Thickness Of Tunica Albuginea Research Articles

Effect of 900 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation emitted from mobile phone on testicular immunity and the associated risk of testicular germ cell tumor

The emission of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) from mobile phones has been implicated in causing inflammatory changes in the testis. Nevertheless, the direct association of these changes with the development of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) remains unclear. Therefore, we purposed to investigate the effect of RF-EMR exposure on inflammatory changes in the testis, cytokine gene expression levels, and the incidence of TGCT. Twenty male Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned to either the study or control groups. The study group was exposed to RF-EMR at 900 MHz, 26 V/m, and a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 0.14 W/kg for 4 h/day over 8 weeks. Histopathological analysis, vitality analysis using Annexin V, and real-time polymerase chain reaction for the analysis of interleukin 1 (IL-1), IL-4, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) cytokine gene expressions were performed on the testicular tissue. The median testis weight (163.0 g [133.0 – 183.0] vs. 179.0 g [134.0 – 195.0], P = 0.012) and volume (0.95 cm3 [0.800 – 1.400] vs. 1.100 cm3 [1.050 – 1.500], P = 0.031) of the study group were significantly lower compared to the control group. The seminiferous tubule damage (P < 0.001) and interstitial edema (P = 0.042) were significantly higher in the study group. The tunica albuginea thickness was significantly reduced in the study group (P < 0.001). The fold changes in the expression levels of IL-4 and IFN-γ increased significantly in the study group. Our findings indicate that RF-EMR exposure causes structural, histopathological, and inflammatory toxic effects on the testis. The observed elevation in gene expression levels of IL-4 and IFN-γ cytokines following RF-EMR exposure suggests their potential role as regulators of TGCT initiation, thereby offering a viable potential therapeutic target in combination with current treatments. Nonetheless, future well-designed studies are necessary to validate our findings.

Epididimo-orhitis u 13-godišnjeg dječaka tokom varicella infekcije – ultrazvučno praćenje

Varicella is a highly contagious infectious disease that can cause various complications. One of them, epididymo-orchitis, is rare and poorly described in literature, and thus remains seldom thought of, under-diagnosed, and poorly treated. In this report we present the case of a 13-year-old boy initially examined by an infectologist and a pediatric surgeon under the diagnosis of a scrotal bacterial superinfection during a varicella infection. Wrongly treated with antibiotics, he was then examined by a pediatric endocrinologist, diagnosed with epididymoorchitis as a varicella complication, and treated with acetaminophen, ice packs and scrotum suspension, as the 24-hour window for antiviral therapy initiation was missed. Laboratory test showed no signs of infection, while ultrasonography showed enlargement of the right testicle and epididymis with thickening of tunica albuginea and paratesticular effusion. The ultrasound follow up then showed improvement with each examination and a year later a completely normal finding. The hormonal status was normal during the follow up, so was the sperm count. However, sperm mobility was reduced 5 years later and the patient was diagnosed with asthenozoospermia. Hence we must emphasize the role of a varicella infection and its ability to leave a long term consequence to reproductive health. Having in mind the diminished antiviral therapy and still doubtful complication prevention we have to point out the prevention measures, including vaccination and the development of new antiviral methods.

Ovarian Histology of Removed Ovaries After Gender-Affirming Testosterone Therapy.

Introduction. Assigned female at birth transgender people go through a gender-affirming hormone therapy using testosterone. We aimed to define the histological changes in the removed ovaries of these patients and investigate the correlation of these changes to factors like chronological age and duration of hormone therapy. Methods. The ovaries of 84 patients who had at least 6 months of testosterone therapy before surgery were examined. Tunica albuginea thickness, cortical thickness, and number of different stages of follicles were recorded. Results. The mean age was 27.2 ± 4.9 years. Testosterone duration 25.8 ± 13.1 months. The mean tunica albuginea thickness was 356.4 ± 152.6 µm. The mean cortical thickness was 799.6 ± 245.6 µm. The number of primordial (C1) follicles was 18.03 ± 13.6 and antral (C3) follicles was 3.1 ± 1.9 per cm². When grouped as using therapy under or over 2 years the groups did not have differences in histological findings. Hormone duration did not correlate with histological findings except for a positive correlation with atretic follicle number. However, age was negatively correlated with number of follicles at all stages except atretic follicles and positively correlated with cortical thickness (P < .05). Conclusion. Testosterone therapy induces multifollicularity, stromal hyperplasia, and luteinization in some patients. Hormone duration did not correlate with ovarian histology whereas chronological age did suggesting an effect of age on ovarian reserve rather than duration of hormone therapy.

