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Aldrich ED, Hendrickson DA, Schmitt TL, Nollens HH, Montano G, Steinman KJ, O’Brien JK, Robeck TR. Laparoscopic Evaluation of the Reproductive Tract in Two Female Polar Bears (Three Procedures) ( Ursus maritimus). Life (Basel) 2024; 14:105. [PMID: 38255720 PMCID: PMC10820367 DOI: 10.3390/life14010105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) face a number of challenges that threaten the survival of the species. Captive breeding represents one essential facet of species conservation, but aspects of the polar bear's reproductive physiology, such as follicle maturation, coitus-induced ovulation, and pseudopregnancy, are poorly characterized and present challenges for enhancing natural reproductive success and the application of advanced reproductive techniques. Due to the absence of a reliable transrectal or transabdominal ultrasound method for ovarian examination in the species, the ovaries of two adult female polar bears were examined laparoscopically to evaluate the feasibility of surgical access to the ovaries, oviduct, and uterus. The minimally invasive procedure was easily and rapidly performed in both bears and all procedures. Direct visual assessment of the ovary was possible after dissection of a fatty bursal sac, which completely enclosed the ovaries. In the second bear, laparoscopic manipulation of the ovary to draw it closer to the body wall enabled transcutaneous ultrasound. Laparoscopy may be a valuable tool to aid in the application of advanced reproductive technologies in polar bears.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellison D. Aldrich
- School of Veterinary Sciences, Massy University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Dean A. Hendrickson
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - Todd L. Schmitt
- SeaWorld of California, 500 Sea World Drive, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
| | - Hendrik H. Nollens
- Sand Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027, USA
| | - Gisele Montano
- Species Preservation Laboratory, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment Corporation, 2595 Ingraham Road, San Diego, CA 92109, USA (T.R.R.)
| | - Karen J. Steinman
- Species Preservation Laboratory, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment Corporation, 2595 Ingraham Road, San Diego, CA 92109, USA (T.R.R.)
| | | | - Todd R. Robeck
- Species Preservation Laboratory, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment Corporation, 2595 Ingraham Road, San Diego, CA 92109, USA (T.R.R.)
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Comizzoli P, Amelkina O, Chavez DR, Rowlison TR, Lee PC. Current knowledge in the biology of gametes and embryos from Carnivora. Theriogenology 2023; 196:254-263. [PMID: 36434847 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In addition to companion animals and laboratory species, about 270 carnivore species play fundamental ecological roles in different ecosystems. However, almost 40% of carnivore species are now threatened or endangered in the wild because of human activities. While protection of natural habitats is critical, it is equally important to better understand carnivore reproduction, including a solid knowledge in sperm, oocyte, and embryo biology, to maintain sustainable populations in the wild and in conservation breeding centers. Characterizing gamete and embryo biology is also needed to develop cryopreservation and assisted reproductive technologies to enhance conservation efforts. The objective of this review is to provide the most recent knowledge in the biology of sperm cells, oocytes, and early embryos across all carnivore families. Overall, most data originate from populations maintained in breeding centers or zoos. Characterizations of sperm biology and cryopreservation are far more advanced than for oocytes and embryos. Currently, sperm biology is mainly studied in Canids, Felids, Ursids, and Mustelids, with more emphasis on structural than functional properties. Importantly, fundamental studies of gamete and embryo biology in domestic dogs, cats, and ferrets have paved the way for more precise characterizations in wild counterparts as well as the development of cryopreservation and assisted reproductive technologies. A striking feature of spermatozoa across a wide range of Canids and Felids is the presence of teratospermia (>60% of abnormal sperm cells), which is related to the loss of genetic diversity in some populations. Although sperm structures differ across carnivore families, sperm biology remains difficult to compare because of the small amount of data in many species. Regarding oocyte biology and embryology, data are much scarcer than in sperm cells, with too few studies going beyond structural descriptions. More carnivore species and more individuals (especially from wild populations in addition to captive ones) must be studied to improve our understanding about comparative germplasm biology and develop adequate conservation breeding strategies including the use of cryobanking and assisted reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Comizzoli
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington DC, USA.
