Germ Cell Destruction Research Articles

Effect of Cleistanthus collinus on the reproductive system of male Wistar rats

ObjectivePlants are widely used in the traditional system of medicine and many of them can adversely affect the reproductive system. Cleistanthus collinus is a plant containing many active phytochemicals, which have the potential to be developed as a drug. The present study was aimed to evaluate the effects of an aqueous extract of C. collinus on the male reproductive system.MethodsMale Wistar rats were treated with different doses of C. collinus (200 and 400 mg/kg, orally), or with saline for 28 days and its effect on the reproductive system was assessed. Cyclophosphamide (100 mg/kg, weekly, i.p), a well-known reproductive toxicant, was used as a positive control.ResultsThere was a significant reduction in sperm count and motility with C. collinus treatment, along with the destruction of primary spermatocytes, spermatids and reduced thickness of the basal layer. The LH, FSH and testosterone levels were reduced significantly. A reduction in the area of seminiferous tubules indicates the destruction of germ cells and Sertoli cells. C. collinus treatment increased the oxidative stress, evidenced by elevated malondialdehyde levels along with a reduction in catalase and GSH activities. The expression of BAX, BCL-2 and p53 was observed in spermatocytes, indicating an increase in apoptosis.ConclusionsC. collinus can produce male reproductive toxicity, which may be mediated through alterations in hormonal levels, which in turn interferes with spermatogenesis. It may increase the expression of apoptotic factors and deplete protective antioxidant enzymes in the testis.

Urogenital System Damaging Manifestations of 3 Human Infected Coronaviruses.

At present, there are no comparative studies on the damage of the 3 coronaviruses infections to the urinary system. Therefore, we reviewed the correlations and differences between invading mechanisms and resultant urogenital system damage by the 3 kinds of coronaviruses in an effort to help doctors in the prevention and treatment of these damages, which will be of significance in improving prognosis and quality of life after rehabilitation. We searched PubMed® for English language articles published since 2003 with the key words "Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)," "severe acute respiratory syndrome-2 (SARS-CoV-2)," "severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV" and "Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)-CoV "with "semen" and "kidney." We also used relevant data from websites including the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recent studies have revealed that both SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 invade target cells through a membrane-bound angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, an important component of the renin-angiotensin system, which maintains human homeostasis, whereas MERS utilizes host cells' receptor dipeptidyl peptidase 4 for entry. While pneumonia is the most prominent symptom in patients infected by coronaviruses due to the transmission through respiratory droplets, the urogenital system can also suffer from infection with coronaviruses, resulting in renal failure, testicular atrophy etc. The impairments of the genitourinary system would be different with the 3 coronavirus infections but they still have a strong correlation. The pathogenesis and clinical symptoms of SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 coronaviruses in the genitourinary system are comparable. All 3 coronaviruses have been found to affect kidney and testicular function. Therefore, both urologists and nephrologists should pay attention to the damage caused by coronavirus infection to the genitourinary system, especially monitoring renal and semen function.

Testis and blood-testis barrier in Covid-19 infestation: role of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in male infertility.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS- CoV-2) that causes COVID-19 infections penetrates body cells by binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptors. Evidence shows that SARS-CoV-2 can also affect the urogenital tract. Hence, it should be given serious attention when treating COVID-19-infected male patients of reproductive age group. Other viruses like HIV, mumps, papilloma and Epstein-Barr can induce viral orchitis, germ cell apoptosis, inflammation and germ cell destruction with attending infertility and tumors. The blood-testis barrier (BTB) and blood-epididymis barrier (BEB) are essential physical barricades in the male reproductive tract located between the blood vessel and seminiferous tubules in the testes. Despite the significant role of these barriers in male reproductive function, studies have shown that a wide range of viruses can still penetrate the barriers and induce testicular dysfunctions. Therefore, this mini-review highlights the role of ACE2 receptors in promoting SARS-CoV-2-induced blood-testis/epididymal barrier infiltration and testicular dysfunction.

Prior and novel coronaviruses, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), and human reproduction: what is known?

