Reproduction and post-natal development in the marsupial Bettongia lesueur (Quoy & Gaimard)

1968 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 577 ◽  
Author(s):  
CH Tyndale-Biscoe
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Vaginal Smear ◽  
General Hypothesis ◽  
Adult Weight ◽  
Modal Length ◽  
Young Leaves ◽  
Constant Period

The female reproductive tract is described and compared with that of other Macropodidae. It is shown that the characters considered to be diagnostic of the Potoroinae are more variable than hitherto supposed and occur also in the Macropodinae. For the greater part of the oestrous cycle the lateral vaginae are probably occluded and the pseudovaginal canal closes within a day of parturition, so that the contents of the vaginal smear are derived mainly from the posterior vaginal sinus. B. lesueur is polyoestrous and monovular. The oestrous cycle has a modal length of 23 days and gestation modal length of 21 days, post-partum oestrus following about 1 day later. The reproductive cycle is delayed during lactation and embryonic diapause occurs. The young leaves the pouch at 115 days and the delayed embryo is born a few days later. Experimental removal of the pouch young results in resumption of development and birth 20 days after removal. The young weighs 0.317 g at birth and it reaches an adult weight at about 280 days, when sexual maturity is attained. Animals less than 1 yr old can be distinguished by the presence of the sectorial premolar 3 in the upper jaw, which is shed at 1 yr. The full adult dentition is attained by 18 months. In close confinement females bred regularly from February to September but about 70% spontaneously lost their young by the age of 3 weeks. In large pens young were carried through lactation to independence. Reproduction in Bettongia is compared to that of Potorous, a closely related rat-kangaroo, and a general hypothesis is developed to reconcile several disparate observations of marsupial reproduction. It is postulated that most marsupials have a period of obligatory diapause interposed in the development of the embryo, and this is followed by a short and relatively constant period of embryogenesis. The diapause may be short, as in Perameles, or long as in Potorous, and, in the special conditions of the Macropodidae may be greatly extended during lactation. This latter phenomenon may be secondarily advantageous to the species ecologically but it is emphasized that its primary adaptive significance is likely to be found in the need to synchronize embryonic and uterine development for intra-uterine nourishment of the embryo.

Uterine eosinophils and reproductive performance in interleukin 5-deficient mice

Reproduction ◽  
2000 ◽  
pp. 423-432 ◽  
Author(s):  
SA Robertson ◽  
VJ Mau ◽  
IG Young ◽  
KI Matthaei
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Extended Period ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Tissue Remodelling ◽  
Interleukin 5 ◽  
Deficient Mice

Interleukin 5 is expressed in type 2 T lymphocytes and has a key role in driving the differentiation, recruitment and activation of eosinophils. Mice with a null mutation in the interleukin 5 gene (IL-5 -/- mice) have altered type 2 immune responses and severely depleted eosinophil populations. In the present study, the effect of interleukin 5 deficiency on the abundant population of eosinophils present in the female reproductive tract was investigated, and the reproductive performance in C57Bl/6 IL-5 -/- mice was measured. Endometrial eosinophils, detected on the basis of their endogenous peroxidase activity, were reduced in number by four-sevenfold during the oestrous cycle and in early pregnancy in IL-5 -/- mice. Eosinophils present in the cervix and decidual tissues at the time of parturition were similarly diminished. The temporal fluctuations in eosinophil recruitment and localization within these tissues were otherwise unchanged, indicating that interleukin 5 is not a necessary chemotactic agent in the female reproductive tract. Oestrous cycles were moderately greater in duration in IL-5 -/- mice (mean +/- SD = 5.6 +/- 1.0 days in IL-5 -/- mice versus 5.0 +/- 0.8 days in IL-5 +/+ mice), owing to an extended period in oestrus (2.7 +/- 0.9 days per cycle in IL-5 -/- mice versus 1.8 +/- 0.7 in IL-5 +/+ mice). The interval between placing females with males and the finding of copulatory plugs was reduced significantly in interleukin 5-deficient mice. Implantation rates and subsequent fetal development were comparable in IL-5 -/- and IL-5 +/+ mice, irrespective of whether pregnancies were sired by syngeneic (C57Bl/6) or allogeneic (CBA or Balb/c) males, apart from a 10% increase in placental size and a 6.5% decrease in placental∶fetal ratio seen on day 17 in pregnancies sired by CBA males. Parturition and post-partum uterine repair were not compromised in interleukin 5-deficient mice, as judged by the length of gestation, and the outcomes of pregnancies initiated at post-partum oestrus. The birth weights and growth trajectories of pups were significantly influenced by interleukin 5 status, with small but significant increases in the weights of IL-5 -/- pups, particularly C57Bl/6 and CBA F(1) animals, remaining evident until adulthood. These data are consistent with the view that eosinophils have a role in endometrial tissue remodelling associated with the oestrous cycle, but indicate that the events of pregnancy and parturition proceed quite normally in the absence of maternal and fetal interleukin 5. However, strain-dependent effects of interleukin 5 deficiency on placental growth and function and subsequent weight gain in the newborn indicate that this cytokine may act through the maternal or fetal immune axis to exert subtle influences on reproductive outcome.

