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Simple Summary: The lack of in-depth research and development on specialized functional feed for broodstock gonad maturation represents a significant obstacle to the industrialization of Macrobrachium rosenbergii breeding. The potential of Antarctic krill oil to promote ovarian development in crustaceans has been established; however, the optimal application dose and potential regulatory mechanism in M. rosenbergii remain unclear. This study established a gradient addition of Antarctic krill oil (0%, 1.5%, 3%, 4.5%, and 6%) for a period of eight weeks. Antarctic krill oil supplementation in the range of 3–4.5% resulted in a significant promotion of ovarian development, vitellogenesis, and reproductive hormone synthesis. The retinol metabolic signaling pathway, methyl farnesoate (MF) signaling pathway, steroid hormone signaling pathway, and ecdysone signaling pathway along with their specific molecules were found to be involved in the regulation of ovarian development of M. rosenbergii with the use of Antarctic krill oil. The results demonstrate that the 4.5% supplementation Antarctic krill oil in the diet is optimal for stimulating the secretion of reproductive hormones in female M. rosenbergii, thereby promoting vitellogenesis and ovarian development. Antarctic krill oil has been proven to be able to promote the ovarian development of crustaceans, but its optimal application dose and potential regulatory mechanism in Macrobrachium rosenbergii are still unclear. In this study, five isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets with gradient additions of Antarctic krill oil (0%, 1.5%, 3%, 4.5%, and 6%) were served exposed to 8 weeks of feeding. The results show that 3–4.5% Antarctic krill oil supplementation significantly increases the weight gain rate and specific growth rate of M. rosenbergii (p < 0.05). In addition, 3–4.5% Antarctic krill oil supplementation significantly increased the content of hemolymph vitellogenin (VTG) and the levels of reproductive hormones, including methyl farnesoate (MF), estradiol (E2), and progesterone (P4) (p < 0.05). The differences in ovarian index, oocyte volume, yolk granule deposition in oocytes, and the transcription levels of VTG genes in hepatopancreas and ovarian tissues demonstrated that the addition of Antarctic krill oil significantly promoted ovarian development and vitellogenesis, especially at the 4.5% addition level. In terms of molecular signaling, this study confirms that the retinol metabolic signaling pathway, MF signaling pathway, steroid hormone signaling pathway, and ecdysone signaling pathway, along with their specific molecules, such as Farnesoic acid-O-methyltransferase (FAMeT), retinoid x receptor (RXR), ecdysone receptor (EcR), and estrogen-related receptor (ERR), are involved in the regulation of the ovarian development of M. rosenbergii by adding Antarctic krill oil at appropriate doses. The findings indicate that the supplementation of 4.5% Antarctic krill oil in the diet is optimal for stimulating the secretion of reproductive hormones in female M. rosenbergii, thereby promoting vitellogenesis and ovarian development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fertility enhancement has been the subject of research for many years; more so due to the observed decline in fertility worldwide. Solanum macrocarpon has been widely acclaimed for its medicinal and antioxidant properties. However, its effects on fertility parameters have not been reported. This study evaluated the impact of ethanol leaf extract of S. macrocarpon (ELESM) on fertility parameters in female albino rats. Thirty (30) female rats of about 10 - 12 weeks of age were separated into six groups administered 0.5 ml of distilled water (placebo), 400mg/kg ELESM, 800mg/kg ELESM, 10 mg/kg cyclophosphamide (CP) + placebo, 10mg/kg CP + 400mg/kg ELESM, and 10mg/kg CP + 800mg/kg ELESM, respectively. After treatment (42 days), the females were mated with normal (untreated) adult male rats. The ELESM-treated rats exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) higher numbers of primary/secondary follicles, antral follicles and corpora lutea than the control groups. Cross-section of the ovaries of female rats showed normal histoarchitecture and healthy follicles at various developmental stages in the control and ELESMtreated rats, as well as improvement in histoarchitecture of CP + ELESM rats, compared with the CP + placebo group. Although the ELESM-treated animals had slightly higher fertility index, there was no statistical difference (p > 0.05) between their live foetal numbers, mean foetus weights, mean foetal crown-rump lengths, number of resorbed embryos, and fertility index compared with those of the normal control. The findings suggest the pro-fertility effects of the extract in female rats and the potential to ameliorate cyclophosphamide-induced gonadal toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

【Objective】The present paper aimed to study the histological characteristics of the ovaries, the changes in concentration of vitellogenin and nutrient metabolism level of Procambarus clarkii under the stress of sunning field, explore the relevant mechanism of nutrient changes during ovarian maturation process of P. clarkii, and the results provided a reference for the improvement and standardization of the production operation of P. clarkii ovary maturity which was promoted by environmental stress in sunning field.【Method】The experimental subjects were divided into sunning field group P. clarkii and control group P. clarkii. The female P. clarkii were collected at 0, 3, 7 and 10 days of the sunning field stress respectively. At each sampling time point, the ovaries were taken for paraffin section and HE staining. The ovaries, hepatopancreas and serum of samples were collected, of which the expression and concentration of vitellogenin mRNA and the level of nutrient metabolism were detected. 【Result】Under the sunning field stress, four ovarian development stages were identified, including the pre-vitellogenesis stage (stage Ⅰ, ovary was yellow, oocyte diameter 150-250 μm), primary vitellogenesis stage (stage Ⅱ, ovary was orange, oocyte diameter 250-600 μm), secondary vitellogenesis stage (stage Ⅲ, ovary was brown, oocyte diameter greater than 600 μm), mature stage (stage Ⅳ, ovary was dark brown, oocyte diameter greater than 1000 μm). At 0 days of the stress, the ovarian maturation rate of female P. clarkii in the sunning field group was similar to that in the control group. At 10 days of experiment, the ovarian maturation rate of the female P. clarkii in the sunning field group rose to 96.67%, while the control group rose to 60.00%. With stress time increasing, the relative expression of vitellogenin mRNA in the ovaries and hepatopancreas of the control group and the sunning field group increased, of which vitellogenin mRNA in the hepatopancreas was greater than that in the ovaries. Over the time of experiment, the total expression level of vitellogenin mRNA of the hepatopancreas in the sunning field group and the control group was greater than that in the ovary, and the contribution rate of the hepatopancreas was greater than that of the ovary. The concentration of vitellogenin in the ovary, hepatopancreas, and serum in the sunning field group and the control group increased over time. The concentration increase of vitellogenin in the sunning field group was significantly higher than that in the control group. There was extremely significant positive correlation between hepatopancreas vitellogenin concentration and ovary vitellogenin concentration, between hepatopancreas vitellogenin concentration and serum vitellogenin concentration, between ovary vitellogenin concentration and serum vitellogenin concentration (P＜0.01). With stress time increased, hemocyanin (Hem), total protein (TP), lactic acid (LA) and glucose (Glu) content in female P. clarkii of both groups all showed a decreasing trend, the decrease range of sunning field group was greater than control group; And contents of triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol (TC) showed an increasing trend, and the increasing range of sunning field group was greater than that of control group.