Relationship between testicular morphology and sperm production following ischaemia in the ram

1995 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 119 ◽  
Author(s):  
CM Markey ◽  
AM Jequier ◽  
GT Meyer ◽  
GB Martin
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Testicular Biopsy ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Testis Weight ◽  
Infertile Men ◽  
Testicular Morphology ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Spermatogenic Epithelium

Arteriosclerosis was induced in the internal spermatic artery of rams to determine if this condition is implicated in the aetiology of testicular pathology which causes male infertility. Data were collected on sperm concentration and motility for 56 days following surgery to provide an index of testicular function. Testes were then weighed and a testicular biopsy score count was performed on histological sections to assess spermatogenic potential of seminiferous tubules. Vascular disturbance caused focal damage of the seminiferous epithelium, similar to that seen among infertile men, and a reduction in ejaculate volume, sperm concentration and sperm motility. Sperm concentration decreased following ischaemia yet was maintained to some degree by a germ-cell depleted spermatogenic epithelium. Normal testicular morphology was maintained above a testis weight of about 120 g (for an individual testis), but below this threshold spermatogenesis was severely impaired. In conclusion, these data have provided information on the relationship between testicular morphology and function following ischaemia in the ram. Furthermore, the morphological changes induced in the testis were similar to those seen among infertile men and, by their focal nature, could explain the distinction between oligozoospermia and azoospermia in men exhibiting spermatogenic arrest.

scholarly journals Free Radicals in Adolescent Varicocele Testis

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmelo Romeo ◽  
Giuseppe Santoro
Keyword(s):  
Free Radicals ◽  
Nitrosative Stress ◽  
Antioxidant Defenses ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Oxidative And Nitrosative Stress ◽  
Medline Search ◽  
Morphological Studies ◽  
Hormonal Dysfunction ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Relationship

We examine the relationship between the structure and function of the testis and the oxidative and nitrosative stress, determined by an excessive production of free radicals and/or decreased availability of antioxidant defenses, which occur in the testis of adolescents affected by varicocele. Moreover, the effects of surgical treatment on oxidative stress were provided. We conducted a PubMed and Medline search between 1980 and 2014 using “adolescent,” “varicocele,” “free radicals,” “oxidative and nitrosative stress,” “testis,” and “seminiferous tubules” as keywords. Cross-references were checked in each of the studies, and relevant articles were retrieved. We conclude that increased concentration of free radicals, generated by conditions of hypoxia, hyperthermia, and hormonal dysfunction observed in adolescent affected by varicocele, can harm germ cells directly or indirectly by influencing nonspermatogenic cells and basal lamina. With regard to few available data in current literature, further clinical trials on the pre- and postoperative ROS and RNS levels together with morphological studies of the cellular component of the testis are fundamental for complete comprehension of the role played by free radicals in the pathogenesis of adolescent varicocele and could justify its pharmacological treatment with antioxidants.

scholarly journals Beneficial Effects of Renin-Angiotensin System Blockers on Testicular Morphology

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Luiz Alves-Pereira ◽  
Eliete Dalla Corte Frantz ◽  
Cristiane da Fonte Ramos
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Extracellular Fluid ◽  
Renin Angiotensin System ◽  
High Energy ◽  
High Energy Density ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Angiotensin System ◽  
Renin Angiotensin ◽  
Testicular Morphology ◽  
Renin Angiotensin System Blockers

