Changes in reproductive organs of male rats on exposure to hypoxia (6,060 m) and cold (−5°C). effects of cold-induced cryptorchidism

Adult male rats were exposed to a combination of hypoxia (6,060 m) and cold (–5°C) for 21 days. In one group the left testis was restricted to the scrotum by a suture to the inguinal canal. After exposure, body weight was reduced and the reproductive organs (testis, epididymis and vas deferens) were reduced in weight and showed atrophic changes. There was deterioration in sperm quality. The above changes increased as the exposure was extended from 7 days to 21 days. Cold appears to aggravate the effects of hypoxia on the male reproductive organs. The damage to these organs was greater when cold-induced cryptorchidism was allowed to occur during exposure than when it was avoided. The secretory activity of the epididymis was reduced after exposure. The significance of changes in the biochemical composition of these organs is discussed.     

The Mechanism of Environmental Endocrine Disruptors (DEHP) Induces Epigenetic Transgenerational Inheritance of Cryptorchidism

Discussion on the role of DEHP in the critical period of gonadal development in pregnant rats (F0), studied the evolution of F1-F4 generation of inter-generational inheritance of cryptorchidism and the alteration of DNA methylation levels in testis. Pregnant SD rats were randomly divided into two groups: normal control group and DEHP experimental group. From pregnancy 7d to 19d, experimental group was sustained to gavage DEHP 750mg/kg bw/day, observed the incidence of cryptorchidism in offspring and examined the pregnancy rate of female rats through mating experiments. Continuous recording the rat’s weight and AGD value, after maturation (PND80) recording testis and epididymis’ size and weight, detected the sperm number and quality. Subsequently, we examined the evolution morphological changes of testicular tissue for 4 generation rats by HE staining and Western Blot. Completed the MeDIP-sequencing analysis of 6 samples (F1 generation, F4 generation and Control). DEHP successfully induced cryptorchidism occurrence in offspring during pregnancy. The incidence of cryptorchidism in F1 was 30%, in F2 was 12.5%, and there was no cryptorchidism coming up in F3 and F4. Mating experiment shows conception rate 50% in F1, F2 generation was 75%, the F3 and F4 generation were 100%. HE staining showed that the seminiferous epithelium of F1 generation was atrophy and with a few spermatogenic cell, F2 generation had improved, F3 and F4 generation were tend to be normal. The DNA methyltransferase expression was up-regulated with the increase of generations by Real Time-PCR, immunohistochemistry and Western Blot. MeDIP-seq Data Analysis Results show many differentially methylated DNA sequences between F1 and F4. DEHP damage male reproductive function in rats, affect expression of DNA methyltransferase enzyme, which in turn leads to genomic imprinting methylation pattern changes and passed on to the next generation, so that the offspring of male reproductive system critical role in the development of imprinted genes imbalances, and eventually lead to producing offspring cryptorchidism. This may be an important mechanism of reproductive system damage.     

A case of primary amenorrhea with 46+XY genotype from Kashmir Valley

Primary amenorrhea is one of the common reproductive disorder affecting females. It leads to the absence of menarche in the reproductive age group in females and/or complete absence of reproductive organs. There are many causes which lead to PA, including genetic aberrations which are the leading factors.     

Differential allocation of protein resources to flight muscles and reproductive organs in the flightless wing-polymorphic bug, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pyrrhocoris apterus</Emphasis> (L.) (Heteroptera)

Differences in the growth of dorsolongitudinal flight muscles and gonads in 1–28 days old long-winged (macropterous) and short-winged (brachypterous) adults of the firebug (Pyrrhocoris apterus L.) and the resource allocation to these organs were studied by means of total protein analysis. We found predominant allocation of food resources to flight muscles compared to reproductive organs in both macropterous males and females during the first 5 days of adult life. Subsequent histolysis of developed flight muscles coincided with increased total protein content in some reproductive organs. Initiation of intensive food intake after starvation or application of higher dose of methoprene on macropterous adults changed the resource allocation in favour of growth of reproductive organs and induced precocious histolysis of flight muscles. It indicates an involvement of juvenile hormone in wing morph-related differential allocation of resources in the bug. Increased total protein contents in the ovaries and accessory glands of starved macropterous females and males treated with methoprene, respectively, indicate that proteins derived from the methoprene-induced histolysis of the flight muscles are re-utilized for the growth of the reproductive organs. It is the first report of persistence of differential resource allocation to flight muscles and reproductive organs in the wing-polymorphic insects with non-functional macropterism.     