【Conclusion】Four developmental stages in ovaries of P. clarkii were identified during environmental stress of sunning field. As stress time passed by, the relative expression and concentration of vitellogenin mRNA in different tissues of P. clarkii increased, of which contribution rate in hepatopancreas was greater than that in ovary. The contents of Hem, TP, LA, and Glu decrease, and the contents of TG and TC increase in P. clarkii, indicating that environmental stress of sunning field has a positive effect on ovarian development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Long-whiskered catfish Sperata aor is a freshwater catfish known for its supreme flesh quality and fast growth, whose captive-reared broodstock denotes a difficult challenge for aquaculture. The reproductive dysfunctions in long-whiskered catfish raised in tank conditions were observed by comparing tissue biochemical composition and ovarian histology of wild female broodstock. Sixty (60) female broodstocks were used in the current study, consisting of 30 reared at sandy-muddy soil tank bottoms in captive conditions and 30 wild individuals collected from the haor basin during the breeding season. The fish reproductive state was investigated using the biometric and reproductive parameters, biochemical composition and levels of amino acids in the different tissues, and histological analysis of ovarian development. Results revealed that the biometrical parameters of wild and captive female broodstocks exhibited no remarkable difference (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, the wild fish had remarkably higher (p 0.05). However, two essential amino acids (EAA), i.e., lysine and phenylalanine, and two non-essential amino acids, i.e., glutamic acid and glycine, were highly significant differences (p

Introduction. Assigned female at birth transgender people go through a gender-affirming hormone therapy using testosterone. We aimed to define the histological changes in the removed ovaries of these patients and investigate the correlation of these changes to factors like chronological age and duration of hormone therapy. Methods. The ovaries of 84 patients who had at least 6 months of testosterone therapy before surgery were examined. Tunica albuginea thickness, cortical thickness, and number of different stages of follicles were recorded. Results. The mean age was 27.2 ± 4.9 years. Testosterone duration 25.8 ± 13.1 months. The mean tunica albuginea thickness was 356.4 ± 152.6 µm. The mean cortical thickness was 799.6 ± 245.6 µm. The number of primordial (C1) follicles was 18.03 ± 13.6 and antral (C3) follicles was 3.1 ± 1.9 per cm². When grouped as using therapy under or over 2 years the groups did not have differences in histological findings. Hormone duration did not correlate with histological findings except for a positive correlation with atretic follicle number. However, age was negatively correlated with number of follicles at all stages except atretic follicles and positively correlated with cortical thickness (P <.05). Conclusion. Testosterone therapy induces multifollicularity, stromal hyperplasia, and luteinization in some patients. Hormone duration did not correlate with ovarian histology whereas chronological age did suggesting an effect of age on ovarian reserve rather than duration of hormone therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-whiskered catfish Sperata aor is a freshwater catfish known for its supreme flesh quality and fast growth, whose captive-reared broodstock denotes a difficult challenge for aquaculture. The reproductive dysfunctions in long-whiskered catfish raised in tank conditions were observed by comparing tissue biochemical composition and ovarian histology of wild female broodstock. Sixty (60) female broodstocks were used in the current study, consisting of 30 reared at sandy-muddy soil tank bottoms in captive conditions and 30 wild individuals collected from the haor basin during the breeding season. The fish reproductive state was investigated using the biometric and reproductive parameters, biochemical composition and levels of amino acids in the different tissues, and histological analysis of ovarian development. Results revealed that the biometrical parameters of wild and captive female broodstocks exhibited no remarkable difference (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, the wild fish had remarkably higher (p < 0.05) GSI (8.73%), oocyte weight (0.45 mg/egg), and ripeness (27.08%) in comparison with captive-reared broodstock. The total length and body weight, body weight and ovary weight, ovipositor diameter and ovary weight, and GSI and HSI displayed a positive relationship with R2 = 1, R2 = 1, R2 = 0.993, and R2 = 0.973, respectively, for wild broodstock, while R2 = 0.994, R2 = 0.806, R2 = 0.804, and R2 = 0.896, respectively, for captive broodstock. Additionally, the proximate composition in oocytes and liver tissues in both broodstocks did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). However, two essential amino acids (EAA), i.e., lysine and phenylalanine, and two non-essential amino acids, i.e., glutamic acid and glycine, were highly significant differences (p < 0.05) in the oocytes and liver of wild broodstock compared to the captive-reared broodstock. On the other hand, the EAA, e.g., isoleucine, threonine, leucine, and arginine, were highly dominated in both wild and captive female brood oocytes and liver. The ovarian histological slides from each fish group showed three oocytes developmental stages that indicated the asynchronous-reproductive ovarian oocytes of this fish. This study may be useful to fully understand the factors affecting the spawning and reproduction of S. aor broodstock, crucial for management in captive conditions as well as conservation and protection for sustainable aquaculture management of S. aor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reproductive lifespan is determined by the reserve of ovarian follicles; their quality and quality determine the fertility potential at a given point in time for a particular individual. Inter-individual variations related to morphometry, laterality, medical history, demographic characteristics and ethnicity may impact ovarian histology, which however, has not been extensively studied or documented. The present cross-sectional study aims to investigate the potential association of clinical factors (age, medical and obstetric history) with ovarian morphometry and histology in females of reproductive age in the local population. The sample included 31 specimens of whole human ovaries, obtained from surgical/autopsy procedures in reproductive-aged women, processed at the Pathology Department. Morphometric characteristics were assessed, including shape, color, length, width, thickness and gross ovarian pathology. Random samples of specific dimensions were histologically examined to determine follicular counts. The results were analyzed statistically in correlation to morphometric characteristics and medical history. The majority of the patients had oval-shaped ovaries (77.8% right; 92.3% left; p = 0.368) of whitish color (38.9% right; 46.2% left; p > 0.999). Right ovaries had significantly greater length, width and volume (p-values 0.018, 0.040 and 0.050, respectively). Thickness was equivalent, as well as follicular distribution of all classes. Age correlated inversely with ovarian volume and primordial/primary follicular count on histology. Women with a caesarian-section history yielded significantly lower primordial/primary follicular counts. As estimated by ovarian histology, macroscopic and clinical factors may be significantly associated with actual ovarian reserve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insect development is disrupted by juvenile hormone (JH) and their mimics in several ways. Many of them have been thoroughly investigated and are already being used to manage pest insects with commercially available agents. This research aims to explore the potentials of juvenile hormone analogue fenoxycarb on morphological, histopathological, and biochemical changes in the ovary of Spodoptera mauritia. Newly emerged female pupae were treated topically with sublethal doses (LD10, LD25) of fenoxycarb to determine their effects on reproduction. The results reveal that this juvenile hormone analogue affects the normal development of the ovary tissue by reducing the number of oocytes and oogonia in the ovaries of S. mauritia. Fenoxycarb treated pupae showed a substantial decrease in the reclaimed adultoids ovaries development and reduction in length of ovarioles, area of basal oocytes and the total number of eggs laid. A microscopic examination exhibited reduced pulsating movements, tumour-like bulbous masses and the germarium region exhibited hypertrophy. Histological investigation of ovaries indicated a degeneration of ovarian follicle cells, deformed