Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “testis”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 415 records · Page 23Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Degenerative changes in spermatogonia are associated with loss of glucose transporter (Glut 3) in abdominal testis of surgically induced unilateral cryptorchidism in rats.

Expression of facilitative glucose transporters (Glut 1, 2 and 3) was examined by Western blot analyses 10, 20 and 30 days following surgically induced unilateral abdominal cryptorchidism. The cryptorchid testes exhibited marked degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules and spermatogonia, impaired and incomplete spermatogenesis and lack of spermatozoa in the lumen. Immunoblotting of testis proteins with Glut transporter antibodies revealed only the presence of Glut 2 and 3 proteins. Glut 2 expression in abdominal testis was increased (45%, 67%, and 40% at 10, 20 and 30 days, respectively) but no significant change was observed in contralateral scrotal testis. Glut 3 expression was reduced by 85-95% compared with contralateral scrotal testis. A significant decrease in Glut 3 levels in abdominal testis was accompanied by an increase in scrotal testis Glut 3 content (80%, 144% and 212% at 10, 20 and 30 days, respectively) compared to age matched control rats. These results suggested that the degenerative changes in abdominal testis may be associated with decreased Glut 3 mediated glucose transport in seminiferous tubules and spermatogonia.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1997

Puberty influences expression of phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (GPX4) in rat testis: probable hypophysis regulation of the enzyme in male reproductive tract.

Mammalian spermatozoa are unusually rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, a property that predisposes them to the deleterious effects of oxygen free radicals. Mouse and human spermatozoa utilize glutathione peroxidase, (GPX), to inactivate oxygen free radicals. In the GPX super-family there is the enzyme phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (GPX4) that specifically protects membrane phospholipids against peroxidation. GPX4 is present, primarily, in testis where its enzymatic activity seems to be present only after puberty. In order to clarify this question we utilized total RNA from rat testis, liver and lung to carry out cDNA synthesis and the following RT-PCR amplification of cDNA products by using specific primers of rat liver sequence. RT-PCR products of the expected size for GPX4 (525 bp) were obtained from the three tissues. At last, these fragments were submitted to sequencing analysis. Here we demonstrate that the sequence analysis of rat testis GPX4 coding region is identical to that of rat liver and lung; however puberty influences the expression pattern of rat testis GPX4. In fact Northern blot analysis of total RNA from normal and pre-puberal hypophysectomized rats demonstrates the absence of a specific GPX4 mRNA in total RNA from pre-puberal hypophysectomized rat testis; on the other hand this specific transcript is present in both normal rat testis and liver and in pre-puberal hypophysectomized rat liver. Expression pattern of GPX4 is very low in lung both in post-puberal and pre-puberal hypophysectomized rats. Therefore hypophysis could regulate GPX4 transcript in rat testis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2003

Unilateral spermatic vessel ligation in prepubertal rats decreases microvascular blood flow to ipsilateral testis postpubertally.

High ligation of spermatic vessels (HLSV) and low ligation of spermatic vessels (LLSV) have been described in the surgical treatment of high undescended testis. Testicular capillary blood flow utilizing laser Doppler flowmetry after these maneuvers has not been studied thus far; hence, this study was designed. Thirty male rats, aged 30 days, were randomized into three groups: group I, sham surgery; group II, unilateral HLSV ligation and division of main spermatic vessels high in the left retroperitoneal space; and group III, unilateral LLSV ligation and division of main spermatic vessels close to the left testis. Thirty days later, both testes were explored through scrotal incision and capillary blood flow was measured by laser Doppler flowmeter continuously and simultaneously from both testes. The right testis, the vessels of which were not disturbed in any group, served as the control. The mean decrease in the testicular blood flow between the right testis and left testis was 4.8, 92.9, and 74.2 PFU in groups I, II, and III respectively. There was a significant ( p<0.05) decrease in ipsilateral blood flow in group-II and group-III rats; however, upon comparing group II with group III, there was no significant difference between them. Both HLSV and LLSV in rats significantly decrease the capillary blood flow of ipsilateral testis. Although LLSV group had less reduction in capillary blood flow to the ipsilateral testis than HLSV group, the difference was not statistically significant.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Histological evaluation of the testicular nubbins in patients with nonpalpable testis: assessment of etiology and surgical approach.

