Part Of Oviduct Research Articles

Effect of tamoxifen treatment on catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) expression and localization in the hen oviduct

The imbalance between free reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and removal (e.g., by antioxidative enzymes) leads to the damage of important biomolecules and cells. Earlier studies in hens showed that treatment with tamoxifen (TMX; estrogen receptor inhibitor) modulates oxidative stress and causes the reproductive system regression realized by cell apoptosis. The aim of the present study was, therefore, to examine the expression and immunolocalization of the key enzymatic antioxidants, i.e. catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), in the chicken oviduct following TMX treatment. Laying hens were treated daily with TMX until a pause in egg-laying occurred and then euthanized on day 8 of the experiment. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blot analyses showed the presence of CAT and SOD transcripts and proteins, respectively, in all oviductal segments, i.e., the infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, shell gland and vagina. In control hens (laying), the mRNA expression of CAT was the highest in the shell gland, lower in the isthmus and the lowest in other oviductal parts, whereas protein expression was the highest in the magnum, lower in the isthmus and the lowest in other segments. The SOD transcript and protein abundances only were lower in the magnum than in other segments. Immunoreactive CAT and SOD products were localized in all layers of the oviductal wall, but the intensity of staining depended on the cell type. TMX treatment affected CAT and SOD expression and the effect of TMX depended on gene, protein, cell type and oviductal part. Generally, CAT expression was elevated, while SOD expression was decreased under TMX treatment. These results point to the importance of CAT and SOD in the maintenance of proper oviduct health and function. Changes in ROS scavenging enzymes after estrogen receptor blockage indicate the significance of estrogen in the regulation of oxidative status in the avian oviduct.

Identification of key genes and biological pathways in different parts of yak oviduct based on transcriptome analysis.

The oviduct consists of three parts: the infundibulum (In), ampulla (Am), and isthmus (Is). These have the same histological structure, but different physiological functions. In this study, transcriptomics was used to analyze mRNA in these three parts of yak oviduct. The results showed that there were 325 up-regulated genes and 282 down-regulated genes in the infundibulum and ampulla. Moreover, there were 234 up-regulated genes and 776 down-regulated genes in the isthmus and ampulla, as well as 873 up-regulated genes and 297 down-regulated genes in the infundibulum and isthmus. The expression of C3 in the infundibulum was significantly higher than that in the ampulla and isthmus. The expression of FAU in the isthmus was significantly lower than that in the ampulla and infundibulum, and the expression of EEF1A1 in the ampulla was significantly higher than that in the ampulla and infundibulum. When the infundibulum was compared with the ampulla and isthmus, it was found that the up-regulated genes were enriched in the lysosome, phagosome, staphylococcus aureus infection, and leishmaniasis pathway. When the isthmus was compared with the ampulla and infundibulum, the up-regulated genes were present in the apoptosis pathway, oxidative phosphorylation, and viral myocarditis pathway. When the isthmus was compared with the infundibulum and ampulla, the down-regulated pathways were protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum and the endocytosis. The Epstein-Barr virus infection pathway was up-regulated according to a comparison of the isthmus and infundibulum and was down-regulated based on a comparison of the isthmus and ampulla. Transcriptional misregulation in the Middle East pathway was up-regulated based on a comparison of the isthmus and ampulla and was down-regulated based on a comparison of the isthmus and infundibulum. ERBB2, JUP, CTNND1, and KRT7 were defined as the hub genes of the yak oviduct. The results of this study provide sufficient omics data for yak fertilization, which is also of great significance to altitude medicine.

