Antifertility studies of the root extract of the Barleria prionitis Linn in male albino rats with special reference to testicular cell population dynamics

Oral administration of root extract of Barleria prionitis L. to male rats (100 mg/rat per day) for the period of 60 days did not cause body weight loss. The root extract brought about an interference with spermatogenesis. The round spermatids were decreased by 73.6% (P< or =0.001). No significant change was found in the population of secondary spermatocytes. However, the population of preleptotene spermatocytes were decreased by 41.9%. The extract reduced the fertility of male rats by 100%. Cross sectional surface area of Sertoli cells and mature Leydig cell numbers were significantly reduced (36.9%). The total protein, sialic acid contents of the testes, epididymides, seminal vesicle and prostate were reduced. Testicular glycogen contents were low. Antifertility effects of Barleria seemed to be mediated by disturbances in testicular somatic cells functions (Leydig and Sertoli cells) resulting in the physio-morphological events of spermatogenesis.     

Effect of Saponins of Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth bark on the reproductive system of male albino rats

Oral administration of saponins isolated from Albizia lebbeck bark at the dose level of 50 mg/kg/b.w. per day for 60 days to male rats brought about a significant decrease in the weights of testes, epididymides, seminal vesicle and ventral prostate. The production of round spermatid was reduced by 73.04% in Albizia lebbeck treated rats. The population of preleptotene spermatocytes and spermatogonia were reduced by 65.07% and 47.48% and secondary spermatocytes by 73.41%, respectively. Cross sectional surface area of Sertoli cells as well as the cell counts were found to be depleted significantly. Leydig cell nuclear area and number of mature Leydig cells were decreased by 57.47% and 54.42%, respectively. Sperm motility as well as sperm density were reduced significantly. Albizia lebbeck reduced the fertility of male rats by 100%. There were no significant changes in RBC and WBC count, haemoglobin, haematocrit and glucose in the blood and cholesterol, protein, triglyceride and phospholipid in the serum. The protein, glycogen and cholesterol contents of the testes, fructose in the seminal vesicle and protein in epididymides were significantly decreased. Histoarchitecture of the testes showed vacuolization at primary spermatocytes stage. Highly reduced seminiferous tubular diameter and increased intertubular space were also observed when compared to controls.     

Antiandrogenic effects of a flavonoid-rich fraction of Vitex negundo seeds: a histological and biochemical study in dogs

The ability of the flavonoid-rich fraction (5,7,3'-trihydroxy, 6,8,4'-trimethoxy flavones) of Vitex negundo seeds to antagonize the androgen action of exogenous testosterone propionate on the male reproductive system was studied in castrated prepubertal and intact adult dog. The flavonoid-rich fraction (F) was administered 10 mg/kg i.p. every other day either alone or in combination with testosterone propionate. The duration of treatment was 30 days in castrates and 60 days in intacts. Treatment with F caused disruption of the latter stages of spermatogenesis. The epididymides were devoid of spermatozoa. Protein, sialic acid and RNA contents of the testes and epididymides were reduced significantly while testicular cholesterol and phosphatase activity in testes and epididymides were elevated. Reduced androgen production was reflected in low levels of sialic acid in testes and epididymides. Castration alone brought about reduction in size and weight of the epididymides whereas castration followed by F treatment caused a reduction in the cellular heights of epididymides. Simultaneous administration of testosterone propionate to F-treated intact adult and castrated prepubertal dogs maintained the viability of spermatozoa, kept epididymal physiology relatively normal and significantly increased the cellular heights of epididymides.     

Effect of Mucuna urens (horse eye bean) on the gonads of male guinea-pigs

The effect of Mucuna urens (seeds) on the gonads and sex accessory glands of male guinea-pigs was investigated. Sexually mature guinea-pigs of proven fertility were administered orally with 70 mg/kg and 140 mg/kg body weight of crude extract daily for 8 weeks respectively. Phytochemical screening of the seeds revealed the presence of alkaloids. No death or weight loss were observed during the duration of treatment. No pregnancy occurred in females mated with the treated males. Histological observations at high dose (140 mg/kg) showed complete degeneration of sperm in the testicular tubules. In some tubules, the acrosomal cap of the sperm cells was separated from the nuclei which underwent colour changes. In some tubules only the tails were left in the lumen. The spermatids, primary and secondary spermatocytes showed pycnosis while the morphology of spermatogonia and germinal epithelium appeared normal. Some epididymides were devoid of sperm while others contained degenerated spermatozoa and cell debris. In the prostate gland there was collapse of the villi and reduction of secretion in both the prostate and seminal vesicles. At low doses (70 mg/kg), there was spermatogenic arrest at spermatid stage. These observations have shown that M. urens is a potential male antifertility agent.     

