Effect of Vitamin E supplement in diet on antioxidant ability of testis in Boer goat

The aim of this study was to evaluate the supplementation of Vitamin E in diet on the antioxidant capacity of testis in Boer goat. Twenty-four healthy, Boer male kids of similar body weight (BW) were selected at 3 months of age from the kid flock. Kids were born from does treated with simultaneous flushing and artificial insemination technology. The Boer kids were divided into four groups randomly, supplemented with 0, 80, 320 and 880 IU kid^?1 d^?1 Vitamin E, which were labeled as Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively, for 150 days (5 months). Blood samples were collected at the 15th-, 30th-, 60th-, 90th-, 120th-, and 150th-day during the experimental period, and the serums were used to determine Vitamin E content. Three Boer goats in each group were slaughtered at the age of eight months at the end of the experiment. Liver and testis were collected to test the Vitamin E content and the antioxidant capacity of testis. Results showed that the content of Vitamin E in serum, liver and testis increased with the increasing addition of Vitamin E. However, the content of Vitamin E in the serum, liver and testis, in the control, was significantly lower than in Groups 2 and 3, respectively, but there was no significant difference between the control Group and Group 4. When high levels of Vitamin E (880 IU kid^?1 d^?1) were added, contents of Vitamin E in serum, liver and testis were decreased and compared with the controls. Adding a low level (80 IU kid^?1 d^?1) of Vitamin E can increase activity of total anti-oxidation competence (T-AOC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and decrease content of nitric oxide (NO) in testis. MDA (malondialdehyde) content was decreased significantly in Group 3 (P < 0.05). Supplementing a low level (80 IU kid^?1 d^?1) and middle level (320 IU kid^?1 d^?1) of Vitamin E decreased activity of nitric oxide syntha (NOS) in testis (P < 0.05). Vitamin E can increase activity of GSH-PX (glutathione peroxidase). These results indicate that supplementing Vitamin E protects testis from damage by preoxidation.     

Microanatomy of the testes and testicular ducts of the butterfly lizard,Leiolepis ocellata Peters, 1971 (Reptilia: Squamata: Agamidae) during the active reproductive period

The microanatomy of the testes and testicular ducts (rete testis, ductuli efferentes, ductus epididymis and ductus deferens) of Leiolepis ocellata (Agamidae) was investigated using light microscopy including histochemistry. Each testis contains seminiferous tubules and interstitial tissues. The former house spermatogenic cells (spermatogonia A & B, preleptotene, primary and secondary spermatocytes, spermatids (steps 1–8) and spermatozoa) and Sertoli cells, while the latter comprise peritubular and intersitial tissues. The rete testis is an anastomosing duct, having intratesticular and extratesticular portions. The proximal region of ductuli efferentes has wider outer ductal and luminal diameters than those of the distal region. The convoluted ductus epididymis is subdivided into four regions (initial segment, caput, corpus and cauda), based on the ductal diameter, epithelium characteristics and cell components. The ductus deferens has the greatest diameter and is divided into the ductal and ampulla ductus deferens. The ductal portion is subdivided into the proximal and distal regions, based on the epithelium types and ductal diameters. The ampulla ductus deferens is a fibromuscular tube, having numerous mucosal folds projecting into the lumen. Spermiophagy is detectable in the ductus epididymis and ductus deferens. The present results contribute to improved fundamental knowledge on the microanatomy of the reptilian reproductive system.     

国人睾丸、附睾和输精管的氧化还原酶的组织化学观察

本文收集了１９—３８岁国人正常男性新鲜睾丸、附睾和输精管１３例,进行了氧化还原酶组织化学染色、光镜定位及定性观察。结果表明：睾丸曲细精管和输出小管上皮的ＧＤＨ,ＮＡＤＨＤ,ＮＡＤＰＨＤ,ＳＤＨ,ＧＰＤＨ,ＩＣＤＨ,ＭＤＨ,ＬＤＨ和Ｇ－６－ＰＤＨ９种酶;睾丸间质细胞和附睾管上皮的ＮＡＤＨＤ,ＮＡＤＰＨＤ,ＳＤＨ,ＩＣＤＨ,ＭＤＨ,ＧＤＨ,ＬＤＨ和Ｇ－６－ＰＤＨ８种酶;输精管的ＮＡＤＨＤ,ＮＡＤＰＨＤ,ＩＣＤＨ和ＧＤＨ４种酶的酶活性呈强阳性或极强阳性。提示输出小管和头部附睾管含有的多种氧化还原酶对精子功能成熟有极重要作用。     

