Morphology Of Reproductive Organs Research Articles

Developmental Differences on the Internal Reproductive Systems between the Prediapause and Prereproductive Riptortus pedestris Adults.

Riptortus pedestris (Heteroptera: Alydidae), an important crop pest, is capable of entering reproductive adult diapause under short-day photoperiods. Though the physiological aspects of adult diapause have been well studied in this species, little is known about its morphological development. In the present study, the adult females are discriminated as prediapause and prereproductive based on the absence and presence of mature oocytes in ovarioles, respectively. We also measured the morphological development of vitellarium and lateral oviduct in females, and the accessory gland, ejaculatory duct, and testes in males of both prereproductive and prediapause adults. Our results revealed that there is a clear significant difference in the reproductive development of prediapause and prereproductive insects. Moreover, the internal morphology of reproductive organs was suppressed in prediapausebugs compared to prereproductive bugs, and the insects developedthe reproductive parts as newly emerged adults. The above findings provide basic knowledge on the characterization of diapause and reproductive R. pedestris adults, which would be applicable to molecular investigations.

Venereal Transmission of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus by Culicoides sonorensis Midges.

Culicoides sonorensis biting midges are well-known agricultural pests and transmission vectors of arboviruses such as vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). The epidemiology of VSV is complex and encompasses a broad range of vertebrate hosts, multiple routes of transmission, and diverse vector species. In temperate regions, viruses can overwinter in the absence of infected animals through unknown mechanisms, to reoccur the next year. Non-conventional routes for VSV vector transmission may help explain viral maintenance in midge populations during inter-epidemic periods and times of adverse conditions for bite transmission. In this study, we examined whether VSV could be transmitted venereally between male and female midges. Our results showed that VSV-infected females could venereally transmit virus to uninfected naïve males at a rate as high as 76.3% (RT-qPCR), 31.6% (virus isolation) during the third gonotrophic cycle. Additionally, VSV-infected males could venereally transmit virus to uninfected naïve females at a rate as high as 76.6% (RT-qPCR), 49.2% (virus isolation). Immunofluorescent staining of micro-dissected reproductive organs, immunochemical staining of midge histological sections, examination of internal reproductive organ morphology, and observations of mating behaviors were used to determine relevant anatomical sites for virus location and to hypothesize the potential mechanism for VSV transmission in C. sonorensis midges through copulation.

Role of the Pumilio gene in the reproductive system of Schistosoma japonicum.

The elimination of schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease caused by Schistosoma and a major source of morbidity and mortality in developing countries, faces serious challenges. Although the pumilio protein regulates the reproductive organ development in many species, its role in Schistosoma japonicum is unknown. Thus, this study investigated the function of pumilio in S. japonicum reproduction. The complete coding sequences of S. japonicum Pumilio1 (SjPum1) and SjPum2 genes were cloned and characterized. The full-length open-reading frame SjPum1 (2613 nucleotides) and SjPum2 (4479 nucleotides) genes were obtained. Bioinformatics analysis showed that those genes belonged to the PUF (pumilio and FBF) family. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed that SjPum1 and SjPum2 were differentially expressed throughout the S. japonicum life cycle and were highly expressed in reproductive organs. In situ hybridization results showed that mRNA expression of SjPum2 was higher than that of SjPum1 in the ovary and testis. Knocking down SjPum2 using RNA interference techniques to explore potential reproductive functions showed that compared with the control (untransfected or scrambled mRNA-transfected) worms, the morphology of both male and female reproductive organs was altered, the number of eggs produced by paired females was significantly decreased, and the transcription levels of caspase 3 and caspase 7 genes related to apoptosis were significantly increased. The transcription level of Nanos1 gene which related to reproduction was also significantly increased. Therefore, SjPum2 may play a role in the reproductive development of S. japonicum.

