Home About us Contact | |||
External Genitalia (external + genitalia)
Selected AbstractsSensilla on the External Genitalia of the Carabid Beetle, Carabus (Ohomopterus) dehaanii dehaanii Chaudoir (Coleoptera, Carabidae)ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH, Issue 3 2004Lark KIM ABSTRACT Sensilla on the male and female external genitalia of the carabid beetle, Carabus (Ohomopterus) dehaanii dehaanii Chaudoir, were investigated with scanning electron microscopy. The investigation for female genitalia was conducted on the coxites and styli. As a result, 4 types of sensilla were distinguished. In male, a total of 6 types of sensilla were identified on the aedeagus. The external morphology and distribution pattern of each type of the sensilla in both sexes were described. Results are expected to provide a ground work for future research on the phylogenetic study of the genus Carabus and the comparative ultrastructure or behavior in the carabid beetle. [source] Gene expression analyses on embryonic external genitalia: identification of regulatory genes possibly involved in masculinization processesCONGENITAL ANOMALIES, Issue 2 2008Hisayo Nishida ABSTRACT Androgen plays a crucial role in initiating and maintaining the expression of male sexual characteristics in mammals. In humans and mice, any defects along the pathway of androgen functions result in congenital urogenital abnormalities. The genital tubercle (GT), an anlage of the external genitalia, differentiates into a penis in males and a clitoris in females. Although masculinization of the external genitalia is androgen-dependent, the molecular pathway of its potential downstream genes is largely unclear. To identify the genes involved in mouse GT masculinization, we performed gene expression analyses, such as real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and section in situ hybridization analysis. From our studies we have identified candidate genes, Cyp1b1, Fkbp51 and MafB as potential androgen targets during mouse GT masculinization. [source] HOXA13 directly regulates EphA6 and EphA7 expression in the genital tubercle vascular endotheliaDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 4 2007Carley A. Shaut Abstract Hypospadias, a common defect affecting the growth and closure of the external genitalia, is often accompanied by gross enlargements of the genital tubercle (GT) vasculature. Because Hoxa13 homozygous mutant mice also exhibit hypospadias and GT vessel expansion, we examined whether genes playing a role in angiogenesis exhibit reduced expression in the GT. From this analysis, reductions in EphA6 and EphA7 were detected. Characterization of EphA6 and EphA7 expression in the GT confirmed colocalization with HOXA13 in the GT vascular endothelia. Analysis of the EphA6 and EphA7 promoter regions revealed a series of highly conserved cis -regulatory elements bound by HOXA13 with high affinity. GT chromatin immunoprecipitation confirmed that HOXA13 binds these gene-regulatory elements in vivo. In vitro, HOXA13 activates gene expression through the EphA6 and EphA7 gene-regulatory elements. Together these findings indicate that HOXA13 directly regulates EphA6 and EphA7 in the developing GT and identifies the GT vascular endothelia as a novel site for HOXA13-dependent expression of EphA6 and EphA7. Developmental Dynamics 236:951,960, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] The male postabdomen of Stolotermes inopinus: a termite with unusually well-developed external genitalia (Dictyoptera: Isoptera: Stolotermitinae)ACTA ZOOLOGICA, Issue 2 2000Klaus-Dieter Klass Abstract Klass, K.-D., Thorne, B. L. and Lenz, M. 2000. The male postabdomen of Stolotermes inopinus: a termite with unusually well-developed external genitalia (Dictyoptera: Isoptera: Stolotermitinae). ,Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 81: 121,130 Stolotermes inopinus has large external male genitalia (phallic lobe), which contrast with the small genital papillae or lack of external genitalia of other Isoptera. As in the genital papilla of Mastotermesdarwiniensis, a ventral sclerite pair is present, the gonopore is located ventroterminally on the phallic lobe, and the genital area is entirely symmetrical , suggesting that this may be the groundplan condition of Isoptera. The relations of the phallic lobe to surrounding components like the subgenital plate, paraprocts, and certain muscles and nerves indicate that the lobe of S. inopinus is homologous with the phallomeres of other Dictyoptera. The bilateral symmetry and simple structure, however, are in strong contrast to the asymmetry and high complexity found in male genitalia of Blattaria and Mantodea. The postabdominal nervous system of S. inopinus resembles that of the cockroach Periplaneta americana. Indications are given that the Stolotermitinae are related to the Kalotermitidae, Rhinotermitidae, and Termitidae rather than to the Termopsinae. [source] Sensilla on the External Genitalia of the Carabid Beetle, Carabus (Ohomopterus) dehaanii dehaanii Chaudoir (Coleoptera, Carabidae)ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH, Issue 3 2004Lark KIM ABSTRACT Sensilla on the male and female external genitalia of the carabid beetle, Carabus (Ohomopterus) dehaanii