Sexual selection in gallus: Effects of morphology and dominance on female spatial behavior

Sexual selection has received a great deal of attention from field and laboratory researchers for over a century, but hard evidence of female choice of mates in mixed-sex groups remains scarce. Dominant males typically mate much more often than subordinants but evidence that females “choose” such males is elusive. In $\text{Gallus}$, which includes junglefowl and their domestic fowl descendants, females stay near and mate with dominant, territorial males. We demonstrate here that $\text{Gallus}$ females in mixed-sex flocks who have no information about the social dominance status of males orient to, approach and stay near males with larger than average combs whereas females which $\text{do}$ not have information about male dominance orient toward and stay near high ranking males. We verify that comb size correlates with male social rank. Hence, $\text{Gallus}$ females do actively respond to “high quality” males; they apparently identify such males by male physical characteristics and, if available, information concerning male-male interactions.     

The oxygen consumption of non-dormant and dormant larvae of Chironomus plumosus (Diptera)

The physiological expression of a short-day-induced dormancy (Oligopause) of 4th-instar Chironomus plumosus larvae was investigated by measuring the oxygen consumption. By means of a polarographic continuous-flow respirometer the oxygen consumption of single larvae or groups of larvae (up to 5) could be measured continuously over a period of several hours. The oxygen consumption of dormant larvae is lower than in non-dormant larvae: in relation to the individual it is reduced by about $\text{1}\text{3}$, in relation to 1 g of dry weight by about $\text{1}\text{2}$. Dormant larvae are heavier than non-dormant larvae. In the dormant larvae, the proportion of dry weight to total weight is higher than in the non-dormant larvae. The increased proportion of dry weight is composed of a size-specific (dormancy-independent) and a dormancy-specific component. Independent of the sex and dormancy state, the larger larvae have a lower oxygen consumption per weight unit than the smaller larvae. A sex-specific difference can be observed: when animals with identical oxygen consumption per weight unit are compared, the females are considerably heavier than the males.     

Characterization of L5178Y leukemic cells which rapidly develop and lose implantation ability.

Two populations of L5178Y murine leukemic cells, maintained by different methods, were studied for their implantation ability in BDF₁ mice. Implantation ability was measured by number of tumor nodules formed, liver weight, and day of death of the animal. 1) Cells from a population grown for 10 years $\text{in vitro}$ had no implantation ability; i.e., no tumor nodules were formed when injected into the tail vein. After 30 days of growth in the peritoneal cavity of BDF₁ mice, these same cells were injected into the tail vein and 10 days later had produced over 200 liver tumor nodules. When cells taken from these tumors were recultured for 60 days $\text{in vitro}$, they lost the acquired implantation ability, but regained it after another single peritoneal passage. 2) L5178Y murine leukemic cells grown for six years in ascites tumor cells were extremely tumorigenic; over 200 tumor nodules appeared in the liver after tail vein injection. These cells were not rendered less tumorigenic and did not lose their implantation ability by $\text{in vitro}$ culturing for 60 days. The results suggest that implantation ability is a property of the cell's growth environment; furthermore, they have strong implications for the $\text{in vivo}$ and $\text{in vitro}$ manipulation of this property.     

Effect of neonatally injected ACTH and ACTH analogues on eye-opening of the rat.

Three-day old rats were injected subcutaneously either with natural purified pig ACTH (ACTH 1–39), ACTH 1–24, or ACTH analogues as long-acting zinc-phosphate preparations. ACTH 1–39, ACTH 1–24, ACTH 1–18, ACTH 1–16 accelerated the time of eye-opening, whereas an extract of corticosteroids produced $\text{in}$$\text{vitro}$ by excised adrenals of ACTH-treated three-day old rats was ineffective. Injections with ACTH on the twelfth day of life had no effect on eye-opening. It is concluded that a neonatal injection with ACTH or closely related analogues with markedly less corticotropic activity can accelerate the time of eye-opening. This effect is not mediated by the adrenal cortex. The sensitive period for it appears to be shortly after birth.     

