Academic literature on the topic 'Female reproductive function'
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Journal articles on the topic "Female reproductive function"
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Bidne, K. L., M. J. Dickson, J. W. Ross, L. H. Baumgard, and A. F. Keating. "Disruption of female reproductive function by endotoxins." Reproduction 155, no. 4 (April 2018): R169—R181. http://dx.doi.org/10.1530/rep-17-0406.
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Endotoxemia can be caused by obesity, environmental chemical exposure, abiotic stressors and bacterial infection. Circumstances that deleteriously impact intestinal barrier integrity can induce endotoxemia, and controlled experiments have identified negative impacts of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; an endotoxin mimetic) on folliculogenesis, puberty onset, estrus behavior, ovulation, meiotic competence, luteal function and ovarian steroidogenesis. In addition, neonatal LPS exposures have transgenerational female reproductive impacts, raising concern about early life contacts to this endogenous reproductive toxicant. Aims of this review are to identify physiological stressors causing endotoxemia, to highlight potential mechanism(s) by which LPS compromises female reproduction and identify knowledge gaps regarding how acute and/or metabolic endotoxemia influence(s) female reproduction.
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Nothnick, Warren B. "The role of micro-RNAs in the female reproductive tract." REPRODUCTION 143, no. 5 (May 2012): 559–76. http://dx.doi.org/10.1530/rep-11-0240.
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Proper development and function of the female reproductive tract are essential for successful reproduction. Regulation of the differentiated functions of the organs that make up the female reproductive tract is well established to occur at multiple levels including transcription, translation, and posttranslational modifications. Micro-RNA (miRNA)-mediated posttranscriptional gene regulation has emerged as a fundamental mechanism controlling normal tissue development and function. Emerging evidence indicates that miRNAs are expressed within the organs of the female reproductive tract where they function to regulate cellular pathways necessary for proper function of these organs. In this review, the functional significance of miRNAs in the development and function of the organs of the female reproductive tract is discussed. Initial discussion focuses on the role of miRNAs in the development of the organs of the female reproductive tract highlighting recent studies that clearly demonstrate that mice with disrupted Dicer1 expression are sterile, fail to develop uterine glands, and have muted estrogen responsiveness. Next, emphasis moves to discussion on our current knowledge on the characterization of miRNA expression in each of the organs of the female reproductive tract. When possible, information is presented and discussed with respect to regulation, function, and/or functional targets of these miRNA within each specific organ of the female reproductive tract.
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Pettigrew, R., and D. Hamilton-Fairley. "Obsesity and female reproductive function." British Medical Bulletin 53, no. 2 (January 1, 1997): 341–58. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.bmb.a011617.
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M, Hitit. "Putative Role of Micro - RNA s i n Female Reproductive Tract." Open Access Journal of Veterinary Science & Research 2, no. 2 (2017): 1–5. http://dx.doi.org/10.23880/oajvsr-16000131.
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Female reproductive tract is composed of ovarium, oviduct, cervix and uterus. Development and function of reproductive tract is dispens a ble for maintenance and achievement of reproduction. Reproductive tract responses to cyclic changes and ovarium hormones which provide optimum conditions for gam e t e movement and development. While the potential influence of pitu i tary and gonadal hormones on reproductive function is clearly understood, the molecular mechanism regulating reproductive tract remains elusive. Although, post - transcriptional gene regulation has critical role in cell differ e ntiation and proliferation, little information is ava i lable in post - transcriptional gene regulation in reproductive tract. Post - transcriptional g ene regulation includes splicing, processing, transport and translation of mRNA. In addition, role of RNA binding proteins and recently discovered miRNAs were also implicated in reproductive tract.
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Li, Biao, Zhihui Yang, Jingwen Hou, April McCracken, M. Anita Jennings, and Mark Y. J. Ma. "Compromised Reproductive Function in Adult Female Mice Selectively Expressing Mutant ErbB-1 Tyrosine Kinase Receptors in Astroglia." Molecular Endocrinology 17, no. 11 (November 1, 2003): 2365–76. http://dx.doi.org/10.1210/me.2003-0023.
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Abstract The ErbB-1 tyrosine kinase receptor plays critical roles in regulating physiological functions. This receptor-mediated signaling in astroglia has been implicated in controlling female sexual development via activating neurons that release LH-releasing hormone (LHRH), the neuropeptide required for the secretion of LH. It remains unknown whether astroglial ErbB-1 receptors are necessary for maintaining normal adult reproductive function. Here we provide genetic evidence that astroglia-specific and time-controlled disruption of ErbB-1 receptor signaling by expressing mutant ErbB-1 receptors leads to compromised reproduction due to alteration in LHRH neuron-controlled secretion of LH in adult female mice. Therefore, astroglial ErbB-1 receptors are required for controlling LHRH neuronal function and thus maintaining adult reproduction, suggesting that compromised astroglial ErbB-1 signaling may also contribute to reproductive abnormalities in aging females.
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Tsai, Chia-Kuang, Yuan-Yuei Chen, Chung-Hsing Chou, Tung-Wei Kao, Chih-Sung Liang, Fu-Chi Yang, Chung-Ching Wang, Jiunn-Tay Lee, and Wei-Liang Chen. "Female reproductive health and cognitive function." Menopause 27, no. 12 (August 24, 2020): 1357–62. http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/gme.0000000000001630.
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Reverchon, Maxime, Christelle Ramé, Michael Bertoldo, and Joëlle Dupont. "Adipokines and the Female Reproductive Tract." International Journal of Endocrinology 2014 (2014): 1–10. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/232454.
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It is well known that adipose tissue can influence puberty, sexual maturation, and fertility in different species. Adipose tissue secretes molecules called adipokines which most likely have an endocrine effect on reproductive function. It has been revealed over the last few years that adipokines are functionally implicated at all levels of the reproductive axis including the gonad and hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Many studies have shown the presence and the role of the adipokines and their receptors in the female reproductive tract of different species. These adipokines regulate ovarian steroidogenesis, oocyte maturation, and embryo development. They are also present in the uterus and placenta where they could create a favorable environment for embryonic implantation and play a key role in maternal-fetal metabolism communication and gestation. Reproductive functions are strongly dependent on energy balance, and thereby metabolic abnormalities can lead to the development of some pathophysiologies such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Adipokines could be a link between reproduction and energy metabolism and could partly explain some infertility related to obesity or PCOS.
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Forkun, V. I., and O. M. Bobrytska. "New approaches to improving the reproductive function of females dogs." Scientific Messenger of LNU of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnologies 25, no. 112 (December 3, 2023): 135–39. http://dx.doi.org/10.32718/nvlvet11222.
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The aim of the work was to establish the effectiveness of the application of a complex reproductive protocol to improve the reproductive capacity of females. The essence of the protocol consists in a combination of monitoring and treatment and preventive measures, which are carried out from the moment of planning the pregnancy of the females dogs until birth and the first weeks after birth, which are combined into a complex reproductive protocol. The protocol includes three stages (preparation for pregnancy; management of the reproductive females dogs during pregnancy; postpartum period). The experiment was conducted on 25 bull terrier female (Canis familiaris) of different ages. The effectiveness of the application of a complex reproductive protocol in the breeding of bull terrier female was experimentally established which is characterized by an increase in the efficiency of insemination, the weight of the nest and the viability of the puppies. In particular, the efficiency of fertilization of female was 92 % (against 72 % in the control group). Using a complex reproductive protocol, the viability of the resulting puppies was slightly higher than that of the female of the research group. In particular, 84.7 % of puppies obtained in the group following the Protocol had high indicators of viability (APGAR – 7–10 points), which is 6.9 % more than the indicators in the control group of animals. Also, in the experimental group, 9.3 % of animals had average APGAR scores (4–6 points), and only 5.9 % of puppies had a low degree of viability (APGAR – 0–3 points). Regarding multifertility, in the control group of female, most female (33.3 %) had 5 pups each, while 22.1 % had 6–7 pups in the nest, 27.8 % of animals had 2–3 pups each. In addition, one females had one puppy. The conducted tests of the Protocol established an increase in the fertility of females. Thus, 62.5 % of the female of the experimental group had from 5 to 7 puppies, which is 6.9 % more than the indicators of the female of the control group. In addition, only one female from the experimental group had 2 and 3 puppies, respectively, and there was no female with one born puppy. Therefore, the effectiveness of the application of a complex reproductive protocol in the breeding of bull terrier female, which is characterized by an increase in the efficiency of insemination, litter mass and viability of puppies, has been established.
