光周期—褪黑素信号调控高原鼠兔精原细胞分化和季节性精子发生

高原鼠兔是青藏高原特有的小型哺乳动物,其繁殖活动呈现明显的季节性。成年雄性高原鼠兔在繁殖期睾丸重量显著增加,精子发生正常进行,而在非繁殖期睾丸退化,精子发生阻断在未分化精原细胞阶段。光周期控制实验显示,长光照（16h∶8h）诱导非繁殖期高原鼠兔重新启动精原细胞分化和精子发生;而短光照（8h∶16h）显著抑制繁殖期高原鼠兔精子发生。酶联免疫分析发现,褪黑素分泌水平在长日照条件下降低而在短日照条件下升高。非繁殖期高原鼠兔连续注射褪黑素拮抗剂能诱导生殖细胞发育和精子发生恢复。促性腺激素释放激素(GnRH)与黄体生成素(LH)在繁殖期鼠兔下丘脑垂体显著升高,促卵泡素（FSH）水平无显著差异。注射GnRH可以促进非繁殖期高原鼠兔精原细胞分化和精子发生,而褪黑素注射后抑制GnRH的分泌进而负调控性腺轴。综上,高原鼠兔季节性精子发生受光周期-褪黑素信号控制,后者主要通过控制GnRH、LH水平影响精原细胞分化。本研究对理解季节性动物精子发生的调控机制有重要借鉴意义。     

MTNR1a和MTNR1b基因在繁殖期与非繁殖期雄性高原鼢鼠HPG轴上的表达

高原鼢鼠 (Eospalax baileyi) 终年营地下生活,感光受洞道限制,但褪黑素 (Melatonin) 分泌水平仍存有季节差异,为探明褪黑素对高原鼢鼠季节性繁殖的调控作用,研究利用q?PCR技术检测雄性高原鼢鼠繁殖期 (5月) 和非繁殖期 (9月) 下丘脑、垂体及睾丸中褪黑素受体1a (Melatonin receptor 1a, MTNR1a) 和褪黑素受体1b (Melatonin receptor 1b, MTNR1b) 基因mRNA的相对表达量,通过免疫组织化学技术对MTNR1a和MTNR1b在睾丸中定位,并采用Image Pro Plus软件进行免疫组化阳性评价。结果发现,高原鼢鼠繁殖期下丘脑和垂体中MTNR1a基因的相对表达量显著高于非繁殖期的相对表达量 (P < 0.05),MTNR1b基因的相对表达量在不同时期无显著差异 (P > 0.05),但非繁殖期睾丸中MTNR1a和MTNR1b基因的相对表达量均显著高于繁殖期 (P < 0.01);繁殖期除长形精子外的所有类型细胞以及非繁殖期的间质细胞、支持细胞和精原细胞中均观察到MTNR1a的阳性信号,繁殖期除精原细胞和长形精子细胞外的所有类型细胞,以及非繁殖期间质细胞和支持细胞中均观察到MTNR1b的阳性信号,且非繁殖期MTNR1a和MTNR1b的平均光密度值均显著高于繁殖期 (P < 0.01)。MTNR1a和MTNR1b基因在雄性高原鼢鼠HPG轴上的表达模式,提示了褪黑素在其季节性繁殖调控中的潜在作用。     

