Cyp19 expression and sex change timing in captive-bred false clownfish / Expressão de Cyp19 e o período da mudança de sexo em peixes-palhaço falsos criados em cativeiro

The false clown anemonefish (Amphiprion ocellaris) is a protandrous hermaphrodite with a distinctive reproductive behavior. This study elucidates the genetic mechanisms and timing of sex changes in captive-bred A. ocellaris by examining the expression of key genes involved in this process, specifically cyp19a1a and cyp19a1b. Gonadal histological analyses and gene expression studies were conducted on subadult fish paired for 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 16 months. Our findings reveal that alterations in cyp19 gene expression coincide with a pairing period starting after 3 months. Both cyp19a1a and cyp19a1b expression levels were significantly elevated in paired females compared with their male counterparts and unpaired controls. Histological investigations demonstrated that sex conversion to females occurred during the 3-month pairing period. This study highlights the crucial role of cyp19a1a and cyp19a1b in the sex change process of A. ocellaris and indicates that a minimum of 5 months of pairing is necessary for completing the sex change.

O peixe-palhaço falso (Amphiprion ocellaris) é um hermafrodita protândrico com um comportamento reprodutivo distintivo. Este estudo esclarece os mecanismos genéticos e o período das mudanças de sexo em A. ocellaris criados em cativeiro, examinando a expressão de genes-chave envolvidos nesse processo, especificamente cyp19a1a e cyp19a1b. Análises histológicas gonadais e estudos de expressão gênica foram conduzidos em peixes subadultos emparelhados por 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 e 16 meses. Os resultados revelam que alterações na expressão do gene cyp19 coincidem com um período de emparelhamento a partir de 3 meses. Os níveis de expressão de cyp19a1a e cyp19a1b foram significativamente elevados em fêmeas emparelhadas em comparação com seus homólogos masculinos e controles não-emparelhados. Investigações histológicas demonstraram que a conversão sexual para fêmeas ocorreu durante o período de emparelhamento de 3 meses. Este estudo destaca o papel crucial de cyp19a1a e cyp19a1b no processo de mudança de sexo de A. ocellaris e indica que um mínimo de 5 meses de emparelhamento é necessário para concluir a mudança de sexo.

Occurrence of intersexuality in Mugil curema from an estuary of the North coast of Santa Catarina, Brazil - case report / Ocorrência de intersexualidade em Mugil curema em estuário do litoral norte catarinense, Brasil - relato de caso

This study describes the occurrence of reproductive changes in a mullet (Mugil curema) from the Babibtonga Bay, Santa Catarina. Gross and microscopic findings indicated changes in the reproductive system that were characterized by the presence of both male and female gonads, nearing sexual maturity, which was compatible with the diagnosis of intersex. It was not possible to identify predisposing factors that may have contributed to the development of this condition. However, as this species of fish may have their reproductive development affected by anthropogenic influence, it is important to permanently monitor this kind of environment. Considering the number of fish belonging to this species that was examined (n=433), the estimated prevalence for intersexuality was 0.23% (confidence interval: 0.00 to 0.68%, with confidence level of 95%). The findings in this study support the diagnosis of intersexuality in M. curema from the Babitonga Bay, which is the first documented case of this condition in this species on the coast of Santa Catarina, Brazil.

Este estudo descreve a ocorrência de alteração reprodutiva em peixe da espécie Mugil curema, procedente da Baía da Babitonga, Santa Catarina. Macro e microscopicamente, foi identificada alteração no sistema reprodutivo, caracterizada pela presença de gônadas masculina e feminina, próximas da maturidade sexual, caracterizando um caso de intersexo. Não foi possível determinar os fatores que possam ter contribuído para o desenvolvimento dessa alteração reprodutiva, porém, como a espécie animal pode ter suas características de vida e reprodutiva influenciadas pela ação antrópica, é importante um estudo contínuo desses peixes nesse ambiente. Considerando o número de peixes dessa espécie que foram examinados (n=433), a prevalência estimada de intersexualidade foi de 0,23% (intervalo de confiança: 0,00 a 0,68%, com nível de confiança de 95%). Os achados deste estudo suportam o diagnóstico de intersexualidade em M. curema proveniente da Baía da Babitonga, sendo o primeiro caso documentado dessa condição nessa espécie na costa de Santa Catarina, Brasil.

Hypospadias in two cats: case report / Hipospadia em dois gatos: relato de caso

Hypospadias is an uncommon sexual development disorder in cats, in which the urethral opening is not in its anatomical location on the penis. The purpose of this report is to describe two cases of hypospadias in the feline species. The first cat was asymptomatic, had a history of bacterial cystitis, and was diagnosed with perineal hypospadias at an appointment for preoperative evaluation of orchiectomy. The second cat had clinical signs of dysuria and pollakiuria for 30 days and had glandular hypospadias. Both cats showed abnormalities in the urinalysis which were suggestive of lower urinary tract disease. For both cases, clinical treatment with antibiotic therapy was performed. In the first patient, surgical treatment consisted of orchiectomy, while in the second animal a perineal urethrostomy and orchiectomy were performed. The cats had a satisfactory recovery after the treatments. Performing a thorough physical examination is essential to diagnose cases of hypospadias and choose the best treatment for each patient.

