The structure and development of Histomonas meleagridis (Mastigamoebidae: Protozoa) in the female reproductive tract of its intermediate host, Heterakis gallinarum (Nematoda)

Parasitology ◽  
1969 ◽  
Vol 59 (4) ◽  
pp. 877-884 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. L. Lee
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive System ◽  
Technical Assistance ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Growth Zone ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Gradual Reduction ◽  
Heterakis Gallinarum ◽  
Germinal Zone ◽  
Parasite Feeding ◽  
Free Strain

The ultrastrcuture and development of the protozoan Histomonas meleagridis in the reproductive system of the female nematode, Heterakis gallinarum, have been described. It has been shown that there is a distinct cycle of events in the reproductive system. The stage of Histomonas in the germinal zone of the ovary is extracellular; the protozoan feeds and multiplies here. The histomonads move down the ovary with the oogonia and become intracellular when they penetrate the developing oocytes in the growth zone of the ovary. This is apparently an active penetration of the oocyte by the parasite. Feeding and division of the histomonad occurs in the oocyte and also in the newly formed egg; apparently a gradual reduction in size occurs along the reproductive system. These stages in the parasite are similar to the tissue-inhabiting stages in the bird but are much smaller. There are no mitochondria present.There is strong circumstantial evidence that the nematode is able to repair damage to the wall of the reproductive system and to the oolemma caused by the protozoan.I wish to thank Dr E. E. Lund of Beltsville Parasitological Laboratory, Maryland, U.S.A., who very kindly sent me some of his Histomonas-free strain of Heterakis and Dr L. P. Joyner and Mr C. C. Norton of the Central Veterinary Laboratory, Weybridge, for the strain of Heterakis which was found to transmit Histomonas wenrichii. I also wish to thank Mrs B. Fisher, Mr B. Millard and Mr M. Shirley for technical assistance and Mr P. Rogers for assistance with the photography.

Nuclear progesterone receptor isoforms and their functions in the female reproductive tract

2011 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 149-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Rękawiecki ◽  
M. Kowalik ◽  
J. Kotwica
Keyword(s):  
Progesterone Receptor ◽  
Receptor Antagonist ◽  
Reproductive System ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Physiological Effect ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Progesterone Receptor Isoforms ◽  
Receptor Isoforms ◽  
Nuclear Progesterone Receptor

Nuclear progesterone receptor isoforms and their functions in the female reproductive tract Progesterone (P4), which is produced by the corpus luteum (CL), creates proper conditions for the embryo implantation, its development, and ensures proper conditions for the duration of pregnancy. Besides the non-genomic activity of P4 on target cells, its main physiological effect is caused through genomic action by the progesterone nuclear receptor (PGR). This nuclear progesterone receptor occurs in two specific isoforms, PGRA and PGRB. PGRA isoform acts as an inhibitor of transcriptional action of PGRB. The inactive receptor is connected with chaperone proteins and attachment of P4 causes disconnection of chaperones and unveiling of DNA binding domain (DBD). After receptor dimerization in the cells' nucleus and interaction with hormone response element (HRE), the receptor coactivators are connected and transcription is initiated. The ratio of these isoforms changes during the estrous cycle and reflects the different levels of P4 effect on the reproductive system. Both isoforms, PGRA and PGRB, also show a different response to the P4 receptor antagonist activity. Connection of the antagonist to PGRA can block PGRB, but acting through the PGRB isoform, P4 receptor antagonist may undergo conversion to a strongly receptor agonist. A third isoform, PGRC, has also been revealed. This isoform is the shortest and does not have transcriptional activity. Alternative splicing and insertion of additional exons may lead to the formation of different PGR isoforms. This paper summarizes the available data on the progesterone receptor isoforms and its regulatory action within the female reproductive system.

scholarly journals The Concept of Male Reproductive Anatomy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oyovwi Mega Obukohwo ◽  
Nwangwa Eze Kingsley ◽  
Rotu Arientare Rume ◽  
Emojevwe Victor
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive System ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Prostate Gland ◽  
Ejaculatory Duct ◽  
Seminal Vesicles ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Male Reproductive System ◽  
Male Gametes ◽  
Human Reproductive ◽  
Reproductive Anatomy

