Annual changes in seminal variables of golden lanchead pitvipers (Bothrops insularis) maintained in captivity.

Bothrops insularis is an endemic and critically endangered snake with an estimated population of 2000 individuals restricted to Queimada Grande Island, in southeastern Brazil. Brazilian researchers established a captive breeding program for the species that includes the application of assisted reproductive technologies. The present study, therefore, aimed to evaluate semen samples from captive B. insularis throughout the year to ascertain seasonal differences in semen traits as well as correlations with body size and weight. Eighteen males with snout-vent length (SVL) ranging from 43.5 to 73.7 cm were collected at quarterly basis between August 2012 and May 2013. Macroscopic analysis revealed semen volumes ranging from 0.5 to 6.0 µL with samples featuring whitish to yellowish color and creamy and thick consistency. Viable sperm was obtained from all males indicating that individuals with SVL equal to or greater than 43.5 cm are sexually developed. However, adult and immature males (estimated by SVL) exhibited different seasonal profiles for motility and progressive motility. Adult males had a decrease in sperm motility and progressive motility during summer and spring, respectively, whereas the same variables did not vary throughout the year in immature snakes. Sperm concentration in all individuals was less (0.5 × 10(9) µL) during the winter, but no seasonal fluctuations were detected in semen volume. These findings are of particular importance to the development of reproductive tools such as male selection, artificial insemination and sperm freezing for the genetic management of this critically endangered snake.

X-chromatin in congenital virilizing adrenal hyperplasia.

X-chromatin body (XCB) frequencies in oral mucosa were investigated in 14 female patients with the simple non-salt-losing form of congenital virilizing adrenal hyperplasia (CVAH) due to 'partial' 21-hydroxylase deficiency (CVAH-type I), using toluidine blue (TBS) and Feulgen's stains (FS). They were found to be lower than normal controls by both TBS (12.6 +/- 1.73 vs 18.38 +/- 0.41) and FS (13.60 +/- 2.16 vs 17.94 +/- 0.76) methods. After 4-5 weeks on glucocorticoid therapy, XCB frequencies overlapped with those of normal controls using both TBS (16.54 +/- 1.76) and FS (17.09 +/- 1.98). Karyotypes performed in 8 of the 14 cases showed a normal female pattern. Two possible interpretations are proposed: First, variations of XCB counts may reflect the average nuclear size of the cell populations studied. Second, high androgen levels found in untreated cases with CVAH-type I might lead to partial chromosome depiralization and increasing euchromatic areas. At present the first possibility appears more likely.

X-chromatin evaluated by Feulgen's stain method in congenital virilizing adrenal hyperplasia.

A frequencia de cromatina sexual na mucosa oral foi investigada em 11 pacientes do sexo feminino com hiperplasia congenita das supra-renais devido a deficiencia da 21-hidroxilase, forma virilizante simples.Usou-se o metodo de Feulgen para a coloracao. Demonstrou-se uma reducao da frequencia da cromatina sexual oral nestes pacientes em relacao a um grupo de mulheres normais (13,6 +/- 2,2% - 17,9 +/- 0,8% X +/- EPM). Apos 4-5 semanas de terapia com glicocorticoide, nao se observou diferenca estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos estudados (17,1 +/- 2,0%). O cariotipo realizado em 8 dos 11 casos estudados mostrou padrao feminino normal. Estas variacoes da frequencia da cromatina sexual poderiam estar relacionadas com o tamanho nuclear medio da populacao celular estudada