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David E Wildt - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • regulation of sperm function by protein tyrosine phosphorylation in diverse wild felid species
    Journal of Andrology, 1998
    Co-Authors: David E Wildt, Budhan S Pukazhenthi, Julie A Long, Mary Ann Ottinger, D L Armstrong, Jogayle Howard
    Abstract:

    : Protein tyrosine phosphorylation is associated with sperm capacitation and the acrosome reaction in several mammalian species. Changes in phosphorylation of a 95-kDa protein in human, mouse, and domestic Cat spermatozoa are known to be influenced by capacitation and exposure to zona pellucida (ZP) proteins. We previously reported diminished phosphorylation of 95- and 160-kDa proteins in spermatozoa from teratospermic Cats, compared with normospermic domestic Cats. To determine if these proteins and mechanisms are present in other species in the phenotypically diverse Felidae family, we examined the relationship between tyrosine-phosphorylated sperm proteins and sperm morphology in the Leopard Cat (∼65% normal sperm/ejaculate), tiger (∼65%), clouded Leopard (∼15%), and cheetah (∼30%). Furthermore, we investigated the involvement of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in the regulation of sperm protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Specifically, we assessed the following: 1) presence of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins in sperm extracts; 2) changes in protein tyrosine phosphorylation after sperm capacitation and swim-up separation; 3) impact of tyrosine kinase inhibition on Leopard Cat sperm protein phosphorylation and ZP penetration; and 4) involvement of a cAMP-dependent pathway in the regulation of protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Immunoblotting analysis with anti-phosphotyrosine antibody (PY20) indiCated that a 95-kDa protein was present in all four species. Additional phosphorylated proteins were detected in the Leopard Cat (145- and 175-kDa proteins), tiger (185-kDa protein), clouded Leopard (160- and 190-kDa proteins), and cheetah (115- and 155-kDa proteins). Sperm capacitation in vitro increased phosphorylation of one or more proteins in the Leopard Cat, tiger and clouded Leopard, but not in the cheetah. Although swim-up separation increased the proportion of morphologically normal spermatozoa in the clouded Leopard and cheetah, no changes were observed in phosphorylation of the 95-kDa sperm protein. Thus, phosphorylation of the 95-kDa protein appeared to be related to the condition of teratospermia. Exposing Leopard Cat spermatozoa to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, tyrphostin, reduced (P < 0.05) phosphorylation of the 95-and 145-kDa proteins, as well as ZP penetration, without affecting sperm motility. Similarly, when spermatozoa were incubated in the presence of cAMP analogs or active and inactive stereoisomers of cAMP, phosphorylation of sperm proteins was either stimulated or inhibited. Together, these data suggest that protein tyrosine kinase mechanisms appear conserved within the family Felidae and are regulated by a cAMP/protein kinase A pathway.

  • sperm capacitation in the domestic Cat felis Catus and Leopard Cat felis bengalensis as studied with a salt stored zona pellucida penetration assay
    Molecular Reproduction and Development, 1992
    Co-Authors: J C Andrews, David E Wildt, Jogayle Howard, Barry D Bavister
    Abstract:

    The ability of domestic Cat or Leopard Cat spermatozoa to penetrate zonae pellucidae (ZP) of salt-stored, domestic Cat oocytes was examined as an assay for sperm capacitation. Ovarian oocytes were recovered after ovariectomy and matured in vitro for 18–36 h. Following removal of cumulus cells, the oocytes were used fresh, or stored (4°C, 0.5-24 weeks) in a HEPES-buffered hypertonic salt solution. Electroejaculated, washed sperm (2-4 × 106 sperm/ml) were preincubated for 1.0 h (38°C, 5% CO2 in air) and then co-incubated (2 × 105 sperm/ml) with fresh or stored oocytes for 6.0 h. Gametes were incubated in a protein-free, modified Tyrode's solution (TLP-PVA) or in the same medium containing 4.0 mg/ml bovine serum albumin (BSA; TALP-PVA). Treatments were compared for percentage ZP penetration (defined as sperm heads reaching more than halfway through the ZP) as an index of sperm capacitation. In both the domestic Cat and Leopard Cat, there was no difference (P > 0.05) in sperm penetration of fresh ZP (domestic Cat, 42.5 ± 5.4%; Leopard Cat, 38.6 ± 2.8%) or stored ZP (domestic Cat, 32.4 ± 4.2%; Leopard Cat, 27.6 ± 2.3%). Sperm incubated in protein-free medium (TLP-PVA) were less capable (P<0.05) of ZP penetration (domestic Cat, 14.6 ± 5.9%; Leopard Cat, 7.9 ± 3.0%) than sperm incubated in medium TALP-PVA containing BSA (domestic Cat, 60.3 ± 5.9%; Leopard Cat, 58.4 ± 3.0%). These data indiCate that (1) albumin facilitates capacitation and ZP penetrating ability of Cat spermatozoa; (2) domestic Cat ZP appear to lack a block to heterospecific penetration by “foreign” (Leopard Cat) sperm; and (3) penetration of stored domestic Cat ZP can be used as an index of sperm capacitation in the domestic Cat and the Leopard Cat.

