Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Drs. Kuenzel and Jurkevich and graduate students T. Rathinam, H. Li, F. Madison, D. Allen and J. Xie have contributed to the project during the past 5 year period. Three projects were undertaken: 1) identify a neural system that functioned to develop the gonads, 2) characterize neural peptides and receptors responsible for the stress response in poultry, and 3) determine neural structures activated by reproductive behavior and aggressive behavior in broiler breeders. For project (1) T. Rathinam directed electrolytic lesions to the septal region attempting to remove neurons proposed to sense photoperiodic information or seasonal information. The neurons were thought to be part of a neural system that activated gonadal development when birds were transferred to long-day photoperiods and given a compound, sulfamethazine (SMZ), that stimulates early gonadal development when coupled with photostimulation (Kuenzel et al. 2004). Bilateral lesions directed to the lateral septal organ (LSO) resulted in a significant reduction in gonadal development (Rathinam and Kuenzel, 2005). H. Li prepared brain slices and directly photostimulated neurons in the LSO and found a significant reduction in intracellular calcium (Li et al. 2004). Later studies utilizing quantitative RT-PCR showed that neurons in the septal region in broilers were the first to respond to the onset of light coupled with intake of SMZ, particularly with an increase in vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and phosphodiesterase 6 beta (Li and Kuenzel, 2008). Their response was followed by a significant increase in gonadotropins and prolactin (Li et al. 2009). 2) F. Madison showed that corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) was more effective than arginine vasotocin (AVT) for releasing the stress hormone corticosterone when given centrally (Madison et al., 2008) while AVT was more efficacious when administered peripherally via the brachial vein (Mikhailova et al., 2007; Jurkevich et al., 2009). Vasotocin 2 was found to be a critical receptor for the stress response and it interacted with a receptor for CRH at the level of the pituitary (Jurkevich et al. 2005, 2008, 2009; Mikhailova et al. 2007; Kuenzel and Jurkevich, 2010). 3) D. Allen showed that lesions to a specific nucleus in the subpallium resulted in suppression of copulatory behavior in male broiler breeders (Allen et al. 2008). J. Xie completed studies with five treatment groups examining sexual and agonistic behavior in male broiler breeders using a product of the cfos gene known as FOS protein. The cfos gene is an immediate early gene, regarded as a reliable indicator of activation of particular neurons. Specific groups of neurons in the septum, preoptic and hypothalamic regions were shown to be differentially activated by appetitive or consummatory sexual behavior (male-female interactions) and other neural groups were activated following agonistic behavior displayed between two males (Xie et al., 2009). PARTICIPANTS: Personnel involved in the S1020 project include Drs. W.J. Kuenzel, A. Jurkevich and D. Rhoads (Univ. of Arkansas, Fayetteville), L. E. Cornett, M.V. Mikhailova, (Univ. of Arkansas for Medical Sciences), L. Berghman (Texas A&M Univ.), J. Proudman (USDA/ARS, Beltsville, MD), D. Froman (Oregon State Univ., Corvallis) and graduate students (Univ. of Arkansas, Fayetteville). Opportunities made available by this project provided training and professional development for graduate students in our laboratory who graduated from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville with the following advanced graduate degrees: T. Rathinam (M.S.), H. Li (M.S. and Ph.D.), F. Madison (Ph.D.), D. Allen (M.S.), and J. Xie (Ph.D.). TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences for dissemination of results and new knowledge include scientists and students from universities, research scientists and personnel working in the poultry and pharmaceutical industry and stakeholders and potential users of knowledge gained from application of basic research. To this end our students make presentations to the Poultry Science Department, University of Arkansas prior to the annual Poultry Science Association Meeting in preparation for that meeting each summer. We also attend and take graduate students to the National Breeders Roundtable held in St. Louis, Missouri each year. We and our students thereby interact with personnel from the Poultry Industry to learn about current matters and opportunities in companies that produce genetic lines for the turkey, layer and broiler industries. Other scientific meetings where we present and keep up-to-date with new findings include annual meetings of the Society for Neuroscience, the Society for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology and Multistate USDA meetings NC1170 and S1020. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Results from experiments completed over the past five years by Kuenzel and Jurkevich (Univ. of Arkansas, Fayetteville (UAF)), their colleagues Cornett and Mikhailova (Univ of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock), Proudman (ARS/USDA, Beltsville, MD) and Berghman (Texas A&M University, College Station) and graduate students in their lab at UAF including Rathinam, Li, Madison, Allen and Xie have provided insight into understanding the roles of photoreceptors, neurons and neuroendocrine hormones contributing to development of the gonads in male broiler breeders. The exact location of neurons in the brain that function as photoreceptors (encephalic photoreceptors) to initiate development of the reproductive system remain unknown. Our studies suggest that encephalic photoreceptors reside in the septal region. Research addressing neurons and their receptors regulating the stress hormone, corticosterone, have provided information on the neural location of key neuropeptides, location of receptors in the pituitary gland and their possible function for releasing corticosterone from the adrenal gland. The stress hormone can negatively impact the reproductive system and therefore is an important pathway to investigate and monitor throughout the reproductive life of broiler breeders. The most recent work with cfos has helped a great deal in determining key neural sites in the subpallium responsible for sexual and agonistic behavior. The studies have provided information that can be pursued to develop functional neural pathways that regulate the physiology and behavior of birds for optimal reproductive function, as well as neural pathways responsible for agonistic behavior and stress. Of interest is that some parts of the pathways that are beginning to be developed may utilize neural structures in common for each of the very different behaviors being addressed. Rathinam, Li, Madison and Allen have graduated from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville (UAF) with advanced degrees. J. Xie received her doctoral degree from UAF in December, 2010.
Publications
- Allen D.L., W.J. Kuenzel, J. Xie and A. Jurkevich. 2008. Effects of electrolytic lesions of the medial bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BSTM)on sexual behavior in male broiler breeders. Poult Sci 87(Suppl.):17.
- Jarvis, E.D., O. Guentuerkuen, L. Bruce, A. Csillag, H. Karten, W. Kuenzel, L. Medina, G. Paxinos, D.J. Perkel, T. Shimizu, G. Striedter, J.M. Wild, G.F. Ball, J. Dugas-Ford, S.E. Durand, G.E. Hough, S. Husband, L.Kubikova, D.W. Lee, C.V. Mello, A. Powers, C. Stang, T.V. Smulders, K. Wada, S.A. White, K. Yamamoto, J. Yu, A. Reiner and A.B. Butler. 2005. Avian brains and a new understanding of vertebrate brain evolution. Nature Rev. Neurosci. 6(2):151-159.
- Jurkevich, A., L.R. Berghman, L.E. Cornett and W.J. Kuenzel. 2005. Characterization and immunohistochemical visualization of the vasotocin VT2 receptor in the pituitary gland of the chicken, Gallus gallus. Gen. Comp.Endocrinol.143:82-91. Jurkevich A., Berghman L.R., Cornett L.E. and Kuenzel W.J. 2008. Immunohistochemical characterization of chicken pituitary cells containing the vasotocin VT2 receptor. Cell Tissue Res.333:253-262.
- Jurkevich A., Mikhailova M.V., Madison F.N., Cornett L.E. and Kuenzel W.J. 2010. Molecular processes underlying neuroendocrine regulation of stress responses in an avian species. In: Neuroendocrinology Research Development. Nova Science Publishers: Hauppauge NY.
- Xie J., W.J. Kuenzel, N.B. Anthony and A. Jurkevich. 2009. Induction of Fos protein in subpallial and hypothalamic regions of the male chicken brain following opposite- and same-sex interactions. Soc. Neurosci. 39th Annual Meeting. Program No. 273.8.2009. Neuroscience Meeting Planner. Chicago, IL.
- Klein S., Jurkevich A., and Grossmann R. 2006. Sexually dimorphic immunoreactivity of galanin and colocalization with arginine vasotocin in the chicken brain (Gallus gallus domesticus). J. Comp. Neurol. 499(5), 828-839. Kuenzel, W.J., M.M. Abdel-Maksoud, T. Elsasser and J.A. Proudman. 2004. Sulfamethazine advances puberty in male chicks by effecting a rapid increase in gonadotropins. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. A 137:349-355.
