Area Of Seminiferous Tubules Research Articles

In Utero Exposure to Environmentally Relevant Concentrations of PCB 153 and PCB 118 Disrupts Fetal Testis Development in Sheep

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) are environmental pollutants linked to adverse health effects including endocrine disruption and disturbance of reproductive development. This study aimed to determine whether exposure of pregnant sheep to three different mixtures of PCB 153 and PCB 118 affected fetal testis development. Ewes were treated by oral gavage from mating until euthanasia (d 134), producing three groups of fetuses with distinct adipose tissue PCB levels: high PCB 153/low PCB 118 (n = 13), high PCB 118/low PCB 153 (n = 14), and low PCB 153/low PCB 118 (n = 14). Fetal testes and blood samples were collected for investigation of testosterone, testis morphology, and testis proteome. The body weight of the offspring was lower in the high PCB compared to the low PCB group, but there were no significant differences in testis weight between groups when corrected for body weight. PCB exposure did not markedly affect circulating testosterone. There were no significant differences between groups in number of seminiferous tubules, Sertoli cell only tubules, and ratio between relative areas of seminiferous tubules and interstitium. Two-dimensional (2D) gel-based proteomics was used to screen for proteomic alterations in the high exposed groups relative to low PCB 153/low PCB 118 group. Twenty-six significantly altered spots were identified by liquid chromatography (LC)–mass spectroscopy (MS)/MS. Changes in protein regulation affected cellular processes as stress response, protein synthesis, and cytoskeleton regulation. The study demonstrates that in utero exposure to different environmental relevant PCB mixtures exerted subtle effects on developing fetal testis proteome but did not significantly disturb testis morphology and testosterone production.

Ameliorating Effects of Curcumin and Propolis against the Reproductive Toxicity of Gentamicin in Adult Male Guinea Pigs: Quantitative Analysis and Morphological Study

Infertility is a growing worldwide problem and about half of the causes could be traced in male partner. Aim of the work: the present work aimed to study propolis and curcumin for their potential ameliorative effects on reproductive toxicity induced by gentamicin in guinea pigs from morphological and quantitative aspects. Materials and methods: 36 guinea pigs were used for this study and divided into 6 groups. The first 3 groups were control (normal control, curcumin administered, and propolis administered), the 4th group was the experimental and administered gentamicin at a dose of 5 mg/kg body wt for 10 days, and in the 5th and 6th groups, gentamicin was co-administered with propolis and curcumin at the doses of 50 mg, and 10 mg/kg body wt respectively. The animals were sacrificed and the testes were dissected out from which specimens were obtained. The specimens were processed for light microscopic examinations and quantitative analysis. Blood samples were obtained for assessment of plasma testosterone level. Results: Structurally, in gentamicin treated animals, the seminiferous tubules showed sloughing of the germinal epithelium into lumen where sperms were few. The basement membrane appeared thick, irregular and degenerated. Wide interstitial spaces with few Leydig cells were observed. From the quantitative aspect, the percent of volume density and absolute volume of seminiferous tubules were significantly reduced. Also, the diameter, total length, and total surface area of seminiferous tubules were significantly reduced. The numbers of Sertoli cells, round spermatids and daily sperm production per testis and per gram of testicular tissue were significantly decreased in gentamicin treated guinea pigs. As regard to endocrine part of the testis, the percent of volume density of Leydig cell nuclei, the total number of Leydig cells, and plasma testosterone level were significantly decreased in gentamicin treated guinea pigs. With co-administration of propolis and curcumin, the structure of seminiferous tubules improved and their lumens were full of bundles of sperms. Also, all the parameters of seminiferous tubules and total numbers of Sertoli cells, round spermatids, daily sperm production and Leydig cells were ameliorated significantly as compared to gentamicin treated animals. Also, the testosterone level was improved. Conclusion: It can be concluded that, the gentamicin even at therapeutic dose can have adverse impacts on male reproduction. Administration of propolis or curcumin can ameliorate these effects. So, the patients while treated by gentamicin should be advised to use one of them.

