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Tink LN, Jansen R, Steyn C. The gross reproductive morphology of the male Temminck's pangolin Smutsia temminckii (Smuts, 1832). Anat Histol Embryol 2024; 53:e13084. [PMID: 38944690 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.13084] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
The Temminck's pangolin (Smutsia temminckii) is one of eight pangolin species worldwide and the only pangolin present in southern Africa. Historically, pangolins have not been able to reproduce successfully in captivity and this may be in part due to the lack of knowledge and understanding with regards to the pangolin reproductive system (anatomy, physiology, biology) in all eight species. This original study describes the gross anatomy of the male Temminck's pangolin from three adult individuals investigated. The male Temminck's pangolin presented a short, conical penis with ascrotal (internal) testes, similar to many other myrmecophagous mammals such as the aardvark (Orycteropus sp.) and anteaters (suborder: Vermilingua). However, the orientation of the penis of the Temminck's pangolin differed in that it was oriented cranioventrally, in contrast to the caudal orientation of the giant anteater. The testes were found to be bilaterally flattened with an elongate oval shape, similar to the aardvark. The specific characteristics of the reproductive tract of the male Temminck's pangolins are thought to be adaptations to their peculiar lifestyle as the male portrays characteristics that indicate adaptation to a lower basal metabolic rate and body temperature as well as to their defensive mechanism of rolling up into a ball. Our study suggests the male Temminck's pangolin reproductive anatomy is most similar and comparable to the Xenarthrans and the aardvark that display the same fossorial activities as pangolins, and the male morphology is not comparable to the phylogenetically closely-related Carnivora.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Nicole Tink
- Department of Nature Conservation, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Raymond Jansen
- Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Science, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa
- IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group, c/o Zoological Society of London, London, UK
| | - Christine Steyn
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
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2
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de Moura FBC, Lacerda ZA, Catão-Dias JL, Navas-Suárez PE, Werther K, Simões SRJS, Santos RDL, Murillo DFB, Watanabe TTN, Fonseca-Alves CE, Rocha NS. Background and common lesions in the female reproductive organs of giant anteaters ( Myrmecophaga tridactyla). Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1287872. [PMID: 38328261 PMCID: PMC10847298 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1287872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is a vulnerable species in South America and is considered endangered or near extinction in Central America. Therefore, studies describing the reproductive characteristics of this species are pivotal for its conservation. Thus, this study aimed to provide a morphological description of the female reproductive tissues of this species. We collected tissue samples from six female giant anteaters and performed gross, morphological, and histochemical analyses. Five adult subjects and one juvenile were included in the study. In the ovary, classifications were made according to the follicle and oocyte sizes: primordial, primary, secondary, early antral, or antral. Typical follicles with a single oocyte surrounded by a simple or stratified layer of cubic epithelium, atretic follicles, corpora lutea, corpora albicans, and ovarian cysts were also observed. No ovarian lesions were observed. By contrast, endometritis, metritis, mucometra, and endometrial cysts were identified in the uterus. Uterine alterations in these subjects were frequent and could affect reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zara Alves Lacerda
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Luiz Catão-Dias
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pedro Enrique Navas-Suárez
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Veterinary Medicine Program, University Center FAM, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Karin Werther
- School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Renato de Lima Santos
- Veterinary School, “Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais” (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Noeme Sousa Rocha
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil
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Kotula-Balak M, Lonc G, Zarzycka M, Tomiyasu J, Knapczyk-Stwora K, Płachno BJ, Korzekwa AJ, Kaczmarczyk J, Krakowska I. The uterusmasculinus of the Eurasian beaver (Castor fever L.) - The appraisal of fast hormone regulation by membrane androgen and estrogen receptors involvement. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2024; 345:114389. [PMID: 37797800 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
The phenomenon of remaining paramesonephric ducts (uterus masculinus) in males of some animal species concerning its role is still an unresolved issue. Now it is well-recognized that sex hormonal regulation of reproductive physiology involves also fast nongenomic control of cellular processes through noncanonical signaling. Herein, in the uterus masculinus of Eurasian beaver membrane androgen receptor (metal ion transporter Zrt- and Irt-like protein 9; ZIP9) and membrane estrogen receptor (G protein-coupled estrogen receptor; GPER) were studied. Scanning electron microscopy together with anatomical analysis revealed that Eurasian male beavers possess one double uterus (uterus duplex). Two odd parts open into the vagina but do not form a common lumen. The length of the horns is the most differential feature of this organ in studied animals. Uterus masculinus is not a tightly closed tubular structure. Histological analysis showed an analogy to the female uterus structure however no glands but gland-like structures were observed. The presence and abundant localization of ZIP9 and GPER proteins in cells of uterus masculinus was confirmed by immunohistochemistry while their expression was measured by western blotting. GPER expression in remnants was lower (P < 0.001) than those in the female uterus. Parallelly, the concentration of progesterone and estradiol but not testosterone was lower (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively) in comparison to the female uterus. Our study, for the first time, reports the involvement of fast hormonal regulation in the uterus masculinus of Eurasian beavers reflecting the participation of this organ in the creation local hormonal environment. Moreover, the uterus masculinus seems to be a useful research model for understanding and resolving urgent biological problems such as gender identities and having children by women with a lack of uterus or anatomical barriers on this level.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kotula-Balak
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Preclinical Sciences, University Centre of Veterinary Medicine JU-UA, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059, Krakow, Poland.
