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Silveira JM, Cesar Dos Santos A, Calado de Brito DC, de Oliveira MF, Conley AJ, de Assis Neto AC. Morphohistometric and steroidogenic parameters during testicular and epididymal differentiation in cavy (Galea spixii) fetuses. Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100829. [PMID: 38039944 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2023.100829] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Sexual differentiation and steroidogenic mechanisms have an important impact on postnatal gonadal phenotypic development. Thus, establishing the activities that lead to male phenotypic development can provide a better understanding of this process. This study examined the prenatal development of cavies to establish morphological and histometric development patterns and protein and enzyme immunolocalization processes that are responsible for androgen synthesis in the testes and epididymis. Histological and histometric analyses of the diameter of the seminiferous cords and epididymal ducts of male fetuses on Days 25, 30, 40, and 50 were performed, as well as immunohistochemistry of the steroidogenic enzymes 5α-reductase and 17β-HSD, the androgen receptor, and the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). Our findings showed a cellular grouping of gonocytes from Day 30 onward that was characteristic of the seminiferous cord, which was not present in the lumen at any of the studied dates. From Day 50 onward, the differentiation of the three anatomical regions of the epididymis was evident, the head (caput), body (corpus), and tail (cauda), with tissue distinctions. Furthermore, the diameters of the seminiferous cords and epididymal ducts significantly increased with age. On Day 50, the tail showed the greatest diameter of the three regions. The Sertoli and Leydig cells exhibited AMH immunoreactivity at all dates. In addition, the Leydig cells and epididymal epithelial tissue were immunopositive for 5α-reductase, 17β-HSD, and the androgen receptor; therefore, these factors influenced the development and maintenance of the testis and epididymis during cavy prenatal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlia Moreira Silveira
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Amilton Cesar Dos Santos
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Alan James Conley
- Department of Population Health & Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, UC, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Antonio Chaves de Assis Neto
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Busso JM, Baechli J, Bellis LM, Landi MA, Villarreal DP. Social impact of mara pair disruption on the formation of new bonds and reproduction in a multiple mate choice context. Anim Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2022.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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3
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Sex-specific alterations in hepatic cholesterol metabolism in low birth weight adult guinea pigs. Pediatr Res 2022; 91:1078-1089. [PMID: 34230622 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-021-01491-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrauterine growth restriction and low birth weight (LBW) have been widely reported as an independent risk factor for adult hypercholesterolaemia and increased hepatic cholesterol in a sex-specific manner. However, the specific impact of uteroplacental insufficiency (UPI), a leading cause of LBW in developed world, on hepatic cholesterol metabolism in later life, is ill defined and is clinically relevant in understanding later life liver metabolic health trajectories. METHODS Hepatic cholesterol, transcriptome, cholesterol homoeostasis regulatory proteins, and antioxidant markers were studied in UPI-induced LBW and normal birth weight (NBW) male and female guinea pigs at 150 days. RESULTS Hepatic free and total cholesterol were increased in LBW versus NBW males. Transcriptome analysis of LBW versus NBW livers revealed that "cholesterol metabolism" was an enriched pathway in LBW males but not in females. Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein and cytochrome P450 7A1 protein, involved in hepatic cholesterol efflux and catabolism, respectively, and catalase activity were decreased in LBW male livers. Superoxide dismutase activity was reduced in LBW males but increased in LBW females. CONCLUSIONS UPI environment is associated with a later life programed hepatic cholesterol accumulation via impaired cholesterol elimination in a sex-specific manner. These programmed alterations could underlie later life cholesterol-induced hepatic lipotoxicity in LBW male offspring. IMPACT Low birth weight (LBW) is a risk factor for increased hepatic cholesterol. Uteroplacental insufficiency (UPI) resulting in LBW increased hepatic cholesterol content, altered hepatic expression of cholesterol metabolism-related genes in young adult guinea pigs. UPI-induced LBW was also associated with markers of a compromised hepatic cholesterol elimination process and failing antioxidant system in young adult guinea pigs. These changes, at the current age studied, were sex-specific, only being observed in LBW males and not in LBW females. These programmed alterations could lead to further hepatic damage and greater predisposition to liver diseases in UPI-induced LBW male offspring as they age.
