PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Callithrix”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 235 records · Page 13Linked to original sources

The effect of stress on semen reduction in the marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus).

This study compared a number of semen parameters of two separate groups of the common marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus) in order to determine the effect of a continuous potentially stressful situation on these parameters, and thus on the monkey's reproductive ability. The semen from 16 adult male marmoset monkeys was collected and analysed to compare semen parameters between a 'normal' (control) group (n = 9) and a 'blood withdrawn' ('stress') group (n = 7). The semen parameter values observed in the control were: pH 7.51 +/- 0.22, volume 40.2 +/- 27.2 microliters, concentration 27.3 +/- 14.8 x 10(4)/microliters, motility 47.4 +/- 15.9%, grade of velocity 3.5 +/- 1.2, and normal morphological forms 51.8 +/- 13.7%. The 'blood withdrawn' group of marmoset monkeys showed significantly lower semen volume and sperm concentration than the 'normal' group. In addition, total count of spermatozoa, normal spermatozoa, motile spermatozoa and normal motile spermatozoa per ejaculate per monkey was significantly reduced in the 'blood withdrawn' group. The semen of these monkeys also revealed a significantly higher percentage of abnormally-shaped sperm heads than the normal group, and cases of impotence and sham ejaculation were recorded. Our study revealed that the continuous withdrawal of a small volume of blood from a group of marmoset monkeys appeared to be stressful to these monkeys and as a result, influenced their semen parameters, possibly making them less fertile. In addition, electroejaculation was found to be possibly harmful to the monkey's reproductive ability.

Animals↗

Local relaxin biosynthesis in the ovary and uterus through the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy in the female marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus).

The pattern of peripheral serum concentration for the peptide hormone relaxin in women points to the possibility of an interesting paracrine function in the cycle and early pregnancy. In order to investigate this physiology in detail, it was decided to examine local relaxin biosynthesis in an established primate model for human female reproductive function, the marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus). In this initial study relaxin biosynthesis was assessed using a combination of molecular and immunological techniques through the oestrous cycle in the marmoset monkey. The nucleotide sequence of the full-length relaxin gene transcript was cloned from the marmoset ovary and found to be closely homologous to that of the human H2 relaxin. Using gene specific probes derived from this sequence, RNase protection assays, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays and in-situ hybridization, showed relaxin gene expression within the ovary in theca cells and corpora lutea in the oestrous cycle, increasing in early pregnancy. Relaxin gene expression was also identified at a low level in the uterus and placenta, and at a higher level in the prostate in the male marmoset monkey. Using two different relaxin-specific antisera, relaxin-like immunoreactivity was observed in the ovary with a pattern of distribution coincident with that obtained by in-situ hybridization. Immunoreactivity was also found in the non-pregnant uterus, within the endometrial epithelium of the late proliferative phase and increasing within the glands through the secretory phase. Taken together, the pattern of relaxin peptide and mRNA expression show there is the basis for local relaxin physiology within the ovarian follicle and corpus luteum, and within the uterus during the oestrous cycle in this new world monkey.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Serum vitamin A esters are high in captive rhesus (Macaca mulatta) and marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) monkeys.

We showed previously that hepatic vitamin A concentrations of captive rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) are subtoxic to toxic, with livers exhibiting stellate cell hypertrophy and hyperplasia. Although marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) livers are also high in vitamin A, no stellate cell irregularities were observed. To further characterize the effects of high dietary vitamin A from preformed sources, stored serum samples were analyzed from monkeys used for biomedical research and housed at the Wisconsin Primate Research Center. The monkeys had been fed commercially available monkey diets, providing vitamin A (as retinyl acetate) at levels exceeding NRC recommendations by a factor of four. The serum from both rhesus and marmoset monkeys had total serum vitamin A (retinol, retinyl esters and metabolites) within the expected range for both species, i.e., 1.44 +/- 0.34 and 1.41 +/- 0.72 micromol/L serum for rhesus and marmoset monkeys, respectively. However, high serum retinyl ester concentrations as a percentage of total serum vitamin A were present in both species, 12 +/- 5.1% (range, 5.5-23%) for rhesus and 27 +/- 14% (range, 10-57%) for the marmosets. Serum retinol concentrations were normal, i.e., 1.21 +/- 0.28 (rhesus) and 0.92 +/- 0.43 micromol/L (marmoset), compared with published values.

