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Braz JKFDS, Gomes VA, Siman VA, da Matta SLP, Clebis NK, de Oliveira MF, Assis AC, Morais DB, de Moura CEB. Intertubular morphometric and ultrastructural testes analyses in mdx mice. Anim Reprod 2022; 19:e20210124. [PMID: 36313597 PMCID: PMC9613355 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2021-0124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) reproductive alterations and the influence of antioxidant treatments may aid in understanding morphometry testicular quantification. In this context, the aim of the present study was to characterize the intertubular compartment (ITC) morphometry of animal testes in mdx mice supplemented with ascorbic acid (AA). Sixteen mice were used, namely the C57BL/10 (non-dystrophic) and C57BL/10Mdx (dystrophic) lineages, distributed into the following groups: Control (C60), Dystrophic (D60), Control supplemented with AA (CS60), Dystrophic supplemented with AA (DS60). A total of 200 mg/kg of AA were administered to mice for 30 days. Subsequently, the testicles were collected, weighed, and fragmented. The obtained fragments were fixed in Karnovsky's solution (pH 7.2) and embedded in historesin for morphometric and transmission electron microscopy assessments. Leydig cells were hypertrophic in the D60 group, but was reverted by AA supplementation in the DS60 group. The DS60 group also exhibited increased intertubular volume compared to the CS60 group. The ultrastructural images identified multilamellar bodies in dystrophic animals (lipid storage) and telocyte cells (transport substances) in both control and dystrophic animals. Morphometric alterations were, therefore, noted in the intertubular compartment due to Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), with AA administration capable of altering Leydig cells in this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vilessa Araújo Gomes
- Departamento de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campina Grande, PB, Brasil
| | | | | | - Naianne Kelly Clebis
- Departamento de Morfologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brasil
| | | | - Antônio Chaves Assis
- Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Ciência Animal, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
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Silva SFM, Oliveira LCA, Dias FCR, Cordero-Schmidt E, Vargas-Mena JC, Silva IGM, Báo SN, Luna JLS, Lima RRM, Júnior RFA, Farias NBS, Moura CEB, Matta SLP, Morais DB. Seasonal evaluation of spermatogenesis of the hematophagous bat Desmodus rotundus in the Caatinga biome. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242932. [PMID: 33270698 PMCID: PMC7714151 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was aimed to characterize the spermatogenic process and its seasonal variation in Desmodus rotundus, in the Caatinga biome, a water-limited ecosystem, with marked water restriction during most of the year. Collections of adult animals were performed during the dry and rainy seasons, and after euthanasia, their testes were processed histologically to perform morphological, morphometric, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical analyzes. The percentage of seminiferous epithelium, number of Leydig cells per gram of testis, and population of Sertoli cells and A-type spermatogonia presented by D. rotundus were significantly higher in the rainy season, while the percentage of lumen, mitotic index, support capacity performed by Sertoli cells, and overall yield of spermatogenesis were higher in the dry season. The ultrastructure of spermatogenesis was similar to that described in other mammals, and the immunohistochemical analysis revealed activity of the aromatase enzyme in Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, spermatocytes and spermatids, as well as the presence of androgen receptors in Sertoli cells and Leydig cells. FGF2 activity was detected in primary spermatocytes in zygotene and pachytene, as well as secondary spermatocytes and rounded and elongated spermatids, while the BCL-2 protein was expressed in primary spermatocytes in zygotene and pachytene, secondary spermatocytes, and rounded spermatids. The activity of these molecules was similar in both seasons, and associated with the morphometric findings, indicates maintenance in the integrity of the seminiferous epithelium throughout the year. The seasonal study of D. rotundus spermatogenesis indicates a continuous spermatogenesis pattern and suggests a greater production of spermatozoa in the rainy season in the Caatinga biome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraia F. M. Silva
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Laryssa C. A. Oliveira
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Fernanda C. R. Dias
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Eugenia Cordero-Schmidt
- Department of Ecology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Juan C. Vargas-Mena
- Department of Ecology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Ingrid G. M. Silva
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Sônia N. Báo
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - João L. S. Luna
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Ruthnaldo R. M. Lima
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Raimundo F. A. Júnior
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Naisandra B. S. Farias
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Carlos E. B. Moura
- Department of Animal Sciences, Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid Region, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Sérgio L. P. Matta
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Danielle B. Morais
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