Antifertility effect of Bambusa arundinacea shoot extracts in male rats

An ethanolic extract of Bambusa arundinacea tender shoots (BASE) caused a reduction in fertility of male rats. After administration of 300 mg/kg per day of BASE for 7 days, the fertility index decreased to 15% for control rats and to 23% after a 7-day recovery period, respectively. The number of cohabited females being successfully inseminated was reduced especially after 4 days of treatment. Complete recovery of mating behaviour was evident 8 days after BASE withdrawal. The number of spermatozoa in the caput and cauda epididymis were decreased concomitant with a decrease in the motility of spermatozoa collected from the cauda epididymis. The weights of testes, epididymides, vas deferens and prostate were also significantly decreased. The serum profile of protein and oxaloacetic/pyruvic transaminase activity show the extract to be relatively non-toxic.     

Evaluation of contraceptive activity of methanol extract of Dendrophthoe falcata stem in male albino rats

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the contraceptive efficacy of methanol extract of Dendrophthoe falcata Ettingsh (family-Loranthaceae), stem in male albino rats as reported in folk remedies. Adult proven fertile male rats were gavaged methanol extract of D. falcata stem at 50, 100 and 200mg/rat/day for 60 days. The activity was compared with standard drug, i.e. Lonidamine. On day 61 the animals were autopsied and the testes, epididymides, seminal vesicle and ventral prostate were dissected out and weighed. Sperm motility and density and serum testosterone level were assessed. The sperm motility and density were significantly reduced. The histoarchitecture of testes revealed degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules, arrest of spermatogenesis at the stage of round spermatid. Serum testosterone levels were decreased significantly in all treatment groups. It is concluded that D. falcata methanol stem extract showed a significant effect on fertility in male rats as reported in folk remedies.     

Antifertility effect of chronically administered Martynia annua root extract on male rats

The effects of 50% ethanol extract of Martynia annua L. root on reproduction was studied on male rats. The study was divided into four groups of five animals each. The first group (I) received vehicle alone to serve as control. The second, third and fourth groups (II, III and IV) of animals were administered the root extract daily at 50 mg/kg body weight, po, 100 mg/kg body weight, po, and 200 mg/kg body weight, po, respectively, for a period of 60 days. Significant decreases in the weights of testes, epididymides, seminal vesicle and ventral prostate were observed. A dose related reduction in the testicular sperm count, epididymal sperm count and motility, number of fertile males, ratio between delivered and inseminated females and number of pups were observed. The testis showed a clear correlation between the dose and severity of lesions of seminiferous epithelium. In general, the seminiferous tubules appear reduced in size with a frequently filled eosinophilic material. Spermatogenesis arrested at the secondary spermatocyte stage. Pachytene spermatocytes were undergoing degeneration. Disorganisation and sloughing of immature germ cells were visible. Leydig cells were atrophied. No morphological changes were observed in Sertoli cells. Significant reduction in serum concentration of luteinising hormone and testosterone were observed. No distinct change in serum FSII concentration was recorded. The final body weights of all groups were elevated markedly. No alterations were recorded in any hematological parameters. It is concluded that the 50% ethanol extract of M. annua root produced dose related effects on male reproduction without altering general body metabolism.     

