The relationship of the pre-auricular groove of the ilium to pregnancy

Two forms of pre-auricular groove may be distinguished on the iliac bone. One form occurs in both male and female, and marks the attachment of the inferior part of the ventral sacro-iliac ligament. The second form is found only in some female pelves. It resembles the markings of pregnancy and childbirth on the posterior aspect of the public symphysis, and like them is a result of the physiological and pathological changes occurring at the site of attachment of the pelvic joint ligaments during this time. However, because of the greater strain borne by the sacro-iliac joints, the pre-auricular groove, in conjunction with the marking of the interosseous ligament of the joint, is a more sensitive indicator of past pregnancy and childbirth than is the pubic bone.     

女性耻骨背部凹痕与生育关系初探

对130例女性耻骨观察结果表明,在未生育的79例女性耻骨中,6例出现小到大的背部凹痕。而在51例生育过的耻骨中,33例无凹痕。最后一次生育到死亡间隔15年以上者比15年以下者,凹痕出现率高一倍。全部标本中,25岁以下者未见凹痕。耻骨背部凹痕的出现与年龄关系较明显。     

Analysis of dorsal pitting in the os publis in an extensive sample of modern American females

Pubic bones from 486 modern American females between the ages of 13 and 99 were studied in an attempt to explore the relationship between the degree of dorsal pitting and the following variables: (1) number of full term pregnancies, (2) inteval since last pregnancy, (3) age of decedent.A statistical association was found between the number of full term pregnancies and the degree of dorsal pitting. However, the correlation is not strong; 17 females reported as being nulliparous have "medium to large" dorsal changes whereas 22 females having from one to five full term pregnancies have an absence of dorsal changes. Females who had their last child 15 or more years prior to death are more apt to have "medium to large" dorsal changes than are females who have more recently given birth. This effect appears to be independent of the number of full term pregnancies, but is probably related to age. When the data are analyzed by multiple regression analaysis, it is found that age and number of pregnancies are most important in predicting the degree of pitting and the effect of the interval on pitting is not significant. Age is found to be an important variable independent of the number of full term pregnancies. In nulliparas, an absence of dorsal pitting is far more frequently found in females younger than 30 than in those over 30.     

Parturition in a free-ranging Japanese monkey (Macaca fuscata)

Parturition behavior of a multiparous female and her interactions with group members throughout the birth process were recorded for a free-ranging Japanese monkey (Macaca fuscata). The female showed evidence of 18 contractions during the 35 min prior to delivery, with a mean duration and a mean intercontraction interval of 30 sec and 96 sec, respectively. These values were similar to those in individually caged Japanese monkeys. Some adult females remained in proximity to the female who was giving birth during the prepartum phase, and her 2-year-old daughter watched the delivery of the infant. Even during the prepartum phase the female moved in order to keep up with the group which traveled from the feeding site to a sleeping site in the forest.     

Parturition in horses is dominated by parasympathetic activity of the autonomous nervous system

External and internal stressors prolong parturition in different species. At parturition, sympathoadrenal activation should be avoided because an increased sympathetic tone may cause uterine atonia via β₂-receptors. We hypothesized that at physiological parturition, horses are under parasympathetic dominance, and stress-response mechanisms are not activated during delivery of the foal. To evaluate stress responses, heart rate, heart rate variability, catecholamines, and cortisol were analyzed in mares (n = 17) throughout foaling. Heart rate decreased from 2 hours before (51 ± 1 beats/minute) to 2 hours after delivery (41 ± 2 beats/minute; P < 0.05). Heart rate variability variables, standard deviation of the beat-to-beat interval, and root mean square of successive beat-to-beat differences, changed over time (P < 0.05) with the highest values within 15 minutes after delivery. The number of mares with atrioventricular blocks and the number of atrioventricular blocks per mare increased over time (P < 0.01) and were significantly elevated from 15 minutes before to 45 minutes after birth of the foal. Salivary cortisol concentrations increased to a maximum at 30 minutes after delivery (25.0 ± 3.4 ng/mL; P < 0.01). Plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations showed significant fluctuations from rupture of the allantochorion to expulsion of the fetal membranes (P < 0.01) but were not markedly elevated at any time. In conclusion, mares give birth under high parasympathetic tone. Cortisol release during and after foaling is most likely part of the endocrine pathways regulating parturition and not a labor-associated stress response.     

