Intersex Males Research Articles

Narrative Therapy with Intersex Individual: A Clinical Case Study

Aim of Study. In the realm of family counselling, narrative counselling is gaining traction as a cutting-edge treatment option. In the present study the use of story counselling in working with intersex males has received special attention. The purpose of the current research was to provide a framework of narrative counselling and to investigate how intersex males' tales are influenced by cultural norms, worldviews, power, and privilege, and how this affects their emotional happiness. Methodology. The present investigation used single case study research design and collect data from a male individual with intersex problem. The data was collected through semi-structure interview and different stories writeup from the client. Result. The sources of the numerous themes and subthemes were investigated using thematic analysis in this qualitative study. Through semi-structured interviews, numerous themes, such as hopelessness, pessimism, self-blame, victimization, and learned helplessness, were found. Conclusions. According to the findings of the present study, there is a significant need to comprehend the difficulties and psychological pressures that affect individuals with intersex illnesses and to give narrative therapy to reduce their suffering. This study was undertaken not only for intersex individuals, but also for mental health professionals, in order to increase knowledge of sexual issues in Pakistani society and culture and to provide insight into them.

New data on two rare species of Fannia (Diptera, Fanniidae)

Two new synonymies are proposed: Fannia fasciculata Loew, 1873 = F. baihualingensis Yan, Xu, Wang & Zhang, 2019, syn. nov.; Fannia xiaoi Fan, 2000 = F. fani Wang & Wu, 2017, syn. nov. F. fasciculata is supposed to be originated from S-E Palaearctic, though it was described from Europe. Specimens previously identified as F. fani are regarded as a case of intersex males of F. xiaoi. Taxonomy and distribution of both considered species are discussed and specified. F. fasciculata and F. xiaoi were newly recorded for Russia.

Survey of Intersex (Testicular Oocytes) in Black Crappie Collected from the Illinois River Waterway

Abstract Researchers have documented intersex (testicular oocytes) in male fishes in many species worldwide and prevalence of the condition is strongly related to exposure to endocrine-disrupting compounds in aquatic ecosystems. There is no available knowledge about the incidence of intersex in Black Crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus, an important North American sport fish. The objective of this survey was to investigate the prevalence and distribution of the intersex condition in Black Crappie collected from portions of the Illinois River waterway. We collected and examined 83 Black Crappie. We observed testicular oocytes in 22 individuals (27% intersex), representing the first documentation of intersex condition in wild Black Crappie. The number of oocytes that we observed in intersex Black Crappie ranged from 1 to 67. We documented intersex in individuals collected from all habitats, but there were no significant differences in the prevalence of the condition (Kruskal–Wallis P = 0.56) or the number of oocytes present (P = 0.25) in intersex males from the different habitats. Permutational multivariate analysis of variance indicated that morphometric parameters varied significantly among locations (P = 0.0001), but did not vary significantly between intersex and normal males. We have little information about the current distribution of endocrine-disrupting compounds in the specific regions where we collected Black Crappie for our study. However, we believe our study represents a valuable effort to detect the condition in an important sport fish and lays a foundation for future research.

An evidence of intersex males in Jajroud River Loach, Oxynoemacheilus bergianus (Derjavin, 1934)

In the present study, JajroudRiverloach, Oxynoemacheilus bergianus (Derjavin, 1934), was examined monthly for a previous observation of oocyte presence within testes tissues. Accordingly, the gonad development in O. bergianus is examined histologically. Although our data show typical fish gonad development and differentiation in female and some male individuals, some males show intersexuality. Gonad histology and development of females’ ovaries were carried out to provide comparative data on oocyte staging in testes. Intersex males were observed throughout the year except in March and July, especially in individuals larger than 5.3 cm total length. Occurrence of intersex males seems to be associated with sex ratios and their deviation from 1:1 and fish age at different times of the year. As no real ovotestes were observed, histological changes were considered to be a transient stage in the testicular tissue with no evidence of sex change in fish. In the absence of testes fully transformed to ovaries, this type of change was considered as intersex.

