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PubMed1975

Experimental studies on the annual cycles of thyroid and adrenocortical functions in relation to the reproductive cycle of drakes.

The annual variations in the basal plasma contents of testosterone, thyroxine and corticosterone have been measured in Peking drakes living outdoors, in Southern France. 10 The plasma testosterone titer underwent a more than 20-fold increase during the vernal reproductive period (March-April). In early June the circulating testosterone fell to near autumnal values, and the testosterone MCR was augmented. These were the first manifestations of the cessation of the vernal reproductive period. 20 The plasma thyroxine levels were minimal in autumn, moderately augmented (40%) in winter (January-March), but exhibited a 3-fold increase in early June. The resulting steep (13-fold) increase of the plasma thyroxine/testosterone ratio preceded the onset of the post-nuptial moult. 30 Modifications of testosterone secretion and clearance rate similar to those occurring in June were initiated in spring by i.m. injections of thyroxine at a dosage (1 mg/d) that induced June-July thyroxine plasma levels. On the other hand, an experimentally induced steep decrease of testosterone (castration) induced enhanced plasma thyroxine concentrations similar to the June values, while an induced (10 mg/d testosterone i.m.) hypertestosteronemia corresponding to the reproductive period depressed the plasma thyroxine levels. Strong reciprocal negative interactions between testis and thyroid might therefore afford a partial explanation of the peculiar thyroxine/testosterone imbalance that occurred in June immediately prior to the moult. 40 Cold-exposed "short-day" (December) ducks exhibited a marked increase in plasma thyroxine levels, while exposure of December ducks to "long days" (18L-6D) at 25 degrees C depressed the thyroxine titers. The inhibitory effect of "long days" on the blood level of thyroxine was further evident in castrated ducks. Exposure of "short day" ducks (December) to a combined treatment by "long days" (18L-6D) and cold (4 degrees C) produced an endocrine picture similar to the January-March pattern, i.e. highly increased testosterone plasma levels, but unaffected testosterone MCR, together with a moderate increase in plasma thyroxine concentration. 50 Corticosterone plasma concentrations increased during the reproductive season, as a result of a seasonally augmented binding-capacity of the CBG. Exogenous testosterone (10 mg/d) which induced spring-like circulating levels of male hormones, caused a similar increase in CBG-bound and total corticosterone levels. 60 In June the MCR of both corticosterone and aldosterone were elevated (as was the testosterone MCR). Similarly enhanced MCR of both corticosteroids were brought on in spring by an exogenous thyroxine treatment, leading to a June-like state of hyperthyroxinemia.

Adrenal Cortex↗

PubMed2005

Age-related changes in flight muscle mass, lipid reserves and flight capacity during adult maturation in males of the territorial damselfly Calopteryx atrata (Odonata: Calopterygidae).

In the territorial damselfly Calopteryx atrata Selys, length of the hindwing, the wing areas and the aspect ratio did not differ significantly among age classes during the pre-reproductive period, while the body mass of males increased about 2.5 times. This is due primarily to increase in mass of thorax and abdomen. The flight muscle mass accounted for the great part of the thorax mass, and began to increase from early in the pre-reproductive period and continued increasing until sexual maturation. The average flight muscle mass of sexually matured males was about 2.4 times of that of the youngest immature ones. On the other hand, the abdomen mass and total lipids increased remarkably in the latter half of the pre-reproductive period. The average total lipid content of mature males was about tenfold of that of the youngest immature ones. The maximum lift production per flesh body mass was positively correlated with the flight muscle mass and total lipid content. Such an increase in flight muscle mass and lipid reserves resulted in the increase of maximum lift force, and probably enhanced flight performance.

Aging↗

PubMed1995

Effects of an LH-RH agonist on reproductive responses and endocrinological parameters in landais ganders.

