Thickness Of Germinal Epithelium Research Articles

Effect of Exposure to different doses of Cell Phone-Electromagnetic Waves on the hippocampus and testis of Adult Albino Rats: A Histological study

Introduction: every new technological product brings certain disadvantages threatening human health. Electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted from cell phones may exert a detrimental influence on human health and may affect man`s cognitive and reproductive systems. Mobile phones are carried mainly near the head during talking and they are also kept in trousers pockets in close distance to testis. Aim: to study the effect of single or multiple exposure to different doses of EMF from mobile phone on the structure of hippocampus and testis in adult albino Wistar ratsMaterials and methods: thirty adult male albino Wistar rats were divided into three equal groups. Group I (control), group II (single mobile exposure giving 900Hz) and group III (multiple mobile exposure giving 2700HZ). Rats were exposed to EMW for 120 minutes/day, 6 days per week for ten weeks. Animals were sacrificed 24 hours after the last exposure. Hippocampus and testis were harvested form all rats. They were subjected to proper histological techniques. Semen analysis, morphometric and statistical studies were also done.Results: In single exposure group, degeneration of some pyramidal and granule cells of the hippocampus were noticed. Vacuolations were also seen between spermatogenic cells with some abnormalities of sperm structure. While in multiple exposure group, apparent increase number of degenerated neurons and significant decrease in thickness of pyramidal and granule layers of hippocampus were noticed. Testis showed intercellular vacuolations, significant decrease in thickness of germinal epithelium and seminiferous tubules and a significant increase in mean area percentage of collagen fibers and caspase-3 reaction. Many sperm abnormalities were also detected in semen analysis.Conclusions: exposure to EMF causes significant changes in the structure of hippocampus and testis in a dose dependent manner.

The swiss webster mice testes structure after exposed to ethanolic neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract

Neems has been known as an anti-fertility effect, both in male and female mammals. This research was performed to find out the effect of ethanolic leaf extract of A. indica on the testes structure that indicated by testicular weight, diameter, and thickness of germinal epithelium of seminiferous tubules. Twenty Swiss Webster male mice were used, and they were divided into two groups (K and P) of ten in replicates. The mice in the K group served as a control group treated with drinking water; while mice in the P group treated with 14 mg/animal/day of ethanolic Neem leaf extract. Treatment was administered orally for 21 days. The mice were sacrificed at 22nd day under chloroform anesthesia. Testes were isolated, weighted and processed with paraffin method continued with HE staining. Diameter and thickness of germinal epithelium of semeniferous tubules were measured on five tubules in every slide of testes. Data were analyzed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) continued by DMRT. Our result showed that there was a significant difference (p<0.05) between treated and control group on diameter and thickness of germinal epithelium. In conclusion, spermatogenesis in mice was disrupted by ethanolic of Neem leaf extract.

Protective effects of Cornus mas fruit extract on methotrexate-induced alterations in mice testicular tissue: Evidences for histochemical and histomorphometrical changes in an animal model study.

Methotrexate (MTX) as a chemotherapeutic agent, has adverse effects on reproductive organs by enhancing oxidative stress. In this study, the protective effects of Cornus mas fruit extract (CMFE) against MTX side effects were evaluated. Forty-eight mature male NMRI mice were divided into six groups: group 1 (control) received 0.10 mL per day of normal saline intraperitoneally (IP), group 2 received MTX (20.00 mg kg-1 per week, IP), group 3 received MTX along with CMFE 250 mg kg-1 per day by oral gavage, group 4 received MTX along with CMFE 500 mg kg-1 per day by oral gavage, group 5 received MTX plus 1000 mg kg-1 per day of CMFE by oral gavage, and group 6 received 1000 mg kg-1 per day of CMFE extract, orally. All animals were treated for 35 consecutive days. Thickness of testicular capsule and germinal epithelium and diameter of seminiferous tubules were measured. Intra-cytoplasmic levels of carbohydrate, unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) and alkaline phosphatase were assessed. Serum level of testosterone and testicular total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were also evaluated. The results demonstrated that MTX administration caused morphometrical parameters except the thickness of testicular capsule were significantly different in comparison to control group and decreased cytoplasmic concentration of carbohydrate in the first three layers of germinal epithelium and increased the UFA levels. Contrarily, CMFE ameliorates the condition. Moreover, CMFE increased testosterone level and increased the MTX-reduced TAC level. In conclusion, it was revealed that CMFE decreased the cellular atrophy by controlling the energy substrate utilization based on lipids and carbohydrates via provoking the testicular antioxidant status.