Alteration in molecular markers of oocyte development and intersex condition in mullets impacted by wastewater treatment plant effluents

Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) discharges are an important source of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) into the aquatic environment. Fish populations inhabiting downstream of WWTP effluents show alterations in gonad and gamete development such as intersex condition, together with xenoestrogenic effects such as vitellogenin up-regulation. However, the molecular mechanisms participating in the development of intersex condition in fish are not elucidated. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of two WWTPs effluents (Gernika and Bilbao-Galindo situated in the South East Bay of Biscay) with different contaminant loads, in thicklip grey mullet (Chelon labrosus) populations inhabiting downstream, examining the presence and severity of intersex condition, during two seasons. Molecular markers of xenoestrogenicity and oocyte differentiation and development (vtgAa, cyp19a1a, cyp19a1b, cyp11b, foxl2, dmrt1 and gtf3a) were also studied. Intersex mullets were identified downstream of both WWTPs and vtgAa was upregulated in intersex and non intersex males. Sex dependent differential transcription levels of target genes were detected in mullets from Galindo. However, no such pattern was observed in mullets from Gernika, suggesting an attenuating effect over studied genes caused by a higher presence of EDCs in this site, as indicated by the elevated prevalence of intersex mullets in this population. In conclusion, no direct association between xenoestrogenic responses and intersex condition was established. Mullets from Gernika showed signs of severe EDC exposure compared to those from Galindo, as demonstrated by the higher prevalence of intersex males and the reduction in transcription profile differences between sexes of gametogenic gene markers.

P,p'-DDE Induces Gonadal Intersex in Japanese Medaka (Oryzias latipes) at Environmentally Relevant Concentrations: Comparison with o,p'-DDT.

Previous studies have reported high body burdens of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites in wild fishes worldwide. This study evaluated the adverse effects of 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis (p-chlorophenyl)-ethylene (p,p'-DDE) and o,p'-DDT on gonadal development and reproduction by exposing transgenic Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) from hatch for 100 days. While both p,p'-DDE and o,p'-DDT induced intersex in male medaka, the lowest observable effective concentration (LOEC) of o,p'-DDT was 57.7 ng/g ww, about 5-fold lower than that (272 ng/g ww) of p,p'-DDE. Since LOECs of both chemicals were comparable to the body concentrations in wild fish, DDT contamination would likely contribute to the occurrence of intersex observed in wild fish. Exposure to o,p'-DDT resulted in much higher expression of vitellogenin in liver of males than p,p'-DDE, accordant with the higher potency of o,p'-DDT than p,p'-DDE to induce intersex. This phenomenon could be partly explained by the significantly elevated levels of 17β-estradiol in plasma of males exposed to o,p'-DDT, in addition to its estrogenic activity via the estrogen receptor. Significantly lower fertilization (p = 0.006) and hatchability (p = 0.019) were observed in the 13 intersex males. This study for the first time demonstrated the induction of intersex and reproductive effects of p,p'-DDE and o,p'-DDT at environmentally relevant concentrations.

Molecular pathways associated with the intersex condition in rainbow darter (Etheostoma caeruleum) following exposures to municipal wastewater in the Grand River basin, ON, Canada. Part B