  • Sperm capacitation in the domestic Cat (Felis Catus) and Leopard Cat (Felis bengalensis) as studied with a salt-stored zona pellucida penetration assay.
    Molecular Reproduction and Development, 1992
    Co-Authors: J C Andrews, Jogayle Howard, Barry D Bavister, David E Wildt
    Abstract:

    The ability of domestic Cat or Leopard Cat spermatozoa to penetrate zonae pellucidae (ZP) of salt-stored, domestic Cat oocytes was examined as an assay for sperm capacitation. Ovarian oocytes were recovered after ovariectomy and matured in vitro for 18–36 h. Following removal of cumulus cells, the oocytes were used fresh, or stored (4°C, 0.5-24 weeks) in a HEPES-buffered hypertonic salt solution. Electroejaculated, washed sperm (2-4 × 106 sperm/ml) were preincubated for 1.0 h (38°C, 5% CO2 in air) and then co-incubated (2 × 105 sperm/ml) with fresh or stored oocytes for 6.0 h. Gametes were incubated in a protein-free, modified Tyrode's solution (TLP-PVA) or in the same medium containing 4.0 mg/ml bovine serum albumin (BSA; TALP-PVA). Treatments were compared for percentage ZP penetration (defined as sperm heads reaching more than halfway through the ZP) as an index of sperm capacitation. In both the domestic Cat and Leopard Cat, there was no difference (P > 0.05) in sperm penetration of fresh ZP (domestic Cat, 42.5 ± 5.4%; Leopard Cat, 38.6 ± 2.8%) or stored ZP (domestic Cat, 32.4 ± 4.2%; Leopard Cat, 27.6 ± 2.3%). Sperm incubated in protein-free medium (TLP-PVA) were less capable (P

  • ejaculate hormonal traits in the Leopard Cat felis bengalensis and sperm function as measured by in vitro penetration of zona free hamster ova and zona intact domestic Cat oocytes
    Molecular Reproduction and Development, 1990
    Co-Authors: Jogayle Howard, David E Wildt
    Abstract:

    : Electroejaculate traits and circulating follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone concentrations were analyzed in adult Leopard Cats (Felis bengalensis), a rare felid species indigenous to east Asia. The ability of Leopard Cat sperm to bind and penetrate zona-free hamster ova and zona-intact domestic Cat oocytes in vitro was examined as a means of testing sperm function. The influence of culture media [Biggers, Whitten, Whittingham (BWW) vs. modified Krebs Ringer bicarbonate (mKRB)], seminal plasma removal, and swim-up separation on sperm motility, sperm morphology, and oocyte penetration also were assessed. Sperm treatments included dilution of raw semen (DR), ejaculate centrifugation, and either resuspension (NS) or swim-up processing (SU). The percentage of oocytes penetrated (penetration rate) and the number of penetrated sperm/oocyte (penetration index) were determined. Ejaculates from each male consisted of at least a 50% sperm motility rating, and hormone concentrations in individual males were unrelated to any ejaculate trait measured concurrently on the same day. The SU technique improved (P less than 0.05) percent sperm motility and the proportion of structurally normal sperm compared to DR and NS treatments. Leopard Cat spermatozoa were capable of binding to and penetrating hamster ova and domestic Cat oocytes; however, penetration was influenced by culture medium and seminal processing. In the hamster assay, a higher (P less than 0.05) penetration rate and penetration index were achieved when mKRB was used for gamete incubation instead of BWW. NS processing also increased (P less than 0.05) overall penetration compared to DR and SU. In the Cat oocyte assay, zona penetration rate was similar (P greater than 0.05) in the DR, NS, and SU aliquots; however, the zona penetration index was increased (P less than 0.05) by the NS compared to the DR and SU treatments. This study 1) provides baseline ejaculate and endocrine norms for the Leopard Cat, 2) demonstrates that Leopard Cat sperm undergo nuclear decondensation in hamster ova and penetrate zona-intact domestic Cat oocytes, 3) indiCates that seminal plasma removal enhances Leopard Cat sperm fertilizing ability and ovum penetration, and 4) suggests that heterologous oocyte penetration is effective for assessing factors influencing fertilization and sperm function in this nondomestic felid.