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Holumbiovska, T. V., and V. Y. Stefanyk. "Disorders of reproductive function in female dogs and methods of diagnostic." Scientific Messenger of LNU of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnologies 20, no. 83 (March 2, 2018): 385–95. http://dx.doi.org/10.15421/nvlvet8376.
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In recent years, small animals veterinary medicine in Ukraine has undergone significant development and change. The increase of issue of breeding, obtain healthy offspring leads to magnificatition disorders of reproduction function in dogs. Therefore, the development of modern methods for diagnosis of reproductive system diseases and correction of reproductive function in dogs is important. Infertility is a temporary or prolonged loss of reproductive capacity by the female dogs as a result of various factors inborn or acquired in the process of life. Disorders of reproduction function caused by different etiologic factors. The main reasons can be conventionally divided into problems associated with dogs, infertility in females (disorders of estrous cycle) and infertility with physiological estrous cycle. The infertility includes disorders that are characterized by absence of estrous and prolonged proestrous / estrus and decreasing period between estrous. Other causes disorders of reproduction function are: incorrect insemination, stress, disease of uterus, disease of ovaries, infectional disease (Brucella canis, Herpes virus canis, other infectional disease), idiopathic infertility. Gynecological examination in female dogs aimed to identifying the causes of infertility should be carried out according to the established scheme, which includes the collection of anamnesis, examination, and laboratory studies. The main methods of research to determine the causes of infertility are: vaginal secretions, vaginoscopy, vaginal cytology, microbiological studies, radiography, hysteroscopy, hysterography, ultrasound examination of the uterus determination of the concentration of sex hormones in the blood.
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Qazi, Izhar, Christiana Angel, Haoxuan Yang, Bo Pan, Evangelos Zoidis, Chang-Jun Zeng, Hongbing Han, and Guang-Bin Zhou. "Selenium, Selenoproteins, and Female Reproduction: A Review." Molecules 23, no. 12 (November 22, 2018): 3053. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/molecules23123053.
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Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient that has several important functions in animal and human health. The biological functions of Se are carried out by selenoproteins (encoded by twenty-five genes in human and twenty-four in mice), which are reportedly present in all three domains of life. As a component of selenoproteins, Se has structural and enzymatic functions; in the latter context it is best recognized for its catalytic and antioxidant activities. In this review, we highlight the biological functions of Se and selenoproteins followed by an elaborated review of the relationship between Se and female reproductive function. Data pertaining to Se status and female fertility and reproduction are sparse, with most such studies focusing on the role of Se in pregnancy. Only recently has some light been shed on its potential role in ovarian physiology. The exact underlying molecular and biochemical mechanisms through which Se or selenoproteins modulate female reproduction are largely unknown; their role in human pregnancy and related complications is not yet sufficiently understood. Properly powered, randomized, controlled trials (intervention vs. control) in populations of relatively low Se status will be essential to clarify their role. In the meantime, studies elucidating the potential effect of Se supplementation and selenoproteins (i.e., GPX1, SELENOP, and SELENOS) in ovarian function and overall female reproductive efficiency would be of great value.
Dissertations / Theses on the topic "Female reproductive function"
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Serpedin, Nesrin. "Abnormal reproductive function in female homozygous leaner mice." Texas A&M University, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/559.
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The leaner mouse carries an autosomal recessive mutation in the α1A subunit of neuronal P/Q-type voltage gated calcium ion channels. Due to this mutation, the leaner mouse exhibits severe ataxia, absence seizures and paroxysmal dyskinesia. Mutations in this same gene in humans cause: episodic ataxia type 2, familial hemiplegic migraine, spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 and probably the newly recognized form of human inherited epilepsy.
Decreased amplitude of calcium current in cerebellar Purkinje cells and decreased calcium buffering capacity suggest that failure of calcium homeostasis may lead to the neurodegeneration observed in these mutant mice. Both sexes are affected. Despite their neurological dysfunction, homozygous leaner mice are able to breed and produce viable offspring. The survival rate for these pups is highly correlated with early fostering to normal lactating dams.
This thesis studies the reproductive dysfunction observed in female homozygous leaner mice and is divided into four parts: onset of puberty, estrous cycle, pregnancy and litter assessment, and hormone levels. We have discovered that the onset of puberty is precocious in leaner females compared to age-matched wild type females, and leaner mice spend more time in estrous than age-matched wild type females. Also, we have observed that leaner mice became pregnant less readily than wild type mice, but once pregnant, female leaner mice produced more pups per litter compared with wild type mice. The number of corpora lutea observed in leaner mice is greater than in wild type mice. In leaner mice, the number of corpora lutea in the ovary corresponding to the uterine horn with the highest number of offspring is larger than the number of corpora lutea found in the ovary corresponding to the other uterine horn. Radioimmunoassays of estradiol hormone levels at postnatal day 28 shows higher levels in leaner compared to age-matched wild type mice. However, at postnatal day 28, the luteinizing hormone levels are similar in both categories of mice.
This study of reproductive dysfunction in leaner mice was performed to gain further understanding about the role of intracellular calcium ion signaling in neuronal regulation of reproductive processes in females.
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Yura, Shigeo. "Physiological roles of leptin in female reproductive function and during pregnancy." Kyoto University, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/2433/150537.
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Del, Junco Deborah Joan Annegers John F. "The relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and reproductive function /." See options below, 1988. http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=746612061&sid=2&Fmt=2&clientId=68716&RQT=309&VName=PQD.
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Turnock, Margaret Elizabeth. "Effects of stress and intra-uterine position on reproductive function in female mice." Thesis, Keele University, 1993. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.385556.
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Thong, Farah S. L. "Fat and fertility, the relationship between leptin, adiposity and reproductive function in female athletes." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1998. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk2/ftp03/MQ33282.pdf.
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Zhong, Enhong [Verfasser]. "Investigation of the transcriptional regulation and function of TFF1 in female reproductive organs / Enhong Zhong." Berlin : Medizinische Fakultät Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 2010. http://d-nb.info/1024365522/34.
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Roberts, Destiny. "The Effects of Chronic Alcohol Consumption on Ovarian Function/ Morphology." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2017. https://dc.etsu.edu/honors/425.
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Chronic alcohol (ethanol) consumption has been known to affect the major organs of the body and particularly the liver. However, the effects of chronic ethanol consumption on the female reproductive system remain relatively unstudied. A convenient way to study these effects is by analyzing laboratory mice that have been fed an ethanol diet for an extended period of time and comparing them to control mice. In this study, female mice were separated into control and ethanol fed groups. The mice were placed on their specified diets and observed over the course of six weeks. The mice were fed and weighed daily throughout the duration of the experiment. Once a week, vaginal washes were performed on both groups of mice to determine the stage of the estrous cycle for each mouse. At the end of the six weeks, the mice were sacrificed and the ovaries were harvested and fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde. The ovaries were then paraffin embedded and sectioned. Glass microscope slides were then stained using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining procedures for evaluation using standard light microscopy. The tissue’s morphology, follicle development, presence of corpora lutea, and overall appearance were analyzed. Due to the premature deaths of several mice in first group of ethanol fed mice, the experiment was repeated with three more groups of mice to obtain a better representation of data. The data from the control group was compared to that of the ethanol fed group. The mice that received the ethanol fed diet ceased to cycle and arrested in the diestrous phase of the estrous cycle. Our data indicates that the ovarian follicles within the ethanol fed mice show signs of degeneration in the 4b, 5a, 5b, 6, and 7 levels of development. There are also no notable corpora lutea present within the ovaries of the ethanol fed mice. Our findings indicate that chronic alcohol consumption has deleterious effects on ovarian morphology in mice.
