Reproductive biology, morphology, and morphometry of ovaries and oviducts of Trachemys scripta elegans in Brazilian Cerrado / Biologia reprodutiva, morfologia e morfometriade ovários e ovidutos de Trachemys scripta elegans no Cerrado Brasileiro

Although Trachemys scripta elegans is an exotic species popular as a pet in Brazil, studies on reproductive biology and capacity are non-existent in the Brazilian Cerrado. This study analyzed ovarian and oviduct characteristics and the egg production capacity of T. scripta elegans grown in this biome. The findings will associate with the size of the specimens and the sexual maturity, aiming at comparisons with native and exotic populations, as well as interspecific and contributing to the understanding of its impact on the invaded ecosystems and the establishment of eradication programs. Thus, 39 females had evaluated the body biometry and the morphology and morphometry of the ovaries and oviducts. G2 (N=20): with Class I (>5-10mm) follicles, with Class I and Class II (>10-fold) follicles, 25mm) and G3 (N=9) with Class I, Class II and Class III (>25mm) follicles. Analysis of variance, Scott-Knott's test, and Pearson's correlation analysis showed that there was no significant difference between the groups in body biometry; in the mean gonadosomatic index and gonadal morphometry, only the width of the oviducts in the right antimer and the mass and width in the left antimer were higher in G3, the only one that presented eggs. There was positive and harmonic development between body mass, carapace, and plastron, and gonadal growth occurred concomitantly with body growth, indicating a higher reproductive potential and a positive relationship between the size of the litter and the female litter. The gonadosomatic index proved to be an excellent reproductive indicator, and the ovarian evaluation was a better indicator of sexual maturity than the maximum carapace length. Ovaries were irregular structures, without delimitation between the cortical and medullary regions and filled with vitelogenic follicles of different diameters, atresic follicles, and corpora lutea, which reflected the ovarian complexity of the species and the presence of follicular hierarchy. In the scarce stroma, two germinative beds were observed per ovary and the presence of gaps very close to the follicles and associated with the blood vessels. Analysis of gonadal tissue revealed three types of oocytes according to cytoplasmic characteristics: homogeneous, vesicular or vesicular in the cortex with apparent granules. Oviducts were functional and separated, joining only in the final portion to form the cloaca and subdivided into infundibulum, tuba, isthmus, uterus, and vagina. The structure of the uterine tube was composed of serosa, muscular and mucous, which was full of glands. The presence of eggs in the oviducts indicated that the specimens can reproduce in the Brazilian Cerrado. This study provides necessary and relevant information on the reproductive biology and capacity of T. scripta elegans in the Brazilian Cerrado and can contribute to the understanding of its impact on the invaded ecosystems and the establishment of eradication programs. The extraction of females with capacity can reduce the annual reproductive yield of the species and decrease its effect on local biodiversity.(AU)

