Adult Rat Epididymis Research Articles

Alterations in the transcriptome and microRNAs of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells from different sites in rats during aging.

Aging is an intricate and gradual process characterized by tissue and cellular dysfunction. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) experience a functional decline as part of systemic aging. However, the alterations in ADMSCs across various anatomical sites throughout an individual's lifespan remain unclear. To shed light on these changes, we collected white adipose tissue and brown adipose tissue samples from the epididymis, perirenal, inguinal, and scapular regions of young, adult, and aged rats and subsequently isolated ADMSCs for RNA sequencing. As aging progressed, we observed a reduction in the number of ADMSCs at all anatomical sites. Marker genes of ADMSCs from different sites were identified. Aging triggered notable activation of inflammatory and immune responses while diminishing the ADMSC differentiation capacity and ability to maintain normal tissue morphology. Furthermore, miR-195-5p and miR-497-3p, which promoted cell senescence and apoptosis while inhibiting proliferation and differentiation, were positively correlated with aging. These findings increase our understanding of ADMSC senescence and underscore the unique physiological changes and functions of ADMSCs across different anatomical sites during aging.

Low protein uptake during peripuberty impairs the testis, epididymis, and spermatozoa in pubertal and adult Wistar rats.

Protein malnutrition during critical periods poses significant risks to reproductive health. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the immediate and delayed effects of a 30-day low-protein diet on the postnatal development of the male reproductive system. For so, male rats were fed a protein-deficient diet from postnatal day 30-60, followed by evaluations of testis, epididymis, and spermatozoa both at the end of the diet and after a 60-day recovery period. Testicular and epididymal weight was lowered in pubertal animals. Several histological alterations were found in the testis, such as acidophilic cells and vacuoles in the seminiferous epithelium, and sperm production was compromised. In the epididymis, the luminal compartment was diminished, and the stroma was enlarged both in the caput and cauda; in the cauda, the epithelial compartment was enlarged; the transit time of spermatozoa through this organ was diminished. Testosterone production was lowered. Spermatozoa's motility, mitochondrial activation, and acrosomal integrity were impaired, and several alterations in morphology were observed. After the recovery period, testicular and epididymal weight was restored. Tissue remodulation was observed in the epididymis, but the spermatozoa's transit time in this organ was not altered. Sperm and testosterone production, spermatozoa motility, mitochondrial activation, and acrosomal integrity were also restored. However, testicular histological alterations and spermatic morphological abnormalities were maintained in protein-restricted animals. Protein restriction during peripuberty impairs the reproductive maturation of pubertal Wistar rats, impairing testicular and epididymal function, with lasting effects even after dietary correction.

The effect of local millet drink (Kunu) on the testis and epididymis of adult male wistar rats

Background: Kunu is a local beverage drink that finds its origin in the northern part of Nigeria. This study was aimed at determining the effect of the liquid drink on the epididymis, testes, sperm parameters, and hormonal assay. Methods: A total of sixteen rats were used for this study and the animals were separated into four groups of four rats each (A-D). The animals were then sacrificed and the testes and epididymis were harvested and fixed in 10% formal saline. Group A was fed only rat feed and water. Groups B, C, and D were fed 0.2 ml, 0.9 ml, and 2.5 ml of Kunu respectively orally using a metal cannula for 21 days. Findings: There was a significant increase (P<0.05) in the relative testicular weights of groups B, C, and D as compared with those of group A. There was a significant decrease (P<0.05) in sperm count in groups B, C, and D when compared to group A. There was an insignificant increase (P>0.05) in FSH in groups B, C, and D when compared to group A. The histopathological findings revealed that the group B rats of 0.2ml and group C rats of 0.9ml showed epididymal tissue with moderate accumulation of spermatozoa and testicular tubules with moderately enhanced spermatogenesis. The group D rats showed well-accumulated spermatozoa in the epididymal lumen and improved spermatogenesis in the testis as did group A. Conclusion: Kunu beverage may not be used as a natural male fertility booster since it does little to improve sperm count, motility, morphology, pH, and hormonal levels of FSH and testosterone.