ObjectiveTo summarize current understanding of the effects of novel and prior coronaviruses on human reproduction, specifically male and female gametes, and in pregnancy.DesignReview of English publications in PubMed and Embase to April 6, 2020.Method(s)Articles were screened for reports including coronavirus, reproduction, pathophysiology, and pregnancy.Intervention(s)None.Main Outcome Measure(s)Reproductive outcomes, effects on gametes, pregnancy outcomes, and neonatal complications.Result(s)Seventy-nine reports formed the basis of the review. Coronavirus binding to cells involves the S1 domain of the spike protein to receptors present in reproductive tissues, including angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2), CD26, Ezrin, and cyclophilins. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 1 (SARS–CoV-1) may cause severe orchitis leading to germ cell destruction in males. Reports indicate decreased sperm concentration and motility for 72–90 days following Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Gonadotropin-dependent expression of ACE2 was found in human ovaries, but it is unclear whether SARS–Coronavirus 2 (CoV-2) adversely affects female gametogenesis. Evidence suggests that COVID-19 infection has a lower maternal case fatality rate than SARS or Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), but anecdotal reports suggest that infected, asymptomatic women may develop respiratory symptoms postpartum. Coronavirus Disease 2019 infections in pregnancy are associated with preterm delivery. Postpartum neonatal transmission from mother to child has been reported.Conclusion(s)Coronavirus Disease 2019 infection may affect adversely some pregnant women and their offspring. Additional studies are needed to assess effects of SARS–CoV-2 infection on male and female fertility.

Testis-preserving strategies in testicular germ cell tumors and germ cell neoplasia in situ.

Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) are rare malignancies which affect young adults and adolescents between the ages of 15 and 40 years. In suspected malignant TGCT, the treatment of choice is radical orchiectomy. However, in specific cases this routine surgical approach has been challenged in favor of an organ-preserving approach with comparable oncological outcome. Thus, testis-preserving strategies should be considered in unilateral or bilateral synchronous or metachronous TGCT as well as incidentally found small testicular masses, which are mostly benign lesions including Sertoli cell tumors, Leydig cell tumors, adenomatoid tumors or epidermoid cysts. In case of a testis-preserving surgery, adjuvant postoperative radiation therapy (20 Gy) is recommended. The rational for this approach is that the remaining parenchyma harbors germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS), which might lead to locally recurrent TGCT in 50% in the next following 5 years. However, testicular radiotherapy might result in infertility and 'Sertoli-cell only' syndrome because of radiation-induced destruction of germ cells as well as Leydig cell insufficiency in 20% of all patients leading to life-long androgen substitution. Therefore, radiation therapy should be delay or sperm banking be should performed in fertile patients wish to have children. This review provides an overview on literature regarding testis-preserving strategies in TGCT as well as GCNIS.

A study on the toxicity of 4-nonylphenol on the histopathology of testes of African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)

In the present study, the effects of long term exposure (5 and 10 days) of 100 µg/lit 4-NP (nonyphenol) on the testis were investigated in African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822). Histological examination of the testis of fish treated with 100 µg/lit 4-NP for 5 days showed the disintegration of cysts, separation of cells within the cysts, hypertrophy of sertoli cells and vaccuolation in testis. Histological examination of the testis of fish exposed to 100 µg/lit for 10 days showed alteration in structure of the primary spermatocytes. The structure of the spermatocytes changed from spherical to sickle shaped. Hypertrophy of sertoli cell, severe destruction of germ cells (spermatogonia), and vacuole formation was also seen. The study indicated that 4-nonylphenol had marked effects on the histology of testis of C. gariepinus. The severity of effects of fish increased with the time of exposure and it was noticed that there were marked structural changes in the testis exposed to 4-Nonylphenol for long term exposure.

Epoxides Derived from Dietary Dihomo-Gamma-Linolenic Acid Induce Germ Cell Death in C. elegans.