oocytes with deteriorated trophocytes, malformed egg chamber, vacuolated ooplasm and defective vitellogenesis in malformed adult female's ovarioles. The effect of fenoxycarb could be correlated with quantitative depletion of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates in gonads of the treated groups and there were no significant changes in sodium dodecyl sulphate(SDS)- protein pattern. This study forms baseline data suggesting that fenoxycarb respond considerably for the control of the lepidopteran pest of paddy (S. mauritia) effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In batch spawning fish, secondary growth oocytes (SGO) are recruited and spawned in successive cohorts, and multiple cohorts co-occur in spawning-capable females. So far, histological features such as the prevalence of cortical alveoli or yolk granules are conservatively used to distinguish oocytes in different developmental stages which do not necessarily correspond to different cohorts. In this way, valuable information about spawning dynamics remains unseen and consequently misleading conclusions might be drawn, especially for species with high spawning rates and increased overlapping among oocyte cohorts. We introduce a new method for grouping oocytes into different cohorts based on the application of the K-means clustering algorithm on the characteristics of cytoplasmic structures, such as the varying size and intensity of cortical alveoli and yolk granules in oocytes of different development. The method allowed the grouping of oocytes without the need of using oocyte diameter, and thus, a crucial histological bias dealing with the cutting angle and the orientation of reference points (e.g. nucleus) has been overcome. Using sardine, Sardina pilchardus , as a case study, the separation of cohorts provided new insight into the ovarian dynamics, indentifying successive recruitment of up to five oocyte cohorts between SGO recruitment and spawning. These results verified previous histological indications of the number of cohorts in sardine. Altogether, this method represents an improved tool to study species with complex ovarian dynamics. • A new method is presented for grouping oocytes of multiple spawning fish into distinct cohorts. • K-means clustering analysis was applied to the size and intensity of cortical alveoli and yolk globules. • Sardine was used as a case study and was shown to successively recruit up to five secondary oocyte cohorts. • This method can prove important for species with continuous oocyte production and high spawning frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As transmasculine persons utilize androgen gender affirming hormone therapy as a part of transition, guidance has been lacking on the effects of the therapy on the ovaries, especially for those who may desire retention. To describe the ovarian histopathology of transmasculine persons on testosterone therapy following oophorectomy at the time of hysterectomy performed for gender affirmation. This was a multicenter case series study of transmasculine patients on testosterone therapy who underwent hysterectomy with oophorectomy for gender affirmation between January 2015 and December 2017 at 5 tertiary care referral centers. Patients were identified by their current procedural and International Classification of Diseases codes. Pre-, perioperative, and pathologic data were obtained from the electronic medical records and ovarian tissue descriptions from pathology reports were grouped into the following classifications: (i) simple/follicular cysts; (ii) polycystic ovaries; (iii) complex cysts; (iv) endometriomas; (v) other masses; (vi) atrophy; and (vii) normal. 85 patients were included in the study. At the time of oophorectomy, the mean age and body mass index of the cohort were 30.4 ± 8.4 years and 30.2 ± 7.3 kg/m2, respectively, and the average interval from the initiation of testosterone to oophorectomy was 36 0.3 ± 37.9 months. On examination of ovarian histopathology, 49.4% (42) of specimens were found to have follicular/simple cysts, 5.9% (5) were polycystic, and 38.8% (33) had normal pathology. For those specimens with volume documented (n = 41), the median volume was 9.6 (range 1.5–82.5) cm3. There was no association between the duration of testosterone therapy or body mass index and the presence of cysts in the ovaries. The results of this study reported benign histopathology in ovaries of a large cohort of transmasculine persons on testosterone which should be included when counseling patients on ovarian retention, as transmasculine patients may choose to retain their ovaries while on testosterone for a variety of reasons (including no desire to undergo surgery, desire for backup sex steroids, and potential use for future fertility). This is a large multicenter study seeking to address the uncertainty in present counseling surrounding ovarian conservation in transmasculine persons on testosterone therapy. Its limitations included its retrospective nature and inability to address ovarian function after testosterone discontinuance. In this cohort of transmasculine patients on testosterone therapy undergoing hysterectomy with oophorectomy for gender affirmation, ovarian histopathology was benign in all the specimens. Grimstad FW, Fowler KG, New EP, et al. Ovarian Histopathology in Transmasculine Persons on Testosterone: A Multicenter Case Series. J Sex Med 2020;17:1807–1818. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As global aquaculture continues to expand, increasing efforts are focusing on assisted reproductive technologies. This study sought to test whether salmon GnRH [D-Arg6, Pro9NEt]) analogue (sGnRHa) + domperidone injection at 0.25 mL/body weight (BW; 5-μg sGnRHa + 2.5-mg domperidone), 0.5 mL/kg BW (10-μg sGnRHa + 5-mg domperidone), or 1.0 mL/kg BW (20-μg sGnRHa + 10-mg domperidone) affects spawning performance and gamete quality in wild-caught Levantine scraper, Capoeta damascina. The ability of these treatments to elicit a response was further examined by in vivo stimulation of estradiol (E2) and 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4- pregnen-3-one (DHP) and by its in vivo potency to induce oocyte maturation (OM). Females that received saline injection (control) did not spawn, whereas sGnRHa + domperidone induced ovulation and spawning across the hormonal gradient. Spawning success was highest with the 0.5 mL/kg dosage (80%) and female latency period decreased with increasing dosage. Females treated with 0.5 mL/kg had a significantly higher fecundity than those injected with 0.25 or 1.0 mL/kg. Mean oocyte diameter significantly increased in females treated with 0.5 or 1.0 mL/kg. Fertilization success, hatching rate, larvae morphology, and survival were not affected by hormonal treatment. At 12 h postinjection, E2 levels significantly declined in females treated with 0.5 or 1.0 mL/kg, whereas DHP levels significantly increased across the hormonal gradient. This steroidogenic shift is supported by histological analyses, where OM was accelerated by administration of sGnRHa + domperidone in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, the 0.5 mL/kg dosage of sGnRHa + domperidone is recommended for assisted reproduction of Levantine scraper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Nandrolone decanoate (ND) is a synthetic steroid, which promotes adverse effects on the ovarian tissue, and melatonin (MLT) exhibits a number of beneficial properties in the reproductive system. This study evaluated the general features of the ovarian tissue and the immunoexpression of sex steroid receptors in ND‐treated rats that were submitted to short‐term melatonin treatment. Adult rats received mineral oil (control group) and ND at doses of 7.5 mg/kg for 15 days (ND‐treated group). The treatment with MLT (10mg/kg for 7 days) was given alone, before or in combination with ND. All ND‐treated animals showed persistent dioestrus. In the androgenized groups that received MLT, ovarian morphology and size, and the number/area of corpora lutea were recovered. The number of healthy and atretic follicles was recovered when MLT was administered prior to ND; this was similar to the ovaries of control and MLT groups. There was a decrease in estrogen receptors immunostaining in the follicles of androgenized rats that were treated with MLT, and pretreatment with MLT reduced the expression of androgen receptor in atretic follicles and corpora lutea, when compared with ND‐treated group. We conclude that MLT treatment recovered the histopathological aspects of the androgenized