Mean Testicular Weight Research Articles

An electron microscopic and biochemical study of the potential protective effect of ginger against Cadmium-induced testicular pathology in rats.

Background: Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal used in many industries. Since the second half of the 20th century, legislation on Cd use was put to limit the exponential rise in its environmental levels. This study aimed to investigate Cd’s functional and ultrastructural changes on rats’ reproductive systems and the role of Zingiber officinale (Ginger) in protecting against Cd-induced toxicity. Methods: Thirty adult male albino rats were randomly assigned into three equal groups (n = 10); control, Cd-exposed/untreated, and Cd-exposed/Gin-treated. Rat testes were weighed, and testicular tissue sections were examined under the electron microscope. Semen analysis, morphological examination of spermatozoa, and serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone were measured. In addition, testicular tissue homogenates were analyzed for malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. Results: Cd-induced significant reduction in the mean testicular weight and GSH levels and plasma testosterone, LH and FSH levels with a concomitant increase in testicular MDA and NO levels. There was also a deterioration in semen analysis parameters and spermatozoa morphology, with testicular structural damage in the form of architecture distortion and necrosis of seminiferous tubules and testicular interstitial cells. Daily administration of ginger for 4 weeks protected against CD-induced toxicity, preserving tissue architecture, improved plasma levels of testosterone, LH and FSH and testicular levels of GSH, and reduced testicular levels of MDA, NO. Conclusion: Ginger has a protective effect on Cd-induced deterioration of testicular tissue’s structural and functional integrity by improving testicular tissue antioxidant capacity and steroid production, which ameliorates sex hormone levels in the blood.

Spectrum of Histologic Findings in Orchiectomy Specimens of Patients Seeking Male to Female Physical Adaptation.

Context. Hormonal therapy followed by orchiectomy is of the standard of care in management of gender identity disorder in patients seeking male to female transition. The orchiectomy specimens from these patients are routinely subjected to histopathologic evaluation. We discuss the spectrum of histopathologic findings, incidental findings, and cost analysis of processing these specimens. Design. Orchiectomy specimens from patients seeking male to female transition received at our institution from January 2019 to June 2021 were included in the study. Data including patient age, history of hormonal therapy, testicular weight, histopathologic findings, number of tissue sections, and processing cost were collected. Results. A total of 79 specimens were identified. Mean patient age was 36.7 ± 14.5 years. Mean testicular weight was 28.0 ± 8.3 g (right) and 27.8 ± 9.1 g (left). Histologic evaluation showed diminished or absent spermatogenesis in 100% and fibrosis of seminiferous tubules in 96% of specimens. Benign, incidental findings, none of which altered patient management were present in 6 specimens (8%). For most specimens, 3 sections per testis were submitted. This resulted in a mean of 5.8 ± 1.1 tissue sections submitted per specimen. Conclusions. Orchiectomy specimens from patients with gender dysphoria always demonstrate hormone-therapy effects albeit with varying degree. The chances of discovering any incidental finding of clinical significance are negligible. Diligent gross inspection and minimal tissue sampling with additional sampling reserved for gross abnormalities can adequately document the histologic findings in a cost-effective manner.

Azanza garckeana ameliorates Bisphenol A-induced reproductive toxicities in rabbit bucks

This study evaluated the ameliorative properties of Azanza garckeana in Bisphenol A-induced reproductive toxicities on weight, spermiogram, serum hormonal profile, sperm DNA integrity, histopathology of testes and brain tissues of rabbit bucks. Twenty-eight rabbit bucks, with live weight of 1.20–2.00 kg and aged 10–18 months. They were randomly divided into four groups of seven bucks each, group A was administered distilled water (1.5 mL) daily for 12 weeks, group B was administered Bisphenol A (100 mg/kg) for 5 consecutive days in a week for a period of 12 weeks, group C was administered Azanza garckeana (500 mg/kg) daily for 12 weeks and group D was pre-dosed with Bisphenol A (100 mg/kg) for 5 consecutive days in a week over 6 weeks period followed by Azanza garckeana (500 mg/kg) daily for another 6 weeks. Mean testicular weights differed significantly (p < 0.05) between group B (4.4 ± 0.23) when compared with groups A (8.0 ± 0.06), C (8.7 ± 0.19) and D (7.1 ± 0.18). There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the mean reaction time, spermiogram, testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone and sperm DNA fragmentation index between Bisphenol A-exposed groups and treatment groups. On histopathology, there was testicular vacuolization, interstitial hemorrhage, reduction in spermatogenic cells following Bisphenol A exposure. There were layers of dense basophilic cells in the pineal and pituitary parenchymas. In conclusion, Bisphenol A has negative effects on reproduction but administration of Azanza garckeana may possess some therapeutic properties that can ameliorate such adverse effects.

