Estrogenic and antifertility effect of cyproterone acetate in female gerbils, meriones hurriane Jerdon

Effects of cyproterone acetate, a steroidal synthetic compound, on the reproductive organs of female gerbils have been investigated. This agent causes reduction of ovarian weights indicative of suppression of pituitary gonadotrophins. Estrogenic nature of cyproterone acetate was investigated in intact and ovariectomized gerbils taking uterine weight, vaginal keratinization and glycogen contents are parameters of estrogenic action. Cyproterone acetate in ovariectomized gerbils induced vaginal keratinization, increase in uterine weight, protein, RNA, glycogen and sialic acid contents of uterus, thus indicating an estrogenic activity. The histological and biochemical parameters lead to the conclusion that cyproterone acetate possesses estrogenic properties.     

The effects of melatonin and hypothyroidism on estradiol and gonadotropin levels in female Syrian hamsters

Since melatonin injections administered near the end of the daily photoperiod influence both gonadal and thyroid hormones in the female hamster, the present study was designed to compare the effects of melatonin and hypothyroidism on the reproductive system and to determine whether thyroid status influenced the action of melatonin on the regulation of the hormones of reproduction. The effects of daily melatonin injections were determined in control hamsters, in hamsters rendered hypothyroid with thiourea, and in hypothyroid hamsters receiving thyroxin (T4) hormone replacement. As previously reported, melatonin injections disrupted estrous cyclicity, disrupted the normal pattern of gonadotropin secretion, and resulted in atrophy of the uterus and vagina. These changes coincided with depressed serum and pituitary prolactin (PRL), and depressed levels of estradiol. The effects of melatonin on uterus, vagina, ovary, and on gonadotropin levels were not prevented by T4 replacement, with the exception of a melatonin-induced increase in serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This suggested that the cessation of estrous cyclicity was not primarily a result of thyroid deficiency. Hypothyroidism, however, like melatonin, resulted in a reduced number of developing and mature follicles and corpora lutea in the ovaries, and in reduced uterine weight. It also produced follicular atresia, reduced the circulating levels of estradiol, and resulted in reduced incidence of estrus smears. T4 replacement, for 2 weeks, prevented the decline in mature follicles and corpora lutea, reduced the extent of follicular atresia, increased circulating levels of estradiol, and increased uterine weight. PRL and luteinizing hormone (LH) data also provided evidence for antagonistic effects of melatonin and T4 in female hamsters. These data raise the question whether melatonin-induced changes in circulating levels of T4 play a role in the seasonal cycles of reproductive competence in the female hamster.     

Effects of methallibure (I.C.I. 33828) on the female reproductive tract of the Indian Desert gerbil (Meriones hurrianae Jerdon).

Effects of methallibure (I.C.I. 33828) have been studied on the reproductive organs of female gerbils, Meriones hurrianae. Methallibure administration caused reduction of gonadal weight indicating suppression of pituitary gonadotrophins. In the ovaries of the treated females extensive atresia of follicles and of corpora lutea was observed. In addition methallibure interrupted the sex cycle, and a dioestrous vaginal pattern was retained throughout medication. A significant decrease in the level of RNA, protein and sialic acid in the uterus and vagina and of glycogen in the uterus was found. Histological and biochemical changes in the ovaries and uteri suggest a possible direct antioestrogenic action of the compound.     

Effect of the hypothyroidism on the levels of different metabolites in pregnant rats

The effect of gestational hypothyroidism on some maternal and foetal metabolites were studied on pregnant rats after 24 h fasting. Thyroidectomy induced a decrease in body weight in the pregnant rats. Their foetuses showed lower weights than the controls. No difference was found in circulating glucose levels in the thyroidectomized pregnant rats, although an increase was found in their foetuses. Hepatic glycogen and total serum lipids decrease in hypothyroid pregnant rats. Cholesterol concentration increases as a result of hypothyroidism. However, foetuses coming from thyroidectomized mothers show an increase in their total lipid levels. Hypothyroidism in pregnant rats affects foetal development and metabolic changes are greatly manifested in the starved condition.     

