Seasonal changes in testicular histology of brown bullheads, Ictalurus nebulosus Lesueur

1984 ◽  
Vol 62 (6) ◽  
pp. 1185-1194 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. G. Burke ◽  
J. F. Leatherland
Keyword(s):  
Leydig Cell ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Gonadosomatic Index ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Peak Activity ◽  
Spawning Period ◽  
Ictalurus Nebulosus ◽  
Testicular Histology

The seasonal changes in the cytology of the anterior spermatogenic testis permitted the reproductive cycle of Ictalurus nebulosus Lesueur to be divided into four periods: (i) a prespawning period (mid-April to June), associated with an increased gonadosomatic index (GSI), when the overwintering secondary spermatocytes matured into biflagellate spermatids and spermatozoa, and there was an increased vacuolation of Leydig and Sertoli cells; (ii) a spawning period (June to mid-July), associated with a fall in GSI, when Leydig cell vacuolation was maintained, Sertoli cell size and vacuolation became maximal, and spermatozoa were released; (iii) a postspawning period (mid-July to mid-August) characterized by an increase in spermatogenic activity and ending when the seminiferous tubules were filled with secondary spermatocytes; and (iv) a resting (overwintering) period (mid-August to mid-April) when the seminiferous tubules were filled with secondary spermatocytes; quiescent spermatogonia were evident in decreasing numbers and Sertoli and Leydig cells were small and apparently inactive until late in the period. The posterior glandular testis similarly exhibited seasonal changes in size and vacuolation with peak activity associated with the spawning period.

A switch in the cellular localization of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in the rat testis after ethane dimethane sulfonate treatment

1999 ◽  
Vol 112 (9) ◽  
pp. 1337-1344
Author(s):  
A. Meinhardt ◽  
M. Bacher ◽  
M.K. O'Bryan ◽  
J.R. McFarlane ◽  
C. Mallidis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Western Blot ◽  
Leydig Cell ◽  
Migration Inhibitory Factor ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor ◽  
Inhibitory Factor ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Macrophage Migration

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), one of the first cytokines to be discovered, has recently been localized to the Leydig cells in adult rat testes. In the following study, the response of MIF to Leydig cell ablation by the Leydig cell-specific toxin ethane dimethane sulfonate (EDS) was examined in adult male rats. Testicular MIF mRNA and protein in testicular interstitial fluid measured by ELISA and western blot were only marginally reduced by EDS treatment, in spite of the fact that the Leydig cells were completely destroyed within 7 days. Immunohistochemistry using an affinity-purified anti-mouse MIF antibody localized MIF exclusively to the Leydig cells in control testes. At 7 days post-EDS treatment, there were no MIF immunopositive Leydig cells in the interstitium, although distinct MIF immunostaining was observed in the seminiferous tubules, principally in Sertoli cells and residual cytoplasm, and some spermatogonia. A few peritubular and perivascular cells were also labelled at this time, which possibly represented mesenchymal Leydig cell precursors. At 14 and 21 days, Sertoli cell MIF immunoreactivity was observed in only a few tubule cross-sections, while some peritubular and perivascular mesenchymal cells and the re-populating immature Leydig cells were intensely labeled. At 28 days after EDS-treatment, the MIF immunostaining pattern was identical to that of untreated and control testes. The switch in the compartmentalization of MIF protein at 7 days after EDS-treatment was confirmed by western blot analysis of interstitial tissue and seminiferous tubules separated by mechanical dissection. These data establish that Leydig cell-depleted testes continue to produce MIF, and suggest the existence of a mechanism of compensatory cytokine production involving the Sertoli cells. This represents the first demonstration of a hitherto unsuspected pattern of cellular interaction between the Leydig cells and the seminiferous tubules which is consistent with an essential role for MIF in male testicular function.

