Relative Weights Of Epididymis Research Articles

Effect of Some Psychotic Drug Quetiapine on Reproductive System Activity in Male Rats

Aim of study: To investigate the effects of antipsychotic medications utilized to treat schizophrenic patients and its effects on the reproductive system. Introduction: Antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, and other all psychotropic drugs have negative effects on the quality of sperm and sexual activity. These negative side effects differ amongst males and its less severe for some drugs, enabling some degree of control over their effects. Sperm can suffer oxidative damage from spending too much time in the male reproductive system. One of the antipsychotics most frequently administered to treat schizophrenia in adults is quetiapine. In this work, the effects of repeated rats’ healthy production of sperm in response to therapeutic doses of quetiapine was studied. Rats were also used to assess quetiapine’s effects on hormonal balance and oxidative state. Methodology: The experiment employed male wistar rats weighing 300 to 350 g at 10 to 12 weeks of age. The experiment employed male wistar rats weighing 300 to 350 g at 10 to 12 weeks of age. Rats received oral dosages of quetiapine for 30 days. At this time’s conclusion, the body’s weights and the organs were analyzed, additionally to sperm concentration, motility, shape, and degree of sperm damage. The levels of testosterone, LH, and other male hormones related to reproduction were measured in the serum. Malondialdehyde and glutathione levels were measured to assess the oxidative state of testicular tissues. Results: The results of this investigation demonstrated that in rats receiving quetiapine, aberrant sperm morphology increased while relative epididymis weights and sperm concentration dropped. Rats receiving quetiapine experienced a drop in serum LH and testosterone levels. Rats receiving quetiapine also had lower amounts of malondialdehyde, which was assessed. Conclusion: Quetiapine therapy this negative effect may be attributed to lower sperm quality, changed hormone levels, and enhanced oxidative stress.

A Stability Indicating RP-HPLC Method for the Estimation of Nebivolol Hydrochloride in Human Plasma

Aim of study: To investigate the effects of antipsychotic medications utilized to treat schizophrenic patients and its effects on the reproductive system. Introduction: Antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, and other all psychotropic drugs have negative effects on the quality of sperm and sexual activity. These negative side effects differ amongst males and its less severe for some drugs, enabling some degree of control over their effects. Sperm can suffer oxidative damage from spending too much time in the male reproductive system. One of the antipsychotics most frequently administered to treat schizophrenia in adults is quetiapine. In this work, the effects of repeated rats’ healthy production of sperm in response to therapeutic doses of quetiapine was studied. Rats were also used to assess quetiapine’s effects on hormonal balance and oxidative state. Methodology: The experiment employed male wistar rats weighing 300 to 350 g at 10 to 12 weeks of age. The experiment employed male wistar rats weighing 300 to 350 g at 10 to 12 weeks of age. Rats received oral dosages of quetiapine for 30 days. At this time’s conclusion, the body’s weights and the organs were analyzed, additionally to sperm concentration, motility, shape, and degree of sperm damage. The levels of testosterone, LH, and other male hormones related to reproduction were measured in the serum. Malondialdehyde and glutathione levels were measured to assess the oxidative state of testicular tissues. Results: The results of this investigation demonstrated that in rats receiving quetiapine, aberrant sperm morphology increased while relative epididymis weights and sperm concentration dropped. Rats receiving quetiapine experienced a drop in serum LH and testosterone levels. Rats receiving quetiapine also had lower amounts of malondialdehyde, which was assessed. Conclusion: Quetiapine therapy this negative effect may be attributed to lower sperm quality, changed hormone levels, and enhanced oxidative stress.

