Mating modifies the expression of crucial oxidative-reductive transcripts in the pig oviductal sperm reservoir: is the female ensuring sperm survival?

Background: Mating induces large changes in the female genital tract, warranting female homeostasis and immune preparation for pregnancy, including the preservation of crucial oxidative status among its pathways. Being highly susceptible to oxidative stress, sperm survival and preserved function depend on the seminal plasma, a protection that is removed during sperm handling but also after mating when spermatozoa enter the oviduct. Therefore, it is pertinent to consider that the female sperm reservoir takes up this protection, providing a suitable environment for sperm viability. These aspects have not been explored despite the increasing strategies in modulating the female status through diet control and nutritional supplementation. Aims: To test the hypothesis that mating modifies the expression of crucial oxidative-reductive transcripts across the entire pig female genital tract (cervix to infundibulum) and, particularly in the sperm reservoir at the utero-tubal junction, before ovulation, a period dominated by estrogen stimulation of ovarian as well as of seminal origin. Methods: The differential expression of estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors and of 59 oxidative-reductive transcripts were studied using a species-specific microarray platform, in specific segments of the peri-ovulatory sow reproductive tract in response to mating. Results: Mating induced changes along the entire tract, with a conspicuous downregulation of both ER and PR and an upregulation of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), glutaredoxin (GLRX3), and peroxiredoxin 1 and 3 (PRDX1, PRDX3), among other NADH Dehydrogenase Ubiquinone Flavoproteins, in the distal uterus segment. These changes perhaps helped prevent oxidative stress in the area adjacent to the sperm reservoir at the utero-tubal junction. Concomitantly, there were a downregulation of catalase (CAT) and NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) oxidoreductases 1 beta subcomplex, subunit 1 (NDUFB1) in the utero-tubal junction alongside an overall downregulation of CAT, SOD1, and PRDX3 in the ampullar and infundibulum segments. Conclusions: Natural mating is an inducer of changes in the expression of female genes commanding antioxidant enzymes relevant for sperm survival during sperm transport, under predominant estrogen influence through the bloodstream and semen. The findings could contribute to the design of new therapeutics for the female to improve oxidative-reductive balance.

Decreased acetylation of HDGF improves oviduct production in Rana dybowskii, Rana amurensis, and Rana huanrenensis.

The oviduct of female Rana dybowskii is a functional food and can be used as a component of Traditional Chinese medicine. The differentially expressed genes enriched was screened in cell growth of three Rana species. We quantitatively analyzed 4549 proteins using proteomic techniques, enriching the differentially expressed proteins of Rana for growth and signal transduction. The results showed that log2 expression of hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) was increased. We further verified 5 specific differential genes (EIF4a, EIF4g, HDGF1, HDGF2 and SF1) and found that HDGF expression was increased in Rana dybowskii. Through acetylation modification analysis, we identified 1534 acetylation modification sites in 603 proteins, including HDGF, and found that HDGF acetylation expression was significantly reduced in Rana dybowskii. Our results suggest that HDGF is involved in the development of oviductus ranae, which is regulated by acetylation modification.

Lonicera flos and Cnicus japonicus extracts improved egg quality partly by modulating antioxidant status, inflammatory-related cytokines and shell matrix protein expression of oviduct in laying hens.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Lonicera flos and Cnicus japonicus extracts (LCE) on the laying performance, egg quality, morphology, antioxidant status, inflammatory-related cytokines, and shell matrix protein expression of oviduct in laying hens. A total of 1,728 Roman Pink laying hens aged 73-wk-old were randomly assigned into 4 groups (18 replicates/group, 24 layers/replicate) fed basal diets supplemented with 0, 300, 500, and 1,000 mg of LCE per kg of diet, respectively. The trial lasted for 11 wk, including 2-wk adjustment period and 9-wk testing period. The results indicated that laying hens fed diets supplemented with LCE linearly increased egg weight, yolk color and shell thickness at wk 78 and albumen height, Haugh unit and shell thickness at wk 83 (P < 0.05). At wk 78, LCE groups linearly affected the hydrogen peroxide content in magnum (P < 0.05) and 300 mg/kg LCE groups had the highest catalase activity in isthmus (P < 0.05). At wk 83, LCE groups linearly reduced (P < 0.05) hydrogen peroxide content in the magnum and isthmus and malondialdehyde content in the uterus whereas increased catalase activity in isthmus (P < 0.05). Furthermore, LCE levels quadratically affected glutathione peroxidase activity in isthmus at wk 83 (P < 0.05). At wk 78, the mRNA expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase and interferon-γ in isthmus and ovalbumin and ovocleidin-116 in uterus had linear effects in response to LCE levels (P < 0.05) and 1,000 mg/kg LCE group had the lowest mRNA expression of interleukin-6 in magnum (P < 0.05). At wk 83, LCE supplementation linearly decreased the mRNA expression of interleukin-1ß, interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α in magnum and tumor necrosis factor-α and inducible nitric oxide synthase in uterus (P < 0.05). It is concluded that LCE improved egg quality partly by modulating antioxidant status, inflammatory-related cytokines and shell matrix protein expression of oviduct in laying hens.

