Serum Testosterone Levels In Rats Research Articles

Melatonin therapy reverses lead exposure-induced testicular damage in rats despite the lack of effect on serum testosterone levels.

Lead (Pb) exposure induces testicular damage and infertility. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the therapeutic effects of antioxidants or vitamin D and calcium, which have previously been shown to reduce the toxic effects of Pb co-exposure, in rats. Rats were exposed to Pb for 28 days and subsequently treated with antioxidant (melatonin, silymarin), vitamin D and calcium (VitDCa) or a combination (melatonin or silymarin with VitDCa) for 28 days. Control groups included untreated rats (no Pb exposure or therapy), rats exposed only to melatonin or silymarin and rats exposed to Pb without post exposure therapy. Pb exposure induced testicular damage, increased blood lead level (BLL) and reduced serum testosterone level (STL). Rats exposed to Pb and left untreated for 28 days showed persistent pathological testicular alterations. The two treatments that were most effective in reversing pathological testis damage and restoring spermatogenesis were melatonin and silymarin. However, silymarin and melatonin treatment resulted in significantly different serum testosterone levels in rats. Whereas melatonin therapy reduced serum testosterone to levels lower than those in control rats, silymarin increased serum testosterone to levels higher than those in controls. Our pathological analysis of testes revealed that melatonin promoted spermatogenesis and regression of Pb exposure-induced degenerative changes, despite the associated reduction in serum testosterone levels. This result suggests that circulating testosterone may not have an important role in spermatogenesis. Collectively, our results suggest that melatonin and silymarin are effective therapies against the toxic effects Pb exposure in the male reproductive system.

α-Tocopherol restores semen quality in rats exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin.

Background and Aim:2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a persistent organic pollutant toxic to the human reproductive system. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of α-Tocopherol administration on the male fertility parameters of a rat model exposed to TCDD.Materials and Methods:Fifty healthy 12-week-old male rats were randomly divided into five groups. Rats in the control group were given corn oil twice daily in 4 h intervals. In the treatment groups, all rats were given TCDD at a dose of 700 ng/kg of body weight (BW)/day for 45 days. Four hours after receiving the TCDD, T0 rats were given corn oil, and T1, T2, and T3 rats were given α-Tocopherol at doses of 77, 140, and 259 mg/kg BW/day, respectively, for 45 days. On day 46, experimental animals were sacrificed to collect blood and testicular samples.Results:TCDD exposure decreased superoxide dismutase activity, plasma membrane integrity, Leydig cell count, sperm cell count, sperm viability and motility, and increased malondialdehyde levels, serum testosterone levels, and sperm morphological abnormalities. The administration of α-Tocopherol mitigated the effects of TCDD exposure, and the 140 and 259 mg/kg BW/day treatments returned those male fertility parameters to normal levels.Conclusion:The administration of 140 mg/kg BW/day α-Tocopherol restored male semen quality in rats exposed to TCDD. We found dynamics serum testosterone levels in rats exposed to TCDD that need to be further studied.

L-Carnitine effect on induced hyperlipidemia on premature rats: fertility profile.

This study was designed to investigate the effect of hypercholesterolemia on the reproductive performance of premature male rats and to evaluate the influence of L-Carnitine (CAR) in maintaining their fertility. Sixty rats were divided randomly into three groups. Control group (CG n=20 rats), cholesterol feeding group 1 (CFG1 n=20 rats) fed 1.5% cholesterol with diet for one month, and cholesterol feeding group 2 (CFG2 n=20 rats) fed 1.5% cholesterol with diet + CAR 150 mg/kg body weight (B.W.) given by water for one month. Results showed a significant increase in body weight of CFG1 compared with CG and CFG2. The lipid profile of CFG1 after one month of feeding cholesterol showed a significant increase in serum cholesterol and triglyceride compared with CG and with the group that watered by CAR and CFG2. Results of sperms parameters in CGF2 showed a significant increase in sperms count with sperms live percentage and a significant decrease in sperms abnormalities percentage compared with CGF1 and CG. The hormonal profile showed a significant decrease in serum testosterone levels in rats from CFG1 compared with CFG2 and CG. In conclusion, CAR is a powerful antioxidant that can maintain the parameters of sperms of hypercholesterolemic premature rats, which may enhance the fertilizing ability of subfertile rats that may occur due to hyperlipidemia.

