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PubMed1993

Thyroidal regulation of nuclear tri-iodothyronine receptors in the developing rat testis.

Previous work has demonstrated that thyroid hormones influence testis development. Specific receptors for tri-iodothyronine (T3) have been demonstrated in Sertoli cells. The aim of the present study was to examine the possible effect of thyroid hormone on its own receptor during pubertal development by evaluating the influence of thyroid status on T3-binding capacity, -binding affinity and receptor occupancy in nuclei isolated from immature rat testes. The binding capacity for T3 of nuclei from rat testis significantly decreased during pubertal development, being 375 +/- 32, 117 +/- 15 and 44 +/- 7 fmol/mg DNA in 7-, 21- and 35-day-old rats respectively, whereas the affinity of binding, as evaluated by the dissociation constant (Kd), did not change. Early induced hypothyroidism significantly affected the time-course of the postnatal decline of nuclear T3 receptors in the testis. At 21 days of age, the binding capacity for T3 in the testis of methimazole-treated rats was significantly higher with respect to euthyroid controls, being 173 +/- 21 and 117 +/- 15 mol/mg DNA respectively, while the Kd was unaffected. T3 replacement therapy completely prevented changes in T3 receptor number induced by hypothyroidism without modifying the Kd. Our results indicate that nuclear T3 receptors in the developing rat testis are modulated by thyroid hormone.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Ontogeny of inhibin secretion in the rat testis: secretion of inhibin-related proteins from fetal Leydig cells and of bioactive inhibin from Sertoli cells.

The ontogeny of inhibin secretion in the testis of rats was investigated. Testicular localization, content of immunoactive and bioactive inhibin and its molecular size in fetal and neonatal rats (from 16 days of gestation to 5 days of age) were determined. Strong immunostaining with an antiserum against a polypeptide of porcine inhibin alpha-subunit was noted in testicular interstitial cells from 16 days of gestation. Co-localization of inhibin alpha-subunit and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta HSD) was observed in the interstitial cells until 2 days of age. Immunoreactive inhibin alpha-subunit in the interstitial tissue had disappeared by 5 days of age, although 3 beta HSD-positive cells were still detected. Weak immunostaining for the inhibin alpha-subunit was detected in the seminiferous tubules, probably in the cytoplasm of Sertoli cells, from 20 days of gestation onward. No inhibin alpha-subunit immunostaining was observed in germ cells throughout the experimental period. Testicular inhibin was detected at 16 days of gestation (49.5 +/- 6.7 pg per testis) by RIA. Testicular immunoreactive inhibin showed a tendency to increase during fetal life and levels were maintained at a similar value after birth (697.0 +/- 46.9 pg per testis at 5 days of age). Inhibin bioactivity and its molecular size in testicular homogenate was examined at 17 days of gestation and 0 and 5 days of age. Although no bioactivity was detected at 17 days of gestation, bioactivity was noted at 0 and 5 days of age (177.7 and 1303.9 pg per testis respectively). Immunoblot analysis with antiserum against inhibin alpha-subunit revealed only approximately 40 kDa molecular masses in the testis at 17 days of gestation, probably inhibin-related proteins, but not inhibin. At 0 and 5 days of age, a protein of 30 kDa molecular mass, possibly inhibin, was detected as well as material of approximately 40 kDa molecular mass. FSH in the plasma was first detected at 19 days of gestation (1197.0 ng/l), increased towards birth, and thereafter decreased (4588.5 +/- 572.3 ng/l at 21 days of gestation and 2400.0 +/- 179.6 ng/l at 5 days of age). These results indicate that Leydig cells in fetal and neonatal rats produce inhibin-related substances with no inhibin bioactivity, whereas Sertoli cells begin to produce inhibin during the perinatal period as a possible regulator of FSH secretion.

3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗
PubMed2001

Molecular mechanisms of leptin action in adult rat testis: potential targets for leptin-induced inhibition of steroidogenesis and pattern of leptin receptor messenger ribonucleic acid expression.

