Effects of CdCl2 on the secretory functions of sex accessory glands of rats

The effects of cadmium chloride (Cd) alone (1 mg given as a single injection) or in combination with ascorbic acid (AA; 100 mg/day for 10 days) on the secretory functions of sex accessory glands of rats were studied in healthy male albino rats. Animals were sacrificed after 10 days treatment and the seminal vesicles (SVs), dorsolateral prostate (DLP), ventral prostate (VP), bulbourethral glands (BU), and coagulating glands (CO) were excised and weighed. Weight of all accessory glands were decreased by 10 days treatment with Cd. Cd + AA gave similar results. AA concentration increased in all glands and was significantly increases in CO (p less than .01). Levels of ascorbogin increased in all glands except CO and BU and in the latter a significant (p less than .001) increase was found. The rate of AA utilization increased significantly (p less that .001) in the accessories. A significant (p less than .001) reduction in the activity of succinate dehydrogenase was observed in Cd-treated rats with a further reduction with combined treatment. Alkaline phosphatase decreased (p less than .001) after Cd treatment but AA in combination restored it to control levels. Cd increased acid phosphatase (p less than .001) and was further activated by Cd + AA. Phosphorylase activity was elevated with Cd (p less than .001) but recovery occurred in SV and BU with Cd + AA. Glycogen increased (p less than .001; .01) with both treatments as did citric acid. Protein results were inconsistent with Cd but activation was found in most glands under combined treatment. The results reveal that most androgen-dependent biochemical constituents and organ weights were affected significantly by a single injection of Cd. AA had a protective and beneficial influence on the restoration of structural integrity and metabolism in sex accessory glands.     

Male contraception properties of a new synthetic steroid derivative (danazol) in Rattus rattus rufescens

Chronic administration of Danazol (25 mg/kg body wt) caused lesions in the testes of Rattus rattus Rufescens. Depletion of spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoa was conspicuous. Impairment of Leydig cell function was correlated with reduced cell size and depressed accessory sex organ weights. Epididymal cell height was greatly reduced. The lumen was devoid of spermatozoa. Danazol administration inhibited the synthesis of RNA, protein, sialic acid in the testes and accessory sex organs. Total cholesterol of the testes was increased, whereas the acid phosphatase enzyme activity was reduced. Testosterone propionate did not enhance the growth of accessory sex organs in castrated rats receiving Danazol. In conclusion, Danazol inhibits the system of steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis in Rattus rattus, when treated chronically for a period of 40 days. These effects are reversible after 60 days of cessation of drug administration.     

Seasonal timing of sperm production in roe deer: interrelationship among changes in ejaculate parameters,morphology and function of testis and accessory glands

Roe deer are seasonal breeders with a short rutting season from mid-July to mid-August. The seasonality of reproductive activity in males is associated with cyclic changes between growth and involution of both testes and the accessory sex glands. This study characterizes morphological and functional parameters of these organs prior to, during and after breeding season in live adult roe deer bucks. Size and morphology of the reproductive tract was monitored monthly by transcutaneous (testes, epididymis) and transrectal (accessory glands) ultrasonography. Semen was collected by electroejaculation. Concentration, motility and morphological integrity of spermatozoa as well as the content of proteins and testosterone in semen plasma were evaluated. Proportions of haploid, diploid and tetraploid cells were estimated by flow cytometry in testicular tissue biopsies. Serum testosterone was measured by enzyme immunoassay. Most parts of the male reproductive tract showed distinct circannual changes in size and texture. These changes were most pronounced in the testes, seminal vesicles, and prostate. All reproductive organs were highly developed during the rut only. The volume of ejaculates, total sperm number and percentages of motile and intact spermatozoa also showed a maximum during this period and corresponded with high proportions of haploid cells in the testis. The highest percentages of tetraploid cells were found in the prerutting period. The production of motile and intact spermatozoa correlated with both the protein content of semen plasma and the concentration of testosterone in semen plasma and blood serum. These results suggest the importance of combined actions of the testes and accessory sex glands and the crucial role of testosterone in facilitating the optimal timing of intensified semen production to ensure sufficient numbers of normal spermatozoa in seasonal breeders.     