Effect of Vitamin E supplementation on the enzymatic activity of selected markers in Aohan fine-wool sheep testis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary Vitamin E supplementation on the testicular 'marker' enzyme activity and Vitamin E content in Aohan fine-wool sheep. Thirty male Aohan fine-wool sheep (5 months of age) with similar body weight were selected from the Aohan fine-wool sheep-breeding farm of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China. The sheep were randomly divided into five groups and supplemented with 0, 20, 200, 1000 or 2400 IU sheep(-1)d(-1) Vitamin E for 12 months. Three sheep in each group were slaughtered at 17 months to collect a testis sample for testicular marker enzyme analysis. The results showed that, compared to Control, supplementing the diet with Vitamin E at 200 IU sheep(-1)d(-1) significantly increased the content of Vitamin E in testis and improved the activity of testicular mitochondrial ATPase (P<0.01), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (P<0.01), sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) (P<0.01), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (P<0.05). The present study demonstrated that supplementing Vitamin E can have a positive role in improving testicular marker enzyme activity and that the optimum range of dose appeared to be 100-200 IU sheep(-1)d(-1).     

免不1号和2号治疗免疫性不育雄鼠的组织学和免疫组织化学研究

用中药复方免不1号,免不2号治疗免疫性不育雄鼠,观察睾丸,附睾组织学和免疫组化的变化。用精子抗原免疫昆明种雄性小白鼠,建立免疫性不育动物模型。同时分别饲喂中药复方免不1号,免不2号,醋酸强的松,生理盐水;从组织学和免疫组化等方面观察免疫性不育症的变化。结果显示免疫性不育雄鼠血清,精囊液抗精子抗体高,睾丸间质,睾丸曲细精管界膜,精原细胞,附睾管上皮细胞免疫复合物沉积多,睾丸每曲细精管精子和晚期精子细胞减少,中药免不1号和2号能降低抗精子抗体,清除免疫复合物的沉积,恢复曲细精管精子和晚期精子细胞数。结果表明：免不1号和2号通过调节全身免疫系统,清除循环和局部的抗精子抗体,免疫复合物,提高精子和精子细胞数,从而提高小鼠的受孕率。     

Observations on the anterior testicular ducts in snakes with emphasis on sea snakes and ultrastructure in the yellow‐bellied sea snake,Pelamis platurus

The anterior testicular ducts of squamates transport sperm from the seminiferous tubules to the ductus deferens. These ducts consist of the rete testis, ductuli efferentes, and ductus epididymis. Many histological and a few ultrastructural studies of the squamate reproductive tract exist, but none concern the Hydrophiidae, the sea snakes and sea kraits. In this study, we describe the anterior testicular ducts of six species of hydrophiid snakes as well as representatives from the Elapidae, Homolapsidae, Leptotyphlopidae, and Uropeltidae. In addition, we examine the ultrastructure of these ducts in the yellow‐bellied Sea Snake, Pelamis platurus, only the third such study on snakes. The anterior testicular ducts are similar in histology in all species examined. The rete testis is simple squamous or cuboidal epithelium and transports sperm from the seminiferous tubules to the ductuli efferentes in the extratesticular epididymal sheath. The ductuli efferentes are branched, convoluted tubules composed of simple cuboidal, ciliated epithelium, and many species possess periodic acid‐Schiff+ granules in the cytoplasm. The ductus epididymis at the light microscopy level appears composed of pseudostratified columnar epithelium. At the ultrastructural level, the rete testis and ductuli efferentes of P. platurus possess numerous small coated vesicles and lack secretory vacuoles. Apocrine blebs in the ductuli efferentes, however, indicate secretory activity, possibly by a constitutive pathway. Ultrastructure reveals three types of cells in the ductus epididymis of P. platurus: columnar principal cells, squamous basal cells, and mitochondria‐rich apical cells. This is the first report of apical cells in a snake. In addition, occasional principal cells possess a single cilium, which has not been reported in reptiles previously but is known in some birds. Finally, the ductus epididymis of P. platurus differs from other snakes that have been studied in possession of apical, biphasic secretory vacuoles. All of the proximal ducts are characterized by widening of adjacent plasma membranes into wide intercellular spaces, especially between the principal cells of the ductus epididymis. Our results contribute to a larger, collaborative study of the evolution of the squamate reproductive tract and to the potential for utilizing cellular characters in future phylogenetic inferences. J. Morphol. 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Ultrastructure of the reproductive system of the black swamp snake (Seminatrix pygaea). VI. Anterior testicular ducts and their nomenclature