Combined Effects of Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) and Benzo(a)Pyrene on Fertility in Male Rats

Our previous studies revealed the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and phthalic acid esters were the major organic pollutants in the Jialing River and Yangtze River in the Three Gorges area, and they might cause the toxicity in male fertility when combined. Thus we used di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and Benzo(a)pyrene (Bap) as their representatives respectively to explore their effects on the spermatogenesis in male rats. Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups and respectively exposed to corn oil, Bap (5 mg/kg/d), DBP (250 mg/kg/d), and combined doses of Bap (5 mg/kg/d) and DBP (250 mg/kg/d) for 90 days. We observed a significant increase in the stillbirth rate after Bap and combined treatments, while the mean area of seminiferous tubules was reduced after Bap, DBP and combined treatments. Bap and combined treatment had a sup- pressing effect on meiosis in germ cells, which reduced the haploid contents and the ratio between haploid and diploid but increased the tetraploid and diploid contents and the ratio between hap- loid and tetraploid. These effects were more obvious in the combined group. Furthermore, the ex- pression of a number of proteins was changed, of which was associated with the oxidative stress and cAMP/PKA signaling pathway. Our results suggest that Bap has significant toxic effects on male fertility, while the combined treatment of Bap and DBP has more toxic effects.

Relationships of serum thyroid hormones and follicle-stimulating hormone concentrations to Sertoli cell differentiation during the first wave of spermatogenesis in euthyroid ram lambs

The main purpose of this study was to determine if temporal relationships exist between serum concentrations of free fractions of thyroxin (fT4) and triiodothyronine (fT3), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, and Sertoli cell differentiation in euthyroid ram lamb testes. Additionally, testicular thyroid hormone (TH) receptors (TRs) were identified using immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. Weekly testicular biopsies and jugular blood samples were collected from 12 ram lambs over the 9 weeks of study. Hormone concentrations and the numbers of dividing Sertoli cells per seminiferous tubule (ST) area were analyzed relative to chronological age of animals and the two distinctive stages of Sertoli cell differentiation: (a) tight junction/ST lumen formation and (b) the onset of support mechanisms for the development of multiple germ cell types (presence of primary spermatocytes in >95% STs). Circulating FSH concentrations increased (p<0.05) immediately after first detection of ST lumen and reached a nadir (p<0.05) just prior to the end of the first wave of spermatogenesis. A decline in both fT4 and fT3 levels (p<0.05) occurred after Sertoli cells had formed the ST lumen and began supporting germ cell differentiation. There was a positive correlation between the numbers of proliferating Sertoli cells and serum fT4 (r=0.51, p<0.001) and fT3 (r=0.52, p<0.001) concentrations. TRs were expressed throughout the study period; however, prior to the formation of ST lumen, two isoforms were detected while only one TR isoform was present by the end of the first wave of spermatogenesis. Overall, the exit of Sertoli cells from the cell cycle that presages their final differentiation begins when THs and FSH levels are high, suggesting a permissive role of these hormones in the maturation of STs in prepubertal ram lambs.

Infertility in rats subjected to genitofemoral nerve section is not associated with testicular damage

This work was aimed at assessing the relationship between testicular ascent and infertility induced by genitofemoral nerve (GFN) section in rats. Eighteen male rats were assigned to three experimental groups as follows: (i) Group SGFN was subjected to surgical section of genitofemoral nerve; (ii) Group Sham; (iii) Control group. The GFN was cut at puberty (28D), and the contralateral testis removed at 90D, with fertility tests at 120D. At 150D, maturity index, epithelial area and histopathological index of seminiferous tubules of all rats were determined and statistically compared between superior and inferior testicle poles, and between groups. There were no differences in testicular parameters, sperm morphology or sperm concentrations (P > 0.05). Section of NGF interfered with fertility (58.3 ± 15.4 in SGFN versus 83.3 ± 10.5 in Sham) and litter size (6.2 ± 1.1 in SGFN versus 10.7 ± 1.4 in Sham). Cremaster of SGFN group showed early neuropathy. The GFN section induced partial testicular ascent and diminished fertility without damage on testicular morphology or spermatic parameters, because, cremaster could affect the contractibility and ejaculation mechanisms in which it participates. The study of the damage on cremaster induced by an injury on GFN could have an overview of the mechanisms inherent in the testicular ascent induced by this iatrogenic alteration and their potential risks on fertility.