Effect of Methanol Extract, Methanol Fraction, and N-Hexane Fraction of Parijoto Fruit (Medinilla speciosa) on Seminal Parameters and Testicular Weight of Male Sprague Dawley Rats

Infertility occurs in 2 million couples or 17% of couples who are married more than 2 years but are not pregnant or have signs of pregnancy. In couples who do not have children, 50% of male infertility factors are caused by abnormalities in semen. Empirically, parijoto fruits (Medinilla speciosa Blume) are used by the people of Kudus, Central Java, Indonesia to increase fertility. The purpose of this research was to find out the effect of methanol extract, methanol fraction, and n-hexane fraction of parijoto fruit (Medinilla speciosa) on seminal parameters and testicular weight of male Sprague Dawley rats. This research used 36 two-month-old Sprague Dawley rats with 200-300 gram of body weight which were divided into 6 groups. Group 1 (normal); groups 2, 3, and 4, used parijoto fruit methanol extract at 100mg/kgBW, 250mg/kgBW, and 500mg/kgBW doses respectively; groups 5 and 6 used methanol fraction and n-hexane fraction of parijoto fruit at 500 mg/kgBW dose respectively for 14 days. Rats were dissected and had examinations on sperm motility, morphology, abd testicular weight. The data were analyzed using Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney. The results found that groups 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 had mean spermatozoa motility (%) that were 56.5±2.43, 72.5±6.89, 77.6±12.99, 83.3±7.53, 84.7±3.98, and 74.2±11.58, mean spermatozoa morphology (%) that were 95.5±3.67, 95±2.76, 92.6±5.13, 96.5±3.27, 94.3±4.37, and 93.2±6.11, and mean testicular weight (gram) that were 1.08±0.10, 0.90±0.14, 0.98±0.10, 1.18±0.21, 1.28±0.43, and 1.02±0.13. There were significant differences between the normal group and all treatments (P &lt;0.05) on spermatozoa motility. There was no significant difference on spermatozoa morphology and testicular weight. Based on the results, it can be concluded that methanol extract, methanol fraction, and n-hexane fraction of parijoto fruit can increase spermatozoa motility of male Sprague Dawley rats.