Jogayle Howard - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • regulation of sperm function by protein tyrosine phosphorylation in diverse wild felid species
    Journal of Andrology, 1998
    Co-Authors: David E Wildt, Budhan S Pukazhenthi, Julie A Long, Mary Ann Ottinger, D L Armstrong, Jogayle Howard
    Abstract:

    : Protein tyrosine phosphorylation is associated with sperm capacitation and the acrosome reaction in several mammalian species. Changes in phosphorylation of a 95-kDa protein in human, mouse, and domestic Cat spermatozoa are known to be influenced by capacitation and exposure to zona pellucida (ZP) proteins. We previously reported diminished phosphorylation of 95- and 160-kDa proteins in spermatozoa from teratospermic Cats, compared with normospermic domestic Cats. To determine if these proteins and mechanisms are present in other species in the phenotypically diverse Felidae family, we examined the relationship between tyrosine-phosphorylated sperm proteins and sperm morphology in the Leopard Cat (∼65% normal sperm/ejaculate), tiger (∼65%), clouded Leopard (∼15%), and cheetah (∼30%). Furthermore, we investigated the involvement of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in the regulation of sperm protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Specifically, we assessed the following: 1) presence of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins in sperm extracts; 2) changes in protein tyrosine phosphorylation after sperm capacitation and swim-up separation; 3) impact of tyrosine kinase inhibition on Leopard Cat sperm protein phosphorylation and ZP penetration; and 4) involvement of a cAMP-dependent pathway in the regulation of protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Immunoblotting analysis with anti-phosphotyrosine antibody (PY20) indiCated that a 95-kDa protein was present in all four species. Additional phosphorylated proteins were detected in the Leopard Cat (145- and 175-kDa proteins), tiger (185-kDa protein), clouded Leopard (160- and 190-kDa proteins), and cheetah (115- and 155-kDa proteins). Sperm capacitation in vitro increased phosphorylation of one or more proteins in the Leopard Cat, tiger and clouded Leopard, but not in the cheetah. Although swim-up separation increased the proportion of morphologically normal spermatozoa in the clouded Leopard and cheetah, no changes were observed in phosphorylation of the 95-kDa sperm protein. Thus, phosphorylation of the 95-kDa protein appeared to be related to the condition of teratospermia. Exposing Leopard Cat spermatozoa to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, tyrphostin, reduced (P < 0.05) phosphorylation of the 95-and 145-kDa proteins, as well as ZP penetration, without affecting sperm motility. Similarly, when spermatozoa were incubated in the presence of cAMP analogs or active and inactive stereoisomers of cAMP, phosphorylation of sperm proteins was either stimulated or inhibited. Together, these data suggest that protein tyrosine kinase mechanisms appear conserved within the family Felidae and are regulated by a cAMP/protein kinase A pathway.