调肝中药对精索静脉曲张大鼠睾丸形态结构及附睾精子密度和活率的影响

目的观察调肝中药对精索静脉曲张(VC)大鼠睾丸组织形态结构及附睾精子密度和活率的影响。方法随机选取清洁级雄性SD大鼠50只,造模后分为模型组、调肝中药组、活血化瘀组、滋补肝肾组、补肾活血组,另取10只为假手术组,共6组,每组10只。各治疗组均于造模后48 d开始。连续用药60 d。处死大鼠,剪取睾丸、附睾,睾丸组织用HE染色,光镜下观察其病理改变,检测附睾精子的密度和活率。结果假手术组睾丸生精小管内各级生精细胞排列整齐、致密,层次清楚,结构正常,生精小管管腔内可见大量精子;模型组生精小管的各级生精细胞损伤最重,精子极其少见;治疗组各级生精细胞排列介于假手术组和模型组之间,其中调肝中药组生精细胞排列最致密,管腔内可见精子。与模型组比较,假手术组、调肝中药组VC大鼠附睾精子密度明显升高(P0.05),附睾精子活率各组差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论 VC导致睾丸生精细胞损伤,中药治疗后睾丸组织各级生精细胞都有不同程度的恢复,附睾液精子数量明显增加,调肝中药疗效最好。     

调肝中药对精索静脉曲张大鼠SCF的影响和对生殖功能的作用

目的 探讨调肝中药对精索静脉曲张大鼠干细胞因子(stem cell factor,SCF)的影响和对生殖功能的作用.方法将清洁级雄性SD大鼠60只随机选取50只造模后分为模型组、调肝中药组、活血化瘀组、滋补肝肾组、补肾活血组,另外10只为假手术组,共6组,每组10只.各组均于造模后48天开始治疗.连续用药60天.实验结...     

Reversible antispermatogenic and antifertility activities of Mondia whitei L. in male albino rat

Chronic administration of Mondia whitei L. root bark extract (400 mg/kg/day) for 55 days caused testicular lesions resulting in the cessation of spermatogenesis, degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules and epididymides. The wet weight of the seminal vesicle increased, whereas the weights of testes, epididymides and ventral prostate were unchanged. The treatment also resulted in a partial antifertility effect, and an increase in the protein content of the testes and epididymides. The cholesterol contents of the testes were significantly elevated after 55 days, whereas testosterone and 17beta-oestradiol contents of the testes were unchanged. Serum protein was elevated but serum testosterone was unchanged. A recovery period resulted in normal spermatogenesis and fertility, suggesting reversible antispermatogenic and antifertility effects of the plant.     

Ultrastructural changes in the testis and epididymis of rats following treatment with the benzene chromatographic fraction of the chloroform extract of the seeds of Carica papaya

The benzene chromatographic fraction of the chloroform extract of the seeds of Carica papaya at a dose of 10 mg/rat/day for 150 days, which has shown a total inhibition of motility, reduced sperm count and infertility, was tested to de fi ne the mode of action at the subcellular level in the testis and epididymis. The ultrastructure of the testis of the treated animals revealed no appreciable changes in the subcellular characteristics. The mechanism of protein synthesis as well as steroidogenesis were evident in the Sertoli cells while the spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids, both round and elongated, depicted a prominent nucleus, distinct nuclear membrane and cytoplasmic characteristics indicating normal germ cell differentiation. The principal cells of the cauda epididymis were characterized by the presence of well-de fi ned rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, Golgi bodies and secretary granules, suggesting active secretory functions. The absorptive function of the cauda epididymis was evidenced by the presence of numerous vesicles and multivesicular bodies adjacent to stereocilia. It is concluded that the inhibition of sperm motility by the drug could be due to other epididymal factors rather than the subcellular characteristics of testis and epididymis.     

Experimental study of the therapeutic effect of You-Gui-Wan on hypogonadism in rats

Rats raised on a diet containing 0.5% adenine showed atrophy of the testes and retrogressive degeneration of the convoluted seminiferous tubules. The development of spermatids was suppressed, and the cell count decreased. In these rats, the activity of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was markedly decreased, and the blood levels of testosterone and oestradiol were also very low. However, in rats that were also given You-Gui-Wan, retrogressive degeneration of the testes was milder, and the blood levels of testosterone and oestradiol were higher, indicating the beneficial effects of You-Gui-Wan on the histomorphology of the testes.     

Effects of piperine on testis of albino rats.

