Seminal Duct Research Articles

Male Genital Mutilation in the High-Mountain Goblin Spider,Unicorn catleyi

Male genital mutilation is a common mechanism by which males reduce sperm competition by plugging female insemination ducts with different parts of its own genital system. This behavior is frequent in many spider families but is uncommon in Haplogynae. The reproductive biology of Dysderoidea is not well studied and the data is fragmentary; male genital mutilation has been reported only for one species of Oonopidae. This study provides evidence of male genital mutilation in Unicorn catleyi Platnick and Brescovit (Araneae: Oonopidae). Pieces of the embolus were found in the female posterior receptaculum. This behavior is a strategy used by the males in order to guarantee their paternity and not for escape from female attacks as has been reported for other species of Araneae, since cannibalism is unlikely in this species. The presence of embolus in the posterior receptaculum suggests this is the first place where sperm is received. The similarity of the female genitalia of U. catleyi to those of Orsolobidae, along with sclerotization of the seminal duct in the male copulatory bulb that is also present in Orchestina, Xiombarg, and Orsolobidae, provide strong evidence of the basal position of this genus in the family Oonopidae.

Polycladida Acotylea from Patagonia. Redescription of Crassiplana albatrossi (Pseudostylochidae), lectotype designation and first record of Notocomplana palta (Notoplanidae)

Crassiplana albatrossi is redescribed on the basis of material collected in Patagonia (Argentina) and type material deposited in the USNM. The specimens have specific characters, showing tentacles; tentacular, brain and marginal eyes; genital pores in the posterior portion; male copulatory system with penis papilla; prostatic vesicle free, with strong muscular walls; internal epithelium of prostatic vesicle glandular and with conspicuous projections; seminal vesicle present; vagina very long and extending anteriorly up to pharynx; Lang’s vesicle absent; genito-intestinal duct present. Known geographic range is increased to include Patagonia (Argentina). Identity of Notocomplana palta is confirmed based on the presence of characters in the original description including: strongly muscular seminal vesicle, long, thin and muscular ejaculatory duct stretching into prostatic vesicle, which has a high and folded epithelium; conical penis papilla. A lectotype is designated from the material studied by Marcus and housed in the SMNH. Known geographic range of Notocomplana palta, known only from the type locality in south Chile, is enlarged to include Patagonia (Argentina), revealing its Magellanic affinities.

Identification and characterization of goose prolactin receptor

Prolactin receptor (PRLR) is a single transmembrane protein through which prolactin plays a wide variety of physiological roles in vertebrates. To understand its role in goose behavior, we cloned the gene of goose PRLR (gPRLR) in the Siji goose, a domestic goose with strong broodiness in China, and examined its expression level in different organs of adult geese. Our results showed that gPRLR cDNA contained 443 bp 5′ untranslated region, 2,496 bp coding sequence that presumably comprises at least 14 exons, and 220 bp 3′ untranslated region. The predicted goose PRLR contained 831 amino acids and exhibited identities of 87.7, 85.2, and 84.8% with chicken, pigeon, and turkey PRLR, respectively. It comprised a signal peptide of 24 amino acids at the N terminus, 2 ligand binding regions of the extracellular domain, each containing 2 pairs of cysteine residues and a pentapeptide of 5 amino acids known as WS motif (Tpr-Ser-any amino acid-Tpr-Ser), the 2 typical features highly conserved in the members of class 1 cytokine receptor superfamily. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the goose PRLR is highly conserved during evolution. In addition, we discovered 2 other alternative splicing transcripts of gPRLR. One is generated by missing the last 95 bp of the first 330 bp of the 3,159 bp cDNA. The other is produced by an alternative transcription initiation, leading to creation of a novel first exon that is directly spliced to the third exon. Reverse transcription PCR analyses show that the gPRLR mRNA is widely expressed in the testis, seminal duct, ovary, oviduct, kidney, large intestine, and small intestine.