| | - Olga Amelkina
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington DC, USA
| | - Daniela R Chavez
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington DC, USA
| | - Tricia R Rowlison
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington DC, USA
| | - Pei-Chih Lee
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington DC, USA
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Jeong DH, Yang JJ, Seok SH, Song DJ, Yeon SC. Cardiorespiratory effects of isoflurane in Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) anesthetized with intramuscular medetomidine and zolazepam/tiletamine. J Vet Med Sci 2016; 79:153-159. [PMID: 27725350 PMCID: PMC5289253 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.16-0290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the dose-dependent effects of isoflurane on various cardiovascular parameters and the stable range of isoflurane
concentrations in Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus). Seven Asiatic black bears were intramuscularly injected with medetomidine, zolazepam
and tiletamine (MZT) to induce anesthesia, and anesthesia was maintained by administering isoflurane in 100% oxygen (4 l/min) without
mechanical ventilation. Several cardiovascular parameters were measured at five end-tidal isoflurane concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5%). Blood was
collected from the femoral artery before administration of isoflurane and after each administration for immediate blood gas analysis. Isoflurane produced
dose-dependent increases in heart rate, respiratory rate, minute volume, end-tidal carbon dioxide (CO2) partial pressure and the partial pressure of
arterial CO2, and dose-dependent decreases in non-invasive blood pressure and tidal volume. Rectal temperature, oxygenation and acid-base balance
were unaffected by isoflurane. All parameters in this study were in a clinically acceptable range at all times. The data show that the combination of MZT and
isoflurane is suitable for general anesthesia in Asiatic black bears with spontaneous breathing during prolonged procedures. End-tidal isoflurane concentrations
of 0.5 to 2.5% can be used in Asiatic black bears without adverse side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Hyuk Jeong
- Species Restoration Technology Institute of Korea National Park Service, Gurye 542-853, Republic of Korea
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Reproduction and Advances in Reproductive Studies in Carnivores. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 753:205-39. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0820-2_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Ware JV, Nelson OL, Robbins CT, Jansen HT. Split parturition observed in a captive North American brown bear (Ursus arctos). Zoo Biol 2011; 31:255-9. [PMID: 22025081 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.20424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2011] [Revised: 08/07/2011] [Accepted: 09/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive physiology in North American ursids is characterized by mating from spring to early summer, delayed implantation, and birth during hibernation. During spring 2008, a captive adult female brown bear was mated with two adult males. Pregnancy was determined by elevated progesterone concentrations during late fall before hibernation. Two male cubs were born on December 31, 2008, and a third female cub was born 17 days later on January 16. All were successfully raised and all were confirmed to have identical paternity. When normalized to age, cub growth rates did not differ. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of markedly different birth dates in a single litter of brown bear cubs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine V Ware
- Deparmentt of Veterinary and Comparative Anatomy, Pharmacology and Physiology (VCAPP), Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
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Amstislavsky S, Lindeberg H, Luvoni GC. Reproductive Technologies Relevant to the Genome Resource Bank in Carnivora. Reprod Domest Anim 2011; 47:164-75. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2011.01886.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Anel L, Álvarez M, Martínez-Pastor F, Gomes S, Nicolás M, Mata M, Martínez AF, Borragán S, Anel E, de Paz P. Sperm Cryopreservation in Brown Bear (Ursus arctos): Preliminary Aspects. Reprod Domest Anim 2008; 43 Suppl 4:9-17. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01248.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Andrabi SMH, Maxwell WMC. A review on reproductive biotechnologies for conservation of endangered mammalian species. Anim Reprod Sci 2007; 99:223-43. [PMID: 16919407 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2006.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2005] [Revised: 06/30/2006] [Accepted: 07/07/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
This review describes the use of modern reproductive biotechnologies or assisted reproductive techniques (ART) including artificial insemination, embryo transfer/sexing, in vitro fertilization, gamete/embryo micromanipulation, semen sexing, genome resource banking, and somatic cell nuclear transfer (cloning) in conservation programs for endangered mammalian species. Such biotechnologies allow more offspring to be obtained from selected parents to ensure genetic diversity and may reduce the interval between generations. However, the application of reproductive biotechnologies for endangered free-living mammals is rarer than for endangered domestic breeds. Progress in ART for non-domestic species will continue at a slow pace due to limited resources, but also because the management and conservation of endangered species is biologically quite complex. In practice, current reproductive biotechnologies are species-specific or inefficient for many endangered animals because of insufficient knowledge on basic reproduction like estrous cycle, seasonality, structural anatomy, gamete physiology and site for semen deposition or embryo transfer of non-domestic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M H Andrabi
- MC Franklin Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW 2570, Australia.
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Boone WR, Keck BB, Catlin JC, Casey KJ, Boone ET, Dye PS, Schuett RJ, Tsubota T, Bahr JC. Evidence that bears are induced ovulators. Theriogenology 2004; 61:1163-9. [PMID: 15037003 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2003.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2002] [Accepted: 07/04/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine if black bears are induced ovulators. We conducted a single experiment with two replicates; each replicate was divided into two arms: females exposed to male bears and females without male exposure. We used laparoscopy to examine ovaries for corpora lutea and measured serum progesterone concentrations. Six of the seven isolated females failed to ovulate, while seven of the eight females exposed to males produced one to four corpora lutea. Furthermore, isolated females had significantly lower progesterone concentrations than females exposed to males. Thus, our data suggest that the American black bear is an induced ovulator. These results may aid biologists in their efforts to reproduce ursids in controlled environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- William R Boone
- Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Greenville Hospital System, 890 W Faris Road, Suite 470, Greenville, SC 29605, USA.
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Abstract
By means of videotape, we observed and timed courtship, mating, and refractoriness in the American black bear while confined in a semicaptive environment. Sixty-six courtships resulted in mating. During courtship, the male detected estrus and receptivity in the female. Courtship lasted 22.5+/-2.3s (mean+/-S.E.M.). We videotaped and reviewed 61 matings that included mounts, pelvic thrusts, and flutters. Mating lasted 51.6+/-4.2s. Within these 61 matings, there were 24 pelvic thrusts and 14 flutters observed. Pelvic thrusts averaged 2.3+/-0.3 times, while flutters averaged 11.1+/-2.9 times. Of the 61 courtship-mating segments, 28 segments depicted a male refractory period, while 27 segments depicted a female refractory period. The male refractory period lasted 44.9+/-6.1s during which the male sat and licked his genital region. The female walked, ran away, or turned and attacked the male during her 54.2+/-8.3s refractory period. This is the first time a large number of paired ursid matings has been described and timed.
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Affiliation(s)
- William R Boone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Greenville Hospital System, 890 W. Faris Road, Suite 470, SC 29605, USA.
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