Semen quantitative (sperm production) and qualitative parameters (percentage of live and normal spermatozoa, sperm motility, egg fertility and hatchability), as well as hormonal parameters (LH and testosterone plasma concentrations) were compared for landais ganders, which were treated or not, with an LH-RH agonist prior to being sexually active. Treatment with the LH-RH agonist at this physiological stage delayed the onset of sperm production in some of the treated males. Although, comparable data were obtained during the first half of the reproductive period, treatment with the LH-RH agonist maintained sperm output at higher levels during its second half. Although the percentage of normal and live spermatozoa, sperm motility and true hatchability did not differ, the LH-RH agonist treatment had a positive effect on gosling production because of the higher fertility of the treated birds during the second part of the reproductive period. Treatment induced a large short-term decrease in testosterone levels followed by a rebound, leading to higher levels during the second half of the reproductive period. We conclude that treatment of ganders with an LH-RH agonist partially prevented the naturally occurring decline in sperm production and induced an increase in the rate of fertility rates during the second half of the productive period.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2005

Endocrine roles of D-aspartic acid in the testis of lizard Podarcis s. sicula.

In the lizard Podarcis s. sicula, a substantial amount of D-aspartate (D-Asp) is endogenous to the testis and shows cyclic changes of activity connected with sex hormone profiles during the annual reproductive phases. Testicular D-Asp content shows a direct correlation with testosterone titres and a reverse correlation with 17beta-estradiol titres. In vivo experiments, consisting of i.p. injections of 2.0 micromol/g body weight of D-Asp or other amino acids, in lizards collected during the three main phases of the reproductive cycle (pre-reproductive, reproductive and post-reproductive period), revealed that the testis can specifically take up and accumulate D-Asp alone. Moreover, this amino acid influences the synthesis of testosterone and 17beta-estradiol in all phases of the cycle. This phenomenon is particularly evident during the pre- and post-reproductive period, when endogenous testosterone levels observed in both testis and plasma were the lowest and 17beta-estradiol concentrations were the highest. D-Asp rapidly induces a fall in 17beta-estradiol and a rise in testosterone at 3 h post-injection in the testis and at 6 h post-injection in the blood. In vitro experiments show that testicular tissue converted L-Asp into D-Asp through an aspartate racemase. D-Asp synthesis was measured in all phases of the cycle, but was significantly higher during the reproductive period with a peak at pH 6.0. The exogenous D-Asp also induces a significant increase in the mitotic activity of the testis at 3 h (P < 0.05) and at 6 h (P < 0.01). Induction of spermatogenesis by D-Asp is recognized by an intense immunoreactivity of the germinal epithelium (spermatogonia and spermatids) for proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). The effects of D-Asp on the testis appear to be specific since they were not seen in lizards injected with other D- or L-forms of amino acids with known excitatory effects on neurosecretion. Our results suggest a regulatory role for D-Asp in the steroido-genesis and spermatogenesis of the testis of the lizard Podarcis s. sicula.

Amino Acid Isomerases↗

PubMed2004

Effects of n-3 polyunsaturated dietary supplementation on the reproductive capacity of male turkeys.

To measure the effects of dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation on the reproductive capacity of adult male turkeys in industrial flocks, the males of 22 commercial farms were fed either a standard diet or a fish oil diet enriched in n-3 PUFAs. The fatty acid composition of the spermatozoa and reproductive performance were measured throughout the reproductive period. The fish oil diet very effectively increased the percentage of n-3 fatty acids (FA) (22:5n-3 and 22:6n-3) in spermatozoa and correspondingly decreased the percentage of n-6 PUFAs (20:4-6 and 22:4n-6): the n-3/n-6 ratio in spermatozoa fatty acids were 0.04-0.07 with the standard diet and 0.32-0.4 with the fish oil diet. These changes did not affect the spermatozoa content of n-9 PUFAs, particularly of 22:3n-9 which is abundant in turkey spermatozoa (9-12% of the total fatty acids). The supplementation was effective in the middle as at the end of the reproductive period. The reproductive capacity of males was modified by the diet and the positive effect of the n-3 supplemented diet increased with age (increase in hatching rates of nearly 2 points at 48-58 weeks for males fed fish oil diet). These results indicate that an increase in the dietary ratio of n-3/n-6 PUFAs is valuable to sustain the reproductive capacity of male turkeys especially when they are getting older.

