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Sekulic S, Jovanovic A, Zivanovic Z, Simic S, Kesic S, Petkovic B, Capo I, van Loon JJ. Which precocial rodent species is more suitable as the experimental model of microgravity influence on prenatal musculosketal development on international space station? LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2022; 33:48-57. [PMID: 35491029 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The International Space Station (ISS) has the possibility to perform experiments regarding rodent reproduction in microgravity. The musculoskeletal system at birth in precocial rodent species more resembles the human than that of altricial rodent species. For precocial rodent species with body weight ≤ 500 g (limit of ISS) determined were: adult body mass, newborn body mass, head-body length, tail length, existing variants (wild, domesticated, laboratory), single/group housing, dry food consumption/24 h, water intake/24 h, basal metabolic rate mlO2/g/h, environmental temperature, sand baths, urine output ml/24 h, fecal output g/24 h, size of fecal droplet, hair length, life span, length of oestrus cycle, duration of pregnancy, building nest, litter size, stage of musculoskeletal maturity at birth, and the duration of weaning. Characteristics were obtained by searching SCOPUS as well as the World Wide Web with key words for each of the species in English, Latin and, local language name. These characteristics were compared in order to find most appropriate species. Twelve precocial rodent species were identified. There is not enough data for Common yellow-toothed cavy, and Eastern spiny mouse. Inappropriate species were: Gundis, Dassie rat are a more demanding species for appropriate tending, litter size is small; Octodon degus requires sand baths as well as a nest during the first two weeks after delivery; muscle maturity of Spiny mouse at birth (myotubular stage), does not correspond to the human (late histochemical stage); Chinchilla requires separately housing, daily sand baths, has upper limit of weight. Possibility of keeping Southern mountain cavy as pet animal, short estrus, large litter size, absence of the need for nest and sand baths, makes this species the most promising candidates for experiments on ISS. If an experiment is planned with exposing gravid animals before term of the birth, then they might be kept together in the existing Rodent Habitat (USA). If an experiment with birth in microgravity is planned on ISS, the existing habitats do not provide conditions for such an experiment. It is necessary to develop habitats for separate keeping of pregnant animals to enable the following: 1. undisturbed delivery 2. prevent the possibility of hurting the newborns 3. ensure adequate post-partum maternal care and nursing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slobodan Sekulic
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia; Faculty of Medicine, University in Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia.
| | - Aleksandar Jovanovic
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia; Faculty of Medicine, University in Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Zeljko Zivanovic
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia; Faculty of Medicine, University in Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Svetlana Simic
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia; Faculty of Medicine, University in Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Srdjan Kesic
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković" - National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Branka Petkovic
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković" - National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivan Capo
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University in Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Jack Jwa van Loon
- Department Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery/Pathology, Amsterdam Movement Sciences & Amsterdam Bone Center (ABC), Amsterdam University Medical Center location VUmc & Academic Center for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands; TEC-MMG-LISLab, European Space Agency (ESA) Technology Center (ESTEC), Noordwijk, The Netherlands
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Piñeiro A, Hernández MC, Silván G, Illera JC, Barja I. Reproductive hormones monthly variation in free‐ranging European wildcats: Lack of association with faecal marking. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:1784-1793. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.13843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Piñeiro
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria Universidad Andrés Bello, Republica 440 Santiago de Chile Chile
- Unidad Zoología Departamento de Biología Universidad Autónoma de Madrid Madrid Spain
| | - Mª Carmen Hernández
- Unidad Zoología Departamento de Biología Universidad Autónoma de Madrid Madrid Spain
| | - Gema Silván
- Departamento de Fisiología (Fisiología Animal) Facultad de Veterinaria Universidad Complutense de Madrid Madrid Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Illera
- Departamento de Fisiología (Fisiología Animal) Facultad de Veterinaria Universidad Complutense de Madrid Madrid Spain
| | - Isabel Barja
- Unidad Zoología Departamento de Biología Universidad Autónoma de Madrid Madrid Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC‐UAM) Universidad Autónoma de Madrid Madrid Spain
