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Reproductive phenology of neotropical leptodactylid frogs (genera Physalaemus and Pseudopaludicola): Integrating gametogenic cycle, sexual maturity and age. ZOOL ANZ 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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2
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Hu N, Yu C, Jin J, Zhao X, Zhao Y, Wei H, Li Y. Impact of photoperiods on the specific activities of immune and antioxidant enzymes in different tissues of Dybowski’s frog (Rana dybowskii). BIOL RHYTHM RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/09291016.2022.2043588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nan Hu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Changyue Yu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Jiaxin Jin
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xinmiao Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yingying Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Hua Wei
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yingdong Li
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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3
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Prado DMA, Gomes FR, Madelaire CB. Effects of corticosterone treatment and wound healing on reproductive traits of American bullfrogs. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2021; 335:275-285. [PMID: 33411410 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
During reproductive season, calling anuran males display high testosterone (T) and episodically high corticosterone (CORT) plasma levels, which are positively associated with higher calling rates and immunocompetence. However, exposure to constant stress stimuli can result in chronically elevated CORT levels, possibly leading to inhibition of reproductive and immune activity. Reproduction and immune responses are energetically expensive, so when an animal is immunologically challenged, a tradeoff might be expressed, with CORT potentially mediating it. Our aim was to test how episodic and chronic CORT treatments, alongside wound healing, would affect reproduction in American bullfrog males (Lithobates catesbeianus). Forty animals were divided in four groups: Episodic CORT (daily transdermic application of CORT), placebo (daily transdermic application of sesame oil), chronic CORT (subcutaneous CORT silastic implants), and sham control (subcutaneous empty silastic implants). One week after treatments began, animals were punctured in the leg with a biopsy needle and the wound was photographed after 45 days to determine wound healing status (WS). Blood samples were collected throughout the experiment to measure CORT and T plasma levels. After animal euthanasia, testes were dissected, fixed, and analyzed histologically to determine spermatogenic activity (germinative cyst [GmC] morphometrics). As expected, the episodic CORT treatment had no effect on T plasma levels or spermatogenic activity. On the other hand, chronic CORT treatment reduced GmC morphometric traits, indicating suppression of reproduction, although T levels were not altered. In addition, animals from sham control and chronic CORT treatments with higher T levels presented higher WS, which indicates an immune-enhancing T effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora M A Prado
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Fernando R Gomes
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Carla B Madelaire
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, São Paulo State, Brazil
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4
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Di Fiore MM, Santillo A, Falvo S, Pinelli C. Celebrating 50+ years of research on the reproductive biology and endocrinology of the green frog: An overview. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 298:113578. [PMID: 32739437 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
This issue is dedicated to the late Professor Giovanni Chieffi, and this article is an overview of the research on Comparative Endocrinology of reproduction using Rana esculenta (alias Pelophylax esculentus) as a model system. Starting from the early 1970s till today, a large quantity of work have been conducted both in the fields of experimental endocrinology and in the definition of the diffuse neuroendocrine system, with a major focus on the increasing role of regulatory peptides. The various aspects investigated concerned the histological descriptions of principal endocrine glands of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, the localization and distribution in the HPG of several different substances (i.e. neurosteroids, hypothalamic peptide hormones, pituitary gonadotropins, gonadal sex steroids, and other molecules), the determination of sex hormone concentrations in both serum and tissues, the hormone manipulations, as well as the gene and protein expression of steroidogenic enzymes and their respective receptors. All together these researches, often conducted considering different periods of the annual reproductive cycle of the green frog, allowed to understand the mechanism of cascade control/regulation of the HPG axis of R. esculenta, characterizing the role of different hormones in the two sexes, and testing the hypotheses about the function of single hormones in different target organs. It becomes evident from the review that, in their simplest form, several features of this species are specular as compared to those of other vertebrate species and that reproduction in this frog species is either under endogenous multi-hormonal control or by a wide array of different factors. Our excursus of this research, spanning almost five decades, shows that R. esculenta has been intensively and successfully used as an animal model in reproductive endocrinology as well as several field studies such as those involving environmental concerns that focus on the effects of endocrine disruptors and other environmental contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Maddalena Di Fiore
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Alessandra Santillo
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Sara Falvo
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Claudia Pinelli
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy.
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5
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Brum AJ, Loebens L, Prado CPA, Cechin SZ. Reproductive cycle, sexual maturity and longevity of
Odontophrynus americanus
(Anura: Odontophrynidae) in South Brazil. ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/azo.12359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J.C. Brum
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Biodiversidade Animal Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas Universidade Federal de Santa Maria Santa Maria Brazil
- Laboratório de Herpetologia Departamento de Ecologia e Evolução Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas Universidade Federal de Santa Maria Santa Maria Brazil
| | - Luiza Loebens
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Biodiversidade Animal Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas Universidade Federal de Santa Maria Santa Maria Brazil
- Laboratório de Herpetologia Departamento de Ecologia e Evolução Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas Universidade Federal de Santa Maria Santa Maria Brazil
| | - Cynthia P. A. Prado
- Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias Universidade Estadual Paulista São Paulo Brazil
| | - Sonia Z. Cechin
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Biodiversidade Animal Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas Universidade Federal de Santa Maria Santa Maria Brazil
- Laboratório de Herpetologia Departamento de Ecologia e Evolução Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas Universidade Federal de Santa Maria Santa Maria Brazil
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Scaia MF, Volonteri MC, Czuchlej SC, Ceballos NR. Estradiol and reproduction in the South American toad Rhinella arenarum (Amphibian, Anura). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 273:20-31. [PMID: 29555118 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 02/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Rhinella arenarum is a South American toad with wide geographic distribution. Testes of this toad produce high amount of androgens during the non reproductive season and shift steroid synthesis from androgens to 5α-pregnanedione during the breeding. In addition, plasma estradiol (E2) in males of this species shows seasonal variations but, since testes of R. arenarum do not express aromatase, the source of plasma E2 remained unknown for several years. However, the Bidder's organ (BO), a structure located at one pole of each testis, is proposed to be the main source of E2 in male's toads since it expresses several steroidogenic enzymes and is able to produce E2 from endogenous substrates throughout the year. In addition, there were significant correlations between plasma E2 and total activity of BO aromatase, and between plasma E2 and the amount of hormone produced by the BO in vitro. In the toad, apoptosis induced by in vitro treatment with E2 was mostly detected in spermatocytes during the breeding and in spermatids during the post-reproductive season, suggesting that this steroid has an important role in controlling spermatogenesis. However, in vitro treatment with E2 had no effect on proliferation. This evidence suggests that the mechanism of action of E2 on amphibian spermatogenesis is complex and more studies are necessary to fully understand the role of estrogens regulating the balance between cellular proliferation and apoptosis. In addition, in R. arenarum in vitro studies suggested that E2 has no effect on CypP450c17 protein levels or enzymatic activity, while it reduces 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase (3β-HSD/I) activity during the post reproductive season. As well, E2 regulates FSHβ mRNA expression all over the year suggesting a down regulation process carried out by this steroid. The effect on LHβ mRNA is dual, since during the reproductive season estradiol increases the expression of LHβ mRNA while in the non-reproductive season it has no effect. In conclusion, the effect of E2 on gonadotropins and testicular function is complex, not clearly understood and probably varies depending on the species. The aim of the current article is to review evidence on reproductive endocrinology and on the role of estradiol regulating reproduction in amphibians, with emphasis on the South American species Rhinella arenarum.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Florencia Scaia
