Changes In Reproductive Organs Research Articles

Testosterone supplementation in the aging male.

World-wide life expectancy at birth for men and women will have increased by about 20 y during 50 y period between 1950 and 2000. As a result, the proportion of the elderly population is expected to increase significantly in the 21st century. Despite this increase in longevity for men and women, men still have significantly shorter life expectancy of approximately 5 y. To further reduce and prevent debilitating disease and disability in elderly men, a question is whether any type of interventions, such as hormone replacement therapy, may play a role in improving the quality of life as proven in post-menopausal women. Men experience age-related decline of capability physically and mentally. Various symptoms, such as nervousness, depression, impaired memory, inability to concentrate, easy fatigability, insomnia, hot flushes, periodic sweating, reduction of muscle mass and power, bone ache, and sexual dysfunction, are related to this change. The fact that a number of age-related changes resemble features of various hormonal deficiency has led to worldwide interest in the use of various hormonal preparations in an effort to prevent the aging process in elderly men. Even though there have been opinions against hormonal supplementation in the aging male, preliminary studies defining the risk/benefit ratio of androgen supplementation appear to be encouraging. To understand testosterone supplementation in the aging male, this review will discuss the following important topics: physiology of male hormonal balance, changes in reproductive organs in elderly men, endocrine evaluation of the male, pharmacological effects of testosterone on target organs, available preparations for testosterone, and testosterone supplementation.

Reproductive function in rats exposed neonatally to bisphenol A and estradiol benzoate

The reproductive function in rats treated subcutaneously (s.c.) with 300 μg/g bisphenol A or 2 μg/g estradiol benzoate from postnatal Day 1 to 5 was examined after puberty as well as histolopathogic changes in reproductive organs. All male and female rats treated postnatally with estradiol benzoate showed poor reproductive capability, including adverse effects on masculine sexual behavior, and marked histopathologic alterations of the reproductive organs. In addition, estradiol benzoate markedly reduced the volume of the sexually dimorphic nucleus of the preoptic area (SDN-POA) in males. On the other hand, all male and female rats treated postnatally with bisphenol A showed normal reproductive function and no histopathologic abnormalities of reproductive organs. Bisphenol A did not affect the volume of the SDN-POA. These results indicated that neonatal exposure to estradiol benzoate affects reproductive function in male and female rats, and treatment with bisphenol A at a fairly high dose was ineffective if given postnatally to male and female rats.

The effect of trypanosoma vivax infection on late pregnancy and postpartum return to cyclicity in boran cattle

A study was designed to examine the effect of infection with Trypanosoma vivax KETRI 2501 on the maintenance of pregnancy and postpartum return to reproductive function in susceptible Galana (n = 6) and trypano-tolerant Orma Boran (n = 6) heifers during the third trimester of pregnancy. Of the 12 study animals, 3 Galana and 3 Orma Boran heifers served as controls. One of 3 Galana heifers calved prematurely with subsequent perinatal loss. Of the 2 heifers that produced live calves, 1 calf died shortly after birth, while the other survived. Two of 3 Orma heifers calved prematurely and all 3 calves died shortly after birth. The 6 control heifers produced live calves at term, all of which survived. Infection with T. vivax during the third trimester of pregnancy delayed the resumption of ovarian activity after calving, with the Ormas taking a significantly (P < 0.05) shorter time from calving to ovulation. There was no clear evidence that premature birth was associated with pathological changes in reproductive organs. Results from this study demonstrated that infection with pathogenic T. vivax during late pregnancy influenced the outcome of pregnancy in both susceptible Galana and trypano-tolerant Orma Boran heifers, resulting in premature births, perinatal loss, retained placentae, low birth weights and a prolonged period to the onset of postpartum ovarian activity.

Clinical Changes in Ovariectomized Ewes Exposed to Phytoestrogens and 17 -Estradiol Implants

Eight Swedish Finewool Landrace ewes, ovariectomized 5 months earlier and kept on nonestrogenic hay, were each fed 3.5 kg red clover silage, corresponding to 6.1 g phytoestrogens (of which 3.5 g was formononetin) per day, for 14 days in November (short days). In January (short days), two groups (3 each) of these ewes received one or two 17 beta-estradiol sc implants. In May (long days), one of two new groups (4 each) of these ewes was reexposed to phytoestrogens for another 14 days while the other served as a control. Physical examination of ewes for changes in reproductive organs was carried out two or three times per week during each feeding/treatment, and continued until observed changes disappeared. Clinically significant changes occurred in the reproductive organs of ewes fed red clover. Vulva color changed from pale to pink and red, and there were enlargements of the vulva, uterus, and udder. In addition, teat length and circumference increased, and secretion of milky fluid began. These changes were similar, but more pronounced during treatment with 17 beta-estradiol, particularly teat circumference. The changes in vulva were more dramatic in May than in November and resembled those observed in ewes treated with estradiol. Our data show that a daily intake of 3.5 g formononetin for 14 days caused the increase of teat size and changes in the color of the vulva and in uterus weight in ovariectomized ewes.

