Androgen aromatization in cryptorchid mouse testis

Estrogens play an important role in germ cell development. Therefore, we have studied expression patterns of aromatase that converts testosterone into estrogens in 2 recombinant inbred mouse strains that differ in efficiency of spermatogenesis. In order to show whether germ cells are a target for estrogens, estrogen receptors (ER)alpha and beta were localized as well. Adult male CBA and KE mice were made unilaterally cryptorchid to determine alterations in testicular steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis. Differences between control and cryptorchid testes have been studied with respect to (1) cellular sites of aromatase, the enzyme responsible for estrogen formation, (2) the presence of ERalpha and ERbeta in various types of testicular cells, and (3) steroidogenic activity in the testes. Additionally, unilaterally control testes of cryptorchid mice were compared with bilaterally descended testes. Histological or hormonal differences were not found between control testes of cryptorchid and untreated mice. In cryptorchid testes from both strains, degeneration of germ cells was observed as well as a decrease in size of the seminiferous tubules, whereas the amount of interstitial tissue increased, especially in testes of CBA mice. Using immunohistochemistry, aromatase was localized in Leydig cells and germ cells in both control and cryptorchid testes. Sertoli cells were immunopositive in control testes only. In cryptorchid testes of KE mice, aromatase was strongly expressed in spermatids, that were still present in a few tubules. Other cell types in tubules were negative for aromatase. In both control and cryptorchid testes of both mouse strains, ERalpha were present in Leydig cells only, whereas ERbeta were found in Leydig cells and in germ cells in early stages of maturation. In homogenates of testes of CBA control mice, testosterone levels were 3-fold higher than in those of control KE mice, whereas the difference in estradiol levels between both strains was small. Cryptorchidism resulted in decreased testosterone levels and increased estradiol levels. The results of the present study show functional alterations due to cryptorchidism in both mouse strains. Strong aromatase expression in germ cells in control and cryptorchid testes indicates an additional source of estrogens in the testis besides the interstitial tissue and the relevance of estrogen in spermatogenesis.     

Leydig cell differentiation during maturation of the rat testis: a stereological study of cell number and ultrastructure

In an effort to further understand the basis for the changes in steroidogenesis known to occur during sexual maturation in the rat, we examined by quantitative morphologic methods the number and ultrastructure of Leydig cells in fetal rats (days 18-20 of gestation) and in rats from days 2 to 3 of age through adult. Quantitative light microscopic analyses indicated that Leydig cell number, when expressed per unit volume of testis, was very high in fetal rat testes, fell significantly in testes of days 2 to 3 rats, and subsequently rose significantly. When Leydig cell number was expressed per testis rather than per unit volume of testis, the results indicated that testes of fetal rats and rats of days 2 to 3 contained the same number of Leydig cells; after the neonatal period, significant increases in Leydig cell number per testis occurred in concert with increases in testis weight. Quantitative electron microscopic studies revealed significant differences in the ultrastructure of fetal and adult populations of Leydig cells. For example, Leydig cells of fetal and neonatal rats contained abundant lipid, whereas Leydig cells of weeks 7 to 8 and adult rats contained little. Stereological analyses also revealed dramatic changes in smooth endoplasmic reticulum and inner mitochondrial membrane surface areas during sexual maturation, both per cell and per testis. These findings are discussed with respect to the steroidogenic capacity of the testis during sexual maturation.     

