RESUMEN
PURPOSE: To evaluate the morphological and stereological parameters of the testicles in mice exposed to bisphenol S and/or high-fat diet-induced obesity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty adult male C57BL/6 mice were fed a standard diet (SC) or high-fat diet (HF) for a total of 12 weeks. The sample was randomly divided into 4 experimental groups with 10 mices as follows: a) SC - animals fed a standard diet; b) SC-B - animals fed a standard diet and administration of BPS (25 µg/kg of body mass/day) in drinking water; c) HF: animals fed a high-fat diet; d) HF-B - animals fed a high-fat diet and administration of BPS (25 µg/Kg of body mass/day) in drinking water. BPS administration lasted 12 weeks, following exposure to the SC and HF diets. BPS was diluted in absolute ethanol (0.1%) and added to drinking water (concentration of 25 µg/kg body weight/day). The animals were euthanized, and the testes were processed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) for morphometric and stereological parameters, including density of seminiferous tubules per area, length density and total length of seminiferous tubules, height of the tunica albuginea and the diameter of the seminiferous tubules. The images were captured with an Olympus BX51 microscope and Olympus DP70 camera. The stereological analysis was done with the Image Pro and Image J programs. Means were statistically compared using ANOVA and the Holm-Sidak post-test (p<0.05). RESULTS: The seminiferous tubule density per area reduced in all groups when compared with SC samples (p<0.001): HF (40%), SC-B 3(2%), and HF-B (36%). Length density was reduced significantly (p<0.001) in all groups when compared with SC group: HF (40%), SC-B (32%), and HF-B (36%). The seminiferous tubule total length was reduced (p<0.001) when compared to f HF (28%) and SC-B (26%) groups. The tubule diameter increased significantly (p<0.001) only when we compared the SC group with SC (54%) an SC-B (25%) groups and the tunica thickness increased significantly only in HF group (117%) when compared with SC-B (20%) and HF-B 31%. CONCLUSION: Animals exposed to bisphenol S and/or high-fat diet-induced obesity presented important structural alterations in testicular morphology.
Asunto(s)
Compuestos de Bencidrilo , Dieta Alta en Grasa , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Obesidad , Fenoles , Testículo , Masculino , Animales , Dieta Alta en Grasa/efectos adversos , Testículo/efectos de los fármacos , Testículo/patología , Fenoles/toxicidad , Obesidad/inducido químicamente , Distribución Aleatoria , Túbulos Seminíferos/efectos de los fármacos , Túbulos Seminíferos/patología , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Ratones , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , SulfonasRESUMEN
Cyclophosphamide (CP)-which is used to treat autoimmune diseases and cancer-is related to gonadotoxicity attributed to oxidative stress. As phycobiliproteins (PBPs) are strong antioxidants that are unexplored as protective agents against male gonadotoxicity, our work aimed to investigate the effects of PBP crude extract on testicular damage and sperm parameter alterations caused by CP in mice. Three doses of PBP (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) were tested in the experimental groups (n = 8 per group), administered concomitantly with 100 mg/kg CP. After 42 days receiving PBP daily and CP weekly, body and relative testicular weights, serum testosterone levels, testicular lipoperoxidation and antioxidant enzyme activity levels, and testicular histology and sperm parameter alterations were assessed. The results showed that PBP crude extract at 200 mg/kg prevented testosterone serum reduction, body weight loss, lipoperoxidation and enzyme activity increments, and sperm parameter alterations and partially ameliorated relative testicular weight reductions and histological damage in CP-treated mice. In conclusion, we showed that PBP crude extract (200 mg/kg) mitigated oxidative damage in the testes and ameliorated alterations in sperm parameters in mice treated with CP (100 mg/kg); therefore, PBP extract could be considered as a potential protective agent against CP toxicity.
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Ciclofosfamida/farmacología , Ciclofosfamida/uso terapéutico , Ficobiliproteínas/toxicidad , Animales , Antioxidantes/farmacología , Peso Corporal , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Masculino , Ratones , Estrés Oxidativo/efectos de los fármacos , Sustancias Protectoras/farmacología , Túbulos Seminíferos/efectos de los fármacos , Túbulos Seminíferos/patología , Espermatozoides/efectos de los fármacos , Testículo/efectos de los fármacos , Testículo/patología , Testosterona/sangreRESUMEN
Studies in laboratory animals have shown that male offspring from dams, exposed to nicotine during pregnancy and postnatal periods, show alterations in fertility, although the origin of this is still uncertain. In this study, we examined in a mouse model if the process of gonocyte maturation to spermatogonia was affected in male offspring from dams with nicotine administration during pregnancy and postnatal periods. BALB/C mice, with and without nicotine administrations in pregnancy and postnatal periods, were studied. The animals were euthanized at 3, 7, 10, 16, and 35 days postpartum (dpp). Testicular tissue samples were processed for histological, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical studies; and testicular lipoperoxidation was determined. It was observed that in the nicotine-exposed animals, there was increased apoptosis and a reduction in the number of gonocytes that matured to spermatogonia. This gonocyte-spermatogonia maturation reduction was associated with a greater immunoreactivity to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the germ cells. Lipoperoxidation was similar in both groups until 16 dpp, with significant reduction at 35 dpp. Our findings suggest that nicotine intake during pregnancy and postnatal periods can affect the process of maturation of gonocytes to spermatogonia and the pool of available spermatogonia for spermatogenesis.
