Bulbourethral Research Articles

Dietary supplementation with rosemary essential oil improves genital characteristics, semen parameters and testosterone concentration in Barki rams

BackgroundMale reproductive performance is an essential part of sheep production; therefore, the use of natural antioxidants to improve sperm quality and maintain reproductive performance in males is very important. Hence, oral administration of rosemary essential oil (REO) was investigated to improve the fertility rate, including the ultrasonographic testes, epididymal tail and genital glands, as well as semen parameters and testosterone concentration. Sixty animals were splitted into two groups, each with 30 rams; the rosemary group (C + REO) received 2 mg/kg/bw and the control group (C-REO). Ultrasound images and blood samples were collected at 15, 30 and 45 days of the REO treatment.ResultsThe testis and epididymal tail ultrasonographic assessments demonstrated a significant enhancement in the C + REO group compared to the C-REO group. However, the rams in the C + REO group showed significant improvements in the pampini-form plexus, seminal vesicle, Cowper's and prostate genital glands compared to the C-REO group. The data showed that the sperm cell concentration (× 109/ml) and individual motility (%) were significantly improved in the C + REO group. Furthermore, ejaculate volume (ml) in the C + REO group was significantly higher than that in the C-REO group. While the animals treated with REO did not improve live spermatozoa (%), it reduced the abnormalities of spermatozoa (%) compared to the C-REO group. Also, the C + REO group significantly increased the testosterone concentration more than the C-REO group.ConclusionIt can be concluded that supplementation with 2 mg/kg/bw REO improves genital characteristics, semen parameters and testosterone concentration in Barki rams.

Anatomy of the Male Reproductive System of Sugar Gliders (Petaurus breviceps).

The present study provides a detailed macroscopic examination (with some microscopic insights) of the genital apparatus of seven adult and intact male sugar gliders, as well as one castrated individual. The scrotum is pendulous and attached to the ventral abdominal wall, situated in the caudal part of the abdomen and cranial to the cloacal opening. The testes are oval shaped with their long axes oriented vertically. The epididymides are attached along the caudomedial border of their respective testes. The head and tail of the epididymides are in close proximity to the poles of the testes but are not directly attached. The deferent ducts are positioned laterally to their ipsilateral ureter as they run near the dorsal surface of the urinary bladder. The ampulla of the deferent duct is absent. The penis is located post-scrotally, lacks insertion into the bony pelvis, and has a bifid distal end. The crura of the penis originate within the ischiocavernosus muscles, and there are two bulbs of the penis. When flaccid, the entire penis is concealed in the perineal region and externalizes through an orifice situated in the ventral part of the cloaca, traversing its floor towards the cloacal opening. The urethral external orifice is positioned at the point where the bifurcation of the free part of the penis begins. The prostate gland resides in the pelvic cavity and consists of two parts: a macroscopically visible body surrounding the urethra and a microscopically identifiable portion embedded within the walls of the duct. Sugar gliders possess two pairs of bulbous bulbourethral glands, located dorsally and laterally to the rectum, but lack vesicular glands.

Cowper Glands Identified in Prostate and Urethral Specimens: A Comprehensive Immunohistochemical Characterization and Potential Diagnostic Pitfall.

