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Rivera-López JR, Torres-Martínez A, Hernández-Franyutti AA, Uribe MC, Gribbins K. The male reproductive cycle of the brown basilisk Basiliscus vittatus (Squamata: Corytophanidae) from Tabasco, Southern Mexico. J Morphol 2024; 285:e21694. [PMID: 38619230 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
We used histological and morphometric methods to study the testis and associated glands, including the epididymis, ductus deferens, and renal sexual segment (RSS), of specimens of Basiliscus vittatus sampled from Tabasco, Mexico (17.5926° N, 92.5816° W). Samples were collected throughout 1 year, which included the dry (February to May) and rainy (June to January) seasons. Spermatogenesis in B. vittatus is active throughout the year, but a significant increase in the testicular volume, diameters of seminiferous tubules, height of the germinal epithelium, spermiogenesis, and released spermatozoa occur in the dry season. During the rainy season, all aforementioned parameters decreased except the secretory activity of the epididymis and the RSS, which increased concomitant with an increase of the spermatozoa population within the ductus deferens. These data strongly suggest that B. vittatus reproduce year-round, but males exhibit a peak in spermatogenic activity during the dry season and a peak in insemination and/or copulation at the beginning of the rainy season. We highlight the importance of analyzing not only the testis but also accessory ducts and glands when determining the reproductive cycles of reptiles. The reproductive cycle of B. vittatus is discussed in relation to the environmental conditions of Southern Mexico and is compared to that of other squamates.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Rodrigo Rivera-López
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción Animal, División Académica de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Tabasco, Mexico
| | - Aarón Torres-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción Animal, División Académica de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Tabasco, Mexico
- Department of Marine Biosciences, Graduate School of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Arlette Amalia Hernández-Franyutti
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción Animal, División Académica de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Tabasco, Mexico
| | - Mari Carmen Uribe
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción Animal, Departamento de Biología Comparada, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Kevin Gribbins
- Department of Biology, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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Pewhom A, Supapakorn T, Srakaew N. Male reproductive cycle in a population of the endemic butterfly lizard, Leiolepis ocellata Peters, 1971 (Squamata: Agamidae) from northern Thailand. BMC ZOOL 2022; 7:45. [PMID: 37170386 PMCID: PMC10127433 DOI: 10.1186/s40850-022-00145-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Fundamental knowledge on the seasonal reproductive microanatomy and endocrinology of reptiles has been collected from several studies of various species. The present study was to determine annual changes in hormonal profiles, and detailed histomorphometric and histochemical characteristics of the entire male reproductive system of the tropical agamid lizard, Leiolepis ocellata.
Results
Male L. ocellata individuals (n = 75) collected from the territory of two provinces (Lampang and Tak) in northern Thailand exhibited annual variation in sex hormonal, histomorphometric, and histochemical characteristics of the male reproductive system. The reproductive cycle was subdivided into eight reproductive periods (early first active, first active, resting, second recrudescent, second active, regressive, quiescent, and first recrudescent), thus displaying a bimodal pattern with two actively reproductive periods. Circulating sex hormones (testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone) peaked in the first active (February) and the second active (June–July) periods. Likewise, gonadosomatic index (GSI) and histomorphometric variables of the testes and of the genital ducts (rete testis, ductuli efferentes, ductus epididymis, and ductus deferens) revealed their highest values in the first active period. Marked increase in protein and carbohydrate production was detectable in the ductuli efferentes during the active periods.
Conclusions
The male reproductive cycle of L. ocellata showed a biannual pattern of the hormonal profile, and detailed histomorphometric and histochemical characteristics of the entire reproductive system. Hence, the present study provides improved basic knowledge on the reptilian reproductive biology with comparative viewpoints to other reptiles.