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada (IBBEA - CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - María Clara Volonteri
- Instituto de Diversidad y Evolución Austral (IDEAus - CONICET), Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Silvia Cristina Czuchlej
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Nora Raquel Ceballos
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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7
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Chianese R, Ciaramella V, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Meccariello R. Kisspeptin regulates steroidogenesis and spermiation in anuran amphibian. Reproduction 2018; 154:403-414. [PMID: 28878091 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Kisspeptin (Kp) system has a recognized role in the control of gonadotropic axis, at multiple levels. Recently, a major focus of research has been to assess any direct activity of this system on testis physiology. Using the amphibian anuran, Pelophylax esculentus, as animal model, we demonstrate - for the first time in non-mammalian vertebrate - that testis expresses both Kiss-1 and Gpr54 proteins during the annual sexual cycle and that ex vivo 17B-estradiol (E2, 10-6 M) increases both proteins over control group. Since the interstitium is the main site of localization of both ligand and receptor, its possible involvement in the regulation of steroidogenesis has been evaluated by ex vivo treatment of testis pieces with increasing doses of Kp-10 (10-9-10-6 M). Treatments have been carried out in February - when a new wave of spermatogenesis occurs - and affect the expression of key enzymes of steroidogenesis inducing opposite effects on testosterone and estradiol intratesticular levels. Morphological analysis of Kp-treated testes reveals higher number of tubules with spermatozoa detached from Sertoli cells than control group and the expression of connexin 43, the main junctional protein in testis, is deeply affected by the treatment. In spite of the effects on spermatozoa observed ex vivo, in vivo administration of Kp-10 has been unable to induce sperm release in cloacal fluid. In conclusion, we demonstrate Kp-10 effects on steroidogenesis with possible involvement in the balance between testosterone and estradiol levels, and report new Kp-10 activities on spermatozoa-Sertoli cell interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez 'F. Bottazzi'Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenza Ciaramella
- Dipartimento Medico-Chirurgico di Internistica Clinica e Sperimentale 'F. Magrassi-L. Lanzara'Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Napoli, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez 'F. Bottazzi'Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Napoli, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez 'F. Bottazzi'Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Napoli, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del BenessereUniversità di Napoli Parthenope, Napoli, Italy
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8
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Luna MC, Mcdiarmid RW, Faivovich J. From erotic excrescences to pheromone shots: structure and diversity of nuptial pads in anurans. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/bly048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Celeste Luna
- División Herpetología, Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales ‘Bernardino Rivadavia’ – CONICET, Ángel Gallardo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Roy W Mcdiarmid
- United States Geological Survey Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Division of Amphibians and Reptiles, National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Julian Faivovich
- División Herpetología, Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales ‘Bernardino Rivadavia’ – CONICET, Ángel Gallardo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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9
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Spermatogenic and Testosterone Cycles in a Desert-Adapted Amphibian Odontophrynus barrioi from the Monte Desert, Argentina. J HERPETOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1670/16-070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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10
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McCoy KA, Amato CM, Guillette LJ, St Mary CM. Giant toads (Rhinella marina) living in agricultural areas have altered spermatogenesis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 609:1230-1237. [PMID: 28787797 PMCID: PMC5600858 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.07.185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Across diverse taxa, germ cell development is controlled by an intricate cascade of processes that are tightly controlled by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Endocrine disturbances, such as those induced by endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can negatively affect spermatogenesis. Here, we investigate whether spermatogenesis is altered in the giant toad, Rhinella marina, living in agricultural areas where EDCs are used relative to suburban areas. We also ask if reductions in spermatogenesis were associated with developmental gonadal abnormalities (intersex) found in the same frogs. We found that toads in agricultural areas exhibited reduced spermatogenesis relative to non-agricultural animals, and that those reductions were not associated with gross gonadal abnormalities. All toads living in agricultural areas had reduced spermatogenesis relative to those living in non-agricultural areas regardless of whether they had gonadal abnormalities originating during development. Similarities in reproductive dysfunction among diverse taxa living in agricultural areas, including humans, suggest that many vertebrate taxa living in agricultural areas around the globe are likely experiencing some level of reproductive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista A McCoy
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA.
| | - Ciro M Amato
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Louis J Guillette
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (L.J.G.), Medical University of South Carolina, and Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Colette M St Mary
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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11
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Kisserli O, Moudilou E, Exbrayat JM. Sexual cycle and seasonal expression of testosterone (T) in the testes of Sclerophrys mauritanica (Schlegel, 1841). AFR J HERPETOL 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/21564574.2017.1369170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Omar Kisserli
- Laboratoire de Biotechnologie, Environnement et Santé. Université Mohamed Seddik Benyahia-Jijel. BP. 98. Ouled Aïssa, Jijel (18000) –Algérie
| | - Elara Moudilou
- Université de Lyon, UMRS 449, Biologie Générale - Reproduction et Développement Comparé, Université Catholique de Lyon - EPHE/PSL, 10 place des archives, F-69288 Lyon Cedex 02, France
| | - Jean-Marie Exbrayat
- Université de Lyon, UMRS 449, Biologie Générale - Reproduction et Développement Comparé, Université Catholique de Lyon - EPHE/PSL, 10 place des archives, F-69288 Lyon Cedex 02, France
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12
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Chaves MF, Moura GJBD, Tenório FDC, Baptista JDS, Lapa Neto CJ, Texeira VW, Texeira ÁA. Influence of rainfall and temperature on the spermatogenesis of Leptodactylus macrosternum (Anura: Leptodactylidae). ZOOLOGIA 2017. [DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.34.e20782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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13
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Franco-Belussi L, Provete DB, De Oliveira C. Environmental correlates of internal coloration in frogs vary throughout space and lineages. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:9222-9233. [PMID: 29187963 PMCID: PMC5696405 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Internal organs of ectotherms have melanin‐containing cells that confer different degrees of coloration to them. Previous experimental studies analyzed their developmental origin, role in immunity, and hormonal regulation. For example, melanin increases with ultraviolet radiation (UV) and temperature in frogs and fish. However, little is known about how environmental variables influence the amount of coloration on organs among amphibian species over a large spatial extent. Here, we tested how climatic variables (temperature, UV, and photoperiod) influence the coloration of internal organs of anurans. We recorded the level of melanin pigmentation using four categories on 12 internal organs and structures of 388 specimens from 43 species belonging to six anuran families. Then, we tested which climatic variables had the highest covariation with the pigmentation on each organ after controlling for spatial autocorrelation in climatic variables and phylogenetic signal in organ coloration using the extended version of the RLQ ordination. Coloration in all organs was correlated with the phylogeny. However, the coloration of different organs was affected by different variables. Specifically, the coloration of the heart, kidneys, and rectum of hylids, Rhinella schneideri, some Leptodactylus, and Proceratophrys strongly covaried with temperature and photoperiod, whereas that of the testicle, lumbar parietal peritoneum, lungs, and mesenterium of Leiuperinae, Hylodidae, Adenomera, and most Leptodactylus had highest covariation with UV‐B and temperature. Our results support the notion that melanin pigmentation on the surface of organs of amphibians has an adaptive function conferred by the protective functions of the pigment. But most importantly, internal melanin seems to respond differently to climatic variables depending on the lineage and locality in which species occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian Franco-Belussi