Alterations in connexin 43 gene and protein expression in the chicken oviduct following tamoxifen treatment

Connexins (Cxs) are a group of gap junction proteins involved in the direct exchange of small molecules between neighboring cells. Information concerning the expression and regulation of Cxs in the chicken oviduct is lacking, but likely has potential implications for functioning of the oviduct and the quality of the egg laid by commercially used hens. The present study was designed to examine whether selected Cxs are present in the chicken oviduct and, if so, whether expression of the most abundant Cx changes following tamoxifen (TMX; estrogen receptor modulator) treatment. Hy-Line Brown laying hens were injected (s.c.) daily with a vehicle (n = 6) or with TMX (n = 6), at a dose of 6 mg/kg of body weight for 7 days until complete cessation of egg laying by TMX-treated hens. All oviductal segments (infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, shell gland, and vagina) were collected from hens on day 8 of the experiment. First, the gene expression of GJA1 (i.e. Cx43 protein), GJA4 (Cx39), GJB1 (Cx32), and GJD2 (Cx36) was investigated by real-time PCR in tissues of control birds. The results demonstrated gene- and oviductal segment-dependent expression of GJB1, GJD2, GJA4, and GJA1 mRNA. Since the GJA1 transcript was the most abundant in all oviductal parts, subsequently, the Cx43 expression and localization were examined in the oviduct of all hens. The relative expression of GJA1 mRNA in control hens was highest in the infundibulum and vagina and lowest in the magnum. The pattern of Cx43 protein abundance evaluated by Western blot was similar to that of mRNA. Treatment of hens with TMX decreased the GJA1 mRNA levels in the magnum and isthmus, and Cx43 protein abundances were reduced in the isthmus and vagina. Immunofluorescence demonstrated cell- and segment-dependent localization of Cx43 protein in the oviductal wall; the most intense immunoreactivity was observed in the muscle cells of the shell gland and vagina. In TMX-treated hens, the immunoreactivity for Cx43 in all oviductal segments was slightly reduced and had a different signal pattern compared with control chickens. These results suggest that Cx43 likely takes part in the regulation of oviduct functioning, especially in the coordination of muscle contraction required for egg transport and oviposition. In addition, the results suggest a contribution of estrogen in the regulation of Cx43 expression and/or fates in the chicken oviduct. New insights into the expression and regulation of Cxs in the hen oviduct, indicating their potential involvement in the mechanisms of egg formation and transport that may affect poultry production, were obtained in this study.

Oviductal prolapse associated with a leiomyoma in a Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni)

A twelve-year-old, female Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni) was presented with an oviductal prolapse after showing tenesmus for three days prior to presentation. Radiography revealed a soft tissue opacity in the caudal coelomic cavity that ultrasonographically presented as a congested, invaginated tubular structure and was deemed to comprise the left oviduct. After repositioning the oviductal prolapse, coelioscopy confirmed that the invaginated structure consisted of the anterior part of the left oviduct and incorporated a part of the ipsilateral mesovarium and mesosalpinx. A transplastron osteotomy was carried out to perform unilateral salpingectomy and bilateral ovariectomy. A definitive diagnosis of an oviductal leiomyoma was made based on histopathological and immunohistochemical examination of the invaginated part of the oviduct. In the present case, the authors highlight that neoplastic disorders should be considered as a cause of oviductal invagination and prolapse in chelonians. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of the diagnosis and successful treatment of an oviductal leiomyoma in a Hermann’s tortoise.

Expression of aquaporin 4 in the chicken oviduct following tamoxifen treatment.

This study was designed to examine whether aquaporin 4 (AQP4) is present in the chicken oviduct, and if so, whether its expression changes during pause in laying induced by tamoxifen (TMX; oestrogen receptor modulator) treatment. The control chickens were injected with a vehicle (ethanol) and the experimental ones with TMX at a dose of 6mg/kg of body weight. Birds were treated daily until complete cessation of egg laying. The oviductal parts, that is the infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, shell gland and vagina were isolated from hens on day 8 of the experiment, and subsequently, the gene and protein expressions of AQP4 in tissues were examined by real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. Immunohistochemical localization of AQP4 in the wall of the chicken oviduct was also investigated. Both mRNA and protein of AQP4 were found in all segments of the chicken oviduct. The relative expression [RQ] of AQP4 was the highest in the infundibulum and the vagina and the lowest, less detectable, in the magnum and isthmus. The pattern of AQP4 protein expression was similar to that of mRNA. Treatment of hens with TMX decreased the mRNA and protein levels of AQP4 in the oviduct. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated tissue and cell-dependent localization of AQP4 protein in the oviductal wall. The intensity of the immunopositive reaction was as follows: the infundibulum>vagina>shell gland≥isthmus>˃magnum. In the control chickens, the immunoreactivity for AQP4 in all oviductal segments was stronger compared with the TMX-treated hens. The results obtained indicate that AQP4 takes part in the regulation of water transport required for the formation of egg in the chicken oviduct. Moreover, a relationship between oestrogen action and AQP4 gene and protein expression is suggested.