Redescription of Parspina argentinensis (Szidat, 1954) (Digenea: Cryptogonimidae) from freshwater fishes (Pimelodidae) in the basins of the Paraná and La Plata Rivers, Argentina, with comments on P. bagre Pearse, 1920

The type-specimens of Parspina argentinensis (Szidat, 1954) from Pimelodus maculatus Lacépède, and new material from Iheringichthys labrosus (Lütken), Parapimelodus valenciennis (Lütken), Pimelodella gracilis (Valenciennes), Pimelodus albicans (Valenciennes), P. argenteus Perugia and P. maculatus caught in the basins of the La Plata and Paraná Rivers, Argentina, were studied to elucidate its taxonomic status. The type-specimens of Parspina bagre Pearse, 1920 from Pimelodella metae Eigenmann in Lake Valencia, Venezuela, were also studied and new observations on its morphology recorded. The amendation of the generic diagnosis of Parspina Pearse, 1920 is proposed based on the study of both species, which revealed, among other features, the absence of a thin walled-membrane enclosing the male terminal genitalia. Parspina argentinensis is characterised by the following features: absence of a gonotyl; presence of a bipartite seminal vesicle, pars prostatica and ejaculatory duct; caeca of nearly equal length; uterus extending from the level of the ventral sucker to end of body; testes symmetrical to slightly oblique; ovary transversely elongate, compact and variable in shape; and the utilisation of a wide range of freshwater fishes as hosts. The tegumental surface of this species is covered with pectinate spines arranged quincuncially. Spines decrease in size and density from forebody to hindbody. There are two types of sensory papillae, ciliated and dome-shaped. Ciliated papillae are distributed on the surface of the oral region and on the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the body, whereas dome-shaped papillae are found on the surface of the ventral rim of the oral sucker associated with a ciliated papilla. Gland-duct openings are interspersed with the spines of the oral crown. In addition, the infection indices of P. argentinensis vary widely, not only among different hosts but also between the Paraná and La Plata River basins. Higher prevalences of P. argentinensis are recorded in the La Plata River, and Pimelodus albicans, P. maculatus and Iheringichthys labrosus are the principal final hosts in this area.

Morphological Changes of the Epididymis and Description of the Excurrent Ducts of Phrynops geoffroanus (Testudines: Chelidae) During the Reproductive Cycle

The seminal ducts (efferent ductule, epididymis, and deferent duct) in adults of Phrynops geoffroanus were examined using light microscopy. A series of tubules (efferent ductules) connect the testes to the epididymides. The efferent ductules are formed by a rete of small tubules of varying diameters, with simple columnar epithelium formed by the ciliated cells, nonciliated cells, and few basal cells. The epididymis is a simple, long and highly convoluted tubule that receives the efferent ductules throughout its extension. It is covered by a pseudostratified columnar epithelium with three cellular types: the principal cells, which are the most abundant, basal cells, and a small narrow cell. The histological differences in the epididymis region (cranial, medial, and caudal), as well as the differences in the epithelium throughout the reproductive cycle, are discussed. The deferent ducts consist of a low pseudostratified epithelium with two cellular types: the principal and basal cells. During the months analyzed, spermatozoa were stored in the epididymis, and deferent ducts were found.

Clinical Use of Testicular Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology in Oligozoospermic and Azoospermic Dogs

Clinical investigation of canine testicular function is complicated by the difficulty in the evaluation of seminiferous tubules. Until recently, testicular biopsy was the only diagnostic option for dogs with persistent oligo/azoospermia. In human andrology, testicular fine needle aspiration (TFNA) is currently considered a useful method in the evaluation of azoospermia and severe oligozoospermia, and has long replaced classical biopsy to evaluate spermatogenesis. In order to verify its diagnostic efficacy for the clinical approach to canine oligo- or azoospermia, TFNA was performed in seven adult (two oligozoospermic and five azoospermic) dogs. After sedation, a fine (21-23 gauge) butterfly needle connected to a 50-ml syringe was inserted into each testicle; strong suction was applied and the aspirated fluid squirted on a glass slide, smeared out, air-dried and stained with a modified May-Grunwald-Giemsa. Under light microscopy, Sertoli cells (all those found in each investigated field) and spermatogenic cells (n = 100) were counted on each smear in order to differentiate spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes, early spermatids, late spermatids and spermatozoa, and calculate their relative percentages. Cytological analysis showed the following testicular pictures: normal spermatogenesis (compatible with obstruction of the seminal ducts), hypospermatogenesis, maturative disturbances and Sertoli cell-only syndrome. Two dogs with an obstructive lesion were treated with corticosteroids; one of them recovered and sired two litters of puppies.

Glycerylphosphorylcholine in selected forms of male infertility.

