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Miller M, Tobin T, Aiello DP, Hanson P, Strome E, Johnston SD, Issel-Tarver L, Kushner DB, Keeney JB. CURE on yeast genes of unknown function increases students' bioinformatics proficiency and research confidence. J Microbiol Biol Educ 2024; 25:e0016523. [PMID: 38661403 PMCID: PMC11044640 DOI: 10.1128/jmbe.00165-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) can reduce barriers to research opportunities while increasing student knowledge and confidence. However, the number of widely adopted, easily transferable CUREs is relatively small. Here, we describe a CURE aimed at determining the function of poorly characterized Saccharomyces cerevisiae genes. More than 20 years after sequencing of the yeast genome, nearly 10% of open reading frames (ORFs) still have at least one uncharacterized Gene Ontology (GO) term. We refer to these genes as "ORFans" and formed a consortium aimed at assigning functions to them. Specifically, over 70 faculty members attended summer workshops to learn the bioinformatics workflow and basic laboratory techniques described herein. Ultimately, this CURE was adapted for implementation at 34 institutions, resulting in over 1,300 students conducting course-based research on ORFans. Pre-/post-tests confirmed that students gained both (i) an understanding of gene ontology and (ii) knowledge regarding the use of bioinformatics to assign gene function. After using these data to craft their own hypotheses, then testing their predictions by constructing and phenotyping deletion strains, students self-reported significant gains in several areas, including computer modeling and exposure to a project where no one knows the outcome. Interestingly, most net gains self-reported by ORFan Gene Project participants were greater than published findings for CUREs assessed with the same survey instrument. The surprisingly strong impact of this CURE may be due to the incoming lack of experience of ORFan Project participants and/or the independent thought required to develop testable hypotheses from complex data sets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tammy Tobin
- Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | - Erin Strome
- Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, Kentucky, USA
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Buthgamuwa I, Fenelon JC, Roser A, Meer H, Johnston SD, Dungan AM. Gut microbiota in the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus Aculeatus) shows stability across gestation. Microbiologyopen 2023; 12:e1392. [PMID: 38129978 PMCID: PMC10721944 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.1392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Indigenous gut microbial communities (microbiota) play critical roles in health and may be especially important for the mother and fetus during pregnancy. Monotremes, such as the short-beaked echidna, have evolved to lay and incubate an egg, which hatches in their pouch where the young feeds. Since both feces and eggs pass through the cloaca, the fecal microbiota of female echidnas provides an opportunity for vertical transmission of microbes to their offspring. Here, we characterize the gut/fecal microbiome of female short-beaked echidnas and gain a better understanding of the changes that may occur in their microbiome as they go through pregnancy. Fecal samples from four female and five male echidnas were obtained from the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary in Queensland and sequenced to evaluate bacterial community structure. We identified 25 core bacteria, most of which were present in male and female samples. Genera such as Fusobacterium, Bacteroides, Escherichia-Shigella, and Lactobacillus were consistently abundant, regardless of sex or gestation stage, accounting for 58.00% and 56.14% of reads in male and female samples, respectively. The echidna microbiome remained stable across the different gestation stages, though there was a significant difference in microbiota composition between male and female echidnas. This study is the first to describe the microbiome composition of short-beaked echidnas across reproductive phases and allows the opportunity for this novel information to be used as a metric of health to aid in the detection of diseases triggered by microbiota dysbiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isini Buthgamuwa
- School of BioSciencesUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Jane C. Fenelon
- School of BioSciencesUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Colossal Laboratories and BiosciencesDallasTexasUSA
| | - Alice Roser
- Currumbin Wildlife SanctuaryCurrumbinQueenslandAustralia
| | - Haley Meer
- Currumbin Wildlife SanctuaryCurrumbinQueenslandAustralia
| | - Stephen D. Johnston
- School of EnvironmentThe University of QueenslandGattonQueenslandAustralia
- School of Veterinary ScienceThe University of QueenslandGattonQueenslandAustralia
| | - Ashley M. Dungan
- School of BioSciencesUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
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Pagliarani S, Palmieri C, McGowan M, Carrick F, Boyd J, Johnston SD. Anatomy of the Female Koala Reproductive Tract. Biology (Basel) 2023; 12:1445. [PMID: 37998044 PMCID: PMC10669549 DOI: 10.3390/biology12111445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), while being an iconic Australian marsupial, has recently been listed as endangered. To establish an improved understanding of normal reproductive anatomy, this paper brings together unpublished research which has approached the topic from two perspectives: (1) the establishment of an artificial insemination program, and (2) the definition of Chlamydia spp.-derived histopathological changes of the female koala urogenital system. Based on the presentation and histological processing of over 70 opportunistic specimens, recovered from wildlife hospitals in Southeast Queensland (Australia), we describe the gross and microanatomy of the koala ovary, oviduct, uteri, vaginal complex, and urogenital sinus during the interestrous, proliferative, and luteal phases of the reproductive cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Pagliarani
- Ontario Veterinary College, The University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia
| | - Chiara Palmieri
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia
| | - Michael McGowan
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia
| | - Frank Carrick
- School of Environment, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia
- Sustainable Minerals Institute, Koala Study Program, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia
| | - Jackson Boyd
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia
- School of Environment, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia
| | - Stephen D. Johnston
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia
- School of Environment, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia
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Fenelon JC, Bennetts A, Anthwal N, Pyne M, Johnston SD, Evans AR, Tucker AS, Renfree MB. Getting out of a mammalian egg: the egg tooth and caruncle of the echidna. Dev Biol 2023; 495:8-18. [PMID: 36565838 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2022.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In the echidna, after development in utero, the egg is laid in the pouch and incubated for 10 days. During this time, the fetuses develop an egg tooth and caruncle to help them hatch. Using rare and unprecedented access to limited echidna pre- and post-hatching tissues, development of the egg tooth and caruncle were assessed by micro-CT, histology and immunofluorescence. Unlike therian tooth germs that develop by placode invagination, the echidna egg tooth developed by evagination, similar to the first teeth in some reptiles and fish. The egg tooth ankylosed to the premaxilla, rather than forming a tooth root with ligamentous attachment found in other mammals, with loss of the egg tooth associated with high levels of activity odontoclasts and apoptosis. The caruncle formed as a separate mineralisation from the adjacent nasal capsule, and as observed in birds and turtles, the nasal region epithelium on top of the nose expressed markers of cornification. Together, this highlights that the monotreme egg tooth shares many similarities with typical reptilian teeth, suggesting that this tooth has been conserved from a common ancestor of mammals and reptiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane C Fenelon
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
| | - Abbie Bennetts
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Neal Anthwal
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Michael Pyne
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Currumbin, Queensland, 4223, Australia
| | - Stephen D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, 4343, Australia
| | - Alistair R Evans
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3800, Australia; Geosciences, Museums Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001, Australia
| | - Abigail S Tucker
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Marilyn B Renfree
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
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González-Martínez M, López-Fernández C, Sánchez-Martín P, Johnston SD, Gosálvez J. Intra-individual variation of sperm DNA fragmentation in the Human ejaculate. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2023; 69:215-222. [PMID: 36811606 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2023.2175738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
This retrospective study assessed the biological intra-individual variability of the percentage of sperm with DNA damage (SDF) observed in subsequent ejaculates of the same individual. Variation in SDF was analyzed using the Mean Signed Difference (MSD) statistic based on 131 individuals, comprising 333 ejaculates. Either two, three or four ejaculates were collected from each individual. With this cohort of individuals two main questions were addressed; (1) does the number of ejaculates analyzed influence the variability in the level of SDF associated with each individual? and (2) is the variability observed in SDF similar when individuals are ranked according to their level of SDF? Results showed that the variation observed in mean SDF was not different when 2, 3 or 4 ejaculates were analyzed; consequently, we suggest that the assessment of SDF based on two ejaculates is likely to be representative of the mean SDF expected for the individual. In parallel, it was determined that the variation in SDF increased as SDF increased; in individuals presenting with an SDF value of lower than 30% (potentially fertile), only 5% possessed levels of MSD that could be considered as variable as that presented by individuals presenting with a recurrent high SDF. Finally, we showed that a single assessment of SDF in individuals with medium SDF (20-30%) was less likely to be predictive of the SDF value in the next ejaculate, and therefore, less informative of the patient's SDF status.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Stephen D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Australia
| | - Jaime Gosálvez
- Unit of Genetics, Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Dutton-Regester KJ, Roser A, Meer H, Russell FA, Pyne M, Renfree MB, Johnston SD, Keeley T. Investigating the utility of using fecal hormone metabolites as a reproductive management tool for captive short-beaked echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 330:114142. [PMID: 36243057 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2022.114142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
This study demonstrates the utility of the analysis of fecal hormone metabolites as a reproductive management tool for captive short-beaked echidnas. Over three breeding seasons daily fecal samples were collected from female echidnas (n = 8) that were monitored continuously by video surveillance to confirm key reproductive events. Fecal progesterone metabolite concentrations were elevated above baseline values (448.0 ± 156.3 ng/g) during pregnancy and the luteal phase. However, compared to plasma progesterone the rise in fecal progesterone metabolite concentrations after copulation was delayed (3.3 ± 0.4 versus 8.3 ± 0.6 days, respectively), such that pregnancy was more reliably detected in its latter half when using fecal samples. Mating and oviposition were observed for 14 of the 19 pregnancies resulting in an estimated gestation of 16.7 ± 0.2 days (range 16.0-18.1 d). The estrogen enzyme-immunoassays tested (n = 3) in this study were not suitable for the fecal samples of the echidna. Fecal progesterone metabolites are an effective tool for confirming the timing and occurrence of estrous cycles in captive echidna colonies and can assist zookeepers in identifying possible causes of sub-optimal reproductive success without the unnecessary stress of repeated capture and anaesthesia for blood collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate J Dutton-Regester
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia.
| | - Alice Roser
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Currumbin, Queensland 4223, Australia
| | - Haley Meer
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Currumbin, Queensland 4223, Australia
| | - Freya A Russell
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia
| | - Michael Pyne
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Currumbin, Queensland 4223, Australia
| | - Marilyn B Renfree
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Stephen D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia
| | - Tamara Keeley
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia
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Russell FA, Johnston SD, Hill A, Roser A, Meer H, Fenelon JC, Renfree MB, Keeley T. Validation of a non-invasive assessment technique for quantifying faecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations in the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2022; 327:114092. [PMID: 35792163 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2022.114092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The monotreme adrenocortical response to stress may not rely as heavily on the hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal (HPA) axis compared to other mammals. This study aimed to validate a technique in which glucocorticoid metabolites could be quantified non-invasively in short-beaked echidna faeces by examining the secretion of glucocorticoids (GC) using an adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) challenge on sexually mature captive echidnas. Echidnas were housed individually for 15 days, with the ACTH challenge occurring on day five. Blood samples were collected on day five during the challenge and faecal samples were collected each morning for the 15 days. Both sample types were analysed for glucocorticoids (GC) or its metabolites. Plasma corticosterone concentrations increased significantly after 30 min and 60 min relative to time 0, whilst plasma cortisol concentrations increased significantly after 60 min. The ACTH challenge also resulted in an increase in glucocorticoid metabolite concentration in faecal samples from four of the six echidnas detected one to two days post ACTH injection, thereby validating a non-invasive method to assess adrenal response in the echidna. These results confirm that echidnas respond to a synthetic ACTH challenge in a similar manner to that of eutherian species indicating that echidnas appear to use the HPA axis in their stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freya A Russell
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Qld, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia
| | - Stephen D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Qld, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia
| | - Andrew Hill
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Currumbin, Gold Coast, Qld 4223, Australia
| | - Alice Roser
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Currumbin, Gold Coast, Qld 4223, Australia
| | - Haley Meer
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Currumbin, Gold Coast, Qld 4223, Australia
| | - Jane C Fenelon
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Marilyn B Renfree
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Tamara Keeley
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Qld, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia.