dehaanii Chaudoir, were investigated with scanning electron microscopy. The investigation for female genitalia was conducted on the coxites and styli. As a result, 4 types of sensilla were distinguished. In male, a total of 6 types of sensilla were identified on the aedeagus. The external morphology and distribution pattern of each type of the sensilla in both sexes were described. Results are expected to provide a ground work for future research on the phylogenetic study of the genus Carabus and the comparative ultrastructure or behavior in the carabid beetle. [source] Construction and characterization of a doxycycline-inducible transgenic system in Msx2 expressing cellsGENESIS: THE JOURNAL OF GENETICS AND DEVELOPMENT, Issue 5 2009Congxing Lin Abstract Homeobox gene Msx2 is widely expressed during both embryogenesis and postnatal development and plays important roles during organogenesis. We developed an Msx2 -rtTA BAC transgenic line which can activate TetO-Cre expression in Msx2 -expressing cells upon doxycycline (Dox) treatment. Using the Rosa26-LacZ (R26R) reporter line, we show that rtTA is activated in Msx2 -expressing organs including the limb, heart, external genitalia, urogenital system, hair follicles and craniofacial regions. Moreover, we show that in body appendages, the transgene can be activated in different domains depending on the timing of Dox treatment. In addition, the transgene can also be effectively activated in adult tissues such as the hair follicle and the urogenital system. Taken together, this Msx2 -rtTA;TetO-Cre system is a valuable tool for studying gene function in the development of the aforementioned organs in a temporal and spatially-restricted manner, as well as for tissue lineage tracing of Msx2 -expressing cells. When induced postnatally, this system can also be used to study gene function in adult tissues without compromising normal development and patterning. genesis 47:352,359, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Growth of the tufted-tailed ratINTEGRATIVE ZOOLOGY (ELECTRONIC), Issue 4 2007Vololomboahangy R. RANDRIANJAFY Abstract Eliurus myoxinus (Rodentia: Nesomyidae, Nesomyinae) is one of the four species of endemic Malagasy rodents known to exist in the Ankarafantsika National Park, northwestern Madagascar. In order to study growth parameters and to determine at which age E. myoxinus commences breeding, we used two different techniques: captive breeding and a capture-mark-release field program in the species' natural habitat. The data collected on the breeding of E. myoxinus in captivity demonstrated that females can give birth to a litter of up to four pups, with up to four litters per calendar year. Reproduction of E. myoxinus was more likely to be continuous in captivity than under natural habitat conditions. If parturition failed, then post-partum mating occurred. Pups had a rapid linear growth phase from birth until 1 month of age. Between 1.5 and 2 months of age, the growth rate continued to increase, but then decreased at around the time of weaning, which occurred by 3.5 months of age. The successive maximum method of age determination showed that individuals at the "young" stage had an average body length of 90 mm and a weight of 30 g and were between 1.5 and 2 months old. The greatest variation in measurements of juveniles occurred at the age of 3.5 months. At this stage, sub-adults resembled adults but their external genitalia were not well developed. Individuals were classified as adults if they had reached a body length of 110 mm and a body weight of 40 g. This occurred at more than 4.5 months of age when the animals were generally reproductively active. The Vo n Bertalanffy method indicated that individuals reach the adult stage by 6 to 7 months. Males grew more rapidly than females, reaching adulthood by 5.5 months of age, whereas females only reached adulthood several weeks later. This species is polygamous. The sex ratio of pups at birth favored females by approximately 3:1. The higher proportion of female pups at birth may represent a survival strategy of this species, possibly associated with ecological conditions. [source] Foreskin development before adolescence in 2149 schoolboysINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 7 2006TENG-FU HSIEH Background:, We examined the external genitalia of 2149 elementary schoolboys in the suburban area of Taichung in Taiwan for an understanding of foreskin development before adolescence. Methods:, The study's subjects comprised 692 first-grade boys, 725 fourth-grade boys, and 732 seventh-grade boys. The foreskin's condition was classified as: type I (normal prepuce), type II (adhesion of prepuce), type III (partial phimosis), type IV (phimosis) and type V (circumcised foreskin). Other abnormalities of the genitalia also were recorded. All of the examinations were performed by the same urologist. Results:, The incidence of type I foreskin was 8.2% in first-grade boys, 21.0% in fourth-grade boys, and 58.1% in seventh-grade boys. The incidence of type IV foreskin was 17.1% in first-grade boys, 9.7% in fourth-grade boys, and 1.2% in seventh-grade boys. Only one boy had balanoposthitis. Other abnormalities included inguinal hernia (n = 2), hydrocele (n = 