Decrease In Testis Weight Research Articles

Phytochemical screening and evaluation of anti-fertility activity of Dactyloctenium aegyptium in male albino rats

Abstract Objective To find out the effect of ethanol extract of Dactyloctenium aegyptium ( D. aegyptium ) on the fertility of male albino rats. Methods Experimental animals were divided in four groups of six each. Group first received normal saline and served as control. The second, third and fourth groups of animals were administered with ethanolic extract of D. aegyptium extract at a dose of 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight, respectively for a period of 30 days. Results A non significant increase in the bodyweight and a significant decrease in weight of testes, accessory sex organs, and reduction in sperm count, increase motility and abnormality were observed. Some serum biochemical parameters showed significant variations and were as the serum hormonal levels are significantly decreased. Conclusions The decreased levels of sperm count, weight of reproductive organs, serum hormonal levels and number of implantations in female rats reveals the antifertility activity of D. aegyptium and it was with dose dependent manner.

Cytogenetic, Fertility and Pathological Studies Organophosphorus Insecticide of (Profenofose) on Male Rats.

, respectively, significantly increase in the percentage of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MPCE), ratio of polychromatic erythroctes to normal chromatic erythrocytes (PCE/NCE). The PCE/NCE ratio used as a measure for red blood cell proliferation which gave a sign of toxicity or damage of some organs of the body. Also, a significant decrease in weight of testis than the control except at high dose which cause an increase in testis weigh. Although accessory glands (S.V., prostate and epididymis) showed variationi in weights than the control group. The sperm concentration and percentage of motility were decreased, although sperm abnormalities was increased which characterized by coiled tail and headless. The tested pesticide significantly increased the activities of serum AST, ALT and AP and the level of cholesterol, testosterone, bilirubin, while total protein, testosterone and creatinine significantly decreased.The treated rats with profenofos showed congestion, haemorrhage focal area of necrosis and lymphocytic mononuclear cell infiltration in liver and kidney. The spleen was hyperplastic with degeneration of thewall of some blood vessels. Severe degeneration and necrosis of the spermatic cells of the semineferous tubules in testis. Histopathological changes in different organs appeared to be dose dependent, with damage increase in the high doses.

English

The recent expanding rat population is causing severe economic losses and diseases in human. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the antifertility effects of Andrographis paniculata (AP) methanol extract on the weight of testis, sexual behaviour, fertility, sperm quality and serum testosterone level in treated male rats compared with control rats. A total of 21 adult male rats Sprague-Dawley aged 12 weeks were divided into three groups; control group (distilled water), low dose group (800 mg/kg) and high dose group (1600 mg/kg) of AP methanol extracts given orally for 24 days. Body and testis weight, sexual behaviour test, fertility test, sperm quality and serum testosterone level were measured. Oral administration of AP methanol extract showed a significant decrease in testis weight, number of mountings, number of fetuses, sperm count, sperm motility and serum testosterone levels for all treatment group as compared with the control group, whereas mortality showed a significant increase. Observation on testis histology of treatment group exhibited features of degeneration in Sertoli cells and germinal cells in the seminiferous tubules, followed by the shrinkage of Leydig cells as compared with the control group, which showed characteristics of normal spermatogenesis. In conclusion, AP methanol extract exhibited antifertility effects in male rats, suggesting that AP is a potential herb to be applied as rodenticide.

Obif, a Transmembrane Protein, Is Required for Bone Mineralization and Spermatogenesis in Mice.