| | - G Lonc
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Preclinical Sciences, University Centre of Veterinary Medicine JU-UA, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059, Krakow, Poland
| | - M Zarzycka
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - J Tomiyasu
- Department of Biodiversity Protection, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - K Knapczyk-Stwora
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Krakow, Poland
| | - B J Płachno
- Department of Plant Cytology and Embryology, Institute of Botany, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - A J Korzekwa
- Department of Biodiversity Protection, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - J Kaczmarczyk
- Department of Biodiversity Protection, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - I Krakowska
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Preclinical Sciences, University Centre of Veterinary Medicine JU-UA, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059, Krakow, Poland
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Welsh PJ, McDaniel K, Goldsmith EW, Ramsay JD, Conley A, Owen TJ, Ambrosini YM, Ciccarelli M. Case report: Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome and enlarged prostatic utricle in a male dog. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1185621. [PMID: 37470070 PMCID: PMC10352618 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1185621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
A 1-year-old male intact Miniature Schnauzer mix was presented for chronic intermittent hematuria. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a large, fluid-filled cystic structure extending cranially and dorsally to the prostate. Computed tomography scan images revealed that the fluid-filled cavity resembled a uterus, with both horns entering the scrotum through the inguinal canal adjacent to the testes. On cytogenetic analysis, the dog was found to have a homozygote mutation on AMHRII consistent with persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS). A gonadohysterectomy was performed, and surgical and histologic findings confirmed the presence of a uterus, oviducts, vagina, and testes in this dog. Additionally, an intraoperative fluoroscopy exam revealed a communication between the uterus and the bladder via an enlarged utricle, explaining the hematuria and urine in the reproductive tract (urometra). To our knowledge, this is the first clinical report of a phenotypically intact male dog with PMDS and urometra due to an enlarged prostatic utricle. This case illustrates a combination of a disorder of sex and urogenital sinus development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J. Welsh
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Kaylyn McDaniel
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Elizabeth W. Goldsmith
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
- Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Joshua D. Ramsay
- Pathology Services, North American Science Associates, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Alan Conley
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Tina Jo Owen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Yoko M. Ambrosini
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Michela Ciccarelli
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
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Santana CH, Souza LDRD, Silva LAD, Oliveira AR, Paula NFD, Santos DOD, Pereira FMAM, Vieira AD, Ribeiro LN, Soares-Neto LL, Bicudo ALDC, Hippolito AG, Paixão TAD, Santos RL. Metastatic Sertoli cell tumour in a captive giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla). J Comp Pathol 2023; 204:17-22. [PMID: 37321133 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2023.05.001] [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: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
There are a few studies on diseases of anteaters, but reports on reproductive lesions and neoplasms of these animals are scarce. This is the first report of a case of metastatic Sertoli cell tumour in a giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla). The animal had renal lesions associated with impaired renal function as indicated by serum biochemistry. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations provided a conclusive diagnosis of Sertoli cell tumour with metastasis to the liver, kidneys and lymph nodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa H Santana
- Escola de Veterinária, Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Lucas Dos R de Souza
- Escola de Veterinária, Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Laice A da Silva
- Escola de Veterinária, Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ayisa R Oliveira
- Escola de Veterinária, Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Nayara F de Paula
- Escola de Veterinária, Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Daniel O Dos Santos
- Escola de Veterinária, Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Fernanda M A M Pereira
- Parque Zoológico Municipal de Bauru, Rodovia Com. João Barros, km 232 s/n, Vargem Limpa, Bauru, SP, Brazil
| | - André D Vieira
- Escola de Veterinária, Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Letícia N Ribeiro
- Escola de Veterinária, Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Lauro L Soares-Neto
- Parque Zoológico Municipal de Bauru, Rodovia Com. João Barros, km 232 s/n, Vargem Limpa, Bauru, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Alícia G Hippolito
- Parque Zoológico Municipal de Bauru, Rodovia Com. João Barros, km 232 s/n, Vargem Limpa, Bauru, SP, Brazil
| | - Tatiane A da Paixão
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Patologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Renato L Santos
- Escola de Veterinária, Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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