Development of spermatogenesis in captive-bred Spix's yellow-toothed cavy (Galea spixii)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the phases of sexual development and spermatogenesis of Spix's yellow-toothed cavy (Galea spixii) based on analyses of the structural components of the testes. The testes of animals from 0 to 150 days of age were collected by orchiectomy, weighed, and processed for analysis by light microscopy. At 45 days of age, spermatozoa were seen in the tubular lumen. Spermatogenesis was not established in animals from 45 to 150 days of age. The stages of sexual development may be classified into the following phases: from birth to the age of 15 days (immature); 30 days of age (prepubertal); 45-105 days of age (pubertal); and 120 and 150 days of age (postpubertal). This is the first study to address the male reproductive biology of Spix's yellow-toothed cavy.

Seawater carbonate chemistry and Astrangia poculata mass and zooxanthellate during experiments, 2012

The effects of nutrients and pCO2 on zooxanthellate and azooxanthellate colonies of the temperate scleractinian coral Astrangia poculata (Ellis and Solander, 1786) were investigated at two different temperatures (16 °C and 24 °C). Corals exposed to elevated pCO2 tended to have lower relative calcification rates, as estimated from changes in buoyant weights. Experimental nutrient enrichments had no significant effect nor did there appear to be any interaction between pCO2 and nutrients. Elevated pCO2 appeared to have a similar effect on coral calcification whether zooxanthellae were present or absent at 16 °C. However, at 24 °C, the interpretation of the results is complicated by a significant interaction between gender and pCO2 for spawning corals. At 16 °C, gamete release was not observed, and no gender differences in calcification rates were observed - female and male corals showed similar reductions in calcification rates in response to elevated CO2 (15% and 19% respectively). Corals grown at 24 °C spawned repeatedly and male and female corals exhibited two different growth rate patterns - female corals grown at 24 °C and exposed to CO2 had calcification rates 39% lower than females grown at ambient CO2, while males showed a non-significant decline of 5% under elevated CO2. The increased sensitivity of females to elevated pCO2 may reflect a greater investment of energy in reproduction (egg production) relative to males (sperm production). These results suggest that both gender and spawning are important factors in determining the sensitivity of corals to ocean acidification, and considering these factors in future research may be critical to predicting how the population structures of marine calcifiers will change in response to ocean acidification.

Espermatogênese xenogênica pós-transplante de células tronco caninas no testículo de camundongos

As células tronco espermatogoniais (SSCs) são caracterizadas pela capacidade de autorrenovação, proliferação e transmissão das informações genéticas. Em caninos a primeira tentativa de xenotransplante não obteve o sucesso da produção de espermatozoides, no entanto, há evidências de que as células testiculares xenogênicas podem ser transplantadas no testículo do animal hospedeiro, e gerar espermatozoides viáveis do doador. Portanto, este estudo tem como objetivo realizar o xenotransplante das células germinativas caninas em camundongos imunosuprimidos, e com isto promover à produção de espermatozoides caninos viáveis, geneticamente modificados. E por meio desta técnica, analisar a eficiência da espermatogênese pós-transplante. Células germinativas testiculares foram caracterizadas, isoladas e cultivadas de cães pré-púberes, por meio de sistemas de cultura de enriquecimento e fatores de crescimento. As células foram transduzidas com um gene repórter GFP e LacZ, e por um vetor lentiviral para indentificar as SSCs nos testículos receptores. As SSCs transduzidas foram transplantadas nos testículos de camundongos (C57BL/6) tratados com Busulfan, após diferentes períodos os animais receptores foram eutanasiados e analisados. Aos 10 dias de cultivo as células germinativas adultas foram positivas para CD49f, CD117, e com 5 dias uma expressão semelhante de GFRA1 e DAZL, demonstrando a presença de SSCs e algumas células em meiose. Transplantamos 105 células e 20-43% das células transplantadas foram identificadas na membrana basal dos túbulos seminíferos do animal receptor. Portanto, o transplante das células germinativas caninas, mostrou que a purificação e o cultivo realizados são possíveis para obter SSCs caninas, as quais colonizaram os túbulos seminíferos dos camundongos imunodeficientes e mantiveram-se vivas na membrana basal por 90 dias após transplante, mesmo que estes animais tenham distância filogenética

