Reproductive differences among species, and between individuals and cohorts, in the leech genus Helobdella
Research article published in PloS one (2019)
Abstract
Leeches and oligochaetes comprise a monophyletic group of annelids, the Clitellata, whose reproduction is characterized by simultaneous hermaphroditism. While most clitellate species reproduce by cross-fertilization, self-fertilization has been described within the speciose genus Helobdella. Here we document the reproductive life histories and reproductive capacities for three other Helobdella species. Under laboratory conditions, both H. robusta and H. octatestisaca exhibit uniparental reproduction, apparently reflecting self-fertility, and suggesting that this trait is ancestral for the genus. However, the third species, H. austinensis, seems incapable of reproduction by self-fertilization, so we inferred its reproductive life history by analyzing reproduction in breeding cohorts. Comparing the reproductive parameters for H. robusta reproducing in isolation and in cohorts revealed that reproduction in cohorts is dramatically delayed with respect to that of isolated individuals, and that cohorts of leeches coordinate their cocoon deposition in a manner that is not predicted from the reproductive parameters of individuals reproducing in isolation. Finally, our comparisons of reproductive capacity for individuals versus cohorts for H. robusta, and between different sizes of cohorts for H. austinensis, reveal differences in resource allocation between male and female reproductive roles that are consistent with evolutionary theory.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Reproductive differences among species, and between individuals and cohorts, in the leech genus Helobdella.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Este estudio documentó las historias de vida reproductiva y las capacidades de tres especies dentro del género Helobdella, examinando tanto individuos aislados como cohortes reproductivas. Los investigadores encontraron que H. robusta y H. octatestisaca exhiben reproducción uniparental, mientras que H. austinensis depende de la reproducción en cohorte, revelando diferencias en la asignación de recursos entre los roles reproductivos masculino y femenino. Si bien esto amplía la comprensión biológica general de la reproducción de las sanguijuelas y la teoría evolutiva, no presenta una conexión defendible con la hirudoterapia. El estudio se centra estrictamente en la biología reproductiva y las historias de vida de sanguijuelas no medicinales, sin aportar ningún conocimiento sobre secreciones salivales ni aplicaciones clínicas.
Citación
Reproductive differences among species, and between individuals and cohorts, in the leech genus Helobdella
Iyer RG et al. · PloS one, 2019
Contexto clínico relacionado
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: 18 de junio de 2026