Rainbow darter (Etheostoma caeruleum; RBD) is a small benthic fish found in North America. This species is sensitive to sewage effluent, and intersex is found in up to 80% of males in near-field areas in the Grand River, Ontario, Canada. To learn more about the molecular signaling cascades associated with intersex, a developed customized oligonucleotide microarray (4×180K) using next generation sequencing was developed to characterize the transcriptome in the gonad of male and female RBD. Gene expression profiling was performed in males and females from both a reference site and a polluted site. Males with and without intersex condition from the areas closest to effluent outfalls were compared to males and females from a reference site. Microarray analysis revealed that there was increased mRNA abundance for genes associated with oogenesis in intersex males (i.e. the presence of eggs within the testis), and a decrease in mRNA abundance for genes associated with spermatid development. In females exposed to effluent, cell processes related with hatching and ovulation were down-regulated, and genes involved in immune responses were increased in abundance. In the non-intersex males exposed to effluent, cell processes such as sperm cell adhesion were decreased at the transcript level relative to males from the reference site. Microarray analysis revealed that heat shock proteins (HSP) were significantly increased in non-intersex males exposed to effluent; however, HSPs were not differentially expressed in intersex males exposed to the effluent. Genes involved in sex differentiation (sox9, foxl2 and dmrt1) and reproduction (esr1, esrb, ar, vtg, cyp19a1 and cyp11a) were measured in males, females, and intersex individuals. Consistent with the intersex condition, many transcripts showed an intermediate expression level in intersex males when compared to phenotypic males and females. This study improves our knowledge regarding the molecular pathways that underlie the intersex condition and develops a suite of qPCR bioassays in RBD that are able to discriminate pollutant-exposed males without intersex from those males with intersex. Part A of this study reports on the effects of municipal wastewater effluents (MWWEs) on RBD in the Grand River and demonstrates that there are disruptions in higher level endpoints that include altered steroid levels. Here we develop a new tool for assessing and monitoring the intersex condition in RBD in polluted natural environments and begin to characterize gene networks that are associated with the condition.

Whole organism responses and intersex severity in rainbow darter (Etheostoma caeruleum) following exposures to municipal wastewater in the Grand River basin, ON, Canada. Part A

Municipal wastewater effluents (MWWEs) contain anthropogenic substances that can exhibit endocrine-disrupting activity. These complex mixtures have been observed to exert adverse effects on fish. Rainbow darter (Etheostoma caeruleum, RBD) is a small benthic fish that is widespread throughout the Grand River, Ontario, Canada, and has been previously shown to be adversely affected by MWWE exposure in this watershed. The objectives of this study were to quantify biological responses in this sentinel species and intersex severity in male fish, in relation to the area of urbanization. It focused on RBD populations adjacent to wastewater outfalls in the Grand River watershed. In May 2011, nine sites across the urban gradient were selected to evaluate the impact of MWWEs. Endpoints for energy storage (i.e. condition factor, k; liversomatic index, LSI) as well as reproductive endpoints (i.e. gonadosomatic index, GSI; gonad development, hormone production), and intersex were assessed in the fish. Rainbow darter showed a high incidence of intersex downstream of the wastewater outfalls, especially below the largest treatment plant outfall at Kitchener (∼85%). We applied an intersex index (score from 0 to 7) that considers the number of eggs within the testis and the stage of maturation of the egg. RBD exposed downstream of the largest wastewater outfall at Kitchener had a score of 3.81±0.37 compared to upstream to the urban areas where there were no intersex males found other than a single individual with a score 1 (average intersex score of site 0.06±0.06). In addition, several fish associated with the Kitchener outfall had macroscopic vitellogenic eggs in the testes (intersex scores 5 and 6). The sub-population of fish located at the wastewater outfall also showed a tendency towards skewed sex ratios (greater proportion of females to male fish) compared to the population at the reference sites. Male fish inhabiting the urbanized area of the Grand River also showed reduced levels of testosterone (T) and 11-ketotestosterone (11KT). Intersex males had the lower levels of 11KT relative to the upstream reference fish but could not be distinguished from normal males collected at the exposed sites. Despite the high levels of intersex at these sites, no relationships were evident among intersex severity and other measured endpoints such as GSI, LSI or in vitro steroid production. The effects observed appear to be associated with urbanization and exposure to treated MWWEs in the watershed. Although intersex incidence and severity was a very good indicator of wastewater exposure, intersex could not be directly linked to other effects in this wild population. The effects of MWWEs on transcriptional changes in adult RBD exposed to the effluents are reported in the corresponding report (Part B).

