Development Of Genital Organs Research Articles

The Impact of Maternal Hypothyroidism during Pregnancy on Minipuberty in Boys.

Minipuberty is a period of increased reproductive axis activity in infancy, which seems to be implicated in the postnatal development of male genital organs. Impaired thyroid function during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal complications. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the presence of hypothyroidism during pregnancy modulates the course of male minipuberty. We compared three matched groups of male infants: sons of women with hypothyroidism uncontrolled or poorly controlled during pregnancy (group A), male offspring of women treated over the entire pregnancy with adequate doses of levothyroxine (group B), and sons born to women with no evidence of thyroid disease (group C). Salivary levels of testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, estradiol, progesterone, and 17-hydroxyprogesterone, as well as urine concentrations of FSH and LH, were assessed once a month in the first 6 months of life, and once every two months between months 6 and 12. Gonadotropin and testosterone levels during the first 6 months of life were lower in group A than in groups B and C. Differences in testosterone and gonadotropin levels were accompanied by similar differences in penile length and testicular volume. Concentrations of the remaining hormones did not differ between the study groups. The obtained results suggest that untreated or undertreated maternal thyroid hypofunction in pregnancy has an inhibitory effect on postnatal activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis and genital organ development in their male offspring.

Analysis of Studies on the Role of Hormones in Micropenis Disorders: A Systematic Literature Review

A deep understanding of the role of specific hormones in genital development is key to designing effective therapeutic approaches. Factors such as testosterone deficiency, growth hormone disorders, or other hormonal imbalances can be targets for hormonal interventions that can affect penis size. This study aimed to explore the role of hormonal aspects in micropenis disorders. The literature search process was carried out on various databases (PubMed, Web of Sciences, EMBASE, Cochrane Libraries, and Google Scholar) regarding the role of hormonal aspects in micropenis disorders. This study follows the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) recommendations. Aspects of the hormonal role in micropenis include several key elements that influence the development of genital organs in men. Hormones, such as testosterone, growth hormone, estrogen, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), play an important role in stimulating penis growth and development. Proper hormonal balance is necessary for normal genital development, and disturbances in the production of or response to these hormones may contribute to conditions such as micropenis.

Aldehyde oxidases mediate plant toxicant susceptibility and fecundity in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum

Aldehyde oxidases (AOXs) are a group of metabolic enzymes that play critical roles in the degradation of xenobiotics and chemicals. However, the physiological function of this enzyme in insects remains poorly understood. In this study, three TcAOX genes (TcAOX1, TcAOX2, TcAOX3) were identified and characterized from Tribolium castaneum genome. Spatiotemporal expression profiling showed that TcAOX1 expression was most highly expressed at the early pupal stage and was predominantly expressed in the antennae of adults, indicating that TcAOX1 was involved in the degradation of chemical signals; TcAOX2 expression was most highly expressed at the late pupal stage and was mainly expressed in the fat body, epidermis of larvae and adults, respectively; and TcAOX3 expression was in all stages and was primarily expressed in the head of adults. Moreover, the transcripts of TcAOX2 and TcAOX3 were significantly induced after exposure to plant oil, and RNA interference (RNAi) targeting of each of them enhanced the susceptibility of beetles to this plant toxicant, suggesting that these two genes are associated with plant toxicant detoxification. Intriguingly, knockdown of the TcAOX1 led to reductions in female egg-laying but unchanged the hatchability and the development of genital organs, suggesting that this gene may mediate fecundity by effecting the inactivation of chemical signals in T. castaneum. Overall, these results shed new light on the function of AOX genes in insects, and could facilitate the development of research on pest control management.