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Auer KE, Kußmaul M, Möstl E, Hohlbaum K, Rülicke T, Palme R. Measurement of Fecal Testosterone Metabolites in Mice: Replacement of Invasive Techniques. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10010165. [PMID: 31963733 PMCID: PMC7023058 DOI: 10.3390/ani10010165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Testosterone is the main reproductive hormone in male vertebrates and conventional methods to measure testosterone rely on invasive blood sampling procedures. Here, we aimed to establish a non-invasive alternative by assessing testosterone metabolites (TMs) in fecal and urinary samples in mice. We performed a radiometabolism study to determine the effects of daytime and sex on the metabolism and excretion pattern of radiolabeled TMs. We performed physiological and biological validations of the applied EIA to measure TMs and assessed diurnal fluctuations in TM excretions in male and female mice and across strains. We found that males excreted significantly more radiolabeled TMs via the feces (59%) compared to females (49.5%). TM excretion patterns differed significantly between urinary and fecal samples and were affected by the daytime of ³H-testosterone injection. Overall, TM excretion occurred faster in urinary than fecal samples. Peak excretion of fecal TMs occurred after 8 h when animals received the 3H-testosterone in the morning, or after 4 h when they received the 3H-testosterone injection in the evening. Daytime had no effect on the formed TMs; however, males and females formed different types of TMs. As expected, males showed higher fecal TM levels than females. Males also showed diurnal fluctuations in their TM levels but we found no differences in the TM levels of C57BL/6J and B6D2F1 hybrid males. Finally, we successfully validated our applied EIA (measuring 17β-hydroxyandrostane) by showing that hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) administration increased TM levels, whereas castration reduced them. In conclusion, our EIA proved suitable for measuring fecal TMs in mice. Our non-invasive method to assess fecal TMs can be widely used in various research disciplines like animal behavior, reproduction, animal welfare, ecology, conservation, and biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin E. Auer
- Department for Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
- Correspondence:
| | - Marius Kußmaul
- Department for Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Experimental Endocrinology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Erich Möstl
- Department for Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Experimental Endocrinology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Hohlbaum
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 67, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Rülicke
- Department for Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Rupert Palme
- Department for Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Experimental Endocrinology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
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Machado-Neves M, Assis WAD, Gomes MG, Oliveira CAD. Oviduct morphology and estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ expression in captive Chinchilla lanigera (Hystricomorpha: Chinchillidae). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 273:32-39. [PMID: 29574151 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Chinchilla lanigera is a hystricomorph rodent from South America whose reproductive biology presents particular characteristics that distinguishes it from other Rodentia species, such as low reproductive rate, seasonal breeding pattern, and long estrous cycle. Nevertheless, reproductive features in female chinchillas are still poorly investigated, with a scarce knowledge concerning the estrous cycle and the histology of reproductive organs. In this study, we investigate the morphology, histomorphometry, secretory activity, and immunolocalization of estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ in oviducts of nulliparous chinchillas, euthanized at fall season in Brazil. Follicular phase of estrous cycle of all studied animals was characterized by ovary and uterine morphology inspection, as well as vaginal cytology. Similar to other mammals, the oviduct wall of infundibulum, ampulla and isthmus was composed of mucosa, muscle, and serosa layers. Morphometric data of oviduct layers were used for identifying each oviduct segment. In the follicular phase, the oviduct was characterized by intense secretory activity, mainly in the ampulla, and expression of ERα and ERβ throughout the oviduct epithelium. Both ERα and ERβ were also detected in the connective tissue and smooth muscle cells. Our findings point out to the important role of estrogen in this female organ. Similar wide distribution of both ER proteins has been described for human Fallopian tube. Taken together, our data add to the understanding of the reproductive biology of female chinchillas, and may assist in the intensive breeding of this species and any eventual endeavor for conservation of chinchillas in the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Machado-Neves
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, CEP 36570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Wiviane Alves de Assis
- Departamento de Morfologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Cx Postal 486, CEP 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mardelene Geísa Gomes
- Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, CEP 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Cleida Aparecida de Oliveira
