Phytoestrogens and their metabolites inhibit the sensitivity of the bovine corpus luteum to luteotropic factors

The aim of this study was to examine whether active metabolites of phytoestrogens (equol and para-ethyl-phenol) inhibit sensitivity of bovine corpus luteum (CL) to luteinizing hormone (LH) and to auto/paracrine luteotropic factors (prostaglandin E2-PGE2 and prostaglandin F(2alpha)-PGF(2alpha)), and whether they influence pulsatile progesterone (P4) secretion by the bovine CL. In in vivo experiments, high levels of equol and para-ethyl-phenol were found in plasma and in the CL tissue of heifers and cows fed a soy bean diet (2.5 kg/animal/day), along with lower concentrations of P4 (P < 0.05). Both Prostaglandins (PG) and LH strongly stimulated P4 secretion in cultured pieces of CL that were collected from cows fed a standard diet (P < 0.01). There was no effect of PGs and LH on P4 stimulation in CLs obtained from cows fed a diet rich in soy bean. Finally, we examined whether active metabolites of phytoestrogens participated in regulation of pulsatile P4 secretion and LH-stimulated P4 secretion in vitro using a microdialysis system. Equol and para-ethyl-phenol had no effect on basic and pulsatile P4 secretion in CLs during 240 min of perfusion when compared to the control (P < 0.05). However, they inhibited LH-stimulated P4 secretion (P < 0.05). Phytoestrogens and their metabolites may disrupt CL function by inhibiting PG- and LH-stimulated P4 secretion.     

Change in Sox9 protein localization through gonad development in Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii)

The Russian sturgeon is a highly prized species reared in aquaculture. The process of gonad development in this critically endangered species is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to describe the localization of Sox9 protein during gonad development of the Russian sturgeon from the day of hatching to the 1440 day post hatching (dph). The larvae at age 1, 10, 25 dph and prepared gonads of 300, 720, 1440 dph individuals were immunohistochemistry‐stained for Sox9 detection. Sox9‐positive regions were detected in larvae in primordial germ cells cytoplasm. Analysis of 300 dph sturgeon gonads revealed the presence of the Sox9 protein in cytoplasm of some oocytes in the chromatin nucleus stage. In testes at 720 dph, Sox9 was observed in the cytoplasm of type A and early B spermatogonias. In the ovaries, Sox9 was observed in the cytoplasm of diplotene oocytes and prefollicular cells. In testes of 1440 dph sturgeon, Sox9 was present in the nucleus of the spermatocytes and in types A and B spermatogonias cytoplasm. Analysis of ovaries at 1440 dph reveals multiple diplotene oocytes with a Sox9‐positive cytoplasm. Furthermore, in 720 and 1440 dph, sturgeon presence of intersexual gonads was detected. In intersex gonads, Sox9 was observed in the cytoplasm of diplotene oocytes and type A spermatogonias. This study may be the first attempt to determine Sox9 protein localization during ontogenesis of the Russian sturgeon. Localization of Sox9 protein may become a useful marker of the maturation level in testis of the Russian sturgeon.     

俄罗斯植物园特色与活力营造

由于地域广阔性和气候环境差异性,俄罗斯植物园在世界范围内具有独特地位,不仅是植物科学研究、物种保护和科普教育机构,同时也是城市、区域乃至国家的文化艺术特色与活力的展示媒介。文章以俄罗斯10个著名植物园为研究对象,从结构布局、科学研究、植物保护与展示、景观建筑4个层面探讨其地域特色营造方法,从区位交通、资源集聚、市民活动3方面分析其活力营造策略,旨在为我国植物园的发展与建设提供借鉴。