Number Of Spermatids Research Articles

Stereological and morphological analysis of the effects of aging on spermatogenesis in rat testis 1.

To quantify, through stereological and morphometric analysis, spermatogenesis in rats undergoing the natural aging process. Seventy-two male Wistar rats were divided into 6 equal groups according to age at the time of killing: 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months. All the rats were subjected orchiectomy and collection of testicular parenchymal fragments for histological and morphometric analysis. The numerical density of spermatids was calculated using a stereological study, and morphometric analysis was conducted to measure the height of the germinal epithelium and the area of the seminiferous tubules. We found that the 18 and 24 months groups showed a significant reduction in the number of round spermatids. However, the height of the germinal epithelium was not significantly different between the groups. The area of seminiferous tubules was also significantly reduced in the elderly rats compared to that in the young ones. Aging of rats showed a significant reduction in the number of round spermatids and the area of the seminiferous tubules, more pronounced in the rats at 18 and 24 months of life.

Homogenization-resistant spermatids in testicular tissue stored under suboptimal conditions-Effect of time and temperature.

Reproductive assessments on wild animals are often hampered due to practical problems during sample collection. For example, the time between death and tissue collection as well as sample storage conditions will affect the quality of the tissue. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of less optimal, field-like conditions, that is different temperatures and variable storage time, on the quantification of homogenization-resistant spermatids in testicular tissue, using the bull as a model. One bull testis was kept in +5°C for 216hr, from which (n=68) samples were taken at different time points for storage in -20°C or +21°C. Some samples were frozen, thawed and then refrozen. The tissue was homogenized, and the number of spermatids was quantified manually with a counter chamber. Compared to the samples taken at 0hr, the number of spermatids was unchanged until 120hr storage in +5°C and in frozen samples from the same time-point. After 72-hr storage in room temperature, there was a marked drop in the number of spermatids. Refreezing of samples resulted in a markedly lower number of spermatids. Frozen samples did not have significantly decreased numbers of spermatids compared to refrigerated samples. In conclusion, different storage conditions do not seem to affect the spermatids resistance to homogenization until day 3, but if kept in cool conditions it is possible to use samples up until 5days of storage. The method is a good choice for suboptimal sampling conditions.

Exposure to low or high light intensity affects pituitary-testicular activity in the fish Oreochromis mossambicus

Light is an important factor for the successful reproduction of most fish. In this investigation, effect of different light intensities on pituitary-testis axis was studied for a period of 21 days, under normal photoperiodic regime in the tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus. The mean numbers of spermatogonia (Sg), primary spermatocytes (Ps), secondary spermatocytes (Ss), early spermatids (Est) and late spermatids (Lst) did not show significant difference between fish exposed to moderate light intensity (MLI) and initial controls or controls, whereas the mean numbers of Sg were significantly lower in fish exposed to low light intensity (LLI) compared to those of initial controls, controls and MLI groups. However, the mean numbers of Ps, Ss, Est and Lst were significantly lower in fish exposed to LLI and high light intensity (HLI) compared to those of other experimental groups. Furthermore, in the pituitary gland, weakly immunoreactive luteinizing hormone (LH) secreting cells were observed in the proximal pars distalis (PPD) region in fish exposed to LLI and HLI in contrast to the intense immunolabelling of these cells in initial controls, controls and MLI groups. The androgen receptors showed diminished immunoreactivity in the Sertoli cells along the seminiferous lobules of the testis in fish exposed to LLI and HLI, whereas the strongly immunoreactive androgen receptors were observed in the Sertoli cells in initial controls, controls and MLI groups. Taken together, these results indicate that long-term exposure to low or high light intensity light suppresses spermatogenetic process and that this inhibition is due to reduced secretory activity of LH cells in the pituitary gland and androgen secretion in the testis of the fish O. mossambicus.

Deficiency of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) leads to abnormal spermatogenesis and altered sperm physiology.