- Departamento de Morfologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Cx Postal 486, CEP 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Mastromonaco GF, Cantarelli VI, Galeano MG, Bourguignon NS, Gilman C, Ponzio MF. Non-invasive endocrine monitoring of ovarian and adrenal activity in chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) females during pregnancy, parturition and early post-partum period. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2015; 213:81-9. [PMID: 25712434 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Revised: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The chinchilla is a rodent that bears one of the finest and most valuable pelts in the world. The wild counterpart is, however, almost extinct because of a drastic past and ongoing population decline. The present work was developed to increase our knowledge of the reproductive physiology of pregnancy and post-partum estrus in the chinchilla, characterizing the endocrine patterns of urinary progesterone, estradiol, LH and cortisol metabolites throughout gestation and post-partum estrus and estimating the ovulation timing at post-partum estrus. Longitudinal urine samples were collected once per week throughout pregnancy and analyzed for creatinine, cortisol, LH, estrogen and progesterone metabolite concentrations. To indirectly determine the ovulation timing at post-partum estrus, a second experiment was performed using pregnant females subjected to a post-partum in vivo fertilization scheme. Urinary progestagen metabolites increased above baseline levels in early pregnancy between weeks-8 and -11 respectively to parturition, and slightly declined at parturition time. Urinary estrogens showed rising levels throughout mid- and late pregnancy (weeks-9 to -6 and a further increase at week-5 to parturition) and decreased in a stepwise manner after parturition, returning to baseline levels two weeks thereafter. Cortisol metabolite levels were relatively constant throughout pregnancy with a tendency for higher levels in the last third of gestation and after the pups' birth. Parturition was associated with dramatic reductions in urinary concentrations of sex steroids (especially progestagens). Observations in breeding farms indicated that the females that resulted in a second pregnancy after mating, did so on the second day after parturition. These data were in agreement with an LH peak detected 24h after parturition. Urinary steroid hormone patterns of estrogen and progestagen metabolites provided valuable information on endocrine events during pregnancy and after parturition in the chinchilla. Results presented in this study enhance our understanding of natural reproductive dynamics in the chinchilla and support empirical observations of breeders that post-partum ovulation occurs ∼ 48 h after parturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela F Mastromonaco
- Reproductive Physiology, Toronto Zoo, 361A Old Finch Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M1B 5K7, Canada
| | - Verónica I Cantarelli
- INICSA-CONICET and Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Cátedra de Fisiología Humana, Santa Rosa 1085, X5000ESU Córdoba, Argentina
| | - María G Galeano
- INICSA-CONICET and Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Cátedra de Fisiología Humana, Santa Rosa 1085, X5000ESU Córdoba, Argentina
| | | | - Christine Gilman
- Reproductive Physiology, Toronto Zoo, 361A Old Finch Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M1B 5K7, Canada
| | - Marina F Ponzio
- INICSA-CONICET and Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Cátedra de Fisiología Humana, Santa Rosa 1085, X5000ESU Córdoba, Argentina.
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6
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Bruin PRD, Medger K, Bennett NC, Ganswindt A. Assessment of Reproductive Function in Southern African Spiny Mice (Acomys spinosissimus) using Faeces as Hormone Matrix. AFRICAN ZOOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.3377/004.049.0106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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7
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Khonmee J, Brown JL, Rojanasthien S, Thumasanukul D, Kongphoemphun A, Siriaroonrat B, Tipkantha W, Punyapornwithaya V, Thitaram C. Seasonality of fecal androgen and glucocorticoid metabolite excretion in male goral (Naemorhedus griseus) in Thailand. Anim Reprod Sci 2014; 146:70-8. [PMID: 24630044 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Revised: 01/31/2014] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
There is no information on the endocrinology of Chinese goral (Naemorhedus griseus), a high priority species for captive breeding and reintroduction in Thailand. This study characterized fecal androgen and glucocorticoid metabolites in male goral at Omkoi Wildlife Sanctuary to investigate seasonal relationships. Fecal samples were collected 3 days/week for 1 year from eight adult males. Mean androgen metabolite concentrations were greater (P<0.05) during the rainy season (289.82±9.18ng/g) and winter (224.09±11.97ng/g) compared to the summer (195.48±8.23ng/g), and were related to breeding activity. A similar pattern was observed for glucocorticoid concentrations (22.10±0.72ng/g compared to 21.98±0.98ng/g compared to 15.30±0.48ng/g), respectively, and this resulted in a positive correlation between the two hormones (P<0.05). There also were positive correlations between fecal androgen metabolite concentrations and temperature (P<0.05) and day length (P<0.05). In summary, this is the first study to assess endocrine function in male goral, and results showed seasonal variation in testicular and adrenal steroidogenic function, with greater activity in the rainy season and winter. Given that resources for captive male goral are consistent throughout the year, reproduction may be regulated primarily by photoperiod in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaruwan Khonmee
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand.