Testosterone Levels and Development of the Penile Spines and Testicular Tissue during the Postnatal Growth in Wistar Rats

Aim of Study: Gonadal hormones exert a profound influence on the development, structure and function of the sexual organs. The testosterone is one of the androgens that plays an essential role in the development of sexual organs in male mammals. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the testosterone levels and developmental pattern of the penile spines and seminiferous tubules during early postnatal life of Wistar rats. Methods and Materials: At 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63 and 70 days after birth, penile and testicular tissues of male rats were dissected out and fixed for histological study and plasma testosterone levels were determined using high resolution chromatography. Results: An increase in the number of penile follicles, primarily in the distal region of the penis, was observed from postnatal days 14 to 42, followed by a gradual decrease. Penile spines were absent from birth until the first growth peak, which was observed at 42 postnatal days. Both testicular weight and the area of seminiferous tubules showed gradual increases before achieving their highest values at 42 postnatal days. Similarly, a gradual increase in testosterone levels was detected from day 28, with a peak at 42 postnatal days. Conclusions: These data show a temporal association between the development of the penile spines and testicular tissue with gradual increases in testosterone levels. These results may contribute to a better understanding of the behavioral, hormonal and morphological changes underlying sexual maturation in male rats.

Boys with Undescended Testes: Endocrine, Volumetric and Morphometric Studies on Testicular Function before and after Orchidopexy at Nine Months or Three Years of Age

A randomized controlled study was conducted comparing the outcome of surgery for congenital cryptorchidism at 9 months or 3 yr of age. The aim of the study was to investigate whether surgery at 9 months is more beneficial than at 3 yr and to identify early endocrine markers of importance for testicular development. A total of 213 biopsies were taken at orchidopexy, and the number of germ and Sertoli cells per 100 seminiferous cord cross-sections and the surface area of seminiferous tubules and interstitial tissue were analyzed. Inhibin B, FSH, LH, and testosterone were determined. Testicular volume was assessed by ultrasonography and by a ruler. The number of germ and Sertoli cells and testicular volume at 9 months were significantly larger than at 3 yr. The intraabdominal testes showed the largest germ cell depletion at 3 yr. At both ages, testicular volume correlated to the number of germ and Sertoli cells. None of the hormones measured during the first 6 months of life (LH, FSH, testosterone, and inhibin B) could predict the number of germ or Sertoli cells at either 9 or 36 months of age, nor could hormone levels predict whether spontaneous descent would occur or not. Morphometric and volumetric data show that orchidopexy at 9 months is more beneficial for testicular development than an operation at 3 yr of age. Testicular volume was furthermore shown to reflect germ cell numbers in early childhood, whereas endocrine parameters could not predict cellular structure of the testis or its spontaneous descent.

Small-Molecule Inhibition of BRDT for Male Contraception

SummaryA pharmacologic approach to male contraception remains a longstanding challenge in medicine. Toward this objective, we explored the spermatogenic effects of a selective small-molecule inhibitor (JQ1) of the bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) subfamily of epigenetic reader proteins. Here, we report potent inhibition of the testis-specific member BRDT, which is essential for chromatin remodeling during spermatogenesis. Biochemical and crystallographic studies confirm that occupancy of the BRDT acetyl-lysine binding pocket by JQ1 prevents recognition of acetylated histone H4. Treatment of mice with JQ1 reduced seminiferous tubule area, testis size, and spermatozoa number and motility without affecting hormone levels. Although JQ1-treated males mate normally, inhibitory effects of JQ1 evident at the spermatocyte and round spermatid stages cause a complete and reversible contraceptive effect. These data establish a new contraceptive that can cross the blood:testis boundary and inhibit bromodomain activity during spermatogenesis, providing a lead compound targeting the male germ cell for contraception.PaperClip

Testicular ultrasonogram pixel intensity during sexual development and its relationship with semen quality, sperm production, and quantitative testicular histology in beef bulls