The Protective Role of Camel Milk against Reprotoxicity, Hepatotoxicity, and Nephrotoxicity in Aflatoxic-Induced Male Rats

The goal of this study was to document the toxic effects of aflatoxin B1 (AfB1) on the testis, epididymis, liver, and kidneys of adult male rats, and to employ camel milk as a natural antidote to neutralize these effects. For these purposes, 120 adult male Wister rats (90 days old) were divided into four groups (30 males each); control (C) group (drinking water was supplied), Cm group (camel milk was supplied at 10ml/kg bw/day), Af group (AfB1 was supplied at 0.3mg/kg bw/day), and CmAf group (combination treatment were supplied). The males were weighed and sacrificed on days 21 and 42 of the treatment to evaluate the histological changes of the liver, kidneys, testes, and epididymis. The body weight and testicular, epididymal, prostate, and seminal vesicle weights in the Af group decreased significantly, however this was improved in AfCm group. At day 21, histological findings of AF group revealed a decline of testicular germ layers and spermatogenesis arrest, necrotic and degenerative changes of hepatocytes and renal tubules, epididymal epithelial hyperplasia with cytoplasmic vacuolation, and depletion of sperms from the epididymis' lumen. At day 42, the severity of the histopathological changes were time-dependet. At both experimental periods, AfCm group reported substantial reduction in the degree of germ epithelium with normal seminiferous tubules epithelia with active spermatogenesis, necrosis of some hepatocytes beside infiltration of some inflammatory cells, most glomeruli and tubules were normal but some with sloughing tubular epithelia, and normal epididymalpseudostratified columnar epithelium with sperms in the lumen.

Sexual Behavioral Deficit and some Reproductive Abnormalities in Male Wistar Rats Exposed to Landfill Leachate

Land filling is a common method of managing solid wastes around the world and this method of waste management causes nuisance to the environment through the release of chemical laden landfill gases and leachates that can affect multiple organ systems including the male reproductive system. This study was carried out to investigate the impact of 21 days exposure of Gwagwalada landfill leachate on sexual behaviour, reproductive hormonal imbalance, gonadal and extra-gonadal sperm reserve depletion and histopathology of the testis and epididymis of adult male Wistar rats. Twenty (20) adults male Wistar rats were used and randomly selected into two (2) groups. Group A were fed with normal rat chow and tap water as drinking water ad libitum while Group B were fed with normal rat chow and 10% of Gwagwalada landfill leachate as drinking water ad libitum. Exposure was for 21 days. Results showed that exposure to GLL induced decreased mount frequency and increased mount latency as well as decreased serum concentrations of LH, FSH and testosterone. Also, there was marked weight loss of the testis (especially the left) with different morpho-phenotypic pathologies of the testis and epididymis. The present study has demonstrated the detrimental effects of Gwagwalada landfill leachate to adult males.

Investigating the Effect of Diet Containing Sesame Seeds on Epididymis and Seminal Vesicles of Adult Wistar Rats

Investigating the Effect of Diet Containing Sesame Seeds on Epididymis and Seminal Vesicles of Adult Wistar Rats

Morphological and morphometric changes and epithelial apoptosis are induced in the rat epididymis by long-term letrozole treatment.

The epididymis is an organ that plays a key role in sperm maturation. The aim of this study was to examine the association between the chronic treatment of mature male rats with letrozole and morphological evaluation and morphometric values of epididymis as well as changes in the number of apoptotic cells in epididymal epithelium. Adult rats were treated with letrozole for 6 months and the epididymis weight, morphology, morphometric values and the number of apoptotic cells in the epithelium were examined. Long-term aromatase inhibition resulted in presence of intraepithelial clear vacuoles, hyperplasia of clear cells and a hyperplastic alteration in the epithelium known as a cribriform change. Moreover, changes in diameters of the epididymal duct and the epididymal lumen and changes in the epididymal epithelium height were observed. The number of apoptotic epithelial cells was increased in letrozole-treated group. It can be indicated that chronic treatment with letrozole can affect morphology, morphometric values and apoptosis in the epididymis of adult male rats. Observed changes are similar to that observed in the aging processes and may also be important for patients treated with aromatase inhibitors.

Castration causes an increase in lysosomal size and upregulation of cathepsin D expression in principal cells along with increased secretion of procathepsin D and prosaposin oligomers in adult rat epididymis