12), cryptorchitism (n = 8), varicocele (n = 22), and subcoronal-type hypospadia (n = 1). Conclusions:, Physiological phimosis declines with age. Most boys with phimosis in this study did not require treatment. [source] Sex-specific selection and sexual size dimorphism in the waterstrider Aquarius remigisJOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY, Issue 2 2000Ferguson We estimated selection on adult body size for two generations in two populations of Aquarius remigis, as part of a long-term study of the adaptive significance of sexual size dimorphism (SSD). Net adult fitness was estimated from the following components: prereproductive survival, daily reproductive success (mating frequency or fecundity), and reproductive lifespan. Standardized selection gradients were estimated for total length and for thorax, abdomen, genital and mesofemur lengths. Although selection was generally weak and showed significant temporal and spatial heterogeneity, patterns were consistent with SSD. Prereproductive survival was strongly influenced by date of eclosion, but size (thorax and genital lengths in females; total and abdomen lengths in males) played a significant secondary role. Sexual selection favoured smaller males with longer external genitalia in one population. Net adult fitness was not significantly related to body size in females, but was negatively related to size (thorax and total length) in males. [source] Health disparities in the forensic sexual assault examination related to skin colorJOURNAL OF FORENSIC NURSING, Issue 4 2009FAAN, Marilyn S. Sommers PhD Abstract Little is known about the role of skin color in the forensic sexual assault examination. The purpose of this study was to determine whether anogenital injury prevalence and frequency vary by skin color in women after consensual sexual intercourse. The sample consisted of 120 healthy (63 Black, 57 White) women who underwent a forensic sexual assault examination following consensual sexual intercourse. Experienced sexual assault forensic examiners using visual inspection, colposcopy technique with digital imaging, and toluidine blue application documented the number, type, and location of anogenital injuries. Although 55% of the total sample was observed to have at least one anogenital injury of any type following consensual intercourse, the percentages significantly differed for White (68%) and Black (43%) participants (p= 0.02). When the presence of anogenital injury was analyzed by specific anatomical region, a significant difference between White and Black participants was only evident for the external genitalia (White = 56%, Black = 24%, p= .003), but not for the internal genitalia (White = 28%, Black = 19%, p= .20) or anus (White = 9%, Black = 10%, p= 0.99). A one standard deviation-unit increase in L* values (lightness) was related to a 150% to 250% increase in the odds of external genitalia injury prevalence (p < 0.001). While Black and White participants had a significantly different genital injury prevalence, dark skin color rather than race was a strong predictor for decreased injury prevalence. Sexual assault forensic examiners, therefore, may not be able to detect injury in women with dark skin as readily as women with light skin, leading to health disparities for women with dark skin. [source] External genital morphology of the ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta): Females are naturally "masculinized"JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY, Issue 4 2008Christine M. Drea Abstract The extravagance and diversity of external genitalia have been well characterized in male primates; however, much less is known about sex differences or variation in female form. Our study represents a departure from traditional investigations of primate reproductive anatomy because we 1) focus on external rather than internal genitalia, 2) measure both male and female structures, and 3) examine a strepsirrhine rather than an anthropoid primate. The subjects for morphological study were 21 reproductively intact, adult ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta), including 10 females and 11 males, two of which (one per sex) subsequently died of natural causes and also served as specimens for gross anatomical dissection. Male external genitalia presented a typical masculine configuration, with a complex distal penile morphology. In contrast, females were unusual among mammals, presenting an enlarged, pendulous external clitoris, tunneled by the urethra. Females had a shorter anogenital distance and a larger urethral meatus than did males, but organ diameter and circumference showed no sex differences. Dissection confirmed these characterizations. Noteworthy in the male were the presence of a "levator penis" muscle and discontinuity in the corpus spongiosum along the penile shaft; noteworthy in the female were an elongated clitoral shaft and glans clitoridis. The female urethra, while incorporated within the clitoral body, was not surrounded by erectile tissue, as we detected no corpus spongiosum. The os clitoridis was 43% the length and 24% the height of the os penis. On the basis of these first detailed descriptions of strepsirrhine external genitalia (for either sex), we characterize