The effect of estrogen therapy on spermatogenesis in transgender women

ObjectiveTo describe the histopathologic parameters of orchiectomy specimens obtained after gender-affirming surgery from transgender women who used gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT), which included estrogen and spironolactone. Our hypothesis was that an increasing duration of GAHT affects testicular health.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingTertiary referral center.Patient(s)All transgender women (individuals assigned male at birth who identified as female) who underwent orchiectomy with or without vaginoplasty between December 2015 and March 2020.Intervention(s)GAHT (estrogen and spironolactone) in the setting of patients with orchiectomy with or without vaginoplasty.Main Outcome Measure(s)Demographic and perioperative data and pathology records were reviewed. The following pathology parameters were recorded: testicular volume, testicular weight, presence of spermatogenesis (active vs. reduced), maturation arrest, testicular atrophy, hyalinization, scarring/fibrosis, and Sertoli cell and Leydig cell phenotypes. The patients were grouped into one of three categories describing the duration of GAHT use: 0–36 months, 37–60 months, and >60 months years. Descriptive statistics were performed and comparisons between outcomes (demographic data and pathology parameters) were made among the GAHT groups.Result(s)Eighty-five (N = 85) patients underwent orchiectomy during the study period with 85.9% (n = 73) undergoing concurrent vaginoplasty. The mean (SD) age and body mass index of the cohort were 39 ±16 years and 28.4 ± 5.4 kg/m2, respectively. In addition, although this was not statistically significant, patients in the 37–60 and >60-month groups were more likely to smoke marijuana than those in the 0–36-month group (26.3% and 21.2% vs. 4.2%, respectively). Mean testicular weight and volume across the cohort were 60.1 ± 24.9 grams and 65.5 ± 41.1 cm3, respectively. Spermatogenesis was present in 28.2% (n = 24) of specimens with active spermatogenesis noted in 8.2% (n = 7). Hyalinization, scarring/fibrosis, and atrophy were present in 28.2% (n = 24), 20.0% (n = 17), and 25.9% (n = 22) of specimens, respectively. There were no differences in pathology parameters across the GAHT groups. Testicular weight and volume were not associated with any differences in pathology parameters. Additionally, age was not associated with testicular weight, volume, or pathology parameters with the exception of the following: when patients were categorized as either ≤40 years of age (n = 48) vs. > 40 years of age (n = 37), patients who were older were more likely to have hyalinization (43.2% vs. 16.7%) as well as atrophy (40.5% vs. 14.6%).Conclusion(s)The duration of GAHT use was not associated with any differences in orchiectomy pathology parameters in patients undergoing gender-affirming surgery, and some patients may still have some spermatogenesis based on the parameters observed in this study.

Effects of &lt;i&gt;Anthocleista Djalonensis&lt;/i&gt; (Chev.) methanol root bark extract on some fertility parameters in male rats

Background: Anthocleista djalonensis is a West African plant with several ethnomedicinal uses.Objectives: This study evaluated the effect of Anthocleista djalonensis methanol root bark extract on fertility parameters in male rats.Material and Methods: The rats were randomly allotted to four groups (n=5). Group A (control) received distilled water (10 ml/kg), groups B, C, D received oral doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day of the extract respectively for 28 days. The mean body, testicular, and epididymal weights; sperm indices; and serum testosterone level were assessed.Results: There were no significant changes on the body weights of the treated rats but their testicular and epididymal weights increased significantly (P˂0.05) at the dose of 400 mg/kg in comparison with the control group. Sperm indices such as sperm count, motility, morphology and viability increased significantly (P˂0.05) at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg/day when compared to the control. There was also a significant (P˂0.05) increase in serum testosterone concentration at the dose of 400 mg/kg/day of the extract.Conclusion: The results suggest that the methanol root bark extract of A. djalonensis improves fertility parameters in male rats thereby justifying its use in ethnomedicine.Keywords: Sperm count, testosterone level, spermatogenesis, oxidative stress

Effect of Unilateral Iatrogenic Testicular Torsion on the Contralateral Testis in Rats: Prepubertal and Postpubertal.

The present study was conducted to investigate the influence of hemicastration and age at hemicastration on the contralateral testis weight and function/testosterone production. 64 Wistar-derived male rats were divided randomly into 4 groups. Group 1 was named immature intervention, group 2 immaturecontrol, group 3 mature intervention, and group 4mature control. In group 1, rats were hemicastrated at 30 days of age (prepubertal). In group 2, sham surgery (midscrotal incision) was per-formed atthe same age. In group 3, rats were hemicastrated at 70 days of age (postpubertal) and in group 4,sham surgery was done at the same age. Twenty days after the first surgery, contralateral orchiectomy wasperformed in intervention groups and controls underwent random orchiectomy (left or right). Blood sampling for evaluation of serum testosterone was performed just before second surgery. The mean testis weight (1692 ± 26.7 in group 1 versus 1375 ± 39.7 in group 2; P < .001 and 1760 ± 26.6 in group 3 versus 1425 ± 44.9 in Group 4; P < .001) and the mean testicular weight (mg) per 100 g of body weight (735.8 ± 82.3 in group 1 versus 634.8 ± 84.8 in group 2; P = .005 and 652.4 ± 61.4 in group 3 versus 572.6 ± 97.7 in group 4; P = .03) were significantly greater in hemicastrated rats as to their controls. Also, these parameters was greater in prepubertal group than postpubertalhemicastrated rats. There was no appreciable difference in serum testosterone levels across the 4 groups (P = .77). Our research demonstrated that hemicastration results in compensatory hypertrophy of the remaining testis and it decreases as the animals age. Hemicastration does not lead to reduction in serum testosterone levels and the remaining testis can retrieve a normal serum testosterone level.

