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SUMMARY: The aim of the present work was to study the closer effect of clomiphene citrate on the ultrastructure of the testis of adult albino rats to provide a basis for optimizing this drug in the treatment of male infertility. The testes were removed from both groups under anesthesia and then prepared for examination by light using hematoxylin and eosin stains and a transmission electron microscope. Semithin sections were cut into 1 µm thick sections, stained with toluidine blue, and examined by light microscopy for a survey. The desired areas were placed in the center, and other areas were trimmed. Primary spermatocytes showed marked nuclear changes (pyknosis), and their nuclear membranes were ill-defined and disrupted. The cytoplasm showed widespread degeneration of mitochondria and lysosomes and focal degeneration of the rough endoplasmic reticulum compared with the control group. The spermatids were pale, and the two phases of spermatogenesis were distinctly identifiable in the control group but were confused in the treated group. Some spermatids had interrupted nuclear membranes, also containing degenerated mitochondria, focal fragmentation of rough endoplasmic reticulum, and free ribosomes. Spermatozoa in the treated group appeared deformed compared to the control, where they had deformed head caps. Leydig cells of the treated group have an irregularly shaped nucleus, with focal chromatin aggregation and peripheral chromatin condensation on the inner surface of the nuclear membrane. The observations of the present work indicate a possible causal relationship between testicular affection and ingestion of clomiphene citrate, which can be avoided by close medical observations using ultrasonography, semen analysis, or testicular biopsy to detect early malignant changes. Furthermore, the drug should not be used for more than three to six cycles and should be stopped for at least three cycles before reuse. When clomiphene citrate is ineffective in the treatment of male infertility, human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) administration is typically selected. However, high-dose hMG therapy is associated with a variety of adverse effects. In this work, we report the success of a modified clomiphene citrate regimen in increasing sperm count without any hazards to the testicular tissue.

El objetivo del trabajo fue estudiar el efecto del citrato de clomifeno sobre la estructura de los testículos de la rata albina adulta, con la finalidad de determinar la mejor manera de utilizar este fármaco en el tratamiento de la infertilidad masculina. Los testículos se extrajeron bajo anestesia y para su análisis a través de microscopio de luz se tiñeron con HE. Además, las muestras fueron preparadas para su examen con microscopía electrónica de transmisión. Por otra parte, se cortaron secciones semifinas de 1 µm de espesor, se tiñeron con azul de toluidina y se examinaron mediante microscopía óptica. Los espermatocitos primarios mostraron cambios nucleares marcados (picnosis) y sus membranas nucleares estaban mal definidas y alteradas. En el grupo experimental las células presentaban el citoplasma con degeneración generalizada de las mitocondrias y de los lisosomas y una degeneración focal del retículo endoplásmico rugoso en comparación con el grupo control. Las espermátidas estaban pálidas y las dos fases de la espermatogénesis eran claramente identificables en el grupo control, pero se confundían en el grupo tratado. Algunas espermátidas tenían membranas nucleares interrumpidas, y también contenían mitocondrias degeneradas, fragmentación focal del retículo endoplásmico rugoso y ribosomas libres. Los espermatozoides del grupo tratado se presentaban deformados en comparación con el control. Las células de Leydig del grupo tratado presentaban un núcleo de forma irregular, con agregación focal de cromatina y condensación de cromatina periférica en la superficie interna de la membrana nuclear. Las observaciones del presente trabajo indican una posible relación causal entre la afección testicular y la ingestión de citrato de clomifeno, que puede evitarse mediante observaciones médicas minuciosas a través de ecografía, análisis de semen o biopsia testicular para detectar cambios malignos tempranos. Además, el medicamento no debiera ser usado durante más de tres a seis ciclos y debe suspenderse durante al menos tres ciclos antes de volver a usarlo. Cuando el citrato de clomifeno es ineficaz en el tratamiento de la infertilidad masculina, normalmente se selecciona la administración de gonadotropina menopáusica humana (hMG). Sin embargo, la terapia con hMG en dosis altas se asocia con una variedad de efectos adversos. En este trabajo, informamos el éxito de un régimen modificado con citrato de clomifeno para aumentar el recuento de espermatozoides sin riesgo para el tejido testicular.