Survey of Intersex Largemouth Bass from Impoundments in Georgia USA

AbstractIntersex fish are increasingly being reported worldwide, primarily in rivers that receive treated wastewater, but few studies have investigated intersex in waters that do not receive wastewater. In a recent reconnaissance survey of intersex fish in North America, a high rate of intersex was reported for Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides in some southeastern U.S. rivers; however, the occurrence of intersex in impoundments has not been well described, especially on a statewide scale. Therefore, our objective for this project was to survey the occurrence of intersex Largemouth Bass in a variety of impoundment habitats across Georgia. Largemouth Bass were collected from 11 impoundments without direct municipal or agricultural wastewater inputs. Gonads from all male Largemouth Bass were evaluated for the incidence and severity of the intersex condition based on presence and arrangement of testicular oocytes. Overall 48% of male Largemouth Bass collected from impoundments were intersex, which was found in 9 of the 11 impoundments. Among impoundments, incidence of intersex ranged from 0 to 82% of the males sampled and surface area of the impoundment was a significant predictor of intersex incidence. Intersex fish were smaller than normal males, but population‐level effects of intersex and causative factors of endocrine disruption in the impoundments remain unknown. The high incidence of intersex males in small impoundments demonstrates that the condition is not confined to rivers and suggests that factors other than those previously associated with intersex (i.e., municipal wastewater) may be involved.

Vitellogenin is not an appropriate biomarker of feminisation in a Crustacean

The expression of the yolk protein vitellogenin (Vtg) has been used as a biomarker of feminisation in multiple fish species throughout the world. Since the late 1990s, researchers have attempted to develop similar biomarkers to address whether reproductive endocrine disruption also occurs in the males of invertebrate groups such as the Crustacea. To date, the vast majority of studies investigating Vtg induction in male Crustacea have resulted in negative or inconclusive results, leading researchers to question the utility of Vtg expression as a biomarker in this taxon. This study measured the expression of Vtg genes in two intersex phenotypes (termed internal and external) found in the male amphipod, Echinogammarus marinus, and compared them with those of normal males and females. Males presenting the external intersex phenotype are infected with known feminising parasites and display a variety of feminised traits including oviduct structures on their testes and external female brood plates (oostegites). The internal intersex male phenotype, that displays a pronounced oviduct structure on the testes without the external intersex characteristics, is not parasite infected and it is thought to be a result of environmental contamination. Given their morphology, these phenotypes might be considered highly ‘feminised’ or ‘de-masculinised’ and can be utilised to test the suitability of feminisation biomarkers. The E. marinus transcriptome was searched for genes resembling Vtg and two sequences were revealed, that we subsequently refer to as Vtg1 and Vtg2. Results from a high-throughput transcriptomic sequencing screen of gonadal cDNA libraries suggested that very low expression (in this manuscript gene transcription is taken to represent gene expression, although it is acknowledged that in addition to transcription, translation, transcript processing, mRNA stability and protein stability can regulate gene expression) of Vtg1 and Vtg2 in normal males (ESTs=1 and 0 for Vtg1 and Vtg2, respectively), internal intersex males (ESTs=0 for both Vtg sequences) and external intersex males (ESTs=5 and 0 for Vtg1 and Vtg2, respectively). In contrast, the sequencing suggested notable levels of expression of both Vtg genes in females (ESTs=1133 and 84 for Vtg1 and Vtg2, respectively). Subsequent qPCR analysis validates these expression levels, with the signal for Vtg1 and Vtg2 transcripts in all male phenotypes being indistinguishable from that caused by contamination of trace levels of genomic DNA or the low-level amplification non-target sequences. These findings suggest that Vtg expression is not notably induced in highly feminised amphipods and is therefore not an appropriate biomarker of feminisation/de-masculination in crustaceans. We discuss our findings in the context of previous attempts to measure Vtg in male crustaceans and suggest a requirement for more appropriate taxon-specific biomarkers to monitor feminisation in these groups.