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Dutton-Regester KJ, Roser A, Meer H, Renfree MB, Johnston SD, Keeley T. Optimizing captive short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) fecal sample identification and hormonal analysis. Zoo Biol 2022; 42:322-327. [PMID: 36074031 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to develop a fecal marking protocol to distinguish male from female samples during the echidna breeding season and to determine if normalizing fecal progesterone metabolite data for inorganic content improves the detection of biologically relevant changes in metabolite concentrations. Over a period of 6 weeks, four echidnas were provided with green food coloring powder mixed into 20 g of their regular feed with the dose adjusted weekly by 0.05 g. The proportion of organic (feces) versus inorganic matter (sand) in the fecal samples of three echidnas was determined by combustion of organic matter. Hormonal data was then expressed as metabolite concentration per total dry mass (with sand) of extracted sample versus metabolite concentration per total mass of organic material (without sand). The optimal dose of food coloring powder was 0.30 g: this was excreted in the feces of all echidnas within 24 h of consumption with color present for two consecutive days. Correction for inorganic content (sand) did not significantly affect variability of fecal progesterone metabolite levels (mean CV ± SE with sand: 142.3 ± 13.3%; without sand: 127.0 ± 14.4%; W = 6, p = .2500), or the magnitude of change from basal to elevated fecal progesterone metabolite concentrations (mean ± SE with sand: 8.4 ± 1.7; without sand: 6.6 ± 0.5, W = 10, p = .1250). Furthermore, progesterone metabolite concentrations before and after correction for sand contamination correlated strongly (r = .92, p = < .001). These methods will facilitate future reproductive endocrinology studies of echidna and other myrmecophagous species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate J Dutton-Regester
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alice Roser
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Currumbin, Queensland, Australia
| | - Haley Meer
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Currumbin, Queensland, Australia
| | - Marilyn B Renfree
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tamara Keeley
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
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Pagliarani S, Johnston SD, Beagley KW, Hulse L, Palmieri C. Chlamydiosis and cystic dilatation of the ovarian bursa in the female koala (Phascolarctos cinereus): Novel insights into the pathogenesis and mechanisms of formation. Theriogenology 2022; 189:280-289. [PMID: 35816886 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Infection with Chlamydia pecorum is one of the main causes of progressive decline of koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) populations in Eastern Australia. Pathological changes associated with the chlamydial infection in the genital tract of female and male koalas have been widely described with reports of acute and chronic lymphoplasmacytic inflammation and the description of the cystic dilatation of the ovarian bursa. Although these disease manifestations can result in severe chronic inflammation, structural changes and even sterility, only limited data is currently available on the organism's distribution and associated histopathological and ultrastructural changes within the upper genital tract of affected females. This study examined the pathogenesis of the most common pathological lesion associated with chlamydiosis in female koalas, the cystic dilation of the ovarian bursa starting from the evidence that Chlamydia spp. induces disruption of the intercellular junctions in the epithelium of the reproductive organs in humans. Histology, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were performed to evaluate the structural features and the expression of epithelial cell and cellular junctions' markers in affected bursae from 39 Chlamydia-infected female koalas. Epithelial cells from the ovarian bursae of one affected animal examined by transmission electron microscopy showed severe widening of the intercellular space, as morphologic evidence of disrupted permeability of the epithelial barrier. The epithelial cell-cell junctions markers E-cadherin, β-catenin and ZO-1 expressions were significantly reduced in samples from cystic bursae when compared to normal tissue samples (P < 0.0001). On the other end, a significantly higher expression of the proliferation marker Ki67 was observed in cystic bursae compared to control samples (P < 0.0001). As these proteins are required to maintain epithelial functional integrity and cell-cell adhesive interactions, their loss may permanently impair and affect female koala fertility and suggest the molecular basis of the pathogenesis of the cystic accumulation of bursal fluid within this tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Pagliarani
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, 4343, Australia; Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Stephen D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, 4343, Australia
| | - Kenneth W Beagley
- Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, 4001, Australia
| | - Lyndal Hulse
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, 4343, Australia
| | - Chiara Palmieri
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, 4343, Australia
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Dutton-Regester KJ, Roser A, Meer H, Renfree MB, Phillips C, Johnston SD. Reproductive behaviour before and after oestrus and oviposition in the captive short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus). Reprod Fertil Dev 2022; 34:920-932. [PMID: 35969892 DOI: 10.1071/rd22092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Most of our current knowledge regarding echidna reproductive behaviour is based on qualitative measurements; therefore, it is unclear if specific behavioural cues could be utilised in their captive reproductive management. AIMS This study aimed to identify quantitative changes in general and reproductive behaviour of echidna breeding pairs and pregnant females that might facilitate the detection of oestrus and impending oviposition and provide a summary of reproductive behaviour observed in a captive colony over a three-year observation period. METHODS Three echidna breeding pairs and two trios were monitored daily for seven reproductive and eight general behaviours during the 2020 breeding season. After confirmed copulation, females were monitored for four egg-laying and eight general behaviours until egg incubation. General observations of reproductive behaviours during the 2018-2020 breeding seasons were recorded as part of routine husbandry. KEY RESULTS For breeding pairs, there was a significant rate of change over time before and after copulation for the behaviours 'urogenital sniffing', 'rolling' and 'copulation attempt'. For pregnant females, time engaged in 'pacing' significantly increased while 'time eating' and the 'quantity of food eaten' significantly decreased on the day of oviposition. We were not able to identify oestrus from specific behaviours, but our observations suggest that the female echidna's period of receptivity is less than 24h. CONCLUSIONS The frequency that males express 'urogenital sniffing', 'rolling' and 'copulation attempt' toward the female can be used to alert zookeepers that copulation has likely occurred. Increased pacing, reduced feeding time and quantity of food eaten can aid zookeepers to identify impending oviposition. IMPLICATIONS This study demonstrates that there are quantifiable changes in specific echidna behaviours that can be incorporated into zoo husbandry practices to improve the reproductive management of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate J Dutton-Regester
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia
| | - Alice Roser
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Currumbin, Qld 4223, Australia
| | - Haley Meer
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Currumbin, Qld 4223, Australia
| | - Marilyn B Renfree
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic. 3010, Australia
| | - Clive Phillips
- Estonia University of Life Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Tartu, Estonia; and Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Stephen D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia
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Keating SE, Fenelon JC, Pyne M, Pinto BJ, Guzmán-Méndez IA, Johnston SD, Renfree MB, Gamble T. Correction to: Genetic sex test for the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus). CONSERV GENET RESOUR 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12686-022-01277-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Keating SE, Fenelon JC, Pyne M, Pinto BJ, Guzmán-Méndez IA, Johnston SD, Renfree MB, Gamble T. Research Article Genetic sex test for the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus). CONSERV GENET RESOUR 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12686-022-01258-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Howell LG, Johnston SD, O’Brien JK, Frankham R, Rodger JC, Ryan SA, Beranek CT, Clulow J, Hudson DS, Witt RR. Modelling Genetic Benefits and Financial Costs of Integrating Biobanking into the Captive Management of Koalas. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12080990. [PMID: 35454237 PMCID: PMC9028793 DOI: 10.3390/ani12080990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Managed wildlife breeding faces high costs and genetic diversity challenges associated with caring for small populations. Biobanking (freezing of sex cells and tissues for use in assisted breeding) and associated reproductive technologies could help alleviate these issues in koala captive management by enhancing retention of genetic diversity in captive-bred animals and lowering program costs through reductions in the size of the required live captive colonies. Australia’s zoos and wildlife hospitals provide rare opportunities to refine and cost-effectively integrate these tools into conservation outcomes for koalas due to extensive already-existing infrastructure, technical expertise, and captive animals. Abstract Zoo and wildlife hospital networks are set to become a vital component of Australia’s contemporary efforts to conserve the iconic and imperiled koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Managed breeding programs held across zoo-based networks typically face high economic costs and can be at risk of adverse genetic effects typical of unavoidably small captive colonies. Emerging evidence suggests that biobanking and associated assisted reproductive technologies could address these economic and genetic challenges. We present a modelled scenario, supported by detailed costings, where these technologies are optimized and could be integrated into conservation breeding programs of koalas across the established zoo and wildlife hospital network. Genetic and economic modelling comparing closed captive koala populations suggest that supplementing them with cryopreserved founder sperm using artificial insemination or intracytoplasmic sperm injection could substantially reduce inbreeding, lower the required colony sizes of conservation breeding programs, and greatly reduce program costs. Ambitious genetic retention targets (maintaining 90%, 95% and 99% of source population heterozygosity for 100 years) could be possible within realistic cost frameworks, with output koalas suited for wild release. Integrating biobanking into the zoo and wildlife hospital network presents a cost-effective and financially feasible model for the uptake of these tools due to the technical and research expertise, captive koala colonies, and ex situ facilities that already exist across these networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lachlan G. Howell
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University Geelong, Melbourne Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Biology Building, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.C.R.); (S.A.R.); (C.T.B.); (J.C.)
- FAUNA Research Alliance, P.O. Box 5092, Kahibah, NSW 2290, Australia
- Correspondence: (L.G.H.); (R.R.W.)
| | - Stephen D. Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia;
| | - Justine K. O’Brien
- Taronga Institute of Science and Learning, Taronga Conservation Society, Bradleys Head Rd., Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia;
| | - Richard Frankham
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia;
| | - John C. Rodger
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Biology Building, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.C.R.); (S.A.R.); (C.T.B.); (J.C.)
- FAUNA Research Alliance, P.O. Box 5092, Kahibah, NSW 2290, Australia
| | - Shelby A. Ryan
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Biology Building, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.C.R.); (S.A.R.); (C.T.B.); (J.C.)
- FAUNA Research Alliance, P.O. Box 5092, Kahibah, NSW 2290, Australia
| | - Chad T. Beranek
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Biology Building, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.C.R.); (S.A.R.); (C.T.B.); (J.C.)
