Date: 16-Jul-97 Name:
T19309_16a004hh Database: Medline
<1966 to Present>

Set Search Results
001 journal of reproduction & fertility. jn. 8122
002 1
and elephant. tw. 27


<1>
Authors
Hodges JK. van Aarde RJ. Heistermann M. Hoppen,HO. Institution
Department of Reproductive Biology, German Primate Centre, Gottingen.
Title
Progestin content and biosynthetic potential of the corpus luteum of the
African elephant (Loxodonta africana). Source
Journal of Reproduction & Fertility. 102(1):163-8, 1994 Sep. Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the progestin content and
biosynthetic potential of the corpus luteum of the African elephant
(Loxodonta africana). Luteal tissue was collected from non pregnant and
early, mid and late pregnant elephants (n = 2 per group) shot in the Kruger
National Park. Pieces of individual corpora lutea (2-3 per animal; 23 in
total) were stored directly in ethanol before hormone analysis. Matching
tissue pieces were incubated for 2 h with [3H]pregnenolone (2 x 10(5)
c.p.m.), after which tissue plus medium were also stored in ethanol.
Progesterone and 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone immuno reactivity in tissue
extracts were determined by enzyme immunoassay and radioimmunoassay,
respectively, before and after reverse phase HPLC. Progesterone immuno
reactivity predominated over that of 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone in all
corpora lutea examined but concentrations of both hormones were very low
(73-374ng g-1 and 3-93ng g-1, respectively after HPLC). There were no
obvious differences in hormone concentrations in corpora lutea from animals
at different reproductive stages. Progesterone and 17
alpha-hydroxyprogesterone immuno reactivity assayed before HPLC was 10-30
times higher than that measured after chromatographic separation. HPLC
consistently revealed two large immuno reactive peaks associated with
relatively nonpolar compounds, which together accounted for most (at least
75%) of all progesterone immuno reactivity measured. Large amounts of
radioactivity with the same retention times as these peaks were also
detected after HPLC in samples incubated with [3H]pregnenolone. Analysis of
conversion products from four corpus luteum incubations indicated that
between 52% and 84% of [3H]pregnenolone had been converted; 19-33% was
accounted for by progesterone, and 12-50% by the two substances represented
by the unidentified peaks. Subsequent GCMS analysis identified the two
immuno reactive peaks as 5 alpha-pregnane-3 alpha-ol-20-one and 5
alpha-pregnane-3,20-dione (5 alpha-dihydroprogesterone). These results
indicate that the major progestins contained within and biosynthesized by
corpora lutea of African elephants are 5 alpha-reduced metabolites, and that
progesterone and 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone are quantitatively of minor
importance.
Registry Numbers
0 (Hydroxyprogesterones). 0 (Pregnanediones). 0 (Progestational
Hormones). 128-20-1 (Pregnanolone). 4406-35-3 (pregnan-3-ol-20-one).
57-83-0 (Progesterone). 68-96-2 (17-Hydroxyprogesterone). 7350-00-7
(3,20-allopregnanedione).

<2>
Authors
Niemuller CA. Liptrap RM. Institution
Department of Biomedical Sciences University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
Title
Altered androstenedione to testosterone ratios and LH concentrations
during musth in the captive male Asian elephant (Elephas.maximus). Source
Journal of Reproduction & Fertility. 91(1):139-46, 1991 Jan. Abstract
Greater concentrations of androstenedione than testosterone were usually
present during periods of non-musth in plasma collected weekly for various
periods up to 2 years in 8 male Asian elephants (4-35 years of age). For the
6 males that exhibited musth the androstenedione/testosterone rati shifted
greatly in favour of testosterone. The severity of musth was assessed weekly
using a scale of 1 to 5 for each of 8 behavioural traits including urine
dribbling, temporal gland secretion and aggression. A significant
correlation (P less than 0.05) was noted between plasma testosterone
concentrations and the musth score value in 5 of 6 musth episodes. Brief
shifts in the ratio of two androgens when testosterone predominated (n =
106) were seen during the non-musth period in 3 of the males studied
continuously for 2 years. In 82% of these instances, stimuli of a sexual or
aggressive nature had occurred in the preceding 48 h (chi 2, P less than
0.01). A heterologous bovine assay was used to measure LH values in plasma
collected every 15 min for 12 h. Increases in testosterone concentrations
followed pulsatile increases in plasma LH concentrations during 7 non-musth
periods in 4 animals. Apart from pulse frequency, increases in the variables
describing pulsatile LH secretion were seen in 2 strong musth and 2 mild
musth episodes compared to non-musth values. A strong musth, however, was
characterized by a much greater increase in pulsatile testosterone secretion
than was a mild musth and which may be a function of the duration of musth.
Registry Numbers
0 (Androgens). 57-85-2 (Testosterone). 63-05-8 (Androstenedione).
9002-67-9 (LH).