Cowper glands recognition remains one of the key histoanatomic benign mimics of prostatic adenocarcinoma. In most instances, these can be identified based on the dimorphic population of lobulated acini and duct(s). However, in the prostate biopsy setting with incomplete/distorted cores, this may not be immediately apparent and may warrant use of immunohistochemistry to argue against prostatic adenocarcinoma. Although immunohistochemical pitfalls in Cowper glands have been described, to our knowledge a comprehensive evaluation of both traditional and purportedly prostate-specific novel markers in Cowper glands has not been previously performed. Herein, we studied the clinicopathological and immunohistochemical features of 21 male patients (age range 39-81 years; mean = 63 years), including 15 prostate biopsies (7 of which also had prostate cancer in the same specimen set and 2 of which had both prostate cancer and Cowper glands in the same biopsy core). Immunohistochemistry showed the following results in Cowper glands: 100% positive for NKX3.1, 100% positive (basal cells) for both high molecular weight keratin and p63, 57% positive for PSAP, 25% positive for PSMA, 5% positive for AMACR, and 0% positive for PSA. In conclusion, for specimens lacking appreciable dimorphic morphology, caution should be rendered when using prostate-specific markers (PSA, PSAP, PSMA, and NKX3.1) as these can show considerable staining in Cowper glands and be a pitfall. Instead, findings from this cohort indicate relying on basal markers (high molecular weight keratin/p63; either individually or in a "cocktail" approach) and PSA are most useful in distinguishing Cowper glands (retained basal cell markers staining) from prostatic adenocarcinoma.

Localization of β-Nerve Growth Factor in the Stallion Reproductive Tract.

β-Nerve growth factor (β-NGF) is a protein produced in the reproductive tract of camelids (camels, llamas, and alpacas) that has been identified as the ovulation inducing factor in seminal plasma. β-NGF from seminal plasma deposited into the reproductive tract of the female camelid acts systemically to stimulate the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the anterior pituitary, which in turn induces follicle maturation and ovulation. The objectives of the present study were to determine if β-NGF is present in the reproductive tract of the stallion and identify the specific site(s) of production. The hypotheses were that β-NGF would be present in the stallion reproductive tract and would primarily be localized in Sertoli cells of the testes and the prostate gland. Immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded paraformaldehyde-fixed tissues was performed using a rabbit polyclonal anti-β-NGF antibody on a total of six male equine reproductive tracts, including a one-day old colt, a one-year-old colt, and four adult stallion tracts. Strong immunostaining was observed in the efferent ducts of the testes and the epithelial cells of the prostate, seminal vesicles, bulbourethral glands, and ampullae. Weaker β-NGF staining was noted in Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, and spermatogonia within the testes and in epithelial cells of the epididymis. In conclusion, immunohistochemistry revealed that β-NGF is present in the stallion reproductive tract, and the protein is primarily present in the efferent ducts of the testes and in all accessory sex glands.

Dissection of the Male Urethra Demonstrating Its Topographical Specificity.

The urethra is a long muscular tubular organ that changes its internal configuration as it traversesdifferent regions. Therefore, the pathology of each region is distinctive, and regional characteristics may influence exploration and treatment. We set out to perform detailed dissections of the male urethra and illustrate the regional specificity for each urethral segment. Therefore, we dissected the vesical cervix, showing both the normal appearance and the appearance of prostatic middle lobe adenoma. We dissected the prostatic urethra, showing the seminal colliculus, ejaculatory ducts, and prostatic utricle. We revealed the membranous urethra surrounded by the striated sphincter. We have shown the appearance of the spongy urethral bulb with its cul-de-sac appearance, the aspect of the urethral lacunae, the navicular fossa, and the external urethral meatus. We performed cross-sections through the prostatic urethra as well as dissection of the bulbourethral glands at the level of the urogenital diaphragm. All the information obtained through dissection is illustrated in high-quality graphic form and correlated with clinical applications, making this work valuable teaching material.

Seasonal variation of NGF in seminal plasma and expression of NGF and its cognate receptors NTRK1 and p75NTR in the sex organs of rams

