Histological Structure Of Testes Research Articles

The Effect of Dietary Organic Copper and Zinc Trace Minerals on some Yield and Mineral Levels and Histological Structure of Testes.

This study aims to investigate the effects of providing Cu and Zn minerals with an organic structure reduced by 25% compared to the recommended (NRC) inorganic value on parameters such as the age at which lambs achieve 50% sperm motility yield, some developmental parameters, testis histology, as well as serum, wool, and fecal mineral levels in lambs. The study involved 12 male lambs in the T1 group (organic minerals) and 11 in the T2 group (inorganic minerals) of the Kıvırcık breed. Lambs received minerals from mothers during the last month of fetal period and suckling, continuing individual feeding post-weaning. During individual feeding, T1 received 5.25mg/kg DM copper-chelate and 15.0mg/kg DM zinc-chelate, while T2 received 7mg/kg DM copper-sulfate and 20mg/kg DM zinc-sulfate. The mothers received identical mineral amounts in the last month of pregnancy and lactation. The ewes birthed offspring solely for the supply of experimental groups. Lambs, averaging about 18.5kg, underwent bi-weekly electroejaculation, concluding the trial for those with 50% semen motility. Statistical analyses were carried out using the GLM method. No differences were observed between groups in the average age at which lambs achieve 50% sperm motility, live weight, scrotum, and testicular measurements at this age (P > 0.05). Histological analyses revealed no difference in tubule area between T1 and T2 groups (P > 0.05), but tubular epithelium height was greater in T1 (P < 0.01). End-of-trial serum copper, as well as weaning day and end-of-trial serum and fleece zinc mean values, did not differ between groups (P > 0.05). However, T1 had higher mean values for serum Cu on the weaning day (P < 0.01), fleece copper on the weaning day (P < 0.05) and at the end of the trial (P < 0.001). Additionally, the T1 group exhibited lower mean levels of fecal copper (P < 0.05) and fecal zinc (P < 0.001). In conclusion, despite organic copper and zinc levels being 25% lower in the examined parameters, comparable or improved results were achieved with inorganic copper and zinc.

Seasonal spermatogenesis in the red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans): The roles of GnRH, actin cytoskeleton, and MAPK

Reproduction is the key to the ecological invasion of alien species. As an invasive species, the characteristic and regularity of red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) spermatogenesis is an index for evaluating reproduction and ecological adaptation. Here, we investigated the characteristics of spermatogenesis i.e., the gonadosomatic index (GSI), plasma reproductive hormone levels, and the histological structure of testes by HE and TUNEL staining, and then RNA-Seq in T. s. elegans. The histomorphological evidence confirmed that seasonal spermatogenesis in T. s. elegans has four successive phases: quiescence (December-May of the following year), early-stage (June-July), mid-stage (August-September), and late-stage (October-November). In contrast to 17β-estradiol, testosterone levels were higher during quiescence (breeding season) compared to mid-stage (non-breeding season). Based on RNA-seq transcriptional analysis, gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were used to analyze the testis in the quiescent and mid-stage. Our study found that circannual spermatogenesis is regulated by interactive networks including gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, and MAPK signaling pathways. Moreover, the number of genes associated with proliferation and differentiation (srf, nr4a1), cell cycle (ppard, ccnb2), and apoptosis (xiap) were up-regulated in the mid-stage. With the maximum energy saving, this seasonal pattern of T. s. elegans determines optimal reproductive success and thus adapts better to the environment. These results provide the basis for the invasion mechanism of T. s. elegans and lay the foundation for deeper insight into the molecular mechanism of seasonal spermatogenesis in reptiles.

Potential of Sulforaphane to Ameliorate the Deleterious Effects of Monosodium Glutamate on Spermatic Vitality and the Histological Architecture of Seminiferous Tubules Antioxidant Mediated Pathway

Sulforaphane (Sf) is found abundantly in raw vegetables with a potent antioxidant potential. Several studies had reported the harmful effects of monosodium glutamate (MG) on the histological structure of testis and semen quality. This study was established to study the potential of Sf to protect the spermatic vitality and the histological architecture of seminiferous tubules from the deleterious effects of MG. Forty albino rats were used and were separated into 4 groups that received Sf and MG supplementations. Sf was found to ameliorate the deleterious action of Sf on spermatic vitality and motility. Sf showed its potential to restore the sex hormones levels and to enhance antioxidant markers, in addition, to preserve the histological architecture of the testis after administration of MG. In conclusion, Sf plays a crucial role in protecting the testicles on a functional and histological dimension