Expression of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Its Receptors TrkA and p75 in the Reproductive Organs of Laying Hens

In order to investigate the expression levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) and its receptors (TrkA and p75) in prehierarchical follicles and oviducts of hens, five 130-day-old laying hens were examined by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR analysis. NGF and its receptors were expressed in theca cells and granulosa cells of prehierarchical follicles, and they were also expressed in the epithelial cells of oviducts. The expression of the genes NGF, TrkA and p75 were significantly different in prehierarchical follicles (p<0.05 or p<0.01), and NGF and TrkA gene expression was significantly different in different parts of oviduct (p<0.05 or p<0.01). The expression of NGF and p75 mRNA levels was highest in large white follicle (LWF), as well as the expression of TrkA in small yellow follicle (SYF). In the oviduct, the expression of NGF was the highest in infundibulum, and lowest in isthmus. These results suggest that NGF may play an important role in the regulation of hen reproduction.

Expression and immunolocalization of membrane progesterone receptors in the bovine oviduct

The oviduct plays a crucial role in the transport and maturation of gametes and ensures suitable conditions for fertility and early embryo development. One regulator of oviduct function is progesterone (P4), which affects the cell by interacting with nuclear progesterone receptors (PGRs) and through nongenomic mechanisms, presumably involving membrane PGRs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of messenger RNAS (mRNAs) and proteins for progesterone receptor membrane component (PGRMC) 1 and 2 and membrane progestin receptors (mPR) α, β, and γ and to use immunohistochemistry to demonstrate their cell-specific localization in the bovine oviduct. Oviducts ipsilateral and contralateral to the corpus luteum or to the dominant follicle were collected from cows on days 6 to 12 (midluteal stage) and 18 to 20 (follicular stage) of the estrous cycle and divided into 3 parts (infundibulum, ampulla, and isthmus). There were no differences (P > 0.05) in the PGRMC1, PGRMC2, mPRα, β, and γ mRNA expression between ipsi- and contralateral oviducts. However, the same parts of the oviduct collected during the different stages of the estrous cycle showed higher (P < 0.05) mRNA levels of PGRMC1, PGRMC2, and mPRα on days 18 to 20 than on days 6 to 12 of the estrous cycle. mPRα and mPRβ mRNA levels were higher (P < 0.05) in the infundibulum than in the isthmus, whereas PGRMC1 expression was higher (P < 0.05) in the infundibulum than in ampulla. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect PGRMC1, PGRMC2, PRα, β, and γ proteins in all parts of both oviducts from days 6 to 12 and 18 to 20 of the estrous cycle. There were no differences in the staining intensity and cellular localization of the studied proteins between the ipsi- and contralateral oviducts and between the studied stages of the estrous cycle. A strong positive reaction was observed in luminal cells, but this reaction was less evident in myocytes and stromal cells. All proteins were also localized to the endothelial cells of blood vessels. These results suggest that membrane progesterone receptors, may be involved in the regulation of oviduct motility, secretory function, and blood flow in this organ.

