Gonadal Research Articles

Комплексний вплив нітратів і біотичних чинників на активність in vitro війок фронтального миготливого епітелію зябрового апарату Sinanodonta woodiana (Mollusca, Bivalvia, Unionidae)

Effects of MPC, 2 MPC, and 3MPC water solutions of potassium nitrate and biotic factors (trematode infection and “gill pregnancy”) were studied on the duration of locomotion and beat frequency of epithelial cilia of outer demibranchs of Sinanodonta woodiаna (Lea, 1834). The species has recently invaded the system of water bodies of Ukraine. It has occupied numerous water bodies in the Kiliya distributary of Danube Delta, establishing populations of density and biomass. Statistically significant differences by the studied parameters of ciliary epithelium (duration of locomotion and beat frequency of cilia) were not observed in the control group of non-infected males and latent females of S. woodiana. In females with “gill pregnancy”, the duration of ciliary locomotion decreased by 1.5 times, and beat frequency by 1.4 times (P>99.9 %). It should be noted that the outer surface of demibranchs of female mollusks was completely covered by the filled to the brim marsupial pockets. Thus, the functional load of gills is high, leading to the development of compensatory processes in experimental animals. The processes induce increased effectiveness of protective factors that counteract them. Another biotic factor negatively affecting the experimental pond mussels was the high rates of trematode infection in the hosts’ reproductive glands which contained sporocysts and cercariae of Rhipidocotyle campanula Dujardin, 1845. Prevalence of that infection ranged from 50 to 100 %. These rates of infection were associated with sharply declining functions of cilia of the gill epithelium in studied animals. The compound pathogenic influence of parasite and “gill pregnancy” factors even more affected the functional parameters of outer gill ciliary epithelium. The MPC levels of toxicant in the water medium were accompanied with the first symptom of intoxication of the Chinese pond mussel, the stage of stimulation. At that point, the functional parameters of epithelial cilia of “pregnant” females and in moderately and weakly infected mollusks of both sexes increased in response to exposure to the toxic factor. With the growing concentrations of toxicant to 2 MPC and 3 MPC, the experimental pond mussels developed the pathological process of intoxication, which progressed from the stage of depression to sublethal and lethal stages. Accordingly, the locomotion activity of ciliary epithelium increasingly declined and, in the end, stopped. The “gill pregnancy” and high rates of trematode infection exacerbated the consequences of the process.

New Data on the Biology and Ecology of Bearded Eelpout Hadropogonichthys lindbergi (Zoarcidae)

New data on the biology and ecology of a rare species, bearded eelpout Hadropogonichthys lindbergi (Zoarcidae), in the Pacific waters of the middle Kuril Islands are presented. The list of species of the community, which includes the eelpout, is given. Captures of H. lindbergi were recorded in the depth range of 290–440 m at a temperature of 2.2–3.0°C. The maximum length and weight have been specified: 43 cm and 180 g. Individual fertility is 96−117 eggs. A description of the stages of maturity of the sex glands of males and females is given. Sexual maturity occurs at a body length of 37–38 cm. It is assumed that the reproduction of the eelpout takes place in the fall.

Proteomic Profiling of Two Distinct Populations of Extracellular Vesicles Isolated from Human Seminal Plasma.

Body fluids contain many populations of extracellular vesicles (EV) that differ in size, cellular origin, molecular composition, and biological activities. EV in seminal plasma are in majority originating from prostate epithelial cells, and hence are also referred to as prostasomes. Nevertheless, EV are also contributed by other accessory sex glands, as well as by the testis and epididymis. In a previous study, we isolated EV from seminal plasma of vasectomized men, thereby excluding contributions from the testis and epididymis, and identified two distinct EV populations with diameters of 50 and 100 nm, respectively. In the current study, we comprehensively analyzed the protein composition of these two EV populations using quantitative Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). In total 1558 proteins were identified. Of these, ≈45% was found only in the isolated 100 nm EV, 1% only in the isolated 50 nm EV, and 54% in both 100 nm and 50 nm EV. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis suggest that both originate from the prostate, but with distinct biogenesis pathways. Finally, nine proteins, including KLK3, KLK2, MSMB, NEFH, PSCA, PABPC1, TGM4, ALOX15B, and ANO7, with known prostate specific expression and alternate expression levels in prostate cancer tissue were identified. These data have potential for the discovery of EV associated prostate cancer biomarkers in blood.