Leptin, the product of the ob gene, is a pivotal signal in the regulation of neuroendocrine function and fertility. Although much of the action of leptin in the control of the reproductive axis is exerted at the hypothalamic level, some direct effects of leptin on male and female gonads have also been reported. Indeed, recent evidence demonstrated that leptin is able to inhibit testosterone secretion at the testicular level. However, the molecular mechanisms behind this effect remain unclear. The focus of this study was twofold: (1) to identify potential targets for leptin-induced inhibition of steroidogenesis, and (2) to characterize in detail the pattern of expression and cellular distribution of leptin receptor (Ob-R) mRNA in adult rat testis. In pursuit of the first goal, slices of testicular tissue from adult rats were incubated with increasing concentrations of recombinant leptin (10(-9)--10(-7 )M) in the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG; 10 IU/ml). In this setting, testosterone secretion in vitro was monitored, and expression levels of mRNAs encoding steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450 scc) and 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type III (17 beta-HSD) were assessed by Northern hybridization. In pursuit of the second goal, the pattern of cellular expression of the Ob-R gene in adult rat testis was evaluated by in situ hybridization using a riboprobe complementary to all Ob-R isoforms. In addition, testicular expression levels of the different Ob-R isoforms, previously identified in the hypothalamus, were analyzed by means of semi-quantitative RT-PCR. In keeping with our previous data, recombinant leptin significantly inhibited hCG-stimulated testosterone secretion. In this context, leptin, in a dose-dependent manner, was able to co-ordinately decrease the hCG-stimulated expression levels of SF-1, StAR and P450 scc mRNAs, but it did not affect those of 17 beta-HSD type III. In situ hybridization analysis showed a scattered pattern of cellular expression of the Ob-R gene within the adult rat testis, including Leydig and Sertoli cells. In addition, assessment of the pattern of expression of Ob-R subtypes revealed that the long Ob-Rb isoform was abundantly expressed in adult rat testis. However, variable levels of expression of Ob-Ra, Ob-Re, and Ob-Rf mRNAs were also detected, whereas those of the Ob-Rc variant were nearly negligible. In conclusion, our results indicate that decreased expression of mRNAs encoding several up-stream elements in the steroidogenic pathway may contribute, at least partially, to leptin-induced inhibition of testicular steroidogenesis. In addition, our data on the pattern of testicular expression of Ob-R isoforms and cellular distribution of Ob-R mRNA may help to further elucidate the molecular mechanisms of leptin action in rat testis.

17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗
PubMed2005

Quantification of stem cell factor mRNA levels in the rat testis: usefulness of clusterin mRNA as a marker of the amount of mRNA of Sertoli cell origin in post pubertal rats.

Spermatogenesis is a complex cellular process regulated by gonadotrophins and local cell-cell interactions. Stem cell factor (SCF) is one of the paracrine factors, produced by the Sertoli cells, involved in the local regulation of spermatogenesis. Measurement of its testicular level is important for addressing its role in testis physiopathology. However, the relative cell composition of experimental and pathological testis samples may lead to misinterpretation in relating SCF mRNA levels to the amount of RNA extracted from the whole tissue sample. Taking into account the relative RNA content of Sertoli cell origin should provide more significant data. In the present study, three sets of experiments were intended for modifying the proportion of RNA of Sertoli cell origin in RNA extracted from whole testis tissue samples: during postnatal development; following methoxy-acetic acid (MAA) administration; and after injecting a long-acting gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa). In a first step, we demonstrated clusterin mRNA level stability in purified Sertoli cell preparations between 20 days and adulthood, and following MAA or GnRHa treatment. In a second step, we used a competitive RT-PCR assay to measure SCF and clusterin mRNA levels and expressed the amount of SCF mRNA relative to the amount of clusterin mRNA under the above experimental conditions. The SCF/clusterin mRNA level ratio was found to remain roughly stable from 20 days post-partum to adulthood; i.e. during the development of spermatogenesis. MAA administration led to an overall increase in the SCF/clusterin mRNA level ratio between 7 and 14 days after administration, consistent with the replenishment of the testis with pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids. Conversely, after long-acting GnRHa injection, the SCF/clusterin mRNA level ratio decreased only slightly from day 21 onward. Hence, the present studies indicate that, under physiopathological conditions, the amount of clusterin mRNA is a good marker of the amount of RNA of Sertoli cell origin in testis samples at day 20 or later; different experimental alterations of spermatogenesis are associated with different patterns of SCF mRNA levels; the relationship between FSH and SCF in vivo is not as simple as that described in vitro.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Immunolocalization of aquaporin-8 in rat digestive organs and testis.