- Department of Biology São Paulo State University (UNESP) São José do Rio PretoSão Paulo Brazil.,Present address: Graduate program in Biotechnology and Environmental monitoring CCTS Federal University of São Carlos Sorocaba São Paulo Brazil
| | - Diogo Borges Provete
- FAPESP postdoctoral fellow Department of Environmental Sciences Federal University of São Carlos Sorocaba São Paulo Brazil.,Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre Göteborg Sweden.,Present address: Instituto de Biociências Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul Campo Grande Mato Grosso do Sul Brazil
| | - Classius De Oliveira
- Department of Biology São Paulo State University (UNESP) São José do Rio PretoSão Paulo Brazil
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14
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Haczkiewicz K, Rozenblut-Kościsty B, Ogielska M. Prespermatogenesis and early spermatogenesis in frogs. ZOOLOGY 2017; 122:63-79. [PMID: 28499702 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2017.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis in frogs was for the first time divided into two phases: prespermatogenesis, when gonocytes proliferate in developing tadpole testes, and active spermatogenesis when spermatogonial stem cells (i.e. descendants of gonocytes), either self-renew or enter into meiotic cycles within cysts formed by Sertoli cells. We argue that amphibian larval gonocytes are homologues to mammalian gonocytes, whereas spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in adult frogs are homologous to mammalian single spermatogonia (As). Gonocytes constitute sex cords, i.e. the precursors of seminiferous tubules; they are bigger than SSCs and differ in morphology and ultrastructure. The nuclear envelope in gonocytes formed deep finger-like invaginations absent in SSCs. All stages of male germ cells contained lipid droplets, which were surrounded by glycogen in SSCs, but not in gonocytes. Mitochondria in gonocytes had enlarged edges of cristae, and in SSCs also lamellar mitochondria appeared. Minimal duration of prespermatogenesis was 46days after gonadal sex differentiation, but usually it lasted longer. SSCs give rise to secondary spermatogonia (equal to mammalian A, In, and B). Their lowest number inside a cyst was eight and this indicated the minimal number of cell cycles (three) of secondary spermatogonia necessary to enter meiosis. We sorted them according to the number of cell cycles (from 8 to 256 cells). This number is similar to that recorded for mammals as the result of a single As proliferation. The number of secondary spermatogonia correlates with the volume of a cyst. The general conclusion is that spermatogenesis in amphibians and mammals follows basically the same scheme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Haczkiewicz
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Wrocław Medical University, ul. Chałubińskiego 6a, 50-368 Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Beata Rozenblut-Kościsty
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Conservation of Vertebrates, University of Wrocław, ul. Sienkiewicza 21, 50-335 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Maria Ogielska
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Conservation of Vertebrates, University of Wrocław, ul. Sienkiewicza 21, 50-335 Wrocław, Poland.
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15
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Goldberg J, Barrasso DA, Agostini MG, Quinzio S. Vocal sac development and accelerated sexual maturity in the lesser swimming frog, Pseudis minuta (Anura, Hylidae). ZOOLOGY 2016; 119:489-499. [PMID: 27495378 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2016.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Revised: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Sexual maturity involves the differentiation of the reproductive system, the maturation of germ cells, and the development of secondary sexual characteristics. Even though this topic has received much attention, little is known about the sequence of events that encompass reproductive maturation in anurans and what it could reveal about the developmental basis of life cycle evolution. The discovery of froglets of Pseudis minuta with incipient vocal sacs calling in breeding pools alongside several larger adult specimens with fully developed vocal sacs raised the question of the timing of sexual maturity in this species. Here we describe the sequence and timing of differentiation, development and maturation of the vocal sac apparatus and the testes in P. minuta (Anura, Hylidae), in order to establish a timeline of events leading to sexual maturity. Differentiation of the vocal sac apparatus begins at the final metamorphic stages, earlier than reported for other species, and the vocal sac acquires its final shape during the early postmetamorphic period. These modifications occur after gonadal differentiation, which begins early during the larval period and proceeds with a highly accelerated rate of development (e.g., secondary spermatids appear well before metamorphic climax), a situation reported previously for other anuran species only in the genus Pseudis. These results, together with a skeletochronological analysis showing that some calling specimens presented no lines of arrested growth, indicate acceleration in the timing of sexual maturity in Pseudis, and raise questions about the interdependence/decoupling during the development of the different components involved in reaching the adult stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Goldberg
- Instituto de Bio y Geociencias del NOA (IBIGEO-CONICET), CCT-Salta, 9 de Julio 14, 4405 Rosario de Lerma, Salta, Argentina.
| | - Diego A Barrasso
- Instituto de Diversidad y Evolución Austral (IDEAus-CONICET), Bvd. Brown, 2915 Puerto Madryn, Argentina
| | - M Gabriela Agostini
- Grupo de Estudios sobre Biodiversidad en Agroecosistemas (GEBA), Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires, (IEGEBA-UBA-CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Pabellón II Ciudad Universitaria C1428EHA CABA, Argentina
| | - Silvia Quinzio
- Instituto de Bio y Geociencias del NOA (IBIGEO-CONICET), CCT-Salta, 9 de Julio 14, 4405 Rosario de Lerma, Salta, Argentina
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16
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Madelaire CB, Gomes FR. Breeding under unpredictable conditions: Annual variation in gonadal maturation, energetic reserves and plasma levels of androgens and corticosterone in anurans from the Brazilian semi-arid. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2016; 228:9-16. [PMID: 26808964 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Revised: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Anurans living in arid and semi-arid habitats are subjected to unpredictable rain patterns. Consequently, they should be prepared to reproduce at the onset of rain events. We investigated the covariation between calling behavior, testicular maturation, abdominal fat body index (FBI), plasma levels of androgens (T-DHT) and corticosterone (CORT) of males from three species of anurans in the Brazilian semi-arid during the reproductive period and drought. One of these species aestivates during the drought, while the other two species remain foraging. Although the three species display different behavioral strategies during the dry period, they present the same general reproductive patterns. T-DHT levels on the plasma and germinative cyst diameters were higher during the reproductive and breeding period compared to the drought. Additionally, the germinative cysts had all cell stages including sperm bundles during the dry season, however, it was only during the breeding event that free spermatozoa were found in the cyst lumen. These results suggest that these species present the reproductive pattern typical of desert anurans, consisting of opportunistic breeders that reproduce when triggered by a rain stimulus. Rhinella jimi and Pleurodema diplolister had higher CORT when males were calling. Moreover, Rhinella granulosa and P. diplolister showed lower FBI during breeding event, when males were calling. The high levels of CORT and lower FBI during reproductive period are associated, indicating that CORT modulates the recruitment of energy stores to prepare and maintain reproduction, particularly the expensive calling effort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Bonetti Madelaire
- USP - Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Biociências, Departamento de Fisiologia, Rua do Matão, trav. 14, n° 321, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-090, Brazil.
| | - Fernando Ribeiro Gomes
- USP - Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Biociências, Departamento de Fisiologia, Rua do Matão, trav. 14, n° 321, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-090, Brazil.