| | - Janine L Brown
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
| | | | - Dissakul Thumasanukul
- Omkoi Wildlife Sanctuary, Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Omkoi, Chiang Mai 50310, Thailand
| | - Adisorn Kongphoemphun
- Omkoi Wildlife Sanctuary, Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Omkoi, Chiang Mai 50310, Thailand
| | - Boripat Siriaroonrat
- Conservation Research and Education Division, Zoological Park Organization, Dusit, Bangkok 10300, Thailand
| | - Wanlaya Tipkantha
- Conservation Research and Education Division, Zoological Park Organization, Dusit, Bangkok 10300, Thailand
| | | | - Chatchote Thitaram
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
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Seasonal evaluations of urinary androgen metabolites and semen quality in domestic long-tailed chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) under natural photoperiod. Anim Reprod Sci 2014; 145:99-104. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2012] [Revised: 12/21/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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9
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Reproduction in chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera): Current status of environmental control of gonadal activity and advances in reproductive techniques. Theriogenology 2012; 78:1-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2011] [Revised: 03/02/2012] [Accepted: 03/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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10
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Vera F, Zenuto RR, Antenucci CD, Busso JM, Marín RH. Validation of a radioimmunoassay for measuring testosterone concentrations in plasma samples of the subterranean rodent Ctenomys talarum: outstandingly elevated levels in the wild and the effect of captivity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 315:572-83. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2011] [Revised: 08/01/2011] [Accepted: 08/03/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Superina M, Carreño N, Jahn GA. Characterization of seasonal reproduction patterns in female pichis Zaedyus pichiy (Xenarthra: Dasypodidae) estimated by fecal sex steroid metabolites and ovarian histology. Anim Reprod Sci 2009; 116:358-69. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2009.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2008] [Revised: 02/12/2009] [Accepted: 02/21/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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12
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Lèche A, Busso JM, Hansen C, Navarro JL, Marín RH, Martella MB. Physiological stress in captive Greater rheas (Rhea americana): highly sensitive plasma corticosterone response to an ACTH challenge. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2009; 162:188-91. [PMID: 19332067 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2009.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2009] [Accepted: 03/23/2009] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Up to the present no studies have been conducted either on baseline concentrations of adrenal hormones or on hormonal responses to stress in Greater rhea (Rhea americana) and most ratite species. The aims of this work were to assess the presence of corticosterone in plasma of Greater rhea, to validate a corticosterone (125)I-radioimmunoassay for determining corticosterone levels in plasma samples and to study the activation of the adrenal gland after an adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) challenge. Six captive Greater rhea juveniles of 10 months of age received an intravenous ACTH injection. Blood samples were taken at 0min (baseline pre-ACTH levels), and post-injection at 15, 30, 60min and at 24 and 48h. The high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of pooled plasma showed that corticosterone is the glucocorticoid found in the plasma of Greater rhea. Biochemical assays of standard validation (e.g., parallelism, exogenous corticosterone recovery) showed that measurements of corticosterone present in the plasma of the Greater rhea provided by commercial corticosterone (125)I-radioimmunoassay were accurate and precise. ACTH challenge induced a more than 40-fold increase in plasma corticosterone at 60min post-ACTH (from 4.0 to 166.5ng/ml, on average). The corticosterone response to ACTH in Greater rhea was higher than is usual in birds, an apparently typical characteristic of ratites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvina Lèche
- Centro de Zoología Aplicada, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina.
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Seasonal reproduction in male pichis Zaedyus pichiy (Xenarthra: Dasypodidae) estimated by fecal androgen metabolites and testicular histology. Anim Reprod Sci 2009; 112:283-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2008.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2007] [Revised: 04/03/2008] [Accepted: 04/28/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Barja I, Silván G, Rosellini S, Piñeiro A, Illera MJ, Illera JC. Quantification of Sexual Steroid Hormones in Faeces of Iberian Wolf (Canis lupus signatus): A Non-invasive Sex Typing Method. Reprod Domest Anim 2008; 43:701-7. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2007.00974.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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15
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Ponzio MF, Busso JM, Fiol de Cuneo M, Ruiz RD, Ponce AA. Functional Activity of Frozen Thawed Chinchilla lanigera Spermatozoa Cryopreserved with Glycerol or Ethylene Glycol. Reprod Domest Anim 2008; 43:228-33. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2007.00886.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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16
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Ponzio MF, Busso JM, Ruiz RD, de Cuneo MF. Time-related changes in functional activity and capacitation of chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) spermatozoa during in vitro incubation. Anim Reprod Sci 2007; 102:343-9. [PMID: 17395408 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2007.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2006] [Accepted: 03/01/2007] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The application of assisted breeding programs for chinchilla, an endangered species, requires detailed knowledge about their gamete physiology. Main purposes of the present study were to examine the time-related changes during 8h in vitro incubation in parameters that reflect chinchilla sperm functional activity (including sperm motility, viability, membrane and acrosome integrity), and to determine the incubation time required for achieving in vitro sperm capacitation, evaluated through the quantification of the percentages of sperm that underwent the acrosome reaction in response to progesterone (P, 20 microM) or another acrosome reaction inducer the calcium ionophore, A23187 (20 nM). Semen was obtained by electroejaculation, subjected to swim-up and incubated for 0, 2, 4 and 8h. After these periods, sperm functional activity was assessed. In all treatments percentages of motile, viable and viable sperm with intact acrosomes decreased (p<0.001) after 8h of incubation. The percentages of swollen gametes decreased (p<0.001) after 2h of incubation. Capacitation of chinchilla sperm could be achieved within 4h, as indirectly demonstrated by the increase of acrosome reacted cells in response to P or A23187 (time x treatment interaction: p=0.02).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina F Ponzio
- Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Santa Rosa 1085, X5000ESU, Córdoba, Argentina.