In previous studies, we described the presence of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) and its receptors (FGFRs) in human testis and sperm, which are involved in spermatogenesis and in motility regulation. The aim of the present study was to analyze the role of FGF-2 in the maintenance of sperm physiology using FGF-2 knockout (KO) mice. Our results showed that in wild-type (WT) animals, FGF-2 is expressed in germ cells of the seminiferous epithelium, in epithelial cells of the epididymis, and in the flagellum and acrosomal region of epididymal sperm. In the FGF-2 KO mice, we found alterations in spermatogenesis kinetics, higher numbers of spermatids per testis, and enhanced daily sperm production compared with the WT males. No difference in the percentage of sperm motility was detected, but a significant increase in sperm concentration and in sperm head abnormalities was observed in FGF-2 KO animals. Sperm from KO mice depicted reduced phosphorylation on tyrosine residues (a phenomenon that was associated with sperm capacitation) and increased acrosomal loss after incubation under capacitating conditions. However, the FGF-2 KO males displayed no apparent fertility defects, since their mating with WT females showed no differences in the time to delivery, litter size, and pup weight in comparison with WT males. Overall, our findings suggest that FGF-2 exerts a role in mammalian spermatogenesis and that the lack of FGF-2 leads to dysregulated sperm production and altered sperm morphology and function. FGF-2-deficient mice constitute a model for the study of the complex mechanisms underlying mammalian spermatogenesis.

Vangl2 regulates spermatid planar cell polarity through microtubule (MT)-based cytoskeleton in the rat testis

During spermatogenesis, developing elongating/elongated spermatids are highly polarized cells, displaying unique apico-basal polarity. For instance, the heads of spermatids align perpendicular to the basement membrane with their tails pointing to the tubule lumen. Thus, the maximal number of spermatids are packed within the limited space of the seminiferous epithelium to support spermatogenesis. Herein, we reported findings that elongating/elongated spermatids displayed planar cell polarity (PCP) in adult rat testes in which the proximal end of polarized spermatid heads were aligned uniformly across the plane of the seminiferous epithelium based on studies using confocal microscopy and 3-dimensional (D) reconstruction of the seminiferous tubules. We also discovered that spermatid PCP was regulated by PCP protein Vangl2 (Van Gogh-like protein 2) since Vangl2 knockdown by RNAi was found to perturb spermatid PCP. More important, Vangl2 exerted its regulatory effects through changes in the organization of the microtubule (MT)-based cytoskeleton in the seminiferous epithelium. These changes were mediated via the downstream signaling proteins atypical protein kinase C ξ (PKCζ) and MT-associated protein (MAP)/microtubule affinity-regulating kinase 2 (MARK2). These findings thus provide new insights regarding the biology of spermatid PCP during spermiogenesis.

Testosterone Level, Testicular Histology and Reproductive Events Of Caucasian Pit Viper, Gloydius Halys Caucasicus (Serpentes: Viperidae)

The steroid hormones regulate the reproductive physiology of animals and may influence by habitat and seasonal conditions. In this study, body weight and length, testosterone concentration and testicular histology were measured in Caucasian pit viper from Lar region, Tehran province, during summer and autumn seasons in year 2014. Serum samples were collected from 24 anesthetized snakes and testicles were removed and fixed for histological study. Enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) was conducted on serum samples to determine concentrations of testosterone (T) and standard histological procedure was performed on gonads. Results indicated that body weights and lengths in summer and fall seasons were respectively 49.88±9.6 gr, 50.25±7.4 cm and 42.75±4.5gr, 43.25±2.3 cm, serum testosterone level in summer, 29.3± 5.12 ng/ml was more than fall, 13.75±2.80 ng/ml at P≤0.05.The numbers of spermatogonias, spermatocytes and spermatids in summer were more than fall and statistically different at P≤0.05. The leydig cells number and diameter in fall were more than summer but differences were not significant.There were significant differences between seminiferous tubules diameter, germinal epithelial height and tunica albuginea thickness in summer as compared to fall at P≤0.05. The data suggest male Caucasian pit-viper of Lar region of Tehran displaying estival spermatogenesis and some relationship was revealed between T level and snake's body weight, and high level of T coincide with the mating period

A possible direct action of oxytocin on spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis in pre-pubertal mouse.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of in vivo and in vitro treatments of oxytocin (OT) on the testis of pre-pubertal mice. The OT treatment produced significant changes in the spermatogenic and steroidogenic activity by increasing expression of OT-receptor in the testis of pre-pubertal mice. Treatment with OT showed increased proliferation of germ cells as indicated by increased number of spermatocytes and round spermatids. Dose-dependent increase in expression of PCNA, Bcl-2 and AR proteins was observed in the testis of OT-treated mice as compared with the control and further supports the role of OT in germ cell proliferation and survival. The pre-pubertal mice treated with increasing dose of OT showed significant increase in testosterone synthesis due to dose-dependent stimulatory effects on 3β-HSD activity and increased expression of STAR, LH-receptor (LH-R) and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRH-R) proteins in the testis. The in vitro study has confirmed in vivo finding showing direct action of OT on testicular steroidogenesis. Thus, OT stimulates testicular spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis by directly acting on testis in mice.