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da Silveira Firmiano EM, Machado‐Santos C, Ribeiro Ricardo Brito A, Sousa BM, Lima Pinheiro N, das Neves Cardoso N, Alves do Nascimento A. Histological study and immunohistochemical location of cytoskeletal proteins in the testis and epididymis of the three species of lizards of the family Leiosauridae (Reptilia: Squamata). ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/azo.12422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Enely Maris da Silveira Firmiano
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Biology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro‐UFRRJ Seropédica Brazil
| | - Clarice Machado‐Santos
- Laboratory of Teaching and Research in Histology and Compared Embryology (LEPHEC) Federal Fluminense University Niterói Brazil
| | - Amanda Ribeiro Ricardo Brito
- Laboratory of Teaching and Research in Histology and Compared Embryology (LEPHEC) Federal Fluminense University Niterói Brazil
| | - Bernadete Maria Sousa
- Herpetology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora‐UFJF University Campus noc number Juiz de Fora Brazil
| | - Nadja Lima Pinheiro
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Biology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro‐UFRRJ Seropédica Brazil
| | - Nathália das Neves Cardoso
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Biology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro‐UFRRJ Seropédica Brazil
| | - Aparecida Alves do Nascimento
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Biology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro‐UFRRJ Seropédica Brazil
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Sharath J, Samson SK, Bhagya M. The Efferent Ductules in the Lizard Eutropis carinata: a Functional Morphology and Ultrastructural Study. SOUTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HERPETOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.2994/sajh-d-20-00023.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jayapal Sharath
- Department of Studies in Zoology, University of Mysore, Mysuru, 570006, India
| | | | - Mahadevaiah Bhagya
- Department of Studies in Zoology, University of Mysore, Mysuru, 570006, India
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Aldridge RD, Siegel DS, Goldberg SR, Pyron RA. Seasonal Timing of Spermatogenesis and Mating in Squamates: A Reinterpretation. COPEIA 2020. [DOI: 10.1643/ch-19-230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert D. Aldridge
- Department of Biology, Saint Louis University (Emeritus), St. Louis, Missouri 63103; . Send reprint requests to this address
| | - Dustin S. Siegel
- Department of Biology, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701;
| | | | - R. Alexander Pyron
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C. 20052;
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Chen H, Huang Y, Liu T, Haseeb A, Ahmed N, Zhang L, Bian X, Chen Q. Characteristics of seasonal spermatogenesis in the soft-shelled turtle. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 214:106307. [PMID: 32087920 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis in reptiles is a seasonally dependent physiological process that is not temporally associated with male mating behavior. Characteristics of seasonal spermatogenesis in reptiles, however, remain largely unknown. In this review, there is a coverage of the characteristics of soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis, during seasonal spermatogenesis that provides insights into spermatogenesis of testudines. The seminiferous epithelium of P. sinensis are undergoing spermatogenesis during the summer and fall, but are quiescent throughout the rest of the year; germ cells progress through spermatogenic stages in a temporal rather than a spatial pattern. While apoptotic germ cells mainly appear in the non-spermatogenic phase, these are seldom present during active spermatogenesis. It is inferred that apoptosis may be one of the reasons for germ cell loss during the resting phase of spermatogenesis. During the period when spermatogenesis is occurring, Sertoli cells become very narrow and are in contact with several round/elongated spermatids. Many residual spermatozoa can be internalized and degraded within Sertoli cells by entosis during the non-spermatogenic phase, which precedes the next reproductive cycle in P. sinensis. In the late spermatogenic phase, round-shaped mitochondria of spermatids become elongated and swollen, subsequently forming a crescent-like shape and develop into "onion-like" shaped mitochondria. As spermiogenesis progresses, the endoplasmic reticulum of spermatids is transferred into a specialized structure called the "Chrysanthemum flower center", which may be a source of autophagosomal membranes. The information provided in this review will help improve understanding of characteristics of seasonal spermatogenesis, which will hopefully promote interest in the study of reptilian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Chen
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China
| | - Yufei Huang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China
| | - Tengfei Liu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China
| | - Abdul Haseeb
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China
| | - Nisar Ahmed
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China
| | - Li Zhang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China
| | - Xunguang Bian
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China
| | - Qiusheng Chen
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China.