GPC was studied in the seminal plasma of 35 normozoospermic men, 34 cases of azoospermia due to bilateral deferent obstruction, 34 cases of azoospermia due to bilateral ejaculatory duct obstruction, 10 vasectomized patients, 6 vasectomized patients after vasovasostomy and 118 cases of spermatogenetic arrest without obstruction of the seminal ducts. Values of GPC in azoospermia due to deferent or ejaculatory ducts obstruction and to vasectomy are significantly lower than in normozoospermic subjects (p less than 0.001). Levels of GPC increased (p less than 0.05) following vasovasostomy. Although GPC values in secretory azoospermia were higher than those in cases of duct obstruction, they were still lower than in normozoospermic (p less than 0.001). The most likely source of GPC is the epididymis. These results support the assumption that GPC originates mainly in the epididymis. The absence of germinal cells in the epididymis could explain the decreased levels of GPC in azoospermia due to arrest of spermatogenesis.

Morphology and function of reproductive organs in Neodasys chaetonotoideus (Gastrotricha: Neodasys) with a phylogenetic assessment of the reproductive system in Gastrotricha

The reproductive system of the important basal gastrotrich Neodasys chaetonotoideus is described and reconstructed on the basis of light microscopy, serial ultrathin sections (ultrastructure) and scanning electron microscopy. Starting frontally, the hermaphroditic reproductive system consists of paired and tube shaped lateral testes that do not possess elongated seminal ducts but most likely open directly via paired ventral pores. The unpaired, medio‐dorsal ovary region contains early oogenic stages that mature caudally towards the uterus region, where the most mature egg is positioned laterally to the midgut. The ovary region is not covered with an epithelial lining whereas the uterus region possesses a distinct epithelial wall. Between ovary and uterus region, we have detected a conspicuous section of the female gonad, the vitellogenic oviduct that consists of a thick epithelial wall which forms cellular protuberances into the developing oocytes passing the oviduct. We interpret this as a special, hitherto undescribed mode of vitellogenesis in Gastrotricha. Further caudally, the uterus continues with the fronto‐caudal organ, a complex of two substructures that are apparently homologous to the frontal organ and the caudal organ of many species of the Gastrotricha Macrodasyida. Neodasys chaetonotoideus obviously engages in spermatophore formation and transfer. In this study we develop a morpho‐functional scenario for the gonads and accessory organs in terms of spermatophore production, exchange and oviposition.We compare our newly obtained data with already published results on the reproductive organs of several species of Gastrotricha by means of a species‐character matrix and provide a computer aided evaluation by a parsimonious character optimization. A reconstruction of the reproductive system of the stem species of Gastrotricha on the basis of three recent phylogenetic analyses is presented. These reconstructions give support for a Neodasys‐like reproductive system in the ground pattern of Gastrotricha with slight morphological differences and direct transfer of spermatozoa rather than spermatophore transfer. The evolution of selected characters is traced thus revealing some incidents of convergent evolution as well as the evolutionary replacement of the ancestral frontal organ by the derived frontal sac in at least two separated lineages.

Redescription of Paccius quadridentatus Simon, 1898 (Araneae: Corinnidae: Trachelinae) based on the holotype

Paccius is a small genus of tracheline spiders with only eight species described from Madagascar (seven species) and Seychelles (one species) (Platnick, 2008). However, the genus is likely more diverse and may include as many as 25 species from Madagascar and adjacent islands such as Comoro, La Réunion, and Mauritius (Platnick, 2000). Only five species of this genus were properly illustrated and diagnosed by Platnick (2000). None of the three species described by Simon, including P. madagascariensis Simon, 1898, the type species, have ever been illustrated. The figures of P. quadridentatus in Benoit (1978) refer to Oedignatha mogamoga Marples, 1955 (Platnick, 2000). The only work with the first illustrations of Paccius species was published by Platnick (2000), who illustrated the copulatory organs of five species. The general habitus of Paccius has never been illustrated. While organizing the spider specimens remaining after the late Michael I. Saaristo, I found a vial with the holotype male of Paccius quadridentatus Simon, obviously borrowed from the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris. As I realized that this species was never thoroughly described, and the habitus of Paccius has never been depicted, I decided to provide a detailed redescription of P. quadridentatus, and provide figures of its habitus. Specimens were photographed using an Olympus SZX12 stereomicroscope and Olympus Camedia C-5050 camera. The images have been montaged using “CombineZM” image stacking software. The palp was macerated with lactic acid to make the passage of the seminal duct visible. All measurements are given in millimeters.