The human reproductive system is made up of the primary and secondary organs, which helps to enhances reproduction. The male reproductive system is designed to produce male gametes and convey them to the female reproductive tract through the use of supportive fluids and testosterone synthesis. The paired testis (site of testosterone and sperm generation), scrotum (compartment for testis localisation), epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, bulbourethral gland, ejaculatory duct, urethra, and penis are the parts of the male reproductive system. The auxiliary organs aid in the maturation and transportation of sperm. Semen is made up of sperm and the secretions of the seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands (the ejaculate). Ejaculate is delivered to the female reproduc¬tive tract by the penis and urethra. The anatomy, embryology and functions of the male reproductive system are discussed in this chapter.

scholarly journals Transgenic mice overexpressing the LH receptor in the female reproductive system spontaneously develop endometrial tumour masses

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiziano Lottini ◽  
Jessica Iorio ◽  
Elena Lastraioli ◽  
Laura Carraresi ◽  
Claudia Duranti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive System ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Cell Cycle Control ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Causative Role ◽  
Over Expression ◽  
Molecular Alterations ◽  
Metabolism Of Xenobiotics ◽  
Mouse Promoter

AbstractThe receptor for the luteinizing hormone (LH-R) is aberrantly over expressed in cancers of the reproductive system. To uncover whether LH-R over expression has a causative role in cancer, we generated a transgenic (TG) mouse which overexpresses the human LH-R (hLH-R) in the female reproductive tract, under the control of the oviduct-specific glycoprotein (OGP) mouse promoter (mogp-1). The transgene was highly expressed in the uterus, ovary and liver, but only in the uterus morphological and molecular alterations (increased proliferation and trans-differentiation in the endometrial layer) were detected. A transcriptomic analysis on the uteri of young TG mice showed an up regulation of genes involved in cell cycle control and a down regulation of genes related to the immune system and the metabolism of xenobiotics. Aged TG females developed tumor masses in the uteri, which resembled an Endometrial Cancer (EC). Microarray and immunohistochemistry data indicated the deregulation of signaling pathways which are known to be altered in human ECs. The analysis of a cohort of 126 human ECs showed that LH-R overexpression is associated with early-stage tumors. Overall, our data led support to conclude that LH-R overexpression may directly contribute to trigger the neoplastic transformation of the endometrium.

scholarly journals Alterations in egg white-related genes expression in response to hormonal stimulation

Reproduction ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 160 (5) ◽  
pp. 793-801
Author(s):  
Minkyeong Lee ◽  
Changwon Yang ◽  
Gwonhwa Song ◽  
Whasun Lim
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive System ◽  
Hormonal Regulation ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Egg White ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Expression Of Genes ◽  
Egg White Proteins ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Genes Encoding

The reproductive tract in avian females is sensitive to hormonal regulation. Exogenous estrogen induces immature oviduct development to improve egg production after molting. In this process, regressed female reproductive tract is regenerated in response to the secretion of estrogen. However, there is limited knowledge on the physiological mechanisms underlying the regulation of the avian female reproductive system. In our previous study, results from microarray analysis revealed that the expression of genes encoding egg white proteins is affected during molting. Herein, we artificially induced the molting period in chickens through a zinc-containing diet. Subsequently, changes in the expression of genes encoding egg white proteins were confirmed in the oviduct tissue. The levels of MUC5B, ORM1, RTBDN, and TENP mRNA were significantly high in the oviduct, and the genes were repressed in the regression phase, whereas these were expressed in the recrudescence phase, particularly in the luminal epithelium and glandular epithelium of the oviduct, during molting. Moreover, we observed that gene expression was induced in the magnum, the site for the secretion of egg white components. Next, differences in expression levels of the four genes in normal and cancerous ovaries were compared. Collectively, results suggest that the four selected genes are expressed in the female chicken reproductive tract in response to hormonal regulation, and egg white protein-encoding genes may serve as modulators of the reproductive system in hens.