In the epididymis, lysosomal proteins of the epithelial cells are normally targeted from the Golgi apparatus to lysosomes for degradation, although their secretion into the epididymal lumen has been documented and associated with sperm maturation. In this study, cathepsin D (CatD) and prosaposin (PSAP) were examined in adult epididymis of control, and 2-day castrated rats without (Ct) and with testosterone replacement (Ct+T) to evaluate their expression and regulation within epididymal epithelial cells. By light microscope-immunocytochemistry, a quantitative increase in size of lysosomes in principal cells of Ct animals was noted from the distal initial segment to the proximal cauda. Androgen replacement did not restore the size of lysosomes to control levels. Western blot analysis revealed a significant increase in CatD expression in the epididymis of Ct animals, which suggested an upregulation of its expression in principal cells; androgens restored levels of CatD to that of controls. In contrast, PSAP expression in Ct animals was not altered from controls. Additionally, an increase in procathepsin D levels was noted from samples of the epididymal fluid of Ct compared to control animals, accompanied by an increased complex formation with PSAP. Moreover, an increased oligomerization of prosaposin was observed in the epididymal lumen of Ct rats, with changes reverted to controls in Ct+T animals. Taken together these data suggest castration causes an increased uptake of substrates that are acted upon by CatD in lysosomes of principal cells and in the lumen by procathepsin D. These substrates may be derived from apoptotic cells noted in the lumen of proximal regions and possibly by degenerating sperm in distal regions of the epididymis of Ct animals. Exploring the mechanisms by which lysosomal enzymes are synthesized and secreted by the epididymis may help resolve some of the issues originating from epididymal dysfunctions with relevance to sperm maturation.

Comparative rna-seq analysis of region-specific miRNA expression in the epididymis of cattleyak.

The epididymis is the site of post-testicular sperm maturation, which constitutes the acquisition of sperm motility and the ability to recognize and fertilize oocytes. The role of miRNA in male reproductive system, including the control of different steps leading to proper fertilization such as gametogenesis, sperm maturation and maintenance of male fertility where the deletion of Dicer in mouse germ cells led to infertility, has been demonstrated. The identification of miRNA expression in a region-specific manner will therefore provide valuable insight into the functional differences between the regions of the epididymis. In this study, we employed RNA-seq technology to explore the expression pattern of miRNAs and establish some miRNAs of significant interest with regard to epididymal sperm maturation in the CY epididymis. We identified a total of 431 DE known miRNAs; 119, 185 and 127 DE miRNAs were detected for caput versus corpus, corpus versus cauda and caput versus cauda region pairs, respectively. Our results demonstrate region-specific miRNA expression in the CY epididymis. The GO and KEGG enrichment for the predicted target genes indicated the functional values of miRNAs. Furthermore, we observed that the expression of miR-200a was downregulated in the caput, compared with cauda. Since the family of miR-200 has previously been suggested to contribute to the distinct physiological function of sperm maturation in epididymis of adult rat, we speculate that the downregulation of miR-200a in CY caput epididymis may play an important role of sperm maturation in the epididymis of CY. Therefore, our findings may not only increase our understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulated by the miRNA functions in region-specific miRNA expression in the CY epididymis, it could provide a valuable information to understand the mechanism of male infertility of CY.

High-fructose diet during puberty alters the sperm parameters, testosterone concentration, and histopathology of testes and epididymis in adult Wistar rats.

The consumption of fructose has increased in children and adolescents and is partially responsible for the high incidence of metabolic diseases. The lifestyle during postnatal development can result in altered metabolic programming, thereby impairing the reproductive system and fertility during adulthood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a high-fructose diet in the male reproductive system of pubertal and adult rats. Male Wistar rats (30 d old) were assigned to four different groups: Fr30, which received fructose (20%) in water for 30 d and were euthanized at postnatal day (PND) 60; Re-Fr30, which received fructose (20%) for 30 d and were euthanized at PND 120; and two control groups C30 and Re-C30, which received water ad libitum and were euthanized at PND 60 and 120, respectively. Fructose induced an increase in abnormal seminiferous tubules with epithelial vacuoles, degeneration, and immature cells in the lumen. Moreover, Fr30 rats showed altered spermatogenesis and daily sperm production (DSP), as well as increased serum testosterone concentrations. After discontinuing high-fructose consumption, DSP and sperm number decreased significantly. We observed tissue remodeling in the epididymis, with a reduction in stromal and epithelial compartments that might have influenced sperm motility. Therefore, we concluded that fructose intake in peripubertal rats led to changes in the reproductive system observed both during puberty and adulthood.

Postnatal cadmium administration affects the presence and distribution of carbohydrates in the sperm membrane during maturation in the epididymis in adult Wistar rats.