PSX-5 Reproductive organ weights, morphology and sperm reserves in intact and short scrotum post-pubertal male dairy sheep lambs

Abstract This study evaluated the use of short-scrotum castration to create sterile ram lambs. East Friesian x Lacaune male lambs born in February on a commercial sheep dairy were left intact (n = 19; IN) or rendered short-scrotum (n = 17; SS) within 10 d of birth. At 3 mo of age lambs were transferred to the study site and grazed as one group, while being supplemented with a grain mixture at 0.7 kg/d. Lambs were harvested at 6 mo of age, and reproductive tract of 5 IN and 5 SS lambs collected at random and shipped cold overnight for processing. Testis and epididymis were weighed. Segments of the left testis and epididymis were processed for histology, while a subsample of testicular parenchyma and epididymal segments of the right side were used to determine sperm reserves by tissue homogenization. Differences between testis types were determined using GLM of SAS. Testes and epididymal weights were reduced (P < 0.001) in SS (115 and 22 g) compared to IN (364 and 50 g) lambs. Seminiferous tubule diameter was also smaller (P < 0.001) in SS (142 µm) than IN (234 µm) lambs. Daily sperm production per gram testicular parenchyma (DSPG) was not different between types (3.8 vs. 2.3 million sperm/g; P = 0.06), but total daily sperm production was lower (P < 0.01) in SS (0.23 billion) than IN (1.34 billion) ram lambs. Considerable variation was noted in DSPG in IN lambs suggesting still incomplete development at this age, and accounting for the lack of a significant difference. Epididymal sperm reserves were markedly reduced (P < 0.001) in SS (0.1 billion) compared to IN (10.5 billion), and decreased along the epididymis, supported by evidence of phagocytic action by the epididymal epithelium. Data suggest that ram lambs rendered short-scrotum shortly after birth develop smaller testes with reduced sperm production, making them effectively infertile.

Contraceptive efficacy of sperm agglutinating factor from Staphylococcus warneri, isolated from the cervix of a woman with inexplicable infertility

BackgroundVoluntary control of fertility is of paramount importance to the modern society. But since the contraceptive methods available for women have their limitations such as urinary tract infections, allergies, cervical erosion and discomfort, a desperate need exists to develop safe methods. Vaginal contraceptives may be the answer to this problem, as these are the oldest ways of fertility regulation, practiced over the centuries. With minimal systemic involvement, these are also the safest. Natural substances blocking or impairing the sperm motility offer as valuable non-cytotoxic vaginal contraceptives. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) isolated from plants, animals and microorganisms are known to possess sperm immobilizing and spermicidal properties. Following this, in the quest for alternative means, we have cloned, over expressed and purified the recombinant sperm agglutinating factor (SAF) from Staphylococcus warneri, isolated from the cervix of a woman with unexplained infertility.MethodsGenomic library of Staphylococcus warneri was generated in Escherichia coli using pSMART vector and screened for sperm agglutinating factor (SAF). The insert in sperm agglutinating transformant was sequenced and was found to express ribonucleotide-diphosphate reductase-α sub unit. The ORF was sub-cloned in pET28a vector, expressed and purified. The effect of rSAF on motility, viability, morphology, Mg++-dependent ATPase activity and acrosome status of human sperms was analyzed in vitro and contraceptive efficacy was evaluated in vivo in female BALB/c mice.ResultsThe 80 kDa rSAF showed complete sperm agglutination, inhibited its Mg2+-ATPase activity, caused premature sperm acrosomal loss in vitro and mimicked the pattern in vivo showing 100% contraception in BALB/c mice resulting in prevention of pregnancy. The FITC labeled SAF was found to bind the entire surface of spermatozoa. Vaginal application and oral administration of rSAF to mice for 14 successive days did not demonstrate any significant change in vaginal cell morphology, organ weight and tissue histology of reproductive and non-reproductive organs and had no negative impact in the dermal and penile irritation tests.ConclusionThe Sperm Agglutinating Factor from Staphylococcus warneri, natural microflora of human cervix, showed extensive potential to be employed as a safe vaginal contraceptive.

Stigma Functionality and Fertility Are Reduced by Heat and Drought Co-stress in Wheat.