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Rheubert J, Pasternak MA, Ely M, Siegel DS, Trauth SE, Gribbins KM, Sever DM. Seasonal histology and ultrastructure of the urogenital system in two sympatric lizards. J Zool (1987) 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. Rheubert
- Department of Biology University of Findlay Findlay OH USA
| | | | - M. Ely
- Department of Biology University of Findlay Findlay OH USA
| | - D. S. Siegel
- Department of Biology Southeast Missouri State University Cape Girardeau MO USA
| | - S. E. Trauth
- Department of Biological Sciences Arkansas State University (Emeritus) Jonesboro AR USA
| | - K. M. Gribbins
- Department of Biology University of Indianapolis Indianapolis IN USA
| | - D. M. Sever
- Department of Biology Southeastern Louisiana University (Emeritus) Hammond LA USA
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Hartley J, Gribbins KM, Siegel DS. Modification of genital kidney nephrons for sperm transport in a plethodontid salamander, Eurycea longicauda. J Morphol 2019; 280:1452-1461. [PMID: 31313860 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Salamanders possess kidneys with two distinct regions: a caudal pelvic portion and cranial genital portion. Nephrons of the pelvic region are responsible for urine formation and transport. Nephrons of the genital region transport sperm from testes to Wolffian ducts; however, nephrons of the genital region possess all the same functional regions found in pelvic kidney nephrons that are involved with urine formation and transport (renal corpuscles, proximal tubules, distal tubules, and collecting ducts). Morphological similarities between pelvic and genital regions stimulated past researchers to hypothesize that nephrons of genital kidneys possess dual function; that is, sperm transport and urine formation/transport. Considering size of glomeruli is directly related to the total amount of blood plasma filtered into the Bowman's space, we tested the hypothesis that nephrons of genital kidneys have reduced urine formation function by comparing glomerular size between nephrons of pelvic and genital kidney regions in Eurycea longicauda with general histological techniques. Light microscopy analysis revealed that glomeruli of pelvic kidneys were significantly larger than those measured from genital kidneys. Transmission electron microscopy analysis also revealed modifications in genital kidney nephrons when compared to pelvic kidney nephrons that suggested a decrease in urine formation function in genital kidneys. Such modifications included a decrease in basal and lateral plasma membrane folding in genital kidney proximal and distal tubules compared to that of pelvic kidney proximal and distal tubules. Genital kidney proximal tubules were also ciliated, which was not observed in pelvic kidney proximal tubules. In conclusion, although structurally similar at the histological level, it appears that nephrons of genital kidneys have decreased urine formation function based on glomerular size comparison and nephron ultrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Hartley
- Department of Biology, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri
| | - Kevin M Gribbins
- Department of Biology, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Dustin S Siegel
- Department of Biology, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri
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Pewhom A, Srakaew N. Microanatomy of the testes and testicular ducts of the butterfly lizard,
Leiolepis ocellata
Peters, 1971 (Reptilia: Squamata: Agamidae) during the active reproductive period. ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/azo.12270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Akkanee Pewhom
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science Kasetsart University Bangkok Thailand
| | - Nopparat Srakaew
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science Kasetsart University Bangkok Thailand
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McClusky LM, Sulikowski J. A Comparative Study of Intratesticular Ductules in the Spermatogenically Active Testes of Shortfin Mako and Thresher Sharks. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2016; 299:1435-48. [PMID: 27491026 DOI: 10.1002/ar.23456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
This comparative study of the radial testes of sexually mature thresher sharks (Alopias vulpinus) and shortfin mako sharks (Isurus oxyrinchus) describes the histology of the three-tiered network of sperm-carrying ductules in the testis and the lymphomyeloid tissue associated with it, namely the epigonal organ. In both species, a testis → epigonal gradient was evident regarding the thickness of the ductule epithelial lining and subepithelial investment of connective tissue. Ductules straddling the testis-epigonal border often displayed luminal leukocytes and various signs of regression, including the progressive thickening of the ductule epithelial lining, dissolution of the cytoplasm, and loss of normal histoarchitecture. In Isurus, large amorphous areas formed due to the fusion of neighboring regressing ductules. The epigonal organ of Alopias additionally revealed circular degenerative sperm-containing, Hassall-like bodies with either a degenerate or cellular appearance, the latter