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Reproduction, Fertility and Development

Reproduction, Fertility and Development

Reproduction, Fertility and Development publishes research and reviews on all aspects of vertebrate reproduction and developmental biology. Read more about the journalMore

Editors-in-Chief: Graeme Martin and Jenny Juengel

Publishing Model: Hybrid. Open Access options available.

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Latest

These articles are the latest published in the journal. Reproduction, Fertility and Development has moved to a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 03 June 2024

RD24065From cardiovascular protection to cardiovascular risk: the metamorphosis of menopausal hormone therapy

Bronwyn G. A. Stuckey 0000-0002-9109-9864
 

Rules for menopausal hormone therapy

The metamorphosis from perceived cardiovascular protection to perceived cardiovascular risk, a perception largely led by the Women’s Health Initiative study, has shifted the clinician’s risk/benefit decision-making away from prescribing menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) for menopausal symptoms. A more nuanced view of the literature and the greater availability of different modes of delivery and formulations of MHT should give the clinician the knowledge and confidence to prescribe appropriate MHT for the greater benefit of midlife health and cardiovascular safety. Image by Bronwyn G. A. Stuckey.

RD24065 Abstract  |  RD24065 Full Text  | RD24065PDF (263 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 28 May 2024

RD24001Protocol for the controlled reproduction of the edible frog Aubria subsigillata in aquaculture hatcheries in the Republic of Benin

Houénafa A. C. Gansa 0000-0003-4663-4298, Geraud D. Akélé and Hyppolite Agadjihouèdé
 

Photograph of egg stripping of a female Aubria subsigillata frog after intrafemoral injection of Ovulin.

The frog Aubria subsigillata is an edible species that is highly valued in the human diet in Benin. However, a strong rarefaction of the species due to its uncontrolled exploitation is observed in the wild. The 0.2 IU/g of Ovulin hormone administered intrafemorally enabled collection of gametes at 13 h in males and 27 h in females, and 172 eggs of 1 mg were incubated after 167 h. A. subsigillata reproduction goes through five phases: (1) selection of mature broodstock; (2) hormonal injection; (3) gamete collection; (4) in vitro fertilisation; and (5) incubation. Photograph by Houénafa A. C. Gansa.

RD24001 Abstract  | PDF (659 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 20 May 2024

RD23132Clustering of spermatozoa examined through flow cytometry provides more information than the conventional assessment: a resilience to osmotic stress example

Julian Valencia 0000-0003-3983-0389, Sebastián Bonilla-Correal, Elisabeth Pinart, Sergi Bonet and Marc Yeste 0000-0002-2209-340X
 

Superior identification of sperm subpopulations via cluster analysis with flow cytometry than with typical dot plots.

Evaluation of sperm quality in farm animals and humans is crucial to predict reproductive efficiency, yet conventional tests are not sufficient to predict fertility. Clustering sperm using individual data from flow cytometry analysis provides more information than typical dot plots, which could better predict sperm fertility and cryotolerance. Herein, combining cluster analysis with flow cytometry led to the identification of five sperm subpopulations with differences in cell volume and membrane integrity, whereas typical dot plots just allowed for the identification of three. Image by the authors.

This article belongs to the Collection Dedication to Jim Cummins.

RD23132 Abstract  | PDF (4.9 MB) - $35.00   | RD23132Supplementary Material (930 KB)
Published online 16 May 2024

RD23235Genotyping of rams based on melatonin receptor 1A gene polymorphisms: a tool in sire selection?

Victoria Peña-Delgado 0000-0002-4670-3735, Agustí Noya 0000-0002-9552-4709, Melissa Carvajal-Serna 0000-0003-3929-5064, Francisco Canto 0000-0001-5124-1929, María Carmen Sánchez, Eva Letosa, Antonio Vicente, Ignacio Morato, Ángel Macías, José Alfonso Abecia 0000-0003-2827-3054, Adriana Casao 0000-0003-1997-4262 and Rosaura Pérez-Pe 0000-0002-2312-6402
 

Illustration of differing seminal quality of rams associated with season and variants of the melatonin receptor gene.