those of the female ring-tailed lemur as moderately "masculinized." Our results highlight certain morphological similarities and differences between ring-tailed lemurs and the most male-like of female mammals, the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), and call attention to a potential hormonal mechanism of "masculinization" in female lemur development. J. Morphol., 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Development of the genital ducts and external genitalia in the early human embryoJOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 5 2010Yasmin Sajjad Abstract The course of development of the human genital tract is undifferentiated to the 9th week of development. At this time two symmetrical paired ducts known as the mesonephric (MD) and paramesonephric ducts (PMD) are present, which together with the urogenital sinus provide the tissue sources for internal and external genital development. Normal differentiation of the bipotential external genitalia and reproductive ducts are dependent upon the presence or absence of certain hormones. Masculinization of the internal and external genitalia during fetal development depends on the existence of two discrete testicular hormones. Testosterone secreted from Leydig cells induces the differentiation of the mesonephric ducts into the epididymis, vasa deferentia and seminal vesicles, whereas anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) produced by Sertoli cells induces the regression of the paramesonephric ducts. The absence of AMH action in early fetal life results in the formation of the fallopian tubes, uterus and upper third of the vagina. In some target tissues, testosterone is converted to dihydrotestosterone, which is responsible for the masculinization of the urogenital sinus and external genitalia. [source] Lower genital tract lesions requiring surgical intervention in girls: Perspective from a developing countryJOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH, Issue 10 2009Sebastian O Ekenze Aim: To determine the spectrum, outcome of treatment and the challenges of managing surgical lesions of lower genital tract in girls in a low-resource setting. Method: Retrospective study of 87 girls aged 13-years and younger, with lower genital tract lesions managed between February 2002 and January 2007 at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, southeastern Nigeria. Clinical charts were reviewed to determine the types, management, outcome of treatment and management difficulties. Results: The median age at presentation was 1 year (range 2 days,13 years). Congenital lesions comprised 67.8% and acquired lesions 32.2%. The lesions included: masculinised external genitalia (24), vestibular fistula from anorectal malformation (23), post-circumcision labial fusion (12), post-circumcision vulval cyst (6), low vaginal malformations (6), labial adhesion (5), cloacal malformation (3), bifid clitoris (3) urethral prolapse (3), and acquired rectovaginal fistula (2). Seventy-eight (89.7%) had operative treatment. Procedure related complications occurred in 19 cases (24.4%) and consisted of surgical wound infection (13 cases), labial adhesion (4 cases) and urinary retention (2 cases). There was no mortality. Overall, 14 (16.1%) abandoned treatment at one stage or another. Challenges encountered in management were inadequate diagnostic facilities, poor multidisciplinary collaboration and poor patient follow up. Conclusion: There is a wide spectrum of lower genital lesion among girls in our setting. Treatment of these lesions may be challenging, but the outcome in most cases is good. High incidence of post-circumcision complications and poor treatment compliance may require more efforts at public enlightenment. [source] Traumatic myiasis in dogs caused by Wohlfahrtia magnifica and its importance in the epidemiology of wohlfahrtiosis of livestockMEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 2009R. FARKAS Abstract In the province of Al Hoceima, northern Morocco, and on two farms in Hungary, dogs were inspected for the presence of traumatic myiasis. Nine and four infested dogs were found in Morocco and Hungary, respectively. All the larvae and adults reared from them in the laboratory were identified as Wohlfahrtia magnifica (Schiner) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae). To our knowledge, these are the first cases of wohlfahrtiosis in dogs to be reported in these countries. All infested animals lived close to livestock, where wohlfahrtiosis was endemic. Infested body sites included limbs (six cases), external genitalia (two), ears (three), nose (one) and neck (one). Developing larvae caused severe welfare problems and tissue destruction in most cases. Although the number of cases reported here is small, wohlfahrtiosis in dogs may be very important from an epidemiological perspective because farm and stray dogs can act as both reservoirs and carriers of this parasitic fly species. Therefore, education of dog owners concerning the risk factors in endemic regions is recommended in order to reduce the prevalence of wohlfahrtiosis in dogs and thereby in livestock. Both owners and veterinarians should pay regular attention to any wounds and to the natural orifices