Nerve growth factor (NGF) has long been known as the main ovulation-inducing factor in induced ovulation species, however, recent studies suggested the NGF role also in those with spontaneous ovulation. The first aim of this study was to evaluate the presence and gene expression of NGF and its cognate receptors, high-affinity neurotrophic tyrosine kinase 1 receptor (NTRK1) and low-affinity p75 nerve growth factor receptor (p75NTR), in the ram genital tract. Moreover, the annual trend of NGF seminal plasma values was investigated to evaluate the possible relationship between the NGF production variations and the ram reproductive seasonality. The presence and expression of the NGF/receptors system was evaluated in the testis, epididymis, vas deferens ampullae, seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands through immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR (qPCR), respectively. Genital tract samples were collected from 5 adult rams, regularly slaughtered at a local abattoir. Semen was collected during the whole year weekly, from 5 different adult rams, reared in a breeding facility, with an artificial vagina. NGF seminal plasma values were assessed through the ELISA method. NGF, NTRK1 and p75NTR immunoreactivity was detected in all male organs examined. NGF-positive immunostaining was observed in the spermatozoa of the germinal epithelium, in the epididymis and the cells of the secretory epithelium of annexed glands, NTRK1 receptor showed a localization pattern like that of NGF, whereas p75NTR immunopositivity was localized in the nerve fibers and ganglia. NGF gene transcript was highest (p < 0.01) in the seminal vesicles and lowest (p < 0.01) in the testis than in the other tissues. NTRK1 gene transcript was highest (p < 0.01) in the seminal vesicles and lowest (p < 0.05) in all the other tissues examined. Gene expression of p75NTR was highest (p < 0.01) in the seminal vesicles and lowest (p < 0.01) in the testis and bulbourethral glands. NGF seminal plasma concentration was greater from January to May (p < 0.01) than in the other months. This study highlighted that the NGF system was expressed in the tissues of all the different genital tracts examined, confirming the role of NGF in ram reproduction. Sheep are short-day breeders, with an anestrus that corresponds to the highest seminal plasma NGF levels, thus suggesting the intriguing idea that this factor could participate in an inhibitory mechanism of male reproductive activity, activated during the female anestrus.

Studi Morfologi Kelenjar Aksesoris Kelamin Jantan Sapi Sumba Ongole (Bos indicus)

Sumba Ongole cattle are one of the local types of cattle that are most commonly found in Indonesia. Bulls have accessory gland are ampulla, vesicular glands, prostate glands, and bulbourethral glands. The aim of this research is to determine the anatomical morphology and histology of male accessory glands in Sumba Ongole cattle. The research sample was six Sumba Ongole cattle that had been slaughtered at the East Sumba Regency Slaughterhouse. Macroscopic examination carried out tissue fixation in 10% formalin, tissue processing, and hematoxylin-eosin staining. The results of the research show that the male accessory glands in Sumba Ongole cattle have the ampullary gland, vesicular gland, prostate gland and bulbourethral gland.. Microscopically, each gland is covered by a capsule and has a secretory gland. The ampullary secretory glands are lined by cylindrical epithelium and have a serous type. The secretory glands of the vesicular glands are lined with cylindrical epithelium and have a seromucous type, the secretory glands of the prostate gland are lined with cuboidal epithelium and have a seromucous type, and the secretory glands of the bulbourethral glands are lined by cuboidal epithelium and have the mucous type.

Non-invasive biomarkers for sperm retrieval in non-obstructive patients: a comprehensive review.

Recent advancements in reproductive medicine have guided novel strategies for addressing male infertility, particularly in cases of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Two prominent invasive interventions, namely testicular sperm extraction (TESE) and microdissection TESE (micro-TESE), have emerged as key techniques to retrieve gametes for assisted reproduction technologies (ART). Both heterogeneity and complexity of NOA pose a multifaceted challenge to clinicians, as the invasiveness of these procedures and their unpredictable success underscore the need for more precise guidance. Seminal plasma can be aptly regarded as a liquid biopsy of the male reproductive tract, encompassing secretions from the testes, epididymides, seminal vesicles, bulbourethral glands, and prostate. This fluid harbors a variety of cell-free nucleic acids, microvesicles, proteins, and metabolites intricately linked to gonadal activity. However, despite numerous investigations exploring potential biomarkers from seminal fluid, their widespread inclusion into the clinical practice remains limited. This could be partially due to the complex interplay of diverse clinical and genetic factors inherent to NOA that likely contributes to the absence of definitive biomarkers for residual spermatogenesis. It is conceivable that the integration of clinical data with biomarkers could increase the potential in predicting surgical procedure outcomes and their choice in NOA cases. This comprehensive review addresses the challenge of sperm retrieval in NOA through non-invasive biomarkers. Moreover, we delve into promising perspectives, elucidating innovative approaches grounded in multi-omics methodologies, including genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics. These cutting-edge techniques, combined with the clinical and genetics features of patients, could improve the use of biomarkers in personalized medical approaches, patient counseling, and the decision-making continuum. Finally, Artificial intelligence (AI) holds significant potential in the realm of combining biomarkers and clinical data, also in the context of identifying non-invasive biomarkers for sperm retrieval.