In this study, the anterior testicular ducts of the North American natricine snake Seminatrix pygaea are described using light and electron microscopy. From the seminiferous tubules, the rete testis passes into the epididymal sheath, a structure along the medial border of the testis heavily invested with collagen fibers. The rete testis consists of simple, nonciliated cuboidal epithelium (principal cells). The intratesticular ducts of the rete testis are narrow (50–70 μm) at their junction with the seminiferous tubules, widen (80–100 μm) as they extend extratesticularly, and divide into smaller branches as they anastomose with the next tubules, the ductuli efferentes. The ductuli efferentes are lined by simple cuboidal epithelium but possess nonciliated principal cells as well as ciliated cells. These are the only ducts in the male reproductive system with ciliated cells. The ductuli efferentes are narrow (25–45 μm), divide into numerous branches, and are highly convoluted. The ductus epididymis is the largest duct in diameter (240–330 μm), and the diameter widens and the epithelium thins posteriorly. The ductus epididymis is lined by nonciliated, columnar principal cells and basal cells. No regional differences in the ductus epididymis are apparent. Ultrastructural evidence suggests that all of the nonciliated principal cells in each of the anterior testicular ducts function in both absorption and secretion. Absorption occurs via small endocytic vesicles, some of which appear coated. Secretion is by a constitutive pathway in which small vesicles and a flocculent material are released via a merocrine process or through the formation of apocrine blebs. The secretory product is a glycoprotein. Overall, the characteristics of the anterior testicular ducts of this snake are concordant with those of other amniotes, and the traditional names used for snakes are changed to conform with those used for other sauropsids and mammals. J. Morphol., 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Immunopathology of murine experimental allergic orchitis

Experimental allergic orchitis (EAO) was induced consistently in BALB/c mice by immunization with homologous testicular tissue homogenate emulsified in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) providing that the animals had received simultaneously at least 1 microgram of an extract of Bordetella pertussis rich in pertussigen. All animals thus treated developed orchitis and serum antibody to testicular antigens within 20 days after immunization. The lesions were located in testis (100%), rete testis (37%), cauda epididymis (21%), and vas deferens (37%). Ductus efferentes and caput epididymis were only rarely affected. Early lesions in the seminiferous tubules were characterized by peritubular and/or intratubular accumulation of eosinophils, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and macrophages. This was followed by aspermatogenesis. Late lesions included massive necrosis and extensive fibrosis of the seminiferous tubules. Disruption of blood-testis barrier on day 20 was evidenced by the detection of 1) perfused lanthanum deposits between Sertoli cells and surrounding inflammatory cells inside the seminiferous tubules, 2) deposits of endogenous mouse IgG in germinal epithelium, and 3) probable immune complexes (granular C3) surrounding seminiferous tubules. Murine EAO differed from that of the guinea pig in the lack of involvement of the ductus efferentes, the extensive necrosis, the abundant polymorphonuclear eosinophils in the lesion, and the exquisite requirement of concomitant injection of B. pertussis extract.     