Plasma homocysteine is decreased in the hypothyroid rat

Recent clinical studies have indicated that plasma homocysteine was significantly increased in hypothyroid patients. Since hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease we investigated homocysteine metabolism in hypothyroid rats. Hypothyroidism was induced in one study by addition of propylthiouracil (PTU) to the drinking water for 2 weeks. In a second study, thyroidectomized and sham-operated rats were used with thyroid hormone replacement via mini-osmotic pumps. Unlike the human hypothyroid patients, both groups of hypothyroid rats exhibited decreased total plasma homocysteine (30% in PTU rats, 50% in thyroidectomized rats) versus their respective controls. Thyroid replacement normalised homocysteine levels in the thyroidectomized rat. Increased activities of the hepatic trans-sulfuration enzymes were found in both models of hypothyroidism. These results provide a possible explanation for the decreased plasma homocysteine concentrations. The hypothyroid rat cannot be used as a model to study homocysteine metabolism in hypothyroid patients.     

Cytology of clear cell carcinoma of the female genital tract in fine needle aspirates and ascites

OBJECTIVE: To define the cytomorphologic features of clear cell carcinoma (CCC) of the female genital tract. STUDY DESIGN: The study consisted of four CCCs of the female genital tract in which clinical and histologic confirmation had been done. Cytologic findings were evaluated with May-Grünwald-Giemsa (MGG) stain of three cases of fine needle aspiration (FNA) material and peritoneal fluid cytology. All the FNA materials were obtained from metastatic supraclavicular lymph nodes. RESULTS: We report here the cytomorphologic features of three FNA biopsies and peritoneal fluid cytology from four patients. Primary tumors from patients with aspiration material from supraclavicular lymph nodes were located in the ovary in two patients and vagina in one. The peritoneal fluid cytology was obtained from a patient with uterine cervical tumor. Cytologic findings were similar in all preparations. The cells had abundant, pale, finely vacuolated cytoplasm with indistinct cytoplasmic membranes. The nuclei were round to oval, with fine chromatin. The characteristic feature of CCC of the genital tract was basement membrane-like substance. This hyaline extracellular material stained pinkish to purple-red in MGG preparations and was frequently observed within the cancer cell clusters. In ascitic fluid, psammoma bodies were also observed. CONCLUSION: The cytomorphologic characteristics of CCC of the genital tract are distinctive, and the entity may easily be diagnosed even at metastatic locations.     

Testicular and accessory organ degeneration induced by subcutaneous injection of quinacrine in the gerbil (Meriones hurrianae jerdon)

Quinacrine (an acridine homologue of chloroquine) administration (30 mg kg^?1 day^?1 for a period of 25 days) resulted in mass atrophy of the spermatogenic elements. Seminiferous tubule and Leydig cell nuclear dimensions were reduced. The luminal epithelium was severely damaged. The lumen of epididymides and was deferens were devoid of spermatozoa.Castration followed by quinacrine administration (30 mg kg^?1 for 25 days) denuded the tubules of the caput epididymides. Simultaneous testosterone therapy could not prevent the damage.Quinacrine administration depleted the concentration of RNA, protein and sialic acid in the testes, epididymides and seminal vesicles, whereas the total cholesterol concentration in the testes was elevated. Castration/ castration + quinacrine administration also brought about a significant reduction in the RNA, protein and sialic acid concentrations in the accessory sex organs. Simultaneous testosterone treatment prevented the action of quinacrine on the accessory sex organs and enhanced the production of RNA, protein and sialic acid in epididymides and seminal vesicles of castration/ castration + quinacrine treated gerbils.Serum transaminases (SGOT and SGPT) were moderately elevated, whereas haemoglobin/hematocrit/blood sugar/blood urea levels were in the normal range in quinacrine-treated animals.Histopathological examination of the liver did not show any damage.Leydig cell impairment and decreased production of RNA and sialic acid in the testes points to deficient androgen production following the administration of quinacrine hydrochloride.     