Evaluation of the semen quality of patients attended in a clinical analyzes in the Cascavel municipality, Brazil

Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of altered spermograms of individuals living in a municipality in the west of Paraná and attended at a private laboratory for clinical analysis, as well as the main alterations found in this study. Methods: We analyzed electronic reports of patients undergoing sperm examination in a private laboratory located in the municipality of Cascavel, Paraná, from January 2014 to December 2016. Results: It was verified that of 888 tests analyzed, only 1% presented all parameters analyzed within normality, while 99% of the cases presented some type of alteration. There was a change in the following parameters with statistical significance between the number of reports analyzed: time of liquefaction, sperm concentration, head anomalies, tail abnormalities, number of spermatocytes and spermatids (p <0.0001), viscosity (p = 0.1098), live forms (p = 0.0524), progressive motility (p = 0.0010) and total motility (p = 0.0013). Conclusions: There was a high prevalence of altered spermograms and a great number of alterations were observed, which requires the need for complementary tests to determine the causes of these alterations.

The protective effects of selenium-enriched spirulina on the reproductive system of male zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to beta-cypermethrin.

Beta-cypermethrin (beta-CYP), which is widely used for the control of indoor and field pests, is a highly lipophilic insecticide with environmental estrogenic effects. Selenium-enriched Spirulina (Se-SP) is a novel natural antioxidant agent with a high nutritional value. This study was aimed at the investigation of the protective effects of Se-SP on the reproductive system of male zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to beta-CYP. We determined the protective effect of Se-SP on male zebrafish exposed to 7 nmol L-1 beta-CYP by measuring the activity of sperm and antioxidants, examining tissue sections, measuring hormone secretion levels, and analyzing the expression of related proteins and genes during spermatogenesis. We found that beta-CYP enhanced VTG synthesis and estrogen (E2) secretion, increased the number of spermatogonia and spermatocytes, and decreased the number of spermatids and Sertoli cells. However, treatment with 50 mg L-1 Se-SP (Se: 25 μmol g-1 Se-SP) almost completely ameliorated the deleterious effects of beta-CYP. The protective mechanism of Se-SP in the testes of beta-CYP-treated fish involved an enhancement of antioxidant enzyme activity and an increase in androgen secretion by the downregulation of the expression of cyp19a, nanos2, piwil1, dazl and sycp3, and the upregulation of the expression of odf3b, igf3, insl3 and dmrt1, which affected testosterone production and spermatogenesis. Our study strongly indicates that treatment with Se-SP can effectively prevent the oxidative damage to the reproductive system during spermatocyte differentiation induced by beta-CYP exposure.

SLC9A3 Protein Is Critical for Acrosomal Formation in Postmeiotic Male Germ Cells

Solute carrier family 9 isoform 3 (SLC9A3), a Na+/H+ exchanger, regulates the transepithelial absorption of Na+ and water and is primarily expressed on the apical membranes of the intestinal epithelium, renal proximal tubule, epididymis, and vas deferens. Loss of the Slc9a3 allele in mice enhances intestinal fluid and causes diarrhoea as a consequence of diminished Na+ and HCO3− absorption. Hence, the loss also causes male infertility and reveals the abnormal dilated lumen of the rete testis and calcification in efferent ductules. However, whether loss of Slc9a3 alleles also disrupts mammalian spermatogenesis remains unknown. First, through immunoblotting, we determined that SLC9A3 is highly expressed in the murine testis compared with the small intestine, epididymis, and vas deferens. During murine spermatogenesis, SLC9A3 is specifically expressed in the acrosome region of round, elongating, and elongated spermatids through immunostaining. Furthermore, SLC9A3 signals are enriched in the acrosome of mature sperm isolated from the vas deferens. In Slc9a3 knockout (KO) mice, compared with the same-aged controls, the number of spermatids on the testicular section of the mice progressively worsened in mice aged 20, 35, and 60 days. Sperm isolated from the epididymis of Slc9a3 KO mice revealed severe acrosomal defects. Our data indicated that SLC9A3 has a vital role in acrosomal formation during spermiogenesis.

