平疣桑椹石磺生殖系统结构及精子储存场所

雌雄同体贝类精子的储存和利用规律一直是国内外贝类生物学研究的难点之一,本文利用活体解剖、显微观察、组织切片和扫描电镜技术,综合研究了平疣桑椹石磺(Platevindex mortoni)的生殖系统及精子储存场所。结果显示,其生殖系统包括生殖器本部、雌性生殖部分和雄性生殖部分。生殖器本部由两性腺、两性输送管、蛋白腺、黏液腺、支囊组成;雌性生殖部分包括输卵管、受精囊、阴道,位于身体中后方体腔内;雄性生殖部分包括输精管、刺激器、阴茎、阴茎鞘和阴茎牵引肌,位于身体前端右侧体腔内;其阴茎有阴茎鞘,阴茎表面布满倒刺。平疣桑椹石磺阴茎为直线状,无雄性附属腺。未交配的性成熟个体支囊内充满细长精子,受精囊内无精子;而交配后充当雌性个体的支囊内均为细长的自体精子,受精囊内有大量活力较强的粗短精子,其支囊为自体精子的存储场所,而受精囊为异体精子的存储场所。其精子储运情况为:两性腺内精子成熟后暂存于支囊,交配时通过输精管运输至阴茎,由阴茎输送精子至对方的阴道,异体精子进入受精囊内存储待用。     

瘤背石磺的形态、习性和生殖行为

2003年5月～2004年5月研究了上海崇明瘤背石磺(Onchidium struma)的形态特征、生活习性,分别对其消化、呼吸、循环、排泄、生殖、神经等六大系统进行了阐述。结果表明,瘤背石磺生活在潮间带高潮区滩涂的芦苇丛里,摄食泥滩上的有机质和单胞藻类;雌雄同体、异体交配、卵生。生殖系统包括生殖器和雌、雄交接器三部分：生殖器由两性腺、卵黄腺和蛋白腺组成;雄性交接器由输精管、附性腺、阴茎、刺激器等组成,雄性生殖孔位于右侧第一触角中部;雌性交接器由输卵管、受精囊、阴道等组成,雌性生殖孔位于肛门右侧约5．0mm处的腹足与外套膜的交界处。本文并详细描述了石磺的交配行为。     

Fine structure of the male reproductive system in two species ofHaplognathia sterrer (Gnathostomulida,Filospermoidea)

Summary The structure of the male reproductive systems of two species ofHaplognathia cf.lyra andH. cf.rosacea was described. The structure of the testes and the anterior portions of the sperm ducts in both species was found to be similar. However, considerable species differences were found between the structures of the glands and muscles associated with the reproductive systems. These were more elaborate inH. cf.lyra than inH. cf.rosacea. The former species possessed an H-shaped sperm duct gland, three distinct groups of penis muscles and a penis with two cell types and with a lumen. The latter species had paired sperm duct glands, no specialized penis muscles and a penis with only one cell type and without a detectable lumen. No open gonopore was observed in either species. The sperm presumably exit through a ventral tissue connection observed connecting the penis and the ventral epidermis. These findings were discussed in the light of Mainitz's (1977) theory concerning the primitive penis type within the Gnathostomulida.Abbreviations ap anterior-posterior penis muscles - bm basement membrane - csd common sperm duct - dl dorsal lumen of the penis - dp dorsal gland cells of the penis - dv dorsoventral muscles anterior to the penis - dw sperm duct wall cell - e epidermis - ex exit cell - g intestine - gl gut lumen - n nerve - p penis - sd sperm duct - sdg sperm duct gland - tw testes wall cell - vl ventral lumen of the penis - vp ventral gland cells of the penis This project was supported by NSF grant #GB 42211 (R.M. Rieger P.I.). The line drawings have been executed after our design by Ms. Linda McVay     

