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Silva KMP, Almeida-Santos SM, Lobo LM, Bravo-Vega CA, Rici REG, Sasa M. Morphology and seasonality of the sexual segment of the kidney in genus Bothrops snakes. J Morphol 2021; 283:236-249. [PMID: 34951038 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In Squamata, the sexual segment of the male kidney (SSK) produces secretory granules that are transmitted to the female tract during copulation. Here, we investigate the morphology of SSK in various species of the pitviper-genus Bothrops, a medically relevant clade of Neotropical snakes, using histology, histochemistry, as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy. We also evaluated the relationship of SSK hypertrophy with spermatogenesis and storage of sperm. The SSK in Bothrops consists of tall columnar epithelial cells filled with electron-dense secretory granules. These granules are apparently released into the lumen by an apocrine secretory process. In general, the ultrastructural morphology of SSK in Bothrops is similar to those described for other pitvipers in the genus Agkistrodon. In most Bothrops males, the SSK produces carbohydrates and proteins, and occurs in all lobes of the kidney, occupying most of the kidney mass. In contrast, intersexual females (with male copulatory organs) of Bothrops insularis had a smaller SSK diameter than males and did not show hypertrophy. The seasonal development of SSK in Bothrops species seems to be driven by environmental factors rather than phylogeny, since sister species exhibited periods of hypertrophy at different months. In most Bothrops males, hypertrophy occurs at various seasons of the year (spring, summer, autumn), even in winter, and seasonal changes in SSK do not necessarily accompany spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luís Miguel Lobo
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos Andrés Bravo-Vega
- Departamento de Ingeniería Biomédica, Grupo de Investigación en Biologia Matemática y Computacional BIOMAC, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Rose Eli Grassi Rici
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mahmood Sasa
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Costa Rica y Museo de Zoología, Centro de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Ecología Tropical, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
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Resende FCD, Avelar GFD. The sexual segment of the kidney of a tropical rattlesnake, Crotalus durissus (Reptilia, Squamata, Viperidae), and its relationship to seasonal testicular and androgen cycles. J Morphol 2021; 282:1402-1414. [PMID: 34219274 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The sexual segment of the kidney (SSK) is a hypertrophied region of the nephron, which occurs in males of most squamate species that have been investigated, at least, during the active season. Many studies have shown that the SSK has a seasonal secretory cycle that could be correlated to the mating season, testicular activity, and androgen synthesis. However, to date, no study has investigated the presence of androgen receptors (AR) in cells of the SSK, nor the relation between the expression of AR, testosterone levels, and testicular condition. The SSK in Crotalus durissus corresponds to the distal segment of the nephron and presents a peak of hypertrophy during the period of testicular activity (spermatogenesis) and high testosterone levels, suggesting that seasonal variation of the SSK might be under the control of androgens. Testosterone concentrations and expression of AR varied seasonally with increased values for both parameters directly correlated to hypertrophy of the SSK. This study is, therefore, the first to target the SSK of a tropical snake and to establish a relationship between the secretory cycle of the SSK, testicular cycle, and levels of androgens. Furthermore, this study is the first to identify the presence of AR in the nucleus of the SSK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávia Cappuccio de Resende
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Scientific Collection of Snakes, Ezequiel Dias Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Gleide Fernandes de Avelar
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Samson S, Bhagya M, Bhadravathi CS, Aranha I. Sexual segment of the kidney of the lizard, Eutropis carinata: A light microscopic and ultrastructural seasonal study. J Morphol 2020; 282:262-277. [PMID: 33320355 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
We studied seasonal variation of the secretory granules in the epithelial cells of the sexual segment of the kidney (SSK) during the annual sexual cycle in the lizard, Eutropis carinata using light and electron microscopy in correlation with measurements of androgen levels. During the breeding phase, the epithelium of the SSK consists of simple columnar cells with basal nuclei. The cytoplasm contains numerous eosinophilic secretory protein and carbohydrate granules, but lacks glycosaminoglycans. These secretory granules develop during the regenerative phase when the circulating testosterone level increase. During the breeding phase, when the circulating testosterone levels are high, three types of secretory granules can be differentiated in the cytoplasm based on size and opacity; electron translucent type I, electron dense type II, and biphasic type III granules. Type II granules are found at various stages of maturity and degeneration/utilization. All types of secretory granules are released through an apocrine process. Microvilli and tight junctions are prominent at the apical portion of the cell. The cytoplasm contains, Golgi complexes, an abundant network of rough endoplasmic reticulum, numerous tubular mitochondria, condensing, mucus filled and empty vacuoles. Intercellular canaliculi are narrow and indistinct during the regenerative and breeding phases, respectively. During the regressed phase, when the circulating testosterone levels are lowest, the cells are found regressed with wide intercellular canaliculi and devoid of secretory granules. Then the cytoplasm contains a few round mitochondria, Golgi and scanty endoplasmic reticulum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanthakumar Samson
- Department of Studies in Zoology, Manasagangotri, University of Mysore, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Mahadevaiah Bhagya
- Department of Studies in Zoology, Manasagangotri, University of Mysore, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Chandrasekhar Sagar Bhadravathi
- Department of Neuropathology, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Ivan Aranha
- Department of Zoology, Ahmednagar College, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India
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Rheubert J, Pasternak MA, Ely M, Siegel DS, Trauth SE, Gribbins KM, Sever DM. Seasonal histology and ultrastructure of the urogenital system in two sympatric lizards. J Zool (1987) 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. Rheubert
- Department of Biology University of Findlay Findlay OH USA
| | | | - M. Ely
- Department of Biology University of Findlay Findlay OH USA
| | - D. S. Siegel