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Labelle-Dumais, Cassandre. "Expression and role of the orphan nuclear receptor NR5A2 in mouse embryogenesis and female reproductive function." Thesis, McGill University, 2006. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=111861.
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The orphan nuclear receptor NR5A2 is implicated in a multitude of biological processes including cholesterol homeostasis and development. Its role in cholesterol metabolism and cell proliferation is now well established in vitro and in vivo. Both in vitro and gene expression studies have suggested a role for NR5A2 in ovarian function. In this study, we provide in vivo evidence for its involvement in reproductive function by demonstrating that heterozygosity for a null mutation of NR5A2 leads to a reduction in female fertility. Furthermore, we showed that NR5A2+/- females display a severe reduction in ovarian progesterone production and that progesterone supplementation can rescue the NR5A2+/- subfertility phenotype. We also provide evidence that one of the mechanisms by which NR5A2 regulates ovarian progesterone production is through modulating the expression of SCAR, which controls one of the rate-limiting steps of progesterone synthesis.A targeted disruption of the NR5A2 gene in the mouse leads to early lethality in utero between embryonic days 6.0 and 7.5, showing that NR5A2 plays a crucial role during early embryogenesis. The molecular mechanisms underlying this early lethality, however, are poorly understood. In this study, we used a morphological and marker gene analysis to characterize the NR5A2-/- embryonic phenotype and showed that although initial axis specification occurs in NR5A2-/- embryos, primitive streak and mesoderm fail to form. Using a chimeric approach, we demonstrated a requirement for NR5A2 function in the visceral endoderm (VE), an extra-embryonic tissue, for proper primitive streak morphogenesis and gastrulation. Our results also indicate a reduction in the expression of VE marker genes involved in the nutritive function of this tissue, suggesting that NR5A2 play a dual role in the VE, being implicated in the mediation of both its patterning and nutritive activity.
Taking advantage of the LacZ knock-in approach used to inactivate the NR5A2 gene, we also demonstrated that NR5A2 is expressed during craniofacial and nervous system development, suggesting a novel role for NR5A2 in head formation and neural development.
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Elgenaidi, Abdalla Ramadan. "Effects of Libyan traditional plants on the reproductive system of male and female rats." University of the Western cape, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/11394/5412.
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Philosophiae Doctor - PhDIn different parts of the world, medicinal plants have demonstrated a lot of health benefits to mankind and remains an important source for the discovery of new bio-active compounds. Libya is a typical example of a country where medicinal plants are widely used. Plant extracts of five Libyan medicinal plants were used in this study to investigate their in vivo effects on spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis in male rats and on ovulation and fertility in female rats. The In vitro effects of these plant extracts were also investigated on TM3 Leydig cells and MCF 7 breast cancer cells. A phyto-chemical analysis of the five Libyan medicinal plants (flaxseed, black seeds, radish seed, date palm pollen and nutmeg) was done. The results showed that date palm pollen had a higher antioxidant activity than all of the above mentioned plants. In addition to this, Nigella sativa was observed to possess high flavonol content as well as high antioxidant activity. Male rats exposed to flaxseed, radish seeds and date palm pollen showed no significant alterations in body weight gain, whereas date palm pollen (240 mg/kg, p < 0.05) promoted an increase in body gain. This study also revealed a significant increase in the relative testicular weight of animals exposed to either flaxseed (300mg/kg) or date palm pollen (120mg/kg). In addition, the relative weights of the seminal vesicles of all treated groups showed significant increased values. The level of serum testosterone showed a significant increase after exposure to radish seed (80mg/kg) and a significant dose- dependent increase for date palm pollen when compared to control (P< 0.05). In contrast, flaxseed caused a dose-dependent significant (p <0.01) decrease in testosterone level at radish seed (300mg/Kg). All plant extracts caused a significant increase in sperm concentration. Sperm vitality significantly (p < 0.05) increased by radish seed (80mg/kg), flaxseed (300mg/kg) and date palm pollen (120, 240mg/kg) respectively. Total progressive motility improved significantly at flaxseed (300 mg/kg) (p < 0.001) as well as date palm pollen (p < 0.01). Histological examination of the cross sections of the testis showed clear presence of all stages of spermatogenesis in all the treated groups. Rat epididymides showed normal morphological appearance and their lumen were filled with spermatozoa. The diameter of seminiferous tubules in male rats exposed to date palm pollen (120 and 240 mg/kg) was significantly higher (p < 0.001). The heights of the germ cell epithelia within the eminiferous tubules were also significantly increased in all treated groups. Liver and renal functions tests showed a significant decrease in Alanine transaminase (ALT) and creatinine in all treated groups (p < 0.05), and this demonstrates the lack of cytotoxic effects of date palm pollen, radish seed and flaxseed on the rats. However, these plant extracts produced a non-significant (p > 0.05) increase in Aspartate transaminase (AST) levels. Besides this, superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) in testis was increased significantly by radish seed (160 mg/kg), flaxseed (200 mg/kg) and date palm pollen (120 mg/kg). There was also improved catalase activity in testis of male rats exposed to radish seed and date palm pollen. Regarding male sexual behavior, the time to reach the female and the mount frequency decreased significantly in male rats exposed to flaxseed (300 mg/kg) and date palm pollen (120 and 240 mg/kg; p > 0.05) thus, these plant extracts exhibit aphrodisiac properties. In addition, exposure of male rats to date palm pollen (120 mg/kg) produced a significant (p < 0.01) increase in the number of embryos in untreated female rats. In the female rats, the body weight gain was not affected (p > 0.05). However, the relative uterus weights exposed to nutmeg (200 mg/kg) and date palm pollen (120 and 240 mg/kg) were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). In addition, the relative weights of ovaries after treatment with nutmeg (400 mg/kg) and black seed (400 mg/kg) showed significantly increased values (p < 0.01). Serum FSH was significantly increased (p > 0.05 or 0.01) when the female rats have been exposed to black seed (200 mg/kg), nutmeg (200 mg/kg) or date palm pollen (120 mg/kg). The LH level significantly (p < 0.01) decreased following exposure to black seed (200 mg/kg), date palm pollen (120 mg/kg). On the other hand, serum LH concentration was significantly increased in female rats exposed nutmeg (400 mg/kg; p > 0.05). The creatinine activity in female rat serum in all treated groups was significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Whereas the higher dose of date palm pollen (240 mg/kg) caused only a non-significant decrease. ALT activity in serum of female rat exposed to either black seed (400 mg/kg) or date palm pollen (120 and 240 mg/kg) was shown to decrease significantly (p < 0.05). Histology of the reproductive organs, kidney and liver in the female rats showed no obvious alterations in any of the treated groups. In addition, the number of embryos in female rats significantly increased (p < 0.01; p < 0.001) following exposure of female rats to black seeds 400 and date palm pollen 240 mg/kg, respectively. Incubation of TM3 Leydig cells with radish seeds for 24, 48 or 72 hours caused a significant (p < 0.01) decrease in mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity. Besides that, date palm pollen and flaxseed increased the mitochondrial dehydrogenases activity of TM3 Leydig cells. In addition, higher concentration of date palm pollen, nutmeg and black seed were cytotoxic to MCF7 breast cells. In testis slices testosterone secretion in vitro was significantly increased by flaxseed (500 μg/ml; p > 0·05) and date palm pollen (500 μg/ml; p > 0·01). MCf-7 cells treated with BS 10-50 μg/ml black seed and nutmeg 10-50μg/ml significantly increased cell proliferation. However, the treatment with date palm pollen produced only a weak estrogenic effect, which resulted in a concentration dependent significant increase as observed between 50-1000 μg/ml date palm pollen. In conclusion, in this study, we observed that date palm pollen, radish seed and flaxseed increased libido as well as steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis, improved hepato and nephron-protective effects. In female rats, the plant extracts NM, BS and date palm pollen potentiated the production of gonadotropic hormones. In addition to this, at lower concentrations these medicinal plants promoted cell growth, whereas at higher concentrations they inhibited cell proliferation of MCF- 7 breast cancer cells. The anti-oxidant effects of these plant extracts have been implicated for the above mention effects.
