scholarly journals The development and morphology of the gonads of the mouse.— Part I. The morphogenesis of the indifferent gonad and of the ovary

The work described in this series of papers was carried out with a view to furnishing controls of the experiments on the mouse undertaken in collaboration with Dr. A. S. Parkes and others. This paper deals with the development of the indifferent gonad of the mouse, up to the stage at which it differentiates into an ovary or a testis. This takes place on the 12th day post coitum , when the testis can first be distinguished. The ovaries remain in the indifferent stage for some time longer, but can be identified by a process of elimination. The present paper is concerned also with the development of the ovary from the time when sex can be distinguished until sexual maturity (8 weeks post partum ). It is not proposed to consider here the structure of the maturing follicle, the process of atresia, or the formation of the corpus luteum. These problems will be reserved for a subsequent paper on the adult ovary of the mouse.

2013 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-39
Author(s):  
Robert Clarke ◽  
Obla Paliza ◽  
Koen Van Waerebeek

This report on the reproduction and growth of the female sperm whale Physeter catodon is Part VII of our work on this whale in the Southeast Pacific. There were 1105 female sperm whales in our sample collected from two whaling stations in Chile and two in Peru. Since Clarke and Paliza (1972) have shown that they belonged to a single stock, we have worked them together. A second Graafian follicle develops more than the others in each ovary so to improve the possibility of fertilization in case the first ovum fails to be impregnated. We consider the size of the Graafian follicle at, or near, ovulation to be around 100mm, larger than what has been found in sperm whales from other seas. The corpus luteum of pregnancy is significantly larger than the corpus luteum of ovulation. The corpus albicans reduces in size throughout the life of the whale and probably does not disappear. There is a highly significant correlation between the total number of corpora and age: therefore we use the number of corpora as an indication of age. The corpora atretica are more frequent in older female sperm whales reflecting less fertility in this group. The sexual cycle in sperm whales of the Southeast Pacific has been revised to last 4yrs. Sexual maturity in female sperm whales is attained at 8.2m long and 6.5yrs of age, being both values lower than in sperm whales from other seas. The female sperm whale is born at 3.90m. The incidence of twins, 0.91%, is higher than in other seas. Fertility is low in very young whales (1-2 ovarian corpora) and it is at its lowest in the older group (over 12 corpora). The highest fertility is when females have 3-10 ovarian corpora and they are 15 to 35yrs old. The proportion of active females in pre oestrus during the months of pairing is significantly higher than during the other months. Accessory ovulations during oestrus are represented by the small groups of lactating-and-recently ovulated and lactating-and-pregnant whales. Unsuccessful ovulations are more frequent in late lactation and late resting periods, being post-partum ovulation rare. Female sperm whales in the Southeast Pacific may ovulate up to four and possibly five times during an oestrus. Physical maturity is attained at 11.2m long and 33.5yrs old. Fusion of the vertebrae begins at both ends of the vertebral column and finishes between the posterior thoracic and the lumbar vertebrae. Female sperm whales of the Southeast Pacific may live, at least, up to 50yrs of age. The age at recruitment between 1959 and 1962 was 20-21yrs of age when they had accumulated 4–5 corpora in their ovaries.


1980 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Susana Merani ◽  
Marta Susana Lizarralde

Akodon molinae, a vole mouse widely distributed in central Argentina, shows remarkable chromosome polymorphisms. It is one of the natural reservoirs of the actiologic agent of haemorrhagic fever, and a laboratory colony could be of great help in investigating this disease. Pregnancy lasted 23 (range 21-25) days. Litters of 4-5 young were born to monogamous breeding pairs about every 30 days, with weaning at 26 days post partum. The sex ratio at birth was 505 males to 500 females: at weaning it was 460 to 440. Sexual maturity was attained at about 16 weeks of age in males and 12-20 weeks in females. Akodon molinae is easy to handle, but fighting and killing or neglect of young are problems.


1990 ◽  
Vol 2 (5) ◽  
pp. 535 ◽  
Author(s):  
LA Hinds

In most eutherian species the function of the corpus luteum (CL) is influenced by extrinsic factors and it is subordinate to the pituitary, placenta, or uterus. In contrast, in marsupials the CL is relatively autonomous. Although the pituitary is essential for the formation of the CL, thereafter the secretory activity of the CL is independent of luteotrophic support, and the uterus is not luteolytic. Furthermore, the life span of the CL is unaffected by pregnancy, except in the Macropodidae (kangaroos and wallabies), in which the secretory activity of the CL is shortened under the influence of the fetus. At parturition the macropodid fetus, possibly via a release of glucocorticoids, causes the release of prostaglandins, presumed to be of uterine origin. The effect of the prostaglandin is to induce the release of prolactin from the maternal pituitary. Prolactin, and not prostaglandin, induces luteolysis and advances the events of post-partum oestrus. In the non-pregnant cycle, the mechanism of luteolysis is different; it does not involve prolactin, and the luteolytic signal is of non-uterine, possibly intrinsic, origin.