Expression of aquaporin-8 mRNA has previously been shown in hepatocytes, pancreatic acinar cells, colon epithelial cells and seminiferous tubules of the testis in the rat by in situ hybridization technique. However, immunolocalization of this water channel has not yet been demonstrated. In the present study, the localization of immunoreactive aquaporin-8 and expression of the mRNA were examined in rat organs (cerebrum, cerebellum, eye, salivary gland, heart, lung, liver, pancreas, esophagus, stomach, jejunum, ileum, colon, testis, ovary, kidney, spleen and lymphnode) by immunohistochemistry using an antibody against aquaporin-8 and ribonuclease protection assay. Aquaporin-8 was distinctly immunolocalized on the apical membranes of pancreatic acinar cells and mucosal epithelium of the colon and jejunum. In the liver, the bile canalicular membrane of hepatocytes was immunostained. In the testis, immunoreactive aquaporin-8 was demonstrated on the luminal side of the seminiferous tubules. At high magnification, the peroxidase reaction products appeared on the ramified cytoplasmic membrane of Sertoli cells surrounding the residual bodies or spermatogenic cells. Specificity of the antibody was verified by Western blot analysis showing a minor approximately 28 kDa band (deduced deglycosylated form of aquaporin-8) and a major approximately 30 kDa band (glycosylated form) in these organs. The intensity of aquaporin-8 immunoreactivity was approximately comparable to that of aquaporin-8 mRNA expression in the liver, pancreas, colon, jejunum and testis. The aquaporin-8 mRNA expression in the hepatocytes was presumed to be closely associated with the structure of bile canaliculi since the message was detected in hepatocytes immediately after isolation from the liver but not in cells following cultivation for three days. The localization of immunoreactive aquaporin-8 indicated functions for this water channel in the secretion of bile and pancreatic juice, and the secretion or absorption of water in the colon and jejunum, and the maturation or liberation of spermatogenic cells in the testis.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

The length of the spermatogenic cycle is conserved in porcine and ovine testis xenografts.

Xenografting of immature mammalian testis tissue into mice can accelerate sperm production. To determine whether this shortened time to sperm production is because of reduced length of the spermatogenic cycle, we applied bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation to analyze the spermatogenic cycle in porcine and ovine testis xenografts. Small testis fragments from newborn pigs and sheep were ectopically grafted into mice. Once complete spermatogenesis was present in grafted tissue, mice were injected with BrdU and grafts were recovered at different time points thereafter. In porcine grafts, the most advanced germ cells labeled 1 hour, 9 days, 12.3 days, and 18 days after BrdU injection were stage 1 preleptotene/leptotene primary spermatocytes, stage 1 pachytene primary spermatocytes, stage 5 newly-formed round spermatids, and late stage 2 elongating spermatids, respectively. In ovine grafts, the most advanced labeled germ cells at 1 hour, 11 days, and 22 days post-BrdU injection were stage 2 preleptotene/leptotene primary spermatocytes, late stage 1 pachytene primary spermatocytes, and stage 2 elongating spermatids, respectively. These results indicate that each spermatogenic cycle in porcine and ovine xenografts lasts approximately 9 and 11 days, respectively, which is similar to their durations in situ. Therefore, the length of the spermatogenic cycle is conserved in porcine and ovine testis xenografts. This is consistent with earlier reports showing that the cycle length is inherent to the germ cell genotype. The shortened time to sperm production in xenografts therefore appears attributable to accelerated maturation of the testicular somatic compartments. Our results suggest that testis xenografts provide a useful model to study the timing of testicular maturation and spermatogenesis in different mammalian species.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Testis epidermal growth factor and spermatogenesis.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a cytokine that promotes cell proliferation, regulates tissue differentiation, and modulates organogenesis. Although a rich source of EGF is the submaxillary gland, many tissues produce this cytokine, including the testis. Leydig cells are the principal source of EGF in the testis. On attainment of sexual maturation the germ cells, primarily spermatocytes and round spermatids, form EGF with the onset of spermatogenesis. EGF appears to be involved in the development of the testis and in spermatogenesis. The expression of the EGF gene in rat testis was determined by the application of the RT-PCR method and testis RNA as substrate. The results suggest that EGF produced by Leydig cells and germ cells may modulate spermatogenesis as an autocrine and/or paracrine factor.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Cystic ectasia of the rete testis].