Efeitos do consumo materno e/ou paterno de extrato de amora-preta (Rubus spp.) na suscetibilidade da prole feminina à carcinogênese mamária quimicamente induzida

O câncer de mama é o segundo tipo de neoplasia mais prevalente no mundo e o mais comum entre as mulheres. É descrito que o padrão de consumo alimentar materno e paterno está relacionado à suscetibilidade da prole ao desenvolvimento de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis, inclusive o câncer. A amora-preta é uma das frutas com maior conteúdo antioxidante e seus compostos bioativos possuem atividade antioxidante, anticarcinogênica e anti-inflamatória. Sendo assim, o presente trabalho propõe avaliar os efeitos do consumo materno e/ou paterno de extrato de amora-preta (Rubus spp.) na suscetibilidade da prole feminina ao desenvolvimento de neoplasias mamárias quimicamente induzidas. Para tanto, camundongos da linhagem C57BL/6 foram divididos aleatoriamente em 4 grupos: pai amora (PA), mãe amora (MA), pai e mãe amora (PMA) e controle (CTRL). Os pais receberam extrato de amora-preta logo após o desmame durante 8 semanas e as mães receberam o extrato durante a gestação e lactação. O extrato de amora-preta foi administrado na água de beber (0.84g de antocianinas/L) ad libitum. Os pais tratados com extrato de amora apresentaram redução na atividade enzimática da superóxido dismutase (SOD) e da catalase (CAT) no testículo (p<0.05 e p<0.001, respectivamente), aumento na capacidade antioxidante plasmática, na porcentagem de espermatozoides normais e na produção diária de espermatozóides em relação ao grupo controle (p<0.001 para todos). Além disso, os grupos PA, MA e PMA apresentaram aumento na taxa de prenhez (p<0.05) e redução da mortalidade perinatal (p<0.01, p<0.05 e p<0.001, respectivamente). Em relação à prole feminina não submetida à carcinogênese foi observada redução na capacidade antioxidante plasmática nos grupos PA (p<0.001) e MA (p<0.01), enquanto o grupo PMA apresentou aumento nesse parâmetro (p<0.001). No desenvolvimento da glândula mamária, houve aumento do desenvolvimento epitelial nos grupos PA, MA e PMA (p<0.001 para todos), de diferenciação nos grupos MA e PMA (p<0.01 para ambos) e da taxa de apoptose nos grupos MA e PMA (p<0.05), além de redução no número de TEBs nos grupos PA, MA e PMA (p<0.01, p<0.001 e p<0.001, respectivamente). Não foram observadas alterações significativas nas filhas submetidas à indução química da carcinogênese mamária por DMBA. Assim, é possível concluir que apesar de ter alterado o desenvolvimento da glândula mamária, o consumo materno e/ou paterno de extrato de amora-preta não foi capaz de impactar sobre a suscetibilidade da prole feminina à carcinogênese mamária quimicamente induzida.

Testicular development of Zebu bulls after chronic treatment with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist

