STUDIES OF SEXUAL DIFFERENTIATION OF SHEEP

1978 ◽  
Vol 89 (1) ◽  
pp. 182-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. R. Wilson ◽  
M. F. Tarttelin
Keyword(s):  
Blood Plasma ◽  
Sexual Differentiation ◽  
Female Offspring ◽  
Plasma Testosterone ◽  
Plasma Samples ◽  
Normal Appearance ◽  
Control Male ◽  
Control Female ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Males And Females

ABSTRACT Forty ewes were given intramuscular injections of testosterone cypionate (200 mg) on each of the 20th, 27th and 40th days of gestation. This treatment ensured foetal exposure to testosterone from day 20 to day 65. Forty untreated ewes acted as controls. At birth, pre-natally androgenised male lambs were anatomically normal, but similarly treated female offspring displayed complete external genital masculinisation including the presence of a prepuce, penis and scrotum and the absence of an external vulval opening. No male gonads were present. Internally, the female lambs possessed ovaries, uteri, cervices and vagina of normal appearance. Two-weekly blood plasma samples were withdrawn from 10 androgenised and 6 control female offspring and 8 androgenised and 8 control male offspring from 4–30 weeks of age. Testosterone levels in males and LH levels in males and females were measured by radioimmunoassays. Analyses of variance showed that post-natal plasma LH levels in pre-natally androgenised lambs (male and female) were significantly depressed (P < 0.001), and that plasma testosterone concentrations in pre-natally androgenised males were subsequently depressed (P < 0.001). These results suggested that pre-natal androgenisation impaired hypothalamic hypophysiotrophic and/or pituitary function during the first 30 weeks of post-natal life which resulted either directly, or indirectly via reduced LH output, in a suppression of testosterone production by the testes.

STUDIES OF SEXUAL DIFFERENTIATION OF SHEEP

1978 ◽  
Vol 89 (1) ◽  
pp. 190-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. R. Wilson ◽  
M. F. Tarttelin
Keyword(s):  
Negative Feedback ◽  
Sexual Differentiation ◽  
Plasma Samples ◽  
Control Male ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Ewe Lambs ◽  
Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone ◽  
Gland Function ◽  
And Control ◽  
Lh Secretion

ABSTRACT Gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) (1 μg/kg was injected intravenously into pre-natally androgenised and untreated control ram and ewe lambs and castrated pre-natally androgenised rams on each of the 6th, 14th, 22nd and 30th week of post-natal life, and plasma samples collected at −20, −10, 0, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 240 min from injection for LH estimation. No difference in pre-injection LH levels or responses to GnRH were observed between pre-natally androgenised and control male and female lambs. Castration resulted in significantly elevated pre-injection LH levels (P < 0.001) and responses to GnRH (P < 0.05). Forty-five week old control and pre-natally androgenised ewes were subjected to a GnRH injection and plasma sampling routine identical to that described above both before and 2 weeks after ovariectomy. Significantly elevated pre-injection LH levels and LH responses to GnRH (P < 0.001) resulted from ovariectomy but there were no differences in either parameter between control and androgenised ewes either before or after ovariectomy. It is concluded that since pre-natal androgenisation altered neither pituitary gonadotrophic activity nor pituitary or hypothalamic steroid negative feedback activity, the depressed basal LH secretion reported earlier in pre-natally androgenised lambs (Wilson & Tarttelin 1978) was probably due to impairment of hypothalamic production and/or release of endogenous GnRH rather than to modification of pituitary gland function.

47 PHYSIOLOGICAL STATUS OF MALE AND FEMALE MINIATURE PIGS CLONED WITH MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS

2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 129
Author(s):  
S. L. Lee ◽  
G. H. Maeng ◽  
W. J. Lee ◽  
R. H. Chon ◽  
G. J. Rho
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Mesenchymal Stem Cells ◽  
Physiological Status ◽  
Normal Range ◽  
Control Male ◽  
Control Female ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Miniature Pigs ◽  
Complete Blood Counts ◽  
And Control