Some variants of the melatonin receptor gene affect seasonal reproduction in sheep, but it is not clear how they affect males and their spermatozoa. This study explores the impact of two genetic variants of the melatonin receptor gene on ram seminal quality throughout the year. Results revealed that there is a detrimental effect on seminal quality, more pronounced during the reproductive season, depending on the variant carried, which highlights the potential of genotyping for optimal sire selection in breeding programs. Image by Victoria Peña-Delgado.

This article belongs to the Collection Dedication to Jim Cummins.

RD23235 Abstract  |  RD23235 Full Text  | RD23235PDF (1.8 MB)  | RD23235Supplementary Material (729 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 16 May 2024

RD23139Melatonin administration during the first half of pregnancy improves physiological response and reproductive performance of rabbits under heat stress conditions

Nesrein M. Hashem 0000-0003-0058-9671, Elshymaa A. Abdelnaby, Mahmoud Madkour and Hossam R. El-Sherbiny
 

Impacts of melatonin on heat-stressed pregnant rabbits.

Melatonin administration (1 mg/kg body weight) during the first half of pregnancy of heat-stressed rabbits improved heat-tolerance capacity, sex hormone production, and fetal viability. These positive effects were subsequently associated with improved conception rate and kindling rate. Image by authors.

This article belongs to the Collection Non-photoperiodic Actions of Melatonin.

RD23139 Abstract  | PDF (918 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 15 May 2024

RD24034The perils of poly- and perfluorinated chemicals on the reproductive health of humans, livestock, and wildlife

Mark P. Green, Cameron Shearer, Rebecca Patrick, Shervin Kabiri, Nicola Rivers 0000-0003-0533-3480 and Brett Nixon 0000-0003-2745-8188
 

Chemical structure of Poly and per-fluoroalkyl substances and their impact on reproduction in humans and animals.

Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread environmental contaminants that can accumulate in body tissues and cause adverse health outcomes. This article combines the perspectives of chemists, soil scientists, reproductive biologists, and health policy researchers, to summarise the issue of PFAS contamination and its specific impact on the reproductive health of all animals. It also highlights the important role scientists have to play in educating the public and policy makers on the complexity of the planetary health issues surrounding PFAS. Images were obtained from iStock: https://www.istockphoto.com/

RD24034 Abstract  |  RD24034 Full Text  | RD24034PDF (905 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 13 May 2024

RD23082Maternal high-fat diet during pregnancy and lactation affects factors that regulate cell proliferation and apoptosis in the testis of adult progeny

Helen Viotti 0000-0001-5187-5825, Daniel Cavestany 0000-0002-8367-7142, Graeme B. Martin 0000-0002-1905-7934, Mark H. Vickers 0000-0003-4876-9356, Deborah M. Sloboda 0000-0002-7410-4756 and Graciela Pedrana 0000-0002-4955-6873
 

Diagram depicting effect of high-fat diet fed to pregnant rats on Sertoli cell function in offspring.

In rats, we tested whether a high-fat diet fed to mothers during pregnancy and lactation would affect Sertoli cell function in their adult offspring. Changes in transcription factors and proteins that control proliferation and apoptosis in germ cells suggest that the high-fat diet alters the balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis, potentially reducing sperm production. Image by Graciela Pedrana, Grame Martin.

RD23082 Abstract  |  RD23082 Full Text  | RD23082PDF (6.3 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 07 May 2024

RD23219Impact of bull age, sperm processing, and microclimatic conditions on the viability and DNA integrity of cryopreserved bovine sperm

Burcu Cinar, Heinrich Bollwein, Mathias Siuda, Matthias Lautner, Claus Leiding and Eleni Malama 0000-0003-1433-7336
 

Multiple correspondence analysis for the variables season of semen collection and bull age to evaluate sperm quality.

Multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) plot for the categorical variables of season of semen collection and age class of 262 individual bulls. Points represent the score of each bull for the quantitative variables (percentage of sperm with intact plasma membrane and acrosome and percentage of sperm with high DNA fragmentation index (immediately after thawing and after 3 h of incubation at 38°C) in different seasons of the year. Photograph by Eleni Malama.

This article belongs to the Collection Dedication to Jim Cummins.