Animals↗

Localization and synthesis of zona pellucida proteins in the marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus) ovary.

In most species, the zona pellucida (ZP), an extracellular matrix surrounding the mammalian oocyte, is composed of three glycoproteins: ZPA, ZPB and ZPC. Based mainly on results with mice, the site of zona pellucida biosynthesis has been suggested to be exclusively in the oocyte cytoplasm. However, evidence is accumulating that among various species cumulus/granulosa cells may be involved. Because knowledge of ZP biosynthesis in primates is lacking, we used the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) to acquire information about the localization and the site of synthesis of ZP proteins in this species. Using antibodies against synthetic ZPA and ZPC peptides, immunoreactivity was found in the marmoset ZP and in surrounding cumulus cells. Interestingly, the amounts of ZPA and ZPC proteins expressed appeared to differ depending on the stage of folliculogenesis. RT-PCR analysis of mRNA from marmoset oocytes and from oocyte-free follicle cells revealed expression of ZPA, ZPB and ZPC in oocytes and in follicle cells of different stages of marmoset monkey folliculogenesis. Our data suggest that the biosynthesis of marmoset ZPA, ZPB and ZPC proteins takes place both in oocytes and in follicle cells of different follicle stages, although the abundance of ZP glycoproteins may differ depending on the individual ZP protein.

Animals↗

Induction of endometriosis in the marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus).

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent gynaecological disease associated with pain and infertility, which occurs in humans and menstruating primates. In this study, the marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus), which is a non-menstruating primate with high circulating estrogen levels, was used to test firstly the hypothesis that endometriosis is based on uterine shedding into the peritoneal cavity, secondly to study the pathogenesis of endometriosis due to its estrogenic situation. Female marmoset monkeys (n = 29) were exposed to two different experimental procedures (non-invasive versus invasive) for intrapelvic placement of endometrial cells by uterine flushing over an experimental period of 2-3 years. First endometriotic foci were detected by colour Doppler ultrasound at the bladder, the uterus and the ovaries at the earliest after 4 months of either treatments. However, invasive induction was more effective in terms of the time-course of induction and the number of resulting endometriotic foci. The analysis of the endometriotic foci by histology, immunohistochemistry and molecular techniques allowed a division into two distinct groups: an initial developing stage occurred, which under further treatment led to the second stage of established endometriosis. Both procedures showed a treatment-dependent increase of vascular supply to the endometriotic foci over the experimental period. The invasive method induced the final established stage of endometriosis more rapidly, with the expression of steroid receptors, aromatase, 17betaHSD1 and CD10. Altogether, 72% of the treated marmoset monkeys developed endometriosis under our endometrial reflux protocols. Our data support the theory that endometriosis can be induced artificially in a non-menstruating primate (C. jacchus) by endometrial shedding into the peritoneal cavity. Because the marmoset is a primate with very high peripheral estrogen levels, this offers an interesting model for studying the pathogenesis of this estrogen-dependent disease, as well as for therapeutic impacts on enzymes involved in steroid metabolism.

17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Primary structures of adult hemoglobins of silvery marmoset, Callithrix argentatus, and cotton-headed tamarin, Saguinus oedipus.

Tryptic peptides of the alpha and beta chains from silvery marmoset (Callithrix argentatus) and cotton-headed tamarin (Saguinus oedipus) hemoglobins were isolated and sequenced, respectively, by conventional methods. The ordering of the peptides in each chain was deduced from the homology of their sequences with those of human adult hemoglobin. The primary structures thus deduced are compared with those of other primate hemoglobins, and the rate of evolution in New World monkey hemoglobins is discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cografting of hamster (Phodopus sungorus) and marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) testicular tissues into nude mice does not overcome blockade of early spermatogenic differentiation in primate grafts.

