) the development of oviduct pathology and (iii) the development of vaccine-induced immunity against infection in wild type (WT) BALB/c and IL-17 knockout mice (IL-17-/-) to determine if IL-17-mediated immunity is implicated in the development of infection-induced pathology and/or protection. Both the magnitude and duration of genital infection was significantly reduced in IL-17-/- mice compared to BALB/c. Similarly, hydrosalpinx was also greatly reduced in IL-17-/- mice and this correlated with reduced neutrophil and macrophage infiltration of oviduct tissues. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9 and MMP2 were increased in WT oviducts compared to IL-17-/- animals at day 7 post-infection. In contrast, oviducts from IL-17-/- mice contained higher MMP9 and MMP2 at day 21. Infection also elicited higher levels of Chlamydia-neutralizing antibody in serum of IL-17-/- mice than WT mice. Following intranasal immunization with C. muridarumMajor Outer Membrane Protein (MOMP) and cholera toxin plus CpG adjuvants, significantly higher levels of chlamydial MOMP-specific IgG and IgA were found in serum and vaginal washes of IL-17-/- mice. T cell proliferation and IFNγ production by splenocytes was greater in WT animals following in vitro re-stimulation, however vaccination was only effective at reducing infection in WT, not IL-17-/- mice. Intranasal or transcutaneous immunization protected WT but not IL-17-/- mice against hydrosalpinx development. Our data show that in the absence of IL-17, the severity of C. muridarum genital infection and associated oviduct pathology are significantly attenuated, however neither infection or pathology can be reduced further by vaccination protocols that effectively protect WT mice.

Avian WNT4 in the female reproductive tracts: potential role of oviduct development and ovarian carcinogenesis

The wingless-type MMTV integration site family of proteins (WNTs) is highly conserved secreted lipid-modified signaling molecules that play a variety of pivotal roles in developmental events such as embryogenesis, tissue homeostasis and cell polarity. Although, of these proteins, WNT4 is known to be involved in genital development in fetuses of mammalian species, its role is unknown in avian species. Therefore, in this study, we investigated expression profiles, as well as hormonal and post-transcriptional regulation of WNT4 expression in the reproductive tract of female chickens. Results of this study demonstrated that WNT4 is most abundant in the stromal and luminal epithelial cells of the isthmus and shell gland of the oviduct, respectively. WNT4 is also most abundant in the glandular epithelium of the shell gland of the oviduct of laying hens at 3 h post-ovulation during the laying cycle. In addition, treatment of young chicks with diethylstilbestrol (DES, a synthetic estrogen agonist) stimulated WNT4 only in the glandular epithelial cells of the isthmus and shell gland of the oviduct. Moreover, results of our study demonstrated that miR-1786 influences WNT4 expression via specific binding sites in its 3'-UTR. On the other hand, our results also indicate that WNT4 is expressed predominantly in the glandular epithelium of cancerous ovaries, but not in normal ovaries of hens. Collectively, these results indicate cell-specific expression of WNT4 in the reproductive tract of chickens and that it likely has crucial roles in development and function of oviduct as well as initiation of ovarian carcinogenesis in laying hens.

Intranasal vaccination with Chlamydia pneumoniae induces cross-species immunity against genital Chlamydia muridarum challenge in mice

Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted disease in the world and specifically in the United States, with the highest incidence in age-groups 14-19 years. In a subset of females, the C. trachomatis genital infection leads to serious pathological sequelae including pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. Chlamydia pneumoniae, another member of the same genus, is a common cause of community acquired respiratory infection with significant number of children aged 5-14 yr displaying sero-conversion. Since these bacteriae share several antigenic determinants, we evaluated whether intranasal immunization with live C. pneumoniae (1×10(6) inclusion forming units; IFU) in 5 week old female C57BL/6 mice would induce cross-species protection against subsequent intravaginal challenge with Chlamydia muridarum (5×10(4) IFU), which causes a similar genital infection and pathology in mice as C. trachomatis in humans. Mice vaccinated intranasally with live C. pneumoniae, but not mock (PBS) immunized animals, displayed high levels of splenic cellular antigen-specific IFN-γ production and serum antibody response against C. muridarum and C. trachomatis. Mice vaccinated with C. pneumoniae displayed a significant reduction in the vaginal C. muridarum shedding as early as day 12 after secondary i.vag. challenge compared to PBS (mock) immunized mice. At day 19 after C. muridarum challenge, 100% of C. pneumoniae vaccinated mice had cleared the infection compared to none (0%) of the mock immunized mice, which cleared the infection by day 27. At day 80 after C. muridarum challenge, C. pneumoniae vaccinated mice displayed a significant reduction in the incidence (50%) and degree of hydrosalpinx compared to mock immunized animals (100%). These results suggest that respiratory C. pneumoniae infection induces accelerated chlamydial clearance and reduction of oviduct pathology following genital C. muridarum challenge, and may have important implications to the C. trachomatis-induced reproductive disease in humans.