Effects of quetiapine administration on sperm quality and testicular histology

Quetiapine is one of the most commonly prescribed antipsychotics to treat schizophrenia in adults, in particular. In this study, quetiapine’s effects were assessed on healthy sperm production in rats at repeated-pharmacological doses. Additionally, the effects of quetiapine on oxidative status and hormonal balance were also evaluated in rats. Quetiapine was administered to rats orally at 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg body weight doses for 28 days. At the end of this period, body and organ weights were measured, sperm concentration, motility, and morphology were determined, sperm damage was assessed, and histopathological analysis of testicular tissue was performed. Additionally, serum FSH, LH, and testosterone levels as male reproductive hormones were measured. Catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and malondialdehyde levels were determined for evaluating the oxidative status of testicular tissue. The findings obtained in this study showed that relative epididymis weights and sperm concentration decreased and abnormal sperm morphology increased in quetiapine-administered rats. Irregularity of typical architecture of the seminiferous tubules and germinal cell disorganization was observed in testicular sections of 20 and 40 mg/kg quetiapine-administered rats. Further, serum LH and testosterone levels decreased in 20 and 40 mg/kg quetiapine-administered rats. Additionally, decreased catalase and superoxide dismutase activities in testicular tissue of quetiapine-administered rats and increased malondialdehyde levels in testicular tissue of 40 mg/kg quetiapine-administered rats were measured. In conclusion, quetiapine treatment decreased sperm quality, altered hormone levels, and induced oxidative stress may be considered potential contributors to this adverse effect.

Spermatogenesis in the Roborovski hamster (Phodopus roborovskii) and the Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus).

Spermatogenesis is an elaborately organized and tightly regulated differentiation process. The spermatogenesis duration is stable within a certain species but highly variable between species of the same family. In this study, the spermatogenesis duration of the Roborovski hamster was measured for the first time, and the spermatogenesis duration of the Chinese hamster was re-assessed. Stage classification and cycle length measurement were carried out by labeling the dividing cells with bromodeoxyuridine and an antibody-based chromogen as well as with the periodic acid-Schiff/hematoxylin stain. Analysis was conducted using reference calculation and linear regression. Morphological measurements completed our set of methods. The mean duration of one seminiferous epithelium cycle was 8.58±0.34days (mean±SEM; Phodopus roborovskii) and 16.59±0.47days (Cricetulus griseus) based on the reference calculation. Slightly higher results were obtained using linear regression analysis: 9.72±0.41days for P.roborovskii and 17.64±0.61days for C.griseus. Additionally, a newly developed exemplary flowchart was proposed for the Roborovski hamster to facilitate spermatogenesis stage classification also in other species. The Chinese hamster presented an unexpectedly high paired epididymides weight of 1.701±0.046g (mean±SEM) although having a body weight of only 40.5±0.7g. However, no significant correlation between the relative epididymis weight and spermatogenesis duration in mammals (Spearman rank correlation: r=-0.119, p=0.607, n=21) or rodents could be found (r=0.045, p=0.903, n=11). Our data emphasize the stability of the spermatogenesis duration within species and its remarkable variability between species. Further research is needed to identify the principal mechanisms and selection drivers that are responsible for such stability within species and the variability between species.

Effects of Whole-Lake Additions of Ethynylestradiol on Leech Populations.

Leeches are widespread, found in many freshwater habitats, and have diverse dietary habits. Despite their close phylogenetic relationships to Mollusca, a phylum with species affected by exogenous estrogens, it is unclear whether Hirudinea may also be impacted. A whole-lake experiment was done at the Experimental Lakes Area in Ontario, Canada, to assess whether 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) affected fishes and other species. Herein, we examined whether EE2 impacted leech community composition, species abundance, growth rates, gonad size, and cocoon production, when compared with reference lakes using a before-after-control-impact design. Each month baited leech traps were set overnight in the littoral zone at 10 sites around experimental Lake 260 and 2 reference lakes, and individuals were identified, weighed, and measured. Male and female organs of common species Haemopis marmorata were measured. Across all lakes, 9 species representing 3 families were collected. There were no apparent effects of EE2 on numbers, species richness, or community composition; however, condition in 1 of 5 species increased significantly after EE2 exposures. Total gonadosomatic index (GSI) and the GSI for all male or all female organs combined for H. marmorata were not affected by EE2 additions. However, some individual reproductive organs including relative sperm sac length (+), relative epididymis weight (-), relative vaginal bulb length (+), and relative ovisac + albumen gland length (+) changed after EE2 additions. Finally, whereas overall cocoon production was similar, it occurred earlier in the EE2-amended lake. In summary, few individual through community measures of leeches responded to low ng/L concentrations of EE2, suggesting that Hirudinea are less sensitive to this endocrine disruptor than other invertebrates and vertebrates. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1608-1619. © 2020 SETAC.