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SUMMARY: Studies have shown the adverse effects of epileptic seizures on reproductive health. The aim of the present study was to investigate morphological changes, apoptosis and GABA localization in the testis tissue of genetic absence epilepsy rats. Testis tissues of GAERS and Wistar rats were processed for paraffin embedding and electron microscopy. Sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome and periodic acid-Schiff reaction. GABA immunohistochemistry was applied for determining the alterations in GABA levels. GABA immunoreactivity was observed in the seminiferous tubules and interstitial areas of both GAERS and Wistar rats. GABA immunoreactivity was found to be decreased in GAERS compared to Wistar group. Electron microscopic observations showed that GABA was present in manchette microtubules, sperm tail and neck at different phases of spermiogenesis. Qualitative observations revealed that testis tissues of GAERS showed reduced sperm in the seminiferous tubules compared to the Wistar controls. In conclusion, we demonstrated GABAergic system in the seminiferous tubules of control and GAERS rats, in parallel with the previous studies; and there were alterations in this system in GAERS. We suggest that these alterations in absence epilepsy may also affect the gonadal system, resulting in decreased sperm production.

RESUMEN: Los estudios han demostrado los efectos adversos de las convulsiones epilépticas sobre la salud reproductiva. El objetivo del presente estudio fue investigar los cambios morfológicos, la apoptosis y la localización de GABA en el tejido testicular de ratas con epilepsia de ausencia genética. Se procesaron tejidos testiculares de ratas GAERS y Wistar para inclusión en parafina y microscopía electrónica. Las secciones se tiñeron con hematoxilina y eosina, tricrómico de Masson y reacción de ácido peryódico de Schiff. Se aplicó inmunohistoquímica de GABA para determinar las alteraciones en los niveles de GABA. Se observó inmunorreactividad de GABA en los túbulos seminíferos y las áreas intersticiales de las ratas GAERS y Wistar. Se encontró que la inmunorreactividad de GABA estaba disminuida en GAERS en comparación con el grupo Wistar. Las observaciones microscópicas electrónicas mostraron que GABA estaba presente en los microtúbulos, la cola y el cuello del espermatozoide en diferentes fases de la espermiogénesis. Las observaciones cualitativas revelaron que los tejidos testiculares de GAERS mostraron una reducción de los espermatozoides en los túbulos seminíferos en comparación con los controles Wistar. En conclusión, demostramos el sistema GABAérgico en los túbulos seminíferos de ratas control y GAERS, en paralelo con estudios previos; y además se observaron alteraciones en este sistema en GAERS. Sugerimos que estas alteraciones en epilepisa de ausencia genética también pueden afectar el sistema gonadal, resultando en una disminución de la producción de semen.

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As injúrias vasculares afetam diretamente a produção e a qualidade das células espermáticas, portanto, o diagnóstico rápido dessas alterações é de extrema importância para evitar danos irreversíveis à reprodução. Desse modo, a ultrassonografia Doppler têm se mostrado um método eficaz no diagnóstico precoce de afecções reprodutivas relacionadas com distúrbios na perfusão sanguínea testicular. Além disso, possibilita o acompanhamento de tratamentos em curso, a fim de melhorar resultados terapêuticos e proporcionar melhor previsão de fertilidade aos garanhões. Em homens, já é um método empregado para diagnosticar distúrbios de fertilidade, entretanto, na veterinária os relatos ainda são escassos e o uso por andrologistas de equinos para este fim, é esporádico. O objetivo dessa revisão é apresentar os princípios da ultrassonografia Doppler e os benefícios para a andrologia de equinos, afim de ampliar o conhecimento a respeito da técnica e facilitar o diagnóstico de afecções durante exames reprodutivos de garanhões.(AU)

Vascular disturbance directly affects sperm production and quality, so the rapid diagnosis of these changes is extremely important to avoid irreversible damage to reproduction activity. Thereby, Doppler ultrasonography has been shown to be an effective method in the early diagnosis of reproductive disorders related to testicular blood perfusion. In addition, it's possible to monitor treatments in progress for the purpose of to improve therapeutic results and provide better prediction of fertility for stallions. In men, it is already a method used to diagnose fertility disorders, however, in the veterinarian routine the reports are still scarce and the use by equine andrologists for this purpose is sporadic. Thus, the aim of this review is to present the principles of Doppler ultrasonography and its benefits for the equine andrology, in order to expand knowledge about the technique and facilitate the diagnosis of diseases during reproductive examinations of stallions.(AU)