Effects of zearalenone on genital organ development, serum immunoglobulin, antioxidant capacity, sex hormones and liver function of prepubertal gilts

The study aimed to examine the effects of zearalenone on genital organ development, serum immunoglobulin, antioxidant capacity, sex hormones and liver function of prepubertal gilts. Forty-eight prepubertal gilts (Landrace × Yorkshire) were randomly divided into three treatment (T1, T2 and T3) groups and a control group (12 replicates per group, 1 gilt per replicate). Prepubertal gilts in the control group were fed with basal diet, and those in T1, T2 and T3 groups were fed with basal diets supplemented with 200 μg/kg, 800 μg/kg and 1600 μg/kg zearalenone during the experiment period, which lasted for 14 d. Feed intake was counted and vulvar area was measured. The blood samples were collected from the anterior vena cava of 6 prepubertal gilts in each group, and immunoglobulins, antioxidant indexes, inflammatory cytokines, genital hormones, and biochemical indexes were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed that the average daily feed intake of prepubertal gilts in each group had no significant change (p > 0.05). On 14 d, compared with the control group, the vulva area of prepubertal gilts in each treatment group was significantly increased (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the serum immunoglobulin G content in the T3 group was significantly reduced (p < 0.05). The activities of total antioxidant capacity and the superoxide dismutase of serum in the T3 group were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the serum interleukin-4 content in each test group were extremely significantly increased (p < 0.01). The serum contents of luteinizing hormone in the T2 and T3 groups and estradiol in the T3 group were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) than that of control group. Compared with the control group, the activity of aspartate aminotransferase in T3 group was significantly increased (p < 0.05). In conclusion, zearalenone has no significantly effect on the feed intake of prepubertal gilts, but it can reduce its serum immunoglobulin contents and antioxidant properties, disrupt the secretion of sex hormones, increase the vulva area, produce reproductive toxicity and cause liver damage. Therefore, in pig production, the use of antimould reagent together with products of immunity-boosting, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective may enhance protection.

Development of urogenital system in the Spix cavy: A model for studies on sexual differentiation

This study documented, for the first time, the morphological patterns of differentiation of male and female genital organs of Spix cavy (Galea spixii) using histological and ultrastructural analyses, with immuno-localization of steroidogenic enzymes, cytochromes P450 aromatase (P450arom) and 17α-hydroxylase/17, 20-lyase (P450c17), involved in the synthesis of estrogens and androgens respectively throughout fetal sexual development. Undifferentiated gonads of Spix cavy develop into ovaries in females after 25 days of gestation (DG), exhibiting P450arom immunoreactivity. After 25 DG, paramesonephric ducts develop and form oviducts, uterine horns and cranial portion of the vagina. The caudal portion of the vagina originates from the urogenital sinus, and a vaginal closure membrane is present at the end of gestation. Partial channeling of the urethra into the clitoris occurs after 40 DG, but complete channeling never occurs. A preputial meatus emerges near the tip of organ. In males, undifferentiated gonads develop into testes at 25 DG and develop immunoreactivity for P450c17, which is required for androgens synthesis and likely maintenance of mesonephric ducts. Mesonephric ducts develop subsequently, forming the epididymis and ductus deferens. The pelvic urethra develops after 25 DG with channeling into the penis occurring around 30 DG. This is the first morphological study describing the process of sexual differentiation during gestation in a hystricomorph rodent and one of the most comprehensive analyses conducted in any mammal. Male genital organ development follows the general pattern described in other domestic mammals, but does not include formation of the baculum as occurs in mice and rats. In females, clitoral development includes partial canalization by the urethra and development of a preputial meatus. Further studies are required to clarify the mechanisms involved in the differentiative processes described.

Influence of exogenic and endogenic factors for the development of perinatal pathology in puppies