1996 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 209
Author(s):  
R. Delaney

Petrogale assimilis has a typical life history and reproductive ecology for a macropodid of its size. Both sexes are capable of reproducing continuously; gestation is about the same length as the oestrous cycle (approximately one month); a single young is born and, a post-partum oestrus and embryonic diapause probably occurs. The sex ratio of young is unbiased. Pouch young remain permanently attached to the teat until 110 - 143 days (n=11). Permanent exit from the pouch occurs at 180 - 231 days (mean=201 days, n=25), and weaning occurs between 267 - 387 days (n=5). Sexual maturity occurs at a minimum age of 17.5 months in females and 23 months in males.


1982 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
RW Rose ◽  
DJ McCatney

'Thylogale billardierii, which is abundant in Tasmania, is a seasonal breeder with most births in the months April, May and June. Parturition is followed by mating, and the zygote so produced remains dormant until either sucking becomes intermittent near the end of pouch life or the young is lost. The mean length of the oestrous cycle was determined at 30.3 days, not significantly longer than the duration of gestation (30.2 days). Removal of pouch young results in the birth of a new young 28.7 days later. Removal of the corpus luteum results in oestrus 11 days later. Pouch life is 202 days, and vacation of the pouch by the young coincides precisely with parturition and post-partum mating. The young mature at about 14-15 months.


2001 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 467-470
Author(s):  
J.F. Cox ◽  
F. Saravia ◽  
O. Torrealba ◽  
A. Zavala ◽  
A. Lobos

AbstractControlled breeding schemes for oestrous detection constitutes a proactive technical response that balances the infrastructural requirement for a profitable dairy operation and the demands for optimal animal performance. The present study compared (a) the reproductive response of a treatment based on a short vs longer-acting PGF2α analogue (tiaprost vs luprostiol), and (b) the reproductive response after a treatment of GnRH-PGF2α vs PGF2α alone for synchronizing dairy cows. Holstein-Friesian cows averaging 9000 kg milk/lactation and fed according to their requirements were used in the study. Cows were cyclic, at least 60 days post partum and were clinically sound before being considered for the experiments. In Experiment 1, animals were synchronised using an i.m. injection of either 15 mg of luprostiol or 0.75 mg of tiaprost, based on ultrasonic diagnosis of a corpus luteum. Animals were inseminated at observed oestrus. In Experiment 2, cows were synchronised, at random, by either an injection of 10pg ofbuserelin (day 0) followed by 0.75 mg of tiaprost at day 7 (GnRH-PGF2α) orjust 0.75 mg of tiaprost (PGF2α). For both treatments only cows with an ultrasonically detected corpus luteum were treated. Animals were inseminated at oestrus. At the time of treatment and again 3 days later, milk samples were collected and assayed for progesterone by RIA. Cows with progesterone concentrations >1 ng/ml were considered to have corpus luteum. Luteolysis was considered to have occurred when concentrations of progesterone were > 1 ng/ml at day 0 and <0.8 ng/ml at day 3. In Experiment 1, both analogues gave similar results in terms of induced luteolysis [luprostiol: 36/39 (92.3%) vs tiaprost: 36/41 (87.8%)], oestrous detection efficiency [luprostiol: 26/36 (72.2%) vs tiaprost: 30/36 (83.3%], oestrous distribution [day 2, 3 and 4, respectively: luprostiol: 26.9%, 50.0%, 19.2% vs tiaprost: 36.7%, 50.0%, 13.3%], and conception rates [luprostiol: 12/25 (48.0%) vs tiaprost: 14/28 (50.0%); P>0.05]. In Experiment 2, oestrous detection efficiency, interval to oestrus and conception rate were similar between treatments [97/149 (65.1%), 71.1 h, 43/95 (45.3%) for PGF2α vs 130/188 (69.1%), 68.2h, 65/126 (51.6%) for GnRH-PGF2α, respectively]. However the oestrous distribution was more concentrated in GnRH-PGF2α treated animals (P<0.01).