瘤背石磺产卵前后生殖系统的组织学变化

瘤背石磺(Onchidium struma)是雌雄同体、异体交配的腹足纲贝类,其生殖系统较为复杂,通过解剖学和组织切片技术对成体瘤背石磺的生殖系统及产卵前后的组织学变化进行了系统的研究.结果表明:(1)雄性生殖系统主要南阴茎囊、阴茎、雄性附性腺、两性腺(早期主要产生精于)和储精囊等部分组成,而雌性生殖系统则由两性腺(后期主要产生卵子)、生殖细胞输送管、蛋白腺、黏液腺、受精囊和阴道等组成;(2)雄性生殖系统的组织学结构在产卵前后变化较小,但两性腺、卵蛋白腺和黏液腺的组织学在产卵前后变化显著;(3)产卵后的两性腺由于成熟卵子的排放,整体结构松散,部分腺泡中有少量未排出的成熟卵细胞和卵黄合成早期的卵母细胞;(4)产卵前的卵蛋白腺中含有许多强嗜碱性的小颗粒(组织学结构类似于卵鞘中的胚胎外周蛋白),产卵后腺体中的颗粒相对较大,且呈嗜酸性;(5)产卵前的黏液腺中存在嗜碱性区、嗜酸性区和混杂区三种区域,但是产卵前黏液腺以嗜酸性细胞为主,而产卵后的黏液腺中以嗜碱性细胞区域为主,且分泌管道中有一些嗜碱性物质.由此可见,卵蛋白腺的主要功能是分泌卵蛋白包裹受精卵形成卵外周蛋白层,而黏液腺则在产卵过程中分泌黏液物质形成卵鞘结构及链状的卵带.     

Size matters: importance of penis length variation on reproduction studies and imposex monitoring in Bolinus brandaris (Gastropoda: Muricidae)

The present study aimed at analysing the monthly variation in penis length (PL) during the reproductive cycle of the purple dye murex (Bolinus brandaris). Two hypotheses were tested: PL variation reflects male maturation and reproductive activity; PL variation bias the calculation of imposex indices based on penis measurement (RPLI and RPSI). Sampling was performed during 1 year in a population from Ria Formosa lagoon (Algarve coast, southern Portugal) with high incidence of imposex. Penis-bearing individuals were measured for shell length (SL) and PL, and two bio-physiological indices were calculated for both sexes, the general condition index (K) and the gonadosomatic index (GSI). PL presented monthly variation in both sexes, but while female PL showed small and random oscillation, male PL exhibited significant variation throughout the reproductive cycle (as evidenced by the similar and synchronous trends between male PL and GSI). These findings have implications both for reproduction studies and imposex monitoring: calculation of standardised PL (PL/SL) allows for gender identification without killing the organism and constitutes a useful penial index for assessing male maturation and reproductive activity; RPLI and RPSI should be applied cautiously in spatial and temporal comparisons of imposex severity in B. brandaris.     

Fine structure of reproductive glands in two primitive marine pulmonates (Basommatophora: Siphonariidae)

Within the clade Euthyneura the marine basommatophorans are particularly neglected. More morphological and molecular studies are needed because their phylogenetic relationships with other pulmonates remain unresolved. The present study examines the most conspicuous reproductive gland, the glandular complex in two marine limpets, Siphonaria capensis and S. serrata (Pulmonata: Basommatophora) at both gross and fine structural levels. These two sympatric species with different developmental modes were selected to compare the structure and function of this enormous glandular structure. In both S. capensis and S. serrata, the glandular complex shows an undifferentiated state composed of an acidophilic albumen gland and a basophilic mucous gland. The glands contain secretory cells and supporting cells (= ciliated cells) that are highly ciliated. When the histochemical properties of the glandular complex were compared with those of siphonariid egg masses (of each species) it could be established that the albumen gland was responsible for the production of perivitelline fluid whereas the mucous gland secreted substances that help in the assembly of mucous layers surrounding the egg capsules. We suggest that the presence of a single glandular complex comprised of two glands is the most primitive organization of reproductive glands in pulmonates. Furthermore, the histology, fine structure and histochemistry of these glands are very similar to those of the reproductive glands of opisthobranchs.     

Female reproductive biology of Platygaster diplosisae (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) and Aprostocetus procerae (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), two parasitoids associated with the African Rice Gall Midge, Orseolia oryzivora (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)

