Seminal Vesicle Gland Research Articles

The microbiota continuum along the upper reproductive tract of male rat and its relation to semen parameters

Given the physiological function and anatomical location of the reproductive tract, studying the upper reproductive tract microbiota may be essential for studying male infertility and other male diseases. This study aimed to characterize the microbiota of the upper reproductive tract male rats and investigate whether specific microbial compositions are associated with sperm parameters. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to characterize the microbial composition in the testis, epididymis, seminal vesicles, vas deferens and prostate tissues of the rats. The results showed significant enrichment of Methyloperoxococcus spp. in testicular tissues, Jeotgalicoccus spp. in epididymal tissues. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that the abundance of several bacterial genera in epididymal, testicular, and seminal vesicle gland tissues correlated with several sperm activity parameters. Our findings provide detailed information on characterizing the upper reproductive tract microbiome in male rats, as well as a potentially crucial link between the reproductive system microbiota and sperm quality.

Mixed epithelial and stromal tumor of the seminal vesicle: A case report and literature review

A mixed epithelial and stromal tumor of the seminal vesicle gland is an uncommon neoplasm characterized by a dual population of epithelial and stromal cells. In this case report, we present a 59-year-old male patient who presented with a large, 10 cm mass in the left seminal vesicle, which was preliminarily suspected to be a malignant tumor of the seminal vesicle based on magnetic resonance imaging findings. Histopathological evaluation, however, revealed a tumor with biphasic epithelial–mesenchymal differentiation, predominantly displaying mesenchymal characteristics. The epithelium and stroma displayed papillary and foliar structures, respectively. The epithelial cells were bland, arranged in either single or multi-layered cuboidal patterns, and the stromal cells were spindle shaped with a sparse distribution. The patient experienced a favorable postoperative outcome. The diagnosis of mixed epithelial and stromal tumor is challenging based on clinical and imaging findings alone, and definitive diagnosis relies on pathological examination. This case report addresses a rare presentation of low-grade mixed epithelial and stromal tumor in the seminal vesicle gland and aims to expand the understanding of this entity by reviewing the relevant literature.

Ultrasonographic characteristics of prostate and seminal vesicle glands in developing Murrah buffalo bulls

The study was performed in Murrah buffalo-bull calves to assess the developmental dimensions of the prostate and seminal vesicle (SV) glands from 1 to 30 months of age with transrectal ultrasonography. The width of prostate gland ranged between 1.39±0.07 and 2.65±0.14 cm. The rate of change in the mean width of the gland was gradual and almost same from one to thirty month (P<0.05). The correlation co-efficient between width of prostate gland and age was r2 = 0.73. The mean circumference and length of the SV gland at one month to thirty months of age ranged from 6.14±0.32 to 13.05±0.34 cm and 2.61±0.09 to 6.02±0.27 cm, respectively. The correlation co-efficient between length and age, width and age, and circumference of SV gland and age were r2 = 0.68, r2 = 0.55 and r2 = 0.74, respectively. From this study, it is concluded that the ultrasonographic evaluation of prostate and SV along with growth rate could be very practical tool for the assessment of puberty.

Efficacy analysis of 26 cases of ejaculatory duct obstruction treated by prostatic utricle neck endoscopy.

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transvesical incision in the treatment of ejaculatory duct obstruction. The clinical data of 26 male infertile patients with ejaculatory duct obstruction were retrospectively analysed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from June 2020 to August 2021. All patients were treated with seminal vesicle neck incision for ejaculatory duct obstruction. The general clinical characteristics, intraoperative conditions and postoperative effects on the patients were recorded, and the therapeutic effect was evaluated. The ejaculatory duct was found through fenestration, and the seminal vesicle gland was smoothly entered in 25 patients (96.2%). Among them, 22 cases underwent bilateral endoscopy and three underwent unilateral endoscopy. Sperm appeared in 23 cases (88.5%) 3 months after surgery. The sperm concentration and motility postoperatively at 6 months were higher than that at 3 months postoperatively. No postoperative complications, such as epididymitis or retrograde ejaculation, occurred. Searching for the ejaculatory duct via the neck of the prostatic utricle, assisted by a low-energy holmium laser, is a new method for the treatment of ejaculatory duct obstruction. Microscopic vision is clear using this approach and the postoperative complications are few, which has high value for clinical application.

