Effect of lindane on antioxidant enzymes in epididymis and epididymal sperm of adult rats

Aim: To find out the changes induced by lindane on the antioxidant enzymes in epididymis and epididymal sperm of adult rats. Methods: Adult male rats were orally administered lindane at a dose of 5.0 mg/kg body weight per day for 30 days. At the end of the treatment, the rats were sacrificed. The epididymis was removed and weighed and sperm were collected for sperm count, motility and biochemical studies. A 1% homogenate of epididymis was prepared and used for biochemical estimations. Results: In lindane-treated rats, there were significant reductions in the epididymal weight, epididymal sperm count and motility compared with the controls. Significant decreases in the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase activities and significant increases in the H2O2 generation and lipid peroxidation were also observed in the epididymis and epididymal sperm of lindane-treated rats. Conclusion: Lindane decreases the levels of antioxidant enzymes in the epididymis and epididymal sperm of adult rats thereby inducing oxidative stress.     

Effect of bisphenol A and co-administration of bisphenol A and vitamin C on epididymis of adult rats： A histological and biochemical study

Aim: To study the effect of bisphenol A on the epididymis and epididymal sperm of rats and the possible amelioration action of co-administration with vitamin C. Methods: Male Wistar rats were orally administered bisphenol A (0.2 μg·kg-1·day-1, 2 μg·kg-1·day-1 and 20 μg·kg-1·day-1) and 0.2 μg, 2μg and 20 μg bisphenol A + 40 mg vitamin C·kg-1·day-1 for 60 days. On day 61, rats were killed with anesthetic ether and sperm collected from epididymis were used for assessment of sperm count, motility and viability and biochemical studies. A 1 % homogenate of epididymis was prepared and used for biochemical estimations. Caput, corpus and cauda epididymis were fixed in Bouin's fixative for histological studies. Results: Administration of bisphenol A caused a reduction in the epididymal sperm motility and count and the sperm viability remained unchanged. The activities of superoxide dismutase and glu-tathione peroxidase decreased, while the levels of lipid peroxidation increased in epididymal sperm an     

Effect of methoxychlor on antioxidant system of goat epididymal sperm in vitro

Aim: To evaluate the effect of methoxychlor on the antioxidant system of goat epididymal sperm. Methods: Epididymis of adult goat was obtained from local slaughter houses and sperm were collected by chopping the epididymis in modified Ringer‘s phosphate solution (RPS). After several washings, the sperm samples were dispersed in RPS and incubated with methoxychlor (1μmol/L, 10 μmol/L and 100 μmol/L) and methoxychlor vitamin C (100 μmol/L each) for 3 h at 32℃. After incubation, the sperm motility and viability were assessed. An aliquot of sperm sample was homogenized, centrifuged and used for the assay of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and lipid peroxidation. Results: In methoxychlor-mcubated sperm and in sperm co-incubated with methoxychlor and vitamin C, the sperm motility and viability showed no significant changes as compared to the corresponding controls. In methoxychlor-incubated sperm the activity of superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase were decreased while lipid peroxidation was increased in a dose-dependent manner. Co-incubation of sperm with methoxychlor and vitamin C showed no changes in the activity of superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase and in the level of lipid peroxidation. Conclusion: Methoxychlor induced oxidative stress in epididymal sperm of goats by decreasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes. Co-incubation of sperm with methoxychlor and vitamin C, a natural antioxidant, reversed the effect of methoxychlor.     

Antioxidative effect of fullerenol on goat epididymal spermatozoa

AIM: To evaluate the effect of fullerenol on the antioxidant system of goat epididymal sperm. METHODS: Fresh epididymides of adult goats were obtained from local slaughter houses and sperm were collected by chopping the epididymis in modified Ringer's phosphate solution (RPS medium). After several washings the sperm samples were equally dispersed in RPS medium and incubated with fullerenol (1, 10 and 100 micromol) and FeSO(4)/ascorbate (40/200 micromol) with or without fullerenol (1, 10 and 100 micromol) for 3 h at 32 degree C. After incubation, an aliquot of sperm samples were homogenized and centrifuged and the supernatant used for biochemical studies. RESULTS: In FeSO(4)/ascorbate-incubated samples, the activities of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase, were decreased while lipid peroxidation increased as compared to the control sperm samples. In fullerenol-incubated sperm samples, the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase were increased while lipid peroxidation was decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Co-incubation of sperm with fullerenol (1,10 and 100 micromol) and FeSO(4)/ascorbate (40/200 micromol) increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes and prevented the iron-induced elevation of lipid peroxidation in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: Fullerenol reduces iron-induced oxidative stress in epididymal sperm of goat by increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes and decreasing lipid peroxidation.     