  • sperm capacitation in the domestic Cat felis Catus and Leopard Cat felis bengalensis as studied with a salt stored zona pellucida penetration assay
    Molecular Reproduction and Development, 1992
    Co-Authors: J C Andrews, David E Wildt, Jogayle Howard, Barry D Bavister
    Abstract:

    The ability of domestic Cat or Leopard Cat spermatozoa to penetrate zonae pellucidae (ZP) of salt-stored, domestic Cat oocytes was examined as an assay for sperm capacitation. Ovarian oocytes were recovered after ovariectomy and matured in vitro for 18–36 h. Following removal of cumulus cells, the oocytes were used fresh, or stored (4°C, 0.5-24 weeks) in a HEPES-buffered hypertonic salt solution. Electroejaculated, washed sperm (2-4 × 106 sperm/ml) were preincubated for 1.0 h (38°C, 5% CO2 in air) and then co-incubated (2 × 105 sperm/ml) with fresh or stored oocytes for 6.0 h. Gametes were incubated in a protein-free, modified Tyrode's solution (TLP-PVA) or in the same medium containing 4.0 mg/ml bovine serum albumin (BSA; TALP-PVA). Treatments were compared for percentage ZP penetration (defined as sperm heads reaching more than halfway through the ZP) as an index of sperm capacitation. In both the domestic Cat and Leopard Cat, there was no difference (P > 0.05) in sperm penetration of fresh ZP (domestic Cat, 42.5 ± 5.4%; Leopard Cat, 38.6 ± 2.8%) or stored ZP (domestic Cat, 32.4 ± 4.2%; Leopard Cat, 27.6 ± 2.3%). Sperm incubated in protein-free medium (TLP-PVA) were less capable (P<0.05) of ZP penetration (domestic Cat, 14.6 ± 5.9%; Leopard Cat, 7.9 ± 3.0%) than sperm incubated in medium TALP-PVA containing BSA (domestic Cat, 60.3 ± 5.9%; Leopard Cat, 58.4 ± 3.0%). These data indiCate that (1) albumin facilitates capacitation and ZP penetrating ability of Cat spermatozoa; (2) domestic Cat ZP appear to lack a block to heterospecific penetration by “foreign” (Leopard Cat) sperm; and (3) penetration of stored domestic Cat ZP can be used as an index of sperm capacitation in the domestic Cat and the Leopard Cat.

  • Sperm capacitation in the domestic Cat (Felis Catus) and Leopard Cat (Felis bengalensis) as studied with a salt-stored zona pellucida penetration assay.
    Molecular Reproduction and Development, 1992
    Co-Authors: J C Andrews, Jogayle Howard, Barry D Bavister, David E Wildt
    Abstract:

    The ability of domestic Cat or Leopard Cat spermatozoa to penetrate zonae pellucidae (ZP) of salt-stored, domestic Cat oocytes was examined as an assay for sperm capacitation. Ovarian oocytes were recovered after ovariectomy and matured in vitro for 18–36 h. Following removal of cumulus cells, the oocytes were used fresh, or stored (4°C, 0.5-24 weeks) in a HEPES-buffered hypertonic salt solution. Electroejaculated, washed sperm (2-4 × 106 sperm/ml) were preincubated for 1.0 h (38°C, 5% CO2 in air) and then co-incubated (2 × 105 sperm/ml) with fresh or stored oocytes for 6.0 h. Gametes were incubated in a protein-free, modified Tyrode's solution (TLP-PVA) or in the same medium containing 4.0 mg/ml bovine serum albumin (BSA; TALP-PVA). Treatments were compared for percentage ZP penetration (defined as sperm heads reaching more than halfway through the ZP) as an index of sperm capacitation. In both the domestic Cat and Leopard Cat, there was no difference (P > 0.05) in sperm penetration of fresh ZP (domestic Cat, 42.5 ± 5.4%; Leopard Cat, 38.6 ± 2.8%) or stored ZP (domestic Cat, 32.4 ± 4.2%; Leopard Cat, 27.6 ± 2.3%). Sperm incubated in protein-free medium (TLP-PVA) were less capable (P

  • ejaculate hormonal traits in the Leopard Cat felis bengalensis and sperm function as measured by in vitro penetration of zona free hamster ova and zona intact domestic Cat oocytes
    Molecular Reproduction and Development, 1990
    Co-Authors: Jogayle Howard, David E Wildt
    Abstract:

