Male reproductive seasonality of the Snake-eyed Lizard,Ophisops elegans Ménétriés, 1832, from Lebanon (Reptilia: Lacertidae)

We studied the male reproductive cycle in a population of Ophisops elegans from Mount Sannine, Lebanon, by histological analysis. Testicular histology showed active spermatogenesis in spring, followed by a testicular regression at the end of summer and a subsequent recrudescence in autumn. Monthly variations in the epididymis, the ductus deferens and the sexual segment of the kidney were in synchrony with the testicular cycle. They were hypertrophied as spermatogenetic activity increased and atrophied as spermatogenetic activity decreased. Males of O. elegans showed a vernal type of spermatogenesis with a close relationship between the evolution of the seminiferous tubules and the secondary sexual characters.     

Potential ultrastructural changes in rat epididymal cell types induced by Boswellia papyrifera and Boswellia carterii incense

Boswellia papyrifera and Boswellia carterii, known as Arabian incense, diffuses smoke, contaminating the air, which adversely affects human health. Therefore, this study was designed to ascertain the effect of these plants on histopathological and ultrastructure changes in cauda epididymis of Albino rats. Animals were exposed to 4 g/kg body weight of B. papyrifera and B. carterii daily for 120 days along with suitable controls. Our study indicates a significant reduction in epithelial heights. Cells showed signs of degeneration. The ultrastructural study revealed that the cauda epididymis was affected, including its cell types. Furthermore, a decrease in the size of mitochondria, Golgi complex, and both ERs was observed. In all treated groups, plasma fructose decreased considerably, indicating the sign of reduced energy, vital for motility and other sperm functions. The results of this study suggest that these plants systematically affect cauda epididymal cell types and its lumen through its potential toxicity.     

Comparative genomic analysis and evolution of family-B G protein-coupled receptors from six model insect species

Family-B G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR-Bs) play vital roles in many biological processes, including growth, development and reproduction. However, the evolution and function of GPCR-Bs have been poorly understood in insects.     

VEGF和Flt-1在精索静脉曲张大鼠附睾中的表达变化

目的研究血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)及其受体Flt-1在实验性左侧精索静脉曲张(ELV)大鼠附睾组织中的表达变化,探讨它们与精索静脉曲张(VC)的关系及致男性不育的病理生理学机制。方法建立青春期雄性SD大鼠ELV模型,采用免疫组化SP法检测ELV及对照组附睾中VEGF和Flt-1的表达。结果 VEGF和Flt-1蛋白在大鼠附睾中均有表达,并具有细胞和区域特异性。ELV4周时双侧附睾中VEGF蛋白的表达明显上调(P<0.01),8周时则显著下降(P<0.01);而Flt-1蛋白在ELV4周左侧显著下降(P<0.01),右侧未见明显差异(P>0.05),8周组均显著下降(P<0.01)。结论 ELV引起大鼠附睾中VEGF和Flt-1表达量发生变化,可能影响精子的成熟,是VC引起男性生育力下降甚至不育的原因之一。     

Ultrastructural studies on the epididymal spermatozoa in the rhesus monkey

Ultrastructural studies on the spermatozoa in different regions of the epididymis of the rhesus monkey have shown that the process of sperm maturation is associated with the caudad migration of the cytoplastmic droplet, a reduction in the volume of the cytoplasmic droplet, and an obvious wrinkling of the plasma membrane surrounding the head of the spermatozoa. These changes are completed by the time the spermatozoa reach the distal-middle segment of the epididymis. The present studies also indicate that spermatozoa are incorporated into the intraepithelial cells in the epidymis. This finding suggests that spermiophagy is a normal occurrence in the epidymis of rhesus monkey.     

Impact of experimental diabetes and insulin replacement on epididymal secretory products and sperm maturation in albino rats

The present study is aimed to explore the impact of experimental diabetes and insulin replacement on epididymal secretory products, sperm count, motility, and fertilizing ability in albino rats. Prepubertal and adult male Wistar strain rats were made diabetic with a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ), at 120 and 65 mg/kg body weight for prepubertal and adult rats, respectively. After 3 days of STZ administration, insulin was given to a group of diabetic rats at a dose of 3 U/100 g body weight, subcutaneously and killed after 20 days of treatment. STZ‐diabetes significantly reduced the epididymal tissue concentrations of testosterone, androgen‐binding protein, sialic acid, glycerylphosphoryl choline, and carnitine, suggesting its adverse effects on the secretory activity and concentrating capacity of epididymal epithelium. Impaired cauda epididymidal sperm motility and fertility (in vivo) of STZ‐diabetic rats imply the defective sperm maturation. Insulin replacement prevented these changes either partially or completely. From the above findings, it is evident that STZ‐diabetes has an adverse effect on sperm maturation, which may be due to the decrease in the bioavailability of testosterone and epididymal secretory products. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 1094–1101, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

磁处理水对家兔生殖影响的研究

目的:探讨磁处理水对家免睾丸、附睾重量以及精子活力、沃纱、密度的影响。方法:新西兰雄性大白免36只,随机分为实验组和对照组。对照组饮用自来水,实验组饮用磁处理水,磁处理水每天更换,实验进行90天。光镜下检测每只家免附睾尾精子密度,精子活力,精子活率,最后将睾丸、附睾称重。结果:实验组与对照组比较,其睾丸附睾重量明显增加,精子密度增加14 % ,精子活力增加8% ,精子活率增加11% ,两组差异有显著性(P <0 .0 5 )。结论:实验结果提示饮用磁处理水能显著提高家免的生殖能力。     

Male reproductive effect of nickel sulphate in mice

Nickel sulphate was administered orally to adult male mice at dose level of 5 and 10 mg/kg body weight (5 days per week) for 35 days. There was no change in body weight. However a significant decrease in absolute and organ-to-body weight ratios of testes, epididymides, seminal vesicles and prostate gland was observed. The sperm abnormality, associated with decrease in sperm motility and sperm count was also observed. Significant alterations in the activities of marker testicular enzymes, viz. sorbitol dehydrogenase (decreases), lactate dehydrogenase (increases) and -glutamyl transpeptidase (increases) associated with histopathological changes in testes, epididymides and seminal vesicles, were also observed. Accumulation of nickel in testes, epididymides and seminal vesicles was also observed. The study reveals that the oral exposure to nickel may affect the histology of testes, epididymides, seminal vesicles and sperms morphology. These testicular and spermatotoxic changes may be responsible for observed male mediated developmental toxic effects.