E-Book Overview
The Reproductive Biology of Bats presents the first comprehensive, in-depth review of the current knowledge and supporting literature concerning the behavior, anatomy, physiology and reproductive strategies of bats. These mammals, which occur world-wide and comprise a vast assemblage of species, have evolved unique and successful reproductive strategies through varied anatomical and physiological specialization. These are accompanied by individual and/or group behavioral interactions, usually in response to environmental mechanisms essential to their reproductive success. Key Features* Is the first book devoted to the reproductive biology of bats* Contains in-depth reviews of the literature concerned with bat reproduction* Contributors are widely recognized specialists* Provides a powerful database for future research
E-Book Content
Reproductive Biology of Bats This Page Intentionally Left Blank Reproductive Biology of Bats Edited by Elizabeth G. Crichton Henry Doorly Zoo Omaha, Nebraska and Philip H. Krutzsch University of Arizona Tucson, Arizona ACADEMIC PRESS A Harcourt Science and Technology Company San Diego San Francisco New York Boston London Sydney Tokyo This book is printed on acid-free paper Copyright © 2000 Academic Press All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Academic Press A Harcourt Science and Technology Company 32 Jamestown Road London NW1 7BY http://www.academicpress.com Academic Press A Harcourt Science and Technology Company 525 B Street, Suite 1900, San Diego, California 92101-4495, USA http://www.academicpress.com Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 99-066843 A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library ISBN 0-12-195670-9 Typeset by Phoenix Photosetting, Chatham, Kent Printed in Great Britain at the University Press, Cambridge 00 01 02 03 04 05 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Contents Preface 1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 3 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 ix Endocrinology of Reproduction in Bats: Central Control Edythe L.P. Anthony Introduction The hypothalamic-pituitary complex GnRH and portal mechanisms GnRH perikarya and seasonal dynamics of the GnRH system The nervus terminalis Pituitary gonadotropins Prolactin Pineal melatonin and the suprachiasmatic nucleus Summary and future perspectives Acknowledgments References 1 1 2 4 9 12 12 17 19 21 22 22 Endocrine Regulation of Reproduction in Bats: the Role of Circulating Gonadal Hormones 27 Len Martin and Ric T.F. Bernard Introduction 27 Peripheral hormone levels and their evaluation 28 Source and synthesis of hormones in the Chiroptera 29 Peripheral hormone concentrations, binding proteins and hormone action in male bats 34 Peripheral hormone concentrations, binding proteins and hormone action in female bats 45 Unilateral endometrial growth (UEG) in Pteropus spp.; implications for systemic hormone levels 56 General discussion 57 References 58 Peripheral Endocrines in Bat Reproduction Gary G. Kwiecinski and David A. Damassa Introduction Peripheral endocrines in bats Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) Summary References 65 65 66 77 85 86 vi Contents 4 Anatomy, Physiology and Cyclicity of the Male Reproductive Tract Philip H. Krutzsch Introduction Puberty Reproductive organ anatomy Penis Spermatozoa Reproductive patterns Conclusions and future directions Acknowledgments References 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 5 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 6 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 7 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5