Expression and regulation of beta-defensin 11 in the oviduct in response to estrogen and in ovarian tumors of chickens

Avian beta-defensins (AvBDs), also known as gallinacins, are small cationic peptides having three cysteine disulfide bonds between their cysteine residues. They play essential roles in the innate immune system as well as stimulate proliferation of epithelial cells and fibroblasts. Although we found the avian homolog of human beta-defensin 11 to be highly expressed in chicks treated with the diethylstilbestrol (DES, a synthetic estrogen agonist), little is known about the hormonal and transcriptional regulation of AvBD-11 in the chicken oviduct and its expression in cancerous ovaries of chickens. Results of this study of young chicks revealed that DES induced AvBD-11 mRNA and protein in the oviduct, specifically luminal and glandular epithelial cells. In addition, microRNA-1615 was discovered to influence AvBD-11 expression via its 3'-UTR which suggests post-transcriptional regulation of AvBD-11 expression in chickens. Furthermore, we compared the expression patterns of the AvBD-11 gene in normal and cancerous ovaries from laying hens which are models for human epithelial ovarian cancer. Our results demonstrated that AvBD-11 is most abundant in the glandular epithelium of endometrioid-type ovarian tumors, but not normal ovaries of laying hens. Collectively, these results suggest that AvBD-11 is an estrogen-induced gene during oviduct development and that it may be used as a biomarker for diagnosis of ovarian cancer and for monitoring effects of therapeutics on progression of ovarian carcinogenesis.

Stromal liver kinase B1 [STK11] signaling loss induces oviductal adenomas and endometrial cancer by activating mammalian Target of Rapamycin Complex 1

Germline mutations of the Liver Kinase b1 (LKB1/STK11) tumor suppressor gene have been linked to Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome (PJS), an autosomal-dominant, cancer-prone disorder in which patients develop neoplasms in several organs, including the oviduct, ovary, and cervix. We have conditionally deleted Lkb1 in Müllerian duct mesenchyme-derived cells of the female reproductive tract and observed expansion of the stromal compartment and hyperplasia and/or neoplasia of adjacent epithelial cells throughout the reproductive tract with paratubal cysts and adenomyomas in oviducts and, eventually, endometrial cancer. Examination of the proliferation marker phospho-histone H3 and mammalian Target Of Rapamycin Complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway members revealed increased proliferation and mTORC1 activation in stromal cells of both the oviduct and uterus. Treatment with rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTORC1 activity, decreased tumor burden in adult Lkb1 mutant mice. Deletion of the genes for Tuberous Sclerosis 1 (Tsc1) or Tsc2, regulators of mTORC1 that are downstream of LKB1 signaling, in the oviductal and uterine stroma phenocopies some of the defects observed in Lkb1 mutant mice, confirming that dysregulated mTORC1 activation in the Lkb1-deleted stroma contributes to the phenotype. Loss of PTEN, an upstream regulator of mTORC1 signaling, along with Lkb1 deletion significantly increased tumor burden in uteri and induced tumorigenesis in the cervix and vagina. These studies show that LKB1/TSC1/TSC2/mTORC1 signaling in mesenchymal cells is important for the maintenance of epithelial integrity and suppression of carcinogenesis in adjacent epithelial cells. Because similar changes in the stromal population are also observed in human oviductal/ovarian adenoma and endometrial adenocarcinoma patients, we predict that dysregulated mTORC1 activity by upstream mechanisms similar to those described in these model systems contributes to the pathogenesis of these human diseases.

Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome patients have autosomal dominant mutations in the LKB1/STK11 gene and are prone to developing cancer, predominantly in the intestinal tract but also in other tissues, including the reproductive tracts and gonads. To elucidate the mechanisms disrupted by the loss of LKB1 in the reproductive tract, we have developed a mouse model with deletion of Lkb1 specifically in stromal cells of gynecologic tissues. These mice show stromal cell expansion and develop oviductal adenomas and endometrial cancer. Deletion of either Tsc1 or Tsc2 genes, which are mutated in patients with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and whose protein products are indirect downstream targets of LKB1 signaling, resulted in some of the same defects observed in Lkb1 mutant mice. Activation of mammalian Target Of Rapamycin Complex 1 (mTORC1), a common effector of disrupted LKB1, TSC1, and TSC2 signaling, was observed in all mutant tissues examined, suggesting that uninhibited mTORC1 activity is necessary for the phenotypes. Suppression of mTORC1 signaling by rapamycin reduced tumor burden in Lkb1 mutant mice, confirming the link between dysregulation of mTORC1 to development of the Lkb1 mutant phenotype and suggesting that therapeutic targeting of LKB1/TSC1/TSC2/mTORC1 signaling would benefit human Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome and Tuberous Sclerosis patients with reproductive tract disease.