A hipospadia é uma desordem do desenvolvimento sexual pouco comum nos gatos, na qual a abertura uretral não está em sua localização anatômica do pênis. O objetivo do presente relato é descrever dois casos de hipospadia em felinos domésticos. O primeiro gato era assintomático, tinha histórico de cistite bacteriana prévio, e foi diagnosticado com hipospadia perineal em uma consulta para avaliação pré-cirúrgica de orquiectomia. O segundo gato apresentava sinais clínicos de disúria e polaquiúria há 30 dias e apresentava hipospadia glandular. A partir dos exames complementares, pôde-se observar que os animais, além do defeito anatômico, apresentavam alterações sugestivas de doença do trato urinário inferior. Para ambos os casos, foi realizado o tratamento clínico inicial com antibioticoterapia. No primeiro paciente, optou-se pelo procedimento de orquiectomia, enquanto no segundo animal foram realizadas as técnicas de uretrostomia perineal e orquiectomia. Os gatos mostraram recuperação satisfatória após os tratamentos instituídos. Dessa forma, pode-se observar a importância de se realizar um exame físico minucioso a fim de diagnosticar os casos de hipospadia e escolher o tratamento correto para cada paciente.

Effect of dosage of orally administered 17α-methyltestosterone on sex reversion of the yellowtail tetra Astyanax lacustris (Lütken, 1875)

The females of yellowtail tetra (Astyanax lacustris), known as the freshwater sardine, are approximately 1.33 times larger than males, and thus, all-female monosex culture would increase production and reduce size variability. The present work aimed to identify the optimal dose of 17α-methyltestosterone (MT) to be used in the masculinization of A. lacustris for indirect sex reversal. Three different concentrations of MT (20, 40, and 60 mg/kg of feed in the diet) were fed to the fry for 30 days. Thirty adult individuals from each treatment, including the control (0 mg MT/kg), were evaluated for gonadal development, morphological and histological sexual identification, zootechnical performance, and the possible genotoxic effect caused by prolonged exposure to MT. MT significantly (P<0.01) affected the differentiation of the gonads, with the presence of possible inhibitory effects in all treatments. Intersex individuals were present in the 20 and 60 mg MT/kg treatments. All treatments were able to masculinize A. lacustris and the treatment with the lowest hormone concentration produced the highest percentage of males 76.7%, while the control had 46.7% males. The presence of erythrocyte nuclear alterations indicated a possible cytotoxic effect of MT in treatments 40 and 60 mg MT/kg, however, the use of the hormone did not affect the growth and the survival of the individuals. Thus, the use of MT is a viable option for obtaining neomales as a first step into the production of all-female progenies.(AU)

Descriptions of new gynandromorphs of Xylocopa augusti Lepeletier (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Xylocopini) from Argentina

Gynandromorphs are individuals that display both male and female features throughout the body and are rarely found in nature. We document and describe two new gynandromorphs of the large carpenter bee Xylocopa (Neoxylocopa) augusti reared from a trap-nest in La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina. In addition, based on a literature review, we assessed the frequency of the different types of gynandromorphs, and the body part affected, among large carpenter bees. Both gynandromorphs were assigned to the mixed category, the most common category reported in the literature (22 of 25 specimens). The remaining three specimens exhibit a bilateral pattern in all tagmata. The presence of both sexes' secondary sexual characteristics occurred more frequently on the mesosoma than on the head or metasoma. Trap nests used in bee hotels promote the conservation and study of wild bees and might facilitate the discovery of rare cases of gynandromorphs that would remain unknown otherwise under normal nesting conditions in the wild.(AU)

Hermafroditismo verdadeiro na espécie suína / True hermaphroditism in the swine specie

Os hermafroditas verdadeiros são animais com intersexualidade, nos quais as gônadas masculinas e femininas se desenvolvem simultaneamente no mesmo indivíduo. Este trabalho relata um caso de hermafrodita na espécie suína após descarte de uma fêmea por diagnóstico de anestro. Tratava-se de uma fêmea com 222 dias de idade e 150 kg a qual havia sido selecionada para reprodução e permanecia em anestro. O indivíduo foi descartado e enviado para o abate em frigorífico sob inspeção federal. Após o abate foi observado no sistema genital aspectos anatômicos sugestivos de hermafroditismo. O sistema genital foi coletado, inspecionado macroscopicamente e conservado em formol a 10% para avaliação microscópica. Durante a análise macroscópica foi verificada a presença de vulva e vagina, contendo um pênis rudimentar. O útero, a cérvix, os cornos uterinos e oviduto estavam presentes e com ausência de anormalidade. Havia um ovário esquerdo com aspectos morfológicos de ciclicidade e folículos contendo oócitos de alta qualidade. À direita, entretanto, foi constatada a presença de um testículo, epidídimo e plexo pampiniforme. A avaliação histopatológica comprovou os achados macroscópicos, demonstrando um ovário contendo folículos, corpos lúteos e cistos foliculares; plexo pampiniforme; testículo e epidídimo com aspecto histológico normal, porém, com ausência de células espermatogênicas. Assim, com base nos achados macro e microscópicos descritos nesse relato de caso, o indivíduo foi considerado como hermafrodita verdadeiro.(AU)

