长蛸生殖系统的形态学与组织学观察

运用解剖学和组织学方法对长蛸(Octopus variabilis)生殖系统的形态结构进行了研究.结果表明,长蛸雌雄异体并异形,雄性右侧第三腕茎化.长蛸雌性生殖系统由一个卵巢、成对的输卵管及输卵管腺组成.卵巢壁上发出一条线状具分支的生殖索,米粒状的滤泡以卵柄连接至生殖索上.每个滤泡是由单层滤泡细胞围绕着一个卵母细胞构成.输卵管形成丰富的纵行褶皱,黏膜上皮具有纤毛.输卵管腺含有两种类型腺细胞.雄性生殖系统包括精巢、输精管前段、储精囊、摄护腺、盲囊、输精管后段和精荚囊.精巢内部被结缔组织分隔成许多精小叶,精原细胞由小叶壁中的生殖上皮产生,并向小叶腔中逐步分化成精子.输精管前段、盲囊和摄护腺所分泌的黏液物质共同参与精荚的形成.储精囊和输精管后段形成较多的纵行褶皱,输精管后段上皮游离面的纤毛可运输生殖细胞.精荚囊的作用则是贮存精荚,囊壁中的平滑肌利于长蛸交配时精荚的排出.     

Histological and ultrastructural investigation of the female reproductive system of Argulus bengalensis Ramakrishna, 1951 (Crustacea: Branchiura)

In order to understand branchiuran reproductive biology, it is imperative to know the sites of oogenesis and oocyte maturation, locate the accessory reproductive glands, and identify the fertilization site with the present knowledge of the sperm transfer mechanism of the genus Argulus. With these objectives, we attempted to describe the female reproductive system of Argulus bengalensis using serial histological sections through the ovaries and associated ducts in the transverse, longitudinal, and sagittal planes. The reproductive organs include a median ovary, one pair of ovarian lumina, a median oviduct, and a pair of collateral accessory glands. A duct from each of the collateral accessory glands leads into the proximal part of the median oviduct, which opens to the exterior through a genital opening at the distal end. The glandular secretion presumably contributes to the jelly coat of the egg. The ovary is bound with a tunica propria which extends further diametrically inside the ovary forming the paired lumina. The lumina are confluent into the median oviduct. Two distinct areas, the germarium and differentiating zones, are clearly distinguishable within the ovary. The tunica propria itself houses the oogonia within a matrix, serving as the germarium. Transmission electron micrograph reveals that the matrix is made of collagen. The collagen matrix confers elasticity to the tunica propria to accommodate the postvitellogenic oocytes within the ovarian lumen. The differentiating zone is situated in between the germarium: dorsally it is covered with a chromatophore layer. The ovary is ensheathed by a circum ovarian striated muscle. The presence of spermatophores in the ovarian lumen indicates the fertilization site. J. Morphol. 277:707–716, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Vitellogenin levels in hemolymph, ovary and hepatopancreas of the freshwater crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus (Decapoda: Parastacidae) during the reproductive cycle

The freshwater crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus is a tropical species of great interest for aquaculture. Vitellogenin (Vg), a lipoprotein precursor of the vitellum accumulated in spawned eggs, can be synthesized in the ovary and/or hepatopancreas of most crustaceans, being the hemolymph the way for transporting Vg throughout the reproductive cycle. Concentration of Vg in hemolymph, ovary and hepatopancreas of Cherax quadricarinatus adult females was measured by means of ELISA, specifically developed after purifying the native Vg. Measurements were made at four periods of the reproductive cycle: pre-reproductive, mid-reproductive, late reproductive and post-reproductive. Besides, both hepatosomatic (HSI) and gonadosomatic (GSI) indexes were determined in each period. Significant variations in Vg levels were detected in both hemolymph and hepatopancreas, being the highest values observed during the mid-reproductive period. Besides, such variations were positively correlated to the HSI. A positive correlation between Vg levels in hepatopancreas and ovary was also seen. These results support previous evidences about the central role of the hepatopancreas as a site of Vg synthesis in the studied species, together with the relevancy of hemolymph for transporting Vg from the hepatopancreas to the ovary. For aquaculture purposes, Vg monitoring in hemolymph could be used as a non-injurious method, to check the reproductive activity of C. quadricarinatus females.     