Aging↗

PubMed1988

Timing the breeding season of the ewe: what is the role of daylength?

Photoperiod is the proximate cue which times the reproductive period of the sheep and the role of daylength as a "zeitgeber" is evaluated in this report. Although sheep are regarded as a short-day breeding species, the reproductive period of the Suffolk ewe begins on daylengths which are on average 2.5 hours longer than those on which it ends. The reasons for this apparent anomaly are considered. Experimental evidence is presented which demonstrates that the transitions between the breeding season and anoestrus are not actively generated by changing ambient photoperiod. Rather the ewe expresses an endogenous circannual rhythm of reproduction and the role of daylength is to entrain this reproductive rhythm to a period of 365 days. It appears that only portions of the annual cycle of photoperiod are necessary to synchronize the breeding season, however, additional photic cues may be required to produce a reproductive period of normal duration.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Sub-lethal effects of a copper sulfate fungicide on development and reproduction in three coccinellid species.

Copper-based fungicides reliably control various foliar diseases in citrus production, although they are suspected to exacerbate mite problems through various mechanisms. Studies have shown negative effects of various copper formulations on entomopathogenic fungi, nematodes, and parasitoids, but few have sought to measure its impact on the biology of predatory insects. We exposed the larvae of three species of ladybeetle (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) to field rates of copper sulfate in combination with petroleum oil, a formulation commonly applied in Florida citrus. First instar larvae of Curinus coeruleus Mulsant, Harmonia axyridis Pallas, and Olla v-nigrum Mulsant received a 24 h exposure to residues on Petri dishes, and another 24 h exposure in the third instar. Treated larvae of all three species survived to adulthood at the same rate as control larvae, but larvae of O. v-nigrum experienced a significant increase in developmental time. Female adults of C. coeruleus and H. axyridis receiving copper sulfate exposures as larvae did not differ from control adults in pre-reproductive period, fecundity or fertility over ten days of reproduction. Treated O. v-nigrum females had significantly longer pre-reproductive periods than control females and laid significantly fewer eggs, although egg fertility was equivalent. We conclude that copper-sulfate fungicides are unlikely to disrupt biological control processes in citrus groves that are mediated by these coccinellid beetles.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Seasonal variations of gonadotropins in the pars distalis male viscacha pituitary. Effect of chronic melatonin treatment.

The gonadotropes, LH and FSH cells, were immunohistochemically identified in the pituitary pars distalis of the adult male viscacha (Lagostomus maximus maximus) using specific antibodies against hLHbeta and hFSHbeta with the streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase complex. The distribution, size and percentage immunopositive area of these cells were analyzed by image analysis in viscachas captured during the annual reproductive cycle and after the chronic administration of melatonin. The LHbeta and FSHbeta cells showed seasonal changes in the distribution, size and percentage immunopositive area. The LHbeta cells were found widely distributed throughout the pars distalis during the reproductive period, and they were found in the ventro-medial region in the pars distalis during the gonadal regression and gonadal recovery periods. The LHbeta cells reached the largest size and immunopositive area during the reproductive period and the smallest size and immunopositive area during the gonadal regression period. The FSHbeta cells were found in the ventro-medial region during reproductive and gonadal regression periods. The FSHbeta cells were found widely distributed throughout the pars distalis during the gonadal recovery period when they showed the maximum percentage immunopositive area. A decrease in the size of LHbeta and FSHbeta cells was observed after the chronic administration of melatonin. Moreover, it produces a decrease in the immunopositive area occupied by the LHbeta cells but not in the immunopositive area occupied by the FSHbeta cells. Our results show great activity of LHbeta and FSHbeta cells in different moments of the annual reproductive cycle demonstrating that these cells do not secrete in parallel. Moreover, melatonin acts differentially on the activity of the gonadotrope cells.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

[Genetic demographic description of the Ust-Aldan rural population of Sakha Republic (Yakutia): ethnic, sex, and age compositions, vital statistics, and surname structure].