    : Electroejaculate traits and circulating follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone concentrations were analyzed in adult Leopard Cats (Felis bengalensis), a rare felid species indigenous to east Asia. The ability of Leopard Cat sperm to bind and penetrate zona-free hamster ova and zona-intact domestic Cat oocytes in vitro was examined as a means of testing sperm function. The influence of culture media [Biggers, Whitten, Whittingham (BWW) vs. modified Krebs Ringer bicarbonate (mKRB)], seminal plasma removal, and swim-up separation on sperm motility, sperm morphology, and oocyte penetration also were assessed. Sperm treatments included dilution of raw semen (DR), ejaculate centrifugation, and either resuspension (NS) or swim-up processing (SU). The percentage of oocytes penetrated (penetration rate) and the number of penetrated sperm/oocyte (penetration index) were determined. Ejaculates from each male consisted of at least a 50% sperm motility rating, and hormone concentrations in individual males were unrelated to any ejaculate trait measured concurrently on the same day. The SU technique improved (P less than 0.05) percent sperm motility and the proportion of structurally normal sperm compared to DR and NS treatments. Leopard Cat spermatozoa were capable of binding to and penetrating hamster ova and domestic Cat oocytes; however, penetration was influenced by culture medium and seminal processing. In the hamster assay, a higher (P less than 0.05) penetration rate and penetration index were achieved when mKRB was used for gamete incubation instead of BWW. NS processing also increased (P less than 0.05) overall penetration compared to DR and SU. In the Cat oocyte assay, zona penetration rate was similar (P greater than 0.05) in the DR, NS, and SU aliquots; however, the zona penetration index was increased (P less than 0.05) by the NS compared to the DR and SU treatments. This study 1) provides baseline ejaculate and endocrine norms for the Leopard Cat, 2) demonstrates that Leopard Cat sperm undergo nuclear decondensation in hamster ova and penetrate zona-intact domestic Cat oocytes, 3) indiCates that seminal plasma removal enhances Leopard Cat sperm fertilizing ability and ovum penetration, and 4) suggests that heterologous oocyte penetration is effective for assessing factors influencing fertilization and sperm function in this nondomestic felid.

J C Andrews - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • sperm capacitation in the domestic Cat felis Catus and Leopard Cat felis bengalensis as studied with a salt stored zona pellucida penetration assay
    Molecular Reproduction and Development, 1992
    Co-Authors: J C Andrews, David E Wildt, Jogayle Howard, Barry D Bavister
    Abstract:

    The ability of domestic Cat or Leopard Cat spermatozoa to penetrate zonae pellucidae (ZP) of salt-stored, domestic Cat oocytes was examined as an assay for sperm capacitation. Ovarian oocytes were recovered after ovariectomy and matured in vitro for 18–36 h. Following removal of cumulus cells, the oocytes were used fresh, or stored (4°C, 0.5-24 weeks) in a HEPES-buffered hypertonic salt solution. Electroejaculated, washed sperm (2-4 × 106 sperm/ml) were preincubated for 1.0 h (38°C, 5% CO2 in air) and then co-incubated (2 × 105 sperm/ml) with fresh or stored oocytes for 6.0 h. Gametes were incubated in a protein-free, modified Tyrode's solution (TLP-PVA) or in the same medium containing 4.0 mg/ml bovine serum albumin (BSA; TALP-PVA). Treatments were compared for percentage ZP penetration (defined as sperm heads reaching more than halfway through the ZP) as an index of sperm capacitation. In both the domestic Cat and Leopard Cat, there was no difference (P > 0.05) in sperm penetration of fresh ZP (domestic Cat, 42.5 ± 5.4%; Leopard Cat, 38.6 ± 2.8%) or stored ZP (domestic Cat, 32.4 ± 4.2%; Leopard Cat, 27.6 ± 2.3%). Sperm incubated in protein-free medium (TLP-PVA) were less capable (P<0.05) of ZP penetration (domestic Cat, 14.6 ± 5.9%; Leopard Cat, 7.9 ± 3.0%) than sperm incubated in medium TALP-PVA containing BSA (domestic Cat, 60.3 ± 5.9%; Leopard Cat, 58.4 ± 3.0%). These data indiCate that (1) albumin facilitates capacitation and ZP penetrating ability of Cat spermatozoa; (2) domestic Cat ZP appear to lack a block to heterospecific penetration by “foreign” (Leopard Cat) sperm; and (3) penetration of stored domestic Cat ZP can be used as an index of sperm capacitation in the domestic Cat and the Leopard Cat.