Protective role of Curcumin in Di-n-butyl phthalate-induced damage on reproductive parameters in male Rabbits

Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant, extensively used as a plasticizer in many products including plastics, cosmetics, and medical devices. Some studies have shown that DBP has potential testicular toxicity. The aim of this study was to explore the adverse effects of DBP on testes and epididymis weight, sperm head counts, sperm motility, abnormal changes in sperm morphology, in male rabbits as well as to assess ameliorating role of curcumin. The present study was carried out to evaluate the protective effects of curcumin (from the rhizome, Curcuma longa L.) on the di-n-butylphthalate (DBP)-induced damage in reproductive rabbits. The dose of curcumin (60 mg/kg) and curcumin(60 mg/kg) plus DBP 700 mg/kg were administered per gavage to male rabbits for 30 consecutive days and reproductive parameters were determined.. The results indicated that DBP administration (700 mg/kg) significantly decreased testosterone level, count and motility of sperms, and testis weight compared to control group. However, administration of curcumin with DBP increased reproductive indices in most of the groups compared to DBP-treated groups. DBP-treated rabbits showed marked degeneration of the seminiferous tubules with necrosis and defoliation of spermatocytes .Our research demonstrated that DBP-induced injuries in spermatological parameters and histological structure of testis were recovered by treatment with curcumin Thus, it seems that curcumin inhibits DBP-induced adverse effects on reproductive parameters. The protective effects of these compounds may be due to their intrinsic antioxidant properties and as such may prove useful in combating phthalate-induced reproductive toxicity.

The Comparative Effects of Aqueous Extracts of Green Tea and Catechin on Inflammation, Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress in the Testicular Tissue of Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus causes damage to testicular tissue through inflammation and oxidative stress. Catechin has been reported to have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study was performed to compare the effects of aqueous extracts of green tea and catechin on inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress in the testicular tissue of type-1 diabetic rats. In this experimental study, 48 male Wistar rats were divided into control group, and diabetic rats treated with aqueous extract of green tea (100 and 200 mg/kg) and diabetic rats treated with catechin (100 and 200 mg/kg) (n = 6/each group) for 4 weeks. Diabetes was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of 240 mg/kg Aloxan. Levels of glucose, CRP, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, SOD, CAT, GPX, MDA, Bax and Bcl-2 were measured by Elisa in testicular tissue. Histomorphometric changes in testicular tissue were evaluated using E&amp;H staining method. Treatment with aqueous extract of green tea (200 mg/kg) and catechin (100 and 200 mg/kg) resulted in a significant increase in Bcl-2, SOD, CAT, GPX levels and a significant decrease in serum glucose, Hs-CRP, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, Bax and MDA levels, and significantly increased seminiferous tubules diameter and germinal cells count in testicular tissue compared to the diabetic control group. Treatment of diabetic rats with catechin had more improving effects on blood glucose, apoptosis, inflammation, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes, and histological structure of testis than green tea aqueous extract.

The Role of Vitamin C against Structural Changes in Testis of Male Albino Rats Induced by Tramadol and its Withdrawal

Nowadays tramadol misused and abused is wide spread mainly among young and middle-aged people, especially males as it used in management of premature ejaculation and for orgasm extension. However, these patients are susceptible to many problems after long term administration of tramadol including histological changes on testis. This study is designed to study the effect of tramadol on the histological change of testis and its withdrawal effect with the possibility of vitamin C to reverse these changes. Fifty adult male albino rats were used in this study. Animals were divided into five equal groups: Group A (control group), rats were injected with distilled water. Group B (treated with tramadol only)(TGI), rats were injected with tramadol (50mg/kg b.wt.). Group C (treated with tramadol + vitamin C) (TGII), rats were injected with vitamin C (100mg/Kg/b.wt.) half hour prior to tramadol injection in the same dose as in TGI. These animals were injected intraperitoneally (I.P.) for 4 wks. Group D (treated group B withdrawal) (TGI WD), rats treated as group B then left for two wks. as withdrawal group. Group E (treated group C withdrawal) (TGII WD), rats treated as group C then left for two wks. as withdrawal group. At the end of the experiment, the rats were killed and testis was removed and preserved in a fixative and processed to get paraffin wax block and prepared for microscopic examination. The results showed histological changes in the tramadol treated rats were irregularity and atrophy of S.T. with widening of the interstitisum along with arrest of spermatogenesis at level of spermatid in most of seminiferous tubules (S.T.) while in others it arrested at level of spermatocyte with exfoliated germinal epithelium in the lumens of most tubules. Vacuoles are present in cytoplasm of spermatocytes with detachment of degenerated germinal epithelial cells from basement membrane, the interstitisum has been shown vacuolated homogenous acidophilic material. After adding of vitamin C in Group C (TGII), the histological findings have been shown improvement in the histological structure of testis. In both withdrawal groups (Group D &E), there were signs of improvement in the S.T. mainly in group E that appeared somewhat like normal. This study was concluded that tramadol caused structural changes in testicular tissues with poor reversibility following withdrawal but adding vitamin C has role in alleviated the histological changes and accelerated the reversibility.