Las afecciones vasculares afectan directamente la producción y la calidad de las células espermáticas, por lo tanto, el diagnóstico temprano de estas alteraciones es de extrema importancia para evitar daños irreversibles en la reproducción. En este sentido, la ultrasonografía Doppler ha sido empleada como un método eficaz en el diagnóstico precoz de afecciones reproductivas relacionadas con disturbios en la perfusión sanguínea testícular. Además, este método posibilita el acompañamiento de tratamientos en curso, con el fin de mejorar resultados terapéuticos y obtener una predicción de la fertilidad de los garañones. En hombres, ya es um método empleado para el diagnóstico de disturbiosde la fertilidad, mientras, en veterinaria los relatos aún son escasos y el uso por andrólogos en el campo equino para este fin, es esporádico. El objetivo de esta revisión es presentar los principios de la ultrasonografía Doppler y las ventajas para la andrología equina, con la finalidad de ampliar los conocimientos sobre esta técnica y facilitar el diagnóstico de afecciones durante los examenes reproductivos de los garañones.(AU)

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We described the ultrastructure and histochemistry of the reproductive system of five Callinectes species, and evaluate the seasonal variation in weight of the reproductive system and hepatopancreas by comparing annual changes of somatic indices. The somatic indices changed little throughout the year. In Callinectes, spermatogenesis occurs inside the lobular testes and, within each lobule, the cells are at the same developmental stage. Spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis follow the same development pattern in all Callinectes studied. Mature spermatozoa are released into the seminiferous ducts through the collecting ducts. Cells of the vas deferens are secretory as evidenced by rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex, and secretory vesicles that produce the seminal fluid. The anterior vas deferens shows two portions: proximal and distal. In proximal portion (AVDp), spermatozoa are clustered and embedded in an electron-dense, basophilic glycoproteinaceous secretion Type I. In the distal portion (AVDd), the spermatophore wall is formed by incorporation of a less electron-dense glycoproteinaceous secretion Type II. The secretion Type I change to an acid polysaccharide-rich matrix that separates the spermatophores from each other. The median vas deferens (MVD) stores the spermatophores and produces the granular glycoproteinaceous seminal fluid. The posterior vas deferens (PVD) has few spermatophores. Its epithelium has many mitochondria and the PVD seminal fluid changes into a liquid and homogeneous glycoprotein. Many outpocketings in the PVD and MVD help to increase the fluid production. Overall, the reproductive pattern of Callinectes is similar to other species that produce sperm plugs. The secretions of AVD, MVD, and PVD are responsible for the polymerization that forms the solid, waxy plug in the seminal receptacle. The traits identified here are common to all Portunidae species studied so far.

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Two new species of Acanthobothrium Blanchard, 1848 were collected from rajiform batoids along the coast of Argentina. They are Acanthobothrium carolinae sp. n. from Bathyraja magellanica (Philippi) and Acanthobothrium domingae sp. n. from Dipturus brevicaudatus (Marini). Both belong to category 1 and 2 because their total length is lower than 15 mm, they have fewer than 50 proglottids, fewer than 80 testes and a symmetric or asymmetric ovary. Acanthobothrium carolinae sp. n. differs from all congeners by the following combination of features: proglottid apolysis, hook morphology, microthrix pattern on the cephalic peduncle and distribution of the vitelline follicles. Acanthobothrium domingae sp. n. is unique in the combination of proglottid apolysis, total length, number of proglottids, hook and septal morphology, microthrix pattern on the cephalic peduncle, number and distribution of testes, cirrus sac length, distribution of the vitelline follicles and genital pore position. The discovery of these species increases the number of species of Acanthobothrium parasitising rajiform batoids off Argentina from one to three. All three species have a unique pattern of distribution of the gladiate spinitriches along the length of the cephalic peduncle, i.e., gladiate spinitriches being interrupted in a medial line both dorsally and ventrally.