Effect of Cinnamon Bark Oil on Leydig Cell Count and Morphology along with Serum Testosterone Levels in Rats after Cadmium Induced Testicular Toxicity

Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal that causes number of health issues. Purpose: To demonstrate the effect of cinnamon bark oil on Leydig cell count and morphology with measurement of serum testosterone levels. Study Design: Experimental study. Methodology: Healthy male wistar rats (n=30) were taken and divided into 3 groups with n= 10. Group A functioned as control. Cadmium chloride was administered to the rats to induce testicular toxicity in group B. Group C was the treatment group. Animals were euthanized on day 15. Leydig cell count and morphology was done after haematoxylin and eosin staining of the testicular tissue sections. Serum testosterone level was done by ELISA. Statistical analysis: Data analyzed by SPSS 22.0v. Results: Cadmium chloride was observed to significantly reduce leydig cell counts and serum testosterone levels in group B. No significant effect was observed on the morphology of the leydig cells. Cinnamon bark oil significantly improved the leydig cell count. Serum testosterone levels were observed to increase after the cinnamon bark oil administration. Conclusion: This study clearly showed that cinnamon bark oil has protective effect on the cadmium induced testicular toxicity. Key Words: Enzyme Linked Immuno-sorbent Assay, High Density Lipoprotein, Cinnamon Bark Oil and Optical Density.

Aqueous extract of Nicotiana tabacum impaired serum testosterone and testicular weight in male wistar rats

Background: Tobacco which is a product of Nicotiana tabacum (N. tabacum) has nicotine as its primary phytochemical. Nicotine has been reported to be an addictive drug and the leading cause of tobacco addiction worldwide. The male reproductive system is known to be highly sensitive to many chemicals and drugs which have been found to pose adverse effects on male reproductive capacity. Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of the aqueous extract of N. tabacum on serum testosterone and testicular weight in male Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: A total of 18 male rats weighing (140–230 g) were used for this study. The animals were randomly divided into three groups (A, B, and C), containing six rats each. Group A served as control, whereas Group B and C were orally administered sublethal doses of 20 and 30 mg/kg body weight of the N. tabacum extract, respectively, once per day for 21 days. At the end of the experimental period, all the animals were sacrificed. Blood samples were collected for hormonal assay and both testes were excised and weighed immediately. Results: There was a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the serum testosterone levels of rats treated with the extract in a dose-dependent manner when compared with the control, there was also a significant reduction in the testicular weight of the treated groups when compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The results suggest that aqueous extract of N. tabacum at doses of 20 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg when administered for a period of 3-week impaired serum testosterone level, testicular weight, and bodyweight of male Wistar rats.

Caffeine improves sperm quality, modulates steroidogenic enzyme activities, restore testosterone levels and prevent oxidative damage in testicular and epididymal tissues of scopolamine-induced rat model of amnesia.

This study was designed to assess the role of caffeine on fertility parameters in testicular and epididymal tissues of scopolamine-induced model of amnesia in rats. Adult male rats were treated with scopolamine with or without caffeine. The modulatory effects of caffeine or scopolamine on fertility parameters were assessed in rats' testicular and epididymal homogenates. Scopolamine-induced sperm abnormalities, reduced steroidogenic enzyme 3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) and 17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) activities and serum testosterone levels in rats' testicular tissues. Treatment with caffeine increased 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD as well as testosterone levels. Caffeine also reversed sperm viability, sperm motility and sperm count in testicular tissues of scopolamine-treated rats. Furthermore, scopolamine-induced oxidative damage in rats' epididymal and testicular tissues via reduction of thiol and non-protein thiol content as well as increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Caffeine attenuated oxidative stress in testicular and epididymal tissues of rats treated with scopolamine via increase in non-protein and protein thiol levels with concomitant reduction in ROS and MDA levels. This study revealed that caffeine (5 and 25mg/kg) improved sperm quality, increased steroidogenic enzyme activities and attenuated oxidative damage in testis and epididymis of rats treated with scopolamine.

