Pathological Changes In Testes Research Articles

Assessment of Reproductive Toxicity of Hydroethanolic Root Extracts of Caesalpinia benthamiana, Sphenocentrum jollyanum, and Paullinia pinnata.

PurposeMale sexual dysfunction negatively affects an individual’s quality of life and thus its of prime public concern, hence the need to boost reproductive abilities in such individuals. This study assessed the effect of hydroethanolic root extracts of Caesalpinia benthamiana (CBRE), Sphenocentrum jollyanum (SJRE), and Paullinia pinnata (PPRE), commonly used as aphrodisiacs in Ghana, using male Sprague-Dawley rats.MethodsPlasma testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone were assayed in grouped rats treated orally with 1 mL/kg normal saline, 50 mg/kg monosodium glutamate (MSG), and 100, 300, or 1000 mg/kg CBRE, SJRE, and PPRE, respectively, for 60 days. Epididymis and testis weights were determined. Semen was assessed on spermatozoa count, motility, and morphology. Malonyladehyde formation in lipid-peroxidation assay and histological examinations were performed to assess pathological changes in testes. Testicular testosterone was also assayed.ResultsWhile MSG, CBRE, SJRE, and PPRE treatments did not result in significant reduction (p>0.05) in plasma testosterone, there was significant reduction (p≤0.05 −0.0001) in plasma luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone. The combined mean wet weights of epididymides and testes of all treated groups did not vary significantly (p>0.05) from the control. There was significant reduction (p≤0.0001) in sperm motility and count, with significant morphological changes (p≤0.05–0.001), ie, bent necks, tails, and midpieces, and multiple anomalies in the spermatozoa in extract and MSG-treated groups. There was also significant (p≤0.0001) reduction in testicular testosterone among all treatment groups.ConclusionHydroethanolic CBRE, SJRE, and PPRE were found to have detrimental effects on reproductive function with prolonged usage and thus may not be safe to use in healthy males who intend to reproduce.

Effect of Wubi Shanyao pills on sexual function in mice with kidney-yang-deficiency induced by hydrocortisone

To investigate the effect of Chinese medicine Wubi Shanyao pills on sexual function of kidney-yang-deficiency mice induced by hydrocortisone. Male Kunming mice were injected with hydrocortisone for 10 days to prepare the kidney-yang-deficiency model, and administrated with Wubi Shanyao pills (0.91, 1.82, 2.73 g/kg) for 9 weeks. The general behaviors of mice (autonomous activity, grasping power) were observed; sexual behaviors (capture, straddle, ejaculation frequency and incubation period) of mice were detected by mating experiment. The serum levels of cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2) and testosterone were measured by ELIZA. The organ indexes of kidney, epididymis, testis and seminal vesicle were calculated. The histomorphology of testis was observed by HE staining. The apoptosis of testis cells was detected by TUNEL; and the expression level of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in testis was detected by immunohistochemistry. Wubi Shanyao pills increased the number of independent activities, grasping power, capture frequency of model mice and shortened the capture latency (all P<0.01); and also increased the serum levels of testosterone, cortisol, ACTH, decreased the serum levels of FSH (P<0.05 or P<0.01); increased testis index (P<0.05), improved the pathological changes of testis, inhibited cell apoptosis, and promoted PCNA protein expression in testis. Wubi Shanyao pills can improve the sexual function of mice with kidney-yang-deficiency induced by hydrocortisone, which may be related to regulating the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis), promoting the proliferation of testicular cells, and inhibiting cell apoptosis.

Anti-fertility Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Anethumgraveolens in Male Rabbits

Gonadectomy is the most commonly utilized method for permanent contraception in small animals. But somenegative side effects can be noticed after surgical castration, therefore finding safe and effective contraceptivesubstances can be so useful, medicinal plants have a long history of use in traditional medicine. The spermcell count, motility, live/dead sperm cell ratio, morphology, LH, FSH and Testosterone level were used inthis study to evaluate the effect of prolonged administration of ethanolic extract of Anethumgraveolens onmale reproductive system in male rabbits. Twelve healthy adult male rabbit were randomly divided in totwo groups. The rabbits in group 1 (control group) were administered normal saline (3ml), while rabbits ingroup 2 were administered ethanolic extract of Anethumgraveolens at dose 0.5 gm./kg B.W for 30 days.The treatment with extract caused significant decrease in sperm motility, live/dead, sperm count, sperm LH,FSH and testosterone level with significant increase (P?0.05) of abnormal sperm. Histological study showedmany pathological changes in testes. On the other hand, Prolonged administration of the extract could be agood source of drug for birth control.

