Spermatid Cells Research Articles

Pathological Study of the Thyroidectomy on Testes of Rabbit

The current study was conducted on fifteen adult male rabbits (2-3 kg), divided into 3 equal groups (control group, group A ‘seven days’ & group B ‘fourteen days group’), removing of the testes and thyroidectomy have been made to both A and B groups. Results indicated that several clear histopathological changes have been observed in the testicular tissues including, complete suppression of spermatogenesis with vacuolar degeneration of epithelial lining of seminiferous tubules in both groups. Moreover, a multinucleated giant cell spermatid in the lumen of seminiferous tubules was featured with no sperm was detected in the lumen of group B. It has been concluded, that the thyroidectomy can cause serious effects on male sexual organs due to diminishing of sex hormones responsible to it growth.

Analysis of papaya plant sample for antispermatogenic properties

To advance new proof about the counter ripeness action of seeds concentrate of papaya (Carica papaya L.) in test creatures, particularly mice. Male mice (n=20) were assembled into four. The principal bunch got just purified water containing 1% CMC as the controller. Gathering 2, 3 and 4 sequentially got papaya seed concentrate of 2, 4 and 8mg/40 g body weight. All conduct regulated verbally utilizing abdominal sonde once every day for 35 days. Revision boundaries surveyed cell checks, the distance across and epithelial chunkiness of seminiferous tubules of the testis. Even though the aftereffects of exploration on the antifertility action of papaya seed separate demonstrated an optimistic pattern, yet in-depth confirmation impacts plant arrangements on investigation animals is obligatory suggested World Health Organization. This examination is proposed to advance novel proof counter fruitfulness movement of papaya seed removes in guinea pigs, particularly mice. There is no substantial diverse in the number of spermatogonia among treatment gatherings: spermatocyte and spermatid cells fundamentally diminished by the excerpt, particularly at the most elevated portion. Moreover, the breadth and epithelial thickness of seminiferous tubules of testis are significantly decreased by the concentrate at the portion of 8 mg/40g body weight. Papaya seeds separate as possible to be utilized as against ripeness operator.

Cracd Marks the First Wave of Meiosis during Spermatogenesis and Is Mis-Expressed in Azoospermia Mice.

Testicular development starts in utero and maturation continues postnatally, requiring a cascade of gene activation and differentiation into different cell types, with each cell type having its own specific function. As we had previously reported that the Capping protein inhibiting regulator of actin (Cracd) gene was expressed in the adult mouse testis, herein we examine when and where the β-catenin associated Cracd is initially expressed during postnatal testis development. Significantly, Cracd mRNA is present in both the immature postnatal and adult testis in round spermatid cells, with highest level of expression occurring during the first wave of meiosis and spermatogenesis. In the juvenile testes, Cracd is initially expressed within the innermost region but as maturation occurs, Cracd mRNA switches to a more peripheral location. Thereafter, Cracd is downregulated to maintenance levels in the haploid male germ cell lineage. As Cracd mRNA was expressed within developing round spermatids, we tested its effectiveness as a biomarker of non-obstructive azoospermia using transgenic knockout mice models. Meaningfully, Cracd expression was absent in Deleted in azoospermia like (Dazl) null testis, which exhibit a dramatic germ cell loss. Moreover, Cracd was abnormally regulated and ectopically mis-expressed in Polypyrimidine tract binding protein-2 (Ptbp2) conditional germ cell restricted knockout testis, which exhibit a block during spermatid differentiation and a reduction in the number of late stage spermatocytes coincident with reduced β-catenin expression. Combined, these data suggest that Cracd is a useful first wave of spermatogenesis biomarker of azoospermia phenotypes, even prior to an overt phenotype being evident.