Effects of imidacloprid-contaminated feed exposure on spermatogenic cells and Leydig cells in testes of adult male rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

This research was undertaken to assess the results of repeated exposure to the insecticide; imidacloprid (IMI)-contaminated feed on testicular tissue, spermatogenic cell population, Leydig cell number, and sperm morphology in adult male rabbits (n = 24). The treatment groups received IMI (Bildor® 100 mg/L water spray on green grass)-contaminated green grass without wash (n = 8, not-washed-feed rabbit group) and after wash (n = 8, washed-feed rabbit group) once daily for two weeks on an alternate day basis. The rest of the rabbits, as control, received a normal pesticide-free standard feed. During the exposure time, there was no evident toxic symptom found on regular monitoring of IMI-treated rabbits. Histopathologically, the thickness of tunica albuginea of testes reduced significantly with loosely arranged connective tissues in IMI-treated rabbits. Within the testes, the bizarre-shaped seminiferous tubules were seen with increased lumen diameter in IMI-treated rabbits. The spermatogenic cells were disorganized and detached from the basement membrane in seminiferous tubules of IMI-exposed testes of rabbits. The spermatogenic cell population decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in IMI-treated rabbits compared to control rabbits. Leydig cell number decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in IMI-treated rabbits. A high percentage of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa was seen in IMI-treated rabbits. The degree of the histopathological changes was more prominent in the testes of IMI-exposed not-washed-feed rabbits. The results showed that insecticide-IMI has toxicological effects on testicular tissues, mainly spermatogenic and Leydig cell population of adult rabbits which may cause infertility.A short running title: Effect of imidacloprid on testicular tissue of rabbits.

Study of Penis Structure and Development in Fetus With Prune Belly Syndrome

To evaluate the influence of prune belly syndrome (PBS) on the development of penises in human fetuses. We studied 39 human fetuses (including 4 with PBS) aged 11-22 weeks post conception. We measured the length and width of the free portion and penis root and the penis total length (PTL). In 21 fetuses of the control group and in 3 with PBS we analyze the penile with histochemical and immunohistochemical methods. The total penile area, area of corpora cavernosa, area of corpus spongiosum, and thickness of tunica albuginea were measured by stereological method. Means were compared using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and ANOVA test (P <.05). We did not observe difference in PTL (P=.999) when we compared the control group (4.69-29.77 mm, mean=16.2 mm; SD=6.34 mm) with the PBS (12.23-23 mm, mean=16.16; SD=4.99). The total penile area (P=.002), the area of corpora cavernosa (P=.023) and the area of corpus spongiosum (P=.004) had a significant increase when comparing the PBS with the control group. In fetuses with PBS there is no change in the length of the penis but we observed a low rate of growth in all the other histologic parameters analyzed, suggesting that PBS impacts the penile development.

The protective effect of melatonin supplementation against taxol-induced testicular cytotoxicity in adult rats.