孕期非那雄胺暴露致子代雄性小鼠生殖器官发育异常

目的:探讨孕期非那雄胺暴露对子代雄性小鼠生殖器官发育的影响。方法:CD-1小鼠在受孕后0~17 d给予非那雄胺处理,通过宏观观察、解剖分析与组织形态学染色观察子代雄性小鼠生殖器官的发育情况;通过免疫荧光染色分析子代雄性小鼠精子发生情况。结果:宏观观察结果显示,孕期非那雄胺暴露可导致子代雄性小鼠外生殖器官畸形,表现为阴囊未完全融合及阴茎畸形;此外,还观察到小鼠肛门与生殖器的距离显著缩短(P<0.01)。解剖分析结果显示,孕期非那雄胺暴露可导致子代雄性小鼠睾丸不同程度的不完全下降及长度显著缩短(P<0.01)。组织形态学结果显示,各阶段阴茎长度均显著缩短(P<0.01);睾丸生精小管密度和生精小管管腔成熟精子数均显著降低(P<0.01),生精小管管腔和睾丸间质间隙均显著增大(P<0.01)。免疫荧光染色结果显示,睾丸中支持细胞、睾丸间质细胞和精原细胞的密度均显著降低(P<0.01);生精小管细胞的caspase-3荧光强度显著增加(P<0.01),Ki67与沙漠刺猬因子(desert hedgehog,Dhh)荧光强度均显著降低(P<0.01)。结论:孕期非那雄胺暴露可导致子代小鼠生殖器官发育异常并影响精子发生。     

Immunodetection of aromatase in mice with a partial deletion in the long arm of the Y chromosome

Aromatization of androgens into estrogens is catalyzed by a microsomal enzyme, P450 aromatase. Males of the mouse strain B10.BR and its congenic mutant strain B10.BR-Ydel (with a partial deletion in the long arm of the Y chromosome) were used to identify the cellular source of estrogens within the testis. Immunocytochemistry was applied to localize aromatase in cultured Leydig cells, cytoplasmic droplets attached to flagella of spermatozoa, and sections of testes. The presence of aromatase in testes was checked by means of Western-blot analysis. Steroid hormones secreted by Leydig cells in vitro were measured in homogenates of testes using radioimmunological methods. Additionally, a Southern analysis was performed using the Y353/B probe to check the length of the deletion in the Y chromosome. In sections of testis of B10.BR mice, weak to moderate immunohistochemical staining of aromatase was found in Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, and germ cells. In testicular cells of B10.BR-Ydel mice, stronger immunostaining of aromatase was observed, especially in germ cells and Leydig cells. Positivity for aromatase was also found in the cytoplasm of cultured Leydig cells from both strains, but it was higher in cells derived from mutant males. Western-blot analysis revealed one major band of approx. 55kDa of aromatase in testes from both strains. Lower testosterone levels were found in mutant males in supernatants of culture media and homogenates of testes in comparison with control males. In contrast, estradiol levels were always higher in mutants. Therefore, it seems likely that the increased expression of aromatase and, as a consequence, the higher levels of endogenous estrogens enhance the morphological alterations in testis and affect spermatogenesis in mutant males.     

Reinitiation of spermatogenesis by exogenous gonadotropins in a seasonal breeder,the woodchuck (Marmota monax), during gonadal inactivity

The present study was undertaken (1) to document structural and functional changes in the testes of seasonally breeding woodchuck during active and inactive states of spermatogenesis and (2) to evaluate the ability of exogenous gonadotropins to reinitiate spermatogenesis outside the breeding season. During seasonal gonadal inactivity, there were significant (P < 0.05) reductions in volumes of several testicular features (testis, seminiferous tubules, tubular lumen, interstitial tissue, individual Leydig cells, Leydig cell nuclei, and Leydig cell cytoplasm) as compared with gonadally active animals. The diameter of the seminiferous tubules was decreased by 26%, and Leydig cell numbers also declined in the regressed testes. These changes were accompanied by a decline in testosterone (T) levels in both plasma and testis, and reduction in epithelial height of accessory reproductive organs. A hormonal regimen was developed that would reinitiate spermatogenesis in captive, sexually quiescent woodchucks. A combination of PMSG and hCG markedly stimulated testicular growth and function and restored spermatogenesis qualitatively. Quantitatively normal spermatogenesis was restored in 2 of 6 treated males. Morphometric analyses revealed substantial increases in seminiferous tubular diameter and in the volume of seminiferous tubules, tubular lumen, total Levdig cells, and individual Leydig cells in the hormone-treated animals. These increased values corresponded to 99, 75, 68, 51, and 200%, respectively, of the values measured in naturally active woodchucks. Leydig cell numbers, however, remained unchanged and approximated only 31% of the number found in naturally active testes. Hormonal stimulation also resulted in a significant rise in serum T as well as in the total content of testicular T, and a marked increase in epithelial height in various accessory reproductive glands. The most effective hormonal protocol for stimulating spermatogenesis was treatment with 12.5 IU of PMSG twice a week for 4 weeks followed by 12.5 IU of PMSG + 25 IU of hCG twice a week for 4 weeks.     