Gene Expression in Porcine Bulbourethral Glands.

The porcine bulbourethral glands produce a gel-type secretion. Although the role of these contributions to reproductive success remains murky, the bulbourethral glands are major accessory sex glands in this species. Isometric growth in the early neonatal interval is followed by allometric growth in the late juvenile interval (6 to 11 weeks of age), while circulating endogenous steroids are low. The rate of allometric growth increases during the peripuberal interval (16 to 20 weeks of age) when systemic testosterone is relatively high. Gene expression for androgen receptor (AR) and for the steroid 5 alpha-reductase 2 (SRD5A2) enzyme that synthesizes the more potent androgen dihydrotestosterone from its precursor was evaluated by qPCR analyses of bulbourethral gland tissue. Tissues were collected from control boars (2 weeks to 40 weeks of age) and from littermates of these boars treated with letrozole to suppress endogenous estrogen synthesis. Gene expression for these two key proteins in androgen signaling was quite low during the initial allometric growth in the late juvenile and prepuberal intervals, suggesting that this initial growth was not primarily stimulated by androgens. These observations are consistent with a more direct estrogen-mediated inhibition of growth via GPER previously proposed, with the sensitivity extending into the late juvenile interval when estrogens as well as androgens are normally relatively low.

Long-read and short-read RNA-seq reveal the transcriptional regulation characteristics of PICK1 in Baoshan pig testis.

PICK1 plays a crucial role in mammalian spermatogenesis. Here, we integrated single-molecule long-read and short-read sequencing to comprehensively examine PICK1 expression patterns in adult Baoshan pig (BS) testes. We identified the most important transcript ENSSSCT00000000120 of PICK1, obtaining its full-length coding sequence (CDS) spanning 1254 bp. Gene structure analysis located PICK1 on pig chromosome 5 with 14 exons. Protein structure analysis reflected that PICK1 consisted of 417 amino acids containing two conserved domains, PDZ and BAR_PICK1. Phylogenetic analysis underscored the evolutionary conservation and homology of PICK1 across different mammalian species. Evaluation of protein interaction network, KEGG, and GO pathways implied that interacted with 50 proteins, predominantly involved in glutamatergic synapses, amphetamine addiction, neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, dopaminergic synapses, and synaptic vesicle recycling, and PICK1 exhibited significant correlation with DLG4 and TBC1D20. Functional annotation identified that PICK1 was involved in 9 GOs, including seven cellular components and two molecular functions. ceRNA network analysis suggested BS PICK1 was regulated by seven miRNA targets. Moreover, qPCR expression analysis across 15 tissues highlighted that PICK1 was highly expressed in the bulbourethral gland and testis. Subcellular localization analysis in ST (Swine Tesits) cells demonstrated that PICK1 significantly localized within the cytoplasm. Overall, our findings shed new light on PICK1's role in BS reproduction, providing a foundation for further functional studies of PICK1.