Dietary fats are not created equally, slight differences in structure lead to crucial differences in function. Muticellular organisms use polyunsaturated fatty acid as substrates to produce potent signaling molecules crucial for many physiological processes, including reproduction. Here we explored the mechanism responsible for germ cell loss induced by dietary supplementation of dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA, 20:3n-6) in the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans. In this study we found that C. elegans CYP-33E2 activity produces a range of epoxy and hydroxy metabolites from dietary DGLA. Knockdown of cyp-33E2 suppressed the DGLA-induced sterility phenotype. Additionally, direct exposure of two specific DGLA-derived epoxy products, 8,9- and 14,15-epoxyeicosadienoic acids, produced germ cell abnormalities in the C. elegans gonad. We propose that sterility is mediated by the production of toxic DGLA-derived epoxides that trigger germ cell destruction. These studies are the first to establish a biological activity for a CYP-produced metabolite of DGLA.

Abortion, Contraception Reversal- Medical Miracle- Autologous Germ cells replant- Decline in global degenerative, autoimmune, neoplastic, infectious diseases; decline in rising environmental estrogen [equating with aborted blood pollution] and decline in depletion of ozone

Back ground: Era of contraception, abortions, [20, 21 centuries] witnessed, global epidemic of degenerative diseases, auto immune diseases, neoplasms and rise in infectious diseases. Rise in environmental estrogen was documented. Objectives: Altruistic association of contraception [if any], with increasing degenerative, auto immune, infectious diseases and neoplasms was sought after; effects of contraception reversal on recovery of diseases was sought after as cause and effect phenomenon; Aborted blood, contraceptive menstrual blood pollution evidenced by rise in environmental estrogen favoring microbial growth, virulence, infectious diseases needed to be confirmed Methods: In 2012, retrospective analysis of data of various diseases in 350 patients of 20-35 years, 36-50 years, >50 years age groups, collected by convenient, stratified random sampling, from different geographical locations, from 2003-2012 and association with presence, absence of contraception, abortion was undertaken; simultaneously, serum estrogen levels obtained from 105 patients, was also analyzed;. The effect of contraception reversal including tubal recanalisation among 37 patients could be analyzed in relation to recovery of diseases though only 3 patients’ estrogen levels could be estimated after reversal. 4sea water samples, 3 river water samples were analyzed for estrogen levels. Hemoglobin electrophoresis was attempted in sea water to identify fetal, adult hemoglobin. Alpha feto protein, β Human chorionic gonadotropins were estimated in sea, river water samples. Results: Bio informatics analysis revealed 275% increased diseases in contraceptive users aged 20-35yrs, 3550yrs,[p<0.0005] associated with low estrogen levels in 61%.of contraceptive users [p<0.0005]; 500% increase in prevalence of diseases was detected after hysterectomy [p<0.0005] with endogenous estrogen as low as 0.4pg; Oil without cholesterol consumption had 50% increased osteoporosis, degenerative diseases[p<0.0005]. River water showed 3-5pg of estrogen, sea water showed 0.3-1pg of estrogen suggesting estrogen brought by the rivers gets diluted in the sea Routine hemoglobin electrophoresis measuring in grams could not detect any visible bands. Alpha feto protein was measured in sea, river water as <0.6ng; β human chorionic gonadotropins was detected in the sea, river water as <0.1miu/ml Conclusion: Retrospective analysis revealed 275%-500% increase in diseases in both partners with contraception, hysterectomy respectively , associated with decreased endogenous estrogen secondary to germ cell destruction; with contraception reversal 79.9% estrogen returns with halt of germ cells fragmentation, thereby decreasing diseases; Oil cholesterol being converted to our endogenous estrogen, androgen is essential fatty acid. Alpha feto protein, estrogen, β Human chorionic gonado tropin detected in the sea, river water suggested aborted blood, contraceptive menstrual blood pollution favoring infectious diseases.