Mas基因沉默对血管紧张素-(1-7)拮抗血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导的大鼠肾间质成纤维细胞活化的影响

 目的： 探讨Mas基因沉默后对血管紧张素-(1-7) ［Ang-(1-7)］拮抗血管紧张素Ⅱ（AngⅡ）诱导的大鼠肾间质成纤维细胞活化的影响。方法：（1）有效Mas siRNA的筛选：设计合成3对不同序列针对Mas基因的siRNA,瞬时转染大鼠肾间质成纤维细胞（NRK-49F）,实验分5组：Mas siRNA序列1、Mas siRNA序列2、Mas siRNA序列3、阴性siRNA序列及正常对照组。转染后48 h,分别用半定量RT-PCR及Western blotting检测Mas mRNA和蛋白的表达水平。（2）研究有效Mas siRNA对Ang-(1-7)拮抗AngⅡ的影响：实验分6组：正常对照组、AngⅡ组、Ang-(1-7)组、AngⅡ+Ang-(1-7)组、阴性siRNA对照组和Mas siRNA转染组。分别培养72 h后,细胞免疫化学法检测细胞活化标志物α-平滑肌肌动蛋白（α-SMA）的表达,ELISA法检测上清液中细胞外基质成分Ⅰ型胶原（ColⅠ）的含量。结果：（1）与组相比,Mas siRNA各组Mas基因的表达均下降,其中以Mas siRNA序列2最明显（P<0.05）。 （2）有效Mas siRNA转染组在加AngⅡ+Ang-(1-7)干预72 h后,较非转染组和阴性siRNA转染组α-SMA及ColⅠ表达均增加,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。结论：Mas siRNA能有效抑制Mas的表达,使Ang-(1-7)拮抗AngⅡ诱导的大鼠肾间质成纤维细胞活化作用明显减弱。     

Cytoplasmic tail of MT1-MMP regulates macrophage motility independently from its protease activity

Membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) is a proinvasive protease that regulates various cellular functions as evidenced by myriad defects in different types of cells and tissues in MT1-MMP-deficient (MT1^−/–) mice. Here we demonstrate that MT1^−/– mice exhibit fewer infiltrating macrophages into sites of inflammation. MT1^−/–macrophages exhibited a reduced ability to invade reconstituted basement membrane (Matrigel) and invasion by wild type (WT) macrophages was inhibited by a synthetic MMP inhibitor (BB94) to a level similar to that of MT1^−/– cells. The rate of migration of MT1^−/– macrophages was also low compared to that of the WT cells and re-expression of MT1-MMP in MT1^−/– macrophages reconstituted their migratory activity. Unexpectedly, however, BB94 did not inhibit the migration of WT macrophages. The migration-boosting activity of MT1-MMP is retained in a mutant that lacks most of the extracellular portion including the catalytic and hemopexin-like domains. In contrast, deletion of the cytoplasmic (CP) tail abolished the activity completely. Thus, we have demonstrated that MT1-MMP regulates macrophages via its invasion-promoting protease activity as well as its CP-dependent non-proteolytic activity to boost cell migration.     