Prevalence and patterns of infection by the epicaridean parasite,Gyge ovalisand the emergence of intersex in the estuarine mud shrimp,Upogebia major

A population of the mud shrimp,Upogebia major, inhabiting Kasaoka Inlet had a higher frequency of intersex males compared to other populations in the Seto Inland Sea, Japan. This population also featured a high prevalence of the branchial epicaridean parasite,Gyge ovalis, and inhabited a tidal flat characterized by increasingly softer sediments going into the lower tidal areas. We examined the rates at which infection co-occurred with intersex features and checked whether infection patterns varied with intersex occurrence according to host size and tidal level position. Fewer specimens were both intersex and infected than those having only one of either condition; infection was not a significant predictor of intersex. However, infection in young hosts that recovered from the parasite could be associated with the intersex morphologies and account for the majority of cases that were intersex but parasite-free. Deletions of the cuticular ridge (CRD) between the first and second abdominal segment and tidal level position were correlated with intersex. Lower tidal zone mud shrimp were, respectively, three and four times more likely to be intersex and exhibit CRD than those in the upper tidal zone. Potentially inclusive factors that may influence these trends are higher rates of early infection and increased exposure to sediment-bound pollutants in mud shrimp inhabiting the lower tidal areas.

Incidence of male intersex in adult Pacific lamprey (Entosphenus tridentatus), with a brief discussion of intersex vs. hermaphroditism in lampreys (Petromyzontiformes)

We report the incidence of male intersex in adult Pacific lamprey ( Entosphenus tridentatus (Richardson, 1836)) during their pre-spawning migration in fresh water. Although “hermaphrodites” have been suggested in other adult lampreys, this is the first detailed description and discussion of this phenomenon. A total of 0.5% of our adult Pacific lamprey from Willamette Falls (2 out of 427 adults) were intersex, with oocytes in the testes. This phenomenon was identifiable only by histological examination. The testes of the intersex males were immature, in the beginning stages of meiosis. One intersex male possessed primary growth or perinucleolar stage oocytes loosely interspersed throughout the testes, and the other possessed at least 6 mid-vitellogenic oocytes (0.6 mm, mean long diameter) separate from the testes. Because premetamorphic lamprey can possess both female and male gonial cells, we hypothesize that intersex is a remnant larval trait and that these fish failed to fully develop into males during metamorphosis.

Microsporidia infections in the amphipod, Echinogammarus marinus (Leach): suggestions of varying causal mechanisms to intersexuality

A notable body of research has established a clear link between intersexuality and the feminising influence of microsporidia infection in amphipods. In this study, we investigated the relationship between microsporidia infection and intersexuality in the amphipod Echinogammarus marinus (Leach) from Portsmouth, southern England. The analysis revealed a male-biased population (~2:1) harbouring both Dictyocoela berillonum and Dictyocoela duebenum microsporidia, with ~38 and 6% of animals displaying ‘high’ levels of infection, respectively. We also reveal the presence of several intersex phenotypes: intersex females (1%) that possess genital papillae. Two male intersex phenotypes—internal intersex (8.2%), possessing an oviduct structure on their testes, and external intersex males (4.4%), which possess external brood plates. We found a statistically significant relationship between D. berillonum infection and the external intersex male phenotype; however, the male-biased population and low levels of female infection suggest that the correlation may not be the result of incomplete feminisation. In addition, we found that the internal and external intersex characteristics are rarely seen on the same specimen, suggesting that the male intersex phenotypes are caused by distinct mechanisms. In combination, these findings are suggestive of a more complex relationship between amphipod intersexuality and their microsporidia than had previously been recognised.