The article gives an overview of the sources of professional literature on neonatal pathology and pediatrics of puppies, in particular the definition of the genetic, congenital, iatrogenic causes of perinatal pathology. Genetic factors affecting the development of genital organs in dogs relate to 3 main categories of disorders, in particular chromosomal aberrations of the reproductive cells, disorders in individuals with normal genome of the male sexual sphere and related disorders in females. Non-genetic causes of congenital defects include taking pharmaceuticals during pregnancy that cause teratogenic effects on the fetus. The influence of individual drugs on the development of various anomalies and pathologies in the fruits is described. Congenital malformations have the nature of a syndrome, which manifests itself in multiple disorders, and often is associated with the peculiarities of the genus. The basis of congenital metabolic disorders is the genetically determined deficiency of enzymes. It has been established that the most common causes of mortality in puppies up to 2 weeks are hypoxia, hypoglycemia, hypothermia, dehydration, hemolytic syndrome, low birth weight, iatrogenic cause and bacterial infections. The appearance of symptoms of the disease in puppies depends on the degree of bacterial invasion and the reliability of immune defense, which in turn depends on the strength of the mother's immunity, as well as the age of the puppy, the use of colostrum, the level of concentration of microorganisms in the environment, stress and many individual factors. Bacterial infections are manifested differently, depending on the pathways of penetration of the pathogen. The modification of the Apgar scale for daily assessment of the condition of newborn puppies is described, which allows predicting animal survival. The scientific data on the use of ultrasound diagnosis and dopplerometry in pregnancy in females, the state of fetal development of fetuses and determination of optimal terms of delivery or on-line maternity care are given. The method of diagnosing the condition of the fetus by measuring the blood flow velocity and determining the content of lactic acid in the umbilical cord vessels is described, and the threshold concentration of lactic acid in the blood of the umbilical cord is determined, which allows differentiating healthy puppies from those exposed to stress factors. Another actual problem that is considered in modern professional literature is the use of hormonal markers for the diagnosis of pregnancy, as well as the definition of optimal terms of coverage or artificial insemination of females. The main types of neonatal pathology in dogs are described, as well as the principles of therapy in them in the works of well-known domestic and foreign specialists in the field of pediatric home carnivorous.

Механизмы адаптации беременных с невынашиванием в динамике сохраняющей терапии

The aim of the study: to evaluate the impact of the saving therapy in the implementation of adaptive mechanisms in pregnant women with recurrent pregnancy loss based on the study of the psycho-emotional state, autonomic balance and hormonal profile. Materials and methods. There were surveyed 67 pregnant women at the gestational age of 7-14 weeks with singleton pregnancy. The main group consisted of 35 women with threatening abortion clinic who were treated in the gynecological Department of the hospital № 9 Zaporozhye city and received natural micronized PG Utrozhestan® (Besins Healthcare) vaginally 200 mg twice a day. The control group consisted of 32 women without clinical manifestations of threatened abortion. The inclusion criteria were complaints of pain in lower abdomen and poor or moderate bleeding from the genital tract on the background of intrauterine pregnancy. Exclusion criteria were: hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovarian syndrome, menstrual irregularities, anomalies development of genital organs, habitual miscarriage, presence of fetal malformations and pregnancy with a copious bloody discharge. Results. Found that in pregnant women with threatening abortion clinic there is an increase of reactive anxiety, which is caused by an emotional reaction to a stressful situation and evidence of psycho-emotional maladjustment. Given that more than half of pregnant women with the clinic of miscarriage have a high level of personal anxiety, which is stable individual characteristics and reflects the predisposition of a subject to anxiety, this fact should be considered as a risk factor for this disease. Violations of the hormonal balance in pregnant women with recurrent pregnancy loss, characterized by increasing levels of cortisol and cortisone-insulin index, which is a stress response in this population of pregnant women. Similar changes are characteristic for the system mother-placenta-fetus that are caused by the decreased levels of estriol. Conclusion. Saving therapy using vaginal micronized progesterone (Utrozhestan®), including in the group of pregnant women with a poor prognosis (the presence of retrohorial hematoma), has a positive impact on the normalization of psycho-emotional state, autonomic balance, hormonal profile, and is also characterized by a lack of androgenic activity, which gives grounds to recommend cough medicine® for inclusion in the scheme of treatment of miscarriage. Key words: surrogacy pregnancy, autonomic regulation, level of anxiety, the hormonal profile, stress, adaptation, treatment, Utrozhestan®.