Comparative transcriptomes of nine tissues for the Heilongjiang brown frog (Rana amurensis).

The Heilongjiang brown frog (Rana amurensis) is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. In particular, the oviduct and skin have been developed into various health products. However, limited numbers of complete genomes of amphibian species have been reported, excluding the Heilongjiang brown frog. Here, the transcriptomes of 45 samples from the liver, spleen, heart, ovaries, thigh muscles, skin, oviduct, stomach and intestine of five Heilongjiang brown frog were reassembled and analyzed. A total of 1,085,532 unigenes with an average length of 676.6 bp and N50 of 722 bp were obtained. Comparative transcriptomics of different tissues detected tissue-specific expression. There were 3248 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the ovary, and the number of unique DEGs between the ovary and spleen was the largest. The results of DEGs enrichment showed there were many pathways and items related to protein synthesis and metabolism in the oviduct. The DEGs of the skin were enriched with many bacterial defense items, indicating that there were a large number of antimicrobial peptides in the skin. Thus, these were suitable as biological sources for the development and extraction of antimicrobial peptides. Through the assembly of transcriptome sequencing data and functional annotation of the Heilongjiang brown frog genome, this study provides reference materials for further exploring and utilizing functional gene resources of frogs and lays a foundation for medical research and the development of new products.

A Chinese Medicine, Tokishakuyakusan, Increases Bovine Oviductal Tonus via G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor 1.

Early embryo and sperm transport through the oviductal isthmus depends on the contraction and relaxation of the smooth muscle layers. Dysfunction of the oviduct transport is considered to be one of the causes of infertility. For human infertility, Chinese medicine is used in East Asia. Although there are many clinical reports regarding Tokishakuyakusan (TSS), there is little scientific evidence that it affects infertility. In this study, we investigated the effect of TSS on bovine oviductal contraction and relaxation via the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1). We collected bovine oviductal isthmic tissues at four stages of the estrous cycle, classified based on a macroscopic observation of the ovary. The Magnus method was used to monitor longitudinal contractility (frequency, contraction force, and tonus). The effects of TSS solution, GPER1 agonist (G-1), and antagonist (G-15) on oviductal contractility were examined. The protein expression level of GPER1 in the oviductal isthmic smooth muscle of each estrous stage was assessed by Western blotting. Although TSS did not affect frequency and contraction force, the tonus was significantly increased by TSS or G-1 at all stages (p < 0.05), and the effect was especially highest at days 1-4 after ovulation. The addition of G-15 significantly suppressed the TSS-induced increase of oviductal tonus at all stages (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in GPER1 protein expression among the estrous stages. TSS affects oviductal contractility by increasing tonus via GPER1, and it may accelerate gamete and early embryo transport by contracting the oviducts longitudinally.

Effect of organic and inorganic dietary selenium supplementation on gene expression in oviduct tissues and Selenoproteins gene expression in Lohman Brown-classic laying hens.