Characterization of the sexual pattern of Parastacus varicosus (Crustacea: Decapoda: Parastacidae)

Abstract. Freshwater crayfishes of the genus Parastacus are intersex, i.e., show characteristics of both sexes in the same individual; also, intersexuality has been documented in hermaphroditic species. The aim of this study was to analyze the gonads of Parastacus varicosus, characterizing its sexual pattern. The animals were collected at Cova do Touro, Gravataí, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Three sexual forms were identified: intersex females, intersex males, and transitional specimens showing an ovotestes gonad that could only be identified by means of histological analysis. All specimens had two pairs of gonopores and gonoducts. The oviduct had a wider diameter in females, whereas in males the vasa deferentia were more developed. Gonads were composed of two parallel structures located in the cephalothorax. Female gonads were classified into three stages. The presence of transitional specimens may indicate that sex change occurs, with protandric hermaphroditism, as observed in other species of Parastacus. Because previous studies had demonstrated that P. varicosus is a gonochoristic species in a population from Uruguay, the present study addressed the possibility that the sexual pattern depends on differences in environmental factors among populations. To improve understanding of evolution of hermaphroditism in these crustaceans, their reproductive dynamics should be studied, including identification of the factors stimulating male and female functions.

Infertility in a marine crustacean: Have we been ignoring pollution impacts on male invertebrates?

Invertebrate infertility has been under-explored as a potential ecological issue or biomarker of stress within ecotoxicology. To date, the majority of studies focussing on contaminant induced infertility have centred on vertebrate groups. This study aimed to address the question whether industrial pollution has the ability to influence the sperm counts and testicular morphology of male amphipod, Echinogammarus marinus (Leach). In addition, the sperm counts of normal and intersex specimens were compared to assess the potential impact of a crustacean with a disrupted endocrine system. Specimens of E. marinus were collected at one industrially impacted (Inverkeithing) and two reference (Thurso and Loch Fleet) sites along the north and eastern coasts of Scotland. Significantly higher sperm counts (∼20%) were observed from normal males collected from reference sites compared to the industrially impacted site. Higher proportions (30%) of intersex specimens were observed at the industrially impacted site compared to 17 and 6% male intersexuality observed at Thurso and Loch Fleet, respectively. Intersex male specimens from Thurso had lower mean sperm counts (∼15%) than normal male specimens, however, this result was not significant ( P = 0.089). No significant differences in sperm counts were observed between normal and intersex males at Inverkeithing. Our results indicate that industrial pollution does have the potential to affect the sperm counts of male crustaceans. Whether the quality of sperm in Crustacea from contaminated sites is also compromised or whether this is an endocrine mediated effect is yet to be confirmed. To date, many of the studies of endocrine disruption in crustaceans have, surprisingly, focussed on female fecundity parameters, growth and moulting despite many of the vertebrate studies initially focussing on the male gender. Whether this could be an ecological issue needs to be addressed through further field and laboratory based studies. It is recommended that, strategically, considerable information regarding developing methodologies could be gained from scientists working in the crustacean aquaculture industries and crustacean taxonomists.