Impact of platelet-rich plasma versus selenium in ameliorating induced toxicity in rat testis: histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular study.

This study was conducted on forty adult rats divided into four groups: Group I (control) that is divided into subgroups A, B, and C and Group II (methotrexate (MTX)-treated); the rats were injected intraperitoneally with MTX at a dose of 1mg/kg/week, for 8weeks. Group III (MTX-Se co-treated) was injected with MTX like Group II plus an oral administration of selenium at a dose of 10μg/kg b.w/day, for 8weeks. Group IV (MTX-PRP co-treated), rats were injected intraperitoneally with MTX like Group II plus platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection under the scrotum, three times with 2-week intervals (volume-0.1ml per injection) and euthanized after 8weeks. Histological, immunohistochemical, and genetic expression using qPCR and western blotting technique were conducted. There was improvement in histological structure of testes in most specimens of Group IV. The latter group revealed a significant decrease in Bax and an increase in Bcl-2. The regeneration of testicular tissue was more observed in Group IV as measured by an increase in mean number of PCNA. Moreover, Group IV revealed an increased genetic level of FSCN3, GCNF, UBQLN3, and DAZL. Both MTX-Se and MTX-PRP have an anti-inflammatory effect as measured by a reduction in NF-κb. The anti-oxidative effect of selenium and PRP was noticed by a decrease in the level of the iNos and an increase in eNos protein and the autophagy marker LC3. PRP has ameliorative effects on induced rat testicular toxicity as evaluated by morphological changes and confirmed by immunohistochemical reactions, genetic expression, and western blotting analyses including oxidative and anti- oxidative markers.

Ameliorative effect of selenium nanoparticles on the structure and function of testis and in vitro embryo development in Aflatoxin B1‐exposed male mice

The purpose of the research was to investigate the therapeutic ability of selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) on the aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) toxicity induced in the male reproductive system. For this experiment, the mature male mice were put into four groups. Control (0.5ml PBS, 60days; IP, n=7), Se-NPs (0.5µgkg-1 day-1 for 60days; IP), AFB1 (4.5mgkg-1 day-1 for 60days; IP) and AFB1+Se-NPs (4.5mgkg-1 day-1 +0.5µgkg-1 day-1 for 60days; IP). After treatment, the histological structure of testis, serum testosterone level and sperm parameters, including concentration, motility, viability, morphology and DNA fragmentation, were examined. The results demonstrated that the AFB1 destroyed the testicular tissue structure and decreased the sperm concentration, motility, viability and normal morphology significantly. AFB1 also could significantly increase sperm DNA fragmentation and reduce in vitro fertilisation and embryo development compared to the control group (p<.001). Our data show that Se-NPs could inhibit AFB1-induced damage to the testis and improve sperm parameters as well as in vitro fertilisation and embryo production in AFB1 exposed male mice. This study revealed that the administration of Se-NPs could attenuate the testicular injury of AFB1 and improve the male reproductive system function in AFB1 exposed mice.

