Lateral magnocellular nucleus of the anterior neostriatum (LMAN) in the zebra finch: neuronal connectivity and the emergence of sex differences in cell morphology.

The song system of birds provides a model system to study basic mechanisms of neuronal plasticity and development underlying learned behavior. Song learning and production involve discrete sets of interconnected nuclei in the avian brain. One of these nuclei, the lateral magnocellular nucleus of the anterior neostriatum (LMAN), is the output of the so-called anterior forebrain pathway known to be essential for learning and maintenance of song, both processes depending on auditory feedback. In zebra finches, only males sing and this sexually dimorphic behavior is mirrored by sexual dimorphism in neuronal structure that develops during ontogeny. Female zebra finches are not able to sing and nuclei of the song system are strongly reduced in size or even lacking, when compared to male brains. Only LMAN can be delineated as easily in females as in males. Since female zebra finches, despite being unable to sing, recognize song just as males do and form a memory for song (model acquisition) early in life, LMAN is a putative candidate for song acquisition in both sexes. Therefore, development of LMAN was studied at the cellular and ultrastructural level in both male and female zebra finches. Regressive development of dendritic spines, enlargement of neuronal cell body and nuclei size, as well as changes at the nucleolar level are events all occurring exclusively in males, when song learning progresses. The decline in synapse number and the augmentation in synaptic contact length at synapses in LMAN in males are indicative for synaptic plasticity, whereas in females synapse number and synaptic contact length remain unchanged.     

Gender-related changes in the avian vasotocin system during ontogeny

The arginine vasotocin (AVT) system of the avian brain includes a sexually dimorphic part that extends from the caudal part of preoptic region through the medial part of the bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BSTm) to the lateral septum. It is composed of the parvocellular neurons located in the BSTm and the dense innervation of the medial preoptic region and lateral septum. In this part of the brain, AVT expression is stronger in males than in females in a few bird species investigated to date. This review focuses on the ontogeny of sexual differences in the vasotocinergic system of two gallinaceous species, domestic chicken and Japanese quail, and on the role of gonadal hormones in organizing during development and maintaining in adulthood these differences. Parvocellular AVT neurons become discernible in the BSTm of males and females during the second half of embryonic development. These cells undergo a profound and irreversible sexual differentiation during ontogenetic development. Recent findings demonstrate a dual role of estrogens in the organization and activation of sex differences in the AVT system. During the embryonic period of ontogeny, estrogens differentiate the AVT system in a sexually dimorphic manner in parallel with the differentiation of sexual behavior, while in adulthood estrogens, locally produced from testosterone in the male brain, activate AVT synthesis in the BSTm. The sexually dimorphic part of the AVT system is sensitive to a number of abiotic factors such as light, temperature, and water availability. It is suggested that sex dimorphic vasotocinergic systems could be implicated in processes of social recognition in various behavioral contexts.     

Sex differences in songbirds 25 years later: What have we learned and where do we go?

About 25 years ago, Nottebohm and Arnold reported that there are profound male-biased sex differences in volume in selected nuclei in telencephalic portions of the song control system. This review focuses on issues related to the cellular bases of these sex differences in volume and comparative studies that might elucidate the function of this variation between the sexes. Studies utilizing a variety of neurohistological methods in several different species to define the boundaries of two key telencephalic song nuclei HVc and the robust nucleus of the archistriatum (RA) all tend to find a sex difference in volume in agreement with Nissl-defined boundaries. Sex differences in volume in nuclei such as HVc and RA are associated with differences in cell size and cell number. Other attributes of the phenotype of cells in these nuclei are also different in males and females such as the number of cells expressing androgen receptors. Comparative studies have been employed to understand the function of these sex differences in the brain. In some songbird species, females sing rarely or not at all, and the brain nuclei that control song are many times larger volume in males than females. In other species, males and females sing approximately equally, and the brain nuclei that control song are approximately equal between the sexes. Recently, statistical methods have been employed to control for phylogenetic effects while comparing the co-evolution of traits. This analysis indicates that the evolution of sex differences in song has co-evolved with the evolution of sex differences in singing behavior in songbird species. Future studies should focus on the function of the smaller song control nuclei of females and investigate the role these nuclei might play in perception as well as in production. Microsc. Res. Tech. 54:327–334, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Sexual differences and effect of photoperiod on melatonin receptor in avian brain