Influences of different dietary energy level on sheep testicular development associated with AMPK/ULK1/autophagy pathway

Energy balance is an important feature for spermatozoa production in the testis. The 5′-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a sensor of cell energy, has been implicated as a mediator between gonadal function and energy balance. Herein, we intended to determine the physiological effects of AMPK on testicular development in feed energy restricted and compensated pre-pubertal rams. Lambs had restricted feeding for 2 months and then provided compensatory feeding for another 3 months. Feed levels were 100%(control), 15% and 30% of energy restriction (ER) diets, respectively. The results showed that lambs fed the 30% ER diet had significantly lower testicular weight (P < .05) and spermatids number in the seminiferous tubules, but there were no differences between control and 15% ER groups. Meanwhile, 15% ER and 30% ER diets induced testis autophagy and apoptosis through activating AMPK-ULK1(ULK1, Unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase) signal pathway with characterization of increased Beclin-1 and Light chain 3-Ⅱ/Light chain 3-Ⅰ (LC3-II/LC3-I) ratio, up-regulated the ratio of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX) and anti-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), as well as activated AMPK, phosphorylated AMPK(p-AMPK) and ULK1. Furthermore, a compensation of these parameters occurred when the lambs were re-fed with normal energy requirement after restriction. Taken together, dietary energy levels influence testicular development through autophagy and apoptosis interplay mediated by AMPK-ULK1 signal pathway, which also indicates the important role of the actions of AMPK in the testis homeostasis.

Effect of Propolis on Spermatogenic Cells Number and Diameter of Seminiferous Tubules in Male Mice (Mus musculus)

The present research aimed to determine the effect of propolis in spermatogenic cells number and seminiferous tubules diameter. Group P0 served as control group, P1 (1,6 mg/0,5ml/day), P2 (3,2 mg/0,5 ml/day), P3 (6,4 mg/0,5 ml/day), and P4 (12,8 mg/0,5 ml/day) were given propolis ethanolic extract treatment orally and killed after 14 days. Spermatogenic cells number (spermatogonial cells, primary spermatocytes, spermatids) and seminiferous tubules diameter were observed. The result showed a lower number of spermatogonial in P1 and P2 groups, primary spermatocytes reduction in P2 group, spermatids increased in P1, P3, and P4 group. Seminiferous tubules diameter decreased in P2 and P3 group. P2 group (3,2 mg/0,5 ml/day) showed the lowest result in all parameters (p&lt;0.05). However, oral administration of propolis at these dose for 14 days may decrease spermatogonial cells and primary spermatocytes and increase spermatids number in adult mice. Keywords: Propolis; seminiferous tubule; spermatogenic cells; testis histology

Effects of administration of co-trimoxazole and folic acid on sperm quality and histological changes of testes in male rats

Male infertility has been reported following long-term sulfasalazine, however, the precise effects of co-trimoxazole on sperm quality is controversial. In this study, we evaluated the effects of co-trimoxazole and its co-administration with folic acid on sperm quality and histological changes of testes in male rats. In this experimental study, 136 male Wistar rats were divided into 9 groups: I (control), II (vehicle) received saline, III: received folic acid (1 mg/kg /daily i.p., and IV- IX received co-trimoxazole (30, 60, and 120 mg/kg/daily; i.p.)+folic acid (1 mg/kg/daily; i.p.) for 14 or 28 days. Sperm samples were obtained from each group at the end of 14th and 28th days. Sperm numbers, motility, and viability were evaluated on a hemocytometer. Hematoxylin and Eosin stained testes were done for evaluation ofthe number of Leydig cells, vascularity, spermatids, spermatocytes, and means of seminiferous tubules diameter under light microscopy. Co-trimoxazole treatment for either 14 or 28 days caused a significant decrease in the percentage of sperm number, motility, and viability (p<0.001) compared to the control group. Also, high doses of co-trimoxazole caused a significant decrease in testes structural abnormalities means of seminiferous tubules diameter, spermatids, and spermatogonia) compared to the vehicle group (p<0.001). Folic acid co-administration with co-trimoxazole partially reversed the decrease in sperm quality and structural abnormalities of high doses of co-trimoxazole (60 and 120 mg/kg/daily) (p<0.001). The data showed the adverse effects of co-trimoxazole on sperm quality and testes morphology which was protected partially by folic acid co-administration in rats. The underlying mechanism (s) needs further investigations.