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Hex SBSW, Tombak K, Rubenstein DI. A new classification of mammalian uni-male multi-female groups based on the fundamental principles governing inter- and intrasexual relationships. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-021-03046-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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5
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The acoustic behavior of the Brazilian caatinga big rodent is incongruent to its actual position in Hydrochoerinae. Behav Processes 2021; 193:104523. [PMID: 34592346 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2021.104523] [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: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Our knowledge about the acoustic behavior of Caviinae species drove us to investigate Kerodon rupestris's (Caviidae: Hydrochoerinae) repertoire. This species is endemic to Caatinga and states as vulnerable in the Brazilian list of endangered species. We recorded sounds uttered by individuals from Santa Luzia, State of Paraíba, Brazil. We promoted interactions among 13 animals during intra and intersexual pairing sessions, under undisturbed interactions in captivity, and in free-living conditions. We found a repertoire of 13 call types, most of them (all except three) shared with Cavia and only five possibly shared also with Hydrochoerus: (1) Close contact and cohesion: tonal and noisy contact calls, tweet, slow-whistle; (2) Social regulation (incitement, subordination or auto-defense): whine, peepy-squeak, yelp; (3) Offensive aggression and status display: roar, snort, and teeth-chattering (4) Warning or intimidation: alarm-whistle, drrr, and drumming; (5) Courtship: purr and slow-whistle. The similarity of Kerodon signals to Hydrochoerinae species, despite the ecological differences, needs to be understood in comparative phylogenetic studies tracing back the origin of the courtship display in Caviidae. Thus, future research should focus on playback studies to test signals' biological function hypothesis.
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Convergent evolution of a genomic rearrangement may explain cancer resistance in hystrico- and sciuromorpha rodents. NPJ Aging Mech Dis 2021; 7:20. [PMID: 34471123 PMCID: PMC8410860 DOI: 10.1038/s41514-021-00072-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The rodents of hystricomorpha and sciuromorpha suborders exhibit remarkably lower incidence of cancer. The underlying genetic basis remains obscure. We report a convergent evolutionary split of human 3p21.31, a locus hosting a large number of tumour-suppressor genes (TSGs) and frequently deleted in several tumour types, in hystrico- and sciuromorphs. Analysis of 34 vertebrate genomes revealed that the synteny of 3p21.31 cluster is functionally and evolutionarily constrained in most placental mammals, but exhibit large genomic interruptions independently in hystricomorphs and sciuromorphs, owing to relaxation of underlying constraints. Hystrico- and sciuromorphs, therefore, escape from pro-tumorigenic co-deletion of several TSGs in cis. The split 3p21.31 sub-clusters gained proximity to proto-oncogene clusters from elsewhere, which might further nullify pro-tumorigenic impact of copy number variations due to co-deletion or co-amplification of genes with opposing effects. The split of 3p21.31 locus coincided with the accelerated rate of its gene expression and the body mass evolution of ancestral hystrico- and sciuromorphs. The genes near breakpoints were associated with the traits specific to hystrico- and sciuromorphs, implying adaptive significance. We conclude that the convergently evolved chromosomal interruptions of evolutionarily constrained 3p21.31 cluster might have impacted evolution of cancer resistance, body mass variation and ecological adaptations in hystrico- and sciuromorphs.