The information on the physiological health status and the endocrinological parameters of cloned pigs is limited. To address this issue, the present study evaluated the hematological, biochemical, and endocrinological status of adult cloned male and female miniature pigs. Male and female cloned miniature pigs were produced by NT using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived bone marrow of miniature pig (T-type, PWG Micro-pig®, PWG Genetics Korea, South Korea). Cloned and age-matched control male and female miniature pigs were maintained under the same conditions in a farm facility, and collected blood samples via jugular venipuncture at the age of 1 year, 3, 6, and 9 months. Complete blood counts of leukocytes, erythrocytes, and thromocytes were performed using automated hematology cell counter (MS9-5V; Melet Schloesing Lab., France). Biochemical analyses were performed using a bench-top dry chemistry analyzer (Vettest 8008 Chemistry Analyzer; IDEXX Lab., UK) by examining creatinine, glucose, blood urea nitrogen, Gamma-glutamyltransferase (γ–GGT), albumin, total bilirubin, total protein (TP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, cholesterol, and amylase. Plasma growth hormone, insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), thyroid, tyroxine, cortisol, aldosterone, progesterone, testosterone, and estrogen concentration were determined by a 7020 automatic analyzer (Hitachi Ltd., Tokyo, Japan). Most parameters related to the hematological and biochemical status of cloned female and male miniature pigs were similar to control animals. However, γ–GGT (67.0 ± 20.8) and ALT (78.7 ± 24.0) levels of cloned male were higher compared to normal range (16 to 30 and 9 to 43 U L–1, respectively), and significantly (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively) higher than cloned female (GGT: 38.7 ± 2.9, ALT: 55.0 ± 16.1) and control female and male pigs (GGT: 27.5 ± 4.8 and 23.0 ± 4.4, ALT: 38.5 ± 7.9 and 32.3 ± 8.5). TP (8.2 ± 0.2) and cholesterol (87.33 ± 6.66) levels of cloned female were higher compared to normal range (6.0 to 8.0 g dL–1 and 18 to 79 mg dL–1, respectively), and significantly (P < 0.05) higher than cloned male (TP: 7.7 ± 0.4, cholesterol: 85.0 ± 8.2) and control female and male (TP: 7.9 ± 0.4 and 7.1 ± 0.6, cholesterol: 62.8 ± 3.6 and 57.0 ± 14.4). Endocrinological variation of insulin and IGF-1 of cloned female (1.43 ± 0.7 and 226.10 ± 65.0, respectively) were higher than cloned male and control female and male (0.9 ± 0.1 and 174.2 ± 42.2, 0.5 ± 0.3 and 199.9 ± 8.9, 0.5 ± 0.4 and 168.9 ± 21.2, respectively). In summary, despite similarities in hematological and biochemical parameters between cloned male and female miniature pigs and controls, a greater degree of physiological and endocrinological variations were found in cloned pigs. Based on the changes of the parameters related to growth metabolism, cloned male and female miniature pigs may have dysfunction of the liver. Therefore, the variabilities found must be taken into account before considering the cloned pigs for applications in biomedicine and xenotransplantation. This study was supported by Grant No. 2007031034040 from Bio-organ, Republic of Korea.

scholarly journals Gender differences in adenine-induced chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular complications in rats

2014 ◽  
Vol 307 (11) ◽  
pp. F1169-F1178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vishal Diwan ◽  
David Small ◽  
Kate Kauter ◽  
Glenda C. Gobe ◽  
Lindsay Brown
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Cardiac Hypertrophy ◽  
Kidney Function ◽  
Cardiac Fibrosis ◽  
Kidney Damage ◽  
Plasma Testosterone ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Males And Females

Gender contributes to differences in incidence and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and associated cardiovascular disease. To induce kidney damage in male and female Wistar rats ( n = 12/group), a 0.25% adenine diet for 16 wk was used. Kidney function (blood urea nitrogen, plasma creatinine, proteinuria) and structure (glomerular damage, tubulointerstitial atrophy, fibrosis, inflammation); cardiovascular function (blood pressure, ventricular stiffness, vascular responses, echocardiography) and structure (cardiac fibrosis); plasma testosterone and estrogen concentrations; and protein expression for oxidative stress [heme oxygenase-1, inflammation (TNF-α), fibrosis (transforming growth factor-β), ERK1/2, and estrogen receptor-α (ER-α)] were compared in males and females. Adenine-fed females had less decline in kidney function than adenine-fed males, although kidney atrophy, inflammation, and fibrosis were similar. Plasma estrogen concentrations increased and plasma testosterone concentrations decreased in adenine-fed males, with smaller changes in females. CKD-associated molecular changes in kidneys were more pronounced in males than females except for expression of ER-α in the kidney, which was completely suppressed in adenine-fed males but unchanged in adenine-fed females. Both genders showed increased blood pressure, ventricular stiffness, and cardiac fibrosis with the adenine diet. Cardiovascular changes with adenine were similar in males and females, except males developed concentric, and females eccentric cardiac hypertrophy. In hearts from adenine-fed male and female rats, expression of ER-α and activation of the ERK1/2 pathway were increased, in part explaining changes in cardiac hypertrophy. In summary, adenine-induced kidney damage may be increased in males due to the suppression of ER-α.