BackgroundVarious kinds of transmembrane and secreted proteins play pivotal roles in development through cell-cell communication. We previously reported that Obif (Osteoblast induction factor, Tmem119), encoding a single transmembrane protein, is expressed in differentiating osteoblasts, and that Obif−/− mice exhibit significantly reduced bone volume in the femur. In the current study, we characterized the Obif protein and further investigated the biological phenotypes of a variety of tissues in Obif−/− mice.ResultsFirst, we found that O-glycosylation of the Obif protein occurs at serine residue 36 in the Obif extracellular domain. Next, we observed that Obif−/− mice exhibit bone dysplasia in association with significantly increased osteoid volume per osteoid surface (OV/OS) and osteoid maturation time (Omt), and significantly decreased mineral apposition rate (MAR) and bone formation rate per bone surface (BFR/BS). In addition, we observed that Obif−/− mice show a significant decrease in testis weight as well as in sperm number. By histological analysis, we found that Obif is expressed in spermatocytes and spermatids in the developing testis and that spermatogenesis is halted at the round spermatid stage in the Obif−/− testis that lacks sperm. However, the number of litters fathered by male mice was slightly reduced in Obif−/− mice compared with wild-type mice, although this was not statistically significant.ConclusionsOur results, taken together with previous observations, indicate that Obif is a type Ia transmembrane protein whose N-terminal region is O-glycosylated. In addition, we found that Obif is required for normal bone mineralization and late testicular differentiation in vivo. These findings suggest that Obif plays essential roles in the development of multiple tissues.

Generational reproductive outcomes in Wistar rats maternally exposed to Ricinus communis oil at different stages of gestation.

Fetal programming hypothesis presupposes that stimulus or insult acting during critical periods of uterine growth and development may permanently alter tissue structure and function. Ricinus communis oil (RCO) has been reported to possess/used as laxative, labor-inducing and estrogenic properties. Generational reproductive effects of maternal exposure to RCO was investigated in rats. A total of 25 pregnant rats randomly assigned to five equal groups were treated with distilled water (control, group 1), RCO (950 mg/kg p.o.) during gestation days (GD) 1-7, 7-14, 14-21 and 1-21, respectively. Birth weight, morphometric data, anogenital distance (AGD), pubertal age, sperm parameters, hormonal profile, organ weight and histopathology were determined in the first (F1) and second (F2) filial generations. Results showed a significant decrease (P<0.05) in birth weight/morphometric data in male pups from the GD 1-7 and 7-14 groups. AGD decreased significantly in RCO-treated F1 males. Pubertal age of F1 females decreased significantly (P<0.05) compared with controls. At postnatal day 90, F1 males from the RCO-treated group showed significant decrease in testis weight, body weight, sperm count, motility and normal morphology. Testosterone levels were significantly decreased in RCO-treated F1 males, which also showed testicular interstitial edema and epididymal hypospermia. Only pubertal indexes were altered in F2 rats. Maternal exposure to RCO at early gestation periods impaired androgen-mediated reproductive end points in the first generation of rats. RCO exhibits endocrine disrupting capabilities.

Effects of Korean Red Ginseng extract on busulfan-induced dysfunction of the male reproductive system

BackgroundAnticancer agents induce a variety of adverse effects when administered to cancer patients. Busulfan is a known antileukemia agent. When administered for treatment of leukemia in young patients, busulfan could cause damage to the male reproductive system as one of its adverse effects, resulting in sterility. MethodsWe investigated the effects of Korean Red Ginseng extract (KRGE) on busulfan-induced damage and/or dysfunction of the male reproductive system. ResultsWe found that administration of busulfan to mice: decreased testis weight; caused testicular histological damage; reduced the total number of sperm, sperm motility, serum testosterone concentration; and eventually, litter size. Preadministration of KRGE partially attenuated various busulfan-induced damages to the male reproductive system. These results indicate that KRGE has a protective effect against busulfan-induced damage to the male reproduction system. ConclusionThe present study shows a possibility that KRGE could be applied as a useful agent to prevent or protect the male reproductive system from the adverse side effects induced by administration of anticancer agents such as busulfan.

Subacute toxicity assessment of diflubenzuron, an insect growth regulator, in adult male rats.

