Comparative analysis of male reproductive accessory glands in bats Histiotus velatus (Vespertilionidae), Molossus rufus (Molossidae), and Peropteryx leucoptera (Emballonuridae).

Despite the high number of species and wide geographic dispersion, reproductive accessory glands (RAGs) of bats have traditionally received little attention in the literature, with some species not even having a basic description of their composition and structure. Thus, this study aimed to analyze and compare the composition, anatomy, and histology of male RAGs of bat species belonging to three of the largest (cosmopolitan) bat families: Vespertilionidae (Histiotus velatus), Molossidae (Molossus rufus), and Emballonuridae (Peropteryx leucoptera), in order to understand the variations in the bat RAGs. The results showed that the RAGs of H. velatus, M. rufus, and P. leucoptera are composed of an intra-abdominal prostatic complex, associated with the urethra, urethral glands, and a pair of inguinal bulbourethral glands; without ampullary glands or seminal vesicles. The prostatic complex can be composed of two (M. rufus and P. leucoptera) or three (H. velatus) prostatic regions, and can be compact (P. leucoptera), semi-lobed (M. rufus), or multilobed (H. velatus). Each prostatic region has unique and distinct characteristics, with the ventral region presenting a holocrine nature, exclusive to bats; while the dorsal and/or dorsolateral regions have similar characteristics to the ventral prostate of rats and to the human peripheral zone.

Morphological description of male genital organs of Marca's marmoset (Mico marcai).

Morphological characterisation of the genital organs of primates may bring significant contributions to the understanding of different reproductive behaviours and support new conservation strategies. However, relevant or detailed descriptions of genital morphology of several primate species are still lacking. This study describes the gross and microscopic anatomy of the internal and external genitalia of Marca's marmoset (Mico marcai). The same organs described in other primate species were identified here, but some anatomical particularities were detected, such as absence of a dartos tunic, presence of a vas deferens ampulla, absence of spongious erectile tissue in the pelvic urethra, separation of prostate gland lobes by a longitudinal sulcus and lack of septation in the corpus cavernosus and spongiosus at the level of the shaft and free portion of the penis. Keratinised type 1 spicules arising from epidermal or dermal projections were found in the free portion of the penis. Microscopic analysis revealed a small bone (baculum) consisting of peripheral compact bone and a central, non-ossified area filled with vascular tissue at the distal end of this portion of the penis. Results of this study may support further comparative studies of primates' reproductive ecology.

Morphological analysis of the male reproductive accessory glands of the bat Artibeus lituratus (Phyllostomidae: Chiroptera).

Bats are distributed worldwide from tropical to temperate regions. Despite their wide geographical radiation and advances in studies using evolutionary approaches, aspects related to the reproduction of these animals remain poorly explored, especially those related to the male reproductive accessory glands (RAGs). Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the morphophysiology of the male RAGs in the bat Artibeus lituratus. The RAGs in A. lituratus are composed of a compact intra-abdominal glandular complex, consisting of the prostate with two prostatic regions (ventral and dorsal), plus Littre glands and a pair of extra-abdominal bulbourethral glands. The ventral region of the prostate has an epithelium with variable morphology, due to its holocrine type of secretion. In contrast, the dorsal region has a typical cubic-to-columnar pseudostratified epithelium. Both regions contain two cell types, basal and secretory cells. Similar to the epithelial morphology, the secretion also varies, with the ventral region containing numerous PAS-positive globular vesicles, whereas the dorsal region has a more fluid, hyaline and PAS-negative secretion. Littre glands are dispersed in the connective tissue of the urethra, while the bulbourethral glands are located in the penile root, both glands with cubic-to-columnar pseudostratified epithelium and globular PAS-positive secretion. The results demonstrate that the RAGs of A. lituratus are composed of two prostatic regions, ventral and dorsal, and urethral and bulbourethral glands, with no seminal vesicles. Each prostatic region has unique and distinctive characteristics, with the ventral region presenting an exclusive holocrine nature and the dorsal region having similarities to the ventral prostate of rodents.