Effects of Icariin on Histomorphometric Changes of Testis and Prostate Induced by Acrylamide in Mice

Background and Aims: This study aimed to observe the effect of Icariin on histomorphometric changes of testis and prostate induced by Acrylamide. Materials and Methods: Male mice were divided into four groups (n=8): A is the control group and does not get any treatment, B is the sham group and only received drinking water. C group received Acrylamide 10 mg/kg. D group received Acrylamide 15 mg/kg+1.5 mg/kg of Icariin. Histological changes in testis and prostate were examined using stereological methods. Results: Results showed decreases in testis weight of the group treated by (p≤0.01) and the group cured by Acrylamide +Icariin group (p≤0.05). The total volume of testis showed a reduction in the Acrylamide group compared to other groups (p≤0.05). The total number of spermatogonia and spermatocyte cells in the Acrylamide group showed a decrease in comparison with the other groups (p≤0.05). The total number of spermatid cells in the Acrylamide group indicated a significant reduction in comparison with the control and sham group (p≤0.05). The total number of sertoli cells in the Acrylamide group showed a reduction when the number of leydig cells in the Acrylamide group showed a significant decrease in comparison with the control, sham, and Acrylamide+Icariin groups (p≤0.05). The mean Johnsen score was decreased in the Acrylamide treated group compared to control, sham, and Acrylamide+Icariin groups (p≤0.05). Testosterone concentration in the Acrylamide group showed a reduction in comparison with control, sham, and Acrylamide+Icariin groups (p≤0.05). Conclusion: Results demonstrated that Acrylamide altered the structure of the testis, prostate gland, and spermatogenesis stage, and Icariin treatment improved these histopathological changes.

The Effect of Maternal Exposure to Acesulfame Potassium (Acesulfame-K) on the Development of the Male Gonad in Adult Rats

Background: Acesulfame potassium is a low calorie sweetener. Considering its growing rate of consumption, investigation of its potential impacts on health is necessary. In the current study, the effect of intraperitoneal injection of this substance was investigated during pregnancy and after breast-feeding on the spermatogenesis of adult male rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental research, acesulfame potassium (50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) was injected intraperitoneally into pregnant (Wistar) rats and then into the male infants after breast-feeding until maturity. After anaesthesia and blood sampling from the adult males, the serum levels of testosterone, FSH and LH were measured using the ELISA method. Subsequently, some of the rats were anatomized from each group, and histological sections were prepared from their testicles using hematoxylin-eosin staining. The histological sections were examined in terms of morphology and spermatogonium, spermatocyte and spermatid cell counts by optical microscopy. Also, the weight changes in the mothers and infants were examined during the trial period. The data were analysed by the ANOVA method. Results: The average weight of the infants treated at dosages of 50 and 200 mg/kg body weight increased significantly compared to that of the other groups. No significant difference was observed in the weight ratio of testes to the body and LH value in any of the groups. While the FSH value showed significant reduction in the infants receiving dosages of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight (P < 0.01), testosterone at dosages of 50, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight increased significantly (P < 0.001). Histological studies did not show significant disruption in the spermatogenesis process and the average number of cells counted. Conclusion: It seems that consumption of acesulfame potassium during pregnancy and infancy probably does not have a negative impact on testicular development and spermatogenesis after puberty.

Protective effects of Ceratonia siliqua extract on protamine gene expression, testicular function, and testicular histology in doxorubicin-treated adult rats: An experimental study.

BackgroundSpermatogenesis is a complex process that takes place under the influence of many different genes.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of Ceratonia siliqua hydroalcoholic extract (CSHAE) on protamine gene expression, testicular function, and testicular histology in doxorubicin-treated rats.Materials and Methods56 adult male rats with a age range of 2.5 to 3 months (210 10 gr) were divided into seven groups (n = 8/each). A) Control group was left untreated; B) Sham group received 0.3 ml distilled water intraperitoneally, C) Negative control group received 3 mg/kg doxorubicin, intraperitoneally once a week for 28 days; and D) Positive control group received 600 mg/kg of CSHAE orally for 48 days; E, F, G) the experimental groups 1, 2, and 3 received 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg of CSHAE respectively orally, for 48 days, as well as 3 mg/kg doxorubicin once a week for 28 days. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used in the histological study of testes, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method was used in measuring serum levels of testosterone. Protamine gene expression was determined by real-Time PCR method.ResultsThe mean body weight, testicular weight, testicular volume, testosterone level (p = 0.022), the count of Leydig, spermatogonia, spermatocyte, and spermatid cells, as well as protamine gene expression (p = 0.008) were significantly increased in the experimental group 2 compared to the negative control group. The regeneration of testicular tissue was observed in the experimental group 2.ConclusionCSHAE has protective effect on doxorubicin-induced testicular injuries.