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Testes and vasa deferentia are parts of the male reproductive system of decapod crustaceans. Both organs show morphological differences among decapod species in terms of anatomical and histological patterns reflecting the diversity of this group. Describing these features may assist in systematics, phylogenetics, and studies of reproductive behavior, especially for species of commercial interest, such as Macrobrachium carcinus, a native American species that, unusually for this genus, has no precopulation courting behavior. This study aims to describe the reproductive morphology and spermatogenesis of the male freshwater prawn M. carcinus. The male reproductive system of this species consisted of lobed testes connected to the vasa deferentia. The testis of M. carcinus was divided into several lobules. Each lobule was formed by a cluster of germ cells surrounded by connective tissue and nurse cells. This microscopic anatomy and histology of the testicular histoarchitecture has been described for many species of Decapoda and may represent a derived design of the testes. Unlike that in other decapod species, spermatogenesis proceeds in short transitory phases that produce spermatozoa at high concentrations and frequencies, corroborating the uncommon male reproductive behavior of this species. In the spermatic pathway, the lobules develop and fuse before releasing spermatozoa from the testes; however, this process has not been observed in decapods, yet. The neutral compounds secreted by the vas deferens are important for sperm nutrition as females secrete a substance for spermatophore adhesion during reproduction. This study presents different features and dynamics of the spermatogenic process in the male reproductive system of M. carcinus that have not yet been presented in the literature for decapods.

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As injúrias vasculares afetam diretamente a produção e a qualidade das células espermáticas, portanto, o diagnóstico rápido dessas alterações é de extrema importância para evitar danos irreversíveis à reprodução. Desse modo, a ultrassonografia Doppler têm se mostrado um método eficaz no diagnóstico precoce de afecções reprodutivas relacionadas com distúrbios na perfusão sanguínea testicular. Além disso, possibilita o acompanhamento de tratamentos em curso, a fim de melhorar resultados terapêuticos e proporcionar melhor previsão de fertilidade aos garanhões. Em homens, já é um método empregado para diagnosticar distúrbios de fertilidade, entretanto, na veterinária os relatos ainda são escassos e o uso por andrologistas de equinos para este fim, é esporádico. O objetivo dessa revisão é apresentar os princípios da ultrassonografia Doppler e os benefícios para a andrologia de equinos, afim de ampliar o conhecimento a respeito da técnica e facilitar o diagnóstico de afecções durante exames reprodutivos de garanhões.

Vascular disturbance directly affects sperm production and quality, so the rapid diagnosis of these changes is extremely important to avoid irreversible damage to reproduction activity. Thereby, Doppler ultrasonography has been shown to be an effective method in the early diagnosis of reproductive disorders related to testicular blood perfusion. In addition, it's possible to monitor treatments in progress for the purpose of to improve therapeutic results and provide better prediction of fertility for stallions. In men, it is already a method used to diagnose fertility disorders, however, in the veterinarian routine the reports are still scarce and the use by equine andrologists for this purpose is sporadic. Thus, the aim of this review is to present the principles of Doppler ultrasonography and its benefits for the equine andrology, in order to expand knowledge about the technique and facilitate the diagnosis of diseases during reproductive examinations of stallions.

Las afecciones vasculares afectan directamente la producción y la calidad de las células espermáticas, por lo tanto, el diagnóstico temprano de estas alteraciones es de extrema importancia para evitar daños irreversibles en la reproducción. En este sentido, la ultrasonografía Doppler ha sido empleada como un método eficaz en el diagnóstico precoz de afecciones reproductivas relacionadas con disturbios en la perfusión sanguínea testícular. Además, este método posibilita el acompañamiento de tratamientos en curso, con el fin de mejorar resultados terapéuticos y obtener una predicción de la fertilidad de los garañones. En hombres, ya es um método empleado para el diagnóstico de disturbiosde la fertilidad, mientras, en veterinaria los relatos aún son escasos y el uso por andrólogos en el campo equino para este fin, es esporádico. El objetivo de esta revisión es presentar los principios de la ultrasonografía Doppler y las ventajas para la andrología equina, con la finalidad de ampliar los conocimientos sobre esta técnica y facilitar el diagnóstico de afecciones durante los examenes reproductivos de los garañones.