Information on the sex, age, and ethnic compositions; reproductive parameters; intensity of natural selection (Crow's indices); and surname diversity of three rural populations (the Byadi, Dyupsya, and Cheriktey villages) of the Ust-Aldan ulus (district) of Sakha Republic (Yakutia) has been analyzed. The rural Yakut population of the Ust-Aldan ulus is demographically young (the mean age 25-31 years) and characterized by low outbreeding, unfavorable sex ratio in both prereproductive and reproductive ages, and high fertility (3.58-5.45 children surviving until the reproductive age per woman that has completed the reproductive period), although the actual reproductively active period is shorter than half its physiological duration. In the structure of total selection, the differential-fertility component is considerably greater than the differential-mortality component (Itot = 0.625, Im = 0.093, and If = 0.487). In the villages studied, some surnames are accumulated (45-65% of the population have five most frequent surnames), which determines the low surname diversity (alpha = 11.62-25.19) and high random isonymy (Ir = 0.0391-0.0823).

Age Distribution↗

PubMed1999

[The coexistence of endometrial cancer with second primary malignant neoplasms].

OBJECTIVE: An epidemiologic study of multiple primary malignant neoplasms with endometrial cancer patients is presented. Coexistence of endometrial carcinoma with second primary malignant neoplasms was evaluated and controlled for age, residence, civil status, education, parity, menarche age, last menstruation age, length of reproductive period, blood group, hypertension, diabetes, body mass index, sterility, histological subtype, grading, staging. DESIGN: From 1984-1998 136 endometrial carcinomas have been evaluated in the Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics in Hospital of Słupsk retrospectively. All double and triple neoplasms have been histologically recorded, doubtful cases have been excluded. MATERIAL & METHODS: Of 136 endometrial carcinomas 16 (11.6%) were multiple malignant neoplasms. Of these neoplasms 9 (6.6%) occur together with breast cancer, 3 (2.2%) with ovarian carcinoma, 1 (0.7%) with stomach carcinoma, 1 (0.7%) with rectum carcinoma, 1 (0.7%) with carcinoma in focus of endometriosis and 1 (0.7%) coexists with double neoplasms (bowel and endometriosis carcinoma) During the 14-year period of study, 15 patients (11.0%) out of 136 patients diagnosed as having endometrial cancer had double and 1 (0.6%) had triple primary malignant neoplasms. There was not significant difference in age rate (p = 0.72), residence rate (p = 0.93), civil status rate (p = 0.76), education rate (p = 0.70), parity rate (p = 0.76), menarche age rate (p = 0.46), blood group rate (p = 0.45), hypertension rate (p = 0.94), diabetes rate (p = 1.0), not overweight status rate (BMI < 29) (p = 0.55), sterility rate (p = 0.45), histological subtype rate (p = 0.39), grading rate (p = 0.67), staging rate (p = 0.26) between both patients group (with and without second primary malignant neoplasma). We observed statistically significant difference in body mass index (BMI > 32) rate (p = 0.03), last menstruation age rate (p = 0.04), length of reproductive period rate (p = 0.04) between both patients group (with and without second primary malignant neoplasma). CONCLUSION: Patients with endometrial cancer should be carefully and regularly followed up by monitoring et every anatomic site, especially the breast, stomach, and colon, in order that the development of a second primary carcinoma can be detected as early as possible, and not be overlooked in examinations. Additional risk factors for endometrial carcinoma with multiple malignant neoplasma include: menopause occurring after age fifty-one; obese women with body mass index (BMI) higher than 32; reproductive period longer than 37 years.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Reproductive problems directly attributable to long-term captivity--asymmetric reproductive aging.

Problems attributable to long-term captivity have been identified and are responsible for the difficulties in establishing successful reproduction in captive populations of wildlife, specifically, elephants and rhinoceroses. Historically, non-reproductive periods of 10-15 years in nulliparous female rhinoceroses and elephants have not been considered problematic. New evidence suggests that prolonged exposure to endogenous sex steroids and that long stretches of non-reproductive periods induce asymmetric reproductive aging in captive animals. The consequences are reduced fertility, shortened reproductive life-span and, eventually, irreversible acyclicity. Although age-related reproductive lesions have also been documented in male rhinoceroses, they continue to maintain a longer reproductive life-span than females. Since human and domestic animal models have already indicated that early pregnancy provides natural protective mechanism against asymmetric reproductive aging processes and premature senescence, it is imperative that appropriate counter measures such as assisted reproductive technologies (ART) be utilized to ensure early pregnancy in captive animals for their preservation and to ensure increased genetic diversity of the captive populations.