Stress response pathways protect germ cells from omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid-mediated toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans

Polyunsaturated fatty acids serve both structural and functional roles as membrane components and precursors for a number of different factors involved in inflammation and signaling. These fatty acids are required in the human diet, although excess dietary intake of omega-6 fatty polyunsaturated fatty acids may have a negative influence on human health. In the model nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, dietary exposure to dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), an omega-6 fatty acid, causes the destruction of germ cells and leads to sterility. In this study we used genetic and microscopic approaches to further characterize this phenomenon. We found that strains carrying mutations in genes involved in lipid homeostasis enhanced sterility phenotypes, while mutations reducing the activity of the conserved insulin/IGF signaling pathway suppressed sterility phenotypes. Exposure to a mild heat stress prior to omega-6 fatty acid treatment led to an adaptive or hormetic response, resulting in less sterility. Mutations in skn-1 and knockdown of genes encoding phase II detoxification enzymes led to increased sterility in the presence of dietary DGLA. Thus, detoxification systems and genetic changes that increase overall stress responses protect the germ cells from destruction. Microscopic analyses revealed that dietary DGLA leads to deterioration of germ cell membranes in the proliferative and transition zones of the developing germ line. Together, these data demonstrate that specific omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, or molecules derived from them, are transported to the germ line where they disrupt the rapidly expanding germ cell membranes, leading to germ cell death.

Is anti-Müllerian hormone a marker of acute cyclophosphamide-induced ovarian follicular destruction in mice pretreated with cetrorelix?

To define whether anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) may be a marker of acute cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced germ cell destruction in mice pretreated with the GnRH antagonist, cetrorelix. Controlled, experimental study. Research laboratory in a federal research facility. Balb/c female mice (6 weeks old). Mice were treated with GnRH antagonist (cetrorelix) or saline for 15 days followed by 75 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg of CTX or saline control on day 9. Number of primordial follicles (PMF), DNA damage, AMH protein expression, and AMH serum levels. Ovaries in mice pretreated with cetrorelix had significantly more PMFs and reduced DNA damage compared with those exposed to CTX alone. Immunohistochemical staining for AMH expression and serum AMH levels did not differ significantly between treatment groups. Cetrorelix protected PMFs and reduced DNA damage in follicles of mice treated with CTX, but AMH levels in tissue and serum did not correlate with germ cell destruction. Further research is needed to determine the mechanism responsible for the protective effects on PMF counts observed with cetrorelix.

Acid phosphatases in the human testis after prolonged estrogen treatment.

The testes of 2 autopsied adult men and 6 subjects, suffering from prostatic carcinoma, were analysed for acid phosphatase activities, Two of the prostatic patients had been receiving estrogen treatment at least for a year and had completely regressed testes. Testes of other subjects contained well-defined tubules with different spermatogenic cells in abundance. The total acid phosphatase activity, assayed in the homogenate, showed a marked reduction in the testes of estrogen-treated subjects. Enzymes were separated by cellulose chromatography or by gel filtration combined with cellulose chromatography. Three activity peaks were resolved by the former and four by the latter technique, when homogenates of the control testes were used. In contrast, two to three strongly reduced activities could be discerned from the testes of estrogen-treated subjects. The specific activity of each enzyme after fractionation was compared between control and regressed testes. No difference was observed in the activities of enzyme I. Enzyme II was markedly reduced in the regressed testes, but was clearly present. Enzymes III and IV were either totally absent or showed a marked reduction in the regressed testes. It is suggested that a correlation exists between the destruction of germ cells, as a consequence of estrogen treatment, and the marked reduction in the activity of enzymes III and IV.

Orchitis: A Complication of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)1

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus has been known to damage multiple organs; however, little is known about its impact on the reproductive system. In the present study, we analyzed the pathological changes of testes from six patients who died of SARS. Results suggested that SARS caused orchitis. All SARS testes displayed widespread germ cell destruction, few or no spermatozoon in the seminiferous tubule, thickened basement membrane, and leukocyte infiltration. The numbers of CD3+ T lymphocytes and CD68+ macrophages increased significantly in the interstitial tissue compared with the control group (P < 0.05). SARS viral genomic sequences were not detected in the testes by in situ hybridization. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated abundant IgG precipitation in the seminiferous epithelium of SARS testes, indicating possible immune response as the cause for the damage. Our findings indicated that orchitis is a complication of SARS. It further suggests that the reproductive functions should be followed and evaluated in recovered male SARS patients.

