This study characterized (in vivo) morphological and functional parameters of reproductive organs of adult male lynx (n = 3) prior to, during, and after the breeding season (n = 3). Size and morphology of the reproductive tract were monitored by transcutaneous (testes) and transrectal (accessory sex glands) ultrasonography. Semen was collected by electroejaculation. Ejaculate volume, sperm number, motility, and morphology of spermatozoa as well as testosterone concentrations in blood serum and feces were evaluated. The testes and prostate had seasonal changes in size and echotexture. The mean (+/- S.D.) maximum and minimum testicular volume were 2.8 +/- 0.8 cm3 and 1.5 +/- 0.3 cm3, respectively. Fecal testosterone concentrations were highest in February (1240 +/- 393 ng/g feces), with a second increase in May (971 +/- 202 ng/g feces), but concentrations were lowest in January (481 +/- 52.9 ng/g feces). Ejaculate volume, total sperm number and percentage of motile, and intact spermatozoa were maximal in March (the middle of the breeding season). In one of the eight litters, multiple paternity was proven; however, in the remaining seven litters, all 16 cubs were sired by the same male. This particular male had the most developed and active testes and best semen quality, which may be important for sperm competition.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2006.02.036 | DOI Listing |
Chemosphere
November 2024
Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Wildlife and Landscape Directorate, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Chemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada. Electronic address:
Methoxylated polybrominated diphenoxybenzenes (MeO-PB-DPBs) are little known contaminants except in North American Great Lakes herring gull tissues and egg samples. MeO-PB-DPBs in gulls originate not via aquatic bioaccumulation pathways but instead likely via transformation of the tetradecabromo-1,4-diphenoxybenzene (TDB-DPB) flame retardant (FR). TDB-DPB was formerly produced as SAYTEX-120 in North America and is still produced in Asia.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Hazard Mater
December 2024
Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York 12237, United States; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, State University of New York, Albany, New York 12237, United States. Electronic address:
Environ Sci Technol
August 2024
Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York 12237, United States.
Laboratory animal studies have reported the biliary excretion of chemicals following exposure. Nevertheless, feces are rarely used as a matrix in biomonitoring of chemical exposures. In this study, feces and urine from pet dogs and cats were analyzed for the presence of 45 plasticizers, 45 environmental phenols, and 31 pesticides.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFToxins (Basel)
June 2024
Centre of Excellence in Mycotoxicology and Public Health, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
Mycotoxins, natural toxins produced by fungi, contaminate nearly 80% of global food crops. mycotoxins, including alternariol (AOH), alternariol monomethylether (AME), and tenuazonic acid (TeA), present a health concern due to their prevalence in various plants and fruits. Exposure to these toxins exceeds the threshold of toxicological concern in some European populations, especially infants and toddlers.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFish Shellfish Immunol
August 2024
Department of Biological Sciences Aalesund, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Larsgardsvegen 2, 6009, Aalesund, Norway.
Monitoring stress levels of farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is important to ensure fish welfare and optimize farm operations. Feces could be a promising matrix for assessing stress responses in fish, based on their properties of low-invasive sampling and allowing repeated sampling over time. Meanwhile, elevated levels of cortisol metabolites (CMs) in feces indicate the increases in plasma cortisol levels (PLA) after exposure to acute stress.
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