PD33-10 HUMAN INDUCED PLURIPOTENT STEM CELL-DERIVED TESTOSTERONE-PRODUCING LEYDIG CELLS AMELIORATE SERUM TESTOSTERONE LEVEL IN RATS.

You have accessJournal of UrologyStem Cell Research: Stem Cell Research I1 Apr 2018PD33-10 HUMAN INDUCED PLURIPOTENT STEM CELL-DERIVED TESTOSTERONE-PRODUCING LEYDIG CELLS AMELIORATE SERUM TESTOSTERONE LEVEL IN RATS. Takaki Ishida, Mikito Tanaka, Kenta Sumii, Keisuke Okada, Koji Chiba, Kei Matsushita, Masato Fujisawa, and Takashi Aoi Takaki IshidaTakaki Ishida More articles by this author , Mikito TanakaMikito Tanaka More articles by this author , Kenta SumiiKenta Sumii More articles by this author , Keisuke OkadaKeisuke Okada More articles by this author , Koji ChibaKoji Chiba More articles by this author , Kei MatsushitaKei Matsushita More articles by this author , Masato FujisawaMasato Fujisawa More articles by this author , and Takashi AoiTakashi Aoi More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2018.02.1565AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Recently male late-onset hypogonadism syndrome (LOH syndrome) is focused on with various symptoms due to hypogonadism. Although the results of the differentiation instructions from human induced pluripotent stem cell (human iPS cells) to many various cells, there is no report that succeed in induced Leydig cell which secret androgens. In this time we succeeded in Induced Leydig cell secrete testosterone from human iPS cells. METHODS First, we transduced NR5A1 expressing system by doxycycline addition to human iPS cell. We examined various genetic expression and hormone producing ability and evaluate the differentiation instruction from this cell under a timing of the NR5A1 forced expression and various kinds of conditions. Human iPS cells-derived testosterone-producing Leydig cells were transplanted into castrated male rats and examined for improvement in serum testosterone levels. RESULTS Leydig cell marker (INSL3 variant2) and LH receptor (LHCGR) and Leydig cell-specific enzyme (17βHSD3)and expression of various enzyme (StAR,CYP11A,3βHSD2,CYP17A) necessary for testosterone production were confirmed in RT-PCR.INSL3 and LHCGR were confirmed in Immunohistochemical staining.Testosterone production was confirmed by the hormone measurement in supernatants. And we showed that transplantation of human iPS cells-derived testosterone-producing Leydig cells to castrated rats ameliorate serum testosterone levels.At the same time, expression of adrenal cortex-specific enzyme (CYP21A2,CYP11B1,CYP11B2) necessary for cortisol and aldosterone production were confirmed in RT-PCR. The cluster of Leydig cells include the adrenal cortex cells too. CONCLUSIONS We succeeded in Leydig cell instruction from human iPS cells. At the same time to adrenocortical cell is induced, and we will examine the specific differentiation instruction conditions to Leydig cell in future. Transplantation of human iPS cells-derived testosterone-producing Leydig cells to castrated rats ameliorate serum testosterone levels. © 2018FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 199Issue 4SApril 2018Page: e654 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2018MetricsAuthor Information Takaki Ishida More articles by this author Mikito Tanaka More articles by this author Kenta Sumii More articles by this author Keisuke Okada More articles by this author Koji Chiba More articles by this author Kei Matsushita More articles by this author Masato Fujisawa More articles by this author Takashi Aoi More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Suppression of spermatogenesis by testosterone undecanoate-loaded injectable in situ-forming implants in adult male rats.