Asunto(s)
Feto/patología , Nicotina/toxicidad , Efectos Tardíos de la Exposición Prenatal/patología , Espermatogonias/patología , Animales , Animales Recién Nacidos , Cotinina/análisis , Femenino , Peroxidación de Lípido/efectos de los fármacos , Masculino , Ratones Endogámicos BALB C , Embarazo , Túbulos Seminíferos/efectos de los fármacos , Túbulos Seminíferos/patología , Espermatogonias/efectos de los fármacos , Testículo/patologíaRESUMEN
Several plant species such as Pfaffia glomerata are widely used in traditional Brazilian medicine as stimulants and aphrodisiacs. In this regard, the aim of our study was to explore the effects of the long-term intake of the hydro-alcoholic root extract of P glomerata on the germ and somatic cells within the seminiferous tubules in adult Balb/c mice. The experimental groups were placed as: controls (water and DMSO), and treated with 300 and 400 mg/kg of the root extract. The number of germ and somatic cells, the proportion of pathological seminiferous tubules, and the germ cell apoptotic levels were evaluated. The volume and proportion of the seminiferous epithelium was decreased after the extract intake due to the increased germ cell apoptotic levels. Vacuolization of Sertoli cell cytoplasm was observed widely in pathological tubules, along with fully disorganized epithelia, showing multinucleated cells, which lead to decreased daily sperm production. Taken together, our results indicate that long-term intake of the P glomerata caused deleterious effects on spermatogenesis by inducing apoptosis and altering the seminiferous tubule's epithelial dynamics.
Asunto(s)
Amaranthaceae/química , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Epitelio Seminífero/efectos de los fármacos , Espermatogénesis/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Células Germinativas/efectos de los fármacos , Células Germinativas/patología , Masculino , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos BALB C , Raíces de Plantas/química , Epitelio Seminífero/patología , Túbulos Seminíferos/efectos de los fármacos , Túbulos Seminíferos/patología , Células de Sertoli/efectos de los fármacos , Células de Sertoli/patologíaRESUMEN
Studies with 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU) in laboratory rodents have shown that transient neonatal hypothyroidism leads to increased Sertoli cell (SC) number, testis size and sperm production. However, scarce and inconclusive data are available for farm animals. In the present study, Piau pigs received PTU in a gel capsule containing 8 mg/kg of body weight for 14 weeks starting from the first week of age, whereas control animals received only the vehicle. Blood samples were collected during the experimental period for hormonal evaluation in the serum. The animals were orchiectomized at adulthood and had their testes used for histomorphometric analysis. Indicating that the PTU concentration used was effective in promoting hypothyroidism, PTU-treated pigs showed a 30% lower body weight and reduced thyroxine levels (p < 0.05) during the treatment period. At adulthood, the body weight was similar in both groups but, surprisingly, PTU-treated pigs showed 30% lower testis weight (p < 0.05). In general, treated pigs presented increased follicle-stimulating hormone levels, whereas testosterone levels tended to be lower from 9 to 23 weeks of age. No significant differences were observed for estradiol, Leydig cell volume and number, tubular diameter, SC number per gram of testis, SC efficiency and meiotic index. However, seminiferous tubule occupancy, total tubular length, SC number per testis, and daily sperm production per testis and per gram of testis (DSP/g/T) were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in PTU-treated pigs. Therefore, in contrast to laboratory rodents, our results showed that SC proliferation and DSP/g/T (spermatogenic efficiency) in Piau pigs is diminished by postnatal PTU treatment.