- Department of Biology Southeast Missouri State University Cape Girardeau MO USA
| | - S. E. Trauth
- Department of Biological Sciences Arkansas State University (Emeritus) Jonesboro AR USA
| | - K. M. Gribbins
- Department of Biology University of Indianapolis Indianapolis IN USA
| | - D. M. Sever
- Department of Biology Southeastern Louisiana University (Emeritus) Hammond LA USA
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Levine BA, Douglas MR, Yackel Adams AA, Lardner B, Reed RN, Savidge JA, Douglas ME. Genomic pedigree reconstruction identifies predictors of mating and reproductive success in an invasive vertebrate. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:11863-11877. [PMID: 31695893 PMCID: PMC6822066 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The persistence of an invasive species is influenced by its reproductive ecology, and a successful control program must operate on this premise. However, the reproductive ecology of invasive species may be enigmatic due to factors that also limit their management, such as cryptic coloration and behavior. We explored the mating and reproductive ecology of the invasive Brown Treesnake (BTS: Boiga irregularis) by reconstructing a multigenerational genomic pedigree based on 654 single nucleotide polymorphisms for a geographically closed population established in 2004 on Guam (N = 426). The pedigree allowed annual estimates of individual mating and reproductive success to be inferred for snakes in the study population over a 14-year period. We then employed generalized linear mixed models to gauge how well phenotypic and genomic data could predict sex-specific annual mating and reproductive success. Average snout-vent length (SVL), average body condition index (BCI), and trappability were significantly related to annual mating success for males, with average SVL also related to annual mating success for females. Male and female annual reproductive success was positively affected by SVL, BCI, and trappability. Surprisingly, the degree to which individuals were inbred had no effect on annual mating or reproductive success. When juxtaposed with current control methods, these results indicate that baited traps, a common interdiction tool, may target fecund BTS in some regards but not others. Our study emphasizes the importance of reproductive ecology as a focus for improving BTS control and promotes genomic pedigree reconstruction for such an endeavor in this invasive species and others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenna A. Levine
- University of ArkansasFayettevilleArkansas
- Present address:
University of TulsaTulsaOklahoma
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Rheubert JL, Freeborn L, Sever DM, Siegel DS, Gribbins KM. Agkistrodon piscivorus spermatogenesis addendum: The effect of Hurricane Katrina on spermatogenesis of the western cottonmouth snake. SPERMATOGENESIS 2014; 4:e988586. [PMID: 26845430 DOI: 10.4161/21565562.2014.988586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Revised: 11/06/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies detailed the spermatogenic cycle of the Western Cottonmouth Snake, Agkistrodon piscivorus and noted that spermatogenesis is bimodal, with active periods during March-June and August-October in southeastern Louisiana. However, only spermatogonia were present in September in the only specimen that was captured and the authors state that the individual "should have a high testis volume and also show spermiogenic activity." The specimen in their study was caught immediately following Hurricane Katrina outside of its normal habitat. Therefore, in order to verify their assumption, individuals were captured during September of 2008 and the testes were spermatogenically active with spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and mature spermatozoa being present in the seminiferous epithelium of the testes. These data indicate that Hurricane Katrina could have had an impact on the spermatogenic cycle in Cottonmouths, resulting in stress-induced testicular regression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Layla Freeborn
- Department of Biology; Tulane University ; New Orleans, LA USA
| | - David M Sever
- Department of Biological Sciences; Southeastern Louisiana University ; Hammond, LA USA
| | - Dustin S Siegel
- Department of Biology; Southeast Missouri State University ; Cape Girardeau, MO USA
| | - Kevin M Gribbins
- Department of Biology; University of Indianapolis ; Indianapolis, IN USA
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Sever DM, Rheubert JL, Gautreaux J, Hill TG, Freeborn LR. Observations on the Sexual Segment of the Kidney of Snakes with Emphasis on Ultrastructure in the Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake, Pelamis platurus. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2012; 295:872-85. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.22435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2011] [Accepted: 01/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Aldridge R, Jellen B, Siegel D, Wisniewski S. The Sexual Segment of the Kidney. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1201/b10879-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
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Rheubert JL, Murray CM, Siegel DS, Babin J, Sever DM. The sexual segment of hemidactylus turcicus and the evolution of sexual segment location in squamata. J Morphol 2011; 272:802-13. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.10949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2010] [Revised: 11/18/2010] [Accepted: 11/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Aldridge RD, Siegel DS, Bufalino AP, Wisniewski SS, Jellen BC. A multiyear comparison of the male reproductive biology of the brown treesnake (Boiga irregularis) from Guam and the native range. AUST J ZOOL 2010. [DOI: 10.1071/zo09068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that reproduction in the brown treesnake (Boiga irregularis) is reduced on Guam because of elevated stress hormones caused by limited food availability. This study examined the reproductive anatomy of male brown treesnakes on Guam over a 15-year period (1985–99) to determine whether the size at maturity and development of the testis and sexual segment of the kidney varied between years and to compare these data to those for snakes collected from the native range. On Guam, the average snout–vent length and body mass of B. irregularis has decreased from its high in 1985 and remained stable from 1989 to 1999. The snout–vent length at maturity was similar between years. Mean diameters of the seminiferous tubule and the sexual segment of the kidney were not significantly different between years. However, the number of sexual segment tubules hypertrophied per snake varied greatly. Snakes from the native range matured at smaller snout–vent lengths and had significantly more hypertrophied sexual segment tubules per kidney than populations on Guam. These data suggest that elevated plasma levels of corticosterone, potentially due to an increase in male–male interactions as a result the explosive population growth experienced on Guam, may be negatively influencing male reproduction.
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