LPS-induced transient testicular dysfunction accompanied by apoptosis of testicular germ cells in mice

The aim of this study was to clarify effects of inflammation on spermatogenesis in LPS-administered mice. ICR mice were treated by intraperitoneal injection for 7 days with either physiological saline (control) or 0.1 mg lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/kg body weight/day. Control mice were killed at 24 h after the last injection and the LPS-treated group after 24 h or 1, 3, or 5 weeks. Sperm concentration and motility in the cauda epididymis were examined as well as immunohistochemical localization of Fas and FasL and germ cell apoptosis. Sperm concentration and motility markedly fluctuated in LPS-treated mice. Increase of apoptotic cells was common in all post-LPS treatment groups, with a peak at 24 h after LPS injection. In contrast to the lack of Fas immunoreactivity in control testes, LPS-treated groups demonstrated Fas in many germ cells, especially in spermatocytes and spermatids. Immunoreactivity for FasL, on the other hand, was positive for some Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and germ cells in both control and LPS-treated groups at all time points. The results suggest that the Fas/FasL system mediates apoptosis of germ cells in LPS-treated mice testes. LPS-administered mice thus provide a good experimental model for the study of transient disruption of spermatogenesis.     

Fas expression correlates with human germ cell degeneration in meiotic and post-meiotic arrest of spermatogenesis

Degeneration of human male germ cells was analysed by means of light (LM) and transmission electron (TEM) microscopy. The frequency of degenerating cells was correlated with that of Fas-expressing germ cells in human testes with normal spermatogenesis (n = 10), complete early maturation arrest (EMA) (n = 10) or incomplete late maturation arrest (LMA; n = 10) of spermatogenesis. LM analysis of testis sections with normal spermatogenesis indicated that degenerating germ cells were localized in the adluminal compartment of the seminiferous epithelium. TEM showed that apoptotic cells were mostly primary spermatocytes and, to a lesser extent, round or early elongating spermatids. Apoptotic germ cells appeared to be eliminated either in the seminiferous lumen or by Sertoli cell phagocytosis. An increased number of degenerating cells was observed in testes with LMA as compared with normal testes and testes with EMA of spermatogenesis (P < 0.001, Wilcoxon's rank sum test). Comparison of these results with those obtained from immunohistochemistry experiments demonstrated a tight correlation between the number of apoptotic cells and the number of Fas-expressing germ cells (P = 0.001, Spearman's rank = 0.69). These findings suggest that altered meiotic and post-meiotic germ cell maturation might be associated with an up-regulation of Fas gene expression capable of triggering apoptotic elimination of defective germ cells.     

Expression of CD1d Protein in Human Testis Showing Normal and Abnormal Spermatogenesis

CD1d is a member of CD1 family of transmembrane glycoproteins, which represent antigen-presenting molecules. Immunofluorescent staining methods were utilized to examine expression pattern of CD1d in human testicular specimens. In testis showing normal spermatogenesis, a strong CD1d cytoplasmic expression was seen the Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, and Leydig cells. A moderate expression was observed in the spermatocytes. In testes showing maturation arrest, CD1d expression was strong in the Sertoli cells and weak in spermatogonia and spermatocytes compared to testis with normal spermatogenesis. In Sertoli cell only syndrome, CD1d expression was strong in the Sertoli and Leydig cells. This preliminary study displayed testicular infertility-related changes in CD1d expression. The ultrastructural changes associated with with normal and abnormal spermatogenesis are open for further investigations.     

Expression of CD1d protein in human testis showing normal and abnormal spermatogenesis

CD1d is a member of CD1 family of transmembrane glycoproteins, which represent antigen-presenting molecules. Immunofluorescent staining methods were utilized to examine expression pattern of CD1d in human testicular specimens. In testis showing normal spermatogenesis, a strong CD1d cytoplasmic expression was seen the Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, and Leydig cells. A moderate expression was observed in the spermatocytes. In testes showing maturation arrest, CD1d expression was strong in the Sertoli cells and weak in spermatogonia and spermatocytes compared to testis with normal spermatogenesis. In Sertoli cell only syndrome, CD1d expression was strong in the Sertoli and Leydig cells. This preliminary study displayed testicular infertility-related changes in CD1d expression. The ultrastructural changes associated with with normal and abnormal spermatogenesis are open for further investigations.     