We have investigated the feasibility of administration of testosterone undecanoate (TU)-loaded injectable in situ-forming implant (ISFI) for contraception in adult male Sprague–Dawley rats. Male rats were treated with vehicle, TU-loaded ISFIs (540, 270 and 135 mg TU kg−1) or TU injections (45 mg TU kg−1 every 30 days) for 120 days. Fertility tests served for determining infertility or restoration of fertility in treated rats. Serum testosterone concentration, epididymal sperm count, motility, morphology, and histology of the testis were monitored. The TU-loaded ISFIs increased serum testosterone levels in rats steadily without fluctuation over 3 months. One month after TU administration, the epididymal sperm count decreased significantly in all experimental groups. After 3 months, the animals treated with 270 and 135 mg kg−1 TU-loaded ISFIs were 100% infertile, and no implantation sites were produced in the mated females. However, some of males treated with 540 mg kg−1 ISFI or TU injections were still fertile but numbers of implantation sites were also significantly lower than control values. TU-loaded ISFI at an appropriate dose has potential as a long-acting male contraceptive drug that suppresses spermatogenesis consistently over a period of 3 months.

Manifestation of Hyperandrogenism in the Continuous Light Exposure-Induced PCOS Rat Model.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder, and its pathogenesis has yet to be completely clarified. A fully convincing animal model has not been established for PCOS. In earlier studies, researchers have shown that the exposure of rats to continuous light can induce PCOS; nevertheless, hyperandrogenism, a key characteristic observed in human PCOS, has not been reported previously. In the present study, we found that (1) body weights decreased in female rats in a continuous light environment with both ovarian and uterine augmentation; (2) the estrous cycle in rats under continuous light environment was disordered, and polycystic ovary-like changes occurred, accompanied with fur loss and lethargy; and (3) serum testosterone levels in rats in a continuous light environment significantly increased. Our data suggest that continuous light can lead to the occurrence of PCOS in female rats without the need for drugs; this is a reasonable PCOS animal model that is more consistent with the natural disease state in humans; and poor sleep habits or negligence of sleep hygiene may be an important lifestyle factor in pathogenesis of PCOS.

Feasibility of poly (ε-caprolactone-co-DL-lactide) as a biodegradable material for in situ forming implants: evaluation of drug release and in vivo degradation

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the technical feasibility of poly (ε-caprolactone-co-DL-lactide), P (CL/DL-LA), for injectable in situ forming implants (ISFI). The ISFI was prepared by dissolving P (CL/DL-LA) in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), and Testosterone undecanoate (TU) was used as model drug. The effect of various polymer concentrations, molecular weights (Mws) and drug loads on the drug release from the TU-loaded ISFI systems was investigated in vitro. The release of TU-loaded ISFI was also evaluated in rats. In addition, a subcutaneous rabbit model was used to evaluate the degradation and foreign-body reaction of P (CL/DL-LA) ISFI. The use of higher concentration of P (CL/DL-LA) with higher molecule weight and larger CL:DL-LA monomer ratio for the TU-loaded ISFI gave a slower drug release. The ISFI of 80/20 P (CL/DL-LA) (Mw 61 753):NMP 20:80 with 16% TU formulation increased serum testosterone levels in rats over a period of three months. The in vivo degradation and biocompatibility study of ISFI shows that P (CL/DL-LA) degrades by a process of bulk degradation and that the foreign-body reaction of this biomaterial is relatively mild. In summary, our investigations demonstrate that in situ parenteral drug delivery systems can be obtained from P (CL/DL-LA) solutions.

Effect of Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Field and GABAA Receptors on Serum Testosterone Level of Male Rats

Background:GABA can influence the steroidogenesis in peripheral and central nervoussystems.Objectives:The present study investigates the interactive effect of GABAA receptors and extremely low frequency electromagnetic field on serum testosterone level of male rats.Patients and Methods:Fifty adult male rats were randomly assigned into 10 groups. Groups 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 were exposed to ELF-EMF for 30 days 8hrs per day; while, the remaining groups (1, 3, 5, 7, and 9) were sham exposed animals. At the end of the experiment, animals in groups 1 and 2 received normal saline; while, animals in groups 3 and 4 were treated with 1 mg/kg of bicuculline methiodide, and for animals of groups 5 and 6,3 mg/kg of bicuculline was injected. Animals of groups 7 and 8 were treated with 0.5 mg/kg of muscimol hydrobromide and rats in groups 9 and 10 received 2 mg/kg muscimol hydrobromide. About forty minutes after the injection, blood samples were collected and serum testosterone level was assayed using RIA.Results:Administration of muscimol hydrobromide at both doses to sham exposed rats significantly decreased serum testosterone level as compared to sham exposed animals which received saline. Administration of bicuculline methiodide without exposure to ELF-EMF, had no significant effect on testosterone level as compared to group 1. Serum testosterone levels of rats in different groups, exposed to ELF-EMF were statistically the same. Moreover, serum testosterone of exposed and sham exposed rats in each treatment showed no significant difference.Conclusions:No interactivity is present in modulatory effects of GABAA receptors and ELF-EMFs on serum testosterone of male rats.