Several data suggest that melatonin may influence avian reproduction by acting at the level of the hypothalamic-hypophisial-gonadal axis, and/or on neural circuits controlling reproductive behaviours. The action of melatonin is exerted through specific receptors whose distribution and pharmacological properties have been extensively investigated. This review will focus on the distribution, sexual dimorphism, and dependence upon the photoperiod of melatonin binding sites in avian species with a special emphasis on Japanese quail. Melatonin receptors are widely distributed in avian brain. They are mostly present in the visual pathways of all the investigated species and in the song controlling nuclei of oscine birds. Sexual dimorphism of melatonin binding sites (higher density in males than in females) was detected in some telencephalic nuclei of songbirds, in the visual pathways, and in the preoptic area of quail. The last region plays a key role in the activation of male quail copulatory behaviour and it hosts a large population of gonadotropin-releasing hormone-containing neurons. Sexual dimorphism of melatonin-binding sites in the above-mentioned regions suggests a differential role for this hormone in the modulation of visual perception, gonadotropin production, and seasonally activated behaviours in male and female quail. Further studies are necessary to understand interrelationships among photic cues, gonadal steroids, density, and sexually dimorphic distribution of melatonin receptors.     

Distribution of sex steroid hormone receptors in the avian brain: functional implications for neural sex differences and sexual behaviors

Developmental and seasonal changes in the production of androgens, estrogens, and progestins seem to control sex-specific differentiation and seasonal changes in appetitive and consummatory sexual behaviors of birds. This results in profound sex differences in the quality (sex-specific) or quantity (sex-typical) of behaviors such as courtship, territoriality, or copulation. Steroids affect the brain by binding to intracellularly located receptors. The same brain areas express androgen, estrogen, and progesterone receptors in male and female brains. Sex differences in these genetically determined patterns occur in the size of neuron populations that intrinsically express sex steroid receptors. Further permanent sex differences are subsequent to degenerative fates of receptor expressing neuron populations during ontogeny. Transient sex differences in receptor expression appear to be due to area-specific up- and down-regulation of receptor levels, reflecting transient changes in the level of circulating steroids, changes in environmental conditions, or in the physiological status of the individuals. In particular, intrinsic sex differences in the expression pattern of sex steroid receptors and steroid-independent regulation of the expression level of these receptors in the brain are limiting mechanisms for gonad-dependent sexual development and activities.     

Sexual dimorphism in the neuronal circuits of the quail preoptic and limbic regions.

A sexually dimorphic nucleus is located in the preoptic area of Japanese quail and plays a key role in the activation of male copulatory behavior. The medial preoptic nucleus (POM) is significantly larger in adult male than in adult female quail. Its volume is steroid-sensitive in adulthood and consequently decreases after castration but is restored to normal levels by a treatment with exogenous testosterone. This volumetric difference appears to result only from a sex difference in the adult hormonal milieu and is not affected by embryonic treatments that permanently modify sexual behavior (no organizational effects). In contrast, some cytoarchitectonic features of the POM such as the size of neurons in the dorso-lateral part of nucleus appear to be irreversibly affected by embryonic steroids. The POM is characterized by the presence of a wide variety of neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and receptors and can be specifically identified by the presence of a dense cluster of aromatase-immunoreactive cells, by a high density of neurotensin-immunoreactive cells and fibers and by a dense vasotocinergic innervation. Some of these neurochemical markers of the dimorphic nucleus are themselves modulated by steroids. Many of these neurochemical changes appear to play a causal role in the control of male sexual behavior. The quail POM thus represents an excellent model for the analysis of steroid-induced brain plasticity in a behaviorally relevant context.     