Early life exposure to genistein and daidzein disrupts structural development of reproductive organs in female mice

In mice, exposure to isoflavones (ISO), abundant in soy infant formula, during the first 5 d of life alters structural and functional development of reproductive organs. Effects of longer exposures are unknown. The study objective was to evaluate whether exposure to a combination of daidzein and genistein in the first 10 compared to 5 d of life results in greater adverse effects on ovarian and uterine structure in adult mice. Thirteen litters of 8-12 pups were cross-fostered and randomized to corn oil or ISO (2 mg daidzein + 5 mg genistein/kg body weight/d) for the first 5 or 10 d of life. The 10-d protocol mimicked the period when infants are fed soy protein formula (SPF) but avoids the time when suckling pups can consume mother's diet. Body and organ weights, and histology of ovaries and uteri were analyzed. There were no differences in the ovary or uterus weight, number of ovarian follicles, number of multiple oocyte follicles, or percent of ovarian cysts with 5 or 10 d ISO intervention compared to respective controls. The 10-d ISO group had higher body weights from 6 d to 4 mo of age and a higher percent of hyperplasia in the oviduct than the respective control. Lower number of ovarian corpus lutea and a higher incidence of abnormal changes were reported in the uteri of both ISO groups compared to their respective controls. Five and 10-d exposure to ISO had similar long-lasting adverse effects on the structure of ovaries and uterus in adult mice. Only the 10-d ISO exposure resulted in greater body weight gain at adulthood.

Permanent oviduct posteriorization after neonatal exposure to the phytoestrogen genistein

BACKGROUND

Preimplantation embryo loss during oviduct transit has been observed in adult mice after a 5-day neonatal exposure to the phytoestrogen genistein (Gen; 50 mg/kg/day).

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the mechanisms underlying the contribution of the oviduct to infertility.

METHODS

Female mice were treated on postnatal days 1-5 with corn oil or Gen (50 mg/kg/day). We compared morphology, gene expression, and protein expression in different regions of the reproductive tracts of Gen-treated mice with those of control littermates at several time points.

RESULTS

Neonatal Gen treatment resulted in substantial changes in expression of genes that modulate neonatal oviduct morphogenesis, including Hoxa (homeobox A cluster), Wnt (wingless-related MMTV integration site), and hedgehog signaling genes. An estrogen receptor antagonist blocked these effects, indicating that they were induced by the estrogenic activity of Gen. Oviducts of adults treated neonatally with Gen had abnormal morphology and were stably "posteriorized," as indicated by altered Hoxa gene patterning during the time of treatment and dramatic, permanent up-regulation of homeobox genes (e.g., Pitx1, Six1) normally expressed only in the cervix and vagina.

CONCLUSIONS

Neonatal exposure to estrogenic environmental chemicals permanently disrupts oviduct morphogenesis and adult gene expression patterns, and these changes likely contribute to the infertility phenotype.

Enhanced neutrophil longevity and recruitment contribute to the severity of oviduct pathology during Chlamydia muridarum infection

Our previous studies revealed that intravaginal infection of mice with a plasmid-deficient strain of Chlamydia muridarum, CM3.1, does not induce the development of oviduct pathology. In this study, we determined that infection with CM3.1 resulted in a significantly reduced frequency and absolute number of neutrophils in the oviducts during acute infection. This reduction in neutrophils was associated with significantly lower levels of neutrophil chemokines in the oviducts and decreased production of neutrophil chemokines by oviduct epithelial cells infected with CM3.1 in vitro. Infection with CM3.1 also resulted in an increased frequency of late apoptotic/dead neutrophils in the oviduct. Examination of the ability of Chlamydia trachomatis to prevent neutrophil apoptosis in vitro revealed that C. trachomatis strain D/UW-3/Cx exhibited an enhanced ability to prevent neutrophil apoptosis compared to plasmid-deficient CTD153, and this effect was dependent on the presence of CD14(high) monocytes. The presence of monocytes also resulted in enhanced neutrophil cytokine production and increased production of tissue-damaging molecules in response to D/UW-3/Cx relative to results with CTD153. Attempts to use antibody-mediated depletion to discern the specific role of neutrophils in infection control and pathology in vivo revealed that although Ly6G(high) neutrophils were eliminated from the blood and oviducts with this treatment, immature neutrophils and high levels of tissue-damaging molecules were still detectable in the upper genital tract. These data support the role of neutrophils in chlamydia-induced pathology and reveal that novel methods of depletion must be developed before their role can be specifically determined in vivo.

Early life progestin exposure causes arrested oocyte development, oviductal agenesis and sterility in adult Xenopus tropicalis frogs

Levonorgestrel (LNG) is a commonly used pharmaceutical progestin found in the environment. Information on the long-term toxicity of progestins following early life exposure is scant. We investigated the effects of developmental LNG exposure on sex differentiation, reproductive organ development and fertility in the model frog Xenopus tropicalis. Tadpoles were exposed to 0, 0.06 or 0.5nM LNG via the water from hatching until metamorphosis. At metamorphosis effects on gonadal differentiation were evaluated using a subsample of frogs. Remaining animals were held unexposed for nine months, at which time reproductive organ structure, function and fertility were determined. LNG exposure severely impaired oviduct and ovary development and fertility. All adult females in the 0.5nM group (n=10) completely lacked oviducts. They also displayed a significantly larger fraction of immature oocytes, arrested in meiotic prophase, than control females. Upon mating with unexposed males, only one of 11 LNG-exposed females laid eggs, whereas all control females did. No effects on testicular development, sperm count or male fertility were observed. At metamorphosis, no effects on sex ratio or gonadal histology were evident. The effects on ovarian and oviductal development were detected at adult age but not at metamorphosis, emphasising the importance of investigating the long-term consequences of developmental exposure. This is the first developmental reproductive toxicity study of a progestin in an aquatic vertebrate. Considering that several progestins are present in contaminated surface waters, further investigation into the sensitivity of frogs to progestins is warranted to understand the risk such compounds may pose to wild frog populations.