Stimulation of leydig cell testoterone secretion in vitro and in vivo in hypophysectomized rats by an agonist of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone

Injection of a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist into 55-day-old male rats which had been hypophysectomized 3 days earlier resulted in a 10- to 30-fold increase in the levels of testosterone in serum and testicular interstitial fluid (IF) in the 4h following injection. The levels achieved were within or above the normal range for intact untreated rats of this age. In similar animals, injection of LHRH agonist also enhanced the serum testosterone response to injected hCG at $\text{1}\text{1}\text{2}\text{h}$, but not at later times after injection, and by 24h reduced IF levels of testosterone suggested that LHRH agonist had begun to inhibit stimulation by hCG. $\text{In vitro}$, dispersed Leydig cells from untreated hypophysectomized rats showed a 2-fold increase in testosterone responsiveness to LHRH agonist when compared to cells from intact rats, and this change was associated with an 80% increase in the number of Leydig cell LHRH-receptors.     

Seasonal effects on female reproductive functions in the bovine (Indian breeds)

Reproductive function is mediated by season in the Indian breeds of cattle ($\text{Bos}$$\text{indicus}$). The reproductive endocrinology of $\text{Bos}$$\text{indicus}$ cattle differs from that of $\text{Bos}$$\text{taurus}$ breeds; the estrus is shorter and less intense and occurs late in relation to an estrogen stimulus. Moreover, the $\text{Bos}$$\text{indicus}$ female has a smaller preovulatory surge of luteinizing hormone (LH), which occurs earlier relative to the onset of estrus, and she ovulates sooner after the onset of estrus. The corpus luteum is smaller and contains less progesterone, and the serum progesterone concentration is lower in $\text{Bos}$$\text{indicus}$ females. Furthermore, they have fewer preovulatory LH surges than $\text{Bos}$$\text{taurus}$ females and their luteal cells are less responsive to LH in vitro during the winter. Their fertility is lower during the late fall and winter months. For $\text{Bos}$$\text{indicus}$ cattle, recovery of transferable embryos and survival of embryos in the recipient are at their maximum from July through October.     

Does dehydration contribute to retarded fetal growth in rats exposed to alcohol during gestation?

An earlier study showed that pregnant rats given ethanol in drinking water exhibited a significant degree of dehydration. The objective of the present study was to determine whether dehydration alone contributes to fetal growth retardation in alcohol treated rats. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 dietary groups. Group 1 (alcohol) received 20% ethanol in drinking water for four weeks prior to mating and 30% alcohol in drinking water throughout pregnancy and a stock diet $\text{ad libitum}$. Group 2 (pair-fed) was given an amount of food equal to that consumed by the alcohol group with the alcohol isocalorically substituted by corn starch. Water was available $\text{ad libitum}$. Group 3 (pair-water) was given an amount of food and water equal to that consumed by the alcohol animals. Group 4 ($\text{ad libitum}$) was given food and water $\text{ad libitum}$. On day 21 of gestation body weights of the alcohol exposed fetuses were significantly lower than those of the other three treatment groups. The difference in fetal body weights between the pair-fed and pair-water groups was not significant. Placentas were significantly heavier in the alcohol group than in the pair-fed and pair-water groups. Maternal plasma osmolality was significantly higher in the alcohol treated rats when compared to the pair-fed and $\text{ad libitum}$ controls but not the pair-water group. No significant differences were seen in fetal plasma osmolality among the four treatment groups. It is concluded that dehydration does not contribute significantly to retarded fetal growth in rats given alcohol in drinking water as the sole source of fluid prior to and during gestation.     

Sociality among captive hybrid macaques

The social behavior of a group of twenty hybrid macaques and one $\text{M.}$$\text{fascicularis}$ was investigated to determine the patterns of sociality and social integration within the group. Observation focused on the behavior categories of social affiliation and cohesion. Inter-animal proximity, social grooming, and inter-animal contact were analyzed using a method of cliqual analysis. When compared to a group of $\text{M. nemestrina}$ it was found that the hybrid females showed less proximity and contact and that the hybrid males received more noncontact aggression than their nemestrina counterparts. The results indicated that these hybrid macaques have formed an integrated social unit similar to that of a nonhybrid macaque group but without the female social nucleus. An hypothesis is put forward that groups of females put together may not form a social unit comparable to long term social groups.     

