scholarly journals Effect of Simulated Microgravity on Sexual Development of Male Japanese Quail

2009 ◽  
Vol 78 (4) ◽  
pp. 563-569 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Škrobánek ◽  
Magda Baranovská ◽  
Božena Šárniková ◽  
Marian Juráni ◽  
Michal Zeman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Japanese Quail ◽  
Sexual Development ◽  
Growth And Development ◽  
Simulated Microgravity ◽  
Plasma Testosterone ◽  
Testis Weight ◽  
Simulated Weightlessness ◽  
Testosterone Concentration ◽  
Foam Production ◽  
Cloacal Gland

Hypodynamia can be used to simulate weightlessness in laboratory conditions. The objective of our study was to investigate the effects of chronic hypodynamia on the growth and development of the testes and cloacal gland, and plasma testosterone concentration in Japanese quail. The testis weight in males reared under hypodynamia was significantly lower compared to agematched control between 21 and 63 days of age (P < 0.05). The cloacal gland area of experimental birds calculated from its width and length was also smaller in comparison with control quail from 35 to 56 days of age (P < 0.05). The foam production was significantly lower in hypodynamia males at age 35, 42, 49 and 63 days (P < 0.05). The plasma testosterone concentration was significantly reduced in hypodynamia birds between 35 and 70 days of age (P < 0.05), with the exception of day 56. These results provide further evidence that although hypodynamia negatively affects the examined variables, the male Japanese quail is able to develop normally under conditions of simulated weightlessness.

scholarly journals Effect of Long-Term Simulated Microgravity on Some Sexual Traits of Male Japanese Quail

2012 ◽  
pp. 389-394 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. ŠKROBÁNEK ◽  
M. BARANOVSKÁ ◽  
B. ŠÁRNIKOVÁ ◽  
M. ZEMAN ◽  
M. OKULIAROVÁ
Keyword(s):  
Japanese Quail ◽  
Simulated Microgravity ◽  
Plasma Testosterone ◽  
Testis Weight ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Left Testis ◽  
Microgravity Conditions ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Right

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of long-term stay of Japanese quail in simulated microgravity on some sexual features of males. As a model for simulating microgravity exposure of birds in laboratory conditions was used hypodynamia. The mean left testis weight in males reared under hypodynamia from day 3 up to 180 days of age was lower than that of control (P<0.05), but the right testis weight differences between both groups were not significant. Also the area, volume and foam production of cloacal gland was not significantly decreased in hypodynamia birds at the end of experiment. By contrast, the plasma testosterone concentration of males living in hypodynamia was reduced about 50 % at 90 and 180 days of age in comparison to control (P<0.05) suggesting some negative effects on sexual development. Our results demonstrated that male quail kept under simulated microgravity conditions were sexually competent although their sexual efficiency was reduced especially in terms of plasma testosterone.

scholarly journals Effect of Long-Term Hypodynamy on Alkaline Phosphatase Activity of Small Intestine in Japanese Quail Chicks

2007 ◽  
Vol 76 (3) ◽  
pp. 333-338
Author(s):  
Ľ. Lenhardt ◽  
V. Cigánková ◽  
V. Almášiová ◽  
K. Holovská ◽  
P. Škrobánek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alkaline Phosphatase ◽  
Small Intestine ◽  
Japanese Quail ◽  
Simulated Microgravity ◽  
Intestinal Function ◽  
Simulated Weightlessness ◽  
Experimental Animals ◽  
Functional Development ◽  
Higher Sensitivity

The functional development of the small intestine was investigated in Japanese quail chicks subjected to simulated microgravity (hypodynamy) on the second day after hatching and reared under these conditions to 63 days of age. On days 5, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 56 and 63 the activity of brush-border-bound alkaline phosphatase (AP) in the duodenum and jejunum were determined in experimental animals as well as in control quail chicks housed in a floor box during these periods. As compared with control quails the experimental animals displayed a significantly increased enzyme activity until day 42 in the duodenum and day 35 in the jejunum (P < 0.001) whereas in older quails no significant enzymatic differences between these groups was found. However, a decrease in food consumption due to a partial physical constraint cannot be excluded. Moreover, the results suggested that the activity of AP in the control birds did not change substantially during all the periods examined. In contrast, in older hypodynamy quail the AP activity significantly decreased in the duodenum on days 56 and 63 and in the jejunum on days 42, 56 and 63, respectively. These results indicate that a) the enhanced intestinal function in early periods of life may reflect the higher sensitivity of small intestine to simulated weightlessness, b) the decrease of the AP activity in older animals to the level of controls might be considered as a part of intestinal mechanisms involved in adaptation of quail chicks to long-term hypodynamy, c) different activity of AP in the small intestine of Japanese quail may not have resulted only from hypodynamy but also due to decreased food intake.