Phenotype characteristics of transgenic male mice expressing human aromatase under ubiquitin C promoter

To study the significance of the increased ratio of the estrogen/androgen concentration for the male reproductive functions, we have generated transgenic mice expressing human P450 aromatase under a promoter providing ubiquitous and permanent transgene expression (AROM+ mice). AROM+ male mice are characterized by elevated serum estradiol and prolactin (Prl) concentrations, combined with markedly reduced testosterone levels. The mice are present with a multitude of structural and functional alterations in the reproductive organs such as cryptorchidism, Leydig cell hyperplasia, disrupted spermatogenesis and infertility. Furthermore, the mice develop infravesical obstruction associated with the rhabdosphincter atrophy and rudimentary accessory sex glands. Interestingly, the mammary gland in AROM+ males undergo a ductal and alveolar development morphologically resembling terminally differentiated female mammary glands, and express several signaling proteins typical for female mammary glands. Some of the abnormalities seen in AROM+ mice are similar to those described in both mice and humans exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) in utero. The importance of the AROM+ model may lie in its predictability, i.e. the model suggests which abnormalities of the human reproductive functions may be associated with the increased ratio of estrogen/androgen concentrations in early life and at adult age as well.     

桃儿七不同器官中营养成分分布状况及其生态学意义

植物生殖生态学是植物学领域中刚刚兴起并迅速发展的学科 ,近年来生活史进化理论的研究 ,使繁殖分配 (ｒｅｐｒｏｄｕｃｔｉｖｅａｌｌｏｃａｔｉｏｎ (ＲＡ ) )与繁殖投资(ｒｅｐｒｏｄｕｃｔｉｖｅｅｆｆｏｒｔ (ＲＥ) )研究成为植物生态学研究的主要焦点[7] 。目前在植物繁殖分配与繁殖投资研究中 ,通常用生物量作为衡量指标 ,这种方法遇到两个疑难问题 :一是各种成分在植物器官中的含量及比例各不相同 ,而且各种成分在植物生长发育过程中所起的生理功能也是不等价的 ,因此 ,在重量相同时 ,各器官的综合营养价值及生理功能是不等价的 ,生…     

Proteome mapping of the Drosophila melanogaster male reproductive system

The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster is an excellent model organism for studying insect reproductive biology. Although the gene expression profiles of both male and female reproductive organs have been studied in detail, their proteomic profiles and functional characteristics largely remained to be clarified. In this study, we conducted proteome mapping of the male internal reproductive organs using 2‐DE. We identified a total of 440 protein components from gels of the male reproductive organs (testis, seminal vesicle, accessory gland, ejaculatory duct, and ejaculatory bulb). A number of proteins associated with odorant/pheromone‐binding, lipid metabolism, proteolysis, and antioxidation were expressed tissue specifically in the male reproductive system. Based on our proteomic data set, we constructed reference proteome maps of the reproductive organs, which will provide valuable information toward a comprehensive understanding of Drosophila reproduction.     

Expression of cysteine sulfinate decarboxylase (CSD) in male reproductive organs of mice

Cysteine sulfinate decarboxylase (CSD) is the rate-limiting biosynthetic enzyme of taurine, but it is still controversial whether the male reproductive organs have the function to synthesize taurine through CSD pathway. The present study was thus undertaken to detect CSD expression in male mouse reproductive organs by RT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. The results show that CSD is expressed both at the mRNA and protein levels in the testis, epididymis and ductus deferens. The relative levels of both CSD mRNA and protein increase from the testis to the epididymis and to the ductus deferens. Immunohistochemical results demonstrate that the main cell types containing CSD are Leydig cells of testis, epithelial cells and some stromal cells throughout the efferent ducts, epididymis and ductus deferens. These results suggest that male genital organs have the function to produce taurine through the CSD pathway, although quantifying the relation of CSD expression to taurine synthesis and the exact functions of taurine in male genital organs still need to be elucidated in future studies.     

