scholarly journals Kisspeptin modulates fertilization capacity of mouse spermatozoa

Reproduction ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 147 (6) ◽  
pp. 835-845 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meng-Chieh Hsu ◽  
Jyun-Yuan Wang ◽  
Yue-Jia Lee ◽  
De-Shien Jong ◽  
Kuan-Hao Tsui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Immunofluorescent Staining ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Reproductive Tissues ◽  
Male Gametes ◽  
Regulatory Systems ◽  
Fertilization Capacity

Kisspeptin acts as an upstream regulator of the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonad axis, which is one of the main regulatory systems for mammalian reproduction.Kiss1and its receptorKiss1r(also known as G protein-coupled receptor 54 (Gpr54)) are expressed in various organs, but their functions are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression profiles and functions of kisspeptin and KISS1R in the reproductive tissues of imprinting control region mice. To identify the expression pattern and location of kisspeptin and KISS1R in gonads, testes and ovarian tissues were examined by immunohistochemical or immunofluorescent staining. Kisspeptin and KISS1R were expressed primarily in Leydig cells and seminiferous tubules respectively. KISS1R was specifically localized in the acrosomal region of spermatids and mature spermatozoa. Kisspeptin, but not KISS1R, was expressed in the cumulus–oocyte complex and oviductal epithelium of ovarian and oviductal tissues. The sperm intracellular calcium concentrations significantly increased in response to treatment with kisspeptin 10 in Fluo-4-loaded sperm. The IVF rates decreased after treatment of sperm with the kisspeptin antagonist peptide 234. These results suggest that kisspeptin and KISS1R might be involved in the fertilization process in the female reproductive tract. In summary, this study indicates that kisspeptin and KISS1R are expressed in female and male gametes, respectively, and in mouse reproductive tissues. These data strongly suggest that the kisspeptin system could regulate mammalian fertilization and reproduction.

scholarly journals Two Loci Contribute Epistastically to Heterospecific Pollen Rejection, a Postmating Isolating Barrier Between Species

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. 2151-2159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennafer A P Hamlin ◽  
Natasha A Sherman ◽  
Leonie C Moyle
Keyword(s):  
Female Choice ◽  
Genetic Basis ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Interspecific Cross ◽  
Solanum Species ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Solanum Pennellii ◽  
Heterospecific Pollen ◽  
Male Gametes ◽  
Pollen Rejection

Abstract Recognition and rejection of heterospecific male gametes occurs in a broad range of taxa, although the complexity of mechanisms underlying these components of postmating cryptic female choice is poorly understood. In plants, the arena for postmating interactions is the female reproductive tract (pistil), within which heterospecific pollen tube growth can be arrested via active molecular recognition and rejection. Unilateral incompatibility (UI) is one such postmating barrier in which pollen arrest occurs in only one direction of an interspecific cross. We investigated the genetic basis of pistil-side UI between Solanum species, with the specific goal of understanding the role and magnitude of epistasis between UI QTL. Using heterospecific introgression lines (ILs) between Solanum pennellii and S. lycopersicum, we assessed the individual and pairwise effects of three chromosomal regions (ui1.1, ui3.1, and ui12.1) previously associated with interspecific UI among Solanum species. Specifically, we generated double introgression (‘pyramided’) genotypes that combined ui12.1 with each of ui1.1 and ui3.1, and assessed the strength of UI pollen rejection in the pyramided lines, compared to single introgression genotypes. We found that none of the three QTL individually showed UI rejection phenotypes, but lines combining ui3.1 and ui12.1 showed significant pistil-side pollen rejection. Furthermore, double ILs (DILs) that combined different chromosomal regions overlapping ui3.1 differed significantly in their rate of UI, consistent with at least two genetic factors on chromosome three contributing quantitatively to interspecific pollen rejection. Together, our data indicate that loci on both chromosomes 3 and 12 are jointly required for the expression of UI between S. pennellii and S. lycopersicum, suggesting that coordinated molecular interactions among a relatively few loci underlie the expression of this postmating prezygotic barrier. In addition, in conjunction with previous data, at least one of these loci appears to also contribute to conspecific self-incompatibility (SI), consistent with a partially shared genetic basis between inter- and intraspecific mechanisms of postmating prezygotic female choice.

scholarly journals Oestradiol transmission from males to females in the context of the Bruce and Vandenbergh effects in mice (Mus musculus)

Reproduction ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 143 (4) ◽  
pp. 539-548 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam C Guzzo ◽  
Jihwan Jheon ◽  
Faizan Imtiaz ◽  
Denys deCatanzaro
Keyword(s):  
Mus Musculus ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Male Mice ◽  
Reproductive Maturity ◽  
Reproductive Tissues ◽  
Uterine Growth ◽  
Blastocyst Implantation ◽  
Bladder Urine