True hermaphrodites are intersexual animals, in which both male and female gonads develop simultaneously in the same individual. This paper reports a case of a true hermaphrodite in the swine species after its culling for anestrus. The specimen was a female of 222 days of age and 150 kg of body weight, that was selected for reproduction and was permanently in anestrus. This individual was culled and sent to an abattoir under federal inspection. After slaughtering, it was observed in the reproductive tract anatomical aspects that suggested hermaphroditism. The reproductive tract was collected, evaluated macroscopically, and preserved in formaldehyde at 10 % to be evaluated by light microscopy. During the macroscopic analysis, the presence of a vulva and a vagina with a rudimentary penis was detected. The uterus, the cervix, uterine horns, and the oviduct were present and abnormalities were not detected. The left ovary exhibited morphological signs of cyclicity and contained follicles with high quality oocytes. On the right side, however, it was observed a testicle, epididymis, and a pampiniform plexus. The histopathological assessment corroborated the macroscopic findings, which demonstrated that the ovary had follicles, corpus luteum, and follicular cysts, and pampiniform plexus, testicle and epididymis were histologically normal, though with the absence of spermatogenic cells. Thus, based on the macro and microscopic findings described herein, the individual was considered a true hermaphrodite.(AU)

Morphology and immunolocalization of intertubular steroidogenic cell in mesonephros of Podocnemis expansa during gonadal differentiation

Sex steroid hormones are critical in gonadal differentiation in turtles. The gonads are not the only organs responsible for producing these hormones during this phase. Mesonephros play an important role in steroidogenesis. The present study aimed to investigate the presence of steroidogenic cells in mesonephros of Podocnemis expansa during gonadal differentiation and to evaluate their morphology and ultrastructure. Ten embryos of P. expansa were collected from 5 nests on day 36 of incubation, during spawning period on an artificial beach. Embryos were extracted from eggs by slicing the shell and euthanized. They were dissected under a stereoscopic microscope to collect the gonad-mesonephro complex, in which were fixed and subsequently processed for light microscopy, immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy analysis. During histological analysis was observed mesonephros has typical morphological structure. Immunohistochemistry showed immunoreaction to aromatase in cells of intertubular space. Confirming these findings, it was possible to observe a type of intertubular cell in several regions of mesonephro, being more predominant in region close to blood vessels, distal and proximal tubules. In ultrastructural analysis these cells were characterized by having a clear, large, and rounded nucleus with evident nucleolus and cytoplasm rich in electron-dense droplets. This study demonstrated for the first time the presence of cells with morphological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural characteristics similar to steroid-producing cells in P. expansa mesonephrons, suggesting that this organ may contribute to gonadal differentiation in this species.(AU)

Genistein and Daidzein effects on the physiological indices of Soybean Cyst Nematodes

ABSTRACT: Soybean cyst nematode (SCN, Heterodera glycines) is a chief plantparasitic nematode of soybean. Application of synthetic chemical nematicides poses negative side effects to human health and the environment. Therefore, the search for a safe and effective approach is more relevant. This study evaluated the effects of Genistein and Daidzein on the physiological index of soybean cyst nematodes, individual morphology, reversal frequency, respiration, and body fluid leaking of secondstage juveniles (J2s) of soybean cyst nematode. The results showed that body length of J2s decreased, while stylet and tail transparent area elongated. Additionally, after the treatment, the body became hollow and shrunken, the J2s stiffened, whereas the reversal frequency decreased dramatically after 24 h of treatment. Moreover, the body fluid leakage was intensified and respiration was inhibited. Oxygen consumption decreased by 86.7 % and 70.1 %, while, in contrast, electrical conductivity increased by 40.1 % and 36 % at 100 g mL1 of Genistein and Daidzein, respectively, after 48 h of exposure. The smaller number of J2s in soybean roots, the slower development rate, and the abnormal sexual differentiation were found in greenhouse assay. Thus, Genistein and Daidzein, especially Genistein, have strong effects on the physiological index of soybean cyst nematodes. Moreover, the effects were time and dosagedependent.

Genistein and Daidzein effects on the physiological indices of Soybean Cyst Nematodes

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN, Heterodera glycines) is a chief plant-parasitic nematode of soybean. Application of synthetic chemical nematicides poses negative side effects to human health and the environment. Therefore, the search for a safe and effective approach is more relevant. This study evaluated the effects of Genistein and Daidzein on the physiological index of soybean cyst nematodes, individual morphology, reversal frequency, respiration, and body fluid leaking of second-stage juveniles (J2s) of soybean cyst nematode. The results showed that body length of J2s decreased, while stylet and tail transparent area elongated. Additionally, after the treatment, the body became hollow and shrunken, the J2s stiffened, whereas the reversal frequency decreased dramatically after 24 h of treatment. Moreover, the body fluid leakage was intensified and respiration was inhibited. Oxygen consumption decreased by 86.7 % and 70.1 %, while, in contrast, electrical conductivity increased by 40.1 % and 36 % at 100 μg mL−1 of Genistein and Daidzein, respectively, after 48 h of exposure. The smaller number of J2s in soybean roots, the slower development rate, and the abnormal sexual differentiation were found in greenhouse assay. Thus, Genistein and Daidzein, especially Genistein, have strong effects on the physiological index of soybean cyst nematodes. Moreover, the effects were time and dosage-dependent.