Immunohistochemical localization of Klotho protein in brain, kidney, and reproductive organs of mice

Klotho mutant mouse (kl-/-), a mouse model for human aging, exhibits various phenotypes in a wide range of organs including arteriosclerosis, neural degeneration, skin and gonadal atrophy, pulmonary emphysema, calcification of soft tissues, and cognition impairment. Klotho mRNA, however, is expressed only in brain, kidney, reproductive organs, pituitary gland, and parathyroid gland. Therefore it remains to be elucidated how lack of Klotho protein in these limited organs leads to the variety of phenotypes. To shed light on mechanisms by which Klotho protein acts on distant targets, we examined localization of Klotho protein in brain, kidney, and reproductive organs, and analyzed brain and kidney in kl-/- mice searching for changes in target regions in these organs. In brain, Klotho proteins were localized at choroid plexus, where the proteins were dominantly localized at the apical plasma membrane of ependymal cells. In kl-/- brain, reduction of synapses was evident in hippocampus, suggesting a role of Klotho as a humoral factor in cerebrospinal fluid. Klotho proteins in kidney localized at distal renal tubules. Interestingly, in kl-/-mice, type IIa Na/phosphate (Pi) cotransporters, which function at the proximal renal tubules in reabsorption of phosphate ions, were translocated. This suggests that Klotho protein in kidney is implicated in calcium homeostasis which regulates localization of type IIa Na/Pi cotransporters via parathyroid hormone (PTH). Klotho proteins in reproductive organs were expressed only in mature germ cells, although in kl-/- mice germ cell maturation was arrested at earlier stages. Thus, Klotho proteins not only function as a humoral factor, but also are implicated in hormonal regulation, which may explain why mutation of klotho gene results in a variety of phenotypes.     

Cryptorchidism: an indicator of testicular dysgenesis?

Cryptorchidism is a common ailment of new-born boys, affecting 1–9% of full term boys at birth. Cryptorchidism has been associated with an increased risk of testicular cancer and reduced fertility. Aetiology of cryptorchidism remains obscure in most cases. Familial occurrence suggests a heritable susceptibility to cryptorchidism; however, seasonal variation in the incidence of cryptorchidism suggests that environmental factors also contribute. Testicular descent is characterised by androgen-dependent regression of cranial suspensory ligament and androgen + insulin-like hormone 3 (Insl3)-dependent gubernacular outgrowth. Even though hormonal defects are rarely detected in patients, both hypo-and hypergonadotropic hormonal patterns have been associated with cryptorchidism. Moreover, cryptorchid boys have significantly reduced serum androgen bioactivity at 3 months of age when normal boys have a strong surge of reproductive hormones. Defects in Insl3 action cause cryptorchidism in male mice, and over-expression in female mice causes ovarian descent. Defects in leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 8/G-protein-coupled receptor affecting testis descent (LGR8/GREAT), the receptor for Insl3, manifest the same phenotype as Insl3 knockout mutants. Even though mutations found in Insl3 and LGR8/GREAT genes are not a common cause of cryptorchidism in patients, it remains to be resolved whether low Insl3 levels during development are associated with cryptorchidism. Cryptorchidism may reflect foetal testicular dysgenesis that may later manifest as subfertility or testicular cancer.This work was supported by the Turku University Central Hospital, the Academy of Finland and the European Commission (contracts BMH4-CT96-0314, QLK4-CT1999-01422, QLK4-CT2001-00269 and QLK4-CT2002-00603).     