Female reproductive toxicology of cadmium

The aim of this study was to determine effects of Cd on the structure of ovary, oviduct and uterus after an experimental administration. Animals were divided into three groups. In group A rabbits received cadmium i.p. and were killed after 48 h. In group C Cd was administered p.o. for 5 month. The group K was the control. Decreased relative volume of growing follicles and increased stroma after Cd administration were detected. The number of atretic follicles was significantly higher after administration of Cd. The most frequent ultrastructural alterations observed were undulation of external nuclear membrane, dilatation of perinuclear cistern and endoplasmic reticulum. In all studied types of cells mitochondria with altered structure were found. In the oviduct the highest amount of epithelium in the group with long-term Cd administration was found. Microscopic analysis showed oedematization of the oviduct tissue, caused by disintegration of the capillary wall. An electron microscopic analysis showed dilatation of perinuclear cistern. The intercellular spaces were enlarged and junctions between cells were affected. Mainly after a long-term cadmium administration nuclear chromatin disintegration was present. In the uterus a significant change was determined in the relative volume of glandular epithelium. Increase of stroma was a sign of uterus oedamatization caused by damage in the wall of blood vessels and subsequent diapedesis. After Cd administration alteration in uterus were less expressed, in comparison with ovary and oviduct. Alteration of nuclear chromatin contain following Cd administration suggests degenerative functional changes.

PGAP1 knock-out mice show otocephaly and male infertility

A palmitate linked to the inositol in glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) is removed in the endoplasmic reticulum immediately after the conjugation of GPI with proteins in most cells. Previously, we identified PGAP1 (post GPI attachment to proteins 1) as a GPI inositoldeacylase that removes the palmitate from inositol. A defect in PGAP1 caused a delay in the transport of GPI-anchored proteins (GPI-APs) from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cell surface in Chinese hamster ovary cells, although the cell-surface expression of GPI-APs in the steady state was normal. Nevertheless, in most cells, GPI-APs undergo deacylation. To elucidate the biological significance of PGAP1 in vivo, we established PGAP1 knock-out mice. Most PGAP1 knock-out mice showed otocephaly, a developmental defect, and died right after birth. However, some survived with growth retardation. Male knock-out mice showed severely reduced fertility despite the capability of ejaculation. Their spermatozoa were normal in number, motility, and ability to ascend the uterus, but were unable to go into the oviduct. In vitro, PGAP1-deficient spermatozoa showed weak attachment to the zona pellucida and a severely diminished rate of fertilization. Therefore, an extra acyl chain in GPI anchors caused severe deleterious effects to development and sperm function.

Long-term adverse effects of neonatal exposure to bisphenol A on the murine female reproductive tract

The developing fetus is uniquely sensitive to perturbation by chemicals with hormone-like activity. The adverse effects of prenatal diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure are a classic example. Since concern has been mounting regarding the human health and environmental effects of bisphenol A (BPA), a high-production-volume chemical with estrogenic activity used in the synthesis of plastics, we investigated its long-term effects in an experimental animal model that was previously shown useful in studying the adverse effects of developmental exposure to DES. Outbred female CD-1 mice were treated on days 1-5 with subcutaneous injections of BPA (10, 100 or 1000 microg/kg/day) dissolved in corn oil or corn oil alone (Control). At 18 months, ovaries and reproductive tract tissues were examined. There was a statistically significant increase in cystic ovaries and cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) in the BPA-100 group as compared to Controls. Progressive proliferative lesion (PPL) of the oviduct and cystic mesonephric (Wolffian) duct remnants were also seen in all of the BPA groups. More severe pathologies of the uterus following neonatal BPA treatment included adenomyosis, leiomyomas, atypical hyperplasia, and stromal polyps. These data suggest that BPA causes long-term adverse effects if exposure occurs during critical periods of differentiation.

Comparative histopathology of two serotypes of infectious bronchitis virus (T and n1/88) in laying hens and cockerels

The comparative and sequential histopathology of different tissues of unvaccinated laying hens and cockerels were studied in chickens exposed to T and N1/88 strain of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). The Harderian gland and trachea of hens and cockerels in both T- and N1/88-infected groups were damaged to a similar extent. The cecum was unaffected for both strains of IBV in both hens and cockerels. The sequential histopathological changes in hens revealed that IBV multiplies initially in the Harderian gland, then in the tracheal mucosa and simultaneously in the kidney and regions of the oviduct such as the magnum, tubular shell gland, and shell gland pouch. In cockerels, IBV multiplies first in the Harderian gland, then simultaneously in the trachea and kidney. Overall, the severity and persistence of lesions were greater in the kidneys of T-infected hens as compared with N1/88-infected hens. However, pathological changes in the kidney were mild in T- and N1/88-infected cockerels.

Histopathology of two serotypes of infectious bronchitis virus in laying hens vaccinated in the rearing phase

The comparative histopathology of 2 different strains of infectious bronchitis virus (T and N1/ 88) in vaccinated hens was studied at 110 wk of age. The Harderian gland showed similar histopathology in T- and N1/88-infected hens. The trachea and kidney of challenged vaccinated hens were protected to a moderate extent, but the oviduct was protected to only a small extent. The severity and persistence of lesions were greater in tubular shell gland, shell gland pouch, and kidney of the T-infected hens, whereas, for the magnum, N1/88 had a greater effect.

