Large Ovaries Research Articles

Dimorphic Expression of Selected Genes in Lepidocephalus thermalis using Cross-Specific Primers

Background: The existence of two distinct forms within a species that differ in one or more characteristics is known as dimorphism. The gonads are the primary organs in teleost to show sexual dimorphism. Lepidocephalus thermalis belongs to the Cobitidae family. No expression study on the developmental stages was done on this species. Since there is no specific primers reported for L. thermalis, the study has been carried out with the help of the specific primers of catfish. Methods: qRT- PCR is an acknowledged method for gene expression analysis due to its precision and reproducibility. In the current study, the expression of 14 different transcription factors involved in sex differentiation of Indian spiny loach during different developmental stages was analyzed using qRT- PCR and has been compared among the different stages of gonadal development for that transcription factor. Results: Gene expression patterns have been obtained from the total RNA isolated from MSG (Meso nephric gonadal complex), medium stage ovary, medium stage testis, large stage ovary and large stage testis. From the study, it has been analyzed that only sf1 has higher expression in testis and all the other transcription factors has shown higher expression in ovary.

SUN-245 Sensory Neuron Metabolism Mediates Changes in Ovarian Function via LKB1

Bi-directional communication between sensory neurons to peripheral tissue to mediate physiology has become an area of interest. Previous research on peripheral neuron control of ovarian function shows that lesioning the superior ovarian nerve resulted in decreased estradiol release from the ovary; but there has been little research on how sensory neurons affect ovarian physiology. Interestingly, the metabolic activity of sensory neurons that control ovarian and follicular function may have profound effects on tissues they innervate. LKB1 (Liver Kinase B1) is a metabolic kinase that regulates cell growth and polarity. When downregulated in cortical neurons in vitro, leads to shorter axons with less branching. Female mice with LKB1 removed from their peripheral sensory neurons have litters more often and increased litter sizes compared to wild-type mice, which led to the investigation into the mechanisms into the role of LKB1 in sensory neurons in ovarian function. Nav1.8cre-LKB1fl/fl mice were used to assess the removal of LKB1 from Nav1.8-expressing neurons on the mechanisms behind reproductive viability. The estrus cycle was tracked by using vaginal lavage to collect cells from the vagina twice per day for ten days, and cytology was assessed to determine phase. Ovaries were collected from mice in all phases of the estrus cycle, sectioned at 8 micron thickness, stained with H&E. Follicle sizes and numbers were measured on 8 sections per ovary. Sensory innervation was measured by clearing whole ovary using ScaleS1 and using confocal microscopy to image through the whole tissue for sensory neurons tagged with tdTomato and DAPI. Our data indicate that Nav1.8-expressing neurons innervate the ovary from celiac ganglia, upper lumbar, and lower thoracic dorsal root ganglia. Nav1.8cre-LKB1fl/fl mice have larger litters and breed more frequently compared to cre-negative litter mates (WT). Nav1.8cre-LKB1fl/fl mice have larger ovaries, spend less time in proestrus, and have greater follicular turnover compared to WT mice. Phase-matched ovaries from Nav1.8cre-LKB1fl/fl mice in proestrus show greater numbers of antral and degenerating follicles than WT mice, but similar numbers of immature follicles; however, the size of all follicles from Nav1.8cre-LKB1fl/fl mice are smaller than follicles from WT mice. Nav1.8cre-LKB1fl/fl mice have improved reproductive viability by increased follicular turnover rate, more mature follicles, and shortened estrus cycle length.

AMH is Higher Across the Menstrual Cycle in Early Postmenarchal Girls than in Ovulatory Women.

