Persistent Mü̈llerian duct syndrome in a beluga whale Delphinapterus leucas

Abstract

This case study describes a persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS), a rare form of XY disorder of sex development (DSD), in a mature (>15 yr) beluga whale Delphinapterus leucas. The phenotypically and genetically male beluga whale had both Müllerian (parameso nephric) and Wolffian (mesonephric) duct derivatives. A mild hydrometra was present. Gross and histological analyses indicated the testes were atrophied. Histopathologic findings in the testes also included fibrosis in addition to ductus deferens ductular dilation, epididymal ductular dilation, lymphoplasmacytic balanitis, uterine glandular atrophy, and endometrial fibrosis. DSDs are rarely reported in cetaceans, and PMDS has never been described in a cetacean.

Diseases and parasites

“…30.5C ) and ipsilateral renal hypoplasia. DSDs are rare in cetaceans ( Stimmelmayr et al, 2019 ).

Figure 30.5 Disorders of the reproductive and immune systems.

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