The aim of the present investigation was to study the toxic influences of taxol (TXL) on the testes of rats and the protective impact of melatonin (MLT) against such effects. Rats were classified into control, sham, TXL, MLT, and MLT+TXL-treated groups. Histological and ultrastructural changes were observed in testicular tissues of TXL-intoxicated rats including thickening of tunica albuginea and degenerative alterations in spermatogenic, Sertoli, and Leydig cells. A significant increase (P≤0.05) was found in the thickness of tunica albuginea and numbers of tubules without sperm, apoptotic germinal epithelia, and apoptotic Leydig cells, whereas the diameter of tubules and height of germinal epithelia displayed a significant decrease (P≤0.05) compared with the control, sham, and MLT-treated groups. Immunohistochemically, a marked decrease (P≤0.05) in Bcl-2 immunoreactivity and significant elevation (P≤0.05) in P53 and caspase-3 immunoreactivities were recorded. Co-treatment of MLT and TXL modulated such histological, histomorphometrical, and ultrastructural changes induced by TXL. Also, MLT had a protective effect against testicular apoptosis induced by TXL, as shown by the elevated expression of Bcl-2 and decreased expression of P53 and caspase-3. In conclusion, the current investigation proved that MLT had a protective role against TXL-induced testicular cytotoxicity, which may be a result of inhibition of testicular apoptosis.

Thymoquinone ameliorates bleomycin-induced reproductive toxicity in male Balb/c mice.

Bleomycin (BL) is a powerful chemotherapy drug that has devastating effects on spermatogenic function and may make cancer survivors at risk of infertility. Protective effects of thymoquinone (TQ), a phytochemical compound with antioxidant and anticancer influences, were investigated on sperm parameters, testicular structures, and sexual hormones in BL-treated mice. Forty-eight adult male Balb/c mice were randomly divided into six groups. Control group received normal saline; BL group received 10mg/kg BL; TQ7.5 group received 7.5mg/kg TQ; TQ15 group received 15mg/kg TQ; BL+TQ7.5 group received 10mg/kg BL and 7.5mg/kg TQ; BL + TQ15 group received 10mg/kg BL and 15mg/kg TQ. BL was intraperitoneally used every day through 35days, and TQ was intraperitoneally injected 3days before administration of BL and continued twice per week for 35days. Results showed that BL significantly decreased count, viability, morphology, maturity, and progressive movement of sperm, testosterone, seminiferous tubule diameters, the ratio of testis weight to body weight, number of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, and Sertoli cells per tubule, and expression of Bcl2l1 and Bcl2l1/Bax ratio, and increased the non-progressive movement and immotile sperm, intermediate and immature sperm, LH, FSH, and malondialdehyde levels, and tunica albuginea thickness compared to the control group (p < .05). TQ at a level of 7.5mg/kg ameliorated BL-induced toxicity on measured parameters and returned most of them to the level of the control group. These data suggested TQ in a dose-dependent manner may have positive effects on BL-induced toxicity of the testis in mice model.

Protective Effects of pomegranate peel extract on the diabetic–Induced Damage in Rat testis

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is known to cause a state of general oxidative stress. The decreased fertility rates have been attributed to testicular inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis in male diabetic patients. Pomegranate peel extract (PPE), known for its high content of bioactive constituents, posses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic properties. Aim of the work: To investigate the potential benefits of PPE against testicular injury-induced by diabetes.Material and Methods: Forty adult male albino rats were randomly allocated to four groups: control group, PPE group (500 mg/kg/day orally for 8 weeks), diabetic group (received single intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg STZ) and diabetic treated with PPE group. At the end of the experiment, the testes were dissected out and processed for light microscopy, immunohistochemical stainning and transmission electron microscope. Serum testosterone hormone were investigated.Results: Examination of diabetic group revealed a significant reduced serum testosterone level, severely damaged testis with thickened tunica albuginea, thickening and discontinuity of the tubular basement membrane, shrunken tubules with occluded lumen, depleted germ cells, markedly lost elongated spermatids, congestion and significantly increased caspase-3 immunopositive cells area percent. TEM results revealed shrunken nuclei, ballooned mitochondria, cytoplasmic vacuolations and wide intercellular spaces. Diabetic treated with PPE group showed restoration of normal arrangement of the seminiferous tubules with lumen full with mature elongated spermatids and narrow interstitial spaces in-between.Conclusion: DM induced damaging effect on the testis, increased the expression of caspas-3 apoptotic marker, fibrosis and lowered the testosterone level. However, PPE administration counteracted most of these changes so it could be used as adjuvant therapy for DM.