The ectopic xenotransplantation of testicular tissues into nude mice is a tool to generate sperm from immature testes. Immunodeficient mice as recipients of xenografts offered an appropriate microenvironment for differentiation of testicular tissue from hamsters, goats, pigs, and macaques. One exception is the neotropical primate Callithrix jacchus. Spermatogenesis in testicular grafts from marmosets does not proceed beyond the spermatogonial stage. The most likely cause for the poor graft development of marmosets is a deletion of exon 10 in the luteinizing hormone-receptor (LHR) gene, which renders this species insensitive to LH but responsive to chorionic gonadotropin (CG). We investigated whether cografting of testicular tissue from Djungarian hamsters would overcome the blockade in marmoset graft development. We also tested if exogenous administration of human CG (hCG) to the recipient would stimulate development of the marmoset tissue. No difference in graft survival was noted between hamster and monkey tissue. Seminiferous lumina were present in marmoset and hamster grafts but were significantly larger in hamster grafts. In the hamster grafts, a high proportion of the tubules contained meiotic and postmeiotic germ cells. In contrast, the marmoset tubules were populated with gonocytes and premeiotic spermatogonia. These results indicate that neither normal serum androgen levels nor the high local testosterone levels were sufficient to initiate marmoset spermatogenesis, nor was administration of hCG successful in overcoming the developmental blockade in marmoset tissue. Our results indicate that the conditions needed for initiation of spermatogenesis in the marmoset are remarkably different from those present in most other mammals.

Androgens↗

Meiosis in autologous ectopic transplants of immature testicular tissue grafted to Callithrix jacchus.

Grafting of immature testicular tissue provides a tool to examine testicular development and may offer a perspective for preservation of fertility in prepubertal patients. Successful xenografting in mice, resulting in mature spermatids, has been performed in several species but has failed with testicular tissues from the common marmoset, Callithrix jacchus. Previous data indicate that the hormonal milieu provided by the mouse host might cause this failure. We conducted autologous ectopic transplantation of testicular fragments under the back skin in newborn marmoset monkeys. Seventeen months after transplantation, we found viable transplants in 2 out of the 4 grafted animals. In the transplants, tubules developed up to a state intermediate between the pregraft situation and adult controls. Dividing spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes were present. Boule-like positivity and CDC25A negativity indicated that spermatogenesis was arrested at early meiosis. Immunohistochemistry revealed normal maturation of Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and peritubular cells. Serum testosterone values were not restored to the normal range and bioactive chorionic gonadotropin levels increased to castrate levels. Meiotic arrest could have occurred in the grafts because of lack of sufficient testosterone or because of hyperthermia caused by the ectopic position of the grafts. We conclude that autologous transplants of immature testicular tissues in the marmoset can mature up to meiosis but that normal serum testosterone levels are not restored. Further studies have to be performed to overcome the meiotic arrest to explore the model further and to develop therapeutic options.

Animals↗

The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) has two very similar semenogelin genes as the result of gene conversion.

The semen coagulum proteins have undergone substantial structural changes during evolution. In primates, these seminal vesicle-secreted proteins are known as semenogelin I (SEMG1) and semenogelin II (SEMG2). Previous studies on the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) showed that ejaculated semen from this New World monkey contains semenogelin, but it remained unclear whether it carries both genes or only SEMG1 and no SEMG2, like the closely related cotton-top tamarin (Saguinus oedipus). In this study we show that there are two genes, both expressed in the seminal vesicles. Surprisingly, the genes show an almost perfect sequence identity in a region of 1.25 kb, encompassing nearly half of the genes and containing exon 1, intron 1, and the first 0.9 kb of exon 2. The underlying molecular mechanism is most likely gene conversion, and a phylogenetic analysis suggests that SEMG1 is the most probable donor gene. The marmoset SEMG1 in this report differs from a previously reported cDNA by a lack of nucleotides encoding one repeat of 60 amino acids, suggesting that marmoset SEMG1 displays allelic size variation. This is similar to what was recently demonstrated in humans, but in marmosets the polymorphism was generated by a repeat duplication, whereas in humans it was a deletion. Together, these studies shed new light on the evolution of semenogelins and the mechanisms that have generated the structural diversity of semen coagulum proteins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Oxytocin gene expression and oxytocin immunoactivity in the ovary of the common marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus).

