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Jiménez R, Burgos M, Barrionuevo FJ. The Biology and Evolution of Fierce Females (Moles and Hyenas). Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2023; 11:141-162. [PMID: 36130099 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-050622-043424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Talpid moles and spotted hyenas have become the paradigms of anatomical and behavioral female masculinization. Females of many mole species develop ovotestes that produce testosterone, show external genitalia that resemble that of males, and close their vaginal orifice after every estrus, and female spotted hyenas lack an external vaginal orifice and develop a pseudoscrotum and a large pseudopenis through which they urinate, mate, and give birth. We review current knowledge about several significant aspects of the biology and evolution of these females, including (a) their specific study methods; (b) their unique anatomical features, and how these peculiarities influence certain physiological functions; and (c) the role that steroid hormones as well as genetic and environmental factors may have in urogenital system development, aggressive behavior, and social dominance. Nevertheless, both mole and hyena females are exceptionally efficient mothers, so their peculiar genitalia should not call into question their femininity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Jiménez
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Biotechnology, and Center of Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Armilla, Granada, Spain; , ,
| | - Miguel Burgos
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Biotechnology, and Center of Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Armilla, Granada, Spain; , ,
| | - Francisco J Barrionuevo
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Biotechnology, and Center of Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Armilla, Granada, Spain; , ,
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Hutt KJ, McLaughlin EA, Holland MK. Primordial follicle activation and follicular development in the juvenile rabbit ovary. Cell Tissue Res 2006; 326:809-22. [PMID: 16830146 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-006-0223-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2005] [Accepted: 04/11/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Of all the stages of mammalian folliculogenesis, the primordial to primary follicle transition is the least understood. In order to gain new insights into this process, we have conducted a comprehensive morphological, morphometric and molecular study of ovarian organisation and early follicle development in the rabbit. The structure of ovaries collected from rabbits aged from 2-12 weeks (a period encompassing primordial follicle formation, activation and the first wave of folliculogenesis in this species) has been analysed by light microscopy and the follicles present have been measured and scored for their developmental stage. To establish useful molecular markers of activation, we have further classified follicles according to their expression of the proliferative marker, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and the zona pellucida protein, ZPB. The activation of primordial follicles is initiated immediately following their formation in the rabbit ovary and is characterised by oocyte growth, granulosa cell morphogenesis and increased granulosa cell mitosis. Enhanced ZPB protein expression at the oolemma is also associated with follicle activation and development. Few primordial follicles in the juvenile rabbit ovary are lost by atresia, as assessed by the TUNEL assay. The appearance of apoptotic granulosa cells is however coincident with the development of antral follicles. This study thus describes the temporal and spatial regulation of early follicular development in the post-natal rabbit ovary and, for the first time, shows that the primordial to primary transition in the juvenile rabbit is a highly ordered process occurring within quantifiable parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla J Hutt
- Pest Animal Control Cooperative Research Centre, CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, G.P.O. Box 284, Canberra, ACT 2615, Australia
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Rendon A, Hewetson A, Chilton BS, Lee VH. Expression of RUSH transcription factors in developing and adult rabbit gonads. Biol Reprod 2000; 63:156-64. [PMID: 10859255 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod63.1.156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The RUSH transcription factors 1alpha and 1beta bind to the Rabbit Uteroglobin promoter and are members of the SWI/SNF complex that facilitates transcription by remodeling chromatin (Helicase). To characterize gonadal expression of RUSH, a cRNA probe that recognizes both isoforms was used for in situ hybridization studies. We found RUSH mRNA to be abundant in Sertoli cells from embryonic, neonatal, prepubertal, and pubertal rabbit testes. In adults, RUSH mRNA was detected in tubules with preleptotene spermatocytes and mature spermatids lining the lumen. However, RUSH was undetectable in tubules that contained leptotene spermatocytes and that lacked mature spermatids. In females, RUSH was expressed in presumptive granulosa cells of embryonic and neonatal ovaries before follicle organization. Abundant RUSH mRNA was detected in granulosa and theca cells surrounding preantral follicles of prepubertal and adult ovaries. Expression of RUSH remained high in granulosa cells of antral follicles in mature ovaries but was negligible in late-stage atretic follicles and in corpora lutea. Western blot analysis confirmed the RUSH-1alpha isoform predominated in both testicular and ovarian tissues. The expression pattern of RUSH indicates transcriptional activity in Sertoli cells and during multiple stages of differentiating granulosa cells, especially those of primordial follicles, which heretofore were considered to be dormant.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Rendon
- Department of Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas 79430, USA
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Abstract