Histopathological Study of the Chronic Toxic Effects of Dapoxetine Administration on Testes of Male Albino Rats

Background: Dapoxetine is a short acting oral SSRI, purely created for the on-demand treatment of premature ejaculation. The present study was carried out to see the histopathological effects of Dapoxetine on the testis of adult albino rats. Materials and methods: Dapoxetine was administered orally by gavage to rats for consecutive 70 days, Eighty apparently healthy male albino rats weighing 125–150 g were used throughout the experiments .The rats were divided randomly into four groups (n=6). Each group 20 rats: Group (1) Control group, Group (2) receiving 1 mg of dapoxetine /70 days, Group (3) receiving 5 mg of dapoxetine /70 days and Group (4) receiving 10 mg of dapoxetine /70 days. Histological slides were prepared and stained with H and E stain. On examination, distortion of seminiferous tubules, decreased thickness of germinal epithelium, decreased diameter of seminiferous tubules and decreased counts of germinal cell lineage were found in treated groups.

Histopathological Study of the Chronic Toxic Effects of Dapoxetine Administration on Testes of Male Albino Rats

Background: Dapoxetine is a short acting oral SSRI, purely created for the on-demand treatment of premature ejaculation. The present study was carried out to see the histopathological effects of Dapoxetine on the testis of adult albino rats. Materials and methods: Dapoxetine was administered orally by gavage to rats for consecutive 70 days, Eighty apparently healthy male albino rats weighing 125–150 g were used throughout the experiments .The rats were divided randomly into four groups (n=6). Each group 20 rats: Group (1) Control group, Group (2) receiving 1 mg of dapoxetine /70 days, Group (3) receiving 5 mg of dapoxetine /70 days and Group (4) receiving 10 mg of dapoxetine /70 days. Histological slides were prepared and stained with H and E stain. On examination, distortion of seminiferous tubules, decreased thickness of germinal epithelium, decreased diameter of seminiferous tubules and decreased counts of germinal cell lineage were found in treated groups.

Effects of Carob (Ceratonia siliqua) on Sperm Quality, Testicular Structure, Testosterone Level and Oxidative Stress in Busulfan-Induced Infertile Mice

Background: Ceratonia silique has antioxidant activities that may inactivate toxic factors and influence sperm quality. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is no available data on the effects of carob on male fertility. Hence, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of carob on sperm quality, testicular structure, and level of testosterone hormone in busulfan-induced infertile mice. Methods: Sixty-four adult male mice were randomly divided into 8 groups (control, sham, busulfan and carobs 1 to 5). The busulfan group was injected a single dose of 10 mg/kg busulfan intraperitoneally. Carobs 1 to 5 groups received intraperitoneal doses of 800, 400, 200, 100 and 50 mg/kg of carob extract plus a single dose of 10 mg/kg busulfan for 35 days. The sperm analysis, morphometric study, testosterone levels and oxidative stress determination were done on the 35th day of the experiment. Results: The lowest percentage of sperm parameters was related to the busulfan group and the highest was related to the carobs 1 and 2 groups. The seminal vesicles index of the carob 1 group showed a significant increase as compared to the busulfan group (p < 0.001). A significant increase was observed in the mean value of germinal epithelium thickness, as well as thiol and catalase levels in carobs 1 and 2 groups as compared to the busulfan group (p < 0.001). There was a significant increase in the mean level of testosterone in the carob groups as compared to the busulfan group (p < 0.001). Also, there was a significant decrease in the mean value of malondialdehyde level in the carobs 1 and 2 groups p < 0.001) and a significant increase in the mean value of superoxide dismutase enzyme in the carob groups as compared to the busulfan group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Administration of 800 mg/kg of carob extract for 35 days improved sperm quality, biochemical parameters, thickness of germinal epithelium and testosterone levels in infertile mice induced by busulfan.