Sperm maturation in dogs: sperm profile and enzymatic antioxidant status in ejaculated and epididymal spermatozoa

Spermatozoa become more susceptible to the attack of reactive oxygen species during maturation. To avoid oxidative damage, the epididymis must provide the necessary antioxidant protection. The aim of this study was to compare the canine sperm profile and the enzymatic antioxidant status of the ejaculated fractions and samples collected from the different segments of the epididymis (caput, corpus and cauda). Five adult dogs were used, and after 1–3 weeks, subsequently to bilateral orchiectomy and epididymal storage, sperm samples were collected from the different segments of the epididymis. Samples were evaluated for conventional microscopy and computer‐assisted motility analysis: sperm plasma membrane permeability and the activity of the antioxidant enzymes catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Samples collected from the caput and corpus showed lower values for most of the motility variables evaluated, indicating different levels of immaturity. Catalase activity was observed only in ejaculated samples. Conversely, GPx activity was higher in the cauda epididymidis. Correlations were found between SOD and GPx and SOD and sperm motility in the epididymal cauda and corpus, highlighting the importance of the enzymes for the protection of spermatozoa during the transit along the epididymis.     

Effects of altered epididymal sperm transit time on sperm quality

The epididymal sperm transit time seems to have an important role in the process of sperm maturation, and it seems that alterations to the transit can harm the process. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the influence of altered sperm transit time through the epididymis on sperm parameters and fertility of rats, as well as the role of testosterone in the alterations. Sprague–Dawley adult male rats were randomly assigned to four different groups and were treated for 12 days: (i) 10 μg/rat/day DES, to accelerate the transit; (ii) 6.25 mg/kg/day guanethidine sulphate, to delay the transit; (iii) same treatment as group 1, plus androgen supplementation; (iv) control animals received the vehicles. Guanethidine treatment delayed the sperm transit time through the epididymal cauda, provoking increased sperm reserves in this region. Animals exposed to DES showed an acceleration of sperm transit time in the epididymis, and consequently decreased sperm density in both epididymal regions, the caput-corpus and cauda, and diminished sperm motility. In both cases sperm production was not altered. Testosterone supplementation was able to restore the transit time to values close to normality, as they were higher than in the control rats. The same occurred in relation to sperm motility. Rats exposed to DES presented lower fertility after in utero artificial insemination using sperm collected from the proximal cauda epididymis. Therefore, it was concluded that the acceleration of rat sperm transit time appeared to harm normal sperm maturation, thus decreasing sperm quality and fertility capacity, in an androgen-dependent way.     

Protective effects of kolaviron and quercetin on cadmium-induced testicular damage and endocrine pathology in rats

This study evaluated the effects of kolaviron, a biflavonoid from Garcinia kola seed, and quercetin on cadmium-induced reproductive toxicity in rats. Adult male rats were administered with either cadmium (15 mg kg(-1)) alone or in combination with kolaviron (200 mg kg(-1)) or quercetin (10 mg kg(-1)) daily for 5 days. Cadmium-treated rats showed (P < 0.05) decrease in the body weight gain, testis and epididymis weights. However, upon co-administration of kolaviron or quercetin, these changes were significantly reversed in cadmium-treated rats. Also, administration of kolaviron or quercetin significantly prevented cadmium-mediated decrease in sperm motility and epididymal sperm concentration and reversed the increased level of sperm abnormality to near control. In testes and sperm, cadmium treatment resulted in significant decrease in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, whereas it increased glutathione S-transferase activity as well as hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde levels. While plasma levels of triiodothyronine and tetraiodothyronine remained unaffected, the levels of testosterone, luteinising hormone and follicle stimulating hormone were decreased in cadmium-treated rats. Cadmium treatment caused mild congestion of interstitial vessels and oedema in the testes. Taken together, kolaviron and quercetin inhibited the adverse effects of cadmium on the antioxidant enzymes, markers of oxidative stress, endocrine and testicular structure in rats.     