Establishment of an animal model of ejaculatory duct obstruction.

This study aimed to establish animal models with different degrees of ejaculatory duct obstruction. Forty‐eight male rats aged 14–15 weeks were randomly divided into three groups (n = 16): control, complete ejaculatory duct obstruction (tied around the lower seminal vesicle gland and ductus deferens with a 2–0 silk ligature), and partial ejaculatory duct obstruction (padded with a wire guide). Mortality, complications, seminal vesicle morphology and histopathology were compared in the three groups at 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively. In the complete ejaculatory duct obstruction group, seminal vesicle weight decreased gradually with increased obstruction time compared with those of the control group (p < 0.05); moreover, stone‐like material was occasionally observed. In the partial ejaculatory duct obstruction group, there was an increase followed by a decrease in seminal vesicle weight in the postoperative period compared with that of the control group (p < 0.05). Histopathological lesions of seminal vesicles were observed in the complete and partial ejaculatory duct obstruction groups (8 weeks postoperatively). We successfully established animal models of complete and partial ejaculatory duct obstruction, which provide an easy‐to‐use tool for studying seminal vesicle changes after ejaculatory duct obstruction.

Ductal adenocarcinoma of the prostate or seminal vesicle adenocarcinoma: An multi-disciplinary team (MDT) case report and literature review.

We introduced a 61-year-old male with ductal adenocarcinoma of the prostate who underwent a tortuous diagnosis and treatment. Multi-disciplinary team meetings organized by our hospital have shown great value in the whole process. The patient presented with gross hematuria accompanied by frequent urination initially, and was diagnosed with ductal adenocarcinoma of the prostate involving right seminal vesicle gland and urethra by urethroscopy biopsy. The clinical stage of tumor was T3bN0M0. After 4 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the tumor shrank significantly and the patient underwent a laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. But the patient declined to continue chemotherapy postoperatively. After 10 months, the serum prostatic specific antigen increased to 0.05 ng/mL, and multiple metastases were found in the patient's bilateral lungs. However, an unexpected diagnosis of seminal vesicle adenocarcinoma was put forward from another hospital after supplementary pathologic immunohistochemical examination. Then, after careful discussion and demonstration by our multi-disciplinary team experts, we insisted on the diagnosis of ductal adenocarcinoma of the prostate and suggested that the original regimen of chemotherapy should be continued. Up-to-date, 14 months after the operation, the patient continues to survive while undergoing ongoing active treatment as recommended.

ARID1A deficient undifferentiated spindle cell and rhabdoid sarcoma of the prostate: report of a unique case with emphasis on diagnostic implications