The objective was to compare testis characteristics of Zebu bulls treated with the GnRH agonist, deslorelin, at different times and for different durations during their development. An additional objective was to determine the usefulness of a stain for the transcription factor GATA-binding protein 4 (GATA-4) as a specific marker for Sertoli cell nuclei in cattle. Bulls (54) were allocated to nine groups (n = 6) and received s.c. deslorelin implants as follows: G1 = from birth to 3 mo of age; G2 = from 3 to 6 mo; G3 = from 6 to 9 mo; G4 = from 9 to 12 mo; G5 = from birth to 15 mo; G6 = from 3 to 15 mo; G7 = from 6 to 15 mo; G8 = from 12 to 15 mo; and G9 (control) = no implant. Bulls were castrated at 19 mo of age. Paraffin sections (10 mu m) were subjected to quantitative morphometry and GATA-4 immunohistochemistry. At castration, all bulls in the control group (6/6) had attained puberty (scrotal circumference ! 28 cm), whereas a smaller proportion (P < 0.05) had reached puberty in G2 (2/5) and G6 (1/ 6). Bulls in G2 and G6 also had a lesser (P < 0.05) testis weight compared with the control group. Total volume of seminiferous epithelium and total daily sperm production in G2 and G6 were only half that observed in the control group. Spermatids were observed in less than 50% of seminiferous tubules in G2, G6, and G7 compared with 82% in the control group (P < 0.05). Staining for GATA-4 was specific for and abundant in the Sertoli cell nucleus in both pre- and postpubertal bulls, and no other cell nucleus inside the seminiferous tubule was positive for GATA-4. Total number of Sertoli cells was not affected by treatment (P = 0.45), but nuclear volume was smaller in G2 and G6 (P < 0.05) compared with the control group. In conclusion, treatment of Zebu bulls with deslorelin had no apparent beneficial effect on testis development and delayed puberty when treatment was initiated at 3 mo of age. Staining for GATA-4 was a useful method for identifying and quantifying Sertoli cell nuclei in both pre- and postpubertal bulls.

Sodium metabisulfite-induced changes on testes, spermatogenesis and epididymal morphometric values in adult rats

Background: Sulphites are widely used as a preservative and antioxidant additives in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Many types of biological and toxicological effects of sulphites in multiple organs of mammals have been shown in previous studies. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sodium metabisulfite (SMB) on testicular function and morphometric values of epididymis in adult male Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: A total of 32 rats were randomly divided into four groups. The experimental groups received SMB at doses of 10 mg/kg (S10), 100mg/kg (S100), and 260 mg/kg (S260) while an equal volume of normal saline was administered to the control group via gavage. The rats were anaesthetized after 28 days and the left testis with the head of epididimis was excised following abdominal incision for histological observation using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Serum samples were collected for assay of testosterone level. The initial epididymis was analyzed for motility, morphology, and the number of sperms. Result: The results of this study showed that normal morphology, count, and motility of sperms and testosterone level were decreased in the SMB treated groups. In comparison with the control group, SMB resulted in a lower total number of spermatogonia, primary spermatocyte, spermatids, and Leydig cells. Conclusion: It is suggested that SMB decreases the sperm production and has the potential to affect the fertility adversely in male rats.

Reproductive cycle of Urolophus cruciatus in south-eastern Australia: does the species exhibit obligate or facultative diapause?

Observations of synchronous rapid growth of embryos and ovarian follicles in pregnant females during the half-year December–May leading to parturition, ovulation, mating, and fertilization suggest Urolophus cruciatus has the capacity for an annual reproductive cycle. Conversely, the higher proportion of the pregnant females in the population carrying eggs than carrying embryos in utero during December–May and all pregnant females in the population only carrying eggs in utero during June–November indicate a longer reproductive cycle. Analysis based on the usual assumptions implies that the species most likely exhibits a biennial cycle with ~18-month period of diapause following ovulation prior to ~6-month period of rapid embryogenesis. However, it is feasible that the period of the cycle is triennial with ~30-month period of diapause or alternatively diapause varies among individuals and varies from year to year. Rather than exhibiting a fixed-term reproductive cycle where obligatory diapause leads to parturition timed every year to provide favourable conditions for neonates, as suggested for several other chondrichthyan species, U. cruciatus may exhibit facultative diapause where the period of diapause and hence the reproductive cycle varies depending on the prevailing environmental conditions or density-dependent factors as described for many terrestrial species. U. cruciatus is highly matrotrophic (>4000 % wet mass gain from ovum to full-term embryo), litter size (1–4) increases with maternal length, sex ratio among embryos is 1:1, and male breeding condition varies seasonally with peak sperm production coinciding with female ovulation.

