RESUMEN
Nude mice carry an autosomal recessive mutation in the Foxn1 gene and therefore are homozygous recessive animals (Foxn1 -/-). The fertility rate of homozygous male (Foxn1-/- ) is low, which seems to be related to the delay in the production of gametes at the beginning of sexual maturity. The present study evaluated the structural and organizational aspects of the testicles of homozygous and heterozygous offspring related to the Foxn1 gene in mice, describing its implications on spermatogenesis. Adult males Balb/c, Foxn1+/- and Foxn1-/- mice were used. Testes and epididymis were harvested for histological, biochemical, and sperm transit analyses. Gonadal weight was significantly lower in Foxn1+/- and Foxn1-/- animals, the same behavior was noticed for the activity of antioxidant enzymes. In addition, tubular parameters such as epithelial proportion, length, and area, as well as germ and Leydig cell's populations were significantly reduced in the aforementioned groups, leading to lower sperm production. In conclusion, our results indicate the importance of the Foxn1 in Leydig cell's function, reflecting in the preservation of spermatogenesis, thus in germ cell's population and sperm cell production.
Asunto(s)
Espermatogénesis , Testículo , Animales , Masculino , Ratones , Ratones Desnudos , Análisis de Semen , Espermatogénesis/genética , Espermatozoides , Testículo/patologíaRESUMEN
The toxic effects of cadmium (Cd) on reproductive parameters are widely described in the literature. Experimental models often make use of the intraperitoneal route (i.p.), although human intoxication occurs preferentially by the oral route and can be continuous. However, little is known about the effect of Cd administration routes on the testicular structure. Thus, this study investigated the testicular impact of Cd exposure comparing both i.p. and oral routes, both single dose (SD), in addition to the oral route in fractional doses (FD). Swiss adult male mice received CdCl2 1.5 mg/kg i.p., 30 mg/kg oral SD, and 4.28 mg/kg oral FD for 7 consecutive days. The Cd bioaccumulation was observed in all routes, mainly in the oral FD route. The concentrations of testicular Ca and Cu decreased in all animals exposed to Cd, while Zn and Mn decreased only in the i.p. route. Testicular SOD activity was reduced in both routes of oral administration, while CAT increased in the i.p. route, and GST increased in all animals exposed to Cd. Changes in the tubular parameters and cell viability were observed in both routes of Cd administration but were more intense in the oral route, mainly in the FD. Serum testosterone concentration was reduced in both routes of oral administration. Tubular damage, such as the vacuolization of the seminiferous epithelium, germ cell detachment, and seminiferous tubule degeneration, occurred in all groups exposed to Cd. Therefore, the oral Cd administration presented greater potential to promote testicular damage, mainly when the metal was given in a fractionated way.
Asunto(s)
Cloruro de Cadmio/toxicidad , Testículo/efectos de los fármacos , Administración Oral , Animales , Inyecciones Intraperitoneales , Masculino , Malondialdehído/metabolismo , Ratones , Óxido Nítrico/metabolismo , Superóxido Dismutasa/metabolismo , Testículo/metabolismo , Testículo/patología , Testosterona/sangreRESUMEN
The effect of topical application of ointment based on Strychnos pseudoquina hydroethanolic extract in the cutaneous wounds healing in diabetic rats was evaluated. Samples of S. pseudoquina were submitted to phytochemical prospection and in vitro antioxidant assay. Thirty Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: Sal-wounds treated with 0.9% saline solution; VH-wounds treated with 0.6 g of lanolin cream (vehicle); SS-wounds treated with silver sulfadiazine cream (10 mg/g); ES5- and ES10-wounds treated with an ointment of S. pseudoquina extract, 5% and 10%, respectively. Fragments of wounds were removed for histological and biochemical analysis every 7 days during 21 days. ES showed equivalent levels per gram of extract of total phenols and flavonoids equal to 122.04 mg for TAE and 0.60 mg for RE. The chlorogenic acid was one of the major constituents. S. pseudoquina extract presented high antioxidant potential in vitro. ES5 and ES10 showed higher wound healing rate and higher amount of cells, blood vessels, and type III and I collagen. The oxidative stress markers were lower in the ES5 and ES10 groups, while the antioxidants enzymes levels were higher. Ointment based on S. pseudoquina extract promotes a fast and efficient cutaneous repair in diabetic rats.
Asunto(s)
Diabetes Mellitus Experimental/tratamiento farmacológico , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 1/tratamiento farmacológico , Extractos Vegetales/administración & dosificación , Cicatrización de Heridas/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Cicatriz/tratamiento farmacológico , Cicatriz/patología , Diabetes Mellitus Experimental/complicaciones , Diabetes Mellitus Experimental/patología , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 1/complicaciones , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 1/patología , Humanos , Pomadas/administración & dosificación , Pomadas/farmacología , Estrés Oxidativo/efectos de los fármacos , Fitoterapia/métodos , Extractos Vegetales/química , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Piel/efectos de los fármacos , Piel/patología , Strychnos/químicaRESUMEN
Traditional medicine provides strong guidance for scientific experiments involving plant products used by the Brazilian people. The species "cipó-cravo" (Tynnanthus fasciculatus) is a plant commonly used either to combat indigestion and stomach aches, or as a general stimulant and aphrodisiac. In this study, the effects of "cipó-cravo" infusion were investigated within the testicular parenchyma of adult Wistar rats. Rats were divided into 3 groups: a control (distilled water) and two treated groups, which received the plant infusion (100 and 200mg/animal/day). The 200mg dose promoted a significant increase of the testicular parenchyma weight and of the volume and total length of the seminiferous tubules, as well as in total daily sperm production and sperm production per gram of testis.
Asunto(s)
Bebidas , Bignoniaceae/química , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Testículo/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Bignoniaceae/clasificación , Masculino , Tamaño de los Órganos/efectos de los fármacos , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Túbulos Seminíferos/anatomía & histología , Túbulos Seminíferos/efectos de los fármacos , Té , Testículo/anatomía & histologíaRESUMEN
Traditional medicine provides strong guidance for scientific experiments involving plant products used by the Brazilian people. The species "cipó-cravo" (Tynnanthus fasciculatus) is a plant commonly used either to combat indigestion and stomachaches, or as a general stimulant and aphrodisiac. In this study, the effects of "cipó-cravo" infusion were investigated within the testicular parenchyma of adult Wistar rats. Rats were divided into 3 groups: a control (distilled water) and two treated groups, which received the plant infusion (100 and 200mg/animal/day). The 200mg dose promoted a significant increase of the testicular parenchyma weight and of the volume and total length of the seminiferous tubules, as well as in total daily sperm production and sperm production per gram of testis.