Ageing and chronic disease-related changes in the morphometric characteristics of ovarian follicles in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis).

How is the localisation of ovarian follicles affected by ageing and chronic diseases? Ovarian follicles shift deeper towards the medulla, due to thickening of the tunica albuginea (TA), with ageing and some major common chronic diseases. The ovary undergoes morphological and functional changes with ageing. The follicular pool follows these changes with alterations in the amount and distribution of residual follicles. Diseases causing a chronic inflammatory process are associated with morphological changes and impaired ovarian function. We conducted a cross-sectional study, examining 90 ovaries from 90 female monkeys. The samples were collected from April 2018 to March 2019 at Tsukuba Primate Research Center in National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Japan. Ovarian samples were obtained from cynomolgus monkeys that died from natural causes or were euthanised. Ovarian sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) for histological analyses. In ovarian sections from 64 female macaques aged 0-25 years, a total of 13 743 follicles at different developmental stages (primordial, intermediary, primary, early secondary and late secondary) were assessed to determine the depth of each follicle from the outer surface of the ovarian cortex to the far end of the follicle, by using a digital imaging software. TA thickness was measured as sum of basal membrane and tunica collagen layer for each ovary under H&E staining. To explore the possibility of age-related trends in ovarian morphometric characteristics, samples were divided into four different age groups (0-3 years (pre-menarche), 4-9 years, 10-14 years and 15-20 years). To evaluate the effect of common chronic diseases on ovarian morphometric characteristics, macaques with diabetes mellitus (DM) (n = 10), endometriosis (n = 8) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (n = 8) were compared to age-matched controls without chronic diseases. Ovarian morphometric analysis revealed that the relative location of follicles became deeper in all age groups according to development of follicles (P < 0.05). Total follicle distance from the ovarian surface was increased with ageing (P < 0.05). In a sub-analysis according to developmental stage, only primordial and intermediary follicles were localised deeper with increasing age (P < 0.05). TA thickness was also increased with ageing (P < 0.05). The localisation of the total number of follicles became deeper in ovaries from monkeys with DM, endometriosis or IBD as compared to the control group (P < 0.05). With DM, analysis of follicles distance at almost each developmental stage was significantly deeper compared to controls (P < 0.05) with the exception of early secondary follicles. With endometriosis, follicles at primary and early and late secondary stages were significantly deeper compared to controls (P < 0.05). Also with IBD, follicles at primary and early and late secondary follicles were significantly deeper compared to controls (P < 0.001). The TA was thicker with DM and endometriosis compared to controls (P < 0.05), but not with IBD (P = 0.16). NA. Two-dimensional histology was used to assess follicle localisation. The possibility of minimal variations between the measured distance to the actual distance in a spherical structure cannot be excluded. Additionally, the severity of disease was not assessed. This study is the first step towards enhancing our understanding of how ageing and chronic diseases affect the relative localisation of dormant and developing follicles. These observations, combined with possible future human studies, may have managerial implications in the field of fertility preservation and other conditions involving ovarian tissue cryopreservation. The present work was supported by the Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research B (19H03801) (to K.K.), Challenging Exploratory Research (18K19624), Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Mochida Memorial Foundation for Medical and Pharmaceutical Research, Takeda Science Foundation and Naito Foundation (to K.K.). All authors have no conflicts of interest directly relevant to the content of this article.

