1
|
Yang YF, Wu JH, Lin RL, Yin SJ, Qian GY, Wang W, Park YD. Seasonal spermatogenesis, epididymal storage, and creatine kinase expression in Pelodiscus sinensis. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 249:107198. [PMID: 36791599 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107198] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
The soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis, is an important economic aquaculture species. Its reproduction exhibits seasonality; however, there is a lack of systematic studies focused on sperm maturation and epididymal storage. The testes and epididymides of P. sinensis were sampled from March to December. The seasonal reproduction and maturation of the spermatozoa were examined by anatomy, hematoxylin and eosin staining, AB-PAS staining, and immunohistochemistry. Spermatogenesis exhibited obvious seasonality in P. sinensis. It was found that the spermatogenic epithelium was most active during June to September, whereas the diameter of the epididymal tubules was smallest during June to October. As key enzymes of ATP metabolism, creatine kinases were highly expressed in the epididymal tubule epithelium during the breeding season, which may be important for the regulation of sperm maturation. In addition, the epididymal tubule epithelium changed with the season in June to September, the epididymal tubule epithelium proliferated to form villous structures, and secreted a large number of glycoproteins, which may be related to the rapid maturation of sperm during the breeding season. In conclusion, this study provided insights into the spermatogenesis of P. sinensis through histological analysis and enriched our understanding of reproduction in reptiles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Fei Yang
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Jia-Hao Wu
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Run-Lan Lin
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Shang-Jun Yin
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Guo-Ying Qian
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Wei Wang
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, Zhejiang, PR China.
| | - Yong-Doo Park
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, Zhejiang, PR China; Skin Diseases Research Center, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Jiaxing 314006, Zhejiang, PR China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Enzymology, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Jiaxing 314006, Zhejiang, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nixon B, Anderson AL, Bromfield EG, Martin JH, Lord T, Cafe SL, Roman SD, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Eamens AL, De Iuliis GN, Johnston SD. Gross and microanatomy of the male reproductive duct system of the saltwater crocodile Crocodylus porosus. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 33:540-554. [PMID: 33743842 DOI: 10.1071/rd20303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Information on the morphology and histology of the male reproductive system of the Crocodylia species is necessary to determine the role of these tissues in the production of functional spermatozoa. Accordingly, in this study we examined the gross morphology and microanatomy of the testis and the male excurrent duct system through which spermatozoa pass before ejaculation. The data demonstrate that the reproductive system in male saltwater crocodiles comprises paired testes, which convey spermatozoa distally via the rete testis into an excurrent duct system comprising ductuli efferentes, ductuli epididymides, ductus epididymidis and ductus deferens. The epithelium delineating the male tract was dominated by non-ciliated and ciliated cells structured into a simple columnar lining of the ductuli efferentes and ductuli epididymides, through to the high pseudostratified columnar epithelium of the ductus epididymidis and ductus deferens. The morphology and histochemical staining of these ducts suggest their involvement in seminal fluid production and/or its modification, which likely contributes to the nourishment, protection and/or storage of crocodile spermatozoa. As a reflection of their common Archosaurs ancestry, the overall structural characteristics we describe for the crocodile male excurrent duct system share closer similarities to those of the Aves than other clades within the Reptilia class or Mammalia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia; and Corresponding author
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Jacinta H Martin
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Tessa Lord
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Shenae L Cafe
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Shaun D Roman
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia; and Priority Research Centre for Drug Development, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - David A Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Andrew L Eamens
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Geoffry N De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Stephen D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Nixon B, Cafe SL, Eamens AL, De Iuliis GN, Bromfield EG, Martin JH, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Dun MD. Molecular insights into the divergence and diversity of post-testicular maturation strategies. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 517:110955. [PMID: 32783903 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Competition to achieve paternity has coerced the development of a multitude of male reproductive strategies. In one of the most well-studied examples, the spermatozoa of all mammalian species must undergo a series of physiological changes as they transit the male (epididymal maturation) and female (capacitation) reproductive tracts prior to realizing their potential to fertilize an ovum. However, the origin and adaptive advantage afforded by these intricate processes of post-testicular sperm maturation remain to be fully elucidated. Here, we review literature pertaining to the nature and the physiological role of epididymal maturation and subsequent capacitation in comparative vertebrate taxa including representative species from the avian, reptilian, and mammalian lineages. Such insights are discussed in terms of the framework they provide for helping to understand the evolutionary significance of post-testicular sperm maturation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.