The protective effect of Costus afer Ker Gawl aqueous leaf extract on lead-induced reproductive changes in male albino Wistar rats.

Introduction:Lead is a multiple organ toxicant and an oxidative-stress inducer. The effect of Costus afer on metal- induced male reprotoxicity has not been previously carried out, hence this study. The present study investigates the protective effect of Costus afer aqueous leave extract on lead- induced reproductive damages in male albino Wistar rats.Methods:Adult male albino Wistar rats were weighed and separated into five groups of five rats each. Groups 1 & 2 served as normal and toxic controls receiving deionized and leaded (CH3COO)2Pb.3H2O and water respectively. Groups 3, 4 and 5 were given 750, 1500 and 2250mg/kg of Costus afer orally, respectively while receiving Pb2+ water ad libitum for 28 days.Results:The reproductive and antioxidant parameters obtained from the result served as scientific evidence in the study. The result showed non-significant changes in the absolute and relative weights of epididymis and testes in the Pb Group versus the control. Significant increases were recorded in the sperm analysis, blood lead (7.9±1.02; 1.1±0.01) level (BLL), luteinizing hormone (LH) (8.5±1.4:5.5±0.4), and a decrease in follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) (4.5±2.6:6.5±1.65), with non-significant changes in testosterone (TET) (1.3±0.00:1.6±0.2) in the Pb group compared to the control.Conclusion:The treatment with Costus afer exhibited dose-dependent significant changes in testicular oxidative stress, hormonal, sperm analysis and histopathological changes induced by lead. Aqueous leaves extract of Costus afer may be protective against lead induced testicular damage.

Impact of Cellphone Radiation on Sexual Behavior and Serum Concentration of Testosterone and LH in Male Mice

Background: Cellphone radiation (CR) has been reported to be related to higher risk of many health problems, but if CR can impair sexual behavior and testosterone synthesis has seldom been studied. Objective: To evaluate the effects of CR on testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and sexual behaviors of male mice. Methods: Forty 3-month-old male mice, 22 - 25 g, were randomly allocated into four equal groups (n = 10 per group): the control group and three CR exposure groups including 8-hour group, 16-hour group and 24-hour group. Each mouse received different dose of CR exposure for 30 consecutive days. Sexual behaviors and testosterone and LH levels in serum were measured at the end of experiment. Furthermore, we also observed the weights of reproductive organs of each group, including testis, epididymis and seminal vesicle. Results: The mount latency and intromission latency in 24-hour group were significant higher than the control (both P 0.05). No difference in ejaculation latency existed among each group after the experiment (all P > 0.05). The frequency of mount and intromission in 24-hour group was statistically significantly lower than that of the control group (P 0.05). Only the copulatory efficacy in the 24-hour group was statistically lower than the control group (P 0.05). After the exposure of CR, the changes in the weights of sexual organs in the 24-hour group were significant compared with the control (testis weights, relative testis weight, epididymis weight, the weight of seminal vesicle, and the relative weight of seminal vesicle, all P < 0.01; the relative epididymis weight, P < 0.05). Conclusions: High dose exposure of CR can decline the testosterone and LH levels in mice and inhibit their sexual behaviors.