RD23219 Abstract  | PDF (2.5 MB) - $35.00   | RD23219Supplementary Material (7.9 MB)
Published online 07 May 2024

RD23239Sperm functionality is differentially regulated by porcine oviductal extracellular vesicles from the distinct phases of the estrous cycle

S. M. Toledo-Guardiola 0009-0006-3035-2981, P. Martínez-Díaz 0000-0001-8141-5475, R. Martínez-Núñez 0009-0005-6199-8761, S. Navarro-Serna 0000-0002-5210-1415, C. Soriano-Úbeda 0000-0003-2880-3342, J. Romero-Aguirregomezcorta 0000-0001-7779-6869 and C. Matás 0000-0002-8252-120X
 

High-magnification images of porcine oviductal extracellular vesicles adhering to spermatozoa.

We examined the tiny structures called extracellular vesicles that come from the fluid in pig uterus in order to understand how these vesicles change during the reproductive cycle of female pigs. Those from the late stages of the cycle seemed to have a strong connection with sperm and a possible key role in fertility. These vesicles regulate sperm function and interaction with oocytes, and they could potentially be used in fertility treatments to improve the chances of successful fertilisation. Photograph by SM Toledo-Guardiola.

This article belongs to the Collection Dedication to Jim Cummins.

RD23239 Abstract  | PDF (2.5 MB) - $35.00   | RD23239Supplementary Material (1 MB)
Published online 09 April 2024

RD23215A ripple effect? The impact of obesity on sperm quality and function

Maria Inês Alfaiate, Renata Santos Tavares 0000-0002-4082-3701 and João Ramalho-Santos 0000-0002-1172-4018
 

Diagram showing potential alterations in the sperm parameters of obese men.

This review focuses on the potential impact of male obesity on sperm quality and function – a long-debated topic. The adverse effects of obesity on sperm parameters can significantly impair male and couple fertility, resulting in an increased necessity for fertility assistance among obese men. Furthermore, although more definitive research is needed, these individuals often experience poorer outcomes in assisted reproductive technologies. Image by João Ramalho-Santos.

This article belongs to the Collection Dedication to Jim Cummins.

RD23215 Abstract  | PDF (985 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 15 March 2024

RD23201The spatio-temporal distribution of aromatase cytochrome in ovary throughout the canine oestrous cycle

L. Lindh 0000-0001-8381-789X, M. P. Kowalewski, S. K. Goericke-Pesch, H. Lindeberg, G. Schuler and O. A. T. Peltoniemi
 

Canine ovarian tissue during pro-oestrus, stained for aromatase.

In clinical practice, contraception in female dogs is traditionally achieved by surgical gonadectomy. As this method is discouraged by new animal welfare legislation in some parts of the world and is also related to several side effects, alternative possibilities for contraception are needed. Here, we report the distribution of aromatase in the canine ovary during different stages of the oestrous cycle. In-depth knowledge of oestrogen synthesis in the female dog is mandatory for targeted inhibition of oestradiol, possibly by the use of aromatase inhibitors. Photograph by M. P. Kowalewski.

RD23201 Abstract  | PDF (4.8 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 12 March 2024

RD23212The future of equine semen analysis

Fernando J. Peña 0000-0002-1311-2947, Francisco Eduardo Martín-Cano, Laura Becerro-Rey, Cristina Ortega-Ferrusola, Gemma Gaitskell-Phillips, Eva da Silva-Álvarez and María Cruz Gil
 

Diagram depicting current and developing forms of sperm analysis, including ‘omics’, flow cytometry, and AI.

Sperm analysis will evolve through the ‘omics’, telemedicine, advanced flow cytometry, and the artificial intelligence.Image by Biorender.com.

This article belongs to the Collection Dedication to Jim Cummins.

RD23212 Abstract  | PDF (2.9 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 07 March 2024

RD23218Antibiotics in semen extenders – a multiplicity of paradoxes

Jane M. Morrell 0000-0002-5245-7331, Aleksandar Cojkic, Pongpreecha Malaluang, Theodoros Ntallaris 0000-0003-3588-091X, Johanna Lindahl and Ingrid Hansson
 

Single Layer Centrifugation for different volumes of semen

Antimicrobial resistance is a global problem of monumental proportions, requiring radical action to stem its progress. One of the questionable uses of antibiotics is in semen doses used for artificial insemination, which may be contrary to current recommendations to restrict antibiotics for therapeutic purposes. This review describes some of the problems arising from antibiotic use in semen extenders and suggests some alternatives. Photographs by Jane M. Morrell.