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17
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Scaia MF, Czuchlej SC, Cervino N, Ceballos NR. Apoptosis, proliferation and presence of estradiol receptors in the testes and Bidder's organ of the toadRhinella arenarum(Amphibia, Anura). J Morphol 2015; 277:412-23. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 11/29/2015] [Accepted: 12/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- María Florencia Scaia
- Laboratorio De Endocrinología Comparada, Departamento De Biodiversidad Y Biología Experimental, Facultad De Ciencias Exactas Y Naturales; Universidad De Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional De Investigaciones Científicas Y Técnicas; Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Silvia Cristina Czuchlej
- Laboratorio De Endocrinología Comparada, Departamento De Biodiversidad Y Biología Experimental, Facultad De Ciencias Exactas Y Naturales; Universidad De Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional De Investigaciones Científicas Y Técnicas; Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Nadia Cervino
- Laboratorio De Endocrinología Comparada, Departamento De Biodiversidad Y Biología Experimental, Facultad De Ciencias Exactas Y Naturales; Universidad De Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional De Investigaciones Científicas Y Técnicas; Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Nora Raquel Ceballos
- Laboratorio De Endocrinología Comparada, Departamento De Biodiversidad Y Biología Experimental, Facultad De Ciencias Exactas Y Naturales; Universidad De Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional De Investigaciones Científicas Y Técnicas; Buenos Aires Argentina
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18
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Wahab F, Atika B, Shahab M, Behr R. Kisspeptin signalling in the physiology and pathophysiology of the urogenital system. Nat Rev Urol 2015; 13:21-32. [DOI: 10.1038/nrurol.2015.277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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19
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Scaia MF, Volonteri MC, Czuchlej SC, Ceballos NR. Effect of estradiol on apoptosis, proliferation and steroidogenic enzymes in the testes of the toad Rhinella arenarum (Amphibia, Anura). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2015; 221:244-54. [PMID: 25583585 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Revised: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 12/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens inhibit androgen production and this negative action on amphibian steroidogenesis could be related to the regulation of steroidogenic enzymes. Estrogens are also involved in the regulation of amphibian spermatogenesis by controlling testicular apoptosis and spermatogonial proliferation. The Bidder's organ (BO) is a structure characteristic from the Bufonidae family and in adult males of Rhinella arenarum it is one of the main sources of plasma estradiol (E2). The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of E2 on testicular steroidogenic enzymes, apoptosis and proliferation in the toad R. arenarum. For this purpose, testicular fragments were treated during 24h with or without 2 or 20nM of E2. After treatments, the activities of cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase-C17-20 lyase (CypP450c17) and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase (3β-HSD/I) were measured by the transformation of radioactive substrates into products, and CypP450c17 expression was determined by Western blot analysis. Apoptosis in testicular sections was detected with a commercial fluorescent kit based on TUNEL method, and proliferation was evaluated by BrdU incorporation. Results indicate that E2 has no effect on CypP450c17 protein levels or enzymatic activity, while it reduces 3β-HSD/I activity during the post reproductive season. Furthermore, although E2 has no effect on apoptosis during the pre and the post reproductive seasons, it stimulates testicular apoptosis during the reproductive season, mostly in spermatocytes. Finally, E2 has no effect on testicular proliferation all year long. Taken together, these results suggest that E2 is involved in the regulation of testicular steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Florencia Scaia
- Laboratorio de Endocrinología Comparada, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - María Clara Volonteri
- Laboratorio de Endocrinología Comparada, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Silvia Cristina Czuchlej
- Laboratorio de Endocrinología Comparada, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Nora Raquel Ceballos
- Laboratorio de Endocrinología Comparada, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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20
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Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to examine the seminiferous epithelium cycle of Bombina orientalis using a light microscope. The cycle was divided into a total of 10 stages, according to the morphological characteristics of the cells. The spermatogenetic cells included primary spermatogonia, secondary spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes, spermatid and sperm. At stage I, the primary spermatogonia was located closer to basal lamina of the seminiferous tubule without spermatocyst formations. Especially at the stage II, the secondary spermatogonia were located in the spermatocyst. The primary and secondary spermatocytes were found from stages III to VI. The secondary spermatocytes were smaller in size than the primary spermatocytes, but they had thicker nucleoplasm and smaller nuclei. The round-shaped, early sperm cells were formed in stage VII, and further divided at stage VIII to have more concentrated nucleoplasm before division to matured sperm cells. At stage X, the matured sperm cells emerged from the spermatocyst. Considering the above results, this study presented the special characteristics in the generation and type of sperm formation. The germ cell formation occurred in various stages, like the perspectives of Franca et al (1999), ultimately, providing taxonomically useful information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Joo Yi
- Graduate School of Education, Kyungnam University, Changwon 631-701, Korea
| | - Jung-Hun Lee
- Dept. of Science Education, Kyungnam University, Changwon 631-701, Korea
- Corresponding Author : Jung-Hun Lee, Dept. of Science Education, Kyungnam University, 449 Woryeong-dong Masanhappo-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, 631-701, Korea. Tel. : +82-55-249-2243, Fax : +82-55-999-2150, E-mail :
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21
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Chianese R, Ciaramella V, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Meccariello R. Kisspeptin drives germ cell progression in the anuran amphibian Pelophylax esculentus: a study carried out in ex vivo testes. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2015; 211:81-91. [PMID: 25452028 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Revised: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Kisspeptin, via Gpr54 receptor, regulates puberty onset in most vertebrates. Thus, the direct involvement of kisspeptin activity in testis physiology was investigated in the anuran amphibian, Pelophylax esculentus. In this vertebrate gpr54 mRNA has been localized in both interstitial compartment and spermatogonia (SPG), whereas SPG proliferation requires the cooperation between estradiol and testicular Gonadotropin releasing hormone (Gnrh). In the pre-reproductive period, dose response curve to assess the effects of Kisspeptin-10 (Kp-10) was carried out in vitro (dose range: 10(-9)-10(-6)M; incubation times: 1 and 4h); proliferative activity and germ cell progression were evaluated by expression analysis of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (pcna), estrogen receptor beta (erβ), Gnrh system (gnrh1, gnrh2, gnrhr1, r2, r3) and by the count of empty, mitotic and meiotic tubules. All selected markers were up regulated at 4h Kp-10 incubation. Histological analysis also proved the increase of mitotic activity and the progression of spermatogenesis. Besides Kp-10 modulation of testicular Gnrh system, in vitro treatment with 17β-estradiol (10(-6)M) ± the antagonist ICI182-780 (10(-5)M) revealed gnrh2 and gnrhr3 estrogen dependent expression. In the reproductive period, testes were incubated for 1 and 4h with Kp-10 (10(-7)M) or Kp-10 (10(-7)M)+kisspeptin antagonist [Kp-234 (10(-6)M)]. Results obtained in the pre-reproductive period were confirmed and Kp-234 completely counteracted Kp-10 effects. In conclusion, Kp-10 modulated the expression of pcna, erβ, gnrhs and gnrhrs, inducing the progression of the spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale Sezione "F. Bottazzi", Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Vincenza Ciaramella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale Sezione "F. Bottazzi", Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale Sezione "F. Bottazzi", Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale Sezione "F. Bottazzi", Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Via Medina 40, 80133 Napoli, Italy.