- FAUNA Research Alliance, P.O. Box 5092, Kahibah, NSW 2290, Australia
| | - John Clulow
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Biology Building, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.C.R.); (S.A.R.); (C.T.B.); (J.C.)
- FAUNA Research Alliance, P.O. Box 5092, Kahibah, NSW 2290, Australia
| | - Donald S. Hudson
- Port Stephens Koala & Wildlife Preservation Society LTD., t/a Port Stephens Koala Hospital, One Mile, NSW 2316, Australia;
| | - Ryan R. Witt
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Biology Building, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.C.R.); (S.A.R.); (C.T.B.); (J.C.)
- FAUNA Research Alliance, P.O. Box 5092, Kahibah, NSW 2290, Australia
- Correspondence: (L.G.H.); (R.R.W.)
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14
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Hulse L, Palmieri C, Beagley KW, Larkin R, Keeley T, Gosalvez J, Johnston SD. Investigation of pathology associated with Chlamydia pecorum infection in the male reproductive tract, and the effect on spermatogenesis and semen quality in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Theriogenology 2022; 180:30-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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15
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Wallage AL, Lees AM, Lisle AT, Lees JC, Johnston SD, Gaughan JB. Thermoregulation of the bovine scrotum 2: simulated acute and chronic heat waves reduces the scrotal thermoregulatory capability of Wagyu bulls. Int J Biometeorol 2022; 66:251-262. [PMID: 33733303 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-021-02108-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of acute and chronic heat load events on scrotal temperature (ST), body temperature (BT) and bull behaviour, and to examine the interrelationship between these parameters; the underlying hypothesis was that adverse heat treatments delivered in a temperature controlled environment will lead to thermoregulatory dysfunction of the bull scrotum. Six sexually mature Wagyu bulls were used in this study with data loggers surgically implanted into the abdominal cavity and scrotum. Body temperate and ST were recorded at 30-min intervals for the duration of the study. There were two housing locations used throughout the study, outdoor pens and climate control rooms. The study was designed as a four-phase crossover design with two heat treatments: (1) a 5-day acute challenge, and (2) a 14-day chronic challenge. The study was also blocked by phase to control for systematic change between phases with a thermoneutral (TN) phase in outdoor pens between each heat challenge. Observations within the climate rooms were conducted at 1-h intervals and data on panting scores (PS), respiration rate (RR), posture (standing or lying) and general behaviours (feeding, drinking, ruminating) recorded. Ambient temperature (AT, °C) and relative humidity (RH, %) were obtained at 10-min intervals and used to calculate the temperature humidity index (THI). Multiple models were conducted using a linear mixed effects model that contained different permutations of date and time factors and interactions as well as inclusion of an autoregressive parameter. The strongest model based on Akaike's information criterion (AIC) was selected and further analysed. Ambient conditions during heat treatments were consistent with heat load and bulls showed typical physiological symptoms of the same. Maximum ST for acute and chronic treatments occurred once AT had exceeded 34 °C for at least 3 h (acute 35.59 °C at 1500 h; chronic 35.18 °C at 1400 h), whereas during TN conditions, maximum ST was at 2100 h. All phases showed variation in ST throughout the day. There were strong cross correlations between ST and RR during the heat treatments (acute r = 0.918, P < 0.0001; chronic r = 0.916, P < 0.0001), but not during TN (r = 0.411, P < 0.05). Our results confirmed that the ST of the bulls used in this study was not held at a constant temperature and that there was a possible connection between ST and RR. We have shown that during a period of heat load, the thermoregulatory mechanisms thought responsible for maintaining bovine ST appear to breakdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Wallage
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Animal Science Group, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia.
| | - A M Lees
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Animal Science Group, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2350, Australia
| | - A T Lisle
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Animal Science Group, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
| | - J C Lees
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Animal Science Group, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2350, Australia
| | - S D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Animal Science Group, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
| | - J B Gaughan
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Animal Science Group, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
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16
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Hulse L, Beagley KW, Larkin R, Johnston SD. In vitro transmission of Chlamydia using naturally infected koala ( Phascolarctos cinereus) semen. Reprod Fertil Dev 2022; 34:378-384. [PMID: 35086636 DOI: 10.1071/rd21233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Transmission of Chlamydia pecorum infection has generally been assumed to be via the urogenital route and in an attempt to confirm this we investigated an in vitro method of Chlamydia infection using naturally infected koala semen to inoculate a cell line and attempt to estimate C. pecorum infectious load. A total of 57% of 122 koala semen samples had low C. pecorum copy number or no burden, while 18% of semen samples contained >10000 inclusion-forming units/mL, as determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In vitro inoculation of a McCoy cell line resulted in successful infection from 4% of semen samples where C. pecorum burden was >105 inclusion-forming units/mL. Our preliminary study suggests that transmission of C. pecorum infectious dose may be restricted to peak bacterial shedding in semen associated with recent infection. Here, we report venereal transmission of C. pecorum in koala semen is possible; however, we speculate that antimicrobial factors and innate immune function receptors associated with semen may inhibit chlamydial growth. These mechanisms have yet to be reported in marsupial semen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndal Hulse
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia
| | - Kenneth W Beagley
- Centre for Immunology and Infection Control and School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Qld 4006, Australia
| | - Rebecca Larkin
- Moggill Koala Rehabilitation Centre (previously known as Moggill Koala Hospital), 55 Priors Pocket Road, Moggill, Qld 4070, Australia
| | - Stephen D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia
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17
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McAuley C, McCullagh D, Johnston SD. MELANOMA: MORE THAN SKIN DEEP. Ulster Med J 2022; 91:58-59. [PMID: 35169347 PMCID: PMC8835426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C McAuley
- Gastroenterology Department, Belfast City Hospital
| | | | - SD Johnston
- Gastroenterology Department, Belfast City Hospital
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18
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Baratas A, Gosálvez J, de la Casa M, Camacho S, Dorado-Silva M, Johnston SD, Roy R. Cumulus Cell DNA Damage as an Index of Human Oocyte Competence. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:3194-3200. [PMID: 34907517 PMCID: PMC9646542 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00817-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The determination of oocyte quality is crucial for achieving effective syngamy post-sperm injection and embryonic development. Cumulus cells (CCs) have been proposed as biomarkers of oocyte quality because of their close bio-dynamic relationship with the oocyte. To determine the quality of the oocyte, CCs were sampled during oocyte preparation for ICSI to determine a CC DNA fragmentation index (CCDFI) of each individual oocyte using a variant of the chromatin dispersion test. One hundred and thirty oocytes were selected and studied from two Spanish fertility clinics, 90 of which were fertilized and developed to embryos. Significant differences were found between the CCDFI of unfertilized and fertilized oocytes (p < .001) and between the CCDFI of embryos that were discarded and those that developed suitable for transfer or cryopreservation (p < .001). Oocyte quality was negatively correlated with CCDFI (Spearman’s rho = − 0.45; p < .001). Receiver operator characteristics curves (ROC) suggested that a cut-off value of 24% CCDFI was able to discriminate the capacity of the gametes to result in syngamy with a sensitivity and specificity of 75.6% and 65%, respectively. This cut-off supports the application of CCDFI as potential index for the evaluation of the reproductive potential of oocytes prior to fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jaime Gosálvez
- Biology Department, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Stephen D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Rosa Roy
- Biology Department, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
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19
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Skerrett-Byrne DA, Anderson AL, Hulse L, Wass C, Dun MD, Bromfield EG, De Iuliis GN, Pyne M, Nicolson V, Johnston SD, Nixon B. Proteomic analysis of koala (phascolarctos cinereus) spermatozoa and prostatic bodies. Proteomics 2021; 21:e2100067. [PMID: 34411425 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202100067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The aims of this study were to investigate the proteome of koala spermatozoa and that of the prostatic bodies with which they interact during ejaculation. For this purpose, spermatozoa and prostatic bodies were fractionated from the semen of four male koalas and analysed by HPLC MS/MS. This strategy identified 744 sperm and 1297 prostatic body proteins, which were subsequently attributed to 482 and 776 unique gene products, respectively. Gene ontology curation of the sperm proteome revealed an abundance of proteins mapping to the canonical sirtuin and 14-3-3 signalling pathways. By contrast, protein ubiquitination and unfolded protein response pathways dominated the equivalent analysis of proteins uniquely identified in prostatic bodies. Koala sperm proteins featured an enrichment of those mapping to the functional categories of cellular compromise/inflammatory response, whilst those of the prostatic body revealed an over-representation of molecular chaperone and stress-related proteins. Cross-species comparisons demonstrated that the koala sperm proteome displays greater conservation with that of eutherians (human; 93%) as opposed to reptile (crocodile; 39%) and avian (rooster; 27%) spermatozoa. Together, this work contributes to our overall understanding of the core sperm proteome and has identified biomarkers that may contribute to the exceptional longevity of koala spermatozoa during ex vivo storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lyndal Hulse
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Caillin Wass
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Matthew D Dun
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research Innovation and Translation, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Lambton, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Geoffry N De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael Pyne
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Currumbin, Queensland, Australia
| | - Vere Nicolson
- Dreamworld, Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera, Queensland, Australia
| | - Stephen D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
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20
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Miller RR, Beranek F, Anderson AL, Johnston SD, Nixon B. Plasma and acrosomal membrane lipid content of saltwater crocodile spermatozoa. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 33:RD21007. [PMID: 33941311 DOI: 10.1071/rd21007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study describes the chemical lipid composition of the sperm plasma and acrosomal membranes of the saltwater crocodile Crocodylus porosus with the aim of providing new insights into sperm physiology, particularly that associated with their preservation ex vivo . The specific fatty acid composition of the sperm plasma and acrosomal membranes is documented. The mean (±s.d.) ratio of unsaturated to saturated membrane fatty acids within the plasma membrane was 2.57±0.50, and was determined to be higher than a similar analysis of the lipids found in the acrosomal membrane (0.70±0.10). The saltwater crocodile sperm plasma membrane also contained remarkably high levels of cholesterol (mean (±s.d.) 40.7±4.5 nmol per 106 sperm cells) compared with the spermatozoa of other amniote species that have so far been documented. We suggest that this high cholesterol content could be conferring stability to the crocodile sperm membrane, allowing it to tolerate extreme osmotic fluxes and rapid changes in temperature. Our descriptive analysis now provides those interested in reptile and comparative sperm physiology an improved baseline database for interpreting biochemical changes associated with preservation pathology (e.g. cold shock and cryoinjury), epididymal sperm maturation and capacitation/acrosome reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- R R Miller
- Department of Biology, Hillsdale College, 33 E. College Street, Hillsdale, MI 49242, USA
| | - F Beranek
- Department of Biology, Hillsdale College, 33 E. College Street, Hillsdale, MI 49242, USA; and Controls Group, Limbach Company, 926 Featherstone Street, Pontiac, MI 48342, USA
| | - A L Anderson
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - S D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia; and Corresponding author
| | - B Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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21
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Johnston SD, López-Fernández C, Pappin E, Hampe A, Doneley R, Lierz M, Gosálvez J. Assessment of avian sperm DNA fragmentation using the sperm chromatin dispersion assay. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 32:948-952. [PMID: 32586425 DOI: 10.1071/rd19420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Herein we report a simple method for assessing avian sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) using the sperm chromatin dispersion test (SCDt). The presence of sperm DNA damage was confirmed indirectly by correlating results of the SCDt determined in three bird species with results of a corresponding neutral comet assay (r=0.99; P<0.005). Frozen-thawed spermatozoa of each species were also incubated at 37°C for 5h and the within- and between-species variation of SDF, as an indicator of sperm DNA longevity, examined. The dynamic assessment of SDF using the SCDt revealed species and individual bird (rooster and turkey) differences in sperm DNA longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia; and Corresponding author.