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Lima LMA, Belian MF, Silva WE, Postal K, Kostenkova K, Crans DC, Rossiter AKFF, da Silva Júnior VA. Vanadium(IV)-diamine complex with hypoglycemic activity and a reduction in testicular atrophy. J Inorg Biochem 2020; 216:111312. [PMID: 33388704 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2020.111312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The insulin enhancing activity, histological analysis and, testicular degeneration by a VIVO-complex containing the 2,2'-(ethane-1,2-diylbis(azanediyl))diethanolate ligand, VOIV(C6H14N2O2-κ2N,κ2O), abbreviated VIVO(BHED), were investigated in diabetic male Wistar rats. The complex was administered by oral gavage of freshly prepared solutions of vanadium complex. Biological studies demonstrated that the vanadium complex normalized the elevated glucose levels in male Wistar rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes and these compounds also avoided common responses in diabetic animals such as weight loss and reduction in the size of the epididymis, prostate, testis and seminal gland. The 51V NMR and EPR studies showed the formation of VIVO(BHED) and the oxidation product [VVO2BHED]- with two possible decomposition pathways. In summary, these studies demonstrate that the VIVO(BHED) complex or its decomposition products show similar effects as insulin in decreasing elevated blood glucose levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidiane M A Lima
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, 52.171-900 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Mônica F Belian
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, 52.171-900 Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - Wagner E Silva
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, 52.171-900 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Kahoana Postal
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal do Paraná, 81.531-980 Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Kateryna Kostenkova
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Debbie C Crans
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Ana Katharyne F F Rossiter
- Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, 52.171-900 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Valdemiro A da Silva Júnior
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, 52.171-900 Recife, PE, Brazil
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de Brito JLM, Amaral TS, Aguiar LMDS, Lucci CM. Evaluation of reproductive parameters in male Neotropical bats during dry and rainy months in a specific area of the Cerrado biome. Anat Histol Embryol 2020; 49:307-314. [PMID: 31943300 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyse the reproductive aspects of male bats of three common species of the Phyllostomidae family: Artibeus lituratus, Platyrrhinus lineatus and Sturnira lilium, during dry and rainy months in a specific area of the Cerrado biome. Body weight was significantly higher during the dry months for S. lilium. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) and testicular weight were not significantly different between dry and rainy periods. The tubular parameters were significantly bigger in A. lituratus than in the other two species during both periods. No difference in the tubular/interstitial ratio was observed in any of the species during both periods. In both periods, all sperm cells and germ cell developmental stages were visible on seminiferous tubules whereas sperm cells were observed in epididymides of all sampled animals. The percentage of morphologically normal sperm was low (35%-60%), with no difference between periods. Spermatozoa from A. lituratus presented a leaf-shaped head, while the head was round-shaped in the other two species. In conclusion, our data suggest that males from the three studied species did not present reproductive latency during the most critical weather periods (dry and rainy months) in the metropolitan region of Brasilia, Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Lis Mendes de Brito
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Biological Sciences Institute, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Thales Simioni Amaral
- Department of Zoology, Biological Sciences Institute, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | | | - Carolina Madeira Lucci
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Biological Sciences Institute, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
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Testicular characterization and spermatogenesis of the hematophagous bat Diphylla ecaudata. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0226558. [PMID: 31835274 PMCID: PMC6910855 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Diphylla ecaudata is a hematophagous bat endemic of South America, with food preference for bird blood. Given the lack of information about the reproductive activity of this species, this study aimed to describe the testicular morphology and histomorphometry of D. ecaudata in order to understand its reproductive biology, specially spermatogenesis. The animals were collected in Lajes city, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Following euthanasia, the testes were histologically processed for morphological, morphometric, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical analyses. Their average body weight was 24.64g, with a gonadosomatic index of 0.49%, tubulesomatic index of 0.47%, and a total of 32.20m of seminiferous tubules per gram of testis. The pre-meiotic, meiotic, and post-meiotic phases accounted for 56.20%, 9.30%, and 34.50% of the seminiferous epithelium cycle, respectively. The ultrastructure of spermiogenesis was similar to that described in other mammals and the perforatorium was not observed in the sperm. Androgen receptors were detected in Sertoli cell nuclei and Leydig cell cytoplasm, while aromatase enzyme was detected only in Sertoli cell nuclei. FGF2 and BCL-2 activities were detected in the cytoplasm of zygotene and pachytene primary spermatocytes, as well as round and elongated spermatids. D. ecaudata showed testicular pattern similar to other mammals and characteristics common to other bat species. This species stood out for its high efficiency of Sertoli cells, which presented high capacity to support germ cells, besides the highest sperm production rates among those already recorded. This study is the first step towards the knowledge of D. ecaudata reproduction and the first description of its spermatogenesis.