血管紧张素-(1-7)/Mas受体轴通过调控NF-κB通路保护心肌细胞对抗高糖诱导的损伤

目的:探讨血管紧张素-(1-7)[Ang-(1-7)]/Mas受体轴能否通过抑制核因子-κB(NF-κB)通路对抗高糖(HG)引起的心肌细胞损伤。方法:应用细胞计数检测试剂盒(CCK-8)检测心肌细胞存活率;双氯荧光素(DCFH-DA)染色荧光显微镜照相法检测胞内活性氧(ROS)水平;Hoechst 33258核染色荧光显微镜照相测定凋亡细胞的形态及数量的变化;JC-1染色法测定线粒体膜电位(MMP);应用免疫蛋白印迹法测定NF-κB p65和cleaved caspase-3蛋白的表达水平。结果:应用35 mmol/L葡萄糖分别处理H9c2心肌细胞30、60、90、120和150 min均能明显增加磷酸化(p)NF-κB p65的水平,其中60 min时,表达水平增加最明显;1μmol/L Ang-(1-7)与HG共同处理心肌细胞60 min能抑制HG对p-NF-κB p65表达的上调作用;0.1~30μmol/L的Ang-(1-7)与HG分别共处理心肌细胞24 h均能抑制HG的细胞毒性,使细胞存活率增多;另一方面,1μmol/L Ang-(1-7)能抑制HG引起的细胞凋亡、氧化应激、线粒体损伤等,使凋亡细胞数量、cleaved caspase-3表达、ROS生成水平及MMP丢失减少;但是10μmol/L Ang-(1-7)/Mas受体拮抗剂A-779能明显阻断上述的Ang-(1-7)的心肌细胞保护作用;与Ang-(1-7)的作用相似,100μmol/L PDTC(NF-κB抑制剂)与HG共处理心肌细胞24 h也能显著抑制上述的HG损伤作用。结论:Ang-(1-7)/Mas受体轴可通过抑制NF-κB通路对抗HG诱导的心肌细胞损伤。     

Experimental allergic orchitis in mice

Summary Experimental allergic orchids was induced in (C57BL/6J × A/J)F₁ mice by two injections of syngeneic testicular homogenate emulsified with adjuvants immediately followed by intravenous injection of pertussis vaccine, at a 2 week interval.Histologically, in the initial stage there was occasional focal degeneration and desquamation of both spermatogonia and Sertoli cells within limited parts of the seminiferous tubules, in the peripheral region of the testis. No inflammatory change was present. In some cases, however, inflammatory reaction in the rete testis and focal lymphocytic infiltration in the interstitium were also observed. Subsequently, marked infiltration of lymphocytes, monocytes, and polymorphs were found not only in the testes, but also in rete testis and epididymis. In later stages the inflammatory reaction gradually subsided, but the testes became atrophic due to progression of spermatogenic arrest. Many tubules were lined only with monolayers of Sertoli cells, surrounded by hyperplastic Leydig cells in the interstitium. At 5 months after the 2nd immunization, there was still variable depression of spermatogenesis and hyperplasia of Leydig cells with scattered fibrous scars in the seminiferous tubules, although good regeneration of germ cells appeared in some tubules.Immunological studies revealed that lymphocytes obtained from mice bearing developed orchitis showed a significantly enhanced response in the mixed culture with syngeneic testicular cells, and suggest that cellular immunity plays an important role in the induction of experimental allergic orchitis in mice.     