Effects of Bisphenol A on Testosterone Levels and Sexual Behaviors of Male Mice

Objective: To evaluate the effects of bisphenol A (BPA) on testosterone levels and sexual behaviors of male mice. Methods: Forty 12-week-old male mice, 22 - 25 g, were randomly allocated into four equal groups (n = 10 per group): the control group and three BPA exposure groups including low concentration group (10 mg/kg), middle concentration group (50 mg/kg) and high concentration group (100 mg/kg). Each mouse received BPA intraperitoneally injected for 21 consecutive days. Sexual behaviors and testosterone levels in serum and interstitial tissue of testis were measured after the last administration of BPA. Furthermore, we also observed the weights of sexual organs of each group, including testis, epididymis and seminal vesicle. Results: The mount latency in the high concentration group, the intromission latency in the middle and the high concentration group were 11.64 ± 2.67 min, 20.28 ± 3.40 min and 20.13 ± 2.06 min respectively. All of them were longer than the control group (all P < 0.05). The mount frequency, intromission frequency and copulatory efficacy in the high concentration group were 0.52 ± 0.15 numbers/min, 0.37 ± 0.12 numbers/min and 0.40 ± 0.03, which were all statistically lower than the control group (all P < 0.05). The average testis weights in the low, middle and high concentration group were 0.198 ± 0.032 g, 0.203 ± 0.037g and 0.183 ± 0.032 g, and the relative testis weight in the high concentration group was 0.637 ± 0.106. All of these data were lower than the control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.05, P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). The epididymis weight and the relative epididymis weight, the weight of seminal vesicle and the relative weight of seminal vesicle were 0.069 ± 0.010 g, 0.242 ± 0.040, 0.219 ± 0.042 g and 0.760 ± 0.143, and all of them were lower than the control group (all P < 0.05). The serum testosterone levels in the high concentration group, the intratesticular testosterone levels in the middle and the high concentration group were 7.88 ± 1.62 ng/ml, 75.5 ± 7.18 ng/g and 73.00 ± 9.57 ng/g, which were all lower than the control group (all P < 0.05). Conclusions: BPA can decline the testosterone levels in mice and inhibit their sexual behaviors.

The effect of pollen on some reproductive parameters of male rats

Honeybee pollen is consumed as natural food in healthy human diet in many European and Asian countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pollen use on some reproductive parameters. In this study, mature male rats were fed on pollen of three different plant sources (Trifolium spp., Raphine's spp. and Cistus spp.) at 60 mg/per animal/ per day over a 30-day period. At the end of the treatment, testosterone levels of rats were analyzed and weights of testis, epididymis, prostate and seminal vesicle were recorded. In addition, epididymal sperms were counted. There were increases in testosterone levels, sperm counts and daily sperm production of rats fed with pollen of Raphine's spp. and Cists spp. There were no significant changes in absolute weights, except in prostate weights. Also there were no changes in relative testis, prostate and seminal vesicle weights of rats fed on pollen, but relative epididymis weights of rats in pollen groups decreased. The results of this study show that bee pollen caused an increase in testosterone level and sperm counts of male rats. We suggest that bee pollen has an androgenic effect.

Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Methoxyisopropanol and Methoxyisopropyl Acetate as Used in Cosmetics