Genistein and Daidzein effects on the physiological indices of Soybean Cyst Nematodes

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN, Heterodera glycines) is a chief plant–parasitic nematode of soybean. Application of synthetic chemical nematicides poses negative side effects to human health and the environment. Therefore, the search for a safe and effective approach is more relevant. This study evaluated the effects of Genistein and Daidzein on the physiological index of soybean cyst nematodes, individual morphology, reversal frequency, respiration, and body fluid leaking of second–stage juveniles (J2s) of soybean cyst nematode. The results showed that body length of J2s decreased, while stylet and tail transparent area elongated. Additionally, after the treatment, the body became hollow and shrunken, the J2s stiffened, whereas the reversal frequency decreased dramatically after 24 h of treatment. Moreover, the body fluid leakage was intensified and respiration was inhibited. Oxygen consumption decreased by 86.7 % and 70.1 %, while, in contrast, electrical conductivity increased by 40.1 % and 36 % at 100 μg mL–¹ of Genistein and Daidzein, respectively, after 48 h of exposure. The smaller number of J2s in soybean roots, the slower development rate, and the abnormal sexual differentiation were found in greenhouse assay. Thus, Genistein and Daidzein, especially Genistein, have strong effects on the physiological index of soybean cyst nematodes. Moreover, the effects were time and dosage–dependent.

Pseudo-hermafroditismo masculino em caprino (Capra aegagrus hircus Linnaeus, 1758). Relato de caso / Male pseudo-hermafroditism in goat (Capra aegagrus hircus Linnaeus, 1758). Case report / Pseudo-hermafroditismo masculino en caprino (Capra aegagrus hircus Linnaeus, 1758). Reporte de caso

Anomalias de intersexo são relatadas em diversas espécies animais. Tal fato resulta de falhas durante o desenvolvimento embrionário e fetal, originando animais hermafroditas verdadeiros e pseudo-hermafroditas. Com este trabalho objetivou-se relatar um caso de pseudo- hermafroditismo masculino em caprino ocorrido no município de Manaus – AM. Devido ao crescimento da pecuária no relacionada ao segmento correspondente a criação de caprinos, torna-se essencial para o sucesso da atividade que falhas no manejo reprodutivo sejam corrigidas haja visto que a ocorrência de intersexualidade em caprinos está relacionada principalmente ao caráter mocho dos animais ligados a fatores hereditários. O presente trabalho relata o caso de um caprino mocho, que apresentava- se ao exame clínico, morfologicamente como sendo do sexo feminino, com presença de estrutura vulvar anormal. Ao realizar o estudo anatômico, através da dissecação das estruturas, observou-se órgãos que se assemelhavam tanto aos femininos quanto aos masculinos, com presença de testículos intra-abdominal e órgão apresentando-se semelhante ao útero. Para a correta identificação destes órgãos efetuaram-se estudos histológicos, com a identificação correta e características de cada segmento analisado. De acordo com as estruturas encontradas foi possível diagnosticar o animal como tratando-se de um caso de pseudo-hermafroditismo masculino.

Intersex anomalies have been conducted in several animal species. This fact results from failures during embryonic and fetal development, resulting in true hermaphrodites animals and pseudo-hermaphrodites. This study aimed to report a case of pseudo-hermaphroditism male in goats occurred in the city of Manaus - AM. Due to the growth of livestock farming in related to the corresponding segment goat rearing, it is essential to the success of the activity that failures in reproductive management are corrected given the fact that the occurrence of intersexuality in goats is mainly related to the owl character of animals linked to hereditary factors. This paper reports the case of a goat owl, which proved to clinical examination, morphologically as being female, with the presence of abnormal vulvar structure. Upon anatomical study by dissecting the structures, there was bodies that resembled both to women as to men, with the presence of testicles in the abdomen and body presenting similar to the uterus. For the correct identification of these bodies is effected histological, studies with proper identification and characteristics of each segment analyzed. According to the structures found it was possible to diagnose the animal as in the case of a case of male pseudo-hermaphroditism.

Se informan anomalías de la intersexualidad en varias especies animales. Este hecho resulta de fallas durante el desarrollo embrionario y fetal, dando origen a verdaderos animales hermafroditas y pseudohermafroditas. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo reportar un caso de pseudohermafroditismo masculino en cabras que ocurrió en la ciudad de Manaus - AM. Debido al crecimiento de la ganadería en relación al segmento correspondiente a la cría de cabras, es fundamental para el éxito de la actividad que se corrijan las fallas en el manejo reproductivo ya que la ocurrencia de intersexualidad en cabras se relaciona principalmente con el carácter búho de los animales vinculados a factores hereditarios. El presente trabajo reporta el caso de una cabra búho, que se presentó al examen clínico, morfológicamente como hembra, con la presencia de una estructura vulvar anormal. Al realizar el estudio anatómico, mediante la disección de las estructuras, se observaron órganos que se asemejaban tanto a órganos femeninos como masculinos, con presencia de testículos intraabdominales y un órgano similar al útero. Para la correcta identificación de estos órganos se realizaron estudios histológicos, con la correcta identificación y características de cada segmento analizado. Según las estructuras encontradas, fue posible diagnosticar al animal como un caso de pseudohermafroditismo masculino.