  • Sperm capacitation in the domestic Cat (Felis Catus) and Leopard Cat (Felis bengalensis) as studied with a salt-stored zona pellucida penetration assay.
    Molecular Reproduction and Development, 1992
    Co-Authors: J C Andrews, Jogayle Howard, Barry D Bavister, David E Wildt
    Abstract:

    The ability of domestic Cat or Leopard Cat spermatozoa to penetrate zonae pellucidae (ZP) of salt-stored, domestic Cat oocytes was examined as an assay for sperm capacitation. Ovarian oocytes were recovered after ovariectomy and matured in vitro for 18–36 h. Following removal of cumulus cells, the oocytes were used fresh, or stored (4°C, 0.5-24 weeks) in a HEPES-buffered hypertonic salt solution. Electroejaculated, washed sperm (2-4 × 106 sperm/ml) were preincubated for 1.0 h (38°C, 5% CO2 in air) and then co-incubated (2 × 105 sperm/ml) with fresh or stored oocytes for 6.0 h. Gametes were incubated in a protein-free, modified Tyrode's solution (TLP-PVA) or in the same medium containing 4.0 mg/ml bovine serum albumin (BSA; TALP-PVA). Treatments were compared for percentage ZP penetration (defined as sperm heads reaching more than halfway through the ZP) as an index of sperm capacitation. In both the domestic Cat and Leopard Cat, there was no difference (P > 0.05) in sperm penetration of fresh ZP (domestic Cat, 42.5 ± 5.4%; Leopard Cat, 38.6 ± 2.8%) or stored ZP (domestic Cat, 32.4 ± 4.2%; Leopard Cat, 27.6 ± 2.3%). Sperm incubated in protein-free medium (TLP-PVA) were less capable (P

Masako Izawa - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Molecular Epidemiologic Survey of Bartonella, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma Infections in Japanese Iriomote and Tsushima Leopard Cats
    Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 2013
    Co-Authors: Morihiro Tateno, Masako Izawa, Nozomi Nakanishi, Takuma Nishio, Masato Sakuma, Yumiko Asari, Maki Okamura, Takako Shimokawa Miyama, Soichi Maruyama, Asuka Setoguchi
    Abstract:

    The Iriomote Cat (IC; Prionailurus iriomotensis) and the Tsushima Leopard Cat (TLC; Prionailurus bengalensis euptilura) are endangered wild felids in Japan. As a part of ongoing conservation activities, we conducted a molecular, epidemiologic survey of Bartonella, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma infections in wild IC and TLC populations. Blood samples (47 from 33 individual IC; 22 from 13 TLC) were collected between August 2002 and January 2011. Using PCR analysis, we confirmed the presence of Bartonella henselae in ICs and Bartonella clarridgeiae in TLCs, with prevalences of 6% and 8%, respectively. Using PCR and basic local alignment search tool analyses, we identified Ehrlichia canis in both Cats and Anaplasma bovis in TLCs. The prevalence of E. canis was 12% in ICs and 8% in TLCs, and the prevalence of A. bovis was 15% in TLCs. This is the first report, to our knowledge, of B. henselae, B. clarridgeiae, E. canis, and A. bovis infections in these two endangered species. Continuous monitoring of these pathogen...

  • Epidemiological survey of tick-borne protozoal infection in iriomote Cats and tsushima Leopard Cats in Japan.
    Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, 2013
    Co-Authors: Morihiro Tateno, Masako Izawa, Nozomi Nakanishi, Takuma Nishio, Tomohide Matsuo, Masato Sakuma, Yumiko Asari, Maki Okamura, Takako Shimokawa Miyama, Asuka Setoguchi
    Abstract:

    : This epidemiological survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of Hepatozoon, Babesia and Theileria infection in the Iriomote Cat (IC) and the Tsushima Leopard Cat (TLC). Blood samples from 43 ICs and 14 TLCs were collected between November 2002 and January 2012. Polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing analyses detected a Hepatozoon felis infection prevalence of 72.0% (31/43 Cats) and 100% (14/14 Cats) in ICs and TLCs, respectively. The degree of Hepatozoon parasitemia observed on blood smears ranged from 0.1 to 4.7%. However, no cases had obvious clinical signs of hepatozoonosis. Neither Babesia- nor Theileria-infected wildCats were detected in this study.