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Itoh, Makoto. "Study on the function of female calls in Pelophylax nigromaculatus and Pelophylax porosus brevipodus." Kyoto University, 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/2433/244514.
Full textBooks on the topic "Female reproductive function"
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Makabe, Sayoko. Atlas of human female reproductive function: Ovarian development to early embryogenesis after in vitro fertilization. London: Taylor & Francis, 2006.
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R, Genazzani Andrea, ed. The brain and female reproductive function: The proceedings of the First Capri Conference on the Brain and Female Reproductive Function: Basic and Clinical Aspects, Capri, Italy, May 1987. Carnforth, Lancs, U.K: Parthenon Pub. Group, 1988.
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International Capri Conference on Neuroendocrine and Peripheral Disorders of Female Reproductive System: Pathophysiology and Therapies. (2nd 1992). Neuroendocrinology of female reproductive function: Proceedings of 2nd International Capri Conference on Neuroendocrine and Peripheral Disorders of Female Reproductive System--Pathophysiology and Therapies, Capri, May 1992. Carnforth, Lancs, UK: Parthenon Pub. Group, 1993.
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U, Montemagno, and International Capri Conference on Neuroendocrine and Peripheral Disorders of Female Reproductive System: Pathophysiology and Therapies (2nd : 1992), eds. Neuroendocrinology of female reproductive function: The proceedings of the Second International Capri Conference, held in Capri, Italy, May 22-26, 1992. Carnforth, Lancs, UK: Parthenon Pub. Group, 1993.
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Ichinoe, Kihyo e. Functional preservation of gynecologic reproductive organs by operative and non-operative procedures. Sapporo, Japan: Hokkaido University School of Medicine, 1986.
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Ichinoe, Kihyōe. Functional preservation of gynecologic reproductive organs by operative and non-operative procedures. Sapporo: Hokkaido University School of Medicine, 1986.
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Ichinoe, Kihyoe. Functional preservation of gynecologic reproductive organs by operative and non-operative procedures. Sapporo: Hokkaido University School of Medicine, 1986.
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Radzinskiy, Viktor, Alevtina Savicheva, Sergey Vorob'ev, Elena Spasibova, Kira Shalepo, Ol'ga Budilovskaya, Tat'yana Husnutdinova, et al. Biocenosis of the vagina. Norm. Disruption. Restoration. ru: Publishing Center RIOR, 2023. http://dx.doi.org/10.29039/978-5-907218-72-7.
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A healthy reproductive system is inconceivable without normal vaginal microbiota, and full-fledged treatment cannot be carried out without detailed understanding of the arrangement and functions of the human microbiome. Today superbugs are a reality, and the role of such concepts as “microbiome” and “biofilms” is already undeniable in medical practice. Every doctor understands that it is necessary to choose antibacterial drugs based on practicability, global experience and evidence-based medicine. All this clearly demonstrates that there is a need to create an authoritative source of knowledge — a handbook for practitioners. Each chapter contains up-to-date information on the impact of female microbiota on the course and outcomes of pregnancy, on the etiology, pathogenesis and diagnostics of vaginal microbiocenosis disorders, and detailed treatment regimens. The work is intended for obstetrician-gynecologists and heads of women’s health clinics, perinatal centers, departments of general hospitals, fellows and heads of departments of obstetrics and gynecology, students of all forms of continuous medical education, graduate students and clinical residents, as well as students of medical schools.
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Blerkom, Jonathan van, and Tomonori Naguro. Atlas of Human Female Reproductive Function. Taylor & Francis Group, 2006.
Find full textBook chapters on the topic "Female reproductive function"
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Kime, David E. "Disruption of Female Reproductive Function." In Endocrine Disruption in Fish, 149–85. Boston, MA: Springer US, 1998. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-4943-7_7.
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Lara, Lucia Alves Silva. "Sexuality in Couples with Reproductive Difficulties." In Female Sexual Function and Dysfunction, 107–22. Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2017. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-41716-5_10.
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Fraser, H. M. "LHRH Antagonists and Female Reproductive Function." In LHRH and Its Analogs, 227–42. Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands, 1987. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-3229-6_15.
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Stefani, R. "Morphological basis of female orgasm." In Morphological Basis of Human Reproductive Function, 123–26. Boston, MA: Springer US, 1987. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-1953-5_18.
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Huang, Jiana, and Haitao Zeng. "The Influence of Environmental Factors on Ovarian Function, Follicular Genesis, and Oocyte Quality." In Environment and Female Reproductive Health, 41–62. Singapore: Springer Singapore, 2021. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-981-33-4187-6_3.
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Kaulenas, M. S. "Structure and Function of the Female Accessory Reproductive Systems." In Zoophysiology, 33–121. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 1992. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-84080-7_3.
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Gotlieb, Neta, Jacob Moeller, and Lance J. Kriegsfeld. "Development and Modulation of Female Reproductive Function by Circadian Signals." In Masterclass in Neuroendocrinology, 413–46. Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2020. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-40002-6_16.
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Bigsby, Robert M. "Reciprocal Tissue Interactions in Morphogenesis and Hormonal Responsiveness of the Female Reproductive Tract." In Cellular Signals Controlling Uterine Function, 11–29. Boston, MA: Springer US, 1991. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-3724-3_3.
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Zhang, Cheng. "Roles of Grp78 in Female Mammalian Reproduction." In The Role of Heat Shock Proteins in Reproductive System Development and Function, 129–55. Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2017. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-51409-3_7.
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Swartz, Steven L., Aimee Lang, Alexander Burdin, John Calambokidis, Héloïse Frouin-Mouy, Sergio Martínez-Aguilar, Fabian Rodríguez-González, et al. "Gray Whale Sex, Reproductive Behavior, and Social Strategies." In Sex in Cetaceans, 499–520. Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2023. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-35651-3_21.
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AbstractGray whale sexual behavior and copulation are observed throughout their range. The most prominent period for reproductive behavior is during the southward migration from summer feeding areas to wintering areas where some breeding occurs and calves of the year are reared. The seasonal migrations of gray whales are believed to function, in part, to bring together individuals that are otherwise widely distributed during the period of estrus to facilitate mating and reproduction. Sexual behaviors and sexual strategies for this species appear to align closely with those of balaenid (not rorqual) whales, although such comparisons need further investigation. Gray whales are polygynandrous (multi-mate) breeders. There does not appear to be female choice of mates, as groups of numerous females and males aggregate, and multiple copulations occur. Female estrus begins in mid-November and continues to early December; females may undergo a second estrus, extending into February, if they fail to conceive during their first cycle. Male gray whales have large testes and concomitantly produce large volumes of sperm, so they are believed to be sperm competitors; that is, they rely on multiple copulations (and sperm volume) to produce offspring. Multiple copulations with different males during the female estrus period may increase the likelihood that the timing of conception results in the birth of a calf approximately 13 months later near or in the wintering area(s). Mating bouts can last for minutes to hours, interspersed with surface-active-social-sexual behavior. Some all-male groups have been observed with erect penises engaged in social-sexual behavior in the absence of any females. Instances of male aggression toward postpartum females with calves of the year, sometimes resulting in injury or death, have been reported. As a result of dedicated long-term research in the past several decades, the state of knowledge on gray whale reproduction has greatly expanded and updated information on this topic is summarized in this chapter.
