Progesterone and reproduction in marsupials: A review

Bradshaw, F. J.; Bradshaw, Don

doi:10.1016/j.ygcen.2010.07.015

Cited by 35 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 200 publications

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“…In both eutherians and in marsupials P4 causes uterine secretion, which plays a critical role in provisioning the early embryo 46 . In eutherians, P4 is also maintaining myometrial quiescence 18, 19, 24, 47–49 , and is essential for the maintenance of pregnancy throughout gestation.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evolution of Gene Expression in the Uterine Cervix related to Steroid Signaling: Conserved features in the regulation of cervical ripening

Wagner

Nnamani

Chavan

et al. 2017

Sci Rep

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The uterine cervix is the boundary structure between the uterus and the vagina and is key for the maintenance of pregnancy and timing of parturition. Here we report on a comparative transcriptomic study of the cervix of four placental mammals, mouse, guinea pig, rabbit and armadillo, and one marsupial, opossum. Our aim is to investigate the evolution of cervical gene expression as related to putative mechanisms for functional progesterone withdrawal. Our findings are: 1) The patterns of gene expression in eutherian (placental) mammals are consistent with the notion that an increase in the E/P4 signaling ratio is critical for cervical ripening. How the increased E/P4 ratio is achieved, however, is variable between species. 2) None of the genes related to steroid signaling, that are modulated in eutherian species, change expression during opossum gestation. 3) A tendency for decreased expression of progesterone receptor co-activators (NCOA1, -2 and -3, and CREBBP) towards term is a shared derived feature of eutherians. This suggests that parturition is associated with broad scale histone de-acetylation. Western-blotting on mouse cervix confirmed large scale histone de-acetylation in labor. This finding may have important implications for the control of premature cervical ripening and prevention of preterm birth in humans.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evolution of Gene Expression in the Uterine Cervix related to Steroid Signaling: Conserved features in the regulation of cervical ripening

Wagner

Nnamani

Chavan

et al. 2017

Sci Rep

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“…However, further investigations on other species are needed. Indeed, the diversity of mammalian reproductive strategies is associated with contrasted underlying reproductive physiologies, notably regarding the roles of progesterone (Bradshaw & Bradshaw, 2011).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of a brief stress on progesterone plasma levels in pregnant and non-pregnant guinea pigs

Michel

Bonnet

2014

Animal Biol

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International audienceSteroid hormones are essential for vertebrate reproduction. They are involved in the regulation of major female reproductive events like ovulation, embryo implantation, or gestation. For instance, progesterone promotes foeto-maternal exchanges whereas glucocorticoids stimulate the mobilization of the required energy resources. However, glucocorticoids are key effectors of the stress response; chronic elevations of these hormones can exert negative effects on reproduction. Yet, little is known about the effects of a brief exposure to a stressor on the respective plasma concentrations of sex steroids and glucocorticoids, notably during pregnancy. We examined the impact of a brief stress (handling + 1.5 hours in a bag) on progesterone and cortisol plasma concentrations in pregnant and non-pregnant female guinea pigs. Analyses revealed that: 1) pregnant females exhibited higher baseline progesterone and cortisol concentrations compared to non-pregnant females, as expected; 2) cortisol concentrations increased rapidly following manipulation, revealing a typical hormonal stress response; and, 3) progesterone concentrations decreased on average by 50.9% following the brief stress period, both in pregnant and non-pregnant individuals. These experimental results show for the first time a drastic and rapid impact on progesterone concentration caused by a brief stress

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“…11). This unusual feature has also been reported in the squirrel glider, Petaurus norfolcencis (Woodd et al 2006) and is present just prior to ovulation in the western quoll (Dasyurus geoVroii) (Bradshaw and Bradshaw 2011;Stead-Richardson et al 2001). Although largely unexplored in Australian marsupials, progesterone elicits the onset of sexual receptivity and plays a role in ovulation in the American didelphid marsupial, Monodelphis domestica (Harder et al 2008).…”

Section: Oestrous Cycling and Gestationmentioning

confidence: 62%

The physiology of the honey possum, Tarsipes rostratus, a small marsupial with a suite of highly specialised characters: a review

Bradshaw

2011

J Comp Physiol B

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Field and laboratory studies of the iconic nectarivorous and 'pollenivorous' honey possum, Tarsipes rostratus, are reviewed with the aim of identifying aspects of its physiology that are as yet poorly understood and needed to implement management strategies for its long-term conservation. Dietary specialisations include the loss of teeth, a modified gut with a high rate of passage, exceptionally low minimum nitrogen requirements, an apparently high basal metabolic rate and a permanently polyuric kidney. In contrast, its reproductive physiology is plesiomorphic, combining aspects such as a post-partum oestrus, embryonic diapause, photoperiodicity and extended maternal care that are usually separate characteristics of other marsupial groups. In common with a number of other marsupials, the honey possum has the potential for trichromatic colour vision and has been the subject of several studies attempting to correlate visual quality with ecological realities. Field physiological studies have established its high rates of nectar and pollen intake needed to maintain energy balance and highlight the need for a constant intake from floral sources. Early allometric studies suggesting that the honey possum's relatively low reproductive rate may be linked to a diet limited in protein have not been supported and nitrogen intakes in the field exceed by a factor of 10 the animal's basic requirements for balance. Measurements of rates of protein turnover in field-caught lactating females suggest that they divert nitrogen from the protein pool to milk production by reducing rates of degradation, rather than by increasing rates of synthesis of protein. Although not yet an endangered species, the honey possum's habitat has been drastically reduced since European occupation of Australia and future-targeted research on the animal's unique physiology and habitat linkage is needed that can be translated into effective management practices. Only then will its long-term survival be assured.

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Progesterone and reproduction in marsupials: A review

Cited by 35 publications

References 200 publications

Evolution of Gene Expression in the Uterine Cervix related to Steroid Signaling: Conserved features in the regulation of cervical ripening

Evolution of Gene Expression in the Uterine Cervix related to Steroid Signaling: Conserved features in the regulation of cervical ripening

Effect of a brief stress on progesterone plasma levels in pregnant and non-pregnant guinea pigs

The physiology of the honey possum, Tarsipes rostratus, a small marsupial with a suite of highly specialised characters: a review

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