Antennal fine morphology of the threatened beetle Osmoderma eremita (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), revealed by scanning electron microscopy

The aim of this study was to characterize the antennal morphology of Osmoderma eremita, a threatened scarab beetle inhabiting tree hollows. O. eremita males produce a sex pheromone, (R)‐(+)‐γ‐decalactone, responsible mainly for the attraction of females but also other males. Gross and fine morphology of microstructures including sensilla, microsculpture and pores were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy. The antenna of O. eremita showed the typical lamellicorn shape of scarab beetles, with a basal scape, a pedicel, a funicle composed of five antennomeres and a club composed of three lamellae. Six different subtypes of sensilla chaetica (Ch.1 ? 6), Böhm sensilla (Bo), one subtype of sensilla basiconica (Ba.1), two subtypes of sensilla coeloconica (Co.1 ? 2), two subtypes of sensilla placodea (Pl.1 ? 2), pores and peculiar folds were described. The two sexes did not show any significant differences in the occurrence and number of the sensilla placodea, known to be responsible for the pheromone reception. Instead, some sexual differences were found on the occurrence and topology of three different microstructures: (1) one subtype of sensillum chaeticum (Ch.2) occurring on the pedicel only in males; (2) a characteristic pore occurring on the funicle only in males; (3) a peculiar fold occurring on different antennomeres of the funicle in the two sexes, on the fourth in males and on the fifth in females. A comparison between sensilla of O. eremita and those of other Scarabaeoidea is provided. Microsc. Res. Tech. 79:178–191, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Structure and distribution of antennal sensilla in Pseudosymmachia flavescens (Brenske) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae)

Morphology, microstructure, and distribution of antennal sensilla were compared between female and male Pseudosymmachia flavescens (Brenske) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae). Lamellate antennae of P. flavescens were shown to have typical scape, pedicel, and flagellum segments. The flagellum consists of a four-segmented funicle and a three-segmented club. The lengths of their pedicel and funicle were found to be similar in females and males. Distinct sexual differences were observed in the length of lamellar segments. Nine types/subtypes of sensilla were identified on the antennae of both sexes, including Böhm sensilla, sensilla trichodea, sensilla basiconica (SB), and two subtypes for sensilla chaetica, sensilla coeloconica, and sensilla placodea each. Olfactory sensilla (e.g., SB and placodea) are mainly located on three lamellar segments of the antennal club. Variation was also seen in abundance of various types of antennal sensilla, with males possessing significantly more sensilla than females. Sensilla placodea were the most abundant, and their number in males was twice of that in females, showing a clear sexual dimorphism. The difference in the distribution of sensilla placodea might reflect their roles in sexual chemical communication.     

Migration of human and mouse primordial germ cells and colonization of the developing ovary: an ultrastructural and cytochemical study

This review is an account of the origin and migratory events of primordial germ cells until their settlement in the gonad before sexual differentiation in the human as well as mice. In this context, the morphodynamic characteristics of the migration of the primordial germ cells, the macromolecular characteristics of the extracellular matrix of the migratory pathway, and the factors involved in the germ cell guidance have been analyzed and discussed in the light of recent advances in this field, by means of immunocytochemical procedures. The events prior to gonadal morphogenesis and the origin of the somatic cell content of the human gonadal primordium have been also analyzed. In particular, evidences are presented showing that cells derived from the coelomic epithelium and mesenchyme are at the origin of the somatic components of the gonadal primordium, and that a mesonephric cell contribution to the generation of somatic cell components of the genital ridge in humans should be discarded due to the morphological stability of the different nephric structures during the period preceding the sexual differentiation of the gonad.     