the result of cell proliferative activity (as shown by proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemistry) in an expanding outer border comprising cells with intensely PCNA immunoreactive slender and oblong nuclei. The latter cells exhibited a periphery-to-center transformation of their nuclei, at which stage they were PCNA-negative and most likely in a terminally differentiated state as they phagocytized the cell debris in the degenerate core. Intermediate stages of these circular bodies were a rarity. The relationship between these degenerate bodies, and the common occurrence of blind pockets in the epithelial linings and non-apoptosis-related degenerate patches in the apical cytoplasmic regions of the irregular shaped ductules in Alopias is unclear, and needs further elucidation. Anat Rec, 299:1435-1448, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon Mendel McClusky
- Department of Health and Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø-The Arctic University of Norway, Narvik, Norway.
| | - James Sulikowski
- Department of Marine Science, University of New England, Biddeford, Maine
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11
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Rheubert JL, Sever DM, Siegel DS, Gribbins KM. Ultrastructural analysis of spermiogenesis in the Eastern Fence Lizard, Sceloporus undulatus (Squamata: Phrynosomatidae). Micron 2016; 81:16-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2015.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2015] [Revised: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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12
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Seasonal and continuous spermatogenesis in the viviparous lizard Sceloporus grammicus, a study of two populations in contrasting environments from the Central Mexican Plateau. ZOOL ANZ 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2014.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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13
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Nicholson AE, Siegel DS. Modifications of the genital kidney proximal and distal tubules for sperm transport in Notophthalmus viridescens (Amphibia, Urodela, Salamandridae). J Morphol 2014; 275:914-22. [PMID: 24643856 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2014] [Revised: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Male salamanders use nephrons from the genital kidney to transport sperm from the testicular lobules to the Wolffian duct. The microstructure of the epithelia of the genital kidney proximal tubule and distal tubule was studied over 1 year in a population of Notophthalmus viridescens from Crawford and Pike counties in central Missouri. Through ultrastructural analysis, we were able to support the hypothesis that the genital kidney nephrons are modified to aid in the transportation of sperm. A lack of folding of the basal plasma membrane, in both the genital kidney proximal and distal tubules when compared to the pelvic kidney proximal and distal tubules, reduces the surface area and thus likely decreases the efficiency of reabsorption in these nephron regions of the genital kidney. Ciliated epithelial cells are also present along the entire length of the genital kidney proximal tubule, but are lacking in the epithelium of the pelvic kidney proximal tubule. The exact function of these cilia remains unknown, but they may aid in mixing of seminal fluids or the transportation of immature sperm through the genital kidney nephrons. Ultrastructural analysis of proximal and distal tubules of the genital kidney revealed no seasonal variation in cellular activity and no mass production of seminal fluids throughout the reproductive cycle. Thus, we failed to support the hypothesis that the cellular activity of the epithelia lining the genital kidney nephrons is correlated to specific events in the reproductive cycle. The cytoplasmic contents and overall structure of the genital and pelvic kidney epithelial cells were similar to recent observations in Ambystoma maculatum, with the absence of abundant dense bodies apically in the epithelial cells lining the genital kidney distal tubule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbigail E Nicholson
- Department of Biology, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 63701
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Henderson AC, Reeve AJ, Ambu-Ali A. Microanatomy of the male and female reproductive tracts in the long-tailed butterfly ray Gymnura poecilura, an elasmobranch with unusual characteristics. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2014; 84:297-313. [PMID: 24417363 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.12282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 10/18/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The anatomy of the male and female reproductive systems was investigated in the long-tailed butterfly ray Gymnura poecilura using gross observation and light microscopy. The testes are highly asymmetrical, to the extent that only the left testis is functional and the right testis is completely absent. Both of the male genital ducts are present and symmetrical, although spermatozoa only occur in the left duct. The genital ducts are straight and unconvoluted, with regular incomplete internal partitions throughout. Females do not possess a right ovary, nor do the oviducal glands exhibit distinct club and papillary zones, and the baffle zone lacks baffle plates. In all sections of the gland, the tubules display different secretory activities depending on the proximity to the gland lumen. The gland produces a thin egg membrane that encases each egg individually, while the endometrium is formed into trophonemata.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Henderson