Comparative effects of ethanol extract of Talinum triangulare and ascorbic acid on Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate induced undescended testis in Wistar rats

This study compared the effects of Talinum triangulare extract and Ascorbic acid on the oxidative stress caused by Di-2-ethylhexyl-phthalate (DEHP) induced undescended testis (UDT) in Wistar rats. Twenty-four pregnant rats were randomly divided into six groups of four animals each. Group 1(Control) received 2.5ml/kg corn oil for 21 days, Group 2 received 750mg/kg DEHP on gestational days (GD) 14-18, Group 3 received 200mg/kg ascorbic acid for 21 days and 750mg/kg DEHP from GD 14-18 and Group 4 received 200mg/kg Talinum triangulare extract for 21 days and 750mg/kg of DEHP from GD 14-18. The dams were delivered, the resulting pups weighed and sacrificed on postnatal day (PND) 28. Gross examination of the pups, biochemical and histological changes were recorded. Data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA. Group 2 pups had UDT and low birth weight compared to other groups. The mean testicular weight and anogenital distance (AGD) were low in Group 2 pups compared to pups in Groups 3 and 4. The mean values of all the antioxidant enzymes and serum testosterone were low in Group 2 pups compared to other groups. Histological examination of the testes of Group 2 pups revealed moderate vascular congestion within the tunica albuginea and severe atrophy of seminiferous tubules with degenerated Sertoli cells compared to normal findings in other Groups. Although the ameliorative effects of Talinum triangulare is not as potent as that of Ascorbic acid, preconceptional and continuous intake of this vegetable by pregnant women would help to prevent UDT and other associated problems.Keywords: Oxidative stress, Talinum triangulare , testosterone, Undescended testis, Ascorbic acid

Consumption of Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera ) on Sperm Parameters of Adult Albino Wistar Rats

This study was aimed at assessing the possible effects coconut oil could have on the sperm parameters of albino rats. Twenty adult male Wistar rats randomly divided into four (4) groups of five rats each were investigated. The control group received normal saline and experimental groups; Low Dose (LD), Moderate Dose (MD) and High Dose (HD) received coconut oil extract of 0.5ml/kg b.w, 1.1ml/kg b.w and 2.2ml/kg b.w respectively for fourteen days via orogastric tube. On day 14 of the experiment, the rats were euthanized under chloroform vapour and sacrificed and testes excised. There was an insignificant decrease (p&lt;0.05) in mean testicular weight of the treated rats; LD (1.14±0.05), MD (1.16±0.05) and HD (1.12±0.06) groups compared to the control rats (1.20±0.04). Sperm count was increased significantly (p&lt;0.05) in the animals administered with coconut oil; LD (39.72±0.28x10 6 /ml), MD (46.76±1.46x10 6 /ml), HD (68.18±0.39x10 6 /ml) in comparison with animals in the control group (35.28±0.34x10 6 /ml). Sperm motility increased significantly (p&lt;0.05) in animals of the HD group (55.00±1.58%) compared to what was observed in rats found in LD (37.60±0.81%) and MD groups (45.00±0.84%). The HD group recorded (85.00±0.71%) sperm viability, a significant increase (p&lt;0.05) compared to that of the control group (75.60±0.93%). Sperms with normal morphology were significantly increased (p&lt;0.05) in LD (75.60±0.68%), MD (76.00±1.87%) and HD (87.20±0.86%) compared to the control group (69.00±1.22%). Coconut oil has no deleterious effect on the sperm parameters and can lead to enhanced spermatogenesis. Keywords: Cocos nucifera , sperm parameters, coconut oil DOI : 10.7176/JBAH/9-14-06 Publication date :July 31 st 2019