Conference papers on the topic "Female reproductive function"
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Tykheev, A. A., M. V. Ignatieva, V. A. Peterfeld, and S. D. Zhamsaranova. "INFLUENCE OF CESTODIDPHуLLOBOTHRIUMDENDRITICUM ON THE REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION OF THE OMUL EMBASSARY POPULATION FEMALE." In УСТОЙЧИВОЕ РАЗВИТИЕ ТЕРРИТОРИЙ: ТЕОРИЯ И ПРАКТИКА. г. Сибай: Сибайский институт (филиал) федерального государственного бюджетного образовательного учреждения высшего профессионального образования "Башкирский государственный университет", 2022. http://dx.doi.org/10.56363/9785604860908_246.
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Lukovnikova, L. V., L. A. Lelbiks, and E. E. Lesiovskaya. "EFFECT OF NICKEL AND ITS INSOLUBLE INORGANIC COMPOUNDS ON REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION OF WHITE RATS." In The 16th «OCCUPATION and HEALTH» Russian National Congress with International Participation (OHRNC-2021). FSBSI “IRIOH”, 2021. http://dx.doi.org/10.31089/978-5-6042929-2-1-2021-1-326-329.
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Abstract. Introduction. The problem of women's health protection in enterprises producing and using nickel and its compounds is particularly relevant, since women make up a significant contingent of workers at some stages of production. Nickel and its compounds are used in the production of high-alloy steels, alloys with copper, chromium, aluminum, as a catalyst in the processes of hydrogenation of fats, in the production of batteries, nickel-plating of metal products. In case of violations of the technological process, labor protection conditions, workers may be exposed to nickel aerosol and its oxides. Purpose. To study the effect of nickel and its insoluble compounds on the reproductive function of white rats. Method of research. The studies were carried out on sexually mature female white rats weighing 180-200 g with a stable estrous cycle lasting 4-6 days. Experimental studies were conducted in accordance with national and international regulatory requirements ensuring humane treatment of animals used in experiments: Directive 2010/63/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union of September 22, 2010 on the protection of animals used in scientific purposes, Order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation of 01.04.2016 No. 199n «On approval of the Rules of good laboratory Practice». The industrial conditions for the action of aerosol of insoluble nickel compounds were simulated in a special chamber with an individual intake of aerosol into the breathing zone at a concentration of 0.2 mg / m3 daily for 4 hours during the entire gestation period. The animals were assessed for the dynamics of body weight on the 1st, 8th, 14th and 20th days of pregnancy. On the 20th day of pregnancy, the number of yellow bodies of pregnancy, placentas and fetuses was determined, pre-, post-implantation and total intrauterine death, average length and weight of fetuses, and average placenta weight were calculated. The total number of pregnant females and fetuses was recorded with the subsequent calculation of the number of fetuses per female. Results. The action of an aerosol of insoluble nickel compounds at a concentration of 0.2 mg / m3 in this mode did not lead to a violation of the reproductive function of white rats in all the studied parameters. Conclusion. The experimental data obtained indicate that insoluble nickel compounds at the level of the maximum permissible concentrations for the air of the working area will not pose a risk of developing reproductive health pathology in working women.
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Tikhonovskaya, I. V. "THE IMPACT OF OCCUPATIONAL RISK FACTORS ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND SEVERITY OF PELVIC PROLAPSE IN WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE." In The 17th «OCCUPATION and HEALTH» Russian National Congress with International Participation (OHRNC-2023). FSBSI «IRIOH», 2023. http://dx.doi.org/10.31089/978-5-6042929-1-4-2023-1-459-462.
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The reproductive health of women workers employed in harmful and dangerous working conditions was studied. On the basis of the polyclinic department of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution «IRIOH», a survey of 972 female workers employed in work with harmful working conditions with a diagnosis of prolapse of the female genital organs (N81 ICD‑10) aged 18 to 58 years was carried out. The study used methods of social questioning, as well as clinical, instrumental-laboratory, anthropometric, functional and statistical. It has been established that the leading harmful production factor in women with genital prolapse is physical activity, the severity of the load being lifted and moved, and static load. A decrease in the quality of life of workers with genital prolapse, employed in industries with harmful working conditions, was noted.
Reports on the topic "Female reproductive function"
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Li, Yanhui. Efficacy of non-invasive photodynamic therapy for female lower reproductive tract diseases associated with HPV infection: a comprehensive meta-analysis. INPLASY - International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols, November 2022. http://dx.doi.org/10.37766/inplasy2022.11.0092.
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Review question / Objective: The critical point of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the curative effect of Photodynamic therapy (PDT) in diseases of female lower reproductive tract associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Condition being studied: Traditional clinical recommendations for treating diseases of the female lower reproductive tract include topical therapy with drugs, surgery, intravaginal radiation, carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, etc. Although medication is easy to administer, it has a high recurrence rate and adverse effects such as burning sensation, pain, and dyspareunia. The other traditional treatment method is usually invasive, repeated operation of vaginal perforation, scar, easy recurrence, fertility decline, and other shortcomings. At present, the treatment strategy for cervical squamous intraepithelial lesion, vaginal squamous intraepithelial lesion, condyloma acuminatum, and vulvar lichen sclerosis are to protect the normal organ structure and function as much as possible, reduce recurrence, prevent disease progression and carcinogenesis, and preserve female reproductive function.
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Heifetz, Yael, and Michael Bender. Success and failure in insect fertilization and reproduction - the role of the female accessory glands. United States Department of Agriculture, December 2006. http://dx.doi.org/10.32747/2006.7695586.bard.
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The research problem. Understanding of insect reproduction has been critical to the design of insect pest control strategies including disruptions of mate-finding, courtship and sperm transfer by male insects. It is well known that males transfer proteins to females during mating that profoundly affect female reproductive physiology, but little is known about the molecular basis of female mating response and no attempts have yet been made to interfere with female post-mating responses that directly bear on the efficacy of fertilization. The female reproductive tract provides a crucial environment for the events of fertilization yet thus far those events and the role of the female tract in influencing them are poorly understood. For this project, we have chosen to focus on the lower reproductive tract because it is the site of two processes critical to reproduction: sperm management (storage, maintenance, and release from storage) and fertilization. E,fforts during this project period centered on the elucidation of mating responses in the female lower reproductive tract The central goals of this project were: 1. To identify mating-responsive genes in the female lower reproductive tract using DNA microarray technology. 2. In parallel, to identify mating-responsive genes in these tissues using proteomic assays (2D gels and LC-MS/MS techniques). 3. To integrate proteomic and genomic analyses of reproductive tract gene expression to identify significant genes for functional analysis. Our main achievements were: 1. Identification of mating-responsive genes in the female lower reproductive tract. We identified 539 mating-responsive genes using genomic and proteomic approaches. This analysis revealed a shift from gene silencing to gene activation soon after mating and a peak in differential gene expression at 6 hours post-mating. In addition, comparison of the two datasets revealed an expression pattern consistent with the model that important reproductive proteins are pre-programmed for synthesis prior to mating. This work was published in Mack et al. (2006). Validation experiments using real-time PCR techniques suggest that microarray assays provide a conservativestimate of the true transcriptional activity in reproductive tissues. 2.lntegration of proteomics and genomics data sets. We compared the expression profiles from DNA microarray data with the proteins identified in our proteomic experiments. Although comparing the two data sets poses analyical challenges, it provides a more complete view of gene expression as well as insights into how specific genes may be regulated. This work was published in Mack et al. (2006). 3. Development of primary reproductive tract cell cultures. We developed primary cell cultures of dispersed reproductive tract cell types and determined conditions for organ culture of the entire reproductive tract. This work will allow us to rapidly screen mating-responsive genes for a variety of reproductive-tract specifi c functions. Scientific and agricultural significance. Together, these studies have defined the genetic response to mating in a part of the female reproductive tract that is critical for successful fertllization and have identified alarge set of mating-responsive genes. This work is the first to combine both genomic and proteomic approaches in determining female mating response in these tissues and has provided important insights into insect reproductive behavior.
