Differential success in obtaining gametes between male and female Australian temperate frogs by hormonal induction: A review.

Most Australian frogs fall into two deeply split lineages, conveniently referred to as ground frogs (Myobatrachidae and Limnodynastidae) and tree frogs (Pelodryadidae). Species of both lineages are endangered because of the global chytrid pandemic, and there is increasing interest and research on the endocrine manipulation of reproduction to support the use of assisted reproductive technologies in conservation. Hormonal induction of gamete release in males and females is one such manipulation of the reproductive process.

Storage of cane toad (Bufo marinus) sperm for 6 days at 0 degrees C with subsequent cryopreservation.

We investigated the recovery of motility of cane toad (Bufo marinus) sperm after storage for 6 days at 0 degree C (on ice) and after subsequent cryopreservation. Sperm suspensions were prepared from testes macerated in either simplified amphibian Ringer (SAR) or 10% (w/v) sucrose diluents, with 15% or 20% (v/v) glycerol or Me2SO as cryoprotectants, and were stored for 6 days. Alternatively, suspensions were prepared in either SAR or 10% (w/v) sucrose diluent and stored for 6 days, after which some of these suspensions were kept in diluents alone or, alternatively, had 15% or 20% (v/v) glycerol or Me2SO added.

Testicular myxosporidiasis in anurans, with a description of Myxobolus fallax n. sp.

During studies of amphibian sperm cryopreservation, a new species of myxosporidean parasite (Myxozoa, Myxosporae) was observed in the testes of the Australian dwarf green tree frog Litoria fallax (Peters). Myxosporidiasis was found to have no affect on L. fallax body condition or sperm numbers.

Restricted entry of IgG into male and female rabbit reproductive ducts following immunization with recombinant rabbit PH-20.

Problem: Successful immunocontraception using sperm antigens is dependent on achieving sufficient sperm-specific antibody in the reproductive ducts to prevent fertilization. The blood: luminal barrier of the male and female reproductive ducts must be overcome for this to occur. We have, therefore, investigated the relative titers of antigen-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) in luminal fluids collected from male and female rabbit reproductive ducts following immunization with recombinant rabbit PH-20 (rPH-20).

Immune responses in the epididymis: implications for immunocontraception.

In recent years the need to develop vaccines against a variety of sexually transmitted diseases, the desire to treat male infertility and interest in developing alternative contraceptive methods have focused research interest on the immunology of the male reproductive tract. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge of immunity in the male tract. Both physical and immune mechanisms that operate to maintain the blood-testis barrier are discussed with regard to (i) their importance in preventing autoimmune responses against spermatozoa and (ii) how these can be overcome to induce specific immunity in the testis and efferent ducts.