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Noninvasive monitoring of ovarian endocrine activity in the chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2006; 150:288-97. [PMID: 17094993 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2006.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2005] [Revised: 09/25/2006] [Accepted: 09/30/2006] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive endocrinology information is limited for Chinchilla lanigera, a South American species characterized by extremely long gestation and estrus cycle compared with others rodents. This study was designed to validate a non-invasive technique for monitoring ovarian endocrine activity. Animals were exposed indoors to natural photoperiod (31 degrees S-64 degrees W, Argentina); temperature range: 17-26 degrees C, with food and water ad libitum. Radiolabelled infusion (n=4): (3)H-estradiol ((3)H-E(2)) and (14)C-progesterone ((14)C-P(4)) were injected (i.p). Biochemical validation: HPLC-UV detector was employed to determine natural steroids in urine and fecal extracts and to determine immunoreactive metabolites. Physiological validation: (1) pregnancy (n=5): body weight and urinary and fecal steroidal metabolites were measured until birth; (2) Seasonality (n=9): urine and feces were collected in May, August, November, and February. Total (3)H-E(2) and (14)C-P(4) radioactivity recovered was 60.5+/-15.5 and 74.5+/-19.4%, respectively. After (3)H-E(2) injection, urinary radioactivity peaked at 7.0+/-0.6 hr; in contrast, urinary (14)C-P(4) excretion peaked at 44.0+/-4.0 hr (p=0.000). Peak radioactivity in feces occurred between 24-48 hr for both hormones. Several correlations were detected during pregnancy between body weight vs. urinary progestagens/day (r=0.44, p<0.03); vs. urinary progestagens/creatinine (r=0.73, p=2.9 x 10(-5)); vs. urinary estrogens/day (r=0.74; p<0.2); and vs. urinary estrogens/creatinine (r=0.74; p<2.0 x 10(-5)). On the other hand, urinary and fecal progestagen excretion exhibited significant seasonal fluctuations and urinary estrogen concentrations showed a similar pattern (p=0.062 for winter-spring vs. summer-autumn). This methodology proved to be useful for monitoring ovary endocrine activity in urine of chinchilla female.
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Jewgenow K, Naidenko SV, Goeritz F, Vargas A, Dehnhard M. Monitoring testicular activity of male Eurasian (Lynx lynx) and Iberian (Lynx pardinus) lynx by fecal testosterone metabolite measurement. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2006; 149:151-8. [PMID: 16843462 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2006.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2006] [Revised: 05/16/2006] [Accepted: 05/24/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to identify relevant fecal testosterone metabolites in the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) using HPLC analysis and to evaluate the specificity of two testosterone immunoassays against these fecal metabolites. Finally, fecal hormone analysis was used to characterize seasonal reproductive activity of captive male Eurasian and Iberian (Lynx pardinus) lynx. Fecal samples from a male Eurasian lynx who received an i.v. injection of [3H]testosterone were subjected to HPLC analysis. All HPLC fractions were analyzed for radioactivity and androgen content by two testosterone immune assays (EIA and Testosterone-Immulite kits, DPC Biermann, Germany). Furthermore, fecal samples from four Eurasian lynx males (n=174) and three Iberian lynx (n=52) were collected throughout the year and fecal testosterone metabolites were determined with Testosterone-Immulite assay. HPLC separation of radiolabeled Eurasian lynx fecal extract indicated that the majority of testosterone metabolites are substances with a higher polarity than testosterone. Only minor proportion of radioactivity co-eluted with authentic testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. Enzymatic hydrolysis and solvolysis of the fecal extract were insufficient to liberate testosterone. After solvolysis relatively more activity was eluated the position of DHT, but the majority of metabolites remained unaffected. The EIA measured substantial amount of immunoreactivity, which corresponded with two radioactive peaks. Additionally, both immunoassays recognized two metabolites, which were only minor components according to their radioactivity. The Immulite assay was able to recognize a metabolite at the position of dihydrotestosterone. HPLC separation of Iberian lynx feces extracts revealed a similar metabolite pattern determined by EIA that were typical for Eurasian lynx fecal extracts. Simultaneous analyses of fecal samples with both testosterone assays provided comparative results for both lynx species (Eurasian lynx, r2=0.488; p<0.001; Iberian lynx, r2=0.85, p<0.0001). Thus, seasonal reproductive activity of male Eurasian lynx was demonstrated also by Immulite -assay, confirming high testosterone levels during breeding season in March/April as previously documented with EIA. Preliminary results on testosterone measurements in Iberian lynx feces confirmed the suitability of the applied Immulite test in this highly endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Jewgenow
- Leibniz-Institute for Zoo Biology and Wildlife Research, PF 601103, Berlin, Germany.