Effect of Silver Nanoparticles on Testes of Prepubertal Male Albino Rats and the Possible Protective Role of Vitamin E Supplement (Histological and Immunohistochemical Study)

Background: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are one of the most eminent and commonly used nanoparticles in customer everyday products for both adults and children.Objective: This study objects to study the effect of prepubertal exposure of AgNPs on the histological structure of testis and the possible protective role of vitamin E.Materials and Methods: Twenty three days old juvenile male albino rats were used and divided into 3 groups. Group I control: subdivided into two subgroups: subgroup Ia (negative control), Rats received no treatment and sacrified at postnatal day (PND) 23 and 58. Subgroup Ib (vehicle control group), further subdivided into two subgroup Ib1, Ib2. Group II: subdivided into 2 subgroups: Subgroup IIa; rats treated with AgNPs intraperitoneally daily at dose of (50 μg /kg/day) for 35 days from 23 PND to 58 PND and Subgroup IIb; treated with AgNPs and vitamin E (vit. E) orally by gavage at a dose (150 mg /kg /day) dissolved in corn oil from age 23-58 PND, Group III; follow up group, rats received AgNPs left without treatment till 90 PND.Results: Testicular damage was also detected in AgNPs treated group as compared to the control group. Vit. E-treated subgroup and the follow up groups showed significant testicular improvement. A drastic decrease of testicular germinal epithelial height in AgNPs treated compared to control and vit. E treated rats. The expression of Bcl2 immunoreaction was also decreased in AgNPs-treated rats compared to the control and AgNPs and vit. E-treated groups.Conclusion: AgNPs induced structural changes on male reproductive system that can be ameliorated by Vit. E supplementation and limiting the exposure to the products rich in these particles.

Determining the effect of an electromagnetic field generated by a high voltage power line on rat spermatogonia cells

Objective: Purpose&#x0D; of the study was to research the effect of an electromagnetic field created by&#x0D; a high voltage line on the testes tissue and the serum biochemistry of Wistar&#x0D; albino male rats. At the same time, in the study also examined the protective&#x0D; effects of melatonin and ganoderma lucidum. &#x0D; &#x0D; Methods: In&#x0D; the study, 64 rats were divided into eight equal groups (n: 8). In experiments&#x0D; lasting 26 and 52 days, the following groups were used: High voltage (HV), HV +&#x0D; Ganoderma lucidum (GI), HV + Melatonin (MEL), and Sham-control. MEL (10 mg/kg)&#x0D; was administered intraperitoneally and GI (20 mg/kg) as oral lavage. Extremely&#x0D; low frequency electric (80.3 V/m) and magnetic fields (2.48 µT) were applied&#x0D; for eight hours per day. &#x0D; &#x0D; Results:&#x0D; The biochemical results of the study show an increase in total oxidant status (TOS)&#x0D; and oxidative stress index (OSI) level and a decrease in total antioxidant&#x0D; status (TAS) level in the 26 and 52 day high voltage groups, compared to the&#x0D; control group. In the high voltage groups, the nitric oxide (NO) value&#x0D; increased with the increase of the exposure period. Testicular mass (p&amp;gt;0.05),&#x0D; TAS, TOS, OSI and NO (p&amp;lt;0.05) were found at 26 days of comparison. Testicular&#x0D; weight, TAS, TOS, OSI (p&amp;lt;0.05), and NO (p&amp;gt;0.05) were found in 52 day&#x0D; comparisons. In routine histopathology data, we detected effects on both the 26&#x0D; and 52 day HV groups, such as degeneration in spermatic cells and full&#x0D; structural deterioration and increasing hyalinisation. We also detected an step&#x0D; up in the ligament cell in the tubular field for the 52-day test groups. In&#x0D; melatonin added group, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive cells&#x0D; were more active. TUNEL assay analysis showed that there was no significant&#x0D; difference between the the 26 day experiment groups (p&amp;gt;0.05), but that there&#x0D; was a significant dissimilarity between the 52 day experiment groups&#x0D; (p&amp;lt;0.05).&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusions:&#x0D; In our study, the oxidative effect of created by a high voltage results in&#x0D; changes in serum biochemistry of rats and a number of degenerative&#x0D; deterioration in the histological structure of testes. Aslo, it is shown that&#x0D; the oxidative effect created by a high voltage has negative effects on the creation&#x0D; of spermatogonia. GI partly protects against these effects, while melatonin is&#x0D; more effective in this regard.

Growth Performance, Serum Biochemical Profile, Oxidative Status, and Fertility Traits in Male Japanese Quail Fed on Ginger (Zingiber officinale, Roscoe) Essential Oil.