Effect of Wubi Shanyao Pills on sexual dysfunction in rats with adenine-induced kidney-Yang deficiency

The aim of this paper was to study the effect of Wubi Shanyao Pills on sexual dysfunction in rats with kidney-Yang deficiency and to investigate its possible mechanism. Adenine(100 mg·kg~(-1)) was administered to male SD rats for 8 weeks to establish kidney-Yang deficiency model, and at the same time, Wubi Shanyao Pills(2, 1, 0.5 g·kg~(-1)) were administered to rats for 8 weeks. The syndrome manifestation of kidney-Yang deficiency was observed in rats and the scores of symptoms were evaluated. Sexual behavior indexes(incubation period and times of capture, straddle and ejaculation) were measured by mating experiment. The levels of serum testosterone(T), estradiol(E_2), follicle stimulating hormone(FSH), luteinizing hormone(LH), and gonadotropin releasing hormone(GnRH) were measured by radioimmunoassay. The wet weights of testis and seminal vesicle were measured. The content of fructose in seminal plasma was detected by UV spectrophotometry. The pathological changes of testis and epididymis were observed by HE staining. The expression levels of transforming growth factor(TGF-β1) and cytochrome P450 aromatase(CYP19) in testis were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The results showed that Wubi Shanyao Pills could significantly reduce the score of kidney-Yang deficiency syndrome, improve the symptoms of kidney-Yang deficiency syndrome, shorten capture, straddle and ejaculation latency, increase capture and straddle times, increase serum T, LH, FSH, E_2 and GnRH levels, increase the wet weight of testis and seminal vesicle and fructose content in seminal plasma, improve the pathological structure of testis and epididymis, and inhibit the expression of TGF-β1 and increase CYP19 in testis of the model rats. Therefore, Wubi Shanyao Pills can significantly improve sexual dysfunction in rats with kidney-Yang deficiency, and its mechanism may be related to regulating the low function of hypothalamus pituitary gonad(HPG) axis and improving the disorder of sex hormone secretion. In addition, it may be also related to inhibiting the expression of testicular TGF-β1, increasing the expression of CYP19 protein, and then regulating the amount of T converted to E_2.

The relationship between vascular endothelial growth factor and spermatogenesis disturbance in an experimentally-induced unilateral cryptorchidism murine model

This study is to explore the relationship between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and pathological changes in cryptorchidism by using murine model of intraperitoneal cryptorchidism with surgical operation. To investigate the relationship between the changes of VEGF expression and heat stress inducing germ cell damage in testicular tissue. Six-week-old ICR male mice were operated to make unilateral cryptorchidism mouse model. Here in our study, a remarkable damaged of germ cells are seen in murine model of unilateral cryptorchidism. And the expression of VEGF was significantly changed in a time dependent way and consistent with the pathological changes of testis, this leading us to conclude that there was a negative correlation between VEGF levels and germ cell damage in unilateral cryptorchidism mouse model. We propose that there is a time dependent decrease of VEGF expression in cryptorchidism and confirm that VEGF is essential in spermatogenesis disorder caused by cryptorchidism and non-obstructive azoospermia.

Protective effect of quercetin on rat testes against cadmium toxicity by alleviating oxidative stress and autophagy.

Cadmium (Cd), a highly toxic heavy metal, adversely affects human and animal health. Quercetin (Que) is a kind of flavonoid that can protect many tissues from the toxic effect of heavy metals. Although many studies have explored the adverse effects of cadmium on rats and other animals, the mechanism of Cd-induced testicular autophagy and the antagonistic effect of Que on cadmium remain unclear. In this study, Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with Cd, Que or Cd, and Que supplements to explore the mechanisms of Que-alleviated testis injury caused by Cd exposure. The rat body weight and relative testicular weight were measured. Morphological changes in testes and indices of oxidative stress were also examined. The expression levels of autophagy-related genes were detected as well. Results showed that Cd decreased the rat body weight and relative testicular weight and induced pathological changes in testes. Conversely, Que alleviated these changes. We also found that Cd increased the malondialdehyde content and decreased the contents of total superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and glutathione. Moreover, the protein expression levels of P62 and LC3-II increased under Cd exposure conditions. Conversely, Que obviously alleviated these toxic activities induced by Cd. Overall, this study showed that Cd accumulated in rat testes, leading to oxidative stress and autophagy. Que can reduce cadmium toxicity by reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting autophagy. The specific mechanism of Que antagonizing Cd toxicity can provide new insights into countering cadmium toxicity.

