Studies on the reproductive physiology of lazes calcarifer (BLOCH)

At present, there is paucity of information regarding the breeding biology, especially from southeastern region, which differs in its climatic features from northeastern coastal areas, where some attempts have been made to study the biology of the fish, though not documented in detail (Jhingran and Natarajan, I969; Patnaik and Jena, 1976; Kowtal, 1977; Roy e_t _a_l_., I977). The present work, first to undertake detailed investigation into reproductive aspects of the fish from India is not only confined to biology, but extend to the study on histological as well as physiological changes in the processes associated with natural reproductive cycle. The main objective of the study is to develop a background for the standardisation of subsequent artificial propagation techniques for the Sea Dass The thesis is presented in three chapters. The first chapter; general introduction, surveys the literature pertaining to the status of research on Lates calcarifer with specific reference to reproduction and acquaculture. The second chapter entitled, materials and methods gives description regarding collection of specimens as well as samples in addition to the various analytical methodologies employed during the study.

Reproductive biology of the eastern shovelnose stingaree Trygonoptera imitata from south-eastern Australia

Abstract. In applying a quantitative approach to the reproduction of Trygonoptera imitata, the present study contributes to understanding the wide diversity in the reproductive biology of the family Urolophidae and provides insights to help determine phylogenetic relationships. This localised species is taken as bycatch in several inshore fisheries and potentially impacted by a range of other anthropogenic pressures, including introduced species, particularly in shallow-water pupping areas.T. imitata can be characterised as a species of comparatively lowmatrotrophic histotrophy with an extended period of relatively large eggs in utero (5–8 months) followed by rapid growth of the embryos (4–6 months). The reproductive cycle is annual with parturition occurring during late-February–April, followed immediately by ovulation. Mean size-at-birth is ~225mm total length and there is a ~1000% gain in mean wet mass from egg (15 g) to full-term embryo in utero (150 g), the lowest reported for any viviparous batoid. Litter size increases with maternal length, reaching a maximum of seven, and sex ratio of embryos is 1 : 1. Maximum length and estimates of the maturity–ogive parameters l₅₀ and l₉₅ are similar for females and males.

Regional differences in the reproductive parameters of the sparsely-spotted stingaree, Urolophus paucimaculatus, from South-Eastern Australia

Whether spatial variation occurs in the life-history traits of chondrichthyan species is important to fisheries modelling and assessments. A study on the reproductive parameters of Urolophus paucimaculatus from four separate regions across south-eastern Australia found regional differences in maximum total length (TL), size-at-maturity, size-at-maternity and litter sizes. Inshore embayments (Port Phillip Bay (PPB) and Corner Inlet (CI)) appear to allow for larger TLs (females and males) than do offshore areas (Lakes Entrance (LE) and Western Bass Strait (WBS)). Size-at-maturity and size-at-maternity decreased across longitude from west (PPB) to east (LE) and seasonality of parturition and ovulation occurred earlier in PPB (August-October) than in LE (September-December). Maximum litter size correlated with maximum TL (six in PPB, five in each of CI and LE, and four in WBS). There was uncertainty in classifying females for maternal condition because the reproductive cycle appears to range from a continuous annual cycle to a non-continuous biennial cycle. Much of the uncertainty arises from the ambiguity of observation of non-pregnant mature females, which have either aborted through capture and handling, or are in a 'resting year' between pregnancies. Most likely, the majority are reproducing annually with an unknown proportion of females non-continuous and resting between pregnancies.