As a consequence of climate change, unpredictable extremely hot and dry periods are becoming more frequent during the early stages of reproductive development in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Pollen sterility has long been known as a major determinant of fertility loss under high temperature and water scarcity, but it will be demonstrated here that this is not the exclusive cause and that damage to female reproductive organs also contributes to losses of fertility and production. Changes in the phenology, morphology, and anatomy of female reproductive cells and organs, in the ROS and RNS generation of stigmatic papilla cells, and in fertility and yield components in response to simultaneous high temperature and drought at gametogenesis were studied in two wheat genotypes with contrasting stress responses. The combination of high temperature (32/24°C) and total water withdrawal for 5 days at gametogenesis altered the phenology of the plants, reduced pollen viability, modified the morphology and the anatomy of the pistils, enhanced the generation of ROS and RNS, intensified lipid peroxidation and decreased the NO production of stigmatic papilla cells, all leading to reduced fertility and to production loss in the sensitive genotype, depending on the position of the floret on the spike. Reduced functionality of female and male reproductive parts accounted for 34% and 66%, respectively, of the total generative cell- and organ-triggered fertility loss.

Morphology and topography of internal reproductive organs in the female cat during prenatal and postnatal development: Scanning electron microscope and three-dimensional reconstruction study.

The study describes the morphology and topography of internal reproductive organs in the domestic cat from the early prenatal period to maturity, using macroscopic and scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations with three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions. Fifty-seven female cat fetuses aged between the 27th and 63rd day postconception (p.c.), two newborn cats, three juveniles (3-month-old) cats, and three mature (12-month-old) cats were used in the study. The age of fetuses was determined on the basis of the growth curve for the domestic cat. The rudiments of cat ovaries develop on the ventral surface of the mesonephroi and within 30 days p.c. move to the sides of the abdominal cavity, which is similar to the position of the ovaries in the adult cat. The mesonephroi regress at about the 50th day p.c., when the residual mesonephric ducts are still found in the lower part of the body of the uterus. The paramesonephric ducts develop on the lateral surface of the mesonephroi and by the 45th day p.c., differentiate into the uterine tubes and the uterus. The arrangement of the paramesonephric ducts in the abdominal cavity changes from the U- to the V-shaped system. The final topography of the uterine tubes is established between the 54th and 60th day p.c., as the uterine tubes become convoluted. Before the 54th day p.c., the uterine horns undergo rapid elongation and convolution, forming the W-shaped system. By the third month of postnatal life, the uterine horns become straight, as in the adult cat.

不同育性三角梅品种之间的形态、花粉活力、造访昆虫及黄酮醇含量的比较研究

不同育性三角梅品种之间的形态、花粉活力、造访昆虫及黄酮醇含量的比较研究

Growth hormone deficiency and pregnancy: any role for substitution?

Growth hormone (GH) is not approved for use during conception and pregnancy. Nevertheless, data from the clinical care practice reveal that most women concieve on GH replacement therapy (GHRT), and more than half continue on GHRT also during pregnancy. GH stimulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis at all levels, and there is evidence that GH deficiency impacts the morphology of reproductive organs, onset of puberty, ovarian function and fertility. Patients with hypopituitarism often conceive using assisted reproductive techniques and several studies support the benefit of GH supplementation for achieving fertility in women with GH deficiency. During gestation the GH system is regulated by the placental growth hormone, which increases continuously with the growth of placenta and stimulates maternal IGF-1 levels, leading to a concomitant decline in pituitary GH secretion. GHRT regimens that aim to mimic the pathophysiology of GH/IGF-1 concentrations during pregnancy continue GHRT during the first trimester, gradually reduce GH dose during the second trimester and stopp GHRT at the beginning of the third trimester. Pregnancy outcomes were not found to be related to GHRT treatment patterns during pregnancy, but female patients with childhood-onset hypopituitarism have lower fertility rates and less positive pregnancy outcomes. Although current guidelines recommend against GHRT during pregnancy, GHRT might be needed for achieving fertility and satisfactory pregnancy outcomes are reported following the decision of patients and physicians for adapting the GHRT dose during pregnancy.

Behavioral, Morphological, and Gene Expression Changes Induced by 60Co-γ Ray Irradiation in Bactrocera tau (Walker).