There is a controversy in the literature whether testicular nubbins carry malignancy risk and excision of the nubbin is necessary in patients with nonpalpable testis. It is also controversial whether vanishing testis has the same etiopathogenesis and risk with true undescended testis. The aim of this study is to investigate the histological findings of testicular nubbins in patients with nonpalpable testis and to question etiology and surgical indications for vanishing testis. We reviewed the histopathological results of 44 testicular nubbins in 40 patients (mean age: 4.1 years, range 1-13 years) with nonpalpable testis between 1992 and 2004, retrospectively. Exploration revealed 5 intraabdominal and 39 inguinal testicular nubbins. Of 44 specimens only 5 (11.3%) from inquinal testicular nubbins were found to have seminiferous tubules. Two of the five had seminiferous tubule structures with viable germ cells showing maturation correlating with age. The other two with scarce seminiferous tubules were seen on only a single area and one had Sertoli cells only. None of the excised tissue had malignant degeneration. The vas deferens was identified in 23 (52.2%), vessels in 26 (59%), calcification in 14 (31.8%) and hemosiderin in 12 (27.2%) of excised tissue. Presence of calcification in one-third of the nubbins supports vascular accident thesis in the etiopathogenesis of vanishing testis. The possibility for the presence of seminiferous tubules and viable germ cells in the testicular nubbin is low. These facts decrease theoritical risk of malingnancy. Therefore, an inguinal exploration for testicular nubbin in patients with vas deferens and vessels entering into the inquinal canal diagnosed at laparoscopy can be postponed untill testicular prosthesis implantation and the nubbin can be removed at this operation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2007

Effect of testicular ischemia-reperfusion on recruitment of neutrophils, E-selectin expression and germ cell apoptosis in the contralateral testis in a rat.

Recent evidence suggests that neutrophil recruitment may initiate germ cell apoptosis in the ischemic testis. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between germ cell apoptosis and neutrophil recruitment in the contralateral testis following testicular ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in a rat. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into two experimental groups: Group A: Sham operated animals; Group B: IR rats underwent 90 min of unilateral testicular ischemia following by 96 h of reperfusion. The rats were sacrificed and testes were harvested. Johnsen's criteria and the number of germinal cell layers were measured to categorize the spermatogenesis. TUNEL assay was used to determine germ cell apoptosis in both the ischemic and contralateral testis. The recruitment of neutrophils was calculated per 100 venules. Expression of E-selectin was determined using immunohistochemical analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t test, with P less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. Germ cell apoptosis in both the ischemic and the contralateral testis increased significantly after IR. E-selectin expression was significantly greater in ischemic testis from IR rats compared to sham animals. The small increase in E-selectin expression and the concomitant increase in neutrophil recruitment in the contralateral testis of the IR rats (vs. sham animals) were not statistically significant. In conclusion, testicular ischemia causes an increase in germ cell apoptosis in the contralateral testis. Mechanisms other than neutrophil recruitment apparently initiate this process.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Experimental unilateral undescended testis: gubernaculectomy and anchoring or direct suture fixation?

This study was designed to evaluate whether creation of a unilateral undescended testis (U/L UDT) in rats by direct fixation of the testis can lead to changes in the contralateral (C/L) descended testis, and if so, whether this inherent problem of the model could be eliminated by anchoring the divided gubernaculum to indirectly fix the testis. Thirty male newborn rats were divided into three groups of 10 each and the procedure done on the 2nd day of life to create U/L UDT according to the group allocated: group I: sham-operated; group II: anchoring the gubernaculum after gubernaculectomy; group III: Direct suture fixation of the testis. Fertility, C/L testicular weight (TW), Johnsen score, seminiferous tubular diameter (STD), DNA flow cytometry, and serum anti-sperm antibodies (ASA) were studied. Fertility, C/L TW, Johnsen score, STD, and haploid cell population were significantly reduced in group III compared to group II, while significantly higher titers of ASA were found in group III. Gubernaculectomy and anchoring the gubernaculum to the anterior abdominal wall is a better technique of creation of experimental UDT, as direct fixation of the testis is potentially detrimental to the C/L normal, descended testis.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

The expression of neurotrophins and their receptors in the prenatal and adult human testis: evidence for functions in Leydig cells.