Ultrasonographic Examination and Measurements of Testes, Epididymis and Accessory Glands at Different Growth Stages of Chios Rams

Background: Testes, epididymis and accessory glands measurements should be mandatory as an imminent for male selection. This study aimed at defining the ultrasonographic characteristics and measurements of testes, epididymis and accessory glands at different growth stages in Chios rams. Methods: Sixteen rams were assigned by age class into: group A (pre-pubertal, n=3), group B (pubertal, n=5) and group C (mature, n=8). Scrotal circumference (SC) was measured using a tape. Scrotal contents were examined using a B-mode ultrasound. Testicular breadth (TB), thicknesses of tunica albuginea (TA) and mediastinum (MS) and the largest dimension of epididymal tail (EpT) were estimated. Trans-rectal ultrasound was carried out to estimate the echogenicity and diameter of bulbourethral gland (BUG), height of pars dessiminata of prostate (PDP) and maximum breadth of seminal gland (SG). Result: SC increased curvilinear with age. Testicular echogenicity increased with age. Thickness of TA did not differ with age. MS could not detect in pre-pubertal rams, reached maximum thickness with puberty and became relatively thinner by maturity. EpT evidently enlarged with puberty. BUG, PDP and SG exhibited moderate echogenicity. They reached their greatest size with sexual maturity. SC estimated by tape and TB estimated by US correlated with most of the ultrasonographic measurements of the epididymis and accessory glands.

Exposure to low doses of malathion during juvenile and peripubertal periods impairs testicular and sperm parameters in rats: Role of oxidative stress and testosterone

Malathion is an organophosphate insecticide used in agriculture and for controlling vector-borne diseases such as Zika. Humans can be exposed to malathion by means of ingestion of contaminated food. The juvenile and peripubertal periods are a large window of vulnerability to the action of toxic agents. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of low doses of malathion during the development of testes in the juvenile and peripubertal periods in rats. For this purpose, 45 male Wistar rats (postnatal day (PND) 25) were assigned to 3 experimental groups and treated for 40 days. The animals were exposed daily to malathion 10 mg/kg (M10 group) or 50 mg/kg (M50 group) diluted in 0.9 % saline via gavage. The control group received only the vehicle. On the 40th experimental day, the rats were anaesthetized and euthanized. The blood was collected for determination of testosterone concentration. The testes were removed and weighed. Spermatozoa from the vas deferens were used for sperm morphological analysis. The testes were used for evaluation of sperm count and oxidative stress status to determine the inflammatory profile and analysis of tissue constitution. The results showed that both malathion doses reduced the sperm count and increased the number of abnormal sperms. Furthermore, both doses altered the spermatogenetic process, delayed spermiogenesis, reduced the Leydig and Sertoli cell number and increased the thickness of tunica albuginea. The M10 group presented increased IL-10 levels and reduced GSH levels. These parameters did not change in the M50 group. However, the M50 group showed an increase in the number of abnormal seminiferous tubules, a decrease in plasma testosterone concentration and an increase in lipid peroxidation in the testes. In conclusion, the exposure to low doses of malathion during juvenile and peripubertal development resulted in testicular toxicity and compromised the testicular morphology and function.

Comparison of male reproductive parameters in mice with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

ObjectiveThe differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T1DM and T2DM) in terms of their adverse effects on male reproductive parameters have never been elucidated. This study aimed to distinguish between the effects of the DM types in mice treated with multiple low doses of streptozotocin (STZ) to mimic human T1DM and coadministered a high-fat diet (HFD) to mimic human T2DM.MethodsThe T1DM mice were intraperitoneally injected with STZ (40 mg/kg body weight) for 5 days. The T2DM mice received an HFD for 14 days prior to STZ injection (85 mg/kg body weight), followed by continuous feeding of an HFD. Male reproductive parameters were evaluated.ResultsThe reproductive organs of the DM mice weighed significantly less than those of controls, and the seminal vesicles plus prostates of the T1DM mice weighed less than those of the T2DM mice. Increased sperm abnormalities and incomplete DNA packaging were observed in the DM groups. Sperm concentration and the proportion of normal sperm were significantly lower in the T1DM group. The seminiferous histopathology of DM mice was classified into seven types. The penises of the DM mice were smaller than those of the controls; however, tunica albuginea thickness and the amount of penile collagen fibers were increased in these mice. Round germ cells were abundant in the epididymal lumens of the mice with DM.ConclusionT1DM adversely affected reproductive parameters to a greater extent than T2DM.