BackgroundSWItch Sucrose Non-Fermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin-remodeling complex functions collectively as a tumor suppressor and the inactivation of any of its constituent components is frequently associated with tumor initiation and/or progression. Most SWI/SNF deficient tumors share common rhabdoid morphology. ARID1A is the most frequently dysregulated SWI/SNF subunit in human cancer and inactivation of ARID1A is frequent across carcinomatous types while very rarely drives the tumorigenesis of sarcomas. Herein, we report a rare case of primary prostatic undifferentiated spindle cell sarcoma with focal rhabdoid morphology, harboring biallelic inactivation of ARID1A detected by next-generation sequencing with complete loss of ARID1A expression by immunohistochemistry.Case presentationThe patient is a 58-year-old man who presented with dysuria and obstructive voiding symptoms for 3 month and was found to have a large, ill-defined, prostatic mass lesion with circumferential extension into the rectal wall on imaging studies. A needle biopsy showed a spindle cell undifferentiated sarcoma of the prostate and the patient was treated by chemotherapy of combined etoposide and cisplatin for 2 months. A subsequent imaging study showed that the tumor was significantly enlarged, and the patient underwent laparoscopically radical prostatectomy. Gross examination showed a disrupted, 10 × 7 × 5 cm, solid and cystic mass involving almost the entire prostate and sparing the seminal vesicle glands. Histologic examination showed that tumor was composed mainly of mildly atypical, oval to spindle-shaped cells, arranged in sheets and fascicles or herringbone-like patterns within a small amount of edematous to myxoid, vascularized stroma. Notably, groups of discohesive rhabdoid tumor cells with eccentric nuclei, prominent nucleoli, and abundant globular cytoplasm were observed. There were prominent mitotic figures, multifocal geographic necroses, and foci of lymphovascular invasion. Immunohistochemistry showed that the tumor cells were diffusely positive for TLE-1 and vimentin and focally positive for epithelial membrane antigen, AE1/3, Cam5.2, SATB2, and CD34 (all in less than 10% tumor cells). Next-generation sequencing showed biallelic inactivation mutation of ARID1A; the predicted inactivating effect of ARID1A deletion was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. After the surgery, the patient received an alternative combined chemotherapy of doxorubicin and ifosfamide for 5 months. The patient died 9 months after initial presentation due to extensive abdominal metastases.ConclusionsWe report an ARID1A deficient undifferentiated spindle cell and rhabdoid sarcoma of the prostate, adding to the growing spectrum of SWI/SNF driven undifferentiated sarcoma. Rhabdoid cells can be a helpful morphological clue for promoting molecular and immunohistochemical analyses for deficiency of SWI/SNF subunits, in the diagnostic workup of undifferentiated neoplasms featuring epithelioid or rhabdoid morphology.

Social status and ejaculate composition in the house mouse.

Sperm competition theory predicts that males should tailor ejaculates according to their social status. Here, we test this in a model vertebrate, the house mouse (Mus musculus domesticus), combining experimental data with a quantitative proteomics analysis of seminal fluid composition. Our analyses reveal that both sperm production and the composition of proteins found in seminal vesicle secretions differ according to social status. Dominant males invested more in ejaculate production overall. Their epididymides contained more sperm than those of subordinate or control males, despite similar testes size between the groups. Dominant males also had larger seminal vesicle glands than subordinate or control males, despite similar body size. However, the seminal vesicle secretions of subordinate males had a significantly higher protein concentration than those of dominant males. Moreover, detailed proteomic analysis revealed subtle but consistent differences in the composition of secreted seminal vesicle proteins according to social status, involving multiple proteins of potential functional significance in sperm competition. These findings have significant implications for understanding the dynamics and outcome of sperm competition, and highlight the importance of social status as a factor influencing both sperm and seminal fluid investment strategies.This article is part of the theme issue ‘Fifty years of sperm competition’.

Effect of Age on Histological Changes of Urogenital Tract in Albino Rats

This study was conducted to investigate the histologic changes of kidney, urinary bladder, testis, seminal vesicle and prostate gland of rats of various ages (6,12 and 18 months old). Results illustrated variable changes of kidney represented by congestion of renal capillaries, acute tubular necrosis, shrinkage of glomerular tuft, degeneration in tubular epithelium of the 6,12 and 18 months old rats, the morphometric changes of the glomerular diameter decreases with advanced age. The lesions of urinary bladder characterized by hyperplasia of the epithelial lining, papillae into the lumen, hypertrophy of muscle fibers, desquamation of epithelium, cystitis in addition to thickening of the mucosa and hyalinization of muscle fibers of the 6,12 and 18 months old rats. The thickness of the bladder wall showed a significant changes increase at (P≤0.05) with age, while morphometric analysis did not show any age related changes in the bladder muscle thickness. In testis there were congestion of blood vessels, a spermia, degeneration of the spermatocytes and spermatozoa, thickening of interstitial and hyperplasia of leydig cells of the 6,12 and 18 months old rats. The wall thickness of Seminiferous tubule increases with age and basement membrane thickness and tubular diameter decreased with age. The seminal vesicle of the 6,12 and 18 months old rats revealed hyperplasia of glandular epithelium. Lesions of the prostate gland of 6,12 and 18 months old rats showed epithelial hyperplasia which extended as finger-like projections and presence of variable amounts of colloid substance.