Piperine was administered to mature male albino rats at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg body weight, p.o., respectively, for 30 days. Only a 10 mg dose of piperine treatment caused a significant reduction in the weights of testis and accessory sex organs. Histological studies revealed that piperine at a 5 mg dose caused partial degeneration of germ cell types, whereas at a 10 mg dose, it caused severe damage to the seminiferous tubule, decrease in seminiferous tubular and Leydig cell nuclear diameter and desquamation of spermatocytes and spermatids. Correlated to the structural changes, a fall in caput and cauda epididymal sperm concentrations was also evident. A 10 mg dose of piperine also caused a marked increase in serum gonadotropins and a decrease in intratesticular testosterone concentration, despite normal serum testosterone titres.     

雄黄灌胃给药对雄性大鼠精子质量的影响

目的观察雄黄对雄性成年大鼠精子质量的影响。方法利用部分雄黄灌胃给药生殖毒性Ⅰ段试验雄性大鼠进行精子质量分析。将SD雄性大鼠50只随机分为阴性对照组、阳性对照雷公藤多苷组（10 mg/kg）及雄黄低、中、高剂量组（50、125、250 mg/kg）。各给药组连续灌胃给予相应药物6周,每日1次。给药结束后,取大鼠一侧附睾用计算机辅助精子分析系统（CASA）做精子的数量、活力、运动能力检查,并取睾丸、附睾做HE染色,观察组织病理学变化。结果阳性对照雷公藤多苷组精子活率、精子活力、有效精子数、精子密度及各项运动参数（除鞭打频率外）均明显低于阴性对照组,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01）。雄黄各剂量组精子活率、活力、有效精子数、精子密度及各项运动参数与阴性对照组比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）,且各剂量组间差异亦无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。组织病理学观察显示,阳性对照雷公藤多苷组的睾丸局部生精小管萎缩,生精细胞减少,附睾管腔内可见大量降解的生精细胞及细胞碎片,精子细胞减少,静纤毛缩短。雄黄高剂量组附睾、睾丸未见明显组织学病理改变。结论雄黄对雄性大鼠的精子没有明显的毒性作用。     

Effect of gangetin on fertility of male rats

This study examines the effects of subcutaneous injections of a plant pterocarpan, gangetin, isolated from the roots of Desmodium gangeticum DC. (Family Leguminosae) on the fertility of adult male rats. Daily administration of gangetin (0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2.0 mg/kg body weight for 30 days) caused an impairment of fertility (number of implants were reduced significantly) and it was dose dependent. The treatment also caused a reduction in the vaginal sperm count and an enhancement of pre-implantation losses. Complete recovery of fertility was evident 30 days after the withdrawal of gangetin treatment. The number of spermatozoa in the caput and cauda epididymis were decreased concomitant with a decrease in the motility of spermatozoa, collected from the cauda epididymis. The weights of testes, epididymides, vas deferens and prostate were also significantly decreased. It was observed that the changes in the parameters were strictly dose dependent. Also it was observed that cessation of treatment for a further period of 30 days brought full recovery of these effects. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

温阳生精汤含药血清对肾阳虚大鼠睾丸间质细胞中雌激素分泌的影响

目的观察温阳生精汤含药血清对腺嘌呤致雄性肾阳虚不育大鼠睾丸间质细胞中雌二醇(es-tradiol,E2)合成以及影响其合成的芳香化酶(cytochrome P450aromatase,P450arom)活性、其编码基因CYP19表达的影响,从蛋白和mRNA水平探讨温阳生精汤含药血清治疗肾阳虚不育的机制。方法将实验大鼠随机分为4组,每组5只,即正常组及温阳生精汤高、中、低浓度组。各组大鼠分别以生理盐水和高、中、低浓度中药连续灌胃10天。末次灌胃给药2h后,心脏采血,离心后分离血清。从肾阳虚大鼠体内分别分离并纯化睾丸间质细胞,经鉴定后原代培养,随机分为5组,即空白对照组,模型组,中药高、中、低浓度(1.2、1.0、0.8g/mL)组,用放射免疫法测定细胞培养液中E2含量,氚水释放实验检测P450arom在细胞中的活性,同时用Western blot法和荧光定量PCR法分别测定CYP19蛋白和mRNA表达。结果与空白对照组比较,模型组中间质细胞上清中E2的含量明显减少,同时伴随P450arom活性抑制,以及CYP19蛋白和mRNA表达的显著减少(P<0.01,P<0.05)。与模型组比较,经温阳生精汤含药血清干预后可显著增加间质细胞中E2合成量,上调P450arom活性,同时在蛋白和mRNA水平上调细胞中CYP19表达,并具有部分剂量依赖性(P<0.01,P<0.05)。结论温阳生精汤含药血清可以有效提高肾阳虚大鼠睾丸间质细胞中E2的合成,并可能部分通过上调P450arom活性,提高CYP19基因表达实现,这可能是其治疗男性肾阳虚不育的机制之一。     