- Kuenzel, W.J. and C.D. Golden. 2006. Distribution and change in number of gonadotropin-releasing hormone-1 neurons following activation of the photoneuroendocrine system in the chick, Gallus gallus. Cell Tissue Res. 325:501-512.
- Kuenzel, W.J. 2007. Neurobiological basis of sensory perception: welfare implications of beak trimming. Poultry Sci.86:1273-1282.
- Kuenzel, W.J. 2009. A landmark contribution to Poultry Science, a possible mode of action of sulfamethazine on the reproductive system of Leghorn cockerels. Poultry Sci. 88:824-831.
- Kuenzel W.J. and Jurkevich A. 2010. Molecular, neuroendocrine events during stress in poultry. Poultry Sci. 89:832-840.
- Li, H., M.B. Ferrari and W.J. Kuenzel. 2004. Light-induced reduction of cytoplasmic free calcium in neurons proposed to be encephalic photoreceptors in chick brain. Develop. Brain Res. 153:153-161.
- Li, H. and W.J. Kuenzel. 2008. A possible neural cascade involving the photoneuroendocrine system (PNES) responsible for regulating gonadal development in an avian species, Gallus gallus. Brain Res. Bull. 76:586-596.
- Li, H., J. Proudman and W.J. Kuenzel. 2009. Differential regulation of gene expression and release of FSH and prolactin by long day and sulfamethazine in chicks. Gen. Comp. Endocrinol. 161:262-266.
- Madison F.N., A. Jurkevich and W.J. Kuenzel. 2008. Sex differences in plasma corticosterone release in undisturbed chickens (Gallus gallus) in response to arginine vasotocin and corticotropin releasing hormone. Gen Comp Endocrinol. 155:566-573.
- Mikhailova, M.V., P.R. Mayeux, A. Jurkevich, W.J. Kuenzel, F. Madison, A. Periasamy, Y. Chen, and L.E. Cornett. 2007. Heterooligomerization between vasotocin and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) receptors augments CRH-stimulated 3 prime, 5 prime-cyclic adenosine monophosphate production. Mol. Endocrinol. 21:2178-2188.
- Rathinam, T., and W.J. Kuenzel. 2005. Attenuation of gonadal response to photostimulation following ablation of neurons in the lateral septal organ of chicks. Brain Res. Bull. 64:455-461.
- Reiner, A., D.J. Perkel, L.L. Bruce, A.B. Butler, A. Csillag, W. Kuenzel, L. Medina, G. Paxinos, T. Shimizu, G. Striedter, M. Wild, G.F. Ball, S. Durand, O. Guentuerkuen, D.W. Lee, C.V. Mello, A. Powers, S.A. White, G. Hough, L. Kubikova, T.V. Smulders, K. Wada, J. Dugas-Ford, S. Husband, K. Yamamoto, J. Yu, C. Siang, and E.D. Jarvis. 2004. Revised nomenclature for avian telencephalon and some related brainstem nuclei. J. Comp. Neurol. 473:377-414.
