Effects of ovarian steroids and pregnancy on adrenergic nerves of uterus and oviduct

1981 ◽  
Vol 240 (5) ◽  
pp. C165-C174 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. M. Marshall
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Model System ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Neuroendocrine Regulation ◽  
Nerve Terminals ◽  
Ovarian Steroids ◽  
Adrenergic Neurons ◽  
Per Se ◽  
Muscle Cell Membrane

This review concerns the influence of ovarian steroids and of pregnancy on norepinephrine (NE) metabolism in the adrenergic neurons of the female reproductive tract and speculates on the physiological consequences of this influence. Estrogen and progesterone affect not only the NE content of these nerves but also the turnover of NE, the activity of its synthetic enzyme, and releases of NE from nerve terminals. During pregnancy additional factors including stretch-induced hypertrophy come into play and cause degeneration of the nerves in the uterine corpus. This degeneration makes the muscle supersensitive to NE and may also induce morphological changes in the muscle cell membrane. As a result there may be a withdrawal of neural inhibitory influences on the corpus, allowing spontaneous myogenic contractions to intensify. Although the physiological significance of the steroid-transmitter interactions are still unclear, these nerves per se are of interest because they represent a model system for the study of neuroendocrine regulation in the peripheral nervous system.

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 Cryptic female choice favours sperm from major histocompatibility complex-dissimilar males

2013 ◽  
Vol 280 (1769) ◽  
pp. 20131296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanne Løvlie ◽  
Mark A. F. Gillingham ◽  
Kirsty Worley ◽  
Tommaso Pizzari ◽  
David S. Richardson
Keyword(s):  
Major Histocompatibility Complex ◽  
Female Choice ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Cryptic Female Choice ◽  
Major Histocompatibility ◽  
Histocompatibility Complex ◽  
Red Junglefowl ◽  
Per Se ◽  
Mhc Locus

Cryptic female choice may enable polyandrous females to avoid inbreeding or bias offspring variability at key loci after mating. However, the role of these genetic benefits in cryptic female choice remains poorly understood. Female red junglefowl, Gallus gallus , bias sperm use in favour of unrelated males. Here, we experimentally investigate whether this bias is driven by relatedness per se , or by similarity at the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), genes central to vertebrate acquired immunity, where polymorphism is critical to an individual's ability to combat pathogens. Through experimentally controlled natural matings, we confirm that selection against related males' sperm occurs within the female reproductive tract but demonstrate that this is more accurately predicted by MHC similarity: controlling for relatedness per se , more sperm reached the eggs when partners were MHC-dissimilar. Importantly, this effect appeared largely owing to similarity at a single MHC locus (class I minor). Further, the effect of MHC similarity was lost following artificial insemination, suggesting that male phenotypic cues might be required for females to select sperm differentially. These results indicate that postmating mechanisms that reduce inbreeding may do so as a consequence of more specific strategies of cryptic female choice promoting MHC diversity in offspring.

scholarly journals Membrane Remodeling and Matrix Dispersal Intermediates During Mammalian Acrosomal Exocytosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Ricardo Leung ◽  
Ravi Teja Ravi ◽  
Bart M. Gadella ◽  
Tzviya Zeev-Ben-Mordehai
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Cell Integrity ◽  
Membrane Fission ◽  
Mammalian Sperm ◽  
Acrosomal Exocytosis ◽  
Plausible Mechanism ◽  
Structural Mechanisms

To become fertilization-competent, mammalian sperm must undergo a complex series of biochemical and morphological changes in the female reproductive tract. These changes, collectively called capacitation, culminate in the exocytosis of the acrosome, a large vesicle overlying the nucleus. Acrosomal exocytosis is not an all-or-nothing event but rather a regulated process in which vesicle cargo disperses gradually. However, the structural mechanisms underlying this controlled release remain undefined. In addition, unlike other exocytotic events, fusing membranes are shed as vesicles; the cell thus loses the entire anterior two-thirds of its plasma membrane and yet remains intact, while the remaining nonvesiculated plasma membrane becomes fusogenic. Precisely how cell integrity is maintained throughout this drastic vesiculation process is unclear, as is how it ultimately leads to the acquisition of fusion competence. Here, we use cryoelectron tomography to visualize these processes in unfixed, unstained, fully hydrated sperm. We show that paracrystalline structures within the acrosome disassemble during capacitation and acrosomal exocytosis, representing a plausible mechanism for gradual dispersal of the acrosomal matrix. We find that the architecture of the sperm head supports an atypical membrane fission–fusion pathway that maintains cell integrity. Finally, we detail how the acrosome reaction transforms both the micron-scale topography and the nanoscale protein landscape of the sperm surface, thus priming the sperm for fertilization.

scholarly journals Membrane remodeling and matrix dispersal intermediates during mammalian acrosomal exocytosis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Ricardo Leung ◽  
Ravi Teja Ravi ◽  
Bart Gadella ◽  
Tzviya Zeev-Ben-Mordehai
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Electron Tomography ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Cell Integrity ◽  
Membrane Fission ◽  
Mammalian Sperm ◽  
Acrosomal Exocytosis ◽  
Structural Mechanisms