BACKGROUND: The oviduct of a hen provides a conducive environment for egg formation, which needs a large amount of mineral elements from the blood via trans-epithelial permeability. Eggshell is the calcified layer on the outside of an egg that provides protection and is critical for egg quality. However, little is known about the genes or proteins involved in eggshell formation, and their relationship to dietary microminerals. We hypothesized that dietary selenium supplementation in chickens will influence genes involved in eggshell biomineralization, and improve laying hen antioxidant capacity. The objective of this research was to investigate how organic and inorganic dietary selenium supplementation affected mRNA expression of shell gland genes involved in eggshell biomineralization, and selenoproteins gene expression in Lohman Brown-Classic laying hens. RESULTS: Shell gland (Uterus) and liver tissue samples were collected from hens during the active growth phase of calcification (15-20 h post-ovulation) for RT-PCR analysis. In the oviduct (shell gland and magnum) and liver of laying hens, the relative expression of functional eggshell and hepatic selenoproteins genes was investigated. Results of qPCR confirmed the higher (p < 0.05) mRNA expression of OC-17 and OC-116 in shell gland of organic Se hen compared to inorganic and basal diet treatments. Similarly, dietary Se treatments affected the mRNA expression of OCX-32 and OCX-36 in the shell gland of laying hens. In the magnum, mRNA expression of OC-17 was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in hens fed-bacterial organic, while OC-116 mRNA expression was down-regulated in dietary Se supplemented groups compared to non-Se supplemented hens. Moreover, when compared to sodium selenite, only ADS18 bacterial Se showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher mRNA levels in GPX1, GPX4, DIO1, DIO2 and SELW1, while Se-yeast showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher mRNA levels in TXNRD1 than the non-Se group. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary Se supplementation especially that from a bacterial organic source, improved shell gland and hepatic selenoproteins gene expression in laying hens, indicating that it could be used as a viable alternative source of Se in laying hens. The findings could suggest that organic Se upregulation of shell gland genes and hepatic selenoproteins in laying hens is efficient.

Dietary Selenized Glucose Increases Selenium Concentration and Antioxidant Capacity of the Liver, Oviduct, and Spleen in Laying Hens.

Selenized glucose (SeGlu) is a new type of organic selenium (Se) that is synthesized through the selenide reaction of glucose with sodium hydrogen selenide. This study aimed to clarify the influence of dietary SeGlu on the Se level and antioxidant capacity of the liver, oviduct, and spleen in laying hens. A total of 360, 60-week-old, Hy-Line Brown laying hens were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: a basal diet alone (control group, without adding exogenous Se) or the basal diet supplemented with 0.3 mg/kg of Se from sodium selenite (SS) or 5 mg/kg of Se from SeGlu. Diets with SeGlu increased Se levels in the liver, oviduct, and spleen of laying hens (P < 0.001). Compared with the control and SS groups, diet supplemented with SeGlu enhanced glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in the spleen and oviduct as well as the scavenging ability of 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical (DPPH•) in the oviduct (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, SeGlu treatment resulted in an increase (P < 0.05) in GSH-Px activity, T-AOC, and scavenging abilities of hydroxyl radical and DPPH• in the liver of hens. In addition, dietary SeGlu and SS decreased the hydrogen peroxide level in the oviduct in comparison to the control group (P < 0.05). Therefore, dietary SeGlu increased Se concentration and antioxidant ability in the liver, oviduct, and spleen of laying hens. Moreover, SeGlu may be used as a potential source of Se additive in laying hen production.

Effects in broiler hens of genetic lines differing in fertility, biotin supplementation, and age on relative abundance of oviductal transforming growth factor-ß and carbonic anhydrase mRNA transcripts.

There was evaluation of effects of biotin administration on oviductal abundance of transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) and carbonic anhydrase (CA) mRNA transcript in younger and older broiler hens of relatively lesser and greater fertility lines. Additionally, effects of biotin supplementation on attenuation of age-related subfertility were evaluated. Hens from the relatively greater (Line D, n = 60) and lesser (Line B, n = 60) fertility rate line were randomly assigned to three treatment groups. Biotin was not or was administered in drinking water from 30 to 33 (younger age) and 53 to 56 (older age) wk of age to have access to no biotin (T0), or 0.3 (T1), or 0.45 (T2) mg/L of biotin. There was assessment the relative oviductal abundances of TGF-ß and CA mRNA transcript abundances. Supplemental biotin and age had no effect on the relative abundance of oviductal TGF-ß mRNA transcript in hens of Line D. There, however, was a ten-fold greater abundance of TGF-ß in hens of the T0 group of Line B compared with Line D. Relative abundance of TGF-ß mRNA transcript was greater in younger hens of Line B; however, biotin supplementation of older hens of the T2 group of Line B resulted in a similar TGF-ß abundance to that of younger hens. Inconstant with the TGF-ß abundance, CA abundance in hens of Line B was not affected by supplemental biotin or bird age. Overall, differences in TGF-ß or CA abundances did not affect fertility of broiler hens.