ovaries, and MLT pretreatment was the most effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although pond culture is the major culture method for Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) in China, the pattern of ovarian development in pond-reared E. sinensis remains unclear. This study investigated the changes in ovarian morphology and histology, gonadosomatic index (GSI), hepatosomatic index (HSI), and monthly variation of the ovarian development pattern during the ovarian maturation of pond-reared female E. sinensis. Based on the pubertal moult, and ovarian morphology and histology, the ovarian development cycle of E. sinensis could be divided into five stages, i.e., Stage I: the ovary appears thin ribbon-like and translucent, dominated by oogonia (OG) and previtellogenic oocytes (PRO); Stage II: the ovary appears milk white or buff, dominated by endogenous vitellogenic oocytes (EN); Stage III: the ovary appears orange or light brown, dominated by exogenous vitellogenic oocytes (EX); Stage IV: the ovary appears crimson red or brown and ovarian lobes occupy most available body cavities. The major oocytes were nearly mature oocytes (NO); Stage V: the ovary appears deep purple and is filled with mature oocytes (MO). During ovarian maturation, the GSI increased significantly and a significant, positive correlation was found between the GSI and the mean long diameter of the oocyte from stage III to stage V. However, a significantly negative correlation was found between GSI and HSI. The ovarian development of pond-reared female E. sinensis was not synchronous, most of the pubertal moults were found until mid-late August. At the end of August, the percentages of females that reached ovarian stages II and III were 55 and 24%, respectively. After that, the ovarian development of pond-reared female E. sinensis became fast, and females with stage III or more advanced ovaries were found to be in excess of 80% by the end of September and onward. From the end of November to late December, the GSI of female E. sinensis did not increase significantly, which indicated pond-reared females had reached mature or nearly-mature ovaries by the end of November. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Vitex agnus castus is used as alternative medicine for treatment of endocrine disorders in women. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of vitex agnus castus in ovarian histomorphology in rat with induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: In this study, 48 Sprague Dawley rats (200±20 g & 10 weeks ages) with normal estrous cycles were randomly divided into four groups: Control (received distilled water), Sham, PC and PT. To develop PCOS letrozol was administrated (1mg/kg) by gavage for 28 days to the PC and PT groups. Sham and PT (after induction of PCOS) groups received 365 mg/kg vitex agnus-castus extract orally by gavage for 30 days. At the end of experiment, rats were sacrificed, both of ovaries were dissected out, and prepared section of ovaries stained with Hematoxylin-eosin for histological study. FINDINGS A significant decrease in number of preantral follicles (PAF), antral follicles (AF) and corpus luteum was observed in PC group compared to other groups, but number of primary follicles did not show significant difference between groups. Diameter of antral follicles, thickness of theca of follicle and tunica albuginea of ovary increased significantly in PC group compared to other groups. However thickness of granulosa layer decrease in PC group compare to other groups. Treatment by vitex agnus castus resulted to increase number of PAF and AF, corpus luteum (6.42±0.64 vs.3±0.18), decrease number of cystic follicles (1.28 ±0.42 vs. 5.66±0.49) and decrease thickness of theca of follicle and tunica albuginea of ovary and increase thickness of granulosa layer of AF.CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that vitex agnus castus in administrated dose has positive effect on the condition of ovarian follicles in the experimental PCOS.

Telfairia occidentalis is one of the most commonly consumed leafy vegetable and a component of the Nigerian ethnomedical pharmacopoeia. It is used frequently as a hematinic in the treatment of postmenstrual blood loss. This study evaluated the effect of the oral administration of methanolic leaf extract of T. occidentalis on vaginal cytology, serum hormone (progesterone and estrogen) levels, and histomorphology of the ovaries of female albino rat. Fifteen female albino rats were used for the study. They were randomly assigned to three groups of five rats each. The first group (A) served as the untreated control and received distilled water while the second group (B) and third (C) received 200 and 800 mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively for 21 days. Evaluation of vaginal cytology did not show any effect of the extract on the estrous cycle. The group C rats that received the highest dose (800 mg/kg body weight) had a significantly higher ( p < 0.05) serum concentration of progesterone during the prestrus and estrus phases and a significant lower ( p < 0.05) serum levels of oestrogen during the metestrus and diestrus. Histological examination of ovarian tissues of the different groups did not show obvious abnormalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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INTRODUÇÃO: A insuficiência ovariana decorre de ooforectomia bilateral em diversas afecções do ovário, como neoplasia e sepse, além de quimioterapia, radiação pélvica e fatores relacionados à idade. Suas complicações sistêmicas, como insuficiências hormonais, podem ser de difícil controle. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar aspectos endócrinos e histológicos ovarianos após seu transplante ortotópico, sem anastomose vascular e submetidos à imunossupressão pela ciclosporina. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Foram utilizadas 12 coelhas da raça Nova Zelândia Branca (n = 6) e Califórnia (n = 6), divididas em dois grupos: grupo 1 (n = 4), de controle, submetido apenas a laparotomia, sem outro procedimento cirúrgico; e grupo 2 (n = 8), submetido a ooforectomia bilateral e transplante ortotópico dos ovários, que foram trocados entre as duas raças de animais. De um lado, foi transplantado o ovário íntegro e, do outro, o ovário fatiado. Não houve anastomose vascular. As coelhas foram imunossuprimidas com ciclosporina (10mg/kg ao dia). No final do período de acompanhamento de seis meses, foram feitas dosagens de estradiol, progesterona, hormônio foliculoestimulante (FSH) e hormônio luteinizante (LH), além de estudo histológico de ovários, tuba uterina e útero. RESULTADOS: Os ovários transplantados estavam rodeados por tecido conjuntivo, bem vascularizados, mostrando folículos em diferentes estádios de desenvolvimento. A histologia tubária e uterina também foi preservada em ambos os grupos. A dosagem hormonal foi normal em todas as coelhas, indicando que, do ponto de vista endócrino, o ovário transplantado estava funcionando. O transplante ovariano homógeno ortotópico, sem pedículo vascular e submetido à imunossupressão pela ciclosporina, foi eficaz para a manutenção de hormônios ovarianos em níveis normais.INTRODUCTION: Ovarian failure may be due to bilateral oophorectomy on several ovarian diseases, such as infection and neoplasm; chemo and radiotherapy as well as factors related to age led to endocrine disturbances followed by systemic complications. OBJECTIVES: To assess endocrine and histological ovarian aspects following allogeneic ovarian transplantation without vascular pedicle and immunosupressed by cyclosporine. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Twelve female New Zealand White and California rabbits were divided into 2 Groups: group 1 (n = 4), sham operation; and group 2 (n = 8), submitted to a laparotomy and ovarian bilateral transplantation between pairs of animals. In one side the ovary was intact and in the other side the ovary was sliced. At the end of the follow-up period, blood samples were studied for estradiol, progesterone, FSH and LH. At the end of the experiment, histological studies of ovaries, uterus and tubes were carried out. RESULTS: The ovary implants were surrounded by connective tissue; they were well vascularized, and presented follicles in different stages of development. Hormonal values were normal in all rabbits. CONCLUSIONS: Allogeneic orthotopic ovarian transplantation without vascular pedicle and immunosupressed by cyclosporine was effective to preserve normal level of ovarian hormone.