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Szoke Z, Váradi E, Kelemen K, Biczó A, Péczely P. Effect of testosterone loading on the kinetic of faecal testosterone excretion in mallards. ACTA BIOLOGICA HUNGARICA 2006; 57:13-21. [PMID: 16646521 DOI: 10.1556/abiol.57.2006.1.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Intestinal passage time of coloured fodder and testosterone turnover were examined by faecal steroid analysis in mallards in the reproductive and postrefractory period. In the latter, the discharge of coloured fodder began 36 minutes after ingestion in males, and 56 minutes in females. During reproduction the discharge began 93 minutes and 112 minutes after ingestion in males and females, respectively. Total passage time was similar in the reproductive and postrefractory period in both sexes. After intraperitoneal testosterone injection, faecal samples were collected for 8 hours and testosterone levels were measured using RIA. In the postrefractory period, 1-2 hours after testosterone loading a strong increase of faecal testosterone content developed in males, meanwhile a slighter testosterone peak appeared in females. During reproduction testosterone excretion began 1.5-2 hours after injection in both sexes but in females its increase was smaller. The duration of response to testosterone loading was 5 hours in both periods and both sexes. Intensive excretion after T loading appeared earlier in males than in females, but total passage time finished at the same time: 5 hours after loading. The character of testosterone excretion was corresponding to the passage of fodder-chimus-faeces in the reproductive and postrefractory period in both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsuzsa Szoke
- Dept. Poultry Reproduction, Institute for Small Animal Research, Gödöllo, Hungary.
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Busso JM, Ponzio MF, de Cuneo MF, Ruiz RD. Year-round testicular volume and semen quality evaluations in captive Chinchilla lanigera. Anim Reprod Sci 2005; 90:127-34. [PMID: 16257602 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2005.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2004] [Revised: 01/18/2005] [Accepted: 02/03/2005] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, reproductive performance is usually associated with seasons. Chinchilla lanigera, an endemic South American rodent, reproduces throughout the year in captivity but its seasonal breeding pattern is not fully understood. The present study was designed to evaluate (bi-weekly) over 1 year: (1) testicular volume variations and (2) seminal volume, sperm concentration and functional activity changes. Five animals were studied; they were individually housed indoors (22.2 +/- 1.0 degrees C) under natural photoperiod in Argentina (Córdoba, 31 degrees S-64 degrees W). Semen was obtained by electroejaculation; a total of 116 ejaculates was evaluated. Monthly values for paired testicular volume were less in the middle of the summer than in other seasons (p < 0.006), while those for seminal volume and total spermatozoa/ejaculate were not significantly different; these variables ranged between 7.2-30.9 cm(3), 10-130 microL and 0.9-432.6 x 10(6), respectively. Spermatozoa concentration was (x 10(6)/mL) 2145.9 +/- 365.3 and the pH of semen was 7.3 +/- 0.0. Spermatozoa functional activity showed no significant differences between monthly evaluations; confidence intervals were calculated for the means of: motility, 92.2-95.8%; viability, 92.2-96.1%; swollen cells (hypo-osmotic swelling test), 81.2-87.7% and viable intact acrosome, 83.5-89.0%. The present study represents the first longitudinal reproductive assessment in the chinchilla male. In conclusion, males produce spermatozoa continuously that exhibit high quality functional activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Manuel Busso
- Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina.
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