This study was conducted to evaluate testicular ultrasonogram pixel intensity during sexual development in bulls and to determine its relationship with semen quality, sperm production, and quantitative testicular histology. Beef bulls (N = 152) were examined from 14 - 26 to 70 - 74 wk of age in four different years. Testicular echogenicity increased during sexual development, but the pattern of change differed among years. Echogenicity increased between 26 and 42 to 46 wk of age in 2 yr, but increased considerably earlier in the other 2 yr, reaching maximum values at 34 wk of age. Because increased echogenicity was likely associated with testicular changes leading to initiation of spermatogenesis, these differences were difficult to explain considering that age at puberty did not differ significantly among years. When data were evaluated according to age normalized to puberty, echogenicity started to increase 16 to 12 wk before puberty and reached maximum values 4 wk before or at puberty. These results indicate that a certain developmental stage of the testicular parenchyma must be reached before puberty and that the composition of the parenchyma remained consistent after puberty. Testicular echogenicity was associated with sperm production, seminiferous tubule and epithelium area, and sperm morphology, but the associations were not consistent. Testicular echogenicity was a good indicator of pubertal and mature status, but was not superior to scrotal circumference. In conclusion, although testicular ultrasonogram pixel intensity analysis might be useful for research purposes, clinical application of this technology in the present form for bull breeding soundness evaluation is not justifiable.

The Effects of Supplemental Vitamin E on Reproductive Development of Prepubertal Karya Male Lambs

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of dietary vitamin E supplementation on testicular and behavioural development, and histological appearance of testes in Karya male lambs. Thirteen lambs weaned at 2.5 months of age were used in the experiment. Experiment was carried out over a period of 70 days and all lambs were fed ad libitum on concentrate and 100 g/day clover hay per lamb. In addition, the experimental group (n=6) received a supplement of 45 mg/day vitamin E (dl-α-tocopherol acetate) per lamb. Testicular measurements and blood testosterone concentrations were recorded every second week. Behavioural tests were carried out four times per animal at three days intervals during the last 12 days of the experiment. After slaughtering, testicular tissue samples of all animals were collected and evaluated for the histological appearances. Except for mount attempts (P<0.05), sexual behaviour and testicular growth characteristics of the lambs were similar. The mounting parameters, testosterone concentrations and testes and epididymides weights were similar between the two groups. However, the mean of mounting weight was found lower (P<0.05) with Vitamin E lambs compared to control (28.78±3.48 vs. 33.98±3.64 kg, respectively). The area of seminiferous tubules was statistically different (P<0.001) between the two groups. However, there were no significant differences between the two groups for most of the reproductive characters. These findings suggest that supplementation of Vitamin E during early prepubertal age of Karya male lambs does not have considerable effects on the reproductive characteristics.

The effects of supplemental vitamin E on reproductive development of prepubertal Karya male lambs.

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to determine the effect of dietary vitamin E supplementation on testicular and behavioural development, and histological appearance of testes in Karya male lambs. Thirteen lambs weaned at 2.5 months of age were used in the experiment. Experiment was carried out over a period of 70 days and all lambs were fed ad libitum on concentrate and 100 g/day clover hay per lamb. In addition, the experimental group (n=6) received a supplement of 45 mg/day vitamin E (dl-α-tocopherol acetate) per lamb. Testicular measurements and blood testosterone concentrations were recorded every second week. Behavioural tests were carried out four times per animal at three days intervals during the last 12 days of the experiment. After slaughtering, testicular tissue samples of all animals were collected and evaluated for the histological appearances. Except for mount attempts (P<0.05), sexual behaviour and testicular growth characteristics of the lambs were similar. The mounting parameters, testosterone concentrations and testes and epididymides weights were similar between the two groups. However, the mean of mounting weight was found lower (P<0.05) with Vitamin E lambs compared to control (28.78±3.48 vs. 33.98±3.64 kg, respectively). The area of seminiferous tubules was statistically different (P<0.001) between the two groups. However, there were no significant differences between the two groups for most of the reproductive characters. These findings suggest that supplementation of Vitamin E during early prepubertal age of Karya male lambs does not have considerable effects on the reproductive characteristics.