Effects Of Short And Long-Term Administration Of Alfalfa On Testicular Histomorphometry In Rats

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a plant with phytoestrogenic properties, which has been used as a major part of diets in husbandry. Since there are controversial reports related to the effects of alfalfa consumption on animal fertility, its effects on rat testicular tissue were assessed in the present study. Control (n=15) and alfalfa (n=15) groups were fed with ordinary rat chow and ordinary rat chow plus alfalfa, respectively. Testicles were removed after 30, 45, and 60 days of consumption, and tissue sections were prepared to assess histomorphometric changes related to alfalfa consumption.&#x0D; Based on the results, there was no significant difference in length, width, and volume of testes of treated rats to control in all groups. But the number of testicular spermatogonia cells, primary spermatocyte cells, primary spermatid cells, testicular spermatozoid cells and Leydig cells significantly or insignificantly increased in rats that received alfalfa for 30 days but all of these parameters insignificantly decreased in rats that received alfalfa for 60 days. The cause of these changes may be due to estrogenic or anti-estrogenic, antioxidant and endocrine effects of alfalfa.&#x0D; Conclusion: Consumption of alfalfa for short time had only a transient positive effects on testicular tissues but use of alfalfa for 60 days had little destructive effects on testicular tissue in rats. So longer durations of time could be suggested for further research on the effects of alfalfa on rat’s reproduction index.

The traditional Chinese medicine, Monascus-fermented rice, prevents Zn deficiency-induced testis and sperms injury

Monascus purpureus is a fungus used in rice fermentation. Monascus-fermented rice is called red-mold rice (RMR) in Taiwan since the fermentation products contain a considerable amount of red pigments. The protective effects of RMR on oxidative stress in the testis and sperm were evaluated in this study. Zn deficiency was induced in rats by feeding them with a Zn-deficient diet for 12 weeks while the control rats were fed with a normal diet. The Zn-deficient rats were then divided into 6 groups, designated as Zn-deficient (ZD), Zn-compensated (ZC), 1R (151 mg RMR/kg), 5R (755 mg RMR/kg), 1R + ZC (1RZ), and 5R + ZC (5RZ). The animals were administered with the mentioned diet (RMR/Zn) for 8 weeks. In the ZD rats, no spermatid cell formation was observed in the seminiferous tubular epithelia, and testis necrosis/atrophy was apparent. However, 5R and 5RZ administration improved testicular antioxidant enzyme activity, elevated serum testosterone levels, and increased sperm number in ZD rats; this treatment also exhibited inhibitory effects on caspase activities and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the ZD rats, suggesting that RMR attenuated ZD-induced oxidative stress and testis apoptosis. The preventive activity against ZD-induced reproductive damage was more apparent in the 1RZ and 5RZ groups than in the ZC group, suggesting that RMR can serve as a supplement in adjuvant therapy for diseases associated with Zn deficiency.

Synergic effects of aerobic exercise and eugenol supplement on germ cell development and testicular tissue structure in chlorpyrifos-treated animal model.