| | - Shenae L Cafe
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew L Eamens
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Geoffry N De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Jacinta H Martin
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - David A Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew D Dun
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research Innovation and Translation, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Lambton, NSW, 2305, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chen H, Liu T, Holt WV, Yang P, Zhang L, Zhang L, Han X, Bian X, Chen Q. Advances in understanding mechanisms of long-term sperm storage-the soft-shelled turtle model. Histol Histopathol 2019; 35:1-23. [PMID: 31290136 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Long-term sperm storage is a special reproductive strategy, which can extend the time window between mating and fertilization in some animal species. Spermatozoa of the soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis, can be stored in the epididymis and oviduct for at least six months and one year, respectively. How spermatozoa can be stored in vivo for such a prolonged period is yet to be explained. We analyze the mechanisms that contribute to long-term sperm storage in P. sinensis, and compare them with other species from three different perspectives: the spermatozoon itself, the storage microenvironment and the interaction between the spermatozoon and microenvironment. Characteristics of soft-shelled turtle spermatozoa itself, such as the huge cytoplasmic droplet with its content of several large lipid droplets (LDs) and onion-like mitochondira, facilitate long-term sperm storage. The microenvironment of reproductive tract, involving in the secretions, structural barriers, exosomes, androgen receptors, Toll-like receptors and survival factor Bcl-2, are important for the maintenance of spermatozoa long-term storage. Sperm heads are always embedded among the oviductal cilia and even intercalate into the apical hollowness of the ciliated cells, indicating that the ciliated cells support the stored spermatozoa. RNA seq is firstly used to detect the molecular mechanism of sperm storage, which shows that autophagy, apoptosis and immune take part in the long-term sperm storage in this species.
Collapse
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, China
| | - Tengfei Liu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - William V Holt
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Ping Yang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Linli Zhang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Li Zhang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiangkun Han
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xunguang Bian
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qiusheng Chen
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Valverde A, Madrigal-Valverde M, Castro-Morales O, Gadea-Rivas A, Johnston S, Soler C. Kinematic and head morphometric characterisation of spermatozoa from the Brown Caiman (Caiman crocodilus fuscus). Anim Reprod Sci 2019; 207:9-20. [PMID: 31266600 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The development of analytical methods for the evaluation of crocodilian semen is an important component for the assessment of male breeding soundness and the development of assisted breeding technology in this taxon. Computer-Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA) technology is becoming an increasingly common technique in seminal evaluations for animals but there has been no application of this technique for reptilian spermatozoa. The aim of this study was to analyse sperm kinematic and morphometric variables in Caiman crocodilus fuscus semen samples and to determine whether there were sperm subpopulations. Four ejaculates from four sexually mature captive caimans were used for this study. A CASA-Mot and CASA-Morph system was used with an image acquisition rate of 50 Hz for 2 s of capture. The ISAS®D4C20 counting chambers were used and spermatozoa incubated at 25 °C. Total and progressive motilities did not differ among animals (P > 0.05). There was a significant animal effect in the model with respect to sperm morphometry, and kinematic indices including linearity (LIN) and straightness (STR) (P < 0.05). Results for principal component (PC) analysis indicated variables were grouped into four components: PC1 related to velocity, PC2 to progressivity, PC3 to oscillation and PC4 to sperm path cross-linking. Subpopulation (SP) structure analysis indicated there were four groups, namely, rapid non-progressive (SP1), slow non-progressive (SP2), rapid progressive (SP3) and medium progressive (SP4), representing 14.5%, 45.4%, 18.7%, and 21.4% respectively. Findings in the present study indicate the importance of continuing development of reliable protocols regarding the standardisation of computer-based semen analyses in reptilian species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Valverde
- Costa Rica Institute of Technology, School of Agronomy, San Carlos Campus, 223-21001, Alajuela, Costa Rica; University of Valencia, Department of Cellular Biology, Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, Campus Burjassot, C/ Dr Moliner, 50, 46100, Burjassot, Spain.