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22
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Chianese R, Ciaramella V, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Meccariello R. Hypothalamus-pituitary axis: an obligatory target for endocannabinoids to inhibit steroidogenesis in frog testis. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 205:88-93. [PMID: 24566122 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids - primarily anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) - are lipophilic molecules that bind to cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2). They affect neuroendocrine activity inhibiting gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion and testosterone production in rodents, through a molecular mechanism supposed to be hypothalamus dependent. In order to investigate such a role, we choose the seasonal breeder, the anuran amphibian Rana esculenta, an experimental model in which components of the endocannabinoid system have been characterized. In February, at the onset of a new spermatogenetic wave, we carried out in vitro incubations of frog testis with AEA, at 10(-9)M dose. Such a treatment had no effect on the expression of cytochrome P450 17alpha hydroxylase/17,20 lyase (cyp17) nor 3-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Δ-5-4 isomerase (3β-HSD), key enzymes of steroidogenesis. To understand whether or not the functionality of the hypothalamus-pituitary axis could be essential to support the role of endocannabinoids in steroidogenesis, frogs were injected with AEA, at 10(-8)M dose. Differently from in vitro experiment, the in vivo administration of AEA reduced the expression of cyp17 and 3β-HSD. Whereas the effect on 3β-HSD was counteracted by SR141716A (Rimonabant) - a selective antagonist of CB1, thus indicating a CB1 dependent modulation - the effect on cyp17 was not, suggesting a possible involvement of receptors other than CB1, probably the type-1 vanilloid receptor (TRPV1), since AEA works as an endocannabinoid and an endovanilloid as well. In conclusion our results indicate that endocannabinoids, via CB1, inhibit the expression of 3β-HSD in frog testis travelling along the hypothalamus-pituitary axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenza Ciaramella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Italy.
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Italy
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23
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Iturriaga M, Sanz A, Oliva R. Seasonal Reproduction of the Greenhouse FrogEleutherodactylus planirostris(Anura: Eleutherodactylidae) in Havana, Cuba. SOUTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HERPETOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.2994/sajh-d-13-00039.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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24
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Meccariello R, Chianese R, Chioccarelli T, Ciaramella V, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Cobellis G. Intra-testicular signals regulate germ cell progression and production of qualitatively mature spermatozoa in vertebrates. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:69. [PMID: 24847312 PMCID: PMC4021137 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis, a highly conserved process in vertebrates, is mainly under the hypothalamic-pituitary control, being regulated by the secretion of pituitary gonadotropins, follicle stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone, in response to stimulation exerted by gonadotropin releasing hormone from hypothalamic neurons. At testicular level, gonadotropins bind specific receptors located on the somatic cells regulating the production of steroids and factors necessary to ensure a correct spermatogenesis. Indeed, besides the endocrine route, a complex network of cell-to-cell communications regulates germ cell progression, and a combination of endocrine and intra-gonadal signals sustains the production of high quality mature spermatozoa. In this review, we focus on the recent advances in the area of the intra-gonadal signals supporting sperm development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenza Ciaramella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Riccardo Pierantoni, Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, Naples 80138, Italy e-mail:
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
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25
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Gramapurohit NP, Radder RS. Changes in Plasma Sex Steroids in Relation to Reproductive Behavior of the Toad, Bufo melanostictus (Schn.). COPEIA 2013. [DOI: 10.1643/cp-11-100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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26
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Scaia MF, Regueira E, Volonteri MC, Ceballos NR. Estradiol Production by the Bidder's Organ of the ToadRhinella arenarum(Amphibia, Anura). Seasonal Variations in Plasma Estradiol. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 319:355-64. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.1799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2013] [Accepted: 03/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- María Florencia Scaia
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Laboratorio de Endocrinología Comparada, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Buenos Aires; Argentina
| | - Eleonora Regueira
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Laboratorio de Endocrinología Comparada, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Buenos Aires; Argentina
| | - María Clara Volonteri
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Laboratorio de Endocrinología Comparada, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Buenos Aires; Argentina
| | - Nora Raquel Ceballos
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Laboratorio de Endocrinología Comparada, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Buenos Aires; Argentina
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27
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Caneguim BH, da Luz JS, Valentini SR, Cerri PS, Sasso-Cerri E. Immunoexpression of aromatase and estrogen receptors β in stem spermatogonia of bullfrogs indicates a role of estrogen in the seasonal spermatogonial mitotic activity. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2013; 182:65-72. [PMID: 23247274 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2012.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2012] [Revised: 11/23/2012] [Accepted: 12/03/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Bullfrog stem spermatogonia, also named primordial germ cells (PGCs), show strong testosterone immunolabeling in winter, but no or weak testosterone immunoexpression in summer. Thus, the role of testosterone in these cells needs to be clarified. In this study, we proposed to evaluate whether PGCs express aromatase and estrogen receptors, and verify a possible role of estrogen in PGCs seasonal proliferation. Testes of male adult bullfrogs, collected in winter (WG) and summer (SG), were fixed and embedded in historesin, for quantitative analysis, or paraffin for immunohistochemistry (IHC). The number of haematoxylin/eosin stained PGCs/lobular area was obtained. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), aromatase, estrogen receptor β (ERβ) and PCNA/ERβ double immunolabeling were detected by IHC. The number of PCNA-positive PGCs and the histological score (HSCORE) of aromatase and ERβ immunolabeled PGCs were obtained. Although the number of PGCs increased significantly in WG, a high number of PCNA-positive PGCs was observed in summer. Moreover, aromatase and ERβ HSCORE was higher in SG than WG. The results indicate that PGCs express a seasonal proliferative activity; the low mitotic activity in winter is related to the maximal limit of germ cells which can be supported in the large lobules. In SG, the increased ERβ and aromatase HSCORE suggests that testosterone is converted into estrogen from winter to summer. Moreover, the parallelism between the high PGCs mitotic activity and ERβ immunoexpression suggest a participation of estrogen in the control of the PGCs seasonal proliferative activity which guarantee the formation of new germ cysts from summer to next autumn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breno Henrique Caneguim
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Federal University of São Paulo, UNIFESP, São Paulo, Brazil
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28
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Hiert C, Roper JJ, Moura MO. Constant breeding and low survival rates in the subtropical
S
triped
F
rog in southern
B
razil. J Zool (1987) 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7998.2012.00938.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. Hiert
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação Universidade Federal do Paraná Curitiba Brazil