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Applebaum, Shalom W., Lawrence I. Gilbert, and Daniel Segal. Biochemical and Molecular Analysis of Juvenile Hormone Synthesis and its Regulation in the Mediterranean Fruit Fly (Ceratitis capitata). United States Department of Agriculture, 1995. http://dx.doi.org/10.32747/1995.7570564.bard.
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Original Objectives and revisions: (1) "To determine the biosynthetic pathway of JHB3 in the adult C. capitata CA in order to establish parameters for the future choice and synthesis of suitable inhibitors". Modified: to determine the pattern of FR-7 biosynthesis during normal reproductive maturation, and identify enzymes potentially involved in its synthesis. (2) "To correlate allatal epoxidase activity to the biosynthesis of JHB3 at different stages of reproductive maturation/vitellogenesis and evaluate the hypothesis that a specific JH-epoxidase may be rate limiting". Modified: to study the effects of epoxidase inhibitors on the pattern of allatal JH biosynthesis in vitro and on female reproduction in vive. (3) "To probe and clone the gene homologous to ap from C. capitata, determine its exon-intron organization, sequence it and demonstrate its spatial and temporal expression in larvae, pupae and adults." The "Medfly" (Ceratitis capitata) is a serious polyphagous fruit pest, widely distributed in subtropical regions. Damage is caused by oviposition and subsequent development of larvae. JH's are dominant gonadotropic factors in insects. In the higher Diptera, to which the Medfly belongs, JHB3 is a major homolog. It comprises 95% of the total JH produced in vitro in D. melanogaster, with JH-III found as a minor component. The biosynthesis of both JH-III and JHB3 is dependent on epoxidation of double bonds in the JH molecule. The specificity of such epoxidases is unknown. The male accessory gland D. melanogaster produces a Sex Peptide, transferred to the female during copulation. SP reduces female receptivity while activating specific JH biosynthesis in vitro and inducing oviposition in vive. It also reduces pheromone production and activates CA of the moth Helicoverpa armigera. In a previous study, mutants of the apterous (ap) gene of D. melanogaster were analyzed. This gene induces previteilogenic arrest which can be rescued by external application of JH. Considerable progress has been made in recombinant DNA technology of the Medfly. When fully operative, it might be possible to effectively transfer D. melanogaster endocrine gene-lesions into the Medfly as a strategy for their genetic control. A marked heterogeneity in the pattern of JH homologs produced by Medfly CA was observed. Contrary to the anticipated biosynthesis of JHB;, significant amounts of an unknown JH-like compound, of unknown structure and provisionally termed FR-7, were produced, in addition to significant amounts of JH-III and JHB3. Inhibitors of monooxygenases, devised for their effects on ecdysteroid biosynthesis, affect Medfly JH biosynthesis but do not reduce egg deposition. FR-7 was isolated from incubation media of Medfly CA and examined by various MS procedures, but its structure is not yet resolved. MS analysis is being done in collaboration with Professor R.R.W. Rickards of the Australian National University in Canberra, Australia. A homologue of the ap gene of D. melanogaster exists in the Medfly. LIM domains and the homeo-domain, important for the function of the D. melanogaster ap gene, are conserved here too. Attempts to clone the complete gene were unsuccessful. Due to the complexity of JH homologs, presence of related FR-7 in the biosynthetic products of Medfly CA and lack of reduction in eggs deposited in the presence of monooxygenase inhibitors, inhibition of epoxidases is not a feasible alternative to control Medfly reproduction, and raises questions which cannot be resolved within the current dogma of hormonal control of reproduction in Diptera. The Medfly ap gene has similar domains to the D. melanogaster ap gene. Although mutant ap genes are involved in JH deficiency, ap is a questionable candidate for an endocrine lesion, especially since the D. melanogoster gene functions is a transcription factor.
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Ohad, Nir, and Robert Fischer. Regulation of Fertilization-Independent Endosperm Development by Polycomb Proteins. United States Department of Agriculture, January 2004. http://dx.doi.org/10.32747/2004.7695869.bard.
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Arabidopsis mutants that we have isolated, encode for fertilization-independent endosperm (fie), fertilization-independent seed2 (fis2) and medea (mea) genes, act in the female gametophyte and allow endosperm to develop without fertilization when mutated. We cloned the FIE and MEA genes and showed that they encode WD and SET domain polycomb (Pc G) proteins, respectively. Homologous proteins of FIE and MEA in other organisms are known to regulate gene transcription by modulating chromatin structure. Based on our results, we proposed a model whereby both FIE and MEA interact to suppress transcription of regulatory genes. These genes are transcribed only at proper developmental stages, as in the central cell of the female gametophyte after fertilization, thus activating endosperm development. To test our model, the following questions were addressed: What is the Composition and Function of the Polycomb Complex? Molecular, biochemical, genetic and genomic approaches were offered to identify members of the complex, analyze their interactions, and understand their function. What is the Temporal and Spatial Pattern of Polycomb Proteins Accumulation? The use of transgenic plants expressing tagged FIE and MEA polypeptides as well as specific antibodies were proposed to localize the endogenous polycomb complex. How is Polycomb Protein Activity Controlled? To understand the molecular mechanism controlling the accumulation of FIE protein, transgenic plants as well as molecular approaches were proposed to determine whether FIE is regulated at the translational or posttranslational levels. The objectives of our research program have been accomplished and the results obtained exceeded our expectation. Our results reveal that fie and mea mutations cause parent-of-origin effects on seed development by distinct mechanisms (Publication 1). Moreover our data show that FIE has additional functions besides controlling the development of the female gametophyte. Using transgenic lines in which FIE was not expressed or the protein level was reduced during different developmental stages enabled us for the first time to explore FIE function during sporophyte development (Publication 2 and 3). Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that FIE, a single copy gene in the Arabidopsis genome, represses multiple developmental pathways (i.e., endosperm, embryogenesis, shot formation and flowering). Furthermore, we identified FIE target genes, including key transcription factors known to promote flowering (AG and LFY) as well as shoot and leaf formation (KNAT1) (Publication 2 and 3), thus demonstrating that in plants, as in mammals and insects, PcG proteins control expression of homeobox genes. Using the Yeast two hybrid system and pull-down assays we demonstrated that FIE protein interact with MEA via the N-terminal region (Publication 1). Moreover, CURLY LEAF protein, an additional member of the SET domain family interacts with FIE as well. The overlapping expression patterns of FIE, with ether MEA or CLF and their common mutant phenotypes, demonstrate the versatility of FIE function. FIE association with different SET domain polycomb proteins, results in differential regulation of gene expression throughout the plant life cycle (Publication 3). In vitro interaction assays we have recently performed demonstrated that FIE interacts with the cell cycle regulatory component Retinobalsoma protein (pRb) (Publication 4). These results illuminate the potential mechanism by which FIE may restrain embryo sac central cell division, at least partly, through interaction with, and suppression of pRb-regulated genes. The results of this program generated new information about the initiation of reproductive development and expanded our understanding of how PcG proteins regulate developmental programs along the plant life cycle. The tools and information obtained in this program will lead to novel strategies which will allow to mange crop plants and to increase crop production.
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Ohad, Nir, and Robert Fischer. Regulation of plant development by polycomb group proteins. United States Department of Agriculture, January 2008. http://dx.doi.org/10.32747/2008.7695858.bard.