Asunto(s)
Antimetabolitos/toxicidad , Hipotiroidismo/patología , Propiltiouracilo/toxicidad , Células de Sertoli/patología , Espermatogénesis/efectos de los fármacos , Espermatozoides/patología , Animales , Animales Recién Nacidos , Recuento de Células , Hipotiroidismo/inducido químicamente , Células Intersticiales del Testículo/efectos de los fármacos , Células Intersticiales del Testículo/patología , Masculino , Túbulos Seminíferos/efectos de los fármacos , Túbulos Seminíferos/patología , Células de Sertoli/efectos de los fármacos , Espermatozoides/efectos de los fármacos , PorcinosRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the 'Cytoprotective effect of Lawsonia inermis aqueous leaf-extract on aluminium-induced Oxidative stress in Histomorphometric of the Seminiferous tubule and Stereology of Germ Cells of adult male Wistar rats', assessing its effect on the Histomorphometry of the Seminiferous tubule and Stereology of Germ Cells. METHODS: Thirty-five adult male Wistar rats, weighing between 100-196g, and fifteen mice of the same weight range were used. Lawsonia inermis extracts and aluminum chloride (AlCl3) were administered for a period of three (3) weeks, with Five (5) rats per group. Group 1 (control), received rat pellets and distilled water. Group 2 received 60mg/kg/d aqueous extract. Group 3 received 0.5mg/kg/d of AlCl3. Group 4 received 0.5mg/kg/d of AlCl3 and 60mg/kg/d of aqueous extract orally. Group 5 received 0.5mg/kg/d of AlCl3 and 75mg/kg/d of aqueous extract orally. Group 6 received 0.5mg/kg/d of AlCl3 and 100mg/kg/d of aqueous extract orally. Group 7 received 0.5mg/k/d of AlCl3 and 5mg/Kg/d of ascorbic acid orally. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, the animals were weighed, sedated with chloroform and blood was collected. The testes were removed and weighed. RESULTS: There were statistically significant changes in the percentage of seminiferous tubular and seminiferous ductal diameter within the experimental animals in all the groups (p<0.05). Stereological findings revealed increase in spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, round Spermatids and elongated spematids, spermatozoa, Sertoli cells population of the control rats while the rats given 0.5mg of aluminum chloride per kg of body weight had the lowest value (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In this study, we demonstrated the affected histomorphometry of the seminiferous tubule and stereology of germ cells in testes, where stress impacts were most felt and subsequently translated into drastic reproductive dysfunction and distortion of spermatogenesis.
Asunto(s)
Aluminio/toxicidad , Lawsonia (Planta) , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Túbulos Seminíferos , Espermatozoides , Animales , Masculino , Estrés Oxidativo/efectos de los fármacos , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Túbulos Seminíferos/citología , Túbulos Seminíferos/efectos de los fármacos , Túbulos Seminíferos/patología , Espermatozoides/citología , Espermatozoides/efectos de los fármacos , Testículo/citología , Testículo/efectos de los fármacos , Testículo/patologíaRESUMEN
Understanding critical roles of warming and reanimation is critical to improve the survival of vitrified testicular tissue in domestic cats. The objective was to study structural and functional properties of testicular tissues from prepubertal domestic cats after standard vitrification followed by two warming protocols (directly at 37°C or with a 5-second pre-exposure to 50°C) and three reanimation time points (immediately, 24 h and 5 days post-warming). In Experiment 1, tissues were evaluated for histo-morphology and mitochondrial activity immediately or 24 h after warming protocols. In Experiment 2, cell viability, DNA fragmentation, and germ cell composition were assessed immediately, 24 h, or 5 days after optimal warming. Preservation of seminiferous tubule structure was better using warming at 50°C for five seconds, and survival of somatic as well as germinal cells was higher compared to direct warming at 37°C for one minute. Short term in vitro culture (for reanimation) also proved that cellular composition and functionality were better preserved when warmed for a short time at 50°C. Collective data showed that short warming at 50°C led to better quality of seminiferous tubule structure and cell composition after vitrification and short-term culture. In addition, data suggest clear directions to further understand and optimize testicular tissue survival after fertility preservation procedures.
Asunto(s)
Fragmentación del ADN , Calor/efectos adversos , Mitocondrias/metabolismo , Mitocondrias/patología , Túbulos Seminíferos/metabolismo , Túbulos Seminíferos/patología , Animales , Gatos , Supervivencia Celular , Preservación de la Fertilidad , MasculinoRESUMEN
Tribulus terrestris (TT) has been considered as a potential stimulator of testosterone production, which has been related with steroidal saponins prevailing in this plant. Cyclophosphamide (CP) is the most commonly used anticancer and immunosuppressant drug, which causes several toxic effects, especially on the reproductive system. Patients who need to use CP therapy exhibit reduced fertility or infertility, which impacts both physically and emotionally on the decision to use this drug, especially among young men. We hypothesized that the treatment with TT dry extract would protect the male reproductive system against CP toxicity. Mice received dry extract of TT (11 mg/kg) or vehicle by gavage for 14 days. Saline or CP was injected intraperitoneally at a single dose (100 mg/kg) on the 14th day. Animals were euthanized 24 h after CP administration, and testes and epididymis were removed for biochemical and histopathological analysis and sperm evaluation. The dry extract of TT was evaluated by HPLC analysis and demonstrated the presence of protodioscin (1.48%, w/w). CP exposure increased lipid peroxidation, reactive species, and protein carbonylation and altered antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx, GST, and GR). Moreover, acute exposure to CP caused a reduction on 17 ß-HSD activity, which may be related to the reduction in serum testosterone levels, histopathological changes observed in the testes, and the quality of the semen. The present study highlighted the role of TT dry extract to ameliorate the alterations induced by CP administration in mice testes, probably due to the presence of protodioscin.