Rectal gland of Bactrocera papayae: ultrastructure, anatomy, and sequestration of autofluorescent compounds upon methyl eugenol consumption by the male fruit fly

Sexually mature males of Bactrocera papayae are strongly attracted to and consume methyl eugenol (ME). Upon consumption, ME is biotransformed to two phenylpropanoids, 2-allyl-4,5-dimethoxyphenol (DMP) and (E)-coniferyl alcohol (CF), that are transported in the hemolymph, sequestered and stored in the rectal glands, and subsequently released as sex and aggregation pheromones during courtship. To date, very little work on the ultrastructure and anatomy of the rectal gland has been done, and the accumulation of phenylpropanoids in the rectal glands of males has not been observed visually. Our objectives are to describe the anatomy and fine structures of the rectal glands of males and females and to observe the accumulation of autofluorescent compounds in the rectal glands of males. The rectal glands of males and females have four rectal papillae with each papilla attached to a rectal pad. The rectal pads protrude from the rectal gland as the only surfaces of the gland that are not surrounded by muscles. The rectal papillae of ME-fed males had oil droplets and autofluorescent compounds that were absent from those of ME-deprived males. The autofluorescent compounds accumulated in the rectal sac, which is an evagination that is not found in rectal glands of females. The accumulation of these compounds increased with time and reached maximum at a day post-ME feeding and decreased thereafter. This trend is similar to the accumulation pattern of phenylpropanoids, CF and DMP in the rectal gland.     

Structure of the olfactory receptor organs,their GABAergic neural pathways,and modulation of mating behavior,in the giant freshwater prawn,Macrobrachium rosenbergii

In the giant male prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, the olfactory system is thought to be the main pathway for modulating sexual behavior through pheromone perception. In this report, we first used gross anatomical, histological, and SEM methods to describe the structures of the olfactory receptors (sensilla setae), their neural pathways, and possible role in modulating mating behavior. On the surfaces of antennule and antenna filaments there are four types of sensory receptors, viz single spike‐like setae, single flagellum‐like setae, multiple flagella‐like setae, and aesthetascs (ASs). The ASs, which had previously been proposed to be odor receptor setae, are found only on the short filament of lateral antennule (slAn). Each AS on the slAn connects with olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs), whose axons form an outer central antennule nerve (ocAnNv), which then connects with the olfactory neutrophil (ON) of the brain. Thus, the slAn is the major olfactory organ that conveys sensory inputs from each AS to the ON within the deutocerebrum. GABA immunoreactivity was present in ASs, neurons of ORNs, inner central antennular, lateral tegumentary nerve, ocAnNv and the ON, inferring that GABA is the likely neurotransmitter in modulating olfaction. Disruption of the slAn by ablation or covering with Vaseline, resulted in significant reduction of mating behavior, indicating that this organ is crucial for sex pheromone perception. Identification of the active pheromones and further bioassays are now being performed. Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:572–587, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Thorns and dermal denticles of skates Atlantoraja cyclophora and A. castelnaui: Microscopic features and functional implications

Some batoid species are covered with dermal denticles (or placoid scales) that occasionally develop into thorns. In sexually mature males, sharp teeth and alar thorns found on the apex of the lateral disc are used to hold the female during copulation. This study set out to analyze microscopic features of modified dermal denticles and thorns and to investigate sexual dimorphism in Atlantoraja cyclophora and A. castelnaui species. Skin samples collected from areas covered with thorns were fixed in 10% formaldehyde, processed and analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. Alar thorn morphology varied within species, while caudal thorn, rostral and caudal dermal denticle morphology varied within and between species. These structures play an important role in the protection and reproduction of the species studied and constitute important taxonomic information, given they are often the only elements preserved in archaeological sites and fossil records.     

Sexual dimorphism in antennal morphology and sensilla ultrastructure of Dendrolimus tabulaeformis Tsai et Liu (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae)

Insects rely heavily on olfaction to locate habitat, mates, and oviposition sites, while odorant molecules and the antennal olfactory sensory cells of insects are two indispensable components of olfactory response. Our previous work identified the sex pheromones and volatile compounds derived from host plant of Dendrolimus tabulaeformis Tsai et Liu, a serious economic pest of pines in northern China. However, little is known about the olfactory system of D. tabulaeformis, especially in females. To make a better understanding of the D. tabulaeformis olfactory response, we investigated the structure, innervation, numbers, and distribution of sensilla on the antennae of male and female moth, based on scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The pinniform antennae of this moth bear five types of sensilla: trichoid (TS), basiconica (BS), styloconic (StS), and chaetica (ChS) sensilla, and belt‐type structures (BTSs). The BTSs are hollow and are not chemical sensilla. The ChSs occur on the scape. StS contain dendrite sheaths and four dendrites containing microtubules in their cores. The BS contents are continuous with that in the subsegments. The TSs were sexually dimorphic and could be divided into 12 subtypes based on dendrite number and form. TS1‐4 contained two, three, or four dendrites and were similar in both sexes. TS 5‐8 and TS 9‐12 occurred only on male and female antenna, respectively. We discussed the possible functions of these sensilla. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