Adolescents have more small, growing follicles and larger ovaries than normal women and are prone to anovulatory cycles (ANOV). It is unknown if a higher antral follicle count (AFC) per se contributes to ANOV in early postmenarchal girls. To determine the relationship between AMH (an AFC biomarker), other reproductive hormones, and ANOV in postmenarchal girls and to compare AMH in girls and regularly cycling adults. A total of 23 girls (1.7 ± 0.2 years postmenarche) and 32 historic adult controls (≤34 years) underwent serial hormone measurements during 1 to 2 menstrual cycles. Girls also had pelvic ultrasounds. AMH was measured 5 times/subject using the Ansh ultrasensitive ELISA. Girls had higher AMH than women (5.2 ± 0.3 vs. 3.3 ± 0.4 ng/mL; P < 0.01) and girls with more ovulatory (OV) cycles tended to have lower AMH than those with ANOV (2 OV 4.5 ± 0.2, 1 OV 5.7 ± 1.1, 0 OV 6.8 ± 1.1 ng/mL; P = 0.1). In girls, AMH correlated with natural-log (ln) transformed LH (r = 0.5, P = 0.01), ln_androstenedione (r = 0.6, P = 0.003), ln_testosterone (r = 0.5, P = 0.02), and ovarian volume (r = 0.7, P < 0.01) but not with FSH, estradiol, P4, or body mass index. In women, AMH correlated with estradiol and P4 (both r = -0.4, P ≤ 0.03) but not with ln_LH or body mass index. In postmenarchal girls, AMH is higher than in ovulatory women and is associated with LH, androgens, and a propensity for anovulatory cycles. The cause of the transient increase in AMH and AFC during late puberty and the steps underlying the transition to a mature ovary deserve further study.

Effects of predator-induced stress during pregnancy on reproductive output and offspring quality in Brandt’s voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii)

Animals may use different reproductive strategies depending on environmental conditions. This study investigated the effects of maternal stress induced by exposure to predator odors on reproductive output and adult offspring quality in pregnant Brandt’s voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii). We exposed pregnant Brandt’s voles to cat urine, rabbit urine, or distilled water for 18 days (1 h/day). Our results indicated that pregnant voles in the cat odor-exposed group tended to produce more offspring and the number of viable female offspring was larger. However, we did not observe any differences in the sex ratios of vole offspring among the three treatment groups. Compared with the control (distilled water) group, female offspring of voles in the cat odor-exposed group had lower body weights, lengths, and smaller body weights in relation to body length, whereas they had larger ovaries in relation to body weight. Furthermore, the female offspring of the voles exposed to the cat odor had higher concentrations of serum estradiol and higher levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone mRNA in the hypothalamus compared with the female offspring of the voles in the control group. However, we observed no differences among the male offspring in the three treatment groups. Our findings suggest that pregnant Brandt’s voles suffering from chronic exposure to predator odors will produce greater numbers of low-weight female offspring that probably possess higher breeding potential to improve the fitness via regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.

Queen–worker aggression in the facultatively eusocial bee Megalopta genalis

The establishment of reproductive division of labor in primitively eusocial insects is typically based on dominance interactions from the queen toward her worker daughters. We used a standardized behavioral assay, the circle tube, to observe aggressive and other behaviors between the queen and workers of field-collected social colonies of the sweat bee, Megalopta genalis. Queens generally expressed higher levels of aggressive and dominant behaviors than workers. Workers performed two behaviors, ‘C-posture’ and ‘reverse’, more frequently than queens. Our data suggest a defensive function for C-posture in workers, as it correlated with the expression of queen aggression. Within queens, the aggressive behaviors ‘nudge’, ‘bite’, ‘push’, and ‘chase’ correlated with each other in their frequencies of expression; the other two behaviors that were performed more often by queens (‘back up’ and ‘back into’) did not. The two behaviors performed more often by workers, ‘C-posture’ and ‘reverse’, were not correlated in workers. Queen and worker activity levels were correlated. Body size correlated with increased expression of queen-like behavior in both the queen and worker castes. Queens generally were bigger and had larger ovaries than workers. Queen–worker body size and ovary size differences correlated with behavioral differences. The effects of body size suggest an influence of developmental nutrition on adult behavior.

Gonad Development and Reproductive Ability of Aneuploid Ornamental Koi Carp Obtained by Crossing Triploid Females with Diploid Males