Diflubenzuron (DFB), an insecticide and acaricide insect growth regulator, can be used in agriculture against insect predators and in public health programs, to control insects and vectors, mainly Aedes aegypti larvae. Due to the lack of toxicological assessments of this compound, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the toxicological effects of subacute exposure to the DFB insecticide in adult male rats. Adult male rats were exposed (gavage) to 0, 2, 4, or 8 mg/kg of DFB for 28 days. No clinical signs of toxicity were observed in the DFB-treated animals of the experimental groups. However, there was an increase in serum levels of alanine aminotransferase in the group that received 8 mg/kg/DFB/day and urea at doses of 4 and 8 mg/kg/DFB/day, without altering other biochemical or hematological parameters. The subacute exposure to the lowest dose of DFB caused significant decrease in testis weight, daily sperm production, and in number of sperm in the epididymis in relation to the control group. However, no alterations were observed in the sperm morphology, testicular, epididymis, liver and kidney histology, or testosterone levels. These findings unveiled the hazardous effects of DFB on male reproduction after the subacute exposure and special attention should be addressed to the effects of low doses of this pesticide.

Cypermethrin-induced reproductive toxicity in the rat is prevented by resveratrol.

AIMS:The current study was to assess the protective role of resveratrol in cypermethrin-induced reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Rats were exposed to cypermethrin (3.83 mg/kg bw) for 14 days. Pre- and post-treatment of resveratrol (20 mg/kg bw for 14 days) was given to cypermethrin exposed rats. At the end of the experiment, rats were sacrificed, testis and epididymis were removed, sperm characteristics, sex hormones, and various biochemical parameters were studied.RESULTS:Cypermethrin exposure resulted in a significant decrease in weight of testis and epididymis, testicular sperm head counts, sperm motility and live sperm counts and increase in sperm abnormalities. Serum testosterone (T), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and total protein (TP) content were decreased and lipid peroxidation (LPO) level was increased on cypermethrin exposure. Pre- and post-treatment of resveratrol increased sperm head counts, sperm motility, live sperm counts, T, FSH, LH, GSH, CAT, SOD, GST, GR, GPx and TP contents and decreased LPO. Treatment with resveratrol alone has improved sperm parameters and testicular antioxidant defence system.CONCLUSION:The study concluded that resveratrol ameliorated cypermethrin-induced testicular damage by reducing oxidative stress and by enhancing the level of sex hormones.

Taurine reverses endosulfan-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in adult rat testis

The present study was aimed to investigate the mechanistic aspect of endosulfan toxicity and its protection by taurine in rat testes. Pre-treatment with taurine (100mg/kg/day) significantly reversed the decrease in testes weight, and the reduction in sperm count, motility, viability and daily sperm production in endosulfan (5mg/kg/day)-treated rats. Sperm chromatin integrity and epididymal L-carnitine were markedly decreased by endosulfan treatment. Endosulfan significantly decreased the level of serum testosterone and testicular 3β-HSD, 17β-HSD, G6PDH and LDH-X. Sperm Δψm and mitochondrial cytochrome c content were significantly decreased after endosulfan. Testicular caspases-3, -8 and -9 activities were significantly increased but taurine showed significant protection from endosulfan-induced apoptosis. Oxidative stress was induced by endosulfan treatment as evidenced by increased H2O2 level and LPO and decreased the antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT and GPx activities and GSH content. These alterations were effectively prevented by taurine pre-treatment.In conclusion, endosulfan decreases rat testes weight, and inhibits spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. It induces oxidative stress and apoptosis by possible mechanisms of both mitochondria and non-mitochondria pathways. These data provide insight into the mode of action of endosulfan-induced toxicity and the beneficial role provided by taurine to counteract endosulfan-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in rat testis.