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Previous studies have suggested that the smooth-billed ani (Crotophaga ani, Linnaeus, 1758) breeds opportunistically following unpredictable rainfall in drought areas. To obtain proof of this phenomenon, the present study described and compared reproductive morphology and cell proliferation in the gonads of free-living smooth-billed anis during a wet season (April to June 2012) and the following dry season (July to September 2012) in a semiarid area using light and electron microscopy (transmission and scanning) and the AgNOR method. The morphological findings indicated distinct levels of reproductive activity related to seasonal changes. Morphological and morphometric analyses of the gonads confirmed intense gametogenic activity during the wet season, whereas gonadal involution occurred after rainfall ceased. The sizes of the testes and ovaries were significantly reduced compared to those in the wet season. The volumetric fraction of the seminiferous tubules in the testis decreased considerably, and no preovulatory follicles were detected in the ovary in the dry season. Moreover, the AgNOR count in the gonads revealed a significant decline in cell recruitment for gametogenesis after rainfall ceased. The histological findings indicated partial gonadal activation throughout the dry season. The analysis of the seminiferous epithelium confirmed the early testicular recrudescence phase, and sporadic postovulatory follicles indicated random ovulation during this time. The excurrent ducts and the oviduct also underwent remarkable involution in the dry season. Taken together, these findings confirm opportunistic breeding by smooth-billed anis in a semiarid habitat and suggest that gonadal recrudescence has been established as a reproductive strategy to cope with unexpected precipitation events.

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Novel biological control methods and integrated pest management strategies are basic requirements for the development of sustainable agriculture. As a result, there is a growing demand for research on the use of plant extracts and natural enemies such as the green lacewing, Ceraeochrysa claveri, as natural pest control methods. Studies have shown that although natural compounds such as neem oil (Azadirachta indica) are effective as pest control strategies, they also cause sublethal effects on nontarget insects, such as C. claveri. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of neem oil on C. claveri testes. C. claveri larvae were fed Diatraea saccharalis eggs, which were pretreated with 0.5%, 1%, and 2% neem oil. Testes were collected from larvae, pupae, and adults and analyzed using light and electron (transmission and scanning) microscopy. Changes in cellular stress and possible cell death were also determined by TUNEL assay and the marker HSP-70. The results showed that neem oil affects the organization and distribution of cysts in the testes and the normal sequence of cyst development, causing a delay in spermatogenesis in the testes of treated insects. Tests for cellular stress and DNA fragmentation indicated there was no cellular alteration in the treated groups. Although neem oil does not induce cell death or changes in HSP-70 expression, this biopesticide negatively impacts the process of spermatogenesis and could decrease the perpetuation of this species in the agroecosystem, indicating that the use of neem oil in association with green lacewings as a biological control should be carefully evaluated.

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Temperature is considered a crucial modulator of reproductive activity and testis homeostasis. It is well known that elevated temperatures cause several effects on testicular components, particularly on germ cells, which might lead to the impairment of spermatogenesis and loss of male fertility. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of different environmental temperatures on several morphofunctional testis parameters, with emphasis on duration of spermatogenesis and spermatogenic efficiency. Thirty sexually mature Swiss mice (Mus musculus) were allocated in three different experimental groups, being kept in vivarium for three weeks at 16 °C, 23 °C (control group) and 32 °C. In order to estimate the duration of spermatogenesis, three animals per each group received intraperitoneal injections of tritiated thymidine and the testes were perfused-fixed and routinely processed for histological, morphometrical and immunoperoxidase analyses. Although the lower temperature (16 °C) did not change most of the evaluated testicular parameters, our findings showed that higher environmental temperature (32 °C) is able to alter important testis parameters, resulting for instance in acceleration of spermatogenesis, alterations in the stages frequencies, increased number of germ and Leydig cells apoptosis and reduced Sertoli cell and spermatogenic efficiencies. As in many conditions infertile men exhibit higher mean scrotal temperature, we believe that experimental studies with mice involving temperature might represent an interesting approach to better understand the mechanisms related to human testis function and sperm production.