高原鼠兔褪黑素受体在下丘脑-垂体-性腺轴中的表达分析

褪黑素在季节性繁殖动物的生殖细胞发育与性腺功能调控中发挥重要作用,然而褪黑素如何通过下丘脑-垂体-性腺（HPG）轴实现其调控功能目前仍不清楚。因此,本研究选取典型的长日照动物——高原鼠兔（Ochotona curzoniae）作为研究对象,使用酶联免疫吸附法测定繁殖期与非繁殖期雌雄鼠兔的血清褪黑素水平昼夜变化,利用实时荧光定量PCR分析褪黑素受体基因Mtnr1a与Mtnr1b在下丘脑、垂体与性腺中的表达水平,并通过免疫荧光染色进一步确认两种受体在性腺不同类型细胞中的定位。结果显示,非繁殖期雄性鼠兔的血清褪黑素含量始终高于繁殖期,且呈现不同的昼夜变化模式;雌性鼠兔的血清褪黑素含量远低于雄性鼠兔,且在繁殖期与非繁殖期并不存在显著差异。Mtnr1a与Mtnr1b在下丘脑、垂体与性腺中均有表达,雄性鼠兔在下丘脑与垂体中表现出繁殖期与非繁殖期基因表达的显著差异,而雌性鼠兔基因表达的差异主要出现在垂体与性腺中。两种受体蛋白在雄性性腺生殖细胞和支持细胞中均有分布,但MTNR1A更局限于精原细胞内,MTNR1B则在管腔内生殖细胞中表达。雌性性腺中MTNR1A在卵母细胞胞质内有表达,但更集中表达于颗粒细胞;MTNR1B在颗粒细胞以及卵母细胞核质内均有表达,且在生长卵泡的卵泡膜细胞中呈现高表达。以上结果表明,褪黑素调控雌雄高原鼠兔季节性繁殖的模式并不相同,其作用不仅限于通过下丘脑-垂体-性腺轴的间接调控,也可能通过性腺内靶向受体直接影响生殖细胞与体细胞命运。     

动物季节性繁殖分子调控机理研究进展

动物季节性发情繁殖涉及下丘脑-垂体-性腺轴系统复杂的神经内分泌过程,并受光照周期等环境因素的影响。褪黑激素则作为光周期信号分子调控动物季节性繁殖活动。近年来研究发现,对GnRH分泌有重要影响的Kiss1/GPR54系统既受褪黑激素的调控又受到性腺类固醇激素反馈调节,Kiss1/GPR54系统很可能是调控动物季节性繁殖的关键因子;同时动物季节性繁殖很可能还存在一条涉及TSH-DIO2/DIO3系统的逆向调控通路,该系统同样显著影响GnRH合成释放并受褪黑激素调控。文章就褪黑激素中心信号,特别是Kiss1/GPR54和TSH-DIO2/DIO3系统对繁殖季节性调控的最新研究进展进行综述。     

雄性大熊猫褪黑素与睾酮季节性变化

褪黑素通过调控下丘脑-垂体-性腺内分泌轴使季节性繁殖动物在适宜的季节进行繁殖活动.大熊猫(Ailuropoda melanoleuca)在春季集中繁殖.为探究雄性大熊猫褪黑素和睾酮的季节性变化规律,本研究选取成都大熊猫繁育研究基地3只成年雄性大熊猫作为实验对象,在自然光照下对这3只大熊猫进行每周1次为期1年(2018年...     

高原鼢鼠繁殖特性与其栖息草地质量的关系

高原鼢鼠种群密度动态变化与其繁殖特性密切相关,而繁殖特性又与其栖息环境有关。为了解高原鼢鼠繁殖特性与其栖息草地质量的关系,本文在祁连山东段选择两个不同高原鼢鼠种群密度分布区,在其繁殖期调查各密度区雌雄个体不同月份的繁殖特性、草地生物量、植物组成、地下根系重量及根系可溶性糖含量、土壤紧实度和水分变化。通过多因素方差分析和独立样本T检验研究繁殖特性与草地质量的关系。结果显示：在高原鼢鼠繁殖期,5月为繁殖高峰期,6月进入繁殖末期;不同种群密度区之间个体繁殖强度无显著性差异（P>0.05）;雌性繁殖强度在繁殖高峰期无显著性差异（P>0.05）,而繁殖末期存在显著差异（P<0.05）;高原鼢鼠性比在繁殖高峰期表现为低密度区大于高密度区,而在繁殖初期和繁殖末期为高密度区大于低密度区;两个种群密度区之间,草地植物组成、草地地上生物量、可利用草地生物量和地下生物量无显著性差异（P>0.05）,而0-30 cm土层根系根可溶性糖含量存在显著性差异（P<0.05）;除高原鼢鼠采食深度（0-20 cm）外,不同密度区土壤紧实度无显著性差异（P>0.05）,而0-30 cm土层土壤水分含量存在显著性差异（P<0.05）。结果表明在一定种群密度下,高原鼢鼠繁殖特性的变化与地下根可溶性糖含量和土壤水分有关,而繁殖特性与草地植物学组成、草地生物量无显著关系。     

