Expression of TLR2/4 in the sperm‐storing oviduct of the Chinese soft‐shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis during hibernation season

The initiation of innate immunology system could play an important role in the aspect of protection for sperms long‐term storage when the sperms got into oviduct of turtles and come into contact with epithelium. The exploration of TLR2/4 distribution and expression in oviduct during hibernation could help make the storage mechanism understandable. The objective of this study was to examine the gene and protein expression profiles in Chinese soft‐shelled turtle during hibernation from November to April in the next year. The protein distribution of TLR2/4 was investigated in the magnum, isthmus, uterus, and vagina of the turtle oviduct using immunohistochemistry, and the gene expression of TLR2/4 was analyzed using quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR). The results showed positive TLR2 protein expression primarily in the epithelium of the oviduct. TLR4 immunoreactivity was widely observed in almost every part of the oviduct, particularly in the epithelium and secretory gland membrane. Analysis of protein, mRNA expression revealed the decreased expression of TLR2/4 in the magnum compared with the isthmus, uterus, and vagina during hibernation. The protein and mRNA expression of TLR2 in the magnum, isthmus, uterus, and vagina was decreased in April compared with that in November. TLR4 protein and mRNA expression in the magnum, isthmus, uterus and vagina was decreased in November compared with that in April. These results indicated that TLR2/4 expression might protect the sperm from microbial infections. In contrast to the function of TLR2, which protects sperm during the early stages of hibernation, TLR4 might play a role in later stages of storage. The present study is the first to report the functions of TLR2/4 in reptiles.     

The effect of oestradiolum benzoicum and progesterone on AChE activity in the nerves of the female reproductive system of immature pigs

The present paper describes the effect of exogenous oestradiol and progesterone on the AChE activity in nerves of the ovary, oviduct, uterus, and vagina, and on morphological features of the AChE-positive nerves of these organs in sexually immature pigs. Studies were carried out on 30 sexually immature pigs, 37 to 43 kg in weight, at the age of 115 to 125 d, of the BWP (Big White Polish) race. The animals were divided into 4 groups. Group I (n = 6) constituted the control. Animals in group II (n = 8) received oestradiolum benzoicum. Those in group III (n = 8) were given progesterone, and in group IV (n = 8) oestradiol and progesterone. Oestradiol injections resulted in a 1.2-fold increase of AChE activity in the ovary, 1.3-fold in the oviduct, 1.7-fold in the uterine horn, and a 1.2-fold decrease of this activity in the cervix, while no differences were noted in the vagina. Progesterone injections did not affect AChE activity in the ovary, while a 1.1-fold increase was observed in the oviduct, 1.2-fold in the uterine horn and 1.1-fold in the cervix compared to the control. A 1.1-fold decrease of this activity was observed in the vagina. Joint injections of oestradiol and progesterone resulted in about a 1.4-fold increase of AChE activity in the ovary, 1.3-fold in the oviduct, 1.4-fold in the uterine horn, 1.6-fold in the vagina, while no changes were observed in the cervix. The results suggest the effect of the administered hormones upon AChE activity in the organs under study, mainly in the oviduct, uterine horn, and vagina. They also point to the possibility of a synergic effect of oestradiol and progesterone as regards to an increase of the activity.     

NADPH-d positive neurons of the lizard Podarcis s. sicula oviduct and their relationship to 17beta-estradiol hormone

The distribution of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate reduced diaphorase (NADPH-d) containing neurons was examined in the oviduct of the lizard Podarcis s. sicula and the relationship between these neurons and 17beta-estradiol hormone was studied. NADPH-d-histochemistry and indirect immunofluorescence method were applied to cryostat sections. NADPH-d-nerve structures were found throughout the oviduct. Positive neurons were primarily located in the reproductive oviduct, and were more numerous in the intermuscular and circular muscle layers than in the mucosa. The vagina revealed a reactive nerve population denser than elsewhere. The NADPH-d-positive neurons densities and the 17beta-estradiol plasma levels coincided throughout the lizard sexual cycle. In addition, after 17beta-estradiol treatments, non-reproductive lizards showed an increase of NADPH-d neurons. We suppose that nitric oxide (NO) neurons play an estrogen-dependent role in the oviduct muscle motility.     

