Changes In Reproductive Cycle Research Articles

Concomitant investigation of crustacean amphipods lipidome and metabolome during the molting cycle by Zeno SWATH data-independent acquisition coupled with electron activated dissociation and machine learning

BackgroundDIA (Data-Independent Acquisition) is a powerful technique in Liquid Chromatography coupled with high-resolution tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) initially developed for proteomics studies and recently emerging in metabolomics and lipidomics. It provides a comprehensive and unbiased coverage of molecules with improved reproducibility and quantitative accuracy compared to Data-Dependent Acquisition (DDA). Combined with the Zeno trap and Electron-Activated Dissociation (EAD), DIA enhances data quality and structural elucidation compared to conventional fragmentation under CID. These tools were applied to study the lipidome and metabolome of the freshwater amphipod Gammarus fossarum, successfully discriminating stages and highlighting significant biological features. Despite being underused, DIA, along with the Zeno trap and EAD, holds great potential for advancing research in the omics field. ResultsDIA combined with the Zeno trap enhances detection reproducibility compared to conventional DDA, improving fragmentation spectra quality and putative identifications. LC coupled with Zeno-SWATH-DIA methods were used to characterize molecular changes in reproductive cycle of female gammarids. Multivariate data analysis including Principal Component Analysis and Partial Least Square Discriminant Analysis successfully identified significant features. EAD fragmentation helped to identify unknown features and to confirm their molecular structure using fragmentation spectra database annotation or machine learning. EAD database matching accurately annotated five glycerophospholipids, including the position of double bonds on fatty acid chain moieties. SIRIUS database predicted structures of unknown features based on experimental fragmentation spectra to compensate for database incompleteness. SignificanceReproducible detection of features and confident identification of putative compounds are pivotal stages within analytical pipelines. The DIA approach combined with Zeno pulsing enhances detection sensitivity and targeted fragmentation with EAD in positive polarity provides orthogonal fragmentation information. In our study, Zeno-DIA and EAD thereby facilitated a comprehensive and insightful exploration of pertinent biological molecules associated with the reproductive cycle of gammarids. The developed methodology holds great promises for identifying informative biomarkers on the health status of an environmental sentinel species.

First episode depression in women- a study of clinical characteristics through the female reproductive stages in a rural tertiary care center in Kerala

Background: The lifetime prevalence of major depressive disorders is 10-25% for women and 5-12% for men. Women are more prone to develop depressive episode from the period of menarche to the perimenopausal period. Relatively little research has been done on this. Materials and methods: Female patients between the ages of 12 years to 55 years presenting in the outpatient department with first episode depressive symptoms are selected (ICD 10) and the number of patients presenting in different stages of the reproductive cycle – perimenarche, pregnancy, post-partum, post abortion and perimenopausal are noted. Age at onset, severity of the illness, positive family history, presence of somatic and hypochondriac symptoms, and suicidal intent (Beck suicidal intent scale, Hamilton rating scale for depression) were noted. Results and discussion: Out of the total 120 patients, 53 were in the perimenopause state, 23 in the perimenarche, 5 in pregnancy, 14 in the post-partum, and 7 as post abortion. The mean age of onset of depressive disorders is 36.7 years (SD- 13.67). The severity of the depressive episode is significantly higher towards the younger age group (<30years) and number of patients presenting with somatic symptoms are much higher towards the older age group (41-55years). There is no significant difference in presence of positive family history, hypochondriasis and suicidal intent among various age groups. Conclusion: Perimenopausal and perimenarche periods show higher prevalence of depressive disorders during female reproductive cycle. Biological changes in reproductive cycle can cause increase prevalence of depression in women.