The Spermatogenic Effect of Yacon Extract and Its Constituents and Their Inhibition Effect of Testosterone Metabolism

We screened the pharmacological effects of a 50% ethanol extract of Yacon tubers and leaves on spermatogenesis in rats. As a result, we found that Yacon tuber extracts increased sperm number and serum testosterone level in rats. It has been reported that the crude extract of Yacon tubers and leaves contain phenolic acids, such as, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid and caffeic acid by HPLC/MS analysis. We were interested in the contributions made by phenolic acid, particularly chlorogenic acid of Yacon tuber extract to the spermatogenic activity. After administering Yacon tuber extract or chlorogenic acid to rats for 5 weeks, numbers of sperm in epididymis were increased by 34% and 20%, respectively. We also administered ferulic acid, which has been reported to be a metabolite of chlorogenic acid and a constituent of Yacon tuber extract to investigate its spermatogenic activity in rats. Yacon tuber extract and ferulic acid increased sperm numbers by 43% and 37%, respectively. And, Yacon tuber extract, and chlorogenic acid showed significantly inhibition effect of testoeterone degradation in rat liver homogenate. We considered that the spermatogenic effect of Yacon tuber extract might be related to phenolic compounds and their inhibitory effect of testosterone degradation. Yacon showed the possibility as ameliorable agents of infertility by sperm deficiency and late onset hypogonadism syndrome with low level of testosterone.

Changes in the Spermatogenesis and Histology of Testis in Rat Treated with &lt;em&gt;Matricaria recutita&lt;/em&gt;

The present study investigates the anti-spermatogenic potential of ethanolic extract of <em>Matricaria recutita</em> a plant belonging to Asteraceae family. The effects of an ethanolic extract of the <em>Matricaria recutita</em> on spermatogenesis, histology of testis and level of testosterone were examined in control and experimental groups. Results showed that <em>Matricaria recutita</em> extract did not cause any changes in body weight, but significantly decreased the testis weight (p<0.05). The sperm motility and the epididymal sperm counts and serum testosterone levels of rats treated for 56 days were significantly reduced (p<0.05). There were various degrees of damage to the seminiferous tubules including; disorganized germinal epithelium, degenerated and necrotic cells and reduction in the diameter of seminiferous tubules. It can be concluded that that alcoholic extract of <em>Matricaria recutita</em> has anti-spermatogenic properties in adult male rats through its compounds and it may be useful to regulate spermatogenesis and male fertility.

혈청 테스토스테론 농도 측정에 의한 로렐린 데포 주사제의 약효 비교 시험

【The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of Lorelin Depot $Injection^{(R)}$ (Dongkook Pharm. Co., LTD) with Lucrin Depot $Injection^{(R)}$ (Abbott) by measuring serum testosterone level in rats. Leuprorelin (leuprolide acetate), which is an active compound for the two formulations, is an LHRH analogue that is used for the treatment of a wide range of sex hormone-related disorders including advanced prostatic cancer, endometriosis and precocious puberty. Lorelin Depot $Injection^{(R)}$ is a micro-encapsulated formulation to suppress testosterone level by releasing leuprorelin continuously for four weeks with a single subcutaneous injection. The comparison study of the efficacy was performed during four weeks, and serum testosterone levels were monitored in the two formulations. The mean serum testosterone levels from the formulations were decreased to that of the castrate range (50 ng/dL or less) after three days after the initial depot injection, and the concentration were remained throughout four weeks' period. There were no significant differences in the $AUC_{0-3day}$ of testosterone and testosterone levels at 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days between the two formulations. These results indicate that the two formulations, Lorelin Depot $Injection^{(R)}$ and Lucrin Depot $Injection^{(R)}$ , are bioequivalent in terms of the serum testosterone level in rats.】