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale, Rosc.) essential oil on growth performance, serum biochemical profile, oxidative stress, and histological structure of testes and fertility traits in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). 96 three-week-old male Japanese quail weighing between 120 and 130 g were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatment groups in a completely randomized design. Each group was divided into 4 replicates of 6 quails. Quails in control group received orally 100 μl/kg bw of distilled water, while the three test groups received, respectively, by gastric intubation 50, 100, and 150 μl/kg bw of ginger essential oil. At 12 weeks old, twelve birds per treatment were randomly selected and fasted for 24 hours, weighed, and slaughtered to assess organ and biochemical parameters. At the same period, 4 mature male quails per treatment were chosen at random and individually housed in cages, each with four untreated females for fertility and hatchability traits. The main results revealed that growth characteristics were not markedly (P > 0.05) affected by essential oil whatever the dose. The left testis weight increased significantly (P < 0.05) with 100 and 150 μl/kg bw of essential oil compared to the control. The serum content in total cholesterol and triglycerides, the liver weight, the serum content in transaminases, and malondialdehyde decreased in treated quails. The serum content in total protein and globulin and the antioxidant enzymes activities increased in treated birds compared to the control. The histological changes in the testis were less visible in treated Japanese quails. At the doses of 100 and 150 μl/kg bw, this essential oil induced a significant increase (P < 0.05) in fertility rate compared to the control. Under the conditions of this study, the ginger rhizomes essential oil can be used in poultry to reduce the lipid peroxidation in reproductive tissues and improve the fertility traits.

New Research about the Effect of Octylphenol (4-tOP) on Histological Structure of Testis in Mice

The reproductive system of the vertebrates - mainly of the adult males -seems to be vulnerable to the action of endocrine disruptors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of octylphenol (OP) on histological structure of testis in NMRI mice. The mice were divided in three groups (5 mice for each group) such as: control group (C - untreated); vehicle group (V - treated with a mixture of ethanol and corn oil 1:10) and experimental group (E � treated with OP in concentration of 160 mg/kg body weight). The solution of OP was prepared in ethanol, administered by subcutaneous injection in the thigh region (1 ml total volume), for seven consecutive days. For histological examination, after slaughtering, the testes were fixed in 10% neutral formalin, embedded in paraffin, sectioned to a thickness of 5 �m and stained with Mallory�s trichrome method. Microscopic analysis reveals in the individuals from the C and V groups, the normal morphology of the seminiferous tubules. In the case of individuals in the E group, treated with OP, in the testicular parenchyma occurs changes consisting in: detachment of the seminiferous tubule epithelium, mild proliferation of germ cells, the presence of apoptotic bodies among the cells of seminal line, diffuse hyperplasia of the Leydig interstitial cells and hypertrophy of the peritubular capillary. Experimental data obtained in this study demonstrated that the treatment with octylphenol induces irreversible changes in the testicular parenchyma with the disruption of spermatogenesis process.

145 Dutasteride Treatment Does not Effect the Testicular Histology in Rats

Although the association between 5-alpha reductase inhibitors and infertility is well established, the impact of these agents on testicular histology is not clear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the alterations in the histological structure of testes in rats treated with daily dutasteride. A total of 18 male Sprague-Dawley rats (5.5- 6 months old) have been divided into 2 groups. Group-C (n=8) served as the control group and Group-D (n=10) received dutasteride 0.5 mg/rat/day p.o. Rats were sacrificed and their testes were harvested for histopathological and biochemical evaluation at the 30th day. Johnsen’s criteria (a score of 1 to 10 for each tubule cross-section by staining with H&E, 400x as shown figure 1) were used to assess spermatogenesis. Serum hormone levels were measured by ECLIA whereas levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in both testicular tissue and serum were evaluated by ELISA. Results were compared with Mann- Whitney U test and statistical significance level was set as p<0.05.

Supplementation of Diabetic Rats with Leucine, Zinc, and Chromium: Effects on Function and Histological Structure of Testes.

The objective was to study whether leucine, zinc, and chromium supplementations influence function and histological structure of testes in a rat model of type 2 diabetes. Seventy seven adult male rats were categorized into 11 groups of 7 animals each: (1) nondiabetic (negative control); (2) non-treated (positive control); (3) treated with insulin; (4) treated with glibenclamide; (5) treated with leucine; (6) treated with zinc; (7) treated with chromium; (8) treated with leucine + zinc; (9) treated with leucine + chromium; (10) treated with zinc + chromium; (11) treated with leucine + zinc + chromium. In the non-treated group, hyperglycemia severely damaged testes morphology as well as the spermatogenic process. Diabetes induction decreased testicular length, height, width, volume, total number of epididymal sperm, and number of live sperm. Seminiferous tubules of diabetic rats showed a decrease in diameter of tubules and height of epithelium. Diabetes induction decreased the number of cells (spermatogonia, spermatocyte, spermatid, and Sertoli) in cross sections of seminiferous tubules. Administration of nutritional supplements to the diabetic rats improved testes morphology and reversed, although not completely, impairment of spermatogenesis. Treatment with nutritional supplements increased testicular length, height, width, and volume. All treatments increased the number of live sperm and the total number of epididymal sperm. Furthermore, nutritional supplements increased diameter of tubules, height of epithelium, and the number of cells in seminiferous tubules. These alleviating effects were more pronounced in animals treated with the leucine-zinc-chromium combination. The present results demonstrate beneficial effects of zinc, leucine, and chromium supplements to improve testes morphology and to restore spermatogenesis in type 2 diabetic rats.