Oxytocin was identified in ovaries recovered on Day 5 (+/- 1) of the luteal phase from three female marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus). With use of a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay, expression of mRNA for oxytocin and oxytocin receptor was detected in both luteal tissue and in the ovarian remnant. Evidence for ovarian synthesis of oxytocin was provided by immunohistochemistry, which showed positive staining for oxytocin and neurophysin in the cytoplasm of the luteal cells. Some luteal cells had a more intensely stained perinuclear region than others for oxytocin immunoreactivity, whereas the staining for neurophysin was evenly distributed. Granulosa and theca cells of antral follicles also showed positive staining for oxytocin immunoreactivity; no reactivity was found in fibroblast or endothelial cells. Oxytocin immunoreactivity was also detected in the luteal tissue of all animals by immunoassay, with values ranging from 2.8 to 12.1 ng/g wet weight. The oxytocin concentration for the ovarian remnant was either very low (0.55-0.75 ng/g wet weight) or nondetectable (< 0.5 ng/g wet weight). Local production of oxytocin within the ovary was suggested by the measurement of higher oxytocin concentrations in the blood from ovaries containing corpora lutea compared with peripheral blood. Collectively, these results provide evidence for ovarian biosynthesis of oxytocin and suggest the possibility of a paracrine role in the regulation of primate ovarian function.

Animals↗

Pluripotent cell lines derived from common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) blastocysts.

We report the derivation of eight pluripotent cell lines from common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) blastocysts. These cell lines are positive for a series of markers (alkaline phosphatase, SSEA-3, SSEA-4, TRA-1-60, and TRA-1-81) that characterize undifferentiated human embryonal carcinoma cells and rhesus embryonic stem cells. All eight cell lines had a modal chromosome number of 46; seven cell lines were XX and one was XY. Two cell lines (Cj11 and Cj62) were cultured continuously for over a year and remained undifferentiated and euploid. In the absence of fibroblast feeder layers, these cell lines differentiated to multiple cell types, even in the presence of leukemia inhibiting factor. Differentiated cells secreted bioactive CG into the culture medium and expressed alpha-CG, beta-CG, and alpha-fetoprotein mRNA, indicating trophoblast and endoderm differentiation. Bioactive CG secretion in differentiating cells was increased substantially in the presence of GnRH agonist D-Trp6-Pro9-NHEt. When grown at high densities, these cells formed embryoid bodies with a close resemblance to early postimplantation embryos, including the formation of a yolk sac, amnion, and an embryonic disc with an early primitive streak. These results make these pluripotent cells strong candidates for marmoset embryonic stem cells.

Animals↗

Insulin-like and fibroblast growth factors and their receptors are differentially expressed in the oviducts of the common marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus) during the ovulatory cycle.

It is suggested that growth factors support the process of maturation and differentiation in the mammalian oviduct. Fibroblast growth factors (FGF) and insulin-like growth factors (IGF) are possible influences on these processes. The present study describes for the first time the expression of FGF-1 and -2 and their receptors as well as IGF-1 and -2 and the corresponding IGF receptor type 1 in the oviduct of the New World monkey Callithrix jacchus. Because of the limited RNA yields from oviducts, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to estimate expression levels. Expression patterns were found to be similar for all examined growth factors and receptors: the highest mRNA contents were obtained at the late proliferative and early to midsecretory phases, compared with lower levels during the early proliferative phase. Elevated amounts of these RNAs were correlated with high serum estradiol but not with progesterone concentrations. Each PCR product showed a high degree of homology (> 92%) to the known human sequences. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated greater specific staining for FGF-1 and -2 and IGF-1 before ovulation on the luminal epithelial surface of marmoset oviducts in comparison to the other cycle phases. Differences in staining intensity were not observed between the ampulla and isthmus. In summary, the marmoset oviduct expresses all components of functional FGF and IGF systems, thus suggesting auto-/paracrine effects of these growth factors within the primate oviduct, possibly under the control of estrogenic hormones.