1992 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 77 ◽  
Author(s):  
JM Wallace ◽  
CJ Ashworth ◽  
RP Aitken ◽  
MA Cheyne

Induction of ovulation post partum is associated with a high incidence of prematurely regressing corpora lutea. However, inadequate luteal function is not the sole reason for pregnancy failure, because ewes with normal corpus luteum function and successful fertilization also fail to establish pregnancies. The effects of suckling status and the interval from post partum to rebreeding on corpus luteum and endometrial function were examined in vivo and in vitro. Ewes were weaned early or allowed to lactate, induced to ovulate using a progesterone-impregnated controlled internal drug release device and an intramuscular injection of pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin, and inseminated (intrauterine) at either 21 or 35 days post partum (n = 10 per group). A further 10 standard ewes whose interval from parturition was in excess of 150 days were included for comparative purposes. On Day 10 after insemination the pregnancy rate was determined in four ewes from each of the post-partum groups and five standard ewes. These ewes were then ovariectomized and hysterectomized for studies in vitro. The incidence of premature luteal regression, as assessed by progesterone concentrations in peripheral blood was independent of the suckling stimulus but dependent on stage post partum (21 days post partum, 6 of 19 ewes; 35 days post partum, 0 of 19 ewes; P less than 0.05). Luteal function was normal in all standard ewes. Ovulation rate, corpus luteum weight, corpus luteum progesterone content and basal progesterone production in vitro were significantly less in 21-day than in 35-day post-partum ewes. Pregnancy rates as determined on Day 10 or at term were low in all post-partum groups (7 out of the 38 ewes inseminated) compared with standard ewes (8 of 10). Uterine function was assessed by culturing endometrial tissue from the tip and body of each uterine horn in the presence of [3H]leucine for 30 h at 37 degrees C. Incorporation of radiolabel into non-dialysable proteins synthesized and secreted by the endometrium in vitro was independent of uterine horn location and suckling status but was significantly lower (P less than 0.001) in media from 21-day than from 35-day post-partum ewes. Irrespective of treatment group, incorporation of radiolabel was positively correlated with mean plasma progesterone concentrations on Days 2-10 after insemination and with basal progesterone production in vitro. Secreted proteins were detected by two-dimensional-polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis and fluorography.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)


1964 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
RI Kean ◽  
RG Marryatt ◽  
ALK Carroll

This paper is based on measurements from 1000 female specimens. In a stable population, summer anoestrus was followed by oestrus in April-May. Post-partum oestrus did not occur. Juvenile females frequently came into oestrus at 12 months of age but they did not necessarily rear young. The septum which initially divides the vaginal sac is usually perforated shortly before sexual maturity is attained, but entire septa may be found in females of any age. The sac in trapped, wild animals is greatly enlarged during oestrus but it is small and apparently functionless during parturition. Formation of the median vaginal canal is commenced early in pregnancy. The median canal is usually unlined, but in some specimens (5 of 68) the canal carried a well-developed epithelium which was columnar anteriorly and stratified squamous posteriorly. The two types of lining originate as infundibula extending from the vaginal sac and the urogenital sinus respectively. The epithelium appears to organize canal formation, but it is not required in a protective capacity, and no evidence suggests that it facilitates parturition. Omission of the epithelium seems to be an evolutionary advance and, in the usual absence of median canal lining, canal organization is probably relegated to terminal epithelia of the median sac and the urogenital sinus. The lateral canals open widely during oestrus, providing for transmission of semen. During pregnancy they become constricted or sealed posteriorly, and are usually closed during dioestrus and anoestrus, separating the reproductive system from the urinary one. In principle, the lateral canals and the median canal are similar in their initiation (both types originating from evaginations of anterior and posterior epithelia) but their development differs through heterochrony, formation of the median canal being retarded. However, the canals differ also in their reactions during late pregnancy when the lateral canals close as the median one opens.


2011 ◽  
Vol 89 (9) ◽  
pp. 840-852 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.C. George ◽  
E. Follmann ◽  
J. Zeh ◽  
M. Sousa ◽  
R. Tarpley ◽  
...  

We used lengths and reproductive data for bowhead whales ( Balaena mysticetus L., 1758) harvested by Alaskan Eskimos to estimate female reproductive parameters and age. Data from 117 females determined that 75 were sexually mature and 42 were immature. Estimated length at sexual maturity was 13.35 m. Counts of ovarian corpora were obtained from 50 mature females. Corpora and baleen data were used with aspartic acid racemization (AAR) data to obtain estimated age at sexual maturity (ASM) at ≈26 years. The number of corpora counted in both ovaries (or estimated when only one ovary was counted) was used with ASM and estimated ovulation rate (OR) to obtain corpora age estimates ranging from 26 to 149 years. A stone harpoon tip recovered from whale 92B2 was consistent with her corpora age of 133 years. The correlation between corpora and AAR age estimates was 0.77. Estimated standard errors of corpora ages tended to be somewhat higher than those for comparable AAR ages. A sample of potentially mature females examined for maturity and presence of a corpus luteum and (or) fetus provided an OR value of 0.332·year–1 and an estimated pregnancy rate of 0.326·year–1, implying intervals between ovulations and pregnancies of 3.0 and 3.1 years.


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