Análise histoquímica das glândulas anexas do aparelho reprodutor do macho de paca (Cuniculus paca) / Histochemical analysis of the accessory glands of male paca (Cuniculus paca)

Paca is a wild rodent typical of the tropical region. In order to study this species with focus on the proper management and preservation, this study aims to characterize the histochemistry of the accessory glands of the reproductive tract of the male paca. For this purpose, histological sections were stained with Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS), Alcian Blue (AB), PAS + AB e PAS + Amilase. In the histochemical reaction of the bulbouretral gland was found that the epithelium produces secretion rich in neutral and acid glycoproteins, glycosaminoglycans, and in some regions produces more than one type of secretion. The epithelium did not contain any glycogen. In the vesicular gland the epithelium had bush border stained by neutral glycoproteins, but no acid glycoproteins, glycogen or glycosaminoglycan. The coagulating gland showed small amount of neutral glycoproteins in the brush border of the epithelium, without glycogen. It is concludes that the accessory glands of paca have histochemical characteristics that share some similarity with other species of the Order Rodentia, with some glands with neutral and acid glycoproteins, mainly in the epithelium of the bulbouretral gland and in the brush border of the other glands.

A paca (Cuniculus paca) é um roedor típico de regiões tropicais. Com a finalidade de estudar esta espécie selvagem para manejo adequado e sua preservação, objetivou-se neste trabalho caracterizar a histoquímica das glândulas anexas do trato reprodutor do macho da paca. Para este fim, cortes histológicos dessas glândulas foram submetidas às reações histoquímicas com Ácido Periódico de Schiff (PAS), Alcian blue (AB), PAS. + AB. e PAS + Amilase. Na glândula bulbouretral foi constatado que o epitélio produz secreção rica em glicoproteínas neutras e ácidas, glicosaminoglicanas, e em algumas regiões produz mais de um tipo de secreção. Não foi observada a presença de glicogênio no epitélio. Na glândula vesicular, seu epitélio em borda em escova corou-se por glicoproteínas neutras e também por substância de composição desconhecida, não contendo glicoproteínas ácidas, glicogênio ou glicosaminoglicanas. Verificou-se presença de pequena quantidade de glicoproteínas ácidas e neutras na próstata, em especial na mucosa, além de glicoproteínas ácidas carboxiladas e sulfatadas em pequena quantidade no tecido conjuntivo da lâmina própria dessa glândula. Por fim, a glândula coaguladora apresentou pequena quantidade de glicoproteínas neutras na borda em escova de seu epitélio e substância de composição desconhecida, sendo ausente o glicogênio. Conclui-se que as glândulas anexas do trato reprodutor da paca apresentam características histoquímicas que compartilham certa similaridade com outras espécies da ordem Rodentia, com a presença de glicoproteínas neutras e ácidas em algumas glândulas, principalmente no epitélio da glândula bulbouretal e na borda em escova do epitélio das demais glândulas.

Análise histoquímica das glândulas anexas do aparelho reprodutor do macho de paca (Cuniculus paca) / Histochemical analysis of the accessory glands of male paca (Cuniculus paca)

A paca (Cuniculus paca) é um roedor típico de regiões tropicais. Com a finalidade de estudar esta espécie selvagem para manejo adequado e sua preservação, objetivou-se neste trabalho caracterizar a histoquímica das glândulas anexas do trato reprodutor do macho da paca. Para este fim, cortes histológicos dessas glândulas foram submetidas às reações histoquímicas com Ácido Periódico de Schiff (PAS), Alcian blue (AB), PAS. + AB. e PAS + Amilase. Na glândula bulbouretral foi constatado que o epitélio produz secreção rica em glicoproteínas neutras e ácidas, glicosaminoglicanas, e em algumas regiões produz mais de um tipo de secreção. Não foi observada a presença de glicogênio no epitélio. Na glândula vesicular, seu epitélio em borda em escova corou-se por glicoproteínas neutras e também por substância de composição desconhecida, não contendo glicoproteínas ácidas, glicogênio ou glicosaminoglicanas. Verificou-se presença de pequena quantidade de glicoproteínas ácidas e neutras na próstata, em especial na mucosa, além de glicoproteínas ácidas carboxiladas e sulfatadas em pequena quantidade no tecido conjuntivo da lâmina própria dessa glândula. Por fim, a glândula coaguladora apresentou pequena quantidade de glicoproteínas neutras na borda em escova de seu epitélio e substância de composição desconhecida, sendo ausente o glicogênio. Conclui-se que as glândulas anexas do trato reprodutor da paca apresentam características histoquímicas que compartilham certa similaridade com outras espécies da ordem Rodentia, com a presença de glicoproteínas neutras e ácidas em algumas glândulas, principalmente no epitélio da glândula bulbouretal e na borda em escova do epitélio das demais glândulas.(AU)