Cryopreservation of sperm of common carp, Cyprinus carpio and silver barb, Barbonymus gonionotus for genetically improved seed production

Experiments were conducted to develop and standardize the protocols for cryopreservation of sperm of common carp, Cyprinus carpio and also for using the cryopreserved sperm for fertilization of eggs. Nine extender solutions as Alsever's solution, kurokura-1, kurokura-2, urea egg-yolk, egg-yolk citrate, 0.6% glucose, 0.9% NaCl, Ma and Mb, and five cryoprotectants namely ethanol, methanol, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), dimethylamine (DMA) and glycerol were tested. The cryoprotectants were mixed at 10% concentration of the extenders (v/v) to make the cryodiluents. Milt and cryodiluents were mixed at a ratio of 1:9 for Alsever's solution, kurokura-1, kurokura-2, 0.6% glucose and 0.9% NaCl, 1:4 for urea egg-yolk, egg-yolk citrate, Ma and Mb. Among the cryodiluents Alsever's solution mixed with either ethanol or methanol was found to be suitable and it produced more than 90% and 80% spermatozoan motility at equilibrium and post-thaw periods, respectively. Kurokura-1 and kurokura-2 when mixed with the same cryoprotectants showed good spermatozoan motility at equilibrium period (80-90%) but the motility was reduced (30-55%) at post-thaw state. Other extenders did not produce acceptable sperm-motility and in some cases the frozen milt became clotted. Different dilution ratios (1:1, 1:2, 1:4, 1:5, 1:7, 1:9, 1:12, 1:15, 1:20) were formulated for obtaining a suitable milt dilution, the dilution ratio of 1: 9 (milt : cryodiluent) demonstrated the highest post-thaw spermatozoan motility (80%) in Alserver's solution. The optimum concentration of cryoprotectants in the cryodiluents was determined, 10% concentration level was found to be effective to produce the highest number of spermatozoan motility in comparison to the other concentrations (5%, 15%, 20% 30%). Sperm preserved with the cryodiluent Alsever's solution along with either methanol or ethanol was found to be effective to fertilize eggs and produce hatchlings. The hatching rates ranged between 1.48% and 14.76%, compare to control. The fish produced through use of cryopreserved sperm and normal sperm were found to grow well and no significant (P<0.05) growth difference was observed between them. In case of silver barb, Barbonymus gonionotus, sperm tested against six extenders such as egg-yolk citrate, urea-egg-yolk, kurokura-1, kurokura-2, 0.9% NaCl and modified fish ringer (MFR) solution. Cryoprotectants used were the same as those of C. carpio. Milt was diluted with the cryodiluent at a ratio of 1:4 for egg-yolk citrate and urea-egg-yolk, 1:5 for kurokura-1 and 1:9 for 0.9% NaCl, MFR and kurokura-2. The cryoprotectant concentration was maintained at 10% of the extender (v/v) in all the cases. Among the extenders, egg-yolk citrate and urea-egg-yolk mixed with 10% DMSO, methanol and ethanol produced 50% post-thaw spermatozoan motility, whereas DMA and glycerol provided only 10% motility. Trials on milt dilution ratio and cryoprotectant concentration are being conducted. Fertilization trials are also underway.

Isolate((R)) and Optiprep((R)) minigradients as alternatives for sperm selection in bovine in vitro embryo production

The objective of this study was to evaluate alternatives in small volumes to conventional gradient of Percoll((R)) on semen quality, in vitro embryo production, sex ratio and embryo survival after vitrification. Thawed semen was randomly allocated to one of four density gradient selection methods: (1) conventional Percoll((R)) (P), (2) MiniPercoll (MP), (3) MiniIsolate (MI), and (4) MiniOptiprep (MO). Sperm kinetics and quality were evaluated. Use of P, MP and MI gradients did not affect sperm motility (P > 0.05). However, there was a decrease in total and progressive sperm motility in MO (70.8 and 51.3% vs. 87.3 and 69.5% for P; 87.3 and 73% for MP; 92.3 and 78.8% for MI; P < 0.05). The MO had lower membrane integrity compared with P, MP and MI (39.7 vs. 70.5, 72.3, 63.8%, respectively, P < 0.05). The percentage of blastocysts produced was higher in MI than in MP and MO (21.1 vs. 16.1 and 16.9%, P < 0.05) and similar to P (18.4%; P > 0.05). Sex ratio and embryo survival after vitrification were similar among groups (P > 0.05). Semen selected by Isolate and Optiprep gradient, at the concentrations and small volumes used, demonstrated similar characteristics and in vitro embryo production to conventional Percoll((R)) gradient.