Pakan banyu (Croton argyratus Blume) stembark ethanol extract effectiveness to total spermatogenic cells of white male rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Stembark of Pakan Banyu ( Croton argyratus Blume ) empirically used as traditional contraception. The stembark contained active substances as steroids, saponins and alkaloids tannins alleged antifertillity for men. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the potential of Pakan Banyu stembark ethanol extract to the total number of spermatogonium cells, primary spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoa in male rats. This study was an experimental research design posttest only control group design using 20 male rats into 4 groups of 5 mice. The control rats were used in treatment group, the rats were given the pakan banyu stembark extract at a dose of 100, 200 and 500 mg / kg with 0.5% CMC Na suspending agent. The treatment was given orally for 15 days at the 16 th days surgery was done to the testicles organs, then microanatomy preparations were made using paraffin method and using HE colour. Analysis of data using One-way ANOVA and Kruskal Wallis with 95% confidence level. The results showed that there is no effect of Pakan Banyu stembark ethanol extract against spermatogonium cells, primary spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoa.

Histologis Testis pada Keturunan F1 dari Induk Puyuh (Coturnix coturnix japonica L.) yang diberi Suplemen Serbuk Kunyit (Curcuma longa L.) dalam Pakan

Quail child has a tremendous potential to continue further descent because quails have almost all the potential that can be exploited by humans, either for consumption or economic. Children quail superior quality can be produced from superior quality parent, so the parent quail quality must be considered. Additional food in the form of powder turmeric supplements can increase the phytoestrogen which stimulates the liver to produce vitellogenin as the material forming the yolk. Egg yolk is a source of nutrients for the development of quail embryos. This study aimed to analyze the differences in the quality of the parent male quail chicks were given supplements of turmeric powder to the testis weight, testis size, number of spermatogonia and spermatids amount contained in the seminiferous tubules. The study design used was completely randomized design (CRD) that is 3 treatments and 5 replications. By using quail male child as much as 15 tails as test animals, divided into three groups, namely K0: F1 generation of the female quail are not given turmeric powder supplement, K1: F1 generation of the female quail turmeric powder supplemented with a dose of 54 mg/tail/day and K2: kuturunan F1 of the parent quail turmeric powder supplemented with a dose of 108 mg/tail/day. The variables measured were testis weight, testis size, number of spermatogonia and spermatids number. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by a further test Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at the 95% significance level. The results showed that the quality of parent child quail turmeric powder supplemented with a dose of 108 mg/tail/day for better views of the process of spermatogenesis. Keywords: Child quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica. L), Turmeric, Testis, spermatogonia, spermatids.

The influence of granting ngor eggplant (solanium indicum) extract inhibiting of spermatogenesis in mice (mus musculus)

The study about contraceptive for adult especially for men that the numbers were limited, so needed the ingredients contraceptive is derived from a plant. One of the plants that potentially becomes contraceptive is ngor eggplant because contains antifertility substances. The research has been done about granting of ngor eggplant extract inhibiting spermatogenesis in mice. The design of research used random post-test control group design by one group control, three groups by treatment and six times doing treatment again. (T0 = control group, T1 = granting extract 15%, T2 = granting extract 20%, T3 = granting extract 25%). This treatment has been done in 36 days. The result of this research showed the granting ngor eggplant extract to T1 could reduce the number of cells spermatocyte primary pakhiten and cells spermatids 7 & 19 by meaningful (P<0,05). In T2 and T3 could reduce the number spermatogonia A cells, spermatocyte primary pakhiten cells and spermatids 7 & 19 cells (P<0,05).

Ggnbp2-Null Mutation in Mice Leads to Male Infertility due to a Defect at the Spermiogenesis Stage

Gametogenetin binding protein 2 (GGNBP2) is an evolutionarily conserved zinc finger protein. Although Ggnbp2-null embryos in the B6 background died because of a defective placenta, 6.8% of Ggnbp2-null mice in the B6/129 mixed background were viable and continued to adulthood. Adult Ggnbp2-null males were sterile, with smaller testes and an azoospermic phenotype, whereas mutant females were fertile. Histopathological analysis of 2-month-old Ggnbp2-null testes revealed absence of mature spermatozoa in the seminiferous tubules and epididymides and reduction of the number of spermatids. Ultrastructural analysis indicated dramatic morphological defects of developing spermatids in the Ggnbp2-null testes, including irregularly shaped acrosomes, acrosome detachment, cytoplasmic remnant, ectopic manchette, and ill-formed head shape in both elongating and elongated spermatids. However, the numbers of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, Leydig cells, and Sertoli cells in Ggnbp2-null testes did not significantly differ from the wild-type siblings. Gonadotropins, testosterone, and the blood-testis barrier were essentially unaffected. Western blot analyses showed increases in α-E-catenin, β-catenin, and N-cadherin, decreases in E-cadherin, afadin, and nectin-3, and no changes in vinculin, nectin-2, focal adhesion kinase, and integrin-β1 protein levels in Ggnbp2-null testes compared to wild-type siblings. Together, this study demonstrates that GGNBP2 is critically required for maintenance of the adhesion integrity of the adlumenal germ epithelium and is indispensable for normal spermatid transformation into mature spermatozoa in mice.