EFFICIENCY OF LOCAL TRANSGENESIS OF THE OVIDUCTAL CELLS IN CHICKEN AS INFLUENCED BY HORMONAL STIMULATION

A b s t r a c t One of the promising areas of biotechnology is to create transgenic chicken bioreactors. However, despite notable successes in avian transgenesis, the creation of transgenic chickens now is a particular problem. Searches and development of alternative methods of directed gene transfer are required, one of which is genetic transformation of certain organs, in particular chicken oviduct (somatic transgenesis). This can significantly reduce the expenditure of time and materials in the preparation of transgenic organisms than using other cellular targets for targeted delivery of DNA (cell blastoderm, primordial germ cells, embryonic stem cells) because the genetically engineering manipulation is possible to be conducted only on embryonic material. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the delivery of recombinant DNA into the chicken oviduct cells in vivo and development of methodological approaches to increase the efficiency of transgenesis. In the present work a retroviral vector pLN-GFP was used, based on the Moloney murine leukemia virus (Mo-MuLV), in which a sequence of GFP (green fluorescent protein) marker gene has been cloned. Packaging cell line GP+envAM12 has been used to package retroviral vector pLN-GFP. To determine the optimal duration of administration of gene constructs a proliferative activity was analyzed in the oviduct cells at the age of 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.5 and 5 months, and at the age of 2 months within 24 and 48 hours after hormonal stimulation by 0.1 % sinestrol solution. The introduction of the retroviral vector was performed by injecting the solution of the gene construct directly into the protein part of the oviduct of hens at the age of 4 months without hormonal pre-stimulation (group I) and at the age of 2 months within 24 h after sinestrol injection (group II). Analysis of the integration and expression of recombinant DNA in chick oviduct cells was performed at the age of 6 months. As a result of histological investigations it was found that the maximum proliferative activity in the protein part of oviduct (magnum) was observed in a period between 4 and 4.5 months: the relative DNA content of the cells at this period increased by 3.4 rel. units, which was equivalent to an increase of this parameter over the entire preceding period from 1 to 4 months. The analysis of histological sections of the oviduct in 2-month-old chickens 24 hours after sinestrol injection revealed a significant change in the structure of the oviduct, typical for histological structure of the magnum portion of the oviduct at the 4 month age, and after 48 hours the oviduct histological structure corresponded to that of mature chicken. An average efficiency of the hen oviduct cell transformation assessed as a percentage of the transformed cells to the total cell number of this type in the oviduct, in group I was 17.2±3.1 % whereas in group II it was 57.3±6.3 %. Thus, the use of hormone treatment has allowed a 3.3-fold increase in the effectiveness of local transgenesis of the oviductal cells in chickens.

Microscopic structures of the ovary and female genital ducts of Supachai's caecilian, Ichthyophis supachaii Taylor, 1960 (Amphibia: Gymnophiona)

AbstractThe structures of the female reproductive system (ovary, oviduct and cloaca) of Ichthyophis supachaii were investigated by dissection, histology and light microscopy. Paired, elongated, sac‐like ovaries are parallel to the gut and fat bodies. Follicle stages include germinal nests of oogonia and primary oocytes, early and late previtellogenic follicles, early and late vitellogenic follicles and atretic follicles. Germinal nests of oogonia comprise oogonia and prefollicular cells. Nests of primary oocytes contain clusters of synchronously developing primary oocytes enclosed by connective tissue. Primary oocytes are associated with follicular cells. Previtellogenic follicles initially form the vitelline envelope, theca cell layers and patches of ooplasmic glycoproteins. Vitellogenic follicles contain heterogeneously sized spherical yolk granules. Atresia is present in several stages of developing follicles. The oviduct is divided into the anterior, middle and posterior parts. All oviductal parts are lined by non‐ciliated epithelium. A small number of mucous cells are present in the middle part. The cloaca of female I. supachaii is divided into the anterior and posterior chambers. The anterior chamber is lined by glandular stratified columnar epithelium, while the posterior chamber has stratified cuboidal epithelium with less mucus production. Our results contribute to useful information on the reproductive biology of caecilians.