Methoxyisopropanol and Methoxyisopropyl Acetate, commonly known as propylene glycol monomethyl ether (PGME) and propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (PGMEA), respectively, have fragrance, solvent, and viscosity-decreasing functions in cosmetics, although only Methoxyisopropanol is in current use at concentrations ranging from 4% to 35%. Methoxyisopropanol is easily absorbed into the bloodstream upon inhalation or ingestion. The acetate ester is readily metabolized to Methoxyisopropanol in the body, which is excreted unchanged in the expired breath or in the urine as free or conjugated Methoxyisopropanol, or as the primary metabolite propylene glycol. In acute oral toxicity studies, the LD(50) values of Methoxyisopropanol were 4.6 to 9.2 g/kg in rats, with similar low acute toxicity in other animal species. Inhalation exposures of rats, mice, and rabbits to 3000 ppm Methoxyisopropanol for 6 h per day for 9 days to 13 weeks produced increased relative liver weights, signs of central nervous system (CNS) depression, and in some cases, elevated serum alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, or hepatocellular hypertrophy, but the kidneys were unaffected. The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for 13-week inhalation exposures to Methoxyisopropanol was 1000 ppm in rats and rabbits. In a 90-day dermal exposure study using rabbits, 10 ml/kg undiluted Methoxyisopropanol produced narcosis and increased kidney weights and the NOAEL was 7.0 ml/kg. Chronic (2-year) daily inhalation exposures of rats and mice to 3000 ppm Methoxyisopropanol produced signs of liver toxicity (rats and mice) and some evidence of renal toxicity in rats. The only observation at 1000 ppm was dark foci of the liver in male rats. For female rats and male and female mice, the NOAEL of this chronic inhalation study was 1000 ppm Methoxyisopropanol. Methoxyisopropanol and Methoxyisopropyl Acetate were found to be nonirritating to slightly irritating and non-sensitizing in rabbit and guinea pig skin. Repeated applications of undiluted Methoxyisopropanol to the eyes of rabbits produced transient slight to moderate irritation. Pregnant rats exposed to 200 or 600 ppm Methoxyisopropanol by inhalation on gestation days 6 to 17 had no effects on maternal health or normal fetal development. Adult male rats exposed to these concentrations had no effects on the reproductive organs. Pregnant rats and rabbits exposed to 500 to 3000 ppm Methoxyisopropanol by inhalation during gestation had no significant embryotoxic or fetotoxic effects, althougth CNS depression and reduced body weight gain were observed in the 3000 ppm group. In a two-generation inhalation study using rats, continuous inhalation of 3000 ppm Methoxyisopropanol produced CNS depression, prolonged estrous cycles, reduced fertility indices, reduced pup weights and pup survival, and delayed sexual development, with a NOAEL for reproductive and developmental effects of 1000 ppm. In a continuous breeding protocol using mice, 2.0% Methoxyisopropanol in drinking water produced reduced growth, reduced relative epididymis weight, reduced relative prostate weight, and increased liver weight (females only) in offspring, with a NOAEL at a 1% concentration. Exposure of mice or rats to 300 ppm to 3000 ppm Methoxyisopropanol by inhalation produced no signs of carcinogenicity. Methoxyisopropanol was negative for mutagenicity or genetic toxicity in the bacterial reverse mutation assay (<or= 5000 microg/plate), the unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) assay (<or= 0.1 M), V79 Chinese hamster lung assay (>100 mM), and in the Siberian hamster embryo assay (concentrations not reported). In other assays, 100 mM Methoxyisopropanol increased sister chromatid exchanges in V79 cells. In human inhalation exposure studies of 1 to 7 h duration, 50 to 75 ppm Methoxyisopropanol vapor had an objectionable odor; 150 ppm was slightly irritating to the eyes and throat; 250 ppm produced eye irritation, lacrimation, blinking, rhinorrhea, and headache; 300 ppm was mildly irritating to the eyes, nose, and throat; 750 ppm was extremely irritating; and 2050 ppm produced extreme discomfort with severe lacrimation, blepharospasm, and painful breathing. None of the concentrations tested impaired motor coordination or performance on neurological tests. The irritating effects subsided within 15 min to 24 h of removal from the inhalation chamber. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommended an 8-h time-weighted average for occupational exposure of 100 ppm. A margin of safety of 500 was determined, based on a calculated exposure from the normal use of nail polish remover products (100% absorption) and the NOAEL for reproductive toxicity. The absorption of Methoxyisopropanol through the nail is likely to be low, suggesting this margin of safety is conservative. Because Methoxyisopropanol is volatile, exposure by inhalation is possible, but the odor becomes objectionable at 50 to 75 ppm in air. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that Methoxyisopropanol and Methoxyisopropyl Acetate are safe for use in nail care products in the practices of use and concentration as described in this safety assessment.