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Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Drs. Kuenzel and Jurkevich and graduate students H. Li and J. Xie have contributed to the project during the past year. Three projects were undertaken: 1)identify components of a neuroendocrine system that functions to develop the gonads, 2)characterize neural peptides and receptors responsible for the stress response in poultry, and 3) determine neural structures activated by reproductive behavior and aggressive behavior in broiler breeders. For project (1) studies utilizing quantitative RT-PCR showed that neurons in the septal region in broilers were the first to respond to the onset of light coupled with intake of sulfamethazine, a compound that stimulates early sexual maturation. Specifically, first responses from photostimulation were an increase in vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and phosphodiesterase 6 beta followed by a significant increase in gonadotropins and prolactin (Li et al. 2009; Kuenzel, 2009). Project (2). The neuropeptides corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) and arginine vasotocin (AVT) release pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone from the pituitary which in turn releases corticosterone from the adrenal gland. Our studies have shown that peripheral administration of the two neuropeptides results in synergistic release of corticosterone and that agonistic encounters may result in peripheral release of neuropeptides involved in stress (Kuenzel and Jurkevich, 2009). Project (3). J. Xie completed studies with five treatment groups examining sexual and agonistic behavior in male broiler breeders using a product of the cfos gene known as Fos protein. The cfos gene is an immediate early gene, regarded as a reliable indicator of activation of particular neurons. Specific groups of neurons in the septum, preoptic and hypothalamic regions were shown to be differentially activated by appetitive or consummatory sexual behavior (male-female interactions) and other neural groups were activated following agonistic behavior displayed between two males (Xie et al., 2009). PARTICIPANTS: Personnel involved in the S1020 project include Drs. W.J. Kuenzel, A. Jurkevich and D. Rhoads (Univ. of Arkansas, Fayetteville), L. E. Cornett, M.V. Mikhailova, (Univ. of Arkansas for Medical Sciences), J. Proudman (USDA/ARS, Beltsville, MD), D. Froman (Oregon State Univ., Corvallis) and graduate student J. Xie (Univ. of Arkansas, Fayetteville). TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences for dissemination of results and new knowledge include scientists and students from universities, research scientists and personnel working in the poultry and pharmaceutical industry and stakeholders and potential users of knowledge gained from application of basic research. To this end our students make presentations to the Poultry Science Department, University of Arkansas prior to the annual Poultry Science Association Meeting in preparation for that meeting each summer. We also attend and take graduate students to the National Breeders Roundtable held in St. Louis, Missouri each year. We and our students thereby interact with personnel from the Poultry Industry to learn about current matters and opportunities in companies that produce genetic lines for the turkey, layer and broiler industries. Other scientific meetings where we present and keep up-to-date with new findings include annual meetings of the Society for Neuroscience and the Society for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology and Multistate USDA meetings NC1170 and S1020. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Results from experiments have provided insight into understanding the roles of photoreceptors, neurons and neuroendocrine hormones contributing to development of the gonads in male broiler breeders. Research addressing neurons and their receptors regulating the stress hormone, corticosterone, have provided information on the neural location of key neuropeptides, location of receptors in the pituitary gland and their possible function for releasing corticosterone from the adrenal gland. The most recent work with cfos has helped a great deal in determining key neural sites in the subpallium responsible for sexual and agonistic behavior. J. Xie is making progress toward completing her doctoral degree with a target date of completion in the fall, 2010.
Publications
- Kuenzel, W.J., M.M. Abdel-Maksoud, T. Elsasser and J.A. Proudman. 2004. Sulfamethazine advances puberty in male chicks by effecting a rapid increase in gonadotropins. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. A 137:349-355.
- Reiner, A., D.J. Perkel, L.L. Bruce, A.B. Butler, A. Csillag, W. Kuenzel, L. Medina, G. Paxinos, T. Shimizu, G. Striedter, M. Wild, G.F. Ball, S. Durand, O. Guentuerkuen, D.W. Lee, C.V. Mello, A. Powers, S.A. White, G. Hough, L. Kubikova, T.V. Smulders, K. Wada, J. Dugas-Ford, S. Husband, K. Yamamoto, J. Yu, C. Siang, and E.D. Jarvis. 2004. Revised nomenclature for avian telencephalon and some related brainstem nuclei. J. Comp. Neurol. 473:377-414.
- Li, H., M.B. Ferrari and W.J. Kuenzel. 2004. Light-induced reduction of cytoplasmic free calcium in neurons proposed to be encephalic photoreceptors in chick brain. Develop. Brain Res. 153:153-161.
- Rathinam, T., and W.J. Kuenzel. 2005. Attenuation of gonadal response to photostimulation following ablation of neurons in the lateral septal organ of chicks. Brain Res. Bull. 64:455-461.