Sex chimaerism, fertility and sex determination in the mouse

Development ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 113 (1) ◽  
pp. 311-325 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.E. Patek ◽  
J.B. Kerr ◽  
R.G. Gosden ◽  
K.W. Jones ◽  
K. Hardy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Determination ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Sex Chromosome ◽  
Tunica Albuginea ◽  
In Situ Hybridisation ◽  
Ovarian Surface Epithelium ◽  
Surface Epithelium ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Coelomic Epithelium

Adult intraspecific mouse chimaeras, derived by introducing male embryonal stem cells into unsexed host blastocysts, were examined to determine whether gonadal sex was correlated with the sex chromosome composition of particular cell lineages. The fertility of XX in equilibrium XY and XY in equilibrium XY male chimaeras was also compared. The distribution of XX and XY cells in 34 XX in equilibrium XY ovaries, testes and ovotestes was determined by in situ hybridisation using a Y-chromosome-specific probe. Both XX and XY cells were found in all gonadal somatic tissues but Sertoli cells were predominantly XY and granulosa cells predominantly XX. The sex chromosome composition of the tunica albuginea and testicular surface epithelium could not, in general, be fully resolved, owing to diminished hybridisation efficiency in these tissues, but the ovarian surface epithelium (which like the testicular surface epithelium derives from the coelomic epithelium) was predominantly XX. These findings show that the claim that Sertoli cells were exclusively XY, on which some previous models of gonadal sex determination were based, was incorrect, and indicate instead that in the mechanism of Sertoli cell determination there is a step in which XX cells can be recruited. However, it remains to be established whether the sex chromosome constitution of the coelomic epithelium lineage plays a causal role in gonadal sex determination. Male chimaeras with XX in equilibrium XY testes were either sterile or less fertile than chimaeras with testes composed entirely of XY cells. This impaired fertility was associated with the loss of XY germ cells in atrophic seminiferous tubules. Since this progressive lesion was correlated with a high proportion of XX Leydig cells, we suggest that XX Leydig cells are functionally defective, and unable to support spermatogenesis.

scholarly journals Minireview: Transcriptional Regulation of Gonadal Development and Differentiation

Endocrinology ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 146 (3) ◽  
pp. 1035-1042 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Y. Park ◽  
J. Larry Jameson
Keyword(s):  
Germ Cells ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Gonadal Development ◽  
Targeted Mutagenesis ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Molecular Pathways ◽  
Theca Cells ◽  
Main Cell

The embryonic gonad is undifferentiated in males and females until a critical stage when the sex chromosomes dictate its development as a testis or ovary. This binary developmental process provides a unique opportunity to delineate the molecular pathways that lead to distinctly different tissues. The testis comprises three main cell types: Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and germ cells. The Sertoli cells and germ cells reside in seminiferous tubules where spermatogenesis occurs. The Leydig cells populate the interstitial compartment and produce testosterone. The ovary also comprises three main cell types: granulosa cells, theca cells, and oocytes. The oocytes are surrounded by granulosa and theca cells in follicles that grow and differentiate during characteristic reproductive cycles. In this review, we summarize the molecular pathways that regulate the distinct differentiation of these cell types in the developing testis and ovary. In particular, we focus on the transcription factors that initiate these cascades. Although most of the early insights into the sex determination pathway were based on human mutations, targeted mutagenesis in mouse models has revealed key roles for genes not anticipated to regulate gonadal development. Defining these molecular pathways provides the foundation for understanding this critical developmental event and provides new insight into the causes of gonadal dysgenesis.

scholarly journals Testicular expression of NGF, TrkA and p75 during seasonal spermatogenesis of the wild ground squirrel (Citellus dauricus Brandt)

2015 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Zhang ◽  
Y. Wang ◽  
J. Zhang ◽  
L. Wang ◽  
Q. Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Ground Squirrel ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Testicular Function ◽  
Nonbreeding Season ◽  
Function Change ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Neuronal Systems

The nerve growth factor (NGF) not only has an essential effect on the nervous system, but also plays an important role in a variety of non-neuronal systems, such as the reproductive system. The aim of this study was to investigate the seasonal changes in<strong> </strong>expression of NGF and its receptors (TrkA and p75) in testes of the wild ground squirrel during the breeding and nonbreeding seasons.<strong> </strong>Immunolocalization for NGF was detected mainly in Leydig cells and Sertoli cells in testes of the breeding and nonbreeding seasons. The immunoreactivity of TrkA was highest in the elongated spermatids, whereas p75 in spermatogonia and spermatocytes in testes of the breeding season. In the nonbreeding season testes, TrkA showed positive immunostainings in Leydig cells, spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes, while p75 showed positive signals in spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes. Consistent with the immunohistochemical results, the mean mRNA and protein level of NGF and TrkA were higher in the testes of the breeding season, and then decreased to a relatively low level in the nonbreeding season. In addition, the concentration of plasma gonadotropins and testosterone were assayed by radioimmunoassay (RIA), and the results showed a significant seasonal change between the breeding and nonbreeding seasons. To conclude, these results of this study provide the first evidence on the potential involvement of NGF and its receptor, TrkA and p75 in the seasonal spermatogenesis and testicular function change of the wild ground squirrel.