Ovarian stimulation with human chorionic gonadotropin and equine chorionic gonadotropin affects prostacyclin and its receptor expression in the porcine oviduct

Prostaglandins are well-known mediators of crucial events in the female reproductive tract, eg, early embryo development and implantation. Prostacyclin (PGI2) is the most synthesized prostaglandin in the human oviduct during the postovulatory period, indicating its important role in supporting and regulating the oviductal environment. The present study was undertaken to determine the influence of insemination and ovarian stimulation with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)/equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) on PGI2 synthesis in the porcine oviduct on day 3 post coitus. Mature gilts (n = 25) were assigned into 2 experiments. In experiment I, gilts were divided into cyclic (control; n = 5) and inseminated (control; n = 5) groups. In experiment II, there were 3 groups of animals: inseminated (n = 5), induced ovulation/inseminated (750 IU eCG, 500 IU hCG; n = 5), and superovulated/inseminated (1,500 IU eCG, 1,000 IU hCG; n = 5) gilts. Parts of oviducts (isthmus and ampulla) were collected 3 days after phosphate-buffered saline treatment (cyclic gilts of experiment I) or insemination (all other groups). Expression of messenger RNA for PGI2 synthase (PGIS) and its receptor (IP) was measured by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT PCR) and protein levels using Western blots. Concentrations of the PGI2 metabolite 6-keto PGF1α were evaluated by enzyme immunoassay and localization of PGIS and IP in the oviductal tissues using immunohistochemical staining. Insemination by itself increased PGIS protein levels in the oviductal isthmus (P < 0.05) and IP protein expression in the ampulla (P < 0.05). The concentration of 6-keto PGF1α increased significantly in the oviductal ampulla after insemination (P < 0.05). Induction of ovulation decreased IP protein levels in the oviductal ampulla (P < 0.05), whereas superovulation reduced IP levels in both parts of the oviduct (P < 0.01). Synthesis of 6-keto PGF1α was reduced by induction of ovulation and by superovulation in the oviductal ampulla (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical staining confirmed the presence of PGIS in the muscular layer of the isthmus and both mucosa and muscular layers of the ampulla. IP-positive cells were observed in both mucosal and muscular layers of the isthmus and ampulla. This study showed for the first time that PGI2 synthesis and IP expression are insemination dependent. Moreover, ovarian stimulation with hCG/eCG decreases IP expression and 6-keto PGF1α concentrations in porcine oviducts. Therefore, disturbances in PGI2/IP expression and synthesis may lead to disruption of the oviductal environment and, in turn, perturbed development of embryos and their transport to the uterus.

Apoptosis induction and release of inflammatory cytokines in the oviduct of egg-laying hens experimentally infected with H9N2 avian influenza virus

The H9N2 subtype avian influenza virus (AIV) can cause serious damage to the reproductive tract of egg-laying hens, leading to severe egg-drop and poor egg shell quality. However, previous studies in relation to the oviductal-dysfunction resulted from this agent have not clearly been elucidated. In this study, apoptosis and pathologic changes in the oviducts of egg-laying hens caused by H9N2 AIV were evaluated. To understand the immune response in the pathogenic processes, 30-week old specific pathogen free (SPF) egg-laying hens inoculated with H9N2 subtype of AIV through combined intra-ocular and intra-nasal routes. H9N2 AIV infection resulted in oviductal lesions, triggered apoptosis and expression of immune related genes accompanied with infiltration of CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8α+ cells. Significant tissue damage and apoptosis were observed in the five oviductal parts (infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, uterus and vagina) at 5 days post-inoculation (dpi). Furthermore, immune-related genes, including chicken TLR3 (7, 21), MDA5, IL-2, IFN-β, CXCLi1, CXCLi2, XCL1, XCR1 and CCR5 showed variation in the egg-laying hens infected with H9N2 AIV. Notably, mRNA expression of IFN-α was suppressed during the infection. These results show distinct expression patterns of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines amongst segments of the oviduct. Differential gene expression of inflammatory cytokines and lymphocytes aggregation occurring in oviducts may initiate the infected tissue in response to virus replication which may eventually lead to excessive cellular apoptosis and tissue damage.