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Cantano LMR, Luchesi LC, Takata JT, Monticelli PF. Behavioral repertoire of the Brazilian spiny-rats, Trinomys setosus and Clyomys laticeps: different levels of sociality. BRAZ J BIOL 2021; 83:e241164. [PMID: 34231655 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.241164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Behavior is a useful trait for comparative studies that provide the comprehension of phylogenetic relationships among species. Here, we present a description of two spiny-rats species' behavioral repertoire, Clyomys laticeps and Trinomys setosus (Rodentia: Echimyidae). The affiliative and agonistic behavioral patterns were sampled during a three-year study of captive populations of wild animals. Observational data were collected in two phases under different arrangements of individuals in groups. We also compare the behavioral traits of T. setosus and C. laticeps with the known behavioral patterns of Trinomys yonenagae. We add categories to the previous descriptions of T. setosus and a standard ethogram for C. laticeps. Trinomys setosus showed a visual and vocal display we called foot-trembling, which was not described in this form and function for other species studied until now. We discuss the differences in their sociality levels and similarities and differences among behavior patterns and repertoires.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M R Cantano
- Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto - FFCLRP, Departamento de Psicologia, Laboratório de Etologia e Bioacústica - EBAC, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicobiologia em Psicobiologia, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
| | - L C Luchesi
- Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto - FFCLRP, Departamento de Psicologia, Laboratório de Etologia e Bioacústica - EBAC, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicobiologia em Psicobiologia, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
| | - J T Takata
- Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto - FFCLRP, Departamento de Psicologia, Laboratório de Etologia e Bioacústica - EBAC, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicobiologia em Psicobiologia, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
| | - P F Monticelli
- Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto - FFCLRP, Departamento de Psicologia, Laboratório de Etologia e Bioacústica - EBAC, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicobiologia em Psicobiologia, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
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Städele V, Vigilant L, Strum SC, Silk JB. Extended male–female bonds and potential for prolonged paternal investment in a polygynandrous primate (Papio anubis). Anim Behav 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2021.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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9
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Gatica A, Denkiewicz NM, Ochoa AC. Breeding Behavior of Mara [Dolichotis patagonum (Zimmermann, 1780)] in the Monte-Chaco Ecotone of Argentina. MAMMAL STUDY 2019. [DOI: 10.3106/ms2019-0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ailin Gatica
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas (IMIBIO), CCT San Luis CONICET, San Luis, Argentina
| | - Natalia M. Denkiewicz
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas (IMIBIO), CCT San Luis CONICET, San Luis, Argentina
| | - Ana C. Ochoa
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas (IMIBIO), CCT San Luis CONICET, San Luis, Argentina
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de Oliveira GB, de Araújo Júnior HN, Dos Santos Sousa R, Bezerra FVF, Dos Santos AC, de Moura CEB, Silva AR, de Oliveira Rocha HA, de Oliveira MF. Morphology of the genital organs of the female red-rumped agouti (Dasyprocta leporina, Linnaeus, 1758) during estrous cycle phases and in advanced pregnancy. J Morphol 2019; 280:1232-1245. [PMID: 31233245 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The study investigated the gross and microscopic anatomy of the genital organs of 20 agoutis at different stages of the estrous cycle and four in the final trimester of pregnancy. Specimens were euthanized and their reproductive organs were fixed in a 4% paraformaldehyde or 2.5% glutaraldehyde solution and submitted to routine histological techniques for light and scanning electron microscopy. In the ovary, during the proestrus phase, we observed developing follicles and corpus luteum (CL) in regression; during estrus, there were Graafian follicles; during metestrus, there was a hemorrhagic corpus, whereas in diestrus, there was a mature CL. The uterus was partially double because the cervix was cranially septate but caudally, the septum disappeared, forming a single ostium that opened into the vagina. Changes occurred along the estrous cycle in the uterine and vaginal epithelia, that is, an increase in the uterine epithelium height accompanied by an increase of thickness of the vaginal epithelium during the follicular phase and a decrease of thickness of both epithelia during the luteal phase. The endometrial lining was composed of a simple cuboidal epithelium to simple columnar epithelium with basal nuclei. The vaginal mucosa consisted of epithelium that varied from nonkeratinized stratified squamous (luteal phase) to keratinized stratified squamous (follicular phase). The clitoris was external to the vagina. It presented two protruding lateral keratinized spicules and a centralized urethra, with no common parts between the urinary and genital tracts. Anatomical and histological changes were observed mainly in the cervix, vagina and spicules of the clitoris during the EC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rejane Dos Santos Sousa