The sterile insect technique (SIT) may reduce pest populations by allowing sufficient amount of irradiation-induced sterile males to mate with wild females whilst maintaining mating ability comparable to wild males. Although the SIT methods are well understood, the optimal sterilizing dose and processing development stage for application vary among species. To ensure effective pest control programs, effects of irradiation on physiology, behavior, and gene function in the target species should be defined, however, little is known about irradiation effects in Bactrocera tau. Here, the effects of irradiation on rates of fecundity, egg hatch, eclosion, mating competitiveness, flight capability, morphology of reproductive organs, and yolk protein (YP) gene expression were studied. The results showed that rates of female fecundity and egg hatch decreased significantly (51 ± 19 to 0.06 ± 0.06 and 98.90 ± 1.01 to 0, respectively) when pupae were treated with >150 Gy irradiation. Flight capability and mating competitiveness were not significantly influenced at doses <250 Gy. Ovaries and fallopian tubes became smaller after irradiation, but there was no change in testes size. Finally, we found that expression of the YP gene was up-regulated by irradiation at 30 and 45 days post-emergence, but the mechanisms were unclear. Our study provides information on the determination of the optimal irradiation sterilizing dose in B. tau, and the effects of irradiation on physiology, morphology and gene expression that will facilitate an understanding of sub-lethal impacts of the SIT and expand its use to the control of other species.

Does static electric field from ultra-high voltage direct-current transmission lines affect male reproductive capacity? Evidence from a laboratory study on male mice.

With the development of ultra-high-voltage direct-current (UHVDC) transmission technology and increase in transmission voltage, the issue of environmental static electric field (SEF) pollution is standing out and its possible health effects have caused much public attention. In this study, the effects of chronic exposure to SEF on reproductive capacity of male mice were investigated. Twenty Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were exposed to SEF (56.3±1.4kV/m, 49days) generated by a high-voltage device. Several biological end points related to spermatogenesis and testicular function were evaluated, including reproductive organ coefficients, sperm motility and morphology, serum testosterone level, and testicular histology. No significant differences were found between the SEF-exposed and sham-exposed groups at the end of the exposure period. However, further observation through transmission electron microscopy revealed cristae losses in mitochondria of spermatogenic cells after SEF exposure. Nevertheless, the mitochondria injury did not affect sperm motility, which might be explained from the perspective of energy supply. That is, most of the energy required for sperm movement is generated by glycolysis which occurs in the cytoplasm rather than oxidative phosphorylation which occurs in mitochondria. In conclusion, this study indicates that exposure to SEF (56.3±1.4kV/m, 49days) has limited effects on male reproductive capacity.

Function of Nanos1 gene in the development of reproductive organs of Schistosoma japonicum.

Nanos is a necessary factor in the differentiation and migration of primordial germ cells. It is closely associated with the development of genitalia in a wide range of species. We questioned whether Nanos was involved in the reproductive organ development of Schistosoma japonicum. Firstly, by in situ hybridization, S. japonicum Nanos1 (SjNanos1) gene was expressed mainly in reproductive organs of S. japonicum. Then, the paired schistosome of 28days post-infection (dpi) was transfected with SjNanos1 small interfering RNA three times and cultured in vitro for 10days. SjNanos1 expression suppression in the mRNA and protein levels were confirmed compared to that of the controls. The morphological changes in reproductive organs and egg production were observed after SjNanos1 gene knockdown. The results observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy showed significant changes in the morphology of reproductive organs of parasites, especially the female ovaries, vitellarium, and the male testes, after RNAi. In addition, SjNanos1 silencing also induced the reduction of eggs, and affected the changes of reproduction-related genes, like Pumilio, CNOT6L, and Fs800. Therefore, our findings demonstrate that the SjNanos1 gene is essential in the development of reproductive organs and the egg production of S. japonicum.

Verbascum ifranensis (Scrophulariaceae), a new endemic species from Morocco

Verbascum ifranensis Khamar H. &amp; al. is described as a new endemic species from the Middle Atlas Mountains in Morocco, based on morphology of vegetative and reproductive organs. We provide notes on its delimitation from closely related species, especially V. dentifolium Delile and V. lychnitis L. Comparison of ITS sequences and a distance matrix analysis is provided for V. ifranensis and the two closely related species to add molecular evidence to the morphological findings. In addition the geographical distribution and the conservation status are assessed.