scholarly journals Uterine segmental aplasia in sheep

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 93-95
Author(s):  
Reanne Moraes Meira da Silva ◽  
Juliana Targino Silva Almeida e Macêdo ◽  
Pedro Miguel Ocampos Pedroso
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive System ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
The State ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Pathological Diagnosis ◽  
White Skin ◽  
Recessive Genes ◽  
Mullerian Ducts ◽  
Macroscopic Analysis

The complete absence of one of the uterine horns, named segmental uterine aplasia or unicorn uterus, occurs due to deficiency in the development of segments of the paramesonephric or Mullerian ducts. It is a congenital or hereditary anomaly of the female reproductive tract caused by recessive genes, which occurrence is unusual. In cows, this malformation was initially called “white heifer disease”, comprising an alteration in the Mullerian ducts in association with the white skin gene that causes aplasia of the uterus, cervix and vagina. Two pieces of sheep reproductive system from a slaughterhouse under federal inspection in the state of Bahia, Brazil, were received for pathological diagnosis. The collection, dissection and macroscopic analysis were carried out. In the macroscopic evaluation, uterine segmental aplasia was identified in both cases, with complete absence of the left uterine horns. Both had agenesis of the uterine tubes associated with the absence of internal bifurcation of the uterine horns. Animals that have a unicorn uterus often have reduced fertility which consequently leads to losses to sheep farming.

Reproductive anatomy of three Mediterranean species of Coralliophilidae (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Neogastropoda)

2003 ◽  
Vol 83 (5) ◽  
pp. 1029-1045 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Richter ◽  
Ángel A. Luque
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive System ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Direct Evidence ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Mediterranean Species ◽  
Evolutionary Line ◽  
Reproductive Anatomy ◽  
The Mediterranean

The functional reproductive system of three Mediterranean species of Coralliophilidae (Gastropoda: Prosobranchia), Coralliophila brevis, Coralliophila meyendorffii and Babelomurex cariniferus, was compared with that of Coralliophila squamosa and three Leptoconchus species. Differences chiefly in the pallial section of the female reproductive tract separate the Indo-Pacific genus Leptoconchus from the Mediterranean species, and subdivide the latter into three different anatomical groups. Polyphyly of the genus Coralliophila is suggested. Comparison of the reproductive system of coralliophilids with that of the related Muricidae allows identifying characters of Coralliophila brevis, Coralliophila meyendorffii and Babelomurex cariniferus that are unknown in Muricidae. The comparison also reveals a closer similarity of Coralliophila squamosa with Ocenebrinae, suggesting that this species might represent a less derived evolutionary line within Coralliophilidae. The reproductive system of some individuals of Coralliophila meyendorffii and Babelomurex cariniferus undergoing penis reduction in the laboratory is also studied. It sheds some light in the ontogeny of the female pallial reproductive tract, and provides direct evidence for the existence of protandry in these species.

scholarly journals Endocrine disruption of oestrogen action and female reproductive tract cancers

2013 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. T13-T31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas A Gibson ◽  
Philippa T K Saunders
Keyword(s):  
Endometrial Cancer ◽  
Reproductive System ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Early Life Exposure ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
Robust Evidence

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) are ubiquitous and persistent compounds that have the capacity to interfere with normal endocrine homoeostasis. The female reproductive tract is exquisitely sensitive to the action of sex steroids, and oestrogens play a key role in normal reproductive function. Malignancies of the female reproductive tract are the fourth most common cancer in women, with endometrial cancer accounting for most cases. Established risk factors for development of endometrial cancer include high BMI and exposure to oestrogens or synthetic compounds such as tamoxifen. Studies on cell and animal models have provided evidence that many EDC can bind oestrogen receptors and highlighted early life exposure as a window of risk for adverse lifelong effects on the reproductive system. The most robust evidence for a link between early life exposure to EDC and adverse reproductive health has come from studies on women who were exposedin uteroto diethylstilbestrol. Demonstration that EDC can alter expression of members of the HOX gene cluster highlights one pathway that might be vulnerable to their actions. In summary, evidence for a direct link between EDC exposure and cancers of the reproductive system is currently incomplete. It will be challenging to attribute causality to any single EDC when exposure and development of malignancy may be separated by many years and influenced by lifestyle factors such as diet (a source of phytoestrogens) and adiposity. This review considers some of the evidence collected to date.