Proteomic alteration of albumen by dietary vanadium in commercial egg-type layers.

Vanadium (V) is an ultratrace metal with the insulin-tropic properties and is often researched as the diabetes drug. However, in animals, V has been reported to have toxic effects on the development, immunity, oxidation-reduction equilibrium, gastrointestinal function, and so forth. Especially in poultry, supplementation of more than 10 mg of V/kg in the layer diets has been shown to adversely affect the egg production and egg quality. In this study, we supplemented 0 mg of V/kg, 5 mg of V/kg, and 10 mg of V/kg in the layer diets for 35 D and examined the quantitative proteomics of albumen for finding the possible target signaling pathway and mechanism of V action and made the preliminary verification. In contrast to the control group, V resulted in a significant drop in the albumen height, and in oviduct ampulla, the activity of total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase significantly decreased (P = 0.01, P = 0.02), the content of malonic dialdehyde significantly increased (P = 0.01), and the apoptosis rate significantly increased in the 5-mg V/kg and 10-mg V/kg treatment groups (P ＜ 0.01). V affected 36 differentially accumulated proteins in albumen, with 23 proteins upregulated and 13 proteins downregulated. The expressions of innate protein albumen lysozyme (Q6LEL2), vitellogenin-2 (P02845), and the F1NWD0 protein in albumen belonged to the P53 family were significantly reduced, in contrast to the control (P < 0.05), and the expression of riboflavin-binding protein (P02752) was significantly improved (P < 0.05). The Hippo signaling pathway-fly, which is suitable for the key protein P53 as the most significantly affected network, might be important for discriminating V.

Human OVGP1 enhances tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins in the fibrous sheath involving AKAP3 and increases sperm-zona binding.

PURPOSE: To investigate if the recombinant human oviduct-specific glycoprotein (rHuOVGP1)-enhanced tyrosine-phosphorylated (pY) proteins are components of specific structure(s) of the sperm tail and if rHuOVGP1 binds to the oocyte and enhances sperm-egg binding. METHODS: Immunofluorescent staining and confocal microscopy were performed to examine the localization of pY proteins, outer dense fiber (ODF), and A-Kinase Associated Protein 3 (AKAP3) in human sperm during capacitation. Western blot and immunoprecipitation were employed to analyze protein levels of pY proteins and AKAP3. Immunofluorescent staining was performed to examine the binding of rHuOVGP1 to human oocytes. The effect of rHuOVGP1 on enhancing sperm-zona binding was examined using hemizona assay. RESULTS: pY proteins were detected mainly in the fibrous sheath (FS) surrounding the ODF with a relatively weak immunoreaction in the neck and mid-piece. Western blot analysis revealed co-migration of the pY 105 kDa protein with AKAP3, which was further confirmed by immunoprecipitation correlating immunofluorescent results of co-localization of pY proteins with AKAP3 in the sperm tail. rHuOVGP1 binds specifically to the zona pellucida (ZP) of human oocytes. Prior incubation of sperm and/or ZP with rHuOVGP1 increased sperm-egg binding. CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed that one of the major rHuOVGP1-enhanced pY proteins could be AKAP3 of the FS and that rHuOVGP1 is capable of binding to human ZP and its presence in the medium results in an increase in sperm-zona binding. Supplement of rHuOVGP1 in in vitro fertilization media could be beneficial for enhancement of the fertilizing ability of human sperm.

Sublethal Effects of Solanum nigrum Fruit Extract and Its Pure Glycoalkaloids on the Physiology of Tenebrio molitor (Mealworm).