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal related to a decrease in sperm parameters. The transit of spermatozoa through the epididymis is necessary to generate changes in the sperm membrane, such as the assembly of various carbohydrates that are added to the spermatazoan's surface to prepare it for successful fertilisation of the oocyte. No studies have yet analysed whether Cd alters the presence and distribution of these carbohydrates. We aimed to evaluate the changes induced by Cd in the distribution pattern of N-acetylglucosamine, sialic acid, mannose and fucose on the sperm membrane in the epididymis (e.g. caput, corpus, cauda) and if it alters the epididymal epithelium. Male Wistar pups were treated with Cd doses (0.125, 0.25 and 0.5mg/kg) on postnatal days 1-49. At postnatal day 90, they were humanely killed, sperm samples were obtained from the epididymis and tissue samples were taken for histological analysis. Cd concentrations in the blood and epididymis increased in proportion to the dose administered and decreased the serum testosterone levels and sperm quality. Histological analysis revealed alterations in the epithelium in all Cd-treated groups. Cd altered the distribution patterns of carbohydrates and fluorescence indices. All these alterations affected the structure and functioning of sperm.

Effects of aqueous leaf extract of <i>Mucuna Pruriens</i> (Linn.) on the weight and histology of the testis and epididymis in adult male Wistar rats

Mucuna pruriens, a leguminous plant common to Africa and Asia has been used for managing infertility in males, disorder of the nervous system, and also as an aphrodisiac. This study was aimed at investigating the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Mucuna pruriens on the weight of the animals, reproductive organs (testis and epididymis) and histology of the testis and epididymis. Twenty- five adult male Wistar rats weighing above 200g were randomized into five (5) groups consisting five (5) rats each. Group A received 1ml sterile water via oral route to compensate for stress of administration incurred in the treated groups. Group B1 and B2 received 500mg/kg body weight via oral route for 4 and 8 weeks respectively and group C1 and C2 received 1500mg/kg body weight of extract via oral route daily for 4 and 8 respectively. The extract did not cause any significant change in the body weight of the animals. A significant decrease (P<0.05) was also observed in the testis of rats in groups C2 while a significant increase (P<0.05) was observed in the right epididymis of rats in group B2 and C1 and left epididymis of rats in group B2. Histological findings revealed distortion of the sequential arrangement of spermatogenic cells in the seminiferous tubule epithelium, absence of spermatozoa and immature sperm cells in the lumen of the seminiferous tubule lumen. Scanty spermatozoa were observed in the epididymal lumen of rats in groups B1 and C2. Findings from this study indicated that Mucuna pruriens had an anti-fertility effect on adult male Wistar rat. Data was analyzed using SPSS/IBM statistical package version 20 and the statistical method employed was ANOVA.Key word: Mucuna pruriens, weight, testis and epididymis

Histological, immunohistochemical and biochemical study of the effect of triclosan and its withdrawal on cauda epididymis of adult albino rat

Background: Triclosan (TCS) is a bactericide used in many daily products. TCS potential for endocrine disruption is suspected to impact male reproductive system.Aim of the study: Is to evaluate the effect of TCS and its withdrawal on the cauda epididymis of adult albino rat using different histological and biochemical techniques.Materials & Methods: Twenty-one adult male albino rats were equally divided into 3 groups; control, TCS-treated (administered 200mg/kg/day for 8weeks) and TCS-withdrawal group (administered 200mg/kg/day for 8weeks then left without treatment for 8weeks). Serum testosterone was quantified and epididymal specimens were processed for light and electron microscopic examination. Immunohistochemical staining against androgen receptor was performed.Results: TCS-treated group revealed a significant decrease in serum testosterone. Principal cells showed vacuoles compressing their nuclei, some pyknotic nuclei and sparse stereocilia. Many adluminal halo cells were observed. The epithelial lining depicted focal areas of stratification and areas of discontinuity. Widened interstitium inbetween the ducts with cellular infiltrations and some congested blood vessels were observed. Mallory-trichrome staining revealed prominent collagen fibers surrounding the epididymal ducts and blood vessels and an enhanced Periodic-Acid-Schiff reaction in the thickened basal lamina coupled to a diminished Periodic-Acid-Schiff reaction in the apical parts of the epididymal epithelial cells. A weak nuclear androgen receptor immunoreaction in the epididymal epithelial lining of the ducts was detected. Ultrastructural examination depicted principal cells with irregular nuclei, vacuolated cytoplasm with many lysosomes, dilated Golgi apparatus and rough endoplasmic reticulum. Irregular apical cytoplasmic projections and sparse stereocilia were observed. Clear cells showed some cytoplasmic projections, large apical vacuoles and few lipid droplets. Migrating halo cells with vacuolated cytoplasm were observed. Withdrawal group showed a near normal histology.Conclusion: TCS has extremely affected the epididymal lining through acting as an endocrine disruptor. Withdrawal of TCS exerted a satisfactory outcome.

