Endoscopy, histology and electron microscopy analysis of foetal membranes in pregnant South American plains vizcacha reveal unusual excrescences on the yolk sac.

Journal of Molecular Histology
Mariela GiacchinoAlfredo Daniel Vitullo

Abstract

The South American hystricognathe Lagostomus maximus is a fossorial rodent whose females show unique reproductive characteristics. They have a 155-day long gestation, show massive polyovulation and a selective process of embryonic resorption in the first half of gestation. In order to explore and perform an in-situ characterization of the reproductive tract, we visualized internal structures through ultrasonography and video-endoscopy in pregnant and non-pregnant females. We describe the finding of protruding structures that lie on the yolk sac and their histological and ultrastructural characterization. The placenta was covered with whitish, small pearl-shaped structures. These structures were also seen on the extra-embryonic space, being the amnion and the umbilical cord free of them. Pearl-shaped structures were composed with loose connective tissue, lacked blood vessels, and showed collagen fibers organized in a spiral form. They were anchored by pedicles to the villous surface of the extraembryonic membrane. We discuss the biological and evolutionary meaning of the pearl-shaped structures that relate L. maximus to the African origin of the South American hystricognathe fauna.

References

May 1, 1973·Journal of Reproduction and Fertility·C M Roberts, B J Weir
Jun 1, 1971·Journal of Reproduction and Fertility·B J Weir
Jun 1, 1971·Journal of Reproduction and Fertility·B J Weir
Jun 3, 2006·Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology : RB&E·Rosangela Felipe RodriguesMaria Angelica Miglino
Aug 4, 2006·Reproduction : the Official Journal of the Society for the Study of Fertility·Federico JensenAlfredo D Vitullo
Dec 14, 2006·Proceedings. Biological Sciences·Thomas HildebrandtMarilyn B Renfree
Jun 6, 2009·Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology : RB&E·Claudia KanashiroAnthony M Carter
Apr 13, 2010·The Veterinary Clinics of North America. Exotic Animal Practice·Stephen J Divers
Sep 8, 2011·Journal of Experimental Zoology. Part B, Molecular and Developmental Evolution·Moacir Franco de OliveiraAndrea Maria Mess
Jun 25, 2017·General and Comparative Endocrinology·Nicolas Alejandro FraunhofferAlfredo Daniel Vitullo

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Citations

Feb 20, 2020·The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·Pablo I F InserraVerónica B Dorfman
Apr 16, 2021·Placenta·Claudio Gustavo BarbeitoMirta Alicia Flamini

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Methods Mentioned

BETA
electron microscopy
scanning electron microscopy
transmission electron microscopy

Software Mentioned

Adobe Photoshop Photoshop
Micrometrics

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