Histological Changes In Testis Research Articles

Reproductive Toxicology of Tartrazine (FD and C Yellow No. 5) in Swiss Albino Mice

Problem statement: Tartrazine (FD and C Yellow No. 5) is an orange-colored widely used in food products, drugs and cosmetics. This color has a potential toxicological risk. The current study evaluated the effect of sub-chronic consumption of tartrazine on the male reproductive system. Approach: Tartrazine was administered to adult male mice in drinking water at doses of 0, 0.1, 1 and 2.5% for 13 weeks. After that period, the weights of testes, epididymides and seminal vesicles were determined. Sperm counts in the testis and epididymides, motility, morphology and testis histology were assessed. Results: Body weight gain, absolute and relative testis, epididymis and seminal vesicles weights did not change. However, sperm count was decreased and sperm abnormalities were increased in the 2.5% tartrazine treated groups compared to the control. Sperm motility and histological changes in testis were observed in the middle and high treated groups. Conclusion/Recommendations: We concluded that excessive tartrazine consumption can have adverse effects on the male reproductive function. We suggested conducting surveys among the population to estimate their daily intake.

Expression of GAT1 in Male Reproductive System and its Effects on Reproduction in Mice

The present study was carried out to identify GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) transport protein I (GAT1) in male reproductive organs and to study the effect of GAT1 overexpression on the male reproductive system in GAT1 transgenic mice (TG). Expression and location of GAT1 in testes, epididymis, and sperm of wild-type (WT) mice were identified by immunohistochemistry and western-blot. Histological changes of testes, epididymis, and sperm of transgenic mice overexpressing GAT1 were detected by immunofluorenscent staining and haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. GAT1 expression was detected in the testes, epididymis, and sperm of non-transgenic mice. Vacuolization and deformity of spermatogenic cells were observed in the transgenic mice, but the epididymis was unremarkable. Immunofluorenscent staining showed that the number of diastrophic and decapitated sperm increased significantly in transgenic mice to 46.9% from 7.3% in nontransgenic mice. These results suggest that abnormal expression of GAT1 could result in spermiogenesis function injury, sperm paramorphia and dysgenesis.

Growth‐related changes in histology and immunolocalization of steroid hormone receptors in gonads of the immature male green turtle (Chelonia mydas)

Studies on the population dynamics of sea turtles require histological evaluation of the ontogenetic development and the activity of the gonads for reproduction. To investigate the growth-related changes of gonads in the immature male green turtle (Chelonia mydas), the histological changes of testes and epididymides and the localization of the androgen receptor, estrogen receptor alpha, estrogen receptor beta, and progesterone receptor were examined. The testes were categorized histologically into six developmental stages, and a scarce relationship between straight carapace length and gonadal development was confirmed based on the histological analysis. Several kinds of steroid hormone receptors were examined to show distributions in both testes and epididymides, for which their immunoreactivities were enhanced according to the developmental stage of the testes. These results suggest that straight carapace length is not an adequate indicator of maturity determination, whereas histological and immunohistochemical evaluations are useful in identifying the growth stages of green turtles, owing to the higher sensitivity to steroid hormones that appear during growth.

Effects of laparoscopic division of spermatic vessels on histological changes of testes: long-term observation in the model of prepubertal rat

Laparoscopic Fowler-Stephens and Palomo procedures are now commonly performed in children with high positioned intra-abdominal cryptorchidism and varicocele, respectively. During the procedures, the spermatic vessels are ligated and therefore the question of risk related to testicular atrophy is often raised. The long-term follow-up of the histology after the procedures is rare. In this study, we simulated a laparoscopic spermatic vessels clipping and division (SVCD) in a prepubertal rat model, and examined the histological alterations of the testes with regard to spermatogenic arrest between prepuberty and middle age. Thirty-day-old Wistar rats divided randomly into three groups underwent laparoscopic sham operation, unilateral SVCD and unilateral SVCD with additional contralateral orchiectomy, respectively. Histological investigations observed on semithin and paraffin sections were performed at seven different postoperative intervals between day 9 and day 540. We defined partial, most and complete spermatogenic arrest of the seminiferous tubules to correspond with mild, severe spermatogenic arrest and atrophy, respectively. Laparoscopic SVCD induced testicular spermatogenic arrest in a total of 85% of the operated testes with different severity; 27% of operated testes with mild or severe spermatogenic arrest were seen between puberty and middle age (day 45-540 postoperative), and their size was only slightly reduced. Of the operated testes, 51% showed atrophic signs with a striking decrease in size, and their contralateral testes revealed in all cases mild or severe spermatogenic arrest started as early as day 45 postoperatively. Parallel to the spermatogenic arrest, Leydig cell hyperplasia developed frequently in impaired testes, especially in those without contralateral testes, finally reaching a typical adenoma size. Laparoscopic SVCD in prepubertal rats could disturb spermatogenesis with differing severity in most cases. This impairment could persist from peripuberty to middle age, and even involve the contralateral testes, in the case of operated testes and show complete spermatogenic arrest. This study showed that laparoscopic SVCD may have high risk in compromising the operated testis.