Immunolocalization of glycodelin in the genital tract of rats

Glycodelin, also known as placental protein 14 has been predominantly localized to organs of the human genital tract. Unfortunately the physiological role of glycodelin is largely unknown since it depends on limited availability of tissues. Therefore, a suitable animal model to study the role of glycodelin would be desirable. Previously, it was shown that glycodelin mRNA is expressed in the genital tract of male and female rats. In the present study, we demonstrate the expression of glycodelin protein in male and female rats by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. For this purpose a polyclonal antibody was generated against glycodelin peptide. In female rats, glycodelin was found in the epithelial gland cells of the uterus, epithelial cells of the fallopian tube as well as in corpora lutea, interstitial and theca cells of the ovary. Glycodelin was distributed in all epithelial cells of the epididymis and the seminal vesicle. In the seminiferous epithelium, glycodelin was seen in all developmental stages of spermatogonia and spermatocytes and in Sertoli cells. Whereas in the rat male reproductive tract glycodelin expression is slightly different from human or primate tissues, in organs of the rat female genital tract glycodelin expression is similar to humans and primates.     

The effect of ligation of cauda epididymidis and vasectomy on testicular function in the adult gerbil (Meriones hurrianae).

1. The effects of ligation of caput, cauda epididymides and vasectomy were studied in adult gerbils. 2. The operations were performed unilaterally, the testis and epididymides on the contralateral side serving as controls. 3. Ligation of cauda epididymides decrease testicular weight, whereas caput ligation did not change the testis weight. Accessory sex glands were reduced in size. 4. Ligation caused a drastic degeneration of the spermatogenic cells. There was a complete disruption of testicular function. Leydig cell hypertrophy was conspicuous. Caput and cauda ligation led to degenerative changes in the epididymides. Epididymal epithelium was regressed and the lumen was devoid of spermatozoa. 5. Caput and cauda ligation inhibited the synthesis of RNA, protein and sialic acid in testis and epididymides and depleted the fructose concentration in the seminal vesicle. 6. Vasectomy did not cause any alteration in sperm production during the 8 week period on the lighted side. The cytology and the biochemistry of the testis and epididymides appeared to be normal.     

Basement membrane material and tigroid background in a fine needle aspirate of clear cell adenocarcinoma of the cervix. A case report

BACKGROUND: Although cytologic findings of clear cell adenocarcinoma of the female genital tract have been reported sporadically, the background on the smear has received little attention. CASE: A 16-year-old female had a large, necrotic mass in the cervix. As cervical brushing cytology and a punch biopsy of the mass could not make a definitive diagnosis, fine needle aspiration cytology was performed from the mass. The smears revealed loose, three-dimensional clusters and sheet arrangements of atypical cells. Dispersed atypical cells were also seen. The atypical cells were large and had abundant, weakly stained cytoplasm and round or oval nuclei with large nucleoli. There were a few tumor cells with clear cytoplasm and distinct cell borders in Papanicolaou-stained smears. The background in Diff-Quik-stained smears revealed a tigroid background and basement membrane material. CONCLUSION: The malignant tumor, revealing both a tigroid background and basement membrane material, seems to have been clear cell adenocarcinoma. Both features are diagnostic clues to clear cell adenocarcinoma in the female genital tract. Our case indicates that aspiration cytology is also an effective method of diagnosing a cervical tumor when the tumor is polypoid and the surface is extensively necrotic.     

A unique population of extrathymically derived alpha beta TCR+CD4-CD8- T cells with regulatory functions dominates the mouse female genital tract

A better understanding of the regulatory role of genital tract T cells is much needed. In this study, we have analyzed the phenotype, distribution, and function of T lymphocytes in the female genital tract of naive, pregnant, or Chlamydia trachomatis-infected C57BL/6 mice. Unexpectedly, we found that the dominant lymphocyte population (70-90%) in the genital tract was that of CD3(+)alphabetaTCR(int)CD4(-)CD8(-) T cells. Moreover, these cells were CD90(low) but negative for the classical T cell markers CD2 and CD5. The CD3(+)B220(low) cells were NK1.1 negative and found in nude mice as well as in mice deficient for MHC class II, beta(2)-microglobulin, and CD1, indicating extrathymic origin. They dominated the KJ126(+)Vbeta8.2(+) population in the genital tract of DO11.10 OVA TCR-transgenic mice, further supporting the idea that the CD3(+)B220(low) cells are truly T cells. The function of these T cells appeared not to be associated with immune protection, because only CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells increased in the genital tract following chlamydial infection. Notwithstanding this, the infected, as well as the uninfected and the pregnant, uterus was dominated by a high level of the CD3(+)CD4(-)CD8(-)B220(low) cells. Following in vitro Ag or polyclonal stimulation of the CD3(+)CD4(-)CD8(-)B220(low) cells, poor proliferative responses were observed. However, these cells strongly impaired splenic T cell proliferation in a cell density-dependent manner. A large fraction of the cells expressed CD25 and produced IFN-gamma upon anti-CD3 plus anti-CD28 stimulation, arguing for a strong regulatory role of this novel T cell population in the mouse female genital tract.     