Modification of the pattern of central neurons by sensory inputs from the reproductive organs in Aplysia depilans L

In the abdominal ganglion of Aplysia a number of motoneurons regulating visceral organs reacted to the stimulation of the reproductive organs. The response was mostly biphasic and often delayed. The multifunctional interneuron I (cell L10) reacted to the stimulation of the reproductive organs with burst firing, followed by an inhibitory phase. The interneuron II, involved in the regulation of visceral functions, was also activated during stimulation of the reproductive organs and its burst-pattern could be identified on a number of other neurons. Several members of the neurosecretory cell group reacted to the stimulation of reproductive organs. The response was, as a rule, biphasic and similar to the hormone action, long-lasting. Three further cells (near the cell L12, above the cell L21, and the neuron between R2 and R7 with unknown function) showed a stereotyped response to the stimulation of the reproductive organs. All the neurons reacting to the stimulation of the reproductive organs also received inputs from the cardiorenal system. The data support the existence of common networks composing variable units in the regulation of visceral functions of gastropods.     

Comparative analysis of function of reproductive organs of cow and female reindeer. Cellular composition of blood in vessels of reproductive organs

Cellular composition of blood was studied in vessels of reproductive organs and jugular vein in females of reindeer and cow depending on their physiological state. Physiological leukocytosis was revealed in reproductive organs of the animals, the most expressed in reindeer. In both species, during the estrous cycle, in blood of vessels of reproductive organs the content of lymphocytes and monocytes is higher than that of granulocytes. With onset of pregnancy, in vessels of ovary and uterus in reindeer and cow the number of lymphocytes and monocytes decreases, while the number of granulocytes increases due to a rise of eosinophils and basophils. The more successful reproduction of reindeer females under conditions of North seems to be owing to an increased immune reactivity of reproductive organs.     

Effects of shift in flowering time on the reproductive output of Xanthium canadense in a seasonal environment

We studied the effects of a change in flowering date on the reproductive output of a short-day annual plant, Xanthium canadense. The flowering date was changed by photoperiodic manipulation to 1 month earlier or later than the natural flowering date. Plants with the natural flowering date attained the highest reproductive output. For those flowering 1 month earlier or later, the reproductive output was decreased by 42% or 23%, respectively. The reproductive output was analyzed as the product of the biomass production during the reproductive period and its allocation to the reproductive organs. Although delay in flowering increased biomass production, it decreased its fractional allocation to the reproductive organs. The highest reproductive output in the natural flowering plants resulted from a compromise between these two effects of flowering. Plants flowering earlier had higher translocation rates to the reproductive organs and accelerated plant senescence. Later flowering caused a reduction in biomass translocation to the reproductive organs and thus extended the reproductive period. These experimental results are discussed in relation to the cost of reproduction and the optimal time for flowering that maximizes the final reproductive output. It is suggested that the natural flowering time maximized the reproductive output while minimizing the cost of reproduction. Received: 11 September 1997 / Accepted: 12 December 1997     

The Floral Specific Proteins of Cucumber

Soluble proteins extracted from various organs of cucumber (Cucurnis sativus L. ) were analyzed using the technique of SDS one dimensional gel electrophoresis. The majority of the proteins were expressed in more than one organ, while those specific to only one organ were comparatively rare. Only two of all the proteins analized appeared to be truely organspecific. A 40.0 kD protein and a 30.8 kD protein were observed only in extracts of reproductive organs stamen and ovary. Some proteins were specific only to certain reproductive organ. They are 35.0 kD and 34.0 kD in sepal, 18. 8 kD, 28.5 kD, 31.0 kD, 37.0 kD and 39.0 kD in stamen, 45.0 kD in style with stigma and 32.5 kD in ovary. IEF-SDS two-dimensional'electrophoresis showed that many of the one-dimensional gel bands represented several proteins dots in the 2-D and that some of them were unique to an organ-type of the flower. Protein analysis of the various organs showed that stamens contained the greatest amount and petals the least amount of protein.     