Paca is a wild rodent typical of the tropical region. In order to study this species with focus on the proper management and preservation, this study aims to characterize the histochemistry of the accessory glands of the reproductive tract of the male paca. For this purpose, histological sections were stained with Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS), Alcian Blue (AB), PAS + AB e PAS + Amilase. In the histochemical reaction of the bulbouretral gland was found that the epithelium produces secretion rich in neutral and acid glycoproteins, glycosaminoglycans, and in some regions produces more than one type of secretion. The epithelium did not contain any glycogen. In the vesicular gland the epithelium had bush border stained by neutral glycoproteins, but no acid glycoproteins, glycogen or glycosaminoglycan. The coagulating gland showed small amount of neutral glycoproteins in the brush border of the epithelium, without glycogen. It is concludes that the accessory glands of paca have histochemical characteristics that share some similarity with other species of the Order Rodentia, with some glands with neutral and acid glycoproteins, mainly in the epithelium of the bulbouretral gland and in the brush border of the other glands.(AU)

Morfologia e histoquímica das glândulas sexuais acessórias de Metachirus nudicaudatus, Didelphidae-Marsupialia / Morphology and histochemistry of accessory sex glands of Metachirus nudicaudatus, Didelphidae-Marsupialia

São descritas a morfologia e a distribuição de glicogênio e mucossubstâncias na próstata e nas glândulas bulbouretrais de Metachirus nudicaudatus (Geoffroy, 1803), única espécie do gênero. A próstata é envolvida pelas túnicas adventícia e muscular, e o estroma é formado pelo conjuntivo da mucosa uretral. O parênquima é constituído pelos túbulos secretores, disseminados na mucosa uretral, e que diferem histológica e histoquimicamente nos segmentos cranial, médio e caudal. Essas diferenças morfo-histoquímicas também são observadas nas partes externa, média e interna de cada túbulo. De um modo geral, os três segmentos prostáticos secretam mucossubstâncias neutras, porém o segmento caudal produz também glicogênio. Os três pares de glândulas bulbouretrais (laterais, intermédias e mediais) do Metachirus são envolvidas por uma cápsula conjuntiva e músculo estriado esquelético. O maior par é a bulbouretral lateral que é constituída por longos túbulos secretores de mucossubstâncias neutras. As bulbouretrais intermédias são formadas por túbulos ramificados, que produzem mucossubstâncias neutras, ácidas carboxiladas e ácidas sulfatadas. Os túbulo-ácinos ramificados das bulbouretrais mediais secretam mucossubstâncias neutras. O Metachirus não possui glândulas ampulares, vesículas seminais nem glândulas de coagulação.(AU)