CLOACAL GLAND OF THE JAPANESE QUAIL: ANDROGEN DEPENDENCE AND METABOLISM OF TESTOSTERONE

1980 ◽  
Vol 84 (2) ◽  
pp. 223-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. MASSA ◽  
D. T. DAVIES ◽  
L. BOTTONI
Keyword(s):  
Japanese Quail ◽  
Growth And Development ◽  
Silicone Elastomer ◽  
Positive Identification ◽  
In Vitro Incubation ◽  
Polar Metabolites ◽  
Plasma Steroids ◽  
Testosterone Metabolites ◽  
Cloacal Gland

A cloacal gland complex whose growth and development is androgen-dependent exists in the Japanese quail. In-vitro incubation studies of the cloacal gland using 4-14C-labelled testosterone as substrate allowed the positive identification of five metabolites: androstenedione, 5β-dihydrotestosterone (5β-DHT), 5β-androstane-3α,17β-diol, 5α-DHT and 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol. More polar metabolites, not yet chemically identified, were detected in trace amounts. Androstenedione appeared to be the main testosterone metabolite in immature birds while in mature birds on long daylengths testosterone was preferentially metabolized to 5α-DHT. This change may have been in response to the higher levels of plasma steroids found in mature birds. When various testosterone metabolites, contained in silicone elastomer capsules, were implanted s.c. into castrated birds maintained on a photostimulatory light régime, 5α-DHT, 5α-androstane-3,17-dione, androstenedione and 5α-androstan-3α-ol-17-one were shown to be equipotent with testosterone in stimulating the development of the cloacal gland. 5α-Androstane-3α,17β-diol and 5α-androstan-3β-ol-17-one stimulated some growth while 5β-DHT, 5α-androstane-3β,17β-diol, 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol, 5β-androstane-3,17-dione, androst-5-en-3β-ol-17-one and androst-5-ene-3β,17β-diol were completely ineffective.

scholarly journals The Effect of Different Foam Concentrations on Sperm Motility in Japanese Quail

2010 ◽  
Vol 2010 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Avishek Biswas ◽  
O. S. Ranganatha ◽  
Jag Mohan
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Japanese Quail ◽  
Normal Saline ◽  
Coturnix Japonica ◽  
Coturnix Coturnix Japonica ◽  
Coturnix Coturnix ◽  
Sperm Survival ◽  
Foam Production ◽  
Cloacal Gland

A study was conducted to determine the effect of foam extract on sperm motility in the male Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Adult male quails (12 weeks) of heavy body weight strain were housed in individual cages and divided into 5 groups according to the size of their cloacal glands. The data indicated that the size of the cloacal gland was positively correlated with the frequency of foam secretion and total foam production. One gram of freshly collected clean foam was mixed with 1.0 mL of normal saline and homogenized for 10 minutes. After centrifugation at 35 000 rpm, the supernatant was used as 100% foam extract. The extract was diluted to 1:40, 1:20, 1:10, and 1:4 with normal saline to produce 2.5, 5.0, 10, and 25% foam extracts, respectively. 5% foam extract enhanced sperm survival at room temperature (30°–35°C) for 2 to 3 hrs, whereas higher concentrations (10% and above) suppressed sperm motility. From this study, it may be concluded that foam secretion and quantity of foam are directly proportional to the size of the cloacal gland and that the foam enhances and prolongs sperm motility, in vitro at an optimum concentration of 5%.

scholarly journals The effects of simulated microgravity on skeletal muscle of Japanese quail: transmission electron microscopic study

2011 ◽  
Vol 80 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarína Holovská ◽  
Viera Almášiová ◽  
Viera Cigánková ◽  
Peter Škrobánek
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Japanese Quail ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Simulated Microgravity ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Giant Mitochondria ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Muscle Tissues ◽  
And Control