Aging↗

PubMed2006

An evolutionary model for identifying genetic adaptation to high altitude.

Coordinated maternal/fetal responses to pregnancy are required to ensure continuous O2 delivery to the developing organism. Mammals employ distinctive reproductive strategies that afford their young an improved chance of survival through the completion or the reproductive period. Thus, mortality prior to the end of the reproductive period is concentrated in the earliest phases of the lifecycle. At high altitude, fetal growth restriction reduces birth weight and likely compromises survival during the early postnatal period. Population variation in the frequency of the altitude-associated increase in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) demonstrates that multigenerational Tibetan and Andean high-altitude populations are protected compared with shorter duration, European or Han (Chinese) residents. This experiment of nature permits testing the hypothesis that genetic factors (a) influence susceptibility to altitude-associated IUGR, (b) act on maternal vascular adjustments to pregnancy determining uteroplacental blood flow, and (c) involve genes which regulate and/or are regulated by hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs). Serial, studies during pregnancy as well as postpartum in Andean and European residents of high (3600 m) and low (300 m) altitude will permit evaluation of whether uteroplacental O2 delivery is lower in the European than Andean women and, if so, the physiological factors responsible. Comparisons of HIF-targeted vasoactive substances and SNPs in or near HIF-regulatory or targeted genes will permit determination of whether these regions are distinctive in the Andean population. Studies coupling genetic and genomic approaches with more traditional physiological measures may be productively employed for determining the genetic mechanisms influencing physiological adaptation to high altitude.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Effect of ascorbic acid on longevity and biochemical alterations in Callosobruchus maculatus F. (Coleoptera: Bruchidae).

Optimal ascorbic acid concentration (1 mM) increased the median (LT(50)) and maximum (LT(100)) life spans, decreased age-independent susceptibility to death (a(0)), reproductive period, number of eggs laid/female but prolonged the post-reproductive period in Callosobruchus maculatus. The activities of respiratory enzymes and the levels of metabolic end-products declined while the activities of antioxygenic enzymes increased. The increased longevity of insects reared on ascorbic acid soaked seeds may be interpreted in terms of conservation of energy by way of decreased reproductive potentiality and the maintenance of a homeostatic balance between pro-oxidant generation and antioxidant defences.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

Seasonal changes in angiotensin converting enzyme activity in male and female frogs (Rana esculenta).

Gonad, lung, kidney and serum angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activities were determined by specific substrate hydrolysis in male and female Rana esculenta over 1 year. Ovary ACE activity showed the highest values among the different tissues, with a significant peak (223+/-52 nmol min(-1) mg protein(-1)) in late winter-early spring. Testis ACE activity followed a significant seasonal cycle, increasing from September to peak in April (2.5+/-0.8 nmol min(-1) mg protein(-1)) and then decreased in the post-reproductive period. Lung and kidney ACE activities were not correlated with the annual reproductive cycle phases. In serum a peak of activity was present in the post-reproductive period both in male and female frogs. The present data show a correlation between ACE and the annual reproductive cycle of R. esculenta.

Animals↗

PubMed1987

Effect of repeated reproductive cycles on maternal nutritional status, lactational performance and litter growth in ad libitum-fed and chronically food-restricted rats.