- Jarvis, E.D., O. Guentuerkuen, L. Bruce, A. Csillag, H. Karten, W. Kuenzel, L. Medina, G. Paxinos, D.J. Perkel, T. Shimizu, G. Striedter, J.M. Wild, G.F. Ball, J. Dugas-Ford, S.E. Durand, G.E. Hough, S. Husband, L.Kubikova, D.W. Lee, C.V. Mello, A. Powers, C. Stang, T.V. Smulders, K. Wada, S.A. White, K. Yamamoto, J. Yu, A. Reiner and A.B. Butler. 2005. Avian brains and a new understanding of vertebrate brain evolution. Nature Rev. Neurosci. 6(2):151-159.
- Jurkevich, A., L.R. Berghman, L.E. Cornett and W.J. Kuenzel. 2005. Characterization and immunohistochemical visualization of the vasotocin VT2 receptor in the pituitary gland of the chicken, Gallus gallus. Gen. Comp. Endocrinol. 143:82-91.
- Klein S., Jurkevich A., and Grossmann R. 2006. Sexually dimorphic immunoreactivity of galanin and colocalization with arginine vasotocin in the chicken brain (Gallus gallus domesticus). J. Comp. Neurol. 49(5), 828-839.
- Kuenzel, W.J. and C.D. Golden. 2006. Distribution and change in number of gonadotropin-releasing hormone-1 neurons following activation of the photoneuroendocrine system in the chick, Gallus gallus. Cell Tissue Res. 325:501-512.
- Kuenzel, W.J. 2007. Neurobiological basis of sensory perception: welfare implications of beak trimming. Poultry Sci. 86:1273-1282. Mikhailova, M.V., P.R. Mayeux, A. Jurkevich, W.J. Kuenzel, F. Madison, A. Periasamy, Y. Chen, and L.E. Cornett. 2007. Heterooligomerization between vasotocin and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) receptors augments CRH-stimulated 3, 5-cyclic adenosine monophosphate production. Mol. Endocrinol. 21:2178-2188.
- Allen D.L., W.J. Kuenzel, J. Xie and A. Jurkevich . 2008. Effects of electrolytic lesions of the medial bed nucleus of stria terminalis(BSTM) on sexual behavior in male broiler breeders. Poult Sci 87 (Suppl.):17. Li, H. and W.J. Kuenzel. 2008. A possible neural cascade involving the photoneuroendocrine system (PNES) responsible for regulating gonadal development in an avian species, Gallus gallus. Brain Res. Bull. 76:586-596.
- Madison F.N., Jurkevich A. and Kuenzel W.J. 2008. Sex differences in plasma corticosterone release in undisturbed chickens (Gallus gallus) in response to arginine vasotocin and corticotropin releasing hormone. Gen Comp Endocrinol. 155:566-573.
- Jurkevich A., Berghman L.R., Cornett L.E. and Kuenzel W.J. 2008. Immunohistochemical characterization of chicken pituitary cells containing the vasotocin VT2 receptor. Cell Tissue Res. 333:253-262.
- Kuenzel, W.J. 2009. A landmark contribution to Poultry Science, a possible mode of action of sulfamethazine on the reproductive system of Leghorn cockerels. Poultry Sci. 88:824-831.
- Li, H., Proudman, J., Kuenzel, W.J. 2009. Differential regulation of gene expression and release of FSH and prolactin by long day and sulfamethazine in chicks. Gen. Comp. Endocrinol. 161:262-266.
- Xie J., W.J. Kuenzel, N.B. Anthony and A. Jurkevich. 2009. Induction of Fos protein in subpallial and hypothalamic regions of the male chicken brain following opposite- and same-sex interactions. Soc. Neurosci. 39th Annual Meeting. Program No. 273.8.2009. Neuroscience Meeting Planner. Chicago, IL.
- Jurkevich A., Mikhailova M.V., Madison F.N., Cornett L.E. and Kuenzel W.J. 2009. Molecular processes underlying neuroendocrine regulation of stress responses in an avian species. In: Neuroendocrinology Research Development. Nova Science Publishers: Hauppauge NY (in press).
- Kuenzel W.J. and Jurkevich A. 2009. Molecular, neuroendocrine events during stress in poultry. Poultry Sci. (in press).
- Kuenzel, W.J. and A. Jurkevich. 2009. Molecular neuroendocrine events during stress in poultry. Poultry Sci. 88(Suppl. 1): 3(Abst. #8).