This paper describes the morphology and distribution of glycogen and mucous substances in the prostate and the bulbourethral glands of Metachirus nudicaudatus (Geoffroy, 1803), the only species of the genus. The prostate is surrounded by the tunica adventitia, and muscle and stroma is formed by connective urethral mucosa. The glandular parenchyma consists of secretory tubules, scattered throughout the connective tissue of the urethral mucosa which differs histologically and histochemically in cranial, middle, and caudal segments of the prostate. These morpho-histochemical differences are also observed in the outer, middle and inner parts of the tubular epithelium of each prostatic segment. In general, prostatic segments secrete neutral mucous substances, and the caudal segment also produces glycogen. The three pairs of bulbourethral glands (lateral, intermediate and medial) are surrounded by a capsule of dense connective tissue and skeletal striated muscle. The glandular parenchyma is formed by tubules or branched tubuloacinar, covered by simple epithelium which is characteristic for each pair of glands. The lateral bulbourethral glands and the medial bulbourethral glands produce neutral mucous substances and the secretion of the intermediate bulbourethral glands consists of neutral mucous substances, carboxylated acids, and sulfated acids. The M. nudicaudatus does not have ampullary glands, seminal vesicles or coagulating glands.(AU)

Comparative analysis of the male reproductive accessory glands of bats Noctilio albiventris (Noctilionidae) and Rhynchonycteris naso (Emballonuridae).

In eutherian mammals, the male reproductive accessory glands (RAGs) comprise the prostate, bulbourethral glands, ampullary glands, and the seminal vesicles. Their composition, anatomy and function vary widely between species. This study aimed to characterize histologically and compare the RAGs of bats. The RAGs of Noctilio albiventris (Noctilionidae) and Rhynchonycteris naso (Emballonuridae) were studied using anatomical and histological methods, and were reconstructed three dimensionally. The RAGs of N. albiventris and R. naso are composed of a compact glandular complex that surrounds the urethra and a pair of bulbourethral glands, which are extra-abdominally located in the inguinal region. In both species, the glandular complex is composed of two well-defined prostatic regions (ventral and dorsal). The ventral region showed an atypical epithelium (holocrine), where no obvious cellular limits were observed, and PAS-positive secretion. The dorsal region had a pseudostratified cuboidal epithelium, with basal and secretory cells, and PAS-negative secretion. Noctilio albiventris also had urethral glands (Littre glands) surrounding the urethra, however, R. naso had only muscles. Both species had bulbourethral glands, with simple columnar epithelium and PAS-positive secretion. In conclusion, the RAGs of N. albiventris and R. naso comprised a pair of bulbourethral glands and an intra-abdominal complex, composed of a prostate with two different regions (ventral and dorsal), while the ampullary glands and seminal vesicles were missing in both species. This morphology was more closely related between N. albiventris and R. naso, and to species of the family Phyllostomidae than to families Molossidae and Vespertilionidae. J. Morphol. 277:1459-1468, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Morfologia e histoquímica das glândulas sexuais acessórias de Metachirus nudicaudatus, Didelphidae-Marsupialia / Morphology and histochemistry of accessory sex glands of Metachirus nudicaudatus, Didelphidae-Marsupialia

This paper describes the morphology and distribution of glycogen and mucous substances in the prostate and the bulbourethral glands of Metachirus nudicaudatus (Geoffroy, 1803), the only species of the genus. The prostate is surrounded by the tunica adventitia, and muscle and stroma is formed by connective urethral mucosa. The glandular parenchyma consists of secretory tubules, scattered throughout the connective tissue of the urethral mucosa which differs histologically and histochemically in cranial, middle, and caudal segments of the prostate. These morpho-histochemical differences are also observed in the outer, middle and inner parts of the tubular epithelium of each prostatic segment. In general, prostatic segments secrete neutral mucous substances, and the caudal segment also produces glycogen. The three pairs of bulbourethral glands (lateral, intermediate and medial) are surrounded by a capsule of dense connective tissue and skeletal striated muscle. The glandular parenchyma is formed by tubules or branched tubuloacinar, covered by simple epithelium which is characteristic for each pair of glands. The lateral bulbourethral glands and the medial bulbourethral glands produce neutral mucous substances and the secretion of the intermediate bulbourethral glands consists of neutral mucous substances, carboxylated acids, and sulfated acids. The M. nudicaudatus does not have ampullary glands, seminal vesicles or coagulating glands.(AU)