Background: The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a set of peptides, enzymes, and receptors specially involved in the control of extracellular fluid volume and blood pressure (BP); however, some of its components have already been identified in the testis, such as angiotensinogen, angiotensin converting enzyme, and renin. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether renin-angiotensin system blockers have effects on the testicular morphology of animals fed a high energy density (HED) diet. Materials and Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were fed initially a standard chow (SC) or a HED diet. After 8 weeks, HED animals were randomized into 4 groups, each group receiving one of the following treatments for the next 6 weeks: HED-A: aliskiren (50 mg/kg/d); HED-E: enalapril (30 mg/kg/d); HED-L: losartan (10 mg/kg/d); and untreated HED group. The BP was measured biweekly. At the end of treatment, all animals were killed and the testes were processed for morphometric and stereological parameters including density of seminiferous tubules per area, density of length and the total length of the seminiferous tubules, height of the epithelium, and diameter of the seminiferous tubules. Samples were tested for their homoscedasticity and the differences between the groups were tested by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by the Holm-Sidak post-test. In all cases, the significance level adopted was P ≤ .05. Results: Compared to SC, HED groups presented an increase in BP, normalized by all RAS blockers. However, the HED diet caused testis alterations that were not affected by aliskiren or losartan. Only enalapril maleate was capable of reversing such alterations. Conclusions: Further studies are still needed to answer why only enalapril was able to reveal the morphological changes caused by the high energy diet; so enalapril could be suggested as the drug of choice for patients with previous reproductive dysfunction.

scholarly journals Association between obesity-associated markers and semen quality parameters and serum reproductive hormones in Chinese infertile men

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian-Xiong Ma ◽  
Bin Wang ◽  
Hai-Song Li ◽  
Xue-Juan Jiang ◽  
Jia Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Reproductive Hormones ◽  
Normal Group ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Progressive Motility ◽  
Infertile Men ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background The current evidence on the association between obesity-associated markers and semen quality, serum reproductive hormones and lipids remains inconsistent. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that, in infertile Chinese men, body mass index (BMI) negatively correlates with sperm concentration, serum total testosterone (TT), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). The relationship between other obesity-associated markers and semen quality parameters, serum reproductive hormones, lipids and leptin were also investigated. Methods 181 Chinese infertile men were recruited from September 2018 to September 2019. Their obesity-associated markers, semen parameters, and serum reproductive hormones, lipids and leptin were detected. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the relationship between obesity-associated markers and semen quality, serum reproductive hormones, lipids and leptin. Result(s) Statistically negative correlation was found between other obesity-associated markers (e.g. waist-to-hip ratio and waist-to-height ratio) and semen parameters (e.g. sperm concentration, ratio of progressive motility and ratio of non-progressive motility), while no significant correlation was found between BMI and semen quality, serum reproductive hormones, lipids and leptin. Ratio of morphologically normal sperm was negatively correlated with serum lipids including total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), leptin and seminal superoxide dismutase. Ratio of progressive sperm, sperm concentration and ratio of morphologically normal sperm exhibited significantly lower values in overweight group than normal group. Estradiol (E2) and E2/TT were significantly higher in obese group than normal group, while TT level was significantly lower in obese group than normal group. Univariate and multivariate analysis indicated that TC was significantly associated with BMI. Serum leptin concentration was positively correlated with seminal leptin concentration in overweight and obese groups. Conclusion(s) No significant correlation was found between BMI and sperm concentration, serum TT and HDL-C, while other obesity-associated markers were found to negatively correlate with sperm concentration, ratio of progressive motility and ratio of non-progressive motility. Statistically significant correlations between serum reproductive hormones, lipids and leptin also existed in Chinese infertile men.

Alteration of intestinal tight junction structure and permeability by cytoskeletal contraction

1987 ◽  
Vol 253 (6) ◽  
pp. C854-C861 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. Madara ◽  
R. Moore ◽  
S. Carlson
Keyword(s):  
Tight Junction ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Energy Stores ◽  
Tensile Forces ◽  
Tight Junction Permeability ◽  
And Function ◽  
Energy Dependent ◽  
Junction Structure ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Cd Exposure

Permeabilized intestinal absorptive cell brush borders contain a perijunctional ring of actin and myosin (PAMR) that can be induced to contract. Recently, morphological changes suggestive of PAMR contraction were shown to occur in absorptive cells of ileal epithelium after exposure to cytochalasin D (CD) (J. Cell Biol. 102: 2125-2136, 1986). With this response, altered tight junction structure and enhanced tight junction permeability also occur. To further assess the relationship between PAMR contraction and enhanced tight junction permeability, we examined the effect of the uncoupler 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) on this CD response. Progressive depletion of functionally defined intraepithelial energy stores occurred with DNP concentrations of 0.1-1 mM. Such DNP concentrations did not independently impair tight junction barrier function. Depletion of energy stores before CD exposure ablated the ability of CD to induce abnormalities of tight junction permeability. Similarly, PAMR condensation and alterations in tight junction structure could be dissociated from CD exposure by prior depletion of functional energy reserves. These data tie CD elicited alterations in tight junction structure and permeability to an energy dependent event that appears to be PAMR contraction. We speculate that tensile forces within the PAMR regulate tight junction structure and function.