Effects of maternal dietary selenium (Se-enriched yeast) on testis development, testosterone level and testicular steroidogenesis-related gene expression of their male kids in Taihang Black Goats

To investigate the effects of maternal dietary selenium (Se-enriched yeast) on testis development, testosterone level and steroidogenesis-related gene expression in testis of their male kids, selected pregnant Taihang Black Goats were randomly allotted to four treatment groups. They were fed the basal gestation and lactation diets supplemented with 0 (control), 0.5, 2.0 and 4.0 mg of Se/kg DM. Thirty days after weaning, testes were collected from the kids. After the morphological development status of testis was examined, tissue samples were collected for analyzing testosterone concentration and histological parameters. Testosterone synthesis-related genes were detected using real-time PCR. Localization and quantification of androgen receptor (AR) in testis of goats were determined by immunohistochemical and western blot analysis. The results show that Se supplementation in the diet of dams led to higher (p < 0.05) testicular weight, volume, length, width, transverse and vertical grith of their male kids. Excessive Se (4.0 mg/kg) can inhibit the development of testis by decreasing testicular weight and volume. The density of spermatogenic cells and Leydig cells in the Se treatment groups was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that in the control. Maternal dietary Se did not affect the thickness of testes, thickness of germinal epithelium and diameter of seminiferous tubule. Se supplemented in the diet of dams improved the testosterone level in testis tissue and serum, and promote the expression of testosterone-related genes. The mRNA expression of StAR, 3β-HSD and CYP11A1 was decreased with the increasing dietary Se levels of dams. Maternal dietary Se can improve the AR protein abundance in testis of their offspring. AR immunopositive product was detected in Leydig cells, peritubular myoid cells, perivascular smooth muscle cells, primary spermatocytes and spermatids. The expression of AR in spermatogenetic cells is stage specific. This study suggests that maternal dietary Se can influence the testis development and spermatogenesis of their male kids by modulating testosterone synthesis in goats. More attention should be given to the potential role of maternal nutrition in improving reproductive performance of their offspring.

Comparative effects of zinc oxide, zinc oxide nanoparticle and zinc-methionine on hatchability and reproductive variables in male Japanese quail

The objective was to examine the effect of different dietary zinc sources on reproduction of male Japanese quail. A total of 512 quail chicks (day-old) were divided into four groups with four replications for a period of 42 days. After this period, excess chicks were removed to attain the ratio of one male to three females and 16 quail in each subgroup. At 52 to 60 d of age, the eggs were collected and incubated. The basal diet (control) contained no zinc and the other three experimental diets were supplemented with 25 and 50 mg/kg zinc from zinc oxide (ZnO), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONP) and zinc-methionine (Zn-Met) for 1 to 35 and 36 to 60 days, respectively. On day 42, two males from each replicate were euthanized. Males from the ZnO and Zn-Met treatments had an increase (P < 0.05) in seminiferous tubule diameters (STD) and germinal epithelium thickness (GET) compared with the control and ZnONP treatments. Cloacal gland index (CGI) was greatest (P < 0.05) for the Zn-Met compared with the other groups. Testosterone concentration was greater (P < 0.05) in the ZnO and Zn-Met compared with the other groups. Addition of Zn-Met to the diet enhanced (P < 0.05) fertility, hatchability and hatched chick weight compared with the other groups. Early and late embryonic death was greater (P < 0.05) in the control and ZnONP groups, respectively, compared with the other groups. This study indicated that supplementing diets with the Zn-Met source improves male Japanese quail reproductive performance and hatchability traits while zinc oxide nanoparticles have detrimental effects on male Japanese quail reproduction and reduces hatchability.