- Department of Marine Science & Fisheries, College of Agricultural & Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
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Bian X, Zhang L, Yang L, Yang P, Ullah S, Zhang Q, Chen Q. Ultrastructure of epididymal epithelium and its interaction with the sperm in the soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis. Micron 2013; 54-55:65-74. [PMID: 24041582 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2013.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2012] [Revised: 08/27/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The epididymis of the soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis was examined under light and transmission electron microscopes to determine the morphological characteristics, as well as their changes at different phases of the seasonal reproductive cycle. Three distinct regions, viz., cranial, middle and caudal were identified in the epididymis based on anatomical characteristics. The epididymal epithelium consists of five different cell types: principal, narrow, apical, clear and basal cells. Principal cells, which are the most abundant, together with basal cells are present along the entire length. Ultrastructural evidence suggests that all of the principal cells in each of the regions function in both absorption and secretion. Narrow cells and apical cells are rare and only confined to the cranial region. The clear cells, for the first time reported in the turtle epididymis, are confined to middle and caudal regions; these cells showed strong PAS-positive granulation in apical position, and secretory activity by a holocrine process, especially in the middle region. There was a significant difference in the epithelium height of all the regions between the reproductive season and the non-reproductive season. Sperm are stored in the epididymis throughout the year. Apart from the mature spermatozoa, immature spermatozoa with normal morphology are also observed. Under TEM, the immature spermatozoa showed a large amount of cytoplasm located eccentrically on the midpiece wrapped by plasma membrane, with some cytoplasm extended to the posterior of the head. Furthermore, the interactions of sperm with the epididymal epithelium were observed. Some sperm are associated with the secretory material in the lumen; other sperm are inserted into the intercellular space between the epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xunguang Bian
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; School of Life Science and Technology, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, Jiangsu, China
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16
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Sever DM, Rheubert JL, Hill TA, Siegel DS. Observations on variation in the ultrastructure of the proximal testicular ducts of the Ground Skink, Scincella lateralis (Reptilia: Squamata). J Morphol 2012. [PMID: 23192894 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The North American Ground Skink, Scincella lateralis, is a member of the most speciose family of lizards, the Scincidae. The only descriptions of the testicular ducts of skinks concern the light microscopy of 13 species in eight other genera. We combine histological observations with results from transmission electron microscopy on a sample of skinks collected throughout the active season. The single rete testis has squamous epithelium with a large, indented nucleus and no junctional complexes between cells or conspicuous organelles. Nuclei of sperm in the rete testis area are associated with cytoplasmic bodies that are lost in the ductuli efferentes. The ductuli efferentes have both ciliated and nonciliated cells and show little seasonal variation except for the narrowing of intercellular canaliculi when sperm are absent. When the ductus epididymis contains sperm, the anterior one-third lacks copious secretory material around luminal sperm, whereas in the posterior two-thirds sperm are embedded in a dense matrix of secretory material. Light and dark principal cells exist and both contain saccular, often distended rough endoplasmic reticula, and widened intercellular canaliculi that bridge intracellular spaces. Junctional complexes are lacking between principal cells except for apical tight junctions. Electron-dense secretory granules coalesce at the luminal border for apocrine release. The cranial end of the ductus deferens is similar in cytology to the posterior ductus epididymis. Each of the nine squamates in which the proximal testicular ducts have been studied with electron microscopy has some unique characters, but no synapomorphies for squamates as a group are recognized.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Sever
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA 70402, USA.