Comparison of the toxicity of cinnamaldehyde when administered by microencapsulation in feed or by corn oil gavage

The toxicity of cinnamaldehyde (CNMA) was compared after administration by gavage and in dosed feed. Rats and mice of both sexes received CNMA by daily corn oil gavage (for 2 wk), or in microencapsulated form in feed (2 wk for rats, 3 wk for mice). Feed formulations contained 0–10% CNMA microcapsules, equivalent to approximate daily doses of 0–3000 mg CNMA/kg body weight for rats and 0–10,000 mg CNMA/kg body weight for mice. Concentrations were chosen to deliver CNMA doses approximately equal to doses in the gavage study. Gavage doses of 2620 mg/kg/day and above in mice and 940 mg/kg/day and above in rats produced nearly 100% mortality; there were no deaths in animals receiving microencapsulated CNMA. Rats and mice receiving CNMA in feed showed a dose-related decrease in body weight gain, which was accompanied in rats by hypoplastic changes in reproductive organs and accessory sex glands. CNMA administration by either route caused hyperplasia of the forestomach mucosa. These results demonstrate that microencapsulation in feed can present a useful alternative to gavage dosing for repeated-dose or prolonged-exposure studies, in that (1) the toxic effects of CNMA were similar after gavage dosing and after administration in microencapsulated form in feed, (2) ingestion of chemical in the feed more closely approximates human exposures, and (3) microencapsulation allows the delivery of higher net doses of chemical, while avoiding the acutely toxic effects of a bolus dose.

Bioaccumulative potential and toxicity of endosulfan insecticide to non-target animals

1. Endosulfan insecticide is a polychlorinated compound used for controlling a variety of insects; it is practically water-insoluble, but readily adheres to clay particles and persists in soil and water for several years. Its mode of action involves repetitive nerve-discharges positively correlated to increase in temperature. This compound is extremely toxic to most fish and can cause massive mortalities. In fish, it causes marked changes in Na and K concentrations, decrease in blood Ca 2+ and Mg levels and inhibits Na, K and Mg-dependent ATPase (in brain). 2. Bioaccumulation of endosulfan is reported for marine animals; however, freshwater animals (e.g. crayfish) accumulate it to some extent, but they lose the compound rapidly during depuration. Endosulfan is generally less toxic to aquatic invertebrates than fish. However, it causes decreases in adenylate energy charge, oxygen consumption, hemolymph amino acids, succinate dehydrogenase, heart-beat (mussel) and altered osmoregulation. 3. Generally, mammals are less susceptible to endosulfan's toxicity than aquatic animals. The majority of studies conducted on laboratory mammals can be summarized, (a) Neurotoxicity: male rats are more sensitive than females to endosulfan, which decreases brain and plasma acetyleholinesterase activity. Endosulfan I (a metabolite) causes a significant change in norepinephrine, 5-HT and GABA. (b) Renal toxicity: inhibition of MFOs activity was noticed in rats; other effects included changes in proximal convoluted tubules and necrosis of the tubular epithelium, (c) Hepatotoxicity: chemically-induced aminopyrine N-demethylase and aniline hydrolase were found in rat liver, and reduction in the glycogen level occurred, (d) Hematologic toxicity: endosulfan exposure resulted in a significant decrease in the erythrocyte glutathione reductase, hemoglobin amount, RBC number and mean corpuscular volume. 4. Respiratory toxicity: involved dyspnea, acute emphysema, cyanosis and hemorrhages in the interalveolar partitions of rat's lungs. 5. Biochemical: in rats, endosulfan caused increased glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity, blood glucose level, phospholipid contents of the microsomal and surfactant system, and profoundly induced the activity of alcohol dehydrogenase and cytosolic glutathione S-transferases. It also decreased significantly Na +, K + and Mg 2+ ATPases, plasma calcium level and alkaline phosphatase in the intestinal epithelium. 6. Immunologic toxicity: rat serum antibody titer to tetanus toxin, IgG, IgM and gammaglobulins were significantly reduced. 7. Reproductive toxicity: degenerative changes in the seminiferous epithelium, induction of the rate-limiting enzyme in testosterone production (3β-hydroxysteroid transferase and 17β-hydroxysteroid transferase), histological changes in reproductive organs, testicular atrophy and the occurrence of ovarian cysts were noticed in rat. Reduction in the weight of secondary sex organ was also observed. 8. Developmental, teratogenic and genotoxicity: this insecticide caused a significant increase in the fetal résorption of rats. Skeletal abnormalities included underweight fetuses, small 4th and 5th unossified sternabrae. No fetotoxic or teratogenic activity was found in rabbits; however, in chickens, egg-hatchability and sterility occurred due to antimitotic activity. Endosulfan caused significant chromosomal aberrations in mouse and hamster bone-marrow cells and damage to spermatozoa cells. In Drosophila, sex-linked recessive lethals were noticed. In mice, dominant lethal mutations occurred; increase in abnormal sperm and decrease in count occurred. 9. Carcinogenic toxicity: not reported to be carcinogenic in B6C3F mice or humans by any route of exposure. 10. Toxicity to humans: endosulfan exposure has exhibited epileptic effects, hyperactivity, irritability, tremors, convulsions and paralysis in humans. A suicidal attempt by a 20-year old male who ingested 30% endosulfan caused hypoxia, followed by recurrent aspiration pneumonia, episodes of tachycardiogenic shock which was preceded by tachycardia and hypertension.