Sperm membrane modulation by Sapindus mukorossi during sperm maturation

Aim: To observe the alterations in the biochemical and biophysical changes in the sperm membrane during sperm maturation in male rats treated with the water extract of the fruit pericarp of S. mukorossi. Methods: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were gavaged the aqueous extract of the fruit pericarp of S. mukorossi at a dose of 50 mg/kg/d for 45 days. On day 46, the sperm parameters were observed in different sections of the epididymis and the sperm superoxide dismutase and the lipid peroxidation was determined and compared with the controls. The testis and epididymis were routinely prepared for histological examination under the light microscope. Results: No significant differences in the sperm number and morphology were observed between the control and treated groups. However, a significant inhibition (P<0.05-0.01) of sperm motility in the caput, corpus and cauda regions of the epididymis was seen in the treated group. No significant histopathological changes were found in the testis and epididymis. The     

Melatonin attenuates doxorubicin-induced testicular toxicity in rats

This study investigated the protective effects of melatonin (MLT) against doxorubicin (DXR)-induced testicular toxicity and oxidative stress in rats. DXR was given as a single intraperitoneal dose of 10 mg kg(-1) body weight to male rats at 1 h after MLT treatment on day 6 of the study. MLT at 15 mg kg(-1) body weight was administered daily by gavage for 5 days before DXR treatment followed by an additional dose for 5 days. Sperm analysis, histopathological examination and biochemical methods were used for this investigation. DXR caused a decrease in the weight of seminal vesicles, epididymal sperm count and motility and an increase in the incidence of histopathological changes of the testis. In addition, an increased malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and decreased glutathione content, glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities were observed. On the contrary, MLT treatment significantly ameliorated DXR-induced testicular toxicity in rats. Moreover, MDA concentration and GR, GST and SOD activities were not affected when MLT was administered in conjunction with DXR. These results indicate that MLT had a protective effect against DXR-induced testicular toxicity and that the protective effects of MLT may be due to both the inhibition of lipid peroxidation and increased antioxidant activity.     

Suppression of androgen receptor gene expression by testosterone undecanoate in rats

Long--termtestosteroneisanidealmalecontraceptive,whichdoesnotneedtosupplyandrogentomaintainlibidoandsexfunctionasLHRHanalogueorprogestogen.WHO(1990)organizedamultiplecenterclinicaltrial.Thetrialrecuited217healthyfertilemen,whowereinjected200mgtestosteroneenanthate(TE)weekly.After12monthsexposure,azoospermiawasinducedin157men.Therewasoneofpregnancyinl,486effectivemonths(0.8/100womenyear)[IJ.Testosteroneundecanoate(TU)isalong--termtestosterone,whichcanmaintainabout60dayswithonedose.Itisapr…     

Quercetin and rutin ameliorates sulphasalazine‐induced spermiotoxicity,alterations in reproductive hormones and steroidogenic enzyme imbalance in rats

Certain dietary flavonoids exhibit protective potentials against drug‐induced male reproductive toxicities. We investigated the protective effects of quercetin and rutin on sulphasalazine‐induced alterations in steroidogenic enzyme activity, hormone profile and spermiotoxicity in rats. Sulphasalazine (SASP, 600 mg/kg bw) was administered alone or in combination with quercetin (20 mg/kg bw) or rutin (10 mg/kg bw) for 14 days. SASP treatment significantly increased relative weights of the epididymis and seminal vesicles. Also, testicular and epididymal sperm numbers (TSN, ESN), motility, daily sperm production (DSP) and acrosome reaction (AR) significantly decreased. SASP altered plasma testosterone, luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) levels while testicular cholesterol levels, 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β‐HSD) and 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β‐HSD) activities were decreased. Elevated malondialdehyde levels and concomitant decrease in reduced glutathione, glutathione‐S‐transferase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities were evident in testis and epididymis of SASP‐treated rats. Quercetin or rutin co‐treatment with SASP significantly reversed organ weights, preserved sperm integrity, restored plasma hormone levels and increased cholesterol levels, 3β‐HSD and 17β‐HSD activities in testis. Both flavonoids also prevented oxidative stress in testis and epididymis of SASP‐treated rats. Quercetin and rutin protect against the negative effects of SASP treatment on reproductive capacity in male rats.     