Sex steroid hormone fluctuations and morphological changes of the reproductive system of the female of Octopus vulgaris throughout the annual cycle

Sex steroids (17beta-estradiol and progesterone) and morphological variations of the reproductive system of the female of Octopus vulgaris from the Bay of Naples were followed over a period of 2 years. The increase in the ovary weight was independent of body weight as demonstrated by the gonado-somatic index (GSI). Both 17beta-estradiol and progesterone have been detected in the ovary of O. vulgaris, and their concentrations changed in correlation with the ovarian development. No 17beta-estradiol or progesterone was found in the hemolymph. 3beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity has been detected in the ovary, indicating that in the female of O. vulgaris the reproductive system is a source of sex steroid hormones. According to the morphological changes of the ovary, the ovarian cycle can be divided into the following phases: previtellogenesis; early vitellogenesis, full vitellogenesis and late vitellogenesis. The morphological changes of the oviducts and oviducal glands throughout the reproductive cycle were in accordance with their role in the transport and secretion of gelatinous coat covering the eggs, as well as in sperm storage and sperm reactivation during fertilization. J. Exp. Zool. 289:33-47, 2001.     

Morphological study of the reproductive system and ovarian growth of the univoltine bamboo borer,Omphisa fuscidentalis (Hampson, 1896) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

ABSTRACT

The female reproductive system and protein deposition in the ovaries during development have never been examined in the bamboo borer Omphisa fuscidentalis Hampson. The aim of this study was thus to study the morphology of the female reproductive system of each stage of development. The female reproductive system of the borer consists of a pair of ovary, oviduct and accessory glands. Each ovary is composed of four polytrophic ovarioles that connect to lateral oviducts, fused with a common oviduct. The size of the ovary in diapausing larvae for 9 months was determined. The length and width of the ovaries were the smallest in September larvae (0.343 ± 0.03 and 0.071 ± 0.01 mm, respectively). The ovaries were the largest during ovarian development in May (0.752 ± 0.08 mm long and 0.084 ± 0.01 wide). Additionally, ovarian size was significantly larger in adults than in pupae. The ovarian protein concentration of larvae in May was 0.59 ± 0.06 mg/ml and increased to 16.61 ± 7.5 and 37.42 ± 5.5 mg/ml in pupae (June) and adults (July), respectively. The results showed ovarian development in all life stages of this holometabolous insect, which has a longer life cycle than other lepidopterans.

Abbreviation: TEM: transmission electron microscope     

Kisspeptin在女性生殖内分泌和辅助生殖技术中的研究进展

近年来研究显示,kisspeptin在大脑的性别分化、性激素正负反馈调节、青春期始动以及机体能量信号转导等生理过程中起到重要作用,表明kisspeptin可能是女性生殖功能成熟及调控的一个关键性信号因子。除下丘脑分泌的kisspeptin之外,生殖器官局部表达的kisspeptin在机体正常生殖过程中的作用也不断得到证实。研究表明,很多生殖内分泌疾病,如单纯性促性腺激素分泌不足的性腺机能减退症(isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, IHH)、多囊卵巢综合征(polycystic ovary syndrome, PCOS)、卵巢早衰(premature ovarian failure, POF)、病理性高泌乳素血症等,都与kisspeptin的异常表达有关。通过给予外源性kisspeptin可解决辅助生殖技术应用中的一些问题。本文主要就kisspeptin在女性生殖内分泌尤其是在辅助生殖领域研究中所取得的进展进行论述。     

In vitro effects of both dopaminergic and enkephalinergic antagonists on the ovarian growth of Cherax quadricarinatus (Decapoda, Parastacidae), at different periods of the reproductive cycle