Revealing mechanisms of mating plug function under sexual selection

Mating plugs are produced by many sexually reproducing animals and are hypothesized to promote male fertilization success under promiscuous mating. However, tests of this hypothesis have been constrained by an inability to discriminate ejaculates of different males in direct competition. Here, we use stable isotope labeling in vivo and proteomics to achieve this in a promiscuous rodent, Myodes glareolus We show that, although the first male's plug is usually dislodged, it can be retained throughout the second male's copulation. Retained plugs did not completely block rival sperm but did significantly limit their numbers. Differences in the number of each male's sperm progressing through the female reproductive tract were also explained by natural variation in the size of mating plugs and reproductive accessory glands from which major plug proteins originate. Relative sperm numbers in turn predicted the relative fertilization success of rival males. Our application of stable isotopes to label ejaculates resolves a longstanding debate by revealing how rodent mating plugs promote fertilization success under competitive conditions. This approach opens new opportunities to reveal cryptic mechanisms of postcopulatory sexual selection among diverse animal taxa.

Three-Dimensional and Histological Observations on Male Genital Organs of Greater Horseshoe Bat, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum

Anatomy of bat genital organs has been conventionally studied by gross and microscopic observations to date. Here, we employ both histological observation and diceCT (diffusible iodine-based contrast-enhanced computed tomography) to study the detailed three-dimensional morphological structure of the male genital organs in bats, using the greater horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum. This is the first study to three-dimensionally describe the whole reproductive organs of bats in detail. Our highly resolved three-dimensional reconstruction reveals that the male organs of R. ferrumequinum consist of paired testes, epididymides, deferent ducts, and five accessory genital glands. The boundary between the ampullary and vesicular glands has been difficult to identify in previous observations, but our diceCT imaging allowed us to clearly differentiate the two. We found that the ampullary gland is located at the terminal part of the deferent ducts, and the vesicular gland lies distal to the ampullary glands. This species possesses a single and carrot-shaped urethral gland, which is not found in most chiropteran families. The presence of the urethral gland in this species and its secretions suggest that after copulation this species is capable of forming a vaginal plug, which can seal the female’s vaginal orifice to block the entrance of spermatozoa from other males. The presence of the urethral gland and elongated epididymal tail and the fact that some individuals can terminate their hibernation and reactivate imply forced copulation on hibernating females can occur in R. ferrumequinum.

The physiological roles of the boar ejaculate

During ejaculation in the boar, sperm cohorts emitted in epididymal cauda fluid are sequentially exposed and resuspended in different mixtures of accessory sex gland secretion. This paper reviews the relevance of such unevenly composed fractions of seminal plasma (SP) in vivo on sperm transport and sperm function and how this knowledge could benefit boar semen processing for artificial insemination (Al). The firstly ejaculated spermatozoa (first 10 ml of the sperm-rich fraction, SRF [Pl]) remain mainly exposed to epididymal cauda fluid and its specific proteins i.e. various lipocalins, including the fertility-related prostaglandin D synthase; than to prostatic and initial vesicular gland secretions. Plspermatozoa are hence exposed to less bicarbonate, zinc or fructose and mainly to PSP-I spermadhesin; than if they were in the rest of the SRF and the post-SRF (P2). Since the Pl-SP is less destabilizing for sperm membrane and chromatin, Pl-spermatozoa sustain most in vitro procedures, including cryopreservation, the best. Moreover, ejaculated firstly, the Pl-spermatozoa seem also those deposited by the boar as a vanguard cohort, thus becoming overrepresented in the oviductal sperm reservoir (SR). This vanguard SR-entry occurs before the endometrial signalling of SP components (as PSP-I/PSP-11 and cytokines) causes a massive influx of the innate defensive PMNs to cleanse the uterus from eventual pathogens, superfluous spermatozoa and the allogeneic SP. The SP also conditions the mucosal immunity of the female genital tract, to tolerate the SR-spermatozoa and the semi-allogeneic conceptus. These in vivo gathered data can be extrapolated into procedures for handling boar spermatozoa in vitro for Al and other biotechnologies, including simplified cryopreservation.