- Department of Anatomy of Domestic and Wild Animals, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Amilton Cesar Dos Santos
- Department of Anatomy of Domestic and Wild Animals, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Alexandre Rodrigues Silva
- Department of Animal Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Mossoró, State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Hugo Alexandre de Oliveira Rocha
- Bioscience Center, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Moacir Franco de Oliveira
- Department of Animal Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Mossoró, State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
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Aro MM, Santos AC, Silveira EE, Silva Lisboa Neto AF, Oliveira MF, Assis Neto AC. Morphological tools to evaluate the digestory apparatus in rocky cavy (
Kerodon rupestris
). Microsc Res Tech 2019; 82:696-708. [DOI: 10.1002/jemt.23216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marian Mazeto Aro
- Department of Surgery, Sector of Anatomy of the Domestic and Wild AnimalsSchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo São Paulo Brazil
| | - Amilton Cesar Santos
- Department of Surgery, Sector of Anatomy of the Domestic and Wild AnimalsSchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo São Paulo Brazil
| | - Erick Eduardo Silveira
- Department of Surgery, Sector of Anatomy of the Domestic and Wild AnimalsSchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo São Paulo Brazil
| | - Antônio Francisco Silva Lisboa Neto
- Department of Surgery, Sector of Anatomy of the Domestic and Wild AnimalsSchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo São Paulo Brazil
| | | | - Antônio Chaves Assis Neto
- Department of Surgery, Sector of Anatomy of the Domestic and Wild AnimalsSchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo São Paulo Brazil
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Sachser N, Hennessy MB, Kaiser S. The adaptive shaping of social behavioural phenotypes during adolescence. Biol Lett 2018; 14:rsbl.2018.0536. [PMID: 30463922 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2018.0536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental behavioural plasticity is a process by which organisms can alter development of their behavioural phenotype to be better adapted to the environment encountered later in life. This 'shaping' process depends on the presence of reliable cues by which predictions can be made. It is now established that cues detected by the mother can be used (primarily via hormones prenatally and maternal behaviour in the early postnatal stage) to shape the behavioural phenotype of her offspring. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that adolescence is another period in which conditions are well-suited for such shaping to occur. We review here how mammalian social behaviour may be shaped in adolescence. We identify limited extant examples, briefly discuss underlying mechanisms, and provide evidence that observed changes are indeed adaptive. We contend that while plasticity diminishes with age, the shaping of the behavioural phenotype in adolescence offers several advantages, including that adolescence is closer to the onset of mating than are earlier phases of life; that unlike earlier phases, information is obtained directly from the environment rather than mediated by the mother; and unlike later in adulthood, there is substantial underlying neural plasticity associated with development to support behavioural change. We also consider conditions that favour the occurrence of social behaviour plasticity during adolescence, including a high degree of sociality and a prolonged developmental period and the implication of these conditions for the occurrence of sex differences in the shaping process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Sachser
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Muenster, Badestrasse 13, 48149 Muenster, Germany .,Muenster Graduate School of Evolution (MGSE), University of Muenster, Huefferstrasse 1A, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Michael B Hennessy
- Department of Psychology, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435, USA
| | - Sylvia Kaiser
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Muenster, Badestrasse 13, 48149 Muenster, Germany.,Muenster Graduate School of Evolution (MGSE), University of Muenster, Huefferstrasse 1A, 48149 Muenster, Germany
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Abstract
AbstractWe took the rare opportunity to observe and quantify spontaneous allosuckling in a captive group ofCavia apereacaptured in the wild (a male, two females and their offspring). We recorded behavior interactions between all offspring and each of the adults between days 6 and 20 of life. Infants suckled equally from their mother and from the other female, which differs from a previous report in which mothers typically nursed own young. In addition, infants stayed closer to the other female than to mother or to the father. We discuss these results in the light of the common occurrence of allosuckling in Cavioidea and social structure.