Depletion of HMGB2 causes seminiferous tubule atrophy via aberrant expression of androgen and estrogen receptors in mouse testis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naohiro Sugita ◽  
Narantsog Choijookhuu ◽  
Koichi Yano ◽  
Deokcheol Lee ◽  
Makoto Ikenoue ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Estrogen Receptors ◽  
Seminiferous Tubule ◽  
High Mobility ◽  
Mouse Testis ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Testis Weight ◽  
Aberrant Expression ◽  
Knock Out ◽  
And Function

Abstract High-mobility group box 2 (HMGB2), a chromatin-associated protein that interacts with DNA, is implicated in multiple biological processes, including gene transcription, replication, and repair. HMGB2 is expressed in several tissues, including the testis; however, its functional role is largely unknown. Here, we elucidated the role of HMGB2 in spermatogenesis using HMGB2 knock-out (KO) mice. Paraffin-embedded testicular tissues were obtained from 8-week-old and 1-year-old wild-type and KO mice. Testis weight and number of seminiferous tubules were decreased, whereas atrophic tubules were increased in HMGB2-depleted mice. Immunohistochemistry revealed that atrophic tubules contained Sertoli cells, but not germ cells. Moreover, decreased cell proliferation and increased apoptosis were demonstrated in HMGB2-depleted mouse testis. To elucidate the cause of tubule atrophy, we examined the expression of androgen and estrogen receptors (AR, ERs, respectively), and the results indicated aberrant expression of AR and ERα in Sertoli and Leydig cells. Southwestern histochemistry detected decreased estrogen response element–binding sites in HMGB2-depleted mouse testis. Expression of HMGB1, which has highly similar structure and function as HMGB2, was examined by immunohistochemistry and western blotting, which indicated increased expression in aged HMGB2 KO mouse testis, especially in spermatocytes. These findings indicate a compensatory increase in HMGB1 expression in HMGB2 KO mouse testis. In summary, depletion of HMGB2 induced aberrant expression of AR and ERα, leading to decreased germ cell proliferation and increased apoptosis that resulted in focal seminiferous tubule atrophy.

STUDIES ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SPERMATOGENESIS AND URINARY LEVELS OF FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE AND LUTEINIZING HORMONE IN OLIGOSPERMIC MEN

1975 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
pp. 192-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Christiansen
Keyword(s):  
Luteinizing Hormone ◽  
Negative Correlation ◽  
Follicle Stimulating Hormone ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Infertile Men ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Testicular Histology ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Urinary Fsh

ABSTRACT The urinary excretion of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) was measured by specific bioassays in 122 infertile men from barren couples in order to study the relationship between levels of FSH and LH and the state of the germinal epithelium. The latter was assessed both by determination of the gametic output and by examination of testicular histology, using the testicular biopsy score count method, in which the mean score (MS) is the overall measure of level of spermatogenesis (Johnsen 1970a). A highly significant negative correlation was established between log FSH and both log sperm concentration and MS and also between log LH and MS, but not between log LH and log sperm concentration. Of the 122 infertile men, the 56 who belonged to the heterogeneous idiopathic oligospermia group were studied most intensely. Nineteen of these had elevated urinary FSH levels. The mean FSH level for this group was 2.3 times higher than the mean FSH level for normal males (P < 0.001). Only 5 patients in this group had an elevated urinary LH level and the mean LH level was not different from that of normal men. In this idiopathic oligospermia group there was a significant negative correlation between log FSH and MS, and between log FSH and sperm concentration, but no correlation between log LH and either of the same 2 parameters. No correlation between log FSH and log LH on the one hand and the excretion of oestrogens, androgen metabolites, sperm morphology or motility on the other hand was found. The excretion of testicular and adrenal androgen metabolites (separated by a dexamethasone-suppression test) was normal in the 56 males with idiopathic oligospermia. It is concluded that there is a close relationship between urinary FSH levels, and to a lesser degree urinary LH levels, and spermatogenesis and that testicular histology is a better parameter for the judgment of the state of the germinal epithelium than the sperm concentration. It is further concluded that analyses of gonadotrophins, especially of FSH, are of value in the differential diagnosis of the infertile man, especially in distinguishing between those who will benefit from a treatment with gonadotrophins and those who will not.