Pseudo-hermafroditismo masculino em caprino (Capra aegagrus hircus Linnaeus, 1758). Relato de caso / Male pseudo-hermafroditism in goat (Capra aegagrus hircus Linnaeus, 1758). Case report / Pseudo-hermafroditismo masculino en caprino (Capra aegagrus hircus Linnaeus, 1758). Reporte de caso

Anomalias de intersexo são relatadas em diversas espécies animais. Tal fato resulta de falhas durante o desenvolvimento embrionário e fetal, originando animais hermafroditas verdadeiros e pseudo-hermafroditas. Com este trabalho objetivou-se relatar um caso de pseudo- hermafroditismo masculino em caprino ocorrido no município de Manaus AM. Devido ao crescimento da pecuária no relacionada ao segmento correspondente a criação de caprinos, torna-se essencial para o sucesso da atividade que falhas no manejo reprodutivo sejam corrigidas haja visto que a ocorrência de intersexualidade em caprinos está relacionada principalmente ao caráter mocho dos animais ligados a fatores hereditários. O presente trabalho relata o caso de um caprino mocho, que apresentava- se ao exame clínico, morfologicamente como sendo do sexo feminino, com presença de estrutura vulvar anormal. Ao realizar o estudo anatômico, através da dissecação das estruturas, observou-se órgãos que se assemelhavam tanto aos femininos quanto aos masculinos, com presença de testículos intra-abdominal e órgão apresentando-se semelhante ao útero. Para a correta identificação destes órgãos efetuaram-se estudos histológicos, com a identificação correta e características de cada segmento analisado. De acordo com as estruturas encontradas foi possível diagnosticar o animal como tratando-se de um caso de pseudo-hermafroditismo masculino.(AU)

Intersex anomalies have been conducted in several animal species. This fact results from failures during embryonic and fetal development, resulting in true hermaphrodites animals and pseudo-hermaphrodites. This study aimed to report a case of pseudo-hermaphroditism male in goats occurred in the city of Manaus - AM. Due to the growth of livestock farming in related to the corresponding segment goat rearing, it is essential to the success of the activity that failures in reproductive management are corrected given the fact that the occurrence of intersexuality in goats is mainly related to the owl character of animals linked to hereditary factors. This paper reports the case of a goat owl, which proved to clinical examination, morphologically as being female, with the presence of abnormal vulvar structure. Upon anatomical study by dissecting the structures, there was bodies that resembled both to women as to men, with the presence of testicles in the abdomen and body presenting similar to the uterus. For the correct identification of these bodies is effected histological, studies with proper identification and characteristics of each segment analyzed. According to the structures found it was possible to diagnose the animal as in the case of a case of male pseudo-hermaphroditism.(AU)

Se informan anomalías de la intersexualidad en varias especies animales. Este hecho resulta de fallas durante el desarrollo embrionario y fetal, dando origen a verdaderos animales hermafroditas y pseudohermafroditas. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo reportar un caso de pseudohermafroditismo masculino en cabras que ocurrió en la ciudad de Manaus - AM. Debido al crecimiento de la ganadería en relación al segmento correspondiente a la cría de cabras, es fundamental para el éxito de la actividad que se corrijan las fallas en el manejo reproductivo ya que la ocurrencia de intersexualidad en cabras se relaciona principalmente con el carácter búho de los animales vinculados a factores hereditarios. El presente trabajo reporta el caso de una cabra búho, que se presentó al examen clínico, morfológicamente como hembra, con la presencia de una estructura vulvar anormal. Al realizar el estudio anatómico, mediante la disección de las estructuras, se observaron órganos que se asemejaban tanto a órganos femeninos como masculinos, con presencia de testículos intraabdominales y un órgano similar al útero. Para la correcta identificación de estos órganos se realizaron estudios histológicos, con la correcta identificación y características de cada segmento analizado. Según las estructuras encontradas, fue posible diagnosticar al animal como un caso de pseudohermafroditismo masculino.(AU)

Clitoridectomy and urethrostomy in a pseudohermaphrodite dog

Background: Hermaphroditism is a rare congenital disease that causes ambiguous sexual features. True hermaphroditeshave testicular and ovarian tissue, whereas pseudohermaphrodites have only one type of gonadal tissue and genitalia, butsecondary characteristics of the opposite sex. Pseudohermaphrodites are classified as male or female according to theirgonads. Treatment of pseudohermaphroditism consists of surgical removal of the gonads including reconstruction of abnormal genitalia, especially if the urethra is involved. Therefore, the objective of this report is to describe a case of a malepseudohermaphrodite in a dog treated with clitoridectomy with urethrostomy.Case: A 7-month-old, mixed-breed dog was referred due to the presence of a flaccid structure similar to a small penis,containing an os clitoris, bulbourethral glands, and urethra protruding from the vulva. Physical examination, completeblood count and serum biochemistry were within normal ranges. Hormonal levels of estradiol, testosterone, and progesterone were 56.39 pg/mL, 127.9 ng/mL, and 0.892 ng/mL, respectively. The abdominal ultrasound and posteriorly theexploratory celiotomy found a normal size prostate and two round organs resembling testicles connected to a uterus-liketubular structure. The patient underwent surgical abdominal exploration that confirmed the ultrasonographic findings andled to gonadohysterectomy. Also, clitoridectomy and urethrostomy were performed to excise the protruded structure andmaintain normal urethral patency. The histopathological examination of the clitoris and penis confirmed it was a malegenital organ, however, the abdominal structures were compatible with the testicles, epididymis, uterus, and even a broadligament. These organs are normally found in cases of male pseudohermaphroditism. The...