Birthdate, mass and survival in mountain goat kids: effects of maternal characteristics and forage quality

In temperate environments, early-born ungulates may enjoy a longer growth period before winter, and so attain a higher body mass and an increased probability of survival compared to late-born ones. We assessed the effects of maternal characteristics, forage quality and population density on kid birthdate, mass and survival in a population of marked mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) in Alberta. The duration and timing of the birth season were similar in all years. Births were highly synchronised: 80% of kids were born within 2 weeks of the first birth. Maternal age, maternal social rank and density did not affect kid birthdate or mass. Previous breeding experience was not related to kid birthdate, but kids born to pluriparous mothers were heavier during summer than kids born to primiparous mothers. Male and female kids had similar mass and accumulated mass linearly during summer. Early-born kids were heavier than late-born kids. Faecal crude protein (FCP) in late spring and maternal mass were positively related to kid mass. Survival to weaning appeared higher for males (90%) than for females (78%), but survival to 1 year was 65% for both sexes. FCP in late spring, density, birthdate and mass did not affect kid survival to weaning in either sex. Survival to 1 year increased with FCP in late spring for females, but not for males. Survival to 1 year was independent of birthdate for both sexes, but heavy females survived better than light ones. Multiple logistic regression revealed a positive effect of mass on survival to 1 year when the sexes were pooled. Our results suggest that mountain goats are constrained to give birth in a short birth season synchronised with forage productivity.     

Measurement of the motility of rat spermatozoa collected by micropuncture from the testis and from different regions along the epididymis.

Spermatozoa from the testis and various regions along the epididymis of the rat were collected by micropuncture and their motility after dilution was estimated over a 15-min period by using a Quantimet image analyser. The motility of sermatozoa from the rete testis and seminiferous tubules was too low to be measured. The estimate of motility of spermatozoa from the proximal caput epididymidis was much lower than that of spermatozoa from the other regions. Spermatozoa from the distal part of the caput showed sustained motility for 15 min, whereas those from the caudal region and ductus deferens, although active initially, became less active during this period.     

Microvasculature of the human testis and excurrent duct system

Summary The vascular microarchitecture of the human testis and excurrent duct system was examined by use of a casting method combined with scanning electron microscopy. In the testicular parenchyma, the capillaries form a fine plexus around the seminiferous tubules. The commonly described rope-ladder-like pattern of the peritubular capillaries is absent in the human testis. The microvasculature of the rete testis consists of a poorly organized plexus. Throughout the epididymis including the ductuli efferentes, the peritubular capillary network encircles each tubule cylindrically. In the cauda epididymidis, a coarse venous network surrounds the capillary network externally. Small arteries of the epididymis not only penetrate the connective tissue septa, but also run along the surface. In the ductus deferens, three distinct microvascular systems are distinguished: (1) a venous network located in the connective tissue surrounding the muscular coat, (2) a microvascular plexus within the muscular coat, and (3) a peritubular capillary network. The plexus within the muscular coat interconnects the venous and the peritubular capillary networks.     

山羊品种间体细胞核移植研究

萨能奶山羊是著名的奶用山羊品种,波尔山羊则是世界著名的肉用山羊品种。为了研究波尔山羊体细胞在奶山羊卵母细胞中的去分化,我们针成年波尔山羊的颗粒细胞或耳皮肤成纤维细胞作为供核细胞（试验组）,移入奶山羊中Ⅱ期的去核卵母细胞透明带下,经电融合和离子霉素与6－二甲基氨基嘌呤－DMAP）激活,直接移入同期发情奶山羊输卵管或经体内培养,将发育的重构胚移入同期发情羊子宫内。妊娠早期作B超诊断,确立妊娠的观察至足月。同时将奶山羊的35日龄胎儿成纤维细胞作供核细胞（对照组）,按试验组同样方法处理,将重构胚直接移入同期发情的奶山羊输卵管内。结果：试验组,波尔羊颗粒粒细胞与耳皮肤成纤维2细胞的融合率分别为78．2％（115／147）,57．4％（116／202）,重构胚卵裂率为85．8％（115／134）,桑椹胚,囊胚的发育率38．8％（52／134）,早期妊娠三头,分别于妊娠40,60,60日龄终止妊娠。对照组,融合率为89．5％（136／152）,早期妊娠率为42．9％（6／14）,四头受体足月分娩,产四头公羊羔,其中三头存活,一头分娩时死于肺不扩张,并体重过大,显示胎儿过大综合症。经基因型鉴定证实,这四头克隆羔羊均源于同一胎儿成纤维细胞系。以上结果表明,波尔羊体细胞核在奶山羊卵母细胞中能够去分化,并维持一定程度的发育。     

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.     