| | - Carmen López-Fernández
- Genetics Unit, Department of Biology, Autonomous University of Madrid, 28049, Cantoblanco Madrid, Spain
| | - Eloise Pappin
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia
| | - Alexandra Hampe
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, 35392, Germany
| | - Robert Doneley
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia
| | - Michael Lierz
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, 35392, Germany
| | - Jaime Gosálvez
- Genetics Unit, Department of Biology, Autonomous University of Madrid, 28049, Cantoblanco Madrid, Spain
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22
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Fenelon JC, McElrea C, Shaw G, Evans AR, Pyne M, Johnston SD, Renfree MB. The Unique Penile Morphology of the Short-Beaked Echidna, Tachyglossus aculeatus. Sex Dev 2021; 15:262-271. [PMID: 33915542 DOI: 10.1159/000515145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Monotremes diverged from therian mammal ancestors approximately 184 million years ago and have a number of novel reproductive characteristics. One in particular is their penile morphology. There are differences between echidna and platypus phalluses, but both are somewhat similar in structure to the reptilian phallus. The echidna penis consists of 4 rosette glans, each of which contains a termination of the quadrifurcate urethra, but it appears that only 2 of the 4 glans become erect at any one time. Despite this, only a few historical references describe the structure of the echidna penis and none provides an explanation for the mechanisms of unilateral ejaculation. This study confirmed that the echidna penis contains many of the same overall structures and morphology as other mammalian penises and a number of features homologous with reptiles. The corpus cavernosum is well supplied with blood, extends up to the base of the glans penis and is primarily responsible for erection. However, the echidna possesses 2 distinct corpora spongiosa separated by a septum, each of which surround the urethra only distal to the initial urethral bifurcation in the glans penis. Together with the bifurcation of the main penile artery, this provides a mechanism by which blood flow could be directed to only one corpus spongiosum at a time to maintain an open urethra that supplies 2 of the 4 glans to facilitate unilateral ejaculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane C Fenelon
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Caleb McElrea
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Geoff Shaw
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alistair R Evans
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Pyne
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Currumbin, Queensland, Australia
| | - Stephen D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Marilyn B Renfree
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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23
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Zhou Y, Shearwin-Whyatt L, Li J, Song Z, Hayakawa T, Stevens D, Fenelon JC, Peel E, Cheng Y, Pajpach F, Bradley N, Suzuki H, Nikaido M, Damas J, Daish T, Perry T, Zhu Z, Geng Y, Rhie A, Sims Y, Wood J, Haase B, Mountcastle J, Fedrigo O, Li Q, Yang H, Wang J, Johnston SD, Phillippy AM, Howe K, Jarvis ED, Ryder OA, Kaessmann H, Donnelly P, Korlach J, Lewin HA, Graves J, Belov K, Renfree MB, Grutzner F, Zhou Q, Zhang G. Platypus and echidna genomes reveal mammalian biology and evolution. Nature 2021; 592:756-762. [PMID: 33408411 PMCID: PMC8081666 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-03039-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Egg-laying mammals (monotremes) are the only extant mammalian outgroup to therians (marsupial and eutherian animals) and provide key insights into mammalian evolution1,2. Here we generate and analyse reference genomes of the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) and echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus), which represent the only two extant monotreme lineages. The nearly complete platypus genome assembly has anchored almost the entire genome onto chromosomes, markedly improving the genome continuity and gene annotation. Together with our echidna sequence, the genomes of the two species allow us to detect the ancestral and lineage-specific genomic changes that shape both monotreme and mammalian evolution. We provide evidence that the monotreme sex chromosome complex originated from an ancestral chromosome ring configuration. The formation of such a unique chromosome complex may have been facilitated by the unusually extensive interactions between the multi-X and multi-Y chromosomes that are shared by the autosomal homologues in humans. Further comparative genomic analyses unravel marked differences between monotremes and therians in haptoglobin genes, lactation genes and chemosensory receptor genes for smell and taste that underlie the ecological adaptation of monotremes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhou
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- Villum Center for Biodiversity Genomics, Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Linda Shearwin-Whyatt
- School of Biological Sciences, The Environment Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jing Li
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhenzhen Song
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Takashi Hayakawa
- Faculty of Environmental Earth Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Japan Monkey Centre, Inuyama, Japan
| | - David Stevens
- School of Biological Sciences, The Environment Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jane C Fenelon
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emma Peel
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yuanyuan Cheng
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Filip Pajpach
- School of Biological Sciences, The Environment Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Natasha Bradley
- School of Biological Sciences, The Environment Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Masato Nikaido
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Joana Damas
- The Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Tasman Daish
- School of Biological Sciences, The Environment Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Tahlia Perry
- School of Biological Sciences, The Environment Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Zexian Zhu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuncong Geng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Arang Rhie
- Genome Informatics Section, Computational and Statistical Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ying Sims
- Tree of Life Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jonathan Wood
- Tree of Life Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Bettina Haase
- The Vertebrate Genome Lab, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Olivier Fedrigo
- The Vertebrate Genome Lab, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Qiye Li
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huanming Yang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- James D. Watson Institute of Genome Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Guangdong Provincial Academician Workstation of BGI Synthetic Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jian Wang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- James D. Watson Institute of Genome Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Stephen D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Adam M Phillippy
- Genome Informatics Section, Computational and Statistical Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kerstin Howe
- Tree of Life Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Erich D Jarvis
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics of Language, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | | | - Henrik Kaessmann
- Center for Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University (ZMBH), DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Donnelly
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Harris A Lewin
- The Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, College of Biological Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Reproduction and Population Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer Graves
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
- School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katherine Belov
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marilyn B Renfree
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Frank Grutzner
- School of Biological Sciences, The Environment Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Qi Zhou
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Department of Neuroscience and Developmental Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Guojie Zhang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.
- Villum Center for Biodiversity Genomics, Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.
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24
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Nixon B, Anderson AL, Bromfield EG, Martin JH, Lord T, Cafe SL, Roman SD, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Eamens AL, De Iuliis GN, Johnston SD. Gross and microanatomy of the male reproductive duct system of the saltwater crocodile Crocodylus porosus. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 33:RD20303. [PMID: 33743842 DOI: 10.1071/rd20303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Information on the morphology and histology of the male reproductive system of the Crocodylia species is necessary to determine the role of these tissues in the production of functional spermatozoa. Accordingly, in this study we examined the gross morphology and microanatomy of the testis and the male excurrent duct system through which spermatozoa pass before ejaculation. The data demonstrate that the reproductive system in male saltwater crocodiles comprises paired testes, which convey spermatozoa distally via the rete testis into an excurrent duct system comprising ductuli efferentes, ductuli epididymides, ductus epididymidis and ductus deferens. The epithelium delineating the male tract was dominated by non-ciliated and ciliated cells structured into a simple columnar lining of the ductuli efferentes and ductuli epididymides, through to the high pseudostratified columnar epithelium of the ductus epididymidis and ductus deferens. The morphology and histochemical staining of these ducts suggest their involvement in seminal fluid production and/or its modification, which likely contributes to the nourishment, protection and/or storage of crocodile spermatozoa. As a reflection of their common Archosaurs ancestry, the overall structural characteristics we describe for the crocodile male excurrent duct system share closer similarities to those of the Aves than other clades within the Reptilia class or Mammalia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia; and Corresponding author
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Jacinta H Martin
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Tessa Lord
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Shenae L Cafe
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Shaun D Roman
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia; and Priority Research Centre for Drug Development, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - David A Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Andrew L Eamens
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Geoffry N De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Stephen D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia
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25
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Johnston SD, Lever J, McLeod R, Qualischefski E, Madrigal-Valverde M, Nixon B. Assisted breeding technology in the saltwater crocodile Crocodylus porosus: a review and look to the future. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 33:RD20217. [PMID: 33581743 DOI: 10.1071/rd20217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This review reports the current status of artificial breeding technology in the Crocodylia and the future requirements for the establishment of AI in the saltwater crocodile. Although there are challenges regarding safe restraint and immobilisation, semen collection of the saltwater crocodile by manual stimulation has proven effective in yielding sufficient volume and sperm concentrations for empirical and molecular analyses of sperm preservation and physiology. Nevertheless, there is still much to learn with respect to fundamental anatomy, physiology and behaviour in both sexes, but particularly in the female. Although lessons can be learned from successful AI in the alligator, the details of this research are not readily accessible. Future research needs to focus on the proximate factors of seasonality and the underlying control of the female's annual reproductive cycle; this will require novel and innovative ways to collect blood samples without causing stress or injury, and ideally a dedicated crocodile research breeding colony. Because the saltwater crocodile is a farmed species, there is likely to be sufficient impetus for the application of assisted breeding technology to drive future productivity in the industry. These developments will also have benefits for the genetic and reproductive management of endangered captive populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia; and Corresponding author
| | - John Lever
- Koorana Crocodile Farm, Coowonga, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - Robby McLeod
- Koorana Crocodile Farm, Coowonga, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - Edward Qualischefski
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia; and Ecosystem Health Unit, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, 1920 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Monica Madrigal-Valverde
- Costa Rica Institute of Technology, School of Agronomy, San Carlos Campus, 223-21001, Alajuela, Costa Rica; and Animal Science Department, University of Costa Rica, Campus Rodrigo Facio, 1501-2060, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
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26
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Nixon B, Anderson AL, Bromfield EG, Martin JH, Cafe SL, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Dun MD, Eamens AL, De Iuliis GN, Johnston SD. Post-testicular sperm maturation in the saltwater crocodile Crocodylus porosus: assessing the temporal acquisition of sperm motility. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 33:RD20204. [PMID: 33631095 DOI: 10.1071/rd20204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Conservation efforts to secure the long-term survival of crocodilian species would benefit from the establishment of a frozen sperm bank in concert with artificial breeding technologies to maintain genetic diversity among captive assurance populations. Working towards this goal, our research has focused on the saltwater crocodile Crocodylus porosus as a tractable model for understanding crocodilian sperm physiology. In extending our systematic characterisation of saltwater crocodile spermatozoa, in this study we examined the development of motility during sperm transport through the excurrent duct system of the male crocodile. The results show that approximately 20% of crocodile testicular spermatozoa are immediately motile but experience a gradient of increasing motility (percentage motile and rate of movement) as they transit the male reproductive tract (epididymis). Moreover, we confirmed that, as in ejaculated crocodile spermatozoa, increased intracellular cAMP levels promoted a significant and sustained enhancement of sperm motility regardless of whether the cells were isolated from the testis or epididymis. Along with the development of artificial reproductive technologies, this research paves the way for the opportunistic recovery, storage and potential utilisation of post-mortem spermatozoa from genetically valuable animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia; and Corresponding author
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Jacinta H Martin
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Shenae L Cafe
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - David A Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Matthew D Dun
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research Innovation and Translation, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Lambton, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Andrew L Eamens
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Geoffry N De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Stephen D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia
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27
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Pagliarani S, Johnston SD, Beagley KW, Dief H, Palmieri C. The occurrence and pathology of chlamydiosis in the male reproductive tract of non-human mammals: A review. Theriogenology 2020; 154:152-160. [PMID: 32622195 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Organisms belonging to the Family Chlamydiaceae are responsible for a broad range of diseases in humans, livestock, companion animals and non-domestic species. Infection of the reproductive organs can cause a range of syndromes of which sub- and infertility are the most frequently observed clinical manifestations. While the gross and histological lesions associated with the isolation of Chlamydiaceae from the non-human female reproductive tract are well documented, little attention has been given to the pathological effects of this infection in the male genital system. As such, the occurrence and importance of Chlamydia-associated disease in male non-human mammalian species is less well documented. In order to improve our understanding of the significance of chlamydiosis in domestic, laboratory and wild animals, this review provides an up-to-date summary of Chlamydia-associated male reproductive pathology, whether that infection occurs naturally or experimentally. Although most lesions in males are described as incidental and of minor significance, results of recent studies suggest that infection with Chlamydiaceae can adversely impact male fertility and/or be instrumental in disease transmission. Although in humans, bulls and mice Chlamydia infection has been associated with morphological and functional abnormalities of the spermatozoa, this review will focus on the gross and histological findings linked to the colonisation of the genital system by this pathogen. Advances in our understanding of male reproductive chlamydiosis are necessary for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, as well as epidemiological and conservation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Pagliarani
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, 4343, Australia; School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, 4343, Australia.