Alteration of epididymal function and its relation to maturation of spermatozoa

Alteration of epididymal function and its relation to maturation of spermatozoa was studied in 54 adult male albino rats. Levels of free and bound sialic acid in the spermatozoa and luminal contents of the epididymis and vas deferens were determined. A group of 10 received rabbit antiserum to ovine luteinizing hormone (LHAS) sc .2 ml/day for 5 days. 2 groups of 8 animals each received 2.5 mg cyproterone acetate twice daily for either 15 or 30 days. 16 animals served as intact controls and 12 animals served as castrate controls. Epididymis and vas deferens sperm counts were not affected by LHAS for 5 days or by cyproterone acetate for 15 days; however, sperm counts were decreased in the corpus (p less than .02), cauda (p less than .05), epididymidis and vas deferens (p less than .01) when rats were treated with cyproterone acetate for 30 days. Castration resulted in a marked reduction in all regions within 5 days. In the intact rats spermatozoa sialic acid decreased in the cauda epididymidis (p less than .01) and increased in the vas deferens (p less than .001). Sialic acid concentration was similar in those treated with either LHAS or cyproterone acetate for 30 days. Bound sialic acid in the epididymal fluid increased (p less than .02) to a maximum in the corpus and cauda and decreased in the vas deferens (p less than .05). LHAS or cyproterone acetate caused a reduction in bound sialic acid in the fluid of the epididymis and vas deferens.     

Effect of papaya seed extract on microenvironment of cauda epididymis

Aim: To evaluate the effect of aqueous Carica papaya seed extract on microenvironment of cauda epididymis. Methods: Adult male albino rats were intramuscularly administered with 0 (control) or 0.5 mg papaya seed extract/kg body weight for 7 days. Cauda epididymal tubular content was collected by micropuncture technique; epididymal luminal fluid and sperm pellets were separately analyzed. Results: The results revealed that the extract treatment caused significant reduction, as compared with control, in total protein and sialic acid contents in both epididymal fluid and sperm pellet. As compared with control, significantly lowered acid phosphatase activity was recorded in sperm pellet but was higher in epididymal fluid after the treatment. The extract treatment also caused significant reduction in level of inorganic phosphorus in the epididymal fluid. Conclusion: It is concluded that the aqueous papaya seed extract alters cauda epididymal microenvironment.     

Quercetin exacerbates the effects of subacute treatment of atrazine on reproductive tissue antioxidant defence system,lipid peroxidation and sperm quality in rats

The study investigated the reproductive function and the antioxidant defence system of rats co‐exposed to atrazine [ATZ, 120 mg kg^?1 body weight (b. wt)] and quercetin (QT, 20 mg kg^?1 b. wt.). ATZ had no significant effects on feed intake, body weights and reproductive organs weight except prostate weight. Sperm abnormalities were increased, whereas sperm production, sperm motility and epididymal and testicular sperm numbers were decreased with ATZ treatment. Antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase, glutathione‐S‐transferase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly altered in the epididymis and testis resulting to lipid peroxidation. A potentiating response on glutathione‐S‐transferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities in the testis and on lactate dehydrogenase activity and glutathione level in the epididymis was observed in the QT + ATZ animals. Quercetin alone decreased seminal vesicle and prostate weights, increased superoxide dismutase activity in the testis and ascorbate level in the epididymis. Mild pathological changes were observed in the ATZ group, whereas considerable necrosis of seminiferous tubular cells with hypoplasia of the epithelia was observed in the QT + ATZ animals. The epididymis of these animals had multilayered and sometimes a single lining epididymal epithelium with few spermatozoa. We conclude that quercetin at the investigated dose increases the susceptibility of rat reproductive tissues to atrazine‐induced oxidative damage.     

Posttesticular antifertility action of triptolide in the male rat: evidence for severe impairment of cauda epididymal sperm ultrastructure

A variety of active diterpene epoxides, including the triptolide (isolated from Tripterygium wilfordii) have been reported to cause infertility in male rats. Previously, we showed that oral administration of triptolide at a dosage of 100 microg/kg per body weight for 70 days completely inhibited fertility in male rats, with little or no demonstrable detrimental effect on spermatogenesis and Leydig cell function as determined by testicular light microscopic appearance and serum and intratesticular testosterone levels. Despite the apparent absence of effects on the testes, cauda epididymal sperm were abnormal, with complete cessation of sperm motility and some reduction in sperm numbers. This study was undertaken to provide additional insight into the subcellular sites and possible mechanisms of action of this compound using ultrastructural analysis of the testes and epididymidis. The most striking effect of triptolide treatment was observed in sperm in the epididymis. In rats rendered infertile with 100 microg/kg per body weight of triptolide daily for 70 days, virtually all cauda epididymal sperm exhibited complete absence of plasma membrane over the entire middle and principal piece, premature decondensation of the nuclei, and disorganization of the mitochondrial sheath with many vacuolated mitochondria. No ultrastructural differences in the epididymal epithelium were observed between control and triptolide-treated rats. The testes appeared to be mildly affected after triptolide treatment but exhibited only subtle ultrastructural defects in the germ cells. The findings of severe impairment of cauda epididymal sperm ultrastructure, along with minimal discernible abnormalities in the fine structural cytology of the testes, further suggest that the site of action of this compound is posttesticular and may be confined to the cauda epididymal sperm. However, we cannot rule out an effect of triptolide that occurs during germ cell maturation but is delayed in its manifestation or triggered at the rete testis and epididymal level.     