Alcohol extract of Bauhinia forficata link reduces lipid peroxidation in the testis and epididymis of adult Wistar rats.

Bauhinia forficata is a medicinal plant that has flavonoid components with hypoglycemic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory action. Aim of this study is to evaluate the action of B. forficata alcoholic extract in the male genital system of adult male Wistar rats. For that, 20 adult male Wistar rats were distributed into two experimental groups: the B. forficata group, receiving B. forficata alcoholic extract (0.1 ml/10 g body weight/day) on alternate days, and the control group, receiving just the vehicle for 30 days straight both via gavage. On the 31st day, the animals were euthanized, and the testis and epididymis were collected for histopathological, biochemical, morphometric, and sperm count analysis. Mass spectrometry identified new compounds in the extract: trans-caffeic acid, liquiritigenin, gallocatechin, and 2,4,6-trihydroxyphenanthren-2-glycoside. Biochemical analysis showed higher total cholesterol levels in the testis and lower malondialdehyde levels in the testis and epididymis, in the B. forficata group. The mast cell count showed a reduction in degranulated mast cells in the caput region of the epididymis, in the B. forficata group. The luminal compartment of the caput and the epithelial of the epididymis cauda were reduced, whereas the stromal region of the epididymis caput was increased in the B. forficata group, compared with the control group. The testicular tissue was less impaired, considering that all the histological analyses were similar to the control. We believe that B. forficata alcoholic extract in the male genital system showed antioxidant action, especially in the epididymal tissue.

Low-dose exposure to Bisphenol A during development has limited effects on male reproduction in midpubertal and aging Fischer 344 rats

Low doses of Bisphenol A (BPA) during development may affect reproduction. In this study, Fischer 344 rats were exposed to 0.5 or 50 μg BPA/kg bw/day via drinking water from gestational day 3.5 to postnatal day 22. Anogenital distance, organ weight, histopathology of reproductive organs, hormone analysis and sperm morphology were evaluated in male offspring. In this study no major effects of BPA on male reproduction in midpubertal (postnatal day 35) or adult (12-month-old) rats were revealed, apart from a higher prevalence of mild inflammatory cell infiltrate in cauda epididymis in adult rats exposed to 50 μg BPA/kg bw/day. No BPA-related effects on sexual development were seen but care should be taken when evaluating histopathology in midpuberty testis due to large morphological variation. Results from the present study show no major signs of altered male reproduction in rats exposed to low doses of BPA during gestation and lactation.

Semen Parameter Alteration, Histological Changes and Role of Oxidative Stress in Adult Rat Epididymis on Exposure to Electronic Cigarette Refill Liquid.

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are devices intended to substitute conventional cigarettes, with the aim of being less harmful. In a previous report, we showed that intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of e-cigarette liquid (E-liquid), with or without nicotine, induced toxicity in the testes of Wistar rats by disrupting oxidative balance and steroidogenesis. In the present work, we further evaluated the impact of e-liquid with or without nicotine on the epididymis of rats using the same procedure. Results showed that e-liquid treatments led to alteration of semen parameters, with a significant drop of at least 50% in sperm vitality, a significant increase of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa and an imbalance of redox status in comparison to the control group. A significant raise of 1.4 fold, compared to the untreated rats, in myeloperoxidase (MPO) granules after both treatments was recorded, suggesting an inflammatory state. Histopathological examination confirmed a marked reduction in sperm count in the cauda epididymis. Data of this study suggest that the pro-oxidant properties of e-liquid with or without nicotine, in addition to testicular defects, could lead to an inflammatory state in the epididymis, causing alterations in the semen parameters. These data provide additional information on the impact of e-liquid on the reproductive system.

Oral administration of cadmium depletes intratesticular and epididymal iron levels and inhibits lipid peroxidation in the testis and epididymis of adult rats