Effects of aroclor 1254 on the expression of the KAP3 gene and reproductive function in rats

2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 539 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chae Kwan Lee ◽  
Han Seung Kang ◽  
Ju Ran Kim ◽  
Byung Ju Lee ◽  
Jong Tae Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Differentiation ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Critical Periods ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Control Male ◽  
Control Female ◽  
Male Control ◽  
Brain Sexual Differentiation

The present study investigated the effects of aroclor 1254 (A1254) on the expression of the kinesin superfamily associated protein 3 (KAP3) gene in F1 rat brain during brain sexual differentiation and puberty. In addition, the effects of A1254 on reproductive function were examined. The KAP3 gene is involved in the neurogenesis and synaptogenesis of sexual differentiation in rats and also during puberty. In the present study, pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats each received a daily dose of A1254 (0, 10, 50 mg kg–1) dissolved in 1.0 mL corn oil by gavage, from gestational Day (GD) 8 to postnatal Day (PD) 21. The mRNA levels of the KAP3 gene in hypothalamic tissues were analysed by northern blot hybridisation during the critical periods of brain sexual differentiation (GD18 and PD5) and puberty (PD28). Variables affecting reproduction in F1 female rats, such as vaginal opening (VO), vaginal oestrus (VE) and oestrous cyclicity, were recorded. Depending on the sex and A1254 exposure (control or 50 mg kg–1 day–1), F1 rats were divided into three mating groups, namely control male–control female, control male–A1254-treated female and A1254-treated male–control female. During the critical periods of brain sexual differentiation (GD18, PD5) and puberty (PD28), KAP3 mRNA levels were significantly reduced in A1254-treated fetal and pubertal rat brains relative to those of control groups. In A1254-treated F1 female rats, VO and VE were delayed, the percentage of irregular oestrous cycles was increased and the duration of the oestrous cycle was extended in a dose-dependent manner compared with control groups. Treatment with a high dose of A1254 significantly impaired the reproductive function of both male and female F1 rats, including mating and pregnancy indices and the number of live fetuses. These data suggest that A1254 disrupts transcriptional regulation of the KAP3 gene in fetal and pubertal rat brains and that these effects may be related to A1254-induced abnormal brain sexual differentiation and lowered reproductive function in F1 rats.

scholarly journals Aerial parts of cassava as partial replacement for feed concentrates in the diet of lambs raised in semi-confinement

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 943
Author(s):  
Luiz Carlos Pereira ◽  
Luís Carlos Vinhas Itavo ◽  
Rodrigo Gonçalves Mateus ◽  
Eduardo Souza Leal ◽  
Urbano Gomes Pinto Abreu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Block Design ◽  
Partial Replacement ◽  
Control Male ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Linear Effect ◽  
Male Group ◽  
Aerial Parts ◽  
Randomized Complete Block Design ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
The Cost

This study aimed to evaluate the performance and economic viability of including the aerial parts of cassava (PAM) in the feed of semi-confined lambs for partial reduction of food concentrates. Fifty-six sheep, including males and females of the Pantaneira genetic group weighing 18.84 ± 2.02 kg on an average were used. The experiment was conducted in a factorial randomized complete block design with four treatments, each with seven females and seven males. Each group of 14 animals received one of four treatments: control, 10% of food concentrate in diet replaced with PAM, 20% replaced with PAM, and 30% replaced with PAM. The average total gain in weight (GWT) of the male lambs was 26.89% higher than the gains observed in females. Based on the cost analysis, we observed a linear effect (P < 0.01), i.e., a decrease in the feed cost for male and female groups with increase in PAM content. For the study period, the expenditure for the control male group was the highest at $ 17.60 per animal. Expenditure for the PAM 30 male group was the lowest at $ 12.74 per animal. These figures reflect the actual operating costs (COE), i.e., the power is 75.78% and 74.77%, for male and female groups respectively. The total cost, decreased linearly (P < 0.05) with PAM 30 treatment costing the least at $ 47.90, which was $ 7.02 lower than the control. When assessing the net margin per kilogram among the female groups, we observed a quadratic effect (P < 0.01) with a maximum gain of 23.98% when adding PAM and $ 0.50 kg-1. Our results show that the raising of lambs in semi-confinement was economically viable, and the addition of the aerial part of processed cassava in the feed presented a higher economic return. Further, the addition of aerial parts of cassava did not affect the performance of the lambs.