Reproductive responses of rabbit does to a supplemental lighting program

The objective was to investigate whether the productivity of rabbit does can be improved, when natural photoperiod is decreasing, by adopting a supplemental lighting program. Three experiments were conducted involving two groups: control, submitted to the natural decreasing photoperiod, and supplemented with a lighting program which provided 14 h light/24 h beginning at 10 weeks of age. In the first experiment, 20 nulliparous does, 10 from each group, were euthanized 8 h after being presented to a buck; the overall number of follicles, whose diameter exceeded I mm, was determined macroscopically. The right ovaries were collected, histologically analyzed, and electronically measured. In the second experiment, 30 nulliparous does, 15 from each group, were presented to a buck (day 1). Receptive does were euthanized on day 8 to evaluate embryonic survival (number of normal embryos/ovulation rate). In the third experiment, 48 nulliparous does, 24 from each group, were followed from the first presentation to the buck until the weaning of the first litter. The effect of treatment on reproductive and body weight traits of does, and litter performance traits, at birth and weaning, was evaluated. The average number of follicles whose diameter exceeded 1 mm was higher in the treatment group (12.05 +/- 1.07 vs. 8.63 +/- 1.00, P=0.03 7). Receptive does of the treatment group had heavier ovaries relative to those of the control group (790 +/- 59 vs. 470 +/- 64 mg, P=0.004), whereas no treatment difference regarding this trait was found for non-receptive ones. Treatment had a favorable effect on pregnancy rate of total exposed and of receptive does (80.0% vs. 33.3%, P=0.01, and 92.3% vs. 50.0%, P=0.02, respectively). The number of underdeveloped embryos was lower (0.067 +/- 0.380 vs. 2.500 +/- 0.455, P=0.004), embryonic survival up to day 8, and uterus weight was higher in the treatment group (0.839 +/- 0.075 vs. 0.534 +/- 0.087, P=0.033 and 13.83 +/- 0.72 vs. 10.99 +/- 0.84, P=0.037, respectively). Number of presentations tended to be lower (1.32 +/- 0.17 vs. 1.75 +/- 0.16, P=0.077) and adjusted litter size in the first reproductive cycle tended to be higher (7.09 +/- 0.89 vs. 5.22 +/- 0.68, P=0.091) in the treatment group relative to the control.

Population and reproductive biology of the crab Uca burgersi (Crustacea : Ocypodidae) in three subtropical mangrove forests

Population and reproductive biology were studied in three populations of the crab Uca burgersi Holthuis, 1967, in the Indaia, Cavalo and Ubatumirim mangrove forests (Ubatuba, São Paulo State, Brazil). Crabs were collected during low tide (August 2001 through July 2002), by digging the sediment, with a standard capture effort (two persons for 30 min.). Carapace width was measured, and gonad developmental stage was recorded from all specimens. U. burgersi was most abundant in the Cavalo mangrove, where the largest mate was found. Juvenile crabs were found year-round at all three sites. However, the ratio of ovigerous females was very low, even null in the Cavalo mangrove. The gonad development rate indicated that U. burgersi was reproducing continuously, but more intensively during spring and summer, with recruitment occurring in winter. The synchrony between the populational and reproductive biology in the three areas showed that local features were not the limiting factors. It is suggested that this species is a habitat generalist.

Reproductive seasonality of fishes from a lotic stretch of the Grande River, high Paraná river basin, Brazil

Foi investigada a correlação entre nível hidrológico, pluviosidade e temperatura e reprodução de peixes num trecho lótico do rio Grande, abaixo da barragem de Volta Grande. Para a captura, realizada com redes de espera, foram feitas seis amostragens bimestrais de abril de 1998 a fevereiro de 1999. As gônadas foram classificadas de acordo com o estádio de maturação e aquelas maduras ou esgotadas foram correlacionadas com as variáveis ambientais. A maioria das espécies apresentou reprodução sazonal, entre outubro e fevereiro. A freqüência relativa bimestral de gônadas maduras ou esgotadas de todos os exemplares agrupados foi correlacionada significativamente com pluviosidade (Spearman r = 0,94, p = 0,005) e temperatura do ar (r = 0,84, p = 0,036), mostrando a importância destes fatores no controle do ciclo reprodutivo dos peixes. Devido à barragem, o nível hidrológico pouco variou e não foi encontrada correlação significativa entre reprodução e nível hidrológico (r = -0,43, p = 0,396).