Protective effects of HSP70, HO-1 and HSP27 on spermatogenic function in rats with varicocele

Objective To investigate the protective effects of HSP70、HO-1 and HSP27 on spermatogenic function in rats with varicocele. Methods Forty adult male SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups with 10 rats in each group: sham group (group A), sham + quercetin group (group B), VC group (group C) and VC+ quercetin group (group D). An experimental varicocele model was successfully created in group C and D and quercetin(100 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of testis. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) content were determined. Cell apoptosis index was detected by dUTP nick end labeling. The expression of HSP70 in testis tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA expression of HSP27 and HO-1 in testis tissue was measured by RT-PCR. Results Testicular structure and spermatogenic function were seriously affected, and histological damage was significantly increased caused by VC in group D. AI was (5.26±0.45)% , (5.83±0.52)% , (14.64±0.98)% , (25.37±1.46)%, respectively.The SOD activities were(0.96±0.06), (0.88±0.05), (0.45±0.04), (0.23±0.03) U/mg protein, MDA content was(2.24±0.35), (2.69±0.32), (4.78±0.41), (7.37±0.68) nmol/g protein.The expression of HSP70 in group C was significantly higher than that in group A and B, and the expression of HSP70 in group D was significantly lower than that of group C. Compared with group A and B, the mRNA expression level of HSP27 and HO-1 was significantly increased in group C. Compared with group C, the expression level of HSP27 and HO-1 in group D was significantly decreased.The comparison between B、C and D groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions HSP70、HO-1 and HSP27 reduces the level of oxidative stress and inhibits the apoptosis.Thus, it plays a protective role on the spermatogenic function in rats with varicocele. Key words: Varicocele; Disease Models, Animal; HSC70 Heat-Shock Proteins; Heat-Shock Proteins; Rats

Evaluation of the protective effect of Cinnamomum Zeylanicum on cadmium testicular toxicity and Nrf2 gene expression in albino rats

Cadmium is an industrial pollutant that may exert specific toxic effect on mammals. The aim of study was to investigate the protective effect of Cinnamon on male reproductive system of albino rat induced by cadmium toxicity. Forty male albino rats were divided into 4 groups. 1st  Group administrated saline and kept as control.2nd Group administrated 200mg/kg / day Cinnamon extract. 3rd Group administrated 20mg/kg/day cadmium chloride.4th Group administrated 200mg/kg/day Cinnamon extract and 20mg/kg/day cadmium chloride orally for 8 weeks. . Our results revealed significant decrease in testosterone hormone level, sperm viability, and significant increase in sperm abnormality. An increase in expression of Nrf2 gene was recorded. Pathological changes in testes showed focal degeneration with loss of spermatogenic series in the seminiferous tubules. All of the above mentioned results were significantly improved in 4th group. In conclusion, Cinnamon extract has a protective effect on the testicular damage induced by cadmium chloride.

AB253. The time-dependent changes of the testicular weight and vascular endothelial growth factor expression in cryptorchidism mouse model at different day intervals

BackgroundThe present research details the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and pathological changes of testis in cryptorchidism model. We also tried to find relationship between VEGF and pathological changes in cryptorchidism.MethodsSix-week-old ICR male mice were operated to induce unilaterally cryptorchid model. The expression of VEGF was investigated by Western blot and Immunohistochemistry. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to evaluate pathological changes at different day intervals.ResultsIn our study, immunohistochemistry of VEGF in testicular cross sections suggested that the VEGF was expressed in the cytoplasm of leydigcells, Sertoli cells and germ cells. Quantitative analysis of VEGF by Western blot showed a time-dependent decrease of VEGF expression in cryptorchidism. VEGF expression significantly decreased at day 7, the lowest at day 21 and then little recovery was observed at day 28 in unilateral cryptorchid testis.ConclusionsInterestingly, the expression of VEGF was decreased significantly at day 14, the lowest at day 21 and then little recovery was observed at day 28 in its self-control testis. The decreased and recovered weight of testis was similar to VEGF expression in unilateral cryptorchid testis and self-control testis. Therefore, we propose that there is a time dependent decrease of VEGF expression in cryptorchidism. VEGF have an important role on impaired spermatogenesis in cryptorchidism.