Seasonal and developmental changes of reproductive organs of male ringed seals (Phoca hispida) in the Svalbard area

The weights of testes, prostate gland and baculum of ringed seal males were related to age, season and differences in body size. There was a significant seasonal variation in testes and prostate gland size of sexually mature males, with a maximum occurring in early April. There were no seasonal changes in prostate weight of immature males, but some of the older immatures had elevated testes weights in April. Testes weight was significantly correlated with lean body mass. The increase in testes size with increasing body weight was greater for seals six years of age or older than for younger males. We suggest that some testicular growth and a seasonal cycle in testes growth occur before the testes become functional endocrinologically. We also believe that the primary event leading to puberty in ringed seals is an age‐dependent shift in metabolic processes, directing a larger percentage of available energy towards the reproductive organs.

Circannual Changes in Reproductive Organs and Spermatogenesis in Male Saskatchewan Beavers

Circannual Changes in Reproductive Organs and Spermatogenesis in Male Saskatchewan Beavers

Histopathological changes in reproductive organs of male Wistar rats following active immunization against LHRH

Histopathological changes induced by immune responses generated against luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) were studied in adult male Wistar rats. Active immunization with a semisynthetic anti-LHRH vaccine, LHRH d-Lys 6, (10, 40, and 80 μg/animal) conjugated with diphtheria toxoid, produced bioeffective antibodies as indicated by significant reduction in circulating testosterone levels. At the 14th week after immunization the animals were sacrificed and reproductive organs were evaluated. These organs were studied for histopathological changes and compared with those of nonimmunized control rats. Marked hypoplastic changes were observed in the genital organs. Testicular changes such as arrest of spermatogenesis at the spermatocyte level and atrophic changes in the interstitial Leydig cells were noticed in treated animals. Similarly attenuation of secretory epithelial cells with substantial increase in the stromal tissues was observed in the prostate and seminal vesicles. The current observation suggests the possible usefulness of this anti-LHRH vaccine under clinical conditions where reduction in androgenic response is desired as in the case of hormone-dependent prostatic carcinoma.

Effects of applied plant growth substances on pod set in broad beans (Vicia faba var. major)