类固醇生成因子-1对青春期小鼠睾丸中睾酮生成及精子发生的调节

目的 探讨类固醇生成因子-1(SF-1)对青春期小鼠睾丸内分泌功能及精子发生过程的调节作用，并推测其可能机制。方法 用免疫组织化学方法定位SF-1在不同年龄小鼠睾丸中的细胞分布，进一步分离有SF-1阳性表达信号的青春期小鼠Leydig细胞在体外进行培养，用反义转染方法抑制细胞内SF-1蛋白质的表达，检测细胞的睾酮分泌量及睾酮生成酶P450scc的mRNA水平变化。结果 1．SF-1在青春期Leydig细胞核有表达；反义抑制细胞内SF-1蛋白质的表达，则细胞的睾酮分泌量及P450scc mRNA水平均显著下降；2．SF-1在青春期小鼠睾丸B型精原细胞及细线期、偶线期、粗线期的初级精母细胞核中也有表达。结论 1．SF-1参与调节青春期睾丸Leydig细胞中P450scc基因的转录，影响睾酮分泌；2．SF-1作为一种核受体，可能也是生精过程中重要的转录调控因子，调节B型精原细胞向初级精母细胞分化及初级精母细胞第1次减数分裂过程中特异表达的基因转录过程，从而影响青春期小鼠精子发生过程。     

The effects of pre- and postnatal exposure to the nonsteroidal antiandrogen flutamide on testis descent and morphology in the Albino Swiss rat

Exposure of male Albino Swiss rats to the nonsteroidal antiandrogen flutamide during the period from gestational day (d) 10 to birth resulted in feminisation of the external genitalia and the suppression of growth of the male reproductive tract. In adulthood, testes were found to be located in diverse positions. True cryptorchidism occurred in 10% of cases, whereas 50% of testes descended to the scrotum and 40% were located in a suprainguinal ectopic region. Varying degrees of tubule abnormality were seen in the testes of flutamide-treated animals, ranging from completely normal tubules with full spermatogenesis (and the expected frequency of the stages of spermatogenesis) to severely abnormal tubules lined with Sertoli cells only. For each individual testis, the overall severity of tubule damage was strongly correlated with its adult location, with intra-abdominal testes worst affected and scrotally-located testes least; only the latter contained normal tubules. Similarly, intra-abdominal testes were the smallest in weight and contained the least testosterone. By contrast, postnatal treatment of male rats with flutamide from birth to postnatal d 14 did not impair development of the external genitalia, the process of testicular descent or adult spermatogenesis. These findings confirm that androgen blockade during embryonic development interferes with testicular descent but also demonstrate that (1) prenatal flutamide treatment per se has a detrimental effect on adult testis morphology but (2) the degree of abnormality of the testes is strongly influenced by location.     

Ang-(1-7)与Mas结合促进NIT细胞分泌胰岛素

目的体外研究Ang-(1-7)对NIT细胞胰岛素分泌的影响及其潜在机制。方法将NIT细胞在不同浓度Ang-(1-7)(10-8～10-3mol/L)培养24 h,ELISA法检测NIT细胞对葡萄糖刺激的胰岛素分泌功能。用RT-PCR法,从NIT细胞中扩增Mas、GLUT-2和TGF-β1基因的全长cDNA序列。将NIT细胞在10-5mol/L Ang-(1-7)条件下培养48 h,QRT-PCR方法检测NIT细胞Mas、GLUT-2及TGF-β1的mRNA表达,Western印迹方法测定NIT细胞Mas、GLUT-2及TGF-β1的蛋白表达。结果 NIT细胞系随着细胞外Ang-(1-7)浓度(10-8～10-3mol/L)的增加胰岛素分泌增加,10-5mol/L Ang-(1-7)组胰岛素分泌量为(8.86±0.53)mIU/L,显著高于对照组(8.06±0.39)mIU/L(P<0.05)。与对照组相比,经10-5mol/L Ang-(1-7)预处理的NIT细胞Mas及GLUT-2的mRNA和蛋白表达上调(P<0.05);相反,经10-5mol/L Ang-(1-7)预处理的NIT细胞TGF-β1的mRNA和蛋白表达水平下降(P<0.05)。结论Ang-(1-7)与Mas结合能够促进NIT细胞分泌胰岛素,这可能与提高NIT细胞摄取葡萄糖的能力、抑制纤维化进程等相关。     

Genetically altered animal models for Mas and angiotensin-(1–7)