Testicular effects of 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO) in mice when exposed orally

3-Nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO) is currently being investigated in the development of insensitive munitions. Rats orally exposed to NTO have demonstrated testicular toxicity in both subacute and subchronic studies; however, toxicity has not been verified in mice. Also, previous studies have not demonstrated the nature of NTO-induced testicular toxicity due to the prolonged dosing regimen utilized and effects of maturation depletion. In this study, a time-course design was used and the earliest pathological changes in testes of adult BALB/c mice orally dosed with NTO in corn oil suspensions at 0, 500 or 1000 mg/kg-day NTO for 1, 3, 7 or 14 d were evaluated. The earliest NTO-induced testicular changes occurred in the 1000 mg/kg-day group at day 7 and the 500 mg/kg-day group at day 14 as evident by the presence of bi- and multinucleated giant cells (MNGCs) of almost all spermatids in an isolated stage II–III tubule/step 2–3 and a stage IX tubule/step 9 in the 1000 and 500 mg/kg-day groups, respectively. Testicular toxicity was characterized by degeneration and the presence of bi- and MNGCs of spermatids (stages II–III and IX), which progressed to additional germ cell degeneration as dosing duration increased. Occasional step 16 spermatid retention was also noted in stage XII and I tubules in the day 14, 1000 mg/kg-day group. These data indicate that NTO is a testicular toxicant in mice and that spermatids are the most sensitive cell. The presence of retained spermatids warrants further investigation regarding NTO’s role as a direct Sertoli cell toxicant.

Protective Role of Some Feed Additives against Dizocelpine Induced Oxidative Stress in Testes of Rabbit Bucks

As optimization of farm animals reproductive performance is a main objective, the present study was, undertaken to investigate the possible protective effect of vitamin C, vitamin E and olive pomace against dizocilpine (MK-801) induced oxidative stress and its resultant alterations on antioxidant status, spermiogram, hormonal, enzyme markers and histomorphology of testes of rabbit bucks during first and second month of the experiment. For this purpose thirty six male New Zealand White rabbits bucks were equally and randomly divided into six groups (6 in each) namely control injected with 1.0 ml sterile saline; second group was injected by dizocilpine at a dose 0.1 mg/kg. intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 5 consecutive days, the third group was subjected to dizocilpine and supplemented with “vitamin C” (1 g/L of drinking water) 1 g contain 100 I.U. vit C, while the forth group was subjected to dizocilpine and supplemented with “vitamin E” (50 ml/100 L of drinking water,1ml contain 20 I.U. vit E,) and those of the fifth group were supplemented with “vitamin C” plus “vitamin E”. All five groups were fed the same basal diet, while the sixth group was subjected to dizocilpine and fed diet which contains olive cake meal (10%). Results in first month revealed (1) significant decrease in spermiogram, antioxidative parameters, testicular estradiol, testosterone, enzyme markers and clear pathological changes in testes of dizocilpine group; (2) Significant improvement in the measured parameters of groups subjected to dizocilpine and supplemented with “vitamin E”, “vitamin C” and olive pomace; (3) significant increase of all measured parameters in the “vitamin C” plus “vitamin E” supplemented group. On the other hand, results at second month showed no difference between all groups in these parameters. Conclusively, it was obvious that the supplementation with vitamin C or/and vitamin E and olive pomace to male rabbits exposed to oxidative stress was associated with improved spermiogram, anti-oxidative parameters, hormonal and testicular enzymatic activities.

