Remodeling of Uterine Tissues During Gestation of Potamotrygon wallacei (Elasmobranchii), a Neotropical Freshwater Stingray Endemic to the Negro River, Central Amazonia

Abstract

Neotropical freshwater stingrays of the subfamily Potamotrygoninae exhibit aplacental viviparity with uterine trophonemata. In this reproductive mode, females nourish and provide oxygenation to the embryo via the mucosa of the uterine wall. The aim of this study was to describe and histologically quantify the tissue components of the gravid uterus in an Amazonian freshwater stingray. Adult females of Potamotrygon wallacei were studied in different reproductive periods: resting stage, pregnant, and postpartum. During reproductive rest, the left ovary has numerous follicles compared to the right side. Therefore, uterine fertility is usually higher on the left side. The presence of an embryo in the right uterus suggests that the right ovary is also functional, although this only occurs in larger females. In females at reproductive rest, the wall of the uterus is formed by a mucosal layer (without the trophonemata) that contributes 16.7% to the thickness, while the myometrium accounts for 83.3% of the thickness. The mass-specific volume of the mucosal layer, inner circular, and outer longitudinal smooth muscle sheets tend to increase in the gravid uterus, indicating hypertrophy and hyperplasia of these components. During pregnancy, the trophonemata undergo marked tissue remodeling. Epithelial cells are organized into glandular acini and have apical secretory vesicles; furthermore, peripheral blood vessels proliferate and become dilated. These characteristics demonstrate that the gravid uterus of P. wallacei presents intense uterolactation activity and provides oxygenation to the fetus. Tissue remodeling occurs only in the uterus with the presence of an embryo. During postpartum, females have low body condition factor indicating a high reproductive cost. This study contributes to the knowledge of the reproductive biology of this species and will help us understand the impacts of climate change on the breeding areas of potamotrygonids.