Insecticide chlorpyrifos (CPF) with increased oxidative stress, structural destruction, and hemostasis of testicular tissue leads to male infertility. The present study investigated the protective effect of exercise (Exe) and eugenol supplementation (Sup) on CPF-induced testicular spermatogenic disorders in male rats. In this experimental study, 21 adult male albino rats were divided into seven groups, control (Co: 6weeks), CPF (6weeks), Co + Oil (2weeks healthy food and 4weeks oil), Co + Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO: 6weeks), CPF + Sup (2weeks CPF and 4weeks CPF + Sup), CPF + Exe (2weeks CPF and 4weeks CPF + Exe), and CPF + Exe + Sup (2weeks CPF and 4weeks CPF + Exe + Sup) group. All treatments were done intraperitoneally (5days a week). Exe groups were subjected to run at moderate exercise intensity for 5days per week over 6weeks. DMSO groups were administered to the equal volume of vehicle for 6 consecutive weeks. Finally, the animals were sacrificed with Co2 gas and then alterations in testicular histology and sperm parameters were evaluated. Protein expression of PLZF and IGFα in the CPF group showed a significant decrease compared with the control group (p˂0.001 for both). It was shown that CPF + Exe + Sup (p˂0.001) and CPF + Sup (p˂0.01) groups had a significant increase in protein expression of PLZF, but the protein expression of IGFα showed a significant increase just in the CPF + Exe + Sup group (p˂0.001). Also, CPF caused a significant decrease in Leydig counts, Sertoli cell count, spermatogonium counts, spermatocyte cell count, spermatid cell count, and tunica thickness as well as a significant increase in testicle diameter (p˂0.01) and ducts diameter compared with the control group. It seems that aerobic exercise with eugenol supplementation suppresses the disruption effects of CPF on testicular tissue (cellular and structural) by increasing the antioxidant capacity and improving the secretion of sex hormones. Therefore, the aerobic exercise with supplement of the eugenol has potential therapeutic targets for male infertility that need further study.

Pengaruh Pemberian Ekstrak Buah Naga Merah (Hylocereus polyrhizus) Terhadap Gambaran Spermatogenesis Tikus Putih (Rattus norvegicus) Galur Wistar yang Diinduksi Pakan Tinggi Lemak

Spermatogenesis can be affected by oxidative stress produced by the increasing of pro-inflammatory adipokines because of high fat diet.The spermatogenesis cells damaged can be prevented with natural substance such as red pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus). This study aims to analyze effect of Hylocereus polyrhizus extract on rat’s spermatogenesis cells number that induced by high fat diet. This study had used true-experiment design. 30 rats were divided into 5 groups. Groups 1 to 4 had done treatment for 52 days and group 5 treatment for 104 days. Group 1 Negative control (K1) administered with standard diet, group 2 Positive control (K2) had administered quail egg 10ml/KgBW, group 3 Experiment 1 (P1) had administered quail egg polyrhyzus 10ml/Kg BW and with simvastatin 0,72mg/day, group 4 Experiment 2 (P2) had administered quail egg 10ml/KgBW and wth Hylocereus polyrhizus extract 60mg/day in 52 days, and group 5 Experiment 3 (P3) had administered quail egg 10ml/KgBW and with Hylocereus polyrhizus extract 60mg/day in 104 days. Data were analyzed by One Way ANOVA and continued with Post Hoc Tukey’s HSD (P-Value=0,05) for 52 day groups. Group P1 and P2 showed repairing effect and increasing spermatocytes and spermatids (p.000&lt;0,05) compared to group K2. Group P2 had more spermatids and spermatocytes than group P1 (p.000&lt;0,05). Group P2 52 days’ spermatid cells equalled to group P3 104 days (p.469&gt;0,05). Hylocereus polyrhizus extract not only had mechanism like simvastatin but also contained antioxidant, and a long-term treatment had not proven bad effect to spermatogenesis cells. Conclusion. Hylocereus polyrhizus extract 60mg/day can repair and increase spermatogenesis cells induced with high fat diet.

Boosting Sperm Count Using Red Ginger in Mice Induced by Paraquat Dichloride (1.1-dimethyl-4.4 bipyridinium)

Paraquat dichloride (1.1'-dimethyl-4.4'-bipyridinium dichloride) was commonly herbicide used by most farmers in Indonesia. It raises herbicide-free radicals and affects male reproductive organs. It caused infertility such as a decrease in the number of spermatogenic cells. Fortunately, red ginger has capable of dealing with infertility problems. This study aims to see whether the ethanol extract of red ginger can increase the number of spermatocyte and spermatid cells induced by paraquat dichloride. This study uses a completely randomized design with 24 male mice were divided into six treatment groups with four replications. Group K as a control (H2O), J (Ginger 18 mg / ml), Pq (Paraquat 20mg / BB), P1 (Pq 20 mg / BB + EEJM 6 mg / ml), P2 (Paraquat 20mg / BB + EEJM 12 mg / ml) and P3 (Paraquat 20mg / BB + EEJM 18 mg / ml). Paraquat is given 2 times a week for 21 days, while the ethanol extract of red ginger added for 35 days. The number of cells spermatocyte and spermatid cells of male mice and performed analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Least Significant Difference Test (BNT) level of 5% observed as the parameter. The results showed that ethanol extract of red ginger 6, 12 and 18 mg/ml increased the number of spermatocyte and spermatid cells of male mice induced by paraquat dichloride.