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of simulated microgravity (hypodynamia) on the structure of the skeletal muscle (m. gastrocnemius) in developing Japanese quail by transmission electron microscopy. Samples of muscle tissues from experimental (n = 28) and control (n = 28) birds were collected at day 7, 14, 28, 42 and 56 of age. The structure of m. gastrocnenmius was changed depending on hypodynamia length. The first extensive structural changes were found on day 14 of age. The mitochondria were enlarged and the spaces between the myofibrils were slightly extended compared to control. The sarcomeres were irregular and lipid droplets occurred in the sarcoplasm. Further developmental changes occurred on day 28 of age. Mitochondria fused into the giant mitochondria which frequently exceeded the length of one sarcomere. Moreover, at 42 days of age, beside the above mentioned changes, sarcoplasmic reticulum was dilated and the number of mitochondrial cristae was reduced. However, the structure of m. gastrocnemius on day 56 was less damaged compared to the damage observed on day 42 of age. Presented results indicate that the continuous stay of male Japanese quail under simulated microgravity has a negative impact on the structure of m. gastrocnemius, but also the ability of muscle tissue to cope with these specific conditions.

scholarly journals Effect of oral contraceptives on plasma testosterone concentration.

BMJ ◽  
1977 ◽  
Vol 1 (6053) ◽  
pp. 107-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
M C Browning ◽  
J Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Oral Contraceptives ◽  
Plasma Testosterone ◽  
Testosterone Concentration

Characteristics of first-antler growth in reindeer and their association with seasonal fluctuations in steroid and insulin-like growth factor 1 levels

1998 ◽  
Vol 76 (11) ◽  
pp. 2096-2102 ◽  
Author(s):  
J E Blake ◽  
J E Rowell ◽  
J M Suttie
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factor ◽  
Growth And Development ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Plasma Testosterone ◽  
Insulin Like Growth Factor ◽  
Seasonal Fluctuations ◽  
Testosterone Levels ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus Tarandus ◽  
Antler Growth ◽  
Measurable Growth

Growth and development of the pedicles and first antlers were monitored in seven reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) calves (three males, four females) from birth to 1 year of age. Calves were weighed, blood was sampled, and antler observations and (or) measurements were taken on the day of birth and days 2, 4, and 7 and then at weekly intervals for the remainder of the year. Prior to measurable growth, the frontal lateral crest was carefully palpated for evidence of pedicle initiation, starting on the day of birth. Calves were born between April 8 and 26, 1994. Pedicle initiation occurred in all reindeer by day 7. Velvet skin first appeared when calves were 4-6 weeks old, when estimated pedicle height was 3.5 ± 0.9 cm (mean ± SD). Antler growth in both sexes followed a sigmoidal pattern, producing a mean antler length of 33.5 ± 4.2 and 46.7 ± 13.8 cm in females and males, respectively. Antler growth was complete by week 18 in females and week 21 in males. Velvet cleaning was associated with a significant increase in plasma testosterone levels in males and estradiol-17beta (but not testosterone) levels in females. Insulin-like growth factor 1 levels were significantly higher in males than in females and were positively correlated with the period of most rapid antler growth in both sexes. Casting occurred between March 14 and April 17, when steroid levels were at a minimum, and was immediately followed by growth of the second antler.

scholarly journals Calorie Restriction Modulates Reproductive Development and Energy Balance in Pre-Pubertal Male Rats

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 1993 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guilherme Rizzoto ◽  
Deepa Sekhar ◽  
Jacob C. Thundathil ◽  
Prasanth K. Chelikani ◽  
John P. Kastelic
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Energy Balance ◽  
Reproductive Development ◽  
Negative Energy ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Plasma Testosterone ◽  
Feed Restriction ◽  
Testis Weight ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Ad Libitum

The objective was to determine effects of feed restriction and refeeding on reproductive development and energy balance in pre-pubertal male rats. Sprague Dawley rats (n = 32, 24 days old, ~65 g), were randomly allocated into four treatments (n = 8/treatment): (1) Control (CON, ad libitum feed; (2) Mild Restriction (MR, rats fed 75% of CON consumption); (3) Profound Restriction (PR, 50% of CON consumption); or (4) Refeeding (RF, 50% restriction for 14 days, and then ad libitum for 7 days). Feed restriction delayed reproductive development and decreased energy balance and tissue accretion, with degree of reproductive and metabolic dysfunctions related to restriction severity. In RF rats, refeeding largely restored testis weight, sperm production (per gram and total), plasma IGF-1, leptin and insulin concentrations and energy expenditure, although body composition did not completely recover. On Day 50, more CON and RF rats than PR rats were pubertal (5/6, 4/5 and 1/6, respectively; plasma testosterone >1 ng/mL) with the MR group (4/6) not different. Our hypothesis was supported: nutrient restriction of pre-pubertal rats delayed reproductive development, induced negative energy balance and decreased metabolic hormone concentrations (commensurate with restriction), whereas short-term refeeding after profound restriction largely restored reproductive end points and plasma hormone concentrations, but not body composition.

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