弱精子症大鼠模型的建立及左旋肉碱对其改善作用的相关研究

目的 研究弱精子症大鼠模型的建立及左旋肉碱(L-肉碱)与精子质量的关系.方法 24只雄性SD大鼠随机均分成3组,分别连续灌胃20d,A组(对照组):0.5%羟甲基纤维素钠(溶剂);B组:400mg/kg奥硝唑悬液:C组:400mg/kg奥硝唑悬液+100mg/kg左旋肉碱.末次给药24h后,麻醉处死所有大鼠,分别检测各组精子密度、活力、形态正常率以及附睾总L-肉碱和游离L-肉碱浓度.结果 A组、B组及C组的精子密度差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);A组、C组精子活力、精子形态正常率及附睾总L-肉碱、游离L-肉碱浓度均明显高于B组(P＜0.05),A组与C组精子活力、精子形态正常率及附睾总L-肉碱、游离L-肉碱浓度比较,差异均无统计学意义.精子活力与附睾总L-肉碱、游离L-广肉碱浓度呈正相关(r=0.645,P＜0.05:r=0.676,P＜0.05),精子形态与附睾总L-肉碱、游离L-肉碱浓度呈正相关(r=0.557,P＜0.05;r=0.583,P＜0.05),均相关性其具有统计学意义.结论 奥硝唑可以降低大鼠精子活力、精子形态正常率,以及附睾L-肉碱水平,附睾L-肉碱浓度与精子活力、精子形态正常率呈正相关,L-肉碱对精子质量有改善作用.     

L-肉碱对糖尿病大鼠生精细胞凋亡及附睾精子数量和活动率的影响

目的:探讨L-肉碱(LC)对糖尿病(DM)大鼠生精细胞凋亡及附睾精子数量和活动率的影响。方法:24只雄性SD大鼠随机均分为3组,一组作为对照组,剩余两组分别注射链脲佐菌素(STZ,65 mg/kg)建立DM模型。建模成功后,各组大鼠分别给予如下灌胃剂量:对照组:生理盐水;DM模型组:生理盐水;LC组:300 mg/kgLC溶液,连续灌胃6周。末次给药24 h后,麻醉处死所有大鼠,分别进行附睾精子计数并检测精子活动率,流式细胞术检测各组大鼠睾丸生精细胞凋亡情况。结果:用LC治疗后的大鼠附睾头、尾精子活动率(%)分别为53.7±1.8和60.3±1.6,显著高于DM模型大鼠(分别为32.2±2.0和40.5±1.4,P<0.05),但低于对照组大鼠精子活动率63.1±2.4和68.9±1.3。与对照组附睾尾精子相对计数[(37.8±1.1)×106/100 mg]相比,DM组显著减少[(25.5±1.1)×106/100 mg],且具有统计学差异(P<0.05);LC治疗后大鼠附睾尾精子相对计数[(32.0±1.5)×106/100 mg]比DM组显著增加(P<0.05),但仍低于对照组。与对照组生精细胞凋亡率[(3.7±1.3)%]相比,DM组生精细胞凋亡率[(52.5±4.4)%]显著上升(P<0.05);经LC治疗后,LC组大鼠生精细胞凋亡率为(35.3±3.5)%,比DM组显著降低(P<0.05),但仍显著高于对照组。结论:LC(300 mg/kg)灌胃DM大鼠6周,可以减少DM大鼠生精细胞凋亡,增加附睾精子数量,提高精子活动率。     

Effects of antifertility drugs on epididymal protein secretion, acquisition of sperm surface proteins and fertility in male rats