Thin-layer cytology findings of small cell carcinoma of the lower female genital tract. Review of three cases with molecular analysis

OBJECTIVE: To describe the thin-layer cytology findings of small cell carcinoma of the low female genital tract, with histologic correlation and human papillomavirus (HPV) genotyping. STUDY DESIGN: The authors reviewed the clinical findings, thin-layer cytology and histologic features of small cell carcinoma of the lower female genital tract (cervix or vagina) occurring in three postmenopausal Chinese women at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong, over a four-year period, from January 1998 to December 2001. Molecular techniques for HPV screening and genotyping using the polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism were employed on the cytologic specimens. RESULTS: The thin-layer preparations were of moderate to high cellularity. There were loose aggregates of or isolated small round cells with a high nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio, thin but irregular nuclear membrane, hyperchromatic nuclei, inconspicuous nucleoli and scanty cytoplasm. Tumor cell cannibalism was commonly found. Small groups of tumor cells with nuclear molding were noted. There was also obvious tumor diathesis in the background. The necrotic debris was admixed with isolated small round cells, apoptotic bodies and nuclear dust. Associated koilocytosis or squamous intraepithelial lesions were not seen. Histologic examination of the tumor biopsies showed classic features of small cell carcinoma associated with squashing artifacts and vascularized stroma. Molecular analysis revealed the presence of HPV DNA (either type 18 or 16) in all the three liquid-based cytology samples. CONCLUSION: While the cytomorphologic features of small cell carcinoma of the cervix or vagina in thin-layer preparations are slightly different from those in conventional smears, due mainly to the absence of smearing effect, recognition of the subtle but characteristic appearance can enhance the accuracy of the cytologic diagnosis. The association between HPV and primary small cell carcinoma of the lower female genital tract was confirmed by this study.     

Specific IgA and IgG antibodies in the secretions of the female reproductive tract: effects of immunization and estradiol on expression of this response in vivo

Uterine and vaginal secretions collected from intact adult female rats were analyzed to determine whether immunization at sites distal to the reproductive tract had any effect on the presence of specific IgA and IgG antibodies in genital tract secretions. Peyer's patch and i.p. immunization and boost with sheep red blood cells (SRBC) stimulated the appearance of specific IgA antibodies in uterine and vaginal secretions of uterine-ligated animals. IgG antibodies were also induced in uterine but not in vaginal secretions. In contrast, subcutaneous immunization and boost elicited a weak IgA uterine and IgG vaginal response. To establish the role of estradiol in regulating the presence of specific antibodies in the female genital tract, ovariectomized rats received primary and/or secondary Peyer's patch immunizations with hormone treatment. Administration of estradiol daily for 3 days before sacrifice resulted in a significant accumulation of IgA and IgG antibodies to SRBC in uterine secretions. In the absence of estradiol, antibody content was negligible. Vaginal antibody levels were also clearly influenced by estradiol. In contrast to the uterus, however, specific IgA and IgG antibodies were present in the vaginal secretions of saline-injected immunized animals and were markedly inhibited in animals treated with estradiol. These results indicate that antibodies in genital tract secretions can be induced by immunization of the Peyer's patches and that their presence in uterine secretions is clearly dependent on estradiol. Further, they indicate that gut-derived specific antibodies enter the vagina in the absence of hormone stimulation and that estradiol exerts an inhibitory effect on their presence in vaginal secretions.     