Seasonal changes in reproductive cycle of female fresh water prawn, Macrobrachium dayanum (Henderson) from river Gomti, Lucknow (India)

The present study was conducted on the experimental animals, Macrobrachium dayanum (Henderson) (Crustacea: Decapoda) to analyze the seasonal changes in reproductive cycle of female, found at different locations in river Gomti (26°55´; 80°59´ E), in and around Lucknow (U.P. India). The reproductive activities were found in cyclic manner in M.dayanum, which breeds continuously throughout the year but with two distinct peaks one major in the month of May-July and one minor in the month of January – Feburary. Five stages of Oogenesis i.e. proliferative, meiotic, previtellogenic, vitellogenic and resorbtion or atretic oocyte phase have been recorded in M. dayanum. Mature ova were noticed in two peaks i.e. major in month of July – August and September and minor in months of February and March. Histoarchitecture of hepatopancreas showed seasonal changes in accordance with the gonadal development. The reproductive cycle of M.dayanum is reported for the first time and very little work is known on the seasonal changes with respect to reproduction and its correlation with hepatopancreas.

Immunolocalization of estrogen and androgen receptors in the caput epididymidis of the fat sand rat (Psammomys obesus): Effects of seasonal variations, castration and efferent duct ligation

The fat sand rat (Psammomys obesus) is a model to study seasonal reproductive cycle changes and several metabolic disorders. In order to show a possible involvement of estrogens in the male reproductive functions, the expression of estrogen receptors (ESR1 and ESR2) and androgen receptor (AR) were investigated in the caput epididymidis of fat sand rats during the breeding season, resting season, after castration, after castration followed by testosterone treatment, and after ligation of efferent ducts. In the breeding season, principal cells presented a strong immunostaining of AR in both nuclei and cytoplasm, a strong staining of ESR1, mainly in the apical zone, and a strong immunoexpression of ESR2, mainly in nuclei. In the resting season, a moderate immunostaining of AR in both cytoplasm and nuclei was observed. ESR1 staining showed a strong immunoreactivity in the nuclei. In contrast, the nuclei were negative for ESR2. After castration, a low and selective signal distribution was observed: the nuclei were moderately positive for AR and ESR2, and negative for ESR1. After castration and testosterone treatment, an androgen-dependence for AR and the restoration of ESR1 but not ESR2 immunoexpression were observed. After ligation of the efferent ducts, a considerable reduction of AR immunoreactivity was observed in contrast to ESR1 and ESR2, which gave a strong immunostaining signal. These results illustrate the complexity of the regulation of the androgen and estrogen receptor expression in the epididymis and argue for the coexistence of both androgenic and estrogenic pathways.

Molecular characterization and seasonal expression of the vitellogenin gene from Günther's walking catfish Clarias macrocephalus

The complete cDNA sequence for walking catfish vitellogenin (VTG) (4192 bp) contained 51 bases of 5′-untranslated region, an open reading frame of 4050 bp encoding 1350 amino acids, 60 bases of 3′-untranslated region, and a poly(A) tail of 31 nucleotides. The deduced amino acid sequence of walking catfish VTG shared 58.9%, 56.9%, 41.7%, 32.6% and 8.1% identity with VTGs of common carp, zebrafish, rainbow trout, Xenopus and chicken, respectively. Results agreed with previous studies which indicated that among fishes, VTG is not a highly conserved protein, but shares a common general structure. Northern blot and RT-PCR revealed that VTG was specifically expressed in the liver of female fish. To establish the relationship between gonadosomatic index (GSI) and the level of hepatic VTG transcript, monthly change in the GSI of females was monitored over a 1-year period from June 2006 to May 2007. The relative copy number of VTG mRNA was determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Significant variations of mean GSI values and VTG mRNA levels (P<0.05) were observed among months. From June to August, mean GSI values ranged from 8.60±0.35% to 13.07±0.59%. Highest mean GSI value (18.27±2.51%) and maximum VTG transcript levels were observed in September. From October through March, ovarian weight steadily declined, with the lowest mean GSI value (0.77±0.38%) in January. The expression profile of the VTG gene reflected the annual changes in reproductive cycle of female walking catfish, showing high levels during the breeding period and low levels during resting periods.