Biological Effects of Magnetic Resonance Imaging on Testis Histology and Seminiferous Tubules Morphometry.

ObjectivesSpermatogenesis is a regular and lengthy process in which the function of testicular cells may potentially be influenced by several extrinsic and intrinsic stressors, including environmental factors such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) waves and radiation. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of MRI waves and fields on the testicular histology and morphometry of seminiferous tubules in mice.MethodsThe experiment was conducted on 40 adult Naval Medical Research Institute mice. The control group was located in the center of the MRI bore while it was turned off, while the exposed group was exposed to the active scanner for 36 minutes once a week for three weeks. Our study included four groups: group I (control group at one hour after last exposure), group II (experimental group at one hour after last exposure), group III (control group at 35 days after last virtual exposure), and group IV (experimental group at 35 days after last exposure). We then assessed the tube and lumen diameters, as well as epithelium thickness of the seminiferous tubules.ResultsOur data showed that MRI waves partially reduced testicular weight one hour after the last exposure (group II) compared to group I (p = 0.240). On the other hand, in group II the Johnson’s score (score 10, complete spermatogenesis and perfect tubules) was 87.5% which was slightly less than recorded in groups I, III, and IV (91.4%, 92.2%, and 90.5%, respectively). Furthermore, the MRI in group II revealed induces vacuolization in the epithelium, arrest in primary spermatocytes in the pachytene stage as well as disruption in the testicular parenchyma.ConclusionsLong-term exposure to MRI waves has deleterious effects on the male reproductive system, fertility parameters, and the quantity of germ cells in the seminiferous tubules with the exception of the number of round spermatid cells and epithelial thickness. All these effects were reversible after a new period of spermatogenesis.

Proliferation and Differentiation of Mouse Spermatogonial Stem Cells on a Three-Dimensional Surface Composed of PCL/Gel Nanofibers

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) have self-renewal and differentiation capacity essential for sperm production throughout the male reproductive life. The electrospun polycaprolactone/gelatin (PCL/Gel) nanofibrous scaffold mimics important features of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which can provide a promising technique for the proliferation and differentiation of SSCs in vitro. The goal of the present study was to investigate the effects of PCL/Gel nanofibrous scaffold on the propagation and differentiation of neonate mouse SSCs (mSSCs). mSSCs were enzymatically isolated, and the cells were purified by differential plating method and seeded on scaffold. After 2 weeks, viability, colony number and diameter, and expression of specific spermatogonial cell genes were investigated. After mSSCs propagation, the cells were cultivated in a differentiation medium on the scaffold for another 2 weeks, and differentiating cells were analyzed by real-time PCR. The number of mSSC colony (P<0.01) and expression levels of specific spermatogonial genes Plzf and Inga6 (P<0.01) and also differentiation genes c-Kit, Tp1 and Ptm1 (P<0.05) were higher in scaffold group compared with control during the culture period. We conclude that mSSCs can be expanded and can differentiate toward spermatid cells on PCL/Gel nanofibrous scaffold with improved developmental parameters.

Ultrastructural feature of spermatogenic cells and spermatozoon in cultured burbot Lota lota

Testis development and ultrastructure of spermatogenic cells and spermatozoa of burbot Lota lota, a commercially important cold freshwater fish, were studied by light and transmission electron microscopy. Spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, and spermatozoa are distributed along the seminiferous tubules. Electron-dense bodies appear in germ cells from primary spermatogonia to secondary spermatocytes. We identified three distinct stages of spermatid cell differentiation based on chromatin condensation, development of the flagellum, formation of a nuclear fossa, and elimination of excess cytoplasm. Spermatozoa were anacrosomal and characterized by location of the centrioles outside the nuclear fossa and incomplete perpendicular arrangement of the centrioles. The sperm flagellum displayed an axoneme with nine doublets of peripheral microtubules and two central microtubules. These results provide valuable information for burbot taxonomy and may clarify the process of spermatogenesis for this species.

