scholarly journals Female accessory gland fluid promotes sperm survival in yellow dung flies

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 95-100
Author(s):  
Karin Thüler ◽  
Wolf U. Blanckenhorn ◽  
Paul I. Ward ◽  
Stefan Lüpold ◽  
Luc F. Bussière
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Accessory Gland ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Fertilization Failure ◽  
Sperm Number ◽  
Scathophaga Stercoraria ◽  
Accessory Glands ◽  
Sperm Survival

Female and male reproductive traits co-evolve through pre- and post-copulatory sexual selection and sexual conflict. Although males typically transfer many sperm during copulation, only a small proportion reach the fertilization site because females often actively or passively reduce sperm number in their reproductive tract. Males may transfer accessory substances to protect their ejaculates against female selective processes, which benefits males but can harm females. In turn, females may use accessory gland fluids to control paternity or sperm storage. Female yellow dung flies (Scathophaga stercoraria) have paired accessory glands that produce fluids involved in fertilization and egg laying. One proposed function for these fluids is spermicide. Alternatively, female accessory gland fluid may help keep sperm alive to avoid fertilization failure or encourage sperm competition. Using yellow dung flies, we investigated the interaction of female accessory gland fluid with sperm in vitro. Significantly more sperm remained alive when exposed to accessory gland fluid compared to buffer only (63% vs. 44%). We conclude that female accessory gland fluid in yellow dung flies can help nourish rather than kill male sperm, although selective nourishment of sperm is as consistent with cryptic female choice as is selective spermicide.

Male accessory gland substance: an egg-laying stimulant in Melanoplus sanguinipes (F.) (Orthoptera:Acrididae)

1969 ◽  
Vol 47 (6) ◽  
pp. 1199-1203 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Pickford ◽  
Al B. Ewen ◽  
C. Gillott
Keyword(s):  
Seminal Vesicle ◽  
Chemical Substance ◽  
Accessory Gland ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Melanoplus Sanguinipes ◽  
Male Accessory Gland ◽  
Accessory Glands ◽  
Egg Deposition ◽  
Complete Set ◽  
Per Se

The rate of egg deposition by mature virgin females of the migratory grasshopper, Melanoplus sanguinipes (F.), increased markedly after implantation of accessory glands from mature males. Implants consisting of one-half of a complete set of glands, or of the 10 short hyaline glands alone, were about equally effective in increasing the rate of egg deposition. However, in each case the oviposition rate was less than that of normally mated females of the same age. Implanting only the white glands of the accessory gland complex had a lesser effect on egg-laying and implants of the long hyaline gland or of the seminal vesicle had little or no effect.Our results indicate that the physical act of mating per se or the presence of sperm probably do not provide the primary stimulus to egg-laying. The abdominal location of the implanted accessory gland does, however, suggest that some diffusible chemical substance is responsible for increasing egg deposition in these virgin females.

Internal female reproductive anatomy and genital interactions during copula in the yellow dung fly, Scathophaga stercoraria (Diptera: Scathophagidae)

1999 ◽  
Vol 77 (12) ◽  
pp. 1975-1983 ◽  
Author(s):  
D J Hosken ◽  
E P Meyer ◽  
P I Ward
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Functional Anatomy ◽  
Bursa Copulatrix ◽  
Internal Anatomy ◽  
Spermathecal Duct ◽  
Scathophaga Stercoraria ◽  
Accessory Glands ◽  
Reproductive Anatomy ◽  
The Common ◽  
Narrow Duct

Insect genitalia have been extensively studied for taxonomic purposes, but functional anatomy has rarely been examined. We report here on the detailed internal anatomy of the reproductive tract of female yellow dung flies (Scathophaga stercoraria) and the mechanics of copula and sperm transfer. Female dung flies have paired accessory glands, three spermathecae (one singlet and one doublet), each with its own narrow duct, a large muscular bursa copulatrix, which is met by the common oviduct dorso-anteriorly, and paired lateral oviducts and ovaries. The bursa is lined internally with a thick cuticle. During copula and while ejaculating, the male aligns the gonopore with the spermathecal duct entrances to the bursa and pinches the female's abdomen at approximately this point. Sperm packing in the spermathecae appears quite orderly, and structurally the sperm appear typical of many insects. Aedeagus withdrawal appears to remove some bursal sperm. The results are discussed in relation to other Diptera.