of dogs, especially during the fly seasons. [source] Hay,Wells syndrome (AEC): a case reportORAL DISEASES, Issue 5 2006Emilio Macias We would like to present a case of the rare genetic skin disorder catalogued as AEC syndrome. This rare disorder was described in 1976 by Hay and Wells in seven individuals from four families, and it entails a complex polymalformative syndrome with an autosomal-dominant inheritance pattern and variable penetration. Descriptive explanation and facial and intraoral images of this rare disorder constituted the study design. The neonatal report outlines dysplastic phenotype, micrognathia, hypoplasia of the hard and soft palate, cleft palate, small nose, mammary hypoplasia with ectopic mammary nodules, hypoplastic external genitalia with clitoral hypertrophy, hypoplasia of the nails, a tendency towards dorsiflexion of the big toe on both feet, ankyloblepharon filiforme, low positioning of the auricles and faulty development of the left auricle, scaly exanthema with eritrodermatitis and hyperkeratosis, good lung ventilation, normal heart rhythm and normal neurological examination. Although only a few cases published are available, clinical variability is one of the hallmarks of AEC syndrome. The majority of authors consider ankyloblepharon, ectodermal dysplasia and orofacial clefting as cardinal signs. They are all are present in the case reported. [source] Fatal Fournier's gangrene in a young adult with acute lymphoblastic leukemiaPEDIATRIC BLOOD & CANCER, Issue 6 2007Elpis Mantadakis MD Abstract Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a fulminant necrotizing fasciitis of the external genitalia. Few reports of FG exist in patients with hematologic malignancies. We describe a case of fatal FG in a 21-year-old man with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who was receiving remission-induction chemotherapy. Despite early local surgery, administration of appropriate antibiotics, resurgery for wider debridement and aggressive ICU support he succumbed while pancytopenic to septic shock, 26 days after initiation of chemotherapy. Multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated from blood and scrotal cultures obtained at initial surgery. FG is a fulminant infection, especially in the face of profound cytopenias. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:862,864. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Reduction in diagnostic and therapeutic interventions by non-invasive determination of fetal sex in early pregnancyPRENATAL DIAGNOSIS, Issue 12 2005Jon A. Hyett Abstract Objective This study reviews our clinical experience of non-invasive techniques for early sex determination. It assesses the effectiveness of these techniques at reducing invasive prenatal testing for X-linked genetic disease or for ambiguous development of the external genitalia. Methods A prospective cohort study of 30 pregnancies was referred to a tertiary unit for prenatal diagnosis. Fetal gender was determined using two non-invasive techniques: analysis of free fetal DNA (ffDNA) in maternal plasma and ultrasound visualisation. The results were compared to fetal gender determined by invasive testing or at birth. Results Fetal gender was accurately determined by analysis of ffDNA at a mean of 10 + 1 (7 + 6 to 14 + 1) weeks' gestation in all cases. Ultrasound assessment was accurate in 20 of the 23 cases where this was attempted at 12 + 0 (10 + 4 to 14 + 1) weeks' gestation, but could not be determined in the remaining 3 cases. Thirteen of 28 (46%) women chose not to have invasive testing on the basis of these findings. Conclusions Both the techniques appear to offer an accurate means of assessing fetal gender, giving parents the option of avoiding invasive testing in the 50% of cases where the fetus would not be affected. The molecular technique is performed at an earlier gestation, but female fetal status is predicted by a negative test result. Ultrasound cannot be applied until 11 weeks' gestation but diagnostic signs are sought in both sexes. Combining these approaches offers a highly sensitive method of non-invasive determination of gender in high-risk pregnancies. Health professionals, clinical geneticists and genetics associates, in particular, who refer women at high risk should be aware of these non-invasive options for prenatal sex determination. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Select spinal lesions reveal multiple ascending pathways in the rat conveying input from the male genitaliaTHE JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 7 2010C. H. Hubscher The specific white matter location of all the spinal pathways conveying penile input to the rostral medulla is not known. Our previous studies using rats demonstrated the loss of low but not high threshold penile inputs to medullary reticular formation (MRF) neurons after acute and chronic dorsal column (DC) lesions of the T8 spinal cord and loss of all penile inputs after lesioning the dorsal three-fifths of the cord. In the present study, select T8 lesions were made and terminal electrophysiological recordings were performed 45,60 days later in a limited portion of the nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis (Gi) and Gi pars alpha. Lesions