Reversible changes in the testes and epididymides of dog treated with alpha-chlorohydrin.

1. Chronic administration of alpha-chlorohydrin (8 mg/kg body wt for 30 days) caused lesions in the testis of dog. The changes in the germ cells were degenerative. The seminiferous tubule and Leydig cell nuclear diameter were reduced. 2. Epididymal cell height was greatly reduced and the stereocilia had disappeared completely. The lumen was devoid of spermatozoa. 3. Alpha-chlorohydrin administration inhibited the RNA and sialic acid contents in the testes and epididymides of dog. Total cholesterol and lipids/g of testes were increased significantly after alpha-chlorohydrin administration. 4. These effects were reversible. Repopulation of testis tubules occurred following a period of 100 days recovery in dog. Numerous spermatogonia and sperm develop and traverse the epididymides. The RNA, sialic acid, cholesterol and total lipids of testes and epididymides returned to subnormal levels. 5. The possibility of using alpha-chlorohydrin as male contraception is indicated.     

Serum and testis selenium concentrations and testis morphology in ram lambs of varying ages

Serum and testis selenium (Se) concentrations, body and testes weights, seminiferous tubule height and width measurements and percent of tubules containing luminal spermatozoa were determined in Se-treated (SSe) and control (NSe) crossbred ram lambs at 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 days of age. With IM injections, SSe lambs received 3 mg of Se as selenite and NSe lambs received 0.9% saline at 30-day intervals throughout the study. For each age group, lambs were weighed, jugular vein blood collected and testes removed at the designated age. Serum and testis tissue samples for each lamb were assayed for Se, and testis tissue was also evaluated for histological parameters. For all parameters, only serum Se concentrations were affected (P<0.0001) by Se treatment; however, all other parameters were affected (P<0.0001) by age. For combined groups, mean testis Se concentration (0.33 ppm), testes weights, seminiferous tubule measurements and percent of tubules (82.2) containing luminal spermatozoa were greatest (P<0.05) at 180 days of age, and mean testis Se concentrations were significantly correlated with these testicular parameters. These data lend support to the hypothesis that the increase in concentration of testicular Se to adult concentrations (>0.3 ppm) around the time of puberty is associated with rapid testicular development and production of spermatozoa.     

Characteristics of infertility and the improvement of fertility by thyroxine treatment in adult male hypothyroid rdw rats

We previously reported that rdw rats were infertile in both sexes. The present study was conducted to determine whether hypothyroidism in adult male rdw rats induced infertility by impairing sexual behavior or testicular function, whether the infertility could be reversed by thyroxine (T(4)) treatment, and whether the mutant could be produced by infertile rdw rats via in vitro fertilization. The sexual behavior was analyzed by pairing with normal female rats. The fertility of epididymal sperm was determined by in vitro fertilization. The results indicated that the infertility resulted from both defective sexual behavior and testicular function. No untreated rdw rats mated. The weights of epididymides were significantly low, whereas those of testes were not different from those of untreated normal rats. Epididymal sperm with cytoplasmic droplets were observed at a significantly high frequency. No fertilization was detected either in vivo or in vitro. Thyroxine treatment markedly increased serum T(4) levels and the weights of both epididymides and testes. Partial reversion of the impaired sexual behavior was observed, and the percentage of epididymal sperm with cytoplasmic droplets was markedly decreased after T(4) treatment. Fertility of epididymal sperm was completely reversed when determined both in vivo and in vitro, and homozygous embryos developed to term after transfer without loss of viability.     