Effects of ascorbic acid supplementation on male reproductive system during exposure to hypoxia

Two groups of male rats were exposed to simulated altitudes of 6060 m and 7576 m for 6 h/day for 7 days (intermittent exposure). In two additional groups of animals exposed to the same altitude, 100 mg of ascorbic acid (AA) was fed daily for 5 days prior to the exposure period and also during the exposure period. Rats that did not receive AA showed loss of body weight and weight of reproductive organs after exposure. Sex organs showed atrophy on histological examination and there was a deterioration in spermatozoal quality. There was an increase in alkaline and acid phosphatase, and decrease in protein, sialic acid and glyceryl phosphorylcholine content in various reproductive tissues after exposure. All the above changes in histology and biochemical composition could be partially prevented by AA supplementation. AA supplementation can therefore protect the male reproductive system from deleterious effects of hypoxia. The probable mechanism of action of AA is discussed.     

Effects of defoliation on seed protein concentration in normal and high protein lines of soybean

Two high (NC106, NC111) and two normal (NC103, NC107) seed protein concentration lines, derived from two different recurrent selection populations of soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) were subjected to partial defoliation at beginning seed fill (R5) under outdoor pot culture and field conditions. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that capacity to store N in vegetative organs and/or to mobilize that N to reproductive organs is associated with the high seed protein concentration trait. Symbiotic N₂ fixation was the sole source of N in the pot experiment and the major source of N (met > 50% of the N requirement) in the low N soil used in the field experiment. Seed protein concentration and seed yield at maturity in both experiments and N accumulation and mobilization between R5 and maturity in the pot experiment were measured. The four genotypes did not differ significantly with respect to the amount of N accumulated before beginning seed fill (R5). Removal of up to two leaflets per trifoliolate leaf at R5 significantly decreased the seed protein concentration of NC107/111 but had no effect on this trait in NC103/106. Defoliation treatments significantly decreased seed yield, whole plant N accumulation (N₂-fixation) during reproductive growth and vegetative N mobilization of all genotypes. Differences in harvest indices between the high and low protein lines accounted for approximately 35% of the differences in protein concentration. The two normal protein lines mobilized more vegetative N to the seed (average. 5.26 g plant^–1) than the two high protein lines (average. 4.28 g plant^–1). The two high seed protein lines (NC106, NC111) exhibited significantly different relative dependencies of reproductive N accumulation on vegetative N mobilization, 45% vs. 29%, in the control treatment. Whereas, NC103 with normal and NC106 with high seed protein concentration exhibited similar relative dependencies of reproductive N accumulation on vegetative N mobilization, (47% vs. 45%). Collectively, these results indicate that N stored in shoot organs before R5 and greater absolute and relative contribution of vegetative N mobilization to the reproductive N requirement are not responsible for the high seed protein concentration trait.Abbreviations DAT days after transplanting - R5 fifth reproductive stage according to Fehr and Caviness, 1977 Mention of trademark or proprietary product does not constitute a guarantee or warranty of the product by the United States Department of Agriculture and does not imply its approval to the exclusion of other products that may also be suitable.     

Phenotypic and genetic correlations among floral traits in two species of Thalictrum

The evolution of dioecy in plants is expected to be followed by sex-specific selection, leading to sexual dimorphism. The extent of the response to selection depends on the genetic covariance structure between traits both within and between the sexes. Here I describe an investigation to determine phenotypic and genetic correlations between reproductive traits within cryptically dioecious Thalictrum pubescens and within morphologically dioecious T. dioicum. Females of T. pubescens produce flowers having stamens and pistils, appearing hermaphroditic. Genetic correlations were estimated as family-mean correlations among paternal half-sib families. Positive phenotypic and genetic correlations between parts of the same reproductive organs, as the anther and filament of the stamen, indicate developmental associations between these traits in both species. Negative genetic correlations were detected between pistil number and size of reproductive organs in T. dioicum and showed the same direction, but not significance, in T. pubescens. There was a negative phenotypic correlation between the number of stamens and the number of pistils within female flowers of T. pubescens. Within T. pubescens, there was a positive genetic correlation between the number of stamens in males and the number of pistils in females, indicating that floral evolution in males and females may not be independent in this species.