프로폴리스가 X-선에 노출된 마우스 정소에 미치는 방사선 방어 효과

프로폴리스는 꿀벌에 의해 생산되는 천연물질로서, 항미생물, 항산화, 항암 활성이 있는 것으로 알려져 있다. 그러나 프로폴리스에 의한 방사선 방어효과에 대한 특성은 잘 연구되지 않았다. 마우스 정소조직을 대상으로 프로폴리스에 의한 방사선 방어효과를 연구하기 위하여, 프로폴리스를 섭식시키거나 복강 투여한 후 각각 방사선을 조사한 후, 마우스의 정소조직을 광학현미경과 전자현미경을 통해 관찰하였다. 그 결과 방사선에 의해 유도된 세포의 변형이 프로폴리스에 의해 회복됨을 알 수 있었다. 또한 이러한 방사선 회복 효과의 분자기전을 이해하고자 DNA microarray 실험을 수행하였다. 그 결과 방사선만 조사한 마우스에 비해 방사선과 프로폴리스를 동시에 처리한 마우스의 정소에서 2배 이상 증가되는 유전자 65개를 선별하였고, 반대로 2배 이상 감소되는 유전자 진4개를 선별하였다. 이중에서 각각의 유전자군에서 2개의 유전자를 선별하여 RT-PCR을 수행하여 마이크로어레이 결과를 검증하였다. 이러한 결과들은 마우스 모델에서 프로폴리스에 의한 방사선 방어효과의 분자기전을 이해하는데 도움이 될 것으로 기대된다. The propolis is natural product produced by honeybees and is known to have many biologically useful properties such as anti-microbial, anti-oxidative and anti-tumorigenic activity. However, its radio-protective property has not been well studied. To investigate radio-protective effect of propolis on mouse testis, mice were supplemented with propolis after 5 Gy irradiation. The histological changes of testis were detected by TEM. The results indicate that propolis may protect tissue deformation which is induced by 5 Gy of ionizing radiation. Furthermore, to elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms involved in radio-protective property of propolis, we performed microarray experiments using oligo DNA microarray. We found 65 up-regulated genes and 224 down-regulated genes, whose expression levels were affected more than 2-fold by propolis treatment in mice irradiated at 5 Gy. We confirmed microarray data with reverse transcription-PCR using gene specific primers. The results of RT-PCR are highly correlated with those of microarray. These results may help understanding molecular mechanisms of radioprotective effects by propolis in mouse model.

Assessment of reproductive toxicity of orally administered technical dimethoate in male mice

The effect of organophosphate insecticide dimethoate at three dosage levels (7, 15, and 28 mg/kg/day) on male reproduction in mice was studied. Dimethoate was given orally by gavage to male mice for 20 days before mating with untreated females. Signs of cholinergic effects were observed in the 15 and 28 mg/kg/day treated groups. Brain and skeletal muscle acetylcholinesterase activities were inhibited in both the middle and high dose groups. Dimethoate was associated with a decreased number of implantations and live fetuses, and an increased number of dead and early resorptions at 28 mg/kg/day treated group. The percent morphologically normal spermatozoa were unaffected in any of dose groups. However, sperm production and percent motile sperm were decreased in the 15 and 28 mg/kg/day treated groups compared to the control. Histological changes in testis were observed in the middle and high treated groups. The current study demonstrated the adverse effects of dimethoate on the reproductive performance of male mice and pregnancy outcomes following mating with untreated female mice at dose levels of 15 and 28 mg/kg/day. The No Observed Effect Level (NOEL) in the present study for reproductive performance was 7 mg/kg/day.

Tissue Damage in the Male Murine Reproductive System during Experimental Taenia crassiceps Cysticercosis

Chronic infection with Taenia crassiceps cysticerci in male mice increases the level of estradiol in serum, whereas it reduces that of testosterone. In addition, male mice lose their typical male reproductive behavior. The effects of cysticerci infection on the histomorphology of male reproductive tissues are unknown. The present study was undertaken to determine the histological changes in testes, seminal vesicles, and prostate of male mice infected with T. crassiceps cysticerci. At 16 wk of infection, all tissues exhibited high inflammatory infiltrate. Tissue lesions included marked dilation and peripheral fibrosis. In the testes, a diminution of spermiogenesis was observed. The overall results indicated that the histological changes in chronically parasitized male mice occurred with changes in hormone levels, simultaneously with the high inflammatory immune response.