Arylsulfatase A deficiency causes seminolipid accumulation and a lysosomal storage disorder in Sertoli cells

Sulfogalactosylglycerolipid (SGG) is the major sulfoglycolipid of male germ cells. During spermatogenesis, apoptosis occurs in >50% of total germ cells. Sertoli cells phagocytose these apoptotic germ cells and degrade their components using lysosomal enzymes. Here we demonstrated that SGG was a physiological substrate of Sertoli lysosomal arylsulfatase A (ARSA). SGG accumulated in Sertoli cells of Arsa(-/-) mice, and at 8 months of age, this buildup led to lysosomal swelling and other cellular abnormalities typical of a lysosomal storage disorder. This disorder likely compromised Sertoli cell functions, manifesting as impaired spermatogenesis and production of sperm with near-zero fertilizing ability in vitro. Fecundity of Arsa(-/-) males was thus reduced when they were older than 5 months. Sperm SGG is known for its roles in fertilization. Therefore, the minimal sperm fertilizing ability of 8-month-old Arsa(-/-) males may be explained by the 50% reduction of their sperm SGG levels, a result that was also observed in testicular germ cells. These unexpected decreases in SGG levels might be partly due to depletion of the backbone lipid palmitylpalmitoylglycerol that is generated from the SGG degradation pathway in Sertoli cells and normally recycled to new generations of primary spermatocytes for SGG synthesis.

Three-dimensional quantitative analysis of testicular tissue sections of sprague-dawley rat: the after treatment responses to varying doses of Momordica charantia

Background: In our previous study we scrutinized the intrinsic worth of graded doses of Momordica charantia (MC) seed extract as an antispermatogenic agent in Sprague-Dawley (S-D) rats. The corresponding histological quantification of the testicular responses to the extract is yet to be established. Objective: To investigate quantitatively using simple stereological tools the testicular reactions of S-D rats administered graded doses of M. charantia seed extract. Methodology: Twenty adult male S-D rats, weighing 110‒214 g were assigned randomly into four groups (I‒IV). Animals in groups I, II and III received varying oral doses of 15, 25 and 50 mg/100 g b.w/day of ethanolic seed extract of MC, respectively. Group IV rats (control) were fed an equal volume of physiological saline. The duration of treatment for both extract and physiological saline was 56 days. The animals were sacrificed and the testes processed for histometry (measurement of tissues). Stereological parameters estimated include; testicular volume and weight, tubular diameter, cross sectional area of seminiferous tubules, number of profiles per unit area, length density and numerical density of the seminiferous tubules. Results: Showed a dose dependent decrease in the mean testicular volume and weight, seminiferous tubular diameter and cross sectional area. However there was an increase in the number of profiles per unit area, length density and numerical density of the seminiferous tubules. Conclusion: Histometric data supports a dose-related deleterious effect on the testes of S-D rats treated with Momordica charantia seed extract. This also depicts a dose related antifertility potential of the extract.

Temporal adaptation in the testes of rat administered single dose Momordica charantia for three interrupted spermatogenic cycles: Cytometric quantification

Although unrelenting attempts have been made during the past five decades in understanding the three-dimensional morphology of the rats’ testis and the organizational arrangements of the seminiferous tubules, the findings have remained ambiguous relating the structure to its function. This article investigates the effects of Momordica charantia (MC) on the testes of Sprague–Dawley (S–D) rats using stereological tools. A total of 50 male S–D rats, weighing 110–214 g were allocated randomly into three main groups I to III. Groups I and II were further divided into 10 subgroups of five rats. The duration of 6, 8, 16, 24, and 32 weeks of extract treatment represented 5 subgroups in Group I. While 8, 16, 24, and 32 weeks were 4 subgroups in Group II. Groups I and II received daily oral doses of 50 mg/100 g body weight of MC seed extract for the respective duration. Group III, (control) rats were fed an equal volume of physiological saline. The animals were sacrificed at the end of the experimental period and the testes were processed for cytometry. Stereological parameters estimated include: Testicular volume and weight, tubular diameter, cross sectional area of seminiferous tubules, number of profiles per unit area, length density and numerical density of the seminiferous tubules. Histomorphometric quantification showed a duration dependent decrease in the mean testicular volume and weight, seminiferous tubular diameter and cross sectional area of tubules; but an increase in the number of profiles per unit area, length density and numerical density of the seminiferous tubules. Those animals investigated for reversibility showed an appreciable recovery at discontinuation of the extract as testicular values compared similarly to their control counterpart. The Cytometric data support a time-related deleterious effect on the testes of S–D rats treated with Momordica charantia seed extract.