scholarly journals Exertional heat stroke on fertility, erectile function, and testicular morphology in male rats

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pei-Hsuan Lin ◽  
Kuan-Hua Huang ◽  
Yu-Feng Tian ◽  
Cheng-Hsien Lin ◽  
Chien-Ming Chao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behavior ◽  
Erectile Function ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Heat Stroke ◽  
Organ Injury ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Exertional Heat Stroke ◽  
Testicular Morphology

AbstractThe association of exertional heat stroke (EHS) and testicular morphological changes affecting sperm quality, as well as the association of EHS and hypothalamic changes affecting sexual behavior, has yet to be elucidated. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of EHS on fertility, erectile function, and testicular morphology in male rats. Animals were exercised at higher room temperature (36 ℃ relative humidity 50%) to induce EHS, characterized by excessive hyperthermia, neurobehavioral deficits, hypothalamic cell damage, systemic inflammation, coagulopathy, and multiple organ injury. In particular, EHS animals had erectile dysfunction (as determined by measuring the changes of intracavernosal pressure and mean arterial pressure in response to electrical stimulation of cavernous nerves). Rats also displayed testicular temperature disruption, poorly differentiated seminiferous tubules, impaired sperm quality, and atrophy of interstitial Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, and peri-tubular cells in the testicular tissues accompanied by no spermatozoa and broken cells with pyknosis in their seminal vesicle and prostatitis. These EHS effects were still observed after 3 days following EHS onset, at least. Our findings provide a greater understanding of the effect of experimentally induced EHS on masculine sexual behavior, fertility, stress hormones, and morphology of both testis and prostate.

Effects of a simulated microgravity model on cell structure and function in rat testis and epididymis

1992 ◽  
Vol 72 (2) ◽  
pp. 748-759 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. Hadley ◽  
J. C. Hall ◽  
A. O'Brien ◽  
R. Ball
Keyword(s):  
Cell Structure ◽  
Abdominal Cavity ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Serum Prolactin ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Testis Weight ◽  
Testosterone Levels ◽  
Multinucleated Cells ◽  
And Function

A tail-suspension (TS) rat model used to simulate microgravity was tested for its effects on the anatomy, cell structure, and function of the testis and epididymis in sexually mature male rats. Rats suspended for 7 days without inguinal canal ligation exhibited a significant (P less than or equal to 0.05) reduction in testis weight compared with controls (1.55 +/- 0.04 to 1.1 +/- 0.02 g). Except for the liver, epididymis, and adrenals of TS rats and TS rats allowed to recover for 7 days, no significant (P less than or equal to 0.05) change was observed in the weight of other body and accessory sex organs. A histological examination of the testes and epididymides of model animals revealed disorganized seminiferous tubules and accumulation of large multinucleated cells and spermatids in the lumen of the epididymis. A significant (P less than or equal to 0.05) increase in serum luteinizing hormone (53.1 +/- 6.7 to 66.2 +/- 10.1 ng/ml) and follicle-stimulating hormone (257 +/- 25 to 305 +/- 38 ng/ml) was observed in TS nonligated rats, whereas serum prolactin and testosterone levels were observed to decline from 8.3 +/- 1.3 to 5.1 +/- 0.29 and 7.1 +/- 1.3 to 3.8 +/- 0.25 ng/ml, respectively. Decreases in testis protein content and testosterone levels of the testis, interstitial fluid, and epididymis were also observed in model animals. These data demonstrate that the suspension procedure used in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration TS model results in the testis and epididymis translocating into the abdominal cavity, causing cellular degeneration and organ dysfunction.