Asunto(s)
Ciclofosfamida/efectos adversos , Sustancias Protectoras/farmacología , Reproducción/efectos de los fármacos , Tribulus/química , 17-Hidroxiesteroide Deshidrogenasas/metabolismo , Animales , Cromatografía Líquida de Alta Presión , Sulfato de Deshidroepiandrosterona/metabolismo , Diosgenina/análogos & derivados , Diosgenina/análisis , Masculino , Ratones , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Estándares de Referencia , Saponinas/análisis , Semen/metabolismo , Túbulos Seminíferos/efectos de los fármacos , Túbulos Seminíferos/patología , Espermatozoides/efectos de los fármacos , Espermatozoides/metabolismo , Testosterona/sangreRESUMEN
The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of chronic stress on the testes of prepubertal and adult rats and to evaluate whether any alterations could be reversed when stress induction is ended. Seventy-six male rats were assigned to eight groups depending on the type of treatment (control or stressed), the age at which stress was initiated (prepubertal or adult), and the time of evaluation (immediate or late). Stress stimuli were applied for 6 weeks. Stressed prepubertal and adult rats evaluated immediately after the last stress stimulus were included in SP-I and SA-I groups, respectively. The late prepubertal (SP-L) and adult (SA-L) groups of stressed rats were evaluated 6 weeks after the last stress stimulus. Age-matched rats were used as controls (CP-I, CA-I, CP-L, and CA-L groups). Application of stress stimuli to rats in the SP-I group resulted in body weight and seminiferous tubule diameter reduction. The rats in the SA-I group also showed several functional (testosterone level and sperm parameter) and morphological (testicular weight and seminiferous tubule diameter) reductions. The rats in the SP-L group showed increased body weight and intertubular compartment volumetric and absolute densities and reduced tubular compartment volumetric density. The rats in the SA-L group presented only reduced sperm viability. Stress stimuli promoted changes in the rats in all the study groups. The testes of the adult rats were the most affected by chronic stress. However, the stressed adult rats recovered well from the testicular alterations.
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Estrés Psicológico/patología , Testículo/patología , Envejecimiento/patología , Animales , Peso Corporal , Enfermedad Crónica , Masculino , Tamaño de los Órganos , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Restricción Física , Análisis de Semen , Túbulos Seminíferos/patología , Espermatogénesis , Testosterona/sangreRESUMEN
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is considered one of the most toxic dioxins. The effects of TCDD are exerted via binding to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible protective effects of resveratrol, an AhR antagonist, against testicular damage caused by TCDD exposure during pregnancy. Pregnant female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: a control group; a group treated with 1µgkg-1, p.o., TCDD on Gestational Day (GD) 15; a group treated with 20µgkg-1, p.o., resveratrol on GD10-21; and a group treated with both TCDD and resveratrol. Rats were weighed and killed, and neonatal testes were collected for histopathological analysis on Postnatal Day (PND) 1. At PND90, adult male rats were killed and the testes collected for histopathological analysis and determination of sperm count. Resveratrol had a protective effect against the effects of TCDD on Sertoli cell number in adult and neonate testes, as well as against the effects of TCDD on abnormal seminiferous tubules in adults. Combined administration of TCDD and resveratrol altered the kinetics of spermatogenesis and the proportion of neonatal testicular compartments compared with the control group In addition, combined TCDD and resveratrol treatment decreased seminiferous tubule diameter in adult male rats compared with the control group. In conclusion, resveratrol may protect against some TCDD-induced testicular damage, but, based on the parameters assessed, the administration of resveratrol and TCDD in combination may result in more severe toxicity than administration of either drug alone.