Sertoli Cells Dictate Spermatogonial Stem Cell Niches in the Mouse Testis

Sustained spermatogenesis in adult males relies on the activity of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). In general, tissue-specific stem cell populations such as SSCs are influenced by contributions of support cells that form niche microenvironments. Previous studies have provided indirect evidence that several somatic cell populations and the interstitial vasculature influence SSC functions, but an individual orchestrator of niches has not been described. In this study, functional transplantation of SSCs, in combination with experimental alteration of Sertoli cell content by polythiouracil (PTU)-induced transient hypothyroidism, was used to explore the relationship of Sertoli cells with SSCs in testes of adult mice. Transplantation of SSCs from PTU-treated donor mice into seminiferous tubules of normal recipient mice revealed a greater than 3-fold increase in SSCs compared to those from testes of non-PTU-treated donors. In addition, use of PTU-treated mice as recipients for transplantation of SSCs from normal donors revealed a greater than 3-fold increase of accessible niches compared to those of testes of non-PTU treated recipient mice with normal numbers of Sertoli cells. Importantly, the area of seminiferous tubules bordered by interstitial tissue and percentage of seminiferous tubules associated with blood vessels was found to be no different in testes of PTU-treated mice compared to controls, indicating that neither the vasculature nor interstitial support cell populations influenced the alteration of niche number. Collectively, these results provide direct evidence that Sertoli cells are the key somatic cell population dictating the number of SSCs and niches in mammalian testes.

Testicular development evaluation in rats exposed to 60 Hz and 1 mT electromagnetic field

Society has been increasingly exposed to low-frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF), mainly from electricity distribution networks and electro-electronic devices. Aiming to clarify the extension of possible interactions between EMF and testicular development, this study evaluated the effects of exposure to 60 Hz and 1 mT EMF in the maturation of testicular components. Wistar rats were exposed to EMF three times per day for 30 min, between the 13th day of gestation and the 21st postnatal day. Results showed a decrease in the following parameters: tubular diameter and seminiferous tubules area; seminiferous epithelium height; total volume of seminiferous tubule; tubular lumen; seminiferous epithelium; and Leydig cells. On the other hand, an increase was observed in connective tissue cells and blood vessels volume. Plasma testosterone, Sertoli cells population, tubular length and gonadosomatic index did not change when exposed to EMF. Histomorphometric analysis showed that exposure to EMF can promote a delay in testicular development.

Effect of climatic variables on seasonal morphological changes in the testis and epididymis in the wild rodent Microcavia australis from the andes mountains, Argentina

It has been shown that seasonal changes, especially in arid areas have a large influence on gonadal changes of the species that inhabit these areas. We studied a wild hystricomorph Microcavia australis in its natural habitat in the arid Andes Mountains. Sampling of adult males was carried out every 2 months. After autopsy, testes and epididymides were weighed and processed to obtain histological samples. Testes were analyzed with a microscope to measure seminiferous tubule area and diameter for each sampled month. Epididymides were used to determine spermatozoon storage in the cauda region. Results illustrate morphological changes in the testis and epididymis along the year. A high output of sperm cells was detected from middle winter to middle summer and a complete shutdown of spermatogenesis at the end of summer. The initiation of testicular activity coincided with month with the shortest day length, in dry season and very low temperature. On the other hand, gonadal regression started in the middle of summer with long day length, in the wet season, and high temperatures. Rainfall, temperature, and day length seem to be important for the testis cycle. We suggest that photoperiod could be a good predictor for an oncoming period suitable for breeding, and males may probably use it as a signal to regulate gonadal activity.

