scholarly journals Tactic-specific antimicrobial activity suggests a parental care function for accessory glands in a marine toadfish

2021 ◽  
Vol 288 (1947) ◽  
Author(s):  
Meghan A. Pepler ◽  
Hindra ◽  
Jessica S. Miller ◽  
Marie A. Elliot ◽  
Sigal Balshine
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Reproductive Organs ◽  
Accessory Gland ◽  
Sperm Duct ◽  
Accessory Glands ◽  
Porichthys Notatus ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Reproductive Male ◽  
Plainfin Midshipman ◽  
Established Role

Males of some species possess extra reproductive organs called accessory glands which are outgrowths of the testes or sperm duct. These organs have a well-established role in reproduction; however, they also appear to have other important functions that are less understood. Here, we investigate the function of the highly complex accessory glands of a marine toadfish, Porichthys notatus , a fish with two reproductive male types: large care-providing ‘guarder’ males and small non-caring ‘sneaker’ males. While both male types have accessory glands, guarder male accessory glands are much larger relative to their body size. We show that accessory gland fluids strongly inhibit the growth of bacterial genera associated with unhealthy eggs and have no effect on the growth of strains isolated from healthy eggs. This antibacterial effect was particularly pronounced for extracts from guarder males. Furthermore, we demonstrate that both healthy and unhealthy plainfin midshipman eggs have diverse but distinct microbial communities that differ in their composition and abundance. The highly specific inhibitory capacity of accessory gland fluid on bacteria from unhealthy eggs was robust across a wide range of ecologically relevant temperatures and salinities. Collectively, these ecological and molecular observations suggest a care function for the accessory gland mediated by antimicrobial agents.

The anatomy, histology, and physiology of the reproductive systems of Lytta nuttalli Say (Coleoptera: Meloidae). I. The internal genitalia

1971 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 523-533 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. H. Gerber ◽  
N. S. Church ◽  
J. G. Rempel
Keyword(s):  
Vas Deferens ◽  
Ejaculatory Duct ◽  
Reproductive Organs ◽  
Accessory Gland ◽  
Bursa Copulatrix ◽  
Reproductive Systems ◽  
Accessory Glands ◽  
Internal Genitalia ◽  
Spermathecal Gland ◽  
Colleterial Gland

The anatomy and histology of the male and female internal genitalia of Lytta nuttalli Say and the functions of the various organs during copulation and oviposition are described. In addition to the ovaries, lateral and common oviducts, and vagina, the female system includes a spermatophoral receptacle, accessory gland, and spermatheca. The most distinctive feature is the voluminous spermatophoral receptacle, which seems to be homologous with the bursa copulatrix of other Coleoptera, but serves to store and digest old spermatophores. The accessory gland is not a colleterial gland, but instead produces materials that probably are involved in the transfer of the spermatozoa into the spermatheca. The epithelia of the calyces and oviducts secrete the frothy, mucilaginous material that coats the eggs at oviposition. In the absence of a separate spermathecal gland, the epithelium of the spermatheca apparently has taken over its functions. The ovaries contain several hundred ovarioles of the telotrophic type. The chief structures of the male system are three pairs of accessory glands plus the testes, vasa deferentia, and ejaculatory duct. Each vas deferens consists of an enlarged portion that serves as an additional accessory gland and a narrow part, which is the seminal vesicle. Materials produced in the three pairs of accessory glands and the glandular portions of the vasa deferentia are used in spermatophore formation. The testes contain several hundred short sperm tubes similar to those of other insects. The arrangement, form, and functions of the internal reproductive organs of L. nuttalli are compared with those of other insects. Observations made on the reproductive systems of four species of Epicauta are also discussed in this context.

THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS OF THE VELVET MITE, ALLOTHROMBIUM LEROUXI (TROMBIDIFORMES: TROMBIDIIDAE)

1970 ◽  
Vol 102 (2) ◽  
pp. 144-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. N. Mathur ◽  
E. J. LeRoux
Keyword(s):  
Seminal Vesicle ◽  
Ejaculatory Duct ◽  
Reproductive Organs ◽  
Accessory Gland ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Accessory Glands ◽  
Receptaculum Seminis ◽  
Female Reproductive Organs