  • effects of human activities on home range size and habitat use of the tsushima Leopard Cat prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus in a suburban area on the tsushima islands japan
    Journal of Ecology and Environment, 2010
    Co-Authors: Dae Hyun Oh, Shusaku Moteki, Nozomi Nakanish, Masako Izawa
    Abstract:

    The Tsushima Leopard Cat, Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus, a small felid, inhabits only the Tsushima Islands in Japan. Previous studies of the Tsushima Leopard Cat revealed that natural factors; including sex, reproductive activity, season, and prey distribution and abundance affect Leopard Cat home range variation and habitat use. In this study, we focused on clarifying how anthropogenic factors influenced home range variation and habitat use of a male Tsushima Leopard Cat living near a suburban area in January, March, May and September 2005 using radio-tracking. The home range size (100% MCP) of this Cat was 0.78 ± 0.26 km 2 (mean ± SD, n = 4 tracking sessions) across the whole study period. However, the Cat did not use all parts of its home range uniformly; rather it used some habitat types selectively. The Cat avoided agriculture areas and residential areas in all of the tracking-sessions. On the other hand, the Cat showed a weak preference for artificial structures and a strong preference for baiting sites in January and March, while it avoided them in May, and no baiting site was included in its home range in September. These results suggest that anthropogenic factors influenced the ranging patterns and habitat use of the Leopard Cat living near a suburban area. Artificial structures might provided good resting spaces for the Cat in bad weather. When the density of its main prey was low in the winter, the Cat tended to rely on artificial prey and had a small home range size.

  • ecology and conservation of two endangered subspecies of the Leopard Cat prionailurus bengalensis on japanese islands
    Biological Conservation, 2009
    Co-Authors: Masako Izawa, Nozomi Nakanishi, Ayumi Teranishi
    Abstract:

    Abstract The conservation of rare species on islands is a special challenge, especially when the islands are faced with increasing human impact. Two endangered wild felids in Japan provide a contrast that is useful for examining conservation strategies. The Iriomote Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis iriomotensis) is endemic to Iriomotejima Island in Okinawa, and the Tsushima Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus) occurs in the Tsushima islands in Japan, although a related subspecies found in the Korean Peninsula. Population size was approximately 100 individuals for each subspecies. While the population of Iriomote Cat appears relatively stable, the population and abundance of the Tsushima Leopard Cat has decreased in recent decades. Because of their small population sizes and restricted habitats both are listed as endangered species/subspecies in Japan’s Red List, and the Iriomote Cat is listed as an endangered subspecies in the IUCN Red List. Although both are similar-sized felids living on small islands, their ecological characteristics such as food habit, habitat selection, and density differ. These differences seem to be caused by the climate, the biological environment (the species composition of fauna in each island, and the presence of competitors), and the artificial background. The threats facing these two felids are also similar. Habitat destruction, traffic accidents, and negative influences by introduced species are the principal threats to be addressed for their conservation. At the same time, there are differences in the degree of impact by each threat, in each species’ conservation programs in practice, and in the stages of progress and operation of programs. These differences are partly because they have different ecological features and partly because the social background of each island, such as human population, main industry, and historical relationship between human and wildlife, are quite different. We will compare the ecology and state of these two wild felids and discuss the different conservational situations in relation to felid ecology and human society.

  • helminths of the tsushima Leopard Cat felis bengalensis euptilura
    Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 1993
    Co-Authors: Nobuhiro Yasuda, Masao Akuzawa, Hiroyuki Maruyama, Masako Izawa
    Abstract:

    Three Tsushima Leopard Cats (Felis bengalensis euptilura) in Japan were collected as road kills. Three species of trematodes (Pharyngostomum cordatum, Paragonimus sp. and Dicrocoeliidae gn. sp.), one species of cestode (Spirometra erinacei) and nine species of nematodes (Arthrostoma hunanensis, Uncinaria felidis, Uncinaria sp., Ancylostoma tubaeforme, Molineus springsmithi, Toxocara Cati, Capillaria aerophila, Capillaria felisCati, and Capillaria sp.) were found. Among these helminths, Arthrostoma hunanensis, Uncinaria spp., and Molineus springsmithi have not been reported previously in Japanese domestic Cats.