Investigation on mechanism of sterility of male hybrids between yak and cattle

Cattle–yak, the first filial generation of yak and ordinary cattle, showed obvious hybrid vigor, but a difficult problem in crossbreeding and improvement of yak is that the males are sterile. Thus it is not possible to steadily utilize the heterosis. So the study of the mechanism of male sterility is still one of the most interesting fields in yak science. Therefore, this paper will review contemporary studies in cattle–yak male sterility including the process of spermatogenesis, development of genital organs, pituitary and endocrinology, biochemical genetics and candidate genes correlating spermatogenesis, etc.

A Network Investigation on Idiopathic Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism in China

Idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) is a rare condition in which puberty does not take place naturally. We aimed to develop and follow an internet-based cohort and to improve our understanding of the disease. We established an internet-based questionnaire survey. A total of 74 male IHH patients were recruited from the Chinese largest IHH network social group. The clinical symptoms before treatment mainly included small testis, underdeveloped secondary sexual characteristics, and sexual dysfunction. After treatment, the penis length, testicular volume, external genital organ development, pubic hair, beard, laryngeal prominence, erection, and spermatorrhea were improved significantly (P < 0.001). 18.9% of the patients completed fertility; however, more than half of the patients still complained of poor happiness and low physical strength. In addition, improvements in penis and pubic hair development, testosterone normalization and the physical strength in IHH patients who received gonadotropin and androgen replacement therapy were better than in those who received single gonadotropin therapy (P < 0.05 for all). In conclusion, disease-specific network investigation can be used as an alternative method of medical research for rare diseases. The results of our cross-sectional study showed the effectiveness of hormone replacement therapy for IHH and implied that gonadotropin and androgen replacement therapy may be superior to gonadotropin treatment alone.

Organogenesis and subsequent development of the genital organs in female and male Pacific white shrimp Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei

Timing of organogenesis and subsequent development of genital organs were studied in female and male Pacific white shrimp Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei postlarvae. This was linked to the timing of differentiation of external structures that differentiate the genders. Anatomy of the gonad appears to be unique for penaeid species. The genital organ was fully recognized from postlarve day-16 (PL16) as a bilateral lobe located in the anterior region of the midgut gland (first anterior lobes) that connects to an anterior perpendicular collector tube that extends dorsally towards the posterior region of the midgut gland and forms an inverted U-shape collector. Eight bilateral lobes in females (second to ninth) and the bilateral oviduct between the seventh and eighth lateral lobes and seven bilateral lobes in the male (second to eighth) are connected along the inverted U-shape collector tube. These lobes extend over the surface of the midgut gland beneath the pericardium. Shortly after organogenesis of the female gonad, the tenth bilateral lobe emerges from the distal region of the collector tube and continues dorsally along the intestine, and the fourth bilateral lobe did not develop and regressed until apparently absorbed. In males, the posterior bilateral vas deferens emerges from the same region. Around PL50 (0.5–0.6 g; 45–50 mm), external gender differentiation was recognized in the form of the thelycum in females and the gonopores in males. Additionally, the male androgenic gland appears at the posterior-external wall of each anterior vas deferens, surrounded by connective tissue that attaches to the anterior vas deferens and the eighth testicular lobe. Gonad differentiation occurred from PL68 (1.8–2.2 g; 70–74 mm), where it was possible to differentiate the female ovary from the male testes. Timing of sex reversal studies in penaeids is discussed.

The development of the genital peritoneum in domestic mammals. An analysis of the literature and nomenclature.

This review presents and discusses the reasons for the currently employed anatomical terminology relating to the genital peritoneum of various domestic species, based upon its prenatal development. When reviewing the development of genital organs, attention must be paid to changes in the related peritoneum in order to define currently used terminology more clearly. The relevance of some terms such as Caudal genital ligament, Plica gubernaculi, Plica iguinalis and genital fold is considered. A system of serosal folds, the Plica gonadoinguinalis or genitoinguinalis, seems to be a useful term to be added to the Nomina Embryologica Veterinaria.