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Dos Santos AC, Conley AJ, de Oliveira MF, de Assis Neto AC. Development of urogenital system in the Spix cavy: A model for studies on sexual differentiation. Differentiation 2018; 101:25-38. [PMID: 29684807 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This study documented, for the first time, the morphological patterns of differentiation of male and female genital organs of Spix cavy (Galea spixii) using histological and ultrastructural analyses, with immuno-localization of steroidogenic enzymes, cytochromes P450 aromatase (P450arom) and 17α-hydroxylase/17, 20-lyase (P450c17), involved in the synthesis of estrogens and androgens respectively throughout fetal sexual development. Undifferentiated gonads of Spix cavy develop into ovaries in females after 25 days of gestation (DG), exhibiting P450arom immunoreactivity. After 25 DG, paramesonephric ducts develop and form oviducts, uterine horns and cranial portion of the vagina. The caudal portion of the vagina originates from the urogenital sinus, and a vaginal closure membrane is present at the end of gestation. Partial channeling of the urethra into the clitoris occurs after 40 DG, but complete channeling never occurs. A preputial meatus emerges near the tip of organ. In males, undifferentiated gonads develop into testes at 25 DG and develop immunoreactivity for P450c17, which is required for androgens synthesis and likely maintenance of mesonephric ducts. Mesonephric ducts develop subsequently, forming the epididymis and ductus deferens. The pelvic urethra develops after 25 DG with channeling into the penis occurring around 30 DG. This is the first morphological study describing the process of sexual differentiation during gestation in a hystricomorph rodent and one of the most comprehensive analyses conducted in any mammal. Male genital organ development follows the general pattern described in other domestic mammals, but does not include formation of the baculum as occurs in mice and rats. In females, clitoral development includes partial canalization by the urethra and development of a preputial meatus. Further studies are required to clarify the mechanisms involved in the differentiative processes described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amilton Cesar Dos Santos
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87 ZC, 05508-270 São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - Alan James Conley
- Population Health&Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, USA
| | | | - Antônio Chaves de Assis Neto
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87 ZC, 05508-270 São Paulo-SP, Brazil.
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15
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Zimmermann TD, Kaiser S, Hennessy MB, Sachser N. Adaptive shaping of the behavioural and neuroendocrine phenotype during adolescence. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 284:rspb.2016.2784. [PMID: 28202817 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2016.2784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental conditions during early life can adaptively shape the phenotype for the prevailing environment. Recently, it has been suggested that adolescence represents an additional temporal window for adaptive developmental plasticity, though supporting evidence is scarce. Previous work has shown that male guinea pigs living in large mixed-sex colonies develop a low-aggressive phenotype as part of a queuing strategy that is adaptive for integrating into large unfamiliar colonies. By contrast, males living in pairs during adolescence become highly aggressive towards strangers. Here, we tested whether the high-aggressive phenotype is adaptive under conditions of low population density, namely when directly competing with a single opponent for access to females. For that purpose, we established groups of one pair-housed male (PM), one colony-housed male (CM) and two females. PMs directed more aggression towards the male competitor and more courtship and mating towards females than did CMs. In consequence, PMs attained the dominant position in most cases and sired significantly more offspring. Moreover, they showed distinctly higher testosterone concentrations and elevated cortisol levels, which probably promoted enhanced aggressiveness while mobilizing necessary energy. Taken together, our results provide the clearest evidence to date for adaptive shaping of the phenotype by environmental influences during adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias D Zimmermann
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany .,Münster Graduate School of Evolution, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Sylvia Kaiser
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.,Münster Graduate School of Evolution, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Michael B Hennessy
- Department of Psychology, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435, USA
| | - Norbert Sachser
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.,Münster Graduate School of Evolution, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