布氏田鼠GnRH基因克隆及不同组织和发育阶段的基因表达特征

促性腺激素释放激素(GnRH)由GnRH编码,是调节动物繁殖活动的核心神经内分泌物质。布氏田鼠Lasiopodomys brandtii是我国内蒙古东部草原区的害鼠之一,具有明显季节性繁殖特征,但其繁殖调控机制仍未完全明确。本研究克隆了来自布氏田鼠下丘脑的GnRH cDNA序列,使用实时荧光定量技术检测了不同组织、不同年龄阶段GnRH mRNA水平。结果表明,克隆获得GnRH cDNA序列497 bp,包含开放阅读框273 bp,编码90个氨基酸和1个终止密码子的GnRH前体。DNA序列比对和氨基酸序列同源性分析表明,布氏田鼠下丘脑GnRH基因属于Ⅰ型,与橙腹田鼠Microtus ochrogaste GnRH1相似性最高。GnRH mRNA在下丘脑、垂体、睾丸、肾上腺、肠、膀胱均有表达。雄鼠血清睾酮水平和雌鼠血清雌二醇水平在出生后8周、36周、80周处于高水平,显著高于4周龄鼠,但除80周龄鼠下丘脑GnRH表达量处于高水平,8周龄、36周龄鼠GnRH表达量与4周龄鼠差异均无统计学意义。推测4周龄鼠下丘脑GnRH受GnRH调节剂的中心抑制,而8周龄、36周龄鼠下丘脑GnRH受性类固醇介导的反馈抑制调控,当年龄增加至80周龄,性类固醇介导的反馈抑制消失或者应答时间延长。本研究结果为探究布氏田鼠繁殖调控规律提供了更多基础资料。     

棕色田鼠睾丸和附睾胚后发育中的睾酮表达

应用免疫组织化学方法研究了产后1、10、25、45、60日龄(成体)5个发育阶段的棕色田鼠(Lasiopodomys mandarinus)睾丸和附睾组织内睾酮的免疫阳性反应.1日龄和10日龄,棕色田鼠睾丸生精小管内的前精原细胞胞质中有睾酮阳性表达.25日龄,有许多精子细胞产生,睾酮主要集中于精子细胞胞质表达.45日龄,精母细胞和精子中也有睾酮表达.成体精原细胞、精母细胞、精子细胞和精子中均有睾酮表达.1日龄至成体睾丸间质细胞和肌样细胞均有睾酮表达,25日龄时表达最强(P0.05).1日龄至成体附睾上皮细胞和连接组织有睾酮表达,成体附睾管内的大量精子有睾酮表达.这些结果说明,棕色田鼠从出生到性成熟过程中,在精子发生的各阶段,睾酮对生精细胞的分化增殖有直接的调控作用,这种调控作用随发育阶段不同具有可变性,同时,附睾的功能和精子的成熟也受到睾酮的调节.     

哺乳动物季节性繁殖的内源年生物钟及光敏神经环路研究进展

生活在温带和寒带的哺乳动物在长期的进化过程中形成了季节性繁殖的生活史特征。哺乳动物的繁殖功能主要受到下丘脑-垂体-性腺轴(hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis,HPGA)的调控。视交叉上核(suprachiasmatic nucleus,SCN)能够自发振荡并响应光周期信号的变化,引发褪黑素分泌的改变,并介导下游通路中下丘脑甲状腺激素、Kisspeptin和RF酰胺相关肽(RF amide-related peptide,RFRP)的节律性表达变化,从而调控哺乳动物的季节性繁殖。本文综述了哺乳动物季节性繁殖的内源年生物钟调控,并强调了光敏通路中包括甲状腺激素、Kisspeptin和RFRP在季节性繁殖调控中的重要作用。     