<3>
Authors
de Villiers DJ. Skinner,JD. Hall-Martin AJ. Institution
Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, South Africa. Title
Circulating progesterone concentrations and ovarian functional anatomy in
the African elephant (Loxodonta africana). Source
Journal of Reproduction & Fertility. 86(1):195-201, 1989 May. Abstract
Mean plasma progesterone concentrations measured in pregnant and non
pregnant elephants did not differ significantly from each other because of
considerable variation, particularly for stage of pregnancy. Maximum
progesterone values were recorded during pregnancy (5-8 months) and declined
towards term (22 months). The numbers of corpora lutea or total luteal
tissue volume were not critical in maintaining progesterone secretion. An
increase in plasma progesterone concentrations with the luteal phase of the
ovarian cycle was evident. A possible role of the placenta in the second
half of gestation is indicated by an increase in fetal progesterone
concentrations towards term. Registry Numbers
57-83-0 (Progesterone).

<4>
Authors
Balke JM. Boever WJ. Ellersieck MR. Seal,US. Smith DA. Institution
St. Louis Zoological Park, Missouri 63110. Title
Anatomy of the reproductive tract of the female African elephant
(Loxodonta africana) with reference to development of techniques for
artificial breeding.
Source
Journal of Reproduction & Fertility. 84(2):485-92, 1988 Nov. Abstract
Complete reproductive tracts of 30 female African elephants (5-53 years),
obtained during a population reduction procedure, were examined. The
reproductive tracts were palpated in situ via the urogenital canal. A
plastic speculum (1.3 X 170 cm) was introduced into the canal and dye was
injected to simulate the procedure for artificial insemination. The lengths
of reproductive tracts (from the vulva to the ovary) ranged from 120 to 358
cm. The length increased with the size and age of the animal. There was a
membranous constriction (hymen) with an orifice, less than 2 cm in diameter,
between the urogenital canal and the vagina, in 4 primigravid and in all 13
nulliparous elephants. The vaginal orifice of 13 multiparous elephants
consisted of ragged folds of mucous membrane surrounding a single opening,
5-19 cm in diameter. The ages at first conception of 4 pregnant elephants
with intact hymenal membranes were 10, 12, 13 and 14 years. The hymen was
not penetrated as a result of intromission and therefore the site of
ejaculation would have been in the urogenital canal of the 4 primigravid
elephants.

<5>
Authors
Brannian JD. Griffin,F. Papkoff H. Terranova,PF. Institution
Department of Physiology, Ralph L. Smith Research Center, University of
Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City 66103. Title
Short and long phases of progesterone secretion during the oestrous cycle
of the African elephant (Loxodonta africana). Source
Journal of Reproduction & Fertility. 84(1):357-65, 1988 Sep. Abstract
Serum samples were collected from 3 mature female African elephants once
each week for 15-18 months. Circulating concentrations of progesterone,
estradiol and LH were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA). The LH RIA was
validated by demonstrating parallel cross-reaction with partly purified
elephant LH pituitary fractions. Changing serum progesterone concentrations
indicated an oestrous cycle length of 13.3 +/- 1.3 weeks (n = 11). The
presumed luteal phase, characterized by elevated serum progesterone values,
was 9.1 +/- 1.1 weeks (n = 11). Two abbreviated phases of progesterone in
serum lasting 2-3 weeks were observed in 2 elephants, indicating short
luteal phases. Estradiol concentrations in serum were variable, with no
clear pattern of secretion. More frequent blood samples were collected
during periovulatory periods and 9 distinct LH peaks were detected; all were
followed by rises in serum progesterone concentrations. Periovulatory
changes in progesterone and LH in sera correlated with external signs of
oestrus and mating behaviour. Registry Numbers
50-28-2 (Estradiol). 57-83-0 (Progesterone). 9002-67-9 (LH).

