<p>Ageing is associated with progressive deterioration in reproductive function and tissue morphology, resulting in reduced reproductive capacity and overall survival. This study investigates age-related changes in the reproductive morphology of the amphimictic nematode <i>Teratorhabditis palmarum</i> (Gerber &amp; Giblin-Davis, 1990), with a comparative analysis between virgin and non-virgin males and females. Nematodes were cultured under controlled laboratory conditions, and distinct age groups (2-day-old and 10-day-old) were examined using differential interference contrast microscopy and DAPI staining. Our observations revealed pronounced age-dependent degeneration in both male and female reproductive systems. In females, ageing led to marked atrophy of the distal germline, increased cavity formation, graininess, and cellularization, with more severe effects observed in non-virgin individuals. Oocytes exhibited significant morphological alterations, including reduced size, loss of organization, clustering, and nuclear abnormalities, indicating declining reproductive potential. In males, although degeneration was comparatively less severe, aged individuals—particularly non-virgin males—showed reduced germline nuclei, vacuolation of spermatocytes, decreased sperm production, and structural deterioration of the seminal vesicle and vas deferens. DAPI staining further confirmed a decline in germline nuclei and the accumulation of DNA masses in aged gonads. Overall, the study demonstrates that reproductive ageing in <i>T. palmarum</i> is characterized by progressive structural degeneration, with mating accelerating the rate of decline. These findings provide valuable insights into the relationship between reproductive activity and ageing, highlighting measurable morphological markers that can be used to assess reproductive senescence in nematodes.</p>

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Effect of ageing on the reproductive morphology of the amphimictic nematode Teratorhabditis palmarum (Nematoda: Rhabditida)

  • Wajih Jamal,
  • Mohammad Mahamood

摘要

Ageing is associated with progressive deterioration in reproductive function and tissue morphology, resulting in reduced reproductive capacity and overall survival. This study investigates age-related changes in the reproductive morphology of the amphimictic nematode Teratorhabditis palmarum (Gerber & Giblin-Davis, 1990), with a comparative analysis between virgin and non-virgin males and females. Nematodes were cultured under controlled laboratory conditions, and distinct age groups (2-day-old and 10-day-old) were examined using differential interference contrast microscopy and DAPI staining. Our observations revealed pronounced age-dependent degeneration in both male and female reproductive systems. In females, ageing led to marked atrophy of the distal germline, increased cavity formation, graininess, and cellularization, with more severe effects observed in non-virgin individuals. Oocytes exhibited significant morphological alterations, including reduced size, loss of organization, clustering, and nuclear abnormalities, indicating declining reproductive potential. In males, although degeneration was comparatively less severe, aged individuals—particularly non-virgin males—showed reduced germline nuclei, vacuolation of spermatocytes, decreased sperm production, and structural deterioration of the seminal vesicle and vas deferens. DAPI staining further confirmed a decline in germline nuclei and the accumulation of DNA masses in aged gonads. Overall, the study demonstrates that reproductive ageing in T. palmarum is characterized by progressive structural degeneration, with mating accelerating the rate of decline. These findings provide valuable insights into the relationship between reproductive activity and ageing, highlighting measurable morphological markers that can be used to assess reproductive senescence in nematodes.