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Our genetic and molecular studies have indicated that FIE a WD-repeat Polycomb group (PcG) protein takes part in multi-component protein complexes. We have shown that FIE PcG protein represses inappropriate programs of development during the reproductive and vegetative phases of the Arabidopsis life cycle. Moreover, we have shown that FIE represses the expression of key regulatory genes that promote flowering (AG and LFY), embryogenesis (LEC1), and shoot formation (KNAT1). These results suggest that the FIE PcG protein participates in the formation of distinct PcG complexes that repress inappropriate gene expression at different stages of plant development. PcG complexes modulate chromatin compactness by modifying histones and thereby regulate gene expression and imprinting. The main goals of our original project were to elucidate the biological functions of PcG proteins, and to understand the molecular mechanisms used by FIE PcG complexes to repress the expression of its gene targets. Our results show that the PcG complex acts within the central cell of the female gametophyte to maintain silencing of MEA paternal allele. Further more we uncovered a novel example of self-imprinting mechanism by the PgG complex. Based on results obtained in the cures of our research program we extended our proposed goals and elucidated the role of DME in regulating plant gene imprinting. We discovered that in addition to MEA,DME also imprints two other genes, FWA and FIS2. Activation of FWA and FIS2 coincides with a reduction in 5-methylcytosine in their respective promoters. Since endosperm is a terminally differentiated tissue, the methylation status in the FWA and FIS2 promoters does not need to be reestablished in the following generation. We proposed a “One-Way Control” model to highlight differences between plant and animal genomic imprinting. Thus we conclude that DEMETER is a master regulator of plant gene imprinting. Future studies of DME function will elucidate its role in processes and disease where DNA methylation has a key regulatory role both in plants and animals. Such information will provide valuable insight into developing novel strategies to control and improve agricultural traits and overcome particular human diseases.
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Perl-Treves, Rafael, Rebecca Grumet, Nurit Katzir, and Jack E. Staub. Ethylene Mediated Regulation of Sex Expression in Cucumis. United States Department of Agriculture, January 2005. http://dx.doi.org/10.32747/2005.7586536.bard.
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Monoecious species such as melon and cucumber develop separate male and female (or bisexual) flowers on the same plant individual. They display complex genetic and hormonal regulation of sex patterns along the plant. Ethylene is known to play an important role in promoting femaleness and inhibiting male development, but many questions regarding critical sites of ethylene production versus perception, the relationship between ethylene and the sex determining loci, and the possible differences between melon and cucumber in this respect are still open. The general goal of the project was to elucidate the role of ethylene in determining flower sex in Cucumis species, melon and cucumber. The specific Objectives were: 1. Clone and characterize expression patterns of cucumber genes involved in ethylene biosynthesis and perception. 2. Genetic mapping of cloned genes and markers with respect to sex loci in melon and cucumber. 3. Produce and analyze transgenic melons altered in ethylene production or perception. In the course of the project, some modifications/adjustments were made: under Objective 2 (genetic mapping) a set of new mapping populations had to be developed, to allow better detection of polymorphism. Under Objective 3, cucumber transformation systems became available to us and we included this second model species in our plan. The main findings of our study support the pivotal role of ethylene in cucumber and melon sex determination and later stages of reproductive development. Modifying ethylene production resulted in profound alteration of sex patterns in melon: femaleness increased, and also flower maturation and fruit set were enhanced, resulting in earlier, more concentrated fruit yield in the field. Such effect was previously unknown and could have agronomic value. Our results also demonstrate the great importance of ethylene sensitivity in sex expression. Ethylene perception genes are expressed in sex-related patterns, e.g., gynoecious lines express higher levels of receptor-transcripts, and copper treatments that activate the receptor can increase femaleness. Transgenic cucumbers with increased expression of an ethylene receptor showed enhanced femaleness. Melons that expressed a defective receptor produced fewer hermaphrodite flowers and were insensitive to exogenous ethylene. When the expression of defective receptor was restricted to specific floral whorls, we saw that pistils were not inhibited by the blocked perception at the fourth whorl. Such unexpected findings suggest an indirect effect of ethylene on the affected whorl; it also points at interesting differences between melon and cucumber regarding the mode of action of ethylene. Such effects will require further study. Finally, our project also generated and tested a set of novel genetic tools for finer identification of sex determining genes in the two species and for efficient breeding for these characters. Populations that will allow easier linkage analysis of candidate genes with each sex locus were developed. Moreover, effects of modifier genes on the major femaleness trait were resolved. QTL analysis of femaleness and related developmental traits was conducted, and a comprehensive set of Near Isogenic Lines that differ in specific QTLs were prepared and made available for the private and public research. Marker assisted selection (MAS) of femaleness and fruit yield components was directly compared with phenotypic selection in field trials, and the relative efficiency of MAS was demonstrated. Such level of genetic resolution and such advanced tools were not used before to study these traits, that act as primary yield components to determine economic yields of cucurbits. In addition, this project resulted in the establishment of workable transformation procedures in our laboratories and these can be further utilized to study the function of sex-related genes in detail.
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Rafaeli, Ada, Russell Jurenka, and Chris Sander. Molecular characterisation of PBAN-receptors: a basis for the development and screening of antagonists against Pheromone biosynthesis in moth pest species. United States Department of Agriculture, January 2008. http://dx.doi.org/10.32747/2008.7695862.bard.
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The original objectives of the approved proposal included: (a) The determination of species- and tissue-specificity of the PBAN-R; (b) the elucidation of the role of juvenile hormone in gene regulation of the PBAN-R; (c) the identificationof the ligand binding domains in the PBAN-R and (d) the development of efficient screening assays in order to screen potential antagonists that will block the PBAN-R. Background to the topic: Moths constitute one of the major groups of pest insects in agriculture and their reproductive behavior is dependent on chemical communication. Sex-pheromone blends are utilised by a variety of moth species to attract conspecific mates. In most of the moth species sex-pheromone biosynthesis is under circadian control by the neurohormone, PBAN (pheromone-biosynthesis-activating neuropeptide). In order to devise ideal strategies for mating disruption/prevention, we proposed to study the interactions between PBAN and its membrane-bound receptor in order to devise potential antagonists. Major conclusions: Within the framework of the planned objectives we have confirmed the similarities between the two Helicoverpa species: armigera and zea. Receptor sequences of the two Helicoverpa spp. are 98% identical with most changes taking place in the C-terminal. Our findings indicate that PBAN or PBAN-like receptors are also present in the neural tissues and may represent a neurotransmitter-like function for PBAN-like peptides. Surprisingly the gene encoding the PBAN-receptor was also present in the male homologous tissue, but it is absent at the protein level. The presence of the receptor (at the gene- and protein-levels), and the subsequent pheromonotropic activity are age-dependent and up-regulated by Juvenile Hormone in pharate females but down-regulated by Juvenile Hormone in adult females. Lower levels of pheromonotropic activity were observed when challenged with pyrokinin-like peptides than with HezPBAN as ligand. A model of the 3D structure of the receptor was created using the X-ray structure of rhodopsin as a template after sequence alignment of the HezPBAN-R with several other GPCRs and computer simulated docking with the model predicted putative binding sites. Using in silico mutagenesis the predicted docking model was validated with experimental data obtained from expressed chimera receptors in Sf9 cells created by exchanging between the three extracellular loops of the HezPBAN-R and the Drosophila Pyrokinin-R (CG9918). The chimera receptors also indicated that the 3ʳᵈ extracellular loop is important for recognition of PBAN or Diapause hormone ligands. Implications: The project has successfully completed all the objectives and we are now in a position to be able to design and screen potential antagonists for pheromone production. The successful docking simulation-experiments encourage the use of in silico experiments for initial (high-throughput) screening of potential antagonists. However, the differential responses between the expressed receptor (Sf9 cells) and the endogenous receptor (pheromone glands) emphasize the importance of assaying lead compounds using several alternative bioassays (at the cellular, tissue and organism levels). The surprising discovery of the presence of the gene encoding the PBAN-R in the male homologous tissue, but its absence at the protein level, launches opportunities for studying molecular regulation pathways and the evolution of these GPCRs. Overall this research will advance research towards the goal of finding antagonists for this important class of receptors that might encompass a variety of essential insect functions.