AbstractIt was described earlier that triploid female koi (ornamental variant of the Common Carp Cyprinus carpio) from heat‐shocked progeny developed large ovaries and produced mass aneuploid progeny when crossed with normal diploid koi males. This study presents data on gonad development and reproductive ability of aneuploid koi obtained from triploid females. Aneuploid koi had low viability when raised in indoor recirculating systems; only 12–19% of fish survived up to 25–28 months of age. The 28‐month‐old aneuploid fish with a ploidy range of 2.31–2.78n obtained in 2013 (n = 30) did not release sperm or eggs after hormonal injection. Dissection of fish showed that similar to triploid males, aneuploid males had pinkish testes that did not contain sperm; the gonadosomatic index (GSI) of aneuploid males varied from 0.3% to 3.5%, with a mean value of 1.2%. More than 50% of aneuploid females had ovaries that were severely reduced in development, with GSI values less than 2%; about 40% of females had ovaries at the maturing stage, with GSIs ranging from 2.5% to 5.6%. One aneuploid female had mature ovaries filled with fully grown oocytes (GSI = 9.6%). The aneuploid fish obtained in 2015 (n = 165) did not produce sperm at 25 months of age; all fish from this group died during subsequent overwintering in an earthen pond. Our results show that aneuploid koi males are functionally sterile, whereas some potentially fertile aneuploid females can be found. However, because aneuploid koi have very low viability, the chance of survival for fertile aneuploid females is low, especially under natural conditions. Fertile aneuploid females, even if they survive, would likely produce aneuploid eggs, and fertilization of those eggs would again result in aneuploid progeny with low viability and fertility.

Hormones FSH, LH Relationship Polycystic Ovaries Syndrome(PCOS) and Delay Pregnancy in the Woman

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) this is very important considered cause of endocrine disorders and infertility. One of the most important symptoms of this disease is the presence of large ovaries on the many and small cysts in both ovaries, and this are considered the most common reason for reproductive menstrual disturbance age]1[ . the normal function for the reproductive endocrine include the wide range hormones controlled by complex feedback mechanisms . It is very important observation luteinizing hormone (LH) serum levels, follicle - stimulating hormone (FSH),follow a cyclical pattern closely coordinated by the hypothalamic - pituitary - gonadal axis, since LH, FSH, estradiol and progesterone play such a key role in the reproductive function of women.]2[. Materials and Method: The purpose of this study is to identify the non-normal hormonal ratios for the LH and FSH in women with PCOS and evaluate this effect on the late the pregnancy.To assess effects of biochemical parameter TSH , prolactin and testosterone , and Compare them with healthy women . Results: Most patients with (PCOS) will observe A total of symptoms by reason appear to be significantly higher in patients with PCOS than in controlled healthy in hormonessuch asluteinizing hormones (LH) , Follicle - stimulating hormone (FSH) ,and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(TSH) compare them with healthy results and in shows, there are no hormonal changes in testosterone and prolactin. Conclusion: PCOS is one of the most common women’s endocrine disorders in the age group between 18 - 44. It affects approximately 10% of women of childbearing age. It is one of the main causes of female fertility weakness, and the symptoms and severity of this syndrome vary considerably among affected women.

Risk Factors for Strangulated Ovarian Hernia in Female Infants: the Role of Ovarian Volume.

The risk factors associated with strangulated ovarian hernia (SOH) in female patients (<1 year old) were identified. A retrospective analysis was conducted regarding the data from 2006 to 2017. The patients were divided into 2 groups: SOH group (n=9) and non-SOH group (n=23). Patient demographics, clinical signs, preoperative examinations and intraoperative findings were compared between the two groups, and risk factors for SOH were tested using a binary logistic regression model. To explore whether greater ovary was more likely to be twisted, leading to SOH, all the patients were divided into ovary volume <5 cm3 and ≥5 cm3 groups and the association between ovarian volume and ovary torsion was assessed. Among a total of 32 female patients (<1 year old) with incarcerated ovarian herniation, 9 patients developed SOH. The single variate analysis revealed that times of manual reduction, ovarian volume, ovary with or without multiple cysts, ovary torsion or not and angle of ovary torsion were found to be significant factors associated with SOH. The multivariate analysis showed ovarian volume was evidenced as an independent risk factor for SOH. Furthermore, the incidence of ovary torsion was significantly higher in ovarian volume ≥5 cm3 group than in ovarian volume <5 cm3 group, indicating that larger ovary was more likely to result in ovary torsion, leading to SOH. Our study demonstrated that the odds of SOH increased with increasing ovarian volume in female patients (<1 year old) because the relatively greater ovary at this age was more likely to be incarcerated and twisted, leading to SOH.