Breeding Biology of the Agile Wallaby, Macropus agilis (Gould) (Marsupialia : Macropodidae), in Captivity

1976 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 93 ◽  
Author(s):  
JC Merchant
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Maturity ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Vaginal Smear ◽  
Vaginal Smears ◽  
Main Cell ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
The Mean

Female agile wallabies in captivity reached sexual maturity at about 12 months old and males produced mature spermatozoa by 14 months. Breeding was continuous throughout the year and birth and oestrus were recorded in every month. The mean length of the oestrous cycle was 32.4 days, and the mean gestation period 29.4 days. Females exhibited post-partum oestrus, usually mating within 1 day of birth. Sixty-four young born in captivity comprised 24 males, 30 females and 10 of unknown sex. If a pouch young were removed or lost, the quiescent blastocyst resumed its development, to birth about 26.5 days later. Failure or absence of the blastocyst was followed by an oestrus at about the time of the corresponding post-partum oestrus. Both the oestrous cycle and the interval between removal of a pouch young and oestrus were significantly longer than when a pregnancy intervened. The oestrous cycle was characterized by changes in the proportions of the main cell types in the vaginal smear, and by changes in the appearance of the urogenital opening and the pouch and teats. The approach of oestrus could not be predicted from vaginal smears but the post-oestrous condition was always recognizable even without mating. Young animals first left the pouch for short periods between the ages of 176 and 211 days, and left permanently between 207 and 237 days. Animals of known age were measured and the development of various morphological characters noted at weekly intervals from about birth until 12 months old.

121 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PROSTAGLANDIN E2 METABOLITE, UTERINE ARTERIAL VASODILATORY CHANGES, AND PROGESTERONE DURING THE OESTROUS CYCLE AND EARLY PREGNANCY IN BEEF COWS

2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 207
Author(s):  
H. L. Sánchez-Rodríguez ◽  
J. M. Feugang ◽  
R. C. Youngblood ◽  
R. C. Vann ◽  
S. T. Willard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prostaglandin E2 ◽  
Early Pregnancy ◽  
Vascular Function ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Sharp Decrease ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Potential Candidate ◽  
Vascular Effects ◽  
Uterine Arteries