Mas is the receptor for angiotensin-(1–7) and is involved in cardiovascular and neuronal regulation, in which the heptapeptide also plays a major role. Mas -deficient mice have been generated by us, and their characterization has shown that Mas has important functions in behaviour and cardiovascular regulation. These mice exhibit increased anxiety but, despite an enhanced long-term potentiation in the hippocampus, do not perform better in learning experiments. When Mas -deficient mice are backcrossed to the FVB/N genetic background, a cardiovascular phenotype is uncovered, in that the backcrossed animals become hypertensive. Concordant with our detection by fluorescent in situ hybridization of Mas mRNA in mouse endothelium, this phenotype is caused by endothelial dysfunction based on a dysbalance between nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species in the vessel wall. In agreement with these data, transgenic spontaneously hypertensive stroke-prone rats overexpressing ACE2 in the vessel wall exhibit reduced blood pressure as a result of improved endothelial function. Moreover, angiotensin-(1–7) overexpression in transgenic rats has cardioprotective and haemodynamic effects. In conclusion, the angiotensin-(1–7)–Mas axis has important functional implications for vascular regulation and blood pressure control, particularly in pathophysiological situations.     

Neonatal exposure of male rats to estradiol benzoate causes rete testis dilation and backflow impairment of spermatogenesis

Estrogens administered to perinatal rodents cause spermatogenesis impairment; this study was undertaken to determine the mechanisms by which estrogens exert this effect. Neonatal male Wistar rats received estradiol benzoate (either 0.5 mg/5g BW or 1 mg/5g BW) and were killed at days 10, 22, 33, 45, and 60. Controls received vehicle. In tubule cross-sections of transverse sections of the right testes, 1) tubular diameter (TD) and seminiferous epithelium height (SEH) were measured, 2) normal and impaired spermatogenesis were classified in terms of the most advanced germ cell type present, including tubules lined by Sertoli cells only. A significant dose-dependent rise in the tubule percentage lined by Sertoli cells only at day 60 reflected spermatogenesis impairment. This was evidenced by the presence of multinucleated germ cells in a thin epithelium and sloughed into an enlarged tubular lumen, which was reflected in a significant dose-dependent increase in TD/SEH values from day 22 onward. TD was significantly greater and SEH significantly lower in tubular segments located at the cranial than the caudal halves of rat testes treated with the high (days 22, 33, and 60) and the low dose (day 33). This indicated distension in cranial tubular segments, perhaps due to the fact that these segments were the closest to the dilated rete testis. Consequently, they showed the highest TD/SEH values and the most regressive features of spermatogenesis (tubules lined by Sertoli cells only). In contrast, caudal segments in rat testes treated with the low dose showing TD/SEH values similar to controls displayed a delayed maturation of spermatogenesis coinciding with the late appearance of mature Leydig cells. Anat. Rec. 252:17–33, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Selective increase of angiotensin(1–7) and its receptor in hearts of spontaneously hypertensive rats subjected to physical training

In the present study we investigated the effects of physical training on plasma and cardiac angiotensin(1–7) [Ang(1–7)] levels. In addition, possible changes in expression of the Ang(1–7) Mas receptor in the heart were also evaluated. Normotensive Wistar rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were subjected to an 8 week period of 5% overload swimming training. Blood pressure was determined by a tail-cuff system. Heart and left ventricle weights and cardiomyocyte diameter were analysed to evaluate cardiac hypertrophy. Radioimmunoassay was used to measure angiotensin levels. Expression of Mas was determined by semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence and Western blotting. Physical training induced cardiac hypertrophy in Wistar rats and SHR. A significant decrease of plasma angiotensin II (Ang II) levels in both strains was also observed. Strikingly, trained SHR, but not trained Wistar rats, showed a twofold increase in left ventricular Ang(1–7) levels. No significant changes were observed in plasma Ang(1–7) and left ventricular Ang II concentrations in either strain. Furthermore, Mas mRNA and protein expression in left ventricle were substantially increased in trained SHR. The physical training protocol used did not change blood pressure in either strain. These results suggest that the beneficial effects induced by swimming training in hypertensive rats might include an augmentation of Ang(1–7) and its receptor in the heart.