Determinants of online sperm donor success: How women choose

Because the worldwide demand for sperm donors is much higher than the actual supply available through fertility clinics, an informal online market has emerged for sperm donation. Very little empirical evidence exists, however, on this newly formed market and even less on the characteristics that lead to donor success. This article therefore explores the determinants of online sperm donors’ selection success, which leads to the production of offspring via informal donation. We find that donor age and income play a significant role in donor success as measured by the number of times selected, even though there is no requirement for ongoing paternal investment. Donors with less extroverted and lively personality traits who are more intellectual, shy and systematic are more successful in realizing offspring via informal donation. These results contribute to both the economic literature on human behaviour and on large-scale decision-making.

Components of fractionated stallion seminal plasma and the effects of seminal plasma on sperm longevity

Seminal plasma (SP) is the fluid portion of semen, secreted by the epididymides and the accessory glands before and during ejaculation. The stallion s ejaculate is a series of jets that differ in sperm concentration, semen volume and biochemical composition. Before the actual ejaculation, a clear and watery pre-sperm fluid is secreted. The first three jets form the sperm-rich fractions, and contain ¾ of the total number of sperm. The semen volume and sperm concentration in each of the jets decrease towards the end of the ejaculation, and the last jets are sperm-poor fractions with a low sperm concentration. The aims of these studies were to examine the effects of the different SP fractions, and the presence of SP, on sperm survival during storage. Pre-sperm fluid, and semen fractions with a high (sperm-rich) and low (sperm-poor) sperm concentration were collected in five experiments. The levels of selected enzymes, electrolytes and proteins in different SP fractions were determined. These studies also aimed at assessing the individual variation in the levels of the selected SP components and in the effects of SP on spermatozoa. The association between the components of SP and semen quality, sperm longevity, and fertility was examined with a stepwise linear regression analysis. Compared to samples containing SP during storage, centrifugation and the subsequent removal of SP reduced sperm motility parameters during 24 h of cooled storage in all SP fractions, but sperm membrane integrity was not affected. Some of the measured post-thaw motility parameters were also higher in samples containing SP compared to samples stored without SP. In contrast, the proportion of DNA-damaged spermatozoa was greater in the samples stored with SP than those without SP, and this effect was seen in both sperm-rich and sperm-poor fractions. There were no differences in DNA integrity between fractions stored with SP, but the sperm-rich fraction showed less DNA damage than the sperm-poor fraction after SP removal. The differences between fractions in sperm motility after cooled storage were non-significant. The levels of alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase and β-glucuronidase were higher in the sperm-rich fractions compared to the sperm-poor fractions, while the concentrations of calcium and magnesium were higher in sperm-poor fractions than in sperm-rich fractions. The concentrations of sodium and chloride were highest in pre-sperm fluid. In the sperm-poor fraction, the level of potassium was associated with the maintenance of sperm motility during storage. The levels of alkaline and acid phosphatase were associated with sperm concentration and the total number of spermatozoa in the ejaculates. None of the measured SP components were correlated to the first cycle pregnancy rate. In summary, the removal of SP improved DNA integrity after cooled storage compared with samples containing SP. There were no differences in the maintenance of sperm motility between the sperm-rich and sperm-poor fractions and whole ejaculates during cooled storage, irrespective of the presence of SP. The lowest rate of DNA damage was found in the sperm-rich fractions stored without SP. In practice, the results presented in this thesis support the use of individual modifications of semen processing techniques for cooled transported semen from subfertile stallions.

Induction of mitotic and meiotic gynogenesis and production of genetic clones in rohu, Labeo rohita Ham.