| | - Stephen D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, 4343, Australia
| | - Kenneth W Beagley
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, 4001, Australia
| | - Hamdy Dief
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, 4343, Australia
| | - Chiara Palmieri
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, 4343, Australia
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28
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Johnston SD, López-Fernández C, Arroyo F, Roy R, Holt WV, Gosálvez J. Protamine composition of koala and wombat spermatozoa provides new insights into DNA stability following cryopreservation. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020; 31:1558-1566. [PMID: 31167697 DOI: 10.1071/rd18512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate differences in the post-thaw DNA stability of koala and wombat spermatozoa, protamine amino acid sequences were compared and it was found that there were three more arginine residues for the wombat. Koala and wombat spermatozoa, cryopreserved using identical protocols, were examined for changes in sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) dynamics over 24h of post-thaw incubation. Following validation of a wombat sperm chromatin dispersion test, wombat DNA showed a rate of SDF that was 6-fold higher than for koala spermatozoa (P=0.038). Finally, we examined whether expected differences in chromatin compactness, associated with protamine sequence, had an effect on restriction site accessibility of sperm DNA. Thawed spermatozoa were exposed to Alu I and EcoR1 endonuclease restriction enzymes and the SDF dynamics were observed. Koala spermatozoa exposed to Alu I showed a greater rate of SDF (P=0.01), whereas wombat spermatozoa exposed to EcoR1 showed a greater rate of SDF (P=0.032). We conclude that restriction sites in these species are differentially present or exposed and potentially account for differences in SDF dynamics. Although differences in the arginine composition of protamine may explain relative differences in SDF following cryopreservation, they do not support the hypothesis that increased arginine composition increases DNA stability; rather, increased arginine composition in the wombat may reduce post-thaw chromatin swelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia; and Corresponding author.
| | - C López-Fernández
- Department of Biology, Autonomous University of Madrid, Cantoblanco, Madrid, 28049, Spain
| | - F Arroyo
- Department of Biology, Autonomous University of Madrid, Cantoblanco, Madrid, 28049, Spain
| | - R Roy
- Department of Biology, Autonomous University of Madrid, Cantoblanco, Madrid, 28049, Spain
| | - W V Holt
- Academic unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - J Gosálvez
- Department of Biology, Autonomous University of Madrid, Cantoblanco, Madrid, 28049, Spain
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29
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Adam D, Johnston SD, Beard L, Nicolson V, Gaughan JB, Lisle AT, FitzGibbon S, Barth BJ, Gillett A, Grigg G, Ellis W. Body temperature of free-ranging koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) in south-east Queensland. Int J Biometeorol 2020; 64:1305-1318. [PMID: 32388686 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-020-01907-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The distribution of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) in Queensland is predicted to contract as a result of climate change, driven by the frequency, intensity and duration of heatwaves and drought. However, little is known about the physiological responses of this species to environmental extremes under field conditions. This study aimed to establish the efficacy of surgically implanted thermal radio transmitters and data loggers to measure the body temperature of free-ranging koalas across a range of environmental conditions and ambient temperatures. Five free-ranging koalas in southeast Queensland were implanted with thermal transmitters and data loggers waxed together as a single package. Body temperatures were recorded for variable periods ranging from 3 to 12 months. Diurnal rhythms in body temperature were detected irrespective of season. The long-term diurnal body temperature peak for all koalas occurred between 16:00 and 17:00 h and body temperature was 36.7-36.9 °C, the long-term nadir occurred between 07:00 and 08:00 h and body temperature was 35.4-35.7 °C. Koala body temperatures as low as 34.2 °C and as high as 39.0 °C were recorded. Thermolability became apparent when ambient temperatures were outside the deduced thermal neutral zone for koalas (14.5-24.5 °C): heat was accumulated during the day and dissipated during the cool of the night. While this study is the first to report on body temperature of free-ranging koalas in their normal behavioural context, further investigations are necessary to determine the physiological boundaries of the thermal niche for this species, in order to better equip models that will more accurately predict the impacts of climate change on koalas.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Adam
- Wildlife Science Unit, School of Agriculture & Food Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, 4343, Australia.
| | - S D Johnston
- Wildlife Science Unit, School of Agriculture & Food Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, 4343, Australia
| | - L Beard
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4067, Australia
| | - V Nicolson
- Dreamworld Veterinary Clinic, Dreamworld, Coomera, Queensland, 4209, Australia
| | - J B Gaughan
- School of Agriculture & Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, 4343, Australia
| | - A T Lisle
- School of Agriculture & Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, 4343, Australia
| | - S FitzGibbon
- Koala Ecology Group, School of Agriculture & Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4067, Australia
| | - B J Barth
- Koala Ecology Group, School of Agriculture & Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4067, Australia
| | - A Gillett
- Koala Ecology Group, School of Agriculture & Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4067, Australia
| | - G Grigg
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4067, Australia
| | - W Ellis
- Koala Ecology Group, School of Agriculture & Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4067, Australia
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30
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Anthwal N, Fenelon JC, Johnston SD, Renfree MB, Tucker AS. Transient role of the middle ear as a lower jaw support across mammals. eLife 2020; 9:e57860. [PMID: 32600529 PMCID: PMC7363448 DOI: 10.7554/elife.57860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammals articulate their jaws using a novel joint between the dentary and squamosal bones. In eutherian mammals, this joint forms in the embryo, supporting feeding and vocalisation from birth. In contrast, marsupials and monotremes exhibit extreme altriciality and are born before the bones of the novel mammalian jaw joint form. These mammals need to rely on other mechanisms to allow them to feed. Here, we show that this vital function is carried out by the earlier developing, cartilaginous incus of the middle ear, abutting the cranial base to form a cranio-mandibular articulation. The nature of this articulation varies between monotremes and marsupials, with juvenile monotremes retaining a double articulation, similar to that of the fossil mammaliaform Morganucodon, while marsupials use a versican-rich matrix to stabilise the jaw against the cranial base. These findings provide novel insight into the evolution of mammals and the changing relationship between the jaw and ear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neal Anthwal
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Jane C Fenelon
- School of BioSciences, University of MelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Stephen D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University of QueenslandGattonAustralia
| | | | - Abigail S Tucker
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
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31
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Hulse LS, Beagley K, Ellis W, Fitzgibbon S, Gillett A, Barth B, Robbins A, Pyne M, Larkin R, Johnston SD. EPIDEMIOLOGY OF CHLAMYDIA-INDUCED REPRODUCTIVE DISEASE IN MALE KOALAS ( PHASCOLARCTOS CINEREUS) FROM SOUTHEAST QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA AS ASSESSED FROM PENILE URETHRAL SWABS AND SEMEN. J Wildl Dis 2020; 56:82-92. [PMID: 31329524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Declining population sizes of koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) in SE Queensland (QLD), Australia can partially be attributed to chlamydiosis, with the majority of epidemiological studies focusing on the prevalence of infection and associated pathology in female koalas, with lesser attention given to males. We aimed to explore the epidemiology of Chlamydia pecorum infection in the male urogenital tract from wild (hospitalized and free-ranging) koalas in SE QLD. Although 67% of male koalas were infected with C. pecorum in their urogenital tract and 55% were shedding the organism in their semen, only a third of the males sampled presented with overt signs of urogenital disease. Infection with C. pecorum was lower in populations from rural locations, compared with periurban locations, with a corresponding low association between urogenital infection and clinical disease. The presence of C. pecorum in penile urethral swabs was a good predictor of the presence of C. pecorum in semen, with a significant correlation (P=0.006) in 58% of males. In contrast, the C. pecorum load in penile urethral swabs was not a good predictor of the C. pecorum load in semen, with no significant correlation. In addition, 57% of male koalas had large numbers of bacterial copy numbers in the penile urethra (upper quartile) and 40% shedding into semen with no overt signs of disease. Investigation of the association of C. pecorum infection, body condition score, and age revealed that the highest incidence of urogenital infection occurred in males with the lowest body score (1 out of 10). Furthermore, 63% of sexually mature male koalas (>2 yr old) had urethral infections and 50% had C. pecorum in their semen. Our study suggested that the role of chlamydia in male koala infertility has been previously underestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndal S Hulse
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland 4343, Australia
| | - Kenneth Beagley
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation and School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Q Block, 60 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia
| | - William Ellis
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland 4343, Australia
| | - Sean Fitzgibbon
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland 4343, Australia
| | - Amber Gillett
- Faunavet, Independent Wildlife Veterinary Services, Glasshouse Mountains, Queensland 4518, Australia
| | - Ben Barth
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland 4343, Australia
| | - Amy Robbins
- Endeavour Veterinary Ecology Pty. Ltd., 1695 Pumicestone Road, Toorbul, Queensland 4510, Australia
| | - Michael Pyne
- Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, 27 Millers Drive, Currumbin, Queensland 4223, Australia
| | - Rebecca Larkin
- Moggill Koala Rehabilitation Centre, 55 Priors Pocket Road, Moggill, Queensland 4070, Australia
| | - Stephen D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland 4343, Australia
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Swinston P, Johnston SD, O'Hara P, Englebright R, Keeley T. Preliminary evaluation of urinary cytology and running wheel activity to detect oestrus and the effect of daily handling on breeding success of fat-tailed dunnarts Sminthopsis crassicaudata. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/rd20001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Hulse LS, McDonald S, Johnston SD, Beagley KW. Rapid point-of-care diagnostics for the detection of Chlamydia pecorum in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) using loop-mediated isothermal amplification without nucleic acid purification. Microbiologyopen 2019; 8:e916. [PMID: 31419041 PMCID: PMC6925175 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious disease, predominately chlamydiosis, contributes significantly to the decline in health of wild koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) populations in some regions of Australia. In this study, we describe the development and evaluation of a simple, sensitive, and specific loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for the detection of Chlamydia pecorum in koalas as a point‐of‐care diagnostic tool that can be used in any wildlife hospital and in the field on specialized instrumentation. A set of primers targeting a 188‐bp region of the C. pecorum genome was designed. 100% specificity of the LAMP assay was revealed by demonstrating no cross‐reactivity with 33 nontarget pathogens, and complete correlation with qPCR results for 43 clinical swabs collected opportunistically from wildlife hospitals. In sensitivity evaluations, the technique successfully detected serial dilutions of extracted C. pecorum DNA with a detection limit of 44 IFU/ml.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndal S Hulse
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Stephen D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, Australia