Mapping the major proteome of reproductive fluids and sperm membranes of rams: From the cauda epididymis to ejaculation

The present study evaluated the major proteome of ram seminal plasma and the main secretions that contribute to its formation, such as the cauda epididymal and accessory sex gland fluids. The study also investigated sperm membrane protein profiles before and after ejaculation. First, semen was collected from six rams (using artificial vagina) to obtain seminal plasma and ejaculated sperm. Then, rams were vasectomized for collection of accessory sex gland fluid (using artificial vagina). Next, rams were slaughtered and cauda epididymal fluid (CEF), seminal vesicle fluid, bulbourethral gland fluid and cauda epididymal sperm were properly collected. Proteins from reproductive fluids and sperm membranes were analyzed by 2-D SDS-PAGE, tandem mass spectrometry and bioinformatics. There we 386 proteins and 256 isoforms identified in all samples. The most abundant seminal plasma proteins were BSP1, BSP5 and spermadhesins (bodhesin-2 and spermadhesin Z13-like). These proteins were present in similar patterns in maps of accessory sexgland fluid, with very low quantities in the CEF and absent in the bulbourethral gland secretion. Thus, practically all BSPs and spermadhesins come from seminal vesicles. Bulbourethral gland fluid brought bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein-containing Family A member 1 isoforms, superoxide dismutase [Cu-Zn] and betamicroseminoprotein to seminal plasma. CEF was the major provider of clusterin, epididymal-specific lipocalin-5-like isoform, epididymal secretory gluthathione peroxidase, epididymal secretory protein E1 and prostaglandin-H2 D-isomerase to seminal plasma. Albumin came from all reproductive fluids. BSPs and spermadhesins were present in 2-D maps of ejaculated sperm but absent in cauda epididymal sperm. These proteins come from the seminal vesicles and bind to sperm at the moment of ejaculation. Other proteins of ejaculated and epididymal sperm membranes were mostly associated to energy production, cell adhesion and proteolytic activity (ATP synthases, disintegrin, metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 32, carboxypeptidase Q and cytosol aminopeptidase). In conclusion, there is a well-orchestrated sequence of events to form the major seminal plasma proteome, with specific contributions from cauda epididymis, seminal vesicles and bulbourethral glands. The present data contribute to a better understanding of male reproductive biology and how sperm functions are affected by the noncellularmicro environment of semen.

Estrogen suppresses SOX9 and activates markers of female development in a human testis-derived cell line

BackgroundThe increasing incidence of reproductive disorders in humans has been attributed to in utero exposure to estrogenic endocrine disruptors. In particular, exposure of the developing testis to exogenous estrogen can negatively impact male reproductive health. To determine how estrogens impact human gonad function, we treated the human testis-derived cell line NT2/D1 with estrogen and examined its impact on SOX9 and the expression of key markers of granulosa (ovarian) and Sertoli (testicular) cell development.ResultsEstrogen successfully activated its cognate receptor (estrogen receptor alpha; ESR1) in NT2/D1 cells. We observed a significant increase in cytoplasmic SOX9 following estrogen treatment. After 48 h of estrogen exposure, mRNA levels of the key Sertoli cell genes SOX9, SRY, AMH, FGF9 and PTGDS were significantly reduced. This was followed by a significant increase in mRNA levels for the key granulosa cell genes FOXL2 and WNT4 after 96 h of estrogen exposure.ConclusionsThese results are consistent with estrogen's effects on marsupial gonads and show that estrogen has a highly conserved impact on gonadal cell fate decisions that has existed in mammals for over 160 million years. This effect of estrogen presents as a potential mechanism contributing to the significant decrease in male fertility and reproductive health reported over recent decades. Given our widespread exposure to estrogenic endocrine disruptors, their effects on SOX9 and Sertoli cell determination could have considerable impact on the adult testis.