Studies were undertaken to produce genetic clones derived from all homozygous mitotic gynogenetic individuals in rohu, Labeo rohita Ham. ln view of this, attempts were made to interfere with the normal functioning of the spindle apparatus during the first mitotic cell division of developing eggs using heat shocks, there by leading to the induction of mitotic gynogenetic diploids in the F1 generation. Afterwards, viable mitotic gynogenetic alevins were reared and a selected mature female fish was used to obtain ovulated eggs which were fertilized later with UV-irradiated milt. Milt was diluted with Cortland’s solution and the sperm concentration was maintained at 10⁸/ml. The UV-irradiation was carried out for 2 minutes at the intensity of 200 to 250 µW/cm² at 28± 1°C. The optimal heat shock of 40°C for 2 minutes applied at 25 to 30 minutes a.f. was used to induce mitotic gynogenesis in first (F1) generation and at 3 to 5 minutes a.f. to induce meiotic gynogenesis in the second (F2) generation. The results obtained are presented and the light they shed on the timing of the mitotic and meiotic cell division in this species is discussed.

CORRELATION OF ZONA-BINDING WITH OOCYTE MATURATION AND SPERM MOTILITY IN RHESUS-MONKEYS BY HEMIZONA ASSAY

The hemizona assay (HZA) in Rhesus monkeys was employed to study the correlation of zona-binding ability with sperm motility or with naturally developing oocytes at various maturational stages. Oocytes from unstimulated ovaries were retrieved within 2 hr from monkeys sacrificed for vaccine production (in reproductive season, but with their menstrual cycles not determined). Oocytes were divided into four groups based on their morphological maturation: 1) Oocytes surrounded by more than one cumulus layer (MC); 2) Oocytes retaining intact germinal vesicle nuclei (GV); 3) Oocytes with germinal vesicle breakdown showing distinct perivitelline space (PVS); and 4) Oocytes extruding the first polar body (PB1). The mean numbers of sperm bound to hemizona for PBI, PVS, GV, and MC groups were 132.9 +/- 12.0, 71.5 +/- 10.1, 36.1 +/- 4.0, and 20.1 +/- 2.9 (Mean +/- SE), respectively. The four groups showed significant differences from each other in sperm/egg binding ability (P < 0.01). The number of bound sperm significantly increased with oocyte maturation. The present study also showed that zona-binding ability was also affected by sperm motility. For sperm with 67.7% motility and sperm with 31.2% motility, the average numbers of bound sperm were 43.5 +/- 2.2 and 25.3 +/- 2.9 (Mean +/- SE), respectively. There was significantly higher binding ability for sperm with higher motility (P < 0.01). The results suggest that: 1)The rhesus monkey model can serve as a very sensitive model for studying sperm/egg interaction by HZA; 2) Sperm motility positively correlated with sperm/egg binding; and 3) Sperm/egg binding ability increases with oocyte maturation. The binding ability is highest when oocytes matured to the PB1 stage, which is also the best opportunity for fertilization. This is strong evidence for the ''zona maturation'' hypothesis. (C) 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Ginsenoside R-e increases fertile and asthenozoospermic infertile human sperm motility by induction of nitric oxide synthase

We investigated the effects of Ginsenoside R-e on human sperm motility in fertile and asthenozoospermic infertile individuals in vitro and the mechanism by which the Ginsenosides play their roles. The semen samples were obtained from 10 fertile volunteers and 10 asthenozoospermic infertile patients. Spermatozoa were separated by Percoll and incubated with 0, 1, 10 or 100 mu M of Ginsenoside R-e. Total sperm motility and progressive motility were measured by computer-aided sperm analyzer (CASA). Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity was determined by the H-3-arginine to H-3-citrulline conversion assay, and the NOS protein was examined by the Western blot analysis. The production of sperm nitric oxide (NO) was detected using the Griess reaction. The results showed that Ginsenoside R-e significantly enhanced both fertile and infertile sperm motility, NOS activity and NO production in a concentration-dependent manner. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 100 nM), a NO donor, mimicked the effects of Ginsenoside R-e. And pretreatment with a NOS inhibitor N-omega-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 100 mu M) or a NO scavenger N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (LNAC, 1 mM) completely blocked the effects of Ginsenoside R-e. Data suggested that Ginsenoside R-e is beneficial to sperm motility, and that induction of NOS to increase NO production may be involved in this benefit.