Male mice actively direct their urine at nearby females, and this urine reliably contains unconjugated oestradiol (E2) and other steroids. Giving inseminated females minute doses of exogenous E2, either systemically or intranasally, can cause failure of blastocyst implantation. Giving juvenile females minute doses of exogenous E2 promotes measures of reproductive maturity such as uterine mass. Here we show that tritium-labelled E2 (3H-E2) can be traced from injection into novel male mice to tissues of cohabiting inseminated and juvenile females. We show the presence of 3H-E2 in male excretions, transmission to the circulation of females and arrival in the female reproductive tract. In males, 3H-E2 given systemically was readily found in reproductive tissues and was especially abundant in bladder urine. In females, 3H-E2 was found to enter the system via both nasal and percutaneous routes, and was measurable in the uterus and other tissues. As supraoptimal E2 levels can both interfere with blastocyst implantation in inseminated females and promote uterine growth in juvenile females, we suggest that absorption of male-excreted E2 can account for major aspects of the Bruce and Vandenbergh effects.

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 Drosophila female reproductive tract gene expression reveals coordinated mating responses and rapidly evolving tissue-specific genes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caitlin E McDonough-Goldstein ◽  
Kirill Borziak ◽  
Scott Pitnick ◽  
Steve Dorus
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Tissue Specific ◽  
Accelerated Evolution ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Complex Coordination ◽  
Extracellular Environment

Abstract Sexual reproduction in internally fertilizing species requires complex coordination between female and male reproductive systems and among the diverse tissues of the female reproductive tract (FRT). Here, we report a comprehensive, tissue-specific investigation of Drosophila melanogaster FRT gene expression before and after mating. We identified expression profiles that distinguished each tissue, including major differences between tissues with glandular or primarily non-glandular epithelium. All tissues were enriched for distinct sets of genes possessing secretion signals and exhibiting accelerated evolution, as might be expected for genes participating in molecular interactions between the sexes within the FRT extracellular environment. Despite robust transcriptional differences between tissues, post-mating responses were dominated by coordinated transient changes indicative of an integrated systems-level functional response. This comprehensive characterization of gene expression throughout the FRT identifies putative female contributions to post-copulatory events critical to reproduction and potentially reproductive isolation, as well as the putative targets of sexual selection and conflict.

scholarly journals 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine Promotes Proliferation of Human Uterine Leiomyoma: A Biological Link to a New Epigenetic Modification in Benign Tumors

2014 ◽  
Vol 99 (11) ◽  
pp. E2437-E2445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonia Navarro ◽  
Ping Yin ◽  
Masanori Ono ◽  
Diana Monsivais ◽  
Molly B. Moravek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Uterine Leiomyoma ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Enzyme Inhibitor ◽  
Malignant Tumors ◽  
Epigenetic Modification ◽  
Uterine Fibroids ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Immunofluorescent Staining ◽  
Benign Tumors

Context: Uterine leiomyoma, or fibroids, represent the most common benign tumors of the female reproductive tract. A newly discovered epigenetic modification, 5-hydroxymethylation (5-hmC), and its regulators, the TET (Ten Eleven Translocation) enzymes, were implicated in the pathology of malignant tumors; however, their roles in benign tumors, including uterine fibroids, remain unknown. Objective: To determine the role of 5-hmC and TET proteins in the pathogenesis of leiomyoma using human uterine leiomyoma and normal matched myometrial tissues and primary cells. Design: 5-hmC levels were determined by ELISA and immunofluorescent staining in matched myometrial and leiomyoma tissues. TET expression was analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR and immunoblotting. TET1 or TET3 were silenced or inhibited by small interfering RNA or 2-hydroxyglutarate to study their effects on 5-hmC content and cell proliferation. Results: We demonstrated significantly higher 5-hmC levels in the genomic DNA of leiomyoma tissue compared to normal myometrial tissue. The increase in 5-hmC levels was associated with the up-regulation of TET1 or TET3 mRNA and protein expression in leiomyoma tissue. TET1 or TET3 knockdown significantly reduced 5-hmC levels in leiomyoma cells and decreased cell proliferation. Treatment with 2-hydroxyglutarate, a competitive TET enzyme inhibitor, significantly decreased both 5-hmC content and cell proliferation of leiomyoma cells. Conclusion: An epigenetic imbalance in the 5-hmC content of leiomyoma tissue, caused by up-regulation of the TET1 and TET3 enzymes, might lead to discovery of new therapeutic targets in leiomyoma.

scholarly journals Two loci contribute epistastically to heterospecific pollen rejection, a postmating isolating barrier between species

