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VOLUME 6, SUPPLEMENT 2
ABSTRACTS
The role of GABA
Dorota Tomaszewska-Zaremba1, Franciszek Przekop
Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn;
Summary
The paper reviews data concerning the involvement of GABA
1Corresponding author: : The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-110 Jablonna, Poland;
d_tomaszewska@poczta.onet.pl
Effects of dietary fat on androgen secretion and metabolism
Joanna Gromadzka-Ostrowska1
Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Human Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, Warsaw Agricultural University, Poland
Summary
In humans and animals, food composition, especially dietary fat, affects androgen secretion and metabolism. On the other hand,
disturbances of sex steroid metabolism play an important role in the etiology of hormone-related cancers. In this report the
roles of dietary fat, its quantity, fatty acid composition and feeding period on androgens metabolism was described. In conclusion,
it should be stated that the amount of dietary fat, and its composition, (i.e. the content of individual fatty acids and/or
their groups), as well as the period during which the nutrient is fed to animals affect significantly the secretion
and metabolism of androgens.
Reproductive Biology 2006 6 (Supplement 2): 13-20
1 Corresponding author: Warsaw Agricultural University, Faculty of Human Nutrition and Consuming Sciences, Department of Dietetic, Nowoursynowska 159C, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland;
gromadzka@alpha.sggw.waw.pl
Neuropeptide Y - a neuromodulatory link between nutrition and reproduction at the central nervous system level
Anna Wojcik-Gladysz1, Jolanta Polkowska
Department of Endocrinology, The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Jablonna near Warsaw, Poland
Summary
The deficiency of nutrients in mammals’ diets results in impaired gonadal function, especially in restraining of processes
leading to puberty and disturbances in the course of the estrous cycle. The decreased GnRH/LH pulsastile secretion has been
proposed as the most important etiological factor for nutritionally induced suppression of pituitary-ovarian functions. Although
the relationship between nutrition and reproduction has been extensively investigated, little information exists about the exact
mechanism connecting these two processes. One of the candidates is neuropeptide Y (NPY), synthesized in the hypothalamus.
In the present paper, we reviewed the distribution of the NPY neurons, its receptors, contacts with other hypothalamic centers
and its orexigenic properties. Next, we discussed the participation of NPY in the regulation of GnRH/LH secretion and
underlined its dual role in the control of the reproductive system and nutritional state of organism. This information confirmed
the hypothesis that NPY can be a candidate for a link between nutrition and reproduction at the level of the central nervous
system.
Reproductive Biology 2006 6 (Supplement 2): 21-28
1 Corresponding author: The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-110 Jablonna, Poland;
a.wojcik@ifzz.pan.pl
Orexin A and its role in the regulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary axes in the rat
Lidia Martynska1,2, Jolanta Polkowska3, Ewa Wolinska-Witort2, Magdalena Chmielowska2, Elzbieta Wasilewska-Dziubinska2, Wojciech Bik2, Boguslawa Baranowska2
2Department of Neuroendocrinology, Medical Centre of Postgraduate Education, Marymoncka 99/103, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland; 3The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Instytucka 3, 05-110 Jablonna, Poland;
Summary
Orexin A (OxA), a recently discovered neuropeptide, is synthesized mainly by neurons located in the posterolateral hypothalamus
and is a 33 amino acid peptide with N-terminal pyroglutamyl residue and two inter-chain disulfide bonds. It is a potent agonist
for both the orexin-1 (OxR1) and orexin-2 (OxR2) receptors. Orexin A and its receptors are widely distributed in the central
nervous system (CNS) and peripheral organs suggesting the pleiotropic functions of this peptide. Orexin A is involved in food
intake and energy expenditure in many species, but also plays an important role in the regulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary
axes. The role of orexin A in the regulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal, -thyroid, -somatotropic, and -gonadal axes
has been inadequately investigated. Orexinergic fibres project to the septal-preoptic and arcuate nucleus-median eminence
regions - two areas of the brain directly involved in the synthesis and release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH).
Contentious opinions concerning the influence of orexin A over the hypothalamo-gonadotropic axis have been reported in both
in vivo and in vitro studies. Further studies are necessary to clarify relationships between orexin A and the hypothalamo-pituitary
hormones involved in reproduction.
Reproductive Biology 2006 6 (Supplement 2): 29-35
1 Corresponding author: Department of Neuroendocrinology, Medical Centre of Postgraduate Education, Marymoncka 99/103, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland; Tel +48 22 5693850, fax +48 22 5693859;
zaklad.neuroendokrynologii@cmkp.edu.pl
Effect of prolonged progesterone treatment on the proenkephalin mRNA gene expression and enkephalins concentration in the sheep brain
Krystyna Pierzchala-Koziec1, Joanna Zubel, Janusz Rzasa
Department of Animal Physiology, Agricultural University, Cracow, Poland;
Summary
The opioids modulate reproduction in sheep mostly by inhibiting the activity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis.