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dos Santos AC, Conley AJ, de Oliveira MF, Oliveira GB, Viana DC, Assis Neto ACD. Immunolocalization of steroidogenic enzymes in the vaginal mucous of Galea spixii during the estrous cycle. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2017; 15:30. [PMID: 28438170 PMCID: PMC5404681 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-017-0248-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The synthesis of sex steroids is controlled by several enzymes such as17α-hydroxylase cytochrome P450 (P450c17) catalyzing androgen synthesis and aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom) catalyzing estrogen synthesis, both of which must complex with the redox partner NADPH-cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (CPR) for activity. Previous studies have identified expression of steroidogenic enzymes in vaginal tissue, suggesting local sex steroid synthesis. The current studies investigate P450c17, P450aromatase and CPR expression in vaginal mucosa of Galea spixii (Spix cavy) by immuno-histochemical and western immunoblot analyses. METHODS Stages of estrous cyclicity were monitored by vaginal exfoliative cytology. After euthanasia, vaginal tissues were retrieved, fixed and frozen at diestrus, proestrus, estrus and metestrus. The ovaries and testis were used as positive control tissues for immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Data from cytological study allowed identification of different estrous cycle phases. Immunohistochemical analysis showed different sites of expression of steroidogenic enzymes along with tissue response throughout different phases of the estrous cycle. However, further studies are needed to characterize the derived hormones synthesized by, and the enzymes activities associated with, vaginal tissues. CONCLUSION Current results not only support the expression of enzymes involved in sex steroid synthesis in the wall of the vagina, they also indicate that expression changes with the stage of the cycle, both the levels and types of cells exhibiting expression. Thus, changes in proliferation of vaginal epithelial cells and the differentiation of the mucosa may be influenced by local steroid synthesis as well as circulating androgens and estrogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amilton Cesar dos Santos
- 0000 0004 1937 0722grid.11899.38Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87 ZC 05508-270 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alan James Conley
- 0000 0004 1936 9684grid.27860.3bPopulation Health & Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, 95616 USA
| | - Moacir Franco de Oliveira
- 0000 0004 0644 0007grid.412393.eDepartment of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal Rural do Semiárido, Mossoró, 59625-900 Brazil
| | - Gleidson Benevides Oliveira
- 0000 0004 0644 0007grid.412393.eDepartment of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal Rural do Semiárido, Mossoró, 59625-900 Brazil
| | - Diego Carvalho Viana
- 0000 0004 1937 0722grid.11899.38Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87 ZC 05508-270 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Antônio Chaves de Assis Neto
- 0000 0004 1937 0722grid.11899.38Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87 ZC 05508-270 São Paulo, Brazil
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Brust V, Guenther A. Stability of the guinea pigs personality – cognition – linkage over time. Behav Processes 2017; 134:4-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2016.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Pérez ME, Vallejo-Pareja MC, Carrillo JD, Jaramillo C. A New Pliocene Capybara (Rodentia, Caviidae) from Northern South America (Guajira, Colombia), and its Implications for the Great American Biotic Interchange. J MAMM EVOL 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10914-016-9356-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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dos Santos AC, Viana DC, Oliveira GB, Silva RS, Oliveira MF, Assis-Neto AC. Follicular development and morphological changes in the vaginal epithelium during the estrous cycle ofGalea spixii. Microsc Res Tech 2016; 80:167-176. [DOI: 10.1002/jemt.22784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Revised: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amilton Cesar dos Santos
- Department of Anatomy of Domestic and Wild Animals, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences; Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária Sao Paulo SP 05508-270 Brazil
| | - Diego Carvalho Viana
- Department of Anatomy of Domestic and Wild Animals, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences; Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária Sao Paulo SP 05508-270 Brazil
| | - Gleidson Benevides Oliveira
- Department of Animal Science; Federal Rural University of the Semiarid; BR-110 Km 47 Mossoró RN 59625-900 Brazil
| | - Renata Santos Silva
- Department of Anatomy of Domestic and Wild Animals, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences; Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária Sao Paulo SP 05508-270 Brazil
| | - Moacir Franco Oliveira
- Department of Animal Science; Federal Rural University of the Semiarid; BR-110 Km 47 Mossoró RN 59625-900 Brazil
| | - Antônio Chaves Assis-Neto