Reproductive biology of the smooth butterfly ray Gymnura micrura

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Hormonal Oscillations During the Estrous Cycle Influence the Morphophysiology of the Gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) Female Prostate (Skene Paraurethral Glands)

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Post partum reproductive assessment in lowland Tapir (Tapirus terrestris): a case report

O tapir ou anta, descrito como o maior mamífero terrestre brasileiro, pertence à ordem Perissodactila, subordem Hippomorfa, superfamília Tapiroidea e família Tapiridae. Na floresta úmida está envolvido com a dispersão de sementes em função das características do tubo digestivo. O acompanhamento do ciclo estral permite avaliar e compreender a atividade reprodutiva nas espécies animais. Nos animais silvestres, o estresse da contenção pode interferir na própria ciclicidade gonadal, uma das alternativas é o acompanhamento dos hormônios gonadais nas excretas. Buscamos neste trabalho o acompanhamento periódico da atividade gonadal através da quantificação de progesterona no leite. Utilizamos uma fêmea recém-parida no Zoológico de Araçatuba, da qual colhemos leite, esfregaço vaginal e temperatura retal. A progesterona foi quantificada por radioimunoensaio de fase sólida (Coat-a-Count, DPC®) com curva padrão fornecida pela F.A.O. O ensaio mostrou sensibilidade de 1,25 nmol/l com coeficiente de variação intra-ensaio de 15,36%. Durante a fase de lactação, a fêmea não apresentou níveis detectáveis de progesterona por 158 dias (de novembro a abril). O primeiro pico de produção foi de 2,3 nmol/l e apresentou duração de 5 dias. O segundo pico de 3,54 nmol/l teve uma duração de 23 dias. Setenta e quatro dias após o aparecimento da progesterona no leite a lactação cessou. Podemos concluir que a fêmea de tapir apresentou um período de anestro lactacional de aproximadamente 5 meses e voltou a ciclar no outono (abril) sugerindo pouca influência do fotoperíodo. A quantificação da progesterona no leite mostrou-se útil para o acompanhamento do ciclo estral na espécie, porém a variação da citologia vaginal e temperatura retal não apresentaram correlação com os níveis hormonais.

Reproductive Strategies of Brazilian Lizards of the Genus Tropidurus Rodrigues, 1987 (Squamata, Tropiduridae) in the Temporal and Spatial

Reproductive strategy is the set of adaptations that promote the most efficient way that the species will survive under the particular conditions of a determined environment. Understanding these adaptations is important and can help pinpoint populations indicator of environmental changes. Spermatogenesis is a measurable biological process of these adaptations in spatial and temporal scales. We analyzed the morphology of the testes and oviducts of the lizard species that comprise the genus Tropidurus, taking into account the geographical distribution and sympatric relations. For the analysis and the testes were removed from the middle part of the oviducts from Tropidurus etheridge, T oreadicus, T itambere, T spinulosus and T Guarani species, collected in different places in the Mato Grosso state, Brazil. The reproductive period is synchronous for males and females and occurs in September, October and November. Reproductive males were characterized. In the testes are seminiferous tubules with germ cells at different stages of spermatogenesis, with a high epithelium, at present light, free spermatozoa in the lumen and reduction of interstitial tissue. For females, the reproduction peak occurs when the oviduct epithelium is high with secretions and basal nucleus. These months are characterized in the sampled areas over a period of heavy rain and high temperatures. The decline of reproductive period was observed in both sexes, between April and August. Low reproduction in males is characterized by ample light, absence of sperm, only germ cells in the early stages of spermatogenesis are observed (a few spermatogonia and spermatocytes) and interstitial tissue wide. In females, the period of reproductive decline is marked by the absence of unicellular glands in the oviduct epithelium, with higher affinity with the dye. This period corresponds to low rainfall periods and lower temperatures. We propose an analysis of zoological samples; this is a proposal to facilitate the work of many researchers through access to the species, especially rare species.