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Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Collaborators involved in the Multistate Research Project include W.J. Kuenzel, D. Rhoads, R.K. Bramwell and A. Jurkevich (Univ. of Arkansas) and D. Froman (Oregon State Univ.). Dissemination of findings occurred through attending national meetings. Kuenzel, Jurkevich and graduate students J. Xie and D. L. Allen attended the annual Poultry Science Association meeting held in Niagara Falls, Canada. All presented papers at the meeting. Kuenzel and Jurkevich also attended the 9th International Symposium on Avian Endocrinology, held in Leuven, Belgium and made an oral presentation and poster, respectively. Rhoads, Froman, Bramwell, Kuenzel and Jurkevich also attended the annual S1020 meeting held in New Orleans, LA and each made oral presentations at the meeting. Rhoads and Kuenzel also attended the Poultry Workshop held in conjunction with the Plant and Animal Genome Meeting in San Diego, CA and gave presentations of their current research. Kuenzel and Jurkevich are addressing neuroendocrine networks controlling sexual behavior of male broiler breeders. The emphasis has been to focus upon sexually dimorphic neural structures within the ventral forebrain and hypothalamus. The aim of our studies is to identify neural structures and pathways that regulate sexual behavior and reproductive neuroendocrine function. Rhoads and Froman have been pursuing novel transcripts produced in the chicken reproductive tract as well as chromosomal regions that contain QTLs for male fertility. Bramwell has been examining reproductive behavior in commercial, broiler breeder flocks. PARTICIPANTS: W. Kuenzel, D. Rhoads,R.K. Bramwell,and A. Jurkevich (Univ. of Arkansas, Fayetteville ( UAF)), D. Froman (Oregon State Univ.) are current research scientists participating. Graduate students who participated include D.L. Allen, J. Xie, and B. Flack (UAF). This project has provided opportunities for training and professional development of graduate students. D.L. Allen received his Master's degree at UAF this past December, 2008 working under the direction of W. Kuenzel and A. Jurkevich. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences for dissemination of results and new knowledge include scientists and students from universities, research scientists and personnel working in the poultry and pharmaceutical industry and stakeholders and potential users of the knowledge gained from the basic research completed and published during the past year. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The laboratory of Kuenzel and Jurkevich utilize immunocytochemistry to examine the product, Fos protein, of the immediate early gene c-fos following activation of sexual behavior by roosters. The presence of the Fos protein can be quantified in individual neurons comprising a given neural structure in the septo-preoptic- hypothalamus of birds. A structure that is being analyzed is the medial, sub-nucleus of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTM). Data have shown that the performance of mating behavior was associated in males with the appearance of the c-fos product, the Fos protein in neural structures. Immunoreactivity for Fos in one of the sub-nuclei of the BSTM was correlated with the frequency of courtship behavior. When electrolytic lesions were directed to a sub-nucleus of the BSTM, the BSTM2, to surgically eliminate the structure, the result was a suppression of copulatory behavior. The ongoing studies will allow us to differentiate more precisely between sexual behavior displayed and activation of the neuroendocrine network regulating that behavioral response. D.L. Allen, a graduate student in our laboratory, received his Master's Degree in December. Rhoads' lab has identified 475 novel genes from 5000 EST sequence reads and are analyzing these for full length sequence and expression patterns. Initial data show that many are non-coding RNAs that are developmentally regulated and restricted to either or both of the testis and ovary. To date they have 40 full length sequences and expression data. The labs of Froman and Rhoads have identified 7 chromosomal regions that represent QTLs for male fertility. The QTLs identified affect two male fertility traits: sperm degeneration, and sperm mobility. Seven of the candidate QTL regions have been analyzed for their contribution to low sperm mobility in broiler breeder lines. The analysis confirmed that in a commercial breeder line, they have identified five QTLs for sperm mobility on Gga3, Gga6, Gga7 and two on GgaZ.
Publications
- Jurkevich, A., L.R. Berghman, L.E. Cornett and W.J. Kuenzel. 2008. Immunohistochemical characterization of chicken pituitary cells containing the vasotocin VT2 receptor. Cell Tissue Res. 333:253-262.