However, the mechanism by which the negative feedback control systems regulate opioid synthesis and secretion in
sheep is still not recognized. As a part of a research dealing with interaction between opioids and steroids, the
effect of prolonged administration of progesterone (P
1 Corresponding author: Department of Animal Physiology, University of Agriculture, Al. Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059 Cracow, Poland;
rzkoziec@cyf-kr.edu.pl
Phytoestrogen action in Leydig cells of Biłgoraj ganders (Anser anser)
Marek Opalka1,2, Barbara Kaminska2, Helena Puchajda-Skowronska3, Luiza Dusza2
2Department of Animal Physiology, 3Department of Poultry Breeding, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland
Summary
The mechanism of phytoestrogen action in gonadal cells of ganders has not been elucidated. The aim of the study was to investigate in
Biłgoraj ganders the possibility of phytoestrogen action via estrogen or androgen receptors or via protein tyrosine kinase pathways
in Leydig cells. Genistein and daidzein (5 and 50 µM) as well as equol (50 µM) inhibited testosterone (T) secretion by incubated
Leydig cells (1x105/ml; 20 h; 37°C). The effects of hydroxytamoxifen (estrogen receptor inhibitor) and cyproterone acetate
(androgen receptor antagonist) on phytoestrogen inhibition of T release by Leydig cells were not observed. Lavendustin A
(protein tyrosine kinases inhibitor) did not change T production. The influence of phytoestrogens seems not to be conducted
via estrogen and androgen receptors or protein tyrosine kinases system in these cells, but further studies are required to
completely examine the mechanism of phytoestrogens action in testes of ganders.
Reproductive Biology 2006 6 (Supplement 2): 47-54
1 Corresponding author: Department of Animal Physiology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 1A, 10-718 Olsztyn, Poland;
mareko@uwm.edu.pl
Acid glycosidases in the isthmus of the hen oviduct and egg shell membranes
Maria Droba1, Boguslaw Droba, Dorota Bledniak
Department of General and Physiological Chemistry, University of Rzeszów, Poland
Summary
Specific activities of seven acid glycosidases: β-hexosaminidase, α- and β-galactosidase, α- and β-mannosidase,
α-glucosidase and α-fucosidase were determined in various parts of the domestic hen oviduct (infundibulum,
isthmus, shell gland and vagina). The activity of most enzymes was the highest in the isthmus. Multiple
forms of all acid glycosidases from the isthmus were separated by strong anion exchange chromatography at
pH 6.0. The isoelectric points of the isthmus forms of β-hexosaminidase, β-galactosidase and α- and β-mannosidase
were determined by chromatofocusing. For the first time the high β-galactosidase activity was found in hen egg
shell membranes.
Reproductive Biology 2006 6 (Supplement 2): 55-63
1 Corresponding author: Department of General and Physiological Chemistry, University of Rzeszów, 35-601 Rzeszów, Cwiklinskiej 2, Poland;
mdroba@univ.rzeszow.pl
Distribution of acid glycosidases in the male genital tract of the pheasant
Malgorzata Dzugan1
Department of General and Physiological Chemistry, University of Rzeszow, Poland
Summary
The distribution of the activity of seven acid glycosidases in the reproductive organs of the pheasant
(Phasianus colchicus) was studied. The study was carried out on seven mature birds at the age of 11
months during the reproductive season (May). Significant (p<0.01) differences in acid glycosidase activity
dependent on enzyme origin were observed. Generally, the highest activity of acid glycosidases was
found in the epididymis, intermediate in the ductus deferens and the lowest in the testes. Exceptionally,
α-mannosidase had the highest activity in the ductus deferens. Anion-exchange chromatography elution
profiles of most enzymes from the tested reproductive organs were simila, however evident differences
were observed for β-mannosidase forms.
Reproductive Biology 2006 6 (Supplement 2): 65-72
1 Corresponding author: Department of General and Physiological Chemistry, University of Rzeszow, Cwiklinskiej 2, 35-601 Rzeszow, Poland;
mdzugan@univ.rzeszow.pl
Ovulation level and prolificacy in ewes depending on their age, birth type and percentage of prolific genotype
Wieslaw Kareta1,2, Kazimierz Korman3, Miroslaw Cegla2
2Department of Animal Reproduction Physiology, Balice near Krakow; 3Animal Production Experimental Station, Koluda Wielka, National Research Institute of Animal Production;
Summary
During December mating periods of 2000-2003, wool and meat breeds crossed with East Friesian milk sheep and rams of prolific breeds
(Finn or Romanov) were examined laparoscopically. Ovine ovaries were examined between 4 and 9 days after mating. The litter size
was recorded and compared with the number of ovulations. The fertility of the analyzed animals was 69.6%, with 192.6% prolificacy.