Reproductive toxicity of neem seeds (Azadirachta indica) in male quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

ABSTRACT: Considering that neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) causes deleterious effects on fertility, the objective was to evaluate the effect of feeding quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica Linnaeus, 1758) of 90 days old with neem seeds on seminal quality, biometric parameters, and testicular morphometrics, as an experimental model. After the 30 day adaptation period to the experimental conditions, birds were randomly distributed in five treatments of neem seeds incorporated into feed, with 10 replicates: T1 (0%), T2 (5%), T3 (10%), T4 (20%) and T5 (40%). After 60 days of receiving experimental rations, their semen was collected to evaluate the sperm quality, the birds were euthanized, and testes were submitted to biometric, histological, and histomorphometric evaluation. The data were evaluated by analysis of variance and later by Tukey test with a significance level of 5%. The mean values of testicle weight, length, and width significantly decreased in T4 and T5, due degeneration of germinal epithelial cells. In these treatments, it occurred a significant increase (P&gt;0.05) in the average values of the tunica albuginea thickness and a significant reduction in the values of the seminiferous tubule diameter and the height of the germinal epithelium. In addition, the mean values of seminal volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility, vigor, and sperm viability were significantly reduced. Thus, the use of neem in bird feeding, as well as the use for therapeutic purposes, is questionable, considering its negative impact on reproduction.

Attenuating Effect of N-Acetylcysteine onApoptosis Associated with ImidaclopridInduced Testicular Damage inMale Albino Rats

N-acetylcysteine (NAC), as a nutritional supplement, is a greatly applied antioxidant invivo and in vitro. NAC is a precursor of L-cysteine that results in glutathione elevation biosynthesis.The therapeutic potential ofN-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been investigated as a bioprotective agent against oxidative stress and ischemic injury. Also, it is used as a treatment for certain mental and physical illnesses.The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective and attenuatingapoptosis effect ofNACon imidaclopride (IMI) induced testicular damage in rats. Forty male albino rats wereclassified randomly into four equal groups. Group1 (control). Group2 (IMI): rats receivedIMIorally day after day over a period of 8 weeks at a dose level of 21.2mg/kg b.w (1/20 LD50). Group3 (NAC):rats received NAC(200 mg/kg body weight) orally for8 weeks.Group 4 (NAC+IMI): rats received NAC(200 mg/kg body weight) orally for 4 daysbefore and along with the administration of (IMI) over a period of 8 weeks.At the end of the experiment testes were isolated for the determination of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced Glutathione (GSH) and comet assay. Also, for histopathological examination. The obtained results showed a significant increase in testicular tissue MDA, andDNA damage detected by comet assay in imidaclopride intoxicated rats. However, Testicular SOD activity, catalase, and GSH concentration were markedly decreased. Histopathological alteration caused by IMI toxicity were presented by slightly thickened tunica albuginea with less congestion of sub-capsular blood vessels,mild degeneration of the germinal epithelium of some seminiferous tubules with mild interstitial edema. NACprotection to IMI induced testicular damage in rats caused a significant improvement of all previous parameters and attenuate the histopathological changes. These results suggested that, NAC treatment exerts a protective effect on testicular damage by improving ofoxidative stress markers and DNA damage detected by comet assayin rats through free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory activities as well as regenerating endogenous antioxidant defense system mechanisms.

Testosterone Level, Testicular Histology and Reproductive Events Of Caucasian Pit Viper, Gloydius Halys Caucasicus (Serpentes: Viperidae)