OBJECTIVES: The cystic ectasia of the rete testis is a benign entity with a typical ultrasound appearance as a collection of small hypoechoic structures in the confluence of the mediastinum testis. The clinical importance of these entity remains on doing an adequate differential diagnosis with testicular neoplasias with a cystic component. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the database of the Ultrasound Unit in the Department of Urology looking for patients with a diagnosis of cystic ectasia of the rete testis over a six-year period. RESULTS: Three cases of cystic ectasia of the rete testis were diagnosed over the six-year period, in all the indication for ultrasound was testicular pain. Mean patient age was 62 years. No patient developed testicular tumor on follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge of the ultrasound characteristics found in the cystic ectasia of the rete testis helps to make a proper diagnosis of this benign entity without the need of indication of testicular biopsy.

Dilatation, Pathologic↗
PubMed1991

[Histological and immunohistochemical studies on the damage of contralateral testis following the unilateral testicular torsion in Wistar rats].

The effect of experimental unilateral torsion of the testis on the contralateral intrascrotal testis in Wistar rats was evaluated histologically and immunohistochemically. The results were summarized as follows. 1) Histological damage of the seminiferous tubules in the contralateral testis was present only in adult rats. 2) The histological change 3-5 weeks after the experimental torsion consisted of marked decrease of spermatocytes, loss of spermatids and spermatozoa and numerous Sertoli-cell only tubules. Hyperplasia of the interstitial cells was demonstrated without thickness of the basement membrane and infiltration of the inflammatory cells. The tubular diameter and the ratio of contralateral testicular weight to rat body weight were significantly decreased (p less than 0.05) in torsion group. 3) Using an indirect immunofluorescent method, the positive immunohistochemical staining on spermatid and spermatozoa of normal testicular tissue was demonstrated using only the serum of rat with histological damage on the contralateral testis. Therefore, the phenomenon may be ascribable to the presence of antisperm antibody. It is concluded that the mechanism of the damage in seminiferous tubules of the contralateral testis with experimental torsion in adult Wistar rats is related to the humoral immunity producing antisperm antibody.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

[Laparoscopic investigation of 74 cases of nonpalpable testis].

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to evaluate the results and advantages of laparoscopic investigation of nonpalpable testis. METHOD: Since March 1986 to May 1996, we performed laparoscopy to investigate 88 nonpalpable testes of 74 cases under general anesthesia. On condition that testis was found intraabdominally, orchiectomy or orchiopexy was performed subsequently. With a finding of vas deferens and/or spermatic vessels entering into internal ring, inguinal canal was explored surgically. If both vas deferens and spermatic vessels were absent or blind-ending intraabdominally, no further examination was performed with a diagnosis of vanishing testis. RESULTS: Location of testes found in this study were as follows. Twenty three (26.1%) testes were found intraabdominally, 36 (40.9%) were intracanalicularly, 13 (14.8%) were distal to external inguinal ring, and 16 (18.2%) were vanishing testes. To those 39 (44.3%) intraabdominal and vanishing cases did not need inguinal exploration. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, a laparoscopic examination for nonpalpable testis is the most effective and less invasive procedure to make sure or preclude the location of the gonad. And in 18% of those who were enrolled in this study, no further surgical interventions were needed. An accurate locating of nonpalpable testis permits site-specific planning of surgical management.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Effects of short-term methylmercury exposure on metallothionein mRNA levels in the testis and epididymis of the rat.