Embora Trachemys scripta elegans seja uma espécie exótica popular como animal de estimação no Brasil, estudos sobre biologia e capacidade reprodutivas são inexistentes no Cerrado brasileiro. Este estudo analisou características ovarianas e do oviduto e a capacidade de produção de ovos em T. scripta elegans criadas neste bioma, correlacionando estes achados ao tamanho dos espécimes e a maturidade sexual, visando comparações com populações nativas e exóticas, bem como interespecíficas e contribuir para a compreensão de seu impacto nos ecossistemas invadidos e com o estabelecimento de programas de erradicação. Assim, 39 fêmeas tiveram avaliadas a biometria corporal e a morfologia e morfometria dos ovários e ovidutos. De acordo com o tamanho dos folículos ovarianos as fêmeas foram separadas em G1 (N= 10): com folículos Classe I (>5-10 mm), G2 (N= 20): com folículos Classe I e Classe II (>10-25 mm) e G3 (N= 9) com folículos Classe I, Classe II e Classe III (>25 mm). À análise de variância, teste de Scott-Knott e à análise de correlação de Pearson verificou-se que não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos na biometria corporal; no índice gonadossomático médio e na morfometria gonadal, apenas a largura dos ovidutos no antímero direito e a massa e a largura no antímero esquerdo foram maiores no G3, o único que apresentou ovos. Houve desenvolvimento positivo e harmônico entre massa corporal, carapaça e plastrão e o crescimento gonadal ocorreu concomitante ao crescimento corporal, indicando maior potencial reprodutivo e relação positiva entre o tamanho da ninhada de ovos e o da fêmea. O índice gonadossomático mostrou-se um bom indicador reprodutivo e a avaliação ovariana um melhor indicador da maturidade sexual que o comprimento máximo da carapaça. Ovários foram estruturas irregulares, sem delimitação entre a região cortical e medular e repletos de folículos vitelogênicos de diferentes diâmetros, folículos atrésicos e corpos lúteos, que refletiram a complexidade ovariana da espécie e a presença de hierarquia folicular. No estroma escasso foram observados dois leitos germinativos por ovário e a presença de lacunas muito próximas aos folículos e associadas aos vasos sanguíneos. A análise do tecido gonadal revelou três tipos de oócitos de acordo com as características do citoplasma: homogêneo, vesicular ou vesicular no córtex com grânulos aparentes. Ovidutos eram funcionais e separados, unindo-se apenas na porção final para formar a cloaca e subdividiam-se em infundíbulo, tuba uterina, istmo, útero e vagina. A estrutura da tuba uterina era constituída de serosa, muscular e mucosa, a qual era repleta de glândulas. A presença de ovos nos ovidutos indicou que os espécimes podem se reproduzir no cerrado brasileiro. Este estudo fornece informações básicas e relevantes da biologia e capacidade reprodutivas de T. scripta elegans no Cerrado brasileiro e pode contribuir com a compreensão de seu impacto nos ecossistemas invadidos e com o estabelecimento de programas de erradicação, uma vez que a extração de fêmeas com capacidade reprodutiva pode contribuir com a diminuição do rendimento reprodutivo anual da espécie e diminuir seu efeito sobre a biodiversidade local.(AU)

Descripción histológica del aparato reproductor de avestruz hembra (Strutio camelus var. domesticus) / Histological description of the ostrich female reproductive system (Strutio camelus var. domesticus)

El auge de la producción intensiva del avestruz, comenzó en la década de los noventa impulsada por la calidad de su carne y potencialidad de sus subproductos. La raza empleada para producción por la calidad nutricional y sabor de su carne es el híbrido llamado African black (Struthio camelus var. domesticus). En cuanto a la reproducción, el avestruz hembra alcanza su madurez sexual a partir de los 2,5 años. Es importante considerar el aparato genital en aves de producción, ya que una alteración en él, puede generar deficiencias en la fertilidad que se traducen en un menor número de crías. El estudio histológico del aparato reproductor de la hembra será una herramienta más que permitirá resolver problemas reproductivos. Para este análisis se obtuvo muestras de los diferentes segmentos del aparato reproductor de 6 avestruces hembras en edad reproductiva y se procesaron de acuerdo a las técnicas histológicas de rutina. Los cortes fueron observados, fotografiados y analizados bajo microscopio de luz. Obtenidas las fotografías, se analizó comparativamente su morfología con la descrita en la gallina (Gallus gallus). El aparato reproductor de la hembra tiene la particularidad de tener desarrollado solo el ovario y oviducto izquierdo. El ovario es de gran tamaño y en forma de racimo, el cual varía según la estacionalidad. Presenta folículos primordiales, previtelogénicos, vitelogénicos y atrésicos. Los folículos vitelogénicos presentan células de la granulosa y de la teca interna y externa. El oviducto presenta de cefálico a caudal los siguientes segmentos: infundíbulo, magnum, istmo, útero y vagina, que desemboca en la cloaca a nivel del urodeo. En ellos hay pliegues de variada longitud, grosor y número que comprometen la mucosa y submucosa, con glándulas de secreción mucosa y serosa a excepción de la vagina. El análisis histológico comparativo, permitió establecer que la morfología del aparato reproductor de la hembra es semejante a la observada en la gallina con ciertas diferencias microscópicas (Gallus gallus).