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Contaminantes Ambientales/toxicidad , Exposición Materna/efectos adversos , Dibenzodioxinas Policloradas/toxicidad , Efectos Tardíos de la Exposición Prenatal , Estilbenos/farmacología , Testículo/efectos de los fármacos , Factores de Edad , Animales , Animales Recién Nacidos , Factores de Transcripción con Motivo Hélice-Asa-Hélice Básico/efectos de los fármacos , Factores de Transcripción con Motivo Hélice-Asa-Hélice Básico/metabolismo , Citoprotección , Femenino , Masculino , Embarazo , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Receptores de Hidrocarburo de Aril/efectos de los fármacos , Receptores de Hidrocarburo de Aril/metabolismo , Resveratrol , Medición de Riesgo , Análisis de Semen , Túbulos Seminíferos/efectos de los fármacos , Túbulos Seminíferos/metabolismo , Túbulos Seminíferos/patología , Células de Sertoli/efectos de los fármacos , Células de Sertoli/metabolismo , Células de Sertoli/patología , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Espermatogénesis/efectos de los fármacos , Estilbenos/toxicidad , Testículo/metabolismo , Testículo/patologíaRESUMEN
Sertoli cell (SC) proliferation in mice occurs until two weeks after birth and is mainly regulated by FSH and thyroid hormones. Previous studies have shown that transient neonatal hypothyroidism in laboratory rodents is able to extend SC mitotic activity, leading ultimately to higher testis size and daily sperm production (DSP) in adult animals. Moreover, we have shown that due to higher SC proliferation and lower germ cell apoptosis, iNOS deficiency in mice also results in higher testis size and DSP. Although the cell size was smaller, the Leydig cells (LCs) number per testis also significantly increased in iNOS-/- mice. Our aims in the present study were to investigate if the combination of neonatal hypothyroidism and iNOS deficiency promotes additive effects in SC number, testis size and DSP. Hypothyroidism was induced in wild-type (WT) and iNOS-/- mice using 6-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU) through the mother's drinking water from 0 to 20 days of age, and were sacrificed at adulthood. Our results showed that, in contrast to the WT mice in which testis size, DSP and SC numbers increased significantly by 20, 40 and 70% respectively, after PTU treatment, no additive effects were observed for these parameters in treated iNOS-/- mice, as well as for LC. No alterations were observed in spermatogenesis in any group evaluated. Although we still do not have an explanation for these intriguing findings, we are currently investigating whether thyroid hormones influence iNOS levels and/or counterbalance physiological effects of iNOS deficiency in testis function and spermatogenesis.
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Animales Recién Nacidos , Proliferación Celular/fisiología , Hipotiroidismo/patología , Óxido Nítrico Sintasa de Tipo II/deficiencia , Células de Sertoli/patología , Animales , Femenino , Hipotiroidismo/inducido químicamente , Lactancia , Masculino , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Ratones Noqueados , Óxido Nítrico Sintasa de Tipo II/genética , Óxido Nítrico Sintasa de Tipo II/fisiología , Tamaño de los Órganos , Propiltiouracilo/administración & dosificación , Túbulos Seminíferos/patología , Espermatogénesis/fisiología , Testículo/patologíaRESUMEN
PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of buserelin on gonadal structure and function in adult male rats. METHODS: Twenty-four adult Wistar male rats were divided into three groups: two treated groups and controls. The first and second treated groups received 300 (low dose) and 500 (high dose) µg/kg buserelin, respectively, and the control group received normal saline. All groups were treated subcutaneously for five days. RESULTS: The seminiferous tubular epithelial thickness was significant decreased in the treated groups compared with those in the control. There was a significant increase in apoptotic cell death in high dose treated group compared with low dose treated and control groups. No significant difference in serum testosterone level was observed after one month in the three groups. CONCLUSION: Buserelin induces apoptotic cell death and decreased diameter and epithelium thickness of seminiferous tubules in the adult rat testes.
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Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Buserelina/administración & dosificación , Fármacos para la Fertilidad Masculina/administración & dosificación , Túbulos Seminíferos/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Buserelina/efectos adversos , Fármacos para la Fertilidad Masculina/efectos adversos , Etiquetado Corte-Fin in Situ , Masculino , Modelos Animales , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Túbulos Seminíferos/patología , Testículo/anatomía & histología , Testículo/efectos de los fármacos , Testosterona/sangreRESUMEN
Abstract Purpose: To investigate the effect of buserelin on gonadal structure and function in adult male rats. Methods: Twenty-four adult Wistar male rats were divided into three groups: two treated groups and controls. The first and second treated groups received 300 (low dose) and 500 (high dose) µg/kg buserelin, respectively, and the control group received normal saline. All groups were treated subcutaneously for five days. Results: The seminiferous tubular epithelial thickness was significant decreased in the treated groups compared with those in the control. There was a significant increase in apoptotic cell death in high dose treated group compared with low dose treated and control groups. No significant difference in serum testosterone level was observed after one month in the three groups. Conclusion: Buserelin induces apoptotic cell death and decreased diameter and epithelium thickness of seminiferous tubules in the adult rat testes.