Effectiveness of Transurethral Coagulation and Incision of Ejaculatory Duct for Hematospermia Caused by Ejaculatory Duct Cyst and Obstruction

Purpose: To evaluate the usefulness and effectiveness of transurethral coagulation and incision of the ejaculatory duct for hematospermia caused by ejaculatory duct cyst and obstruction. Materials and Methods: Twenty-six patients with hematospermia were enrolled. Ejaculatory duct cyst or obstruction was diagnosed by transrectal ultrasound or MRI, revealing seminal vesicle hypertrophy and cystic dilated ejaculatory ducts. One patient had hematospermia associated with infertility. The mean age of the patients and their duration of symptoms were 42.7 years (range, 25-67 years) and 16 months (range, 1-60 months), respectively. All patients underwent transurethral management for treatment of their ejaculatory duct obstruction in the form of incision and coagulation of the ejaculatory duct. We used a 9.5 Fr rigid ureteroscope (StortzR, Germany) and a Bugbee electrode. Patients were followed for more than 3 months after the procedure. Results: All patients reported improvement of hematospermia and disappearance of midline cysts, except for one patient. The one case, ureteroscope failed to pass through verumontanum. A ejaculatory duct cyst was found in 18 cases. Calculi were present in the seminal vesicle and ejaculatory ducts in 7 patients and were removed with endoscopic instruments. One infertile patient regained reproductive ability after the procedure. Postoperative complications, such as epididymitis, orchitis, or retrograde ejaculation were not observed. Conclusions: Transurethral incision and coagulation was a safe and effective treatment option for hematospermia caused by ejaculatory duct obstruction and is considered to be a successful treatment option for infertility secondary to ejaculatory duct obstruction. (Korean J Urol 2009;50: 272-277) 󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏

Aktuelle Aspekte der Refertilisierungsoperationen

Obstruction of the seminal ducts is the cause of infertility in about 5% of patients. It can be congenital or arise as the result of secondary changes. The reconstruction of the duct undertaken depends on the site of the obstruction. The introduction of microsurgical techniques has revolutionized the treatment of male infertility.A tubulovasostomy is carried out if the obstruction lies in the region of the epididymis. Such an anastomosis requires, owing to the minute anatomical relationships involved, a microsurgical procedure. For an obstruction of the vas deferens a vasovasostomy is required. Many investigations have shown that microsurgical techniques are also necessary for this procedure if a satisfactory success rate is to be achieved. The double-layer technique is the standard method for vasovasostomy. Transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts (TURED) is required for the very rare obstruction in this region, and men with an obstruction here cannot be regarded as forming a homogeneous group.Before advising an infertile couple it is necessary to investigate the individual conditions and possibilities. Because of the high success rate obtainable today by surgical reconstruction of the seminal ducts, this must constitute the first type of treatment to be considered, before any of the procedures of reproductive medicine are undertaken.

Percutaneous vesiculodeferentography in the diagnosis of male infertility: A review of our results and the data reported in the literature

Vesiculodeferentography was used in the past to evaluate suspected cases of obstruction of the seminal ducts. Over the years, numerous attempts have been made to improve the technique used to perform this examination and to render it less invasive. Its use is currently indicated in selected cases, where it is combined with functional studies like seminal tract washout and followed by immediate interventions to correct the alterations revealed. Vesiculodeferentography includes collection of the contents of the seminal vesicles, which can later be used in vitro assisted fertilization procedures.