In the 1990's, ostrich production reached a peak in our country, boosted by the special characteristics of its meat and the potential of the derivatives. The breed raised is a hybrid called African Black (Struthio camelus var. domesticus) which has a high quality meat in terms of nutritional factors and flavor. With regard to reproduction, the female ostrich reaches maturity at the age of 2.5 years. Genital organs are very important in fowl's production, because they can generate fertility deficiencies that, in turn can diminish brood number. Histological analysis allows a better understanding of the basic structure of the female's genital organs and is a helpful tool to resolve breeding problems. For this analysis samples were obtained from the different segments of the reproductive system of 6 female ostrich in reproductive age. These samples were processed using standard histological technique. Sections were observed, photographed and analyzed under the light-microscope. Photographs were compared with hen's samples. The ostrich female's reproductive system has the particularity of having just the left ovary and oviduct developed. The ovary has a big size and a cluster shape which varies from season to season. It presents paramount, previtellogenic, vitellogenic and atresic follicles. The vitellogenic follicles have granulosa cells and inner and external theca. The oviduct presents cephalocaudally: infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, uterus and vagina, flowing into the urodeum. It shows long pleats of different length and number, with drusen of mucose and serose secretion, except in the vagina. The comparative histological analysis allowed us to establish that the basic structure of the female reproductive system is similar to that of the hen (Gallus gallus).

Morphological and morphometrical assessment of spermathecae of Aedes aegypti females

The vectorial capacity of Aedes aegypti is directly influenced by its high reproductive output. Nevertheless, females are restricted to a single mating event, sufficient to acquire enough sperm to fertilize a lifetime supply of eggs. How Ae. aegypti is able to maintain viable spermatozoa remains a mystery. Male spermatozoa are stored within either of two spermathecae that in Ae. aegypti consist of one large and two smaller organs each. In addition, each organ is divided into reservoir, duct and glandular portions. Many aspects of the morphology of the spermatheca in virgin and inseminated Ae. aegypti were investigated here using a combination of light, confocal, electron and scanning microscopes, as well as histochemistry. The abundance of mitochondria and microvilli in spermathecal gland cells is suggestive of a secretory role and results obtained from periodic acid Schiff assays of cell apexes and lumens indicate that gland cells produce and secrete neutral polysaccharides probably related to maintenance of spermatozoa. These new data contribute to our understanding of gamete maintenance in the spermathecae of Ae. aegypti and to an improved general understanding of mosquito reproductive biology.

Reproductive strategies of Brazilian lizards of the genus Tropidurus Rodrigues, 1987 (Squamata, Tropiduridae) in the temporal and spatial / Estrategias reproductivas de las lagartijas brasileñas del género Tropidurus Rodrigues, 1987 (Squamata, Tropiduridae) en lo temporal y espacial

Reproductive strategy is the set of adaptations that promote the most efficient way that the species will survive under the particular conditions of a determined environment. Understanding these adaptations is important and can help pinpoint populations indicator of environmental changes. Spermatogenesis is a measurable biological process of these adaptations in spatial and temporal scales. We analyzed the morphology of the testes and oviducts of the lizard species that comprise the genus Tropidurus, taking into account the geographical distribution and sympatric relations. For the analysis and the testes were removed from the middle part of the oviducts from Tropidurus etheridge, T. oreadicus, T. itambere, T. spinulosus and T. Guarani species, collected in different places in the Mato Grosso state, Brazil. The reproductive period is synchronous for males and females and occurs in September, October and November. Reproductive males were characterized. In the testes are seminiferous tubules with germ cells at different stages of spermatogenesis, with a high epithelium, at present light, free spermatozoa in the lumen and reduction of interstitial tissue. For females, the reproduction peak occurs when the oviduct epithelium is high with secretions and basal nucleus. These months are characterized in the sampled areas over a period of heavy rain and high temperatures. The decline of reproductive period was observed in both sexes, between April and August. Low reproduction in males is characterized by ample light, absence of sperm, only germ cells in the early stages of spermatogenesis are observed (a few spermatogonia and spermatocytes) and interstitial tissue wide. In females, the period of reproductive decline is marked by the absence of unicellular glands in the oviduct epithelium, with higher affinity with the dye. This period corresponds to low rainfall periods and lower temperatures. We propose an analysis of zoological samples; this is a proposal ...