One cryptic species of grey mullet (Mugil cephalus mitotype: NWP3) from Taiwan’s waters is worth cultivating for large roes using aquaculture

The grey mullet, Mugil cephalus, is an important aquaculture species in Taiwan. They were thought to be a single fish species in terms of the morphology-based taxonomy; however, three cryptic species of grey mullet (mitotype: NWP1, NWP2 and NWP3) have been identified within the Taiwan waters. In general, the NWP2 females are known to have small body sizes with large developed ovaries regardless of the cultivation time, whereas the NWP1 females have large body sizes with small ovaries. In this study, the NWP3 females are found to have significantly larger body and ovary weights than do the NWP2 females under the same aquaculture conditions. Therefore, even though the NWP2 females are good fish for producing large ovaries, this study indicates that the NWP3 females have even more potential to produce huge ovaries than do the NWP2 females.

Ovary activation does not correlate with pollen and nectar foraging specialization in the bumblebee Bombus impatiens.

Social insect foragers may specialize on certain resource types. Specialization on pollen or nectar among honeybee foragers is hypothesized to result from associations between reproductive physiology and sensory tuning that evolved in ancestral solitary bees (the Reproductive Ground-Plan Hypothesis; RGPH). However, the two non-honeybee species studied showed no association between specialization and ovary activation. Here we investigate the bumblebee B. impatiens because it has the most extensively studied pollen/nectar specialization of any bumblebee. We show that ovary size does not differ between pollen specialist, nectar specialist, and generalist foragers, contrary to the predictions of the RGPH. However, we also found mixed support for the second prediction of the RGPH, that sensory sensitivity, measured through proboscis extension response (PER), is greater among pollen foragers. We also found a correlation between foraging activity and ovary size, and foraging activity and relative nectar preference, but no correlation between ovary size and nectar preference. In one colony non-foragers had larger ovaries than foragers, supporting the reproductive conflict and work hypothesis, but in the other colony they did not.

Diagnostic performance of CT signs for predicting adnexal torsion in women presenting with an adnexal mass and abdominal pain: A case-control study

PurposeTo determine which CT findings or combinations of CT findings could accurately identify adnexal torsion in a cohort of women admitted for abdominal pain and presenting with an adnexal mass. Materials and methodsThe local institutional review board approved this retrospective case-control study involving adults—the informed consent requirement was waived. Enhanced computed tomography (CT) findings of 32 consecutive adnexal torsion and 32 control patients admitted for abdominal pain and presenting with an adnexal mass were independently reviewed by two radiologists, with consensus by a third one, for all CT findings commonly assessed in adnexal torsion. All twisted and untwisted adnexa were confirmed by surgery. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for adnexal torsion prediction. ResultsThe median patient age was 41 years (interquartile range, 30.5–62 years). Only benign masses were encountered in the torsion group. Five CT features were significantly associated with adnexal torsion: a large ovary with a threshold at 80mm (p=0.005), median or contralateral displacement of the adnexa (p=0.00014), asymmetric wall thickening of the mass (p<0.0001), inter-utero-ovarian mass (p<0.0001) and whirlpool sign (p=0.0006). In the multivariate analysis, only the inter-utero-ovarian mass was independently associated with adnexal torsion (odds ratio=130 (CI95%: 15-infinite), p<0.0001) with an excellent overall diagnostic performance (AUC=0.89; CI95%: 0.81–0.97). It was a sensitive (Se=97%, CI95%: 84–100) and specific feature (Sp=81%, CI95%: 64–93). ConclusionAn inter-utero-ovarian mass is an accurate and reliable CT finding for diagnosing adnexal torsion in patients with acute abdominal pain and an adnexal mass.

Pediatric Ovarian Torsion: Spectrum of Imaging Findings.

The accurate diagnosis of ovarian torsion is imperative, as loss of the ovary can have long-term consequences in terms of fertility. However, a nonspecific clinical presentation in conjunction with a highly variable imaging appearance makes the diagnosis of ovarian torsion challenging. This is complicated even further in the pediatric population, as these patients cannot always articulate their symptoms or provide an adequate medical history. Therefore, imaging has a critical role in the diagnosis of ovarian torsion in pediatric patients. Common imaging findings of ovarian torsion in the prepubescent and adolescent populations include asymmetric enlargement of the ovary, peripheral location of ovarian follicles, and midline location of the ovary. A coexistent mass within the ovary may or may not be present. Antenatal torsion also can occur and may be discovered at routine or specific imaging of the fetus or postnatal imaging of the neonate. Imaging findings in the perinatal population that may suggest torsion include a cystic mass with a fluid-debris level and a complex, multiseptated mass. This article reviews ovarian torsion throughout the pediatric years-from the fetal period through adolescence. It reviews the clinical presentation and imaging findings of this abnormality while describing the relevant anatomy, embryologic features, and pathophysiology. Ovarian torsion may be variable in appearance owing to the age and degree of torsion, which is seen early as a large ovary with peripheral follicles and later, once necrosis has ensued, as a complex cystic mass. ©RSNA, 2017.