Epigallocatechin gallate exacerbates fluoride-induced oxidative stress mediated testicular toxicity in rats through the activation of Nrf2 signaling pathway

Abstract Objective To explore the ameliorative potential of Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) by evaluating markers of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation and antioxidant competence in Fl intoxicated rats. Methods The animals were divided in to four groups that is control, EGCG alone, NaF, and EGCG with NaF. Group III animal were exposed to Fl as sodium Fluoride (NaF) (25 mg/kg BW) for 4 weeks. After the completion of the treatment, the testis tissues has been removed and used for the experimental observations. Results Pre-administration of EGCG to Fl intoxicated rats showed a significant normalization in the levels of steroidogenic enzymes, testosterone, sperm functions, oxidative stress markers and antioxidant status. The altered levels of proinflammatory cytokines and apoptotic markers were also relapsed in close proximity to control. In addition, EGCG significantly improved antioxidant status and reduced the oxidative stress and pathological changes in testes. The mRNA and protein analysis also substantiated that EGCG pre-treatment markedly enhanced the expression of Nrf2 and its target genes HO-1, NQO1 and γGCS and suppressed the expression of Keap1 in testis. Conclusion Altogether, our findings supports that EGCG attenuates Fl toxicity in testis through Nrf2 activation.

Effects of Motherwort Total Alkaloids on Prostatitis Model of Mice

Abstract Objective: To investigate the effect of Motherwort total alkaloids on prostatitis model of mice.Methods:Different groups of mice for Motherwort total alkaloids are given high,medium,low suspension.Observe the number of white blood cells , lecithin corpuscle density groups in prostatic fluid and the morphological changes of prostate,testis, epididymis.Results:Compared with the model group, the Motherwort total alkaloidss high, medium dose group can significantly reduce the number of white blood cells of prostate in mice model of prostatitis and increase lecithin corpuscle number (P&lt;0.01); the Motherwort total alkaloidss high dose group significantly reduce the pathological changes of prostatitis (P&lt;0.01); the Motherwort total alkaloidss medium dose group significantly reduce the pathological changes of prostatitis (P&lt;0.05). the Motherwort total alkaloidss high dose group significantly reduce the pathological changes of testis (P&lt;0.05)and it can significantly reduce the pathological changes of the epididymis (P&lt;0.01).Conclusion:Motherwort total alkaloids has a therapeutic effect on prostatitis model of mice .

Varicocele-Caused Progressive Damage in Bilateral Testis and Sertoli Cell-Only Syndrome in Homolateral Testis in Rats

BackgroundWe aimed to investigate whether varicocele (VC) in rats can cause Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS).Material/MethodsForty adolescent SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: 4-weeks control group, 4-weeks experimental group, 12-weeks control group, and 12-weeks experimental group. Left varicocele models were introduced by partially ligating left kidney veins for the experimental groups, and the sham surgery groups as controls were executed with exactly the same surgery as in the experimental groups except for the ligation. Rats in control and experimental groups for 4 and 12 weeks were killed after laparotomy at 4 and 12 weeks, respectively, the testes were taken out and fixed in fixative containing 4% polyformaldehyde, then were stained by hematoxylin and eosin (HE). The density and viability of sperm were analyzed by computer-aided sperm analysis.ResultsCompared with rats in 4-weeks and 12-weeks control group, histological structures of bilateral testes in both experimental groups were impaired, most of them showing as focal focuses. The pathological changes of testes in rats of the 12-weeks experimental group were bilateral, and included atrophy of seminiferous tubules, turbulence of spermatogenic cells in seminiferous tubules, defluvium of most spermatogenic cells, abortion of spermatogenesis, and degradation of spermatogenic epithelia. One rat in the 12-weeks experimental group was shown having SCOS, with the spermatogenic cells in seminiferous tubules completely flaked, degraded, or absent, and only Sertoli cells lined the seminiferous tubules.ConclusionsLaboratory VC caused progressive impairment of homolateral testes, and SCOS could be induced when the damage was severe. Our results indicate that asthenozoospermia, azoospermia, and SCOS can be prevented by the earlier treatment of VC.