Cadmium (Cd)-induced tissue injury depends on the accumulated Cd which differentially affects endogenous iron (Fe). To investigate this, adult rats were treated by oral gavage with Cd (50 mg/kg body wt.) once a week for 15, 30 and 60 days and sacrificed a day after last administration. After the 15th and 30th day of treatment, Cd had no effect on thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and endogenous Fe levels but exhibited anti-androgenic effects (p < 0.05) and caused histological damages. At day 60, Cd was accumulated by 156.30% and 364.77% above control values at concentrations that decreased endogenous Fe levels by 46.41% and 50.31% in the testis and epididymis respectively. The histological damages were characterized by decreased tubular diameter, damage to the epithelium leading to loss of tubular germ cells and absent of spermatozoa in the epididymal lumen. Although myeloperoxidase activities were increased, TBARS levels were found to decrease significantly at day 60 in the serum, testis and epididymis suggesting that the histological damages were not caused by lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, TBARS correlated negatively with Cd in the testis (r = −0.251, p < 0.05) and epididymis (r = −0.286, p < 0.05); Fe correlated positively with TBARS in the testis (r = +0.217, p < 0.05) and Cd correlated negatively with Fe in the testis (r = −0.461, p < 0.05) and epididymis (r = −0.109, p < 0.05). The antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were also decreased in the gonads after 60 days Cd treatment. Overall, anti-androgenic effects and histo-pathological changes are early indicators of direct effects of Cd and occur before decrease in TBARS which is secondarily related to the modifying of Fe contents.

Expressional Changes of Connexin Isoform Genes in the Rat Caput Epididymis Exposed to Flutamide or Estradiol Benzoate at the Early Postnatal Age

ABSTRACTDirect communication between neighboring cells through connexin (Cx)-based gap junction is a crucial biolo–gical manner to regulate functions of a tissue consisting of multi-cell types. The present research evaluated expressional changes of Cx isoforms in the caput epididymis of adult rat exposed to estradiol benzoate (EB) or flutamide (Flu) at the early postnatal age. A single subcutaneous administration of EB at a low-dose [0.015 µg /kg body weight (BW)] or a high-dose (1.5 µg/kg BW) or Flu at a low-dose (500 µg/kg BW) or a high-dose (5 mg/kg BW) was performed to an animal at 1 week of age. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis was employed to determine expressional changes of Cx isoforms. The transcript levels of Cxs30.3 and 37 were decreased by a low-dose EB treatment, while decreases of Cxs31, 31.1, 32, 40, and 45 transcript levels were observed with a low-dose EB treatment. The treatment of a high-dose EB resulted in expressional reduction of Cxs30.3, 31, 31.1, 37, 40, 43, and 45. The Flu treatment at a low dose caused increases of Cxs26, 37, and 40 transcript levels but decreases of Cxs31.1, 43, and 45 transcript levels. Increases of Cxs30.3, 31, 37, and 40 mRNA amounts were induced by a high-dose Flu treatment. However, exposure to a high-dose Flu produced expressional decreases of Cxs31.1, 32, and 43 in the adult caput epididymis. These observations suggest that exposure to EB or Flu at the neonatal period could lead to aberrant expression of Cx isoforms in the adult caput epididymis.

Histological study on the effect of aroclor 1254 on the epididymis of adult rats and the role of L-NAME administration

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Aroclor 1254, a commercial polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) mixture, was found to elicit various adverse effects on human health. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the structural alterations in the epididymis induced by aroclor 1254, and to assess the possible protective role of L-NAME (NG-Nitro-L arginine methyl ester). Materials and methods: Thirty-five adult male albino rats were divided into three groups: control group (15 rats), equally subdivided into subgroup a; negative control group, subgroup b: received intraperitoneal corn oil (5 ml/kg/day), and subgroup c: received intraperitoneal L-NAME (10 mg/kg/day). Aroclor-treated group (10 rats): received aroclor 1254 (2 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneal), and aroclor + L-NAME-treated group (10 rats): received aroclor 1254 combined with L-NAME in the same previous regimen. After 30 days, blood samples were collected for hormonal assay. Specimens from the epididymis were prepared for histological study and assessment of sperm count. Results: Rats in aroclor-treated group revealed a significant reduction in serum testosterone level and sperm count, in comparison with the control group. The epididymal caput showed stratification and detachment of the epithelium with vacuoles, mitotic figures, and electron-dense bodies together with increased collagen fibers in the interstitium. In addition, a strong reaction of androgen receptors (ARs) was seen in the cytoplasm of epithelial and stromal cells. These effects were attenuated by L-NAME administration. Conclusion: Aroclor 1254 provoked morphological and functional changes in the epididymis of adult rats, which were attenuated by L-NAME administration.

Anti-Fertility Effect of Allethrin Based Liquid Electric Repellent on the Testes and Epididymis of Adult Male Sprague-Dawley Rat

Anti-Fertility Effect of Allethrin Based Liquid Electric Repellent on the Testes and Epididymis of Adult Male Sprague-Dawley Rat