| | - Mónica Madrigal-Valverde
- Costa Rica Institute of Technology, School of Agronomy, San Carlos Campus, 223-21001, Alajuela, Costa Rica; Federal University of Bahia, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, 40170-110, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Olivier Castro-Morales
- Costa Rica Institute of Technology, School of Agronomy, San Carlos Campus, 223-21001, Alajuela, Costa Rica
| | - Arnoldo Gadea-Rivas
- Costa Rica Institute of Technology, School of Agronomy, San Carlos Campus, 223-21001, Alajuela, Costa Rica
| | - Stephen Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld, 4343, Australia
| | - Carles Soler
- University of Valencia, Department of Cellular Biology, Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, Campus Burjassot, C/ Dr Moliner, 50, 46100, Burjassot, Spain; Proiser R+D, Scientific Park, University of Valencia, C/ Catedràtic Agustín Escardino, 9, Building 3 (CUE), Floor 1, 46980, Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Verdú-Ricoy J, Matla T, Gregory M, Lambiris A, Jordaan A, Zhao Z, Heideman N. A comparative analysis of testicular sperm morphology in fossorial and surface-living skinks in South Africa. ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/azo.12249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joaquín Verdú-Ricoy
- Department of Zoology & Entomology; University of the Free State; Bloemfontein South Africa
| | - Tankiso Matla
- Department of Zoology & Entomology; University of the Free State; Bloemfontein South Africa
| | | | | | - Adriaan Jordaan
- Department of Zoology & Entomology; University of the Free State; Bloemfontein South Africa
| | - Zhongning Zhao
- Department of Zoology & Entomology; University of the Free State; Bloemfontein South Africa
| | - Neil Heideman
- Department of Zoology & Entomology; University of the Free State; Bloemfontein South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhang L, Yang P, Bian X, Zhang Q, Ullah S, Waqas Y, Chen X, Liu Y, Chen W, Le Y, Chen B, Wang S, Chen Q. Modification of sperm morphology during long-term sperm storage in the reproductive tract of the Chinese soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis. Sci Rep 2015; 5:16096. [PMID: 26537569 PMCID: PMC4633597 DOI: 10.1038/srep16096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm storage in vivo extends the time window for fertilisation in several animal species, from a few days to several years. The underlying storage mechanisms, however, are largely unknown. In this study, spermatozoa from the epididymis and oviduct of Chinese soft-shelled turtles were investigated to identify potentially relevant morphological features and transformations at different stages of sperm storage. Large cytoplasmic droplets (CDs) containing lipid droplets (LDs) were attached to the midpiece of most spermatozoa in the epididymis, without migrating down the sperm tail. However, they were absent from the oviductal spermatozoa, suggesting that CDs with LDs may be a source of endogenous energy for epididymal spermatozoa. The onion-like mitochondria recovered their double-membrane morphology, with typical cristae, within the oviduct at a later stage of storage, thus implying that mitochondrial metabolism undergoes alterations during storage. Furthermore, a well developed fibrous sheath on the long principal piece was the integrating ultrastructure for glycolytic enzymes and substrates. These novel morphological characteristics may allow turtle spermatozoa to use diverse energy metabolism pathways at different stages of storage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linli Zhang
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, PR China
| | - Ping Yang
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, PR China
| | - Xunguang Bian
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, PR China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, PR China
| | - Shakeeb Ullah
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, PR China
| | - Yasir Waqas
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, PR China
| | - Xiaowu Chen
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, PR China
| | - Yi Liu
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, PR China
| | - Wei Chen
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, PR China
| | - Yuan Le
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, PR China
| | - Bing Chen
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, PR China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, PR China