Fecundity and reproductive potential are important factors to be considered in evaluating trajectories and demographic predictions of fish populations. Therefore, characterizing the nature and quantifying the extent of any reproductive failure should be considered in fisheries studies. Here, we describe morphological changes in developed ovaries of autumn-spawning herring (Clupea harengus membras) caught in the northern Baltic Sea and evaluate the magnitude of this phenomenon during 3 consecutive years. Visibly, abnormal ovaries were histologically characterized by irregular- shaped oocytes in a vitellogenic or final maturation stage with coagulative necrosis and liquefaction of the yolk sphere, degraded follicle membranes, and fibrinous adhesion among oocytes. Such degeneration is presumed to cause complete infertility in the fish. The frequency of fish with abnormal ovaries varied annually between 10 and 15% among all females sampled. However, specific sampling events showed up to 90% females with abnormal gonads. The specific cause of this abnormality remains unknown; however, prevalence was associated with unfavourable environmental conditions encountered before spawning. Thus, ovarian abnormality was positively related to water temperatures, with the highest level found at ≥15°C and negatively related to the frequency of strong winds. The frequency of occurrence of abnormal gonads decreased with the progression of spawning from August to October. The observed abnormality and associated spawning failure will negatively affect the realized fecundity of autumn herring in the Baltic Sea and may act as a limiting factor for recovery of the stock, which has experienced profound depression during the last three decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In captivity, Callithrix jacchus (common marmoset) is on average heavier than their wild-living counterparts, and has a tendency to produce triplet litters rather than the normal twins. To provide initial basic information about possible weight-related differences among the ovaries, a morphometric study of follicular phase ovaries from 48 young adult marmosets has been carried out. Nearly 90% of these ovaries were found to contain some degree of luteal tissue composed of large and/or small cells. The luteal structures, follicles of all stages, and stroma were subjected to morphometric analysis, and these results were compared with body weight, circulating triglyceride, androstenedione, and total estrogens. Where only large luteal cells were present, the median body weight was the highest (only this group included animals over 500 g) compared with mixed, or only small luteal cells, or absence of luteal cells. Furthermore, in this group plasma triglycerides were significantly higher compared to other groups, suggesting possible role of triglycerides in promoting luteinisation. Plasma androstenedione was also a critical discriminating factor, and was elevated where large luteal cells were present even as a mixture with small cells suggesting the large luteal cells to be the likely major ovarian source of this hormone and its metabolites. Additionally, the ovaries with large luteal cells compared to those containing only small or no luteal cells, had lower primordial follicle reserve associated with high levels of atresia and luteinisation among growing non-ovulatory follicles, indicating an accelerated activation, but at the same time a suboptimal environment for follicular growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish cultures in rice fields or areas that use water from a pesticide-polluted irrigation or river, are particularly vulnerable to the negative impact of pesticides. This study aims to assess the effect of organophosphates on growth, ovarian histopathology and fecundity of red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). After acclimatization, 160 fishes (fingerlink stage) were kept in four ponds sized 2x1,5x0,8 m each. This study used a complete randomized block design and organophosphate administration through the feed. The study used four groups: control, and variations in dose of 2 ml (D1), 6 ml (D2), and 10 ml (D3) of pesticide per 100 grams of pellet, which is given in the morning (treatment) and in the evening (regular feed). Data were taken at week 3, 6, and 9, then the organophosphate treatments were stopped, and the last data were taken at week-18. Statistical analysis was performed by Anova and Duncan's Multiple Range Test. The results showed that the organophosphate pesticide inhibits the growth by reducing fish length and weight, reducing ovarian weight, increasing the number of oocyte atresia, damaging structure of the ovarian histology, and decreasing fecundity by reducing the number of egg production in the ovarian of red tilapia.

Many riverine cyprinids native to the Great Plains of North America are members of a reproductive guild that broadcast spawns pelagic, semi-buoyant ova. The task of fully understanding and appreciating the complexity of the reproductive ecology of this guild has been difficult. Although various efforts to understand their reproductive ecology have been conducted over the last 60 years, the results of these studies and the conclusions drawn from them have been inconsistent and oftentimes seemingly contradictory. The result has been varied and ill-informed conservation and management strategies based on an incomplete understanding of the reproductive ecology of these fish. We used gonadosomatic index, oocyte development, oocyte size distribution, and histological techniques to assess the reproductive ecology of sharpnose shiner Notropis oxyrhynchus in the upper Brazos River, Texas, between April 2003 and March 2005. Histological analyses of ovarian tissue revealed that reproduction occurred over a six-month period between April and September during which individual fish spawned multiple times. Patterns in gonadosomatic index, oocyte development, and oocyte size distribution indicated that sharpnose shiner spawn asynchronously except during periods of increased streamflow when spawning is synchronized within populations. Reproductive ecology of the sharpnose shiner reported in this study appears to be nearly identical to that recently reported for two other broadcast spawning cyprinids in the Great Plains, indicating that a more complete and consistent understanding of their reproductive ecology is beginning to emerge. We attribute this to the inclusion of both individual and population-scale analyses used in the most recent studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to do a preliminary seasonal screening of ecotoxicological biomarkers in European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax in three different fish farms, to know if the different location and typology can discriminate them. A set of selected biomarkers of xenobiotic exposure, such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, Glutathione (GSH) and gonad morphology were investigated seasonally in male European sea bass D. labrax (L.) reared in three different intensive farms: a land-based farm of cement tanks (T), an in-shore sea cages farm (C1) and an off-shore sea cages farm (C2). The results showed that both location and typology can discriminate AChE activity, GSH content and gonad morphology. Further investigation is needed to propose these biomarkers in the protocol of fish farm quality control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the external and histological changes in the ovary and measured the gonadosomatic index (GSI) and hepatosomatic index (HSI) during the re-maturation of the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis. The results show that the ovarian re-maturation cycle of this crab species can be divided into four stages, i.e. Stage I: the ovary had an X shape and appeared milky white or with a mottled buff colour, and the dominant gametocyte at the stage were oogonia (OG, 28.3%) and previtellogenic oocytes (PR, 31.6%); Stage II: the ovary appeared light yellow or tan in colour, dominated by endogenous vitellogeic oocytes (EN, 69.3%). The yolk globules of unreleased mature oocytes (MO) from the previous spawn were absorbed, leaving many vacuoles in the retrogressing MO; Stage III: the ovary appeared crimson red or deep purple, and although the main type of gametocyte was exogenous vitellogenic oocytes (EX), near-mature oocytes (NO) could also be found in the late phase of the ovarian development stage; Stage IV: the ovary was ripe and filled with MO that contained large yolk globules. During the period of the second ovarian maturation cycle, the GSI increased significantly from the time just after the first spawning ( P<0.01). However, although HSI appeared to decrease within days after spawning (DAS), no significant correlation was found between GSI and HSI or between HSI and DAS ( P>0.05). Furthermore, the final GSI and the volume of MO of E. sinensis during the second maturation cycle were drastically lower than those of the first maturation cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aged female snow crabs Chionoecetes opilio, 9 or so years old after their final molt, were collected sporadically from artificial reefs established off the coast of Wakasa Bay, Sea of Japan. In order to clarify the degenerative changes that occur in spent ovaries, the ovaries of these crabs were examined histologically. The ovaries were found to be reduced in both size and volume, with most showing significant oosorption by follicular epithelial cells. Reserve fund eggs and unspawned eggs were rarely detected, with the exception of some in atretic follicles. One to dozens of orange to black nodules