SUMMARYThe effects on flower drop and pod set of applications of either the auxin 4-choloroindole, the cytokinin 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) or gibberellic acid (GA3) to every flower, 1 day before or 1 day after tripping, were studied in broad bean plants grown in a glasshouse in 1988. Control plants shed most of their flowers; pods that did set originated primarily from flowers at proximal positions on the raceme. Most pods set on the lower part of the reproductive portion of the control plants. Chloroindole and GA3 application before tripping had no significant effect on pod-set pattern. However, GA3 applied after tripping significantly enhanced pod set at proximal flowers by 21% but inter-raceme pod set was not significantly altered. Chloroindole applied after tripping significantly increased pod set, particularly at proximal flower positions on the raceme; this treatment increased inter-raceme pod set but the increase was significant only for the basal four racemes and racemes 11, 12 and 13. Application of BAP before or after tripping resulted in almost complete pod set on all racemes; but greater flower drop was observed on the uppermost five racemes of plants treated after tripping than on corresponding racemes of plants treated before tripping. The effects of BAP, chloroindole or GA3 treatment were not due to changes in the synchrony of flower opening. An adequate supply of a cytokinin appeared to be necessary at or before pollination to initiate changes in reproductive organs to prepare them to become net attractors of assimilates from other plant parts. Auxin and gibberellin were only effective in promoting fruit set 24 h after tripping. An adequate supply of auxin, and perhaps of gibberellin, in balance with cytokinin appears to be required after pollination to maintain the flow of adequate assimilates to enable further pod development and for maturation to proceed.

A note on the effect of suckling stimulus on uterine involution, post-partum ovarian activity and fertility in Nili-Ravi buffaloes

ABSTRACTNineteen pluriparous buffaloes of Nili-Ravi breed which calved during the months of October and November 1983 were studied for the effects of sucking stimulus on the uterine involution, post-partum ovarian functions and fertility. On the day of calving, buffaloes were assigned to either a limited-suckling (LS) or non-suckling (NS) group. Changes in reproductive organs were monitored by rectal palpations at weekly intervals. Buffaloes were observed for oestrus twice daily (04.00 and 18.00 h) with the help of a teaser bull, and were artificially inseminated at the first post-partum and each subsequent oestrus. LS buffaloes had a shorter period to uterine involution (20 days) than NS buffaloes (28 days). Intervals to regression of the corpora lutea of pregnancy and to resumption of post-partum follicular development did not differ in the two groups. LS buffaloes had longer intervals to first post-partum oestrus and conception (54 and 88 days respectively) than NS buffaloes (39 and 68 days respectively). However, the difference in services per conception of LS and NS buffaloes was non-significant (2-05 v. 1·62). These limited data reveal that the suckling stimulus has a negative effect on the post-partum resumption of oestrous activity, and that conception is delayed. Further studies are indicated to verify these observations in a larger sample size and during all seasons of the year.

Changes in reproductive organs of male rats on exposure to hypoxia (6,060 m) and cold (-5 degrees C). Effects of cold-induced cryptorchidism.

Adult male rats were exposed to a combination of hypoxia (6,060 m) and cold (−5°C) for 21 days. In one group the left testis was restricted to the scrotum by a suture to the inguinal canal. After exposure, body weight was reduced and the reproductive organs (testis, epididymis and vas deferens) were reduced in weight and showed atrophic changes. There was deterioration in sperm quality. The above changes increased as the exposure was extended from 7 days to 21 days. Cold appears to aggravate the effects of hypoxia on the male reproductive organs. The damage to these organs was greater when cold-induced cryptorchidism was allowed to occur during exposure than when it was avoided. The secretory activity of the epididymis was reduced after exposure. The significance of changes in the biochemical composition of these organs is discussed.

Histomorphological changes in reproductive organs of rats fed cyclopropenoid fatty acids.

SummaryReproductive tissues of rats fed cyclopropenoid fatty acids show definite retardation of follicular development, alteration in corpora lutea, and lack of development of the uterus. Reproductive failure is total in female rats fed a 3% S. foetida oil diet. Results indicate disturbance of the pi-tuitary-gonadal axis when cyclopropenoid fatty acids are fed.

Hormone-Independent Persistent Changes in Reproductive Organs in Female Rats Induced by Early Postnatal Treatment with Androgen

Hormone-Independent Persistent Changes in Reproductive Organs in Female Rats Induced by Early Postnatal Treatment with Androgen

On the cycles of gonads and thyroid glands in migratory and resident birds

The author studied the seasonal changes of reproductive organs and thyroid glands of Japanese Tree-Sparrow, Passer montanus and migratory Eastern Great Reed Warbler, Acrocephalus arundinaceus (summer migrant). No marked change was shown in the thyroid and body weight but the reproductive organs of both sexes were distinctly cyclic. In the Tree Sparrow, the gonads markedly dec eloped from late February to reach the maximum in May, and degenerated gradually to the minimum in September. Only between October and December the ovary weight exceeded that of testes. In the Great Reed Warbler the testis rhythm was one to two months earlier than in the Tree Sparrow and the ovary weight exceeded that of the testes.