Animals↗

Parthenogenetic activation of marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) oocytes and the development of marmoset parthenogenones in vitro and in vivo.

Mammalian oocytes can be induced to resume meiosis without fertilization, and the resulting parthenogenetic embryos carry only maternal chromosomes. Human oocytes can be activated by many chemical and physical stimuli, but postimplantation studies of human parthenogenetic embryos are not ethically acceptable. The common marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus) is a good model for studying primate parthenogenetic development postimplantation, since follicular aspiration, embryo transfer, and early postimplantation development of biparental embryos have already been described. Marmoset oocytes were either subjected to two series of six electrical pulses (DC; 2 kV/cm and 70 microsec) or were incubated in 7% ethanol in PBS. Ninety-two percent (68 of 74) and 20% (8 of 40) of marmoset oocytes were activated by electrical stimulus or ethanol, respectively. Parthenogenetic (n = 3) or in vitro-fertilized (n = 2) embryos were transferred at the 4-cell stage to synchronized recipient female marmosets (n = 5). Progesterone, chorionic gonadotropin, and inhibin in the peripheral plasma of recipient animals were measured. After 33 days of gestation, recipient animals were perfused and the uteri were collected. The 2 females that had received biparental embryos and 2 of the 3 females that had received parthenogenetic embryos displayed biochemical and histological evidence of implantation. This is the first report that a primate embryo comprising only parthenogenetic cells is capable of implantation. This highlights the need to scrutinize levels of parthenogenesis associated with human assisted reproductive technologies. Marmoset parthenogenones also provide a unique model for elucidating the roles of parental genomes in primate development.

Animals↗

Quantitative analysis of spermatogenesis and apoptosis in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) reveals high rates of spermatogonial turnover and high spermatogenic efficiency.

Spermatogenesis is characterized by the succession in time and space of specific germ cell associations (stages). There can be a single stage (e.g., rodents and some macaques) or more than one stage (e.g., chimpanzee and human) per tubular cross section. We analyzed the organization of the seminiferous epithelium and quantified testicular germ cell production and apoptosis in a New World primate, the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). Tubule cross sections contained more than one stage, and the human six-stage system could be applied to marmoset spermatogenesis. Stereological (optical disector) analysis (n = 5) revealed high spermatogenic efficiency during meiosis and no loss of spermatids during spermiogenesis. The conversion of type A to type B spermatogonia was several-fold higher than that reported for other primates. Highest apoptotic rates were found for S-phase cells (20%) and 4C cells (15%) by flow cytometric analysis (n = 6 animals); histological analysis confirmed spermatogonial apoptosis. Haploid germ cell apoptosis was <2%. Marmoset spermatogenesis is very efficient and involves substantial spermatogonial proliferation. The prime determinants of germ cell production in primates appear to be proliferation and survival of spermatogonia rather than the efficiency of meiotic divisions. Based on the organizational similarities, common marmosets could provide a new animal model for experimental studies of human spermatogenesis.

Animals↗

Demonstration of a foraging advantage for trichromatic marmosets (Callithrix geoffroyi) dependent on food colour.

