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Noninvasive Ultrasound Monitoring of Embryonic and Fetal Development in Chinchilla lanigera to Predict Gestational Age: Preliminary Evaluation of This Species as a Novel Animal Model of Human Pregnancy. CONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING 2019; 2019:6319476. [PMID: 31263384 PMCID: PMC6556804 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6319476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Ultrasound is a noninvasive routine method that allows real-time monitoring of fetal development in utero to determine gestational age and to detect congenital anomalies and multiple pregnancies. To date, the developmental biology of Chinchilla lanigera has not yet been characterized. This species has been found to undergo placentation, long gestation, and fetal dimensions similar to those in humans. The aim of this study was to assess the use of high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) and clinical ultrasound (US) to predict gestational age in chinchillas and evaluate the possibility of this species as a new animal model for the study of human pregnancy. In this study, 35 pregnant females and a total of 74 embryos and fetuses were monitored. Ultrasound examination was feasible in almost all chinchilla subjects. It was possible to monitor the chinchilla embryo with HFUS from embryonic day (E) 15 to 60 and with US from E15 to E115 due to fetus dimensions. The placenta could be visualized and measured with HFUS from E15, but not with US until E30. From E30, the heartbeat became detectable and it was possible to measure fetal biometrics. In the late stages of pregnancy, stomach, eyes, and lenses became visible. Our study demonstrated the importance of employing both techniques while monitoring embryonic and fetal development to obtain an overall and detailed view of all structures and to recognize any malformation at an early stage. Pregnancy in chinchillas can be confirmed as early as the 15th day postmating, and sonographic changes and gestational age are well correlated. The quantitative measurements of fetal and placental growth performed in this study could be useful in setting up a database for comparison with human fetal ultrasounds. We speculate that, in the future, the chinchilla could be used as an animal model for the study of US in human pregnancy.
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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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Della Costa NS, Navarro JL, Busso JM, Marin RH, Martella MB. Distribution and concentration of maternal progesterone in the yolk of Greater Rhea eggs (Rhea americana). JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2018; 327:143-148. [PMID: 29356448 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Progesterone is the most concentrated maternal yolk steroid characterized to date in birds; however, no information about it is available in ratite eggs. We collected freshly laid eggs from zoo-housed Greater Rhea females (Rhea americana) bred under similar rearing conditions during two breeding seasons to characterize concentration and distribution of maternal yolk progesterone. After high-performance liquid chromatography analysis, yolk hormone was measured using a commercial electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Progesterone concentrations were found to vary significantly among the yolk layers, supporting a follicular origin for this steroid in Greater Rhea eggs. Additionally, highly similar mean absolute yolk progesterone concentrations were detected between 2013 and 2015 breeding seasons (1,332.98 ± 82.59 and 1,313.59 ± 85.19 ng/g, respectively). These values are also comparable to those found in some domestic carinate species. Findings suggest that at population level, when rearing conditions are similar, mean absolute yolk maternal progesterone concentrations also appear bounded. Future research on the factors and mechanisms that regulate progesterone deposition in Greater Rhea eggs is needed to better understand whether its levels depend on different rearing conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Soledad Della Costa
- Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal (IDEA, CONICET-UNC) and Centro de Zoología Aplicada, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Joaquín Luis Navarro
- Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal (IDEA, CONICET-UNC) and Centro de Zoología Aplicada, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Juan Manuel Busso
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas, Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos (IIBYT, CONICET-UNC), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Raúl Héctor Marin
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas, Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos (IIBYT, CONICET-UNC), Córdoba, Argentina.,Cátedra de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba
| | - Mónica Beatriz Martella
- Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal (IDEA, CONICET-UNC) and Centro de Zoología Aplicada, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
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Della Costa NS, Marin RH, Busso JM, Hansen C, Navarro JL, Martella MB. Influence of the rearing system on yolk corticosterone concentration in captive Greater Rheas (Rhea americana). Zoo Biol 2016; 35:246-50. [PMID: 26928950 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Revised: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Many environmental conditions elevate plasma corticosterone in laying birds, leading to elevated hormone accumulation in the egg. We investigated whether maternal yolk corticosterone levels in Greater Rheas differ between fresh eggs collected from an intensive (IRS) and a semi-extensive (SRS) rearing system. After HPLC validation, yolk corticosterone was measured using a corticosterone (125) I radio-immunoassay kit. Results (mean ± SE) showed that eggs collected from the IRS exhibited a significantly higher corticosterone concentration than eggs from SRS (89.88 ± 8.93 vs. 45.41 ± 5.48 ng/g yolk, respectively). Our findings suggest that rearing conditions under an intensive scheme (e.g., small pens with bare ground, no direct foraging and handling) might be perceived as more stressful for Greater Rhea females than semi-extensive rearing conditions (e.g., low animal density distributed in extensive areas and direct foraging), which would result in the transfer of higher yolk corticosterone levels. A better understanding of environmental conditions and female traits that affect yolk corticosterone deposition provides a background for future studies concerning the roles of maternal corticosterone on offspring development. Zoo Biol. 35:246-250, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia S Della Costa
- Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal (IDEA, CONICET-UNC) and Centro de Zoología Aplicada, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Rondeau 798, (X5000AVP) Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Raul H Marin
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas, Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos, (IIBYT, CONICET-UNC), and Cátedra de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Av. Vélez Sársfield 1611, (X5000AVP) Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Juan M Busso
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas, Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos, (IIBYT, CONICET-UNC), and Cátedra de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Av. Vélez Sársfield 1611, (X5000AVP) Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Cristian Hansen
- Laboratorio de Análisis Clínicos Especializados (LACE), Av. Vélez Sársfield 562, (X5000AVP) Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Joaquín L Navarro
- Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal (IDEA, CONICET-UNC) and Centro de Zoología Aplicada, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Rondeau 798, (X5000AVP) Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Mónica B Martella
- Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal (IDEA, CONICET-UNC) and Centro de Zoología Aplicada, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Rondeau 798, (X5000AVP) Córdoba, Argentina
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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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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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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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8
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Eguizábal GV, Palme R, Villarreal D, Dal Borgo C, Di Rienzo JA, Busso JM. Assessment of adrenocortical activity and behavior of the collared anteater (Tamandua tetradactyla) in response to food-based environmental enrichment. Zoo Biol 2013; 32:632-40. [DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Revised: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gabina V. Eguizábal
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas; Físicas y Naturales (FCEFyN); Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC); Argentina
| | - Rupert Palme
- Department of Biomedical Sciences/Biochemistry; University of Veterinary Medicine; Vienna Austria
| | - Daniel Villarreal
- Área Conservación e Investigación; Jardín Zoológico Córdoba; Córdoba Argentina
| | - Carla Dal Borgo
- Área Conservación e Investigación; Jardín Zoológico Córdoba; Córdoba Argentina
| | - Julio A. Di Rienzo
- Cátedra de Estadística y Biometría; Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, UNC; Córdoba Argentina
| | - Juan M. Busso
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas; FCEFyN-UNC and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET); Córdoba Argentina
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Busso JM, Dominchin MF, Marin RH, Palme R. Cloacal gland, endocrine testicular, and adrenocortical photoresponsiveness in male Japanese quail exposed to short days. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2013; 44:151-6. [PMID: 23411012 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2013.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2012] [Revised: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 01/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Photoperiod is the most important "noise-free" seasonal environmental cue for synchronizing physiological states (such as reproductive activity) in birds. However, in photoperiodic birds such as Japanese quail, the effect of photoperiod on adrenocortical activity remains unclear, particularly in males with differences in cloacal gland photoresponsiveness. At 8 wk of age, birds (n = 55) were either assigned to a short photoperiod (8L:16D; SD) or maintained under long photoperiod (16L:8D; LD; control). After 5 wk of SD exposure, males were classified as nonresponsive (SD-NR; with foam production) or responsive (SD-R; with no foam production) to short days, depending on the cloacal gland volume was above or below 1,000 mm(3). At 14 wk of age, droppings were collected during 3 consecutive days to determine corticosterone (CMs) and androgen metabolites (AMs) by enzyme immunoassays. Male Japanese quail under LD showed significantly higher concentrations of CMs (300 ± 10 ng/g) and AMs (1,257 ± 115 ng/g) than birds kept under SD. Under short days, SD-NR and SD-R showed differences (P < 0.0001), both in CM (153 ± 8 ng/g and 98 ± 6 ng/g, respectively) and AM concentrations (1,294 ± 309 ng/g and 275 ± 53 ng/g, respectively). Interestingly, although SD-NR males exhibited no cloacal gland arrest (according to cloacal gland volume and foam production) and similar testicular activity (AM values) to LD males, they showed lower concentrations of CMs compared with males that remained on LD (P < 0.05). Our findings suggest length of photoperiod affected hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal activity; however, that was not the only factor involved, because birds subjected to shorter days but whose hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis failed to respond had intermediate CM values. Further research is required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of this interesting finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Busso
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (IIByT), Av. Velez Sarsfield 1611 (X5016GCA) Cordoba, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales (FCEFyN), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC) and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina.