Effect of daily spermatozoan production but not age on transit time of spermatozoa through the human epididymis

Daily spermatozoan production, numbers of epididymal spermatozoa, and transit times of spermatozoa through different regions of the epididymis were determined in 38 men, aged 20-49 or 50-79 yr. Specimens were obtained at autopsy within 24 h of death due to traumatic injury or heart failure. Subjects were in apparent good health prior to death, and death was not preceded by an extended period of hospitalization. Daily spermatozoan production per testis (DSP/T) and numbers of epididymal spermatozoa were determined from counts of maturation-phase spermatids or epididymal spermatozoa in tissue homogenized in a Waring blender. Epididymal transit time was calculated as the number of spermatozoa in a given region of the epididymis or in the entire epididymis divided by DSP/T of the connected testis. Parenchymal weight, spermatozoan production rate, numbers of epididymal spermatozoa, and epididymal transit time were similar (p greater than 0.05) between paired testes or epididymides. Men were divided into four groups on the basis of age and DSP/T. Since there was no (p greater than 0.05) effect of age on epididymal transit time, men in different age groups were combined within their respective group on the basis of DSP/T. In the group with high DSP/T, DSP/g parenchyma was much higher and epididymal transit time was much faster. However, parenchymal weights and numbers of epididymal spermatozoa were similar (p greater than 0.05) between DSP/T groups. The similarity in number of spermatozoa in epididymides of men whose DSP/T differed by threefold is consistent with the inability of the human epididymis to store many spermatozoa when no blockage is present.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of an LH-RH analogue in male rats pretreated with oestradiol benzoate.

Treatment of adult male rats with oestradiol benzoate (OB) for 21 days significantly decreased the body, testicular and accessory sex organ weights but increased anterior pituitary weight. OB treatment also significantly suppressed circulating FSH and LH levels as well as plasma and testicular concentrations of testosterone. The seminiferous tubules and interstitial cells were partly atrophied, and there was some effect on spermatogenesis, with step 14 to 19 spermatids being fewer than normal. Rats treated with OB for 21 days were then treated daily with LH-RH analogue ((D-Leu6, des-Gly-NH2(10))-LH-RH-ethylamide), to see if testicular function could be recovered. Circulating gonadotrophins were significantly elevated, testicular histology was normal and testicular and plasma testosterone concentrations and the accessory sex organ weights remained suppressed. These results suggest possible extra-pituitary effects of the LH-RH analogue, including a direct action on the testes and/or accessory sex organs.     

Testosterone response of cryptorchid and hypophysectomized rats to human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) stimulation

The testosterone responses to a single injection of hCG (100 i.u.) in hypophysectomized (hypox.), cryptorchid or sham-operated rats were followed over a 5-day period. In sham-operated rats, hCG induced a biphasic rise in serum testosterone, peaks being observed at 2 and 72 h. Reduced testis weights, elevated FSH and LH levels and reduced serum testosterone levels were found after 4 weeks of cryptorchidism, but hCG stimulation resulted in a normal 2 h peak in serum testosterone. However, the secondary rise at 72 h in cryptorchid rats was significantly lower than sham-operated rats. Reduced testis weight and undetectable serum FSH and LH levels together with decreased testosterone levels were found 4 weeks after hypophysectomy. Serum testosterone levels rose 2 h after hCG in comparison to hypox. controls but this peak was significantly reduced compared with sham-operated rats. The second rise in serum testosterone began on day 2, peaking on day 4 at levels comparable to that seen in sham-operated rats after hCG. The in vitro basal and hCG stimulated secretion of testosterone by cryptorchid testes was greater than that secreted by normal rat testes (518.0 +/- 45.9 and 3337.6 +/- 304.1 pmol per testis per 4 h compared with 223.6 +/- 24.9 and 1312.9 +/- 141.4 pmol per testis per 4 h for normal rat testes). In cryptorchid animals a single injection of 100 i.u. hCG resulted in a pattern of in vitro refractoriness similar to normal rats, lasting from 12 h to 2 days, during which testosterone secretion was reduced to near basal levels. The in vitro basal and hCG-stimulated secretion of testosterone by hypox. rat testes was severely diminished compared with normal rat testes. The temporal pattern of in vitro secretion of testosterone from hypox. rat testes mimicked the in vivo serum testosterone pattern seen in these animals. This study demonstrates important differences in the in vivo and in vitro testosterone response to hCG after testicular damage.     

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.     