Methylmercury (MeHg) is a widespread environmental contaminant that causes reproductive dysfunction in men. Metallothioneins (MTs) are low-molecular-weight proteins that can bind heavy metals and protect the cell from metal toxicity. MT levels are increased by exposure to metals and physiological stressors. Although MTs have been identified in the testis and epididymis, little is known about their distribution and regulation in the epididymis or the effects of MeHg on MT levels in male reproductive tissues. The objective of this study was to determine whether MT I, II, and III mRNA are present in the epididymis, if their relative levels differ between epididymal segments, and if MeHg alters cellular mRNA levels for MT I, II, and III in the testis and epididymal segments of the rat. Northern blot analysis was done on total cellular RNA isolated from each of the four epididymal segments (initial segment [IS], caput [CT], corpus [CS], and cauda [CA] epididymidis) using a cDNA probe for MT I and MT II. MT I transcripts were present in all epididymal segments. The lowest mRNA levels were observed in the IS; these levels were 4-fold less than in the CT and CS and 5.5-fold less than in the CA. MT II mRNA levels were similar in the IS and CT but were eightfold higher in the CS and CA. A cDNA probe for MT III was generated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction using testicular RNA. MT III mRNA was detected only in the IS and CT and not in the CS and CA. To assess whether exposure to MeHg alters MT mRNA levels, rats were exposed for 14 days to one of five MeHg doses (0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 [microg/kg/day] via a subdermal osmotic pump. No changes were observed in either body weight or in the weights of the testis, epididymis, seminal vesicles, or ventral prostate between MeHg-treated and control rats. Serum testosterone levels were significantly decreased only at the highest MeHg dose. In the testis, MeHg treatment resulted in 2.5- to 7-fold increases in MT I mRNA levels. There were no changes in either MT II or MT III mRNA levels. In the initial segment of the epididymis, MT I mRNA levels were significantly increased only at the 50 microg/kg/ day dose, whereas there were no significant differences in MT II mRNA levels. In the caput epididymis, MT I mRNA levels were significantly lower at the 50 and 100 microg/kg/day dose. MT II mRNA levels were also lower, with the exception of the 50 microg/kg/day dose. Although MT III mRNA levels were lower at the two lower doses, levels were not different from controls in the two highest doses tested. In the corpus epididymidis, MeHg did not alter MT I mRNA levels, and MT II was higher only in the 50 microg/kg/day group. In the cauda epididymidis, MT I mRNA levels were decreased in a dose-dependent manner by up to 63%. MT II levels were unaltered. Together these data indicate that exposure of adult rats to MeHg can modulate MT mRNA levels in both the testis and epididymal segments. Furthermore, changes in MT mRNA levels following exposure to MeHg differ between epididymal segments, suggesting either differences in MeHg accumulation or differences in MT modulation.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

The interleukin-1 system in the testis.

The interleukin-1 (IL-1) family consists of two agonist proteins, IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta, and one antagonist, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), which blocks the action of the agonists by binding and competing at the IL-1 receptor level. IL-1 beta and to a lesser extent IL-1 alpha were originally described as rapidly inducible proinflammatory cytokines released by activated macrophages. However, IL-1 alpha has been found to be constitutively produced by certain tissues, and noninflammatory functions have been proposed for this protein, although they have not yet been well elucidated. Consistent with this suggestion, we previously showed that the intact rat testis constitutively produces large amounts of IL-1 alpha at both the mRNA and protein levels. The expression of IL-1 alpha was found to be confined to Sertoli cells, with evidence of a developmental as well as a stage-dependent production pattern. In more recent studies, we have found indications that the testis can also initiate production of IL-1 beta upon stimulation with inflammatory inducers such as endotoxin. Further, we have detected constitutive testicular expression of IL-1ra, opening up the possibility that IL-1 action in the testis may be specifically regulated by paracrine mechanisms. Recent data have demonstrated that the testis can produce more than one isoform of IL-1 alpha with indications of both post-transcriptional and post-translational modifications, resulting in at least three distinct bio- and immunoreactive IL-1 alpha proteins. We conclude that all three classical IL-1 ligands and novel IL-1 alpha isoforms are present in the testis and may serve as paracrine mediators under physiological or pathophysiological conditions. The function of this testicular IL-1 agonist-antagonist network is a current focus of investigation.

Animals↗
PubMed1976

A study of leukemic cell infiltration in the testis and ovary.

The behavior of leukemic cell infiltration in the testis or ovary was examined on 99 autopsy cases of various leukemia, which were performed in the Department of Pathology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, from 1964 to 1975. The incidence of leukemic cell infiltration was 48.5% in the testis and 58.1% in the ovary. The frequency of leukemic cell infiltration in the testis or ovary itself showed no significant increase in recent years, although median survival time became longer by a more aggressive combination chemotherapy. These findings show that the testis and ovary are essentially a preferred site of leukemic cell infiltration. Especially in acute monocytic leukemia, leukemic cell infiltration was revealed in all cases. In addition, short discussions were made on the role of sex hormones in the infiltration, proliferation, and persistence of leukemic cells of each type of leukemia in the testis or ovary.

Acute Disease↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Differential zinc transport into testis and brain of cadmium-sensitive and -resistant murine strains.