Parturition and perinatal behaviour in captive cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus)

Fourteen births to seven female cotton-top tamarins in a successful breeding colony were observed. All births occurred between 17:50 and 20:40. Behavioural changes indicating the onset of labour are described. Delivery was usually accomplished rapidly, with short intervals between successive infants. One suspected and one verified breech presentation occurred; these deliveries were accompanied by a marked increase in the duration of the interval between infants, and one infant apparently died during expulsion. All other presentations seen were vertex occiput posterior. Fathers, and sometimes older offspring of both sexes, frequently shared with the mother in eating the placenta. Carrying of infants by individuals other than the mother was rare in the hour after birth, and was usually confined to fathers. One primipara rejected her second-born infant, but all other parents showed competent parental behaviour from birth onwards. The results are compared to data from other primates, and their relevance to the successful breeding of this species is discussed.     

Skeletal tuberculosis,pelvic contraction,and parturition

Obliquely contracted pelvis was observed in association with tuberculosis and dystocia (difficult parturition) in four out of 762 childbearing women in a Southeast Asian population. It is hypothesized that the pelvic contracture results from tuberculosis of the sacro-iliac joint with destruction of the sacral ala. This gross morphologic deformity, as observed in living populations, may be a useful marker for skeletal tuberculosis in prehistoric and historic populations as well. The occurrence of obliquely contracted pelvis with consequent dystocia as a specific complication of systemic tuberculosis may have direct implications for differential reproductivity.     

A new pelvic fragment from swartkrans and the relationship between the robust and gracile australopithecines

A recently discovered hominid pelvic fragment from Swartkrans (SK 3155) is described in detail with particular reference to the relationship of the two presently recognized forms of australopithecines in South Africa. Results of this examination and metrical analysis indicate that the acetabulum and iliac blade of the early hominids are similar to Homo sapiens except for a unique pattern of traits: a relatively small sacral articular surface, a relatively small acetabulum, a relatively large iliac fossa, and wide lateral splaying of the iliac blades. The new Swartkrans fossil expresses these traits more strongly than does the gracile australopithecine (Sts 14) and is therefore somewhat less similar to Homo sapiens but it is very unlike any pongid.     

Functional aspects of primate pelvic structure: A multivariate approach

This study aims to clarify the relationship of primate bony pelvic structure to locomotor habit. As with most of the postcranial skeleton, the pelvic bones of species within the Ceboidea and the Cercopithecoidea are remarkably similar visually except for variations in size. Yet there are substantial differences in locomotor pattern between the species in these taxa. I performed canonical analyses on a sample of 17 pelvic variables describing 22 primate species of the Ceboidea, the Cercopithecoidea, and the Hominoidea to discover which variables were significant in separating them into groups. In both analyses there was good separation of major taxa and additional separation of groups that differed in locomotor habit. The separation of colobine from cercopithecine monkeys was particularly consistent. In the analysis, including all 22 species, the variables given particular weight by the canonical analysis were the same as those traditionally used by anatomists for the same purpose. Specifically, breadth of the ischial tuberosity (reflecting presence or absence of ischial callosities) separated the Old from the New World monkeys. Breadth of the iliac tuberosity, in which man and to some extent other hominoids differ from other primates, and ilium height, in which man differs from other primates, were significant. Sagittal diameter of the pelvis was also substantially weighted. Having established that the technique would select variables of anatomical significance, the same method was applied to a study of monkeys only where the characteristics that differ between groups are not well established. Breadth of the ischial tuberosity was again important in separating the Ceboidea from the Cercopithecoidea. Discrimination of locomotor groups within these large divisions was brought about mainly by ischial length and the sagittal diameter of the pelvis. In studying these variables and their relationship to size in greater detail, it was found that among cercopithecoid monkeys, the colobines showed relatively lower values than did cercopithecines for both these dimensions. Atelines showed low values for ischial length but high values for the sagittal pelvic diameter. Biomechanical explanations of these observations are suggested.     