It has been suggested that the major advantage of trichromatic over dichromatic colour vision in primates is enhanced detection of red/yellow food items such as fruit against the dappled foliage of the forest. This hypothesis was tested by comparing the foraging ability of dichromatic and trichromatic Geoffroy's marmosets (Callithrix geoffroyi) for orange- and green-coloured cereal balls (Kix) in a naturalized captive setting. Trichromatic marmosets found a significantly greater number of orange, but not green, Kix than dichromatic marmosets when the food items were scattered on the floor of the cage (at a potential detection distance of up to 6 m from the animals). Under these conditions, trichromats but not dichromats found significantly more orange than green Kix, an effect that was also evident when separately examining the data from the end of the trials, when the least conspicuous Kix were left. In contrast, no significant differences among trichromats and dichromats were seen when the Kix were placed in trays among green wood shavings (detection distance < 0.5 m). These results support an advantage for trichromats in detecting orange-coloured food items against foliage, and also suggest that this advantage may be less important at shorter distances. If such a foraging advantage for trichromats is present in the wild it might be sufficient to maintain the colour vision polymorphism seen in the majority of New World monkeys.

Alleles↗

Characterization of an Epstein-Barr virus-related gammaherpesvirus from common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus).

A gammaherpesvirus related to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV; Human herpesvirus 4) infects otherwise healthy common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). Long-term culture of common marmoset peripheral blood lymphocytes resulted in outgrowth of spontaneously immortalized lymphoblastoid cell lines, primarily of B cell lineage. Electron microscopy of cells and supernatants showed herpesvirus particles. There were high rates of serological cross-reactivity to other herpesviruses (68-86%), but with very low geometric mean antibody titres [1:12 to human herpesvirus 6 and 1:14 to Herpesvirus papio (Cercopithecine herpesvirus 12)]. Sequence analysis of the conserved herpesvirus DNA polymerase gene showed that the virus is a member of the lymphocryptovirus subgroup and is most closely related to a lymphocryptovirus from rhesus macaques and is closely related to EBV and Herpesvirus papio. High seroprevalence (79%, with geometric mean antibody titre of 1:110) among 28 common marmosets from two geographically distinct colonies indicated that the virus is likely present in many common marmosets in captivity. A New World primate harbouring a lymphocryptovirus suggests that this subgroup arose much earlier than previously thought.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Pseudomonas simiae sp. nov., isolated from clinical specimens from monkeys (Callithrix geoffroyi).

An unusual Gram-negative, catalase- and oxidase-positive, rod-shaped bacterium isolated from different clinical samples from two monkeys (Callithrix geoffroyi) was characterized by phenotypic and molecular genetic methods. The micro-organism was tentatively identified as a Pseudomonas species on the basis of the results of cellular morphological and biochemical tests. Fatty acid studies confirmed this generic placement and comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing studies demonstrated that the unknown isolates were phylogenetically closely related to each other (100% sequence similarity) and were part of the 'Pseudomonas fluorescens intrageneric cluster'. The novel bacterium, however, was distinguished from other phylogenetically related species of Pseudomonas by DNA-DNA hybridization studies and biochemical tests. On the basis of both phenotypic and phylogenetic findings, it is proposed that the novel Pseudomonas isolates are classified as Pseudomonas simiae sp. nov. The type strain of P. simiae is OLiT (=CCUG 50988T=CECT 7078T).

Animals↗

GB virus B infection of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) and associated liver pathology.

GB virus B (GBV-B) is a flavivirus that is related closely to hepatitis C virus (HCV) and induces an acute hepatitis when inoculated into several species of New World primates. Common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) are a widely available, non-endangered primate species that is susceptible to GBV-B infection and develops a characteristic acute hepatitis. Here, animals were found to be susceptible to serially passaged serum and GBV-B transcripts. Hepatic pathology and peripheral viraemia could be quantified biochemically, immunophenotypically and morphologically, and persisted for periods of up to 6 months in some animals. Hepatitis was characterized by a marked influx of CD3+ CD8+ T lymphocytes and CD20+ B cells within the first 2 months of primary infection. The results of this study document the marmoset as another small, non-human primate species in which the pathogenesis of GBV-B can be studied and used as a surrogate model of HCV infection for investigation of pathogenesis and antiviral drug development.

Animals↗