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It has been demonstrated that food intake and reproductive physiology are both simultaneously modulated to optimize reproductive success under fluctuating metabolic conditions. Ghrelin (GHRL) is an orexigenic peptide identified as the endogenous ligand of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor that is being investigated for its potential role on reproduction. Considering that data available so far are still limited and characterization of GHRL action mechanism on the reproductive system has not been fully elucidated, we studied the participation of hypothalamus in GHRL effects on sperm functional activity, plasma levels of gonadotropins and histological morphology in mice testes after hypothalamic infusion of 0.3 or 3.0 nmol/day GHRL or artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) at different treatment periods. We found that GHRL 3.0 nmol/day administration for 42 days significantly reduced sperm concentration (GHRL 3.0 nmol/day = 14.05 ± 2.44 × 106/mL vs ACSF = 20.33 ± 1.35 × 106/mL, P < 0.05) and motility (GHRL 3.0 nmol/day = 59.40 ± 4.20% vs ACSF = 75.80 ± 1.40%, P < 0.05). In addition, histological studies showed a significant decrease percentage of spermatogonia (GHRL 3.0 nmol/day = 6.76 ± 0.68% vs ACSF = 9.56 ± 0.41%, P < 0.05) and sperm (GHRL 3.0 nmol/day = 24.24 ± 1.92% vs ACSF = 31.20 ± 3.06%, P < 0.05). These results were associated with a significant reduction in luteinizing hormone and testosterone plasma levels (P < 0.05). As GHRL is an orexigenic peptide, body weight and food intake were measured. Results showed that GHRL increases both parameters; however, the effect did not last beyond the first week of treatment. Results presented in this work confirm that central GHRL administration impairs spermatogenesis and suggest that this effect is mediated by inhibition of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.

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Lepidopteran species present an interesting case of sperm polymorphism and testicular fusion. The study of these features are of great importance in understanding the reproductive biology of these insects, especially in the case of those considered pests. Dione juno and Agraulis vanillae stand out as the most important pests of passion fruit (Passiflora sp.) crops in Brazil. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to characterize the testes and germ cells of Dione juno and Agraulis vanillae at different life stages, using light microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy, to understand the maturation mechanisms of the male gametes in these species. The study showed that the larvae of both species have a pair of brown kidney-shaped testes, covered by epithelial cells which divide the organ into four follicles. The testes are full of spermatogonia which begin to differentiate in the third larval instar. In the fifth larval instar, spermatozoa can be observed. When they enter the prepupal stage the testes begin a fusion process that is completed in the adult insects, where they present as spherical organs divided into eight follicles, containing all the cells of the germ line. Spermatogenesis occurs centripetally, and in both species, sperm dimorphism is observed, where two different types of spermatozoa are formed, eupyrene (nucleated) and apyrene (anucleate), which differ in morphology and function. Apart from contributing to scientific basic research on the reproductive biology of these insects, the present study provides important data that can aid in research on the physiology, systematics, and control of these species.

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Chrysin is a bioflavonoid found in fruits, flowers, tea, honey and wine, which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic and anticarcinogenic properties. This flavone has also been considered as beneficial for reproduction due its testosterone-boosting potential. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of chrysin on the prostate and gonads of male and female adult gerbils. In addition, a comparative analysis of the effects of testosterone on these same organs was conducted. Ninety-day-old male and female gerbils were treated with chrysin (50mgkg-1day-1) or testosterone cypionate (1mgkg-1week-1) for 21 days. The ventral male prostate and female prostate were dissected out for morphological, morphometric-stereological and ultrastructural assays. Testes and ovaries were submitted to morphological and morphometric---stereological analyses. Chrysin treatment caused epithelial hyperplasia and stromal remodelling of the ventral male and female prostate. Ultrastructurally, male and female prostatic epithelial cells in the chrysin group presented marked development of the organelles involved in the biosynthetic-secretory pathway, whereas cellular toxicity was observed only in female glands. Chrysin preserved normal testicular morphology and increased the number of growing ovarian follicles. Comparatively, testosterone treatment was detrimental to the prostate and gonads, since foci of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and gonadal degeneration were observed in both sexes. Thus, under the experimental conditions of this study, chrysin was better tolerated than testosterone in the prostate and gonads.