Previous studies have demonstrated local functions for neurotrophins in the developing and mature testis of rodents. To examine whether these signaling molecules are present and also potentially active in the human testis, we characterized immunohistochemically the expression and cellular localization of the known neurotrophins and their receptors during prenatal testicular development as well as in the adult human testis. Results obtained revealed the presence of nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor, neurotrophin-3 and 4, as well as neurotrophin receptors p75(NTR), TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC during testis morphogenesis. These proteins were also detectable in the adult human testis, and their local expression could be confirmed largely by immunoblot and RT-PCR analyses. Remarkably, the Leydig cells were found to represent the predominant neurotrophin/receptor expression sites within both fetal and adult human testes. Functional assays performed with a mouse tumor Leydig cell line revealed that NGF exposure increases cellular steroid production, indicating a role in differentiation processes. These findings support previously-recognized neuronal characteristics of Leydig cells, provide additional evidence for potential roles of neurotrophins during testis morphogenesis and in the mature testis, and demonstrate for the first time a neurotrophin-induced functional activity in Leydig cells.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Laparoscopic orchiectomy for the adult impalpable testis--experiences in a rural teaching hospital.

BACKGROUND: Undescended testis is a relatively common condition in boys. The standard treatment is orchiopexy. In adults, orchiopexy is done only if sufficient length can be mobilized. Otherwise, orchiectomy is ideal as undescended testis predisposes to carcinoma. The incidence of carcinoma increases with age. The aim of this study is to highlight the value of laparoscopy in treatment of impalpable testis and simultaneously repair associated hernias. This is our experience in a rural tertiary hospital. METHODS: In our rural hospital, it is not uncommon to see men aged 30 years or more presenting with unilateral absence of testis/empty hemiscrotum. A total of 35 patients were studied. Ultrasonography of the abdomen was done to localize the exact position of the testis; it was detected in 12 cases. A computed tomography (CT) scan was done in the other 23 cases and was positive in 16. The testis was found in the retroperitoneum (close to the internal inguinal ring) in 12 cases and in the inguinal canal in 23 cases. There were associated hernias in 9 patients. RESULTS: Laparoscopy accurately identified the exact location of the missing testis and resection was also accomplished and associated hernias were repaired laparoscopically. DISCUSSION: In countries like India, the majority of the population is poor and illiterate. By the time a boy or young man with an undescended testis arrives at the hospital, it is already too late to do orchiopexy. Even though most of our patients had no symptoms, orchiectomy had to be done because of the risk of torsion and malignant transformation. By using laparoscopy in these patients, the advantages of minimally invasive surgery can be utilized. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic orchiectomy seems to be advantageous and well received by patients. We preferred the laparoscopic approach for the obvious benefits of less pain, better cosmesis, and early discharge.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

The effect of S-warfarin administration on vitamin K 2,3-epoxide reductase activity in liver, kidney and testis of the rat.

The dithiothreitol-dependent vitamin K 2,3-epoxide (vitamin KO) reductase activity was assayed in rat liver, kidney and testis microsomes. Rat kidney and testis showed vitamin KO reductase activity. The activity was about one tenth of the activity present in liver microsomes. The effect of in vivo S-warfarin was investigated after single doses, i.e. 0.2, 0.4 and 1 mg/kg, and after its chronic administration, i.e. 4.8 micrograms/kg/hr for 3 days. At 20 hr following the acute warfarin administration vitamin KO reductase in liver microsomes was depressed in a dose-dependent way, 50, 30 and 20% of control activity. Vitamin KO reductase in testis was not affected, and in kidney reductase activity was only reduced after the highest warfarin dose, 40% of control activity. Following chronic administration of warfarin, vitamin KO reductase activity was reduced in liver as well as in kidney and testis microsomes, 15-20, 40 and 60% of control activity in liver, kidney and testis, respectively. Blood clotting activity was about 14% of normal (thrombotest). Vitamin KO reductase activity in tissue microsomes was inhibited by warfarin added in vitro. Tissue and microsomal warfarin concentration were assayed. Following the acute administration, warfarin was poorly distributed into kidney and testis. Following the chronic administration, warfarin tissue to plasma ratio was about 3 for liver, but 0.5 for kidney and testis. The results indicate that during chronic therapy with oral anticoagulants vitamin K-dependent systems in non-hepatic tissues are reduced. However, this reduction is less than the reduction of the hepatic system. This is determined mainly by the pharmacokinetic behaviour of the 4-hydroxycoumarins.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Identification of thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor in the rat testis.