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Animales , Masculino , Ratas , Túbulos Seminíferos/efectos de los fármacos , Buserelina/administración & dosificación , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Fármacos para la Fertilidad Masculina/administración & dosificación , Túbulos Seminíferos/patología , Testículo/anatomía & histología , Testículo/efectos de los fármacos , Testosterona/sangre , Buserelina/efectos adversos , Ratas Wistar , Etiquetado Corte-Fin in Situ , Modelos Animales , Fármacos para la Fertilidad Masculina/efectos adversosRESUMEN
Ethanol consumption is associated with spermatogenesis damage and testosterone level alterations. Alcohol remains the most commonly used substance among athletes and sports enthusiasts. This study evaluated whether resistance physical exercise can reduce the testicular damage caused by ethanol exposure. A total of 36 ethanol drinking (UChB) rats were divided into four groups: C (control rats), ETOH (ethanol consumption), ETOH + T (ethanol consumption + physical training), and T (group physical training). The physical training component of the T and ETOH + T groups was based on a resistance training model consisting of four sets of 10 jumps, with an increasing overload of 50-70% of the body weight attached to the chest three times per week. Rats in the ETOH and ETOH +T groups received 10% ethanol. At postnatal day 90, the rats were sacrificed. Blood sample was collected for hormonal analysis, and the testicles were weighed and processed for histopathological, morphometric, and immunohistochemical analyses. The ETOH group showed an increase in testosterone levels. The immunohistochemical of androgen receptor and the absolute weight of the testes were higher in the ETOH and ETOH + T groups, while the ETOH animals showed a decreased weight gain index. The number of abnormal seminiferous tubules increased in the ETOH and T groups compared to those in the control group (C); however, the association with treatment (ETOH + T group) prevented this effect and decreased caspase-3 production. In conclusion, these findings show that the combination of ethanol consumption and resistance physical exercise can prevent testicular damage in adult UChB rats.
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Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas/efectos adversos , Etanol/toxicidad , Entrenamiento de Fuerza , Túbulos Seminíferos/patología , Espermatogénesis/fisiología , Trastornos Inducidos por Alcohol/patología , Alcoholismo/patología , Animales , Caspasa 3/análisis , Masculino , Tamaño de los Órganos/efectos de los fármacos , Ratas , Receptores Androgénicos/análisis , Espermatogénesis/efectos de los fármacos , Testosterona/sangreRESUMEN
Fipronil is an insecticide widely used in agriculture, veterinary medicine and public health that has recently been listed as a potential endocrine disrupter. In the present study we evaluated the effects of perinatal exposure to fipronil during the period of sexual brain differentiation and its later repercussions on reproductive parameters in male rats. Pregnant rats were exposed (via gavage) to fipronil (0.03, 0.3 or 3mgkg-1) from Gestational Day 15 until Postnatal Day 7. Fipronil exposure did not compromise the onset of puberty. In adulthood, there was no effect on organ weight or sperm production. Furthermore, there were no adverse effects on the number of Sertoli cells per seminiferous tubule, testicular and epididymal histomorphometry or histopathology or expression patterns of androgen receptor in the testis. Similarly, no changes were observed in the sexual behaviour or hormone levels. However, in rats exposed to fipronil, changes in sperm motility were observed, with a decrease in motile spermatozoa and an increase in non-mobile spermatozoa, which can compromise sperm quality in these rats. Perinatal exposure to fipronil has long-term effects on sperm parameters, and the epididymis can be a target organ. Additional studies should be undertaken to identify the mechanisms by which fipronil affects sperm motility.
Asunto(s)
Astenozoospermia/inducido químicamente , Disruptores Endocrinos/toxicidad , Epidídimo/efectos de los fármacos , Insecticidas/toxicidad , Lactancia , Exposición Materna/efectos adversos , Pirazoles/toxicidad , Administración Oral , Animales , Astenozoospermia/patología , Forma de la Célula/efectos de los fármacos , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Disruptores Endocrinos/administración & dosificación , Epidídimo/patología , Femenino , Desarrollo Fetal/efectos de los fármacos , Insecticidas/administración & dosificación , Masculino , Neurogénesis/efectos de los fármacos , Tamaño de los Órganos/efectos de los fármacos , Embarazo , Pirazoles/administración & dosificación , Ratas Wistar , Túbulos Seminíferos/efectos de los fármacos , Túbulos Seminíferos/patología , Motilidad Espermática/efectos de los fármacos , Espermatogénesis/efectos de los fármacos , Testículo/efectos de los fármacos , Testículo/patologíaRESUMEN
This study investigated whether or not prepubertal exposure to the fish contaminants methylmercury (MeHg) and the polychlorinated bisphenol Aroclor in low doses interferes with the histomorphometry of the testes, epididymis, liver and kidneys in rats. Wistar male rats, 21 days old, were allocated into the following: control (n = 17, received corn oil), MeHg (n = 17, received MeHg at 0.5 mg/kg/day), Aroclor (n = 17, received Aroclor at 1.0 mg/kg/day), low mix (n = 18, received MeHg at 0.05 mg/kg/day and Aroclor at 0.1 mg/kg/day), high mix (n = 18, received MeHg at 0.5 mg/kg/day and Aroclor at 1.0 mg/kg/day). Dosing continued from post natal day (PND) 23 to 53, by gavage. Euthanasia was performed on PND 53; or, after an interval of 62 days without exposure to chemicals, on PND 115. The degree of maturation of the seminiferous epithelium was delayed in chemical-exposed groups and testicular interstitial oedema was observed at adulthood. The pattern of male gonad organization was changed in the Aroclor group on PND 53 and in all treated groups at adulthood. The animals from Aroclor, low mix and high mix groups showed a reduction in the number of Sertoli cells. Histological evidence of renal injury was observed in all chemical-exposed groups in both ages. A probable target for MeHg and Aroclor in the reproductive system was Sertoli cells, in which possible dysfunctions could be linked to the other testicular alterations. Curiously, the main deleterious effects were late outcomes, along with the absence of synergistic interaction of MeHg and Aroclor in the parameters investigated. In conclusion, fish pollutants MeHg and Aroclor caused permanent structural damage in male gonads and kidneys after prepubertal exposure, without showing clear chemical interactions.