| | - Kenneth W Beagley
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation and School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Nixon B, Johnston SD, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Anderson AL, Stanger SJ, Bromfield EG, Martin JH, Hansbro PM, Dun MD. Modification of Crocodile Spermatozoa Refutes the Tenet That Post-testicular Sperm Maturation Is Restricted To Mammals. Mol Cell Proteomics 2019; 18:S58-S76. [PMID: 30072580 PMCID: PMC6427239 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.ra118.000904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Competition to achieve paternity has contributed to the development of a multitude of elaborate male reproductive strategies. In one of the most well-studied examples, the spermatozoa of all mammalian species must undergo a series of physiological changes, termed capacitation, in the female reproductive tract before realizing their potential to fertilize an ovum. However, the evolutionary origin and adaptive advantage afforded by capacitation remains obscure. Here, we report the use of comparative and quantitative proteomics to explore the biological significance of capacitation in an ancient reptilian species, the Australian saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus,). Our data reveal that exposure of crocodile spermatozoa to capacitation stimuli elicits a cascade of physiological responses that are analogous to those implicated in the functional activation of their mammalian counterparts. Indeed, among a total of 1119 proteins identified in this study, we detected 126 that were differentially phosphorylated (± 1.2 fold-change) in capacitated versus, noncapacitated crocodile spermatozoa. Notably, this subset of phosphorylated proteins shared substantial evolutionary overlap with those documented in mammalian spermatozoa, and included key elements of signal transduction, metabolic and cellular remodeling pathways. Unlike mammalian sperm, however, we noted a distinct bias for differential phosphorylation of serine (as opposed to tyrosine) residues, with this amino acid featuring as the target for ∼80% of all changes detected in capacitated spermatozoa. Overall, these results indicate that the phenomenon of sperm capacitation is unlikely to be restricted to mammals and provide a framework for understanding the molecular changes in sperm physiology necessary for fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Nixon
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia;.
| | - Stephen D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
| | | | - Amanda L Anderson
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Simone J Stanger
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Jacinta H Martin
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Philip M Hansbro
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia;; Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Matthew D Dun
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia;; Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research, Innovation and Translation, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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Johnston SD, Holt WV. Using the Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) as a Case Study to Illustrate the Development of Artificial Breeding Technology in Marsupials: an Update. Adv Exp Med Biol 2019; 1200:327-362. [PMID: 31471803 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-23633-5_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The successful development and application of an assisted breeding program in any animal relies primarily on a thorough understanding of the fundamental reproductive biology (anatomy, physiology and behaviour) of the species in question. Surely, the ultimate goal and greatest hallmark of such a program is the efficacious establishment of a series of reliable techniques that facilitate the reproductive and genetic management of fragmented populations, both in captivity and in the wild. Such an achievement is all that more challenging when knowledge of the reproductive biology of that species is essentially rudimentary and without adequate models to compare to. Using the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) as a case study, this chapter provides insights into the development of a concept that began as small undergraduate student project but that subsequently evolved into the first-ever successful artificial insemination of a marsupial. Apart from this historical perspective, we shall also provide a brief review of the current reproductive biology of the koala, discuss technical elements of current assisted breeding technology of this species, its application to the closely related wombat, and the potential role it might play in helping to conserve wild koala populations in the form of a live koala genome bank. There is little doubt that the unique reproductive biology and tractability of the koala has been a benefit rather than a hindrance to the success of artificial breeding in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen D Johnston
- Wildlife Biology Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Australia.
| | - William V Holt
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Martínez MG, Sánchez-Martín P, Dorado-Silva M, Fernández JL, Girones E, Johnston SD, Gosálvez J. Magnetic-activated cell sorting is not completely effective at reducing sperm DNA fragmentation. J Assist Reprod Genet 2018; 35:2215-2221. [PMID: 30225819 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-018-1319-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine whether there is a homogeneous reduction of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) in sperm samples recovered from the MACS procedure, compared to spermatozoa in the initial ejaculate (NEAT) and those retained in the column. METHODS This study investigated the relative change in sperm DNA quality (SDF) of neat ejaculates (10 idiopathic infertile and 10 normozoospermic patients) to subpopulations of spermatozoa that had passed through the column (MACS-) and those retained (MACS+) by the annexin-V conjugated microbeads. RESULTS While the MACS protocol was capable of reducing the mean proportion of SDF (59.2%; P = 0.000) and sperm with highly degraded DNA (SDD; 65.7%, P = 0.000) in all patients, the reduction was not homogeneous across the patient cohort. A significant positive correlation (r = 0.772, P = 0.000) was apparent between the level of SDF in the NEAT ejaculate and the efficacy of SDF reduction observed in the MACS- fraction. CONCLUSION MACS is capable of reducing the proportion of SDF, especially spermatozoa with a highly degraded DNA molecule. However, this reduction did not preclude the presence of a small subpopulation of spermatozoa with damaged DNA in the MACS- fraction. The MACS protocol was two- to threefold more efficient when the SDF in NEAT ejaculate was equal to or greater than 30%. In 4 of 20 individuals, the level of SDF after MACS resulted in semen for ICSI with a higher or non-significant reduction when compared to SDF observed in the NEAT ejaculate.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - José Luís Fernández
- Genetics Unit, INIBIC-Complejo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña (CHUAC), As Xubias, 84, 15006, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Estibaliz Girones
- Unit of Genetics, Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 20849, Madrid, Spain
| | - Stephen D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, 4070, Australia. .,School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, 4343, Australia.
| | - Jaime Gosálvez
- Unit of Genetics, Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 20849, Madrid, Spain
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Adam D, Beard L, Johnston SD, Nicolson V, Lisle A, McKinnon A, Larkin R, Theilemann P, Gillett A, Brackin K, FitzGibbon S, Barth B, Ellis W. Recording body temperature in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus
): a comparison of techniques. Aust Vet J 2018; 96:308-311. [DOI: 10.1111/avj.12719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 02/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D Adam
- Wildlife Science Unit, School of Agricultural and Food Sciences; The University of Queensland; Gatton Queensland 4343 Australia
| | - L Beard
- Wildlife Science Unit, School of Agricultural and Food Sciences; The University of Queensland; Gatton Queensland 4343 Australia
| | - SD Johnston
- Wildlife Science Unit, School of Agricultural and Food Sciences; The University of Queensland; Gatton Queensland 4343 Australia
| | | | - A Lisle
- Wildlife Science Unit, School of Agricultural and Food Sciences; The University of Queensland; Gatton Queensland 4343 Australia
| | - A McKinnon
- Moggill Koala Hospital; Department of Environment Heritage and Protection; Moggill QLD Australia
| | - R Larkin
- Moggill Koala Hospital; Department of Environment Heritage and Protection; Moggill QLD Australia
| | - P Theilemann
- Moggill Koala Hospital; Department of Environment Heritage and Protection; Moggill QLD Australia
| | - A Gillett
- Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital; Beerwah QLD Australia
| | - K Brackin
- Bellbowrie Veterinary Surgery; Bellbowrie QLD Australia
| | - S FitzGibbon
- Koala Ecology Group, School of Agriculture & Food Sciences; The University of Queensland; St Lucia QLD Australia
| | - B Barth
- Koala Ecology Group, School of Agriculture & Food Sciences; The University of Queensland; St Lucia QLD Australia
| | - W Ellis
- Koala Ecology Group, School of Agriculture & Food Sciences; The University of Queensland; St Lucia QLD Australia
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Johnston SD, López-Fernández C, Arroyo F, Fernández JL, Gosálvez J. The assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation in the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus). Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 29:630-636. [PMID: 26462595 DOI: 10.1071/rd15300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Herein we report a method of assessing DNA fragmentation in the saltwater crocodile using the sperm chromatin dispersion test (SCDt) after including frozen-thawed spermatozoa in a microgel (Halomax; Halotech DNA, Madrid, Spain). Following controlled protein depletion, which included a reducing agent, sperm nuclei with fragmented DNA showed a homogeneous and larger halo of chromatin dispersion with a corresponding reduced nucleoid core compared with sperm with non-fragmented DNA. The presence of DNA damage was confirmed directly by incorporation of modified nucleotides using in situ nick translation (ISNT) and indirectly by studying the correlation of the SCDt with the results of DNA damage visualisation using a two-tailed comet assay (r=0.90; P=0.037). Results of the SCDt immediately following thawing and after 5h incubation at 37°C in order to induce a range of DNA damage revealed individual crocodile differences in both the baseline level of DNA damage and DNA longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4070, Australia
| | - C López-Fernández
- Unit of Genetics, Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 20849 Madrid, Spain
| | - F Arroyo
- Unit of Genetics, Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 20849 Madrid, Spain
| | - J L Fernández
- Genetics Unit, The Institute of Biomedical Research (INIBIC)-Complejo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña (CHUAC), As Xubias, 84, 15006 A Coruña, Spain
| | - J Gosálvez
- Unit of Genetics, Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 20849 Madrid, Spain
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Hulse LS, Hickey D, Mitchell JM, Beagley KW, Ellis W, Johnston SD. Development and application of two multiplex real-time PCR assays for detection and speciation of bacterial pathogens in the koala. J Vet Diagn Invest 2018; 30:523-529. [PMID: 29629645 PMCID: PMC6505923 DOI: 10.1177/1040638718770490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases have contributed to the decline in the health of koala ( Phascolarctos cinereus) populations in the wild in some regions of Australia. Herein we report the development and validation of 2 multiplex real-time PCR (rtPCR) panels for the simultaneous detection of Mycoplasma spp., Ureaplasma spp., Bordetella bronchiseptica, and Chlamydia, including speciation and quantification of Chlamydia, in ocular, reproductive, and nasal swab samples in addition to semen and male urogenital and reproductive tissues, from koalas. Each rtPCR panel was developed for use as a single-tube reaction using pathogen-specific primers and fluorescently labeled probe sets. DNA extracted from reference strains and isolates was used for validation of sequence gene targets for the multiplex rtPCR panels. Each panel was shown to be sensitive and specific in detecting and differentiating the bacterial pathogens. The multiplex rtPCR panels were used to screen clinical samples from free-ranging and hospitalized koalas for multiple pathogens simultaneously. The multiplex rtPCR will improve turnaround time compared to individual-pathogen rtPCR methods used, to date, for confirmation of diagnosis and will provide the wildlife clinician with the ability to make treatment decisions more rapidly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndal S. Hulse
- Lyndal S. Hulse, Wildlife
Biology Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Science, University of Queensland,
Gatton 4343, QLD, Australia.