scholarly journals Influence of long-term dietary administration of procymidone, a fungicide with anti-androgenic effects, or the phytoestrogen genistein to rats on the pituitary–gonadal axis and Leydig cell steroidogenesis

2005 ◽  
Vol 187 (1) ◽  
pp. 117-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Svechnikov ◽  
V Supornsilchai ◽  
M-L Strand ◽  
A Wahlgren ◽  
D Seidlova-Wuttke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cytochrome P450 ◽  
Serum Level ◽  
Leydig Cell ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Elevated Serum ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Dibutyryl Camp

Procymidone is a fungicide with anti-androgenic properties, widely used to protect fruits from fungal infection. Thereby it contaminates fruit products prepared for human consumption. Genistein-containing soy products are increasingly used as food additives with health-promoting properties. Therefore we examined the effects of long-term dietary administration (3 months) of the anti-androgen procymidone (26.4 mg/animal per day) or the phytoestrogen genistein (21.1 mg/animal per day) to rats on the pituitary-gonadal axis in vivo, as well as on Leydig cell steroidogenesis and on spermatogenesis ex vivo. The procymidone-containing diet elevated serum levels of LH and testosterone and, furthermore, Leydig cells isolated from procymidone-treated animals displayed an enhanced capacity for producing testosterone in response to stimulation by hCG or dibutyryl cAMP, as well as elevated expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage (P450 scc) and cytochrome P450 17α (P450c17). In contrast, the rate of DNA synthesis during stages VIII and IX of spermatogenesis in segments of seminiferous tubules isolated from genistein-treated rats was decreased without accompanying changes in the serum level of either LH or testosterone. Nonetheless, genistein did suppress the ex vivo steroidogenic response of Leydig cells to hCG or dibutyryl cAMP by down-regulating their expression of P450 scc. Considered together, our present findings demonstrate that long-term dietary administration of procymidone or genistein to rats exerts different effects on the pituitary–gonadal axis in vivo and on Leydig cell steroidogenesis ex vivo. Possibly as a result of disruption of hormonal feedback control due to its anti-androgenic action, procymidone activates this endocrine axis, thereby causing hyper-gonadotropic activation of testicular steroidogenesis. In contrast, genistein influences spermatogenesis and significantly inhibits Leydig cell steroidogenesis ex vivo without altering the serum level of either LH or testosterone.

248. Oestrogen receptor beta is involved in the regulation of Leydig cell number in the mouse

2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (9) ◽  
pp. 99
Author(s):  
M. Gould ◽  
H. D. Nicholson
Keyword(s):  
Leydig Cell ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Oestrogen Receptor ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Plasma Testosterone ◽  
Testis Weight ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Receptor Beta

Recent evidence suggests that oestrogen plays a physiological role in the testis. Both oestrogen receptor alpha and oestrogen receptor beta (ERb) are present in the testis and administration of oestrogen has been shown to inhibit the development of Sertoli, Leydig and germ cells. This study investigates the effect of ERb on the testis using ERb knockout mice (bERKO). Adult male bERKO mice (n=8) and their wild-type littermates (n=7) were killed at 11 weeks postpartum. One testis from each animal was fixed in Bouin’s fluid and embedded. Each testis was fractionated and thick sections cut and stained with PAS. The optical disector method was used to count the number of Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids in each testis. Trunk blood was collected and plasma testosterone concentrations measured by radioimmunoassay. No significant differences in body or testis weight were seen between the bERKO or wild-type mice. Similar numbers of Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids were also observed between the two groups. The number of Leydig cells was significantly increased in bERKO mice compared with their wild-type littermates (P < 0.05). Despite the increased number of Leydig cells in the bERKO mice there was no significant difference in plasma testosterone concentrations in this group compared to the wild-type mice. Oestrogen has been reported to inhibit proliferation of adult-type Leydig cells and to inhibit steroidogenesis. This study suggests that the regulation of Leydig cell proliferation may be mediated by ERb. The presence of normal circulating testosterone concentrations in bERKO mice suggests that the effects of oestrogen on steroidogenesis are not brought about by ERbeta.