An asexual strain of Lysiphlebus fabarum (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) gains fitness in superparasitised hosts, but a sexual strain pays costs

1. The fitness impacts of two levels of superparasitism were compared in a sexual and an asexual strain of Lysiphlebus fabarum (Marshall) developing in black bean aphids.2. Asexual females were larger than sexuals, had higher eggs loads, and better adult emergence in two of three treatments, but parasitised fewer available aphids in 24 h (80% fewer when foraging alone).3. Superparasitism resulted in wasps that were larger than those emerging from singly parasitised aphids, and asexual females had larger ovaries, without delayed development. In contrast, sexual wasps took about 2 days longer to develop in superparasitised hosts, and females had smaller ovaries with lower egg loads.4. The growth of host aphids bearing asexual larvae was not reduced relative to healthy aphids, except when heavily superparasitised, whereas sexual larvae reduced aphid growth in all treatments.5. Elimination of supernumerary larvae was virtually complete at 4.5 days after parasitism by sexual females, but no elimination occurred among asexual larvae. The evolution of diminished aggression in asexual larvae may be facilitated by greater genetic similarity, without necessarily leading to gregarious development, assuming the extended life of supernumeraries somehow improves survivor fitness.6. Sons of virgin sexual females developed faster than sons of mated females, implicating parental effects that slowed development of the latter.7. It is concluded that asexual females of this strain use superparasitism to improve host quality, and thus the fitness of their daughters, whereas females of the sexual strain prioritise offspring number.

EP28.03: Association between ovarian volume and endometrial malignancy in women with postmenopausal bleeding

Objective: This is a prospective case control study which aimed to determine the correlation of ovarian volume measurements with endometrial tissue diagnosis such as benign, premalignant and malignant conditions in women with postmenopausal bleeding. Methods: Thirty four postmenopausal women with bleeding underwent transvaginal ultrasound for ovarian volume measurements prior to dilatation and curettage. The presence of benign (Group I), premalignant and malignant endometrial conditions (Group II) were correlated with ovarian volume. Results: Mean endometrial stripe thickness for group I (N = 19; 1.16ml+/- SD 0.88ml) was not significantly different from group II (N = 15; 1.58ml +/- SD 0.53ml). Mean ovarian volume among patients with premalignant and malignant histology (5.70ml +/- SD 1.91ml) was significantly higher than those with benign histology (2.04ml +/- SD 1.10ml) (P = 0.023). Linear regression analysis showed an association between ovarian volume and premalignant and malignant endometrial conditions (P=0.000). Using the mean ovarian volume cut-off of 5.8ml for postmenopausal women with bleeding, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for premalignant and malignant endometrial conditions were 100%, 67.87%, 40% and 100%, respectively. Conclusion: Large ovaries among postmenopausal women may represent a marker of risk for endometrial cancer and may be used as an adjunct to endometrial thickness in ruling endometrial malignancy.

Sex-specific floral morphology, biomass, and phytohormones associated with altitude in dioecious Populus cathayana populations.