Assessment of gonadal and thyroid histology in Gulf killifish (Fundulus grandis) from Barataria Bay Louisiana one year after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill

We examined gonads and thyroid glands of Gulf killifish (Fundulus grandis) 1yr after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. F. grandis were trapped from two impacted sites in Barataria Bay (Bayou St. Denis, Bay Jimmy) and an un-impacted site in East Texas (Sabine Pass). The greatest number of F. grandis were collected at Sabine Pass. F. grandis collected at Bayou St. Denis were smaller and had smaller Fulton condition factor scores than fish collected at Sabine Pass. Sex ratios were biased roughly 2:1 in favor of females at Sabine Pass and Bayou St. Denis. Gonad-somatic index (GSI) in males from Sabine Pass was double that of fish from Bay Jimmy while germinal epithelium thickness of the testes was 2.7 fold smaller in males from the impacted site. GSI and oocyte diameters in females from Bayou St. Denis were significantly smaller than females from Bay Jimmy or the reference site. There were no differences in thyroid follicle cell height. While total polyaromatic hydrocarbons at the impacted sites were no different from the reference site, the impacted sites did have greater concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene in sediment pore water. The finding of smaller GSI and testicular germinal epithelium in males from an impacted site suggest that exposure to a combination of oil and dispersants may adversely impact testicular function.

Protective effect of ghrelin on testicular damages caused by chronic hypoxia in rats: A histopathological study.

Hypoxia can lead to changes in the blood flow, nutrition and oxygenation of male germ cells and results in fertility reduction through the increase in oxidative stress. This study aims to evaluate the effect of ghrelin on testicular damage induced by hypoxia in rats. In this experimental study, 24 male rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, hypoxia, hypoxia+ghrelin and ghrelin. Animals in the control and ghrelin groups were kept in room air with 21% oxygen. The animals in the groups of hypoxia and hypoxia+ghrelin were subjected to 11% oxygen for 14 consecutive days in the hypoxia chamber. At the end of the study, the testes were removed and histological changes, as well as the apoptotic index, were investigated. Morphometrical analysis showed that hypoxia caused a significant decrease in the seminiferous tubules diameter, the germinal epithelium thickness and main Johnson's score compared to the control group (p<.05). In addition, statistical comparisons revealed a significant increase in the apoptotic index in the hypoxia group (p<.05). Administration of ghrelin+hypoxia improved the parameters mentioned above (p<.05). The results of this study indicated that ghrelin decreases the testicular damages caused by hypoxia in the rats by antioxidative activity.

Histological and Morphometric Examination of the Testes of Boars and Male Pigs Immunocastrated with Improvac®

Background: Surgical castration of male piglets is frequently performed to prevent development of an unpleasant taste and flavor in meat of mature males, called boar taint. Disadvantages of this method are primarily related to the lower feed efficiency of surgically castrated male pigs, production of less lean meat and more fat on the carcasses than boars, as well as ethical issues associated with the procedure itself. Immunocastration is a method of immunization against gonadotropinreleasing hormone (GnRH) and represents an alternative to avoid boar taint. This study aimed to examine the influence of immunocastration on histological and morphometric parameters of male pig testes.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: A total of 60 crossbred male pigs selected from 30 litters were assigned to two experimental groups: boars (n = 30) and immunocastrated males (n = 30). Two doses (2 mL per dose) of the Improvac® vaccine were given to pigs scheduled for immunocastration. The first injection was given at 10 weeks of age, and the second injection at 20 weeks of age. All pigs were fed the same commercial diet ad libitum, group-housed (15 pigs/pen) and slaughtered at 25 weeks of age. After slaughter, testicle weights were measured and samples of testicular tissue were taken for histological examination. Immunocastrated males had lower testicle weights than boars (P &lt; 0.01). Furthermore, structural damage to the germinal epithelium was visible in the seminiferous tubules of vaccinated pigs. In the testicular interstitium of these animals, the number of Leydig cells were reduced; almost all of these cells exhibited different degrees of abnormality. Moreover, the diameter of the seminiferous tubules and thickness of the germinal epithelium were greater (P &lt; 0.01), and the percentage of germinal epithelium in the seminiferous tubules as well as percentage of blood vessels in the interstitium were higher in boars as compared to immunocastrated males (P &lt; 0.01). Seminiferous tubule lumen diameter was greater (P &lt; 0.01), and percentage of lumen in the seminiferous tubules as well as percentage of non-blood vessel tissue in the interstitium were higher in immunocastrated males than boars (P &lt; 0.01).Discussion: Vaccination against GnRH, as used in this study, reduced the synthesis of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which led to decreased spermatogenesis and androgen production. The smaller diameter of the seminiferous tubules as well as germinal epithelium thickness, and lower percentage of germinal epithelium in the seminiferous tubules in immunocastrated males could be explained by reduced FSH synthesis, and subsequent reduced spermatogenesis. The described testicular malformations in immunocastrated animals caused their lower weight, and greater diameter of the lumen as well as a higher lumen percentage of the seminiferous tubules. The vaccine reduced LH synthesis, so the Leydig cells of immunocastrated animals had lower activity than the same cells in boars. The percentage of blood vessels in the interstitium of boar testes was higher, which was related to the blood supply required for normal function of Leydig cells. It was concluded that differences existed in the structure of the seminiferous tubules and interstitium between boars and immunocastrated males , which were reflected in values of the examined histological and morphometric parameters. The development of these differences was related to the inhibition of GnRH synthesis and secretion.