- Department of Anatomy of Domestic and Wild Animals, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences; Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária Sao Paulo SP 05508-270 Brazil
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Individual, social, and sexual niche traits affect copulation success in a polygynandrous mating system. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-016-2112-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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dos Santos AC, Oliveira GB, Viana DC, Oliveira FD, Silva RDS, Rici REG, de Oliveira MF, de Assis-Neto AC. Development and morphological changes in the vaginal closure membrane throughout gestation inGalea spixii(Rodentia: Caviidae). Microsc Res Tech 2016; 79:359-64. [DOI: 10.1002/jemt.22638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amilton Cesar dos Santos
- Department Anatomy of Domestic and Wild Animals; School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences. Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques De Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária; Sao Paulo SP 05508-270 Brazil
| | - Gleidson Benevides Oliveira
- Department of Animal Science; Federal Rural University of the Semiarid.; BR-110 Km 47 Mossoró RN 59625-900 Brazil
| | - Diego Carvalho Viana
- Department Anatomy of Domestic and Wild Animals; School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences. Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques De Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária; Sao Paulo SP 05508-270 Brazil
| | - Franceliusa Delys Oliveira
- Department Anatomy of Domestic and Wild Animals; School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences. Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques De Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária; Sao Paulo SP 05508-270 Brazil
| | - Renata dos Santos Silva
- Department Anatomy of Domestic and Wild Animals; School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences. Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques De Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária; Sao Paulo SP 05508-270 Brazil
| | - Rose Eli Grassi Rici
- Department Anatomy of Domestic and Wild Animals; School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences. Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques De Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária; Sao Paulo SP 05508-270 Brazil
| | - Moacir Franco de Oliveira
- Department of Animal Science; Federal Rural University of the Semiarid.; BR-110 Km 47 Mossoró RN 59625-900 Brazil
| | - Antônio Chaves de Assis-Neto
- Department Anatomy of Domestic and Wild Animals; School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences. Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques De Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária; Sao Paulo SP 05508-270 Brazil
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Abstract
Domestication is an evolutionary process during which the biobehavioural profile (comprising e.g. social and emotional behaviour, cognitive abilities, as well as hormonal stress responses) is substantially reshaped. Using a comparative approach, and focusing mainly on the domestic and wild guinea pig, an established model system for the study of domestication, we review (a) how wild and domestic animals of the same species differ in behaviour, emotion, cognition, and hormonal stress responses, (b) during which phases of life differences in biobehavioural profiles emerge and (c) whether or not animal personalities exist in both the wild and domestic form. Concerning (a), typical changes with domestication include increased courtship, sociopositive and maternal behaviours as well as decreased aggression and attentive behaviour. In addition, domestic animals display more anxiety-like and less risk-taking and exploratory behaviour than the wild form and they show distinctly lower endocrine stress responsiveness. There are no indications, however, that domestic animals have diminished cognitive abilities relative to the wild form. The different biobehavioural profiles of the wild and domestic animals can be regarded as adaptations to the different environmental conditions under which they live, i.e., the natural habitat and artificial man-made housing conditions, respectively. Concerning (b), the comparison of infantile, adolescent and adult wild and domestic guinea pigs shows that the typical biobehavioural profile of the domestic form is already present during early phases of life, that is, during early adolescence and weaning. Thus, differences between the domestic and the wild form can be attributed to genetic alterations resulting from artificial selection, and likely to environmental influences during the pre- and perinatal phase. Interestingly, the frequency of play behaviour does not differ between the domestic and wild form early in life, but is significantly higher in domesticated guinea pigs at later ages. Concerning (c), there is some evidence that personalities occur in both wild and domestic animals. However, there may be differences in which behavioural domains – social and sexual behaviour, emotionality, stress-responsiveness – are consistent over time. These differences are probably due to changing selection pressures during domestication.