Effect of dietary administration of oil extract from rosemary on reproductive efficiency in boars

RiassuntoEffetti della somministrazione dell’estratto di rosmarino sull'efficienza riproduttiva di verri. Il ricorso a sostanze naturali ad azione antiossidante può diventare importante quando i meccanismi di difesa dell’organismo non sono sufficienti a neutralizzare l’eccesso di radicali liberi che si produce a seguito di un aumento del metabolismo basale. L’impiego dell’estratto di rosmarino, in razioni per verri in attività riproduttiva, sottoposti a condizioni di stress termico, ha migliorato la qualità dell’eiaculato (+30% per la concentrazione spermatica e +5% per il n. di spermatozoi vivi) e la sua capacità fecondante (-4,08 punti% di ritorni in calore delle scrofe). Nei soggetti trattati, la produzione steroidea, è rimasta soddisfacente anche nelle prime fasi di esposizione alle elevate temperature.

Apoptosis-associated signaling pathways are required for chemotherapy-mediated female germ cell destruction.

Female sterility resulting from oocyte destruction is an unfortunate, and in many cases inevitable, consequence of chemotherapy. We show that unfertilized mouse oocytes exposed to therapeutic levels of the antitumor drug, doxorubicin (DXR), undergo apoptosis; however, fertilized oocytes do not initiate apoptosis, but enter cell-cycle arrest, when treated with DXR. Apoptosis induced by DXR in oocytes is blocked by sphingosine-1-phosphate, an inhibitor of ceramide-promoted cell death. Oocytes from Bax-deficient, but not p53-null, female mice display complete resistance to DXR-induced apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. Pretreatment of oocytes with a specific peptide inhibitor of caspases also abrogates the apoptotic response to DXR. These findings indicate that oocyte destruction caused by chemotherapy can be prevented by manipulation of apoptosis-associated signaling pathways.

Testicular germ cell toxicity caused by vinylcyclohexene diepoxide in mice

Vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD) produces ovarian toxicity in female mice and rats, whereas testicular damage occurs only in mice. The objectives of these studies were to determine the target cell(s) and spermatogonial survival following VCD administration. In addition, the effects of 4-vinylcyclohexene (VCH) and two epoxide metabolites, vinylcyclohexene 1,2-monoepoxide and VCD were compared. Male mice were dosed daily with VCD (320 mg/kg/d, i.p.) and killed at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 d. Two groups were dosed daily for 30 d and allowed to recover for 30 or 60 d. Decreases in testis weight began at 5 d and continued to 30 d. These decreases corresponded to progressive necrosis of germ cells. After 5 d of VCD, there was loss of Type I and B spermatogonia in Stages II to VI and of preleptotene spermatocytes in Stages VI to VIII. After 30 d of dosing, seminiferous tubules were devoid of germ cells except for spermatogonial stem cells. Following 30 d of recovery, 100% of the seminiferous tubules were repopulated. Epididymal spermatozoa were present after 60 d of recovery. Increasing doses of VCD (0 to 320 mg/kg/d) resulted in increasing testicular toxicity. Neither VCH (800 mg/kg, i.p.) nor VCM (200 mg/kg, i.p.) caused testicular damage. VCD administration initially results in destruction of spermatogonia and spermatocytes, which are undergoing DNA synthesis and cell replication, followed by loss of maturing cells. Neither VCH nor VCM caused testicular germ cell destruction, although all three compounds destroy germ cells in female mice. Therefore, further investigation will be necessary to understand these differences in chemical-induced toxicity between ovaries and testes.

The effect of germ cell complement on the presence of oxytocin in the interstitial and seminiferous tubule fluid of the rat testis