Effects of 3-Methyl-4-Nitrophenol in Diesel Exhaust Particles on the Regulation of Reproductive Function in Immature Female Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica)

In a previous study, we found that 3-methyl-4-nitrophenol (PNMC), a component of diesel exhaust particles and also a degradation product of the insecticide fenitrothion, exhibits reproductive toxicity in the adult male Japanese quail. The present study investigated the toxicity of PNMC in the female Japanese quail and its ability to influence reproduction in immature females. The quail (21-day-old) were injected intramuscularly (im) with PNMC at doses 0.1, 1 or 10 mg/kg body weight daily for 3 days. There was no significant difference in body growth between the PNMC-administered and control birds. However, the weights of the oviducts were significantly lower in the PNMC-treated birds at all doses. Furthermore, the plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol-17 beta were significantly decreased with 1 and 10 mg/kg of PNMC. These findings suggest that PNMC might influence the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis with decreasing in secretion of GnRH, LH and ovarian steroid hormones and subsequently disturb growth of the reproductive organs of immature female quail. This study indicates that PNMC induces reproductive toxicity at the central level and disrupts reproductive function in the immature female quail.

Spontaneously Occurring Fibroid Tumors of the Laying Hen Oviduct

Spontaneously occurring benign uterine leiomyomas (fibroids) are the most common tumors of reproductive-age women. It is estimated that more than 70% of all women will develop uterine fibroids, and the presence of these tumors is a primary cause of hysterectomies. Research into the causes and treatment of uterine fibroids is hampered by a lack of reliable animal models for the disease. Leiomyomas that appear to be outwardly similar to human uterine fibroid tumors are known to occur on the oviducts of laying hens over 2 yr of age. The objective of this study was to characterize these tumors and compare them to human uterine fibroids to determine the suitability of the aging hen as a model system for the study of the disease. In this study, hens at 5 yr of age were examined for the presence of oviduct-associated fibroid tumors. Tumors were found attached to the internal surface of the oviduct, embedded in the oviduct wall, or attached to the exterior of the magnum and isthmus. Tumor and normal oviduct samples were frozen or fixed in formalin for histological analyses or immunohistochemistry for estrogen and progesterone receptors, proliferating cell nuclear antigen and Bcl-2 protein expression. Human uterine fibroid samples were acquired and evaluated compared with hen oviduct fibroids. The results indicate that laying hen fibroid tumors are similar to human fibroid tumors with respect to estrogen and progesterone receptors, localized cellular proliferation, and expression of the Bcl-2 protein.

Effects of S6-strain Mycoplasma gallisepticum inoculation at 10, 22, or 45 weeks of age on the digestive and reproductive organ characteristics of commercial egg-laying hens

Experimental inoculation of commercial laying hens with the S6-strain of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (S6MG) at 20 wk of age, while being maintained under ideal conditions, has previously been shown to affect the lengths and weights of various portions of the reproductive tract. Two trials were conducted in the current study to compare the effects of S6MG inoculation prior to lay at 10 wk of age, during onset of lay at 22 wk of age, and during lay at 45 wk of age on the digestive and reproductive organs of commercial layers similarly housed and maintained under ideal conditions. In each trial, liver weight, liver moisture and lipid concentration, incidence of fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome, ovary weight, ovarian mature follicle numbers, weights and lengths of the oviduct and oviductal regions, and weights and lengths of the small intestine and small intestinal regions were examined at 60 wk of hen age. At 60 wk, liver lipid concentration was depressed, and isthmus weight, as a percentage of total oviduct weight, was increased in birds that had been inoculated with S6MG at 45 wk. Alterations in liver lipid content and weight of the isthmal portion of the oviduct may occur in response to S6MG inoculation during the later stages of production in layers housed under ideal conditions.

Outbreak of Avian Mycobacteriosis in a Flock of Two-Year-Old Domestic Pigeons (Columba livia f. domestica)

This report describes an outbreak of avian mycobacteriosis in a flock of 100 two-yr-old pigeons. Over a 6-mo period, the sick pigeons showed cachexia followed by death. In Columbiformes classic tubercles rarely develop, but in these affected pigeons granulomatous nodular lesions of various sizes, containing numerous acid-fast bacilli, were found in the internal organs. The lesions were observed in the liver, spleen, intestine, bone marrow, ovary, and oviduct. Despite their breeding age, atrophy was also found in the ovary and oviduct. Microorganisms belonging to Mycobacterium avium complex were identified in the affected tissues by polymerase chain reaction.