We have recently documented the expression of preprothyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) gene in murine, human and rat testis. Moreover, we have localized TRH to rat Leydig cells immunohistochemically, and found that both prepro TRH mRNA and TRH levels are developmentally regulated in the rat testis. To investigate the potential roles of TRH in testicular function, characterization of TRH receptors (TRH-R) in this tissue was undertaken. Recently, a cDNA encoding murine TRH-R has been isolated, making possible cloning of a rat TRH-R cDNA from the anterior pituitary gland. This cDNA was used for detection of TRH-R gene expression in the rat testis by Northern blot analysis and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). TRH receptor assays were also performed with (3H)MeHisTRH as the radioactive ligand. In Northern blot analysis, a single and specific hybridization band, approximately 3.8 kb in size, was identified in whole testis RNA, identical in size with that found in the anterior pituitary gland. The concentration of TRH-R mRNA in the testis was approximately 10% of that in the pituitary. TRH-R mRNA was also detected by RT-PCR in Metrizamide gradient-purified Leydig cells. TRH receptor binding assays revealed the presence of specific, high affinity binding sites with a Kd of 1.6 x 10(-8) M in the testis. Such TRH binding was inhibited by chlordiazepoxide, a specific antagonist of TRH receptor binding. We conclude that TRH may exert local, probably autocrine, actions in the testis via a transmembrane receptor very similar or identical to that in pituitary.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Purification and functional characterization of type II DNA topoisomerase from rat testis and comparison with topoisomerase II from liver.

A number of studies in yeast have shown that DNA topoisomerase II is essential for chromosome condensation and disjunction during mitosis at the metaphase/anaphase transition and meiosis I. Accordingly, kinetic and mechanistic studies have implied a role for topoisomerase II in chromosome disjunction. As a step toward understanding the nature and role of topoisomerase II in a mammalian germline in vivo, we have purified topoisomerase II from rat testis to homogeneity and ascertained several of its catalytic activities in conjunction with that of the purified enzyme from liver. The purified enzymes appeared to be monomers under denaturing conditions; however, they differed in their relative molecular mass. Topoisomerase II from testis and liver have apparent molecular masses of 150 +/- 10 kDa and 160 +/- 10 kDa, respectively. The native molecular mass of testis topoisomerase II as assayed by immunoblot analysis of cell-free extracts, prepared in the presence of SDS and a number of protease inhibitors, corroborated with the size of the purified enzyme. Both enzymes are able to promote decatenation and relax supercoiled DNA substrates in an ATP and Mg(2+)-dependent manner. However, quantitative comparison of catalytic properties of topoisomerase II from testis with that of the enzyme from liver displayed significant differences in their efficiencies. Optimal pH values for testis enzyme are 6.5 to 8.5 while they are 6 to 7.5 for the liver enzyme. Intriguingly, the relaxation activity of liver topoisomerase II was inhibited by potassium glutamate at 1 M, whereas testis enzyme required about half its concentration. These findings argue that topoisomerase II from rat testis is structurally distinct from that of its somatic form and the functional differences between the two enzymes parallels with the physiological environment that is unique to these two tissues.

Animals↗
PubMed1976

The restricted penetration of iodinated rat FSH and LH into the seminiferous tubules of the rat testis.

The penetration of 125I-iodinated rat follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH; labelled by three different techniques) and luteinizing hormone (LH) through the walls of the seminiferous tubules of the rat testis has been studied by injecting the labelled hormone into rats with the efferent ducts of one testis ligated 16 h before the collection of samples of blood and tissues. The concentration of trichloracetic acid-precipitable and immunoprecipitable radioactivity was measured in blood plasma and rete testis fluid and calculated for the total secreted fluid retained in the testis by the ligature, and for the additional tubular fluid from the ligated testis, separated by centrifugation after decapsulating the testis and dispersing the cells. Very little intact hormone penetrated into the testicular fluids, even 16 h after injection of the labelled hormone, and the volume of distribution in the unligated testis of the trichloracetic acid-precipitable radioactivity was only slightly greater than that for markers known to be confined to the extracellular interstitial fluid. This suggests that the labelled hormones do not penetrate readily through the walls of the semiferous tubules into their lumina. Injected inorganic iodiide and trichloracetic acid-soluble 125I-circulating after the injection of iodinated hormones penetrated more rapidly into the tubules, but had not reached equilibrium between the testicular fluids and blood plasma 16 h after injection. Labelled FSH was reasonably stable in the circulation after injection, but 80% of the 125I was not protein-bound 16 h after injection of labelled LH.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