- Departamento de Biologia Universidade Estadual do Centro‐Oeste Guarapuava, Paraná Brazil
| | - J. J. Roper
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação Universidade Federal do Paraná Curitiba Brazil
- Programa de Pós‐graduação em Ecologia de Ecossistemas Universidade de Vila Velha Vila Velha, Espírito Santo Brazil
| | - M. O. Moura
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação Universidade Federal do Paraná Curitiba Brazil
- Departamento de Zoologia Universidade Federal do Paraná Curitiba, Paraná Brazil
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29
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Raucci F, Di Fiore MM. D-Asp: a new player in reproductive endocrinology of the amphibian Rana esculenta. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2011; 879:3268-76. [PMID: 21531634 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2011.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2010] [Revised: 03/24/2011] [Accepted: 04/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the involvement of D-Aspartic acid (D-Asp) on ovarian and testicular morphology of the green frog, Rana esculenta, and its effect on the testosterone production. The study has been performed throughout the reproductive cycle. In both ovary and testis a substantial amount of D-Asp is endogenously present and its concentration varies as function of reproduction. In the frog, D-Asp content is differently correlated with gonadal and plasmatic levels of testosterone, depending on the sex. In fact, the amount of the D-Asp is inversely linked with that of the testosterone in the ovary, while this correlation directly matched in the testis. In vivo short-term experiments, consisting of a single intra-peritoneal injection of D-Asp (2.0 μmol/g body weight), demonstrated that the enantiomer is significantly accumulated by both the ovary and testis, reaching after 3 h the highest uptake and thereafter decreasing to baseline values within 24 h. Furthermore, D-Asp influences the synthesis and/or the release of testosterone, causing a decrease of its level in the female, and an increase in the male, respectively. In vivo long-term experiments, D-Asp, chronically administered to the frogs of both sexes, enhances the maturation of both gonads, determining in the oocytes an higher accumulation of carbohydrate yolk plates in the ooplasm, and stimulating the spermatogenesis in the testis. Taken altogether, our results show that D-Asp operates differently in female and male frog gonads, indicating that it has different targets in the reproductive machinery depending on the sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franca Raucci
- Department of Life Sciences, Second University of Naples (SUN), Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
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30
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Chianese R, Chioccarelli T, Cacciola G, Ciaramella V, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Meccariello R, Cobellis G. The contribution of lower vertebrate animal models in human reproduction research. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2011; 171:17-27. [PMID: 21192939 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2010.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2010] [Revised: 12/11/2010] [Accepted: 12/16/2010] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Many advances have been carried out on the estrogens, GnRH and endocannabinoid system that have impact in the reproductive field. Indeed, estrogens, the generally accepted female hormones, have performed an unsuspected role in male sexual functions thanks to studies on non-mammalian vertebrates. Similarly, these animal models have provided important contributions to the identification of several GnRH ligand and receptor variants and their possible involvement in sexual behavior and gonadal function regulation. Moreover, the use of non-mammalian animal models has contributed to a better comprehension about the endocannabinoid system action in several mammalian reproductive events. We wish to highlight here how non-mammalian vertebrate animal model research contributes to advancements with implications on human health as well as providing a phylogenetic perspective on the evolution of reproductive systems in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
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31
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Abstract
Starting from an historical overview of lasting Cannabis use over the centuries, we will focus on a description of the cannabinergic system, with a comprehensive analysis of chemical and pharmacological properties of endogenous and synthetic cannabimimetic analogues. The metabolic pathways and the signal transduction mechanisms, activated by cannabinoid receptors stimulation, will also be discussed. In particular, we will point out the action of cannabinoids and endocannabinoids on the different neuronal networks involved in reproductive axis, and locally, on male and female reproductive tracts, by emphasizing the pivotal role played by this system in the control of fertility.
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32
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Rastogi RK. Seasonal Cycle in Anuran (Amphibia) Testis: The Endocrine and Environmental Controls. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/11250007609434893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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33
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Rastogi RK, Tammaro L, Di Meglio M, Iela L, Di Matteo L, Chieffi G. Circannual testicular rhythm in the green frog,Rana esculenta. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/11250008109439322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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34
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Chieffi G. Control of reproductive cycles in metazoa: Exogenous and endogenous factors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/11250008409439460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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35
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Chieffi G, Rastogi RK, Milone M, Iela L. Amphibian reproduction: Reproductive physiology in the maleRana esculentaL. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/11250008009440321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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36
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Rastogi RK, Meglio MD, Matteo LD, Minucci S, Iela L. Morphology and cell population kinetics of primary spermatogonia in the frog (Rana esculenta) (Amphibia: Anura). J Zool (1987) 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1985.tb04934.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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37
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Rastogi RK, Iela L, Meglio MD, Matteo LD, Minucci S, Izzo-Vitiello I. Initiation and kinetic profiles of spermatogenesis in the frog, Runa esculenta (Amphibia). J Zool (1987) 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1983.tb05073.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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38
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Guha K, J∅osrgensen CB, Larsen LO. Relationship between nutritional state and testes function, together with observations on patterns of feeding, in the toad, Bufo bufo bufo. J Zool (1987) 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1980.tb04226.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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39
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Pierantoni R, Cobellis G, Meccariello R, Cacciola G, Chianese R, Chioccarelli T, Fasano S. Testicular gonadotropin-releasing hormone activity, progression of spermatogenesis, and sperm transport in vertebrates. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2009; 1163:279-91. [PMID: 19456349 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2008.03617.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Since the end of the 1970s, studies have shown that, besides the endocrine route, a chemical mediator may also act through autocrine and/or paracrine mechanisms. This has opened new frontiers for research as a result of a redefinition of what endocrinology represents. Apart from androgens within the male gonad, testicular gonadotropin-releasing hormone, estrogens, molecular chaperones, proto-oncogenes, and, very recently, the endocannabinoid system have been shown to play important roles. Their activities to regulate spermatogenesis, including spermiogenesis and sperm maturation, will be discussed from the comparative viewpoint to describe adaptive phenomena and to speculate on evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Napoli, Italy.