Clitoridectomy and urethrostomy in a pseudohermaphrodite dog

Background: Hermaphroditism is a rare congenital disease that causes ambiguous sexual features. True hermaphroditeshave testicular and ovarian tissue, whereas pseudohermaphrodites have only one type of gonadal tissue and genitalia, butsecondary characteristics of the opposite sex. Pseudohermaphrodites are classified as male or female according to theirgonads. Treatment of pseudohermaphroditism consists of surgical removal of the gonads including reconstruction of abnormal genitalia, especially if the urethra is involved. Therefore, the objective of this report is to describe a case of a malepseudohermaphrodite in a dog treated with clitoridectomy with urethrostomy.Case: A 7-month-old, mixed-breed dog was referred due to the presence of a flaccid structure similar to a small penis,containing an os clitoris, bulbourethral glands, and urethra protruding from the vulva. Physical examination, completeblood count and serum biochemistry were within normal ranges. Hormonal levels of estradiol, testosterone, and progesterone were 56.39 pg/mL, 127.9 ng/mL, and 0.892 ng/mL, respectively. The abdominal ultrasound and posteriorly theexploratory celiotomy found a normal size prostate and two round organs resembling testicles connected to a uterus-liketubular structure. The patient underwent surgical abdominal exploration that confirmed the ultrasonographic findings andled to gonadohysterectomy. Also, clitoridectomy and urethrostomy were performed to excise the protruded structure andmaintain normal urethral patency. The histopathological examination of the clitoris and penis confirmed it was a malegenital organ, however, the abdominal structures were compatible with the testicles, epididymis, uterus, and even a broadligament. These organs are normally found in cases of male pseudohermaphroditism. The...(AU)

Determinação e diferenciação sexual em peixes teleósteos: papel dos fatores ambientais e genéticos / Sexual determination and differentiation in teleost fish: the role of environmental and genetic factors

Peixes teleósteos possuem diversas maneiras de determinação e diferenciação sexual. De modo que, fatores genéticos e ambientais podem atuar interagindo para determinar o sexo e agir sobre a diferenciação das gônadas desses animais. Os fatores ambientais atuam de diferentes formas para determinar o sexo de peixe, uma vez que sua ação é dependente da espécie. Fatores como temperatura, pH, densidade populacional e poluição podem causara masculinização ou feminização, agindo principalmente sobre os hormônios sexuais e muitas vezes causando a apoptose ovariana e, consequentemente, promovendo a masculinização. Já a determinação genética se dar por cromossomos sexuais (sistema monogênico) ou por ação autossômica (sistema poligênica). No sistema monogênico já foram observados vários modelos de cromossomos sexuais, sendo os principais XX/XY (machos heterogaméticos) e ZW/ZZ (fêmeas heterogaméticas). Com isso, é possível observar que os peixes teleósteos possuem uma grande diversidade de determinação sexual e diferenciação gonadal.

Teleost fish have various forms of sexual determination and differentiation. Genetic and environmental factors can interact to determine sex and act on the differentiation of the gonads of these animals. Environmental factors act in different ways to determine the sex of the fish, as their action depend on the species. Factors such as temperature, pH, population density and pollution can cause a masculinization or a feminization, by acting on the hormones and, often, the ovarian apoptosis. The genetic determination is given by the sexual chromosome (monogenic system) or by the autosomal action (polygenic system). In the monogenic system several models of sexual chromosomes were observed, the main ones being XX / XY (heterogeneous males) and ZW / ZZ(heterogeneous females). With this, it is possible to observe that teleost possess a great amplitude of sexual determination and gonadal differentiation.

Determinação e diferenciação sexual em peixes teleósteos: papel dos fatores ambientais e genéticos / Sexual determination and differentiation in teleost fish: the role of environmental and genetic factors

Peixes teleósteos possuem diversas maneiras de determinação e diferenciação sexual. De modo que, fatores genéticos e ambientais podem atuar interagindo para determinar o sexo e agir sobre a diferenciação das gônadas desses animais. Os fatores ambientais atuam de diferentes formas para determinar o sexo de peixe, uma vez que sua ação é dependente da espécie. Fatores como temperatura, pH, densidade populacional e poluição podem causara masculinização ou feminização, agindo principalmente sobre os hormônios sexuais e muitas vezes causando a apoptose ovariana e, consequentemente, promovendo a masculinização. Já a determinação genética se dar por cromossomos sexuais (sistema monogênico) ou por ação autossômica (sistema poligênica). No sistema monogênico já foram observados vários modelos de cromossomos sexuais, sendo os principais XX/XY (machos heterogaméticos) e ZW/ZZ (fêmeas heterogaméticas). Com isso, é possível observar que os peixes teleósteos possuem uma grande diversidade de determinação sexual e diferenciação gonadal.(AU)