Visualization of radiographic mineral opacities in guinea pigs in the location of the bulbourethral glands may be underdiagnosed

BackgroundPathology of male guinea pig accessory sex glands is minimally described. Mineral opacities caudal to the pelvis were identified during evaluation of two index cases presenting with urinary signs. The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of this radiographic finding, suspected to be bulbourethral glands, and to describe associated clinical signs. MethodsA retrospective review of medical records from a single academic institution was performed identifying male guinea pigs with abdominal radiographs, abdominal computed tomography, and/or necropsy. Available imaging studies were evaluated for mineral opacities caudal to the pelvis and necropsy reports were reviewed. Medical case histories meeting the inclusion criteria were summarized. ResultsSix cases met the inclusion criteria, with a prevalence of 5.17% (6/116) amongst male guinea pigs with abdominal imaging that included the soft tissues caudal to the pelvis. Collimation of 25% (28/112) of radiographic studies and 50% (4/8) of computed tomographic studies excluded this region. One necropsy report (3.23%, 1/31) during the study period evaluated the accessory sex glands. The most common clinical signs in identified cases were hematuria (66.7%, 4/6) and stranguria (50%, 3/6). Conclusions and clinical relevanceThe clinical significance of radiographic mineralization in the vicinity of the bulbourethral glands is unknown. This radiographic finding may be underreported due to collimation practices which may exclude the soft tissues caudal to the pelvis. Purposeful evaluation of these organs should be performed during imaging and necropsy evaluation to screen and develop better understanding of the clinical significance of this radiographic finding.

PSI-12 Characterization of Boar Reproductive Tract Microbiome Prior to Puberty Attainment

Abstract A large portion of microbiome research has focused on characterization of the gastrointestinal tract and female reproductive tract. However, minimal research has focused on establishing the bacterial community in other organs, specifically male reproductive tissues and gonads. Characterization of these microbiomes in early life could be an indicator of future semen microbiome composition and subsequent fertility status. The aim of this study was to characterize the bacterial communities of various male reproductive tissues including the testes, epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostate, bulbourethral glands, and preputial diverticulum in pre-pubertal boars. Crossbred boars (n = 4), fed a conventional diet (20% crude protein), were euthanized at approximately 2 months of age, and their intact reproductive tracts were removed. For each tissue (testes, epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostate, bulbourethral glands, and preputial diverticulum), a small incision was made before a sterile swab was rotated several times and placed into a sterile microcentrifuge tube for further analysis. A sterile swab was exposed to the environment and placed into a sterile microcentrifuge tube to act as a negative control. Samples were stored at -80°C before microbiome sequencing targeting the V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA bacterial gene. Statistical analysis was conducted using the PROC GLM procedure in SAS 9.4. A greater relative abundance of the phylum Firmicutes was observed in the preputial diverticulum than the bulbourethral glands, seminal vesicles, and prostate (75.1 ± 3.6% vs. 62.3 ± 3.1%, 59.3 ± 3.1%, 58.4 ± 3.1%, respectively; P &amp;lt; 0.05). Within Firmicutes, the relative abundance of the genus Blautia was reduced in the preputial diverticulum compared with testes, epididymis, seminal vesicles, bulbourethral glands, and prostate (0.6 ± 1.5% vs. 8.1 ± 1.3%, 8.1 ± 1.3%, 8.1 ± 1.3%, 7.6 ± 1.3%, 7.4 ± 1.3%, respectively; P &amp;lt; 0.01). In contrast, the genus Peptoniphilus, under the phylum Firmicutes, was more abundant in the preputial diverticulum than the testes, epididymis, seminal vesicles, bulbourethral glands, and prostate (8.8 ± 1.5% vs. 0.3 ± 1.3%, 0.1 ± 1.3%, 0.2 ± 1.3%, 0.1 ± 1.3%, 0.2 ± 1.3%, respectively; P &amp;lt; 0.01). The relative abundance of the phylum Bacteroidetes within the testes had a decreased relative abundance in comparison to the bulbourethral glands (14.2% vs. 23.6 ± 2.5%; P = 0.01), prostate (14.2% vs. 27.0 ± 2.5%; P = 0.01), and seminal vesicles (14.2% vs. 30.1 ± 2.5%; P = 0.01). The seminal vesicles (6.5% vs. 2.9 ± 0.8%; P &amp;lt; 0.01) and prostate (5.4% vs. 2.9 ± 0.8%; P &amp;lt; 0.05) had a greater relative abundance of the genus Bacteroides, within the phylum Bacteroidetes, than the testes. A greater relative abundance of the phylum Proteobacteria was observed in the preputial diverticulum than the bulbourethral gland, prostate, seminal vesicles, testes, and epididymis (13.5 ± 1.7% vs. 6.3 ± 1.5%, 6.5 ± 1.5%, 5.8 ± 1.5%, 5.6 ± 1.5%, 5.5 ± 1.5%, respectively; P &amp;lt; 0.01). Based on these results, it appears the preputial diverticulum and the testes have distinct bacterial communities that differ from the male accessory sex glands including the prostate, bulbourethral glands, and seminal vesicles. Further research is needed to characterize the boar reproductive tract microbiome and determine its relationship with fertility.

