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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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Migliore SN, Ramalho RA, Araújo GS, Almeida-Santos SM. Cycle of the sexual segment of the kidney: histological insights into the role of the urinary tract in the reproduction of male Notomabuya frenata (Squamata: Scincidae). ZOOLOGY 2024; 162:126146. [PMID: 38266542 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2024.126146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
The kidneys of male Squamata have an important reproductive function as some portions of the nephron may undergo hypertrophy, characterizing the sexual segment of the kidney (SSK). Although its function is still not completely understood, it is believed that the secretions produced by the SSK may act in the maintenance of spermatozoa. In this study, we investigated the reproductive biology of males of Notomabuya frenata based on the seasonal variation of the SSK. We performed macroscopic and microscopic evaluations of the male reproductive tract of museum specimens to characterize the SSK cycle. The nephron portion in which hypertrophy was observed was the collecting duct with secretory granules accumulation in the apical portion. SSK hypertrophy was observed in all seasons, with the tubule diameter in autumn differing from spring and the epithelium height showing no variation. Alcian Blue reacted positively to acid mucopolysaccharides in all seasons. Periodic acid-Schiff's reacted positively to neutral mucopolysaccharides in all seasons, except autumn. Both stains reacted only in the collecting duct. In addition, spermatozoa were found in the lumen of the SSK of one specimen examined. Cycle of the SSK varied seasonally as does the chemical composition of the secretions produced by the collecting duct. The reflux of spermatozoa into SSK may indicate that (1) these secretions act in sperm maintenance, and (2) possibly there is communication between the seminal and urinary ducts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena N Migliore
- Squamata Reproduction Research Group (GERES), Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Renan A Ramalho
- Squamata Reproduction Research Group (GERES), Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade, Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas da Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", R. Cristóvão Colombo, 2265, 15054-000, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Gabrieli S Araújo
- Squamata Reproduction Research Group (GERES), Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade, Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas da Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", R. Cristóvão Colombo, 2265, 15054-000, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Selma M Almeida-Santos
- Squamata Reproduction Research Group (GERES), Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade, Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas da Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", R. Cristóvão Colombo, 2265, 15054-000, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil
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Li N, Rao W, Dai S, Iqbal MS, Shi H, Ding L, Hong M. Seasonal spermatogenesis in the red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans): The roles of GnRH, actin cytoskeleton, and MAPK. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 253:107253. [PMID: 37224664 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Reproduction is the key to the ecological invasion of alien species. As an invasive species, the characteristic and regularity of red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) spermatogenesis is an index for evaluating reproduction and ecological adaptation. Here, we investigated the characteristics of spermatogenesis i.e., the gonadosomatic index (GSI), plasma reproductive hormone levels, and the histological structure of testes by HE and TUNEL staining, and then RNA-Seq in T. s. elegans. The histomorphological evidence confirmed that seasonal spermatogenesis in T. s. elegans has four successive phases: quiescence (December-May of the following year), early-stage (June-July), mid-stage (August-September), and late-stage (October-November). In contrast to 17β-estradiol, testosterone levels were higher during quiescence (breeding season) compared to mid-stage (non-breeding season). Based on RNA-seq transcriptional analysis, gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were used to analyze the testis in the quiescent and mid-stage. Our study found that circannual spermatogenesis is regulated by interactive networks including gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, and MAPK signaling pathways. Moreover, the number of genes associated with proliferation and differentiation (srf, nr4a1), cell cycle (ppard, ccnb2), and apoptosis (xiap) were up-regulated in the mid-stage. With the maximum energy saving, this seasonal pattern of T. s. elegans determines optimal reproductive success and thus adapts better to the environment. These results provide the basis for the invasion mechanism of T. s. elegans and lay the foundation for deeper insight into the molecular mechanism of seasonal spermatogenesis in reptiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou 571158, China
| | - Wenzhuo Rao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou 571158, China
| | - Shiyu Dai
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou 571158, China
| | - Muhammad Shahid Iqbal
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou 571158, China
| | - Haitao Shi
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou 571158, China
| | - Li Ding
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou 571158, China.
| | - Meiling Hong
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou 571158, China.