We investigated the female reproductive system of Platygaster diplosisae (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) and Aprostocetus procerae (= Tetrastichus pachydiplosisae) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), two parasitoids associated with the African rice gall midge, Orseolia oryzivora (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). Both optical and electron microscopy were used. The female reproductive system of P. diplosisae includes two large ovaries of the meristic polytrophic‐type, each composed of several tens of ovarioles. The system includes also a venomous gland that extends to a common oviduct. This gland had a filiform secretory portion, in which the epithelium was thin and surrounded a common evacuation canal. The secretory cells secrete into a large reservoir. Parasitism due to P. diplosisae is gregarious. The female reproductive system of A. procerae includes two ovaries of the meristic polytrophic‐type, and each ovary has a few ovarioles. Each ovariole includes one or two oocytes, which can be seen in the vitellarium. Two accessory glands, which extend to the oviduct, are also visible. The secretory epithelium of the accessory gland is made up of a dense network of secretory cells surrounded by muscle fibers. Females of A. procerae pierce the tissues of the gall and probably deposit one egg on or close to the pupa of the midge. Aprostocetus procerae is a solitary parasitoid of the midge. The two parasitoids exploit the same host at different developmental stages. These findings improve our knowledge of the reproductive biology of these two parasitoids associated with the African rice gall midge, an important pest in Africa.     

Ovarian morphology and folliculogenesis and ovulation process in the flat-faced fruit-eating bat Artibeus planirostris and the Argentine brown bat Eptesicus furinalis: A comparative analysis

The Neotropical bat species Artibeus planirostris and Eptesicus furinalis present a different morphology of the female reproductive organs: the first presents a simplex uterus, while the second presents a bicornuate uterus, but there is no information about their ovaries. Our aim was to compare the general ovary morphology and the folliculogenesis process in these species to increase the knowledge about the reproductive diversity of tropical bats. We observed a morphological distinction between the ovaries of both species: A. planirostris presents the primordial follicles located in a cranial portion of the ovary and the interstitial gland cells are not distinctive, while in E. furinalis, the primordial follicles are located throughout the cortex, and there is an abundance of interstitial gland cells. Both species present binovular or triovular follicles. Artibeus planirostris is a monovular species, with a preferential ovulation in the left side. Some females of E. furinalis exhibited two corpora lutea in the same ovary, and others presented a corpus luteum in both right and left ovaries at the same time; thus, E. furinalis is a polyovular species. Our results express the variation between two Neotropical species, reflecting the great variation in the reproductive aspects in Chiroptera.     

Morphological and histological study of the genital ducts ofCryptazeca monodonta (Pulmonata,Orthurethra), with special emphasis on the auxiliary copulatory organ

Summary The genital system ofCryptazeca monodonta is very similar to those reported for semidiaulic stylommatophores, but with some specific features. The fertilization pouch is simple and surrounded by subepithelial goblet gland cells. The spermoviduct has two different grooves: the oviductal channel and the spermatic groove, which run together with a blind-ending allospermiduct that opens into the lumen of the free oviduct. The vagina has a thick muscular wall with numerous pigmentary cells embedded in it. The vas deferens diverges from the spermiduct and becomes mainly glandular just before it joins the penis. This genital system is equipped with an auxiliary copulatory structure that consists of two independent and complementary organs. One of them is located just before the fusion of the free oviduct and the spermatheca stalk lumina and consists mainly of a thick mass of connective tissue. The other is a muscular sarcobellum located inside the penis. Both these organs are covered by small papillae whose connective cells are stacked. Each papilla has a solid spine on its top, which seems to be of mesenchymatous origin. As in other stylommatophores, the auxiliary copulatory organ is equipped with an adjoining gland, which inCryptazeca is next to the sarcobellum.Abbreviations ACO auxiliary copulatory organ - ag albumen gland - al allospermiduct - c connective aggregate of ACO - cc connective cells of ACO papillae - cf connective fibres - ep epiphalus - fo free oviduct - fp fertilization pouch - gl.c gland cells of sarcobellum - hd hermaphroditic duct (distal portion) - m muscle fibres - ov oviduct - p penis - pc penial caecum - pp papillae of ACO - pr prostatic gland - prm penial retractor muscle - p.sh penial sheath - s spermatheca - sc sarcobellum - SEM scanning electron micrograph - sov spermoviduct - sp spine - spd spermiduct - ss spermatheca stalk - v vagina - vd vas deferens     

Ultrastructure of the male accessory ducts and prostate gland of Diclidophora merlangi (Monogenoidea)

The vas deferens, seminal vesicle, penis and common genital atrium of the monogenean, Diclidophora merlangi are lined by a very flat, lamellate epithelium. The structure is apparently syncytical, although nuclei or perikaryons have not been observed. The epithelium extends to just inside the gonopore where a septate desmosome marks the union with body tegument. There is minor regional variation in structure. The terminal portion of the seminal vesicle and the penis lumen are lined in part by the luminal cytoplasm of the prostate gland which surrounds this part of the reproductive tract. The prostate gland cells are synthetically active and produce a characteristic secretory body that is released either singly by exocytosis, involving membrane fusion, or in bulk via apocrine secretion. The secretion is acidophilic, PAS-positive and reactive for protein. The penis is sucker-like in structure and armed with a ring of 16 genital hooklets. Cilia have not been observed in any part of the male reproductive tract, and sense receptors are not apparent in the tegument surrounding the gonopore.     