Male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in various genetic disorders

Introduction and purpose: Male hypogonadism is diagnosed in patients with total testosterone under 9-12nmol/L (250-350ng/dl) in serum which is associated with numerous symptoms which can severely lower the quality of patients life. Due to the cause and associated levels of gonadotropins it can be divided to hypergonadotropic and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism occurs far less often, but it’s considered to remain underdiagnosed. The purpose of this study is to review most of the inborn diseases that involve hypogonadotropic hypogonadism as one of their components.Current state of knowledge: Patients with Kallmann syndrome constitute the majority of confirmed hypogonadotropic hypogonadism cases, however due to variable epidemiological data and differing diagnosing processes the exact incidence cannot be estimated – it ranges from 1 in 85 000, to 1 in 5000 males and about 3-4 times less often in women. Other conditions that can occur with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism are Isolated Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone deficiency, Gonadotropin disorders, Prader-Willi Syndrome, some pleiotropic syndromes like CHARGE syndrome, Patau syndrome, Pfeiffer syndrome, Hartsfield syndrome, Waardenburg syndrome, Bardet-Biedl syndrome, or other syndromes. The evaluation and treatment of some of these conditions does not involve hypogonadism or other gonadal disorders due to short lifespan, which cause the underestimations in hypogonadism morbidity.Conclusions: Regardless of lower incidence of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism compared to hypergonadotropic type, endocrinologists should stay aware of its under-diagnosis and actively search for signs of low gonadotropic hormones and gonadotropin-releasing hormone levels in hypogonadal patients.

PBP genes regulated by the development of the ovaries, sex pheromone release, mating and oviposition behavior in Conogethes punctiferalis (Guenée)

Mating and oviposition behavior can change the gene expression levels in insect antennae, especially for pheromone-binding protein (PBP) genes. In this study, we observed the development of the ovaries in the yellow peach moth, Conogethes punctiferalis (Guenee), from its early emergence to full maturity. Sex pheromones in the sex gland reached their highest quantity and influenced the expression of the PBP2 gene in male antennae. Furthermore, the expression of PBP genes was measured after mating and oviposition. The result showed that mating resulted in an increased expression of the PBP2 gene in male antennae, while the expression of the PBP1 gene increased in female antennae, indicating that PBP genes might play different functions in different sexes. Compared with females that had not mated, the PBP1 and PBP5 genes were up-regulated in female antennae after mating or oviposition. Altogether, the PBP genes were regulated by sex pheromone release, mating or oviposition, suggesting that these genes may play some critical roles in behaviors associated with reproduction.

The male reproductive accessory glands of the blister beetle Meloe proscarabaeus Linnaeus, 1758 (Coleoptera: Meloidae): Anatomy and ultrastructure of the cantharidin-storing organs

Blister beetles owe their name to their ability to release cantharidin, a blistering terpene, the highest concentration of which is retained in male accessory glands. The anatomy and ultrastructure of the three pairs of male reproductive accessory glands and the glandular region of the two vasa deferentia of Meloe proscarabaeus were investigated using light, electron and ion beam microscopy. All of the mesodermal glands here analysed share a common structural organization with an outer muscular layer and an inner glandular epithelium facing a broad lumen in which the secretory products are released. Developed rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi systems, abundant mitochondria, numerous secretory vesicles and a microvillated apical membrane are commonly found in the cells of different glandular epithelia, suggesting that all accessory gland pairs as well as the vasa deferentia are involved in an active synthesis. Nevertheless, each pair of glands appears specialized in the production of a specific set of substances, as suggested by the peculiarities in cellular ultrastructure and by the different aspect of the secretions stored in their glandular lumen. The above cited features of male accessory glands of M. proscarabaeus are compared with those of other beetles and some hints on their potential role in producing and/or concentrating cantharidin are provided.