Short Communication Expression and Localization of Growth Hormone Receptor in the Oviduct of the Laying Hen (Gallus domesticus)

The purpose of the present study was to examine growth hormone receptor (GHR) gene expression by real-time PCR and demonstrate immunocytochemically the localization of GHR in four chicken oviductal parts, i.e. infundibulum, magnum, isthmus and shell gland. Experiments were carried out on Hy-Line laying hens decapitated 2 h after oviposition. GHR mRNA was expressed in all examined oviductal segments with a significantly lower level in the infundibulum in comparison to other parts of the oviduct. Specific GHR immunoreactivity was also detected in the wall of the oviduct. The intensity of the staining was as follows: infundibulum < or = isthmus < or = shell gland < or = magnum. In all oviductal parts, a positive reaction for GHR was observed in the mucosa whereas a very weak or no reaction was observed in the stroma. Within the mucosa a strong reaction for GHR was observed in the epithelium of the infundibulum and in the tubular gland of the magnum, isthmus and shell gland. Immunoreactivity for GHR was very weak in the mucosal epithelium of the magnum, isthmus and shell gland. In conclusion, the results point to the possibility of an important role of GH in oviduct functions in domestic hens.

Pathology of Oviduct in Sub Optimally Producing Commercial Layer Chicken

Pathology of oviduct in sub optimally producing commercial layer chicken were investigated in five flocks. Suboptimal production was commonly noticed between 23rd to 45th wk of age. The production drop ranged from 5 to 12 per cent below the expected egg production. The morbidity and mortality rates varied from 5 to 11 and 0.2 to 2 percent, respectively. The antibody HI titres for NDV (128-445.7) IB (45.3-128) and EDS -76 (2 to 4) were within the normal range. ELISA titre for MG and MS was below 269. The heterophil : lymphocyte (H:L) ratio was above the normal level in all the five flocks and it was more elevated in younger (0.97) compared to older (0.63) flocks. Bacteriological and virological examination revealed no organisms of any etiological significance. Grossly, regression, deformation and loss of hierarchy in ovarian follicles were noticed. The left oviduct was, short, narrow and thread like structure in few birds and in the remaining cases partial atrophy with demarcation were noticed. On opening, the mucosal surface of the affected oviduct lost its glistening appearance and the folds were markedly reduced in height and width. Histopathologically, deciliation of surface epithelium, degeneration and involution of the glandular tissues with well developed connective tissue matrix and mild to moderate mononuclear cells infiltration in all the parts of oviduct were noticed. Absence of etiological agents and elevation of H:L ratio suggest that the atrophy of oviduct in sub optimally producing flocks may be due to non specific stress experienced by the commercial layer chickens.

69 DIFFERENTIAL AND QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF DOG OVIDUCTAL FLUID

The major reproductive peculiarity of the bitch is that ovulation releases prophase I (germinal vesicle, GV, immature) oocytes. Resumption of meiotic maturation, as well as fertilisation and embryonic development to the morula stage occur in the oviduct. Because the dog is a biomedical model for human diseases and also a model for endangered canid species, the development of assisted reproduction techniques would be of great interest. To date, in vitro-produced canine embryos remain exceptional and no puppy has been born. The main limiting factors of in vitro embryo production are the low oocyte maturation rates, the poor oocyte quality and the high polyspermy. A better knowledge of the composition of oviductal fluid during the periovulatory period may help to mimic the in vivo conditions for in vitro oocyte culture and, thereafter, their fertilisation and embryonic development. The objective of this study was to analyse the oviductal fluid by a label-free quantitative proteomic workflow based on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) protein separation, nano-scale liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (nano-LC-MS/MS) analysis and quantitative method using spectral counting. Ovarian cycles were followed by vaginal smears, ultrasonography and progesterone blood assays. Oviductal fluids were collected from 3 beagle bitches, after ovariectomies performed 3.5 days after ovulation. After dissection, the ampulla and isthmus were separated and flushed with 50 μL of PBS. Oviductal fluids were submitted to 1D SDS-PAGE and all bands were digested with trypsin. Peptide extracts were analysed on an Ettan multidimensional LC (MDLC) system coupled to a linear ion trap quadrupole (LTQ) mass spectrometer. After protein identification using Mascot server and with Swiss-Prot and National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) databases, bioinformatic processing of data and statistic analysis (t-test with P &lt; 0.05) were performed using the spectral counting quantitative module of the Scaffold software. Using this strategy, 427 proteins were qualitatively identified in canine oviductal fluid. Three proteins were specific of the ampulla, 10 specific of the isthmus and 414 were found in both oviductal parts. Among these common proteins, some were differentially expressed, from 1.25 to 9 times higher (HV303_Human, RLA2_Horse, SPRL1_Human, SODC_CANFA, PROF1_Human, ARF4_Bovin and TRXR1_Bovin). The gene ontology analysis displayed biological pathways specific to the biology of reproduction (6 proteins; RUVB1_Human, OVGP1_Pig, STAT3_Human, PLAK_Human, GPX3_Rat and DYL1_Human). These candidate proteins and especially oviduct-specific glycoprotein and glutathione peroxidase, will now be validated by immunodetection methods.