SOME ASPECTS OF THE PENIS AND ASSOCIATED GLANDS OF THE ADULT AFRICAN FRUIT BAT (Epomops franqueti)

There are sketches of data available on the penis of Megachiroptera. However, there is a dearth of information on the structures of the penis and its associated glands in the adult male Epomops franqueti. The penis is derived from mesoderm, which then differentiates into erectile tissues, connective tissues, smooth muscles, bones, and cartilage in a definite pattern to aid the penile function. The mammalian penis varies across different species in terms of penile shape, length, and appendages. Therefore, this work was aimed at investigating the anatomy of the African fruit bat’s penis and its associated glands. Ten adult male bats were captured and used for this study. The penises were dissected and processed for light microscopy. They were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&amp;E) and Mason’s trichrome (MT). Epomops franqueti has an average penile length of 6.20 ± 1.10 mm and a width of 3.56 ± 0.20 mm. The penis of Epomops. franqueti has a pair of corpora cavernosa that is more prominent than the single corpus spongiosum that surrounds the urethra. The prepuce of Epomops franqueti is retractable over the glans penis and it has preputial glands. The glans penis of the bat has no traces of baculum but it is furnished with accessory corpus cavernosum. Bulbourethral gland with simple columnar epithelium is located on the root of the penis, and this finding is novel in this species of bat. Gross and histological investigation reveals that Epomops franqueti has a vascular penis which is typical to mammals.

Long- and short-read RNA sequencing from five reproductive organs of boar

The production of semen in boars involves multiple reproductive glands, including the testis (Tes), epididymis (Epi), vesicular gland (VG), prostate gland (PG), and bulbourethral gland (BG). However, previous studies on boar reproduction primarily focused on the testis, with little attention paid to the other glands. Here, we integrated single-molecule long-read sequencing with short-read sequencing to characterize the RNA landscape from five glands of Banna mini-pig inbred line (BMI) and Diannan small-ear pigs (DSE). We identified 110,996 full-length isoforms from 22,298 genes, and classified the alternative splicing (AS) events in these five glands. Transcriptome-wide variation analysis indicated that the number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in five tissues of BMI was significantly lower than that in the non-inbred pig, DSE, revealing the effect of inbreeding on BMI. Additionally, we performed small-RNA sequencing and identified 299 novel miRNAs across all glands. Overall, our findings provide a comprehensive overview of the RNA landscape within these five glands, paving the path for future investigations on reproductive biology and the impact of inbreeding on pig transcriptome.

Cryopreservation modifies the distribution of the prostate-derived lectin SL15 on the llama (Lama glama) sperm.