Expression of NK1 receptor at the protein and mRNA level in the porcine female reproductive system

2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 469-477
Author(s):  
R. Bukowski
Keyword(s):  
Blood Vessels ◽  
Reproductive System ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Mrna Level ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Receptor Protein ◽  
Nk1 Receptor ◽  
Female Reproductive System ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Arterial Blood

Abstract The presence and distribution of substance P (SP) receptor NK1 was studied in the ovary, the oviduct and the uterus (uterine horn and cervix) of the domestic pig using the methods of molecular biology (RT-PCR and immunoblot) and immunohistochemistry. The expression of NK1 receptor at mRNA level was confirmed with RT-PCR in all the studied parts of the porcine female reproductive system by the presence of 525 bp PCR product and at the protein level by the detection of 46 kDa protein band in immunoblot. Immunohistochemical staining revealed the cellular distribution of NK1 receptor protein. In the ovary NKI receptor was present in the wall of arterial blood vessels, as well as in ovarian follicles of different stages of development. In the tubular organs the NK1 receptor immunohistochemical stainings were observed in the wall of the arterial blood vessels, in the muscular membrane, as well as in the mucosal epithelium. The study confirmed the presence of NK1 receptor in the tissues of the porcine female reproductive tract which clearly points to the possibility that SP can influence porcine ovary, oviduct and uterus.

Diversity of reproductive behaviour in platyhelminth parasites: insemination in some benedeniine (capsalid) monogeneans

Parasitology ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 104 (3) ◽  
pp. 489-496 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. C. Kearn ◽  
I. D. Whittington
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive System ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Reproductive Behaviour ◽  
Copulatory Organ ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Male Reproductive System ◽  
First Time

Considerable diversity has been found in the reproductive behaviour of benedeniine (capsalid) monogenean parasites. Mating has been observed in Benedenia sp. 1 from the gills of Lutjanus carponatatus; externally attached spermatophores are not involved and parasites indulge in mutual cross-insemination with intromission. In contrast, there is evidence of spermatophore involvement in Benedenia sp. 2 from the fins of Lethrinus miniatus; mating was not observed but an individual was found carrying an external ovoid spermatophore attached by a stalk lodged in the vagina. In specimens of Benedeniella macrocolpa and B. posterocolpa, in which the male reproductive system was functional and the female system not fully developed, the everted cirrus was seen to be lodged in the parasite's own uterus, with, in some individuals, the tip of the cirrus inside the ootype. This is the first time that the copulatory organ has been observed inside the female reproductive tract of the same individual, not just in benedeniines but in monogeneans in general, and is also the first demonstration that monogeneans are capable of self-insemination via the uterine route.

The structure and development of the protozoonHistomonas meleagridisin the male reproductive tract of its intermediate host,Heterakis gallinarum(Nematoda)

Parasitology ◽  
1971 ◽  
Vol 63 (3) ◽  
pp. 439-445 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. L. Lee
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Technical Assistance ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Vas Deferens ◽  
Final Host ◽  
The Other ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Male Reproductive Tract ◽  
Heterakis Gallinarum

The ultrastructure and development ofHistomonas meleagridisin the reproductive tract of maleHeterakis gallinarumhas been described. In the testis the protozoon is a relatively large amoeboid organism which lies between the epithelial cells of the testis and the spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids. It is similar in appearance to the invasive stage which is found in the final host and like the invasive stage, it also feeds upon the host cells by phagocytosis. In the vas deferens the protozoon lies between the host cells, where it is much smaller than the stages in the testis but still amoeboid, and inside the cells of the vas deferens.Intracellular stages are much smaller than the other stages, are rounded in appearance and cause little or no damage to the host cell. They are similar to the stages found in oocytes of the female nematode. The possible role of the male nematode in the life cycle of the protozoon is discussed.I wish to thank Mrs B. Fisher for technical assistance and Mr B. Carter for assistance with the photography.

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