BACKGROUND: Solanaceae plants produce glycoalkaloids (GAs) that affect various physiological processes of herbivorous insects and they are being tested as potential alternatives for synthetic pesticides. They cause lethal and sublethal effects. Nevertheless, their mode of action remains unclear. Therefore, we examined the effects of Solanum nigrum fruit extracts and pure glycoalkaloids on a model beetle, Tenebrio molitor. METHODS: Plant extracts or pure alkaloids were added to the food of the larvae for three days. The lipid, glycogen, and protein content in the fat body and the midgut were determined, and the contractility of the heart, hindgut, and oviduct muscles was tested using the video-microscopy technique. Finally, the ultrastructure of the fat body and the midgut was observed using electron microscopy. RESULTS: No lethal effects were noted. Sublethal changes were observed in the content of biomolecules, malformations of organelles, chromatin condensation, and heart and oviduct contractility. The observed effects differed between the tested glycoalkaloids and the extract. CONCLUSIONS: Both the extract and pure GAs have a wide range of effects that may result in impaired development, food intake, and reproduction. Some early effects may be used as bioindicators of stress. The effects of the extract and pure alkaloids suggest that the substances produced by the plant may act additively or synergistically.

Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Rana chensinensis Oviduct.

As one of most important traditional Chinese medicine resources, the oviduct of female Rana chensinensis (Chinese brown frog) was widely used in the treatment of asthenia after sickness or delivery, deficiency in vigor, palpitation, and insomnia. Unlike other vertebrates, the oviduct of Rana chensinensis oviduct significantly expands during prehibernation, in contrast to the breeding period. To explain this phenomenon at the molecular level, the protein expression profiles of Rana chensinensis oviduct during the breeding period and prehibernation were observed using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) technique. Then, all identified proteins were used to obtain gene ontology (GO) annotation. Ultimately, KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) enrichment analysis was performed to predict the pathway on differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). A total of 4479 proteins were identified, and 312 of them presented different expression profiling between prehibernation and breeding period. Compared with prehibernation group, 86 proteins were upregulated, and 226 proteins were downregulated in breeding period. After KEGG enrichment analysis, 163 DEPs were involved in 6 pathways, which were lysosome, RNA transport, glycosaminoglycan degradation, extracellular matrix (ECM)⁻receptor interaction, metabolic pathways and focal adhesion. This is the first report on the protein profiling of Rana chensinensis oviduct during the breeding period and prehibernation. Results show that this distinctive physiological phenomenon of Rana chensinensis oviduct was mainly involved in ECM⁻receptor interaction, metabolic pathways, and focal adhesion.

Effects of nerve stimulation on amphibian oviductal activity.

The present study describes, for the first time in an anuran amphibian, the nerve stimulation effects on the secretory and motor activity of the oviduct of adult females. The results reveal that in Rhinella arenarum oviducts, the epithelial and glandular secretory cells of the mucosa of the pars convoluta respond to nerve stimulation secreting the products synthetized and stored in their cytoplasm. The ultrastructural analysis showed that the cell content released is made up of granular, fibrillar and floccular material, exocytosis being the main secretory mechanism found in epithelial secretory cells, although apocrine and holocrine processes could also be observed. In contrast, in glandular cells only exocytosis processes were found. With respect to the participation of the nervous system in the motility of the duct, observations under our experimental conditions indicated that oviductal nerve stimulation promotes motor activity as manifested by a succession of coordinated contractions and relaxations that generate movements similar to peristaltic waves. These results were observed in oviducts from animals captured during the reproductive and post reproductive periods. However, it is important to note that both the secretory response and duct motility are markedly decreased during the post reproductive period of the species.

Protective Effect Of Vitamin C On Monosodium Glutamate Induced Changes In The Oviduct Of Rats.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Vitamin C on Monosodium Glutamate induced histopathological changes in oviduct of adult female Sprague Dawley rats. The duration of study was 6 months. It was an analytical experimental randomized control trial. METHODS: In this experimental study, 45 female adult Sprague Dawley rats of 10-14 weeks were used and divided into 3 groups. Each group contains 15 rats. Control group (C) received standard laboratory diet. Experimental group A, was given Monosodium Glutamate (0.08 mg/kg body weight/ day) whereas experimental group B, was served on both MSG and Vitamin C (250 mg/kg body weight/day). All groups received diet for a period of 4 weeks. After 4 weeks all rats were sacrificed and oviducts were obtained. For the study of tissue under light microscopy, tissue processing was done by using Haematoxylin and Eosin stain and 5micrometer thick sections were taken from the ampullary part of oviduct. RESULTS: After administration of MSG, group A showed vacuolization of epithelial cells, infiltration of RBCs in lumen with substantial decrease in the diameter of oviduct in group A. Protective effects were seen in vitamin C supplemented group B, with decrease in epithelial vacuolization and RBCs infiltrate along with increase in diameter of oviduct. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin C has protective effect on Monosodium Glutamate induced histological changes in oviduct of rats.