| | - Danica Hickey
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University
of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia (Hulse, Mitchell, Ellis,
Johnston)
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation
(Hickey, Beagley), Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology,
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences (Hickey, Beagley),
Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland,
Australia
| | - Jessica M. Mitchell
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University
of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia (Hulse, Mitchell, Ellis,
Johnston)
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation
(Hickey, Beagley), Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology,
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences (Hickey, Beagley),
Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland,
Australia
| | - Kenneth W. Beagley
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University
of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia (Hulse, Mitchell, Ellis,
Johnston)
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation
(Hickey, Beagley), Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology,
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences (Hickey, Beagley),
Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland,
Australia
| | - William Ellis
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University
of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia (Hulse, Mitchell, Ellis,
Johnston)
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation
(Hickey, Beagley), Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology,
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences (Hickey, Beagley),
Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland,
Australia
| | - Stephen D. Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University
of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia (Hulse, Mitchell, Ellis,
Johnston)
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation
(Hickey, Beagley), Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology,
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences (Hickey, Beagley),
Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland,
Australia
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Du Z, Johnston SD, Janssen T, Phillips CJC, Lisle A, Keeley T. Behavioral and endocrine responses to season and social dynamics of captive male southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 261:40-50. [PMID: 29373814 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2017] [Revised: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although southern hairy-nosed wombats (SHN wombats; Lasiorhinus latifrons) rarely breed in captivity, further knowledge of their reproductive physiology and behavior is likely to improve their breeding potential. This study examined the effect of seasonal variation and changes in social dynamics on the physiology and behavior of a captive population of male SHN wombats (n = 6). Seasonal changes in urinary testosterone metabolites (UTM), urinary cortisol metabolites (UCM), qualitative estimates of spermatorrhoea (QS), aggressive behavior and reproductive behavior were measured over an 11-month period. While there was no effect of month on QS (GLM ANOVA, P = 0.27), reproductive behavior (GLM ANOVA, P = 0.19) or aggressive behavior (Tukey pairwise comparisons), the secretion of UTM (GLM ANOVA, P = 0.051) was only marginally affected by season, compared to that reported for wild male SHN wombats. Mean UCM concentrations of July and August 2016 were significantly higher than those between October 2015 and January 2016 (Tukey pairwise comparisons). To examine social dynamics, two trials of animal positioning exchange with the enclosure system were implemented and behavioral data were examined for each trial over a six week period; UTM, UCM and general behaviors (n = 27) were measured for each trial. Neither UTM nor UCM concentration varied significantly (P ≥ 0.45) before and after the exchanges. "Scratching" decreased at the group level following the animal exchange in both trials, suggesting reduction in self-grooming may be a behavioral response to novel stimuli. UCM and UTM concentrations were both positively correlated with "standing still" and "body rub" behaviors. This may be evidence of a hormonal control of a "freezing behavioral response" to external stimuli and marking behavior, respectively. As there was no evidence that changing the social dynamics affected reproductive or agonistic behavior or hormone concentrations, it was concluded that captive male wombats in this study showed reduced reproductive seasonality compared to wild wombats and that animal exchange resulted in a behavioral response to novel stimuli but was not sufficient to affect testosterone or cortisol secretion, within the context of our study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Du
- Wildlife Biology Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Queensland, Australia.
| | - S D Johnston
- Wildlife Biology Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Queensland, Australia
| | - T Janssen
- Australian Animal Care and Education, Mount Larcom 4695, Queensland, Australia
| | - C J C Phillips
- Centre for Animal Welfare and Ethics, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Queensland, Australia
| | - A Lisle
- Wildlife Biology Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Queensland, Australia
| | - T Keeley
- Wildlife Biology Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Queensland, Australia
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Swinbourne AM, Phillips CJC, Janssen T, Lisle A, Keeley T, Johnston SD. Reproductive biology of captive female southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons). Part 2: oestrous behaviour. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 30:1424-1433. [PMID: 29742384 DOI: 10.1071/rd17539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The poor captive breeding success of southern hairy-nosed wombats (SHNWs; Lasiorhinus latifrons) has been attributed to the difficulty in accurately characterising oestrous behaviour and their relationship to circulating reproductive hormones. Over two wombat breeding seasons, the use of infrared cameras for 24-h remote behavioural monitoring and the analysis of urine samples collected from seven captive females, were investigated to determine the relationship between behaviour and changes in urinary progesterone metabolites (P4M). Urinary P4M was divided into two concentrations: (1) ≤ baseline P4M values and (2)>baseline P4M values and evaluated against urine volume (mL) and the duration (s) and frequency of 23 behaviours recorded for 8 days surrounding D0 of the luteal phase (D0: a sustained increase in P4M for three or more consecutive days). When P4M was ≤ baseline, the duration of urination and volume both decreased, whereas the duration and frequency of both pacing and rump bites by the female towards the male increased. These results suggest that there were detectable behavioural changes that can be mapped to the changes in the SHNW oestrous cycle, which may be used as behavioural indicators to identify the reproductive status of females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyce M Swinbourne
- Wildlife Science Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Science, Ground Floor, Building 8117A, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia
| | - Clive J C Phillips
- Centre of Animal Welfare and Ethics, School of Veterinary Science, Room 102, White House (Gatton), The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia
| | - Tina Janssen
- Australian Animals Care and Education, PO Box 138, Mount Larcom, Qld 4695, Australia
| | - Allan Lisle
- Wildlife Science Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Science, Ground Floor, Building 8117A, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia
| | - Tamara Keeley
- Wildlife Science Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Science, Ground Floor, Building 8117A, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia
| | - Stephen D Johnston
- Wildlife Science Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Science, Ground Floor, Building 8117A, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia
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Swinbourne AM, Johnston SD, Janssen T, Lisle A, Keeley T. Reproductive biology of captive southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons). Part 1: oestrous cycle characterisation. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 30:1412-1423. [PMID: 29742383 DOI: 10.1071/rd17497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Southern hairy-nosed wombats (SHNWs: Lasiorhinus latifrons) do not breed well in captivity. To better understand their reproduction, daily urine samples were collected from nine captive females and analysed for volume (mL), specific gravity and a qualitative index of the number of epithelial cells, then stored at -20°C until samples could be analysed for progesterone metabolites (P4M). The mean oestrous cycle length was 35.1±2.4 days; however, individual cycle length ranged from 23 to 47 days. The mean luteal phase length was 20.8±1.3 days (range: 12 to 33 days). Urinary P4M was divided into four oestrous cycle stages: (1) early follicular phase, (2) late follicular phase, (3) early luteal phase, (4) late luteal phase, and analysed against urinary characteristics. During the late follicular phase, urine volume decreased (P=0.002) while urine specific gravity (P=0.001) and concentration of epithelial cells (P=0.004) both increased. The level of variability in oestrous cycle length suggests that some captive females may exhibit abnormal cycles; however, the changes in the urinary characteristics associated with the different stages of the oestrous cycle appear to offer a possible non-invasive means of monitoring the reproductive status of captive SHNWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyce M Swinbourne
- Wildlife Science Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Science, Ground Floor, Building 8117A, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia
| | - Stephen D Johnston
- Wildlife Science Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Science, Ground Floor, Building 8117A, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia
| | - Tina Janssen
- Australian Animals Care and Education, PO Box 138, Mount Larcom, Qld 4695, Australia
| | - Alan Lisle
- Wildlife Science Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Science, Ground Floor, Building 8117A, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia
| | - Tamara Keeley
- Wildlife Science Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Science, Ground Floor, Building 8117A, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia
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Larkin R, Palmieri C, Oishi M, Hulse L, Johnston SD. Ultrasonographic assessment of the male koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) reproductive tract. Res Vet Sci 2017; 117:219-223. [PMID: 29306150 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2017.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Studies documenting the application of ultrasonography to depict normal and pathological changes in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus), especially in the male, are scarce. Sixty-two wild koalas were used in this study to define ultrasonographic protocols and features for the assessment of the male koala reproductive tract. Testis, epididymis and spermatic cord were examined using a hockey stick transducer. The normal koala testis showed a homogeneous echogenicity and an obvious hyper-echoic band corresponding to the tunica albuginea. The cauda epididymis was characterised by hypo- and hyper-echoic regions and was most effectively imaged in sagittal section. The koala prostate was assessed using a micro-curved transducer positioned midline, caudal to the bladder. On transverse section, it showed distinct margins and a well-defined internal structure, although the prostatic urethra was not apparent on most scans. To image the bulbourethral glands (BGs), the hockey stick transducer was placed lateral to the cloaca. BGIII was located just below the skin, while BGII was located deeper than BGIII. BGI was too small and not sufficiently echogenic to be detected. The ultrasonographic appearance of the BGs was similar to that of the testes but with more obvious hypo-echoic stippling. This comprehensive review of the ultrasonographic appearance of normal male koala reproductive tract can be used by veterinarians and others, in zoos or those working with wild koalas, during assessment of the reproductive tract of male koalas in relation to seasonal changes in accessory gland function or for the pathological investigation of reproductive lesions and infertility problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Larkin
- Ipswich Koala Protection Society, 110 Brass Road, Mt Forbes, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Chiara Palmieri
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton campus, Queensland, Australia
| | - Motoharu Oishi
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Lyndal Hulse
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton campus, Queensland, Australia
| | - Stephen D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton campus, Queensland, Australia
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Swinbourne AM, Johnston SD, Janssen TM, Lisle A, Keeley T. Validation of techniques to measure reproductive hormones in the urine of female southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 252:130-141. [PMID: 28826813 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A M Swinbourne
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia.