This paper is a review of the current status of technology for mammalian oocyte growth and development in vitro. It compares and contrasts the characteristics of the various culture systems that have been devised for the culture of either isolated preantral follicles or the oocyte-granulosa cell complexes form preantral follicles. The advantages and disadvantages of these various systems are discussed. Endpoints for the evaluation of oocyte development in vitro, including oocyte maturation and embryogenesis, are described. Considerations for the improvement of the culture systems are also presented. These include discussions of the possible effects of apoptosis and inappropriate differentiation of oocyte-associated granulosa cells on oocyte development. Finally, the potential applications of the technology for oocyte growth and development in vitro are discussed. For example, studies of oocyte development in vitro could help to identify specific molecules produced during oocyte development that are essential for normal early embryogenesis and perhaps recognize defects leading to infertility or abnormalities in embryonic development. Moreover, the culture systems may provide the methods necessary to enlarge the populations of valuable agricultural, pharmaceutical product-producing, and endangered animals, and to rescue the oocytes of women about to undergo clinical procedures that place oocytes at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Eppig
- Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609, USA
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Skinner SM, Prasad SV, Ndolo TM, Dunbar BS. Zona pellucida antigens: targets for contraceptive vaccines. Am J Reprod Immunol 1996; 35:163-74. [PMID: 8962642 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.1996.tb00026.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S M Skinner
- Department of Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Shoham Z, Jacobs HS, Insler V. Luteinizing hormone: its role, mechanism of action, and detrimental effects when hypersecreted during the follicular phase. Fertil Steril 1993; 59:1153-61. [PMID: 8495757 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)55968-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review studies that have examined the role of LH, its mechanism of action, and its detrimental effects when hypersecreted during the follicular phase. DESIGN Important published studies related to this topic were identified through a computerized bibliographic search. PATIENTS, PARTICIPANTS Review of the need for LH during the follicular phase is based on animal models and women with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. The association of hypersecretion of LH during the follicular phase with low rates of fertilization and high rates of pregnancy loss is based on clinical studies conducted in patients treated by IVF and ET and by induction of ovulation. The possible mechanism by which the effects occur is based on in vitro studies. RESULTS The results of the studies cited in this review are consistent with the two-cell two-gonadotropin hypothesis implying that synergistic action of both FSH and LH is required for appropriate steroidogenesis. It also seems that, whatever the underlying mechanism, a raised serum LH concentration during the follicular phase confers a substantial risk of infertility and early pregnancy loss. CONCLUSION By reviewing the literature it appears that LH exhibits an important role in the development of the growing follicle and maturation of the oocyte. It also seems that hypersecretion of LH during the follicular phase implies adverse effects on the fertility process. To further test this hypothesis, we now need systemic assessment of the methods of therapy used for treating patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, in relation to LH secretion and outcome of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Shoham
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaplan Hospital, Rehovot, Israel
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YoungLai EV, Borgmann A. Changes in 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in the developing rabbit ovary. JOURNAL OF STEROID BIOCHEMISTRY 1988; 31:983-6. [PMID: 3199834 DOI: 10.1016/0022-4731(88)90342-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The presence of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in the maturing rabbit ovary was demonstrated biochemically and histochemically. Enzyme activity was negligible to absent in ovaries from rabbits less than 44 days old. The greatest activity was located in the microsomal fraction of ovaries from mature rabbits. The enzyme characteristics were: Vmax = 33.1 +/- 9.6 nmol/min/mg protein and Km = 2.16 +/- 0.28 microM. Ovaries from pregnant hyperglycemic rabbits had enzyme which showed a Vmax of 51.4 +/- 8.2 nmol/min/mg protein and Km = 2.41 +/- 0.31 microM. These results indicate that rabbit ovarian tissue becomes steroidogenically active at a time when gonadotropin levels are elevated.
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Affiliation(s)
- E V YoungLai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University Medical Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Grinsted J, Aagesen L. Mesonephric excretory function related to its influence on differentiation of fetal gonads. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 1984; 210:551-6. [PMID: 6524696 DOI: 10.1002/ar.1092100402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian intermediate fetal kidney, the mesonephros, is known in different species to excrete body waste products during a limited period of fetal life. Recently, the mesonephros and its derivatives have been shown to influence gonadal functions in several ways. Thus, the mesonephric cells are responsible for regulating the onset of meiosis in different mammals by the secretion of two substances, a meiosis-inducing substance (MIS) and a meiosis-preventing substance (MPS). In this paper, the relation between mesonephric kidney function and its influence on the gonads is reviewed through literature studies. It seems that cessation of mesonephric excretion precedes onset of meiosis in the ovary in different species. It is suggested that the mesonephric renal function interferes with synthesis and/or secretion of MIS or that the excreted products may interfere with the responsiveness to MIS of the germ cells.