A newly discovered sperm transport system in the female of Lygaeidae bugs

In the female reproductive system of the relatively large hemipteran, the western conifer seed bug Leptoglossus occidentalis (Heidemann), a cuticle‐lined tube extends medially along the surface of the vagina from the proximal end of the spermathecal complex anteriorly to the base of the common oviduct. This medial tube houses the proximal end of the spermathecal duct, thereby enabling the transport of material from the spermatheca at the distal end of the spermathecal complex, past the vagina (or bursa copulatrix) and directly to the common oviduct. The proximal portion of the spermathecal complex also contains an insemination duct that is separate from the spermathecal duct. The insemination duct allows the male intromittent organ to extend from the vagina to the spermatheca without navigating through the spermathecal duct. The reproductive systems of two previously studied Hemiptera, the milkweed bug Oncopeltus fasciatus (Dallas) and the box elder bug Leptocoris trivittatus (Say), possess a similar cuticle‐lined medial tube housing the spermathecal duct. This new information provides a clearer understanding of sperm transport in the female reproductive system of Lygaeidae bugs, and helps to clarify the path of the male organ during copulation, as well as the movement of sperm during egg laying.     

Morphology of urogenital system in female Echinopardalis atrata (Acanthocephala)

Four major areas of the urogenital system of Echinopardalis atrata are examined: (1) capsular protonephridial system, (2) uterine bell complex, (3) uterus, (4) vagina. Photomicrographs of cross sections from wax preparations depict morphological changes along the length of this system. Diagrammatic illustrations show relationships between excretory ducts and oviducts in the uterine bell complex. Relative positions of dorsal and ventral ligament accessory cells, median wall cells, and sheathing syncytium are also shown in this complex. The common oviduct and excretory canal join to form a ciliated urogenital canal that empties into the lumen of the uterus along the latter's anterior mid-dorsal surface. The excretory bladder is located on the inside mid-dorsal surface of the bell wall and is serviced by 2 nephridial canals--1 from each of 2 capsular protonephridia. The vagina affixes the posterior terminus of the uterus to the tegument and consists of an internal and external sphincter surrounding a hypodermal lining.     

“In vivo” pH values of the estrous reproductive tract of the gilt

The hydrogen ion concentration of the fluids of various portions of the reproductive tract was determined in 6 estrous gilts. Determinations were made with a pH cardiovascular catheter electrode placed in the lumen of the oviduct, uterus, cervix and vagina and a reference electrode placed in the peritoneal cavity. The mean pH values were 7.02, 6.98, 7.49, and 6.61 for the oviduct, uterus, cervix and vagina, respectively.     

Differential localization of ErbB2 in different tissues of the rat female reproductive tract: implications for the use of specific antibodies for ErbB2 analysis

ErbB2 has been implicated in numerous functions, including normal and aberrant development of a variety of tissues. Although no soluble ligand has been identified for ErbB2, we have recently shown that ASGP-2, the transmembrane subunit of the cell surface glycoprotein Muc4 (also called sialomucin complex, SMC), can act as an intramembrane ligand for ErbB2 and modulate its activity. Muc4/SMC is abundantly expressed at the apical surface of most epithelia of the rat female reproductive tract. Since Muc4/SMC can interact with ErbB2 when they are expressed in the same cell and membrane, we investigated whether these two proteins are co-expressed and co-localized in tissues of the female reproductive tract. Using an anti-ErbB2 antibody from Dako, we found moderate staining at the basolateral surface of the oviduct and also around the cell membrane of the most superficial and medial layers of the stratified epithelia of the vagina. In contrast, Neomarkers neu Ab1 antibody intensely stained the apical surface of the epithelium of the oviduct and the medial and basal layers of the stratified epithelia of the vagina, substantially overlapping the distribution of Muc4/SMC. Furthermore, Muc4/SMC and ErbB2 association in different tissues of the female reproductive tract was demonstrated by co-immunoprecipitation analysis. Interestingly, phosphorylated ErbB2 detected by anti-phospho-ErbB2 is primarily present at the apical surface of the oviduct. Thus, our results show that differentially localized forms of ErbB2 are recognized by different antibodies and raise interesting questions about the nature of the different forms of ErbB2, the mechanism for differential localization, and possible functions of ErbB2 in the female reproductive tract. They also raise a cautionary note about the use of different ErbB2 antibodies for expression and localization studies.     