精子发生过程中基因表达转录水平的调控

哺乳动物精子发生于睾丸的生精小管, 是一个高度复杂的细胞分裂和分化过程, 涉及到错综复杂的基因表达调控过程, 包括转录和转录后水平的调控, 其中任何一个环节出错都可能导致雄性不育。因此, 揭示精子发生过程中的分子调控机理, 对发现新的男性避孕方法及治疗不育症有重要意义。文章重点综述了近年有关雄激素及其受体、雌激素及其受体、转录因子和染色质相关因子在精子发生转录水平调控的研究进展。     

Reinitiation of spermatogenesis by exogenous gonadotropins in a seasonal breeder, the woodchuck (Marmota monax), during gonadal inactivity.

The present study was undertaken (1) to document structural and functional changes in the testes of seasonally breeding woodchuck during active and inactive states of spermatogenesis and (2) to evaluate the ability of exogenous gonadotropins to reinitiate spermatogenesis outside the breeding season. During seasonal gonadal inactivity, there were significant (P less than 0.05) reductions in volumes of several testicular features (testis, seminiferous tubules, tubular lumen, interstitial tissue, individual Leydig cells, Leydig cell nuclei, and Leydig cell cytoplasm) as compared with gonadally active animals. The diameter of the seminiferous tubules was decreased by 26%, and Leydig cell numbers also declined in the regressed testes. These changes were accompanied by a decline in testosterone (T) levels in both plasma and testis, and reduction in epithelial height of accessory reproductive organs. A hormonal regimen was developed that would reinitiate spermatogenesis in captive, sexually quiescent woodchucks. A combination of PMSG and hCG markedly stimulated testicular growth and function and restored spermatogenesis qualitatively. Quantitatively normal spermatogenesis was restored in 2 of 6 treated males. Morphometric analyses revealed substantial increases in seminiferous tubular diameter and in the volume of seminiferous tubules, tubular lumen, total Leydig cells, and individual Leydig cells in the hormone-treated animals. These increased values corresponded to 99, 75, 68, 51, and 200%, respectively, of the values measured in naturally active woodchucks. Leydig cell numbers, however, remained unchanged and approximated only 31% of the number found in naturally active testes. Hormonal stimulation also resulted in a significant rise in serum T as well as in the total content of testicular T, and a marked increase in epithelial height in various accessory reproductive glands. The most effective hormonal protocol for stimulating spermatogenesis was treatment with 12.5 IU of PMSG twice a week for 4 weeks followed by 12.5 IU of PMSG + 25 IU of hCG twice a week for 4 weeks.     

祁连山东段高原鼢鼠暖季活动节律及其影响因素

正动物活动节律是在光周期、外界环境和内在生理机制共同调节下,动物表现出的休息和活动规律,它可以反映出动物个体营养状况、生存压力及社会地位等信息,是研究动物生态行为策略的重要依据(孙儒泳,2006)。尚玉昌(2006)认为温度和光照强度变化直接影响动物行为,而食物资源和天敌数量变化则能间接影响动物行为。目前对于地上栖息的啮齿动物活动节律及其影响因素已有许多报道(金建丽等,2003;纪春艳等,2005;宛新荣     

Seasonal spermatogenic cycle and morphology of germ cells in the viviparous lizard Mabuya brachypoda (Squamata,Scincidae)