The steroid hormones regulate the reproductive physiology of animals and may influence by habitat and seasonal conditions. In this study, body weight and length, testosterone concentration and testicular histology were measured in Caucasian pit viper from Lar region, Tehran province, during summer and autumn seasons in year 2014. Serum samples were collected from 24 anesthetized snakes and testicles were removed and fixed for histological study. Enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) was conducted on serum samples to determine concentrations of testosterone (T) and standard histological procedure was performed on gonads. Results indicated that body weights and lengths in summer and fall seasons were respectively 49.88±9.6 gr, 50.25±7.4 cm and 42.75±4.5gr, 43.25±2.3 cm, serum testosterone level in summer, 29.3± 5.12 ng/ml was more than fall, 13.75±2.80 ng/ml at P≤0.05.The numbers of spermatogonias, spermatocytes and spermatids in summer were more than fall and statistically different at P≤0.05. The leydig cells number and diameter in fall were more than summer but differences were not significant.There were significant differences between seminiferous tubules diameter, germinal epithelial height and tunica albuginea thickness in summer as compared to fall at P≤0.05. The data suggest male Caucasian pit-viper of Lar region of Tehran displaying estival spermatogenesis and some relationship was revealed between T level and snake's body weight, and high level of T coincide with the mating period

The effect of tramadol on seminiferous epithelium of albino rats and the protective effect of vitamin C

Objective The aim of the study was to assess the effect of tramadol on the testes of adult male albino rats and to elucidate the possible protective effect of vitamin C. Background Tramadol is an opioid pain medication used to treat mild to severe pain, both acute and chronic, and premature ejaculation and as an antidepressant. Materials and methods Sixty adult male albino rats were used in the present study. Animals were divided into four groups: group I, the control group; group II, which received 500 mg/kg/day vitamin C orally for 4 weeks; group III, which was divided into two subgroups, subgroup IIIa and subgroup IIIb (receiving 50 mg/kg/day tramadol orally for 4 weeks) and subgroup IIIb, which was left without treatment for another 4 weeks; and group IV, which received tramadol and vitamin C in the doses same as the previous ones. At the end of the experiment, the testes were excised and specimens were processed for light, electron microscopic, morphometric studies and statistical analyses. Results Tramadol-treated rats showed degeneration, irregularity of seminiferous tubules with disorganization and exfoliation of spermatogenic cells in the lumen, which showed absence of sperms. Vascular dilatation and congestion was present. In addition, there was collagen fiber deposition in the interstitium and around the blood vessels with thickening of tunica albuginea. Cessation of tramadol administration showed reversibility of the previous changes but not complete recovery. However, coadministration of vitamin C with tramadol showed improvement. Conclusion Tramadol has harmful effect on the testes of rats. This effect is reversible when tramadol administration is stopped but complete recovery is not achieved. Vitamin C and tramadol in combination revealed improvement.

Antioxidant and protective effects of Royal jelly on histopathological changes in testis of diabetic rats

Diabetes is the most common endocrine disease. It has adverse effects on male reproductive function. Royal Jelly (RJ) has antioxidant and anti-diabetic effects and show protective effects against diabetes. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of RJ on histopathological alterations of the testicular tissue in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. In this experimental study, 28 adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into control (C), royal jelly (R), diabetic (D) and RJ-treated diabetic (D+R) groups. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ at 50 mg/kg body weight (BW). The rats from the R and D+R groups received daily RJ (100 mg/kg BW) for 6 wks orally. Hematoxylin-Eosin staining was used to analyze histopathological changes including: tunica albuginea thickness (TAT), seminiferous tubules diameter (STsD), Johnsen's score, tubular differentiation index (TDI), spermiogenesis index (SPI), Sertoli cell index (SCI), meiotic index (MI), and mononuclear immune cells (MICs) in testes. The antioxidant status was examined by evaluating testicular levels of ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and catalase (CAT) activity. Histological results of the testis from diabetic rats showed significant decrease in STsD, Johnsen's score, TDI, SPI, SCI and MI, and significant increase in TAT and MICs, while administration of RJ significantly reverted these changes (p<0.05). RJ treatment markedly increased activity of CAT and FRAP. There were significant differences in FRAP levels among C (13.0±0.5), RJ (13.4±0.3), D (7.8±0.6) and D+R (12.4±0.7) groups (p<0.05). RJ improved diabetes-induced impairment in testis, probably through its antioxidant property.