Relationships between sex‐specific floral traits and endogenous phytohormones associated with altitude are unknown particularly in dioecious trees. We thus examined the relationships between floral morphology or biomass and phytohormones in male and female flowers of dioecious Populus cathayana populations along an altitudinal gradient (1,500, 1,600, and 1,700 m above sea level) in the Xiaowutai Nature Reserve in northern China. The female and male flowers had the most stigma and pollen at 1,700 m, the largest ovaries and least pollen at 1,500 m, and the smallest ovaries and greater numbers of anthers at 1,600 m altitude. The single‐flower biomass was significantly greater in males than in females at 1,600 or 1,700 m, but the opposite was true at 1,500 m altitude. The biomass percentages were significantly higher in anthers than in stigmas at each altitude, while significantly greater gibberellin A3 (GA 3), zeatin riboside (ZR), indoleacetic acid (IAA), and abscisic acid (ABA) concentrations were found in female than in male flowers. Moreover, most flower morphological traits positively correlated with IAA in females but not in males. The biomass of a single flower was significantly positively correlated with ABA or IAA in males but negatively with ZR in females and was not correlated with GA 3 in both females and males. Our results demonstrate a distinct sexual adaptation between male and female flowers and that phytohormones are closely related to the size, shape, and biomass allocation in the pollination or fertilization organs of dioecious plants, although with variations in altitude.

Cytochrome\xa0P450 oxidoreductase deficiency caused by R457H mutation in POR gene in Chinese: case report and literature review

BackgroundCytochrome P450 oxidoreductase deficiency (PORD) is a rare disease exhibiting a variety of clinical manifestations. It can be difficult to differentiate with other diseases such as 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and Antley–Bixler syndrome (ABS). Nearly 100 cases of PORD have been reported worldwide. However, the genetic characters and clinical management are still unclear, especially in China.Case presentationIn this study, we report a 27-year-old female Chinese patient who first presented with amenorrhea and recurrence of large ovary cyst. She was misdiagnosed with PCOS and non-classical 21-OHD due to ovary cysts and elevated 17-hydroxy-progesterone. The patient’s complaining of a mild difficulty of bending the metacarpophalangeal joints reminded us to consider PORD, which usually presents with skeletal deformities and sexual dysfunction. The diagnosis of PORD was confirmed by genetic analyses, which showed the patient harboring a homozygous missense mutation in the POR gene (R457H) and her parents carrying the heterozygous mutation. The patient was treated with low-dose corticosteroids and estrogen/progesterone sequential therapy, and her ovarian cyst gradually reduced with regular menstruation in the follow-up. Moreover, the clinical and genetic characteristics of 104 previously reported PORD cases were also summarized and analyzed.ConclusionsPORD is a very rare disease which can be easily misdiagnosed in mild cases. Clinicians should keep in mind of this disease in patients with sexual dysfunction, especially combined with special skeletal deformities. Our data could provide a consciously understanding of this disease for clinic practicers. Low-dose corticosteroids combined with estrogen/progesterone sequential therapy will be effective in PORD patients with recurrence of large ovary cyst. The fact that the reported PORD patients in China carrying an identical variant R457H in POR gene also give us a viewpoint that R457H mutation in POR gene maybe important in causing PORD in Chinese as same as in Japanese.

Differential female preference for individual components of a reproductive male round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) pheromone

Abstract Female round gobies were placed in the middle of a four-way maze that received either of these steroids released by reproductive males: 1) 3α-hydroxy-5β-androstane-11,17-dione-3-sulfate (11-O-ETIO-3-S), previously shown to be synthesized by the testes, to be present in the urine of males and to be detected at very low concentrations by the olfactory epithelium of this species; or 2) 3α-hydroxy-5β-androstane-11,17-dione (11-O-ETIO), the non-sulfated version of the same steroid, which has also previously been shown to be made and released into the water by males (in this case via the gills rather than the urinary bladder) and to be detected by the olfactory epithelium; or 3) 3α,17β-hydroxy-5β-androstan-11-one-3-sulfate (17-S), a steroid also previously shown to be present in male urine, but not to be detected by the olfactory epithelium or 4) solvent only. After each experiment, the females were sacrificed to determine their reproductive status. Those with relatively large ovaries (classified as ‘reproductive’ females) showed a significant attraction to 11-O-ETIO-S. Those with relatively small ovaries (classified as ‘non-reproductive’ females) showed a significant attraction to 11-O-ETIO. No females (of either stage) showed an attraction to 17-S. Fractionation of reproductive male conditioned water and urine, analysis by ELISA and mass spectrometry showed that reproductive males released levels of 11-O-ETIO-3-S that were likely to be detected by the round goby olfactory system. We suggest that individual compounds released by reproductive males have unique roles with regards to attraction and courtship during reproductive behaviour. Individual compounds could therefore be targeted for specific and purposeful management strategies.