Safety effect of fractions from methanolic leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum on reproduction in male wistar rats

This study evaluates the reproductive toxicity of ethyl acetate and butanolic fractions from crude methanolic leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum in male Wistar rats. Acute toxicity was assessed to determine the safety dose, Sub-chronic reproductive toxicity studies were carried out by administering daily 25, 100 and 400 mg/kg body weight doses of the fractions to respective group of animals and 1 ml of normal saline daily for the control group for 28 days. Blood, epididymis and testes were harvested for reproductive hormones, sperm parameters, and histopathologic analysis respectively. There was significant (P < 0.05) increase in serum levels of testosterone, body-weight gain, sperm count. There was also apparent increase in mean-testicular weight and preservation of testicular histology with increase spermatogenesis in both the ethyl acetate and butanolic fraction treated groups compared with control. Serum levels of luteinising hormone was however significantly (P < 0.05) decrease across the groups compared to control. These effects were more pronounced in the butanolic fraction group compared to the ethyl acetate treated group. Sperm motility was also significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the ethyl acetate treated group compared to control. Findings from this studies demonstrate that these fractions were non-toxic at the tested doses with regards to male reproduction but, rather, exhibited fertility enhancing effects which was better with the butanolic fraction. Our findings also shows that the ethyl acetate fraction may be safer than the butanolic fraction.

Does intraperitoneal injection of propofol prior to detorsion improve testes weight and histopathological findings in a rat model?

ObjectivesTo determine the long-term preventive effects of intraperitoneal propofol on testicular ischemia–reperfusion injury in a rat model.Materials and methodsForty adult male albino Wistar rats were divided randomly into the following four groups according to the planned treatment (n=10 per group): group I, control; group II, sham-operated; group III, torsion/detorsion (T/D); and group IV, T/D plus propofol. Testicular ischemia was achieved by twisting the left testis 720° clockwise (ie, applying torsion) for 1 h. In the T/D plus propofol group (group IV), 50 mg/kg propofol was administered intraperitoneally 30 minutes before detorsion. Ipsilateral orchiectomy was performed under general anesthesia to determine the mean testicular weight and to enable histopathological examination of the testes using Johnsen’s mean testicular biopsy score 30 days after the surgical procedure in all groups.ResultsThe testicular weights in groups I, II, III, and IV were 1.65±0.32, 1.59±0.33, 1.11±0.56, and 1.08±0.50 g (mean ± SD), respectively. Testicular weight was significantly lower in the T/D groups (III and IV) than in both the control and sham-operated groups (I and II), but there was no improvement in testicular weight as a result of propofol administration. Similarly, Johnsen’s mean testicular biopsy score was lower in groups III and IV than in groups I and II, but no positive effect was conferred by the administration of propofol in group IV.ConclusionThe use of propofol in the treatment of testicular ischemia–reperfusion injury caused by testis torsion has no significant long-term therapeutic potential.

Development of a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-supplemented adjuvant and its effects on cell-mediated and humoral immune responses in male rats immunized against sperm.

Supplementation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from non-pathogenic Escherichia coli was found to enhance the adjuvant effects of a veterinary vaccine adjuvant (ISA 71VG®). Sperm immunization using 71VG as an adjuvant in the immature period induced infertility in 25% of male rats, whereas this increased to 62.5% after immunization with 71VG + LPS or Freund′s complete adjuvant (FCA). Mean testicular weight of non-sterile males in the 71VG + LPS group was significantly lower than that in the 71VG or FCA group. Histological examination of testicular tissue from sterile males demonstrated severe impairment of spermatogenesis due to experimental autoimmune orchitis, a cell-mediated autoimmune condition. The serum anti-sperm titer was elevated in the three sperm-immunized groups relative to male rats treated with adjuvant alone, but the titer was higher in the 71VG + LPS and FCA groups than in the 71VG group. We consider that this LPS-supplemented adjuvant stimulates both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses to an extent comparable to FCA.