Copulatory behavior in relation to anatomical characteristics of three macaques

Anatomy of copulatory organs and patterns of copulatory behavior were studied in three species of Macaca. The copulatory behavior of the rhesus monkey (M. mulatta) and crab-eating macaque (M. fascicularis) were similar. Mounting time was longer in stump-tailed macaque (M. arctoides) (48 seconds) than in the rhesus monkey or crab-eating macaque (8.5 seconds). Species differences were correlated with anatomical differences in the female and male reproductive organs. In the stump-tailed macaque the male has a relatively long penis, and the female has an elaborate vestibular colliculus in the vestibule. Both rhesus and crab-eating macaques have a short penis, and the female has no vestibular colliculus. Under scanning electron microscope, cone-like projections (3–4 mm) were observed on the surface of the glans and corpus penis of M. arctoides. In M. fascicularis shorter projections (0.05–0.1 mm) were observed on the glans penis but not the corpus penis.     

The biosynthesis of Dufour's gland constituents in queens of the honeybee (Apis mellifera)

Chemical analysis of queen Dufour's gland by GC/MS revealed the presence of long chain esters and hydrocarbons. To evaluate whether the biosynthesis of Dufour's gland components is modulated by physiological factors, we studied thede novo biosynthesis of esters and hydrocarbons in virgin and mated queen glandsin vivo andin vitro. Using [1-¹⁴C] sodium acetate as a precursor, it was shown thatin vivo, esters and hydrocarbons comprised the majorde novo products. The relative proportion of the hydrocarbon fraction was significantly higher in mated queens than in virgins, while in esters the situation was reversed. Comparision between reproductive and non reproductive virgin queens revealed that mating and not egg laying induced changes in glandular activity. Glands incubatedin vitro, on the other hand, synthesized mainly esters and alcohols but not hydrocarbons. These results suggest that either hydrocarbons are produced elsewhere and subsequently sequestered by Dufour's gland, or that the gland biosynthetic expressionin vivo is modulated. Differences between the gland activityin vivo andin vitro further support the hypothesis of a physiological mechanism in regulation of glandular performance.     

Morphology and Molecular Phylogeny of Two New Ciliates,Holostichides heterotypicus n. sp. and Holosticha muuiensis n. sp. (Ciliophora: Urostylida)

Two new urostylid species, Holostichides heterotypicus n. sp. and Holosticha muuiensis n. sp., were discovered in South Korea. Morphological and phylogenetic analyses were carried out to confirm that these species are new to science. Holostichides heterotypicus is mainly characterized by the following combination of features: 110–205 μm long in vivo; 5–10 frontoterminal cirri; 6–8 midventral pairs with 2–3 midventral cirral rows; cortical granules present; four bipolar dorsal kineties; and 6–9 caudal cirri. Ontogenetic features of H. heterotypicus are similar to those of H. typicus. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that H. heterotypicus was distantly separated from bakuellid genera Apobakuella, Bakuella, Metaurostylopsis, and Neobakuella. This result is supported by the following features: transverse cirri (present in the other four bakuellids vs. absent in Holostichides) and caudal cirri (absent in the other four bakuellids vs. present in Holostichides). Holosticha muuiensis n. sp. is mainly distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of features: 100–185 long in vivo; shortened undulating membrane; cortical granules lacking; contractile vacuole absent; 51–66 adoral zone of membranelles; 42–60 macronuclear nodules; and five bipolar dorsal kineties. In the phylogenetic tree, Holosticha muuiensis n. sp. clustered with a Holosticha group (containing Holosticha diademata, Holosticha foissneri, and Holosticha heterofoissneri).     