Female feeding history impacts gonad development and reproductive timing in the wolf spiderSchizocosa ocreata(Hentz, 1844)

In mating systems that include semelparous reproduction and/or scramble competition, synchronous maturation of the sexes is vital for success. However, food limitation may alter the onset of maturation or the overall quality of the mature individuals and affect reproductive success. We examined the role of feeding history (well-fed vs. long-term deprivation) on female reproductive timing and its correlation with temporal patterns of receptivity behavior in the wolf spider Schizocosa ocreata (Hentz, 1844). We found that feeding history influenced developmental time and delayed maturation in long-term food-limited females. There was no significant difference in relative condition between treatments, yet well-fed females showed higher rates of receptivity. Peak receptivity behavior was correlated with the estimated overall mass of female ovaries/eggs, with females that possess larger ovaries and eggs showing more receptive behavior. This supports the hypothesis that while a food-limited female may attain maturity, the limiting factor underlying reproductive success is gonad maturation.

Are sex steroids essential for gonadal differentiation of the ornate frog, Microhyla ornata?

Knowledge about sensitivities and responses of amphibian larvae to sex steroids and the chemicals alike is the first step towards understanding and assessing the effect of diverse chemicals that interfere with gonadal development and other endocrine functions. Herein, we used Microhyla ornata to determine the role of sex steroids on its gonad differentiation and sex ratio. Our results show that the exposure to increasing concentrations of estradiol-17β throughout larval development did not affect gonad differentiation resulting in 1:1 sex ratio at metamorphosis. But, females emerging from estradiol-17β treatment had larger ovaries with larger sized follicles. Further, testes of some males contained lumens, the number of which was dose dependent. Similarly, exposure to testosterone propionate had negligible effects on gonad differentiation. However, the mean diameter of the largest follicles was smaller in treated ovaries. Treatment of tadpoles with tamoxifen had no effect on gonad differentiation and ovary development while testicular development was accelerated at the highest concentration. Similarly, treatment of tadpoles with cyproterone acetate had little effect on gonad differentiation as well as development, hence the sex ratios at the end of metamorphosis. Further, in tadpoles exposed to increasing concentrations of formestane, gonad differentiation was normal resulting in 1:1 sex ratio. Thus, in M. ornata, both estradiol and testosterone are essential for the development of ovaries and testes respectively but, they are not critical to gonadal differentiation. Hence, the effects of sex steroids and other endocrine disrupting chemicals could be species-specific; different species may have differential sensitivities to such chemicals.

Vulvar width and rima length as predictors of the ovarian follicular reserve in bovine females

The aim of this study was to investigate possible relationships between morphometric characteristics of the bovine reproductive tract and measures of fertility, such as antral follicle counts (AFCs) and the number and quality of recovered cumulus oophorus complexes (COCs). First, the genital tracts of 360 abattoir Zebu/Holstein crossbred cows were studied. Rima vulvae length (RL), vulvar width (VW), ovarian size, pelvic fat, number of aspirated COCs, and AFCs were recorded. An index of COC quality (CQI) was established, which weighed overall gamete quality based on the IETS classification. Second, the same external measurements and AFCs (by ultrasound) were analyzed in live Tabapuã (Zebu) cows (n = 48). Relative RL and vulvar width were defined as the original measurements divided by the body weight of each cow for statistical analyses. In abattoir tracts, the AFC was smaller (P < 0.05) in animals with large VW (34.88 ± 3.50) than in animals with small (45.71 ± 2.57) and intermediate (42.25 ± 2.45) VW. The CQI was higher (P < 0.05) when the pelvic fat score was intermediate (3.22 ± 0.06) than that in lean (2.99 ± 0.08) and obese (2.90 ± 0.12) animals. The CQI was higher (P < 0.05) in the intermediate ovary group (3.19 ± 0.08) than in the small (2.96 ± 0.08) and large (2.95 ± 0.09) ovary groups. In live cows, the AFC was higher (P = 0.035) in females with large relative rima length than in those with small relative rima length (18.96 ± 1.97 and 14.76 ± 1.51, respectively). Similarly, AFC was greater (P = 0.0001) in females with large relative VW than in those with small relative VW (20.08 ± 1.36 and 11.16 ± 1.60, respectively). In conclusion, larger external genitalia relative to body size were good predictors of the ovarian follicular reserve in live animals.