English

Control of population is very important in these years. A wide variety of synthetic contraceptive agents are available, but these cannot be used continuously due to their side effects. Thus the present study was undertaken to evaluate the antifertility effect of aqueous extract ofTinospora cordifolia&nbsp;stem studied in male Albino Wistar rats. Male rats were orally administered with aqueous extract of&nbsp;T. cordifolia&nbsp;stem (100 mg/kg of body weight/day, for 60 days) and effect of treatment on reproductive organ weights: fertility potential and sperm count were evaluated. The treatment caused decrease in weight of testis, epididymis and prostate. The treatment caused a significant reduction in average litter size, sperm count, number of viable and motile sperm. The administration of aqueous extract of&nbsp;T. cordifolia&nbsp;led to alteration in both the histoarchitecture of testis and epididymis. The results revealed that the aqueous extract of&nbsp;T. cordifolia&nbsp;stem has spermicidal and antiandrogenic activity. &nbsp; Key words:&nbsp;Tinospora cordifolia,&nbsp;antifertility, antiandrogenic, spermicidal activity

NOTCH1 Gain of Function in Germ Cells Causes Failure of Spermatogenesis in Male Mice

NOTCH1 is a member of the NOTCH receptor family, a group of single-pass trans-membrane receptors. NOTCH signaling is highly conserved in evolution and mediates communication between adjacent cells. NOTCH receptors have been implicated in cell fate determination, as well as maintenance and differentiation of stem cells. In the mammalian testis expression of NOTCH1 in somatic and germ cells has been demonstrated, however its role in spermatogenesis was not clear. To study the significance of NOTCH1 in germ cells, we applied a cre/loxP approach in mice to induce NOTCH1 gain- or loss-of function specifically in male germ cells. Using a Stra8-icre transgene we produced mice with conditional activation of the NOTCH1 intracellular domain (NICD) in germ cells. Spermatogenesis in these mutants was progressively affected with age, resulting in decreased testis weight and sperm count. Analysis of downstream target genes of NOTCH1 signaling showed an increased expression of Hes5, with a reduction of the spermatogonial differentiation marker, Neurog3 expression in the mutant testis. Apoptosis was significantly increased in mouse germ cells with the corresponding elevation of pro-apoptotic Trp53 and Trp63 genes' expression. We also showed that the conditional germ cell-specific ablation of Notch1 had no effect on spermatogenesis or male fertility. Our data suggest the importance of NOTCH signaling regulation in male germ cells for their survival and differentiation.

The role of local propolis extract against harmful effects of acrylamide on some male reproductive parameters in rats

Propolis is a natural resinous substance obtained from bee hives living on various plant sources. The present experiment was designed to investigate the protective role of ethanolic extract of local propolis against the possible reproductive harmful effects induced by acrylamide when administered orally in male rates. A total of Thirty sexually mature male albino rats were randomly divided equally into three different groups (n = 10) , the first one : served as normal control , the second group received acrylamide alone (150 mg / Kg BW) , the third group received acrylamide in same dose and treated with local propolis extract (200 mg / Kg BW) twice daily. Doses were given by drenching for four weeks. The result of study revealed that administration of acrylamide induced significant decrease in the sperm concentration , sperm motility , rate of viability and normal sperms as well as decrease in weights of testes , epidydemis ,prostate gland , seminal vesicles , serum testosterone , FSH , LH levels with significant increase in sperm abnormalities compared with control group. Treatment with local propolis extract improved the harmful effects of acrylamide on reproductive parameters in male rats toward the normal values.

The Inhibin B Response to the Testicular Toxicant 1, 3 Dinitrobenzene in Male Rats