Morphology and function of the female reproductive system of Ebalia tumefacta (Decapoda,Brachyura, Leucosiidae)

In this article, the morphology and function of the female reproductive organs of Ebalia tumefacta were investigated using histological methods. While the vagina conforms to the concave type, the study reveals a new orientation of seminal receptacle compartments. The seminal receptacle consists of two chambers, which are oriented in anterior‐posterior direction. This is in contrast to the dorso‐ventral orientation of seminal receptacle chambers in all other known brachyuran crabs. The anterior chamber is lined by cuticle, whereas the posterior chamber is covered with a holocrine glandular epithelium. The oviduct connection is located ventrally, close to the opening of the vagina. The oviduct orifice is characterized by a transition of the epithelium lining of the oviduct to the seminal receptacle holocrine glandular epithelium. Special features are muscle fibers, which are attached to the oviduct orifice and to the sternal cuticle as well. The muscle fibers can be found exactly at that point where the oviduct opens into the seminal receptacle and are secondly attached to the sternum beneath. This musculature is newly described for Eubrachyuran crabs. This musculature can be interpreted as an important feature in the fertilization and egg‐laying process in relation to supporting and controling the inflow of eggs into the seminal receptacle lumen. These new discoveries were compared to the known pattern of an Eubrachyuran seminal receptacle. J. Morphol. 276:517–525, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Fulicin regulates the female reproductive organs of the snail, Achatina fulica

Fulicin is a D-amino acid-containing neuropeptide that has been thought to control male copulatory behavior in the land snail, Achatina fulica. In the present study, we demonstrated that the vagina and the oviduct of Achatina were densely innervated by fulicin-like immunoreactive neuronal fibers. We confirmed that fulicin was actually present in the vagina by mass spectrometry. Furthermore, fulicin showed a profound excitatory effect on contractions of the vagina and the oviduct. These results suggest that fulicin controls female egg-laying behavior as an excitatory neuropeptide regulating the female reproductive organs of the snail.     

Histochemistry of the utero-vaginal junction with special reference to the sperm-host glands in the oviduct of the domestic duck.

The "utero-vaginal junction" that connects the uterus and vagina of duck oviduct differs histologically and histochemically from the adjacent zones. The region is characterised by low, somewhat longitudinally arranged mucosal folds, lined by tall columner cilliated cells with apical nuclei alternating with mucous secreting goblet cells containing basal nuclei. Within the propria of the mucosa there are numerous tubular glands--the sperm host glands--which are responsible for sperm storage after copulation. The goblet cells of the utero-vaginal junction contain an admixture of neutral, sulfated and nonsulfated acid mucopolysaccharides, while the sperm host glands are devoid of any mucopolysaccharide and secrete complex lipoidal materials and exhibit intense acid phosphatase activity. The functional significance of the secretory materials of the sperm host glands have been discussed in the light of sperm release mechanism.     

Morphology of the female reproductive system of European pea crabs (Crustacea,Decapoda, Brachyura,Pinnotheridae)

Commensal pea crabs inhabiting bivalves have a high reproductive output due to the extension andfecundity of the ovary. We studied the underlying morphology of the female reproductive system in the Pinnotheridae Pinnotheres pisum, Pinnotheres pectunculi and Nepinnotheres pinnotheres using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Eubrachyura have internal fertilization: the paired vaginas enlarge into storage structures, the spermathecae, which are connected to the ovaries by oviducts. Sperm is stored inside the spermathecae until the oocytes are mature. The oocytes are transported by oviducts into the spermathecae where fertilization takes place. In the investigated pinnotherids, the vagina is of the “concave pattern” (sensu Hartnoll 1968 ): musculature is attached alongside flexible parts of the vagina wall that controls the dimension of its lumen. The genital opening is closed by a muscular mobile operculum. The spermatheca can be divided into two distinct regions by function and morphology. The ventral part includes the connection with vagina and oviduct and is regarded as the zone where fertilization takes place. It is lined with cuticle except where the oviduct enters the spermatheca by the “holocrine transfer tissue.” At ovulation, the oocytes have to pass through this multilayered glandular epithelium performing holocrine secretion. The dorsal part of the spermatheca is considered as the main sperm storage area. It is lined by a highly secretory apocrine glandular epithelium. Thus, two different forms of secretion occur in the spermathecae of pinnotherids. The definite role of secretion in sperm storage and fertilization is not yet resolved, but it is notable that structure and function of spermathecal secretion are more complex in pinnotherids, and probably more efficient, than in other brachyuran crabs. J. Morphol., 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