Yolk protein is expressed in the insect testis and interacts with sperm

BackgroundMale and female gametes follow diverse developmental pathways dictated by their distinct roles in fertilization. While oocytes of oviparous animals accumulate yolk in the cytoplasm, spermatozoa slough off most of their cytoplasm in the process of individualization. Mammalian spermatozoa released from the testis undergo extensive modifications in the seminal ducts involving a variety of glycoproteins. Ultrastructural studies suggest that glycoproteins are involved in sperm maturation in insects; however, their characterization at the molecular level is lacking. We reported previously that the circadian clock controls sperm release and maturation in several insect species. In the moth, Spodoptera littoralis, the secretion of glycoproteins into the seminal fluid occurs in a daily rhythmic pattern. The purpose of this study was to characterize seminal fluid glycoproteins in this species and elucidate their role in the process of sperm maturation.ResultsWe collected seminal fluid proteins from males before and after daily sperm release. These samples were separated by 2-D gel electrophoresis, and gels were treated with a glycoprotein-detecting probe. We observed a group of abundant glycoproteins in the sample collected after sperm release, which was absent in the sample collected before sperm release. Sequencing of these glycoproteins by mass spectroscopy revealed peptides bearing homology with components of yolk, which is known to accumulate in developing oocytes. This unexpected result was confirmed by Western blotting demonstrating that seminal fluid contains protein immunoreactive to antibody against yolk protein YP2 produced in the follicle cells surrounding developing oocytes. We cloned the fragment of yp2 cDNA from S. littoralis and determined that it is expressed in both ovaries and testes. yp2 mRNA and YP2 protein were detected in the somatic cyst cells enveloping sperm inside the testis. During the period of sperm release, YP2 protein appears in the seminal fluid and forms an external coat on spermatozoa.ConclusionOne of the yolk protein precursors YP2, which in females accumulate in the oocytes to provision developing embryos, appears to have a second male-specific role. It is produced in the testes and released into the seminal fluid where it interacts with sperm. These data reveal unexpected common factor in the maturation of insect eggs and sperm.

High-power microscopy for selecting spermatozoa for ICSI by physiological status

Sperm selection for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), based on standard morphology, can fail to select normal cells, and actual methods to evaluate their physiological status do not allow their later use for ICSI. Some authors have demonstrated that sperm selection based on high-magnification morphology is associated with a better ICSI outcome, above all in subjects with severe testicular failure. In this study there was an evaluation of mitochondrial function, chromatin structure and sperm aneuploidies on whole sperm samples from 30 subjects: 10 normozoospermic controls and 20 patients that were severely oligozoospermic due to testicular damage or partial obstruction of the seminal ducts. All severely oligozoospermic patients showed worse mitochondrial function and chromatin status, while sperm aneuploidies were significantly increased only in those subjects with severe testicular damage ( P < 0.001). In the latter patients the analysis of a single spermatozoon, performed after morphological selection by high-magnification microscopy, showed significantly better mitochondrial function, chromatin status and aneuploidy rate than observed in unselected cells (all P < 0.001). Interestingly, these parameters were further improved when nuclear vacuoles were lacking. These results suggest a strong relationship between high-magnification morphology and the status of spermatozoa, and they may explain the better results of ICSI obtained using spermatozoa selected by high-magnification microscopy.

Parasperm: morphological and functional studies on nonfertile sperm

Sperm polymorphism, a phenomenon in which more than one type of sperm is produced within a species, occurs widely in animals from invertebrates to vertebrates. Sperm in this phenomenon can be categorized into fertile sperm and nonfertile sperm on the basis of fertilization ability. Nonfertile sperm can be further classified into parasperm and aberrant deformed sperm. Parasperm are sperm produced through a constant developmental process along with normal fertile eusperm, and they are readily distinguished from deformed sperm, which are irregularly crippled by unpredictable errors at certain stages during spermatogenesis. Sperm identified as parasperm occur widely in invertebrates but are presently quite limited in vertebrates. This may be the result of the deficiency both of studies on parasperm and of clear criteria to identify parasperm in vertebrates. Some vertebrates show unique spermatogenesis, such as symplastic spermatid and semicystic spermatogenesis. Thus, parasperm must be identified by comparing cells in each cyst and in semen, because irregularly shaped cells in the seminal duct could be either parasperm or normal spermatids. Although parasperm are identified by clear criteria in vertebrates, only in cottoid fishes to date, it is possible for parasperm to be discovered in other vertebrates. Recently, roles related to sperm competition have been reported in several species (e.g., the marine cottoid fish Hemilepidotus gilberti), and, with some of them, parasperm production is influenced by an intraspecific factor such as a sex ratio or the density of a population. Sperm competition is one of the important candidates for influencing evolution of parasperm functions, but not all parasperm seem to have a relation to sperm competition. Parasperm function may relate to the ecological conditions of each species that produces parasperm. Studies on parasperm function will be advanced by an ecological approach concerning male fertilization success as well as cytological investigation for parasperm.