To evaluate the combined effects of repeated, closely spaced reproductive cycles and dietary intake on maternal nutritional status, lactational performance and litter growth, rats were fed ad libitum or 75 or 60% of ad libitum intake. Dietary treatment began 28 d before breeding and continued until d 14 of the first (L1) or second (L2) lactation. Body weight and carcass fat concentration of dams and their litters were affected in the 75% group; milk yield, milk protein and lactose concentrations and energy content were affected only in the 60% group. Dams and their litters were heavier, had more total carcass protein and higher plasma albumin values in L2 than L1. There was no effect of reproductive period on milk yield or composition. These results indicate that repeated reproductive cycles did not compromise maternal nutritional status, lactational performance or litter growth. Improved outcomes in L2 among the restricted rats appeared to result from gains during the interval between reproductive periods and early in the second pregnancy.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2005

Probability models to facilitate a declaration of pest-free status, with special reference to tsetse (Diptera: Glossinidae).

A methodology is presented to facilitate a declaration that an area is 'pest-free' following an eradication campaign against an insect pest. This involves probability models to assess null trapping results and also growth models to help verify, following a waiting period, that pests were not present when control was stopped. Two probability models are developed to calculate the probability of negative trapping results if in fact insects were present. If this probability is sufficiently low, then the hypothesis that insects are present is rejected. The models depend on knowledge of the efficiency and the area of attractiveness of the traps. To verify the results of the probability model, a waiting period is required to see if a rebound occurs. If an incipient but non-detectable population remains after control measures are discontinued, then a rebound should occur. Using a growth model, the rate of increase of an insect population is examined starting from one gravid female or one male and a female. An example is given for tsetse in which both means and confidence limits are calculated for a period of 24 reproductive periods after control is terminated. If no rebound is detected, then a declaration of eradication can be made.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

[Mutation of Indy(p115) increases the life expectancy of imago of Drosophila melanogaster depending on sex and genetic background].

The Indyp115 allele in heterozygous state almost doubles the life span of adult Drosophila melanogaster, and this effect largely depends on the strain used for obtaining heterozygotes. Male and female life span depends on Indyp115 to a different degree. Apart from Indyp115 heterozygotes, sexual dimorphism for life span was also observed in strain Hikone-AW, but not in OregonR and TM3 balancer. In heterozygotes Indyp115/OR, both the average life span and female reproductive period increased as compared to OR control. No substantial increase in female reproductive period in Indyp115/Hk heterozygotes was found. In homozygotes for allele Indyp115, we have previously revealed two phases of embryotic lethality and lethality at the larval and pupa stages. Thus, allele Indyp115 has a double and opposite effect on Drosophila viability. On the one hand, it extends the life span of adult flies, on the other, decreases survival at preimaginal stages.

Alleles↗

PubMed2004

Life history of the bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (Homoptera: Aphididae), on transgenic and untransformed wheat challenged with barley yellow dwarf virus.

The life history of Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) was monitored on transgenic and untransformed (soft white winter wheat plants that were infected with Barley yellow dwarf virus (BLDV), noninfected, or challenged with virus-free aphids under laboratory conditions. Two transgenic soft white winter wheat genotypes (103.1J and 126.02) derived from the parental variety Lambert and expressing the barley yellow dwarf virus coat protein gene, and two untransformed varieties, virus-susceptible Lambert and virus-tolerant Caldwell, were tested. B. padi nymphal development was significantly longer on the transgenic genotypes infected with BYDV, compared with noninfected transgenic plants. In contrast, nymphal development on Lambert was significantly shorter on BYDV-infected than on noninfected plants. Nymphal development on noninfected Lambert was significantly longer than on noninfected transgenics. No significant difference in nymphal development period was detected between virus-infected and noninfected Caldwell. Aphid total fecundity, length of reproductive period, and intrinsic rate of increase were significantly reduced on BYDV-infected transgenic plants compared with BYDV-infected Lambert. In contrast, reproductive period, total adult fecundity, and intrinsic rate of increase on noninfected Lambert were significantly reduced compared with noninfected transgenics. Transgenic plants infected with BYDV were inferior hosts for R. padi compared with infected Lambert. However, noninfected transgenics were superior hosts for aphids than noninfected Lambert. Moderate resistance to BYDV, as indicated by a significantly lower virus titer, was detected in the transgenic genotypes compared with the untransformed ones. Results show for the first time that transgenic virus resistance in wheat can indirectly influence R. padi life history.

Animals↗