Evaluation the effect of laparoscopic unilateral ovariectomy in young Iraqi black goat on the histomorphometric of the remaining ovary at adult stage

The ovarian histomorphometric in adult normal and unilateral ovariectomized Iraqi black goats (Age 7 months) was studied to evaluate the effect of laparoscopic unilateral ovariectomy of young goat (age 2-3 months) on other remaining ovary histologically. Ten young female Iraqi black goats were used in the study. The goats were divided randomly into two equal groups; young goats were left normal (group A) and young goats underwent to right laparoscopic unilateral ovariectomy (group B). All animals in both groups were left to reach adult stage at 7 months age, in which they underwent to removal their ovaries laparoscopically by using the harmonic scalpel. Operations were performed under general anesthesia by using of a mixture of xylazine and ketamine intramuscularly. The ovarian histomorphometric included; height of germinal epithelium and thickness of tunica albuginea, cortex and medulla were measured at adult stage for both groups. The study revealed a significant elevation (P&lt;0.05) in thickness value of tunica albuginea, cortex and medulla in the right ovary compared with the left one in normal adult goat (group A). The left ovary in group (B) showed significant increase in the thickness value of tunica albuginea, cortex and medulla compared with those in similar (left) ovary in group (A) which indicated that the remaining ovary in group (B) showed compensatory action in increasing their histological structures measurements. The short operative time, no intraoperative and less postoperative complications referred to that the laparoscopic ovariectomy in goats could be performed successfully with this technique and by using of harmonic scalpel.

Effect of mercury vapor inhalation on rat ovary: Stereology and histopathology.

Mercury, an environmental contaminant, is a risk factor for health in whole living organisms. In this study, we investigated whether mercury vapor (HgO) inhalation has an effect on rat ovary. Twelve Wistar albino rats were divided equally into experimental (Hg) and control groups (n = 6). Animals in the Hg group were exposed to HgO for 45 days at a dose 1 mg/m(3)/day, after which, histological and stereological assessment were carried out. Ovaries exposed to HgO had histo-morphometric alterations. HgO inhalation resulted in reduction of the total number of primordial, primary and Graaf follicles. Also, mean volume of ovary, medulla and cortex, corpus luteum (c. luteum) and Graaf follicles was decreased in the Hg group. Moreover, there was a significant increase in total volume of the atretic follicles. On light microscopy, thickening of tunica albuginea, increase of fibrils within the connective tissue, congestion of the capillaries and venous vessels, thinned walls and fibrin deposition in some large blood vessels, and edema were seen. Also, irregular follicle and oocyte borders, and hydropic degeneration in follicular granulosa cells were detected. Structural alterations could be attributed to the toxic influence of HgO on rat ovary. The use of Hg should therefore be more controlled to minimize its toxic effect.

Histologic and histomorphometric changes of testis following oral exposure to methyl tertiary-butyl ether in adult rat.

Methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) is used to reduce carbon monoxide and ozone in urban air and to boost fuel octane. There is a lack of knowledge in the literature about the histomorphometric changes of the testis following exposure to MTBE. Therefore, this experimental study was performed to determine the effect of oral exposure to MTBE on histologic and histomorphometric changes of testis in adult rat. A total of 25 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five equal experimental groups: control, almond oil and three treatment groups which received 400, 800 and 1600 mg/kg/day MTBE in almond oil by gavages for 30 consecutive days. Histomorphometric analysis showed no significant difference in absolute and relative testis weight, connective tissue thickness, germinal epithelium height, tunica albuginea thickness and Sertoli cell numbers between experimental groups (P>0.05). However, trend analysis showed that the seminiferous tubule diameter increased and interstitial cell numbers as well as spermatocyte and spermatid cell numbers decreased significantly in MTBE treated groups (P<0.05). It may be concluded that MTBE could exert adverse effects on spermatogenic cells in adult rat. Whether the observed changes in the present study are due to the direct effect of MTBE via passing blood-testis barrier or its indirect effect through another mechanism should be elucidated in future studies.