scholarly journals Refutation of traumatic insemination in the Drosophila bipectinata species complex: Hypothesis fails critical tests

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michal Polak ◽  
Shane F. McEvey
Keyword(s):  
Genital Tract ◽  
Species Complex ◽  
Body Wall ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Reproductive Behaviour ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Scanning Electron Micrographs ◽  
Vaginal Opening ◽  
Drosophila Bipectinata ◽  
Complex Hypothesis

Traumatic insemination (TI) is a rare reproductive behaviour characterized by the transfer of sperm to the female via puncture wounds inflicted across her body wall. Here, we challenge the claim made by Kamimura (2007) that males of species of the Drosophila bipectinata complex utilize a pair of claw-like processes (claws) to traumatically inseminate females: the claws are purported to puncture the female body wall and genital tract, and to inject sperm through the wounds into the genital tract, bypassing the vaginal opening, the route of sperm transfer occurring in other Drosophila. This supposed case of TI is widely cited and featured in prominent subject reviews. We examined high-resolution scanning electron micrographs of the claws and failed to discover any obvious groove for sperm transport. We demonstrated that sperm occurred in the female reproductive tract as a single integrated unit when mating flies were experimentally separated, inconsistent with the claim that sperm are injected via paired processes. The aedeagus in the bipectinata complex was imaged, and shown to deliver sperm through the vaginal opening. Laser ablation of the sharp terminal ends of the claws failed to inhibit insemination. The results refute the claim of TI in the Drosophila bipectinata species complex.

scholarly journals Does the Act of Copulation per se, without Considering Seminal Deposition, Change the Expression of Genes in the Porcine Female Genital Tract?

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (15) ◽  
pp. 5477
Author(s):  
Manuel Alvarez-Rodriguez ◽  
Cristina A. Martinez ◽  
Dominic Wright ◽  
Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Genital Tract ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Female Genital Tract ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Smooth Muscle Contractility ◽  
Expression Of Genes ◽  
Per Se ◽  
Natural Mating ◽  
Transcriptomic Changes

Semen—through its specific sperm and seminal plasma (SP) constituents—induces changes of gene expression in the internal genital tract of pigs, particularly in the functional sperm reservoir at the utero-tubal junction (UTJ). Although seminal effects are similarly elicited by artificial insemination (AI), major changes in gene expression are registered after natural mating, a fact suggesting the act of copulation induces per se changes in genes that AI does not affect. The present study explored which pathways were solely influenced by copulation, affecting the differential expression of genes (DEGs) of the pre/peri-ovulatory genital tract (cervix, distal uterus, proximal uterus and UTJ) of estrus sows, 24 h after various procedures were performed to compare natural mating with AI of semen (control 1), sperm-free SP harvested from the sperm-peak fraction (control 2), sperm-free SP harvested from the whole ejaculate (control 3) or saline-extender BTS (control 4), using a microarray chip (GeneChip® porcine gene 1.0 st array). Genes related to neuroendocrine responses (ADRA1, ADRA2, GABRB2, CACNB2), smooth muscle contractility (WNT7A), angiogenesis and vascular remodeling (poFUT1, NTN4) were, among others, overrepresented with distal and proximal uterine segments exhibiting the highest number of DEGs. The findings provide novel evidence that relevant transcriptomic changes in the porcine female reproductive tract occur in direct response to the specific act of copulation, being semen-independent.

scholarly journals UNC-45A Is Highly Expressed in the Proliferative Cells of the Mouse Genital Tract and in the Microtubule-Rich Areas of the Mouse Nervous System

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1604
Author(s):  
Valentino Clemente ◽  
Asumi Hoshino ◽  
Joyce Meints ◽  
Mihir Shetty ◽  
Tim Starr ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Genital Tract ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Neuronal Development ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Ciliated Epithelium ◽  
Actomyosin Contractility ◽  
Cancer Initiation