Prelude to Intersex in Fish: Identifying a Sensitive Period for Feminization

Field studies have shown a high occurrence of intersex (the presence of both male and female characteristics) and ovotestis (the presence of eggs in the testis) in wild populations of a fish known as roach (Rutilus rutilus) in rivers in the United Kingdom that are downstream from wastewater treatment plants. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that intersex males are less fertile, which may have population-level effects. However, to date, scientists have been unable to induce intersex in male fish with controlled exposures to wastewater effluents. A study conducted at The University of Exeter now shows that the sensitive period for feminization of the reproductive duct—in which the male testis forms an ovary-like cavity—may occur earlier than previously thought, and raises new questions about the conditions that lead to actual germ cell disruption [EHP 113:1299–1307]. Many questions persist about the causes of and the most vulnerable life stages for various types of sexual effects induced by estrogenic chemicals in wastewater effluent. In this study, the researchers collected two different U.K. wastewater effluents and exposed wild roach at two life stages: during early life and development of the gonads (from fertilization up to 300 days post-hatch) and as adults producing germ cells following annual spawning. These adults included one group of fish that had been raised in clean water and another that had hatched and grown to maturity in the wild. Both effluents induced synthesis of vitellogenin (an estrogen-dependent yolk precursor and biomarker of estrogen exposure) at both life stages, with the extent of this induction correlating with the steroid estrogen content of the effluent. Previous studies have demonstrated that feminization of the sperm duct to form an ovary-like cavity occurs when exposure to effluent comes during the time of sexual differentiation, which in roach occurs from 50 to 150 days post-hatch. This study showed alteration of the sperm duct with an exposure earlier in life, from fertilization to 60 days post-hatch, before any signs of sexual development appear. The alteration, furthermore, was permanent, persisting even after 240 days’ maintenance in clean water after exposure. However, no ovotestis was observed in any of the juvenile fish. There was also no evidence of ovotestis in post-spawning adult male roach raised in a clean environment and subsequently exposed to effluent. There was evidence that the wild males had previously been exposed to estrogenic stimuli, as some of males had ovotestis when the study began. The severity of this condition increased slightly during the study period, but the increase occurred across both exposed and control fish and thus appeared unrelated to the study effluent exposure. The authors suggest possible explanations that need further study—one is that ovotestis is induced only by effluents with greater levels of estrogenic chemicals than those used in the study. The researchers evaluated the effluents for content of two chemicals previously implicated in causing intersex—steroidal estrogens and alkylphenols—and found that these levels were similar to concentrations reported in wastewater effluents in the United Kingdom and worldwide. They emphasize that chemical content and interactions ideally should be taken into account when trying to determine the conditions that lead to sexual effects. The results of these studies raise the possibility that ovotestis may be a result either of longevity of exposure or of programming in early life that manifests itself as fish mature sexually. Previous findings from the authors support this idea by showing that the severity of intersex increases with age. The authors are further exploring these possibilities now with a laboratory study of roach that includes an environmentally relevant estrogen exposure of two years’ duration.

Abnormal gonadal morphology in intersex, Echinogammarus marinus (Amphipoda): a possible cause of reduced fecundity?

Recent reports have demonstrated a cost associated with intersexuality in Amphipoda, including reduced fecundity and fertility. In this study, the gross morphology of the gonads in normal and intersex Echinogammarus marinus (Amphipoda) were compared to determine whether resource allocation to gonadal tissue accounted for this reduced fitness. Evidence for the presence of the male sex-determining hormone, androgenic gland hormone (AGH), was compared between sexual phenotypes using MALDI mass spectrometry. Two distinct intersex phenotypes (‘male’ intersex and ‘female’ intersex) were found, with variation in gonadal structure corresponding with external phenotype. Examination of male intersexes revealed normal testicular development (testes, seminal vesicles and vas deferens), but also revealed the formation of an oviduct. Ovaries of intersex females showed normal ovarian development, but were reduced in length by approximately 20% due to the presence of vas deferens. The number of vas deferens in intersex females was equal to the number (one or two) of genital papillae. We hypothesise that the reduced ovarian length observed in intersex females is a likely cause of the reduced brood size previously reported in intersex females of this species. Variation in the sexual phenotype corresponded both to development of the androgenic gland and to expression of a peptide fragment corresponding to the A chain of androgenic gland hormone (AGH). Androgenic glands and a putative AGH peptide were present in males. However, in both normal and intersex females, the androgenic glands were only present in a rudiment form and the peptide was not detected. Intersex males were found to possess abnormal glands that appeared hypertrophied. However, AGH peptides were not detected, supporting the suggestion that the intersex phenotype is manifested via perturbations of AGH.