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Dietrich AJ, Mulder RJ. A light- and electron microscopic analysis of meiotic prophase in female mice. Chromosoma 1983; 88:377-85. [PMID: 6197255 DOI: 10.1007/bf00285860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In the paper we describe meiotic prophase of female mice on successive days of embryonic and early postnatal development. For this purpose we used three different techniques on ovarian material, i.e., Giemsa staining for the light microscopic study of chromatin, silver staining for the light microscopic study of the synaptonemal complex (SC), and agar filtration followed by uranyl acetate staining for the electron microscopic study of the SC. In all types of preparation it was impossible to distinguish leptotene stages, and we conclude that if leptotene really exists, it is of very short duration.--Two types of zygotene stages were found: the "normal" one, resembling zygotene stages in male mice, and a second type that has never been described in males and is characterized by, probably stable, unpaired regions together with totally unpaired axial elements of the SC.--The duration of pachytene was found to be 3-4 days, which is considerably shorter than in males. During early diplotene despiralization of the chromatin and disintegration of the axes of the SC were usually found together with desynapsis.--A considerable variation in distribution of meiotic stages was found between different litters in the same day of gestation. Fetuses in the same litter showed no significant variation. However, the oocytes in an ovary did not pass through meiosis synchronously, with differences up several days. The appearance of chromosomes in a highly contracted state could not be interpreted as a preleptotene condensation stage but probably is a mitotic phenomenon.
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Sun EL, Gondos B. MITOTIC ACTIVITY OF RABBIT TESTICULAR GERM CELLS DURING THE FIRST POSTNATAL WEEK. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1982. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1982.tb23220.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Channing CP, Tsafriri A. Mechanism of action of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone on the ovary in vitro. Metabolism 1977; 26:413-68. [PMID: 191725 DOI: 10.1016/0026-0495(77)90108-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The mechanism of action of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) upon various cell types of the mammalian ovary is reviewed. Emphasis is placed upon in vitro studies using organ and cell culture as well as short-term incubations. FSH and LH actions upon the following ovarian functions are discussed: steroidogenesis and metabolism of the ovary as a whole and of the isolated follicle and its component cell types, the granulosa and thecal cells, as well as folliculogenesis and follicular growth, oocyte maturation, follicular rupture, and corpus luteum maintenance and steroidogenesis. The roles of gonadotropin receptors, AMP, prostaglandins, protein kinase, and protein synthesis in these LH and FSH actions are discussed. Intra-ovarian regulation of LH and FSH action is reviewed, including a discussion of the possible roles of follicular fluid inhibitors upon oocyte maturation and granulosa cell luteinization.
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Guraya SS. Recent advances in the morphology, histochemistry, and biochemistry of the developing mammalian ovary. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY 1977; 51:49-131. [PMID: 338539 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(08)60226-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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El-Ghannam F, El-Naggar MA. Studies of oodytogenesis of buffalo ovaries. ZENTRALBLATT FUR VETERINARMEDIZIN. REIHE A 1975; 22:248-55. [PMID: 806202 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0442.1975.tb01428.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Erickson GF, Challis JR, Ryan KJ. A developmental study on the capacity of rabbit granulosa cells to respond to trophic hormones and secrete progesterone in vitro. Dev Biol 1974; 40:208-24. [PMID: 4372113 DOI: 10.1016/0012-1606(74)90124-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Kennelly JJ, Foote RH, Jones RC. Duration of premeiotic deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis and the stages of prophase I in rabbit oocytes. J Cell Biol 1970; 47:577-84. [PMID: 5497539 PMCID: PMC2108147 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.47.3.577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
To estimate the duration of oocyte DNA synthesis 36, 3-day-old female rabbits received 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, or 18 injections of tritiated thymidine (thy-(3)H) at hourly intervals. The ovaries, removed at 1, 10, or 20 days after the first injection, were radioautographed. Counts made of the number of silver grains associated with oocyte nuclei in meiotic Prophase I indicate that the duration of DNA synthesis is between 9 and 12 hr. To determine the length of the stages of meiotic Prophase I, a group of 2-3-day-old rabbits was given a single sub-cutaneous injection of thy-(3)H, and the ovaries were removed at hourly and/or daily intervals after treatment. The minimum duration of leptotene was 3 hr and the maximum duration probably was less than 8 hr. The maximum durations of zygotene, pachytene, and diplotene were estimated to be 44, 216, and 96 hr, respectively. The interval from the end of oogonial DNA synthesis to the beginning ofpremeiotic DNA synthesis (G(2) + Mitosis + G(1)) appeared to be less than 6 hr.
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Anderson E, Condon W, Sharp D. A study of oogenesis and early embryogenesis in the rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus, with special reference to the structural changes of mitochondria. J Morphol 1970; 130:67-91. [PMID: 5410141 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.1051300108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Gondos B. Ultrastructure of the germinal epithelium during oogenesis in the rabbit. THE JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY 1969; 172:465-79. [PMID: 5373345 DOI: 10.1002/jez.1401720409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Gondos B, Zamboni L. Ovarian development: the functional importance of germ cell interconnections. Fertil Steril 1969; 20:176-89. [PMID: 5762551 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)36916-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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