We describe seasonal variations of the histology of the seminiferous tubules and efferent ducts of the tropical, viviparous skink, Mabuya brachypoda, throughout the year. The specimens were collected monthly, in Nacajuca, Tabasco state, Mexico. The results revealed strong annual variations in testicular volume, stages of the germ cells, and diameter and height of the epithelia of seminiferous tubules and efferent ducts. Recrudescence was detected from November to December, when initial mitotic activity of spermatogonia in the seminiferous tubules were observed, coinciding with the decrease of temperature, photoperiod and rainy season. From January to February, early spermatogenesis continued and early primary and secondary spermatocytes were developing within the seminiferous epithelium. From March through April, numerous spermatids in metamorphosis were observed. Spermiogenesis was completed from May through July, which coincided with an increase in temperature, photoperiod, and rainfall. Regression occurred from August through September when testicular volume and spermatogenic activity decreased. During this time, the seminiferous epithelium decreased in thickness, and germ cell recruitment ceased, only Sertoli cells and spermatogonia were present in the epithelium. Throughout testicular regression spermatocytes and spermatids disappeared and the presence of cellular debris, and scattered spermatozoa were observed in the lumen. The regressed testes presented the total suspension of spermatogenesis. During October, the seminiferous tubules contained only spermatogonia and Sertoli cells, and the size of the lumen was reduced, giving the appearance that it was occluded. In concert with testis development, the efferent ducts were packed with spermatozoa from May through August. The epididymis was devoid of spermatozoa by September. M. brachypoda exhibited a prenuptial pattern, in which spermatogenesis preceded the mating season. The seasonal cycle variations of spermatogenesis in M. brachypoda are the result of a single extended spermiation event, which is characteristic of reptilian species. J. Morphol. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Spermatogenesis in white-lipped peccaries (Tayassu pecari)

We describe here morphological and functional analyses of the spermatogenic process in sexually mature white-lipped peccaries. Ten sexually mature male animals, weighing approximately 39 kg were studied. Characteristics investigated included the gonadosomatic index (GSI), relative frequency of stages of the cycle of seminiferous epithelium (CSE), cell populations present in the seminiferous epithelium in stage 1 of CSE, intrinsic rate of spermatogenesis, Sertoli cell index, height of seminiferous epithelium and diameter of seminiferous tubules, volumetric proportion of components of the testicular parenchyma and length of seminiferous tubules per testis and per gram of testis. The GSI was 0.19%, relative frequencies of pre-meiotic, meiotic and post-meiotic phases were, respectively 43.6%, 13.8% and 42.6%, general rate of spermatogenesis was 25.8, each Sertoli cell supported an average 18.4 germinative cells, height of seminiferous epithelium and diameter of seminiferous tubules were, respectively, 78.4 microm and 225.6 microm, testicular parenchyma was composed by 75.8% seminiferous tubules and 24.2% intertubular tissue, and length of seminiferous tubules per gram of testis was 15.8m. These results show that, except for overall rate of spermatogenesis, the spermatogenic process in white-lipped peccaries is very similar to that of collared peccaries, and that Sertoli cells have a greater capacity to support germinative cells than most domestic mammals.     

Response of the spermatogenic system to chemical mutagen dipin in SAMP1 senescence-accelerated mice

Specific features of spermatogenesis were studied in senescence-accelerated mice of the strain SAMP1 after one-time injection of the chemical mutagen dipin. Quantitative and histomorphological changes in the spermatogenic epithelium proved to develop gradually. Cell loss and disorganization of spermatogenesis reached the peak as late as on days 28 and 35 after the injection. Differentiating spermatogonia manifested increased sensitivity to dipin. In prophase I of meiosis, developing spermatocytes proved to be less sensitive to the cytotoxic action of dipin at the pachytene than at the preleptotene-leptotene stages. Spermatogenesis in most seminiferous tubules was restored by day 56 after dipin treatment. At the end of the experiment (day 100), both quantitative parameters and morphological pattern of spermatogenesis did not differ significantly from those in the control. Thus, the cytotoxic action of dipin does not lead to irreversible structural disorganization of the spermatogenic epithelium in SAMP1 mice. Radioautography revealed a large proportion of highly differentiated Sertoli cells with ³H-thymidine-labeled nuclei in experimental animals. In some cases, structures resembling embryonic seminiferous tubules were revealed in the vicinity of rete testis in histological sections of testes of experimental mice. These structures contained the cells morphologically similar to gonocytes and immature Sertoli cells.     