Vitellogenin detection and chick pathology are useful endpoints to evaluate endocrine-disrupting effects in avian one-generation reproduction study

To investigate additional endpoints for screening of endocrine disruptors in birds, effects of 17beta-estradiol (E2) on one-generation reproduction in the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) were assessed. Pairs of the 10-week-old Japanese quail were fed a low-phytoestrogen diet containing E2 at 0 (control), 10, 100, and 1,000 ppm for six weeks. In the E2 100- and 1,000-ppm groups, the parental quail represented marked toxic changes including high mortality, decreased food consumption, decreased gonad weights, gross and histologic toxic changes in the reproductive and other organs, and inhibition of the reproduction. However, no adverse effects were observed in the parental quail from the E2 10-ppm group. In the parental males, serum vitellogenin (VTG) concentrations were increased significantly in the E2 10-ppm group, disclosing that serum VTG concentration is one of the highly sensitive endpoints for evaluating estrogenic endocrine activities. In the E2 10-ppm group, number of eggs laid, number of eggs with abnormalities, eggshell strength and thickness, fertility, early and late viabilities of embryos, normal hatchling rate, and clinical signs, mortality, viability, and body weight of chicks at 14 d of age were not affected. However, histopathology of the chicks in the E2 10-ppm group revealed meaningful morphological changes in the reproductive organs, such as cystic dilatation of seminiferous tubules, increased interstitial cells in the testis, and decreased theca cells in the ovary. The present study suggests that serum VTG concentration in the parental quail and histopathology of reproductive organs in the offspring are sensitive endpoints and are useful as additional endpoints in the avian one-generation reproduction test using the Japanese quail for evaluating estrogenic endocrine-disrupting effects.

Ovarian tumor expression of an oviductal protein in the hen: a model for human serous ovarian adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesized that ovarian tumors without oviductal involvement would not express the oviductal protein ovalbumin, the major protein found in the magnum of the hen's oviduct.

METHODS

On the basis of gross visual examination, tissues samples were removed from hens determined to have ovarian tumors and were processed, embedded in paraffin, sectioned, mounted on glass slides, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Ovarian tumors and other peritoneal lesions were evaluated histologically. Paraffin sections of ovarian and oviductal tissue were deparaffinized and evaluated for the protein expression of ovalbumin, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and progesterone receptor (PR).

RESULTS

Hens with ovarian adenocarcinoma without (n = 10) or with (n = 6) oviductal involvement were positive for ovalbumin in the ovary. Ovary sections from normal hens (n = 9) were negative, and oviductal sections from normal hens (n = 3) were positive for ovalbumin. Expression of PCNA protein was abundant in all ovarian tumors (16 of 16). Oviductal epithelial cells strongly expressed PCNA protein. Expression of PR was observed in 9 of 14 ovarian tumors.

CONCLUSION

The presence of ovalbumin in ovarian tumors in the absence of any oviductal involvement suggests that ovarian tumors dedifferentiate during the disease process and thereby resemble serous-type ovarian tumors in women.

[Evaluation of long-time resorption surgical sutures in tubal anastomoses with use of microsurgical techniques. An experimental study]

In the paper there have been evaluated synthetic absorbable surgical sutures--MAXON, of long time of their resorption in an organism. The valuation concerned their usefulness to carrying out the operations of oviducts with use of microsurgical technique. It consisted in determination of biocompatibility degree of analyzed sutures within tubal tissues and also their technical utility to this kind of procedures. The valuation of the surgical sutures was performed on the ground of experimental studies with use of laboratory animals--New Zealand white female rabbits, in which "end to end" microsurgical tubal anastomoses were made, with use of analyzed sutures. In further stage, pathomorphological investigations of the animals were performed (in various time after the operation), during which there were conducted microscopic observations of histologic slides derived from tubal anastomoses regions. The purpose of the work was trying to appoint the most adequate suture material for carrying out the operations of oviducts with use of microsurgical technique. It was also an assistance for an operator to take a decission of choice of the proper surgical sutures for surgical treatment of female mechanical infertility and other kind of microsurgical operations which are performed in gynaecology. Generally good technical utility in microsurgical practice of surgical sutures MAXON--absorbable of long period of their resorption in tissues was stated. They cause the formation of only single peritoneal adhesions, mainly in the regions of tubal anastomoses previously made and produce relatively small tubal tissue reaction, which testifies to high biocompatibility of the sutures, as the implantation material. The analyzed surgical sutures characterize themselves of very good usefulness to microsurgical operations of oviducts and they seem to be the most adventageous for performing this type of operations. They give a greater certainty of formation of durable accretion of tubal wall in the place of created anastomosis, with simultaneous complete elimination of the implantation material from the organism.

Histopathologic Changes Related to Fibrotic Oviduct Occlusion After Genital Tract Infection of Mice With Chlamydia muridarum

OBJECTIVES

We sought to determine if intraluminal occluding fibrosis of the oviduct occurs after urogenital Chlamydia muridarum infection in mice.

STUDY

Oviduct occlusion was assessed by infusing dye into the distal uterus and tracking the diffusion of the dye into the oviduct. We also conducted histologic assessment of the affected tissues using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson trichrome stains.

RESULTS

All previously infected susceptible mice had occluded oviducts compared with 17.5% of previously uninfected mice. Oviduct occlusion correlated with hydrosalpinx formation and infertility. Intraluminal oviduct fibrosis was observed in several sections of tissue displaying hydrosalpinx but not in tissues without hydrosalpinx. Fibrosis was localized to the oviduct isthmus and oviduct proper, proximal to the uterus.