scholarly journals BMP-regulated exosomes from Drosophila male reproductive glands reprogram female behavior

2014 ◽  
Vol 206 (5) ◽  
pp. 671-688 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Corrigan ◽  
Siamak Redhai ◽  
Aaron Leiblich ◽  
Shih-Jung Fan ◽  
Sumeth M.W. Perera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Seminal Fluid ◽  
Bmp Signaling ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Female Behavior ◽  
Accessory Glands ◽  
Morphogenetic Protein ◽  
Downstream Effectors ◽  
Membrane Bound

Male reproductive glands secrete signals into seminal fluid to facilitate reproductive success. In Drosophila melanogaster, these signals are generated by a variety of seminal peptides, many produced by the accessory glands (AGs). One epithelial cell type in the adult male AGs, the secondary cell (SC), grows selectively in response to bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling. This signaling is involved in blocking the rapid remating of mated females, which contributes to the reproductive advantage of the first male to mate. In this paper, we show that SCs secrete exosomes, membrane-bound vesicles generated inside late endosomal multivesicular bodies (MVBs). After mating, exosomes fuse with sperm (as also seen in vitro for human prostate-derived exosomes and sperm) and interact with female reproductive tract epithelia. Exosome release was required to inhibit female remating behavior, suggesting that exosomes are downstream effectors of BMP signaling. Indeed, when BMP signaling was reduced in SCs, vesicles were still formed in MVBs but not secreted as exosomes. These results demonstrate a new function for the MVB–exosome pathway in the reproductive tract that appears to be conserved across evolution.

Secretory proteins from the female reproductive tract of the brushtail possum Trichosurus vulpecula: binding to sperm and effects on sperm survival in vitro

1999 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 329 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. S. Sidhu ◽  
K. E. Mate ◽  
F. C. Molinia ◽  
A. M. Glazier ◽  
J. C. Rodger
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mass ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Serum Proteins ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Conditioned Media ◽  
Secretory Proteins ◽  
Brushtail Possum ◽  
Sperm Survival ◽  
Uterine Proteins

Previous studies have demonstrated that co-culture of brushtail possum epididymal spermatozoa with oviduct epithelial cell monolayers prolongs sperm survival and results in the re-orientation of the sperm head and tail to the T-shape (thumbtack) configuration. Transformation of sperm to thumbtack orientation is believed to be associated with marsupial sperm capacitation. Here we report that incubation in oviduct-conditioned media also significantly prolongs sperm survival and results in the transformation of sperm to the thumbtack orientation. The major objective of the current study was to examine the proteins present in the conditioned media, to determine whether any of these proteins specifically bound to sperm and the relationship between these proteins and sperm survival and thumbtack orientation. Co-culturing brushtail possum sperm with biotin-labeled proteins in conditioned media (CM) from ampulla, isthmus and uterine explants demonstrated strong binding of two proteins of molecular mass 230 and 61 kD and weak binding of nine proteins of molecular mass 200, 180, 120, 140, 55, 52, 48, 34, 30 kD to sperm within 30 min. The binding of the 61-kD protein from the conditioned media appeared specific as increasing concentrations of non-labeled oviduct proteins, but not serum proteins, inhibited the binding of labeled proteins. The binding of oviduct and uterine proteins in the conditioned media significantly prolonged sperm survival and percentage motility and also transformed a large number of sperm to a thumbtack orientation. The implication of binding of these proteins is discussed in the context of sperm survival and capacitation in this species.

Granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in the murine reproductive tract: stimulation by seminal factors

1990 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 359 ◽  
Author(s):  
SA Robertson ◽  
RF Seamark
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Cell Monolayers ◽  
Gm Csf ◽  
Accessory Glands ◽  
Ovariectomized Mice ◽  
Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor ◽  
Macrophage Colony ◽  
Coagulating Gland

The activity of GM-CSF during early pregnancy in the murine uterine lumen in vivo and in media conditioned by uterine cells in vitro has been assessed. GM-CSF was detected in uterine luminal fluid recovered by lavage on the morning after syngeneic mating (median level 5.7 CFUc U/uterus) and following mating with vasectomized (5.1 U/uterus) or allogeneic males (4.4 U/uterus), with significantly lesser (P less than 0.05) amounts recovered from the uteri of superovulated, mated mice. By contrast, GM-CSF was only detectable (greater than 0.5 U/uterus) in the luminal fluid of three of 22 unmated oestrous mice examined. No activity was detected in secretions from male accessory glands including seminal vesicle, epididymis, prostate and coagulating gland (less than 0.5 U/gland). GM-CSF was found at higher levels in supernatants from cell monolayers prepared by tryptic digest of the uteri of Day 1 mated mice than those from unmated oestrous mice (P less than 0.05). Little GM-CSF was detected in supernatants from ovariectomized mice. An alpha-GM-CSF polyvalent antibody neutralized the FD5/12 bioassay response confirming the identity of the lymphokine. The interleukins IL-2 and IL-3 were not detected in uterine luminal fluid nor in media conditioned by cell monolayers. We postulate that elevated uterine GM-CSF activity after mating is elicited by a non-sperm associated, non-MHC component of the ejaculate and synthesized by a hormone-responsive endometrial cell population. This cytokine may have an embryotrophic role or contribute to priming of the uterus for implantation.

INVITATION PAPER (C.P. ALEXANDER FUND): ENDOCRINE REGULATION OF MALE ACCESSORY GLAND DEVELOPMENT AND ACTIVITY

1992 ◽  
Vol 124 (5) ◽  
pp. 871-886 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cedric Gillott ◽  
Sarah B. Gaines
Keyword(s):  
Direct Action ◽  
Accessory Gland ◽  
Receptor Protein ◽  
Endocrine Regulation ◽  
Accessory Glands ◽  
Gene Level ◽  
Development And Differentiation ◽  
Gland Development ◽  
Sexually Mature

AbstractFor most species, the male accessory glands are mesodermal derivatives. Their form is as varied as are the functions of the secretion they produce. The post-embryonic development and differentiation of the glands, like those of other tissues, appear to be regulated by the interaction of juvenile hormone (JH) and ecdysteroid, the former inhibiting and the latter promoting these processes. Post-eclosion accessory gland activity (i.e. production of secretion), for most species examined, is regulated by JH. However, the precise mechanism of control and the site of action are not at all clear. A limited amount of in vitro work indicates a direct action of JH on the accessory glands though only for Drosophila melanogaster Meigen has a JH-receptor protein been identified. The JH promotes the synthesis of specific proteins in the accessory gland secretion, and two proposals have been made for the site and mode of action of the hormone. In the first it is suggested that the hormone affects membrane permeability, thereby influencing the supply of protein precursors; in the second a more direct action of JH at the gene level is proposed, namely, the promotion of translation.The involvement of ecdysteroids in accessory gland activity is virtually unexplored though there have been a few demonstrations that these hormones can stimulate protein synthesis. An hypothesis worth further consideration suggests that ecdysteroids may have a role in those species that eclose in a sexually mature condition, i.e. where the accessory glands have both differentiated and produced their secretion in the pupal or pharate adult stage, presumably in the absence of JH.

Structure-Reactivity Relationships on Substrates and Inhibitors of the Lysine Deacylase Sirtuin 2 from Schistosoma Mansoni (SmSirt2)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daria Monaldi ◽  
Dante Rotili ◽  
Julien Lancelot ◽  
Martin Marek ◽  
Nathalie Wössner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Schistosoma Mansoni ◽  
Human Cancer ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Human Cancer Cells ◽  
Parasite Survival ◽  
Survival And Reproduction ◽  
Emergence Of Resistance ◽  
First Time ◽  
Parasitic Life Cycle