Quantitative analysis of the development of genital organs from the urogenital sinus of the fetal male mouse treated prenatally with a 5α-reductase inhibitor

The role of 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the development of the genital organs and in the differentiation of the genital tract into prostate, coagulating gland (CG), bulbo-urethral gland (BUG) and seminal vesicle (SV) in male mice exposed prenatally to the 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor 6-methylene-4-pregnene-3,20-dione (6-MP) has been examined quantitatively. Female ICR mice were given 7 daily s.c. injections of the inhibitor (400 mg/day) starting on day 12 of gestation and the experiment was terminated on day 19 when the fetuses were removed by Caesarean section. In the prenatally 6-MP-exposed male mice the anogenital distance was significantly shorter than in the controls. Feminization of the nipples and hypospadias of the phallic urethra were noted. Development of prostate, CG and BUG was significantly suppressed. SV and testis development were not affected. These results lend further support to the conclusion that DHT is necessary for the development of the urogenital sinus (prostate, CG and BUG) and penis, and for the regression of the nipples in male mice. Reproductive abnormalities were not found in 90-day-old mice of both sexes exposed to 6-MP in utero. The 6-MP-exposed male and female mice had a normal reproductive capacity when mated with normal mice. These results show that 6-MP-induced growth retardation of reproductive organs is evident on day 19 of gestation, but that such retardation is no longer apparent in the adult.

Some effects of cimetidine on the reproductive organs of rats

1. 1. The development of genital organs of rats chronically treated with cimetidine showed that the drug may present anti-androgenic activity. 2. 2. This treatment did not alter the sensitivity of vas deferens to noradrenaline, but increased their sensitivity to BaCl 2. 3. 3. In the male reproductive system, cimetidine must have peripheral actions apart from the central ones observed after chronic treatment.

Studies On Intestinal Trematodes In Korea Xiv. Infection Status Of Loaches With Metacercariae Of Echinostoma Cinetorchis And Their Development In Albino Rats

The metacercariae of Echinostoma cinetorchis (Trematoda: Echinostomatidae) were found infected in the loaches (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) purchased from two local markets in Korea. Identification of the metacercariae was done after obtaining adult worms from experimentally infected albino rats. Brief course of worm development in rats was also observed up to 28th post-infection day. The results are as follows: The metacercariae of E. cinetorchis were detected from 5 (10.9 %) out of 46 loaches examined and the average metacercarial burden per infected loach was 34.4. They were always found from the posterior abdominal wall. The worm recovery rate from 8 rats was 24.6 % in average. It was observed that the rate decreased according to age of infection; from 40.7 % after 6 days to 15.0 % after 28 days. The adult worms were morphologically characterized by the presence of head crown with dorsally uninterrupted collar spines, 37-38 in number, and the tendency of migration or disappearance of testes. So that they were identified as Echinostoma cinetorchis Ando et Ozaki, 1923. The development of worm was very rapid during 6-10 days after infection and became much slower thereafter. During the rapid worm growth the development of genital organs was more prominent than that of non-genital organs. From the results it is concluded that the loach is involved in the life cycle of E. cinetorchis in this country and may take a role for infection source to animals and man. It is also confirmed that migration or loss of testes is the distinct specific character of this echinostomatid fluke.

Ergatoid reproductives in Nasutitermes corniger (Motschulsky) (Isoptera: Termitidae)

Several hundred ergatoid reproductives were found in a queenless colony of Nasutitermes corniger (Isoptera: Termitidae) in the Republic of Panama. The ergatoids are derived in 2 molts from both small (male) and large (female) workers. The transition series of molting individuals found in this colony demonstrated that: (1) ergatoids are derived from more than one worker instar; (2) sexual transformation is initiated in a worker before molting into an ergatoid; (3) the transition is prolonged enough so that all stages are found concurrently in one colony; and (4) ergatoids are probably fed by normal workers beginning in the instar prior to differentiation. Morphological and histological analyses revealed that ergatoid size, pilosity, fat body, and endocrine glands are enlarged compared with sterile workers. Ocelli and reduced eyes appear in ergatoids, but they are probably not functional. Development of genital organs is conspicuous but the ovaries never reach a complete oogenesis and, in some cases, degenerate. Ergatoid development in the phylogenetically advanced termite genus Nasutitermes appears to be quite rare, but their maturation as replacement reproductives seems a real possibility.