The in vitro effect of both spiperone (dopaminergic antagonist) and naloxone (enkephalinergic antagonist), was assayed on small pieces of ovary dissected from C. quadricarinatus females, with the eventual addition of some neuroendocrine organs, such as thoracic ganglion or eyestalk tissue. The incorporation of tritiated leucine by the ovary was measured in order to estimate the ovarian growth. During the post-reproductive period, both mentioned antagonists were able to significantly stimulate the ovary in the presence of thoracic ganglion, but did not produce any significant effect in the preparation containing ovary and eyestalk tissue, or only ovary. No significant effects of the assayed antagonists were noted during the pre-reproductive period. These results were in accordance with previous models describing the neuroendocrine control of crustacean reproduction, and represent new findings about the hormonal context in different periods of the reproductive cycle of crayfish. Besides, by means of the experimental combination of the tested antagonists with dopamine or met-enkephalin, a new model dealing with the interaction of these two neurotransmitters on the hormonal secretion of thoracic ganglion has been proposed.     

Congenital and acquired pathology of ovary and tubular genital organs in ewes: a review

Advances in our understanding of ovarian cyclicity, pathogenesis of subfertility and/or infertility and reproductive pathology in food animals have frequently entailed examination of abattoir material. Despite the fact that most lesions in ewes are likely to be of relatively minor significance to fertility, results of previous studies suggest that lesions of the female reproductive system may represent a significant source of loss to sheep husbandry. The objective of this paper is to review the pathophysiology, the effects on reproductive efficiency and the key gross and histological diagnostic features of congenital and acquired pathology of ovary and tubular genital organs in ewes.     

Development of the ovary and the female reproductive cells of the lung fluke, Paragonimus ohirai (Trematoda: Troglotrematidae)

The ultrastructure of the ovary of Paragonimus ohirai was investigated in different developmental stages of experimental infection in rats, from the metacercarial stage to the adult stage. The female reproductive cells were observed in order to understand the development of the ovary. During its development in the definitive host, the ovarian primordium and the ovary increased in size and cell number and underwent morphological changes. The blind end of the female genitalia was an undifferentiated primordium at the metacercarial stage, but became the bud of an ovary on day 3. Germ cells and supporting cells were observed on day 5. Oogonia were identified in the 15-day-old ovary, followed by the appearance of young oocytes at 17 days. Large oocytes were found on day 19, but the 21-day-old ovary contained degenerated oocytes. Mature ovaries were observed in the 26-day-old worms and egg formation was seen to arise on day 28. The development of the ovary and female reproductive cells was discussed in relation to the physiology of P. ohirai.     

Tribulus terrestris and female reproductive system health: A comprehensive review

BackgroundTribulus terrestris L. (T. terrestris) positive performance on the male sexual system has been confirmed, but little is known about its effects on the female reproductive system.PurposeThis review discussed in detail the beneficial impact of T. terrestris and its secondary metabolites on the female reproductive system.Study design and methodsIn this review, the scientific Databases of Science direct, Pubmed, Web of Science, Google, Google Scholar, Researchgate, EMBASE, Scientific Information (SID), and Elsevier were searched profoundly. Studies about the pharmacological activities of T. terrestris on the female reproductive system in each aspect of investigations: human, in vivo, and in vitro studies, in the period from 1998 to 2020 were admitted. Our study was not limited by the language of publications.Results23 articles about the effects of T. terrestris on the female reproductive system were found. These studies approved the T. terrestris efficacy on improvements in histological features of the ovary and uterus of polycystic ovary syndrome patients as well as the well-working of normal ovaries, enhancements in the sexual desire of postmenopausal syndrome, improve ovarian and breast cancers.ConclusionThese studies showed that the positive effect of T. terrestris on the female reproductive system was due to the presence of a secondary metabolite called protodioscin; a steroidal saponin compound, as the dominant active component of this plant.     