Testis developments and puberty in the male Tokara (Japanese native) goat

In male Tokara (Japanese native) goats, testis development and the onset of puberty were studied histologically and observing sexual behaviour. Testes weight increased from 36+/-5.4 (S.E.) g (n=5) at 3 months of age to 126+/-6.3 g (n=6) at 12 months. The degree of the testis development differed among kids at 3 months of age and only one of four had produced spermatozoa in the testis. Large number of spermatozoa were always present in seminiferous tubules and epididymal ducts from 4 months of age. The diameter of seminiferous tubules increased from 133+/-9.9 microm (n=4) at 3 months to 198+/-1.0 microm (n=3) at 6 months with little increase thereafter. Mounting and pelvic thrusts onto a teaser doe started at from 9 to 14 weeks of age. Ejaculated semen contained sperm with good motility for the first time from 17 weeks. The male Tokara goat reaches puberty at around 4 months of age but testis development continues to 12 months.     

Study on Passive Immunity:time of Vaccination in Kids Born to Goats Vaccinated Against Peste des petits ruminants

In this study,the decay of maternal peste des petits ruminants virus(PPRV) antibodies in kids born to goats vaccinated with Asian lineage IV PPR vaccine and the efficacy of passive immunity against PPRV was assessed to determine the appropriate period for vaccination in kids.Serum samples collected from kids born to vaccinated,unvaccinated and infected goats at different time intervals were tested by PPR competitive ELISA and serum neutralization test(SNT).Maternal antibodies in kids were detectable up to 6 months with a decline trend from the third month onwards and receded below the protective level by the fourth month.The kid with an SN titre of 1:8 at the time of immunization showed significant PPRV specific antibody response(percentage inhibition of 76;SN titers >1:16),when tested on 21 day post-vaccination and was completely protected from infection upon virulent PPRV challenge.Similarly,the kid with 1:8 SN titers was completely protected from PPR infection on active challenge.Therefore,PPR vaccination is recommended in kids,aged 4 months and born to immunized or exposed goats.This could be a suitable period to avoid window of susceptibility in kids to PPRV and the effort to eliminate PPR infection from susceptible populations.     

Comparison of Boer, Kiko, and Spanish meat goat does for stayability and cumulative reproductive output in the humid subtropical southeastern United States

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Longevity is the amount of time breeding females stay active in a herd by avoiding death or culling because of illness or reproductive failure. This is a trait of economic relevance in commercial small ruminant breeding herds as it affects lifetime reproductive output. The purpose of this study was to determine if breed of meat goat influences breeding doe survival rates and cumulative reproductive performance under semi-intensive management. RESULTS: Boer (n[THIN SPACE]=[THIN SPACE]132), Kiko (n[THIN SPACE]=[THIN SPACE]92) and Spanish (n[THIN SPACE]=[THIN SPACE]79) does were evaluated for longevity trends and cumulative kid production. The herd was managed on humid subtropical pasture. Does had the chance to complete 2 to 6 production years. Survival curves were analyzed for 2 culling methods. The actual culling practice removed does after two failures to wean a kid. An alternative culling protocol removed doe records after the first failure to wean a kid. Kid production traits analyzed across herd life were the total number of kids weaned and cumulative kid weight weaned to the 2-, 3-, and 5-year stayability endpoints. Most (82 %) doe exits were illness-related under the actual culling method. Reproductive failure represented 51 % of doe exits under the alternative culling protocol. Boer does had greater survival declines (P[THIN SPACE]<[THIN SPACE]0.01) from 2 to 6 years of herd life compared to Kiko and Spanish under both culling protocols. Boer does had lower stayability rates (P[THIN SPACE]<[THIN SPACE]0.01) at each year endpoint for both culling protocols. Under the alternative protocol, over 50 % of Boer does failed to complete 2 years, whereas over 50 % of Kiko and Spanish does successfully completed 4 years. Boer does had lower (P[THIN SPACE]<[THIN SPACE]0.01) total number of kids weaned and cumulative weight weaned through each stayability endpoint compared to Kiko and Spanish. CONCLUSION: Boer does had low stayability and cumulative kid production rates compared to Kiko and Spanish does. Poor health was the primary driver of does exiting the herd. Kiko and Spanish does did not differ for longevity and lifetime performance indicators.     

