9) Trophoblast external to barrier
No implanted specimens have been studied and thus it is unknown whether trophoblast invasion occurs. But, in view of the general similarities to other ungulate placentations, this is unlikely.
10) Endometrium
It is unknown whether true decidua develops, but it is unlikely.
11) Various features
No remarkable additional features are worth describing.
12) Endocrinology
Sempere et al. (2001) studied Persian and sand gazelles from a reproductive cycle point of view and determined periods of anestrus and estrus. They measured progesterone and prolactin levels in both species. Melatonin treatment depressed prolactin levels.
13) Genetics
The cytogenetics of goitered gazelles is complex. This is probably due to the fact that the precise place of origin of zoo-held animals is usually unknown and, from reading the literature, it would appear that there are hybrids among what were considered to be subspecies. Some of these animals, those with different chromosome number, should probably be given species designation. Since the animals extend over such a wide region (from Arabia to Mongolia), several "hybrid zones" probably exist and there is intergrading of different types.
Wurster (1972) found 2n=31 in two male, and 2n=30 in one female G. subgutturosa. The uneven number of male/female animals is the result of a translocation of an autosome to the X-chromosome. This is a common feature of many gazelles and antelopes of Africa and seems to have originated before the invasion of Africa by ungulates from Eurasia. It was studied extensively by Effron et al. (1976). This karyotype for G. s. subgutturosa was confirmed by Benirschke & Kumamoto (1987) who found, in numerous sand gazelles (G. s. marica) studied, varied karyotypes. For females there were 2n=32 and 30, and for males 2n=33 and 31. Hybridization between Persian and sand gazelles was assumed to be the reason and it was deemed not to have resulted in subfertility. Similarly, Granjon et al. (1991) assumed hybridization, as they found male sand gazelles from Saudi Arabia with 2n=33 and 2n=31, and females with 2n=32. Nevertheless, our females possessed 2n=31. Kingswood et al. (1994) studied meiosis and karyotypes of Persian gazelles with heterozygosity for the 14/15 autosomal translocation and found that this did not impair fertility. Vassart et al. (1993) found in males from Saudi Arabia and Qatar 33, 32, 31 chromosomes, and in females 32, 31, 30. It involved the same Robertsonian translocations. The problem again being that the precise origin of the population was unknown. Other studies exist as that by Vassart et al. (1995) which also includes protein electrophoretic data. In addition, an important finding of Chinese G. s. subgutturosa by Orlov (1987) identified 2n=30/31; this is essential to know, as no other subspecies exist in that region.
14) Immunology
No studies have been published.
15) Pathological features
Mohammed & Flamand (1996) succeeded in experimental infection of Arabian sand gazelles with Eimeria rheemi. This is a "natural" and frequent infection of the rheem (sand gazelle) and causes diarrhea (Hussein & Mohammed, 1992). Sand gazelles and other local Arabian gazelles are often infected with sarcocystis parasites (Mohammed et al., 2000). Fenwick (1983) described cryptosporidiosis in a neonatal Persian gazelle.
Griner (1983) did not differentiate the various types of gazelles and found that among "Persian gazelles" the primary cause of death was trauma and, in neonates, "malnutrition".
16) Physiologic data
Hematologic data were provided for mountain gazelles (Gazella gazella) by Rietkerk et al. (1994), while Vassart et al. (1994) gave the details for serum chemistry values in sand gazelles. The natural diet was detailed by Mohamed et al. (1991). A very detailed description of the behavior of all kinds of gazelles was published by Walther (1968).
17) Other resources
The research department (CRES) of the Zoological Society of San Diego has had a long interest in the genetics of gazelles, and, especially in the polymorphism of goitered gazelles (Kingswood et al., 1994). As a consequence, numerous cell strains are available of various karyotypes by requesting them from Dr. Oliver Ryder at oryder@ucsd.edu.
There is a very extensive bibliography on all aspects of sand gazelles and the related forms. This has been gathered by the King Khalid Wildlife Research Center, Thumammah and can be made available by the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development, P.O. Box 61681, Riyadh 11575, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
18) Other remarks - What additional Information is needed?
Information is needed on reproductive endocrine data and the cytogenetics of the other species of goitered gazelles.
Acknowledgement
The animal photographs in this chapter come from the Zoological Society of San Diego. I appreciate also very much the help of the pathologists at the San Diego Zoo.
References
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