Number of spermatogenic cells and testes histology of mice (Mus musculus L.) after treated with different times and intervals of red calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus Meissn.) leaf extract

Tannin compounds in the form of tanic acid are known to inhibit the acrosine activity of spermatozoa and plasminogen activator, which is an antifertility mechanism. Red Calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus Meissn.) leaves have the potential to be developed as herbal medicines, but these leaves contain high condensed tannins, so research needs to be done to determine the effect of red kaliandra leaf extract on the reproduction of male mice.This research used a completely randomized design (CRD) in a factorial patern with four doses and three replications, i.e. control (NaCl 0,9%), doses of red caliandra leaf extract of 2, 4 and 6 mg/kg body weight and time interval of 7, 14 and 21 days. The testes organ were taken and processed histologically by Paraffin Methods and Hematoxylin-Eosin staining. Parameters observed were the amount of spermatogonia, spermatocyte and spermatid cells of male mice. A directly calculation method was done by observed the cells of tubulus seminiferous histology for each treatment used a microscope camera and Image Raster software (Optilab). The data were analyzed with One Way Anova and Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Calliandra calothyrsus leaf extract with different doses and time intervals decreased the amount of spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids cells in the testes tubulus seminiferous of male mice, the arrangement of spermatogenic cells are increasingly irregular and the lumen were not full filled with spermatozoa cells.

Silver nanoparticles testicular toxicity in rat

To evaluate the potential testicular toxicity induced by silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in Sprague Dawley rate. The protocol study was designed as follows: G1: 30 adult male rats were kept as control. G2: 30 adult male rats were administered 5.36 mg/kg of AgNPs orally, twice weekly for six months. G3: 30 adult male rats were administered 13.4 mg/kg of AgNPs orally, twice weekly for six months. The results of hormonal assay revealed that a significant decrease in testosterone level while a significant increase in LH level was obtained. The testicular homogenate showed a significant decrease in SOD activity accompanied by a significant increase in MDA level in both G2 and G3 in comparison with the control in a dose-response relationship. Sperm viability indicates a significant decrease in rats in G2 and G3 groups. A significant decrease in DNA chromatin integrity % was obtained in rats of G3 in comparison with G2 and control. The semithin and TEM sections of the testis of G2 and G3 groups showed Sertoli cells have vacuolations with a disturbance in the arrangement and the staining affinity of spermatogenic cells. The spermatogonia appeared with a moderate electron density of the nucleus and cytoplasm. The acrosome and its cap become oval and light electron dens of spermatid cells.

Regulating the regulator: intramembrane proteolysis of vesicular trafficking proteins and the SERCA regulator phospholamban

Intramembrane proteases reside within the subcellular compartments of cells to carry out a multiplicity of functions. One such family is the signal peptide peptidase (SPP) and signal peptide peptidase‐like (SPPL) family. The SPP/SPPL family comprises several homologs of aspartyl‐intramembrane proteases, and recent studies demonstrate distinct compartmentalization for each and a largely unknown cadre of substrates. Due to their hydrophobic nature, identification of substrates for intramembrane proteases can be an arduous task. In this issue of EMBO Reports , two studies identify physiological substrates of SPPL2c (1, 2). SPPL2c targets a variety of SNARE proteins, thereby playing a significant role in vesicular transport from the ER and in turn influencing the composition of the Golgi. Furthermore, trafficking defects observed in SPPL2c lacking cells lead to morphological changes in the spermatid cells of the testes, the only known site of protein expression. In these cells, phospholamban, a single‐pass transmembrane regulator of the Ca 2+ transporter SERCA, was also identified as an SPPL2c substrate that impacts Ca 2+ storage. This may explain the SPPL2c effect on germ cell development.