山羊品种间体细胞核移植研究

萨能奶山羊是著名的奶用山羊品种,波尔山羊则是世界著名的肉用山羊品种.为了研究波尔山羊体细胞在奶山羊卵母细胞中的去分化,我们将成年波尔山羊的颗粒细胞或耳皮肤成纤维细胞作为供核细胞(试验组),移入奶山羊中Ⅱ期的去核卵母细胞透明带下,经电融合和离子霉素与6-二甲基氨基嘌呤(6-DMAP)激活,直接移入同期发情奶山羊输卵管或经体内培养,将发育的重构胚移人同期发情羊子宫内.妊娠早期作B超诊断,确立妊娠的观察至足月.同时将奶山羊的35日龄胎儿成纤维细胞作供核细胞(对照组),按试验组同样方法处理,将重构胚直接移入同期发情的奶山羊输卵管内.结果试验组,波尔羊颗粒粒细胞与耳皮肤成纤维细胞的融合率分别为78.2%(115/147)、57.4%(116/202),重构胚卵裂率为85.8%(115/134),桑椹胚、囊胚的发育率38.8%(52/134),早期妊娠三头,分别于妊娠40、60、60日龄终止妊娠.对照组,融合率为89.5%(136/152),早期妊娠率为42.9%(6/14),四头受体足月分娩,产四头公羊羔,其中三头存活,一头分娩时死于肺不扩张,并体重过大,显示胎儿过大综合症.经基因型鉴定证实,这四头克隆羔羊均源于同一胎儿成纤维细胞系.以上结果表明,波尔羊体细胞核在奶山羊卵母细胞中能够去分化,并维持一定程度的发育.     

Study on passive immunity: Time of vaccination in kids born to goats vaccinated against Peste des petits ruminants

In this study, the decay of maternal peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) antibodies in kids born to goats vaccinated with Asian lineage IV PPR vaccine and the efficacy of passive immunity against PPRV was assessed to determine the appropriate period for vaccination in kids. Serum samples collected from kids born to vaccinated, unvaccinated and infected goats at different time intervals were tested by PPR competitive ELISA and serum neutralization test (SNT). Maternal antibodies in kids were detectable up to 6 months with a decline trend from the third month onwards and receded below the protective level by the fourth month. The kid with an SN titre of 1:8 at the time of immunization showed significant PPRV specific antibody response (percentage inhibition of 76; SN titers >1:16), when tested on 21 day post-vaccination and was completely protected from infection upon virulent PPRV challenge. Similarly, the kid with 1:8 SN titers was completely protected from PPR infection on active challenge. Therefore, PPR vaccination is recommended in kids, aged 4 months and born to immunized or exposed goats. This could be a suitable period to avoid window of susceptibility in kids to PPRV and the effort to eliminate PPR infection from susceptible populations.     

Effect of vitamin E on sperm number and testis histopathology of sodium arsenite-treated rats

The aims of this study were to investigate the adverse effects of sodium arsenite on the reproductive system of male rats as well as to examine whether vitamin E is able to ameliorate these effects. Adult rats were divided into four groups: 1/ control, 2/ sodium arsenite (8 mg/kg/day), 3/ vitamin E (100 mg/kg/day), and 4/ sodium arsenite +vitamin E group. Treatments were administered orally by gavage for eight weeks. After treatment, body and left testis weights were recorded and the testis was used for the histological analysis. Left cauda epididymis was used to count sperm number. Body and testis weight did not differ among the groups (p>0.05). A significant decrease (p<0.001) in sperm number and mean diameter of seminiferous tubules as well as a significant increase (p<0.001) in the mean diameter of seminiferous tubules' lumen were found in sodium arsenite group compared to those of controls. Sodium arsenite did not affect the morphology and diameter of spermatogonial nucleus (p>0.05). In the sodium arsenite + vitamin E group, vitamin E ameliorated (p<0.001) the adverse effects of sodium arsenite on sperm number as well as the diameters of tubule and lumen. In addition, the treatment of rats with vitamin E alone significantly (p<0.001) increased the diameter of seminiferous tubules and significantly (p<0.001) decreased seminiferous tubules' lumen compared to the control group. Vitamin E appeared to ameliorate the adverse effects of sodium arsenite on epididymal sperm number and some morphometrical parameters of the adult rat testis.