不同地区田间草地贪夜蛾卵巢的结构和发育

【目的】探明田间草地贪夜蛾Spodoptera frugiperda卵巢的发育状态及其变化,为草地贪夜蛾种群的发生和迁飞动态提供精准监测依据。【方法】采用雌性生殖系统解剖法,比较不同日龄和地区的田间草地贪夜蛾雌蛾卵巢的形态差异,分析卵巢成熟状态与雌蛾交配的关系。【结果】草地贪夜蛾雌蛾生殖系统包含卵巢、输卵管、交配囊、导精管、受精囊、附腺和产卵器。根据形态特征可以将田间草地贪夜蛾卵细胞分为卵黄发生前期、卵黄期和成熟期3个时期。田间雌蛾1日龄卵巢中发育最快的卵仅处于卵黄期中期,卵巢管柄为空;3日龄卵巢出现分化,一部分卵巢仍然和1日龄相似,另一部分卵巢中存在成熟卵;这种卵巢发育分化到羽化后11 d时仍然存在。云南江城、弥勒,广西田阳以及浙江瑞安和镇海等地的田间雌蛾,到死亡时分别有61.5%, 51.7%, 41.7%, 42.1%和35.5%卵巢发育不成熟。室内饲养第1代雌蛾中,有39.6%的个体到死亡时卵巢未发育成熟,和田间雌蛾比例相似。交配雌蛾卵巢可以是发育成熟和未成熟的,但是未成熟卵巢的比例仅为18.0%±5.0%。【结论】结果提示同一代次的田间草地贪夜蛾可能同时存在迁飞和非迁飞个体,...     

Morphological structures for potential sperm storage in poeciliid fishes. Does superfetation matter?

Sperm storage within the female reproductive tract has been reported as a reproductive strategy in several species of vertebrates and invertebrates. However, the morphological structures that allow for sperm to be stored and kept viable for long periods are relatively unknown in osteichthyes. We use histological and stereological tools to identify and quantify sperm storage structures (spermathecae) in 12 species of viviparous Poeciliidae. We found spermathecae in nine species, six of which exhibit superfetation (the ability of females to simultaneously carry within the ovary two or more broods of embryos at different stages of development). These spermathecae are folds of ovarian tissue that close around spermatozoa. We compared the number and size (volume) of spermathecae between species with and without superfetation. Species that exhibit superfetation had a significantly higher number of spermathecae than species that do not exhibit this reproductive strategy. In addition, we found that the mean volume of spermathecae and total volume of spermathecae present in the ovary are marginally higher in species with superfetation. Our results contribute to the understanding of the morphological structures that allow for sperm storage in viviparous osteichthyes and suggest a positive relationship between superfetation and the capacity of females to store sperm.     

Chronic Exposure to Diquat Causes Reproductive Toxicity in Female Mice

Diquat is a bipyridyl herbicide that has been widely used as a model chemical for in vivo studies of oxidative stress due to its generation of superoxide anions, and cytotoxic effects. There is little information regarding the toxic effects of diquat on the female reproductive system, particularly ovarian function. Thus, we investigated the reproductive toxic effects of diquat on female mice. Chronic exposure to diquat reduced ovary weights, induced ovarian oxidative stress, resulted in granulosa cell apoptosis, and disrupted oocyte developmental competence, as shown by reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, decreased polar body extrusion rates and increased apoptosis-related genes expression. Additionally, after diquat treatment, the numbers of fetal mice and litter sizes were significantly reduced compared to those of control mice. Thus, our results indicated that chronic exposure to diquat induced reproductive toxicity in female mice by promoting the ROS production of gruanousa cells and ooctyes, impairing follicle development, inducing apoptosis, and reducing oocyte quality. In conclusion, our findings indicate that diquat can be used as a potent and efficient chemical for in vivo studies of female reproductive toxicity induced by oxidative stress. Moreover, the findings from this study will further enlarge imitative research investigating the effect of ovarian damage induced by oxidative stress on reproductive performance and possible mechanisms of action in large domestic animals.     