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Yaron, Zvi, Abigail Elizur, Martin Schreibman, and Yonathan Zohar. Advancing Puberty in the Black Carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) and the Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis). United States Department of Agriculture, January 2000. http://dx.doi.org/10.32747/2000.7695841.bard.
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Both the genes and cDNA sequences encoding the b-subunits of black carp LH and FSH were isolated, cloned and sequenced. Sequence analysis of the bcFSHb and LHb5'flanking regions revealed that the promoter region of both genes contains canonical TATA sequences, 30 bp and 17 bp upstream of the transcription start site of FSHb and LHb genes, respectively. In addition, they include several sequences of cis-acting motifs, required for inducible and tissue-specific transcriptional regulation: the gonadotropin-specific element (GSE), GnRH responsive element (GRE), half sites of estrogen and androgen response elements, cAMP response element, and AP1. Several methods have been employed by the Israeli team to purify the recombinant b subunits (EtOH precipitation, gel filtration and lentil lectin). While the final objective to produce pure recombinantGtH subunits has not yet been achieved, we have covered much ground towards this goal. The black carp ovary showed a gradual increase in both mass and oocyte diameter. First postvitellogenic oocytes were found in 5 yr old fish. At this age, the testes already contained spermatozoa. The circulating LH levels increased from 0.5 ng/ml in 4 yr old fish to >5ng/ml in 5 yr old fish. In vivo challenge experiments in black carp showed the initial LH response of the pituitary to GnRH in 4 yr old fish. The response was further augmented in 5 yr old fish. The increase in estradiol level in response to gonadotropic stimulation was first noted in 4 yr old fish but this response was much stronger in the following year. In vivo experiments on the FSHb and LHb mRNA levels in response to GnRH were carried out on common carp as a model for synchronom spawning cyprinids. These experiments showed the prevalence of FSHP in maturing fish while LHP mRNA was prevalent in mature fish, especially in females. The gonadal fat-pad was found to originate from the retroperitoneal mesoderm and not from the genital ridge, thus differing from that reported in certain amphibians This tissue possibly serves as the major source of sex steroids in the immature black carp. However, such a function is taken over by the developing gonads in 4 yr old fish. In the striped bass, we described the ontogeny of the neuro-endocrine parameters along the brain-pituitary-gonadal axis during the first four years of life, throughout gonadal development and the onset of puberty. We also described the responsiveness of the reproductive axis to long-term hormonal manipulations at various stages of gonadal development. Most males reached complete sexual maturity during the first year of life. Puberty was initiated during the third year of life in most females, but this first reproductive cycle did not lead to the acquisition of full sexual maturity. This finding indicates that more than one reproductive cycle may be required before adulthood is reached. Out of the three native GnRHs present in striped bass, only sbGnRH and cGnRH II increased concomitantly with the progress of gonadal development and the onset of puberty. This finding, together with data on GtH synthesis and release, suggests that while sbGnRH and cGnRH II may be involved in the regulation of puberty in striped bass, these neuropeptides are not limiting factors to the onset of puberty. Plasma LH levels remained low in all fish, suggesting that LH plays only a minor role in early gonadal development. This hypothesis was further supported by the finding that experimentally elevated plasma LH levels did not result in the induction of complete ovarian and testicular development. The acquisition of complete puberty in 4 yr old females was associated with a rise in the mRNA levels of all GtH subunit genes, including a 218-fold increase in the mRNA levels of bFSH. mRNA levels of the a and PLH subunits increased only 11- and 8-fold, respectively. Although data on plasma FSH levels are unavailable, the dramatic increase in bFSH mRNA suggests a pivotal role for this hormone in regulating the onset and completion of puberty in striped bass. The hormonal regulation of the onset of puberty and of GtH synthesis and release was studied by chronic administration of testosterone (T) and/or an analog of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (G). Sustained administration of T+G increased the mRNA levels of the PLH subunit to the values characteristic of sexually mature fish, and also increased the plasma levels of LH. However, these changes did not result in the acceleration of sexual maturation. The mRNA levels of the bFSH subunit were slightly stimulated, but remained about 1/10 of the values characteristic of sexually mature fish. It is concluded that the stimulation of FSH gene expression and release does not lead to the acceleration of sexual maturity, and that the failure to sufficiently stimulate the bFSH subunit gene expression may underlie the inability of the treatments to advance sexual maturity. Consequently, FSH is suggested to be the key hormone to the initiation and completion of puberty in striped bass. Future efforts to induce precocious puberty in striped bass should focus on understanding the regulation of FSH synthesis and release and on developing technologies to induce these processes. Definite formulation of hormonal manipulation to advance puberty in the striped bass and the black carp seems to be premature at this stage. However, the project has already yielded a great number of experimental tools of DNA technology, slow-release systems and endocrine information on the process of puberty. These systems and certain protocols have been already utilized successfully to advance maturation in other fish (e.g. grey mullet) and will form a base for further study on fish puberty.
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Rafaeli, Ada, Wendell Roelofs, and Anat Zada Byers. Identification and gene regulation of the desaturase enzymes involved in sex-pheromone biosynthesis of pest moths infesting grain. United States Department of Agriculture, March 2008. http://dx.doi.org/10.32747/2008.7613880.bard.
Full textAbstract:
The original objectives of the approved proposal included: 1. Establishment of the biosynthetic pathways for pheromone production using labeled precursors and GC-MS. 2. The elucidation of a circadian regulation of key enzymes in the biosynthetic pathway. 3. The identification, characterization and confirmation of functional expression of the delta-desaturases. 4. The identification of gene regulatory processes involved in the expression of the key enzymes in the biosynthetic pathway. Background to the topic: Moths constitute one of the major groups of pest insects in agriculture and their reproductive behavior is dependent on chemical communication. Sex-pheromone blends are utilized by a variety of moth species to attract conspecific mates. The sex pheromones used are commonly composed of blends of aliphatic molecules that vary in chain length, geometry, degree and position of double bonds and functional groups. They are formed by various actions of specific delta-desaturases to which chain shortening, elongation, reduction, acetylation, and oxidation of a common fatty acyl precursor is coupled. In most of the moth species sex-pheromone biosynthesis is under circadian control by the neurohormone, PBAN (pheromone-biosynthesis-activating neuropeptide). The development of specific and safe insect control strategies utilizing pheromone systems depends on a clear knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved. In this proposal we aimed at identifying and characterizing specific desaturases involved in the biosynthetic pathway of two moth pest-speciesof stored products, P. interpunctella and S. cerealella, and to elucidate the regulation of the enzymes involved in pheromone biosynthesis. Due to technical difficulties the second stored product pest was excluded from the study at an early phase of the research project. Major conclusions: Within the framework of the planned objectives we confirmed the pheromone biosynthetic pathway of P. interpunctella and H. armigera by using labeled precursor molecules. In addition, in conjunction with various inhibitors we determined the PBAN-stimulated rate-limiting step for these biosynthetic pathways. We thereby present conclusive evidence that the enzyme Acetyl Coenzyme A Carboxylase is activated as a result of PBAN stimulation. We also found that P. interpunctella produce the main pheromone component Z9, E12 Tetradecenyl acetate through the action of a D11 desaturase working on the 16:Acid precursor. This is evidenced by the high amount of incorporation of ²H-labeled 16:Acid into pheromone when compared to the incorporation of ²H-labeled 14:Acid. However, in contrast to reports on other moth species, P. interpunctella is also capable of utilizing the 14:Acid precursor, although to a much lesser extent than the 16:Acid precursor. Despite the discovery of nine different desaturase gene transcripts in this species, from the present study it is evident that although PCR detected all nine gene transcripts, specific to female pheromone glands, only two are highly expressed whereas the other 7 are expressed at levels of at least 10⁵ fold lower showing very low abundance. These two genes correspond to D11-like desaturases strengthening the hypothesis that the main biosynthetic pathway involves a D11 desaturase.