scholarly journals Ultrasonographic and ecobiometric findings in the eyes of adult goats

2010 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 568-573 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandre Pinto Ribeiro ◽  
Nailson Lima Santos ◽  
Victor Costa e Silva ◽  
Andressa Fernanda Campos ◽  
Izabelle Auxiliadora Molina de Almeida Teixeira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Wild Species ◽  
Healthy Adult ◽  
Anterior Chamber Depth ◽  
Normal Appearance ◽  
Topical Anesthetic ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Longitudinal Position ◽  
B Scan Images

The knowledge of the normal appearance and ocular dimensions of goat eyes facilitates the use of ultrasonography in the evaluation of ocular disease. The objective of the present study was to determine ultrasonographic and ecobiometric findings in the eyes of adult goats. B- and A-mode ultrasonography was performed in 30 healthy adult goats (60 eyes) (n=5 intact females and n=15 castrated males). Ultrasonography was performed after instillation of a topical anesthetic. Lubricating jelly was placed on the 20MHz transducer tip as a stand-off pad. The transducer was placed in a longitudinal position until optimal B-scan images, according to echoes of the A-mode images, were obtained. Statistical analysis was carried out to compare the ecobiometric readings among genders (P<0.05). Means and standard deviations of the ocular structures for male and female goats, respectively, were, 3.46±0.55, 3.33±0.46mm (anterior chamber depth); 8.60±0.34, 8.65±0.39mm (lens thickness); 11.34±0.61, 11.39±0.66mm (vitreous chamber depth); and 23.43±0.92, 23.39±0.86mm (axial globe length). Ocular measurements between right and left eyes, as well as between males and females were not significantly different (P>0.05). The ultrasonographic appearances of goat eyes were very similar to those of other domestic and wild species.

Chromatin dynamics associated with sexual differentiation in a UV sex determination system

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josselin Gueno ◽  
Simon Bourdareau ◽  
Guillaume Cossard ◽  
Olivier Godfroy ◽  
Agnieszka Lipinska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Sex Determination ◽  
Histone Modifications ◽  
Sex Chromosomes ◽  
Sexual Differentiation ◽  
Chromatin State ◽  
State Transitions ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Chromatin States ◽  
Males And Females

SummaryIn many eukaryotes, such as dioicous mosses and many algae, sex is determined by UV sex chromosomes and is expressed during the haploid phase of the life cycle. In these species, the male and female developmental programs are initiated by the presence of the U- or V-specific regions of the sex chromosomes but, as in XY and ZW systems, phenotypic differentiation is largely driven by autosomal sex-biased gene expression. The mechanisms underlying sex-biased transcription in XY, ZW or UV sexual systems currently remain elusive. Here, we set out to understand the extent and nature of epigenomic changes associated with sexual differentiation in the brown alga Ectocarpus, which has a well described UV system. Five histone modifications, H3K4me3, H3K27Ac, H3K9Ac, H3K36me3, H4K20me3, were quantified in near-isogenic male and female lines, leading to the identification of 13 different chromatin states across the Ectocarpus genome that showed different patterns of enrichment at transcribed, silent, housekeeping or narrowly-expressed genes. Chromatin states were strongly correlated with levels of gene expression indicating a relationship between the assayed marks and gene transcription. The relative proportion of each chromatin state across the genome remained stable in males and females, but a subset of genes exhibited different chromatin states in the two sexes. In particular, males and females displayed distinct patterns of histone modifications at sex-biased genes, indicating that chromatin state transitions occur preferentially at genes involved in sex-specific pathways. Finally, our results reveal a unique chromatin landscape of the U and V sex chromosomes compared to autosomes. Taken together, our observations reveal a role for histone modifications in sex determination and sexual differentiation in a UV sexual system, and suggest that the mechanisms of epigenetic regulation of genes on the UV sex chromosomes may differ from those operating on autosomal genes.

Reproduction and development

2021 ◽  
pp. 657-724
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Differentiation ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Body Cavity ◽  
Cavity Formation ◽  
Reproductive Systems ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Organ Systems ◽  
Major Organ ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Human Embryology

‘Reproduction and development’ opens with the anatomy of the pelvis and perineum, the male and female genital systems, and sexual differentiation, before moving onto reproductive function: the production of gametes in males and females, pregnancy, lactation, the effects of age on reproductive status, and the pharmacology of sex hormones. The other main consideration of this chapter is human embryology, guiding the reader through from fertilization and implantation, gastrulation and germ layer establishment, embryonic folding and body cavity formation, limb, head, and neck development, and development of the major organ systems (including the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory, renal, and reproductive systems).

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