Two fundamentally different sperm storage organs occur in Brachyura. The probably paraphyletic podotremes show intersegmental spermathecae, which are distant from oviducts and coxal gonopores. Hence, fertilization is external. In contrast to this, the seminal receptacles of Eubrachyura are directly connected with the ovaries. Thus, at least initial fertilization is internal. This pattern has been interpreted as an apomorphy of Eubrachyura. To test this hypothesis, we studied the morphology of the reproductive organs of Paradorippe granulata, a representative of the putatively early diverging eubrachyuran lineage Dorippoidea. Applying histology, 3D-reconstructions and micro-computed-tomography we revealed a novel type of sperm storage organ. Female P.granulata lack the characteristic eubrachyuran seminal receptacle. Instead sperm is stored in four cuticle-lined bursae, two on each side of the paired oviducts. The elaborate bulbous male gonopod with several terminal processes is adapted to transferring sperm into the female twin bursae. Since oviducts and twin bursae are not directly connected, spermatozoa and oocytes mix when gametes pass through the sternal vulva. Thus, fertilization in P.granulata is external. Our finding of a eubrachyuran crab that lacks seminal receptacles and exhibits external fertilization calls prevailing concepts on the evolution of sperm storage in Eubrachyura into question.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.asd.2017.12.002 | DOI Listing |
Sci Rep
January 2025
Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan.
Permanent preservation of genetic resources may be indispensable for the future of humanity. This requires liquid nitrogen, as is the case for preserving animal sperm. However, this technique is expensive and poses a risk of irrecoverable sample loss on non-replenishment of liquid nitrogen in case of natural disasters.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol
December 2024
Sperm Bank & Andrology Unit, Shamir Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel; IVF Department, Shamir Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel; Sackler Medical School, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Objectives: This study investigates sperm utilization and disposal patterns in Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) patients undergoing long-term sperm storage. OAT is a major contributor to male infertility. Cryopreservation is a common practice as a "fertility insurance" in case of further deterioration until azoospermia.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBiopreserv Biobank
December 2024
Reproductive Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Science, Urmia, Iran.
Sperm cryopreservation is a useful storage technique in artificial insemination. Nanoparticles and nanovesicles such as exosomes are widely used in sperm cryopreservation procedures to alleviate cold-induced injury inflicted during sperm freezing. The objective of the present study was to examine the impact of varying concentrations of exosomes derived from seminal plasma added to a freezing extender on the quality of post-thawed bull sperm.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTheriogenology
December 2024
Shanghai Key Laboratory for Veterinary and Biotechnology, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China. Electronic address:
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a natural antioxidant, plays a vital role in modulating sperm function, yet its protective impact on boar spermatozoa during liquid preservation at 4 °C remains elusive. This study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of EGCG on boar semen preservation, and elucidate the potential mechanism. Multiple parameters including sperm quality, anti-oxidative status, protein phosphorylation levels, membrane receptor and cyclic adenosine monophosphate/protein kinase A (cAMP/PKA) signaling pathways were analyzed using computer-assisted semen analysis system, Western blot and molecular docking techniques.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAnim Reprod Sci
December 2024
Key Laboratory for Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China. Electronic address:
Low-temperature preservation of yak semen during transportation and conservation is crucial to accelerate yak breeding. The effects of low-temperature cooling on yak semen quality, however, are poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the dose-dependent effect of mitochondria-targeted antioxidant "MitoQ" on the motility, oxidative status, and mitochondrial function of yak semen during low-temperature preservation.
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