Aluminium-Induced Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis and Alterations in Testicular Tissue and Sperm Quality in Wistar Rats: Ameliorative Effects of Curcumin.

Reproductive toxicity is a major challenge associated with aluminum (Al) exposure. No studies have evaluated the possible effects of curcumin (CUR) on Al-induced reproductive dysfunction. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of CUR treatment on Al-induced reproductive damage. In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats were allocated to the five groups (n=8) based on the treatment they received: no treatment (control), solvent [dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or distilled water], CUR 10 mg/kg body weight (BW), Al chloride 10 mg/kg BW, and CUR+Al chloride (10 mg/kg BW/each alone). Treatments were performed by intraperitoneal (IP) injections for 28 days. The left testis was assessed for histopathological analysis as well as the incidence of germ cell apoptosis. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Tukey's test was used. P<0.05 was considered significant. Significant reductions in body and testis weight; plasma testosterone and luteinizing hormone levels; sperm count, motility, morphology, and viability; germinal epithelium thickness; seminiferous tubules diameter; as well as, superoxide dismutase activity were observed in rats treated with Al. Moreover, Al exposure caused significant increments in the lumen diameter of tubules, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels compared to the control group. However, in rats receiving CUR+Al, CUR significantly reversed the adverse effects of Al on testis and sperm quality. No significant differences in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels and nuclear diameter of spermatogonia were detected among all groups. It can be concluded that Al causes reproductive dysfunction by creating oxidative damage. CUR, on the other hand, reduces the toxic effects of Al and improves the antioxidant status and sperm quality in male rats.

Histological Effects of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Size 10 Nm in Mice Testes

In the present study, the histological effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TDN) on testicular tissue of mature Mus musculus mice was investigated. The animals were divided into six groups, control group treated with TDN free saline and five groups treated with TDN as follow 5, 10, 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg B.W. The results showed that TDN has histological effects on testicular tissue like sever congestion, mild edema between seminiferous tubules (STs) and decrease the thickness of germinal epithelium at low concentrations, While, the histological changes at high concentrations involved disturbance in STs diameters, sever edema between STs, sever vaculation in the germinal epithelium and necrosis in spermatogonia, germinal epithelium and Sertoli cells.

Do Insulin Replacement and Omega3 Protect the Male Reproductive Function of the Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice?