Toxic effects of zearalenone and its derivatives α-zearalenol on male reproductive system in mice

The current study evaluated effects of zearalenone (ZEA) and its derivative α-zearalenol (α-ZOL) on male mouse semen quality, fertility and serum testosterone concentrations. Adult male mice were exposed to intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of ZEA or α-ZOL at 0, 25, 50, and 75 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) daily for 7 days, and then mated with sexually mature untreated female mice. Semen quality, serum testosterone concentrations and fertility of treated mice were assessed. The results showed that the number of abnormal spermatozoa increased and the amount of live spermatozoa decreased significantly in males treated with ZEA at all doses. As well, a significant decrease in spermatozoa with integrated acrosome was observed in mice treated with 50 and 75 mg/kg b.w. α-ZOL. Significantly low pregnancy rate was observed when females were mated with ZEA or α-ZOL exposed males. Male mice exposed to ZEA had significant reductions in b.w. and relative epididymis weights. However, relative seminal vesicle weights were higher than those of controls. Conversely, significant increases in b.w. and relative preputial gland weight were observed in mice exposed to α-ZOL. Testicular and cauda epididymal sperm counts, efficiency of sperm production and serum testosterone concentrations were significantly reduced in mice treated with ZEA or α-ZOL at all doses in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, we demonstrate that ZEA or α-ZOL have adverse effects on reproductive system of adult male mice.

Diesel Exhaust Particle Toxicity on Spermatogenesis in the Mouse is Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Dependent

Diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) are particulate matter from diesel exhaust containing many toxic compounds, such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Some toxicities of PAH are considered to express via aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). We hypothesized that the male reproductive toxicity of DEPs may depend on PAHs. BALB/c male mice received 24.7, 74.0 or 220 microg/mouse DEP suspension or vehicle injected into the dorsal subcutaneous layer 10 times during 5 weeks. The mice were euthanized, and blood and organs were collected 2 weeks after the last treatment. The epididymis weights, relative epididymis weights per body weight and daily sperm productions and viabilities of the 74.0 and 220 microg/mouse DEP-treated groups decreased significantly compared with those of the vehicle group. The total incidence of sperm abnormalities in the 74.0 and 220 microg/mouse DEP-treated groups increased significantly compared with the vehicle group. The seminiferous epithelium area ratios of the 74.0 and 220 microg/mouse DEP-treated groups were significantly higher compared with the vehicle and 24.6 microg/mouse DEP-treated groups. The ratios of seminiferous tubules with elongated-type spermatids in the 74.0 and 220 microg/mouse DEP-treated groups were significantly decreased compared with the vehicle group. The testosterone level and hepatic ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity as an indirect index of AhR activity in the 74.0 microg/mouse DEP-treated group were significantly increased compared with those of the vehicle group. These results clearly demonstrated that DEPs suppress testicular function, especially spermatogenesis and sperm motility. These effects may be AhR dependent.

Male expulsion in cooperative Mongolian gerbils ( Meriones unguiculatus)

Mongolian gerbils are territorial rodents of steppes and semideserts of Mongolia and Northern China. At least under laboratory conditions, the family life is characterized by long-term harmonious and short-term aggressive periods in which some members are expelled. The purpose of this study was to clarify which features of male offspring promote their expulsion. Therefore body mass, absolute and relative weight of testes and epididymis, histology of testes and testosterone concentrations were analyzed in males derived from five families living in semi-natural enclosures with food and water ad libitum. Males expelled (EFM, n = 40) had significantly higher relative testes and relative epididymis weight and higher testosterone concentrations in harmonious periods than it did non-attacked ones (IFM, n = 13). A stepwise discriminant analysis has established the relative testes weight as decisive for the affiliation to EFM or IFM. Based on this parameter, 71.7% of the offspring could be classified correctly. Moreover, histological results showed that 50.0% of integrated and 29.4% of the expelled family members had incomplete spermiogenesis, indicating a reduced fertility. It is concluded, that males do compete for reproduction within the families which triggers the expulsion of the males with the highest reproductive capacity.

Pre and postnatal exposure to endosulfan in Wistar rats.