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De Carvalho WD, Martins MA, Dias D, Saldaña-Vázquez RA, Palmeirim JM, Esbérard CEL. Reproductive constraints in frugivorous phyllostomid bats: seasonal and elevational variation in reproductive rates in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. J Mammal 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyz031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- William Douglas De Carvalho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade Tropical, Universidade Federal do Amapá, Rod. Juscelino Kubitscheck, S/N - Jardim Marco Zero, Macapá-AP, Brazil
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Change (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Laboratório de Diversidade de Morcegos, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro – UFRRJ, Km 47 da antiga estrada Rio-São Paulo, CEP, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Mayara Almeida Martins
- Laboratório de Mastozoologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, UFRRJ, BR, CEP, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Daniela Dias
- Laboratório de Mastozoologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, UFRRJ, BR, CEP, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratório de Biologia e Parasitologia de Mamíferos Silvestres Reservatórios, IOC, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Avenida Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, CEP, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Romeo A Saldaña-Vázquez
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Blvd. Valsequillo y Av, San Claudio, Edificio BIO 1, Ciudad Universitaria, Col. Jardines de San Manuel, Puebla, México
| | - Jorge M Palmeirim
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Change (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Carlos Eduardo Lustosa Esbérard
- Laboratório de Diversidade de Morcegos, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro – UFRRJ, Km 47 da antiga estrada Rio-São Paulo, CEP, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
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Lima Junior NBD, Arandas MJG, Silva FRD, Silva DVD, Teixeira ÁAC, Aguiar Júnior FCAD, Garcia JE, Santos KRPD. Estágio reprodutivo, histologia e morfometria sazonal do testículo de Dermanura cinerea (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) em fragmento de Mata Atlântica no Litoral Sul de Pernambuco, Brasil. IHERINGIA. SERIE ZOOLOGIA 2018. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4766e2018038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
RESUMO Esse estudo analisou o estágio reprodutivo, a histologia e a morfometria dos testículos de Dermanura cinerea (Gervais, 1856) em fragmento de Mata Atlântica no Litoral Sul de Pernambuco. Os espécimes foram capturados por redes de neblina e as coletas ocorreram mensalmente, ao longo de duas noites consecutivas, durante 18 meses. Os dados meteorológicos foram agrupados em meses chuvosos e secos. Foram utilizados 18 espécimes adultos, os quais foram classificados em machos com testículos descendentes e não descendentes. Para as análises histológicas, os testículos foram coletados, fixados e processados seguindo a técnica histológica de rotina. As lâminas obtidas foram coradas por Hematoxilina-Eosina. Nas análises morfométricas foram mensuradas a área de ocupação do compartimento tubular e intertubular, quantificados o número de células de Leydig, de Sertoli, de espermatócitos e de espermátides alongadas. Os dados morfométricos foram submetidos às análises estatísticas. Dermanura cinerea apresentou maior atividade de produção espermática em meses secos e maior produção hormonal em meses chuvosos. Essas informações estão relacionadas também com o padrão reprodutivo das fêmeas e com a elevação nos índices pluviométricos, já que é um fator determinante na mediação da disponibilidade alimentar das espécies frugívoras, como D. cinerea em área de Mata Atlântica de Pernambuco.