In the rat testis oxytocin has been localized to the Leydig cells, and these cells have been shown to produce oxytocin in vitro. The present study was performed to determine whether oxytocin is present in the interstitial fluid (IF) and seminiferous tubule fluid (TF) of the rat and whether concentrations of the peptide vary within the two compartments following germ cell destruction. In order to destroy germ cells adult male rats were anaesthetized and their scrotal regions placed in a water bath at 43 degrees C for 20 min. Control animals were subjected to anaesthesia alone. Groups of 6 animals were killed 3, 7 and 21 days after heat treatment and their testes removed for histological examination or fluid extraction. IF and TF were separated and the oxytocin content of the fluids measured by radioimmunoassay. Immunoreactive oxytocin was detected in both the IF (100 +/- 11 pg/ml) and TF (27 +/- 4 pg/ml) of control rats and this immunoreactivity co-eluted with the authentic peptide following HPLC. Three days after heat treatment IF levels of oxytocin were significantly reduced but TF levels of the peptide were significantly increased. These changes were associated with a lack of pachytene spermatocytes in the histological sections. Seven and 21 days after heat treatment the levels of oxytocin in the IF and TF were not significantly different from control levels. Similar changes in IF and TF oxytocin levels were seen in a second experiment when pachytene spermatocytes were removed using the testicular toxicant methoxyacetic acid.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Microdosimetry of tritium.

Microdosimetric aspects of tritium radiotoxicity are discussed. The level of coincidence of tritium locations and of radiation-sensitive sites does not appear to be decisive for relative effectiveness of tritium exposures. The actual target structure and dimensions seem to be of more importance. Particularly efficient germ cell destruction by chronic exposures to tritiated water is unlikely to be explainable on the basis of classical principles of microdosimetry. The phenomenological approach of investigating biological response functions may be a useful alternative for the interpretation of unexpected experimental results, especially when combined with bidimensional microdosimetry. The latter allows for clustering of nanometer sites within a target of cellular dimensions.

Granular transformation of Sertoli cells in testicular disorders

In order to study the granular transformation of Sertoli cells the following testicular specimens were reviewed: 58 postmortem biopsies from 21 children and 37 young adult males with normal histologic pattern; 165 biopsies from prepubertal cryptorchid testes; 38 biopsies and 18 surgical specimens from postpubertal-cryptorchid testes; bilateral biopsies from eight men with Del Castillo's syndrome, 14 men with retractile testes, and five men with obstructive azospermia; 17 bilateral and seven unilateral biopsies from 24 men with varicocele; seven unilateral biopsies plus five surgical specimens from 12 men with male pseudohermaphroditism; one biopsy and one surgical specimen from two men with macroorchidism; and the autopsy specimens from 28 adult men with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Sertoli cells with eosinophilic granular cytoplasm were found in the testes of one prepubertal and four postpubertal cryptorchid males, two males with Del Castillo's syndrome, two males with retractile testes, four males with varicocele, two male pseudohermaphrodites, two males with macroorchidism, and one male with AIDS and interstitial orchitis. Histochemical and ultrastructural examination of granular Sertoli cells revealed that these cells accumulate secondary lysosomes and show scant cytoplasmic organelles. In the males with varicocele or retractile testes, these lysosomes were probably heterolysosomes that had degraded the germ cells and testicular fluid accumulated in the lumen of the ectatic seminiferous tubules of these testes. A similar mechanism is also probable in the male with interstitial orchitis that had caused germ cell destruction. In the other cases, in which the tubules showed reduced lumen and severe germ cell depletion, the abundant lysosomes are probably cytolysosomes. The development of these cytolysosomes might be related to the Sertoli cell dysgenesis present in these testes.

Effects of cisplatin and bleomycin on mature rat leydig cell testosterone production

A single i.p. injection of either cisplatin or bleomycin affects the testosterone production by the Leydig cells in mature rats. It is noteworthy that on day 30 after treatment, a complete recovery of Leydig cell function is found in bleomycin-treated rats whereas in cisplatin-injected animals, 25–48% decreases of testosterone synthesis are still observed, respectively, under basal and LH-stimulated conditions. Together with the germ cell destruction, the low testosterone levels probably contribute to the sterility in cisplatintreated rats.

Immunological approaches to control maturation in fish. 1. Cytotoxic reactions against germ cells using monoclonal antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies were used to kill carp and trout spermatozoa and isolated precursor germ cells in vitro using complement-mediated cytotoxicity. In addition, their ability to ‘home’ to designated target cells was investigated in vivo following intravascular injection. The potential application of monoclonal antibodies to effect in vivo destruction of germ cells is discussed.