Hyaluronan and its binding proteins during cervical ripening and parturition: Dynamic changes in size, distribution and temporal sequence

The uterine cervix undergoes changes during pregnancy and labor that transform it from a closed, rigid, collagen dense structure to one that is distensible, has a disorganized collagen matrix, and dilates sufficiently to allow birth. To protect the reproductive tract from exposure to the external environment, the cervix must be rapidly altered to a closed, undistensible structure after birth. Preparturition remodeling is characterized by increased synthesis of hyaluronan, decreased expression of collagen assembly genes and increased distribution of inflammatory cells into the cervical matrix. Postpartum remodeling is characterized by decreased hyaluronan (HA) content, increased expression of genes involved in assembly of mature collagen and inflammation. The focus of this study is to advance our understanding of functions HA plays in this dynamic process through characterization of HA size, structure and binding proteins in the mouse cervix. Changes in size and structure of HA before and after birth were observed as well as cell specific expression of HA binding proteins. CD44 expression is localized to the pericellular matrix surrounding the basal epithelia and on immune cells while inter alpha trypsin inhibitor (IalphaI) and versican are localized to the stromal matrix. Colocalization of HA and IalphaI is most pronounced after birth. Upregulation of the versican degrading protease, ADAMTS1 occurs in the cervix prior to birth. These studies suggest that HA has multiple, cell specific functions in the cervix that may include modulation of tissue structure and integrity, epithelial cell migration and differentiation, and inflammatory responses.     

Early development of dorsal and pelvic fins and their supports in hatchery-reared red-spotted grouper, Epinephelus akaara (Perciformes: Serranidae)

Early morphogenesis of dorsal and pelvic fins and their supports in the larval and juvenile red-spotted grouper, Epinephelus akaara, was examined using a hatchery-reared series. The dorsal spine anlage first appeared suspended in the middle part of the finfold at ca. 2.5 mm TL. Dorsal and pelvic supports appeared by the time the fish reached ca. 3 mm and started to ossify at ca. 3.5 mm. Elongated spines and their supports developed synchronously in both dorsal and pelvic fins. The formation of dorsal fin supports proceeded from anterior to posterior. The ossification of supports was completed by ca. 33 mm. Spinelets on the second dorsal spine and pelvic spine appeared by ca. 3 mm. In specimens larger than 36 mm, all spinelets on the second dorsal spine and pelvic spine had disappeared. The maximum size of the second dorsal spine and pelvic spine lengths relative to TL were ca. 45% and 44% at 3.3 mm in fish size, respectively. Thereafter, their proportions decreased gradually. Considering the order of development of the elongated spines and mucous cells in the early life stages, the elongated spines might function as antipredator devices. Received: June 20, 2000 / Revised: April 28, 2001 / Accepted: June 11, 2001     

Evaluation of the obstetric significance of some pelvic characters in an 18th century British sample of known parity status.

The excavations at Christ Church, Spitalfields (1984-86) produced a sample of 968 human skeletons which were interred between 1729 and 1859. Of these, 387 were recovered in association with coffin plates stating name, age at death, and date of death. There are 138 adult females in the named sample and the obstetric histories of 94 have been reconstructed from historical documentation. Such variables as birth spacing, number of children, and age at first and last births are known for the majority of this sample. Any individual about whose history there is any doubt has been excluded from the analysis. A middle-class group, they were largely of high nutritional status and, by the standards of the day, lived in sanitary and comfortable conditions. Both males and females have a mean age at death of 56 years. The presence or absence, the typology, the severity, the width and the length of the preauricular sulcus, the presence or absence and the number of pits on the dorsal aspect of the pubic body, sulci along the anterior sacrum adjacent to the auricular facet, and the extension of the pubic tubercle were evaluated in relation to the obstetric histories of these females. Statistical analysis has demonstrated a relationship between the presence of pubic tubercle extension and parity status and between the degree of extension and the number of children borne (P < .02). Statistically there is no significant relationship (P > .05) between either the preauricular sulcus or pubic pitting and parity status. Sacral scarring is significantly associated (P < .05) with parity status, but as it was evident in only eight females it has little practical application. Sample sizes are small, and it must be considered that statistical evaluation of larger samples might detect associations between variables not demonstrated here. There is no significant relationship between any of the cortical variants under consideration and age at death.     