Descriptions of new species of the diverse and endemic land snail Amplirhagada Iredale, 1933 from rainforest patches across the Kimberley, Western Australia (Pulmonata: Camaenidae)

Descriptions of new species of the diverse and endemic land snail Amplirhagada Iredale, 1933 from rainforest patches across the Kimberley, Western Australia (Pulmonata: Camaenidae)

Adenocarcinoma renal metastático em uma Codorna Japonesa (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Uma codorna japonesa (Coturnix coturnix japonica), fêmea, adulta com 2 anos apresentou parada de postura, emagrecimento, aumento de volume abdominal e morte. Ao exame macroscópico, observou-se ascite, pulmão esquerdo difusamente esbranquiçado, massas esbranquiçadas, de aproximadamente 1,0cm de diâmetro, na região caudal do lobo direito do fígado e na serosa da moela; massas de 0,1 a 0,5cm no mesentério e serosa intestinal; e uma massa de 5,0x2,0cm na fossa do sinsacro, que acometia 90% do parênquima renal e estendia-se ao ovário e oviduto. Na avaliação histopatológica da neoformação renal, observou-se proliferação de células epiteliais formando túbulos, que muitas vezes não apresentavam lúmen, sustentados por um estroma fibrovascular escasso associado à necrose multifocal. As células neoplásicas eram cuboidais, núcleos redondos a ovalados, nucléolos evidentes, citoplasma abundante e eosinofílico, pleomorfismo moderado e poucas figuras mitóticas. Metástases foram observadas de forma difusa no ovário, oviduto e pulmão esquerdo; multifocal na serosa do intestino e focal no fígado e camadas muscular e serosa da moela. Na avaliação imuno-histoquímica, as células tumorais foram positivas para a citoqueratina (clones AE1+AE3) e negativas para a citoqueratina 5/6, o CD10 e a fosfatase alcalina placentária. De acordo com a localização, achados morfológicos e o perfil imuno-histoquímico, conclui-se que o presente relato trata-se de um adenocarcinoma renal metastático.

Deep-sea parasitic nematodes of the genus Trophomera Rubtsov et Platonova, 1974 (Benthimermithidae) from the Equatorial Atlantic, with the descriptions of two new species

Nematode females of the genus Trophomera (Benthimermithidae) from the collection of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History (Washington, DC, USA) were examined. Nematodes were collected in different parts of the Western Atlantic (Hatteras Abyssal Plain, Brazil Basin, and Argentina Basin) from depths of 467–5,223 m. Two new species are described. Body length of T. americana sp. n. is 3,250–4,470 μm; posterior end conical with rounded tip; cephalic setae about 3–4 μm long; trophosome consisting of several longitudinal rows of large cells; ovaries reflected; mature eggs 35 μm in diameter. Body length of T. longiovaris sp. n. is 7,870–15,400 μm; posterior end conical with rounded tip; cephalic sensilla 7 μm long; mouth opening vestigial, present as very narrow apical pore; pharynx devoid of internal lumen and muscular envelope; midgut represents a trophosome without internal lumen; trophosomal cells arranged in 3–4 longitudinal rows; rectum and anus vestigial; female reproductive system didelphic, amphidelphic, very long, occupying about 0.8 total body length; ovaries telogonic, outstretched; oviducts very long, repeatedly folded across body axis; proximal parts of oviducts being than distal ones, uterus distinctly formed. New finds of two known species, T. arnauidi and T. marionensis, are also recorded and described.