A place for ultrastructural analysis of platelets in cerebral ischemic research

It is well known that estrogen is neuroprotective through various mechanisms which suggest that sex hormone levels, thrombotic mechanisms, and inflammatory processes are strongly interconnected in predicting the outcome and consequences of cerebral ischemia. Because platelet ultrastructure is altered in conditions like thrombosis and associated with stroke, the question arises whether ultrastructural analyses of platelet morphology may provide further insight into the role of estrogen during ischemic insult. In the current study, a hyperglycemic modification to the two‐vessel occlusion model for inducing experimental cerebral ischemia was employed, in order to correlate neural tissue integrity levels between three experimental groups to corresponding platelet ultrastructure so as to determine whether there is an association between cerebral ischemia and the presence of inflammatory or necrotic platelet ultrastructure. It is apparent in the results that under the influence of estrogen in cyclic or intact females, there is lesser neural tissue damage as well as a reduced degree of inflammation evident in platelet activation morphology when compared to males and acyclic or ovariectomized females. It is unmistakable that neural injury is closely shadowed, if not preceded, by inflammatory changes in the coagulation system, particularly manifested in platelet ultrastructure. It is therefore suggested that platelets may indeed be used successfully to follow the progression of events of cerebral ischemia and possibly assist in the assessment of treatment strategies and their effects on hemostasis. Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:795–802, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Scanning electron microscopy of sensilla on the labial and maxillary palps of adult Callidiellum villosulum Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

This study used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to observe the morphology and sensilla of the labial and maxillary palps of adult Callidiellum villosulum Fairmaire between sexes. Combining behavioral activities may provide an effective control target for this pest. In this study, the results showed that there were three segments on the labial palps and four segments on the maxillary palps. The length and width of each segment of the labial and maxillary palps were significantly larger in females than in males. Four types of sensilla were found on the labial and maxillary palps of both sexes of adult C. villosulum: sensilla basiconica (SB I, II, III, and IV), sensilla chaetica (SCh I and II), sensilla placodea (SP), and sensilla campaniformia (SCa). SB IV, SCa, and Sh II were significantly more developed on female labial and maxillary palps than on males', which may be related to their oviposition behavior. By contrast, SB I was more significantly developed on males than on females, which may be related to their mating selection. At the same time, for both sexes, the numbers of Sh I and Sh II on the maxillary palps were significantly higher on labial palps. Maxillary palps could be inferred to potentially play a more important role than the labial palps in the activities of adult C. villosulum. Results will help us further understand the host selection and egg-laying behavior of adult C. villosulum. Such an understanding shall greatly promote the information-based design of pest control methods.     

Antennal sensilla of Apanteles cypris Nixon (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a larval endoparasitoid of Cnaphalocrocis medinalis Guenée (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Apanteles cypris is an endoparasitoid of rice pest Cnaphalocrocis medinalis. To better understand its host location mechanism, we examined the external morphology of antennal sensilla of A. cypris via scanning electron microscopy. The antennae of male and female A. cypris were filiform in shape, which consist of scape, pedicel, and flagellum with 18 antennomeres. Eleven types of sensilla were recorded in both sexes, including two types of chaetica sensilla, trichodea sensilla without pore, basiconica sensilla I with a tip pore, basiconica sensilla II with wall pores, basiconica sensilla III with a mastoid at the tip, coeloconica sensilla with apparent fingerlike projections, campaniform sensilla with a sprout tip pore, clavatea sensilla, smell pore, and placodea sensilla (PLA) with the multiporous cuticular structure. We also compared the morphology, number, and distribution of the sensory receptors between the two sexes. The length and width of the antennae on the males were significantly greater than that of females. In addition, males of A. cypris showed a larger number and a higher density of PLA compared to females. The morphology and structure of these sensilla were compared to that found in other braconid wasps, and their possible functions in host location were discussed. These observations could facilitate future studies on the biology of olfaction in A. cypris.     