Vasodilation of the female reproductive vasculature is essential to supply the increasing demands associated with reproductive processes; including maintenance of a healthy functional luteal structure, and the establishment and continuance of pregnancy. Due to its vasodilatory effects, prostaglandin E2 has been identified as a potential candidate sustaining such vascular effects. Here, the relationship between systemic concentrations of prostaglandin E2 metabolite (PGEM) and progesterone (P4), and uterine arterial vasodilatory changes were evaluated during the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy. Synchronised Angus cows (n = 19) were artificially inseminated (AI) and examined for pregnancy 45 d post-AI. Jugular blood samples were collected on Days 0, 3, 6, 10, 16, 20, 25, and 32 (Day 0 = AI) for serum PGEM and P4 evaluation. Vasodilatory changes of the uterine arteries were also characterised using the B-mode ultrasound luminal circumference (UAC). Retrospective comparisons were carried out between pregnant (n = 10) and nonpregnant (n = 9) animals. The GLM Procedure of SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA) was used to evaluate the effects of pregnancy status and sampling day over PGEM, UAC, and P4. Pearson correlations between PGEM, UAC, and P4 were obtained by the CORR Procedure of SAS. All variables were measured in triplicate and thresholds for significance and tendency were fixed at P ≤ 0.05 and 0.06 to 0.10, respectively. From Day 0 to Day 20, the overall PGEM concentration tended to be higher in nonpregnant cows compared to pregnant ones (P = 0.08; 90.97 ± 4.38 v. 78.28 ± 3.01 pg mL–1, respectively), while a shift in favor of pregnant cows was observed at Day 32 (P = 0.29; 89.88 ± 14.23 v. 106.3 ± 7.17 pg mL–1, respectively). Both uterine arteries showed similar UAC (P ≥ 0.05); therefore, they were combined in one average value per animal each sampling day. There was an overall increase of the UAC over time, from 10.49 ± 0.01 mm at Day 0 to 12.17 ± 0.02 mm at Day 20 (P ≤ 0.0001), but no significant differences were found between pregnant and nonpregnant cows during this period (P ≥ 0.05). An overall sharp increase in P4 concentrations was observed from Day 3 to Day 16 (0.60 ± 0.12 to 9.66 ± 0.45 ng mL–1, P ≤ 0.0001); while from Day 16 to Day 32, pregnant cows maintained steady and higher P4 concentrations than nonpregnant ones (9.87 ± 0.31 v. 4.40 ± 1.09 ng mL–1, respectively; P = 0.002). As expected, nonpregnant cows showed a sharp decrease in P4 concentrations from Day 16 to Day 25, followed by a second increase at Day 32 (9.27 ± 0.20, 0.85 ± 0.33, and 6.04 ± 1.67 ng mL–1, respectively; P = 0.0007). The UAC and PGEM concentrations were positively correlated in pregnant (r = 0.48; P = 0.002), but not in nonpregnant animals (r = 0.29; P = 0.21). Similarly, UAC and P4 concentrations were also positively associated in pregnant (r = 0.47; P = 0.002), but not in nonpregnant cows (r = 0.01; P = 0.96). Our findings support the role of PGE2 as a potential mediator of the vascular function in the female reproductive tract and, subsequently, as an essential factor to ensure adequate P4 production able to sustain early pregnancy in the bovine. USDA-ARS Grant#58-6402-3-0120.

scholarly journals Genes and environmental factors that influence disease resistance to microbes in the female reproductive tract of dairy cattle

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 72 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. M. Sheldon
Keyword(s):  
Disease Resistance ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Genetic Selection ◽  
Metabolic Stress ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Uterine Disease ◽  
Uterine Diseases

Microbes commonly infect the female reproductive tract of cattle, causing infertility, abortion and post partum uterine diseases. When organisms reach the uterus, the resistance to disease depends on the balance between the classic triad of the virulence of the microbes, the host defence systems and the environment. The present review considers each aspect of this triad, using postpartum uterine disease as an exemplar for understanding disease resistance. The bacteria that cause postpartum uterine disease are adapted to the endometrium, and their microbial toxins cause tissue damage and inflammation. However, non-specific defence systems counter ascending infections of the female reproductive tract, and inflammatory responses in the endometrium are driven by innate immunity. Disease resistance to bacterial infection involves many genes involved in the maintenance or restoration of tissue homeostasis in the endometrium, including antimicrobial peptides, complement, cytokines, chemokines and Toll-like receptors. The most important environmental factors facilitating the development of postpartum uterine disease are related to trauma of the reproductive tract and to the metabolic stress of lactation in dairy cows. Long-term solutions for uterine disease will include genetic selection for disease resistance and optimising the care of the animal before, during and after parturition.

Effect of Contraceptive Steroids on the Endometrium of Guinea Pig: SEM study

1977 ◽  
Vol 35 ◽  
pp. 668-669
Author(s):  
Mai M. Said ◽  
Ramesh K. Nayak ◽  
Randall E. McCoy
Keyword(s):  
Guinea Pig ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Human Female ◽  
Surface Ultrastructure ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Sem Study ◽  
Uterine Mucosa ◽  
Group 1

Burgos and Wislocki described changes in the mucosa of the guinea pig uterus, cervix and vagina during the estrous cycle investigated by transmission electron microscopy. More recently, Moghissi and Reame reported the effects of progestational agents on the human female reproductive tract. They found drooping and shortening of cilia in norgestrel and norethindrone- treated endometria. To the best of our knowledge, no studies concerning the effects of mestranol and norethindrone given concurrently on the three-dimensional surface features on the uterine mucosa of the guinea pig have been reported. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of mestranol and norethindrone on surface ultrastructure of guinea pig uterus by SEM.Seventy eight animals were used in this study. They were allocated into two groups. Group 1 (20 animals) was injected intramuscularly 0.1 ml vegetable oil and served as controls.