The possibility that α-chlorohydrin, 6-chloro-6-deoxyglucose (6CDG) and cyproterone acetate (CPA) might affect epididymal protein secretion or acquisition of sperm surface proteins as the cause of their antifertility action in male rats was investigated. Daily administration of 9 mg/kg α-chlorohydrin for 7–14 days and 24 mg/kg 6CDG for 14–21 days induced sterility in male rats and impaired the capacity of the cauda epididymal spermatozoa to initiate motility. Treatment with CPA (30 mg/kg/day) for 21–28 days, however, was found to have no effect on fertility and initiation of sperm motility, although the epididymis of the treated animals underwent a loss in weight. The antifertility effects of α-chlorohydrin or 6CDG did not seem to be attributed to an interference with epididymal protein secretion. The cauda epididymal fluids of the α-chlorohydrin, 6CDG and CPA treated animals have similar protein patterns compared to those of the control animals. However, when the surface proteins of the spermatozoa were labelled with radioactive iodine, the sperm surface proteins of the α-chlorohydrin and 6CDG treated animals were found to differ from those of the control animals. Two peaks (MW 32 000 and 70 000) and one peak (70 000) were significantly reduced in the α-chlorohydrin treated and 6CDG treated animals, respectively. Additional bands appeared on the surface of the treated (infertile) animals. In contrast, CPA treatment did not affect the surface protein pattern of the epididymal spermatozoa. It was concluded that the antifertility affects of α-chlorolydrin and 6CDG are not due to an interference with epididymal secretion of specific proteins but to an intervention of the subsequent acquisition of these proteins by epididymal spermatozoa. This results in a decrease in the capacity of the epididymal sperm to initiate motility and hence a loss of fertilizing capacity.     

Sexual behaviour, sperm quantity and quality after short-term streptozotocin-induced hyperglycaemia in rats

Studies of diabetes mellitus in the streptozotocin rat model suggest that sexual dysfunctions may result from diabetes-induced alterations of the neuroendocrine-reproductive tract axis. Our investigation was performed to better define the effects of short-term hyperglycaemia on rat epididymal sperm quantity, quality and transit time, using both natural mating and artificial in utero insemination protocols. Male rats were made diabetic with streptozotocin (sc, 40 mg/kg), whereas controls received vehicle. Sexual behaviour was tested after 15 days and sperm fertilizing ability was checked 22 days after the injection through natural mating and artificial in utero insemination. Other parameters such as daily sperm production, testosterone levels, as well as sperm morphology and motility were also investigated. Fifty per cent of the diabetic animals showed no copulatory behaviour during tests and the number of animals reaching ejaculation was smaller in the diabetic group when compared with the control group (33% vs. 83%). Diabetes resulted in decreased body and reproductive organ weights, as well as diminished sperm counts in the testis and epididymis, that were associated with diminution of plasmatic testosterone levels. After natural mating, there was a decrease in the fertility in the diabetic adult male rats (25.5%) compared with control animals (81.5%). However, distal cauda epididymal sperm from diabetic rats displayed normal fertilization ability (91.5%) using in utero insemination. There were no effects of hyperglycaemia on sperm transit time in the epididymis and on spermatogenesis. Our results indicate that diabetes mellitus produces reproductive dysfunction, but does not compromise sperm fertilizing ability in the cauda epididymis in this experimental model.     

Effect of alpha-chlorohydrin on epididymal sperm and epididymal plasma in swine.

Investigation of the contraceptive mechanism of alpha-chlorohydrin was done by analyses of epididymal plasma and certain epididymal sperm characteristics after oral administration of 0, 5, 10 or 30 mg/kg, day of the drug to boars for 15 days. Water resorption in caput epididymidis was slightly decreased in all treatment groups. Sodium, potassium, chloride, glycerylphosphorylcholine levels, and seminal antigens in epididymal plasma were not altered significantly by 10 or 30 mg/kg of the drug. The boars on 5 mg/kg exhibited significantly elevated sodium, potassium, or chloride values in various segments. Motility was significantly lower on corpus and proximal cauda epididymal spermatozoa from alpha-chlorohydrin treated boars. Only boars receiving 30 mg/kg exhibited impaired sperm motility in the distal cauda. The movement of the cytoplasmic droplets to the distal position was retarded in boars on the two highest dose levels. The results suggest that the contraceptive effects of alpha-chlorohydrin in the boar is probably not mediated via an impaired epididymal function.