Attractin gene deficiency contributes to testis vacuolization and sperm dysfunction in male mice

The effect of loss-of-function of Attractin (Atrn) on the male mouse reproduction system was examined in the study. The weights and pathological changes of testes and epididymes were compared between Atrn mutant (Atrn(mg-3J)) mice and wild-type mice (C3HeB/FeJ) at different months of age. The number and motility of sperms were measured in the mutant and control mice. Furthermore, the testicular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) in these animals were detected. The fertility potential of the sperms was observed in vivo and in vitro. The results showed that the testes of 3-month-old Atrn (mg-3J) mice experienced no significantly different pathological changes from the control mice at the same month of age but the SDH activity was substantially reduced. In the 5-month-old mutant mice, as compared with the control mice, mild vacuolation was found in the testes, the density and motility of sperms were decreased in the epididymes, the sperm fertility was impaired and the testicular enzyme activity was reduced. It is concluded that the age-related Atrn gene progressively loses its function and can cause testis vacuolation and impaired sperm function, which may be responsible for the impairment of male reproductive ability.

Orchitis: A Complication of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)1

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus has been known to damage multiple organs; however, little is known about its impact on the reproductive system. In the present study, we analyzed the pathological changes of testes from six patients who died of SARS. Results suggested that SARS caused orchitis. All SARS testes displayed widespread germ cell destruction, few or no spermatozoon in the seminiferous tubule, thickened basement membrane, and leukocyte infiltration. The numbers of CD3+ T lymphocytes and CD68+ macrophages increased significantly in the interstitial tissue compared with the control group (P < 0.05). SARS viral genomic sequences were not detected in the testes by in situ hybridization. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated abundant IgG precipitation in the seminiferous epithelium of SARS testes, indicating possible immune response as the cause for the damage. Our findings indicated that orchitis is a complication of SARS. It further suggests that the reproductive functions should be followed and evaluated in recovered male SARS patients.

The effects of aflatoxin on the reproductive system of roosters

This study was conducted to determine the pathological changes in testes and epididymides and plasma testosterone levels of adult roosters during experimentally induced aflatoxicosis. In the study, 24 months of age, 32Babcock breeder males were used, and they were divided into four groups each containing 8 animals. The groups were designed as follows; group 1: Control, no aflatoxin (AF), group 2: 5ppm (parts per million) total aflatoxin (af; B1, B2, G1, G2), group 3: 10ppm af and group 4: 20ppm af in the diet, and the birds were fed for 8 weeks. Grossly, it was seen that the testes of all af -treatment groups birds were significantly (P<0·001) atrophied when compared with those of control birds. Histopathologically, there was no spermatogenesis in the testes of 4, 5 and 6 cocks fed on a diet containing af 5, 10 and 20ppm, respectively. Furthermore, abnormal spermatozoa were observed in some of af -treatment groups (in 2 cases in each of 5 and 10ppm af -treated groups, and in one case in 20ppm af -treated group). There were also mononuclear cell infiltration and/or focal lymphoid cell accumulation in the intertubular areas of the testes and epididymides in all af -treatment groups. In conclusion, it has been shown that af might totally or partially (dose related) suppress spermatogenesis, cause abnormality in spermatozoa and atrophy in testes. Furthermore, there was degeneration and desquamation in the epithelium and decrease in the size and thickness of the germinative layer of the seminiferous tubules, and lowered plasma testosterone levels in adult roosters.

Paraoxon inhibits fertilization of mouse gametes in vitro

Potential exposure of mammals to organophosphate pesticides and their metabolites is recognized (Frank et al. 1991). Organophosphates have been implicated frequently in suboptimal reproductive performance in males and females of various species. Studies have shown that altered androgen metabolism (Krause, 1977), pathological changes in testes and adrenals (Chapin et al. 1988; Oishi et al. 1982; Dunnick et al. 1984), and chromosome aberrations (Kiraly et al. 1979) may be responsible for decreased reproductive performance in animals exposed to organophosphates. Also, organophosphates may have direct effects on sperm fertilizing ability without producing organic changes or altering spermatogenesis (Beck 1953; Harbison et al. 1976). This effect on sperm may occur in the epididymides, seminal plasma, or female reproductive tract.

Serotonin and Histamine: Effects of a Single Injection on the Mouse Testis and Prostate Gland. ()

SummaryTwo amines, serotonin and histamine, when administered either separately or in combination, caused weight increase in prostate glands and histological changes indicative of edema or vascular defect. Pathological changes in testes of treated mice included degenerating seminiferous tubules that contained spermatogonial cells with pyknotic nuclei and giant multinucleate cells. Absence of all spermatogenic cells from tubules was characteristic of advanced degeneration. It is suggested that histological changes in the testes were not necessarily the result of pharmacologic effects of the two amines on vascular structures.