Seasonal Variations in Gross and Biometry of Accessory Sex Glands of Buffalo Bull

Background: The present study was conducted on vesicular, prostate and bulbourethral glands of buffalo bull to study the seasonal variations. Methods: Glands were collected from the abattoir immediately after sacrifice during winter and summer seasons. The anatomical observations of accessory sex glands were done after removal of fascia. The biometrical observations were recorded after dissecting the prostate (corpus and disseminate), right and left vesicular and bulbourethral glands during each season. Result: The vesicular glands had grape-like appearance and bulbourethral glands were piriform in shape. The prostate gland of buffalo bull was composed of two parts i.e. corpus prostate and pars disseminata. The external or corpus part of prostate remained at the neck of bladder whereas the disseminate prostate was found in the propria submucosa of pelvic urethra. The length, thickness and weight of left and right vesicular gland decreased from winter to summer season, whereas there was no significant difference in width between the right and left glands during summer and winter seasons. The mean length of disseminate part of prostate gland and diameter of bulbourethral gland showed a significant decrease from winter to summer season.

Histomorphology of accessory sex glands in one-humped camel bull (Camelus dromedarius), Uda Rams and Red Sokoto Buck

Accessory sex glands of fifteen apparently healthy adult one-humped Camel bulls (OCB), Uda rams (UR) and Red Sokoto bucks (RSB) (Five per species) were collected from Sokoto metropolitan abattoir. They were then dissected out for routine histology using H&E. The size of muscularis and the number of secretory cells in the ampullary gland were observed to be highest in OCB, followed by UR and least in RSB. In the three species, the vesicular gland has tubular secretory glands and was separated into lobules by connective tissue trabeculae. Multiple acini were observed with an irregular folded lumen and were lined by simple columnar secretory cells. The prostate of OCB was observed to have highest amount of the interstitial connective tissues and rich in striated muscles which surround the lobules. Fibromuscular trabeculae extended into the parenchyma and most pronounced in OCB than other two species. The number of secretory acini appeared to be more in RSB than the other two species. The bulbourethral gland has numerous connective tissue and numerous trabeculae that originated from the capsule and divides the gland into lobules. Each lobule is populated by acini. In all the three species, the parenchyma is lobulated and consists of compound-tubulo-alveolar secretory end pieces. It was concluded that although results showed that the studied animals are different ruminant species, they exhibit some similarities and interesting histomorphological differences in their accessory sex glands compared to the majority of mammals

Exploring Seminal Plasma GSTM3 as a Quality and In Vivo Fertility Biomarker in Pigs-Relationship with Sperm Morphology.

Glutathione S-transferases Mu 3 (GSTM3) is an essential antioxidant enzyme whose presence in sperm has recently been related to sperm cryotolerance, quality and fertility. However, its role in seminal plasma (SP) as a predictor of the same sperm parameters has never been investigated. Herein, cell biology and proteomic approaches were performed to explore the presence, origin and role of SP-GSTM3 as a sperm quality and in vivo fertility biomarker. GSTM3 in SP was quantified using a commercial Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kit specific for Sus scrofa, whereas the presence of GSTM3 in testis, epididymis and accessory sex glands was assessed through immunoblotting analysis. Sperm quality and functionality parameters were evaluated in semen samples at 0 and 72 h of liquid-storage, whereas fertility parameters were recorded over a 12-months as farrowing rate and litter size. The presence and concentration of GSTM3 in SP was established for the first time in mammalian species, predominantly synthesized in the epididymis. The present study also evidenced a relationship between SP-GSTM3 and sperm morphology and suggested it is involved in epididymal maturation rather than in ejaculated sperm physiology. Finally, the data reported herein ruled out the role of this antioxidant enzyme as a quality and in vivo fertility biomarker of pig sperm.

Granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is fully expressed in the genital tract, seminal plasma and spermatozoa of male pigs

Granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine identified in boar seminal plasma (SP) but until now unexplored in terms of place of production and its association to spermatozoa. This study aimed to explore these aspects by evaluating the presence of GM-CSF in porcine reproductive organs (testes, epididymis and accessory sex glands), SP and mature spermatozoa (from cauda epididymis and ejaculated) using Western blot (WB), immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry. Positive labelling was obtained in tissues, SP and spermatozoa. In reproductive organs, WB revealed three forms of GM-CSF with different glycosylation degrees (15, 31 and 40 kDa). In SP and epididymal fluid, the GM-CSF appeared only in its active form while in spermatozoa the GM-CSF form present varied among sperm sources. Non-viable spermatozoa showed more GM-CSF than viable spermatozoa (14.87 ± 1.98 RU vs. 7.25 ± 0.52 RU) of fluorescence intensity. In conclusion, GM-CSF is widely present in the reproductive tract of male pigs, attached to the spermatozoa already in the epididymis as well as verted to SP. Consequently, the GM-CSF ought to regulate male genital tract and sperm function as well as mediating initial inflammatory responses and further mediating later immune actions by the female to semen deposition.

A Unique Presentation of XY Gonadal Dysgenesis in Frasier Syndrome due to WT1 Mutation and a Literature Review.

Frasier syndrome (FS), a rare disease caused by inherited or de novo mutation in Wilm's Tumor suppressor gene 1 (WT1), is characterized by slow progressive nephropathy, XY gonadal dysgenesis (XY-DSD), and increased risk for gonadal tumors. Early childhood (1-6 years) nephropathy progresses with age to refractory nephrotic syndrome, and end-stage renal failure in late adolescence, when delayed puberty and/or primary amenorrhea are clinically evident. We report a unique case of FS presenting initially with primary amenorrhea at 16 years, without previous or concomitant renal damage. Only subsequently she developed an extremely late-onset nephropathy. Genetic analysis revealed the IVS9 + 5 G>A mutation in intron 9 of the WT1 gene. This clinical presentation and review of WT1 literature highlights the importance of considering FS in the differential diagnosis of patients with 46,XY disorders of Sexual development, even without nephropathy. Furthermore, the identification WT1 gene mutation prior to evident renal dysfunction indicates an immediate and close surveillance of renal function enabling an optimal and timely medical response.

Effects of Pyriproxyfen Exposure on Reproduction and Gene Expressions in Silkworm, Bombyx mori.

The silkworm, Bombyx mori Linnaeus, is an important economic insect and a representative model organism of Lepidoptera, which has been widely used in the study of reproduction and development. The development of the silkworm’s reproductive gland is easily affected by many external factors, such as chemical insecticides. After the silkworm larvae were treated with different concentrations of pyriproxyfen, the results showed that the number of eggs and hatching rate of eggs in the silkworm can be reduced by pyriproxyfen, and the concentration effects were displayed. Pyriproxyfen exposure could affect the normal development of the ovary tissue by reducing the number of oocytes and oogonia in the ovaries of silkworm fed with pyriproxyfen. We employed qRT-PCR, to detect the expressions of genes related to ovary development (Vg, Ovo, Otu, Sxl-S and Sxl-L) and hormone regulation (EcR and JHBP2) in silkworm. Our study showed that the transcription levels of Vg, Ovo, Otu, Sxl-S and Sxl-L in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group (6.08%, 61.99%, 83.51%, 99.31% and 71.95%, respectively). The transcription level of ECR was 70.22% for the control group, while that of JHBP2 was upregulated by 3.92-fold. Changes of transcription levels of these genes caused by pyriproxyfen exposure ultimately affect the absorption of nutrients, energy metabolism, ovary development and egg formation of the silkworm, thus leading to reproductive disorders of the silkworm. In general, our study revealed the response of silkworm reproduction to pyriproxyfen exposure and provided a certain reference value for the metabolism of the silkworm to pyriproxyfen.

Ovary and uterus related adverse events associated with statin use: an analysis of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System

Experimental studies have demonstrated statin-induced toxicity for ovary and uterus. However, the safety of statins on the functions of ovary and uterus in real-world clinical settings remains unknown. The aim of this study was to identify ovary and uterus related adverse events (AEs) associated with statin use by analyzing data from FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). We used OpenVigil 2.1 to query FAERS database. Ovary and uterus related AEs were defined by 383 Preferred Terms, which could be classified into ten aspects. Disproportionality analysis was performed to assess the association between AEs and statin use. Our results suggest that statin use may be associated with a series of ovary and uterus related AEs. These AEs are involved in ovarian cysts and neoplasms, uterine neoplasms, cervix neoplasms, uterine disorders (excl neoplasms), cervix disorders (excl neoplasms), endocrine disorders of gonadal function, menstrual cycle and uterine bleeding disorders, menopause related conditions, and sexual function disorders. Moreover, there are variabilities in the types and signal strengths of ovary and uterus related AEs across individual statins. According to our findings, the potential ovary and uterus related AEs of statins should attract enough attention and be closely monitored in future clinical practice.