228 RECIPIENT PREPARATION FOR SPERMATOGONIAL STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION: ALTERATION IN TESTICULAR CELL COMPONENTS FOLLOWING TRANSIENTLY INDUCED ISCHEMIA

2008 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 193
Author(s):  
G. M. Schuenemann ◽  
S. M. L. C. Mendis-Handagama ◽  
T. M. Prado ◽  
H. S. Adair ◽  
F. N. Schrick
Keyword(s):  
Germ Cell ◽  
Germ Cells ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Testis Weight ◽  
Scrotal Circumference ◽  
Cell Components ◽  
Testicular Morphology ◽  
Testicular Ischemia ◽  
The Right

Depletion of endogenous spermatogonial stem cells using busulfan (Brinster et al. 2003 Biol. Reprod. 69, 412–420) or irradiation (Izadyar et al. 2003 Reproduction 126, 765–774) have been used in preparation of recipient animals prior to transplantation; however, both techniques are not without compromises (severe bone marrow depression or specialized radiotherapy equipment required). Induced testicular ischemia in rams altered spermatic epithelium with germ cell-depleted seminiferous tubules (Markey et al. 1994 Reprod. Fertil. 101, 643–650). The objective was to evaluate testicular transiently induced ischemia (using elastrator bands) in Jersey calves on testicular morphology and development. Treatments (at 27 ± 5 days of age) consisted of control (0, n = 4), banding for periods of 2 h (2, n = 4), 4 h (4, n = 4), and 8 h (8, n = 4). After castration (age: 60 ± 5 days), the right testis of each animal was used for calculation of cell components per testis according to the point counting method. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Body weight (59.8 ± 6.2 kg) and scrotal circumference (SC) at banding (9.1 ± 0.2 cm) did not differ between treatments. Fresh testis weight (TW), scrotal temperature immediately before banding removal (ST), and daily scrotal circumference growth (SC) were decreased (4 and 8 h) in ischemic testes compared to controls (Table 1: P < 0.05). In addition, Sertoli and Leydig cells were severely reduced in the 8-h ischemic treatment (Table 1: P < 0.05). Transiently induced ischemia significantly decreased the number of germ cells in the 8-h group, compared to the 0-, 2-, and 4-h groups (Table 1: P < 0.05). These results suggest that transiently induced ischemia significantly decreases the number of germ, Sertoli, and Leydig cells in the testis. Therefore, these present findings could be applicable for preparation of recipient animals through depletion of endogenous germ cells within the seminiferous tubules. This procedure may provide a suitable environment for transplanted donor germ cell colonization in prepubertal recipient bulls. Table 1. Parameters evaluated under transient-induced ischemia treatments

Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) of DNA and RNA

1989 ◽  
Vol 47 ◽  
pp. 34-35
Author(s):  
Patricia G. Arscott ◽  
Gil Lee ◽  
Victor A. Bloomfield ◽  
D. Fennell Evans
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Structures ◽  
Inorganic Materials ◽  
Resolving Power ◽  
Scanning Tunneling ◽  
Tunneling Microscopy ◽  
Form And Function ◽  
Dna And Rna ◽  
Calf Thymus ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Relationship

STM is one of the most promising techniques available for visualizing the fine details of biomolecular structure. It has been used to map the surface topography of inorganic materials in atomic dimensions, and thus has the resolving power not only to determine the conformation of small molecules but to distinguish site-specific features within a molecule. That level of detail is of critical importance in understanding the relationship between form and function in biological systems. The size, shape, and accessibility of molecular structures can be determined much more accurately by STM than by electron microscopy since no staining, shadowing or labeling with heavy metals is required, and there is no exposure to damaging radiation by electrons. Crystallography and most other physical techniques do not give information about individual molecules.We have obtained striking images of DNA and RNA, using calf thymus DNA and two synthetic polynucleotides, poly(dG-me5dC)·poly(dG-me5dC) and poly(rA)·poly(rU).

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