A novel carbonic anhydrase II mRNA isolated from mature chicken testis displays a TATA box and other promoter sequences in a leader 5' untranslated region not present in somatic tissues.

The primary structure of a novel carbonic anhydrase II-encoding cDNA clone (CAII) isolated from a chicken testis cDNA library is presented. The size of the CAII mRNA obtained from meiotic and haploid chicken testis cells is larger than the corresponding mRNA from immature testis and somatic tissues. The nucleotide sequence of the chicken testis CAII clone revealed a protein-coding region identical to the published sequence of CAII mRNA from erythroid cells. However, the 5' untranslated region (UTR) of the testis CAII mRNA is larger than the corresponding somatic sequence. The 5' UTR contains a leader sequence not present in the CAII mRNA isolated from erythroid cells or chick retina. The additional 5' UTR of the mRNA displays a TATA box, located 23-30 bp upstream from the cap site of the CAII mRNA transcribed in erythroid cells, and several G+C-rich boxes. Our results suggest that the use of a testis-specific promoter would result in the incorporation of somatic promoter sequences into the 5' UTR of the testis message.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2005

Births using sperm retrieved via immediate microdissection of a solitary testis with cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility of achieving births using sperm retrieved from a solitary testis with cancer. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study of azoospermic men with testis cancer in a solitary testis. SETTING: Infertility patients in an academic environment. PATIENT(S): Azoospermic men with previous history of orchiectomy and testis cancer in a remaining solitary testis. INTERVENTION(S): Viable sperm were retrieved by immediate microdissection of paratumor testicular tissue from orchiectomy specimen. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Live births were achieved using sperm from immediate microdissection of orchiectomy specimen with testis cancer. CONCLUSION(S): Azoospermic men with cancer in a solitary testis have potential for fertility.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Effect of dexamethasone on germ cell apoptosis in the contralateral testis after testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury in the rat.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of dexamethasone on spermatogenesis and germ cell apoptosis in the ipsilateral and contralateral testis after testicular ischemia-reperfusion (IR) in rats. DESIGN: Laboratory study. SETTING: Medical research laboratory in a university setting. ANIMAL(S): Forty adult Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250-280 g. INTERVENTION(S): Testicular IR, treatment with dexamethasone (10 mg per kilogram of body weight). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Testicular germ cell apoptosis was assessed by deoxyuridine nick-end labeling immunohistochemical assay. RESULT(S): Testicular ischemia in rats led to histological damage in the ipsilateral testis. In the contralateral testis, minimal damage was observed. Germ cell apoptosis in both the ischemic and the contralateral testis increased significantly after IR. Treatment with dexamethasone did not change germ cell apoptosis in ischemic testis but decreased germ cell apoptosis in the contralateral testis. CONCLUSION(S): Glucocorticoids may be beneficial for spermatogenesis after testicular IR by decreasing germ cell apoptosis in the contralateral testis.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Molecular cloning and characterization of the clock gene period2 in the testis of lizard Podarcis sicula and its expression during seasonal reproductive cycle.