Morphological Characterization of the Testicular Cells and Seminiferous Epithelium Cycle in Six Species of Neotropical Bats

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

MMP-2 and MMP-9 localization and activity in the female prostate during estrous cycle

The gerbil female prostate undergoes morphological and physiological changes resulting from hormonal fluctuations that occur during the reproductive cycle. These repetitive cycles of glandular growth and regression are followed by an extensive reconstruction and remodeling of prostate stroma throughout the reproductive life of the female gerbil. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect that the hormonal fluctuations of the reproductive cycle have on the stromal remodeling and the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and -9 in the adult female gerbil prostate. For this, serological, ultrastructural, immunohistochemical and biochemical methods were employed. The results showed that the major stromal alteration coincide with the peak of estradiol, which occurs in estrus, and with the peak of progesterone, occurring during diestrus II. MMP-2 and -9 presented a similar pattern of expression and activity during estrous cycle. The estrus was the phase of greater expression and activity of MMP-2 and -9. On the other hand, in DI and DII, the tissue expression and activity of MMP-2 and -9 was very weak. These results are important since they suggest the involvement of estradiol and progesterone in regulating the expression and activity of MMP-2 and -9 in adult gerbil female prostate. © 2011 Elsevier Inc.

Reproductive biology of two macrourid fish, Nezumia aequalis and Coelorinchus mediterraneus, inhabiting the NW Mediterranean continental margin (400-2000m)

Nezumia aequalis and Coelorinchus mediterraneus are abundant species on the upper and lower continental slopes, respectively, in the Mediterranean Sea. A study on the reproductive strategy of the two species was conducted on the Catalan margin (NW Mediterranean). The reproductive cycle of both species was investigated using visual analyses of gonads and histological screening. The shallower species, N. aequalis, showed continuous reproduction with a peak of spawning females in winter months. In contrast, the deeper-living species, C. mediterraneus, showed semi-continuous reproduction with a regression period during the spring. Juveniles of N. aequalis were present in all seasons, but most abundant in the spring. Only two juveniles of C. mediterraneus were found. Both species had asynchronous oocyte development. The average fecundity of N. aequalis was 10,630 oocytes per individual, lower than known for the same species in the Atlantic Ocean. The fecundity of C. mediterraneus was measured for the first time in this study, with an average of 7693 oocytes per individual. Males of both species appear to have semi-cystic spermatogenesis. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

Reproductive biology of Hepatus pudibundus (Crustacea: Brachyura), the most abundant crab on the southeastern Brazilian coast

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Reproductive ecology and size of sexual maturity in the anomuran crab Aegla parana (Decapoda: Aeglidae)

In Southern Brazil, Aegla parana Schmitt, 1942 is characterized by a broad distribution throughout the Iguacu River basin, particularly between the southern state of Parana and the northern state of Santa Catarina, preferentially inhabiting streams with rocky substrates. Although there has been an increase in the number of studies about the population biology of Aeglidae, many aspects about the reproductive biology of A. parana are still unknown. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the size at sexual maturity, reproductive seasonality and recruitment of A. parana from November, 2008 to December, 2009, in a tributary of the Iguacu River located in Uniao da Vitoria, Parana, Brazil. Basic environmental factors were investigated to determine their influence on the reproductive cycle of this species. Gonadal stages were characterized macroscopically, and the presence or absence of embryos in females (ovigerous females) from monthly samples was recorded. The entire sample was composed of 436 males and 211 females. Although the smallest ovigerous female was 16.2 mm, the average size (carapace length, CL) at sexual maturity (CL50%) was calculated at 17.4 mm. The greatest percentage of females with developed (mature, near spawning) gonads stage was observed from January to June, 2009, while ovigerous females were recorded from April to July, 2009, after which the reproductive period ended. Recruitment occurred from October to December, 2009. The presence of ovigerous females was negatively correlated with temperature (Spearman, p < 0.05). Females carrying embryos were generally collected during periods of lower temperatures, whereas recruits entered the population during periods of higher temperatures, when food for them is more abundant in the region studied.