- Li, H. and W.J. Kuenzel. 2008. A possible neural cascade involving the photoneuroendocrine system (PNES) responsible for regulating gonadal development in an avian species, Gallus gallus. Brain Res. Bull. 76:586-596.
- Allen, D.L., W.J. Kuenzel, J. Xie and A. Jurkevich. 2008. Effects of electrolytic lesions of the medial bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTM) on sexual behavior in male broiler breeders. Poultry Sci. 87(Suppl.1):17.
- Jurkevich, A., M.V. Mikhailova, W.J. Kuenzel, F.N. Madison and L.E. Cornett. 2008. Crosstalk between CRH and vasotocin systems in an avian species: a molecular imaging approach. Internat. Symp. Avian Endocrinol. 9:96. Kuenzel, W.J., J. Proudman and H. Li. 2008. A possible photoneuroendocrine system (PNES) regulating gonadal development in an avian species. Internat. Symp. Avian Endocrinol. 9:49.
- Xie, J., W.J. Kuenzel, D.L. Allen and A. Jurkevich. 2008. Differential neural activation in the septo-hypothalamic region following sexual and agonistic behavior in male broiler breeders. Poultry Sci. 87(Suppl. 1):18.
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Collaborators involved in this Multistate Research Project include A. Jurkevich, D. Rhoads and W. Kuenzel (Univ. of Arkansas, Fayetteville), D. Froman (Oregon State Univ.) and J. Kirby (South Dakota State Univ.). Dissemination of findings occurred through attending national meetings. Kuenzel and graduate students H. Li and F. Madison attending the annual Poultry Science Meeting held in San Antonio, Tx in conjunction with the Animal, Dairy and Meat Scientific Associations.. Li and Madison presented papers at the joint meeting. Jurkevich, Kuenzel and graduate student J. Xie attended the annual Soc. for Neuroscience meeting in San Diego, CA and presented posters at this meeting. Kuenzel and Jurkevich attended the Annual Project Director Meeting for the NRI Animal Reproduction Program in San Antonio, TX and presented their findings on the funded USDA grant. Rhoads and Froman attended the annual S1020 meeting in Jekyll Island, GA and presented talks on their research programs.
Rhoads and Kuenzel attended the annual Poultry Workshop held in conjunction with the Plant and Animal Genome Meeting in San Diego, CA and gave presentations of their research. Jurkevich and Kuenzel are examining neural structures associated with sexual behavior and fertility. Two distinct groups of commercial broiler breeders (n = 5/group) were selected (designated aggressive versus non-aggressive) from a population based upon threats toward females as a behavioral marker for aggression during mating behavior. Thereafter, males were distributed among females and fertility, plasma testosterone and immunostaining of selected neural structures for gonadotropin releasing hormone 1 (GnRH-1) and arginine vasotocin (AVT) immunoreactivity were determined. Rhoads is pursuing full length sequencing of a set of 450 novel RNAs identified in the chicken reproductive tract. Many of these RNAs appear to be non-coding, polyadenylated RNAs. Initial data suggest that many of these RNAs are
developmentally regulated and restricted to particular tissues. Some of the RNAs appear to be produced specifically in the testis or the ovary, and expressed coincident with onset of meiosis. Rhoads continues to pursue these genes to understand their role in gametogenesis and reproductive tract biology. Froman and Rhoads used a full genome SNP scan to identify chromosomal regions (QTLs) that control sperm degeneration (SDD) and sperm mobility. Further work is needed to determine the actual contributions of these regions to these major determinants of male fertility in commercial broiler males.
PARTICIPANTS: A. Jurkevich, D. Rhoads and W. Kuenzel (Univ. of Arkansas, Fayetteville), D. Froman (Oregon State Univ.) and J. Kirby (South Dakota State Univ.) are participants. Graduate students participating include H. Li, F. Madison, J. Xie, B. Flack (Univ. of Arkansas, Fayetteville).
TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences for dissemination of results and new knowledge include scientists and students from universities, research scientists and personnel working in the poultry and pharmaceutical industry and stakeholders and potential users of the knowledge gained from the research.