Clock genes are known to oscillate with circadian rhythmicity in the central clock structure, the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus, and also in peripheral tissues. Reproduction is a peripheral activity that is strongly influenced by a circadian clock in many organisms. Most mammals that exhibit a seasonal cycle are able to decode the daily changes in light across the year and to translate these in hormonal signals that regulate reproductive cycles. Expression of many clock genes has been revealed in mouse testis, although transcription of these genes seems to be constitutive in 24 h, suggesting that these genes may play in the testis a different role with regard to the central clockwork function. The seasonal breeding lizard Podarcis sicula represents an attractive model for studying some developmental and differentiation phenomena, such as gonadal maturation, since in the adult male the testis shows a spring full activity and a complete summer regression. Experimental data seem to suggest that in lizard the environmental factors, as photoperiod and temperature, affect the endogenous elements, although the interaction mechanisms are unknown. It is known that temperature signals have a direct influence on clock processes such as transcription, translation, protein phosphorylation and degradation. In addition, most data show that the expression of circadian clock genes, such as period2, is affected by length of photoperiod. In this way, the core clockwork may also decode seasonal information. Here we report the cloning, sequencing and bioinformatic analysis of period2 gene, isolated from the testis of lizard P. sicula, and its expression both in the testis and in other tissues during the different phases of the seasonal cycle. RT-PCR assays enlighten the presence of transcript in testis, brain, heart, liver and kidney in all the phases analysed. Moreover, real time quantitative PCR assays detect a peak of per2 testicular expression during gonadal regression. Our preliminary results cannot clearly demonstrate the involvement of per2 gene in seasonal reproductive cycle of male lizard P. sicula, but its presence in the testis may suggest a role of this gene during spermatogenesis. Besides, our work can provide numerous starting points to clarify the role of per2 during seasonal reproductive cycle.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2006

Retractile testis--is it really a normal variant?

PURPOSE: Retractile testes are thought to represent a normal variant of descended testes in prepubertal boys. We studied retractile testes to determine their natural history. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 122 boys (mean age 5.4 years) who were referred for a suspected undescended testis and were found to have a retractile testis. A retractile testis was defined as a suprascrotal testis that could be manipulated easily into the scrotum and remained there without traction until the cremasteric reflex was induced. The boys were followed by annual examinations, which demonstrated the presence of retractile, descended (nonretractile) or undescended testes, and the presence or absence of a taut or inelastic spermatic cord in association with a retractile testis. RESULTS: Of 204 retractile testes 61 (30%) descended (became nonretractile), 66 (32%) became UDTs and 77 (38%) remained retractile. Of the 62 retractile testes with a taut or inelastic spermatic cord 35 (56%) became UDTs. Of the 61 orchiopexies performed 8 (13%) showed a patent processus vaginalis. Boys in whom UDTs vs descended testes developed were a mean of 4.9 vs 6.6 years old (p = 0.001). The chance of spontaneous descent was 58% in boys 7 years or older, compared to 21% in boys younger than 7 (p <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: A retractile testis is not a normal variant. Retractile testes have a 32% risk of becoming an ascending or acquired undescended testis. The risk is higher in boys younger than 7 years old, or when the spermatic cord seems tight or inelastic. Boys with retractile testes should be monitored annually until the testes have clearly descended.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Effect of methoxychlor on the antioxidant system in mitochondrial and microsome-rich fractions of rat testis.

Methoxychlor, an environmental contaminant, which is widely used as a pesticide in many countries, has been shown to induce reproductive abnormalities in male rats. The precise nature and mechanism of action of methoxychlor on the male reproductive system is not clear. In the present study, we have sought to investigate the induction of oxidative stress in the testis of rat after exposure to methoxychlor. Methoxychlor (1, 10, and 100 mg kg(-1) body weight per day) was administered orally to the rats for 45 days. After 24 h of the last treatment the animals were killed using anesthetic ether. The body weight of the animals administered with methoxychlor did not show any significant change. The weights of the testis, epididymis, seminal vesicles and ventral prostate decreased significantly in 100 mg dose but remained unchanged in 1 and 10 mg doses. Mitochondrial and microsome-rich fractions of the testis were obtained by the method of differential centrifugation. The activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase decreased significantly in the animals treated with methoxychlor in a dose-dependent manner in the mitochondrial and microsome-rich fractions of rat testis. The levels of hydrogen peroxide generation (H(2)O(2)) and lipid peroxidation increased in mitochondrial and microsome-rich fractions of the testis of the rats treated with methoxychlor. The results suggested that the low to medium doses of methoxychlor elicit depletion of antioxidant enzymes and concomitant increase in the levels of H(2)O(2) and lipid peroxidation differentially in mitochondrial and microsome-rich fractions of rat testis. In conclusion, the adverse effect of methoxychlor on male reproduction could be due to the induction of oxidative stress in testis.

Animals↗