6
AU- Howard JG
AU- Bush M
AU- de Vos V
AU- Schiewe MC
AU- Pursel VG
AU- Wildt DE
TI-
Influence of cryoprotective diluent on post-thaw viability
and acrosomal integrity of spermatozoa of the African
elephant (Loxodonta africana).
SO - Journal of Reproduction & Fertility 1986 Sep;78(1):295-306
AB-
Electroejaculates from free ranging, African elephants were frozen
to test various seminal diluents, freezing methods and thawing media
on post-thaw sperm viability and structural integrity. In Study I,
each ejaculate was tested with each of 7 cryoprotective diluents.
After cooling to 5 degrees C and equilibration on ice (4 degrees C)
for 120 min, each aliquant was pellet frozen on solid CO2, stored in
liquid nitrogen and thawed (37 degrees C) in saline or tissue
culture solution. Amongst all diluents, post-thaw sperm motility,
motility duration in vitro (37 degrees C) and acrosomal integrity
were greatest (P less than 0.05) when diluent BF5F was used. Thawing
medium had no effect on results. In Study II, the optimal diluent
from Study I (BF5F) was compared with the diluent SGI. Results were
not affected by a 90- or a 150-min cooling equilibration interval in
an electronic cooler (5 degrees C); however, post-thaw sperm
motility rating and duration of motility in vitro were greater (P
less than 0.01) with the pellet than the straw container freezing
method. When the pelleting method was used, diluents BF5F and SGI
provided comparable cryoprotection. Duration of post-thaw motility
was enhanced 2-fold and up to 12 h by maintaining thawed semen at 21
rather than 37 degrees C (P less than 0.05). All diluents provided
some protection on acrosomal integrity, but the overall proportion
of intact acrosomes after thawing was markedly less in Study II,
apparently as a result of the slower initial cooling rate
(approximately 1.5 degrees C/min) compared to that of Study I
(approximately 6.5 degrees C/min). This study demonstrates the
feasibility of cryopreserving semen from free ranging African
elephants and indicates that spermatozoa must effectively survive
freezing when the BF5F or SGI diluent is used in conjunction with
the pelleting method.
RN - 0 (Cryoprotective Agents)

7
AU- Howard JG
AU- Bush M
AU- de Vos V
AU- Wildt DE
TI-
Electroejaculation, semen characteristics and serum testosterone
concentrations of free ranging african elephants (Loxodonta
africana).
SO - Journal of Reproduction & Fertility 1984 Sep;72(1):187-95
AB-
A regimented electroejaculation protocol (120 electrical
stimulations; 10-30V) was used to collect semen and characterize
ejaculate quality from 9 adult, free ranging African elephants under
anaesthesia. Eight of the 9 ejaculates contained high concentrations
of progressively motile spermatozoa. The overall mean ejaculate
volume, sperm concentration/ml ejaculate, sperm motility, sperm
status and ejaculate pH were 93.3 ml, 2408.6 X 10(6) spermatozoa/ml,
70%, 3.9 and 7.4, respectively. A high percentage (mean 77.5%) of
spermatozoa within each ejaculate was morphologically normal. Of the
aberrant spermatozoa, 72% had a cytoplasmic droplet defect. When
sperm viability was tested in vitro at 37 degrees C, sperm motility
rating declined by at least half of the initial assessment within
3.5 h of semen collection. Generally, spermatozoa maintained
motility in vitro for less than 6 h. Serum testosterone ranged from
1.4 to 8.2 ng/ml in 4 males evaluated in the morning (07:30-08:00
h). In 4 of the 5 bulls assessed in the afternoon (15:00-18:00 h),
testosterone levels were less than 0.9 ng/ml. The remaining bull,
evaluated at 16:00 h, had exceptionally high testosterone
concentrations (peak 25.6 ng/ml) and a preputial discharge
potentially indicative of 'musth'. The present study demonstrates
that high quality semen can be collected consistently from the
African elephant and that striking differences exist in serum
testosterone amongst free ranging males which may be due, in part,
to a diurnal rhythm.
RN - 57-85-2 (Testosterone)

8
AU- Poole JH
AU- Kasman LH
AU- Ramsay EC
AU- Lasley BL
TI-
Musth and urinary testosterone concentrations in the African
elephant (Loxodonta africana). SO-
Journal of Reproduction & Fertility 1984 Jan;70(1):255-60 AB- Urine
samples were obtained from free ranging African elephants that were
considered to be in and out of musth. Testosterone
concentrations, measured by radioimmunoassay were significantly
greater in males that were in or around the time of behavioural
musth. This study supports a correlation between the observed
behavioural characteristics of musth and urinary testosterone
levels.
RN - 57-85-2 (Testosterone)