Pain and discomfort caused by parturition in cows and sows

This review focuses on parturition as a painful process in cows and sows. Firstly, the different stages of parturition associated to the origin and transmission of pain stimuli are described. Hypoalgesia during the late pregnancy and parturition has been shown, perhaps as an endogenous defence against the pain of parturition. The principal factors affecting parturition pain are parity and dystocia, which are more likely in cases of long parturition, feto-pelvic disproportion and/or foetal malpresentation. The main consequences of pain caused by parturition are reviewed; parturition is an intrinsically risky process for both mother and young and can cause a stress response, health problems and maternal mortality, in addition to decreased food intake and production. The assessment of parturition pain has tended to use one of three approaches: measures of general indices, physiological and behavioural indicators. Finally, the impact of analgesia after parturition in cows and sows is reviewed. It is concluded that pain caused by parturition in animals deserves more research in order to optimize the parturition process and reduce its negative consequences on health, welfare and productivity.     

PTSD大鼠中缝背核神经元TMP酶表达变化的实验研究

目的研究创伤后应激障碍大鼠中缝背核神经元细胞TMP(三偏磷酸酶)活性分布及其表达变化。方法采用SPS刺激方法,建立PTSD样大鼠SPS模型,随机分为SPS刺激后1d、7d、14d和正常对照组,应用光、电镜酶组化技术方法,分别对各组中缝背核神经元细胞TMP活性分布及其变化进行观察和定量检测。结果光镜下TMP酶反应阳性产物为棕褐色颗粒分布于细胞质中;电镜下TMP酶反应阳性产物为高电子密度的黑色颗粒沉淀,分布于各组中缝背核神经元细胞内溶酶体上。SPS刺激后1d、7d、14d中缝背核神经元TMP活性表达比正常对照组明显增强,并于7d达到高峰。结论创伤后应激障碍大鼠中缝背核神经元细胞TMP活性增强,提示TMP参与了中缝背核神经元细胞凋亡产物的降解和处理过程。     

Myometrial connexin 43 trafficking and gap junction assembly at term and in preterm labor.

Modulation of connexin 43 (cx43) in the myometrium of timed pregnant rats was studied using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunocytochemical localization, and immunoblot. These techniques utilized site-specific antibodies directed against a portion of the carboxyl tail of cx43. We found that cx43 is synthesized several days prior to labor but accumulates within the cytoplasm until parturition, when it is rapidly transported to the plasma membrane and assembled into gap junction plaques at the cell surface. These cx43-positive gap junctions begin to disappear from the plasma membrane within hours of delivery of the last pup and are completely absent within 24 hr following delivery. These structures are apparently internalized and degraded within the cytoplasm. ELISA documents a reduction of total cellular cx43 to baseline levels within 5 days following parturition. While the timing of synthesis, cytoplasmic storage, concentration in apparent Golgi vesicles, and transport to and assembly in the plasma membrane are accelerated in three models of preterm labor, the sequence of these events and the correlation of parturition with the formation of gap junctions are identical to those documented in normal labor. These results support the hypothesis that effective labor requires the synthesis and assembly of cx43 into functional gap junctions at the myometrial cell surface.     