The Structure and Hormone Expression of Male Accessory Reproductive Glands of the Sunda Porcupine (Hystrix Javanica)

This research was to investigate the histological structure of male accessory reproductive glands of the Sunda porcupine and verify the presence of testosterone and Androgen Binding Protein (ABP) with immunolocalization. The research used three accessory reproductive gland samples of male Sunda porcupine. Tissues were processed using paraffin method and stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin and Immunohistochemistry methods. The histological structure and distribution of testosterone and ABP were analyzed descriptively. This research showed that male accessory reproductive glands of the Sunda porcupine are seminal vesicle, prostate, and bulbourethral glands. The seminal vesicle was lined by simple columnar epithelium, prostate was lined by simple columnar epithelium or simple cuboidal epithelium, and bulbourethral gland was lined by simple cuboidal epithelium. The presence of testosterone was found in adenomere cells of seminal vesicle and prostate glands; and in interstitial tissue of bulbourethral gland. The presence of ABP was detected in the adenomere cells of the bulbourethral gland. The male accessory reproductive glands of Sunda porcupine has been identified which consist of seminal vesicle, prostate, and bulbourethral glands. The immunolocalization of testosterone was found in adenomere cells of seminal vesicle and prostate glands, and ABP was detected in bulbourethral gland. Keywords: Androgen binding protein, Bulbourethral, Hystrix javanica , Prostate, Seminal vesicle, Testosterone DOI : 10.7176/ALST/78-04 Publication date: February 29 th 2020

Effects of Cadmium and /or Chromium on reproductive organs and semen profiles of male albino rats

Objective: To evaluate the potential hazards of cadmium and/or chromium on the reproductive system of adult male albino rat. Design: Randomized controlled study. Animals: Forty mature male albino rats weighing 260 ± 10 g. Procedures: Rats were allocated into four groups (ten animals each). Control group (group 1), group 2 received 4.4 mg kg-1 cadmium chloride, group 3 was given 2.5 mg kg-1 sodium dichromate and group 4 received combination of Cd (2.2 mg kg-1) and Cr (1.25mg kg-1) orally, once daily for 65 consecutive days. Results: Exposure to Cd or Cr, in particular their combination, caused a reduction in the index weights of testes, epididymis, seminal vesicle and prostate glands. They induced a reduction of sperm count and viability with an increase of abnormal sperm morphology. Interestingly, in the combination group (Cd and Cr together), the deleterious effects were more noticeable. Pathologically, both Cd and Cr produced degenerative changes in seminiferous tubules, necrosis of spermatogenic epithelium within the testis. Moreover, the interstitial tissue of epididymis showed marked edema and prostate showed necrosis and serous exudate of lining epithelium. In the interaction group, testis showed complete degenerative changes and necrosis of spermatogenic epithelium, with marked interstitial edema and hyperplastic epithelial lining of epididymal tubules. Conclusion and clinical relevance: The present results support the hypothesis that the testis is one of the most sensitive organs to Cd and/or Cr and that the exposure to any of them or to their combination lead to testicular damage and thereby male infertility.

Seminal fluid metabolome and epididymal changes after antibiotic treatment in mice.