The only drug for treatment of Schistosomiasis is Praziquantel, and the possible emergence of resistance makes research on novel therapeutic agents necessary. Targeting of Schistosoma mansoni epigenetic enzymes, which regulate the parasitic life cycle, emerged as promising approach. Due to the strong effects of human Sirtuin inhibitors on parasite survival and reproduction, Schistosoma sirtuins were postulated as therapeutic targets. In vitro testing of synthetic substrates of S. mansoni Sirtuin 2 (SmSirt2) and kinetic experiments on a myristoylated peptide demonstrated lysine long chain deacylation as an intrinsic SmSirt2 activity for the first time. Focused in vitro screening of the GSK Kinetobox library and structure-activity relationships (SAR) of identified hits, led to the first SmSirt2 inhibitors with activity in the low micromolar range. Several SmSirt2 inhibitors showed potency against both larval schistosomes (viability) and adult worms (pairing, egg laying) in culture without general toxicity to human cancer cells.<br>

scholarly journals Organoids of the female reproductive tract

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (4) ◽  
pp. 531-553 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cindrilla Chumduri ◽  
Margherita Y. Turco
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Personalised Medicine ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
In Vitro Models ◽  
Experimental Models ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Cellular Heterogeneity ◽  
Dynamic Regulation ◽  
Pregnancy And Childbirth

AbstractHealthy functioning of the female reproductive tract (FRT) depends on balanced and dynamic regulation by hormones during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and childbirth. The mucosal epithelial lining of different regions of the FRT—ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix and vagina—facilitates the selective transport of gametes and successful transfer of the zygote to the uterus where it implants and pregnancy takes place. It also prevents pathogen entry. Recent developments in three-dimensional (3D) organoid systems from the FRT now provide crucial experimental models that recapitulate the cellular heterogeneity and physiological, anatomical and functional properties of the organ in vitro. In this review, we summarise the state of the art on organoids generated from different regions of the FRT. We discuss the potential applications of these powerful in vitro models to study normal physiology, fertility, infections, diseases, drug discovery and personalised medicine.

scholarly journals Should rescue ICSI be re-evaluated considering the deferred transfer of cryopreserved embryos in in-vitro fertilization cycles? A systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessio Paffoni ◽  
Marco Reschini ◽  
Valerio Pisaturo ◽  
Cristina Guarneri ◽  
Simone Palini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
In Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Implantation Rate ◽  
Clinical Pregnancy ◽  
Frozen Embryo Transfer ◽  
Fertilization Failure ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Rescue Icsi

Abstract Background Total fertilization failure represents a particularly frustrating condition for couples undergoing in vitro fertilization. With the aim of reducing the occurrence of total fertilization failure, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has become the first choice over conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures although evidence of improved results is still debated and its use in couples without male factor infertility is not recommended. Among the strategies potentially useful to promote the use of conventional IVF, we herein call attention to the late rescue ICSI, which consists in performing ICSI after 18–24 h from conventional insemination on oocytes that show no signs of fertilization. This treatment has however been reported to be associated with a low success rate until recent observations that embryos derived from late rescue ICSI may be transferred after cryopreservation in a frozen-thawed cycle with improved results. The aim of the present study was to assess whether frozen embryos deriving from rescue ICSI performed about 24 h after conventional IVF may represent a valuable option for couples experiencing fertilization failure. Methods A systematic review on the efficacy of late rescue ICSI was performed consulting PUBMED and EMBASE. Results Including twenty-two original studies, we showed that clinical pregnancy rate per embryo transfer and implantation rate obtainable with fresh embryo transfers after rescue ICSI are not satisfactory being equal to 10 and 5%, respectively. The transfer of cryopreserved rescue ICSI embryos seems to offer a substantial improvement of success rates, with pregnancy rate per embryo transfer and implantation rate equal to 36 and 18%, respectively. Coupling rescue ICSI with frozen embryo transfer may ameliorate the clinical pregnancy rate for embryo transfer with an Odds Ratio = 4.7 (95% CI:2.6–8.6). Conclusion Results of the present review support the idea that r-ICSI coupled with frozen embryo transfer may overcome most of the technical and biological issues associated with fresh transfer after late r-ICSI, thus possibly representing an efficient procedure for couples experiencing fertilization failure following conventional IVF cycles. Trial registration Prospero registration ID: CRD42021239026.

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