scattered over the ovary consisted of masses of degenerative ova in various stages of oolysis. Since nodular formation was recognized in 26% of these aged individuals, it seems very likely that such crabs are unable to spawn healthy eggs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Reproductive strategies vary considerably among species, but most studies have focused on a very limited number of mammalian species. Knowledge of the reproductive cycle and behavior is essential for developing and implementing in situ and ex situ conservation strategies for threatened and endangered species. This study aimed at characterizing the seasonal reproductive pattern of female pichis Zaedyus pichiy, a threatened small armadillo native to arid regions of Argentina and Chile, through direct observations, histological studies, and by measuring fecal immunoreactive estrogens, progestagens and glucocorticoids in 10 wild-born, captive pichis and in free-ranging individuals. Results suggest that pichis are seasonal breeders that give birth to one yearly litter of 1–2 offspring, which do not leave the burrow until they are weaned at approximately 37 days. Ovarian follicular growth seems to occur throughout the year. Fecal progestagen, estrogen and glucocorticoid concentrations were minimal during the first half of pregnancy, increased to peak concentrations of up to 3500, 200 and 200ng/g dry feces, respectively, and decreased before parturition. Postpartum progestagen concentrations were greater in lactating females than females that aborted or did not raise their offspring (p <0.0001), which is probably related to an elevated corticosteroid synthesis that contributes to maintain lactation, given that fecal glucocorticoid concentrations were of similar pattern. Observations of a second pregnancy after late abortion or death of the newborn litter and sustained follicular growth during pregnancy and lactation suggest that female pichis can become receptive briefly after having lost their litter. Fecal estrogen and progestagen concentrations of non-pregnant, non-lactating females did not have a well-defined hormonal cyclic pattern, and corpora lutea were only observed in pregnant females. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The presence of non-reproductive Atlantic bluefin tuna Thunnus thynnus females in the Mediterranean Sea was investigated through histological analysis of the gonads. Three hundred and twenty-six ovary samples were collected from adults captured at different locations in the Mediterranean Sea during the reproductive seasons between 1998 and 2008. Only three specimens were considered to be in a non-reproductive state: two of them were in a reabsorbing state showing ovaries with early vitellogenic oocytes and extensive α and β atresia of vitellogenic follicles; the third showed gonads with perinucleolar oocytes and was considered to be in a resting state. The low occurrence of non-reproductive individuals found in this study makes it unlikely that non-reproductive individuals aggregate with reproductive ones during their migration towards spawning grounds. Further research is suggested in order to investigate the potential presence of non-reproductive individuals on non-spawning grounds during the reproductive season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reproductive biology of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) was investigated through at-sea sampling of ovaries from 1728 females, across 12 length classes from 40 to 160 cm fork length, from four spatial strata (northern (N), central coastal (CC), central offshore (CO), and southern (S)) of the eastern Pacific Ocean, caught by purse-seine vessels from January 2009 to November 2016. Histological evaluations of the ovarian tissues provided the foundation for the estimates of length-specific reproductive characteristics. Spawning was widespread from about 25°N to 16°S between 78°W and 148°W, occurring throughout the year from 5°N to 15°N. North of 20°N, spawning took place during April–December, and south of 5°S, spawning took place during January–June. Spawning was observed for fish captured in dolphin, floating-object, and unassociated sets. Although spawning occurred at sea-surface temperatures from 25 °C to 32 °C, 73.0% of the spawning took place between 27.0 °C and 29.0 °C. Results of fitting a general additive model (GAM) to the maturity-at-length data indicated significant spatial variation in maturity, with estimated lengths at 50% mature of 90.6 cm in the S area, 83.2 cm in the N area, 78.6 cm in the CC area, 70.9 cm in the CO area, and 81.6 cm for the combined data. Results of fitting GAMs to maturity-at-length data sets from the current study and from a previous study executed during 1987–1989, indicated significant temporal variation for the CO, CC, and S areas, and the combined data sets. The estimated lengths at 50% mature for the combined data, for the same spatial strata, from the earlier samples and from those in the current study were 90.4 cm and 78.6 cm, respectively. The observed batch fecundities from 146 fish, based on counts of late-stage migratory-nucleus or hydrated stages of oocytes, ranged from about 54 thousand oocytes for an 87 cm female to about 7.2 million oocytes for a 153 cm female. The average size of the 146 females was 118 cm, and the average batch fecundity was about 2.3 million oocytes. The estimated mean relative fecundity for 136 females, which were weighed, was 60.95 oocytes per gram of body weight. The fraction of all mature females with postovulatory follicles was 0.56, equivalent to a mean spawning interval of 1.79 d, whereas for reproductively active females the fraction spawning per day was 0.81, equivalent to a mean spawning interval of 1.23 d. • 73.0% of the spawning took place between 27.0 °C and 29.0 °C. • Maturity-at-length data indicated significant spatial and temporal variation in maturity. • For reproductively active females the fraction spawning per day was equivalent to a mean spawning interval of 1.23 d. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used a combination of methods to study the reproductive ecology of the imperiled smalleye shiner Notropis buccula Cross in the Brazos River, Texas between April 2003 and March 2005. Patterns in oocyte development, gonadosomatic index and oocyte size distribution indicate that reproduction occurs over a 6-month period between April and September and that the population spawns asynchronously with individual fish spawning small batches of ova throughout the reproductive season except during periods of elevated streamflow when spawning becomes more intense and is synchronised within the population. This combination of asynchronous spawning and episodic synchronous spawning in the same species challenges the current paradigm of an exclusive association between spawning and periods of elevated streamflow for pelagic, broadcast-spawning cyprinids in North American Great Plains Rivers. The combination of asynchronous and synchronous spawning that we observed for the smalleye shiner is likely widespread among pelagic, broadcast-spawning cyprinids and limitations of the methods commonly used to assess reproductive ecology likely contributed to an incomplete understanding of the relationship between spawning and streamflow. An accurate understanding of this relationship is necessary to design and implement appropriate conservation and management strategies for the smalleye shiner and other imperiled broadcast-spawning cyprinid fishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study describes the ovarian histology of stunted freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii. The ovarian maturation of stunted animals was examined and compared with similar-aged normal females. Ten animals of the stunted group and each maturation stage of the normal group were sampled from the same pond and had their ovaries removed for histological analysis. Body weight, body length, ovarian weight and gonadosomatic index (GSI) were recorded for each female. The diameters of the different oocyte types were compared among groups through histological assessments. The ovarian histology of stunted M. rosenbergii females indicated that although the somatic growth is severely affected (7.6 g), some energy has been placed on the vitellogensis. Stunted females showed the simultaneous occurrence of previtellogenic, vitellogenic and mature oocytes in their ovarian tissue, but overall oocyte diameter and GSI (1.02%) were significantly affected when compared with normal females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ovarian maturation in adult wild-sourced and pond-grown Scylla serrata (Forsskål) was determined based on gross morphology and histological appearance. There were no significant differences noted in the histological features of both wild and pond-reared S. serrata females. Ovarian maturation was classified into five stages: immature, early maturing, late maturing, fully mature and spent. The immature ovaries are thin and translucent to off white and contain oogonia, primary oocytes with large nuclei. The follicle cells were found around the periphery of the lobes and an area among groups of oogonia and oocytes. The follicle cells gradually enclosed the oocytes. The early-maturing ovaries were yellow and small yolk globules started to appear in larger oocytes. In late-maturing ovaries, the colour became light orange and lobules were apparent. Yolk globules occurred in the cytoplasm with larger globular inclusions towards the periphery, while follicle cells were hardly recognizable. Fully mature ovaries were orange to deep orange and had swollen lobules. Large yolk