Protective Antioxidant Effects of N-acetylcysteine on Testicular Tissue and Serum Testosterone in Paranonylphenol-Treated Mice (A Stereological Analysis)

Paranonilphenol (p-NP) is an environmental pollutant that affects the male reproductive system through induction of oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as an antioxidant against impairment of testicular tissue caused by p-NP. In this study, 24 adult male NMRI mice were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=6 each groups): 1-Control, 2- p-NP (250 mg/kg/day), 3-NAC (150 mg/kg/day) and 4-p-NP+NAC. After 35 days of orally treatment a significant decrease in the diameter (P<0.01), germinal epithelium height (P<0.04), basement membrane thickness and volume of seminiferous tubules (P<0.02) and as well as a significant decrease in serum testosterone level (P<0.04) were observed. Also a significant decrease in the count of sertoli (P<0.04), leydig (P<0.02), spermatogonia (P<0.04), spermatocyte (P<0.04), round and long spermatid (P<0.02) cells in the p-NP group compared to other group were observed. In the p-NP group, atrophy, edema, reduction in lumens sperm density and vacuoled were observed. While in this group a significant increase in the interstitial tissue volume (p<0.01), level of testis MDA (p<0.01) and count of the positive-TUNEL cells (p<0.01) in the seminiferous tubules were observed. NAC can significantly compensate the parameters mentioned above in NAC +p-NP group compared to the p-NP group. The findings of this study showed that NAC, as a potent antioxidant, can compensate the adverse effects of p-NP on testicular tissue.

Protective Effect of N-Acetyl Cysteine on Chlorpyrifos-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Mice.

BackgroundChlorpyrifos (CPF), an organophosphate pesticide, is widely used in farms in order to preserve crops and fruits. Previous studies have shown that CPF exposure might cause chronic toxicity in male genital system. The present study investigated the protective effect of N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC), a potent antioxidant against testicular toxicity of CPF in male mice.Materials and MethodsIn this experimental study, 42 adult male mice were divided into seven groups, CPF low (0.5 mg/kg.b.w) and high (5 mg/kg.b.w) doses groups, NAC group (35 mg/kg.b.w), NAC+CPF 0/5 mg/kg.b.w, NAC+CPF 5 mg/kg.b.w, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, 0.75% solution mg/kg.b.w) and control group. All treatment were done intraperitoneally. Treatment was conducted for four consecutive weeks (five days each week). However NAC was injected to NAC+CPF groups five days before initiation of the treatment procedure. One week after the last injection, mice were sacrificed using anesthetic gas to evaluate alterations in testicular histology and sperm parameters.ResultsSeminiferous tubules area and diameter were significantly diminished in the group treated with 5 mg/kg CPF (P<0.05). CPF also statistically reduced sperm parameters (count and motility) and damaged sperm morphology) at both doses (P<0.05). However, NAC significantly improved spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatid cell counts as well as sperm parameters in mice treated with both CPF concentrations (P<0.05).ConclusionAccording to our results, NAC may significantly ameliorate CPF-induced damages to spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids cell counts and sperm parameters.

Neurofibromin haploinsufficiency results in altered spermatogenesis in a mouse model of neurofibromatosis type 1.

The fertility of men with neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is reduced. Despite this observation, gonadal function has not been examined in patients with NF1. In order to assess the role of reduced neurofibromin in the testes, we examined testicular morphology and function in an Nf1+/- mouse model. We found that although Nf1+/- male mice are able to reproduce, they have significantly fewer pups per litter than Nf1+/+ control males. Reduced fertility in Nf1+/- male mice is associated with disorganization of the seminiferous epithelium, with exfoliation of germ cells and immature spermatids into the tubule lumen. Morphometric analysis shows that these alterations are associated with decreased Leydig cell numbers and increased spermatid cell numbers. We hypothesized that hyper-activation of Ras in Nf1+/- males affects ectoplasmic specialization, a Sertoli-spermatid adherens junction involved in spermiation. Consistent with this idea, we found increased expression of phosphorylated ERK, a downstream effector of Ras that has been shown to alter ectoplasmic specialization, in Nf1+/- males in comparison to control Nf1+/+ littermates. These data demonstrate that neurofibromin haploinsufficiency impairs spermatogenesis and fertility in a mouse model of NF1.