31 research outputs found
Potential role of interleukin-1 at the peri-ovulation stage in a species of placental viviparous reptile, the three-toed skink, Chalcides chalcides (squamata: scincidae)
We recently showed that interleukin-1 (IL-1) is secreted by the placenta of a species of squamate reptile, the three-toed skink, Chalcides chalcides. In this study, we used immunohistochemical techniques to investigate the expression of IL-1 (in the two isoforms, IL-1α and IL-1β) and its specific membrane receptor IL-1 RtI in uterine oviduct during the peri-implantation period. We found that both IL-1 and its receptor were expressed in uterine tissues before and after ovulation (in the pre-ovulatory stage, even before the yolk had formed in the ovary). However, while IL-1α was mostly localized in the uterine mesenchyme tissue, IL-1β and IL-1RtI were present in the uterine epithelium. Our data provide a further comparison between the reproduction of mammals and squamate reptiles
Multi-phase and Multi-component CFD Analysis of a Load - Sensing Proportional Control Valve
The paper analyzes the flow through a directional control valve for load –sensing application
by means of a multi-phase and multi-component CFD approach. Numerical modeling includes both
cavitation and aeration; in particular, the Rayleigh-Plesset equation and the inertia controlled growth
model for bubble formation are adopted. The effects of gas release and vapor formation as well as
turbulence on the main valve metering characteristics are investigated. The results show a remarkable
influence of the aeration phenomena on the recirculating zones downstream of the metering area and thus
on the cavitation onset region
Materno-fetal immunotolerance: is Interleukin-1 a fundamental mediator in placental viviparity?
Cytokines are important regulators of materno–fetal immunotolerance in mammals. They act within an intricate network,
in which the balance among different cytokines contributes to the success of reproductive processes. Despite numerous studies,
however, the role of cytokines at the materno–fetal interface remains largely unknown.
Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a proinflammatory cytokine with many functions in the immune system and in defence against
infections. There have been very many studies of the presence and role of IL-1 in human and murine reproduction. Although
studies on mammals have shown that IL-1 is an essential mediator in embryo implantation and establishment of pregnancy,
mice that are transgenic for most components of the IL-1 family breed normally, suggesting that IL-1 acts in concert with other
cytokines at the materno–fetal interface.
We recently showed that IL-1 is also expressed by the placenta of non-mammalian vertebrates, including some squamate
reptiles and elasmobranch fishes. The expression of IL-1 at the materno–fetal interface in the phylogenetically oldest extant
placental vertebrates suggests that IL-1 is a fundamental regulator of materno–fetal relationships
Interleukin-1 in reproductive strategies.
Evolutionary studies on different classes of vertebrates could help clarify the role of cytokines in acceptance of the embryo by the maternal tissues. This review focuses on the cytokine interleukin-1 (IL-1) and reports on its presence in the female reproductive tract of species with different reproductive strategies, that is, viviparity, oviparity, and ovuliparity. Unlike oviparity and viviparity, ovuliparity does not involve any contact between paternal-derived fetal antigens and maternal tissues, because eggs are released unfertilized in the external environment. Therefore, we consider ovuliparity a natural negative control for mechanisms of materno-fetal immunotolerance. The goal of this review is to discuss the role of the IL-1 system in the acquisition of the ability to retain the embryo in the female genital tract during the transition from ovuliparity to viviparity
Interleukin 1 in oviductal tissues of viviparous, oviparous, and ovuliparous species of amphibians
Egg Removal via Cloacoscopy in Three Dystocic Leopard Geckos (Eublepharis macularius)
: Dystocia is a multifactorial, life-threatening condition commonly affecting pet reptiles. Treatment for dystocia can be either medical or surgical. Medical treatment usually involves the administration of oxytocin, but in some species or, in some cases, this treatment does not work as expected. Surgical treatments such as ovariectomy or ovariosalpingectomy are resolutive, but invasive in small-sized reptiles. In this paper, we describe three cases of post ovulatory egg retention in three leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) successfully treated through a cloacoscopic removal of the retained eggs, after a non resolutive medical treatment. The intervention was fast, non-invasive, and no procedure-related adverse effects were noted. The problem relapsed six months later in one animal, and a successful bilateral ovariosalpingectomy was performed. Cloacoscopy should be considered a valuable, non-invasive tool for egg removal in dystocic leopard geckos when the egg is accessible to manipulation. Recrudescence or complications such as adhesions, oviductal rupture, or the presence of ectopic eggs should recommend surgical intervention