UNC-45A (Protein unc-45 homolog A) is a cytoskeletal-associated protein with a dual and non-mutually exclusive role as a regulator of the actomyosin system and a Microtubule (MT)-destabilizing protein, which is overexpressed in human cancers including in ovarian cancer patients resistant to the MT-stabilizing drug paclitaxel. Mapping of UNC-45A in the mouse upper genital tract and central nervous system reveals its enrichment not only in highly proliferating and prone to remodeling cells, but also in microtubule-rich areas, of the ovaries and the nervous system, respectively. In both apparatuses, UNC-45A is also abundantly expressed in the ciliated epithelium. As regulators of actomyosin contractility and MT stability are essential for the physiopathology of the female reproductive tract and of neuronal development, our findings suggest that UNC-45A may have a role in ovarian cancer initiation and development as well as in neurodegeneration.

scholarly journals The Role of Laparoscopy in Management of Congenital Anomalies of the Müllerian System: Literature Review and Case Series

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 39-46
Author(s):  
Ettedal A. Aljahdali
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Procedures ◽  
Genital Tract ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Recent Literature ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Structural Defects ◽  
Gynecological Surgery

Structural defects of the female reproductive tract become apparent at varying chronologic times during intrauterine life. The diagnosis of all female reproductive tract abnormalities has benefited from enhancements in imaging techniques and the surgical treatment thereof has improved due to advances in the techniques and instrumentation of both surgical and non-surgical procedures. In the last decade, laparoscopy has become increasingly popular and has successfully replaced several open surgical procedures. It has been applied to many aspects of gynecological surgery and has become the procedure of choice for gynecological surgery. A review of the recent literature continues to support the utilization of laparoscopy for the management of genital tract malformation. This review aims to appraise the recent literature to determine how laparoscopy may aid in the diagnosis of reproductive tract anomalies and their treatment, its success in replacing the open surgery in some cases, and the presentation of some cases that were successfully diagnosed and treated with laparoscopy.  

P–196 Bacterial influence on oocyte quality - the secret of a successful fertilization

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Schenk ◽  
E Voroshilina ◽  
M Boldyreva ◽  
M Koranda ◽  
N Reinschissler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Follicular Fluid ◽  
Genital Tract ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Lactobacillus Species ◽  
Bacterial Composition ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Dna Technology ◽  
Follicular Fluids

Abstract Study question Is there a difference in bacterial composition of follicular fluid between oocytes developing a good quality blastocyst and oocytes that fail fertilization? Summary answer Follicular fluids of oocytes failing fertilization show a different bacterial profile compared to follicular fluids of oocytes that were successfully fertilized. What is known already The presence of pathogens in the female reproductive tract has been intensively investigated. Lactobacillus species are mainly associated with a healthy genital tract and good prognosis for a successful pregnancy. Studies of the bacterial composition of follicular fluids have been mainly undertaken in women participating in reproductive medicine treatment because of the nature to obtain the specimen. In most studies follicular fluids have been pooled for analysis. Information on separately collected follicular fluids is still rare. We hypothesized that the composition of bacteria within follicular fluids is responsible for the success of the fertilization process. Study design, size, duration The study was designed and conducted at the Kinderwunsch Institut Schenk GmbH (Dobl, Austria) together with DNA-Technology. Follicular fluids from 46 patients undergoing IVF (in vitro fertilization) and ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) treatment were included and analyzed. Participants/materials, setting, methods Follicular fluids from 46 patients were collected separately. 2 follicular fluids from each patient were screened for common bacteria of the genital tract. One from an oocyte developing a good quality blastocyst and one displaying fertilization failures. Samples were analyzed for bacterial composition using the Femoflor16 (DNA-Technology). Main results and the role of chance Quantitative analysis revealed a higher total bacteria mass in follicles from oocytes that failed fertilization. Furthermore, Lactobacillus were not present in those follicles compared to good blastocyst follicles. In addition, Chlamydia trachomatis was found mainly in follicular fluid of not fertilized oocytes together with Eubacterium, Gardnarella and Trichomonas species. Interestingly, a trend of elevated levels of Ureaplasma species in follicular fluids of oocytes developing good quality blastocysts was observed. Limitations, reasons for caution Contamination of follicular fluids due to the procedure of oocyte pick up and follicular fluid retrieval cannot be completely excluded. Results should be confirmed with a higher sample size. Wider implications of the findings: We assume that different bacterial compositions in follicular fluids are responsible for the destiny of the oocyte. It is tempting to speculate that bacterial analysis of follicular fluids may be beneficial to select to best oocytes in future IVF/ICSI treatments. Trial registration number Not applicable

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.