基于遗传算法的行为结构分组创新

针对执行系统概念设计过程前期阶段的计算机辅助实现是一个难题的现状,将遗传算法引入执行系统概念设计的行为结构分组创新.将行为集合分解为相互矛盾的行为和相容行为,相互矛盾的行为数决定基因串各段规模,相容行为数决定基因串段数,构成行为结构的基因串编码方法.基于行为分组评价规则,定量化形成目标函数并构造适应度函数,通过设定的基因操作,实现行为分组的计算机优化,达到行为结构的变型创新.算例分析表明所提出方法的有效性,有助于实现执行系统的计算机辅助概念设计.     

Fine structural characteristics of testicular cord formation in the developing rabbit gonad

This paper presents morphological (light- and electron-microscopical) evidence for the role of the mesonephros in contributing cells to the differentiating indifferent gonad and, after sexual differentiation, to the testis. A continuous process is revealed during which segregation of cells occurs from the developing and regressing mesonephros. Additionally, the complementary role of the coelomic epithelium in gonadal ridge and testis formation is demonstrated. The differentiation of testicular cords, their remodelling from a primary reticulum, and the composition and further change of the cellular content during the period after sexual differentiation is described using a computer-aided three-dimensional reconstruction system. Apart from these morphogenetic events, cytodifferentiation in the somatic cells of the indifferent gonad and of the early differentiated testis is demonstrated using indirect immunof luorescence in combination with monoclonal antibodies to the intermediate filament proteins keratin 8 and 18 and vimentin. The immunohistochemical results show that different forms of cytodifferentiation coexist among the somatic cells present in the indifferent gonad and in the testis early after sexual differentiation.     

Suspected chemoreceptors in coelenterates and ctenophores.

Chemoreceptors in coelenterates and ctenophores have not been identified with certainty. Among prospective chemoreceptive cells are the sensory nerve cells, the cnidocyst-bearing cnidocytes, and the epitheliomuscular cells that are likely to be involved in feeding or aggression. Both behaviors are mediated by coordinated chemical and mechanical reception. This is reflected in the close apposition of putative chemo- and mechanoreceptors. Among the structures that have been designated as likely chemo- and/or mechanoreceptors are stereocilia, kinocilia, and/or microvilli which are universally present on all the putative chemoreceptor complexes, while gland cells and mucous secretions are prevalent. Evidence that the actin-containing stereocilia are chemically modulated mechanoreceptors is presented for several forms.     

Morphology and distribution of antennal sensilla in a parasitoid fly,Gymnosoma rotundatum (Diptera: Tachinidae)

Morphology of antennal sensilla and their distribution were investigated in male and female adults of the parasitoid fly Gymnosoma rotundatum (Diptera: Tachinidae) using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The overall length and shape were not different between males and females from each other. Three basic types of sensilla (sensilla basiconica, s. chaetica, and s. coeloconica) were identified from both sexes, but with variations in numbers and distribution along the antennae. The s. basiconica and s. chaetica could be divided further into subtypes; s. basiconica into three subtypes and s. chaetica into two subtypes. All the basiconica subtypes 1, 2, and 3 were multiporous, indicating that their primary function was olfactory. The sensilla basiconica was most abundant on the antennae of both sexes. The abundance of s. basiconica subtype 1 was different, but other subtypes 2 and 3 were similar between males and females. There was no pore on the cuticular surface of the s. chaetica and s. coeloconica, suggesting that they are likely to be a mechanosensory or a thermohygroreceptory function. The abundance of the two sensillum types was similar between males and females. The morphological information obtained in our study provides a basis for future investigations into the sensory physiological function, and associated behaviors, of each type of sensilla in this parasitoid fly.