CONCLUSION

Intralumenal occluding fibrosis of the oviduct is a sequela of infection with C. muridarum in this model. These observations support the use of the murine model to study pathogenesis of chlamydial upper genital tract infection.

Abdominal fluid from a dog

A 2-year-old intact female mixed-breed dog with a 1-month history of lethargy and anorexia was evaluated for abdominal distension and an abdominal mass. The dog's last heat cycle, her third, was 1 month prior to presentation, and no reproductive cycle abnormalities were noted at any time. Hematologic and serum biochemical abnormalities were consistent with hemorrhage and inflammation. Ultrasonographic examination confirmed a large midabdominal mass and a moderate amount of abdominal fluid. Cytologically, the fluid showed evidence of pyogranulomatous inflammation, hemorrhage, and mesothelial reactivity, as well as ciliated columnar cells and free cilia that were interpreted as likely of oviductal origin. The mass was removed surgically, and the histopathologic interpretation was oviductal hamartoma with marked stroma formation and acute hemorrhage. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of oviductal hamartoma in any species and the first reported case detailing the finding of ciliated columnar epithelial cells in the abdominal fluid of a dog. Ciliated columnar epithelial cells in abdominal fluid should be considered indicative of a likely underlying oviductal lesion.

Adhesion of Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis isolates to chicken isthmal glandular secretions

The ability of Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis isolates to adhere to immobilized secretions of the isthmus of the laying hen was determined in an ELISA-type assay. One-third of the 56 isolates tested in the logarithmic growth phase, adhered to the isthmal secretions. Using a binding assay of the isolates to thin paraffin sections of the oviduct, we demonstrated that the receptor of the adhesion was localized inside the tubular gland cells of the isthmus. The adhesion to immobilized isthmal secretions as well as to the paraffin sections was blocked by the addition of mannose. A fimD mutant of S. Enteritidis, lacking type 1 fimbriae, did not adhere, confirming that the adhesion was mediated by type 1 fimbriae. Mannosylated glycoproteins were demonstrated in the isthmus glandular cells using confocal laser scanning microscopy by FITC-labelled Lens culinaris lectins. It is hypothesized that the binding of S. Enteritidis to isthmal secretions could play a role in the contamination of eggs through incorporation of the bacteria in the shell membranes.

Effects of an S6 strain of Mycoplasma gallisepticum challenge at onset of lay on digestive and reproductive tract characteristics in commercial layers

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG), a reproductive/respiratory pathogen in poultry, has been implicated in suboptimum egg production and decreased hatchability. Commercial layer hens raised in a controlled environment were inoculated with the S6 strain of MG at 20 wk of age. The S6 inoculation had no effect on bird weight, egg production, digestive tract weight and length, or histopathologic lesion scores, although significant differences were noted in the lengths and weights of various portions of the reproductive tract. This study shows that S6MG inoculation does not detrimentally affect layer hen performance when in the absence of environmental stressors customary to a caged layer facility.

Effects on health and blood plasma parameters of laying hens by pure nivalenol in the diet

The effects of trichothecene nivalenol (NIV) on the health and production of laying hens were determined in a feeding study. White Leghorn hens, 55 weeks old, were fed diets containing 0, 1, 3 and 5 mg NIV/kg during 50 days. Feed intake was reduced by NIV, but there were no effects on body weight, egg production and egg quality. Traces of unaltered NIV were found in liver and bile. Alkaline phosphatase in the blood plasma increased in the hens fed 0, 1 and 3 mg NIV/kg diet but decreased in the birds fed 5 mg NIV/kg feed. Total protein and glucose were slightly reduced in hens fed 5 mg NIV/kg diet. Pathological examination revealed that 40-75% of hens fed NIV (3 and 5 mg/kg) supplemented diet showed gizzard lesions, haemorrhages in the duodenum and swollen cloaca and oviducts with immature eggs while certain birds in the 1 mg NIV group showed light and fragile livers. NIV and the metabolite de-epoxy-NIV in faeces were found to constitute up to 10% of ingested NIV.

Effects of F-strain Mycoplasma gallisepticum inoculation at twelve weeks of age on digestive and reproductive organ characteristics of commercial egg laying hens

Experimental inoculation with the F-strain of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (FMG) between 8 and 18 wk of age is known to affect reproductive performance in commercial layers. Therefore, two trials were conducted to determine if changes in digestive and reproductive organ characteristics also occur in commercial laying hens infected with FMG at 12 wk of age. In Trial 1, liver weight, liver lipid and moisture contents, ovary weight, ovarian follicular hierarchy, and the weights, lengths, and histologies of the infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, uterus, and vagina were determined. In Trial 2, fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) incidence and the weights, lengths, and histologies of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were determined in addition to the parameters examined in Trial 1. In both trials, the average number of mature (diameter > or = 12 mm) ovarian follicles was lower in FMG-inoculated hens in comparison to controls. Also, magnum/oviduct (cm/cm) length was reduced in treated birds. In Trial 2, isthmus/BW and isthmus/oviduct (g/ g) weight were decreased at 46 wk of age, and vagina/ BW and vagina/oviduct (g/g) weight were decreased at both 20 and 36 wk of age due to FMG treatment. In Trial 2, FMG treatment resulted in a 50% increase in the number of FLHS birds. Furthermore, treatment caused a decrease at 20 wk of age and an increase at 44 wk of age in liver moisture content. However, the intestinal characteristics examined were not affected by FMG inoculation. Altered liver, ovarian, and reproductive organ characteristics were associated with FMG infection in commercial layers. More specifically, FMG inoculation at 12 wk resulted in a higher incidence of FLHS, ovarian follicular regression, and decreased isthmal and vaginal proportions of the reproductive tract. These data clearly demonstrate that alterations in performance and egg characteristics of layers inoculated with FMG at 12 wk of age are related to mutual functional disturbances in the liver, ovary, and oviduct without concomitant intestinal changes.