Molecular and histological evaluation of tributyltin toxicity on spermatogenesis in a marine fish, the mummichog ( Fundulus heteroclitus)

There is still concern about the effects of organotin compounds (OTs) on marine organisms, and especially on their reproductive systems. We investigated the toxicity of tributyltin oxide (TBTO) on spermatogenesis in a marine fish, mummichog, Fundulus heteroclitus. TBTO exposure caused serious histological damage to the testis, including reduction in counts of spermatids and spermatozoa and malformation of somatic cells around the seminal duct. Analysis of the incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine into spermatogenic cells revealed inhibition of the proliferation of germ cells. To find a biomarker for evaluation of the effects of TBTO on fish spermatogenesis, we cloned genes downregulated by TBTO exposure in the mummichog testis, and identified mummichog creatine kinase (mCK). The cDNA sequence of mCK contained an open reading frame encoding 387 amino acid residues ( M r = 43,344). The derived amino acid sequence of mCK was very similar to that of the testicular-type CK of the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Furthermore, Northern blot analysis revealed that mCK was produced specifically in the testis. We therefore identified mCK in the mummichog as a testicular-type CK. Real-time PCR revealed that exposure of the fish to TBTO significantly reduced mCK expression in the testis. To some extent, this reduction was coincident with that of bromodeoxyuridine incorporation into spermatogenic cells. The mCK gene can therefore be used as a biomarker for evaluating the effects of TBTO on fish spermatogenesis. In addition, levels of expression of the mCK gene in control fish were well correlated with increments in the gonad somatic index (GSI) below 4%. Individuals that were thought to have testicular damage caused by TBTO could be discriminated from those considered normal. The results suggest that TBTO is involved in the suppression of fish spermatogenesis and that analysis of both GSI values and mCK gene expression is useful for evaluating the levels of xenobiotic pollution in coastal areas.

Congenital anomalies of the mesonephronic duct and fertility

Agenesia of deferential duct and the others congenital malformations of mesonephronical duct are often encountering condition in andrological practice. This study presents the possibilities of reproductive medicine to restore the male fertility and concentrates on biological and clinical aspects of malformations of mesonephronic duct like factors for excretory male infertility. The investigations including 104 patients (mean age 30.25+/-1.91 years old) with congenital anomalies of mesonephronical duct with: Agenesia of mesonephronical derivates - case with unilateral agenesia of the deferent duct, kidney and left urether (n=1); Dysgenesia of the epididymis (n=5); Cysts of the epididymis (n=47); Agenesia of the deferential duct (n=48); Aplasia of the eja-culatorial duct (n=3). The following methods were used: open testicular biopsy by Vilar; objective findings in situ operation; bilateral epididymo - and deferentovesiculography; morphological specimens of the testicular and epididymal tissues; enzymohistochemical analysis of testicular specimens; the ejaculates and morphological analysis of spermatozoa were assessed for quality parameters by the standard protocol; enzymocytological research of spermatozoa in seminal fluid; biochemical analysis of seminal fluid fructose and citric acid concentrations; radioimmunoassay for measurements of blood FSH and testosterone concentration. Most often observed localization of the malformations of mesonephronic canal is bilateral at 54.81%. The testicular specimens proved preserved testicular architecture and spermatogenesis, and the epididymal slides showed dilatation of the epididymal tubules, which were overfilled with a lot of spermatozoa. The strongest expression of the enzymichistochemical NADH-TR reactions is in the Sertoli cells. We observed spermatozoa with disrup-ted configuration among which the abnormalities in sperm head and acrosome were predominated. The biochemical analysis of seminal fluid proves normal citric acid and low or lack of fructose concentration in seminal fluid. There were no breaches in endocrine regulation of the reproductive process. Patients with congenital anomalies of mesonephronic canal have preserving fertility in 31.73%. There are morpho-functional disorders of the testes, epididymis and seminal ducts in 68.27%. There are normal spermatogenesis but definite sterility. These results necessitate an application of plastic reconstructive operation for recovery of fertilizing ability of the patients, or their involvement in ICSI programme.