This study was conducted as part of an ILSI-HESI International Life Sciences Institute-Health & Environmental Sciences Institute consortium effort to assess the utility of circulating Inhibin B as an early biomarker of Sertoli cell-specific testicular toxicity in rats. 1, 3-Dinitrobenzene (1,3-DNB) was selected as a testicular toxicant in this study as it is known to target Sertoli cells. 1,3-DNB (2 and 6 mg/kg/day) or control (corn oil) was administered orally to male rats for two or five consecutive days. Blood was collected from rats treated for 2 days on days 1 and 2 and from rats treated for 5 days on days 1, 3, and 5. The resulting serum was evaluated for Inhibin B and follicle stimulating hormone. At the end of the treatment periods, the testes were removed, weighed, and examined histopathologically. Daily administration of 1,3-DNB resulted in decreased testis weight only on day 5 and only at the high dose (6 mg/kg/day). There was a time-dependent increase in incidence and severity of testicular findings characterized by degeneration of the germinal epithelium with loss of pachytene spermatocytes and vacuolization of the Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules at the high dose. Inhibin B levels in 1,3-DNB-treated animals were decreased with treatment only on day 5 at the high dose; there were no associated changes in follicle stimulating hormone. Changes in serum Inhibin B levels were detected only in association with moderate or severe testicular toxicity as evidenced by histopathology and is therefore considered to be of limited value as a biomarker for Sertoli cell toxicity.

The Inhibin B Response in Male Rats Treated with a GnRH Agonist and an Endothelin Receptor Antagonist

This study examined the correlation between Inhibin B and testicular pathology. Male Han Wistar rats (approximately 10 weeks old) were administered either vehicle or an endothelin receptor antagonist (ET-An) orally for 28 days or a Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) agonist (GnRH-A) as a subcutaneous implant on day 1. Ten animals/group/time point were killed on days 4, 8, 15, and 29 (controls on days 15 and 29) for testes weights and histopathology. In-life blood samples were taken on days 4, 8, 15, and 29 to measure Inhibin B, Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and Lutenising Hormone (LH), and at necropsy for the same hormones plus testosterone. Plasma Inhibin B showed a wide concentration range in controls (group means 76.4-184.2 pg/ml; individual animals 17.8-381 pg/ml). GnRH-A caused decreased testes weights plus degenerative testicular pathology from day 4 with partial recovery by day 29. Statistically significant reductions in Inhibin B were observed at all time points and appeared to track the development and partial recovery of the pathology (generally <50 pg/ml on days 4-15; group mean 92 pg/ml on day 29). ET-An produced an increase in testes weights and a nondegenerative lesion of minimal tubular dilatation. There was a trend for lower Inhibin B values (30-50%) at all time points, including on day 4 when tubular dilatation was not yet evident. Inhibin B showed a good correlation with testicular pathology for GnRH-A, and following ET-An administration appeared to give a signal that might reflect changes in tubular function in the absence of degenerative pathology.

Protective effects of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 on whole body heat stress-induced oxidative damage in the mouse testis

BackgroundWhole body heat stress had detrimental effect on male reproductive function. It's known that the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activates expression of cytoprotective genes to enable cell adaptation to protect against oxidative stress. However, it’s still unclear about the exactly effects of Nrf2 on the testis. Here, we investigate the protective effect of Nrf2 on whole body heat stress-induced oxidative damage in mouse testis.MethodsMale mice were exposed to the elevated ambient temperature (42°C) daily for 2 h. During the period of twelve consecutive days, mice were sacrificed on days 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 immediately following heat exposure. Testes weight, enzymatic antioxidant activities and concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) in the testes were determined and immunohistochemical detection of Nrf2 protein and mRNA expression of Nrf2-regulated genes were analyzed to assess the status of Nrf2-antioxidant system.ResultsHeat-exposed mice presented significant increases in rectal, scrotal surface and body surface temperature. The concentrations of cortisol and testosterone in serum fluctuated with the number of exposed days. There were significant decrease in testes weight and relative testes weight on day 12 compared with those on other days, but significant increases in catalase (CAT) activity on day 1 and GSH level on day 4 compared with control group. The activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and copper-zinc SOD (CuZn-SOD) increased significantly on days 8 and 12. Moreover, prominent nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 protein was observed in Leydig cells on day 2, accompanying with up-regulated mRNA levels of Nrf2-regulated genes such as Nrf2, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), γ-Glutamylcysteine synthetase (GCLC) and NAD (P) H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1)) in heat-treated groups.ConclusionsThese results suggest that Nrf2 displayed nuclear accumulation and protective activity in the process of heat treated-induced oxidative stress in mouse testes, indicating that Nrf2 might be a potential target for new drugs designed to protect germ cell and Leydig cell from oxidative stress.