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40
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Cacciola G, Chioccarelli T, Ricci G, Meccariello R, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Cobellis G. The endocannabinoid system in vertebrate male reproduction: a comparative overview. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2008; 286:S24-30. [PMID: 18342433 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2008.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2007] [Revised: 01/11/2008] [Accepted: 01/11/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Prevailing studies emphasize on endocannabinoid activity in brain. However, sporadic evidences hint that endocannabinoid system controls male reproduction ranging from invertebrates to vertebrates. Although N-arachidonoylethanolamine is described in rat testis, its activity is still poorly known. Type-1 cannabinoid receptor and fatty acid amide hydrolase are particularly expressed in elongating spermatids and spermatozoa suggesting that endocannabinoids affect spermiogenesis and sperm physiology. Aim of this paper is to provide an analysis of the information available in vertebrates on male germ cell progression and sperm maturation mediated by the endocannabinoid system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Cacciola
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. "F. Bottazzi", II Università degli Studi di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
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41
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Chianese R, Cobellis G, Pierantoni R, Fasano S, Meccariello R. Non-mammalian vertebrate models and the endocannabinoid system: relationships with gonadotropin-releasing hormone. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2008; 286:S46-51. [PMID: 18325658 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2008.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2007] [Revised: 01/18/2008] [Accepted: 01/18/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids, via cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), affect reproductive functions at both local and central level. Due to the high complexity of the endocannabinoid system, to the widespread distribution outside the nervous system and to the high degree of evolutionary conservation, a deep CB1 molecular characterization among species may be useful to elucidate the activity of endocannabinoids at multiple levels. In this review we report CB1 characterization in non-mammalian animal models and, in particular, in the anuran amphibian, the frog, Rana esculenta; we also describe its expression during the annual sexual cycle. Moreover, since reproductive functions are under control of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), cb1 mRNA and protein expression profile in the forebrain has been compared to those of GnRH-I, the mammalian form primarily involved in gonadotropin release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. "F. Bottazzi", II Università di Napoli, Naples, Italy
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42
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Bradshaw WE, Holzapfel CM. Evolution of Animal Photoperiodism. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ECOLOGY EVOLUTION AND SYSTEMATICS 2007. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev.ecolsys.37.091305.110115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 367] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- William E. Bradshaw
- Center for Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403;
| | - Christina M. Holzapfel
- Center for Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403;
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43
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Raucci F, Di Fiore MM. The c-kit receptor protein in the testis of green frog Rana esculenta: seasonal changes in relationship to testosterone titres and spermatogonial proliferation. Reproduction 2007; 133:51-60. [PMID: 17244732 DOI: 10.1530/rep.1.01009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The green frog Rana esculenta is a seasonal breeder. The cyclic changes between almost arrested and highly activated spermatogenesis offer an ideal model to study basic mechanisms of spermatogenesis. In this study, we demonstrated, to our knowledge for the first time, c-kit receptor positive cells in the testis of this amphibian. The presence of c-kit receptor protein was confirmed by western blotting (Wb) analyses carried out in the testis during all the three main phases of the sexual cycle. The antibody recognized a band of about 150 kDa that was correlated with the positive staining in the germinal epithelium. The immunolabelling for c-kit receptor, evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC), was localized in I and II spermatogonia (SPG), in I and II spermatocytes, in both elongating spermatids and spermatozoa and in the Leydig cells. Furthermore, c-kit expression showed a seasonal pattern connected with both testicular and plasma profiles of testosterone during the reproductive cycle. The highest expression of c-kit receptor occurred during the reproductive period, when the testis exhibited the maximum concentration of testosterone. In this period, the mitotic activity of germ cell, assessed by both Wb and IHC analyses for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), was intensive. Indeed, during the post-reproductive period, testosterone titres were the lowest and the expression of both PCNA and c-kit receptor protein in the testis, although present, is minor when compared with the reproductive phase. This evidence suggests that cell division can continue sufficiently to accumulate SPG for the next spring, when new germinal cells undergo multiplication. Finally, during the pre-reproductive period, testosterone levels begin to increase and mitotic activity of germinal epithelium is comparably enhanced. These events seem to precede the period of maximum stimulated spermatogonial proliferation, i.e. the reproductive period. These results suggest that the c-kit receptor may play a role in germ cell proliferation and provide a basis for future detailed investigation of regulatory factors of the proliferation of SPG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franca Raucci
- Department of Life Sciences, Second University of Naples, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
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44
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Meccariello R, Chianese R, Scarpa D, Berruti G, Cobellis G, Pierantoni R, Fasano S. UBPy/MSJ-1 system during male germ cell progression in the frog, Rana esculenta. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2007; 153:275-9. [PMID: 17187787 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2006.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2006] [Revised: 10/19/2006] [Accepted: 10/21/2006] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
mUBPy (mouse ubiquitin specific processing protease) is a de-ubiquitinating enzyme expressed in mouse testis and brain. In testis, it interacts with the DnaJ protein MSJ-1 (mouse sperm cell specific DnaJ first homologue), a molecular chaperone expressed in spermatids and spermatozoa. Since MSJ-1 is conserved among vertebrates, to demonstrate an evolutionarily conserved function of UBPy/MSJ-1 system, we assayed mUBPy presence in the anuran amphibian, the frog, Rana esculenta, during the annual sexual cycle. By Western blot we have detected a specific signal of 126kDa in testis and isolated spermatozoa. During the annual sexual cycle, the signal gradually increases as soon as spermatogenesis resumes after the winter stasis. Using immunocytochemistry, we have localized the protein in spermatids and spermatozoa. In conclusion, UBPy/MSJ-1 system is available in R. esculenta testis suggesting a conserved fundamental function in spermatogenesis and sperm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Studi delle Istituzioni e dei Sistemi Territoriali, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Naples, Italy
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45
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Santos LRDS, Oliveira CD. Morfometria testicular durante o ciclo reprodutivo de Dendropsophus minutus (Peters) (Anura, Hylidae). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1590/s0101-81752007000100008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Este estudo descreve o ciclo reprodutivo de machos de Dendropsophus minutus (Peters, 1872) com base na análise da morfometria testicular e a correlação com parâmetros climáticos. Cinqüenta indivíduos foram coletados em São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo. Após as análises macroscópicas, os testículos foram encaminhados à rotina histológica, fixados com Bouin e incluídos em historesina. Cortes de 2 µm foram corados com azul de toluidina 1% e observados ao microscópio. Testículos de D. minutus são órgãos pequenos (comprimento 1,90 ± 0,13 mm), esbranquiçados, com forma oval e encontrados na cavidade abdominal. Estão localizados na extremidade cranial dos rins e apresentam assimetria quanto a sua posição. Estatisticamente não há variação intra-individual no comprimento e no peso dos testículos, bem como na área e diâmetro dos lóculos seminíferos. Quanto à histologia testicular, foi possível identificar ao longo do ano nos lóculos seminíferos, todos os tipos celulares da linhagem espermatogênica, caracterizando uma gametogênese contínua, corroborada por fatores ecológicos e comportamentais. Informações sobre a morfometria testicular e ciclo reprodutivo tem importante valor biológico para anuros de regiões neotropicais.