included subtotal dorsal hemisections that spared only the lateral half of the dorsal portion of the lateral funiculus on one side, dorsal and over-dorsal hemisections, and subtotal transections that spared predominantly just the ventromedial white matter. Electrophysiological data for 448 single unit recordings obtained from 32 urethane-anaesthetized rats, when analysed in groups based upon histological lesion reconstructions, revealed (1) ascending bilateral projections in the dorsal, dorsolateral and ventrolateral white matter of the spinal cord conveying information from the male external genitalia to MRF, and (2) ascending bilateral projections in the ventrolateral white matter conveying information from the pelvic visceral organs (bladder, descending colon, urethra) to MRF. Multiple spinal pathways from the penis to the MRF may correspond to different functions, including those processing affective/pleasure/motivational, nociception, and mating-specific (such as for erection and ejaculation) inputs. [source] ORIGINAL RESEARCH,BASIC SCIENCE: Effects of ACE Inhibition and Beta-Blockade on Female Genital Structures in Spontaneously Hypertensive RatsTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 6 2007Jorge E. Toblli MD ABSTRACT Introduction and Aim., This study evaluated the possible differences between an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and a beta-blocker concerning their potential protective role on female external genitalia in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Main Outcome Measures., Morphological changes in the clitoris after antihypertensive treatments. Methods., For 6 months, SHR received no treatment; SHR + ramipril (RAM), SHR + atenolol (AT), and control Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats received no treatment. Clitorises were processed for immunohistochemistry using anti-,-smooth muscle actin (,-SMA), anti-collagen I and III, anti-transforming growth factor ,1 (TGF,1), and anti-endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) antibodies. Results., SHR + RAM and SHR + AT presented significantly lower blood pressure in both groups vs. untreated SHR. Compared with WKY, ,-SMA was increased in the arteries and in the cavernous spaces of the clitoris together with a marked increase in wall/lumen ratio in clitoral vessels in untreated SHR. All these alterations were diminished in SHR + AT (P < 0.01). SHR + RAM presented differences with respect to SHR + AT in the reduction of these variables. TGF,1 expression in the vessel wall from the clitoris and collagen I and III deposition in the interstitium from the clitoris in untreated SHR were significantly more (P < 0.01) than in WKY. While SHR + AT showed a mild decrease in these variables, SHR + RAM presented a significant reduction (P < 0.01) in TGF,1 expression interstitial fibrosis and in both types of collagens. Positive immunostaining of eNOS in the sinusoidal endothelium from the clitoris was less (P < 0.01) in untreated SHR (3.4 ± 1.3%) and SHR + AT (5.1 ± 1.2%) than in SHR + RAM (17.2 ± 1.6%) and WKY (15.9 ± 1.7%). Untreated SHR and SHR + AT presented more surrounding connective tissue at the perineurium in the clitoris (P < 0.01) than SHR + RAM. Conclusion., ACE inhibition provided a considerable protective role on the female external genitalia structures in SHR by a mechanism that may be, at least in part, independent of the degree of blood pressure lowering. Toblli JE, Cao G, Casabé AR, and Bechara AJ. Effects of ACE inhibition and beta-blockade on female genital structures in spontaneously hypertensive rats. J Sex Med 2007;4:1593,1603. [source] Persistent Cloaca, Fused Kidneys, Female Pseudohermaphroditism and Skeletal Anomalies in a Simmental CalfANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 3 2009M. Y. Gulbahar Summary A 5-day-old Simmental calf was referred to our department for atresia ani and postural abnormalities caused by skeletal deformities. The calf had a short and deviated tail and a bowed hind limb. The calf appeared like a male because of the prepuce and penis located just near the teats and the absence of female external genitalia. During the necropsy, a horseshoe kidney, single ureter that originated from the kidney, and bilateral uterine horns with one ovary each were detected. The ureter, blind-ended large intestine, and bilateral uterine horns were connected to a dilated cloaca having two sacs, which were filled with a yellowish brown viscous fluid admixed with meconium and urine. Skeletal deformities found included scoliosis, partial synostosis of vertebrae, deviation of rudimentary sacrum and coccygeal vertebrae, and narrowed pelvic cavity. This is the first report of an anomalous combination including urogenital, large intestinal, and skeletal deformities in cattle. [source] The Biology of the Development of the Genital Organs.ANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 2005A Multimedia Teaching Program In my presentation, I review the sexual differentiation from the genetic sex until the appearance of the external genitalia and the developmental anomalies to use an animated cartoon. The first critical stage of sexual differentiation occurs at the moment of fertilization, when the genetic sex of the