9
AU- McNeilly AS
AU- Martin RD
AU- Hodges JK
AU- Smuts,GL
TI-
Blood concentrations of gonadotrophins, prolactin and gonadal
steroids in males and in non pregnant and pregnant female African
elephants (Loxodonta africana).
SO-
Journal of Reproduction & Fertility 1983 Jan;67(1):113-20 AB-
No seasonal variation in any of the hormones measured was apparent
in males or females. Testosterone levels in males increased around
puberty (10-11 years) and remained significantly higher in adult
than prepubertal males. This was not accompanied by any significant
change in levels of LH, FSH or prolactin. In non pregnant females
there was no apparent difference in levels of LH, FSH or prolactin
with age. There was a significant increase in progesterone around
puberty (12 years) but there was considerable overlap in values
between prepubertal and adult females. During pregnancy,
progesterone levels were significantly higher than in non-pregnant
females with maximum levels occurring at mid-pregnancy (9-12
months). However, there was considerable overlap in values between
non-pregnancy and pregnancy. Concentrations of LH and FSH decreased
significantly during mid-pregnancy while prolactin levels increased
dramatically during pregnancy; after 7 months of gestation until
term levels were always at least 8 ng/ml greater than in any non
pregnant female. It is suggested that this consistent increase in
plasma/serum levels of prolactin can be used to diagnose pregnancy
in the elephant.
RN - 0 (Gonadotropins, Pituitary)
RN - 57-83-0 (Progesterone)
RN - 57-85-2 (Testosterone)
RN - 9002-62-4 (Prolactin)
RN - 9002-67-9 (LH)
RN - 9002-68-0 (FSH)

10
AU- Hodges JK
AU- Henderson C
AU- McNeilly AS
TI-
Circulating oestrogen concentrations during pregnancy in the African
elephant (Loxodonta africana). SO-
Journal of Reproduction & Fertility 1983 Jan;67(1):121-7 AB-
Estrone, estradiol-17 beta and estriol were measured in plasma
samples from non pregnant and pregnant African elephants shot in the
wild. Enzymic hydrolysis of plasma showed that approximately 90 and
96% of the total (i.e. conjugated plus unconjugated) concentrations
of oestrone and oestradiol-17 beta, respectively were represented by
conjugated hormones. Unconjugated oestrogens remained low (less than
50 pg ml) in all samples, with no distinction between non pregnant
and pregnant animals. Levels of total oestrone during pregnancy
varied between 160 and 594 pg/ml but were not significantly
different from non pregnant values. Total oestradiol-17 beta
concentrations were significantly elevated during pregnancy (P less
than 0 X 01) and, despite considerable individual variation
(193-1428 pg/ml), were consistently higher than non pregnant values
after 6 months of gestation. The elevated levels of oestradiol-17
beta resulted in a reversal of the total oestradiol-17 beta:
oestrone concentration ratio at about 6 months of pregnancy.
Concentrations of total estriol did not exceed 103 pg/ml. An
indirect method of measurement indicated that oestradiol-17 beta
sulphate was probably the most abundant circulating oestrogen during
pregnancy in the African elephant.
RN - 0 (Estrogens)
RN - 50-27-1 (Estriol)
RN - 50-28-2 (Estradiol)
RN - 53-16-7 (Estrone)


11
AU- Lumpkin S
AU- Koontz F
AU- Howard JG
TI-
The oestrous cycle of the rufous elephant-shrew,
Elephantulus.rufescens.
SO-