Diabetes mellitus (DM), the most common metabolic disease, might affect different organs such as male reproductive system. Experiments have shown that n-3 fatty acids could improve male reproductive function. Present study was performed to examine the effects of omega3 on sperms and testicular parameters in diabetic mice. Adult NMRI male mice were randomly divided into intact and diabetic groups (n = 8). Streptozotocin-induced diabetic animals were divided into 4 groups of diabetic-saline (Dia-Sa), diabetic-insulin (Dia-Ins), diabetic-omega3 (Dia-omg3), and diabetic-insulin-omega3 (Dia-Ins-omg3). Following confirmation of diabetes, different treatments including 3 U/100 g insulin subcutaneously and 400 mg/kg omega3 orally were administered, where applicable according to the treatment groups. Thirty-five days later, the sperm number, motility, progression, and normal morphology were determined. Also, testes diameters and structure including germinal epithelium thickness, seminiferous tubule diameters, Leydig cell number, and testosterone level were assessed. Sperm number, viability, fast motility, testes volume, and serum testosterone level decreased insignificantly in the Dia-Sa group compared with the intact animals. Neither insulin replacement nor omega3 administration could significantly improve the outcome. We might conclude that short periods of diabetes could not significantly affect the male reproductive function. In addition, insulin replacement and/or omega-3 supplementation does not have any profound effects on male reproductive system.

Histological and Transcriptomic Changes in Male Zebrafish Testes Due to Early Life Exposure to Low Level 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-Dioxin.

We have shown that zebrafish (Danio rerio) are an excellent model for evaluating the link between early life stage exposure to environmental chemicals and disease in adulthood and subsequent unexposed generations. Previously, we used this model to identify transgenerational effects of dioxin (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin [TCDD]) on skeletal development, sex ratio, and reproductive capacity. Transgenerational inheritance of TCDD toxicity, notably decreased reproductive capacity, appears to be mediated through the male germ line. Thus, we examine testicular tissue for structural and gene expression changes using histology, microarray, and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Histological analysis revealed decreased spermatozoa with concurrent increase in spermatogonia, and decreased germinal epithelium thickness in TCDD-exposed males compared with controls. We also identified altered expression of genes associated with testis development, steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis, hormone metabolism, and xenobiotic response. Altered genes are in pathways involving lipid metabolism, molecular transport, small molecule biochemistry, cell morphology, and metabolism of vitamins and minerals. These data will inform future investigations to elucidate the mechanism of adult-onset and transgenerational infertility due to TCDD exposure in zebrafish.

TESTICULAR MORPHOLOGY OF ALBINO RAT

Withdrawal effects of chronic androgenic anabolic steroid on hormonal andtesticular morphology were studied .Forty five male albino rats were divided into 1) Control 2)Chronic group and 3) Withdrawal group. Testoviron was injected at a dose of 400mg/kg bodyweight intramuscularly once in two weeks for 14 weeks, and then drug was withdrawan foranother 14 weeks. Testes were removed and fixed in 10% formalin and processed. Followingwithdrawal of AAS, testicular and relative testicular weight was restored to control. Increasedtubular count also returned near to normal while decreased diameter of seminiferous tubules,thickness of germinal epithelium, count and diameter of leydig cells were also restored nearto normal in withdrawal group when compared with the chronically treated group. Histologicalobservations also revealed that degenerated spermatogenic cells were returned to their normalappearance and oedematous vacuoles were reduced. Moreover, decreased level of reproductivehormones, i.e. FSH, LH and testosterone also returned to control level in withdrawal group.These results indicated that chronic AAS has substantial harmful effects on hormonal andtesticular morphology. However, these adverse effects gradually restored to normal followingwithdrawal from AAS.

Exposure to a 900 MHz electromagnetic field for 1 hour a day over 30 days does change the histopathology and biochemistry of the rat testis

Purpose: To investigate the effect of exposure to a 900 megahertz (MHz) electromagnetic field (EMF) on the rat testicle.Materials and methods: Twenty-four adult male rats were divided into control, sham and EMF groups. The EMF group rats were exposed to 900 MHz EMF (1 h/30 day), and testicles were extracted at the end of the experiment. Malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione levels and apoptotic index and histopathological damage scores were compared.Results: Histopathologically, EMF group rats exhibited vacuoles in seminiferous tubules basal membrane and edema in the intertubular space. Seminiferous tubule diameters and germinal epithelium thickness were both smaller, and apoptotic index was higher, in the EMF group than in the other groups. Malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione values in the EMF group decreased significantly compared to those of the control group.Conclusions: The results show that exposure to 900 MHz EMF causes alterations in adult rat testicular morphology and biochemistry.