São descritas a morfologia e a distribuição de glicogênio e mucossubstâncias na próstata e nas glândulas bulbouretrais de Metachirus nudicaudatus (Geoffroy, 1803), única espécie do gênero. A próstata é envolvida pelas túnicas adventícia e muscular, e o estroma é formado pelo conjuntivo da mucosa uretral. O parênquima é constituído pelos túbulos secretores, disseminados na mucosa uretral, e que diferem histológica e histoquimicamente nos segmentos cranial, médio e caudal. Essas diferenças morfo-histoquímicas também são observadas nas partes externa, média e interna de cada túbulo. De um modo geral, os três segmentos prostáticos secretam mucossubstâncias neutras, porém o segmento caudal produz também glicogênio. Os três pares de glândulas bulbouretrais (laterais, intermédias e mediais) do Metachirus são envolvidas por uma cápsula conjuntiva e músculo estriado esquelético. O maior par é a bulbouretral lateral que é constituída por longos túbulos secretores de mucossubstâncias neutras. As bulbouretrais intermédias são formadas por túbulos ramificados, que produzem mucossubstâncias neutras, ácidas carboxiladas e ácidas sulfatadas. Os túbulo-ácinos ramificados das bulbouretrais mediais secretam mucossubstâncias neutras. O Metachirus não possui glândulas ampulares, vesículas seminais nem glândulas de coagulação.(AU)

Structure, histochemistry and seasonal variations of the male reproductive accessory glands in the Pallas's mastiff bat, Molossus molossus (Chiroptera: Molossidae).

Due to their wide geographical distribution, bats suffer considerable influence from abiotic factors on their reproductive strategies, detected through behavioural or functional assessment of the gonads and accessory glands. The present study aimed to characterise anatomically and morphologically the reproductive accessory glands (RAGs) of Molossus molossus (Molossidae) and evaluate their seasonal variations. The RAGs were removed, fixed, sectioned after histological processing and submitted to the following stains: haematoxylin-eosin, periodic acid--Schiff (PAS) and Gömöri's reticulin. Our data demonstrated that the RAGs of M. molossus are composed of a semi-lobed prostatic complex associated with the urethra and a pair of inguinal bulbourethral glands. Histology and three-dimensional reconstruction of the prostatic complex demonstrated the existence of two regions: ventral and dorsal (named according to the position around the urethra). The two regions had distinctive morphological and histological differences, with the ventral region being the most prominent and the dorsal formed by four lobes. Considering the seasonal evaluation, we can infer that the prostatic complex of M. molossus is active throughout the seasons in São Paulo State (Brazil) and, although each of the prostatic regions has inherent characteristics, they synchronise to establish the main reproductive peak in spring (early rainy season).

Llama oviductal sperm reservoirs: involvement of bulbourethral glands.

The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of llama seminal plasma in the formation of oviductal sperm reservoirs. Female llamas with follicles in the mature phase were mated with a bulbourethral glands-removed male. Females mated with nonbulbourethral glands-removed males were used as control. Oviducts were obtained by surgery 24 h after mating. The uterotubal junction and isthmus were examined by scanning electron microscopy, and mucopolysaccharides were identified by Alcian blue staining. To know the proteins probably involved in sperm reservoir formation, SDS-PAGE of seminal plasma (8% and 18% resolving gel) was made. Spermatozoa only adhered to the oviductal mucosa surface of uterotubal junction of females mated with nonbulbourethral glands-removed males confirming that seminal plasma and, in particular, bulbourethral secretions are related with the oviductal sperm reservoir formation. Histological sections showed sperm in the lumen, immersed in substance, positive for acid mucopolysaccharides. Alcian blue staining of seminal plasma proteins SDS-PAGE showed a band of high molecular weight containing mucopolysaccharides, only present in nonbulbourethral glands-removed males. Bulbourethral glands would secrete at least eight different proteins that most likely participate in the process of sperm storage in the oviduct.