Estrategia reproductiva es el conjunto de adaptaciones que promueven la manera más eficiente para una población a sobrevivir en las condiciones específicas de un entorno particular. Comprender esta adaptación es importante y puede identificarse en algunas poblaciones como indicador de cambios ambientales. La espermatogénesis puede ser un proceso biológico medible de estas adaptaciones en escalas espaciales y temporales. Se analizó la morfología de los testículos y oviductos de las especies de lagartijas que componen el género Tropidurus, teniendo en cuenta la amplia distribución geográfica y las relaciones simpátricas. Para el análisis hemos eliminado los testículos de los machos y la parte media de los oviductos de hembras de las especiesTropidurus Etheridge, T. oreadicus, T. itambere, T. spinulosus y T. Guarani recolectadas en diferentes lugares en el estado de Mato Grosso, Brasil. El período reproductivo es sincrónico para machos y hembras, y se produce durante septiembre, octubre y noviembre. Se caracterizaron como machos reproductores por testículos con túbulos seminíferos con células germinales en distintas etapas de la espermatogénesis, un epitelio muy alto, un lumen reducido, numerosos espermatozoides libres en el lumen y tejido intersticial redicudo. En hembras el pico reproductivo se produce cuando los canales de conducción de gametos poseen un epitelio alto, secretor y con núcleos basales. Estos meses son caracterizados en las zonas muestreadas por fuertes lluvias y altas temperaturas. La disminución del período reproductivo se observó en ambos sexos, entre abril y agosto. La baja reproducción en machos se caracteriza por un lumen ancho, ausencia de espermatozoides, presencia de células germinales sólo en las primeras etapas de la espermatogénesis (espermatogonias y pocos espermatocitos) y tejido intersticial amplio. En las mujeres, el período de baja reproducción está marcado por la ausencia de glándulas unicelulares en el epitelio de...

Impact of coenzyme Q10 on the histological structure and immunohistochemical localization of leptin in the ampulla of rat oviduct after monosodium glutamate administration

The female reproductive system is very sensitive to different environmental chemicals and food additives such as monosodium glutamate. Coenzyme Q10 [CoQ10] is a naturally occurring compound and a potent antioxidant. To investigate the structural changes and the immunohistochemical distribution of leptin in the ampulla of oviduct in adult female albino rats after administration of monosodium glutamate, and to study the effects of CoQ10 supplementation. Fifty adult female albino rats were divided into four equal groups: group I control rats, group II receiving monosodium glutamate, group III receiving CoQ10, and group IV receiving monosodium glutamate and CoQ10. After 2 months, rats were weighed and killed during the diestrous phase. Blood samples were collected for assessment of serum cholesterol. Oviducts were prepared for histological study and immunohistochemical localization of leptin. Control group showed positive immune reaction for leptin. Group II showed a significant increase in body weight and serum cholesterol associated with structural and ultrastructural changes, in addition to negative immune reaction for leptin. Group III showed similar structure to the control group. The increase in body weight and serum cholesterol in group IV was not significant. There were no changes in the histological structure of the oviduct. A positive immune reaction for leptin was detected. Administration of monosodium glutamate alters the histological structure and expression of leptin in the oviduct. The coadministration of CoQ10 with monosodium glutamate partially prevented these changes, suggesting a protective effect of CoQ10