Journal of Reproduction & Fertility 1982 Nov;66(2):671-3 12
AU - Jones RC
TI-
Luminal composition and maturation of spermatozoa in the genital
ducts of the African elephant (Loxodonta africana). SO-
Journal of Reproduction & Fertility 1980 Sep;60(1):87-93 AB- The
mean spermatocrit and sodium, potassium and protein concentrations
of fluid collected from the rete testis of the elephant were similar
to values described for the ram. Sperm maturation, as assessed by
the location of the cytoplasmic droplet in the middle pice, occurred
in the distal head and the isthmus of the epididymis (middle
segment). Spermatocrit determinations indicated that 96% of the
fluid leaving the testis was reabsorbed by the efferent ducts and
proximal initial segment, and 53% of the remainder was reabsorbed in
the more distal parts of the head of the epididymis (initial and
proximal middle segments). Sodium was reabsorbed in the same
concentration as luminal fluid and not in amounts equimolar with
potassium. The potassium concentration increased from 12.1 mequiv.
/1 in rete testis plasma to 64.8 mequiv. /1 in the proximal head of
the epididymis. About two thirds of the protein in rete testis fluid
(3.8 mg/ml) was reabsorbed by the efferent ducts and more was
absorbed by the head of the epididymis.
RN - 7440-09-7 (Potassium)
RN - 7440-23-5 (Sodium)

13
AU- Darin-Bennet A
AU- Morris S
AU- Jones RC
AU- White IG
TI- Proceedings: The glycerylphosphorylcholine and phospholipid pattern
of the genital duct and spermatozoa of the African elephant,
Loxodonta.africana.
SO-

Journal of Reproduction & Fertility 1976 Mar;46(2):506-7 14
AU- Jones RC
AU- Rowlands IW
AU- Skinner,JD
TI-
Spermatozoa in the genital ducts of the African elephant,
Loxodonta.africana.
SO-

Journal of Reproduction & Fertility 1974 Nov;41(1):189-92 15
AU- Jones RC
AU- Skinner,JD
AU- Rowlands IW
TI- Proceedings: The role of the urogenital ducts of the African
elephant, Loxodonta.africana.
SO-


Journal of Reproduction & Fertility 1974 Feb;36(2):441-2 16
AU- Jainudeen,MR
AU- Katongole CB
AU- Short,RV
TI-
Plasma testosterone levels in relation to musth and
sexual activity in the male asiatic elephant, Elephas.maximus.
SO-

Journal of Reproduction & Fertility 1972 Apr;29(1):99-103 17
AU- Hanks,J
TI-
Reproduction of elephant, Loxodonta africana, in the
Luangwa Valley, Zambia.
SO-

Journal of Reproduction & Fertility 1972 Jul;30(1):13-26 18
AU- Hanks,J
AU- Short,RV
TI-
The formation and function of the corpus luteum in the African
elephant, Loxodonta africana. SO-

Journal of Reproduction & Fertility 1972 Apr;29(1):79-89 19
AU- Jainudeen,MR
AU- Eisenberg JF
AU- Tilakeratne N
TI-
Estrous cycle of the asiatic elephant, Elephas maximus, in
captivity.
SO-

Journal of Reproduction & Fertility 1971 Dec;27(3):321-8 20
AU- Tripp HR
TI-
Reproduction in elephant-shrews (Macroselididae) with special
reference to ovulation and implantation. SO-

Journal of Reproduction & Fertility 1971 Aug;26(2):149-59 21
AU- Jainudeen,MR
AU- Eisenberg JF
AU- Jayasinghe JB
TI-
Semen on the Ceylon elephant, Elephas.maximus. SO-

Journal of Reproduction & Fertility 1971 Feb;24(2):213-7 22
AU- Smith JG
AU- Hanks,J
AU - Short,RV
TI-
Biochemical observations on the corpora lutea of the African
elephant, Loxodonta africana. SO-

Journal of Reproduction & Fertility 1969 Oct;20(1):111-7 23
AU- Johnson OW
AU- Buss IO
TI- The testis of the African elephant (Loxodonta africana). I.
Histological features. SO-

Journal of Reproduction & Fertility 1967 Feb;13(1):11-21 24
AU- Johnson OW
AU- Buss IO
TI- The testis of the African elephant (Loxodonta africana). II.
Development, puberty and weight. SO-

Journal of Reproduction & Fertility 1967 Feb;13(1):23-30 25
AU- Laws,RM
TI - Occurrence of placental scars in the uterus of the African elephant
(Loxodonta africana).
SO-

Journal of Reproduction & Fertility 1967 Dec;14(3):445-9 26
AU- Bryden,MM
TI - Testicular temperature in the Southern elephant seal, Mirounga
leonina (Linn).
SO-

Journal of Reproduction & Fertility 1967 Jun;13(3):583-4
27
AU- Short,RV
AU- Mann,T
AU- Hay,MF
TI - Male reproductive organs of the African elephant, Loxodonta
africana.
SO-
Journal of Reproduction & Fertility 1967 Jun;13(3):517-36