Carcinogen-protein complexes in mammary gland after administration of 3-methylcholanthrene

Twenty-four hrs after i.p. administration of ³H-3-methylcholanthrene (³H-MCA) to 8–10 weeks old virgin or 14 days pregnant $\text{BALB}\text{c}$ mice, the macromolecules and ³H-hydrocarbon-protein complexes in their mammary cytosols were extensively resolved according to molecular size. The profiles of the macromolecules at both stages of mammary development were generally similar, and contained at least five families of molecular size of modes: > 300,000, 181,000, 88,000, 44,000 and 27,000 daltons. At least three species of ³H-hydrocarbon-protein complex were present. The principal complex had a modal molecular weight of 83,000, and the two minor species > 300,000 and 47,000. Only a small amount of complex similar to the principal species was produced $\text{in vitro}$ by incubation of ³H-MCA with cytosol at 1–4°, indicating that the carcinogen is probably metabolized prior to interaction $\text{in vivo}$ with its principal target protein.     

Exposure of embryos to an aromatization inhibitor increases copulatory behaviour of male quail

This experiment examined the possibility that endogenous embryonic androgen contributes to sexual differentiation of behaviour in male or female quail ($\text{Coturnix}$$\text{coturnix}$$\text{japonica}$), and that it does so via aromatization (conversion to oestrogen). Eggs were injected on day 9 of incubation with oil or ATD (an aromatization inhibitor). As adults, males and females were exposed to short days, injected with testosterone propionate, tested for male-typical behaviour, then injected with oestradiol benzoate and tested for female-typical receptivity. ATD increased the level of male-typical copulatory behaviour in males. Male-typical behaviour in females was not affected, nor was female-typical behaviour in either sex. Thus normal male quail are actually slightly demasculinized by their own androgen during embryonic development, and this process is mediated by aromatization.     

A possible complex containing RNA processing enzymes

The three enzymes, RNAase III, RNAase E and RNAase P participate in the processing of RNA precursors in $\text{Escherichia coli}$. In extracts which contain a mutated RNAase III or RNAase E under certain conditions RNAase P activity is not expressed while in the wild-type extract it is. Upon high-speed centrifugation of a cell extract from a strain of $\text{E.}$,$\text{coli}$, which contains all these three enzymes, the majority of RNAase P, RNAase III and RNAase E activities sediment as particles heavier than their known sizes. In a sucrose density gradient of the cell extract, part of RNAase E and RNAase P activities co-sediment while most of the RNAase III activity is found toward the top of the gradient. This behavior is distinct from other ribonucleases such as RNAase II and RNAase H, which do not sediment as complexes. This complex does not seem to be caused merely by the association of the enzymes with ribosomes.     

Plasma membranes from cardiac cells in culture. Enzymatic radio-iodination,evaluation of preparation and properties of the sarcolemma

Plasma membranes from heart (sarcolemma) were prepared by the method of Kidwai, A.M. ((1975) Methods in Enzymology (Fleischer, S. and Packer, L., eds.), Vol. XXXIA, pp. 134–144, Academic Press, New York). On many occasions the sarcolemmal fraction identified by the enzyme markers such as $\text{(}\text{Na}{}^{\mathrm{+}}\text{+}\text{K}{}^{\mathrm{+}}\text{)-}\text{ATPase}$ banded at heavier densities ($\text{3 > 1.25}\text{g/ml}$) than expected for plasma membrane ($\text{d < 1.15}\text{g/ml}$). Radio-iodination of the membrane was added as an independent marker and conditions for the reproducible preparation of the sarcolemma were studied. Cultured heart cells were enzymatically iodinated under conditions which did not affect viability and labeled primarily the sarcolemma. The distribution of radioactivity in homogenates of cultured cells on the density gradient corresponded to that of the enzymes' activity. The best sarcolemma preparation was obtained with 0.3 M KCl extraction of heart homogenates in the presence of 0.05 M pyrophosphate, especially if the salt was also present during the fractionation by density gradient centrifugation. Alterations in the density were also observed with erythrocytes and cultured liver cells' plasma membrane. The data suggests a meta-stable state of the plasma membranes due to handling or storage which could cause alterations of some of their physical properties (e.g. density).     