Aspectos morfológicos, morfométricos e histoquímicos dos túbulos armazenadores de espermatozoides da fêmea do peru Meleagris gallopavo / Histology, histochemistry, and morphometry of the tubuli spermatici of femeale turkeys, Meleagris gallopavo

Fragmentos da junção uterovaginal de 16 exemplares de fêmeas adultas de peru foram examinados, com o objetivo de determinar as modificações morfométricas e histológicas dos túbulos armazenadores de espermatozoides (SST), durante os períodos de atividade e repouso reprodutivo. Os estudos foram realizados a partir de dissecações do oviduto esquerdo, utilizando-se técnicas histológicas, histoquímica e histométricas de rotina. Essas estruturas originam-se de invaginações do epitélio das pregas da região uterovaginal e apresentam-se tubulosas, simples e não ramificadas, com epitélio formado por células prismáticas estreitas, claras e escuras, com núcleo vesiculoso basal e microvilos apicais. As secreções dessas células apresentaram reações negativas para PAS e Alcian Blue, indicando ausência de mucossubstâncias. Os parâmetros morfométricos utilizados mostraram que há diferenças significativas entre os períodos de atividade reprodutiva e de repouso. Na fase de atividade reprodutiva, o comprimento tubular, o volume tubular, o volume do lume, o número de SST na junção uterovaginal, o diâmetro externo e interno, a altura celular e o número de células por túbulos estão aumentados, e observam-se espermatozoides agrupados na luz do lume e células claras e escuras nos túbulos com vesículas supranucleares no citoplasma das células tubulares. Na fase de repouso, os parâmetros morfológicos estão reduzidos e não são encontrados espermatozoides na luz do lume. Nesta fase, não são evidenciadas as células escuras nem as vesículas supranucleares no citoplasma celular.

Fragments of the uterus-vaginal junction of 16 adult female turkeys were investigated aiming to determine the morphometrical and histological modifications in the tubuli spermatici (tubular sperm glands) during the breeding (August to March) and non-breeding (April to July) seasons. The studies were performed in dissected oviducts processed for histology, histochemistry, and morphometry of the tubuli spermatici (TS), structures which are originated from invaginations of the uterus-vaginal epithelium. TS are simple tubular glands, lined by a columnar epithelium formed by light and dark narrow cells, which presented euchromatic nucleus and apical microvillus. The TS epithelium secretion was negative for PAS and Alcian Blue stains, indicating the absence of mucosubstances. The tubular length, tubular volume, luminal volume, number of TS, as well as external and internal diameter, cellular height, and number of cells per tubule showed significant differences between the reproductive phases (breeding and non-breeding). In the breeding season, all these morphometrical parameters were increased when compared with the ones from the non-breeding season. Clusters of sperm in the lumen of the glands, as well vesicles in the cytoplasm of both light and dark epithelial cells, were observed in the breeding season. In the non-breeding season, luminal sperm, vesicles, and dark cells were not observed in the TS glands.

Morphology of an infundibulum of the oviduct of the sexually mature hens

Studied functional morphology of an infundibulum oviduct of the hens in an age interval 150-540 days. As indicators of development the following parameters served: length, weight, diameter of a infundibulum, sizes epithelial cells, height and width folds of a tunica mucosa, histological structure of a wall of a infundibulum. The results show dynamical increase of investigated parameters with 150- till 360-day's age, with their subsequent decrease to 540-day's age.

Se estudió la morfología funcional del infundibulum del oviducto de gallinas en un intervalo de edad de 150-540 días. Sirvieron como indicadores de desarrollo los siguientes parámetros: longitud, peso, diámetro del infundibulum, tamaño de las células epiteliales, altura y ancho de los pliegues de la túnica mucosa y estructura histológica de la pared del infundibulum. Los resultados muestran incrementos dinámicos de los parámetros investigados con 150 días hasta 360 días de edad, con su posterior disminución a los 540 días de edad.