Male reproductive morphofunctional evaluation of a Neotropical sperm-storing vespertilionid bat (Myotis levis) in an environmental context

Myotis levis (yellowish myotis) is a small Neotropical insectivorous vespertilionid bat that provides valuable ecosystem services, such as control of disease vectors and agricultural pests. Aiming to describe the fluctuations of the reproductive organs throughout the year, the gonads and epididymis from 124 adult bats were histologically evaluated. These animals were captured in Santuário do Caraça, Minas Gerais, Brazil. After the initial screening, six bats per reproductive stage (in a representative month) had specific organs harvested for further investigation. The gonads, epididymis, accessory sex gland and brown adipose tissue were collected for biometric analyses. Furthermore, yellowish myotis testis was evaluated through histomorphometric and molecular assays, whereas blood samples were collected for hormonal analyses. The data were compared among the reproductive stages and correlated with rainfall distribution. As a result, we demonstrated that yellowish myotis presented a seasonal reproduction showing testis regression and rest, resembling the pattern exhibited by temperate-zone vespertilionid bats. During the Mature stage, after the peak of rainfall distribution, yellowish myotis testicles were fully developed for gamete production and maximum testosterone synthesis. These findings indicate a significant influence of this environmental factor on yellowish myotis reproduction. Following that, the accessory sex gland, brown adipose tissue and epididymis weights increased in the Regressed stage. The epididymis sperm storage occurred for at least 8months and was observed in the Regressed, Rest and beginning of the Maturing stage. This reproductive fluctuation is interesting because the reactivation of the gonads coincided with the least amount of sperm in the epididymis.

Developmental, behavioral and endocrine alterations in male rats at early and late postnatal life following in utero exposure to low dose di-n-butylphthalate.

Environmental chemical pollutants that interfere with hormonal homeostasis or hormone signaling are the relevant agents inducing congenital or postnatally developed reproductive abnormalities in human beings, wild and domestic animals. In this study, we are examining reproductive effects of prenatal exposure of male rats to a low dose di-n-butylphthalate (DBP). Wistar female rats were given intragastrically DBP at a daily dose of 100mg/kg b.w. during 15th-21st days of pregnancy. Anogenital distance(AGD) in male offspring decreased on postnatal day (PND) 2 followed by its normalization on PND 7 and 10. There were no other visible teratogenic lesions in the newborns. The testicle descent into scrotum of control males occurred on PND 38.5 ± 0.1, while in DBP group it accelerated by 5.3days on the average. At the age of 6months, DBP-exposed animals exhibited double increase of blood plasma testosterone level as compared to controls, and hyperactive male sexual behavior in the presence of receptive female. The duration of latent periods of the first mount and the first intromission, as well as post-ejaculatory refractory period, have been shortened; the number of mounts with intromission and the number of ejaculations increased significantly. Histological examination of the testes indicated activation of Leydig cells. The female-type sexual behavior as evaluated by appearance of lordosis of orchidectomized and primed with estradiol and progesterone 10-month-old males in response to mount or approach of sexually active normal male was enhanced in DBP-group. Both 10-month-old and aging males (18months), castrated and hormone-primed, displayed homosexual type of behavior. Prenatal low dose DBP caused in 18-month-old males premature atrophy of the testes and accessory sexual glands, increased number of Leydig cell adenomas, a twice decrease of plasma testosterone level and exhausting of sexual potency. We concluded that prenatal exposition of male rats to low dose DBP determines epigenetic alterations of programming of sex brain differentiation and regulation of testicular steroidogenesis that leads to reproductive disorders and accelerated aging of reproductive system.