Ultrastructural evidence for the endocrine nature of the lateral organs of the cattle tick Boophilus microplus

The lateral organs of the tick Boophilus microplus were previously thought to have a neurohaemal function, but the present study shows that they consist of glandular cells which contain a rich system of smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) and Golgi but no indication of neurosecretory production or release. There is acid phosphatase activity throughout the SER as well as in Golgi and a major function of the latter may be the production of lysosomal enzymes. It is suggested that the organs are endocrine glands and that, in engorged females, may secrete a hormone involved in the control of vitellogenesis. The organs are more active in feeding than in unfed males and a related function could be in control of the development of genital organs or spermatogenesis. Also present in the cells are coated vesicles, lipid droplets and microtubules. Coated vesicles close to Golgi are probably primary lysosomes whereas those near the periphery are shown by ferritin tracer to arise from coated pits. Pinocytosis could be involved in membrane retrieval but, in the absence of evidence for exocytosis, this seems unlikely. It is tentatively proposed that, by analogy with vertebrate and insect endocrine glands, the lateral organs may take up hormone precursor via coated vesicles for storage in lipid droplets and conversion to hormone in the SER. As in other SER-rich endocrine glands, the release mechanism for the hormone or other secretory product of the lateral organs is uncertain. Both the steroid, ecdysone and the terpenoid, juvenile hormone, are discussed as possible candidates for the lateral organ hormones.

Function of the Ovary: B. Fourth Paper: Advances Between 1911 and 1924

Summary 1. The primary development of the female genital organs, which include the mammary gland, depends upon the action of the hormone elaborated by the growing follicle. 2. The corpus luteum hormone produces a periodic accentuation of this effect and prolongs the growth stimulus during the early part of pregnancy. 3. The placenta produces further development of the genital organs in pregnancy. 4. (a) The follicle hormone causes the “premenstrual” or “pregravid” uterine change. (b) If no pregnancy develops, as soon as the corpus luteum becomes functionless, the hypertrophic uterine mucosa, analogous to rapidly growing embryonal tissue when the nutrition becomes impaired, breaks down, is exfoliated and bleeding (menstruation) then results. 5. The periodicity of menstruation is due to the fact that after the follicle has ripened—causing the “pregravid” change—ovulation takes place, and the corpus luteum inhibits other follicles from developing until the yellow body grows inactive. 6. Ovulation in the human female has been observed as early as one day and as late as 13 days after the cessation of the menses. 7. No function appears connected with the female “interstitial gland.” 8. Sex is a quantitative phenomenon depending upon the character of the gonad and the amount of its hormone output. The male and female tubular systems (wolffian and mullerian) respectively react qualitatively and quantitatively to the male or female hormone. 9. The secondary sex characters may react to other glands of internal secretion in addition to the gonads. 10. Deficiencies in follicle secretion, possibly also in other endocrine; glands during the formative periods, produce “fetalism” and “infatalism.” When this deficiency first develops after puberty, hypofunction of the genital system results. 11. Excess follicle secretion produces “premature sex development” in infancy and hyperfunction of the genital sphere after puberty has been established. 12. Lipoid extracts of the follicle, corpus luteum and placenta produce marked hyperplasia of the uterus, vagina and breasts in experimental animals (rat, rabbit, guinea pig, cat, etc.). 13. The same dosage per kilo that produces a reaction in animals would necessitate the use of the extract of 2 kg. of ovary per day in the average woman 14. Therefore it is not surprising that our present methods o ovotherapy are ineffective and the results obtained are as yet unconvincing.