The difference between the average number of corpora lutea found on ovaries and the mean number of lambs born was 0.35 and ranged
from 0.32 to 0.41 according to age group, from 0.22 to 0.41 according to sheep birth type, and from 0 to 0.52 lamb per ewe
according to percentage of prolific breeds.
Reproductive Biology 2006 6 (Supplement 2): 73-78
1 Corresponding author: Department of Animal Reproduction Physiology, National Research Institute of Animal Production, ul. Krakowska 1, 32-083 Balice/Krakow, Poland;
mcegla@izoo.krakow.pl
The interaction of the thyroid gland, pineal gland and immune system in chicken
Mykola E. Dzerzhynsky1, Olga I. Gorelikova, Andriy S. Pustovalov
Department of Cytology, Histology and Development Biology, Kiev, Taras Shevchenko National University, Kiev, Ukraine
Summary
The interaction of immunological system, thyroid and pineal gland was studied in 5-week old males of Gallus domesticus.
Several morphometrical parameters in pineal and thyroid glands were measured after bird immunization with human red blood
cells and/or treatment with melatonin or seduxen, melatonin receptor blocker. The peak of the thyroid activity was found
on Day 7 after immunization. The immune system appears to directly activate the thyroid gland only in the presence of
certain level of melatonin. We suggest that the melatonin mechanism of action includes the enhancement of thyroid gland
sensitivity to immune factors. Seduxen prevented the stimulatory influence of the immune system on the thyroid gland.
Reproductive Biology 2006 6 (Supplement 2): 79-85
1 Corresponding author: Department of Cytology, Histology and Development Biology, Kiev, Taras Shevchenko National University, Vladimirskaya st., 64, Kiev 01033 Ukraine;
ass_vr@biocc.univ.kiev.ua
Morphometrical studies of reproductive system of birds after treatment with dopamine receptor blockers and melatonin
Mykola E. Dzerzhynsky1, Nataliya V. Nuzhyna, Igor M. Vareniuk
Department of Cytology, Histology and Developmental Biology, Kiev Taras Shevchenko National University, Kiev, Ukraine
Summary
Male Japanese quails were treated with melatonin alone or melatonin combined with D1 and D2 dopamine receptor blockers.
Following the treatment, hypothalamus, pituitary glands and testes were analyzed morphometrically. The results suggest
the existence of an interaction between melatonin and dopaminergic system in the brain in the regulation of reproductive
processes in immature birds. The character of this interaction alters according to the time of the treatment (morning,
afternoon, evening, night).
Reproductive Biology 2006 6 (Supplement 2): 87-92
1 Corresponding author: Department of Cytology, Histology and Developmental Biology, Kiev Taras Shevchenko National University, 64 Volodymyrska Str, Kiev, Ukraine;
cytol@univ.kiev.ua
Evaluation of males spermiogram in domestic pigs
Stanislaw Kondracki1, Anna Wysokinska, Dorota Banaszewska, Elzbieta Wozniak
Department of Bioegineering and Animal Breeding, University of Podlasie, Siedlce, Poland;
Summary
A microscopic assessment was used to estimate sperm morphological structure in 405 ejaculates from 70 boars according
to Blom classification. The classification of spermiogram quality according to a new 6-degree scale was also established.
We found, that male spermiograms in domestic pigs were characterized by a large variability both between and within breeds.
The estimation of semen quality, only with regard to the mean frequency of occurrence of particular morphological forms of
spermatozoa, was not effective for evaluation of individual boar or group of boars. However, the method was effective to
evaluate individual ejaculates. The quality classification of the spermiogram enabled to evaluate usefulness of ejaculates graded as
good and average for insemination.
Reproductive Biology 2006 6 (Supplement 2): 93-98
1 Corresponding author: Department of Bioegineering and Animal Breeding, University of Podlasie, ul. B. Prusa 14, 08-110 Siedlce, Poland;
sk@ap.siedlce.pl
Sperm morphology of cattle and domestic pigs
Stanislaw Kondracki1, Dorota Banaszewska, Anna Wysokinska, Joanna Chomicz
Department of Bioegineering and Animal Breeding, University of Podlasie, Siedlce, Poland
Summary
Sperm morphology was evaluated (using Blom classification) in 44 ejaculates of 11 bulls and 44 ejaculates of 11 boars.
Significant differences in sperm morphology were found between bulls and boars. In addition, the correlations between
frequency of morphological changes and morphometrical traits of boar spermatozoa were demonstrated. More morphological
anomalies of spermatozoa were recorded in ejaculates containing longer spermatozoa.
Reproductive Biology 2006 6 (Supplement 2): 99-104
1 Corresponding author: Department of Bioegineering and Animal Breeding, University of Podlasie, ul. B. Prusa 14, 08-110 Siedlce, Poland;
sk@ap.siedlce.pl