The tunica mucosa of the oviduct in case of ovarian cysts presence in sows.

The unfavorable morphological changes in the oviductal mucosa may lead to infertility in females and be one of the reasons for slaughtering of farm animals. The aim of study was to investigate the morphological changes in the epithelium of oviductal mucosa of sows with ovarian cysts. The oviducts of 18 sows were obtained after slaughter. Sows were divided into three groups: 1st group - 6 sows with polycystic ovaries, 2nd group - 6 sows with single cysts, 3rd group - 6 sows without ovarian cysts. The epithelium was examined by light microscopy, SEM and TEM. Ciliated and secretory cells were count on 150 μm segments in apical and basal zone of folds both in ampulla and isthmus. We analyzed the number of cells in 5 folds in both these oviductal parts in dexter and sinister oviduct. We have noted unfavorable changes in oviductal mucosa consisting in increase of the secretory cells with simultaneous decrease of ciliated cells. The correlations between the general occurrence of ovarian cysts and the morphological state of epithelium of oviductal tunica mucosa were determined. The changes in proportion of cells occurred both in ampulla and isthmus. The excessive secretion covering epithelium promotes agglutinations and adhesions of the tubal folds and occlusion of the oviduct. These alterations may create problems in the migration of gametes and prevent the movements of the zygote towards the uterus and cause some disturbances in conceptus development in its early stages. Results suggest that COD is connected with unfavorable morphological and functional changes within epithelium of the oviductal tunica mucosa.

Evidence of androgen-dependent sperm storage in female reproductive tract of Scotophilus heathi

The aim of present study was to investigate the role of androgen in sperm storage in the female genital tract of Scotophilus heathi. Spermatozoa were observed in the distal part of oviduct and utero-tubal junction of all the female bats collected between January and early March. Increase in circulating testosterone level coincided with the arrangement of sperm with their head oriented towards the epithelial lining of reproductive tract. Immunocytochemical and Western blot analysis revealed the presence of androgen receptor (AR) only in the distal part of the oviduct and utero-tubal junction, the site of sperm storage. Localization of AR in the cytoplasm of luminal epithelial cells in utero-tubal junction of S. heathi suggests non-genomic action of androgen at the site of sperm storage. Further study showed the presence of intense immunoreactivity of androgen binding protein (ABP) in the glandular epithelial cells of utero-tubal junction . It is hypothesized that androgen creates a unique microenvironment e.g. secretion of ABP within lumen of utero-tubal junction which helps to store spermatozoa for prolonged period in the female genital tract of S. heathi.

MRNA Expression and Immunocytochemical Localization of Leptin Receptor in the Oviduct of the Laying Hen (Gallus domesticus)

The role of leptin in female reproduction is fairly well established in mammals, whereas reports concerning leptin action in birds are scarce. The aim of the present study was to detect leptin receptor (LEP-R) mRNA and to localize the leptin receptor protein in the oviduct of laying hens 2h after ovulation by the RT-PCR method and immunocytochemical staining. The RT-PCR reaction demonstrated expression of the long form ofleptin receptor mRNA in all examined oviductal parts (infundibulum, magnum, isthmus and shell gland) and the weakest level was found in the isthmus. The expression of the short isoform was lower than the long form in all examined tissue samples and no differences between oviductal parts were observed. Immunostaining specific for leptin receptor was found in the walls of all examined oviductal parts. The intensity of the immunopositive reaction was the strongest in the epithelium of all examined parts of the oviduct and in the endothelium and muscles of blood vessels. The weakest immunopositive reaction was observed in tubular glands, the connective tissue layer and in circular and longitudinal muscles. The results obtained in this experiment suggest that the oviduct may be a target tissue for leptin, where this polypeptide hormon may participate in egg formation and/or its transport through the oviduct of the domestic hen.