Histometric analysis of vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus) testicles treated with coumestrol by oral route

The vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus) is a hematophagous species, and is considered the main transmitter of rabies to cattle in Latin America. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of coumestrol (COU; 5 µg per g body weight, administered orally for 30 d) on the histoarchitecture of vampire bat testicles. A total of 10 male vampire bats were divided randomly into two groups: COU-treated and control (N = 5 per group). Testis samples were obtained for histometric evaluation. The numbers of epididymal sections containing spermatozoa for each bat were counted by light microscopy and fluorescent signal detection was performed by confocal microscopy. We found significant group differences in germinal epithelium thickness, seminiferous tube diameter, intertubular space, number of spermatogenia, Sertoli cell counts, spermatid cell counts, Leydig cell counts, and the number of epididymal sections with spermatozoa. Based on our results, we conclude that COU, when administered orally for 30 d, can modify the histoarchitecture of vampire bat testicular tissue in a manner that would be expected to impair fertility.

Potential of triptolide in reproductive management of the house rat,Rattus rattus

Mature and healthy male house rats, Rattus rattus (n= 160) were fed on bait (cracked wheat: powdered sugar, 98:2) containing different concentrations of triptolide (0.1, 0.05, 0.025 and 0%) for 7 and 14 days in no-choice and bi-choice feeding tests in the laboratory. The objective of the study was to record the antifertility affects of triptolide after 30 and 60 days of termination of treatment. Results revealed no significant effect of triptolide treatment on weights of testis, epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate gland of rats. Overall, sperm motility, live sperm count, sperm density and sperm morphology in the cauda epididymal fluid were found to differ significantly (P≤ 0.05) between untreated and treated groups of rats. The major effect of triptolide on sperm morphology was in the form of sperm head tail separation, which was up to 56.0% in rats treated for 14 days in no-choice and autopsied after 30 days. A significant effect (P≤ 0.05) of triptolide treatment was observed on the histomorphology of the testis, which included a dose-dependent decrease in diameter of seminiferous tubules, thickness of germinal epithelium and numbers of various spermatogenic cells. Cell associations in the seminiferous epithelial cycle were poorly developed in rats ingesting medium (4.7-5.1 mg/100 g bw) and high doses (6.9-7.2 mg/100 g bw) of triptolide than rats ingesting low doses (1.8-2.3 mg/100 g bw) and untreated rats. The cell stages affected had not recovered fully within the 60 day period following triptolide withdrawal. The present study suggests the potential of triptolide in reproductive management of Rattus rattus.

Protective Role of GnRH Antagonist on Chemotherapy-induced Spermatogenesis Disorder: A Morphological Study.

Anti cancer drugs is one of the most important chemotherapeutic factors which can influence spermatogenesis process and germinal epithelium. Since dividing cells are mainly affected by anticancer drugs, the aim of the present study is to investigate the preventive effect of GnRH antagonist on spermatogenic defect produced by anticancer drugs. In the present study thirty adult male mice aging 6-8 weeks were divided into 3 groups as: Control, Experimental 1 and Experimental 2. Experimental 1 group received Cisplatin for 5 days as 2.5 mg/kg intraperitoneally and Experimental 2 group received 0.25 mg/kg cetrorelix (GnRH antagonist) one week before cisplatin treatment and continued for 3 weeks. The mice in all groups were sacrificed 35 days after the last injection and testis specimens were fixed in boueins, formaldehyde fixative and 2.5% Glutaraldehide then prepared for light and electron microscopic examination. Light microscopy (LM) study showed that the number of spermatogonial cells, thickness of germinal epithelium, was decreased in Experimental 1group. Electron microscopy revealed that in this group several intercellular spaces appeared between spermatogenic cells and secretory granules in interstitial cells was increased. There were several vacuolated mitochondria and destroyed organelles in spermatogonial cells but in Experimental 2 group condition was similar to control group. These results indicate that the cetrorelix administration before cancer treatment may protect germinal epithelium against side effects of cisplatin.