Effect of Mobile Phone on Male Fertility in Rats

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of 900MHz radiofrequency – electromagnetic waves ( RF-EMW ) sent out from mobile phone on rats male fertility . 36 male wistar rats 12- week aged ( 300 -400 g) body weight were used , divided into three groups , control group , 1hday for 30 days and 2hday for 30 days exposure groups and then divided into A and B subgroups after end of experiment . A subgroups rats were used for semen analysis and sex organs weights were measured , also hormonal analysis were done . B subgroups rats were used for fertility test . The results show a significant decrease in testis weight in 1hday exposure group for 30 days , a significant decrease in prostate weight in 1hday , 2hday for 30 days exposure groups when compared with control group , an increase in seminal vesicle weight in 2hday group was significant as compared with control group and , A highly significant decrease in number of total sperm count in a both exposure groups verses control group . The percentage of live sperms was also affected as highly significant decrease of living sperms when compared to control groups in exposure groups during the experiment . There are a highly significant increase in percentage of abnormal sperms in both exposure groups as compared to control group . There are a significant increase in mixing days until parturition and a decrease in number of pups in both exposure groups as compared to control group . In conclusion the electromagnetic waves emitted from the mobile phone had a hazard effects on fertility of male rats .

Carbendazim-induced testicular damage and oxidative stress in albino rats: ameliorative effect of licorice aqueous extract

Carbendazim is a broad spectrum carbamate fungicide used in the control of various fungal pathogens. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is one of the widely used medicinal plants in oriental nations. The present work studied the effect of licorice aqueous extract on carbendazim-induced testicular toxicity in albino rats. Administration of carbendazim induced significant decrease in testis weight, diameter, and germinal epithelial height of the seminiferous tubules. Histological results revealed degeneration of seminiferous tubules, loss of spermatogenic cells, and apoptosis. Moreover, carbendazim caused elevation of testicular malondialdehyde (MDA), marker of lipid peroxidation, and reduced the activity of the antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Coadministration of licorice extract with carbendazim improved the histomorphological and histopathological changes observed in animals treated with carbendazim. In addition, licorice treatment leads to a significant decrease in the level of MDA and increase in the activities of SOD and CAT. According to the present results, it is concluded that licorice aqueous extract can improve the testicular toxicity of carbendazim and this effect may be attributed to antioxidant properties of one or more of its constituents.

Effects of hexavalent chromium on reproductive functions of male adult rats

Hexavalent chromium is an environmental contaminant which may be associated with reproductive abnormalities in male rats. In the present study, we examined the effect of hexavalent chromium on male reproductive function of rats. Male Wistar rats received a daily intraperitoneal injection of potassium dichromate (1 or 2 mg/kg body weight) for fifteen consecutive days. A decrease in testis weight and an increase in seminal vesicles and prostate weights were demonstrated after chromium treatment. Moreover, a dose-dependent increase in blood and testis chromium levels as well as an increase in FSH and a decrease in LH and testosterone serum levels were detected in treated rats. Histological analysis revealed pronounced morphological alterations with enlarged intracellular spaces, tissue loosening and dramatic loss of gametes in the lumen of the seminiferous tubules of treated rats. In addition, a decreased sperm motility and number of epididymal spermatozoa together with an increased sperm abnormality rate was found in chromium-treated rats in comparison to controls. In rats receiving the higher chromium dose, histological images presented considerably increased areas filled with seminal vesicle and prostate secretions. The mucosal crypts of seminal vesicles and the typical invaginations of prostate were altered. The results suggest that subacute treatment of potassium dichromate promotes reproductive system toxicity and affects testicular function of adult male rats.