Intraprostatic spermatozoa: zonal distribution and association with atrophy

Intraprostatic spermatozoa (IS) have been demonstrated in only 2 articles in the literature reporting on postmortem prostates. Intraprostatic spermatozoa have not been previously described in radical prostatectomies. This is the first study that describes the presence of IS in radical prostatectomies with prostatic carcinoma (PC) and its association with atrophy. We examined whole mount sagittal sections from 69 consecutive radical prostatectomy cases for PC. A central section including the seminal vesicle ejaculatory duct urethra complex (SVEDU) from each case was stained with Berg's stain to identify spermatozoa and their location. The extent and the type of atrophy were assessed on the entire prostate by using a grid method. Eighteen cases (26.1%) revealed spermatozoa both in the SVEDU and in the prostate (IS) (group 1). Twenty-two cases (31.9%) showed spermatozoa exclusively in the SVEDU but not in the prostate (group 2). The remaining 29 cases (42.0%) had no spermatozoa in either site. Location of IS was 72.2% peripheral zone, 22.2% central zone, and 5.6% transitional zone. Intraprostatic spermatozoa were frequently seen accompanied by inflammatory infiltrate in the periglandular stroma. The extent of atrophy was greater in group 1 than in group 2 (25.7% versus 15.3%; P = .006). Postatrophic hyperplasia was seen more frequently in group 1 than in group 2 (72.2% versus 40.9%; P = .025). In conclusion, the frequency of IS is 26.1% when including all prostates and 45.0% when including prostates with evidence of residual ejaculate (spermatozoa in the SVEDU), more than previously reported. Intraprostatic spermatozoa are predominantly located in the peripheral zone similar to atrophy and PC. Prostates with IS have larger atrophic areas and increased frequency of postatrophic hyperplasia. The role of IS in the pathogenesis of prostate inflammation and atrophy should be investigated.

An ultrastructural investigation of the testes and spermiogenesis in Myobia murismusculi (Schrank) (Acari, Actinedida: Myobiidae)

Summary The stages of spermiogenesis in Myobia murismusculi were investigated on the basis of ultrastructural analysis of both the testes and the female organs: receptaculum seminis and seminal duct. The walls of the testes consist of a thin epithelial layer. Germ and secretory cells lie free in the lumen of the testes. In the early stages of differentiation, both cell types represent clusters of sister cells joined by intercellular bridges. Each secretory cell contains prominent RER and Golgi complex, which produce single dense granule. Growing gradually the granule fills the whole volume of the cell's cytoplasm. Mature secretory cells disintegrate and the secretory product discharges into the testicular lumen. The germ cells are represented by the early, the intermediate and the late spermatids as well as the immature sperm (prospermia). Neither spermatogonia nor meiotic figures were observed in adult males. As spermiogenesis starts, numerous narrow invaginations of the outer membrane (peripheral channels) develop on the cell surface. They form a wide circumferential network connected to pinocytotic vesicles. Owing to the secretory activity of the Golgi complex, a large acrosomal granule is formed in the early spermatids. A long acrosomal filament runs along the intranuclear canal. Nuclear material condenses and forms two spherical bodies of different electron density. The lighter one can be observed until the stage of the late spermatids, when the nuclear envelope almost completely disappears. The electron-dense nuclear body transforms into a definite chromatin body, which is observed in the mature sperm as a cup-shaped structure. The late spermatids are characterized by the presence of a large electronlucent vacuole, which seems to be unique for the process of spermiogenesis in Actinedida. After the spermia enter the female genital tract, the peripheral channels disappear as well as the vacuole. The cells form long amoeboid arms with a special microtubular layer underneath the plasma membrane. The chromatin body is encircled by a large acrosomal granule of complex shape provided by long extensions running deep into the cytoplasm. The cytoplasm contains no organelles except for a group of unmodified mitochondria in the post-nuclear region. The main characteristics of the Myobia spermiogenesis are discussed with regard to other actinedid mites.

A sex cord‐like structure and some remarkable features in early gonadal sex differentiation in the marine teleost Siganus guttatus(Bloch)

Several notable features of early gonadal sex differentiation in the golden rabbitfish Siganus guttatus are described including the first report among teleosts of a distinctive dual structure, consisting of somatic cells directly enclosing germ cells (sex cord‐like structure, SCS) and outer somatic tissue surrounding the SCS, in both undifferentiated and early differentiated gonads. Germ cells occurred and proliferated exclusively in the SCS during the process of ovarian and testicular differentiation. A second remarkable characteristic was the delayed germinal cell proliferation for oogenesis in the ovary, that commenced simultaneously with that in the testis, a relatively long time after the onset of somatic development. These observations suggest the possibility that sex differentiation of germ cells is preceded by some sex specific changes in somatic components of the SCS that are light‐microscopically indistinguishable between the sexes. The third unique feature was the detachment of gonadal tissue, including both somatic and germ cells, into the ovarian cavity in the ovary and into the seminiferous lobules and main seminal duct in the testis. This phenomenon occurred in the testis, forming the efferent duct network after 73 days post‐hatch (DPH), and in the ovaries, forming the ovigerous lamellae and regulating the number of oocytes attaining full maturation at c. 129 DPH.