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Celiberti S, Gloria A, Contri A, Carluccio A, Peric T, Melillo A, Robbe D. Sexual hormone fluctuation in chinchillas. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2013; 16:197-209. [PMID: 23347544 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2012.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The data about chinchilla (Chinchilla laniger) reproduction are limited and in some cases discordant. The aim of this study was to monitor the sexual hormone fluctuation by fecal progesterone level and colpocytology analysis by vaginal smears in order to evaluate the different phases of the oestrus cycle. Twenty-four non pregnant chinchillas aged from 1 to 4 years old and subdivided in three groups were monitored. In contrast with findings reported in other study, the high values of progesterone recorded in autumn suggested the presence of a ciclicity also in this period. The data indicate that chinchilla presents a continuous cycle.
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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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Da Rocha AR, Alves FR, Neto NMA, Dos Santos LF, De Almeida HM, De Carvalho YKP, Bezerra DDO, Ferraz MS, Pessoa GT, De Carvalho MAM. Hematopoietic progenitor constituents and adherent cell progenitor morphology isolated from black-rumped agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha, Wagler 1831) bone marrow. Microsc Res Tech 2012; 75:1376-82. [DOI: 10.1002/jemt.22077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2012] [Accepted: 04/29/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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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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Scarlata CD, Elias BA, Godwin JR, Powell RA, Shepherdson D, Shipley LA, Brown JL. Characterizing gonadal and adrenal activity by fecal steroid analyses in pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2011; 171:373-80. [PMID: 21377469 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2011.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2010] [Revised: 01/30/2011] [Accepted: 03/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In 2001, the sudden collapse of the Columbia Basin population of pygmy rabbits prompted the initiation of a captive breeding program to facilitate reintroduction, but reproductive success in captivity has not met expectations. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the reproductive and adrenal endocrinology of this endangered rabbit species so that appropriate management strategies could be developed to monitor animal welfare and increase reproduction. Fecal samples were collected from 27 female pygmy rabbits over three breeding and non-breeding seasons. HPLC analyses verified the presence of progesterone in the excreta of pygmy rabbits, but the majority of progestagen metabolites were unidentified polar compounds. By contrast, >70% of glucocorticoid immunoactivity was associated with cortisol. Longitudinal fecal hormone profiles during pregnancy were characterized by a large spike in progestagens shortly after mating, a gradual increase in progestagen and glucocorticoid concentrations throughout gestation and a return of hormones to baseline soon after birth (Day 24). The spike in progestagens 1 day after mating was a significant discovery for this species and appears to provide a reliable means of determining if a successful mating has occurred. Seasonal analyses of hormone excretion found that progestagen baselines did not vary between the breeding and non-breeding seasons, but, as expected, were highest during the breeding season in association with pregnancy. Across seasons, the lowest concentrations of glucocorticoids were associated with the highest rates of offspring production and survival, suggesting a possible link between heightened adrenal activity and lowered reproductive fitness in pygmy rabbits.
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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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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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17
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Development and validation of a quantitative gas chromatography–mass spectrometry method for the detection of endogenous androgens in mouse urine. J Chromatogr A 2008; 1178:223-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2007.11.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2007] [Revised: 11/21/2007] [Accepted: 11/26/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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18
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SCHWARZENBERGER F. The many uses of non-invasive faecal steroid monitoring in zoo and wildlife species. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-1090.2007.00017.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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