The possible reproductive adverse effects of the pesticide endosulfan on male offspring rats exposed in utero and during lactation were investigated. Dams were treated orally with 0, 0.5 or 1.5 mg of endosulfan/kg 21 days prior to mating, during the mating, pregnancy and lactation. Maternal and reproductive outcome data and male sexual development landmarks (testis descent and preputial separation) were assessed. Reproductive endpoints of the male offspring were examined at adulthood: sex organ weights, daily sperm production, spermatid number, sperm transit, sperm morphology and testosterone level. No signs of maternal toxicity were detected at the dose levels tested. Sexual development landmarks were also unaffected. Moreover, with the exception of a significant increase in the relative epididymis weight seen in the group treated with the lowest dose, we have not found any statistically significant adverse effect in the reproductive endpoints investigated at adulthood. The results of the present study indicate that pre and postnatal exposure to low doses of endosulfan (0.5 and 1.5 mg/kg) do not induce significant adverse effects in the reproductive system of male offspring Wistar rats at adulthood.

Male reproductive toxicity and beta-luteinizing hormone gene expression in sexually mature and immature rats exposed to 2-bromopropane.

1. The reproductive effects of 2-bromopropane (2-BP) in sexually mature and immature male Sprague-Dawley rats were investigated. The animals were randomly divided into three treatment groups and one control group each of which comprised six mature and six immature rats. The treated groups were injected s.c. 200, 600 and 1800 mg/kg of 2-BP on 5 days a week for 5 - 7 weeks and the control group received the vehicle. 2. The absolute and relative testis weights were significantly reduced in 600 and 1800 mg/kg b.w. dose groups in both mature and immature rats. The absolute epididymis, prostate, seminal vesicle, and pituitary weights and the relative epididymis weights, however, were significant only at the highest dose level used in both mature and immature rats. 3. The sperm concentration and sperm viability in epididymal duct decreased and the percentage of abnormal sperm increased in a dose-dependent manner in both mature and immature rats. Additionally, serum testosterone level was significantly decreased in all dose groups in mature rats, and was significantly reduced only in the group treated with the middle and highest dose in immature rats. 4. In both mature and immature rats treated with 200 and 600 mg/kg, the seminiferous tubules were atrophied and all types of germ cells were decreased in number. At the highest dose level, the effect was more marked showing severely atrophied seminiferous tubules and a complete loss of all types of germ cells. 5. The mating, pregnancy and fertility indices were significantly reduced in the 600 and 1800 mg/kg groups. Additionally, at the highest dose group the number of implantations and viable fetuses per litter were reduced and the resorption rate was increased significantly. 6. In the mature rats, the beta-LH gene expression increased significantly in the 1800 mg/kg group when compared to the control group. 7. It can be concluded that 2-BP induces alterations in both neuro-endocrine axis and the reproductive tract under the present experimental conditions. The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) in this study could be estimated to be lower than 200 mg/kg/b.w. based on the alteration in testicular morphology as well as on sperm parameters observed at the dose level of 200 mg/kg.

Permanent changes in the functional development of accessory sex organs and in fertility in male mice after neonatal exposure to cyproterone acetate.

Male mice were injected daily with cyproterone acetate for 10 consecutive days during one of the four following periods: 1-10 days, 11-20 days, 21-30 days or 31-40 days. At all stages studied cyproterone acetate caused a significant reduction in the relative weights of epididymis, vas deferens, preputial gland and seminal vesicle in males killed 24 h after the last injection; the androgen content (testosterone + dihydrotestosterone) of the accessory sex organs was also reduced but the differences were not always significant. Cyproterone acetate treatment from 1 to 10 days resulted in a definitive reduction in the relative weights of all accessory sex organs studied and when injected from 11 to 20 days in epididymis and vas deferens. When cyproterone acetate was injected after 20 days of age, the inhibition of sexual organ weights was reversible and at adulthood organs were normally developed. Cyproterone acetate treatment induced a high percentage of infertile males only when injected from 1 to 10 days. Spermatogenesis, androgen levels in plasma and accessory sex organs, and sexual behaviour were not affected in sterile males. These results suggest that the functional development of accessory sex organs can be permanently affected by short-term neonatal exposure to endogenous androgens.