Morphology and biometric of the vesicular and bulbourethralglands in castrated and non-castratedSanta Inesbreed sheep

Introduction: The purpose of this paper is to determine the topography, biometry and light microscopyimage of the vesicular and bulbourethral glands in order to analyze morphologic features of the accessorysexual glands in castrated and non-castrated animals.Materials and Methods:The morphology of theaccessory sexual glands was investigated in 14 adult Santa Inesbreed sheep, weighing 32 kg, on average.Six of them were castrated, and eight, non-castrated. For macroscopic study, the description of these twoglands was carried out, as well as dissection and biometry study. Moreover, weight, length, height andwidth measurements were evaluated. For histological analysis, the vesicular and bulbourethral glands weresampled.Results:The topography of the reproductive glands was similar to bovine species. However, lowermacroscopic measurements (p < 0,05) in the glands of the castrated sheep were evidenced when comparedwith the non-castrated ones. Characteristics such as shape of the glands, composition of the layer mucosa,the lamina propria, muscular, the excretory ducts and the adventitia were determined.Conclusion:Sheepcastration promoted changes in the biometric measures of the glands, which were lower in castrated animals.The morphological and biometric characteristics of the vesicular and bulbourethral glands in sheep weredetermined.

Age Related Structural Changes in the Bulbourethral Gland of Gaddi Goat (Capra hircus) / Cambios Estructurales Relacionados con la Edad en la Glándula Bulbouretral de la Cabra Gaddi (Capra hircus)

A study was conducted on the bulbourethral glands of 30 Gaddi goats, divided into three groups of 10 animals in each viz; Prepubertal (1 day old to < 18 months of age), Pubertal (18 months to < 5yrs of age) and Postpubertal (>5yrs of age). The study revealed that the glands grew at a faster speed up-to 6 months of postnatal life after which the pace slowed down considerably. Almost 10 times increase in weight and more than three times increase in all the linear mensurations were observed in prepubertal group from the time of birth. The stroma vs parenchyma ratio which was 80:20 in one-day-old kids showed three times increase in parenchyma in prepubertal animals, and the ratio became 43:57. In one day old kids luminated and non-luminated secretory end pieces were arranged in small groups around widely luminated duct; the forerunner of the central cistern. Initially the gland contained serous as well mucous end pieces; the latter being more preponderant. But in pubertal animals it became a mucous type gland, with only a little numbers of serous end pieces. Histochemically, the glandular acini were reactive to PAS and Alcian blue indicated the presence of glycol-muco-complex in the secretory components of gland.

Se realizó un estudio sobre las glándulas bulbouretrales de 30 cabras Gaddi, divididas en tres grupos de 10 animales cada uno; prepúberes (desde 1 día de edad hasta <18 meses), púberes (desde 18 meses hasta <5 años de edad) y postpuberales (>5 años de edad). El estudio reveló que las glándulas crecen a una mayor velocidad hasta los 6 meses de vida postnatal, después de lo cual el ritmo baja considerablemente. En el grupo prepuberal se observó un aumento casi 10 veces en peso y más de tres veces en todas las mediciones lineales. La relación estroma v/s parénquima fue de 80:20 el primer día postnacimiento, mostrando un aumento de tres veces en el parénquima en los animales prepúberes, llegando a una proporción 43:57. En una de las cabras de un día de edad las piezas terminales secretoras luminal y no-luminal se organizaron en pequeños grupos alrededor del conducto luminal; el precursor de la cisterna central. Inicialmente la glándula contenía piezas terminales serosas y mucosas. Esta última tenía una mayor preponderancia. Sin embargo, en animales puberales se convirtió en una glándula de tipo mucosa, con sólo un pequeño número de piezas terminales serosas. Histoquímicamente, los acinos glandulares reactivos al PAS y azul Alcian indicaron la presencia de glicol-muco-complejos en los componentes de secreción de la glándula.

Anatomical, histological and immunohistochemical study of the reproductive system accessory glands in male viscacha (Lagostomus maximus maximus).

