Morphological and immunohistochemical analysis of ovary in captive female red panda (Ailurus fulgens)
Date Issued
2016
Date
2016
Author(s)
Lin, Shiuan-Chi
Abstract
The red panda (Ailurus fulgens), also called lesser panda, is a unique species that belongs to its own taxonomic family and is not closely related to any other living species. It has been classified as vulnerable (VU) species by the IUCN in 2000 as the global population in the wild is estimated less than 10,000 mature individuals distributed over two subspecies, A. f. fulgens and A. f. styani. The wild population continues to decline and is threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, poaching, and inbreeding depression, although the red panda is protected by national laws in their range countries. The zoo population also declined over the past decade. Even though this small arboreal mammal is very significant biologically, is of high conservation value, and has the potential to serve as a flagship for conservation across its range, eastern Himalayas and southwestern China, research data on the species is so insufficient that the first workshop hasn’t been held until 2010. A viable zoo population of red pandas could play an important role in ensuring the red panda’s survival for future reintroduction, and also function as a research resource for learning more about red panda biology. Unlocking certain reproductive characteristics of the species would aid in providing an environment for the captive animals that mimics their natural environment. The red panda is a seasonal breeder with a mating season in the winter. It is important to estimate factors may affect breeding success for zoo management. To assess changes of various reproductive statuses in female red panda, ovaries were collected from ten captive female red pandas died of non-reproductive system diseases at various reproductive stages in Fuzhou Giant Panda Research Center. First, this research describes the histology of follicular and corpus luteal tissues either in immature or mature ovaries. The ovaries collected were fixed in 10% formalin, and tissue slices were made using standard histological techniques and stained with H&E. Cyclic changes can be found in individuals achieved sexual maturity, at 18 to 20 months of age. Fully developed corpus luteum is present in both postpartum and non-pregnant animals. We also measure the diameter of follicles and oocytes at each folliclular growing stages; diameter ranges of primordial follicle and primary follicle was 20－82 μm, secondary follicle was 68－248 μm, Graafian follicle was 380－2379 μm; diameter ranges of oocyte in primordial follicle and primary follicle was 11－59 μm, secondary follicle was 56－69 μm, Graafian follicle was 77－128 μm. Follicular size showed a higher increasing rate during antral phase, while oocyte size showed a higher increasing rate during preantral phase. Second, to identify the factors that regulate progesterone production, the three steroidogenic enzymes (P450scc, 3βHSD, StAR) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were investigated using immunohistochemical (IHC) staining methods. Positive signals of P450scc, 3βHSD, StAR and PCNA were exhibited by granulosa cells and luteal cells in an individual at metestrus, representing these follicles and corpus luteum still proceeding steroidogenesis, which means the follicular and luteal tissue were secreting steroid hormone. In conclusion, the result showed IHC staining can apply to ovarian tissues of female red panda. This study is the first histology report of red panda using IHC staining method; our purpose is to provide reproduction physiological information of red panda for its further research, such as hormone tracking, or application to zoo management. More knowledge is demanded to improve the declining problem of zoo population, and further to protect this species in the wild.
Subjects
Ailurus fulgens
ovarian follicle
corpus luteum
histology
immunohistochemical staining
steroidogenesis
Type
thesis
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