globules were apparent in the entire cytoplasm. Follicle cells were hardly seen. Spent ovaries were similar to the early-maturing and late-maturing stage in partially spawned females. The ovarian development was correlated closely to the gonadosomatic index, oocyte diameter, and ovarian histology. The classification of ovarian maturation provides baseline information for further studies on reproductive biology. Likewise, the information provides a guide for broodstock management in the hatchery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii) is native to the Caspian Sea, the Black Sea and the Azov Sea. It used to breed in the main incoming rivers, until dam construction in the mid 20th century blocked upriver spawning migration. Aquaculture of Russian sturgeon has only recently begun, prompted by their declining populations in natural habitats and the rise in meat and caviar prices. However, information on their gonadal development and puberty under culture conditions is incomplete. Because sturgeons have no external sexual dimorphism and there are no external markers for sexing, internal examination of the gonads must be employed for gender identification as well as to monitor their development. The present study describes endoscopic and histological observations of the gonads of young Russian sturgeons aimed at identifying gender and monitoring ovarian developmental stage in females up to the age of 6 years, when they enter their first puberty cycle, as well as at 7 years of age, when they have completed vitellogenesis, under culture conditions. This information, as related to fish age and size, is of vital importance to commercial farming of Russian sturgeon for caviar production and reproduction. For gonadal observations in both sexes, we used an endoscopic system consisting of a 4 mm, 14 cm long cystoscope sheath incorporated with fiber-optic light transmission, connected to a halogen cold light source and a miniature videocamera with a control unit attached to a color monitor. This system allowed us viewing of the fish''s abdominal organs, and to save pictures of selected areas of the gonads on a computer as the fish''s personal record. Ovarian biopsies were taken in parallel for histology at typical stages of gonadal development. Gender could be identified with this system as early as at 3 years of age and the sex ratio under culture conditions of females, males and unidentified gender were 55, 40 and 5%, respectively. Not only did large differences occur in the developmental stages of female of the same age group, but also ovarian development was highly asynchronous at the early vitellogenic stages. In late vitellogenesis, at the “gray egg” stage (1600–2600 μm diameter), the oocytes were quite regular in size and color, and remained so until the final stages of maturity. Our study suggests that endoscopy is an efficient method for both gender identification at an early age, and for determination of gonadal development stage in sturgeon aquaculture. The ability to see the whole intact gonads of anesthetized fish can reveal important management and research information, with minimal damage or stress to the fish. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To examine the effect of clomiphene citrate (CC) on the ovarian, endometrial, and cervical histologies in a rat model. Methods: The rats (n = 40) were randomly assigned to 4 treatment groups: CC 50 (repetitive doses of 0.2 mg CC); CC 100 (repetitive doses of 0.4 mg CC); CC 200 (repetitive doses of 0.8 mg CC), and control (repetitive doses of normal saline). Each study group received its CC dose intraperitoneally in 2 ml saline for 5 days and the controls received 2 ml saline only. Each treatment cycle was repeated six times. Six months later the rats were euthanized. Their ovaries, uterine horns, and cervices were removed and examined for histologic changes. Results: We found no significant difference in the number of follicles and corpora lutea of the study groups (p > 0.05). The numbers of granulosa, theca, and luteal cells of the CC 100 and CC 200 groups were significantly higher than those of the CC 50 group and controls (p < 0.05). There was no important finding related to pre-malign and malign changes in ovarian, endometrial and cervical samples of the control and CC 50 groups. Focal atypia and atypical mitoses were noted in 2 cases of granulosa cells in the CC 100 and CC 200 groups. Conclusion: We did not find an association between the use of CC and ovarian, endometrial, and cervical neoplasms; nevertheless, we noticed an increase in granulosa, theca and luteal cells with high doses of CC, which may be a risk factor for granulosa, theca, and luteal cell tumors. Copyright © 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oocyte maturation and gonadosomatic index (GSI) of eyestalk ablatedPenaeus monodonfemales collected from the wild and from two first-generation domesticated lines were assessed. Frequency and diameter of the different oocytes, and the intensity of oocyte atresia, were compared among groups through histological assessments of the sections of the middle ovarian lobe. Digitized images from ovary sections were used to record the frequency and diameter of different oocyte types. Spawning performance of the three groups were expressed in terms of the percentage of females that spawned at least once (productive females), time from eyestalk ablation to first spawning (latency period) and the number of spawnings per female stocked. Final ovarian maturation was attained in all groups, as indicated by the presence of mature oocytes with cortical rods (cortical oocytes), dark-green ovarian colour and high GSI values (5.83–6.86%). However, domesticated groups presented significant larger immature oocyte types (previtellogenic and yolky oocytes) and smaller cortical oocytes compared with wild females, indicating a reduced vitellogenic activity during final oocyte maturation. Additionally, the frequency of atresia was comparatively higher for both domesticated groups, which could be related to their inferior spawning performance. The implications of these results on the reproductive potential and development of domesticatedP. monodonare discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: We describe the ovarian histology and characterize the folliculogenesis of adult females of Caiman crocodilus in order to compare them with other species of Reptilia. The gonad has a thin irregular cortex and a well-developed reticular stroma, composed of vascularized chordae, drained by large lymphatic vessels and separated by extensive lacunae. Simple cuboidal to squamous epithelium, dense connective tissue with numerous elastin fibers, and smooth muscle constitute the ovarian wall. This morphology is similar to that of other Crocodylia, Aves and Testudines. Germinal nests are distributed in the ovarian cortex, some of them with oogonia. Oocytes leave the germinal nests with a single layered cuboidal granulosa, remaining simple during vitellogenesis, as in other Archosauria and Testudines and different from Squamata. As the oocyte grows, the theca is formed by numerous fibroblasts, collagen fibers, and smooth muscle fibers, becoming very thick, highly vascularized and developing muscle bands at advanced vitellogenesis. Folliculogenesis shares morphological features with other species of Reptilia. The corpus luteum is similar to that described for Archosauria; during luteolysis, the theca shrinks and the amount of luteinic cells decreases. The relationship of the corpus luteum to vitellogenesis and egg maintenance is unclear in Crocodylia. Follicular regression in Caiman crocodilus corresponds to an invasive atresia type. Histological features seen in the ovary of Caiman crocodilus are similar to those described in Alligator mississippiensis indicating that these features could be shared among Crocodylia. Also several of these morphological characteristics are observed in Aves suggesting a similar reproductive functional morphology in Archosauria. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Potter's angelfish, Centropyge potteri, is a protogynous hermaphrodite, with the alpha female of a harem becoming male under the proper social conditions. Gonads and plasma samples were collected from females every 6–9 days for 1 year, and then for every 4–6 weeks for another year. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) of females remained below 1% from July until December. Starting from the first week of December, large spikes occurred in the GSI, fluctuating from 1.4% to 4.1% and falling below 1% in June. Plasma concentrations of estradiol-17β were relatively low (1–2 ng ml-1) between July and November. Beginning in the third week of November, large spikes of plasma estradiol-17β were observed, fluctuating from 0.5 to 5 ng ml-1. This pattern continued until the third week of May, and then estradiol-17β levels remained low for the rest of the year. Estradiol-17β levels showed a highly significant correlation with GSI. Estradiol-17β levels during late vitellogenesis and final maturation were significantly greater than those of the other stages. These results suggest that the spawning season of the Potter's angelfish is from December to June. One of the causes of the large fluctuations in GSI and plasma estradiol-17β within the spawning season appears to be due to the fact that Potter's angelfish is an asynchronous daily spawner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological responses and contaminant levels in biological tissues were investigated in fish specimens of grass goby (Zosterisessor ophiocephalus) collected in spring 2000 in a moderately polluted brackish ecosystem, the Orbetello lagoon (southern coast of Tuscany, Italy). The complexity of harmful effects that contaminants may cause in fish over time was assessed. General condition indices (somatic liver index, and gonadal somatic index), cytochrome P450 enzymes, acetylcholinesterase activity and ovarian morphology were integrated with the content of organochlorines (OCs—hexachlorobenzene, DDTs and polychlorinated biphenyls) in liver and ovaries and p-nonylphenol (NP) and lower ethoxylate (NPE1–2) content in muscle and ovaries as well. Samples collected from the western basin of the lagoon near the Orbetello sewage treatment plant had somatic liver index values and two P450 activities significantly higher than those collected from the same basin at the Albegna river delta and in the Ansedonia canal in the eastern basin (P < 0.05). On the other hand, while muscle content of p-NP and NPE1–2 was significantly higher in samples from the Orbetello and Albegna river sites than in samples from the Ansedonia canal site, OC levels in liver (DDTs > PCBs > HCB) were particularly lower in samples from STP compared to levels detected in sites AC and AR. Light microscopy of ovaries revealed that although the gonads were sexually mature, the diameter of the oocytes and eggs was smaller than that commonly reported. High levels of OCs and NPs were, in fact, observed in grass goby ovaries, and the differences observed between acetylcholinesterase activities among investigated sites suggest exposure to insecticides as well. The integration of biological responses and contaminant tissue content reveals that certain areas of the lagoon are selectively impacted by various human activities and helps in distinguishing relationships between biological responses and contaminant load in the lagoon environment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: To evaluate the histopathological effects of tubal ligation on ovary and endometrium in a rat model.Methods: Twenty-four female Wistar albino rats weighing 220-260 g were used. The rats were assigned randomly into tubal ligation and control groups. While tubal ligation was applied to the first group of rats, only a laparotomy was performed in the second group. Six weeks later, a second laparotomy was performed and uterine horns and ovaries of the rats in the two groups were excised for histopathological assessment. A pathologist blinded to the groups made histopathological examination including quantification of endometrial phases, presence of endometrial inflammation and counting the number of tertiary follicles and corpora lutea in each ovary.Results: We found no significant difference between tubal ligation and control groups related to the number of tertiary follicles and corpora lutea (p > 0.05). However, in the tubal ligation group, endometrial inflammatory infiltration was significantly higher than in the control group (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Tubal ligation does not affect ovarian histology as an indicator of ovarian function. However, endometrial inflammation may occur after tubal ligation and lead to menstrual irregularities as an early complication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochemical markers and ovarian histology were investigated in prespawning females of grass goby (Zosterisessor ophiocephalus) and grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) collected, respectively, in late spring and summer 2000 in four sites of a highly eutrophic brackish ecosystem of central Italy, the Orbetello Lagoon. Exposure to chlorinated and aromatic hydrocarbons was evaluated in fish livers by the somatic liver index (SLI) and by measuring 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) and benzo(a)pyrene monooxygenase (BaPMO) activities. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was measured in brain and gills to evaluate exposure to organophosphates (OPs) and carbamates (CBs). The gonad somatic index (GSI) was used to confirm ovarian maturation and ovarian histology was investigated as a potential biomarker for environmental effects. Samples from the Western Basin, near a sewage treatment plant (STP) off the town of Orbetello, showed higher SLI values and higher EROD and BaPMO activities than those collected from the Ansedonia Canal (AC) in the Eastern Basin (p<0.05) and respect to those from reference sites: the Albegna River (AR) Delta for grass goby and the Nassa Canal (NC), connected with the sea, for grey mullet both located in the Western Basin as well. Low brain AChE activity was observed in both species from the reference sites (AR and NC) in association with the presence of anomalies in developing oocytes: unexpectedly small in grass goby and irregular disintegrated cytoplasm in grey mullet. The results indicate that the Western Basin is more polluted than the Eastern Basin particularly in the Orbetello where the sewage treatment plant may be a source of aromatic and chlorinated compounds while the Albegna River and the Nassa Canal may be sources of OPs and CBs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The reproductive seasonality of Puntius schwanenfeldii from the Perak River, Malaysia was investigated over a 19 month period. Females greater than 160 g had mature or rematuring ovaries, and males of all sizes had mature testes throughout the study period. Analysis of female reproductive condition was based upon the presence of post ovulatory follicles (POF), the gonadosomatic index (GSI) and the volume fraction of stage IV oocytes (IV%), and GSI and presence of tubercles for males. Recrudescence followed immediately after ovulation, which allowed the use of objective thresholds to identify recently spawned females during the GSI and IV% recovery period. GSI and IV% were the best indicators of reproductive patterns as a result of their recovery period being longer than for POE Male tubercles and GSI showed some statistically significant variation, but no clear relation with observed changes in female indicators. Reproduction was apparently aseasonal, and this pattern is likely an effect of flow regulation by dams which have virtually eliminated the dominant flood period and most seasonal flow variation. Hypothesized shifts in the reproductive seasonality due to flow regulation are consistent with predictions based on life history theory under conditions of altered environmental seasonality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ovaries of P. koolooense which are paired H-shaped structures undergo seasonal morphometric and histological changes. A minute oviduct leads into the seminal receptacle which receives sperms during breeding season. Oogonia and young oocytes develop in the germinal zone, present in the centre of the ovary. The resting or residual oogonia which occur throughout the year divide shortly after ovulation and supply new crop of germ cells for the next breeding season. Five maturational stages of ova have been described on the basis of changes that occur in their nuclei and cytoplasm. They are oogonium, premeiotic oocyte, previtellogenic oocyte, vitellogenic oocyte and the ripe ovum. Spawning occurs during May or June. The weight of the ovaries, gonad index and ova diameter were minimum in June and reached a maximum value in April. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemicals, by virtue of their varied interactions with biological molecules, are expected to differ in the way they may alter female reproduction. Reproductive toxicity may reflect effects either on the female germ cells or on various maternal processes such as ovulation, implantation, pregnancy, and parturition. In either case, the ultimate manifestation of chemical toxicity on female reproduction is a decrease in the number of normal young born. Very little information is available on the effects of chemicals that are nonhormonal in nature on the long-term ability of treated females to produce offspring. This report presents the results of long-term female total reproductive capacity (TRC) tests on 29 chemicals, including pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and alkylating and industrial agents. For each chemical, the minimum test involved an evaluation of the maximum tolerated dose administered as a single intraperitoneal injection. Females were single-pair mated with an untreated male for most of the female's reproductive life span (a minimum of 347 days posttreatment) and scored for the number of live births produced during this period. Confirmatory dominant lethal experiments or histological examinations for numbers of small follicles were carried out when mutagenic effects or cytotoxicity, respectively, were suspected as the basis for reduced fertility. Of the 29 chemicals studied, 17 had reproductive effects which may be grouped into one of three classes: (1) those that reduced the total number of young and litters per female, (2) those that reduced the total number of young but not of litters, and (3) those that had no significant effect on the total number of young produced but reduced the size of the first and/or second litters. The TRC provides a capacity for detecting a range of toxic insults upon female reproduction. Many of the chemicals were indeed shown to affect the reproductive performance of females through mutagenic and/or cytotoxic effects on follicles. In some cases, however, no causative mechanism could be identified for the observed reduction in reproductive performance. Nevertheless, with this report the number of chemicals tested by this TRC procedure has been quadrupled and the categories of chemicals tested have been substantially broadened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]