Surface ultrastructure of danazol treated rat endometrium: A SEM study

1983 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
pp. 556-557
Author(s):  
R.P. Apkarian ◽  
J.S. Sanfilippo
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sections ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Preliminary Investigation ◽  
Breast Disease ◽  
Distal Segment ◽  
Uterine Horn ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Ultrastructural Changes ◽  
Cycle Phase ◽  
Sprague Dawley

The synthetic androgen danazol, is an isoxazol derivative of ethisterone. It is utilized in the treatment of endometriosis, fibrocystic breast disease, and has a potential use as a contraceptive. A study was designed to evaluate the ultrastructural changes associated with danazol therapy in a rat model. The preliminary investigation of the distal segment of the rat uterine horn was undertaken as part of a larger study intended to elucidate the effects of danazol on the female reproductive tract.Cross-sections (2-3 mm in length) of the distal segment of the uterine horn from sixteen Sprague-Dawley rats were prepared for SEM. Ten rats in estrus served as controls and six danazol treated rats were noted to have alterations of the estrus cycle i.e. a lag in cycle phase or noncycling patterns. Specimens were fixed in 3% glutaraldehyde in 0.05M phosphate buffer containing CaCl2 at pH 7.0-7.4 and chilled to 4°C. After a brief wash in distilled water, specimens were passed through a graded series of ethanol, critical point dryed in CO2 from absolute ethanol, and coated with 6nm Au. Observations were made with an IS1-40 SEM operated at 15kV.

The application of electron microscopy to diagnosis in gynecologic neoplasms and tumor-like conditions

1984 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
pp. 102-105
Author(s):  
Lawrence M. Roth
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Malignant Tumors ◽  
Frozen Section ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Ultrastructural Examination ◽  
Specific Diagnosis ◽  
Potential Value ◽  
Gynecologic Neoplasms

The female reproductive tract may be the site of a wide variety of benign and malignant tumors, as well as non-neoplastic tumor-like conditions, most of which can be diagnosed by light microscopic examination including special stains and more recently immunoperoxidase techniques. Nevertheless there are situations where ultrastructural examination can contribute substantially to an accurate and specific diagnosis. It is my opinion that electron microscopy can be of greatest benefit and is most cost effective when applied in conjunction with other methodologies. Thus, I have developed an approach which has proved useful for me and may have benefit for others. In cases where it is deemed of potential value, glutaraldehyde-fixed material is obtained at the time of frozen section or otherwise at operation. Coordination with the gynecologic oncologist is required in the latter situation. This material is processed and blocked and is available if a future need arises.

Studies of the oestrous cycle, oestrus and pregnancy in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)

Reproduction ◽  
2000 ◽  
pp. 49-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
SD Johnston ◽  
MR McGowan ◽  
P O'Callaghan ◽  
R Cox ◽  
V Nicolson
Keyword(s):  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
External Genitalia ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽  
Pregnant Females ◽  
Peripheral Plasma ◽  
The Mean ◽  
High Concentrations

As an integral part of the development of an artificial insemination programme in the captive koala, female reproductive physiology and behaviour were studied. The oestrous cycle in non-mated and mated koalas was characterized by means of behavioural oestrus, morphology of external genitalia and changes in the peripheral plasma concentrations of oestradiol and progestogen. The mean (+/- SEM) duration of the non-mated oestrous cycle and duration of oestrus in 12 koalas was 32.9 +/- 1.1 (n = 22) and 10.3 +/- 0.9 (n = 24) days, respectively. Although the commencement of oestrous behaviour was associated with increasing or high concentrations of oestradiol, there were no consistent changes in the morphology or appearance of the clitoris, pericloacal region, pouch or mammary teats that could be used to characterize the non-mated cycle. As progestogen concentrations remained at basal values throughout the interoestrous period, non-mated cycles were considered non-luteal and presumed anovulatory. After mating of the 12 koalas, six females gave birth with a mean (+/- SEM) gestation of 34.8 +/- 0.3 days, whereas the remaining six non-parturient females returned to oestrus 49.5 +/- 1. 0 days later. After mating, oestrous behaviour ceased and the progestogen profile showed a significant increase in both pregnant and non-parturient females, indicating that a luteal phase had been induced by the physical act of mating. Progestogen concentrations throughout the luteal phase of the pregnant females were significantly higher than those of non-parturient females. Parturition was associated with a decreasing concentration of progestogen, which was increased above that of basal concentrations until 7 days post partum.

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