Paternal environment can induce detrimental developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) effects in resulting offspring and even future descendants. Such paternal-induced DOHaD effects might originate from alterations in a possible seminal fluid microbiome (SFM) and composite metabolome. Seminal vesicles secrete a slightly basic product enriched with fructose and other carbohydrates, providing an ideal habitat for microorganisms. Past studies confirm the existence of a SFM that is influenced by genetic and nutritional status. Herein, we sought to determine whether treatment of male mice with a combination of antibiotics designed to target SFM induces metabolic alterations in seminal vesicle gland secretions (seminal fluid) and histopathological changes in testes and epididymides. Adult (10- to 12-week-old) National Institutes of Health (NIH) Swiss males (n = 10 per group) were treated with Clindamycin 0.06 mg/kg day, Unasyn (ampicillin/sulbactam) 40 mg/kg day and Baytril (enrofloxacin) 50 mg/kg day designed to target the primary bacteria within the SFM or saline vehicle alone. Fourteen-day antibiotic treatment of males induced metabolomic changes in seminal vesicles with inosine, xanthine and l-glutamic acid decreased but d-fructose increased in glandular secretions. While spermatogenesis was not affected in treated males, increased number of epididymal tubules showed cribriform growth in this group (7 antibiotic-treated males: 3 saline control males; P = 0.01). Antibiotic-treated males showed more severe cribriform cysts. Current findings suggest antibiotic treatment of male mice results in seminal fluid metabolome and epididymal histopathological alterations. It remains to be determined whether such changes compromise male reproductive function or lead to DOHaD effects in resulting offspring.

Investigation of the Effects of Bisphenol A on the Histology and Ultrastructure of Prostate and Seminal Vesicle Glands in Rats

Background: Bisphenol A is a xenoestrogen, synthesized in large quantities for the production of polymers (polycarbonates, epoxy resins) and thermal paper, and is widely used in products of everyday use (packaging, containers and bottles). Data concerning the occurrence of BPA in food, water and indoor environments as well as its appearance in tissues and body fluids of the human body are available in the literature. Male accessory sex glands are also vulnerable to environmental endocrine disruptors with adverse effects in adulthood. The developing prostate gland is particularly sensitive to estrogens and high-dose exposures during a critical developmental window results in intraepithelial prostatic neoplasia (PIN) in adult rodent models. Bisphenol A is also an endocrine disruptor. High levels of BPA exposure correlate with increased risk of mammary gland, brain and prostate cancers and have adverse effects on the tissues of the prostate and seminal vesicles. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of BPA doses on the histological structure and ultrastructure of prostate and seminal vesicle glands. Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10): A control group and three treatment groups, receiving BPA at doses of 10, 50 and 100 µg/kg. Bisphenol A was administrated intraperitoneally for 15 days. As the prostate and seminal vesicle glands were dissected on the day 16, the structure and ultrastructure histological parameters were analyzed, using light and electron microscopes. Results: The main pathological finding observed in the prostrate and seminal vesicle glands, using light microscope, revealed congestion in the connective tissue and vacuolization in the secretory units of epithelial cells and epithelium rupture at 50 and 100 µg/kg doses of BPA. Ultrastructure study showed vacuolization of mitochondria, condensation of nuclei and disappearance of nucleus in the prostate tissue. Pathological changes showed the vacuolization and dilation of endoplamic reticulum (ER) and secretory glands and disappearance of microvilli. They also showed an increase in collagen fibers around the cells in the seminal vesicle tissue in the treatment group that received 100 µg/kg BW BPA. Conclusions: This study revealed that BPA has adverse effects on the reproductive system in male rats. The results also revealed that BPA has destructive effects on the prostate and seminal vesicle glands.

Effect of glyphosate on reproductive organs in male rat

Glyphosate as an active ingredient of Roundup® which is thought to be one of the most popular herbicide was used worldwide. Many studies have focused on reproductive toxicity on glyphosate-based herbicide, but few evidence exists to imply the male reproductive toxicity of glyphosate alone in vivo. In this study SD rats were Lavaged with glyphosate at doses of 5, 50, 500mg/kg to detect the toxicity of glyphosate on rat testis. Glyphosate significantly decreased the average daily feed intake at dose of 50mg/kg, and the weight of seminal vesicle gland, coagulating gland as well as the total sperm count at dose of 500mg/kg. Immunohistochemistry of androgen receptor (AR) has no difference among all groups. As to testosterone, estradiol, progesterone and oxidative stress parameters, the level of them has no differences amidst all doses. Taken together, we conclude that glyphosate alone has low toxicity on male rats reproductive system.