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Akef MS. Reproductive and Morphological Characteristics of Hemidactylus turcicus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) and Tarentola annularis (Squamata: Phyllodactylidae) in Southern Egypt. ICHTHYOLOGY & HERPETOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1643/h2021109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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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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Li W, Zhu J, Lei L, Chen C, Liu X, Wang Y, Hong X, Yu L, Xu H, Zhu X. The Seasonal and Stage-Specific Expression Patterns of HMGB2 Suggest Its Key Role in Spermatogenesis in the Chinese Soft-Shelled Turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis). Biochem Genet 2022; 60:2489-2502. [PMID: 35554782 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-022-10229-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
HMGB2, a member of the high-mobility group (HMG) proteins, was identified as a male-biased gene and plays a crucial role in the germ cells differentiation of mammals. However, its role in spermatogenesis of turtle is still poorly understood. Here, we cloned the Pelodiscus sinensis HMGB2 and analyzed its expression profile in different tissues and in testis at different developmental ages. P. sinensis HMGB2 mRNA was highly expressed in the testis of 3-year-old turtles (P < 0.01), but was hardly detected in ovaries and other somatic tissues. The results of chemical in situ hybridization (CISH) showed that HMGB2 mRNA was specifically expressed in germ cells, where it was mainly distributed in round spermatids and sperm, but not detected in somatic cells, spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, or secondary spermatocyte. The relative expression of HMGB2 also responded to seasonal changes in testis development in P. sinensis. In different seasons of the year, the relative expression of HMGB2 transcripts in the testis of 1 year and 2 year olds showed an overall upward trend, whereas, in the testis of 3 year old, it peaked in July and then declined in October. Moreover, in April and July, with an increase in ages, the expression of HMGB2 transcripts showed an upward trend. However, in January and October, there was a decline in expression in testis in 3-year-old turtles. These results showed that HMGB2 is closely related to spermatogenesis in P. sinensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangdong, Guangzhou, 510380, People's Republic of China
| | - Junxian Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangdong, Guangzhou, 510380, People's Republic of China.,Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214081, People's Republic of China
| | - Luo Lei
- Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangdong, Guangzhou, 510380, People's Republic of China.,Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214081, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangdong, Guangzhou, 510380, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangdong, Guangzhou, 510380, People's Republic of China
| | - Yakun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangdong, Guangzhou, 510380, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyou Hong
- Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangdong, Guangzhou, 510380, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingyun Yu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangdong, Guangzhou, 510380, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangdong, Guangzhou, 510380, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xinping Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangdong, Guangzhou, 510380, People's Republic of China. .,Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214081, People's Republic of China.
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NOVELLI IARAA, OLIVEIRA PAOLARDE, CASTAÑON MARIACHRISTINAM, SILVA PILARC, SOUSA BERNADETEMDE. Morphological and histological characterization of sexual segment of the kidney in Notomabuya frenata (Cope, 1862) and Aspronema dorsivittatum (Cope, 1862) (Squamata, Mabuyidae). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 90:2267-2278. [DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765201820170871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- IARA A. NOVELLI
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Brazil; Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - PAOLA R. DE OLIVEIRA
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Brazil; Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | | | - PILAR C. SILVA
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Brazil; Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - BERNADETE M. DE SOUSA
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Brazil; Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Brazil
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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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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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Ford J, Carnes K, Hess RA. Ductuli efferentes of the male Golden Syrian hamster reproductive tract. Andrology 2014; 2:510-20. [PMID: 24677666 DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2014.00194.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2013] [Revised: 01/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Efferent ductules are responsible for the transportation of spermatozoa from the testis to the epididymis and their epithelium is responsible for the reabsorption of over 90% of the luminal fluid. The purpose of this research was to characterize the gross morphology and histology of efferent ductules in the male Golden Syrian hamster. The efferent ductules emerge from rete testis with a unique polarity at the apex or cephalic pole of the testis. The number of efferent ductules varied from 3 to 10 with an average of 6.0 and blind ending ducts were observed in approximately 56% of the males. The ductules merged into a single common duct prior to entering the caput epididymidis. The proximal efferent ductule lumen was wider than the distal (conus and common ducts), consistent with reabsorption of most of the luminal fluid, as was morphology of the ductal epithelium. Non-ciliated cells in the proximal region had prominent endocytic apparatuses, showing both coated pits and apical tubules in the apical cytoplasm. Large basolateral, intercellular spaces were also present in the epithelium of the proximal region. Distal non-ciliated cells had an abundance of large endosomes and lysosomal granules. Localisation of sodium/hydrogen exchanger-3 (NHE3; SLC9A3) and aquaporins 1 and 9 (AQP1, AQP9) along the microvillus border was also consistent with ion transport and fluid reabsorption by this epithelium. In comparison, the caput epididymidis epithelium expressed only AQP9 immunostaining. Another unusual feature of the hamster efferent ductules was the presence of glycogen aggregates in the basal cytoplasm of small groups of epithelial cells, but only in the proximal ducts near the rete testis. Androgen (AR), estrogen (ESR1 and ESR2) and vitamin D receptors (VDR) were also abundant in epithelial nuclei of proximal and distal efferent ductules. In comparison, caput epididymidis showed very little immunostaining for ESR1.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Ford
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
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