Effects of dietary fats and proteins on rat testicular steroidogenic enzymes and serum testosterone levels

It is known that certain dietary fats can modulate rat testosterone metabolism. In the current study we have investigated testicular steroidogenic enzyme activities and serum testosterone levels in rats fed diets containing either different protein sources (casein, fishmeal, whey) or different lipid sources (soybean oil, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), seal oil, fish oil, lard). The diets examined reflect different marine oils and proteins which are significant components of Northern Canadian diets. Male rats (42–45 days old, 6 per group), were assigned to specific diets for 42 days. On the 43rd day of the study, rats were sacrificed and blood plasma and testes frozen (−80 °C) until analysis. Microsomal steroidogenic enzyme activities (3β-HSD, 17-OHase, C-17,20-lyase, 17β-HSD) were measured radiometrically. There were no differences in enzyme activities between the three dietary protein sources. In contrast, compared with the standard casein diet, all lipid sources caused reductions in C-17,20-lyase activity (>50%); seal oil and fish oil reduced 17-OHase activity (approximately 30%) and soybean oil, DHA fish oil and lard reduced 17β-HSD activity (approximately 30%). No effect on 3β-HSD activity was evident. Serum testosterone levels were determined using ELISA kits and were not affected by any diet with the exception of the soybean oil diet which was significantly elevated compared with the casein protein diet. Body and testis weights were not affected by diet. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that some dietary lipid sources caused reductions in testicular 17-OHase and C-17,20-lyase activities but not to the extent that serum T levels were affected, while soybean oil caused elevated serum testosterone in the absence of elevated steroidogenic enzyme activities.

Antifertility Activity Of Dihydroartemisinin In Male Albino Rats

The effects of dihydroartemisinin on epididymal sperm characteristics and testosterone levels in male albino rats were studied. Dihydoartemisinin treatment for 7 days and 21 days in the rats resulted in a decrease in the sperm count, sperm motility and sperm viability. The abnormalities noticed in sperms werecurved mind pieceand small and pyriform heads observed only in some groups. The sperm motility, disability and counts were significantly reduced in all the treated groups when compared with the control and the reductions were both dose and duration dependent. There was a significant decrease in serum testosterone levels in rats treated with an initial dose of 4.4mg/kg body weight of dihydroartemisinin (P< 0.05) when compared with control. These observations suggest that the effects are probably due to an androgen deficiency caused by the anti-androgens property of the dihydroartemisinin.

Comprehensive assessment of the effect of Sphenocentrum jollyanum root extract on male reproductive activity in albino rats.

Aim: To evaluate the effect of methanol extract from the Sphenocentrum jollyanum root on male reproductive activity. Methods: Male albino rats were treated orally with distilled water (vehicle for the extract; control) and 50, 100 and 150 mgkg-1 body weight of Sphenocentrum jollyanum root extract for 8weeks. Each group had its own recovery. Rats were killed 24h after the last treatment. Caudal epididymal sperm count, motility, viability, morphology and organ weights were determined. Hematological indices, serum proteins, enzymes, testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and testicular and epididymal histology were determined. Results: Compared with the control, the extract caused a dose dependent significant (P<0.05) reduction in progressive motility of spermatozoa, viability and total sperm counts. The number of abnormal spermatozoa and epididymal volume were not statistically significant. There was a significant increase (P<0.05) in serum testosterone levels in rats treated with 50 (P<0.01) and 100mgkg-1 (P<0.05) of Sphenocentrum jollyanum. There was a significant (P<0.05) increase in red blood cell count, packed cell volume and hemoglobin concentration, whereas there was no change in white blood cell count, mean total serum protein, albumin and globulin in the sera of Sphenocentrum jollyanum treated rats when compared with the control. The extract caused a significant decrease (P<0.05) in serum aspartate and alanine aminotransferase activities with a significant increase (P<0.05) in testicular SOD activity at a dose of 50mgkg-1 bodyweight. Testicular cytoarchitecture of the extract treated rats showed degeneration of seminiferous tubules, whereas regeneration of germinal epithelium and restructuring of the germinal interstitium occurred in the recovery rats. No lesions were observed in the epididymis of the rats. Conclusion: The results suggest that methanol extract of the Sphenocentrum jollyanum root could produce harmful effects on reproductive functions in male albino rats which can be attributed to poor sperm quantity (epididymal sperm count), quality (sperm motility, viability and morphology) and testicular degeneration. The steroidogenic potential of the plant could explain its use as an aphrodisiac agent. (Reprod Med Biol 2006; 5: 283-292).