Application of the Ureteroscope for Diagnosis and Treatment of the Seminal Vesicle Diseases.

The objective of this paper is to apply the transurethral endoscopic technique with the ureteroscope for diagnosis and treatment of the seminal vesicle and ejaculatory duct disorders. At present there is no special equipment designed to enter directly into the seminal vesicle cavity under direct vision. Sixty patients with disorders of the seminal vesicle were included in this study. A 6.5 F rigid ureteroscope (Richard Wolf GmbH, Knittlingen, Germany) was inserted into the posterior urethra to find the verumontanum. Then a 3F catheter (Shanghai Kangge JJMC, Shanghai, China) was inserted into the verumontanum. After that the 6.5 F ureteroscope was introduced into the ejaculatory duct and seminal vesicle to examine them under direct observation. A total of 55 patients were diagnosed and cured successfully with the ureteroscope; 42 (76.4%) patients were discovered to have hemospermia. They were given an anti-inflammatory and seminal vesicle washing. Eight (14.5%) patients who had small stones in the seminal vesicle were offered the operation of the stones removal. Five (9.1%) patients were found to have seminal vesicle gland cysts. The orifices of ejaculatory duct were not found in 3 patients among 5 who were operated unsuccessfully. The ureteroscope failed to enter the seminal vesicle in 2 patients. Some diseases of the seminal vesicle and ejaculatory duct can be easily diagnosed and treated in the clinical practice using a ureteroscope. Transurethral endoscopy technique with the ureteroscope for diagnosis and therapy of the seminal vesicle and ejaculatory duct disorders is safe and practicable.

Effect of Piper betel leaf stalk extract on protein metabolism in reproductive tissues of male albino rats

Article history: Received 18 July 2014 Objective: To know the impact of Piper betel leaf stalk (P. betel) extract on Protein and energy metabolism and its role in male albino rats. Methods: Healthy adult (3-4 months old) male Wistar strain albino rats were administered with betel leaf stalk extract, at the dose of 50 mg/ kg/day through oral gavages for 15 days. Twenty four hours after the last dose, the animals were autopsied. In order to assess antifertility effect in testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle and prostate gland, estimation of total, soluble and structural proteins, free amino acids and DNA, RNA were undertaken. Results: The accumulation in proteins indicates the anti-androgenic effect of extract. The reduction in free amino acids will affect the sertoli cell function, results in the damage of spermatogenesis. The significant elevation in testicular DNA content (hyperplasia) was observed. In the present study, P. betel leaf stalk extract decreases the concentration of RNA, in testes, seminal vesicle and prostate gland except in epididymis where it was elevated. It indicates the alterations in rate of protein synthesis and growth rate of tissues due to the administration of P. betel leaf stalk extraction. However, the RNA: DNA ratio was reduced except in prostate. Conclusions: P. betel leaf stalk extract exert its anti androgenic effect by alterations in rate of protein synthesis and cellular hypertrophy occur in prostate.

Etiology screening role of transrectal ultrasonography in male obstructive azoospermia infertility

Objective To study etiology screening role of transrectal ultrasonography in male obstructive azoospermia infertility. Methods The clinical data of 328 cases who suspected of being obstructed sperm disease were retrospectively analyzed. TRUS detection was conducted, at the same time, the sperm amount, sperm and semen p H, pure berries quantitative, neutral sugar alpha glycosidase enzymes quantitative, elastic hard protease were tested. Results In 328 cases with male obstructed no sperm,by TRUS detection results,216 cases(65.8%)could find the causes, ejaculatory duct expansion, seminal vesicle gland lesions, prostate midline cyst were the top three causes respectively; 112 patients(34.2%) had no obvious abnormal ultrasonic testing. Sperm was not seen in semen of obstructive azoospermia patients and semen p H<7,pure berries sugar quantitative and quantitative value neutral alpha glycosidase enzymes were very low,hard elastic protease was low. Conclusion The main causes of obstructive azoospermia were ejaculatory duct expansion, seminal vesicle gland lesions, prostate midline cyst, sperm TRUS detection used for diagnosis of high sensitivity, and easy to operate, noninvasive, and combined with seminal plasma biochemical examination, the diagnostic effect is much better. Key words: Infertility; Azoospermia; Ultrasonography