三种蚤生殖系统的细微结构:雌性外生殖器的发育

本文研究了缓慢细蚤 Leptopsylla segnis(Schōnherr),不等单蚤 Monopsyllus anisus(Rothschild)和猫栉首蚤指名亚种Ctenocephalides felis felis(Bouché)雌性外生殖器的结构,观察了从幼虫、前蛹、蛹至成虫各发育时期的雌性外生殖器的内部结构变化.对一直悬而未决的雌蚤中输卵管等的起源问题,进行了详细的观察和探讨.认为从晚期3龄幼虫开始出现的雌性外生殖器芽,在前蛹期成为四个部分:1.第7腹板后缘腹壁内陷形成的一对外胚层囊;2.紧接外胚层囊后并延伸至第8腹板的外胚层增厚;3.在第8腹板后部,外胚层增厚两侧的产卵器芽;4.第8腹板后缘腹壁内陷形成的受精囊芽.并认为,这三种蚤的中输卵管由一对外胚层囊和其后的外胚层增厚前端的一小部分内陷形成,阴道由外胚层增厚的大部分和第8、9腹板腹壁内陷形成,受精囊由受精囊芽内陷形成.     

Seasonal changes in the oviduct of the pied myna (Aves: Sturnidae)

Study of the oviduct of the pied myna (Sturnus contra contra) throughout the year reveals that oviductal weight, length, surface epithelial height and glycogen content are low during August to January (nonbreeding phase), partially increase during February to April (pre-breeding phase), maximally increase in May (breeding phase) and decrease in June and July (post-breeding phase). In the nesting cycle, there is greatest growth in all the regions of the oviduct from early nest-building to the egg-laying period and this is followed by rapid involution during incubation and nestling periods. Some notable features in the oviduct of the pied myna are described: 1) All five regions of the oviduct (infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, uterus, and vagina) are clearly distinguishable when studied from serial sections of the oviduct even during the nonbreeding phase of the annual ovarian cycle. 2) There is a strong correlation between initiation of tubular gland formation and the onset of nestbuilding activity. 3) The distal part of the magnum is differentiated into a 'mucous region' having well developed basal nonciliated cells. 4) A sixth zone can be identified between the magnum and isthmus. Sperm hostlike glands exist at the cranial end of the zone. 5) Several circular epithelial invaginations are evident in the intermucosal folds and their size decreases in centripetal order in the vagina. 6) The pattern and degree of regression are different in various regions of the oviduct. A close synchrony between ovarian and oviducal cycles is indicated in the pied myna (Sturnus contra contra).     

Effects of sexual maturation and Salmonella infection on the expression of Toll-like receptors in the chicken vagina

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a critical component of the innate immune response in many vertebrates, including avian species. The recent findings of chicken TLRs (cTLRs) expression in ovarian follicles and in the chicken ovary in vivo, as well as the changes in their expression in response to lipopolysaccharide or Salmonella enteritidis (SE) infection, have broad implications for reproductive physiology and for the prevention of transmission of zoonotic diseases to humans through the consumption of contaminated poultry eggs. Because the main route of egg contamination is from infection of the oviduct and mainly from the vagina, the aim of this study was to investigate the expression of the ten cTLRs identified to date in the chicken oviduct in vivo, to determine whether sexual maturation affects their mRNA abundance and to investigate whether SE infection alters the expression of TLRs in the chicken vagina. RNA was extracted from the vagina of healthy prepubertal, sexually mature and aged birds, and from sexually mature and aged SE infected birds. RT-PCR analysis revealed that all types of cTLRs apart from TLR1-1 were expressed in the vagina of sexually mature birds. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that the mRNA abundance of TLR2-1, 2-2 and 4 differ with respect to sexual maturation in the chicken vagina. SE infection resulted in a significant induction of TLR5 and 15 in the vagina of sexually mature birds, and in a significant induction of TLR2-1, 4 and 15 in the vagina of aged birds, while a significant down-regulation was observed for TLR7 in the vagina of sexually mature birds. These findings suggest that a TLR mediated immune response mechanism exists in the chicken vagina, playing a crucial role in preventing microbial pathogens from being incorporated into newly forming eggs.     