This article belongs to the Collection Dedication to Jim Cummins.

RD23218 Abstract  | PDF (985 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 28 February 2024

RD24014The case for considering the term ‘mitochondrial vesicle’ as a misnomer in publications about assisted reproductive technologies (ART) for amphibians

Robert K. Browne 0000-0002-3172-9991, Govindappa Venu 0000-0003-4873-7418 and Svetlana A. Kaurova 0000-0002-2298-1597
 

Cross-section of an anuran sperm showing the position of mitochondria

The term ‘mitochondrial vesicle’ was first used in 2003 in a description of anuran sperm and persists to this day in the literature on assisted reproductive technologies (ART) for amphibians. In the present paper, we argue that the term ‘mitochondrial vesicle’ is inappropriate because the widely accepted definition of a ‘vesicle’ refers to an integral structure with an enclosing lipid bilayer/membrane. Photograph by Robert Browne.

This article belongs to the Collection Dedication to Jim Cummins.

RD24014 Abstract  | PDF (366 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 26 February 2024

RD23171The role of the oviduct environment in embryo survival

Jennifer L. Juengel 0000-0002-2717-7311, Karen L. Reader 0000-0002-5253-0666, Paul H. Maclean, Laurel D. Quirke, Sylvia Zellhuber-McMillan, Neville A. Haack and Axel Heiser
 

Peripubertal ewe oviduct model of reduced fertilisation and poor embryo survival.

Declining fertility is an issue in multiple mammalian species, with around 15% of couples experiencing infertility. Differential expression of genes involved in inflammation, linked with altered steroid signalling in the oviduct, was observed in peripubertal ewes, a model of poor fertility. Ensuring that the oviductal environment does not become hostile to fertilisation and early embryo development may provide a novel approach to improve fertility, particularly in conditions associated with chronic low-grade inflammation. Photograph by Jenny Juengel.

RD23171 Abstract  |  RD23171 Full Text  | RD23171PDF (2.2 MB)  | RD23171Supplementary Material (655 KB)   Open Access Article

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The Most Read ranking is based on the number of downloads in the last 60 days from papers published on the CSIRO PUBLISHING website within the last 12 months. Usage statistics are updated daily.

  14. The future of equine semen analysis

    Reproduction, Fertility and Development 36 (6)
    Fernando J. Peña 0000-0002-1311-2947, Francisco Eduardo Martín-Cano, Laura Becerro-Rey, Cristina Ortega-Ferrusola, Gemma Gaitskell-Phillips, Eva da Silva-Álvarez, María Cruz Gil

Collections

Non-photoperiodic Actions of Melatonin

Historically, melatonin has been seen as a pineal hormone that plays one essential role – the synchronisation of reproductive and other brain-controlled functions with changes in photoperiod. Often driven by the detection of melatonin receptors in non-brain tissues, it has become clear that melatonin plays a much wider variety of roles in the function of the testis, sperm, ovary, follicles, oocyte, embryo, placenta, fetus and mammary gland. This Collection presents this broader view of melatonin biology, and how the new concepts can be applied to livestock production.

Collection Editors
Alfonso Abecia, Guest Editor (Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain)
Graeme B. Martin, Co-Editor-in-Chief (Reproduction Fertility and Development)

Last Updated: 16 May 2024

Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence: Reproduction, Fertility and Development

In 2018, Reproduction, Fertility and Development celebrated 30 years of publication and we recognised this milestone with this Collection of papers. Papers were selected based on hard data (citations and downloads) but we also chose papers that reflect other criteria: landmarks in important aspects of reproductive biology; recognition of an influential individual; showcasing the breadth of the journal’s output (species studied; the stages in the process of reproduction); balance between biology and technology; and the international nature of contributors to the journal.

Collection Editor
Graeme Martin

Last Updated: 19 Jul 2018

World Congress of Reproductive Biology Showcase

Compiled to coincide with the World Congress of Reproductive Biology in Edinburgh, Scotland (2–4 September 2014), this Collection features publications from Congress speakers and on topics relevant to delegates. Comprising recent reviews and original research, the collection highlights significant contributions in the field of vertebrate reproductive biology.

Last Updated: 28 Aug 2014

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