The alteration of serotonin binding sites in aged human brain

The $\text{in}$$\text{vitro}$ binding of [³H]serotonin ([³H]5-HT) to cerebral cortex from young and old adult humans was studied. With cortex from human males 23–29 years old, the binding of [³H]5-HT was a saturable process, and bound [³H]5-HT could be displaced by unlabeled 5-HT or by lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Two separate binding sites were discernible by Scatchard analysis. The dissociation constants were 7 nM (Kd₁) and 52 nM (Kd₂), and the total number of binding sites were 0.65 (n₁) and 2.06 (n₂) pmoles/mg protein, respectively. In cerebral cortex from aged humans (61–70 years old), the dissociation constant for [³H]5-HT binding was 198 nM, and the total number of binding sites were 4.78 pmoles/mg protein. The alteration of serotonin binding sites may be related to cerebral malfunction in old people, particularly to mental depression and sleep disturbances that commonly occur.     

Enhancement of hexobarbital-induced sleep by lysine and its metabolites

Lysine has been shown to be metabolized in the rat brain to pipecolic acid which is a precursor of piperidine. Lysine and its proposed metabolites in this pathway were studied for the first time for their effect on the sleeping time induced by hexobarbital in the rat. Only $\text{L}$-lysine and $\text{D}$-lysine were found to prolong sleeping time significantly without toxic effect. A 3-day pretreatment with $\text{L}$-lysine produced an even more profound sleep prolongation. In most cases sleep enhancement was accompanied by a significant shortening of the time of sleep onset. Quantification of brain hexobarbital levels in the control and treated rats indicates that prolongation of sleeping time was not produced by inhibition of hexobarbital metabolism. The sleep prolonging effect of lysine, therefore, may be a direct action of lysine, or the metabolite(s) derived $\text{in}$$\text{vivo}$ from lysine, on the central nervous system.     

Ozonolytic cleavage of authentic and pancreatic dolichyl mannopyranosyl phosphates: determination of sugar configuration in the fragments with alpha- and beta-mannosidases.

Exposure of authentic dolichyl α-D-[¹⁴C]mannopyranosyl phosphate ($\text{I}$) or calf pancreas dolichyl [¹⁴C]mannopyranosyl phosphate ($\text{II}$) to ozone at ?70° in pentane followed by treatment with triphenylphosphine gave water-soluble fragments in 65–95% yield. The radioactive products obtained were similar; the major fragment had a mobility on tlc greater than that of mannose but lower than that of citronellyl β-D-mannopyranosyl phosphate. The electrophoretic behavior of the fragments indicated that they possessed intact phosphodiester linkages. α-Mannosidase released [¹⁴C]mannose from the fragments of $\text{I}$ but not from the fragments of $\text{II}$; however, the latter were susceptible to β-mannosidase indicating that the pancreatic mannolipid contains a β-linked mannosyl residue.     

Puberty in the male pony: Plasma gonadotropin concentrations and the effects of castration

Ten male ponies were studied from 17 December 1978 through 9 August 1979. Six of the colts were born the previous spring (1978) and four were born during the previous summer. Three of the spring-born colts had been castrated at 4 months of age. Based on the presence of spermatozoa in the epididymis, all spring-born colts ($\text{3}\text{3}$), but only one summer-born colt ($\text{1}\text{4}$) had reached puberty by the end of the project (August). Spermatogenesis was significantly more advanced in the spring-born colts than in the summer-born colts.Concentrations of FSH and LH in the intact males remained constant from December through August, and levels were significantly lower than for the long-term castrated males throughout this period. In the long-term castrates, concentrations of FSH and LH increased from late winter and early spring to the highest levels during late spring and summer.On 9 August, the three spring-born colts (approximately 16 months of age) were castrated. The four summer-born colts (approximately 12–13 months old) were randomly assigned to either castrate (n=2) or hemicastrate (n=2) groups, and surgery was done on all colts on the same day. Both gonadotropins increased following castration in spring-born males. Concentrations of FSH and LH did not change following hemicastration.     

Reproductive responses of beef heifers and cows to exogenous progesterone administered in silastic coils,oestradiol benzoate and pregnant mare serum gonadotropin

The aim of this study was to investigate a Progesterone Releasing Intravaginal Device, Oestradiol benzoate and PMSG combined treatment in 81 suckling charolais cows and 56 heifers of various breeds. The former were young primiparous cows aged 2 years and treated at a means of 43 days postpartum. Most of the heifers ($\text{44}\text{56}$) were not cycling and were believed to be prepuberal.In non-cycling females, the treatment induced ovulation in 98.5% of the cows and 78 to 100% of the heifers according to breed. In those females in which ovulation was induced, pregnancy rates determined by rectal palpation were 46.9% for the cows and 66.7% for the heifers. When taking into account all treated females including those with lost Progesterone Releasing Intravaginal Devices (5.8%) and those not ovulating, the pregnancy rates determined by rectal palpation 3 to 5 months after artificial insemination were 40.7% for the cows and 52% for the heifers.     