Lectin-like molecules play a key role in mammalian sperm functionality. These multifunctional proteins have been proven to be involved in sperm capacitation, sperm motility, and viability, formation of the oviductal sperm reservoir, and in sperm-oocyte interaction. In a previous study, we reported the presence of a novel seminal plasma lectin, sperm lectin 15kDa (SL15), adsorbed to the llama sperm. In order to gain knowledge in the understanding of SL15 and its functions, the aims of this study were to (a) elucidate the presence and localization of SL15 in the llama male reproductive tract and sperm, and (b) determine whether the sperm cryopreservation process of cooling and freeze-thawing affects the SL15 levels and distribution on llama sperm. We found that SL15 protein was expressed along the male reproductive system: testis, epididymis, prostate, and bulbourethral glands, being the prostate the main site of SL15 secretion. SL15 was localized on the sperm head, following different localization patterns. In order to understand if sperm cryopreservation induces modifications in the SL15 adsorption pattern, immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry analysis were carried out on fresh, 24h cooled, and frozen-thawed sperm. Both cooled and frozen sperm showed particular SL15 patterns, that were not observed in the freshly ejaculated, indicating loss of SL15. Flow cytometry analysis also exhibited a decrease of SL15 in the cooled sperm (P<0.05), whereas a tendency to decrease was found in frozen-thawed sperm (P<0.1) when compared with freshly ejaculated sperm. This study extends the knowledge about the SL15 in the llama male physiology and provides evidence that cryopreservation-related techniques disrupt SL15 adsorption to the sperm membrane, possibly affecting sperm functionality and fertility.

MRI Anatomical Investigation of Rabbit Bulbourethral Glands.

Anatomical MRI is appropriate for the interpretation of soft tissue findings in the retroperitoneal part of the pelvic cavity. The aim of the current study was to use rabbits as an imaging model to optimize MRI protocols for the investigation of bulbourethral glands. The research was conducted on twelve clinically healthy, sexually mature male rabbits, eight months of age (New Zealand White), weighing 2.8 kg to 3.2 kg. Tunnel MRI equipment was used. The transverse MRI in the T2-weighted sequence obtained detailed images that were of higher anatomical contrast than those in T1-weighted sequences. The hyperintensity of the glandular findings at T2, compared to the adjacent soft tissues, was due to the content of secretory fluids. The quality of the anatomical tissue contrast has not shown much dependence on the choice of the sequence in dorsal MRI. The sagittal visualization of the rabbit bulbourethral glands corresponded to the localization of the research plane toward a median plane. The imaging results could be used as a morphological base for clinical practice and reproduction.

Obstrução uretral por vesiculite seminal em ovino - relato de caso

ABSTRACT We report a case of urethral obstruction due to seminal vesiculitis in a Dorper sheep, with symptoms of anuria, rectal prolapse, orchitis/epididymitis, and uroperitoneum and biochemical tests indicating severe azotemia. The animal died due to advanced azotemia, and necropsy revealed kidneys with cortical and medullary necrosis, pyelonephritis of renal calyces, hydronephrosis, ruptured and necrotic bladder, and vesicular, bulbourethral, and ampoule accessory sex glands. There was prostate hyperplasia that revealed a large amount of pus in the cross section, which was also observed bilaterally in the epididymis and right testis. Morphotintorial and biochemical analyses of bacteria obtained from microbiological culture revealed Corynebacterium sp. and Escherichia coli. Infection, hyperplasia, and abscessation of accessory sex glands caused urethral compression, resulting in an obstructive condition, similar to urolithiasis, in addition to bacteremia. Hyperplastic seminal vesiculitis, although rare, must be included among the differential diagnoses of obstructive processes in the urinary tract of sheep.