15. Changes in androgen receptor: immunoexpression in congenital testicular pathology

Background Human spermatogenesis is regulated by activation of the nuclear androgen receptor (AR) of Sertoli cells. Aim AR expression has been examined in three congenital diseases with severely damaged testis and cryptorchidism (17 cases), androgen insensibility syndrome (AIS) (6 cases) and Klinefelter syndrome (9 cases). Methods Morphologic, immunohistochemical and morpho-metric evaluation, as well as PCR detection of the CAG-triplet of AR. Results In complete spermatogenesis most Sertoli cells show intense nuclear AR expression, with intensity variable from cell to cell, depending on the maturation stage of spermatogenesis, and it is completely absent in germ cells. In azoospermic human testis, AR expression in Sertoli cells is higher in number and intensity in Sertoli cell-only pattern than in those with spermatogenesis arrest, or as compared with normal testis (control group). In cryptorchidia, the tubules with disgenetic or immature Sertoli cells had no anti-AR antibody reactivity. These results suggest a direct correlation between AR expression decrease and severity of the cryptorchidic disgenetic lesions. Sertoli cells are highly disgenetic in Klinefelter syndrome and their nuclei show a variable AR-immunoexpression spectrum from moderately positive to completely negative nuclei. Conclusions AR-expression is not substantially modified in hypospermatogenic or in atrophic areas of seminiferous tubules. Testicular lesions in cryptorchidic patients, in AIS testis and in testicular biopsies of patients with Klinefelter syndrome are associated with AR immunoexpression alterations, although apparently these alterations are not due to AR important mutations, as we have not found abnormal bands of CAG-triplet of AR in cryptorchidism and AIS.

Histological and morphometric analyses of seasonal testicular variations in the Jungle Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos)

A histological and morphometric study was conducted to examine the seasonal testicular variations in the Jungle Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos) of the Kanto area, Japan, from January to July. The paired testes mass, diameter and number of germ cells of the seminiferous tubules, and proportion of seminiferous tubule area and interstitium were examined. Hematoxylin and eosin-stained testis sections and ImageJ Software were used. Paired testes weight was found to increase by 55-fold from January to late March-early May, thereafter declining by 18-fold by June-July. Seminiferous tubule diameter increased fivefold from January to late March-early May, followed a fourfold decrease in June-July. The increase in testes weight correlated well with the increase in the diameter of the seminiferous tubule. In January, the seminiferous tubules constituted 56% of the testicular tissue and the interstitium 44%. During late March-early May, there was very little testicular interstitium (7.9%), and the seminiferous tubules were significantly enlarged (P < 0.05) (92%); this was followed by a gradual increase in the interstitial regression of testes. In January, the seminiferous epithelium contained a single layer of spermatogonia and Sertoli cells. The number of spermatogonia, primary and secondary spermatocytes, spermatids, and maturing spermatozoa were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in late March-early May, followed by regression from mid May. Our results indicate that the Jungle Crow has a non-breeding season in January, a pre-breeding season during February-mid March, a main breeding season during late March-early May, a transition period during mid May-late May, and a post-breeding season beginning in June.

A Study of Morphological and Haemodynamic Determinants of Testicular Echotexture Characteristics in the Ram

The ultrasonographic image of an organ is a product of scattering and reflection of high-frequency ultrasound beams by discrete units of tissue. The number of acoustic tissue interfaces and vascularity affects the quantitative characteristics of grey-scale ultrasonographic images. This study was undertaken to examine the influences of scrotal/testicular integument and blood flow on testicular echotexture parameters in the ram. Serial ultrasonographic images were obtained during surgical castration of 7 Rideau Arcott rams aged 20-22 weeks. The first 2 sets of images were taken through the scrotum, prior to and after induction of anaesthesia. The third set was taken through the tunica vaginalis, the fourth set was obtained through the tunica albuginea, the fifth set was taken when the testicular cord and internal blood vessels were clamped, and the final set of images was recorded after allowing the blood to drain from dissected testicles (5 min). All images were then subjected to computerized image analyses and the testicles were processed for histology. The removal of the scrotal skin and tunica vaginalis both resulted in significant (P < 0.05) increments in numerical pixel values (NPVs) and pixel heterogeneity (standard deviation of pixel values) of the testicular parenchyma. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in testicular echotexture between images taken just before or after clamping the testicular cord vessels, or after draining. At all stages, NPVs were correlated (P </= 0.10) to the seminiferous tubule (ST) area and the ST lumen area, except for NPVs and the ST lumen area in images obtained through the tunica albuginea (P = 0.20). We concluded that: 1) attenuation of ultrasound waves by the scrotal skin and tunica vaginalis significantly altered testicular echotexture characteristics; 2) vascular blood flow did not affect the echotextural attributes of the rams' testes; and 3) NPVs were a good indicator of ST microstructure in situ and ex vivo.