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46
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Cobellis G, Lombardi M, Scarpa D, Izzo G, Fienga G, Meccariello R, Pierantoni R, Fasano S. Fra-1 activity in the frog, Rana esculenta, testis. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2006; 1040:264-8. [PMID: 15891039 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1327.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Using an anti-Fos family member antiserum, we previously described, in the testis of Rana esculenta, the presence of a nuclear 43-kDa protein that we hypothesized to be Fra-1. Using an antiserum against Fra-1, we here report on Fra-1 expression, localization, and putative activity in the R. esculenta testis during the annual reproductive cycle. Western blot analysis confirms that the nuclear 43-kDa protein is Fra-1. Immunocytochemistry demonstrates Fra-1 in peritubular myoid cells (PMC), efferent ducts, and blood vessels. We present, for the first time for a vertebrate, experimental evidence that the expression of Fra-1 in PMC is related to its activity during sperm transport from the tubular compartment to the efferent ducts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilda Cobellis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. F. Bottazzi, II Università di Napoli, Naples, Italy
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47
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Rosemblit C, Pozzi AG, Ceballos NR. Relationship between steroidogenesis and spermiation in Rana catesbeiana and Leptodactylus ocellatus. J Comp Physiol B 2006; 176:559-66. [PMID: 16552601 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-006-0078-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2005] [Revised: 01/26/2006] [Accepted: 02/01/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The present study employs an in vitro system to analyse the role of steroid hormones in hCG-induced spermiation in two species of anuran amphibian: Rana catesbeiana and Leptodactylus ocellatus. In vitro spermiation was induced with 10 IU hCG and the effect of different steroid-biosynthesis inhibitors was analysed. Cyanoketone (10(-5)M), an inhibitor of 3-oxo-4-ene steroid biosynthesis, did not block hCG-inducing activity even when biosynthesis of androgen was significantly reduced. These results clearly showed that, in both species, spermiation-inducing action of hCG does not depend on the biosynthesis of 3-oxo-4-ene steroids. Moreover, when combined inhibitors, aminoglutethimide (10(-5)M) plus cyanoketone (10(-5)M), were employed, spermiation evoked by hCG was not modified while hCG-induced androgen secretion significantly decreased. Additionally, none of the steroids used, progesterone, 17, 20 alpha-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, testosterone and 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone, were able to induce spermiation in the absence of hCG, confirming that steroids are not involved in that process. In conclusion, as previously described in Bufo arenarum, in L. ocellatus and R. catesbeiana hCG-induced spermiation does not depend on steroid biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinthia Rosemblit
- Laboratorio de Endocrinología Comparada and PRHOM-CONICET, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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48
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Meccariello R, Chianese R, Cacciola G, Cobellis G, Pierantoni R, Fasano S. Type-1 cannabinoid receptor expression in the frog,Rana esculenta, tissues: A possible involvement in the regulation of testicular activity. Mol Reprod Dev 2006; 73:551-8. [PMID: 16485273 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Endogenous cannabinoids and type-1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1) are widely produced and distributed in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nerves in mammals. In addition, the detection of endocannabinoids and corresponding receptors in non nervous peripheral tissues indicates an involvement of the system in the control of a wide range of physiological activities, including reproduction. Recently, the existence of CB1 was also observed in lower vertebrates and in urochordate suggesting that the endocannabinoid system is phylogenetically conserved. Using RT-PCR, CB1 mRNA expression profiles were characterized in a wide range of tissues of the anuran amphibian, the frog, Rana esculenta. Besides a strong expression in the CNS, CB1 was also present in testis, kidney, liver, ovary, muscle, heart, spleen, and pituitary. The CB1 expression pattern has been characterized in both testis and CNS during the annual sexual cycle. In testis, CB1 is poorly expressed during the winter stasis of the spermatogenesis rising during the breeding season and resumption period. An expression profile mismatching to that observed in testis was detected in whole-brain preparations during the sexual cycle; in particular in the diencephalon, the encephalic area mainly involved in the control of reproductive functions. Furthermore, fluctuations inside isolated encephalic areas and spinal cord were observed all over the reproductive cycle. In conclusion, CB1 receptor is expressed in R. esculenta CNS and testis. As far as the gonad it concerns, our results suggest the involvement of the endocannabinoids in the control of reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Studi delle Istituzioni e dei Sistemi Territoriali, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Napoli, Italy
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49
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Sasso-Cerri E, Freymüller E, Miraglia SM. Testosterone-immunopositive primordial germ cells in the testis of the bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana. J Anat 2005; 206:519-23. [PMID: 15960762 PMCID: PMC1571530 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2005.00419.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In amphibia, steroidogenesis remains quiescent in distinct seasonal periods, but the mechanism by which spermatogenesis is maintained under low steroidogenic conditions is not clear. In the present study, testosterone location in the testes of Rana catesbeiana was investigated immunohistochemically during breeding (summer) and nonbreeding (winter) periods. In winter, the scarce interstitial tissue exhibited occasional testosterone immunopositivity in the interstitial cells but the cytoplasm of primordial germ cells (PG cells) was clearly immunopositive. By contrast, in summer, PG cells contained little or no immunoreactivity whereas strong immunolabelling was present in the well-developed interstitial tissue. These results suggest that PG cells could retain testosterone during winter. This androgen reservoir could be involved in the control of early spermatogenesis in winter and/or to guarantee spermiogenesis and spermiation in the next spring/summer. The weak or negative immunoreaction in the summer PG cells might reflect consumption of androgen reservoir by the intense spermatogenic activity from spring to summer. Thus, besides acting as stem cells, PG cells of R. catesbeiana could exert an androgen regulatory role during seasonal spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Sasso-Cerri
- Department of Morphology, Dental School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), CEP-14801-903 Araraquara (SP), Brazil.
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50
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Abstract
Several lines of evidences support a key role of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) in male fertility. It has been used as a non-mammalian vertebrate model, the frog Rana esculenta, to investigate the regulation of Jun amino-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1) activity in the testis in two different periods of the annual reproductive cycle: winter stasis and breeding season. JNK1 protein was localized by immunohistochemistry in the cytoplasm and nucleus of spermatogonia (SPG) and spermatocytes (SPC) during all the year. Immunoprecipitation analysis of JNK1 clearly shows that this isoform presents a strong phosphorylation status (thr183/Tyr185) in the breeding period, in contrast with only very low activity during the winter stasis. Simultaneously, during the breeding period c-Jun protein is highly phosphorylated on Ser-63. These data suggest that the increase of JNK1 activity, with strong c-Jun phosphorylation (Ser-63) during the breeding period, could be the signal of increasing transcriptional activity in the frog testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Chieffi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, II Università di Napoli, Naples, Italy.
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