Asunto(s)
Arocloros/toxicidad , Peces/metabolismo , Contaminación de Alimentos , Riñón/efectos de los fármacos , Compuestos de Metilmercurio/toxicidad , Testículo/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Biometría/métodos , Contaminantes Ambientales/toxicidad , Femenino , Riñón/patología , Hígado/efectos de los fármacos , Hígado/patología , Masculino , Pubertad , Ratas Wistar , Túbulos Seminíferos/efectos de los fármacos , Túbulos Seminíferos/patología , Espermatogénesis/efectos de los fármacos , Testículo/patología , Aumento de Peso/efectos de los fármacosRESUMEN
Sildenafil is widely used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction with few studies are available on the protective role of propolis against its reproductive toxicity. The present study aims to investigate the hormonal biochemical and histomorphometric alterations induced in the testicular tissues by sildenafil overdoses. Four groups of rabbits were exposed to sildenafil with or without propolis as follows: Group I received the formulated vehicle, Group II received sildenafil (3 mg/kg), Group III received propolis (50 mg/kg), Group IV received sildenafil plus propolis. Sildenafil lowered body weight gain, testosterone and follicular stimulating hormone concentration but increased testis index while luteinizing hormone was almost not affected. Moreover, sildenafil treated rabbits showed degenerative seminiferous tubules and disturbance of spermatogenesis together with spermatocytes sloughing and nuclear alterations. Exposure to sildenafil plus propolis ameliorated tubular alterations, spermatogenesis disturbances, hormonal levels changes and partially protected spermatocytes from morphological nuclear alterations but could not ameliorate the effect on the body weight gain and testis index. The findings of the present work may indicate that propolis can ameliorate partially the reproductive toxicity induced by sildenafil overdoses with more need for further studies on the adverse effect of these doses on the other vital organs.
El sildenafil es un medicamento ampliamente utilizado para el tratamiento de la disfunción eréctil y existen pocos estudios disponibles referente a la función protectora del propóleo contra su toxicidad reproductiva. El objetivo fue investigar las alteraciones hormonales, bioquímicas e histomorfométricas, inducidas en los tejidos testiculares por sobredosis de sildenafil. Cuatro grupos de conejos fueron expuestos a sildenafil con o sin propóleo de la siguiente manera: grupo I recibió el sildenafil formulado, grupo II recibió sildenafil (3 mg/kg), grupo III recibió propóleo (50 mg/kg) y el grupo IV recibió sildenafil más propóleo. El sildenafil redujo el peso corporal, la testosterona y la concentración de la hormona foliculoestimulante, sin embargo, se observó un aumento del índice testicular mientras que la hormona luteinizante casi no se vio afectada. Por otra parte, los conejos tratados con sildenafil mostraron degeneración de los túbulos seminíferos, trastornos de la espermatogénesis y alteraciones nucleares de los espermatocitos. Con el uso de sildenafil más propóleo fue posible disminuir las alteraciones de los túbulos seminíferos, los trastornos de la espermatogénesis y los niveles de cambios hormonales; los espermatocitos fueron protegidos parcialmente de alteraciones nucleares morfológicas, pero no pudo mejorar el efecto de aumento de peso corporal e índice testicular. Los resultados indican que el propóleo puede aliviar, en parte, la toxicidad en la reproducción inducida por sobredosis de sildenafil. No obstante, existe la necesidad de realizar más estudios sobre los efectos adversos de estas dosis en otros órganos vitales.
Asunto(s)
Animales , Masculino , Conejos , Tamaño de los Órganos/efectos de los fármacos , Piperazinas/envenenamiento , Própolis/farmacología , Sulfonas/envenenamiento , Enfermedades Testiculares/prevención & control , Testículo/patología , Peso Corporal , Sobredosis de Droga , Purinas , Túbulos Seminíferos/efectos de los fármacos , Túbulos Seminíferos/patología , Citrato de Sildenafil/envenenamiento , Espermatogénesis/efectos de los fármacos , Testículo/efectos de los fármacos , Testosterona/sangreRESUMEN
Galectin-1 (Gal-1), a proto-type member of galectin family, is highly expressed in immune privileged sites, including the testis. However, in spite of considerable progress the relevance of endogenous and exogenous Gal-1 in testis pathophysiology have not yet been explored. Here we evaluated the in vivo roles of Gal-1 in experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO), a well-established model of autoimmune testicular inflammation associated with subfertility and infertility. A significant reduction in the incidence and severity of EAO was observed in mice genetically deficient in Gal-1 (Lgals1(-/-)) versus wild-type (WT) mice. Testicular histopathology revealed the presence of multifocal testicular damage in WT mice characterized by an interstitial mononuclear cell infiltrate and different degrees of germ cell sloughing of seminiferous tubules. TUNEL assay and assessment of active caspase-3 expression, revealed the prevalence of apoptotic spermatocytes mainly localized in the adluminal compartment of seminiferous tubules in EAO mice. A significant increased number of TUNEL-positive germ cells was detected in EAO testis from WT compared with Lgals1(-/-) mice. In contrast, exogenous administration of recombinant Gal-1 to WT mice undergoing EAO attenuated the severity of the disease. Our results unveil a dual role of endogenous versus exogenous Gal-1 in the control of autoimmune testis inflammation.
