Role of the Corpus Luteum and Progesterone in the Evolution of Vertebrate Viviparity

For the past 25 years we have used a comparative strategy designedto identify anddescribe the endocrine parameters of the oviparous-vivparoustransition and subsequent gradual reduction in hepatic yolkprotein precursor (vitellogenin) synthesis associated with placentalviviparity. Our approach has been to study vertebrate groupsin which both oviparous and viviparous modes are common (reptiles,elasmobranchs). We have provided evidence for the control offollicular (granulosa/theca) and luteal steroidogenesis, andthe cellular basis of gonadal steroid hormone action on thekey target tissues (oviduct, liver). Our results, some of whichare summarized below, have led us to suggest that ovarian progesterone(follicular or luteal in origin) has a dual role in the evolutionof viviparity: 1. To inhibit myometrial contractions, thus providinga primary condition for egg retention and viviparity. 2. Toinhibit estrogen-induced hepatic vitellogenin synthesis as partof both normal oviparous cycles and as a concomitant of placentalevolution.     

An Examination of the Value of 14C-urea as a Source of 14CO2 for Studies of Assimilate Distribution

Twenty-four hours after leaf 3 of a plant of Lolium multiflorumLam, was supplied with a droplet of ¹⁴C-urea and the plant enclosedin a polyethylene bag with an untreated plant, there were significantamounts of radiocarbon recovered from the untreated plant. Theleaf treated with ¹⁴C-urea was the major source of ¹⁴C leakagebut significant losses were also recorded from other parts ofthe plant. Reducing the humidity within the bag decreased theamount of ¹⁴CO₂ which escaped. Losses of radiocarbon from CO₂-treated plants were very low compared with those from urea-treatedplants but the pattern of assimilate distribution within thetwo types of plants was very similar. The possible causes ofthese effects are considered and the usefulness of ¹⁴C-ureaas a source of ¹⁴CO₂ discussed.     

Cyclomorphosis in natural populations of Daphnia cephalata King

SUMMARY. Daphnia cephalata King is a major component of the zooplankton in freshwater ponds of eastern Australia. Phenotypic variation in head shape both within and between populations is striking. Some of this variation is ontogenetic, but among individuals of similar size head length still varies by a factor of two. The causes of this variation have been investigated by analysing head size in thirty-four populations of D. cephalata over a 17-month period. An annual cycle in crest size, apparently related to seasonal changes in mean temperature, was evident when the data were pooled. Large differences in head size were commonly observed, however, among samples collected simultaneously. Some of this variation was correlated with local differences in resource availability, which were due, in part, to local variation in Daphnia density. Other consistent interpopulation differences in head size were related to stable environmental differences among sites and probably also to genetic differences among populations.     

Ultrastructural Study of Plasmodium knowlesi Antigen Used in Vaccination of Rhesus Monkeys*

SYNOPSIS. Material from various steps obtained in the French pressure cell technic of preparing antigen from Plasmodium knowlesi-infected red cells, was examined by electron microscopy. A positively charged colloidal iron solution was used to differentiate between membranes of host red cells and parasites. Red cell membranes take the stain, whereas parasite membranes do not. This antigen which has been used previously to protect monkeys against P. knowlesi appears to consist almost entirely of membrane-bounded vesicles. Some of these vesicles contain a fine granular material, whereas others appear empty. The antigen failed to stain with the positively charged iron solution, which suggests that it is free of contamination by host cell membrane.     

A Review of Size at Maturity in Male Tanner (Chionoecetes bairdi) and King (Paralithodes camtschaticus) Crabs and the Methods Used to Determine Maturity

This paper reviews existing studies on the size of sexual maturityfor male Tanner or snow crab (Chionoecetes bairdi), a brachyuran,and the anomuran red king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus).In this report the term sexual maturity is denned as the abilityto reproduce. A variety of indirect and direct methods thathave been used to determine maturity are reviewed. Examiningthe vas deferens for the presence of spermatophores was usefulin determining the size at which males first become mature.Breeding experiments in the laboratory demonstrated that mostmales, from both species, that produced spermatophores couldbreed with soft-shelled mates. Males of both species can breedat smaller sizes than do females. Morphometric techniques basedon reproductive tract weights and chela morphometry overestimatedthe sizes at which males mature in both species. Previous experimentsfor Tanner crab, which have internal fertilization, suggestsmall mature males can fertilize two to five females. Breedingexperiments showed recently matured red king crab do not appearto be able to fertilize more than one female per breeding season,while males nearing harvestable size can fertilize more thanone female. Breeding experiments and in situ observations of grasping pairsappear to be the most feasible methods for identifying malesize at maturity for these species. The value of morphometricestimations for determining when males mature is questionable.