Opposite effect of acute and subchronic treatments with Ferula hermonis on copulatory behavior of male rats.

Sexually potent and sluggish/impotent male rats were orally treated with an extract of Ferula hermonis (30 and 60 mg/kg). The acute administration stimulated sexual motivation in potent rats and improved copulatory performance in sluggish/impotent rats. This last effect was elicited only by the higher dose, which, in parallel, increased serum testosterone levels in rats. On the contrary, when the extract was subchronically administered (10 days) a marked reduction in the percentage of rats achieving ejaculation was detected, together with a general impairment of the copulatory pattern. Furthermore, the repeated administration of the extract (6 mg/kg/day for 10 days) resulted in a significant reduction of testosterone levels in comparison with controls. The present results discourage a repeated assumption of F. hermonis, while suggesting its acute administration to improve the performance in sexual dysfunctions.

Biochemical and histopathological effects of carbendazim to rat male reproduction

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of carbendazim (methyl 2-benzimidazole carbamate) on the some hormone levels and on testis tissue. Carbendazim in the doses of 0, 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg/day were administered (by gavage) to male rats, daily for 15 weeks. At the end of the experiment serum total testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels were analyzed and testis tissues were taken for light and electron microscopic examinations. A statistically significant decrease in total serum testosterone level in rats exposed to carbendazim (dose: 300 and 600 mg/kg/day), compared to the control, was observed. Also, dihydrotestosterone level was significantly decreased in all experimental groups. Histopathologically, carbendazim caused detrimental effects in testis tissues. These effects were vacuolization, disorganization and necrosis in germinal epithelium. In addition, multinucleated giant cells were observed in the lumen of the seminiferous tubules. These pathological findings were supported by electron microscopic examinations. These results suggest that carbendazim, in subchronic exposure, affects testis tissue and androgenic hormone levels.

EXPERIMENTAL DIABETES-INDUCED REGRESSION OF THE RAT PROSTATE IS ASSOCIATED WITH AN INCREASED EXPRESSION OF TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR-β

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), a potent inhibitor of cell growth, plays an important role in the androgen-dependent processes of the prostate through a complex network of growth factors. TGF-beta expression in the prostate is under negative regulatory control of androgen. As experimental diabetes causes a regression of the prostate and decrease in serum testosterone levels in rats, we examined TGF-beta alterations at the mRNA and protein levels in the diabetic rat prostate. The expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 and their respective mRNAs in prostates from streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic, insulin-treated diabetic and age-matched control rats were investigated, using relative multiplex RT-PCR, semi-quantitative Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Induction of diabetes caused a significant reduction in prostatic weight and in serum testosterone levels in rats. Both mRNA and protein levels of TGF-beta1, and mRNA level of TGF-beta2 were up-regulated in the diabetic rat prostate. Insulin-treatment normalized changes observed in prostatic weight and serum testosterone levels, and reversed the alterations in the TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 expression at the gene transcript and protein levels to control levels. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated that TGF-beta1 is localized to prostatic stromal cells, whereas TGF-beta2 is located in both epithelial and stromal cells. These results suggest that TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 may be involved in the diabetes-induced regression of the prostate gland.