藏党参多糖对睾丸间质细胞抗氧化作用研究

目的对藏党参多糖在睾丸间质细胞的抗氧化作用进行了初步研究。方法利用不同浓度的藏党参多糖对大鼠睾丸间质细胞进行体外培养,并测定细胞中超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、丙二醛(MDA)和谷胱甘肽超氧化物酶(GSH-Px)的含量。结果藏党参多糖浓度为2 mg/ml时,可以显著降低体外培养的大鼠睾丸间质细胞SOD的活力(P<0.01),降低MDA的含量(P<0.01),并提高GSH-Px的活力(P<0.01)。结论藏党参多糖具有一定的抗氧化活性。     

The spermatogenic and ovogenic effects of chronically administered Shilajit to rats

This study examined the possibility of using Shilajit as a fertility agent. The effects of Shilajit on spermatogenesis and ovogenesis were studied using male and female rats. Shilajit was administered orally to 7-week-old rats over a 6-week period. In the male rats, the number of sperms in the testes and epididymides was significant higher than in the control. A histological examination revealed an apparent increase in the number of seminiferous tubular cell layers in the testes of the treated rats. However, there were no significant differences in the weights of heart, spleen, liver, kidney, brain, testes and epididymides. In the female rats, the effect of Shilajit was estimated by the ovulation inducing activity. Over a 5-day, ovulation was induced in seven out of nine rats in the Shilajit administration group and in three out of nine rats in the control. It was estimated that Shilajit had both a spermiogenic and ovogenic effect in mature rats.     

Antifertility effect in male rats of oleanolic acid, a triterpene from Eugenia jambolana flowers

The antifertility activity of oleanolic acid (C30H48O3), isolated from the flowers of Eugenia jambolana, was evaluated in male albino rats. The administration of the compound for 60 days decreased the fertilizing capacity of the animals without any significant changes in body weight or reproductive organ weights. The compound produced arrest of spermatogenesis but did not cause any abnormality to spermatogenic cells, Leydig interstitial cells and Sertoli cells. Oleanolic acid may prove to be a promising antifertility agent devoid of undesirable side effects.     

Ultrastructural changes in Leydig cells and cauda epididymal spermatozoa induced by Azadirachta indica leaves in albino rats

The effects of Azadirachta indica leaves (500 mg/kg body weight, orally/day), testosterone (0.25 mg/kg body weight/day, intramuscularly) and a combination of these two were investigated as to whether Azadirachta indica leaves affect the morphology of Leydig cells and epididymal sperm and their organelles at the ultrastructural level. Azadirachta indica treated rats showed atrophic seminiferous tubules with widening intercellular spaces. Leydig cells exhibited characteristics of degeneration such as indented nuclei; the commencement of degeneration was evident from less chromatin; the reduced amount of a marked decrease in organelle content and scarcity of other cell types of the interstitium in highly vacuolated cytoplasm, which were seem from both light and electron microscopic observations. The number of Leydig cells and their nuclear diameter were reduced significantly. Pathological changes in the spermatozoa of the cauda epididymis were observed and the spermatozoa retained cytoplasmic droplets. It is suggested that regression of Leydig cells and the absence of interstitium cell types indicates an androgen deficiency, which affects the spermatozoa in the epididymis by disturbing the internal epididymal milieu. The antiandrogenic and antispermatogenic properties of Azadirachta indica leaves appear to lead to a reduced fertilizing ability of the sperm.