Flutamide effects on morphology of reproductive organs and liver of Neotropical Anura, Rhinella schneideri

Water contamination is one of the factors influencing the decline of amphibians. Flutamide is an antiandrogenic medicine that occurs as water contaminant. This compound especially affects the reproductive organs, but it can also show hepatotoxic effects. The Bufonidae family has a peculiar organ named Bidder’s organ, considered by some authors as a rudimentary ovary, but capable to respond to some external stimuli. This study investigated flutamide effects on testes and Bidder’s organ germ cells, liver pigmentation, and sexual hormones levels in Rhinella schneideri males. We randomly divided 15 males in three groups (N=5): two groups were injected with flutamide, at 1 and 5mg/kg, while the control group received only mineral oil, for 7days. After euthanasia, blood samples were collected and the organs were sent to histological routine. In the testes, both treatments caused an increase in spermatogonia and spermatocytes, and a decrease in spermatozoa and locular area. In the Bidder’s organ, the final diplotene oocytes increased, but the initial diplotene, degrading and atresic oocytes reduced in both treatments. The lipofuscin in the Bidder’s organ was not affected. In the liver, melanin and lipofuscin increased only for the 1mg/kg flutamide treatment. The 5mg/kg treatment did not affect the liver. Serum testosterone and estradiol levels did not vary compared with the control group. This compound has antiandrogenic activity, which can affect the spermatogenetic process. The decrease in degrading and atresic Bidderian oocytes indicated that flutamide could stimulate the organ, retarding the degradation processes. The increase in liver melanin, which has protective role, and lipofuscin, a sign of degradation, indicates that flutamide cause hepatotoxic effects. So we conclude that flutamide negatively affects the testes, especially by reducing the sperm area, and the liver, inducing cell degradation and producing protective responses. Furthermore, the compound encourages lower degradation rates of the Bidder’s organ germ cells.

Oncomonitoring of caspian sprats

Results of long-term research of tumorous disease in internals of two sprat species dwelling in the Caspian Sea ( Clupeonella delicatula and C. engrauliformes ) are presented. Pathological changes are similar for both species: they are mainly tumorogenesis and abnormalities in hemodynamics and morphology of parenchymatous and reproductive organs. The visceral neoplasms are diagnosed as malignant insulocarcinomas with conditionally pathogenic micromycetes in their granulomas (identified on smears of liver and spleen). Pathogenic Hyphomycetes fungi are detected in injured organs, mostly of the genus Aspergillus. The disease is registered for all age groups of fish but is more apparent for middle and elder ages. The morbidity has strong seasonal and year-to-year variability with the maximum in 2014. Pollution of marine environments contributes to development of the epizootic process.

Do diversity patterns of the spring-inhabiting snail Bythinella (Gastropoda, Bythinellidae) on the Aegean Islands reflect geological history?

To explain the origin of the differentiation of the spring-inhabiting fauna on an island system, this study focused on the Aegean Islands and the Bythinella snails as a model organism. We inferred the phylogeographic pattern of the Aegean Bythinella with two molecular markers, and compared the inferred pattern with the geological history of the region and the estimated levels of biodiversity of Bythinella in Greece. 95 sequences of COI and 60 of ITS-1 were obtained from samples collected from Andros, Crete, Naxos, Chios, Kithira, and western Turkey, and pooled with previously published sequences from continental Greece. Phylogenetic analysis based on the COI revealed seven new clades. On Crete, three distinct clades were identified. The estimated divergence time indicated that the geological history of the island, which was divided into smaller islands until 2–3 Mya, was most probably responsible for such high diversity. Bythinella populations inhabiting Turkey were distinct from the Aegean populations, and the divergence began after the Zanclean flood (5.3 Mya). Shell morphology and anatomy of reproductive organs confirmed that molecularly distinct clades were real entities. Biodiversity analysis revealed that, in addition to five previously known Bythinella hotspots, there is a sixth in central Greece.

The genetics of reproductive organ morphology in two Petunia species with contrasting pollination syndromes.