Teleost fish have various forms of sexual determination and differentiation. Genetic and environmental factors can interact to determine sex and act on the differentiation of the gonads of these animals. Environmental factors act in different ways to determine the sex of the fish, as their action depend on the species. Factors such as temperature, pH, population density and pollution can cause a masculinization or a feminization, by acting on the hormones and, often, the ovarian apoptosis. The genetic determination is given by the sexual chromosome (monogenic system) or by the autosomal action (polygenic system). In the monogenic system several models of sexual chromosomes were observed, the main ones being XX / XY (heterogeneous males) and ZW / ZZ(heterogeneous females). With this, it is possible to observe that teleost possess a great amplitude of sexual determination and gonadal differentiation.(AU)

The developmental variations of the sagitta otolith in the young and mature male of a hermaphrodite polynemidae fish, Eleutheronema tetradactylum (Shaw, 1804)

The Eleutheronema tetradactylum is a protandrous, hermaphrodite, marine perciformes fish. The body length of this fish acts as an important diagnostic marker for male and female discrimination. The present study describes for the first time the ultrastructural characteristics on the medial surface of the sagitta otolith in different body size groups of males of E. tetradactylum (Polynemidae: Perciformes) using scanning electron microscopy. The sagitta is a spindle-shaped structure that includes a well-developed rostrum and a poorly developed antirostrum. The sulcus is ostio-pseudocaudal type, almost straight and devoid of the collum. The ostium is a well-developed, vase-shaped structure. The cauda includes the colliculum and a well-developed caudal bulb with several distinct growth stripes. The length of the caudal bulb is significantly correlated to the growth of the body size of the fish. The excisura major is indistinct and the excisura minor is absent. The cristae are distinct on both sides of the sulcus. The one-way ANOVA test revealed that the development of several sagitta features shows significant differences in various body size groups of E. tetradactylum. The growth of the sagitta length is more closely related to the fork length than the sagitta width. Therefore, the sagitta length and the caudal bulb length can be used as important predictors to evaluate the fish size. The cauda region of the sagitta in E. tetradactylum is unique as well as more decorative than those of another Polynemidae fish and other hermaphrodite, marine perciformes fishes. The sagitta characteristics of E. tetradactylummight be advantageous in the identification of the sex and the taxonomy of the hermaphrodite fish species.(AU)

Desenvolvimento e diferenciação gonadal em embriões de Podocnemis unifilis (Testudines: Podocnemididae) em temperatura controlada / Development and gonadal differentiation in embryos of Podocnemis unifilis (Testudines: Podocnemididae) at controlled temperature

Esse estudo objetivou caracterizar o desenvolvimento e a diferenciação gonadal de Podocnemis unifilis em temperatura controlada de 32°C em incubadora artificial e com controle de umidade feito por um higrômetro interno. Foram realizadas análises macroscópicas, por microscopia de luz e por microscopia eletrônica de transmissão. O desenvolvimento gonadal foi agrupado em três etapas: células germinativas primordiais (CGP), estabelecimento da gônada indiferenciada e diferenciação gonadal. As CGP só foram visualizadas a partir do 7º dia de incubação, e se encontravam na região caudal do corpo do embrião, e entre os dias 9 e 11 de incubação foi possível observar a migração das CGP a partir do saco vitelínico em direção à região ventromedial do mesonefro. Com 20 dias de desenvolvimento, a gônada indiferenciada estava estabelecida, sendo identificadas duas regiões distintas: a região cortical externa, caracterizada pela presença de CGP, e a região medular interna, marcada por cordões sexuais primitivos. Nesse estudo, a diferenciação gonadal só ocorreu em testículo. A diferenciação teve início após 35 dias de incubação, com o início da organização dos cordões sexuais em túbulos seminíferos. As etapas de diferenciação gonadal foram semelhantes às de outras espécies de quelônios com determinação do sexo pela temperatura, no entanto, neste estudo, usando a temperatura pivotal descrita para a espécie, todos os indivíduos analisados diferenciaram-se em machos, sendo necessária, portanto, a realização de mais estudos com diferentes temperaturas.(AU)

This study aimed to characterize the development and gonadal differentiation of Podocnemis unifilis at a controlled temperature of 32° C in artificial incubator and with humidity control performed by an internal hygrometer. Macroscopic analyzes, light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were performed. We grouped gonadal development into three stages: primordial germ cells (PGC), establishment of the undifferentiated gonad and gonadal differentiation. We only visualized the PGC from the 7th day of incubation, and in the caudal region of the embryo body; between days 9 and 11 of incubation we were able to observe the migration of the PGC from the viteline sac towards the ventromedial region of the mesonefro. At 20 days of development, the undifferentiated gonad was established and two distinct regions were identified: the external cortical region characterized by the presence of PGC, and the internal medullary region marked by primitive sexual cords. In this study, only gonadal differentiation occurred in the testicle. Gonadal differentiation began after 35 days of incubation with the beginning of the organization of sexual cords in the seminiferous tubules. The stages of gonadal differentiation were similar to those of other species of turtles with temperature determined sex, however in this study, using the pivotal temperature described for the species all the individuals analyzed were males, and it is there for necessary to carry out further studies using a higher incubation temperature.(AU)

Desenvolvimento e diferenciação gonadal em embriões de Podocnemis unifilis (Testudines: Podocnemididae) em temperatura controlada / Development and gonadal differentiation in embryos of Podocnemis unifilis (Testudines: Podocnemididae) at controlled temperature