Migration and motility of spermatozoa in the female reproductive tract of the soft tick Ornithodoros moubata (Acari, Argasidae)

Parasitology ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 136 (5) ◽  
pp. 511-521 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. H. RESLER ◽  
J. L. FRAZIER ◽  
J. G. SHEPHERD ◽  
J. D. MODAFFERI
Keyword(s):  
Genital Tract ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Female Genital Tract ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Gliding Motility ◽  
Soft Tick ◽  
Ornithodoros Moubata ◽  
Different Types ◽  
The Many ◽  
Female Genital

SUMMARYThe spermatozoa of ticks are anomalous in many respects: they are very large, cytoplasm-rich cells which lack a flagellum but move with a peculiar gliding motility. Their metamorphosis after deposition in the female has been well documented, but many of the subsequent events in the career of the spermatozoa are controversial or poorly documented. Our observations of motility imply that the many types of motility that have been reported (up to 5 different types in several reports) can be reduced to 2 apparently independent types of active motility: (1) gliding motility generated along the whole spermatozoon and (2) contortions of the anterior tip of the head. These types of motility appear as a consequence of sperm maturation after transfer to the female, but only become pronounced if the female has taken a recent bloodmeal. A consequence of this enhanced gliding motility after feeding is the movement of the spermatozoa out of the naturally ruptured neck of the spermatophore and up the female genital tract. This occurs without any apparent assistance from the female's musculature and likely is the prime mechanism of movement of the spermatozoa to the site of fertilization.

A comparison of sperm and embryo transport in the female reproductive tract of marsupial and eutherian mammals

1994 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 451 ◽  
Author(s):  
DA Taggart
Keyword(s):  
Structure Function ◽  
Genital Tract ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Female Genital Tract ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Embryo Transport ◽  
Female Genital

A review on current knowledge of sperm and embryo transport in the female reproductive tract of marsupials. Some of the unique features of gamete structure-function and female genital tract morphology will be described and compared with data available on eutherian mammals.

scholarly journals Atypical Cervical Stromal Cells Masquerading as Malignancy

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. C30-31
Author(s):  
Shraddha Avinash Kurekar ◽  
Jayashri Popat Chaudhari ◽  
Asha Sharad Shenoy ◽  
Rachana Ajay Chaturvedi
Keyword(s):  
Stromal Cells ◽  
Genital Tract ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Female Genital Tract ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Female Genital

Atypical stromal cells (ASCs) of the female genital tract are uncommon and found in various polypoid lesions of the vulva, vagina, cervix and endometrium. Although they are benign; they can be misinterpreted as a malignant. Hence it is important for a pathologist to identify the ASCs in the specimens or biopsies of lower Female genital tract and avoid over diagnosis as a malignancy. We present a case of atypical cervical stromal cells in a 45-year-old female. On microscopy, Atypical stromal cells were stellate, enlarged in size, with moderate to severely atypical hyperchromatic, multilobulated nuclei without any mitoses. Their chromatin was dense often with prominent nucleoli. This report highlights the significance of awareness about the occurrence of these cells in the female reproductive tract.

scholarly journals UNC-45A is Highly Expressed in the Proliferative Cells of the Mouse Genital Tract and in the Microtubule-Rich Areas of the Mouse Nervous System

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentino Clemente ◽  
Asumi Hoshino ◽  
Joyce Meints ◽  
Mihir Shetty ◽  
Tim Starr ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Genital Tract ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Neuronal Development ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Ciliated Epithelium ◽  
Cancer Initiation

AbstractUNC-45A is a cytoskeletal-associated protein with a dual and non-mutually exclusive role as a regulator of the acto-myosin system and as a Microtubule (MT)-destabilizing protein. UNC-45A is overexpressed in human cancers including in ovarian cancer patients resistant to the MT-stabilizing drug Paclitaxel. Mapping of UNC-45A in the mouse upper genital tract and central nervous system reveals its enrichment in highly proliferating and prone to remodeling cells and in microtubule-rich areas of in the ovaries and in neurons respectively. In both apparatuses UNC-45A is also abundantly expressed in the ciliated epithelium. Because regulators of acto-myosin contractility and MT stability are essential for the physiopathology of the female reproductive tract and of neuronal development our findings suggest that UNC-45A may have a role in ovarian cancer initiation and development and in neurodegeneration.

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