The anatomy, histology and androgen receptor immunohistochemistry of the prostate (P), seminal vesicles (SV), bulbourethral and coagulant gland (CG) were studied in male viscacha, a seasonally reproductive wild rodent. Two histologically well-defined zones, peripheral and central, were identified in the prostate, according to their relationship with the urethra. The epithelial cells were periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive in the central zone and alcian blue negative in the two zones. The SV are a paired gland, tubular, of tortuous aspect and formed by radial layers. The bulbourethral glands were paired, formed by tubuloalveolar acini and surrounded by a thick layer of skeletal muscle. The CG was multilobulated. The large adenomers showed PAS-positive epithelium and were negative to alcian blue. Androgen receptors in the P, SV and coagulating gland showed variations in their distribution with immunohistochemistry heterogeneous pattern. Finally, the reproductive system accessory glands of male viscacha may be considered as a novel and interesting model for the study of seasonal reproduction in photoperiod-dependent animals.

Structure of the pelvic and penile urethra--relationship with the ducts of the sex accessory glands of the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus).

The urethra is the main place of entry for sexually transmitted pathogens. However, there is little literature on the morphology of the urogenital system, principally the urethra and ducts of the sex accessory glands. The Mongolian gerbil is an insectivorous, herbivorous and monogamous rodent with nocturnal habits; it has been used successfully as a laboratory animal since the 1960s. Therefore, the objective of the present paper was to describe the structure and ultrastructure of the urethra and its relations to the ducts of the accessory sex glands of the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus), contributing to the understanding of the reproductive biology of the rodent and aiming to provide data for future experimental studies. Conventional techniques of light and scanning electron microscopy were utilized. The urethra and ducts of the accessory sex glands are similar to those of the albino rat and the mouse. However, there is variation in drainage type among accessory sex glands for the inner urethra. The ducts of the seminal vesicle, the ductus deferens, drain their contents independently into the ampullary duct that opens in the urethra. The ducts of the prostate, coagulating and bulbourethral glands drain their contents independently into the urethra.

Estudio morfológico de la glándula bulbouretral de conejo oryctolagus cuniculus / Morphologic study of the bulbourethral gland of the oryctolagus cuniculus rabbit

El objetivo del estudio fue conocer la morfología de la glándula bulbouretral de conejo (Oryctolagus cuniculus), para, posteriormente, efectuar el estudio morfofuncional. Se utilizaron 5 conejos (oryctolagus cuniculus), obtenidos del bioterio de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de La Frontera, Chile, durante el período de máxima reproducción. Con la ayuda de una lupa ransor se disecó la región pélvica, retirándose en bloque los componentes anatómicos del aparato genital. Fueron disecadas las estructuras anatómicas cuyos conductos terminaban el la uretra y se aisló la glándula bulbouretral. Las muestras fueron fijadas en Bouin y procesadas para su inclusión en paraplast. Se realizaron cortes seriados de 5 µm de espesor, los cuales fueron teñidas para las observaciones histológicas e histoquímica. El estudio morfológico y las fotografías se realizaron utilizando un microscopio Carl Zeiss, Axiolab, con cámara MC 80 DX. Los resultados mostraron que la glándula bulbouretral del conejo es única, que está rodeada por el músculo bulboglandular y una cápsula fibrosa. De forma cuboidea, alargada en sentido anteroposterior, con ductos cortos que se abren en la pared posterior de la uretra. La glándula se encuentra relacionada con la próstata y parapróstata y está muy vascularizada. Es de tipo alveolar, cubierta de tejidos muscular estriado y conectivo, formado principalmente por fibras colágenas y elásticas, las cuales penetran en su interior dividiéndola en dos lóbulos y subdividiendo cada uno de ellos en lobulillos menores. El estudio histoquímico reveló la presencia de gránulos de glucógeno, mucosustancias neutras y ácidas, sulfatadas y no sulfatadas. La diferencia morfológica observada en la población celular, de la glándula bulbouretral del conejo, se debe, posiblemente, al estado secretorio en que se encuentra

Variaciones morfológicas estacionales de las glándulas bulbouretrales de la chinchilla laniger, Grey en cautiverio / Seasonal morphological variations of bulbourethral, glands of chinchilla laniger, Grey in captivity