Resveratrol and curcumin ameliorate di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate induced testicular injury in rats

The present study aimed to evaluate the protective role of resveratrol and curcumin on oxidative testicular damage induced by di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Male Wistar rats were divided into six groups; three groups received oral daily doses of DEHP (2g/kgBW) for 45days to induce testicular injury. Two of these groups received either resveratrol (80mg/kgBW) or curcumin (200mg/kgBW) orally for 30days before and 45days after DEHP administration. A vehicle-treated control group was also included. Another two groups of rats received either resveratrol or curcumin alone. Oxidative damage was observed by decreased levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and glutathione (GSH) and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the testes of DEHP-administered rats. Serum testosterone level as well as testicular marker enzymes activities; acid and alkaline phosphatases (ACP and ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) showed severe declines. DEHP administration caused significant increases in the testicular gene expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, HSP60, HSP70 and HSP90 as well as a significant decrease in c-Kit protein when compared with the control group. Histopathological observations provided evidence for the biochemical and molecular analysis. These DEHP-induced pathological alterations were attenuated by pretreatment with resveratrol and curcumin. We conclude that DEHP-induced injuries in biochemical, molecular and histological structure of testis were recovered by pretreatment with resveratrol and curcumin. The chemoprotective effects of these compounds may be due to their intrinsic antioxidant properties along with boosting Nrf2, HSP 60, HSP 70 and HSP 90 gene expression levels and as such may be useful potential tools in combating DEHP-induced testicular dysfunction.

The ameliorative effects of DMSA and some vitamins against toxicity induced by lead in the testes of albino rats. II

Lead is a poison that affects virtually every system in the body. The current study was planned to examine the toxic effects of lead acetate on the histological picture of testes, and the protective roles of DMSA, combined vitamins C and E, and DMSA combined with vitamin C plus vitamin E against the histopathological changes in the testes of albino rats induced by lead acetate. Oral administration of lead acetate caused necrosis of spermatogenic cells in the seminiferous tubules, congestion of interstitial blood vessels, severe interstitial edema and complete necrosis in the seminiferous tubules. Co-administration of DMSA with lead acetate minimized the histopathological changes exhibited by lead acetate in the affected organ compared with lead acetate-intoxicated rats. Lead acetate combined with vitamin C plus vitamin E supplemented rats showed mild congestion of the interstitial blood vessels and the seminiferous tubules with its components appeared normal compared to DMSA treated rats. Treatment with DMSA combined with vitamin C plus vitamin E showed more or less normal histological appearance of the testes in lead acetate induced histopathological changes in the affected organ. These results show that DMSA, as a chelating agent for lead, and the combination of vitamins C and E as antioxidants reduced the toxic effects of lead on the histological structure of testes in albino rats but did not provide complete protection. Whereas, the supplementation of DMSA combined with both vitamins C and E provide complete protection against toxicity induced by lead in the testes of albino rats.

The effect of BSO-induced oxidative stress on histologic feature of testis: testosterone secretion and semen parameters in mice.

Buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) inhibits synthesis of glutathione as the main intracellular antioxidant. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of BSO-induced oxidative stress on histological structure of testis, testosterone secretion and semen parameters. Thirty male BALB/c mice were divided into 3 groups. In control group, the mice did not receive any chemical. In the experimental group, the mice received 2 mmol/kg BSO for 35 days. In the sham group, the mice received the solvent of BSO (0.9% saline). After the treatment, the mice were sacrificed. Their testes were fixed in Buein's fixative, embedded in paraffin and prepared for histological studies. To assess semen parameters, the sperms were collected from cauda epididymis. Blood samples were used for determination of super oxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and the serum testosterone level. The data analyzed using ANOVA and Dunnett's tests and SPSS software, version11.5. P- values at 0.05 level considered significant. Data showed that in experimental group in comparison to control group; the concentration of CAT, GPX, SOD,GSH and the total level of testosterone is reduced while MDA level is increased significantly. The number of sperms with progressive motility were decreased (P<0.001) but sperms with abnormal morphology were increased (P<0.001). Histological studies revealed that the values for tubal differentiation index and spermatogenic index in experimental group were reduced (P<0.001). It is concluded that exposure to oxidative stress induced by BSO could affect testicular structure and semen parameters.

Histological evaluation and Prdm9 expression level in the testis of sterile male cattle-yaks

The main objective of the present study was to reveal whether the histological structure of testis and the Prdm9 (PR domain containing 9) mRNA level in testis of hybrid sterile yak (i.e. cattle-yaks) differed from that of normal adult yak (Bos grunniens). A partial conserved sequences of yak Prdm9 gene from yak testis was cloned using RT-PCR for the first time, and a 1084bp fragment was obtained, which showed high nucleotide and amino acid similarities with those of cattle. Based on this sequence, a quantitative real-time PCR method was developed to compare Prdm9 mRNA levels in the testes of adult yaks (n=8), yak calves (n=4), and hybrid sterile yaks (n=4). Results showed that the mRNA levels of Prdm9 decreased dramatically in the testes of sexually immature yak calves and sterile male cattle-yaks compared with that of normal adult yaks. In addition, compared with normal adult yaks, most seminiferous tubules of cattle-yaks had only Sertoli cells and a few spermatogonia but no spermatocytes, while a few other seminiferous tubules of cattle-yaks contained pachytene arrested spermatocytes. Cell apoptosis analysis showed that more spermatogonial cells and/or spermatocytes in cattle-yaks were subject to apoptosis than adult yaks. Our results suggest that Prdm9 gene might be associated with the male infertility of cattle-yaks.

Oxidative Stress: Role in Acetamiprid-Induced Impairment of the Male Mice Reproductive System

Acetamiprid has a wide range of influence on physiological functions in mammals. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of acetamiprid on the reproductive function of male mice, and to study the role of oxidative stress in acetamiprid-induced damage to the testes. Fifty adult Kunmin male mice (25–30 g) were divided into five groups (n=10 per group), i.e., control, blank, acetamiprid alone, acetamiprid and vitamin E, and vitamin E alone. All groups were treated for 35 d. The results showed that acetamiprid significantly decreased the body weight and the weight of testosteroneresponsive organs, such as the testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle, and prostate. Furthermore, acetamiprid also significantly reduced the serum testosterone concentration, and decreased sperm count, viability, motility, and the intactness of the acrosome ( P<0.05 for each parameter). The mice treated with acetamiprid had damaged seminiferous tubules and Leydig cells based on the histological structure of testes; there was degeneration of the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum of Leydig cells. These deleterious effects of acetamiprid may be mediated by increasing oxidative stress, as acetamiprid increased malondialdehyde and nitric oxide in the testes, reduced the activity of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and activated p38. The concentration of acetamiprid in the testes was lower than that in liver, so did the concentrations of liver function tests, including aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), which suggest that male reproductive function may be affected through the indirect action of its metabolites. Vitamin E significantly ameliorated the effects of acetamiprid. We conclude that acetamiprid damages male reproductive function through inducing oxidative stress in the testes.

Zinc arginine, a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, reduces rat ventral prostate weight and DNA without affecting testicular function.

Zinc has been implicated in steroid endocrinology of the prostate gland; and 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is believed to express androgenic responses in the prostate. To note the effect of neutralized zinc (zinc gluconate + arginine) on the prostate, 50 sexually mature rats, weighing 325 +/- 20 g, were divided into five groups as follows: (1) control, (2) sham, (3) castrated, and injected intraprostatically with (4) 10 mg neutralized zinc, and (5) 20 mg neutralized zinc. Results indicated significant reduction (P < 0.05) of prostate weight, 5 alpha-reductase activity, and total protein and DNA concentrations in treated prostate tissue; no significant change in weight and histological structure of testes, epididymides, and seminal vesicles; and no significant effect on progeny and blood testosterone level of treated animals. These results suggest that direct application of neutralized zinc to the prostate offers a new modality for treatment of prostatitis without affecting spermatogenesis.