Photoperiod influences the annual reproductive cycle of the male pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus)

Adult pallids bats collected in April or May, were maintained in short or long photoperiods (10 or 14 h light/day) for 3-6 months. In August, the short-day bats had regressed testes, epididymal spermatozoa and fully developed accessory sex glands, corresponding to the autumnal reproductive condition of field animals; long-day bats had testes undergoing spermatogenesis, few epididymal spermatozoa and undeveloped accessory sex glands (summer reproductive condition). Bats in each photoperiod manifested the expected autumnal reproductive pattern in October. We suggest that photoperiod influences the reproductive physiology of male pallid bats by affecting an endogenous circannual reproductive rhythm.     

Reproduction of the male eastern pipistrelle, Pipistrellus subflavus, in the north-eastern United States

The major reproductive events in the male eastern pipistrelle, are similar to those of other hibernating vespertilionids. The eastern pipistrelle stores epididymal spermatozoa throughout hibernation, a time when the testes are involuted but accessory gland activity is maintained. However, this species differs from others in that epididymal and testicular spermatozoa persist longer and the weights of the accessory glands are not strongly differentiated between winter and spring/summer. It is suggested that the reproductive period is extended in this species as a function of a more prolonged period of hibernation, resulting in only a brief period of sexual quiescence in mid-summer. The eastern pipistrelle (Pipistrellus subflavus) resembles the canyon bat (P. hesperus) in that some testicular spermatozoa persist during winter. Many aspects of the reproductive anatomy and chronology of these two species are similar; however, eastern pipistrelles apparently lack a seminal vesicle and possess a distinctly different baculum.     

11-ketotestosterone stimulates putative sex pheromone production in the male peacock blenny, Salaria pavo (Risso 1810)

Male peacock blennies (Salaria pavo) release odors from their anal glands and, possibly, from their gonads that attract reproductive females. The current study investigated the effects of 11-ketotestosterone (KT) on development of the anal glands, testes, and accessory testicular organs as well as the subsequent olfactory potency of their secretions. After 3 wk of KT treatment (5 mg/kg in silastic implants), clusters of cells secreting neutral mucins differentiated in the anal gland of all treated males, whereas this occurred in only one control male. Secretions by anal glands from KT-treated males elicited greater olfactory responses, as assessed by electro-olfactography, than those from controls. Treatment with KT stimulated testicular gland growth and sialomucin secretion but had no clear effect on the germinal region of the testis; KT also stimulated enlargement of, and fluid secretion in, the blind pouches (paired evaginations of the spermatic ducts). Secretions by the testes and fluid in blind pouches from KT-treated males elicited greater olfactory responses than those from controls. In conclusion, KT stimulates development of the anal glands and testicular accessory organs and promotes odorant secretion, the putative multicomponent male peacock blenny pheromone.     

Characterization of the semen quality of postpuberal boars with spontaneous unilateral abdominal cryptorchidism on the right side.

In recent studies, we found that the ectopic testis from postpuberal boars with unilateral abdominal cryptorchidism does not produce sperm. Therefore, in these males, the seminal characteristics can be used as indicators of the activity of the scrotal testis and its epididymis and also the accessory glands. The semen quality (ejaculate volume, cell-rich fraction volume, sperm concentration, sperm vitality, sperm motility, sperm morphology and cephalic stability of spermatozoa) was evaluated in healthy postpuberal boars and in postpuberal boars with unilateral abdominal cryptorchidism on the right side. In comparison with the healthy boars, the unilateral abdominal cryptorchid boars showed a significant decrease of the ejaculate volume, sperm concentration and sperm motility. The low sperm concentration indicated that unilateral abdominal cryptorchidism severely impairs the sperm production of the scrotal testis. The decrease of ejaculate volume was attributed to an abnormal activity of the accessory glands. The alterations in sperm motility develop as a result of dysfunctions in the epididymal epithelium and/or the accessory glands. The sperm vitality, sperm morphology and cephalic stability of spermatozoa maintained normal values; therefore, at testicular level, despite the low sperm production, the germ cell differentiation is not disturbed. At epididymal level, the morphological maturation of spermatozoa is not altered.     