| | - Qiusheng Chen
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bian X, Gandahi JA, Liu Y, Yang P, Liu Y, Zhang L, Zhang Q, Chen Q. The ultrastructural characteristics of the spermatozoa stored in the cauda epididymidis in Chinese soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis during the breeding season. Micron 2012; 44:202-9. [PMID: 22858349 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2012.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2012] [Revised: 06/19/2012] [Accepted: 06/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The ultrastructure of spermatozoa in cauda epididymidis of soft-shelled turtle, P. sinensis during breeding season was investigated by light microscopy (LM) and electron microscopy (TEM and SEM). The mature spermatozoa appeared elongated and filiform. In general, the turtle spermatozoon contains a characteristic head, midpiece and tail, similar in morphology to that of birds, amphibians and other reptiles. However, several features are unique. These include (1) three intranuclear tubules containing dense core extend from the subacrosomal cone through the rostral nucleus and deep into the nuclear body; (2) the midpiece is composed of 40 mitochondria which present a staggered rings-and-columns arrangement (8 parallel rings and 5 columns); (3) unusual spherical mitochondria with a dense core are surrounded by 8-10 concentric layers of cristae. Surprisingly, about 21.4±3.6 percent immature spermatozoa with normal morphology are also observed in this season. Different from the mature spermatozoa, a variable amount of cytoplasm droplets are attached to the immature spermatozoa under SEM. Some spermatozoa still show the tail coiled tightly around the cytoplasm. These spermatozoa in transverse sections under TEM, showed a large amount of cytoplasm wrapped by plasma membrane; even some free mitochondria and higher electron density material still seen in the cytoplasm. Among the immature spermatozoa, most of them possess a cytoplasmic droplet which is located eccentrically on the midpiece, and contains a lot of lipid droplets in addition to hollow vesicles. Lipid droplets are closely associated with mitochondrial membranes and may function in the formation or degradation of mitochondria. These immature spermatozoa may be the dormant cells, but whether or not they can fertilize the ovum or not is unknown. Thus, in the present study we hypothesized that the cauda epididymidis might be involved in the sperm maturation in this species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xunguang Bian
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gribbins KM. Reptilian spermatogenesis: A histological and ultrastructural perspective. SPERMATOGENESIS 2011; 1:250-269. [PMID: 22319673 PMCID: PMC3271667 DOI: 10.4161/spmg.1.3.18092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2011] [Revised: 09/09/2011] [Accepted: 09/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Until recently, the histology and ultrastructural events of spermatogenesis in reptiles were relatively unknown. Most of the available morphological information focuses on specific stages of spermatogenesis, spermiogenesis, and/or of the mature spermatozoa. No study to date has provided complete ultrastructural information on the early events of spermatogenesis, proliferation and meiosis in class Reptilia. Furthermore, no comprehensive data set exists that describes the ultrastructure of the entire ontogenic progression of germ cells through the phases of reptilian spermatogenesis (mitosis, meiosis and spermiogenesis). The purpose of this review is to provide an ultrastructural and histological atlas of spermatogenesis in reptiles. The morphological details provided here are the first of their kind and can hopefully provide histological information on spermatogenesis that can be compared to that already known for anamniotes (fish and amphibians), birds and mammals. The data supplied in this review will provide a basic model that can be utilized for the study of sperm development in other reptiles. The use of such an atlas will hopefully stimulate more interest in collecting histological and ultrastructural data sets on spermatogenesis that may play important roles in future nontraditional phylogenetic analyses and histopathological studies in reptiles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Gribbins
- Department of Biology; Wittenberg University; Springfield, OH USA
| |
Collapse
|