Endocrine Disruption of Cadmium in Rats Using the OECD Enhanced TG 407 Test System

ObjectiveTo evaluate the endocrine disrupting effects of cadmium (Cd) using OECD enhanced TG407 test guideline. MethodsSprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups and accordingly administered with 0, 1, 2.5, 5, 10, 20 mg/kg·BW/day of Cd by gavage for 28 days. Body weight, food consumption, hematology, biochemistry, sex hormone levels, urinary β2-microglobulin, organ weights and histopathology and estrous cycle were detected. ResultsCd could significantly decrease animals' body weight (P<0.05). Serum luteinizing hormone (LH) at 10-20 mg/kg·BW groups and testosterone (T) at 2.5 and 10 mg/kg·BW groups decreased significantly (P<0.05). However, no statistically significant change was found in urinary β2-microglobulin among Cd-treatment groups (P<0.05). Endpoints related to female reproduction including uterus weight and histopathological change at 10-20 mg/kg·BW groups showed significant increase (P<0.05). While among male rats in 2.5, 10, 20 mg/kg·BW groups, weight of prostate, thyroids, and seminal vesicle glands significantly decreased (P<0.05). Moreover, no histopathological change was observed in kidney. ConclusionResults suggested that Cd can cause endocrine disrupting effects in SD rats. Comparing with possible renal toxicity of Cd, its toxicity on endocrine system was more sensitive.

Some Studies on The Effect of Lead on Fertility, Some Hormone and Trace Elements in Male Rabbits

This study was designed to determine the most adverse effect of underground well water contain high level of lead on fertility, leukogram and some biochemical parameters in mature balady male rabbits. Sample from underground well water from 10 th Ramadan City area and fresh tap water was examined for detection of lead level. Analysis of underground well water sample revealed presence of 0.84 ppm lead but fresh tap water had 0.12 ppm. A total of 10 mature male balady rabbits were divided into 2 equal groups (5 of each). First group mature male rabbits drink fresh tap water that contains 0.12 ppm lead (control group) and second group mature male rabbits drink underground well water contain that 0.84 ppm lead for 60 successive days. At 61 th day all rabbits were slaughtered and two blood and semen samples were taken for determination of leukogram and some biochemical parameters beside evaluate semen characters. Mature male balady rabbits drink underground well water high in lead show significant leukocytosis, neutrophilia, monocytosis, lymphocytosis beside to significant elevation in serum lead, AST ALT ALP, GGT, total sperm abnormalities % beside a significant reduction in testosterone, T3, T4 level, iron, zinc copper, total protein, albumin, sperm number, sperm motility alive sperm, weight of (testis epididymis, seminal vesicle gland and prostate gland) and insignificant decrease in eosinophils, basophils and globulin It could be concluded that high lead underground well water induce infertility in mature male balady rabbits beside alterations in leukogram, biochemical parameters and some hormones. So, It is recommended not use underground water due to its high level of lead in rabbits farms.

Histological Study of the Prostate and Vesicular Glands in Eastern European hedgehog (Erinaceous concolor)

In present study, Prostate and seminal vesicle gland are investigated to determine their histological structure five prostates and seminal vesicles from adult hedgehogs that had no clinical evidences were evaluated. The description of the histological characteristics of glands was determined by light microscopy after removed and fixation of tissue samples, providing of 6-7µsections and staining with hematoxylin/eosin. Results showed that the prostate is surrounded by connective tissue capsule and trabeculae from the capsule divide the gland into many compartments. Each compartment was lined with simple columnar epithelium. The seminal vesicle gland was observed to be divided by the connective tissue trabeculae. Epithelium of this gland was simple columnar with apical blebs.