An in vitro and in vivo evaluation of the virulence of Newcastle disease virus and vaccines for the chicken reproductive tract

The virulence of two vaccine strains and two field strains of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) for the female reproductive tract of chickens was assessed using oviduct organ cultures (OOC) prepared from precociously-induced oviducts in young chicks by oestrogen treatment. Ciliostasis, haemagglutination and virus isolation from infected OOC supernatants, histopathology and immunoperoxidase test results indicated the pathogenic nature of both vaccine and virulent NDVs for the precocious oviducts. The virulent viruses, mesogenic and lentogenic vaccines caused damage in that order of magnitude and the uterus had a higher susceptibility than oviducts. One virulent and the mesogenic strain of NDV were used for in vivo trials. The pathogenicity was assessed in oestrogen-treated infected chickens using histopathology and immunoperoxidase test. The vaccine virus produced transient damage up to 6 days post-infection, while the damage with the virulent isolate persisted for at least 9 days post-infection. This technique could be a pointer to possible variations in virulence of NDV vaccine and field strains, and warrants further investigation. The potential value of OOC from young chickens for testing the possibility of NDV vaccines causing damage by themselves and offering protection against damage of the reproductive tract caused by virulent isolates is emphasized.

Effect of androgens on oviductal growth in skipper frog Rana cyanophlyctis

Effects of exogenous androgens (testosterone, testosterone propionate and dihydrotestosterone) and estradiol-17beta on the oviductal growth/hypertrophy were studied in young and bilaterally ovariectomized (BLO) adult frogs (Rana cyanophlyctis) during postbreeding phase of the reproductive cycle. Estradiol-17beta injections induced oviductal hypertrophy to the maximal extent among hormone treated groups. In androgen treated frogs also there was an increase in the oviductal dry weight and protein content both in young and BLO adult frogs, suggesting the role of endogenous androgens in controlling the growth of oviduct in R. cyanophlyctis.

Estrogen opposes the apoptotic effects of bone morphogenetic protein 7 on tissue remodeling

Interactions between estrogen and growth factor signaling pathways at the level of gene expression play important roles in the function of reproductive tissues. For example, estrogen regulates transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) in the uterus during the proliferative phase of the mammalian reproductive cycle. Bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP-7), a member of the TGFbeta superfamily, is also involved in the development and function of reproductive tissues. However, relatively few studies have addressed the expression of BMP-7 in reproductive tissues, and the role of BMP-7 remains unclear. As part of an ongoing effort to understand how estrogen represses gene expression and to study its interactions with other signaling pathways, chick BMP-7 (cBMP-7) was cloned. cBMP-7 mRNA levels are repressed threefold within 8 h following estrogen treatment in the chick oviduct, an extremely estrogen-responsive reproductive tissue. This regulation occurs at the transcriptional level. Estrogen has a protective role in many tissues, and withdrawal from estrogen often leads to tissue regression; however, the mechanisms mediating regression of the oviduct remain unknown. Terminal transferase-mediated end-labeling and DNA laddering assays demonstrated that regression of the oviduct during estrogen withdrawal involves apoptosis, which is a novel observation. cBMP-7 mRNA levels during estrogen withdrawal increase concurrently with the apoptotic index of the oviduct. Furthermore, addition of purified BMP-7 induces apoptosis in primary oviduct cells. This report demonstrates that the function of BMP-7 in the oviduct involves the induction of apoptosis and that estrogen plays an important role in opposing this function.

Furazolidone toxicosis in female Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica): pathomorphological changes in reproductive tract and reversibility of the induced changes

Female Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix Japonica) placed in 3 equal groups were given 600, 400 or 0 mg furazolidone (Fz)/kg feed for 4 w and then withdrawn for another 4 w. Another (pair-fed) group of same size was given basal feed as much as was consumed by the quail fed 600 mg Fz/kg feed. Fz feeding decreased body weight, feed intake and egg production. Ovaries of the Fz-fed quail decreased in weight and size and were studded with small follicles. Magnum, isthmus and uterus in Fz-fed groups had decreased area, height and number of mucosal folds compared with the control group. Microscopically, in Fz-fed groups, the mucosal glands in magnum and isthmus had decreased cell height with centrally located nuclei and foamy cytoplasm. In the 600 mg Fz-fed group, some birds had atrophy of the glandular tissue in the mucosa and infiltration of mononuclear cells and fibroblasts. Upon cessation of the Fz feeding, all parameters reversed gradually and became non-significantly different from control quail. These observations suggested that Fz-induced changes in mature female quail were reversible.