Asunto(s)
Apoptosis/inmunología , Enfermedades Autoinmunes/inmunología , Galectina 1/inmunología , Orquitis/inmunología , Túbulos Seminíferos/inmunología , Espermatocitos/inmunología , Animales , Apoptosis/genética , Enfermedades Autoinmunes/genética , Enfermedades Autoinmunes/patología , Galectina 1/genética , Masculino , Ratones , Ratones Noqueados , Orquitis/genética , Orquitis/patología , Túbulos Seminíferos/patología , Espermatocitos/patologíaRESUMEN
Orchiopexy is performed as part of cryptorchidism and testicular torsion treatment. The inflammation caused by the needle and suture penetration has been suggested to be one of the possible causes of subfertility after parenchymal transfixation of the testicles. The purpose of the present study was to investigate testicular alterations after parenchymal transfixation sutures at different ages in rats. Prepubertal, pubertal, and adult rats were submitted to parenchymal suturing (without tying the knots, thus avoiding local ischemic injury) of the right testicle, which was maintained for 4 hours. All animals were subjected to euthanasia on completion of 14 weeks of life. The right testicles were studied as the sutured testicles, whereas the left organs were studied as contralateral. One age-matched control group of rats that was not submitted to any procedure was used for comparison. During euthanasia, sperm were collected from the tail of the epididymal and evaluated for concentration, motility, and viability. Samples from testicular tissue were collected for morphologic analysis. Sperm analysis indicated that only the adult operated animals presented reductions in motility (38.2% of adult vs. 54.1% of control; P = 0.02) and viability (16.6% of adult vs. 24.6% of control; P = 0.003). Several morphologic alterations were noted both in sutured and in contralateral testes at all ages. For instance, the seminiferous epithelium volumetric density of right testicles was reduced from 50.4% in controls to 32.3% in prepubertal operated animals, 45.3% in pubertal operated animals, and 39.4% in adult operated animals (P < 0.05). The seminiferous epithelium volumetric density was also reduced to 39.9% and 39.0% in contralateral testicles of animals operated before and after puberty, respectively (P < 0.05). The animals operated on before puberty and in adulthood showed more testicular morphologic alterations, as seminiferous tubule volumetric density, seminiferous tubule length, and tubular diameter were reduced only in prepubertal and/or adult operated animals. Testicular transfixation in rats led to important morphologic modifications in the ipsilateral and contralateral organs. These alterations were observed regardless of the age when surgery was performed, but they were milder in animals operated on during puberty. Orchiopexy techniques that do not involve the application of testicular transfixation sutures should be recommended.
Asunto(s)
Orquidopexia/efectos adversos , Túbulos Seminíferos/patología , Maduración Sexual , Espermatozoides/fisiología , Factores de Edad , Animales , Supervivencia Celular , Infertilidad Masculina/etiología , Infertilidad Masculina/patología , Masculino , Orquidopexia/métodos , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Epitelio Seminífero/patología , Recuento de Espermatozoides , Motilidad Espermática , Técnicas de Sutura/efectos adversos , Testículo/patologíaRESUMEN
PURPOSE: To determine whether tension in the spermatic cord of rats causes lesions in the testis, epididymis or vas deferens. METHODS: Forty Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups. A traction force of 1.6 Newton (N) in group I and 1 N in group II was applied to the right spermatic cord. Group III was the sham, and group IV served as the control. RESULTS: Testicular lesions occurred on the right side in 66.7% of the rats and on the left side in 46.1% of the rats. The testes showed a decreased number of Sertoli cells, necrosis and a decreased number of germ cells in the seminiferous tubules. Anatomopathological changes in the vas deferens were not identified. There was no decrease in the thickness of the muscle wall of the vas deferens. In the right epididymis, 71.8% of the animals showed a reduction and 5% showed an absence of intraluminal sperm. In the left epididymis, 37.5% of the rats showed a reduction. The volume and the final testicular weight of the right side in group IV was different from those in the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomopathological lesions were found in the testis and epididymis.