Se describió la morfología de las glándulas bulbouretrales de la Chinchilla laniger (GREY) en cautiverio. El estudio fue realizado en animales adultos (2 a 3 años de edad), a través de un año, con el objeto de detectar posibles variaciones estacionales. Se cuantificaron las siguientes variables en este roedor nativo de Sudamérica : peso corporal y glandular, índice órgano-somático (IOS), grosor de la pared, diámetro de la mucosa glandular y altura del epitelio. Los valores máximos se encontraron entre mayo y julio y los mínimos , entre noviembre y febrero los cuales presentaron diferencias estacionales significativas (p< 0,05), con excepción del peso corporal, que no mostró variaciones durante el año (p> 0,05). Además, se hizo el análisis histoquímico para la detección de algunos carbohidratos con las técnica de PAS, diastasa-PAS, Azul de Alcian pH1 y pH 2,5, lo que demostró la presencia de glicoproteínas neutras con reacción PAS intensa (+++) entre octubre y abril y leve a moderada (+ / ++) entre mayo y septiembre y ausencia de glicógeno. Las glicoproteínas sulfatadas y ácidas no mostraron cambios durante el periodo estudiado y la intensidad de reacción fue de leve a moderada (+ / ++). Se podría concluir, que las glándulas bulbouretrales de la Chinchilla laniger en cautiverio, presentan la mayor actividad secretora durante el período otoño-invierno (estaciones caracterizadas por periodos cortos de luz). Los resultados obtenidos entre mayo y julio son coinsidentes con la máxima actividad reproductiva descrita para la especie

Variaçäo sazonal da atividade secretória das glândulas genitais acessórias masculinas de tatus Dasypus novemcinctus Linnaeus, 1758 / Seasonal variation of the secretory activity of male genital accessory glands of armadillos Dasypus novemcintus Linnaeus, 1758

Estudaram-se a morfologia, a histoquímica e a atividade secretória das glândulas genitais acessórias masculinas de 52 tatus Dasypus novemcinctus, capturados durante o período de um ano no estado de Minas Gerais, Sudeste do Brasil. Variaçäo sazonal mais acentuada foi apresentada pelas vesículas seminais, cujos tamanho, peso, acúmulo de secreçäo e concentraçöes de frutose e ácido cítrico aumentaram consideravelmente durante a estaçäo chuvosa(outubro-janeiro) e diminuíram na estaçäo seca (junho-agosto). Variaçäo menos pronunciada foi observada no peso e no acúmulo de secreçäo da próstata. Já as glândulas bulbo-uretrais näo apresentaram indícios de alteraçäo em sua atividade secretória ao longo do ano

Contribuiçäo ao estudo morfológico das glândulas anexas do trato reprodutor masculino em cobaia (Cavia porcellus, L.): estruturas das glândulas coaguladoras de semên e bulboretrais / Morphological study of the male acessory sex glands in the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus, L.): structures of semen coagulating glands and bulbourethral

As características morfológicas das glândulas coaguladoras de sêmen e bulbouretrais säo reexaminadas, na cobaia, ao nível do microscópio óptico. As glândulas coaguladoras säo formadas por três túnicas distintas e superpostas: a mucosa, revestida por epitélio cilíndrico simples, alto, e ativamente secretor; a muscular lisa com dois estratos distintos, circular interno e longitudinal externo; e delgada adventícia fibrosa. O epitélio repousa sobre delgada membrana basal e uma delicada lâmina própria, de tecido conjuntivo frouxo, separa a mucosa da muscular, subjacente. Estas glândulas foram consideradas como parte do complexo prostático, mas de acordo com nossas observaçöes, em verdade, elas estabelecem estreita sintopia com a parte distal das vesículas seminais, em cuja estrutura se incluem. Elas também fazem relaçäo com o lobo dorsal da próstata. As glândulas bulbouretrais têm composiçäo acinar alveolar e descarregam sua secreçäo, através de ductos múltiplos, na uretra membranosa. A secreçäo das bulbouretrais se mistura à das outras glândulas anexas na uretra membranosa. A coagulaçäo do líquido seminal parece ser o principal papel da secreçäo combinada de ambas as glândulas