Protective effect of Nigella sativa oil against acetamiprid induced reproductive toxicity in male rats

The present study was designed to investigate the adverse reproductive effects of acetamiprid, besides the possible protective role of Nigella sativa oil (NSO), as a potential antioxidant agent. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were allocated into four equal groups of eight, control (CRL), acetamiprid (ACMP, 27 mg/kg), Nigella sativa oil (NSO, 0.5 ml/kg) and in combination (ACMP + NSO). The experimental animals were dosed by gavage (5 days per week) for 45 consecutive days. Body weight gain, reproductive organs weights, sperm characteristics, testosterone, and thiobarbutiric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) levels were investigated. The obtained results showed that ACMP decreased significantly (p < 0.001) the body weight gain and the absolute weights of reproductive organs (testes, epididymis, and seminal vesicles). Furthermore, significant alterations at least (p < 0.01) in semen characteristics were noted in ACMP group as evidenced by a decline in spermatids number, sperm count, sperm motility, and testosterone level with an increase in abnormal and dead sperm and TBARS level. Treatment with NSO alone may stimulate spermatogenesis, increased significantly (p < 0.001) spermatids number and the weight of seminal vesicles. On the other hand, the co-administration of NSO along with ACMP can mitigate more efficiently and modulate in certain cases the adverse effects induced by ACMP on reproductive organs weights, semen quality, testosterone, and TBARS levels (at least p < 0.001). This obvious protective role of NSO against ACMP induced reproductive toxicity may be due to its antioxidant properties and ability to reduce TBARS levels as shown in this work.

Food-deprivation-induced suppression of pituitary\u2013testicular-axis in the tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus

In the present study, the tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus were exposed to food deprivation for a period of 6 or 12 days and changes in the luteinizing hormone (LH) immunoreactivity in the proximal pars distalis (PPD) of the pituitary gland and the testicular activity were examined. Intensely immunoreactive LH content was noticed in the PPD of the pituitary gland in the initial controls, controls on days 6 and 12, and fasting fish on day 6, whereas the LH immunoreactivity was moderate or weak in fasting fish on day 12. In addition, although the mean gonadosomatic and hepatosomatic indices among different experimental groups did not show any statistically significant difference, the mean numbers of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids were significantly lower in food-deprived fish on days 6 or 12 compared to those of controls. The inhibition of the spermatogenesis was accompanied by the presence of abundant spermatozoa in the lumen of seminiferous tubules of the testis in food-deprived fish, whereas the occurrence of spermatozoa was relatively infrequent in initial controls and controls. Furthermore, refeeding to food-deprived fish on day 6 onwards resulted in occurrence of few intensely stained LH secreting cells and significantly higher numbers of spermatocytes and spermatids concomitant with sparse spermatozoa in majority of tubules compared to those of food-deprived fish. These results suggest that prolonged exposure to food-deprivation causes suppression of the LH secretory activity in the pituitary gland and disruption in the spermatogenesis in O. mossambicus.

Prepubertal subchronic exposure to soy milk and glyphosate leads to endocrine disruption

Lactose intolerance is characterized by low or inexistent levels of lactase, and the main treatment consists of dietary changes, especially replacing dairy milk by soy milk. Soy contains phytoestrogens, substances with known estrogenic activity, besides, glyphosate-based herbicides are extensively used in soy crops, being frequently a residue in soy beans, bringing to a concern regarding the consumption of soy-based products, especially for children in breastfeeding period with lactose intolerance. This study evaluated the pubertal toxicity of a soy milk rich feeding (supplemented or not with glyphosate, doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg) during prepubertal period in male rats. Endocrine disruption was observed through decrease in testosterone levels, decrease in Sertoli cell number and increase in the percentage of degenerated Sertoli and Leydig cells in animals receiving soy milk supplemented with glyphosate (both doses) and in animals treated only with soy milk. Animals treated with soy milk with glyphosate (both doses) showed decrease spermatids number and increase of epididymal tail mass compared to control, and decrease in the diameter of seminiferous tubules compared to soy milk control group. Animals receiving soy milk supplemented with 100 mg/kg glyphosate showed decrease in round spermatids and increase in abnormal sperm morphology, compared to control.