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Siegel DS, Aldridge RD, Rheubert JL, Gribbins KM, Sever DM, Trauth SE. The testicular sperm ducts and genital kidney of male Ambystoma maculatum (Amphibia, Urodela, Ambystomatidae). J Morphol 2012. [PMID: 23192852 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The ducts associated with sperm transport from the testicular lobules to the Wolffian ducts in Ambystoma maculatum were examined with transmission electron microscopy. Based on the ultrastructure and historical precedence, new terminology for this network of ducts is proposed that better represents primary hypotheses of homology. Furthermore, the terminology proposed better characterizes the distinct regions of the sperm transport ducts in salamanders based on anatomy and should, therefore, lead to more accurate comparisons in the future. While developing the above ontology, we also tested the hypothesis that nephrons from the genital kidney are modified from those of the pelvic kidney due to the fact that the former nephrons function in sperm transport. Our ultrastructural analysis of the genital kidney supports this hypothesis, as the basal plasma membrane of distinct functional regions of the nephron (proximal convoluted tubule, distal convoluted tubule, and collecting tubule) appear less folded (indicating decreased surface area and reduced reabsorption efficiency) and the proximal convoluted tubule possesses ciliated epithelial cells along its entire length. Furthermore, visible luminal filtrate is absent from the nephrons of the genital kidney throughout their entire length. Thus, it appears that the nephrons of the genital kidney have reduced reabsorptive capacity and ciliated cells of the proximal convoluted tubule may increase the movement of immature sperm through the sperm transport ducts or aid in the mixing of seminal fluids within the ducts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin S Siegel
- Department of Biology, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701, USA.
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Hernández-Franyutti A, Uribe MC. Seasonal spermatogenic cycle and morphology of germ cells in the viviparous lizardMabuya brachypoda(Squamata, Scincidae). J Morphol 2012; 273:1199-213. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2012] [Revised: 04/04/2012] [Accepted: 04/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Rheubert JL, Cree A, Downes M, Sever DM. Reproductive morphology of the male Tuatara,Sphenodon punctatus. ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1463-6395.2012.00574.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Justin L. Rheubert
- Department of Biology; Saint Louis University; 3507 Laclede Ave; St. Louis; MO; 63103; USA
| | - Alison Cree
- Department of Zoology; University of Otago; 340 Great King St; Dunedin; 9016; New Zealand
| | - Matthew Downes
- Department of Zoology; University of Otago; 340 Great King St; Dunedin; 9016; New Zealand
| | - David M. Sever
- Department of Biological Sciences; Southeastern Louisiana University; SLU 10736; Hammond; LA; 70401; USA
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Sever DM, Freeborn LR. Observations on the anterior testicular ducts in snakes with emphasis on sea snakes and ultrastructure in the yellow-bellied sea snake, Pelamis platurus. J Morphol 2011; 273:324-36. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.11025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2011] [Revised: 08/31/2011] [Accepted: 09/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Siegel DS, Trauth SE, Sever DM, Aldridge RD. The phylogenetic distribution of the ampulla ureter and ampulla urogenital/uriniferous papilla in the Serpentes. J ZOOL SYST EVOL RES 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0469.2010.00576.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Rheubert JL, Sever DM, Geheber AD, Siegel DS. Proximal Testicular Ducts of the Mediterranean Gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus). Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2010; 293:2176-92. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.21282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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