Histochemical analysis of accessory genital gland secretions in female Pimpla turionellae L. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)

The secretions produced by the 3 accessory glands of the female genital tract of Pimpla turionellae were investigated histochemically. The uterus gland secretion was identified as a mixture of hyaluronic acid and lipoprotein, that of the poison gland as a neutral mucoprotein. The product of the alkaline gland (Dufour's gland) consists of lecithin and a cholesterol ester. Pimpla females, as parasites of Lepidoptera pupae, inject these secretions into the host hemocoel during oviposition, thus preventing hemocytic encapsulation of their eggs. The physiological functions of the secretions are briefly discussed.     

Thyroid hormones and muscle protein turnover. The effect of thyroid-hormone deficiency and replacement in thryoidectomized and hypophysectomized rats.

We have investigated the effects of thyroidectomy, hypophysectomy and 3,3',5-tri-iodothyronine replacement on protein synthesis and degradation in skeletal muscle in vivo. Thyroidectomy resulted in a decrease in the rate of protein synthesis as a result of a loss of RNA. However, RNA activity, the rate of protein synthesis per unit of RNA, was not decreased. This was the case in both young growing rats and mature nongrowing rats. Tri-iodothyronine treatment of thyroidectomized rats increased protein synthesis by increasing RNA concentration without changes in RNA activity, and this occurred even when food intake was restricted to prevent any increase in growth. The rate of protein degradation was decreased by thyroidectomy and increased by tri-iodo-thyronine replacement in both animals fed ad libitum and food-restricted animals. Hypophysectomy decreased protein synthesis by decreasing both RNA concentration and activity. these changes were reversed by tri-iodothyronine treatment even in the presence of persistent marked hypoinsulinaemia. This indicates that tri-iodothyronine can activate athe translational phase of protein synthesis in muscle in the absence of significant quantities of insulin. However, tri-iodothyronine does not seem to be obligatory for the maintenance of normal RNA activity in muscle, since in the thyroidectomized rat, in which plasma insulin concentrations are normal, RNA activity is maintained. From a consideration of the magnitude of changes in RNA activity observed in these experiments, it would appear that alterations in rates of elongation as well as initiation are involved in the changes in RNA activity.     

Genital structures in the entelegyne widow spider Latrodectus revivensis (Arachnida; Araneae; Theridiidae) indicate a low ability for cryptic female choice by sperm manipulation

The female genital structures of the entelegyne spider Latrodectus revivensis are described using semithin sections and scanning electron microscopy. Apart from the tactile hairs overhanging the opening of the atrium, the contact zones of the female epigynum are devoid of any sensilla, indicating that the female does not discriminate in favor or against males due to their genital size or stimulation through copulatory courtship. The dumb-bell shape and the spatial separation of the entrance and the exit of the paired spermathecae suggest that they are functionally of the conduit type. Not described for other entelegyne spiders so far, the small fertilization ducts originating from the spermathecae of each side lead to a common fertilization duct that connects the spermathecae to the uterus externus. During oviposition, it is most likely that spermatozoa are indiscriminately sucked out of the spermathecal lumina by the low pressure produced by the contraction of the muscle extending from the epigynal plate to the common fertilization duct. As no greater amounts of secretion are produced by the female during oviposition, and no activated sperm are present within the female genital tract, the secretion produced by the spermathecal epithelium does not serve in displacement or (selective) activation of spermatozoa. These findings suggest that female L. revivensis are not able to exert cryptic female choice by selectively choosing spermatozoa of certain males.     

Genital Morphology and Sperm Storage in Pholcus phalangioides(Fuesslin, 1775) (Pholcidae; Araneae)

The genital morphology of female Pholcus phalangioidesis examined to clarify the composition of the uterus externus and the place of sperm storage in this species. Two conspicuous pore plates serve as exits for glandular secretion that gets discharged into the uterus externus. The secretion accumulates close to the pore plates and to some extent in the region of the heavily sclerotized valve that separates the uterus externus from the uterus internus. During copulation, the male transfers spermatozoa and male secretions into the female genital tract where they are embedded and stored in the female secretion. As Ph. phalangioidesdoes not possess any separate sperm storage organs such as receptacula seminis, the glandular secretion serves to store and fix the sperm mass in a specific position within the uterus externus itself.