Barry D Bavister - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • sperm capacitation in the domestic Cat felis Catus and Leopard Cat felis bengalensis as studied with a salt stored zona pellucida penetration assay
    Molecular Reproduction and Development, 1992
    Co-Authors: J C Andrews, David E Wildt, Jogayle Howard, Barry D Bavister
    Abstract:

    The ability of domestic Cat or Leopard Cat spermatozoa to penetrate zonae pellucidae (ZP) of salt-stored, domestic Cat oocytes was examined as an assay for sperm capacitation. Ovarian oocytes were recovered after ovariectomy and matured in vitro for 18–36 h. Following removal of cumulus cells, the oocytes were used fresh, or stored (4°C, 0.5-24 weeks) in a HEPES-buffered hypertonic salt solution. Electroejaculated, washed sperm (2-4 × 106 sperm/ml) were preincubated for 1.0 h (38°C, 5% CO2 in air) and then co-incubated (2 × 105 sperm/ml) with fresh or stored oocytes for 6.0 h. Gametes were incubated in a protein-free, modified Tyrode's solution (TLP-PVA) or in the same medium containing 4.0 mg/ml bovine serum albumin (BSA; TALP-PVA). Treatments were compared for percentage ZP penetration (defined as sperm heads reaching more than halfway through the ZP) as an index of sperm capacitation. In both the domestic Cat and Leopard Cat, there was no difference (P > 0.05) in sperm penetration of fresh ZP (domestic Cat, 42.5 ± 5.4%; Leopard Cat, 38.6 ± 2.8%) or stored ZP (domestic Cat, 32.4 ± 4.2%; Leopard Cat, 27.6 ± 2.3%). Sperm incubated in protein-free medium (TLP-PVA) were less capable (P<0.05) of ZP penetration (domestic Cat, 14.6 ± 5.9%; Leopard Cat, 7.9 ± 3.0%) than sperm incubated in medium TALP-PVA containing BSA (domestic Cat, 60.3 ± 5.9%; Leopard Cat, 58.4 ± 3.0%). These data indiCate that (1) albumin facilitates capacitation and ZP penetrating ability of Cat spermatozoa; (2) domestic Cat ZP appear to lack a block to heterospecific penetration by “foreign” (Leopard Cat) sperm; and (3) penetration of stored domestic Cat ZP can be used as an index of sperm capacitation in the domestic Cat and the Leopard Cat.

  • Sperm capacitation in the domestic Cat (Felis Catus) and Leopard Cat (Felis bengalensis) as studied with a salt-stored zona pellucida penetration assay.
    Molecular Reproduction and Development, 1992
    Co-Authors: J C Andrews, Jogayle Howard, Barry D Bavister, David E Wildt
    Abstract:

    The ability of domestic Cat or Leopard Cat spermatozoa to penetrate zonae pellucidae (ZP) of salt-stored, domestic Cat oocytes was examined as an assay for sperm capacitation. Ovarian oocytes were recovered after ovariectomy and matured in vitro for 18–36 h. Following removal of cumulus cells, the oocytes were used fresh, or stored (4°C, 0.5-24 weeks) in a HEPES-buffered hypertonic salt solution. Electroejaculated, washed sperm (2-4 × 106 sperm/ml) were preincubated for 1.0 h (38°C, 5% CO2 in air) and then co-incubated (2 × 105 sperm/ml) with fresh or stored oocytes for 6.0 h. Gametes were incubated in a protein-free, modified Tyrode's solution (TLP-PVA) or in the same medium containing 4.0 mg/ml bovine serum albumin (BSA; TALP-PVA). Treatments were compared for percentage ZP penetration (defined as sperm heads reaching more than halfway through the ZP) as an index of sperm capacitation. In both the domestic Cat and Leopard Cat, there was no difference (P > 0.05) in sperm penetration of fresh ZP (domestic Cat, 42.5 ± 5.4%; Leopard Cat, 38.6 ± 2.8%) or stored ZP (domestic Cat, 32.4 ± 4.2%; Leopard Cat, 27.6 ± 2.3%). Sperm incubated in protein-free medium (TLP-PVA) were less capable (P