AbstractThe anatomy and functions of the male and female reproductive organs of Allothrombium lerouxi Moss are described in detail. In the male, the reproductive organs consist of paired testes, paired vasa diferentia, a median seminal vesicle, a median ejaculatory duct, bursa expulsatoria, a penis, and a median accessory gland; in the female, they consist of paired ovaries, paired oviducts, a median uterus and a vagina. The function of the parts in the male differs from that reported in other species of Trombidiformes, and in females fertilization takes place in the spongy epithelium of the uterus instead of in the oviducts as in oribatids. Females also lack a receptaculum seminis and accessory glands.

scholarly journals VII. The Reproductive processes of certain mammals. Part VII. - Seasonal variation in the reproductive organs of the male hedgehog

1934 ◽  
Vol 223 (494-508) ◽  
pp. 277-303 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Cycle ◽  
Experimental Work ◽  
Genital Tract ◽  
Reproductive Activity ◽  
Reproductive Organs ◽  
General Nature ◽  
Secretory Cycle ◽  
Accessory Glands ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Cyclic Changes

The seasonal changes in the genital tract of the male hedgehog, notably the enormous hypertrophy of the accessory sexual glands in the spring and summer, early attracted the attention of biologists. The first important account of the reproductive cycle was given by Marshall (1911) who described the histological condition of the testis at different seasons and found that the production of spermatozoa commenced as early as January and continued to the end of September. The summer and winter appearance of the prostate and Cowper’s glands was described by Griffiths (1890), and in 1926 Pellegrini published observations on the secretory cycle in the interstitial cells of the testis. Courrier (1927) studied the cyclic changes in the various organs and gave a full bibliography of work on the male hedgehog. Animals with restricted reproductive activity have already proved valuable for experimental research (Hill and Parkes, 1932 ; Bissonnette, 1932), and earlier workers recognized the suitability of the hedgehog in this connection. Marshall (1911), by castrating hedgehogs at various phases of the reproductive cycle, showed that the periodic hypertrophy and continued activity of the accessory glands was controlled by the testes, and Courrier extended and confirmed his findings. The hedgehog should prove useful in a wide range of experimental work, for, besides possessing remarkable accessory glands, it is probably the only mammal with abdominal testes that can be easily obtained in England and kept in captivity. Although the general nature of the reproductive cycle has been described, previous authors have been content to examine a few animals only, and it was therefore thought desirable to examine a series sufficiently large to provide an adequate quantitative basis for experimental work. In addition, the large number of immature animals obtained supplied information on the rate of development of the genital tract before the first breeding season.

scholarly journals Morphological and Developmental Traits of the Binucleation of Male Accessory Gland Cells in the Benthic Water Bug, Aphelocheirus vittatus (Hemiptera: Aphelochiridae)

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Koji Takeda ◽  
Jun Yamauchi ◽  
Takashi Adachi-Yamada
Keyword(s):  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Cell Fusion ◽  
Seminal Fluid ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Reproductive Organs ◽  
Accessory Gland ◽  
Male Reproductive Success ◽  
Reproductive Behaviors ◽  
Accessory Glands ◽  
Close Relationship

Abstract The male accessory glands (MAGs) in insects are pair(s) of internal reproductive organs that produce and secrete the plasma component of seminal fluid. In various insects, MAG size is important for male reproductive success because the fluid provides physiologically active substances and/or nutrients to females to control sperm as well as female reproductive behaviors. Although the MAG epithelial cells in most insect species are standard mononucleate cells, those in some insect taxa are binucleate due to incomplete cytokinesis (e.g., Drosophila [Fallén] [Diptera: Drosophilidae]) or cell fusion (e.g., Cimex [Linnaeus] [Hemiptera: Cimicidae]). In the case of Drosophila, the apicobasal position of the two nuclei relative to the epithelial plane changes from vertical to horizontal after nutrient intake, which allows the volume of the MAG cavity to expand effectively. On the other hand, in the case of Cimex, the positions of the two nuclei do not change apicobasally in response to feeding, but their position relative to the proximodistal axis varies depending on the tubular/spherical organ morphology. Here, we report that the MAG of the benthic water bug Aphelocheirus vittatus (Matsumura) (Hemiptera: Aphelochiridae) shows binucleation in all epithelial cells. Despite the phylogenetically close relationship between Aphelocheirus and Cimex, the MAG cells in Aphelocheirus showed a Drosophila-like apicobasal change in the position of the two nuclei in response to feeding. Furthermore, the cytological processes during binucleation are more similar to those in Drosophila (incomplete cytokinesis) than to those in Cimex (cell fusion). These results indicate that the physiological role and mechanism of binucleation in MAG cells changed during the evolution of Hemiptera.