An Experimental Study to Demonstrate the Extents of Reversible Changes after Withdrawal of Allethrin Based Mosquito Coil Smoke Exposure along with the Possible Protective Role of Vitamin C on Induced Testicular Changes in Male Wistar Albino Rats

This study was an attempt to delineate the effect of allethrin based mosquito coil exposure on male fertility of wistar albino rats. This also includes two months of discontinuation of exposure to know whether there is any reversibility of changes. We also studied the role of an antioxidant (Vitamin C) in ameliorating the effect caused by the coil.The animals in our study were randomized into four groups: group I served as control rats; group II, III and IV received mosquito coil smoke 8 hours a day, 7 days a week for 12 week. Group IV rats co-administered oral supplementation of Vit. C (20 mg/kg body weight) once in a day for the same time period while group III animals were further kept for 8 weeks without any exposure to demonstrate withdrawal effect. Mean testicular weight was maximum in Group IV(1.83±0.30 gm) followed by group I(1.56±0.19gms), group III(1.22±0.42 gms) and group II(0.64±0.09 gm). Mean sperm count ranged from 83.75±9.61 units in Group II to 100.0±16.68 units in Group III, 130.7±14.14 units in Group IV and 157.7±7.92 units (Group I). Mean % abnormal sperm morphology was maximum in Group II (36.95±7.87%) followed by Group III (30.66±9.59%), Group IV (11.97±2.74%) and Group I (5.37±1.28%). Statistically, this difference was significant (p&lt;0.001). This study demonstrates different types of abnormal sperm morphology. This study has its own merit that it also depicts the possible improvement after discontinuation of exposure and vitamin C supplementation.

Evaluation of ameliorative potential of supranutritional selenium on enrofloxacin-induced testicular toxicity

The study was designed to assess the ameliorative potential of selenium (Se) on enrofloxacin-induced testicular toxicity in rats. There was a significant decrease in body weight and non-significant decrease in mean testicular weight of enrofloxacin treated rats. In enrofloxacin treated rats, total sperm count and viability decreased where as sperm abnormalities increased. Testicular histopathology revealed dose dependent dysregulation of spermatogenesis and presence of necrotic debris in seminiferous tubules which was marginally improved with Se. Enrofloxacin also produced a dose dependent decrease in testosterone level. The activity of testicular antioxidant enzymes decreased where as lipid peroxidation increased in a dose-dependent manner. Se supplementation partially restored oxidative stress and sperm damage and did not affect the plasma concentrations of enrofloxacin or ciprofloxacain. The results indicate that enrofloxacin produces a dose-dependent testicular toxicity in rats that is moderately ameliorated with supranutritional Se.

Effect of cement dust on reproductive performance and some physiological parameters in albino rats

A total of 30 Albino rats of 12 weeks of age were sourced from Altran Farm in Nsukka and acclimatized for 3 weeks. Five males and five females were exposed to cement dust for 3 months at the Eastern Blocks and Concrete Industries Limited, Nsukka, Nigeria. Ten males and ten females were kept in an environment free from cement dust but within the same climatic zone and were the unexposed. The effect of cement dust was then determined on reproductive performance and some physiological parameters of the rats. The uterus of the exposed females showed significant decrease (p < 0.05) in weight (2.19 ± 0.05) when compared to that of the unexposed females (4.09 ± 0.55). The mean epididymal sperm reserve of the exposed males (12.25 ± 2.17) was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) when compared to that of the control group (18.46 ± 0.325). The mean testicular weight of the exposed males (1.03 ± 0.09) was significantly reduced when compared to the control (1.42 ± 0.026). The mean fetal weight and crown rump length of the offsprings from the exposed females (4.07 ± 0.17, 3.12 ± 0.09, respectively) were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) when compared to those of the offsprings from the unexposed females (5.64 ± 0.10, 5.36 ± 0.17, respectively). The mean number of offsprings from exposed males (6.00 ± 0.45) was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) when compared to that from unexposed males (9.80 ± 0.37). The hematological evaluation showed significant reductions (p < 0.05) in mean PCV, HB, RBC, and WBC of the exposed rats (27.50 ± 2.20, 8.31 ± 0.61, 3.61 ± 0.82, 4.70 ± 0.63, respectively) when compared to the unexposed (43.17 ± 3.52, 14.1 ± 0.72, 7.21 ± 0.45, 8.48 ± 0.86, respectively). The results of serum enzyme levels (AST, ALP, and ALT) of the exposed rats (87.12 ± 3.42, 93.87 ± 14.18, 45.06 ± 5.25, respectively) were significantly increased (p < 0.05) when compared to the unexposed rats (56.98 ± 8.38, 24.71 ± 2.11, 25.72 ± 2.96, respectively).