| | - S D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - T M Janssen
- Australian Animals Care and Education, Mount Larcom, Queensland, Australia
| | - A Lisle
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - T Keeley
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
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Du Z, Keeley T, Janssen T, Nicolson V, Johnston SD. Measurement of testosterone and cortisol metabolites and luteinising hormone in captive southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) urine. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 250:70-79. [PMID: 28599837 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 06/04/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This study reports the validation and use of enzyme immunoassays (EIA) to measure changes in plasma and urinary luteinizing hormone, testosterone metabolites (UTM) and cortisol metabolites (UCM) in captive southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons). GnRH agonist and ACTH agonist challenges were conducted to validate urinary testosterone (male wombat only) and cortisol (male and female wombats) EIAs. Following intra-muscular injection of 8-12μg buserelin (n=4 males), there was a significant increase in both plasma (P<0.001) and urinary testosterone concentrations (P<0.001) 60min and 21h after administration, respectively. Plasma LH levels were elevated (p<0.05) at 20min but there was no significant increase found in urinary LH concentrations after injection. Intra-muscular injection of Synacthen® Depot (250μg) (n=3 males, 3 females) resulted in a significant increase (p<0.05) in plasma cortisol secretion 15min and in urinary cortisol concentrations 3h post injection, respectively. Sex-related differences in cortisol secretion were also reported in this study. These findings indicate that (1) urinary LH might not be an appropriate index for describing the reproductive status in captive male L. latifrons, and (2) the UTM and UCM assays appear to be suitable for the assessment of the testicular steroidogenic capacity and the adrenocortical activity in captive southern hairy-nosed wombats, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Du
- Wildlife Biology Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Queensland, Australia.
| | - T Keeley
- Wildlife Biology Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Queensland, Australia
| | - T Janssen
- Australian Animal Care and Education, Mount Larcom 4695, Queensland, Australia
| | - V Nicolson
- Dreamworld, Coomera, 4209 Qld, Australia
| | - S D Johnston
- Wildlife Biology Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Queensland, Australia
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Wallage AL, Johnston SD, Lisle AT, Beard L, Lees AM, Collins CW, Gaughan JB. Thermoregulation of the bovine scrotum 1: measurements of free-range animals in a paddock and pen. Int J Biometeorol 2017; 61:1381-1387. [PMID: 28280936 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-017-1315-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2016] [Revised: 01/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The bull's scrotum and scrotal cord vasculature has traditionally been regarded as a thermoregulatory device for maintaining optimal testicular temperature for normal spermatogenesis. This assumption has mostly been derived from discrete measurements using thermocouples with limited data correlating continuous scrotal temperature (ST) to body temperature (BT). From mid-summer to early autumn, four Wagyu bulls (9-18 months) were surgically implanted with two data loggers (DL) logging at 30 min intervals: one on the right hand side flank and the other was attached to the visceral vaginal tunic of the mid-testis. Bulls were firstly housed in a paddock (PK) for 13 days and then moved to individual pens (IP), again for 13 days. Repeated measures analysis modelled the long-term and diurnal trends in BT and ST. While both day and time of day (TOD) were significant effects for ST at both housing locations (P < 0.005), only TOD showed significance for BT at both locations (P < 0.0001). Significant effects were seen between bulls with ST (F = 167.2, P < 0.001) but not BT (F = 0.03, P = 0.863), suggestive of variation in individual bull thermoregulatory capacity. Dual peaks were observed in ST at 0500 and 2130 h when housed in PK but not IP, suggesting ST may be influenced by external stimuli such as postural or behavioural changes. Reporting concurrent and continuous BT and ST will allow further investigation into factors influencing bovine ST and should be useful in selecting bulls with high degrees of thermoregulation capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Wallage
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Animal Science Group, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia.
| | - S D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Animal Science Group, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
| | - A T Lisle
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Animal Science Group, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
| | - L Beard
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Animal Science Group, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
| | - A M Lees
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Animal Science Group, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
| | - C W Collins
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4343, Australia
| | - J B Gaughan
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Animal Science Group, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
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Nixon B, Anderson AL, Smith ND, McLeod R, Johnston SD. The Australian saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) provides evidence that the capacitation of spermatozoa may extend beyond the mammalian lineage. Proc Biol Sci 2017; 283:rspb.2016.0495. [PMID: 27147099 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2016.0495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Although mammalian spermatozoa only acquire functional maturity as they are conveyed through the male (epididymal maturation) and female (capacitation) reproductive tracts, the degree of post-testicular development necessary to achieve fertilization in other vertebrate species remains far less clear. Indeed, despite reports that the epididymis of birds and reptiles is capable of secreting proteins that bind and modify the sperm surface characteristics, it remains unclear whether capacitation is a pre-requisite for fertilization in these species. Using the ancient reptilian Australian saltwater crocodile as a model, this study was undertaken to explore whether reptile sperm do undergo capacitation-like changes following ejaculation. Our studies revealed that crocodile spermatozoa experienced a rapid and sustained, cyclic-AMP mediated increase in progressive motility following incubation under conditions optimized for the induction of capacitation in mammalian species such as the mouse and human. This response was coupled with elevated levels of phosphorylation associated with both protein kinase A and tyrosine kinase substrates, the latter of which were predominantly localized within the sperm flagellum. In findings that also accord with mammalian spermatozoa, we confirmed a homologue of outer dense fibre 2 as one of the principal substrates for tyrosine phosphorylation. Overall, our findings support the concept that crocodile spermatozoa do undergo a process that is homologous to capacitation in preparation for fertilization of an ovum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Nixon
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Nathan D Smith
- Analytical and Biomolecular Research Facility, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Robby McLeod
- Koorana Crocodile Farm, Coowonga, Queensland 4702, Australia
| | - Stephen D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland 4343, Australia
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Wallage AL, Gaughan JB, Lisle AT, Beard L, Collins CW, Johnston SD. Measurement of bovine body and scrotal temperature using implanted temperature sensitive radio transmitters, data loggers and infrared thermography. Int J Biometeorol 2017; 61:1309-1321. [PMID: 28337635 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-017-1309-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Revised: 12/03/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Synchronous and continuous measurement of body (BT) and scrotal temperature (ST) without adverse welfare or behavioural interference is essential for understanding thermoregulation of the bull testis. This study compared three technologies for their efficacy for long-term measurement of the relationship between BT and ST by means of (1) temperature sensitive radio transmitters (RT), (2) data loggers (DL) and (3) infrared imaging (IRI). After an initial pilot study on two bulls to establish a surgical protocol, RTs and DLs were implanted into the flank and mid-scrotum of six Wagyu bulls for between 29 and 49 days. RT frequencies were scanned every 15 min, whilst DLs logged every 30 min. Infrared imaging of the body (flank) and scrotum of each bull was recorded hourly for one 24-h period and compared to RT and DL data. After a series of subsequent heat stress studies, bulls were castrated and testicular tissue samples processed for evidence of histopathology. Radio transmitters were less reliable than DLs; RTs lost >11 % of data, whilst 11 of the 12 DLs had 0 % data loss. IRI was only interpretable in 35.8 % of images recorded. Pearson correlations between DL and RT were strong for both BT (r > 0.94, P < 0.001) and ST (r > 0.80, P < 0.001). Surgery produced temporary minor inflammation and scrotal hematoma in two animals post-surgery. Whilst scar tissue was observed at all surgical sutured sites when bulls were castrated, there was no evidence of testicular adhesion and normal active spermatogenesis was observed in six of the eight implanted testicles. There was no significant correlation of IRI with either DL or RT. We conclude that DLs provided to be a reliable continuous source of data for synchronous measurement of BT and ST.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Wallage
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Animal Science Group, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia.
| | - J B Gaughan
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Animal Science Group, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
| | - A T Lisle
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Animal Science Group, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
| | - L Beard
- School of Biological Science, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, 4072, Australia
| | - C W Collins
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, 4343, Australia
| | - S D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Animal Science Group, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
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Feng T, Paterson B, Johnston SD. New insights into the spermatogenesis of the black tiger prawn, Penaeus monodon. J Morphol 2017; 278:689-703. [PMID: 28164360 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
This study reports a comprehensive description of penaeid spermatogenesis (Penaeus monodon) by light and transmission electron microscopy. A conspicuous characteristic of spermatocytogenesis was a ring-like structure with high electron-density adjacent to the nucleus of a primary spermatocyte. During the spermiogenesis from stage I (StI) to stage VI spermatid (StVI), the formation of the acrosome and decondensation of the nucleus were the most notable morphological transformations. StIs were small and compact and they were contained in the syncytia. In the cytoplasm of StII, mitochondrion-like bodies (MLB) participated the extension of perinuclear multi-layered lamellae. The association of MLBs and endoplasmic reticula appeared to contribute to the formation of small cytoplasmic pre-acrosomal vesicles (PV) which coalesced into an acrosomal chamber (AC) at the periphery of StIII. A dense anterior acrosomal body (AB) was formed in the enlarged AC in StIV. The nuclear envelope became disintegrated in StV. At last, an AB-derived spiky acrosome was emerged from AC in StVI. Sperm nuclei became increasingly decondensed during the entire process of spermiogenesis and the nuclear components in the testicular spermatozoa appeared to only contain chains of DNA and nucleosome-contained chromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Feng
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, 4343, Australia
| | - Brian Paterson
- Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Bribie Island Research Centre, Woorim, Queensland, 4507, Australia
| | - Stephen D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, 4343, Australia
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Schultz BK, Palmieri C, Nicolson V, Larkin R, Keeley T, McGowan M, Johnston SD. First report of a spermatic granuloma and varicocele in a marsupial: A Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) Case Study. Res Vet Sci 2016; 107:30-33. [PMID: 27473971 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2016.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Revised: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This study reports the first documented clinical case of a spermatic granuloma and varicocele in a marsupial. Initial clinical presentation included gross morphological changes in the left scrotal cord, epididymis and testis. Ultrasonography of the scrotum and spermatic cord, and gross and histopathological examination after hemicastration, confirmed the condition as a spermatic granuloma affecting the left caput epididymis, with a varicocele in the left proximal spermatic cord, which was causing azoospermia and infertility. Semen quality and serum testosterone secretion following a GnRH challenge was assessed prior to, and following surgery. After hemi-castration, an increase in androgen secretion to within normal reference ranges for the koala was observed with a subsequent increase in semen production and sperm quality resulting in the sire of a pouch young, 12months later.
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Affiliation(s)
- B K Schultz
- Wildlife Science Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia; School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia.
| | - C Palmieri
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia
| | | | - R Larkin
- Moggill Koala Hospital, Queensland Department of Environment Heritage, Moggill 4070, Australia
| | - T Keeley
- Wildlife Science Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia
| | - M McGowan
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia
| | - S D Johnston
- Wildlife Science Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia
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