Morphogenèse de l'appareil génital ectodermique femelle d'Eurygaster austriaca (Schrank, 1776) (Heteroptera : Scutelleridae)

Female ectodermal genital apparatus of Eurygaster austriaca (Heteroptera : Scuttelleridae) originates from 3 primary buds, which are situated on 3 different regions and from one secondary bud. The external genitalia arise from 8–9th and 9–10th buds. The common oviduct with its fingershaped tubules, results from a median invagination of the 7–8th intersegmental area. The spermatheca is a dorso-apical invagination of the 8–9th bud. The vagina and its annexes originate from fused 8–9th and 9–10th buds and then, they have a bisegmental origin. The genital orifice, or secondary gonopore, also has the same origin.     

Effect of altered hormonal states on transaminase enzymes in the genital ograns of immature female rhesus monkeys

The effect of ovariectomy and hormone replacement therapy on the activity of glutamate oxalacetate transaminase (GOT) and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) in the oviduct, uterus, cervix and vagina of immature female rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta ) was studied. In intact animals, GOT activity was high in the oviduct, whereas GPT was high in the vagina. Ovariectomy suppressed the activity of both the enzymes in varying degrees. Estradiol dipropionate stimulated GOT in the oviduct and uterus, whereas progesterone increased this enzyme in the uterus. Sequential treatment of two hormones inhibited the enzymes in all the tissues; GPT was, however, stimulated in the fundus region of the uterus. The study demonstrated the presence of transaminase enzymes in the genital tissues of rhesus monkey and their differential response to sex steroids.     

Histology and functional morphology of the female reproductive tract of the tortoise Gopherus polyphemus

The oviducts of 25 tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) were examined by using histology and scanning electron microscopy to determine oviductal functional morphology. Oviductal formation of albumen and eggshell was of particular interest. The oviduct is composed of 5 morphologically distinct regions; infundibulum, uterine tube, isthmus, uterus, and vagina. The epithelium consists of ciliated cells and microvillous secretory cells throughout the oviduct, whereas bleb secretory cells are unique to the infundibulum. The epithelium and endometrial glands of the uterine tube histologically resemble those of the avian magnum which produce egg albumen and may be functionally homologous. The isthmus is a short, nonglandular region of the oviduct and appears to contribute little to either albumen or eggshell formation. The uterus retains the eggs until oviposition and may form both the fibrous and calcareous eggshell. The endometrial glands are histologically similar to the endometrial glands of the isthmus of birds, which are known to secrete the fibers of the eggshell. These glands hypertrophy during vitellogenesis but become depleted during gravidity. The uterine epithelium may supply "plumping water" to the egg albumen as well as transport calcium ions for eggshell formation. The vagina is extremely muscular and serves as a sphincter to retain the eggs until oviposition. Sperm are found within the oviductal lumen and endometrial glands from the posterior tube to the anterior uterus throughout the reproductive cycle. This indicates sperm storage within the female tract, although the viability and reproductive significance of these sperm are unknown.     

The organization of the female reproductive system in the parasitic mite Myobia murismusculi (Trombidiformes: Myobiidae)

The general morphology of the internal genital organs in Myobia murismusculi females have been studied by means of light and electron microscopy. It is shown, that their reproductive system is composed of the single ovary, long complex oviduct, cuticular vagina and receptaculum seminis. The apical region of the ovary is formed by the numerous processes of gonadian somatic cells. These cells generate the ovarian sheath and probably take place in oocyte's metabolism. Any nutritive cells in the Myobia ovary are absent. The vitellogenetic oocytes develop in the ovarian pouches like in other trombidiform mites. The oviduct consists of three parts, each of them has a specific ultrastructure and type of secretory product. Two proximal parts of the oviduct produce the egg-shell components, while the third distal part never contains oocytes. It could be suggested that this part produces a special secret onto the oocyte surface to glue the oocytes to the hairs of host.