Lactate dehydrogenase C4 in male sex accessory glands of normal mice and in testes of sex-reversed mice.

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) C4 activity was observed in testis extracts of sex-reversed mice (Sxr) and in male sex accessory gland (seminal vesicle and prostate) extracts from C3H/He and C57BL/Go mice. These results reflect either (1) the presence of low concentrations of germinal cells in these tissues; or (2) the synthesis of LDH-C4 by somatic cells in Sxr testes and normal male sex accessory glands.     

Effect of intravasal copper on the fertility of rats.

Copper wire was inserted into the vas deferens and its effect of the reproductive system and fertility performance of rats was investigated. The copper wire was 100% effective as a contraceptive for up to 4 months if placed correctly, and resulted in decapitation of most of the spermatozoa. No differences between the rats with an intravasal copper wire and the sham-operated controls were found for the weights of the gonads and accessory sex glands or for protein, RNA, DNA and fructose concentrations. The intravasal copper device appears to be promising for the development of a long-term method for male contraception.     

The reproductive tract of the male spiny mouse (Acomys cahirinus) and coagulation studies with other species

The testes of the spiny mice showed asymmetry, the left being significantly heavier than the right (P = 0.025). Histological studies indicated that spermatozoa were first present in the testes of animals 35--45 days of age but the maturation of the accessory glands, especially the lateral prostates and coagulating glands, occurred later. The highest fructose concentration in the adult was in the lateral prostates (126.97 +/- 22.23 mg fructose/100 g, n = 5) and coagulating glands (99.38 +/- 17.65 mg fructose/100 g gland weight, n = 5). Coagulation tests of mixtures of extracts of seminal vesicles and coagulating glands from spiny mice and rats indicated that the vesiculase of the spiny mouse was active on rat substrates and vice versa. Cross-reactions of extracts of house mouse (Mus musculus), hamster (Mesocricetus auratus), gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus), and guinea-pig (Cavia porcellus) seminal vesicles (substrate) and coagulating glands (vesiculase) with those of rats and spiny mice showed that although the substrates of rat and spiny mouse were readily coagulated by vesiculase from all the other species, rat and spiny mouse vesiculase were not equally active on substrates of the other species.     

Testicular development, ultrasonographic and histological appearance of the testis in ram lambs immunized against recombinant LHRH fusion proteins

Sixteen native ram lambs weaned at 10 wk of age were divided into two groups. Eight animals were immunized against LHRH with a mixture of two fusion proteins: ovalbumin-LHRH-7 and thioredoxin-LHRH-7. The immunized lambs received a primary immunization plus two booster immunizations at 4 and 12 wks. Animals in the control group (n=8) were not treated. Scrotal measurements and blood samples were taken at 2-week intervals. Beginning at 25 wk of age, semen was collected and sexual behaviour was evaluated on a weekly basis. At 35 and 37 wk of age testes and accessory glands of all animals were subjected to ultrasound scanning. At 37 wk of age animals were slaughtered and testes were evaluated histologically. Serum LHRH antibodies (P<0.01) were detected in animals of the immunized group which had reduced serum testosterone concentrations (P<0.01). Testicular development was suppressed in the immunized animals (P<0.01). Immunized animals exhibited mounting activity 5 wks later than control animals. No mature spermatozoa containing ejaculates were collected from immunized animals. Control animals had moderately echogenic ultrasonographic appearance at 37 wk age, whereas immunized animals had hypoechogenic images. Mean seminiferous tubule diameter in immunized lambs was significantly smaller than that in control lambs. Basal membrane was thickened and hyalinized; there was an increase in peritubular connective tissue. No proliferating spermatogonia or mature spermatozoa were present in the tubules in these animals. There were no differences in the ultrasonographic appearance of prostate and vesicular gland between control and immunized animals. The LHRH recombinant fusion proteins were effective in immunological castration in ram lambs when started at 10 wk of age as noted by differences in serum testosterone, testicular histology and ultrasonographic appearance of testis and weight of accessory sex glands. Determining the effects of immunization on ultrasonographic appearance of the testis related to time after immunization requires further investigations.