Impairment of spermatogenesis and enhancement of testicular germ cell apoptosis induced by exogenous all-trans-retinoic acid in adult lizard Podarcis sicula

In mammals, retinoic acid is involved in the regulation of testicular function by interaction with two families of nuclear receptors, retinoic acid receptor (RAR) and retinoid X receptor (RXR). Among RAR isoforms, the testicular cells of the lizard were found to express only RARalpha (3.7 kb) and RARbeta (3.4 kb) mRNAs, as reported here. In this study, the effects of exogenous all-trans-retinoic acid (atRA) on spermatogenesis of a non-mammalian seasonal reproducer were investigated. Daily intraperitoneal injections of atRA or atRA plus testosterone (atRA+T) were given for 2 weeks to adult males of the lizard Podarcis sicula. In animals treated with atRA, the seminiferous tubules were markedly reduced in cross-area. The seminiferous epithelium collapse was responsible for a sensible reduction in the number of germ cells and disruption in normal epithelial organization. In comparison, in atRA+T-treated lizards the loss of germinal cells was significantly less. The loss of germ cells observed in both experimental groups results from an induction of apoptotic process, as revealed by TUNEL analysis. Although low in number, apoptotic germ cells were also observed in the control groups (saline- and T-treated lizard), where the main germ cells undergoing apoptosis are primary spermatocytes (most frequently) and some spermatogonia.In conclusion, it is shown here that retinoic acid has deleterious effects on lizard spermatogenesis, causing a severe depletion of seminiferous epithelium, probably via induction of apoptotic processes. These effects are not completely inhibited by simultaneous administration of testosterone, although this hormone, once injected, is able to stimulate spermatogenesis and protect germinal cells from apoptotic cell death.     

Regulation of seasonal reproductive activity in the stallion, ram and hamster

This review considers seasonal reproduction in male animals with emphasis on the stallion, ram and hamster. The pineal hormone melatonin is the common link between photoperiod and reproduction. An increase in the daily diurnal period of melatonin secretion is associated with a decrease in GnRH release in long-day breeders, but an increase in GnRH release in short-day breeders. Melatonin influences GnRH release within or close to the mediobasal hypothalamus in rams; whereas melatonin receptors have not been found in the hypothalamus of horses. Prolactin release is positively correlated with daylength. Prolactin concentrations are consequently low during the breeding season of sheep and high during the breeding season of horses and hamsters. Prolactin stimulates testicular function in rams. Seasonal changes in GnRH release in the horse are regulated by changes in a GnRH-inhibitory opioidergic tone. Opioids are at least, in part, responsible for the decrease in testicular function during winter. An opioidergic inhibition of LH release is present during the breeding season in rams; but dopaminergic pathways inhibit LH release during long daylight hours. A dopaminergic inhibition of LH release does not exist in stallions.     

The luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist, [D-Trp6, des-Gly-NH2(10)]-LHRH ethylamide, has no direct effect on spermatogenesis in the rat

Treatment of intact rats with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists has been shown to produce atrophy of a variable number of testicular seminiferous tubules. These findings raised the question of a possible direct versus indirect action of LHRH agonists on spermatogenesis. To answer this question, we treated hypophysectomized rats with the LHRH agonist [D-Trp6, des-Gly-NH2(10)]-LHRH ethylamide, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), or a combination of these two compounds for a period of 1 mo. Treatment of hypophysectomized animals with the LHRH agonist alone had no significant effect on the atrophy of seminiferous tubules found after hypophysectomy. DHT, however, maintained spermatogenesis at 80% of the level seen in intact animals. When DHT and the LHRH agonist were administered in combination, the stimulatory effects of DHT were observed with no significant interference caused by the LHRH agonist. This study shows that an LHRH agonist has no direct effect on the morphology of the seminiferous tubules in the absence of the pituitary gland and strongly suggests that the atrophy observed in the testis after LHRH agonist treatment in intact animals is mediated by the LHRH agonist-induced changes in luteinizing hormone secretion and/or direct action of the peptide on Leydig cells.