zygote is determined by the nature of the sex chromosome contributed by the sperm. Although an XY zygote is destined to become a male, no distinctive differences between the early development of male and female embryos have been noted. This is accomplished after migration of the primordial germ cell into the early gonad. Because of the early commonality of genital structures, anomalies are the result of abnormal retention or loss of appropriate genital structures. Therefore, most genital anomalies are some form of intersex. During the early differentiation of the gonads, while the mesonephros is still the dominant excretory organ, the gonads arise as ridge like thickenings (gonadal ridge) on its ventromedial face. Differentiation of the indifferent gonads into ovaries or testes occurs after the arrival of the primordial germ cells. The primordial germ cells arise from the endodermal cells of the yolk. The principal function of the Y chromosome is to direct the differentiation of the presented indifferent gonad into a testis from the sixth week, while two X chromosome are presented the ovaries start to develop, from the 12th week. The next and most obvious phase in sexual differentiation of the embryo is the differentiation of the somatic sex. The early embryo develops a dual set of potential genital ducts, one is the original mesonephric (Wolff ) ducts, which persists after degeneration of the mesonephros as an excretory organ, and the another is newly formed pair of ducts called the paramesonephric (Müllerian) ducts. Under the influence of testosterone secreted by the testes, the mesonephric ducts develop into the duct system through which the spermatozoa are conveyed from the testes to the urethra. The potentially female paramesonephric ducts regress under the influence of another product of the embryonic testes, the Müllerian inhibitory factor, a glycoprotein secreted by the Sertoli cells. In genetically female embryos, neither testosterone nor Müllerian inhibitory factor are secreted by the gonads. In the absence of testosterone the mesonephric ducts regress and lack of Müllerian inhibitory factor permits the paramesonephric ducts to develop into oviducts, the uterus and part of the vagina. The next stage is the development of the external genitalia. In very young embryos, a vaguely outlined elevation known as the genital eminence can be seen in the midline, just cephalic to the proctodeal depression. This is soon differentiated into a central prominence (genital tubercle) closely flanked by a pair of folds (genital folds) extending toward the proctodeum. Somewhat farther to either side are rounded elevation known as the genital swellings. From this common starting point the external genitalia of both sex differentiate. If the individual is to develop into a male the genital tubercle, under the influence of dihydrotestosterone, becomes greatly elongated to form the penis and the genital swellings become enlarged to form the scrotal pouches. During the growth of the penis a groove develops along the entire length of its caudal face and is continuous with the slit-like opening of the urogenital sinus. This groove later becomes closed over by a ventral fusion of the genital folds, establishing the penile portion of the urethra. The portion of the urogenital sinus between the neck of the bladder and the original opening of the urogenital sinus becomes the prostetic urethra. In the female, the genital tubercle becomes the clitoris, the genital folds become the labia minora, and the genital swellings become the labia majora. The urethra in the female is derived from the urogenital sinus, being homologous with the prostatic portion of the male urethra. [source] The clinical picture of the Börjeson,Forssman,Lehmann syndrome in males and heterozygous females with PHF6 mutationsCLINICAL GENETICS, Issue 3 2004G Turner The usual description of the Börjeson,Forssman,Lehmann syndrome (BFLS) is that of a rare, X-linked, partially dominant condition with severe intellectual disability, epilepsy, microcephaly, coarse facial features, long ears, short stature, obesity, gynecomastia, tapering fingers, and shortened toes. Recently, mutations have been identified in the PHF6 gene in nine families with this syndrome. The clinical history and physical findings in the affected males reveal that the phenotype is milder and more variable than previously described and evolves with age. Generally, in the first year, the babies are floppy, with failure to thrive, big ears, and small external genitalia. As schoolboys, the picture is one of learning problems, moderate short stature, with emerging truncal obesity and gynecomastia. Head circumferences are usually normal, and macrocephaly may be seen. Big ears and small genitalia remain. The toes are short and fingers tapered and malleable. In late adolescence and adult life, the classically described heavy facial appearance emerges. Some heterozygous females show milder clinical features such as tapering fingers and shortened toes. Twenty percent have significant learning problems, and 95% have skewed X inactivation. We conclude that this syndrome may be underdiagnosed in males in their early years and missed altogether in isolated heterozygous females. [source] |