Regioselectivity in enzymatic hydration of cis-1,2-disubstituted [18O]-epoxides

The hydration of $\text{cis}$-β-methylstyrene oxide, $\text{cis}$-2,3-octene oxide, and their ¹⁸O-enriched forms by epoxide hydrase of rat liver microsomes has been investigated. Both $\text{cis}$ epoxides underwent quantitative enzymatic hydration yielding exclusively the corresponding $\text{threo}$ diols, indicating that complete stereochemical inversion at a single oxirane carbon had occurred. Mass spectral analysis of diols formed enzymatically from the ¹⁸O enriched epoxides indicated they were formed with great regioselectivity, 89% and 85% of the ¹⁸O being located at the benzylic carbon of the styrene diol and at C-3 of the octane diol, respectively.     

De novo synthesis of steroids (from acetate) by isolated rat Sertoli cells.

Sertoli cells from 17 day old rats were shown to convert [¹⁴C]acetate to [¹⁴C]-labelled cholesterol, pregnenolone and 17α-hydroxypregnenolone$\text{in}$$\text{vitro}$. Identification was by several systems of thin layer and gas chromatography of the extracted steroids and their sylil and acetyl derivatives and by recrystallizations with authentic and acetylated unlabelled steroids. Several other steroids formed from acetate were tentatively identified. No androstenedione or testosterone were formed. That the Sertoli cell cultures were free of Leydig cells was established by the absence of histochemically detectable 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity and the inability of the cultures to oxidize the 3β-hydroxyl group of [¹⁴C]pregnenolone. This is the first direct evidence that Sertoli cells have the capacity to synthesize steroids $\text{de}$$\text{novo}$ from acetate.     

Reflex ovulation in light-induced persistent estrus (LLPE) rats: Role of sensory stimuli and the adrenals

Penile intromissions have been thought to be the primary stimulus for reflex ovulation in light-induced persistent estrus (LLPE) rats, even though other stimuli also trigger reflex ovulation. To clarify the nature of these noncoital stimuli, intact (nonadrenalectomized) LLPE rats were briefly exposed to a variety of environmental stimuli, other than intromissions, and checked for ova 19–22 hr later. Summary of results (number of rats ovulating/number of rats tested): (A₁) home cage ($\text{3}\text{10}$); (B₁) home cage + vaginal taping ($\text{2}\text{9}$); (C₁) home cage + male-soiled bedding ($\text{15}\text{28}$); (D₁) novel cage ($\text{2}\text{11}$); (E₁) novel cage + vaginal taping ($\text{2}\text{11}$); (F₁) novel cage + vaginal taping + male-soiled bedding ($\text{9}\text{19}$); (G₁) novel cage + vaginal taping + male-soiled bedding + male mounts without intromissions ($\text{14}\text{26}$). The percentage of LLPE rats that ovulated in the last-mentioned test condition was related to the degree of proceptivity/receptivity of the LLPE females. Eight of eight proceptive LLPE females ovulated, but only $\text{6}\text{18}$ nonproceptive females ovulated. To account for reflex ovulation in the absence of intromission it has been suggested that adrenal progesterone (P) stimulates release of an ovulatory quota of luteinizing hormone. This study demonstrates no significant differences in percentage of LLPE females ovulating in corresponding groups of adrenalectomized (ADX) and adrenal-intact females. Summary of results: A₂ = $\text{0}\text{6}$, B₂ = $\text{5}\text{15}$, C₂ = $\text{4}\text{16}$, D₂ = $\text{2}\text{14}$, E₂ = $\text{5}\text{13}$, F₂ = $\text{7}\text{19}$, G₂ = $\text{10}\text{21}$. Conclusion: (a) Exposure to a factor in male-soiled bedding induces reflex ovulation in a significant proportion of adrenal-intact LLPE animals while exposure to a novel cage and/or vaginal taping does not, (b) penile intromissions are not the primary stimulus for reflex ovulation in intact proceptive LLPE rats, and (c) adrenal P is not required for reflex ovulation after tests with noncoital stimuli.