[Application of rapid PCR to authenticate Ranae Oviductus].

Rapid allele-specific PCR primer was designed base on Cytb 155 A/T single nucleotide polymorphism, DNA was extracted by alkaline lysis and the PCR reaction systems including denatured and annealing temperature and cycle numbers were optimized. The results were performed to authenticate Ranae Oviductus and its 4 adulterants. When 100×SYBR Green I was added in the PCR product at 90 ℃ denatured 3 s, 62 ℃ annealing 20 s and 32 cycle. Ranae Oviductus visualized strong green fluorescence under 365 nm UV lamp whereas adulterants appeared negative. The whole process can be completed in 40 minutes．The established method provides the technical support for authentication of the Ranae Oviductus.

Rapid Communication: MicroRNA co-expression network reveals apoptosis in the reproductive tract during molting in laying hens.

The aim of this study was to determine the regulatory mechanisms of molting and recrudescence via studying the micro-RNA (miRNA) expression in the oviduct of laying hens. We performed a cDNA microarray analysis in the magnum tissue from the oviduct to identify the whole miRNA profiles through the molting and recrudescence periods. A total of 35 laying hens (47-wk-old) were divided into 7 groups (0 d: a control group; 6 and 12 d: 2 molting-period groups fed on a high-zinc diet; and 20, 25, 30, and 35 d: 4 recrudescence-period groups fed on a normal diet after a 12-d period on a high-zinc diet). An miRNA co-expression network (miRCN) was generated using the differentially expressed miRNA (DEM) according to the entire data integration. The significantly co-expressed miRNA ( = 111) were highly differentially expressed from 12 to 20 d, which was a transition period between molting and recrudescence, while their expression patterns were contrary to the estrogen changes. The targets of highly connected miRNA ( = 12) indicated the significant biological pathways and gene ontology (GO) terms, such as MAPK and Wnt signaling and magnesium-ion binding, which are associated with apoptotic activities. These results suggest that the miRNA of the miRCN might play a role in the apoptotic progression of the reproductive tract during molting.

Expression of arginine vasotocin and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) in the shell gland altered by the specific phase relations of neural oscillations affects the reproductive physiology of Japanese quail.

In order to study the effect of specific phase relation of neural oscillations on reproductive regulation and the response of AVT (the avian homologue of mammalian AVP) the expression of AVT in the shell gland was monitored in sexually immature quail. In this study 3-week-old female Japanese quail were administered with serotonin precursor, 5-hydroxytryptophan followed by the dopamine precursor, l-dihydroxyphenylalanine at interval of 8h and 12h daily over a period of 13days. At thirty two days post treatment, a significant decrease in gonadal activity was seen in 8h quail although 12h quail exhibited an increase as compared to controls. A significant decrease in plasma estradiol level was noted in 8h quail while 12h exhibited no significant difference compared to controls. To address the relative roles of estrogen mediated action we also investigated estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α) expression and localization in the shell gland by visualizing it through confocal immuno-fluorescence microscopy. Results indicate increased expression of immunoreactive (ir)-AVT (myometrium), ir-ER-α (epithelial cells of endometrial region), along with significant increase in hypothalamic, plasma and shell gland AVT and a rapid increase in egg laying thus maintaining full breeding condition in 12h while low expression of ir-AVT and ir-ER-α was observed in 8h quail along with a significant decrease in hypothalamic, plasma and shell gland AVT with the suppression of gonads thereby stopping the egg-laying behaviour was noted. These findings not only suggest the modulation of gonadal development by changing the specific phase relation of neural oscillations but also demonstrate a parallel relation of AVT and gonadal activity in both conditions. It is concluded that the egg laying performance in response to AVT is regulated by the temporal phase relationship of neurotransmitters, and in part, this effect appears to be estrogen dependent.