Switches between pollination syndromes have happened frequently during angiosperm evolution. Using QTL mapping and reciprocal introgressions, we show that changes in reproductive organ morphology have a simple genetic basis. In animal-pollinated plants, flowers have evolved to optimize pollination efficiency by different pollinator guilds and hence reproductive success. The two Petunia species, P. axillaris and P. exserta, display pollination syndromes adapted to moth or hummingbird pollination. For the floral traits color and scent, genetic loci of large phenotypic effect have been well documented. However, such large-effect loci may be typical for shifts in simple biochemical traits, whereas the evolution of morphological traits may involve multiple mutations of small phenotypic effect. Here, we performed a quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of floral morphology, followed by an in-depth study of pistil and stamen morphology and the introgression of individual QTL into reciprocal parental backgrounds. Two QTLs, on chromosomes II and V, are sufficient to explain the interspecific difference in pistil and stamen length. Since most of the difference in organ length is caused by differences in cell number, genes underlying these QTLs are likely to be involved in cell cycle regulation. Interestingly, conservation of the locus on chromosome II in a different P. axillaris subspecies suggests that the evolution of organ elongation was initiated on chromosome II in adaptation to different pollinators. We recently showed that QTLs for pistil and stamen length on chromosome II are tightly linked to QTLs for petal color and volatile emission. Linkage of multiple traits will enable major phenotypic change within a few generations in hybridizing populations. Thus, the genomic architecture of pollination syndromes in Petunia allows for rapid responses to changing pollinator availability.

Heleobia maltzani (Westerlund, 1886) (Caenogastropoda: Truncatelloidea: Cochliopidae) from Crete and species-level diversity of Heleobia Stimpson, 1865 in Europe

Morphological characters and partial cytochrome oxidase (COI) DNA sequences were used to investigate intra- and interpopulation differences among three Cretan brackish-water populations of Heleobia maltzani snails. The morphology of male and female reproductive organs of H. maltzani did not differ within studied populations or in comparison with closely related species. In contrast, analysis of shell morphology revealed substantial variation not supported by the genetic data. Genetics results showed surprisingly low differentiation between all Cretan populations and also mainland populations of Heleobia. They also showed that H. maltzani is conspecific with four other European species of Heleobia, thus implying that there is only one species of brackish-water Heleobia in Europe. Such a low level of genotypic differentiation is unusual for typical island species and is most probably the consequence of recent colonization of Crete. Possible scenarios of such processes are discussed.

First evidence of putrescine involvement in mitigating the floral malformation in mangoes: A scanning electron microscope study

Floral malformation is the most destructive disease in mangoes. To date, the etiology of this disease has not been resolved. There are indications that stress-stimulated ethylene production might be responsible for the disease. Putrescine mediates various physiological processes for normal functioning and cellular metabolism. Here, the effect of putrescine in concentration ranging from 10(-1) to 10(-3)M was evaluated on disease incidence during mango flowering seasons of 2012 and 2013. In a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study, putrescine (10(-2)M)-treated malformed floral buds bloomed into opened flowers with separated sepals and/or petals like healthy, whereas the untreated (control) malformed buds remained deformed. Further, malformed flowers recovered upon putrescine treatment, displaying clearly bilobed anthers, enclosing a large number of normal pollen grains and functional ovary with broad stigmatic surface as compared to control. The present findings provide the first report to demonstrate the role of putrescine in reducing various adverse effects of stress ethylene via decelerating the higher pace of its biosynthesis. It stabilizes the normal morphology, development, and functions of malformed reproductive organs to facilitate successful pollination, fertilization, and, thereby, fruit set in mango flowers. However, putrescine-ethylene-mediated cell signaling network, involving various genes to trigger the response, which regulates a wide range of developmental and physiological processes leading to normal cell physiology, needs to be investigated further.

Effects of Alternate Treatment of Estrogen Receptor Antagonist and Agonist on Morphology of Male Reproductive Organs of Adult Mice

ICI 182,780 (ICI) is known as an estrogen receptor antagonist, whereas propyl pyrazole triol (PPT) is an estrogen receptor agonist. In this study, ICI or ICI added with PPT was injected into adult male mice. Body and reproductive organ weights were reduced in the ICI added with PPT group compared to the control group. Further, the ICI and ICI added with PPT groups both showed increases in luminal areas of the seminiferous tubules of the testis, whereas cell heights of efferent ductules and the initial segment of the epididymis were reduced. Sperm count in the caudal epididymis was reduced in the ICI and ICI added with PPT groups. These results show that reproductive tissues were more deeply affected in the ICI added with PPT group. We also demonstrated that treatment with ICI resulted in histological changes in the testis, efferent ductule, and epididymis. Further, alternate treatment with ICI and PPT induced abnormalities in reproductive organs. These results indicate that a high concentration of PPT together with ICI may cause histological abnormalities instead of histological restoration in reproductive organs.