Meltrin beta mini,a new ADAM19 isoform lacking metalloprotease and disintegrin domains,induces morphological changes in neuronal cells

Meltrin beta (ADAM19) is a metalloprotease-disintegrin expressed in the peripheral nervous system and other organs during embryogenesis. We report here an alternatively spliced isoform, meltrin beta mini, that lacks the prodomain, metalloprotease and disintegrin domains. A comparison of the cDNA and genomic sequences suggested the existence of a new exon. This isoform was detected in murine dorsal root ganglion and neuronal cell lines by RT-PCR. Overexpression of meltrin beta mini but not meltrin beta induced neurite outgrowth in neuronal cells. These studies suggest that the novel meltrin beta isoform has a distinct function related to neurogenesis.     

Changes in the LHRH-immunoreactivity of hypothalamic structures during late pregnancy and after parturition in the guinea pig

Summary LHRH-immunohistochemistry and radioimmunoassay of the gonadotropins were used to demonstrate changes in the LHRH content of the hypothalamus during late pregnancy and after parturition in the guinea pig. Immediately after parturition a decrease in the amount of LHRH-associated fluorescence was observed in the medial preoptic area. Only 12 h later similar changes were found in the median eminence. In the precommissural region no obvious changes were noted in the quantity of LHRH-immunoreactive terminals and synapses. The radioimmunoassay of the gonadotropins shows an increase of LH shortly after parturition which reaches the level of a preovulatory rise, whereas the amount of FSH does not vary significantly. The role of the medial preoptic area and the OVLT in the regulation of the estrous cycle through LHRH is discussed.This work was performed under a postdoctoral fellowship at the INSERM unité 156, Lab. d'Histologie, Faculté de Médecine, Lille, France     

Parturition and alate morph determination in the aphid Megoura viciae

In reproducing apterae of Megoura viciae, parturition is often completely arrested during periods of isolation from the host plant. In contrast, surgical removal of the rostrum (including the stylets), amputation of the extremities of the legs, or decapitation, all stimulate parturition away from the plant. These operations also induce alata-producing aphids to revert immediately to the production of apterae, but have no detectable effect on aptera-producers. Carbon dioxide or ether anaesthesia and nitrogen narcosis have a similar action on this maternally controlled response. Although the rostrum and tibio-tarsus bear sensilla whose removal might well be involved in inducing parturition, the influence on morph change is probably indirect and is to a great extent associated with the delay in the resumption of parturition. The effect can be reproduced by isolating individual aphids away from the food plant. The morph change cannot, however, be attributed to starvation since it also occurs when the genital pore of an actively feeding aphid is temporarily occluded. The change in physiology appears to be associated with the retention of embryos at a time when there is no sensory input from crowding.

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Résumé Chez les Megoura viciae aptères, la parturition est souvent complètement arrêtée pendant les périodes de séparation de la plante hôte. Par opposition, l'amputation chirurgicale du rostre (y compris les stylets), de l'extrémité des pattes (tarse et une partie du tibia), ou la décapitation, stimulent toutes la parturition en l'absence de la plante. Les pucerons induits à produire des ailés (élevage antérieur en groupe) retournent, après ces opérations, immédiatement vers la production d'aptères. Le dioxyde de carbone ou l'anesthésie à l'éther et la narcose à l'azote ont une action semblable sur ce déterminisme maternel. Bien que l'élimination des sensilla portées par le rostre et par l'ensemble tarse-tibia puisse être déterminante dans l'induction de la parturition, l'action sur le changement de type semble être principalement associée au retard consécutif dans la reprise de la parturition. Les anesthésiants qui, eux aussi, retardent l'apparition ou la reprise de la parturition, ont probablement une action indirecte du même type.Les pucerons groupés, isolés de la plante hôte pendant plus de 24 h, ont aussi tendance à retourner immédiatement à la production d'aptères. Ce changement de type ne peut, cependant, être attribué au jeûne puisqu'il se produit aussi quand, chez un puceron s'alimentant activement, le pore génital est momentanément bouché. Le changement physiologique semble être associé à la rétention des embryons à un moment où il n'y a pas l'influence sensorielle du groupement.Aucun de ces traitements, à l'exception du groupement, n'induit des pucerons antérieurement isolés à devenir des producteurs d'ailés.