The anatomy and histology of the internal reproductive organs of the sunflower beetle, Zygogramma exclamationis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

1978 ◽  
Vol 56 (12) ◽  
pp. 2542-2553 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. H. Gerber ◽  
G. B. Neill ◽  
P. H. Westdal
Keyword(s):  
Ejaculatory Duct ◽  
Reproductive Organs ◽  
Accessory Gland ◽  
Bursa Copulatrix ◽  
Reproductive Systems ◽  
Accessory Glands ◽  
Basic Features

The anatomy and histology of the female and male internal reproductive organs of the sunflower beetle, Zygogramma exclamationis (F.), are described. The female system consists of a vagina, bursa copulatrix, common oviduct, lateral oviducts, spermatheca, spermathecal accessory gland, and ovaries. Twelve ovaries examined contained from 23 to 32 telotrophic ovarioles, the average being 27.3. The male system consists of a pair of bilobed testes, a pair of accessory glands, vasa deferentia, and an ejaculatory duct which is bifurcated at its anterior end. Three testes examined contained 34, 36, and 37 sperm tubes, respectively. The basic features of the reproductive systems of Z. exclamationis are similar to those of other Chrysomelidae.

scholarly journals Anatomy Accessory Glands Of Male Reproductive Of Javan Pangolin (Manis javanica)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yusrizal Akmal ◽  
Muliari ◽  
Chairun Nisa ◽  
Savitri Novelina
Keyword(s):  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Microscopic Observation ◽  
Average Length ◽  
Prostate Gland ◽  
Reproductive Organs ◽  
Accessory Gland ◽  
Accessory Glands ◽  
Reproduction Process ◽  
Manis Javanica ◽  
Conical Structure

This study aimed to learn the morphology accessory glands of male reproductive of pangolin by macroanatomy. Male reproductive organs of a pangolin were used in this study. Morphometric observations included measurements of length, diameter/width of the accesoriae gland were analyzed descriptively. Results of microscopic observation showed that the vesicularis glands had a pair laid at the base of the ampulla dexter and sinister that led to the urethra in the form of an enlarged conical with the width at the caudal and protruding toward ventrad, with the average length and thickness is 1.07 cm and 0.41 cm. There was prostata when the conical structure met both, observed enlargement of the base of the urethra were also prominent in the direction ventrad. The length and thickness of the prostata pangolin was 1.17 cm and 0.54 cm. In macroanatomy gland bulbourethralis not visible because it was covered by muscles and glands in the radix penis is attached to the anales gland. Accessory gland of the male reproductive pangolin consists vesikularis glands, prostate and bulbourethralis glands (Cowper's) play an important role in the reproduction process that is vesicularis and prostate gland as a producer of seminal plasma, whereas bulbourethralis glands act as a producer of seminal plasma as well as rinse of urethra channel.

Discovery of Antibacterial Agents Inhibiting the Energy-Coupling Factor (ECF) Transporters by Structure-Based Virtual Screening

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleonora Diamanti ◽  
Inda Setyawati ◽  
Spyridon Bousis ◽  
leticia mojas ◽  
lotteke Swier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Screening ◽  
Antibacterial Agents ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Energy Coupling ◽  
Coupling Factor ◽  
Design Synthesis ◽  
Screening Design ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Vitamin Uptake

Here, we report on the virtual screening, design, synthesis and structure–activity relationships (SARs) of the first class of selective, antibacterial agents against the energy-coupling factor (ECF) transporters. The ECF transporters are a family of transmembrane proteins involved in the uptake of vitamins in a wide range of bacteria. Inhibition of the activity of these proteins could reduce the viability of pathogens that depend on vitamin uptake. Because of their central role in the metabolism of bacteria and their absence in humans, ECF transporters are novel potential antimicrobial targets to tackle infection. The hit compound’s metabolic and plasma stability, the potency (20, MIC Streptococcus pneumoniae = 2 µg/mL), the absence of cytotoxicity and a lack of resistance development under the conditions tested here suggest that this scaffold may represent a promising starting point for the development of novel antimicrobial agents with an unprecedented mechanism of action.<br>