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennafer A. P. Hamlin ◽  
Natasha A. Sherman ◽  
Leonie C. Moyle
Keyword(s):  
Female Choice ◽  
Genetic Basis ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Interspecific Cross ◽  
Introgression Lines ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Solanum Pennellii ◽  
Heterospecific Pollen ◽  
Male Gametes ◽  
Pollen Rejection

ABSTRACTRecognition and rejection of heterospecific male gametes occurs in a broad range of taxa, although the complexity and redundancy of mechanisms underlying this postmating cryptic female choice is poorly understood. In plants, the arena for these interactions is the female reproductive tract (pistil), within which heterospecific pollen tube growth can be arrested via active molecular recognition. Unilateral incompatibility (UI) is one such pistil-mediated barrier in which pollen rejection occurs in only one direction of an interspecific cross. We investigated the genetic basis of pistil-side UI between Solanum species, with the specific goal of understanding the role and magnitude of epistasis between UI QTL. Using heterospecific introgression lines (ILs) between Solanum pennellii and S. lycopersicum, we assessed the individual and pairwise effects of three chromosomal regions (ui1.1, ui3.1, and ui12.1) previously associated with interspecific UI among Solanum species. Specifically, we pyramided ui12.1 with each of ui1.1 and ui3.1, and assessed the strength of UI pollen rejection in pyramided (double introgression) lines, compared to single introgression genotypes. We found that none of the three QTL individually showed UI rejection phenotypes, but lines combining ui3.1 and ui12.1 showed significant pistil-side pollen rejection. Furthermore, double introgression lines that combined different chromosomal regions overlapping ui3.1 differed significantly in their rate of UI, consistent with at least two genetic factors on chromosome three contributing quantitatively to interspecific pollen rejection. Together, our data indicate that loci on both chromosomes 3 and 12 are jointly required for the expression of UI between S. pennellii and S. lycopersicum suggesting that coordinated molecular interactions among a relatively few loci underlying the expression of this postmating prezygotic barrier. In addition, in conjunction with previous data, at least one of these loci appears to also contribute to conspecific self-incompatibility, consistent with a partially shared genetic basis between inter- and intraspecific mechanisms of postmating prezygotic female choice.

scholarly journals Oocyte-sperm interactions in the fertilization of birds

2019 ◽  
Vol 75 (01) ◽  
pp. 6181-2019
Author(s):  
ALEKSANDRA KRAWCZYK ◽  
JADWIGA JAWORSKA-ADAMU
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Abdominal Cavity ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Transgenic Animals ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Sperm Cells ◽  
Single Male ◽  
Male Pronucleus ◽  
Male Gametes ◽  
Female Pronucleus

A thorough understanding of the mechanisms leading to the interaction between the sperm and the ovum in the process of fertilization in birds can facilitate more effective programming and control of the reproduction of these animals in breeding farms. In addition, it may allow the introduction of extracorporeal fertilization techniques, which may be important in the creation of transgenic animals and the reproduction of endangered species. In birds, the process of fertilization is not well known. It is conditioned by a series of interactions between mature reproductive cells. Oocytes are formed in the ovarian follicles of the left ovary. After ovulation, an ovum in the metaphase of the second meiotic division enters the oviduct along with the inner perivitelline layer (IPVL). It gets fertilized in this infundibulum. Male gametes are formed in paired testes located in the abdominal cavity. Sperm cells in the female reproductive tract do not require capacitation and are already fully capable of fertilization. As a result of internal insemination, male reproductive cells enter the oviduct. In this organ, they are selected and stored in the primary and secondary sperm storage tubules of the mucous membrane. They are released in batches shortly before ovulation. After reaching the oocyte, the sperm binds to the IPVL. This induces an acrosomal reaction that allows the male reproductive cells to penetrate to the surface of the oocyte, especially at the germinal pole. Next, as a result of physiological polyspermy, many sperm cells reach the ooplasm where they form haploid male pronucleus. This phenomenon is necessary to activate an polylecithal egg and produce a haploid female pronucleus. In the final stage, the female pronucleus merges with the single male pronucleus, which leads to the formation of a diploid zygote. The excess male pronuclei present in ooplasm are broken down by endonucleases (DNases). Understanding the mechanisms leading to the interaction between sperm and oocyte in birds may allow for more accurate programming and breeding of these animals in poultry farms and the introduction of extracorporeal fertilization techniques. In addition, it could be useful for the reproduction of endangered bird species

scholarly journals Activation of sperm in the female reproductive tract in mammals

2020 ◽  
Vol 76 (09) ◽  
pp. 6445-2020
Author(s):  
ALEKSANDRA KRAWCZYK ◽  
JADWIGA JAWORSKA-ADAMU
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Acrosome Reaction ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Perivitelline Space ◽  
Male Gametes ◽  
Activation Mechanisms ◽  
Sperm Plasma Membrane ◽  
Controlled Reproduction ◽  
Two Stages