Anatomy and histology of the prostate and glands of Cowper in three species of neotropical bats

The reproductive accessory glands (RAG) are essential components in reproduction because their secretion products ensure survival, viability, and sperm motility. The objective of this study was to characterize and compare the morphological and histological structure of the RAG in three species of bats of the genus Sturnira (S. erythromos, S. lilium, and S. oporaphilum). The RAG complex comprise a compact gland (prostate), which surrounds the urethra, and a pair of Glands of Cowper at the base of penis. Anatomical and histologically, the prostate are differentiated in two regions, ventral and dorsal. The dorsal region has tubuloalveolar glands with secretions fine granular or accumulations of a gel‐like substance with bubbles and the ventral region, has alveolar glands with secretory cells form a single‐layer of small cells. The seminal vesicles are absent. The prostatic morphology of the three species is similar to that of other studied Stenodermatinae and Desmodontinae, but differs from other subfamilies of Phyllostomidae (Carollinae, Glossophaginae, and Phyllostominae) as that of Molossidae and Vespertilionidae. The RAG complex has no annual variation in relation to functionality or size, but it is variable depending on age (subadults and adults). This agrees with the annual reproductive pattern described for these species in these latitudes, where adult males are reproductively active throughout the year.     

Musculature of the penial complex: A new criterion in unravelling the phylogeny of Hygrophila (Gastropoda: Pulmonata)

The taxonomy of freshwater pulmonates (Hygrophila) has been in a fluid state warranting the search for new morphological criteria that may show congruence with molecular phylogenetic data. We examined the muscle arrangement in the penial complex (penis and penis sheath) of most major groups of freshwater pulmonates to explore to which extent the copulatory musculature can serve as a source of phylogenetic information for Hygrophila. The penises of Acroloxus lacustris (Acroloxidae), Radix auricularia (Lymnaeidae), and Physella acuta (Physidae) posses inner and outer layers of circular muscles and an intermediate layer of longitudinal muscles. The inner and outer muscle layers in the penis of Biomphalaria glabrata consist of circular muscles, but this species has two intermediate longitudinal layers separated by a lacunar space, which is crossed by radial and transverse fibers. The muscular wall of the penis of Planorbella duryi is composed of transverse and longitudinal fibers, with circular muscles as the outer layer. In Planorbidae, the penial musculature consists of inner and outer layers of longitudinal muscles and an intermediate layer of radial muscles. The penis sheath shows more variation in muscle patterns: its muscular wall has two layers in A. lacustris, P. acuta, and P. duryi, three layers in R. auricularia and Planorbinae and four layers in B. glabrata. To trace the evolution of the penial musculature, we mapped the muscle characters on a molecular phylogeny constructed from the concatenated 18S and mtCOI data set. The most convincing synapomorphies were found for Planorbinae (inner and outer penis layers of longitudinal muscles, three-layered wall of the penis sheath). A larger clade coinciding with Planorbidae is defined by the presence of radial muscles and two longitudinal layers in the penis. The comparative analysis of the penial musculature appears to be a promising tool in unraveling the phylogeny of Hygrophila.     

The mysid Siriella armata,a biological model for the study of hormonal control of molt and reproduction in crustaceans: a review

Summary

The mysid Siriella armata provides a new biological model for investigations on the molting and reproductive physiology in crustaceans. The main endocrine centres (Y-organ, mandibular organ, androgenic gland, X-organ and sinus gland) have been described and are available for experimentation. Experimental cautery of Medulla Interna-Medulla Externa-X-organ-sinus gland complex (MI-ME-X-organ-SG) of the eyestalk inhibited molt and brood production demonstrating that the complex plays a role in regulation, at least via a positive action upon the circulating ecdysteroids. In the present paper, the results already obtained are reviewed and the perspectives offered by this biological model discussed in reference to other crustaceans.     

Microanatomy of the male and female reproductive tracts in the long‐tailed butterfly ray Gymnura poecilura,an elasmobranch with unusual characteristics

The anatomy of the male and female reproductive systems was investigated in the long‐tailed butterfly ray Gymnura poecilura using gross observation and light microscopy. The testes are highly asymmetrical, to the extent that only the left testis is functional and the right testis is completely absent. Both of the male genital ducts are present and symmetrical, although spermatozoa only occur in the left duct. The genital ducts are straight and unconvoluted, with regular incomplete internal partitions throughout. Females do not possess a right ovary, nor do the oviducal glands exhibit distinct club and papillary zones, and the baffle zone lacks baffle plates. In all sections of the gland, the tubules display different secretory activities depending on the proximity to the gland lumen. The gland produces a thin egg membrane that encases each egg individually, while the endometrium is formed into trophonemata.