Impacts
Rhoads and Froman have identified 6 chromosomal regions affecting sperm viability and 7 regions affecting sperm mobility. Genetic tests for each of these regions have been developed for accurate determination of the contributions of each region to these male fertility traits. This work will develop a straightforward genetic test to predict the major male fertility traits of roosters in meat-type birds. Jurkevich and Kuenzel with graduate student F. Madison have found that corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) is more efficacious than AVT in causing the release of corticosterone when administered centrally. With respect to the stress response in poultry, release of CRH from the brain appears to be more effective than AVT for the eventual secretion of corticosterone from the adrenal gland. Results of the reproductive behavioral experiments showed that aggressive males had initially significantly less fertility and lower testosterone. The two differences disappeared as the
study progressed and ended. Analysis of brain sections showed a significantly positive correlation (r = 0.81, p <0.01) between AVT fiber density in the lateral septum and mounting attempts. Results suggest that AVT fibers terminating in the septal region of the brain appear to be involved with reproductive behavior, specifically mounting of a rooster on the back of a female, a reliable behavioral indicator positively associated with fertility. Madison has obtained her Ph.D. and secured a postdoctoral position supported by the Howard Hughes Foundation. Rhoads and Kirby published methods for rapid and inexpensive isolation of DNA from poultry samples, for high throughput genotype analysis. The methods are cost effective, simple, and applicable to research or industry practices.
Publications
- Bailes,S., J. Devers, J.D. Kirby and D.D. Rhoads. 2007. An inexpensive, simple protocol for DNA isolation from blood for high throughput PCR or restriction endonuclease-based genotyping. Poultry Science 86:102-106.
- Madison, F.N., A. Jurkevich and W.J. Kuenzel. 2007. Sex differences in plasma corticosterone release in undisturbed chickens (Gallus gallus) in response to arginine vasotocin and corticotropin releasing hormone. General Comparative Endocrinology, available on line: doi:1016/j.ygcen.2007.08.014
- Li, H., J.A. Proudman, S. Jin and W.J. Kuenzel. 2007. Effect of sulfamethazine and photostimulation on gene expression of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and phosphodiestease in the lateral septal organ (LSO) and pituitary gonadotropin content in the chick. Poultry Sci. 86(Suppl. 1):44.
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
We completed an ethological study where two groups of broiler breeder males, Gallus gallus, with distinct behavioral profiles toward females were identified. Each male of the two groups was transferred to a floor pen containing 10 females. Behavior of the males and number of fertilized eggs from each pen were monitored over a ten-week period. Results showed that males from the aggressive group reached peak of egg fertilization later than males from the non-aggressive group. Over the ten-week period during which each male was housed in a breeding pen with females, the original behavioral differences between the two groups of males became insignificant. In a separate experiment we examined gene expression profiles in birds following transfer from a short-day to a long-day photoperiod. One of the earliest brain regions showing activation of genes was the septal region.
Impacts
Persistent, high male fertility continues to be a problem in the poultry industry. Our aim is to determine potential neuroanatomical sites and behavioral traits that might suggest brain areas to focus upon to increase male fertility in broiler breeders.
Publications
- Li, H., J.A. Proudman and W.J. Kuenzel. 2006. Effect of sulfamethazine and photostimulation on gene expression of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and phosphodiestease in the lateral septal organ (LSO) and pituitary gonadotropin content in the chick. Poultry Sci. 85(Suppl. 1):44
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
The major accomplishments regarding this objective involve the successful cloning, expression and initial analysis of the FSH beta proximal promoter from the domestic fowl. Computer based analysis of the proximal promoter region (-1 to -2.2kb) has revealed that there are over 50 potential common DNA binding motifs. Sequential deletion mutants have been initiated for further characterization. Further work on this regiional project ahs resulted in collaborations between Arkansas and scientists at ARS Beltsville, University of Illinois, Oregon State University and Texas A&M University.
Impacts
It is expected that increased fundamental knowledge of reproduction will continue to improve productivity in commercial meat type chickens.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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