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Kappeler PM, Fichtel C. Eco-evo-devo of the lemur syndrome: did adaptive behavioral plasticity get canalized in a large primate radiation? Front Zool 2015; 12 Suppl 1:S15. [PMID: 26816515 PMCID: PMC4722368 DOI: 10.1186/1742-9994-12-s1-s15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Comprehensive explanations of behavioral adaptations rarely invoke all levels famously admonished by Niko Tinbergen. The role of developmental processes and plasticity, in particular, has often been neglected. In this paper, we combine ecological, physiological and developmental perspectives in developing a hypothesis to account for the evolution of 'the lemur syndrome', a combination of reduced sexual dimorphism, even adult sex ratios, female dominance and mild genital masculinization characterizing group-living species in two families of Malagasy primates. RESULTS We review the different components of the lemur syndrome and compare it with similar adaptations reported for other mammals. We find support for the assertion that the lemur syndrome represents a unique set of integrated behavioral, demographic and morphological traits. We combine existing hypotheses about underlying adaptive function and proximate causation by adding a potential developmental mechanism linking maternal stress and filial masculinization, and outline an evolutionary scenario for its canalization. CONCLUSIONS We propose a new hypothesis linking ecological, physiological, developmental and evolutionary processes to adumbrate a comprehensive explanation for the evolution of the lemur syndrome, whose assumptions and predictions can guide diverse future research on lemurs. This hypothesis should also encourage students of other behavioral phenomena to consider the potential role of developmental plasticity in evolutionary innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M Kappeler
- Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology Unit, German Primate Center, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Claudia Fichtel
- Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology Unit, German Primate Center, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
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Kaiser S, Schwerdt B, Siegeler K, Sachser N. Social instability during pregnancy and lactation alters female wild cavy offsprings’ endocrine status and behaviour later in life. BEHAVIOUR 2015. [DOI: 10.1163/1568539x-00003256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The social environment shapes the individual behavioural profile during early phases of life. In guinea pigs the behavioural profile of daughters whose mothers experienced social instability during pregnancy and lactation (UE-daughters) are behaviourally masculinised. Since guinea pigs are domesticated the question arises whether this phenomenon was brought about by domestication or whether it represents an adaptive behavioural mechanism inherited from their wild ancestor, the wild cavy. This study, therefore, investigates the effects of an early unstable social environment on the biobehavioural profile of daughters in wild cavies and compares these effects with the findings in the domestic form. Our results show higher frequencies of aggression and play behaviour in UE-daughters, indicating a comparable behavioural masculinisation as in guinea pigs. Thus, the observed behavioural changes in UE-daughters cannot have been brought about by artificial selection during domestication. Rather they represent maternal effects evolved through natural selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Kaiser
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Münster, Badestrasse 13, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Britta Schwerdt
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Münster, Badestrasse 13, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Katja Siegeler
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Münster, Badestrasse 13, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Norbert Sachser
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Münster, Badestrasse 13, 48149 Münster, Germany
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Santos AC, Viana DC, Bertassoli BM, Oliveira GB, Oliveira DM, Bezerra FV, Oliveira MF, Assis-Neto AC. Characterization of the estrous cycle in Galea spixii(Wagler, 1831). PESQUISA VETERINARIA BRASILEIRA 2015. [DOI: 10.1590/s0100-736x2015000100017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The Galea spixii inhabits semiarid vegetation of Caatinga in the Brazilian Northeast. They are bred in captivity for the development of researches on the biology of reproduction. Therefore, the aim of this study is characterize the estrous cycle of G. spixii, in order to provide information to a better knowledge of captive breeding of the species. The estrous cycle was monitored by vaginal exfoliative cytology in 12 adult females. After the detection of two complete cycles in each animal, the same were euthanized. Then, histological study of the vaginal epithelium, with three females in each phase of the estrous cycle was performed; five were paired with males for performing the control group for estrous cycle phases, and three other were used to monitor the formation and rupture of vaginal closure membrane. By vaginal exfoliative cytology, predominance of superficial cells in estrus, large intermediate cells in proestrus, intermediate and parabasal cells, with neutrophils, in diestrus and metestrus respectively was found. Estrus was detected by the presence of spermatozoa in the control group. By histology, greater proliferation of the vaginal epithelium in proestrus was observed. We conclude that the estrous cycle of G. spixii lasts 15.8 ± 1.4 days and that the vaginal closure membrane develops until complete occlusion of the vaginal ostium, breaking after few days. Future studies may reveal the importance of this fact for the reproductive success of this animal.
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Sobrero R, Inostroza-Michael O, Hernández CE, Ebensperger LA. Phylogeny modulates the effects of ecological conditions on group living across hystricognath rodents. Anim Behav 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2014.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Schofield JA, Gardner MG, Fenner AL, Michael Bull C. Promiscuous mating in the endangered Australian lizard Tiliqua adelaidensis: a potential windfall for its conservation. CONSERV GENET 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-013-0529-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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