Morfogénesis de la túnica mucosa del oviducto de gallinas / Morphogenesis of a tunica mucosa of oviduct of the hens

The authors have used non-laying and laying hens (Lohmann Brown), in order to study morphological aspects development of tunica mucosa of the oviduct. The results showed that the oviduct of the hen is well-developed at the left side, atrophied at the right side and consists of five different regions: infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, shell-gland and excretory section (vagina). During 1-120 days in oviduct is the most advanced caudal part, where height and width folds of a tunica mucosa is more than in cranial part, that probably, is caused with the future function of these departments. In the period oviposition (150-540 days), the tunica mucosa is most advanced in such departments, as: magnum, isthmus, shell-gland.

Se utilizaron gallinas no ponedoras y ponedoras (Lohmann Brown), para estudiar aspectos morfológicos del desarrollo de la túnica mucosa del oviducto. Los resultados mostraron que el oviducto de gallina está bien desarrollado en el lado izquierdo, atrofiado en el lado derecho y consiste de cinco diversas regiones: infúndíbulo, magnum, istmo, glándula cascara y sección excretoria (vagina). Durante 1-120 días en el oviducto la parte caudal está más avanzada, donde la altura y ancho de la túnica mucosa es el doble que en la parte cranial, probablemente, causado por la futura función de ese compartimiento. En el periodo de ovoposición (150-540 días), la túnica mucosa esta más avanzada en los compartimientos: magnum, istmo, y glándula cascara.

Histology, histochemistry and ultrastructure of the oviducts and seminal receptacle of Tropidurus itambere (Rodrigues, 1987)(Reptilia: tropiduridae)

The present study found new information regarding the histology, histochemistry and ultrastructure of the oviduct of Tropidurus itambere, an inhabitant of the Brazilian Atlantic forest. Three differentiated histological regions constitute the oviduct: the infundibulum, as its main characteristic, has many tubuloalveolar glands; the uterine region is remarkable for many mucous glands, just below the epithelium; the vagina, near to the cloacal opening, is characterized by an epithelium with infolding borders and several crypts for sperm storage. The infundibulum and uterine regions were marked by the presence of acid glycosaminoglycans and neutral polysaccharides, which reacted strongly in the epithelium, and was absent in the functional gland units. In the sperm storage region, polysaccharides were not observed, occurring only in the epithelium of unicellular glands. In all structure of the oviduct, a strong staining for proteins was obtained with Xylidine Ponceau. The ultrastructural study showed a more complex stratification of the epithelium than could be seen with light microscopy, as well as a large amount of fibers and smooth muscle in the lamina propria, that suggests a role in motility. Some similarities were verified between the oviduct of the oviparous lizard, and those observed in other Reptilia and Ave. This work presents interesting differences in relation to other species of lizards and interesting similarities for phylogenetically distant groups like fish and salamanders, and may contribute to studies of physiology and reproductive morphology of the Tropiduridae family.

Comparative morphology of the ovaries of three species of dasypodidae: mammalia xenarthra

Se estudio la morfología del ovario de armadillos Chaetophractus vellerosus, Zaedyus pichiy y Dasypus hybridus. En Chaetophractus vellerosus y Z pichiy los ovarios son cilíndricos, con extremos redondeados, con una zona parenquimatosa ventral "corteza" y una zona vascular dorsal, "médula", con estructura típica. En D. hybridus son reniformes, correspondiendo la concavidad a la zona parenquimatosa y la convexidad a la vascular. Es destacable la presencia de folículos poliovulares en C. vellerosus y Z.pichiy. Las estructuras asociadas con el ovario (epoophoron, rete ovarii) son similares en las tres especies. Las características de los ovarios de C. vellerosus y Z. pichiy son comparables con las de C. villosus y las de D. hybridus son similares a las de Dasypus novemcinctus