Transgenic mice aberrantly expressing human ornithine decarboxylase gene.

We have generated transgenic mice carrying human ornithine decarboxylase gene. Two different transgene constructs were used: (i) a 5'-truncated human ornithine decarboxylase gene and (ii) an intact human ornithine decarboxylase gene. Transgenic mice carrying the 5'-truncated gene did not express human ornithine decarboxylase-specific mRNA. Transgenic mice carrying the intact human ornithine decarboxylase gene expressed human-specific ornithine decarboxylase mRNA in all tissues studied. However, as indicated by actual enzyme assays, the expression pattern was highly unusual. In comparison with their wild-type littermates, the transgenic mice exhibited greatly elevated enzyme activity in almost every tissue studied. Ornithine decarboxylase activity was moderately elevated in parenchymal organs such as liver, kidney, and spleen. Tissues like heart, muscle, lung, thymus, testis, and brain displayed an enzyme activity that was 20 to 80 times higher than that in the respective tissues of nontransgenic animals. The offspring of the first transgenic male founder animal did not show any overt abnormalities, yet their reproductive performance was reduced. The second transgenic founder animal, showing similar aberrant expression of ornithine decarboxylase in all tissues studied, including an extremely high activity in testis, was found to be infertile. Histological examination of the tissues of the latter animal revealed marked changes in testicular morphology. The germinal epithelium was hypoplastic, and the spermatogenesis was virtually totally shut off. Similar examination of male members of the first transgenic mouse line revealed comparable, yet less severe, histological changes in testis.

Effect of [formula omitted] flower extract on male fertility

Chronic administration of Malvaviscus conzattii (MCV) flower extract at a dose level of 800 mg/kg b.w. for 30 consecutive days in male rats significantly reduced sperm counts and motility together with histological changes in testes. Mating with these treated animals three weeks following the drug schedule proved to be consistently infertile.

Comparative study of 8-monohydromirex and mirex toxicity in male rats

Male rats were fed 0, 0.5, 5.0, 50, and 75 ppm mirex or 8-monohydromirex for 28 days. There were no consistent differences between weight gain of treated or control groups. There were significant increases in LW/BW in the 5, 50, and 75 ppm mirex and 8-monohydromirex treatment groups. Serum β-glucuronidase was elevated in the 0.5, 50, and 75 ppm mirex treated groups, and was elevated in the 5, 50, and 75 ppm 8-monohydromirex treated groups. There were no consistent changes in serum sorbitol dehydrogenase in any treatment group, but there were significant increases in liver sorbitol dehydrogenase at all levels for both toxicants. Hepatic microsomal parameters were induced by both compounds. No consistent toxic effects resulting from mirex or 8-monohydromirex treatment were indicated by serum glucose, protein, and cholesterol or by selected hematological factors. The histological changes observed in the livers of animals treated with mirex and 8-monohydromirex included cell swelling with increased cytoplasmic density; a dense homogenous region centered around the nuclear area; hyaline or myelin-like cytoplasmic inclusions appearing in some tissue sections of the highest treatment levels; and lipidosis. Histological changes in testes of treated rats were less obvious than lesions observed in the liver. There was a loss of staining intensity of the seminiferous tubules associated with hypocellularity of the tubules. Decreased spermatogenesis was evident in three rats from the high dose groups. Both compounds produced detectable histological changes in the thyroid glands at the 75 ppm treatment level. There did not appear to be any consistently significant differences between the toxic effects, either qualitative or quantitative, of mirex and 8-monohydromirex in rats fed either compound for 28 days.

Ninety day toxicity of carbaryl in male rats

Oral administration of carbaryl (200 mg/kg for 3 days a week) for a period of 90 days did not produce any overt toxicological signs in male rats. There were no significant histological changes in testes, epididymis, liver and kidney. Similarly, no marked biochemical changes were seen in testes, liver, and brain. The activity of acetylcholine esterase in blood of carbaryl treated rats was, however, found to be decreased. Carbaryl did not affect the fertility of male rats at 200 mg/kg up to 90 days.