Fertility enhancing effects of methanolic leaf extract of Dracaena arborea in albino rats (Rattus norvegicus)

The effects of methanolic extract of Dracaena arborea on mean testicular weight, mean cauda epididymal sperm reserve, and testicular morphology were evaluated. A total of sixty mature male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three equal groups. The first group (A) received distilled water while the other two groups (B and C) received orally the methanolic leaf extracts of Dracaena arborea in two doses (100&amp;nbsp;and 500 mg/kg, respectively) daily for 84 days. Following oral administration of the extract, mean testicular weight, mean cauda epididymal sperm reserve, and testicular morphology were determined on days 28, 42, 56, 70, and 84. The extract produced a significant and dose-dependent increase (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in the sperm number. There was also a significant increase (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in the mean testicular weights on days 70 and 84 of the extract administration. The testicular morphology remained unchanged while further testicular histology examination revealed increased spermatogenesis. It was concluded that the methanolic leaf extract of D. arborea has fertility enhancing properties. &amp;nbsp;

Frequency and nature of testicular and paratesticular lesions in forensic autopsies

The aim of our study was to determine the frequency and nature of testicular and paratesticular lesions in forensic autopsies. A retrospective study was carried out on 495 adult male cases that underwent forensic autopsy from January 2008 to December 2011 in our Department. For each case, the following parameters were reported: age, body mass index, nature of testicular and paratesticular lesions, associated lesions in external genitalia, testicle weight, cause of death, manner of death, resuscitation attempts and prior medical history. Mean age of the studied population was 47.8 years (range 18-96). Mean body mass index was 25.3 kg/m(2) (range 15-46.2). Testicular lesions and/or paratesticular were found in 16.4% of the cases (n = 81). The most frequent lesions were, respectively, testicular atrophy (n = 38) and trauma (n = 28). In three cases showing traumatic lesions, associated traumatic lesions were found in external genitalia. Most frequent cause of death was blunt trauma (19.9% of the cases). Manner of death most frequently associated with testicular trauma was, respectively, road traffic accident (n = 11) and suicidal fall (n = 6). Mean testicular weight was, respectively, 17.9 g for the right and 20.8 g for the left (range 2-38). Atrophy was associated with testicular weight less than 10 g. A significant association between testicular atrophy and age was found, the risk of atrophy increasing quite linearly with age. No significant statistical link between prior medical history and testicular pathology was found. There was also no influence of body mass index. Resuscitation attempts were not statistically associated with testicular traumatic lesions.

Erythropoietic and spermatogenic effects of subchronic administration of methanolic leaf extract of Dracaena arborea in rats

This study investigated the erythropoietic and spermatogenic effects of subchronic administration of methanolic leaf extract of Dracaena arborea in rats. Acute toxicity was performed. A total of 120 male rats weighing 140 ± 14.14 g were used for the subchronic study divided into four groups. The extract was administered using the oral route daily for 91 days at the following dosages: group A, normal saline 10 ml/kg body weight, bw (control group); group B, 50 mg/kg bw of the extract; group C, 100 mg/kg bw of the extract and group D 500 mg/kg bw of the extract. The parameters assessed to determine the effect of subchronic administration of the extract were: packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (HC), red blood cell counts (RBC), testicular weight (TW) and epididymal sperm reserve (ESR). The mean HC of rats in group D was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of groups B, C and that of the untreated group A between days 49 and 77 post-administration of the extract. The mean TW and ESR of group D increased significantly (p < 0.05) as from day 35 post-administration of the extract when compared to other groups and this trend of increase continued throughout the duration of the experimental period. Histological evaluation of the testes revealed increased spermatogenesis in group D when compared to other treatment groups and the control group. It was concluded that subchronic administration of the extract led to enhancement of erythropoietic and spermatogenic effects in rats.