The formation of a new diploidal organism is preceded by a series of mutual interactions of haploidal gametes. This process is very complicated and requires the prior activation of reproductive cells. Male gametes eventually mature in the female reproductive tract, acquiring mobility and fertilization. This process takes place in two stages. Sperms are first capacitated. This phenomenon is reversible and leads to structural, cytophysiological and biochemical changes in the sperm plasma membrane as well as to the sperm hyperactivation. Then, due to the contact with the zona pellucida of the oocyte, the irreversible acrosome reaction occurs. This process involves the fusion of the sperm plasma membrane with the outer membrane of the acrosome, the release of enzymes and exposure of the inner acrosome membrane. This enables sperm to penetrate towards the perivitelline space and oolemma. Contact with the oocyte initiates a series of interactions leading to egg activation and the fusion of gametes. Each of these stages involves many different factors that result in the recognition, attraction and adhesion of reproductive cells. Knowledge about the activation mechanisms can improve the effectiveness of supported and controlled reproduction techniques.

288. The post-insemination inflammatory response in the ewe

2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (9) ◽  
pp. 121 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. Scott ◽  
N. Ketheesan ◽  
P. M. Summers
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Response ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Gm Csf ◽  
Reproductive Tissues ◽  
Cell Counts ◽  
Macrophage Colony ◽  
Uterine Body

Insemination causes an inflammatory response in the female reproductive tract of many species. The cytokine/leukocyte network initiated during this reaction is believed to enhance reproductive success.1 This study investigated the post-insemination inflammatory response in the ewe. Fifteen nonparous ewes were mated with the same ram for 1 h and their reproductive tracts were collected 3, 6, 18, 24 or 48 h later. Another fifteen ewes were used as controls. Tissue samples and luminal mucus were collected from 10 sites in each reproductive tract and stained with haematoxylin and eosin, Diffquik and immunohistochemically using a monoclonal CD68 antibody to quantify neutrophils, eosinophils and macrophages. Presence of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) was investigated using immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Neutrophils and macrophages increased in reproductive tissues following insemination. Mean cell counts in 1.5-mm2 tissue of mated (M) and control (C) ewes demonstrated a peak in neutrophils at 6–18 h post-insemination with significant differences (P < 0.05) between mated and controls in the posterior cervix (M = 23.7; C = 4.1) and uterine body (M = 34.5; C = 11.5). Macrophages peaked at 18–24 h with significant differences (P < 0.05) between mated and controls in the vagina (M=13.4; C = 4.6), posterior cervix (M = 10.4; C = 2.7), mid-cervix (M = 8.5; C = 3.0) and ipsilateral mid-uterine horn (M = 14.2; C = 7.9). Neutrophils increased in the lumen of the cervix and uterine body following insemination but macrophage numbers did not change. Insemination did not affect eosinophils. IL-8 and GM-CSF were detected in endometrial epithelial cells in mated and non-mated ewes. Highest concentrations of IL-8 were found in vaginal mucus. Small quantities of GM-CSF were detected in occasional mucus samples. No difference between mated and non-mated ewes was demonstrated for either cytokine. In conclusion, the post-insemination inflammatory reaction in the ewe involves an increase in neutrophils and macrophages in reproductive tissues, with neutrophils crossing the epithelium into the lumen. There was no apparent increase in IL-8 or GM-CSF in response to insemination. (1)Robertson SA et al. (1997) American Journal of Reproductive Immunology 37, 438–442.

Proteins from male and female reproductive tracts involved in sperm function regulation

Zygote ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriela Hernández-Silva ◽  
Mayel Chirinos
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Seminal Fluid ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Sperm Function ◽  
Competent Cell ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Fertilizing Ability ◽  
Sexually Mature ◽  
Sperm Fertilizing Ability

SummarySpermatogenesis is a dynamic process that culminates in the production of mature spermatozoa in the seminiferous tubules of sexually mature animals. Although sperm leaving the testis are fully differentiated, they must further undergo two additional maturation steps before acquiring the capability to fertilize the egg. Such processes take place during the epididymal residency and transport in the seminal fluid during ejaculation and, after delivery into the female reproductive tract, during the journey aiming the encountering the egg in the oviduct. Throughout this trip, spermatozoa are exposed to different reproductive fluids whose molecular compositions regulate the progress towards obtaining a fertilized competent cell. This review summarizes the evidence obtained so far supporting the participation of male and female reproductive tract-derived proteins in the modulation of sperm fertilizing ability and discusses the mechanisms by which such regulation may be accomplished.

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