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Souza ACF, Santos FC, Bastos DSS, Sertorio MN, Teixeira JPG, Fernandes KM, Machado-Neves M. Reproductive functions in Desmodus rotundus: A comparison between seasons in a morphological context. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205023. [PMID: 30332444 PMCID: PMC6192620 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproductive seasonality in Neotropical bats has been assessed to the better understand their reproductive behavior. This knowledge is especially important for the control of Desmodus rotundus population as it is a transmitter of rabies virus. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the functional activity of testis and epididymis of D. rotundus in dry and rainy seasons under a morphological approach. We observed an increase in tubular diameter and epithelial height of the seminiferous tubules during the rainy season. In the latter, additionally, stereological analysis of the testis showed increased proportion of seminiferous epithelium and reduced percentage of lumen. The sperm number in caput/corpus epididymis increased in rainy season, whereas sperm count and transit time were reduced in cauda region. These alterations were probably related to the recovery of epithelium activities after mating season in dry season. Despite altered nuclear and cytoplasm parameters of Leydig cells between seasons, the volume and number of these cells were constant. Moreover, no change in serum testosterone levels, daily sperm production, and apoptotic index were observed, which indicates that the reproductive pattern in D. rotundus does not change between seasons. Our study offers a baseline for the management of vampire bat population as an attempt to control rabies disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cláudia Ferreira Souza
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Felipe Couto Santos
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Kenner Morais Fernandes
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Department of Entomology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mariana Machado-Neves
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Ferreira M, Soldati A, Rodrigues SSS, Benjamin LDA. Implications of body condition and seasonality on morphological and functional parameters of testes of Myotis nigricans (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae). Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 30:1029-1037. [PMID: 29325604 DOI: 10.1071/rd17316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The insectivorous bat Myotis nigricans is widely distributed throughout the Neotropics, including Brazil, and has a reproductive biology that is affected by climate and food availability. To evaluate the reproductive capacity of this species, morphofunctional parameters of the testes were correlated with environmental variables and the body condition of individuals captured. After bats had been killed, their testes were removed, fixed in Karnovsky's fluid for 24h and embedded in resin for evaluation by light microscopy. The mean annual tubulosomatic index (0.58%) and the percentage of seminiferous tubules in the testes (88.96%) were the highest ever recorded for the Order Chiroptera. The percentage of Leydig cells and volume of the cytoplasm of Leydig cells were higher in the rainy than dry season (80.62±3.19% and 573.57±166.95μm, respectively; mean±s.d.). Conversely, the percentage of nuclei of the Leydig cells in the dry season (26.17±3.70%; mean±s.d.) and the total number of Leydig cells (6.38±1.84×109; mean±s.d.) were higher in the dry season. The results of the present study could help in future conservation of these bats because they provide a better understanding of the bats' reproductive strategies and how the species can adapt to changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Ferreira
- Department of Veterinary, Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Aline Soldati
- Department of Veterinary, Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Sirlene S S Rodrigues
- Department of Animal Biology, Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Laércio Dos Anjos Benjamin
- Department of Veterinary, Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-900, Brazil
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Morais DB, Puga LCHP, Paula TARD, Freitas MBD, Matta SLPD. The spermatogenic process of the common vampire bat Desmodus rotundus under a histomorphometric view. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0173856. [PMID: 28301534 PMCID: PMC5354406 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Among all bat species, Desmodus rotundus stands out as one of the most intriguing due to its exclusively haematophagous feeding habits. However, little is known about their spermatogenic cycle. This study aimed at describing the spermatogenic process of common vampire bats through testicular histomorphometric characterization of adult specimens, spermatogenic production indexes, description of stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle and estimative of the spermatogenic process duration. Morphometrical and immunohistochemical analyzes for bromodeoxiuridine were conducted under light microscopy and ultrastructural analyzes were performed under transmission electron microscopy. Vampire bats showed higher investment in gonadal tissue (gonadosomatic index of 0.54%) and in seminiferous tubules (tubulesomatic index of 0.49%) when compared to larger mammals. They also showed a high tubular length per gram of testis (34.70 m). Approximately half of the intertubular compartment was found to be comprised by Leydig cells (51.20%), and an average of 23.77x106 of these cells was found per gram of testis. The germline cells showed 16.93% of mitotic index and 2.51% of meiotic index. The overall yield of spermatogenesis was 60% and the testicular spermatic reserve was 71.44x107 spermatozoa per gram of testis. With a total spermatogenesis duration estimated at 37.02 days, vampire bats showed a daily sperm production of 86.80x106 gametes per gram of testis. These findings demonstrate a high sperm production, which is commonly observed in species with promiscuous mating system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Barbosa Morais
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
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