Presence, Tissue Localization, and Gene Expression of the Adiponectin Receptor 1 in Testis and Accessory Glands of Male Rams during the Non-Breeding Season

Adiponectin (ADIPOQ) is a member adipocytokines, and its actions are supported by two receptors, ADIPOQ receptor 1 and -2, respectively (ADIPOR1 and -R2). Our study was performed to evaluate the ADIPOR1 presence and location and its gene expression in reproductive tissues of the male ram, during its non-breading season. The different portions of the male ram reproductive system (testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle, ampoule vas deferens, bulb-urethral gland) were collected in a slaughterhouse. Immunohistochemistry showed ADIPOR1 positive signals in the cytoplasm of all the glandular epithelial cells, with a location near the nucleus; in the testes, the positive reaction was evidenced in the cytoplasm in the basal portion of the germinal epithelial cells. The immune reaction intensity was highest (p < 0.001) in the prostate and seminal vesicles glands than that of other parts of the ram reproductive tract. RT-qPCR detected the ADIPOR1 transcript in the testes, epididymis, vas deferens, bulbourethral glands, seminal vesicles, and prostate; the expression levels were high (p < 0.01) in the prostate and low (p < 0.01) in the testis, epididymis, and bulbourethral glands. The present results evidenced the possible ADIPOQ/ADIPOR1 system's role in regulating the testicular activity of male rams during the non-breading season.

Persisting Wolffian and Müllerian ducts in female and male southern tamanduas (Tamandua tetradactyla)?

The southern tamandua (Tamandua tetradactyla) and the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) belong to the anteater family Myrmecophagidae and both species share basic morphological characteristics including the general features of reproductive organs. However, in female and male giant anteaters, persisting Wolffian and Müllerian ducts have been observed that have not been described in the southern tamandua, so far. Therefore, the present study evaluated whether those persisting genital ducts of the opposite sex can be observed in the southern tamandua as well. For this purpose, the reproductive organs of adult roadkill male and female specimens were studied in Brazil. In female southern tamanduas, persisting Wolffian ducts extended from the opening of the uterovaginal canal into the sinus urogenitalis in cranial direction through the ventral wall of the uterovaginal canal and the uterus and followed the course of the uterine tubes until the lateral pole of the ovaries. Those ducts showed the same characteristics as described in giant anteaters and revealed similarities to male epididymal and deferent ducts. Furthermore, glandular structures in the wall of the urethra and the sinus urogenitalis were observed that showed microscopic characteristics corresponding to male prostate and bulbourethral glands, similarly to observations in female giant anteaters. In male southern tamanduas, on the contrary, only rudimentary tubules were found in the prostatic urethral wall while well-differentiated Müllerian ducts have been previously described in the male giant anteater. In conclusion, well-developed Wolffian ducts are a shared characteristic in both female southern tamanduas and female giant anteaters whereas well-developed Müllerian ducts are unique to male giant anteaters and only rudimentary Müllerian vestiges were observed in the male southern tamandua. Data on those persisting genital ducts are of interest for studies on reproductive biology and physiology of southern tamanduas and sexual development of mammalian species in general.

Comparative analysis of male reproductive accessory glands in bats Histiotus velatus (Vespertilionidae), Molossus rufus (Molossidae), and Peropteryx leucoptera (Emballonuridae).

Despite the high number of species and wide geographic dispersion, reproductive accessory glands (RAGs) of bats have traditionally received little attention in the literature, with some species not even having a basic description of their composition and structure. Thus, this study aimed to analyze and compare the composition, anatomy, and histology of male RAGs of bat species belonging to three of the largest (cosmopolitan) bat families: Vespertilionidae (Histiotus velatus), Molossidae (Molossus rufus), and Emballonuridae (Peropteryx leucoptera), in order to understand the variations in the bat RAGs. The results showed that the RAGs of H. velatus, M. rufus, and P. leucoptera are composed of an intra-abdominal prostatic complex, associated with the urethra, urethral glands, and a pair of inguinal bulbourethral glands; without ampullary glands or seminal vesicles. The prostatic complex can be composed of two (M. rufus and P. leucoptera) or three (H. velatus) prostatic regions, and can be compact (P. leucoptera), semi-lobed (M. rufus), or multilobed (H. velatus). Each prostatic region has unique and distinct characteristics, with the ventral region presenting a holocrine nature, exclusive to bats; while the dorsal and/or dorsolateral regions have similar characteristics to the ventral prostate of rats and to the human peripheral zone.