Rôle of male accessory gland substance in the regulation of blood intake by mosquitoes

Male accessory gland infection (MAGI) is a generic acronym indicating inflammatory conditions affecting the prostate gland, seminal vesicles, the ductus deferens and the epididymis. It is a frequent disease, mostly with a chronic course. Majority of the MAGIs remain asymptomatic, thereby leading to a debate whether to treat these patients or not. The primary criterion for MAGI was suggested by Comhaire and colleagues in 1980. The role of MAGI in causing infertility and sexual dysfunctions has long been a matter of debate. The most recent studies show that MAGI could alter, with various mechanisms, both conventional and biofunctional sperm parameters, and determine worst reproductive outcome. This article provides an overview of up-to-date research findings about MAGI with special focus on data published on its impact on fertility; and diagnostic criteria including cellular and seminal biomarkers along with the promising results of emerging proteomic platforms for the identification of MAGI.

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Oviposition after sex: mated Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae) females increase oviposition without receiving an ejaculate

The Canadian Entomologist ◽

10.4039/tce.2021.12 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-14

Author(s):

M. Reyes-Hernández ◽

G. Córdova-García ◽

F. Díaz-Fleischer ◽

N. Flores-Estévez ◽

D. Pérez-Staples

Keyword(s):

Egg Production ◽

Ovarian Development ◽

Fruit Fly ◽

Accessory Gland ◽

Egg Laying ◽

Anastrepha Ludens ◽

Male Accessory Gland ◽

Female Behaviour ◽

External Stimuli

Abstract Mating and receiving ejaculate can alter female insect physiology and postcopulatory behaviour. During mating, females receive both internal and external stimuli and different components in the ejaculate. In insects, these components consist mostly of sperm and male accessory gland secretions. Some of the most important changes associated with receiving male accessory gland secretions are a reduction in female sexual receptivity and an increase in oviposition. However, a clear function for these molecules has not been found in the Mexican fruit fly Anastrepha ludens (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae). Here, we tested how the stimulus of mating, receiving a full ejaculate, or only receiving accessory gland secretions can influence ovarian development and oviposition. Our results indicate that the stimulus of mating per se is enough to induce oviposition and increase egg laying in females even if ejaculate is not received, whereas receiving only accessory gland secretions does not increase ovarian development and is not enough to induce oviposition or increase egg production. Further research on the internal and external copulatory courtship of A. ludens will increase our understanding of the role of these secretions in stimulating oviposition independent of ejaculate effects. A biological function for male accessory gland secretions on female behaviour for A. ludens still needs to be found.

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