A Long-term Outcome Study of Intersex Conditions

Clinical management of intersex conditions is controversial because the available evidence is limited and conflicting, with no long-term population based studies comparing matched controls. To assess the long-term psychological, sexual and social outcomes of patients with intersex compared with two matched control populations. Three different aged-matched (18-32 years) patient groups completed a self-administered questionnaire of established quality of life and well-being inventories measuring physical' health, psychological adjustment and sexuality, following a mail-out to all identified patients. The intersex group (n = 50) and the Hirschsprung disease, a congenital disorder, control group (n = 27), were patients who had attended the Royal Children's Hospital, a tertiary centre, for their clinical care. The insulin dependent diabetes mellitus control group was recruited from an adult tertiary hospital. The study was conducted at the hospital-based Murdoch Childrens Research Institute. Psychological, sexual and social outcomes. The intersex group did not differ from controls on physical or mental health, depression, state anxiety, neuroticism, psychoticism or stressful life events. Intersex participants were satisfied with their overall body appearance, although intersex males were less satisfied than controls with the size (p <0.05) and appearance (p <0.01) of their sex organs. The intersex group was less likely to experience orgasm (p <0.05), tended to experience more pain during intercourse (p = 0.06), had more difficulties with penetration (p <0.01) and were less likely to have sexual activity several times or more a week (p <0.05) than the combined control groups. Intersex participants did not differ from controls in level of sexual desire or enjoyment of sexual activities. Most patients with intersex had positive psychosocial and psychosexual outcomes, although some problems were reported with sexual activity. These results overall suggest that a model of care including early genital surgery carried out at a centre of excellence with a multidisciplinary team can minimize long-term complication rates.

Intersexuality in Orchestia Mediterranea Costa, 1853, and Orchestia Aestuarensis Wildish, 1987 (Amphipoda): a Consequence of Hybridization or Parasitic Infestation?

ABSTRACT An experimental study of intersexuality in Orchestia mediterranea and Orchestia aestuarensis shows that it is not related to hybridization between both species in overlapping populations. Interspecific crosses with individuals from populations of various geographic origin are either sterile or produce sterile individuals and an excess of males in the F, generation. Histological and ultrastructural study of the gonads of normal or intersex males reveals the presence of microsporidian cells attributed to the genus Nosema, and, in intersex males, of cells resembling Paramarteilia orchestiae, a parasite described in Orchestia gammarellus and responsible for intersexuality and sex ratio deviations in that species. Experiments of organ grafting between both species and Orchestia gammarellus demonstrate that this kind of intersexuality is inducible and related to the presence of Paramarteilia orchestiae, a transovarially transmitted parasite.

Determinisme des anomalies de sex ratio á hérédité paternelle chez le crustacé amphipodeOrchestia gammarellusPallas

Summary In the amphipod crustacea Orchestia gammarellus (heterogametic species: 2AXY male, 2AXX female), two kinds of sex ratio bias are recorded, hi the first category (thelygeny linked with intersexuality) a parasitic protozoa modifies the sexual phenotype of genetic males and can transform them into intersex males or functional females. This leads to the occurrence of viable 2AYY males and females. In a second kind of sex ratio bias, males cause hereditary shifts of sex ratio. These ‘paternal sex ratio’ (psr) traits are transmitted by the male at each generation. Psr-f males cause an excess of females, psr-m males an excess of males. The psr-m trait has a strictly patroclinous mode of transmission, but females from psr-f strains intervene in the expression of psr-f trait. Intra-sib matings are characterized by an excess of males. This characteristic seems to be linked with the age of the female. It disappears during successive brood. A relation between the psr-m and psr-f trait is observed: some psr- m males give psr-f males in the their progeny. The analysis of crosses between psr-f or psr-m males and YY females allows to discard meiotic drive or sex lethal mortality as causes for the psr traits. Our results are best explained if we suppose that psr-f and psr-m males are XX and that extrachromosomal hereditary factors or transposable genetic elements intervene in the determinism of the psr traits: a psr-m factor able to masculinize all the embryos and a psr-f factor able to masculinize embryos if present in a sufficient amount.