To become fertilization-competent, mammalian sperm must undergo a complex series of biochemical and morphological changes in the female reproductive tract. These changes, collectively called capacitation, culminate in the exocytosis of the acrosome, a large vesicle overlying the nucleus. Acrosomal exocytosis is not an all-or-nothing event, but rather a regulated process in which vesicle cargo disperses gradually. However, the structural mechanisms underlying this controlled release remain undefined. In addition, unlike other exocytotic events, fusing membranes are shed as vesicles; the cell thus loses the entire anterior two-thirds of its plasma membrane and yet remains intact while the remaining non-vesiculated plasma membrane becomes fusogenic. Precisely how cell integrity is maintained throughout this drastic vesiculation process is unclear, as is how it ultimately leads to the acquisition of fusion competence. Here, we use cryo-electron tomography to visualize these processes in unfixed, unstained, fully-hydrated sperm. We show that crystalline structures within the acrosome disassemble during capacitation and acrosomal exocytosis, representing a plausible mechanism for gradual dispersal of the acrosomal matrix. We find that the architecture of the sperm head supports an atypical membrane fission-fusion pathway that maintains cell integrity. Finally, we detail how the acrosome reaction transforms both the micron-scale topography and the nano-scale protein landscape of the sperm surface, thus priming the sperm for fertilization.

Effect of Contraceptive Steroids on the Endometrium of Guinea Pig: SEM study

1977 ◽  
Vol 35 ◽  
pp. 668-669
Author(s):  
Mai M. Said ◽  
Ramesh K. Nayak ◽  
Randall E. McCoy
Keyword(s):  
Guinea Pig ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Human Female ◽  
Surface Ultrastructure ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Sem Study ◽  
Uterine Mucosa ◽  
Group 1

Burgos and Wislocki described changes in the mucosa of the guinea pig uterus, cervix and vagina during the estrous cycle investigated by transmission electron microscopy. More recently, Moghissi and Reame reported the effects of progestational agents on the human female reproductive tract. They found drooping and shortening of cilia in norgestrel and norethindrone- treated endometria. To the best of our knowledge, no studies concerning the effects of mestranol and norethindrone given concurrently on the three-dimensional surface features on the uterine mucosa of the guinea pig have been reported. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of mestranol and norethindrone on surface ultrastructure of guinea pig uterus by SEM.Seventy eight animals were used in this study. They were allocated into two groups. Group 1 (20 animals) was injected intramuscularly 0.1 ml vegetable oil and served as controls.

Surface ultrastructure of danazol treated rat endometrium: A SEM study

1983 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
pp. 556-557
Author(s):  
R.P. Apkarian ◽  
J.S. Sanfilippo
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sections ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Preliminary Investigation ◽  
Breast Disease ◽  
Distal Segment ◽  
Uterine Horn ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Ultrastructural Changes ◽  
Cycle Phase ◽  
Sprague Dawley

The synthetic androgen danazol, is an isoxazol derivative of ethisterone. It is utilized in the treatment of endometriosis, fibrocystic breast disease, and has a potential use as a contraceptive. A study was designed to evaluate the ultrastructural changes associated with danazol therapy in a rat model. The preliminary investigation of the distal segment of the rat uterine horn was undertaken as part of a larger study intended to elucidate the effects of danazol on the female reproductive tract.Cross-sections (2-3 mm in length) of the distal segment of the uterine horn from sixteen Sprague-Dawley rats were prepared for SEM. Ten rats in estrus served as controls and six danazol treated rats were noted to have alterations of the estrus cycle i.e. a lag in cycle phase or noncycling patterns. Specimens were fixed in 3% glutaraldehyde in 0.05M phosphate buffer containing CaCl2 at pH 7.0-7.4 and chilled to 4°C. After a brief wash in distilled water, specimens were passed through a graded series of ethanol, critical point dryed in CO2 from absolute ethanol, and coated with 6nm Au. Observations were made with an IS1-40 SEM operated at 15kV.

The application of electron microscopy to diagnosis in gynecologic neoplasms and tumor-like conditions

1984 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
pp. 102-105
Author(s):  
Lawrence M. Roth
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Malignant Tumors ◽  
Frozen Section ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Ultrastructural Examination ◽  
Specific Diagnosis ◽  
Potential Value ◽  
Gynecologic Neoplasms

The female reproductive tract may be the site of a wide variety of benign and malignant tumors, as well as non-neoplastic tumor-like conditions, most of which can be diagnosed by light microscopic examination including special stains and more recently immunoperoxidase techniques. Nevertheless there are situations where ultrastructural examination can contribute substantially to an accurate and specific diagnosis. It is my opinion that electron microscopy can be of greatest benefit and is most cost effective when applied in conjunction with other methodologies. Thus, I have developed an approach which has proved useful for me and may have benefit for others. In cases where it is deemed of potential value, glutaraldehyde-fixed material is obtained at the time of frozen section or otherwise at operation. Coordination with the gynecologic oncologist is required in the latter situation. This material is processed and blocked and is available if a future need arises.

Membrane-associated microtubular areays induced in proximal myelinated processes of dorsal root ganglia by large doses of vitamin B6

1986 ◽  
Vol 44 ◽  
pp. 368-369
Author(s):  
V.J. Montpetit ◽  
S. Dancea ◽  
L. Tryphonas ◽  
D.F. Clapin
Keyword(s):  
Animal Model ◽  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Dorsal Root Ganglia ◽  
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Dorsal Root ◽  
Vitamin B6 ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Model System ◽  
Sensory Nerves ◽  
Peripheral Sensory

Very large doses of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) are neurotoxic in humans, selectively affecting the peripheral sensory nerves. We have undertaken a study of the morphological and biochemical aspects of pyridoxine neurotoxicity in an animal model system. Early morphological changes in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) associated with pyridoxine megadoses include proliferation of neurofilaments, ribosomes, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi complexes. We present in this report evidence of the formation of unique aggregates of microtubules and membranes in the proximal processes of DRG which are induced by high levels of pyridoxine.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document