Recently, we showed that murine strain differences to the testicular toxicity of cadmium (Cd) are the result of variable transport of Cd across the blood-testis barrier. Because Cd is a nonessential trace element, it must be using the transporter for an endogenous substance. The objectives for this study were to determine the natural ligand for the transport system used by Cd to enter testis and brain, and to determine whether the transport of that natural ligand also differs among Cd-sensitive and -resistant murine strains. Because zinc (Zn) and Cd are cations of similar size and charge, and because Cd has been shown to inhibit Zn uptake in a variety of systems, we hypothesized that Cd was using Zn transporters to enter tissues. In this study we characterized Zn transport into the testis and brain of Cd-sensitive and -resistant murine strains. We found that the transport of 65Zn into testis and brain of Cd-resistant A/J mice was significantly reduced compared with that in Cd-sensitive 129/J mice. In 129/J mice, unlabeled CdCl2 significantly reduced 65Zn transport by 56% in testes and by 47% in brain. Pretreatment with Zn had no significant effect on 109Cd transport rates into testes or brain of 129/J or A/J mice, but did reduce the percentage of the injected 109Cd dose in testes of 129/J mice by 44% within 60 minutes. From these results we can conclude that Cd is using transport systems that normally function to regulate Zn levels in testes and brain. Murine strain resistance to the testicular effects of Cd is associated with a concomitant attenuation of the Zn transport system in testis.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Chronic cigarette smoking induces an oxidantantioxidant imbalance in the testis.

OBJECTIVES: We have previously demonstrated the harmful effect of chronic inhalation of cigarette smoke on the testis in Sprague-Dawley rats. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of free oxygen radicals and reactive oxygen species in inducing testicular damage in Sprague-Dawley rats following exposure to cigarette smoke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats, 25 days old, were exposed daily to cigarette smoke by the Walton smoking machine for a period of 15, 30, and 45 days. Age-matched Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to room air with the smoking machine and served as controls. Rats were sacrificed from each group at 15, 30, and 45 days and the testes were removed. The testicular tissue levels of glutathione and lipid peroxidation product malonaldehyde (MDA) were measured colorimetrically using the Bioxytech GSH-400 and LPO-586 kits, respectively. The activity of glutathione peroxidase was assessed colorimetrically using the Bioxytech GPx-340 kit. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA followed by the t test. RESULTS: There was a 47.8% increase in the MDA in the treated rat testis compared with the control rat after 45 days of exposure to cigarette smoke or air, respectively (p < 0.05). This was associated with a parallel significant decrease in the level of glutathione and glutathione peroxidase activity in the treated rat testis, 38.2% and 29.1%, respectively, after 45 days of cigarette smoke exposure (p < 0.05). No significant difference was noted in the levels of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and lipid peroxidation end products after 15 and 30 days of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic cigarette smoke inhalation is associated with an increase in the level of oxidants and a simultaneous decrease in the level of antioxidants in the rat testis. This abnormality of the oxidant-antioxidant balance may be one of the mechanisms leading to testicular tissue damage and abnormal spermatogenesis in the rat testis following chronic inhalation of cigarette smoke.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Immunolocalization of PTHrP in the European bison and pine vole testis and epididymis.

The present study deals with immunohistochemical localization of PTHrP in European bison and pine vole testis and epididymis. PTHrP immunoreactivity was observed in spermatogenic cells of seminiferous tubules in European bison and pine vole testis, with the strongerst reaction occurring in spermatozoa of pine vole testis and epididymal duct. We also observed PTHrP expression in vascular smooth muscle of epididymis and testis in both animal species, as well as slightly weaker reaction in endothelial cells of European bison epididymis. PTHrP was also expressed in the smooth muscle of the epididymal duct in European bison and pine vole. In conclusion, PTHrP is a multifunctional peptide showing both paracrine and autocrine action. Its presence in vascular endothelium and smooth muscle of testis and epididymis is connected with the regulation of vascular muscle tone, thus affecting blood flow in the vessels. PTHrP expression depends on a number of local factors. Moreover, we suppose that PTHrP also contributes to the proliferation and differentiation of spermatogenic cells.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Ultrastructural changes in testis of gobiid fish Glossogobius giuris (Ham) induced by fenthion.

Pesticides are known to affect the testis in fishes and cause cytomorphological changes or gross physiological alterations due to changes in its histology, retard gonadotrophic secretions thereby causing regression of the gonads. Light and ultrastructural studies were made on control and fenthion treated testis, interstitial gland and sperms of G. giuris during spawning phase after exposing them to different sub-lethal concentrations (0.05, 0.25 and 0.5 ppm) fenthion for a short-term period (24, 48, 72 and 96 hr). The results indicated extensive cytotoxic damages in the testis including atrophy of testis, reduction in lipoidal material in the interstitial cell and degeneration of sperms. The alteration in histology of testis, interstitial cell and sperms progressively increased with the increase in the sub-lethal concentration of pesticides.

Animals↗