Effect of gold on stimulation of reproductive function in immature female albino rats

Significant increase in ovarian and uterine weight and stimulation of ovarian delta5-3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (delta5-3beta-HSD) activity and elevation of serum estradiol level were observed following gold chloride (0.2 mg/kg body weight/day), s.c. administration in immature female albino rats. Moreover, normal cyclic changes of estrus were found in vaginal smears of these rats whereas the rats of other groups showed diestrus phase throughout the period of experiment. Histological study of ovary also showed Graafian follicle with ovum in rats treated with 0.2 mg/kg/day of gold proving stimulation of reproductive function, which was not found in the ovarian histological study of other groups including controls. Thus, the results suggest a significant stimulatory effect of gold chloride on female reproductive activity in immature rats. Further, since the above-mentioned changes were evident at a specific dose of gold chloride, the data may have some clinical implications on stimulation and enhancement of fertility in immature female rats.     

Postembryonic development of the female reproductive system in the pycnogonid Propallene longiceps (Pycnogonida,Callipallenidae)

The postembryonic development of the female reproductive system in the pycnogonid Propallene longiceps is examined. The germ cells can be detected first in the later stage of the 3rd instar and become a paired gonad covered with gonadal epithelium in the next instar. The larval gonad changes its shape: paired at the 4th instar, reversed U-shaped at the fifth, unpaired at the sixth, and paired again at the seventh. Oocytes can be distinguished, and the extension of the ovary into the walking legs begins at the 7th instar. Growing oocytes protrude outward from the ovary on cellular stalks in the pedal part. The trunk ovary becomes U-shaped, and the oviducts and genital pores start forming at the 8th instar. The disappearance of trunk ovary begins at the 9th instar, and is complete at the next adult stage. The connection between the pedal ovarian lumen and the genital pores via the oviducts is complete in the adult, and the female reproductive system becomes segmentally arranged. This study confirms that the segmental arrangement of adult female reproductive system in P. longiceps, which is unique among recently described arthropods, is a secondary state in pycnogonids attained by reducing the trunk part of ovary.     

Postnatal developmental expression and localization of apelin and apelin receptor protein in the ovary and uterus of mice

Postnatal ovarian and uterine development is crucial to accomplished female fertility. Thus, the investigations of factors that present in pre-pubertal stages are important as it might be responsible for the regulation of ovarian and uterine function. Apelin, an adipokine and its receptor (APJ) are present in female reproductive organs. However, no study has reported its postnatal expression in uterus and ovary. Thus, we investigated the postnatal developmental changes in expression and localization of apelin and APJ in the ovary and uterus of mice. Postnatal ovary and uterus were collected from postnatal day (PND) 1, 7, 14, 21, 42, 65 and performed western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Uterine APJ is elevated in PND14 and PND65, whereas, ovarian APJ elevated in PND7, PND14, and PND65. Apelin expression in both ovary and uterus showed intense staining at PND65 and PND14. Our results showed that apelin and APJ abundance was lower at PND21 in uterus and ovary. In conclusion, apelin and APJ are developmentally regulated in the ovary and uterus, and its localization in the different compartments of ovary and uterus suggest its distribution specific physiological role in the uterus and ovary.     

The role of steroids in follicular growth

The steroidogenic pathway within the ovary gives rise to progestins, androgens and oestrogens, all of which act via specific nuclear receptors to regulate reproductive function and maintain fertility. The role of progestins in follicular growth and development is limited, its action confined largely to ovulation, although direct effects on granulosa cell function have been reported. Consistent with these findings, progesterone receptor knockout mice are infertile because they cannot ovulate. Androgens have been shown to promote early follicular growth, but also to impede follicular development by stimulating atresia and apoptosis. The inability of androgens to transduce a signal in mice lacking androgen receptors culminates in reduced fertility. Oestrogens are known to exert effects on granulosa cell growth and differentiation in association with gonadotrophins. Studies with oestrogen receptor knockouts and oestrogen depleted mice have shown us that oestrogen is essential for folliculogenesis beyond the antral stage and is necessary to maintain the female phenotype of ovarian somatic cells. In summary, the action of steroids within the ovary is based on the developmental status of the follicle. In the absence of any single sex steroid, ovarian function and subsequently fertility, are compromised.