Heterocycle Compounds with Antimicrobial Activity

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (8) ◽  
pp. 867-904 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Fesatidou ◽  
Anthi Petrou ◽  
Geronikaki Athina
Keyword(s):  
Heterocyclic Compounds ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Scientific Community ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Literature Survey ◽  
New Findings ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Number Of Microorganisms

Background: Bacterial infections are a growing problem worldwide causing morbidity and mortality mainly in developing countries. Moreover, the increased number of microorganisms, developing multiple resistances to known drugs, due to abuse of antibiotics, is another serious problem. This problem becomes more serious for immunocompromised patients and those who are often disposed to opportunistic fungal infections. Objective: The objective of this manuscript is to give an overview of new findings in the field of antimicrobial agents among five-membered heterocyclic compounds. These heterocyclic compounds especially five-membered attracted the interest of the scientific community not only for their occurrence in nature but also due to their wide range of biological activities. Method: To reach our goal, a literature survey that covers the last decade was performed. Results: As a result, recent data on the biological activity of thiazole, thiazolidinone, benzothiazole and thiadiazole derivatives are mentioned. Conclusion: It should be mentioned that despite the progress in the development of new antimicrobial agents, there is still room for new findings. Thus, research still continues.

scholarly journals Antimicrobial Activity of Leaves and Flowers of Cassia auriculata linn

1970 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 513-518 ◽  
Author(s):  
V Subhadradevi ◽  
K Asokkumar ◽  
M Umamaheswari ◽  
AT Sivashanmugam ◽  
JR Ushanandhini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Activity ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Inhibitory Concentration ◽  
Dominant Role ◽  
Ethanolic Extract ◽  
Diffusion Method ◽  
Cassia Auriculata ◽  
Potential Source ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Ancient Times

Since ancient times plant as sources of medicinal compounds have continued to play a dominant role in the maintenance of human health. To treat chronic and infectious diseases plants used in traditional medicine contain a wide range of ingredients. In this regard, Cassia auriculata L. (Caesalpiniaceae) is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine as a tonic, astringent and as a remedy for diabetes, conjunctivitis, ulcers, leprosy, skin and liver diseases. The aim of present study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extract of Cassia auriculata leaves and flowers (CALE & CAFE). CALE and CAFE exhibited broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis and exhibited no antifungal activity against standard strains of Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was carried out for CALE and CAFE. The results obtained in the present study indicate that the CALE and CAFE can be a potential source of natural antimicrobial agents. Key words: Cassia auriculata; Antimicrobial activity; Agar well diffusion method. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v46i4.9600 BJSIR 2011; 46(4): 513-518

scholarly journals Antimicrobial Nodule-Specific Cysteine-Rich Peptides Induce Membrane Depolarization-Associated Changes in the Transcriptome of Sinorhizobium meliloti

2013 ◽  
Vol 79 (21) ◽  
pp. 6737-6746 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hilda Tiricz ◽  
Attila Szűcs ◽  
Attila Farkas ◽  
Bernadett Pap ◽  
Rui M. Lima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stress Responses ◽  
Sinorhizobium Meliloti ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Gram Positive ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Gram Positive Bacteria ◽  
Peptide Family ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Natural Target

ABSTRACTLeguminous plants establish symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing alpha- and betaproteobacteria, collectively called rhizobia, which provide combined nitrogen to support plant growth. Members of the inverted repeat-lacking clade of legumes impose terminal differentiation on their endosymbiotic bacterium partners with the help of the nodule-specific cysteine-rich (NCR) peptide family composed of close to 600 members. Among the few tested NCR peptides, cationic ones had antirhizobial activity measured by reduction or elimination of the CFU and uptake of the membrane-impermeable dye propidium iodide. Here, the antimicrobial spectrum of two of these peptides, NCR247 and NCR335, was investigated, and their effect on the transcriptome of the natural targetSinorhizobium melilotiwas characterized. Both peptides were able to kill quickly a wide range of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria; however, their spectra were only partially overlapping, and differences were found also in their efficacy on given strains, indicating that the actions of NCR247 and NCR335 might be similar though not identical. Treatment ofS. meliloticultures with either peptide resulted in a quick downregulation of genes involved in basic cellular functions, such as transcription-translation and energy production, as well as upregulation of genes involved in stress and oxidative stress responses and membrane transport. Similar changes provoked mainly in Gram-positive bacteria by antimicrobial agents were coupled with the destruction of membrane potential, indicating that it might also be a common step in the bactericidal actions of NCR247 and NCR335.

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