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Radiotherapy is a source of human exposure to ionizing radiation. This pure energy causes deleterious effects on tissues, which result from oxidative stress, a phenomenon in which there is the participation of the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS). The male genital organs are extremely radiosensitive and the action of radiation in the testes can significantly affect spermatogenesis. In search of potential radioprotective for male genital system, this study investigated whether the AT1 receptor antagonists minimize radiation-induced damage to reproductive tissues, by decreasing oxidative stress. Male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: 0 Gray (Gy) (control), 5 Gy (single dose in the scrotal area), telmisartan, losartan, 5Gy+telmisartan and 5Gy+losartan. The treatment started the day after irradiation with losartan 34 mg/kg (two times/day) and telmisartan 12 mg/kg (one time/day) during 60 days. For ultrastructural analysis, the testis fragments were fixed in 2 % glutaraldehyde and 4 % paraformaldehyde in 0.1 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.3. The material was postfixed for 2 h in 1 % osmium tetroxide. For collagen evaluation, the sections were stained with Picrosirius-red method. Serum testosterone was determined. The date showed the deleterious effects of gamma radiation on testicular ultrastructure. Rich accumulation of collagen fibers in the interstitium was observed in the irradiated groups, especially the irradiated and nontreated testes. No significant difference was detected in serum testosterone concentration among the studied experimental groups. Treatments with telmisartan and losartan influenced the onset of attenuation on ultrastructural damages arising from ionizing radiation. Although the data strongly suggest that AT1 receptor antagonists may promote radioprotection to the testes, further studies with a longer duration of treatment are required for these potentially positive effects to be maximized and, therefore, to better characterize radioprotection to reproductive parameters.

El tratamiento radioterápico es una fuente de exposición del ser humano a la radiación ionizante. Esta energía pura causa efectos deletéreos en los tejidos, debido al estrés oxidativo, fenómeno donde hay participación del Sistema Renina-Angiotensina. Los órganos genitales masculinos son extremadamente radiosensibles y la acción de la radiación en los testículos puede afectar significativamente la espermatogénesis. En la búsqueda de potenciales radioprotectores, este estudio ha investigado fármacos antagonistas del receptor AT1 que minimizan los daños radioinduzidos en los tejidos reproductivos, por medio de la disminución del estrés oxidativo. Ratones Wistar machos fueron distribuidos en seis grupos: grupo 0 Gray (Gy) (control), grupo 5 Gy (dosis única en el área escrotal), grupo telmisartán, grupo losartán, grupo 5Gy+telmisartán y grupo 5Gy+losartán. El tratamiento empezó en el día siguiente a la irradiación con losartán 34 mg/kg (2x/día) y telmisartán 12 mg/kg (1x/día), durante 60 días. Para el análisis ultraestructural, los testículos se fijaron en glutaraldehido (2 %) y paraformaldehido (4 %) con tampón de fosfato 0,1 M, pH 7,3. El material fue post-fijado en tetróxido de osmio (1 %). Para evaluar el colágeno fue utilizado el método Picrosirius Red. Fue determinada la concentración sérica de testosterona. Los datos mostraron los efectos deletéreos de los rayos gamma sobre la ultraestructura testicular. Fue observada una rica deposición de colágeno en el intersticio en los grupos irradiados, especialmente en el irradiado y no tratado. Entre los grupos, no se detectó ninguna diferencia significativa en la concentración sérica de testosterona. Los tratamientos con telmisartán y losartán influenciaron el comienzo de la atenuación de los cambios en la ultraestructura testicular de la radiación. A pesar de que los datos sugieren que los antagonistas del receptor AT1 pueden promover radioprotección a los testículos, estudios complementarios con una duración de tratamiento más extendida son necesarios para que los efectos potencialmente positivos sean maximizados y, por supuesto, puedan mejorar la caracterizacion de la radioprotección a los parámetros reproductivos.