Compulsive-like behaviour according to the sex and the reproductive stage of female rats

The aim of the present study was to explore putative differences in the responses assessed in an animal model of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) according to the sex and the reproductive cycle of female rats. The model consists of the induction of perseveration (repetitive choices of the same arm in a T-maze) by 8-OH-DPAT (1.0 mg/kg). Males and females (pooled in all stages of their oestrous cycle) persevered after 8-OH-DPAT administration and no differences were observed between groups. During the oestrous cycle, this 5-HT 1A agonist induced perseveration in metoestrus, dioestrus and prooestrus and reduced levels of this behaviour in oestrus. 8-OH-DPAT provoked perseveration in mid-gestation, an effect that was reduced in late-gestation and blocked during lactation. Reproductive cycle changes in the induced perseveration are discussed from the standpoint of the ovarian steroids’ action on the serotoninergic system and on the bases of the variations in stress responsiveness along the reproductive cycle of the female. Present results validate the use of females in this model of OCD and could be relevant for studying the role of reproductive hormones in the pathophysiology of this disorder.

Male reproductive biology of the red frog crab, Ranina ranina, off Hachijojima, Izu Islands, Japan

Male red frog crabs, Ranina ranina, were collected year round in 1990 and 1991 off Hachijojima for histological study of the reproductive system and cycle. The testis containing the lobules and seminiferous ducts is surrounded by connective tissue. The seminiferous duct connects to the anterior end of the vas deferens, which can be histologically divided into three portions similar to one another in appearance. It was surrounded by fibrous connective tissue, muscle fibrils and columnar epithelium. Muscle fibrils were absent in the anterior portion. Multiple sperm masses were not formed in the vas deferens and ejaculatory duct, but the sperm mass was covered with a capsule composed of two layers. The outer layer of the capsule was periodic acid Schiff (PAS)-positive, but the inner layer was negative. Both layers were Alcian Blue negative, except the vacuoles in the outer layer that were stained blue. The small round androgenic gland was attached to the posterior end of the vas deferens of the coxa of the eighth thoracic appendage. The ejaculatory duct was distinguishable from the vas deferens by the absence of columnar epithelium and the presence of thick longitudinal muscle fibers. Spermatogenesis was histochemically examined. The acrosomal vesicle appeared to be derived from PAS-positive vesicles in the cytoplasm of the spermatid at the early stage of spermiogenesis. The arms were positive to the Feulgen reaction and the subacrosomal region was negative to PAS. Seasonal changes in reproductive cycle were inconspicuous histologically and microscopically. Sperm were always present in the testis and vas deferens throughout the year and occupied 5.1 to 19.6% of testis observed in cross sections. The minimum size of maturity is less than 39 mm carapace length, but the minimum size capable of successful mating was estimated to be ca. 55 mm.

Alanine transport across in vitro rabbit vagina

Transmural flux of alanine across the vaginal epithelium of the rabbit is a specialized mechanism. There is a net serosal to mucosal translocation of the amino acid in the absence of a concentration gradient. Changes in reproductive cycle do not influence this mechanism but, in castrated animals, it is abolished. Transport properties of vaginal epithelium is important because of increasing utilization of intravaginal contraceptives.

Neural control of cyclic reproductive functions in the mammal

A review of the neural control of cyclic reproductive functions in the mammal is presented. Methods in neuroendocrinology the hypothalamus and neural centers outside the hypothalamus are discussed. It is concluded that although the cortex the septal complex and the hippocampus register changes in electrical activity during cyclic events or after hormonal treatment in the female animal the changes do not necessarily indicate that such areas exert a direct control over cyclic reproductive activities. The amydala appear to have an important regulatory role in LH release and may constitute a site of sexual steroid feedback. During the reproductive cycle changes in the thalamus were evident but its role and that of the medial forebrain bundle are not clear. The midbrain reticular formation in the mesencephalon is affected by reproductive activities and may regulate the release of gonadotropins by the pituitary.