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Vertebrate reproductive science and technology

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 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.

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.

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.


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.

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.

Published online 13 February 2024

RD23213Recent advances in reproductive research in Australia and New Zealand: highlights from the Annual Meeting of the Society for Reproductive Biology, 2022

Ella S. Green 0000-0002-3009-3442, Hon Y. Chan, Emily Frost 0000-0001-8696-2136, Meaghan Griffiths, Jennifer Hutchison, Jacinta H. Martin, Bettina P. Mihalas, Trent Newman and Jessica E. M. Dunleavy 0000-0003-2009-0165
 

Logo of the Society for Reproductive Biology.

Each year the Society for Reproductive Biology meets to showcase the latest advances in reproductive research in Australia and New Zealand. The 2022 meeting featured research across a diverse range of themes relevant to human health and fertility, exotic species conservation, and agricultural breeding practices. Here, we highlight the key advances presented across the main themes of the meeting. Image by Society for Reproductive Biology.

Published online 09 February 2024

RD23117The semen microbiome of miniature pony stallions

C. Giselle Cooke 0000-0002-7534-8533, Zamira Gibb 0000-0002-4864-8880, Christopher G. Grupen 0000-0001-8352-0404, Kathrin Schemann 0000-0002-1743-2833, Nandan Deshpande and Joanna E. Harnett 0000-0001-9904-2144
 

Diagram summarising how the equine semen microbiome of miniature pony stallions was characterised.

To date, a detailed description of the microbiota that inhabit the semen of fertile stallions has not been reported. This study examined the composition of the semen microbiome of four fertile miniature pony stallions. By profiling the semen microbiota of these ponies, we aimed to provide data that can inform future studies exploring the relationship between stallion fertility and the reproductive microbiome. The image was created with Biorender.com

Published online 02 February 2024

RD23136Lycopene inhibits apoptosis of mouse spermatocytes in varicocele via miR-23a/b-induced downregulation of PROK2

Hongqiang Wang, Baojuan Zhu, Tao Jing, Lei Yu, Kaishu Zhang, Yujie Liu and Hanshu Wang 0000-0002-9996-5114
 

Graphs depicting results of flow cytometry to evaluate GC-2 cell apoptosis.

Hypoxia is one of the most important factors to contribute to varicocele-associated impaired testicular function. Lycopene is a pharmacologically active carotenoid, which is the major bioactive constituent in many fruits and vegetables. Lycopene could attenuate hypoxia-induced spermatocyte injury through the miR-23a/b–PROK2 pathway. Lycopene might be an effective treatment for varicocele to improve testicular impairment. Image by Hongqiang Wang.

Published online 23 January 2024

RD23096Alterations of the gut microbiota and fecal short-chain fatty acids in women undergoing assisted reproduction

Ni Wu, Jun Liu, Yu Sun, Xiaoxiao Fan, Tianzi Zang, Brianna N. Richardson, Jinbing Bai, Yunyan Xianyu and Yanqun Liu 0000-0003-3586-299X
 

Diagram depicting four key elements of assisted reproduction treatment.

While assisted reproductive technology (ART) offers hope to infertile couples, it also brings problems. In this study, researchers found the application of ART altered the gut microbial composition and metabolism of pregnant women. The gut microbiota, as a ‘virtual organ’, is profoundly associated with the health of mother and fetus, and may have the potential to predict and treat ART-related adverse pregnancy and delivery outcomes. Image by Ni Wu.

Published online 19 January 2024

RD23185Endocrine changes induced by GnRH immunisation and subsequent early re-stimulation of testicular function with a GnRH agonist in stallions

Camille Gautier 0000-0002-3604-4836, Jörg Aurich, Maria Melchert, Lisa-Hélène Wagner, Martim Kaps, Carolina T. C. Okada, Reinhard Ertl 0000-0001-7485-3661, Ingrid Walter and Christine Aurich 0000-0001-6077-7362
 

Diagram depicting fertility variation after GnRH vaccination in male horses.

GnRH vaccination is used in male horses to reduce sexual behaviour and gonadal function, but the time to regain fertility varies considerably among individual animals. Daily GnRH agonist treatment for approximately 60 days in stallions vaccinated against GnRH successfully stimulated the production of sex steroid hormones and spermatogenesis. This treatment may be recommended for GnRH-vaccinated stallions with persistent inhibition of testicular function and fertility. Image by Camille Gautier.

This article belongs to the Collection Dedication to Jim Cummins.

Published online 08 January 2024

RD23205Impact of COVID-19 disease on the male factor in reproductive medicine – how-to advise couples undergoing IVF/ICSI

Julia Stark 0009-0005-5131-7985, Stefan P. Kuster and Vera Hungerbühler
 

The male reproductive system and the mechanism of SARS-COV-2 entering cells.

Is sperm quality reduced after COVID-19 infection? In everyday counselling, we often have to answer questions like these and advise people who are undergoing assisted reproductive medicine after a COVID-19 infection. Fortunately, although sperm quality is reduced after COVID-19 infection, this effect appears to be reversible, leading to a recommended 3-month recovery period regarding assisted reproductive therapy. Image by Julia Stark.

Published online 08 January 2024

RD23042Mouse Tspyl5 promotes spermatogonia proliferation through enhancing Pcna-mediated DNA replication

Xiangyou Leng 0000-0001-7046-2233, Shengyu Xie, Dachang Tao, Zhaokun Wang, Jiaying Shi, Ming Yi, Xiaolan Tan, Xinyue Zhang, Yunqiang Liu 0000-0001-7691-7630 and Yuan Yang 0000-0002-9206-0312
 

Diagram illustrating the proposed working model for Tspyl5-promoted spermatogonia proliferation.

The mammalian Y chromosome is crucial for spermatogenesis, in addition to controlling male sex determination. In order to elucidate the specific role of the TSPY1 gene in spermatogenesis, we used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to generate Tspyl5-deficient mice (TSPY1 homologous gene). Tspyl5-deficient mice showed significant decreases in sperm count and fertility. This important discovery suggests these genes are crucial for male reproduction.

Published online 15 December 2023

RD23150Coculture with porcine luteal cells during in vitro porcine oocyte maturation affects lipid content, cortical reaction and zona pellucida ultrastructure

G. M. Teplitz, M. S. Lorenzo, P. R. Cruzans, G. B. Olea, D. F. Salamone 0000-0003-0858-0313, A. Bastien, C. Robert, M. A. Sirard and D. M. Lombardo 0000-0003-0677-7702
 

Representative confocal microscopy image of stage MII oocyte showing active mitochondria, lipid droplets & nuclear DNA.

In vitro-produced embryos are essential for employing assisted reproductive technologies to establish porcine models. However, polyspermy remains a major obstacle to the production of porcine embryos in vitro. This study was conducted to test a coculture system of porcine luteal cells during in vitro maturation to improve suboptimal conditions. Our model could be an alternative to replace the conventional maturation medium, affecting the metabolism of the oocytes and leading to lower rates of polyspermy and higher rates of embryo development. Image by Gabriela Teplitz and Alexandre Bastien.

Just Accepted

These articles have been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. They are still in production and have not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

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