Biochemical changes in denervated cremaster muscle and its relationship to spermatogenesis in the bonnet monkey

Transection of genitofemoral nerve resulted in a number of changes in the composition of the bonnet monkey cremaster muscle in a 58 day period. Total fat, glycogen/g wet wt and total DNA/g wet wt increased, whereas the water content and the levels of total protein and RNA decreased. On presentation/unit DNA, protein increased suggesting volume changes of the muscle fiber on denervation. There was about 34.56 ± 1.26% atrophy in muscle fiber as measured by its cross-sectional area. Sarcoplasmic protein/unit wet wt remained unaltered, while collagenous proteins increased and myoglobin, myosin and actin content decreased. Levels of ATP, creatine phosphate and pyruvate also decreased while ADP, creatine, Pi and lactate concentrations increased. A significant reduction in lactic dehydrogenase, creatine phosphokinase, phosphorylase, actomyosin and myosin ATPase and Na-azide sensitive ATPase activities were noted after denervation. “Phosphate potential” indicating the efficiency of phosphorylating systems decreased suggesting that the denervated muscle has a greater utilization and a lower phosphorylating efficiency. Together with these changes, a number of histological changes in testis were recorded. The seminiferous tubules atrophied and the lumen was obliterated. The majority of germ cells became edematous and the Sertoli cells degenerated. The changes observed in testes closely resemble those brought about by exposing the testes to higher temperature. It is suggested that the loss of “trophic” influence due to denervation impairs muscle function and the regulatory mechanisms concerned with temperature in the scrotum.

Effects of exogenous gonadotrophins and gonadal hormones on the testes and seminal vesicles of hypophysectomized catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch)

Response of regressed testes and seminal vesicles was studied after 30-day treatment with testosterone propionate (TP) or estradiol benzoate (EB) in 136-day hypophysectomized catfish, and with ovine follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG), and TP singly or in combination in 337-day hypophysectomized catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis. In 136- and 337-day hypophysectomized controls, the testes and seminal vesicles showed complete regression; spermatogenesis in the testes was arrested at the level of spermatogonia and the loculi of the seminal vesicles were atrophic and devoid of secretion. After treatment with various doses of TP, spermatogenesis in the testes and secretory activity in the seminal vesicles were restored. Olive oil or EB treatment induced neither spermatogenesis in testes nor secretory activity in the seminal vesicles. Treatment with FSH did not restore spermatogenesis in the testes or secretory activity in the seminal vesicles, but caused a slight improvement in testicular weights over untreated hypophysectomized controls. On the other hand, after treatment with various doses of HCG, spermatogenesis in the testes and secretory activity in the seminal vesicles resumed. Catfish given FSH plus HCG had testes and seminal vesicles heavier than those given either component alone. Simultaneous treatment with FSH and TP did not induce gravimetric or histological changes in testes and seminal vesicles different from those obtained with TP alone. The above results indicate that while TP or HCG can reinitiate and restore spermatogenesis in the testes and secretory activity in the seminal vesicles of hypophysectomized catfish, FSH singly is virtually ineffective although it can synergize with HCG. The possible mechanisms involved are discussed.

Experimental studies on the effects of internal exposure of Cs-137 on the male reproductive organ. The distribution of the Cs-137 in mice body and histological changes of testis by its exposure. II

The distribution of 137Cs in mice body and changes of germinal cells in seminiferous tubuli following 137Cs administration.Hundred and twenty male mice were given 8μc of Cs per gram of body weight (the first group) or 4μc Cs per gram of body weight (the second group) intraperitoneally. Animals were sacrificed at 1, 3, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100 days after the injection. Testis of right side, kidney, spleen, liver, heart and lung were extirpated and measured the radioactivity. Histological preparations were made from testis of left side.The results are as follows:1) In the testis, the radioactivity reached the 3rd day after the injection, and then decreased gradually along the time elapsed untill 100 days. But its activity was always higher than any other organs except 24hrs after the injection.2) The order of the radioactivity in each organ was: heart>kidney>liver>spleen>lung.3) Degeneration and decrease in number of spermatogonia were found already 10 days after the injection. These changes were measured by the method described by Wattenvyl.4) Thirty days after the treatment, injurise were the most.5) Recovery was observed from 30 days and reached 90 percent on 70 days after the injection.6) In these histological changes, the first group showed more marked injurious changes compared with the second group.

INFLUENCE OF THYROID ON EGG PRODUCTION1

GRAHAM (1) reported that thyroidectomy tends to depress and thryroid administration to elevate the rate of milk production of dairy cows. Benoit and Aron (2) reported that the testes of White Leghorns rapidly decreased in size following thyroidectomy. Losses were as great as 80% of the testis size in 11 days and 90% in 20 days. Similar results were obtained with drakes. Repetto (3) was unable to detect histological changes in testes or ovaries of dogs following thyroidectomy. Zelesky and Wells (4) reported that of 11 thyroidectomised, thirteen-lined ground squirrels (Citellus tridecemlineatus) without thyroid tissue detectable by histological examination, 7 exhibited at the normal breeding season an infantile condition as regards both spermatogenesis and testis hormone-production, and one reached a state of very low sexual activity. However, 3 were apparently normal in regard to sexual development, but, as is pointed out by the authors, thyroid tissue may have been present in these 3 even though it was no...