The reproductive cycle of the viviparous seaperch, Cymatogaster aggregata Gibbons

1968 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 1221-1234 ◽  
Author(s):  
John P. Wiebe
Keyword(s):  
Oocyte Maturation ◽  
Reproductive Cycle ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Reproductive Behavior ◽  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Environmental Temperature ◽  
Interstitial Cells ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Male And Female

The natural reproductive cycle of male and female Cymatogaster aggregata is described with reference to gametogenesis, development of secondary sex structures, reproductive behavior, and gestation. Spermatocytogenesis starts in early spring and by June or July clusters of spermatozoa fill the seminiferous tubules. Concurrently the Sertoli cells and interstitial cells of Leydig increase in size and secondary sex structures develop on the male anal fin. When the sexes mingle in summer, the males perform very elaborate reproductive behavior. Fertilization occurs about mid-December—5 months after mating—and the ovary is then modified to maintain the young embryos until parturition in mid-summer. Oocyte formation is highest in July and August, just after parturition, while vitellogenesis and oocyte maturation occur mainiy from October to December. These seasonal changes are discussed in relation to changes in environmental temperature and photoperiod.

Results of study on changes in the body of livestock castrated by unopened method

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 43-48
Author(s):  
D Alimaa ◽  
S Byambatsogt ◽  
TS Enkhbaatar
Keyword(s):  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Spermatic Cord ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
The Body ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Cremaster Muscle ◽  
Connective Tissues ◽  
Cellular Division ◽  
Ductus Deferens ◽  
Frontal Wall

"Tartu-SHAB" emasculator for unopened castration of male calf, lamb and kids is used to break ductus deferens and blood vessels and damage cremaster muscle after detecting outside the spermatic cord via palpation of scrotal neck skin. Movement of castrated animal becomes slower, hind legs are slightly spread, animal steps on frontal wall of its hind leg hooves and lifts one of hind legs in turn, and superficial, small, painful, differently sized, and warmer swelling appears. Cremaster fascia of testicle tissue castrated animals (at day 30) divides testicle parenchyma into lobules and there are epithelial cells producing spermatozoa at various stages of development in the wall of seminiferous tubules, Sertoli cells and Leydig cells in reticular and soft connective tissues between seminiferous tubules. But at day 60, thickened outer layer of testicle, larger gaps between tubules, structural change of primary and secondary spermatozoa, ceased cellular division cellular division and absence of Leydig cells reveal the process of atrophy. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjas.v11i2.215 Mongolian Journal of Agricultural Sciences Vol.11(2) 2013 pp.43-48

Adult rat Sertoli cells secrete a factor or factors which modulate Leydig cell function

1987 ◽  
Vol 114 (3) ◽  
pp. 459-467 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Papadopoulos ◽  
P. Kamtchouing ◽  
M. A. Drosdowsky ◽  
M. T. Hochereau de Reviers ◽  
S. Carreau
Keyword(s):  
Cyclic Amp ◽  
Sertoli Cell ◽  
Leydig Cell ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Cell Interaction ◽  
Adult Rats ◽  
Adult Rat ◽  
Stimulating Factor

ABSTRACT Production of testosterone and oestradiol-17β by Leydig cells from adult rats was stimulated by LH or dibutyryl cyclic AMP (10 and 2·5-fold respectively). The addition of spent medium from normal, hemicastrated or γ-irradiated rat seminiferous tubule cultures, as well as from Sertoli cell cultures, to purified Leydig cells further enhanced both basal (44 and 53% for testosterone and oestradiol-17β respectively) and LH-stimulated (56 and 18%) steroid output. Simultaneously, a decrease (20–30%) in intracellular cyclic AMP levels was observed. This stimulating factor (or factors) secreted by the Sertoli cells is different from LHRH, is of proteinic nature and has a molecular weight ranging between 10 000 and 50 000; its synthesis is not controlled by FSH nor by testosterone. This factor(s) involved in rat Leydig cell steroidogenesis, at a step beyond the adenylate cyclase, does not require protein synthesis for testosterone formation whereas it does for oestradiol-17β production. It should be noted that a germ cell–Sertoli cell interaction modulates the synthesis of this factor(s). J. Endocr. (1987) 114, 459–467

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