Evaluation of noninvasive methods of predicting testicular weight and development in an inbred and outbred strain of laboratory mouse

Testicular weight is a valuable measure of gonadal development in laboratory mice, but is usually only obtainable postmortem. The objective was to assess the utility of antemortem, noninvasive methods of predicting testicular weight and volume in peripubertal mice. Body weight, scrotal width, and ultrasonographic testicular diameter measurements were obtained in situ in euthanized male outbred (CD-1: N = 20) and inbred (BALB/c: N = 20) mice and compared with excised testicular weight and diameter. In these two strains, body weight predicted mean testicular weight (r2 = 0.810; P < 0.0001 and r2 = 0.943; P < 0.0001, respectively). Scrotal width (lateral margins of the scrotum) was a more reliable indicator of excised mean testicular weight (CD-1: r2 = 0.885; P < 0.0001; BALB/c: r2 = 0.861; P < 0.0001) than measurements of testicular diameter obtained via ultrasound (CD-1: r2 = 0.597; P < 0.0001: BALB/c: r2 = 0.478, P < 0.01) in both strains. Obtaining scrotal width measurements also required less time and restraint than ultrasonography. In live, conscious animals (10 of each strain), the association of scrotal width to testicular weight remained high (CD-1: r2 = 0.906; P < 0.0001; BALB/c: r2 = 0.918; P < 0.0001). Predicted testicular weights derived from scrotal width measurements differentiated animals in three stages of advanced spermiogenesis (CD-1: N = 30; P < 0.0001; BALB/c: N = 30; P < 0.0001). Based on these findings, in vivo scrotal width can be used for noninvasive, in situ prediction of testicular weight in peripubertal laboratory mice. It also has potential application in staging testicular development on a quantitative scale, which would complement using balanopreputial separation as a single indicator of puberty. As a more direct measure of testicular size, this parameter will also be less affected by endogenous and exogenous influences than body weight. Ultimately, using noninvasive in vivo methods of predicting testicular weight should reduce the number of animals required for studies focused on testicular development.

Three-dimensional quantitative analysis of testicular tissue sections of sprague-dawley rat: the after treatment responses to varying doses of Momordica charantia

Background: In our previous study we scrutinized the intrinsic worth of graded doses of Momordica charantia (MC) seed extract as an antispermatogenic agent in Sprague-Dawley (S-D) rats. The corresponding histological quantification of the testicular responses to the extract is yet to be established. Objective: To investigate quantitatively using simple stereological tools the testicular reactions of S-D rats administered graded doses of M. charantia seed extract. Methodology: Twenty adult male S-D rats, weighing 110‒214 g were assigned randomly into four groups (I‒IV). Animals in groups I, II and III received varying oral doses of 15, 25 and 50 mg/100 g b.w/day of ethanolic seed extract of MC, respectively. Group IV rats (control) were fed an equal volume of physiological saline. The duration of treatment for both extract and physiological saline was 56 days. The animals were sacrificed and the testes processed for histometry (measurement of tissues). Stereological parameters estimated include; testicular volume and weight, tubular diameter, cross sectional area of seminiferous tubules, number of profiles per unit area, length density and numerical density of the seminiferous tubules. Results: Showed a dose dependent decrease in the mean testicular volume and weight, seminiferous tubular diameter and cross sectional area. However there was an increase in the number of profiles per unit area, length density and numerical density of the seminiferous tubules. Conclusion: Histometric data supports a dose-related deleterious effect on the testes of S-D rats treated with Momordica charantia seed extract. This also depicts a dose related antifertility potential of the extract.