Diet supplementation with a specific melon concentrate improves oviduct antioxidant defenses and egg characteristics in laying hens.

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of a specific melon concentrate on oviduct antioxidant defenses and egg characteristics of laying hens.Lohmann Brown hens were assigned to 2 treatment groups (n = 16 in each). One group was supplemented with the melon concentrate (26 mg/kg of feed) during 6 wk. The other group was composed of untreated hens, which served as control. Eggs were collected, weighed (yolk, albumen, shell), and analyzed (Haugh unit and albumen pH relevant for egg freshness) at the end of the supplementation period. Antioxidant status was evaluated in the oviduct measuring antioxidant enzymes by western blotting.This study demonstrated that the melon concentrate could ameliorate egg weight, and particularly yolk contribution to egg weight and egg shell weight. An increase in endogenous antioxidant defenses in the oviduct after this melon concentrate supplementation could explain the better egg characteristics. The improvement of egg quality, due to melon concentrate, may have important economic implications for future breeding programs, particularly if these effects generalize from hens to other poultry species, or even other livestock animal species.

Integrated 3D view of postmating responses by the Drosophila melanogaster female reproductive tract, obtained by micro-computed tomography scanning.

Physiological changes in females during and after mating are triggered by seminal fluid components in conjunction with female-derived molecules. In insects, these changes include increased egg production, storage of sperm, and changes in muscle contraction within the reproductive tract (RT). Such postmating changes have been studied in dissected RT tissues, but understanding their coordination in vivo requires a holistic view of the tissues and their interrelationships. Here, we used high-resolution, multiscale micro-computed tomography (CT) scans to visualize and measure postmating changes in situ in the Drosophila female RT before, during, and after mating. These studies reveal previously unidentified dynamic changes in the conformation of the female RT that occur after mating. Our results also reveal how the reproductive organs temporally shift in concert within the confines of the abdomen. For example, we observed chiral loops in the uterus and in the upper common oviduct that relax and constrict throughout sperm storage and egg movement. We found that specific seminal fluid proteins or female secretions mediate some of the postmating changes in morphology. The morphological movements, in turn, can cause further changes due to the connections among organs. In addition, we observed apparent copulatory damage to the female intima, suggesting a mechanism for entry of seminal proteins, or other exogenous components, into the female's circulatory system. The 3D reconstructions provided by high-resolution micro-CT scans reveal how male and female molecules and anatomy interface to carry out and coordinate mating-dependent changes in the female's reproductive physiology.

Influence of dietary taurine and housing density on oviduct function in laying hens.

Experiments were conducted to study the effects of dietary taurine and housing density on oviduct function in laying hens. Green-shell laying hens were randomly assigned to a free range group and two caged groups, one with low-density and the other with high-density housing. Each group was further divided into control (C) and taurine treatment (T) groups. All hens were fed the same basic diet except that the T groups' diet was supplemented with 0.1% taurine. The experiment lasted 15 d. Survival rates, laying rates, daily feed consumption, and daily weight gain were recorded. Histological changes, inflammatory mediator levels, and oxidation and anti-oxidation levels were determined. The results show that dietary taurine supplementation and reduced housing density significantly attenuated pathophysiological changes in the oviduct. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) DNA binding activity increased significantly in the high-density housing group compared with the two other housing groups and was reduced by taurine supplementation. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) mRNA expression in the high-density and low-density C and T groups increased significantly. In the free range and low-density groups, dietary taurine significantly reduced the expression of TNF-α mRNA. Supplementation with taurine decreased interferon-γ (IFN-γ) mRNA expression significantly in the low-density groups. Interleukin 4 (IL-4) mRNA expression was significantly higher in caged hens. IL-10 mRNA expression was higher in the high-density C group than in the free range and low-density C groups. Supplementation with taurine decreased IL-10 mRNA expression significantly in the high-density group and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the free range hens. We conclude that taurine has important protective effects against oviduct damage. Reducing housing density also results in less oxidative stress, less inflammatory cell infiltration, and lower levels of inflammatory mediators in the oviduct. Therefore, both dietary taurine and reduced housing density can ameliorate oviduct injury, enhance oviduct health, and promote egg production in laying hens.