Esse estudo objetivou caracterizar o desenvolvimento e a diferenciação gonadal de Podocnemis unifilis em temperatura controlada de 32°C em incubadora artificial e com controle de umidade feito por um higrômetro interno. Foram realizadas análises macroscópicas, por microscopia de luz e por microscopia eletrônica de transmissão. O desenvolvimento gonadal foi agrupado em três etapas: células germinativas primordiais (CGP), estabelecimento da gônada indiferenciada e diferenciação gonadal. As CGP só foram visualizadas a partir do 7º dia de incubação, e se encontravam na região caudal do corpo do embrião, e entre os dias 9 e 11 de incubação foi possível observar a migração das CGP a partir do saco vitelínico em direção à região ventromedial do mesonefro. Com 20 dias de desenvolvimento, a gônada indiferenciada estava estabelecida, sendo identificadas duas regiões distintas: a região cortical externa, caracterizada pela presença de CGP, e a região medular interna, marcada por cordões sexuais primitivos. Nesse estudo, a diferenciação gonadal só ocorreu em testículo. A diferenciação teve início após 35 dias de incubação, com o início da organização dos cordões sexuais em túbulos seminíferos. As etapas de diferenciação gonadal foram semelhantes às de outras espécies de quelônios com determinação do sexo pela temperatura, no entanto, neste estudo, usando a temperatura pivotal descrita para a espécie, todos os indivíduos analisados diferenciaram-se em machos, sendo necessária, portanto, a realização de mais estudos com diferentes temperaturas.

This study aimed to characterize the development and gonadal differentiation of Podocnemis unifilis at a controlled temperature of 32° C in artificial incubator and with humidity control performed by an internal hygrometer. Macroscopic analyzes, light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were performed. We grouped gonadal development into three stages: primordial germ cells (PGC), establishment of the undifferentiated gonad and gonadal differentiation. We only visualized the PGC from the 7th day of incubation, and in the caudal region of the embryo body; between days 9 and 11 of incubation we were able to observe the migration of the PGC from the viteline sac towards the ventromedial region of the mesonefro. At 20 days of development, the undifferentiated gonad was established and two distinct regions were identified: the external cortical region characterized by the presence of PGC, and the internal medullary region marked by primitive sexual cords. In this study, only gonadal differentiation occurred in the testicle. Gonadal differentiation began after 35 days of incubation with the beginning of the organization of sexual cords in the seminiferous tubules. The stages of gonadal differentiation were similar to those of other species of turtles with temperature determined sex, however in this study, using the pivotal temperature described for the species all the individuals analyzed were males, and it is there for necessary to carry out further studies using a higher incubation temperature.

Macho ou fêmea? Como o sexo dos vertebrados é determinado / Male or female? How the vertebrate sex are determined / ¿Macho o hembra? Cómo se determina el sexo de los vertebrados

La reproducción sexual es la forma de propagación más antigua y universal utilizada por los vertebrados. Los mecanismos que controlan la determinación sexual y la diferenciación en estos animales son diversos y dependen de una amplia variedad de factores genéticos, así como en algunos casos de factores ambientales. El sexo genético puede definirse por factores genéticos hereditarios que se determinan en la fertilización. Por otro lado, la diferenciación gonadal depende de la activación de factores transcripcionales que se expresan durante la ventana de diferenciación sexual. Dichos factores pueden tener su expresión alterada por condiciones ambientales como la temperatura y la osmolaridad, entre otros. Estos procesos sexuales se dividen clásicamente en determinación y diferenciación sexual, respectivamente. Con base en tales hechos, esta revisión tiene como objetivo mostrar los fundamentos básicos de los procesos de determinación y diferenciación sexual en vertebrados, enfatizando el grupo de peces teleósteos.

Sexual reproduction is the oldest and universal form of propagation used by vertebrates. The mechanisms that control sexual determination and differentiation in these animals are diverse and depend on a wide variety of genetic factors as well as in some cases environmental factors. Genetic sex can be define by hereditary genetic factors that are determined in fertilization. On the other hand, gonadal differentiation depends on the activation of transcriptional factors that are expressed during the sexual differentiation window. Such factors may have their expression altered by environmental conditions such as temperature and osmolarity, among others. These sexual processes are classically divided into sexual determination and differentiation, respectively. Based on such facts, this review aims to show the basic theoretical reasoning of the processes of sexual determination and differentiation in vertebrates, emphasizing the group of teleost fishes.

A reprodução sexual é a forma de propagação mais antiga e universal utilizada pelos vertebrados. Os mecanismos que controlam a determinação e diferenciação sexual nestes animais são diversos e dependem de uma grande variedade de fatores genéticos bem como em alguns casos de fatores ambientais. O sexo genético pode ser definido por fatores genéticos hereditários que são determinados na fecundação. Por outro lado, a diferenciação gonadal depende da ativação de fatores transcricionais que são expressos durante a janela de diferenciação sexual. Tais fatores podem ter sua expressão alterada por condições ambientais como a temperatura e a osmolaridade dentre outros. Estes processos sexuais são classicamente divididos em determinação e diferenciação sexual, respectivamente. Baseados em tai fatos, esta revisão tem como objetivo mostrar a fundamentação básica dos processos de determinação e diferenciação sexual em vertebrados com ênfase no grupo dos peixes teleósteos.