Short-Term Study Investigating the Estrogenic Potency of Diethylstilbesterol in the Fathead Minnow (Pimephales promelas)

Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a synthetic estrogen that has been banned for use in humans, but still is employed in livestock and aquaculture operations in some parts of the world. Detectable concentrations of DES in effluent and surface waters have been reported to range from slightly below 1 to greater than 10 ng/L. Little is known, however, concerning the toxicological potency of DES in fish. In this study, sexually mature fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) of both sexes were exposed to 1, 10, or 100 ng of DES/L of water in a flow-through system. Tissue concentrations of DES and changes in a number of estrogen-responsive end points were measured in the fish at the end of a 4 d exposure and after a 4 d depuration/recovery period in clean water. Accumulation of DES was sex-dependent, with females exhibiting higher tissue residues than males after the 4 d exposure. The observed bioconcentration of DES in the fish was about 1 order of magnitude lower than that predicted on the basis of the octanol-water partition coefficient of the chemical, suggesting relatively efficient metabolic clearance by the fish. Exposure to 1, 10, or 100 ng of DES/L caused decreased testis weight and morphological demasculinization of males (regression of dorsal nuptial tubercles). Diethylstilbesterol induced plasma vitellogenin (VTG) in both sexes at water concentrations ≥10 ng/L; this response (especially in males) persisted through the end of the 4 d recovery period. Hepatic transcripts of VTG and estrogen receptor-α also were affected at DES concentrations ≥10 ng/L. Evaluation of transcript profiles in the liver of females using a 15K-gene fathead minnow microarray revealed a concentration-dependent change in gene expression, with mostly up-regulated transcripts after the exposure and substantial numbers of down-regulated gene products after depuration. Genes previously identified as vitellogenesis-related and regulated by 17β-estradiol were significantly enriched among those differentially expressed following exposure to DES. Overall, our studies show that DES causes a range of responses in fish at water concentrations comparable to those reported in the environment and that in vivo potency of the estrogen is on par with that of the better-studied estrogenic contaminant 17α-ethinylestradiol.

Protective effect of Selenium on the testes and spermatogenesis in acute and long–term cadmium treated male Swiss mice

The protective effect of selenium chloride (SeCl2) against cadmium chloride (CdCl2), induced toxicity on sperms parameters, testes architecture and antioxidant enzymes in male Swiss mice was investigated. Intraperitoneal injection of CdCl2 (0.15 mg) dose in mice reduced total sperm count and significantly associated with increased sperm abnormality and death sperm percentage when compared with controls. The effect of Cd-treated mice showed a significant decrease in weight of testes and epididymides as compared with control groups. The degree of organ weight loss (testes and epididymides) were less severe in long-term treatment. Long-term exposure of both cadmium-injected mice had similar effect as acute exposure but with lower efficacy. Recovery period showed restoring effects in both exposure periods. The histopathological testes changes indicated by the reduction of seminiferous tubule diameter and testes architecture appearance due to the epithelial sloughing and elimination of germ cells were more pronounced at 72h/ Cd treatment. Substantially proves the ongoing damage effect of cadmium on developing germ cells. Long-term exposure of a batch of cadmium –injected mice had a similar effect as acute exposure but with lower efficacy. In addition, Intraperitoneal injection of CdCl2 (0.15 mg) also stimulate lipid peroxidation in testicular tissues, indicated by significant decrease in antioxidant enzymatic activity such as peroxidase and catalase in the experimental mice group. Administration of SeCl2 in combination with equal volume CdCl2 at the above mentioned doses led to partially organs weight resorted, elevated sperm count and reduction in the percentage of abnormal and dead sperm population along with significant increase in antioxidant enzymatic activities. The protective action and the antagonistic effect of Se at different periods against cadmium –induce toxicity are discussed.