Assuntos

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This study aimed to describe testicular and its main ducts structure in the yellowtail tetra Astyanax altiparanae, contributing to the knowledge of the region in which semen is produced, storage and released, focusing mainly on the dynamic of germinal epithelium and Sertoli cells during germ cell maturation. Ten sexually mature male A. altiparanae had their testes processed according to the routine protocols to optical microscopy. Moreover, spermatic ducts and tubular compartment of the testes of three specimens were perfused with vinyl resin for gross anatomy and scanning electron microscopy. Astyanax altiparanae testes are paired organs, separated for most of their extension, joining posteriorly in a spermatic duct formed by a squamous simple epithelium. Seminiferous compartment presents anastomosing tubular type organisation, and spermatogonia spread along its extent. Spermatogenesis is of cystic type, and there is no main testicular duct. Spermatogenesis develops in 'waves', from posterior to anterior part of the gonad. Thus, while sperm is storage posteriorly, spermatogenesis keeps maturing germ cells anteriorly, making the germinal epithelium very dynamic, holding Sertoli cells that change their function as a cystic envelope to produce secretions of the seminal fluid and store sperm. Such kind of development is thought to be responsible by the high prolificacy of this species.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Three new species of Aberrapex Jensen, 2001 (Cestoda: Lecanicephalidea) have been collected from species of Myliobatis Cuvier along the coast of Argentina. Aberrapex ludmilae sp. n. parasitises M. goodei Garman in the San Matías Gulf. This species is unique in a combination of features including the shape and extent of the uterus, scolex size, testis distribution, and by lacking an external seminal vesicle and postovarian vitelline follicles. Aberrapex sanmartini sp. n. from M. goodei in San Blas Bay and A. vitalemuttiorum sp. n. from M. ridens Ruocco, Lucifora, Díaz de Astarloa, Mabragaña et Delpiani in coastal waters off Buenos Aires Province, are distinguished from all other congeners by the microthrix pattern on the scolex surface, uterus shape and extension, position of the connection of the uterine duct to the uterus, presence and extension of an external seminal vesicle, and its overall size and number of proglottids. The specimens of M. goodei and M. ridens show locally distinct cestode faunas, which are correlated with well-defined biogeographic regions. Some of these areas correspond with mating and nursery zones for species of Myliobatis.

Assuntos

RESUMO

The testicular, spermatogenesis and sperm morphology of the backswimmer Martarega bentoi was described using light and transmission electron microscopy. In this species, a pair of testes, two deferent ducts, two different pairs of accessory glands, and an ejaculatory duct form the male reproductive system. Each testis consists of two testicular follicles, which are arranged side by side in snail shape. The follicles are filled with cysts at different stages of spermatogenesis, but in the same cyst the germ cells (up to 64) are in the same stage. At the end of spermatogenesis, the sperm cells are very long, with the flagellum measuring approximately 2500 µm in length, the nucleus only 19 µm, and the acrosome, with two distinct regions, 300 µm. The flagellum is composed of an axoneme, with a 9 + 9 + 2 microtubular pattern, and 2 asymmetric mitochondrial derivatives (MDs). These have the anterior ends inserted into two cavities at the nucleus base, exhibit two paracrystalline inclusions, and have bridges linking them to the axoneme. Few spermatozoa per cyst, asymmetry in size and shape of the MDs, as well as their insertion at the nuclear base are characteristics considered derived, and that differentiate the sperm of M. bentoi from those of the Nepomorpha, Belostomatidae and Nepidae.

Assuntos

RESUMO

The aim was to study the ultrastructure of testicular parenchyma and define the morphological ultrastructure of spermatozoa of agoutis kept in captivity. Segments of testes from eight agouti males at prepubescence, prepuberty, pubescence and sexual maturity were fixed in glutaraldehyde. Laboratory procedures were performed for transmission electron microscopy. Spermatogonial cells of Type A - pale, Type A - dark, intermediate and Type B were found. Spermatocytes in the pachytene phase were abundant among primary spermatocytes. From the prepubertal phase, Sertoli cells exhibited invaginations in the nuclear membrane and lipid inclusions in the cytoplasm due to their phagocytic function. Leydig cells displayed higher metabolic activity during puberty as evidenced by the presence of lipid droplets. Spermatozoa were fully formed morphologically at prepuberty. The centriolar complex had partially degenerated and featured a centriolar space as in rodents. Sperm heads were tapered, without prominence of the acrosome or evidence of the perforatorium, differing from cavies, rats and mice. This is the first study to describe the ultrastructure of agouti spermatozoa. This research may assist as a basis for future work related to fertility and other biotechnologies applied to reproductive biology in agoutis.

Assuntos