LH Response to LH-RH Neonatally Estrogenized Male Rats

The LH response to 100 or 1000 ng of LH-RH was studied in adult male rats treated neonatally with 500 micrograms of estradiol benzoate or olive oil. The dose of 100 ng elicited the same LH increase in both groups, but the estrogenized animals responded more when 1000 ng of LH-RH was injected. These data suggest that the decreased LH response to orchidectomy found in estrogenized animals is not due to a failure in pituitary responsiveness to LH-RH.     

Mechanisms in the Production of Prepuberal Reproductive Defects in Neonatal Estrogenized Male Rats

Neonatal estrogenization induced in prepubertal males atrophy of the testis and ventral prostate and increased the weight of the seminal vesicles. Atrophy of the testis was probably due to the inhibition of FSH and LH secretion: males estrogenized on day one and sacrificed daily from day six to day fifteen showed lower gonadotropin levels than their respective controls. In addition, daily FSH and LH administration (80 micrograms/100 g BW and 40 micrograms/100 g BW respectively) from day one to day fifteen increased testicular development more effectively in estrogenized than in control males and the differences between the two groups disappeared. Prostate atrophy was due to the decreased testosterone secretion. The reason for the hypertrophy of the seminal vesicles remains unclear: reduction in Prolactin levels due to bromocriptine treatment did not normalize the seminal vesicles weight, indicating that hyperprolactinemia was not the cause. Male rats estrogenized on day one, orchidectomized on day 5 and decapitated on day fifteen also showed hypertrophy in their seminal vesicles. These results indicate that testicular factors, other than testosterone, were not responsible for the vesicular hypertrophy. It seem possible that estrogens might act directly on vesicular growth.     

Isoflavones and their effects on the onset of puberty in male Wistar rats

This study was performed to determine how two of the most important isoflavones, genistein and daidzein, affect the gonadal axis in male prepuberal rats. One hundred and seventy‐five prepuberal male Wistar rats were allocated into seven groups: one control group and six experimental groups that were orally administered a high or low dose of genistein, daidzein or a mixture of both. Testosterone determination was assayed by EIA. The testes and body weights were measured, and the histology of the epididymis with the sperm content and epididymal sperm count were evaluated. In the control group, we observed an increase in the serum testosterone levels (>2.5 ng ml^?1) at the third week (52 days), which corresponded to the onset of puberty in these rats. The same increase in serum testosterone levels was observed at the fourth week in rats that received low doses of isoflavones; therefore, we concluded that the onset of puberty was delayed. At high doses, there was no significant increase in testosterone levels, which could be related to the fact that these male rats did not reach puberty. These findings were supported by the results obtained from the analysis of the epididymal content as well as the testes/body weight ratio.     

Effect of lindane on testicular antioxidant system and steroidogenic enzymes in adult rats

Aim: To find out the effect of lindane on testicular antioxidant system and testicular steroidogenesis in adult male rats. Methods: Adult male rats were orally administered with lindane at a dose of 5.0 mg/kg body weight per day for 30 days. Twenty-four hours after the last treatment the rats were killed using anesthetic ether. Testes, epididymis, seminal vesicles and ventral prostate were removed and weighed. A 10% testicular homogenate was prepared and centrifuged at 4℃. The supernatant was used for various biochemical estimations. Results: The body weight and the weights of testes, epididymis, seminal vesicles and ventral prostate were reduced in lindane-treated rats. There was a significant decline in the activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione reductase while an increase in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generation was observed. The specific activities of testicular steroidogenic enzymes 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 1713-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase were decreased. The levels of DNA, RNA and protein were also decreased in lindane-treated rats. Conclusion: Lindane induces oxidative stress and decreases antioxidant enzymes in adult male rats.     

6‐Gingerol‐rich fraction from Zingiber officinale ameliorates carbendazim‐induced endocrine disruption and toxicity in testes and epididymis of rats

This study evaluated the protective effects of 6‐gingerol‐rich fraction (6‐GRF) from Zingiber officinale on carbendazim (CBZ)‐induced reproductive toxicity in rats. Adult male rats were treated with either CBZ (50 mg/kg) alone or in combination with 6‐GRF (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) for 14 consecutive days. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GCMS) analysis revealed that 6‐GRF consists of ten bioactive chemical components with 6‐gingerol being the most abundant (30.76%). Administration of 6‐GRF significantly (p < .05) prevented CBZ‐mediated increase in absolute and relative testes weights as well as restored the sperm quantity and quality in the treated rats to near control. In testes and epididymis, 6‐GRF significantly abolished CBZ‐mediated increase in oxidative damage as well as augmented antioxidant enzymes activities and glutathione level in the treated rats. Moreover, CBZ administration alone significantly decreased plasma levels of testosterone, thyrotropin, triiodothyronine and tetraiodothyronine, whereas follicle‐stimulating hormone was significantly elevated without affecting luteinising hormone and prolactin levels when compared with the control. Conversely, 6‐GRF ameliorated the disruption in the hormonal levels and restored their levels to near normalcy in CBZ‐treated rats. Collectively, 6‐GRF inhibited the adverse effects of CBZ on the antioxidant defence systems, hormonal balance and histology of the testes and epididymis in rats.     

Effects of Aspirin on Blood Plasma Levels of Testosterone, LH and FSH in Maturing Male Rats

Effects of aspirin administration (5 mg/100 g body weight) for various days were observed on the hormonal levels of maturing male rats. Aspirin was given orally every day for 8, 15, 22 and 30 days. No change in the weights of testes, epididymis, prostate or seminal vesicles was observed after treatment. While aspirin administration for 8 days caused an increase in the plasma testosterone level with decrease in both LH and FSH levels, prolonged treatment for 15 days and more produced a reverse effect, viz. decrease in plasma testosterone and increase in plasma LH and FSH levels. Testicular ascorbic acid content was found to decrease on the 15th and the 22nd day of treatment. Testicular cholesterol was increased after 22nd and 30th days of treatment. Prostatic acid phosphatase activity decreased in all the treated groups. The possible significance of these findings is discussed.     

Effects of aspirin on blood plasma levels of testosterone, LH and FSH in maturing male rats

Effects of aspirin administration (5 mg/100 g body weight) for various days were observed on the hormonal levels of maturing male rats. Aspirin was given orally every day for 8, 15, 22 and 30 days. No change in the weights of testes, epididymis, prostate or seminal vesicles was observed after treatment. While aspirin administration for 8 days caused an increase in the plasma testosteone level with decrease in both LH and FSH levels, prolonged treatment for 15 days and more produced a reverse effect, viz. decrease in plasma testosterone and increase in plasma LH and FSH levels. Testicular ascorbic acid content was found to decrease on the 15th and the 22nd day of treatment. Testicular cholesterol was increased after 22nd and 30th days of treatment. Prostatic acid phosphatase activity decreased in all the treated groups. The possible significance of these findings is discussed.     

淫羊藿总黄酮对雄性大鼠生殖功能影响的初步研究

目的 研究淫羊藿总黄酮对雄性大鼠生殖内分泌功能的影响。方法 (1)观察淫羊藿总黄酮对未成年大鼠生殖器官重量的影响。淫羊藿总黄酮经灌胃给药7天后。腺垂体、睾丸、附睾及精囊腺称重；(2)观察相同剂量的淫羊藿总黄酮对不同年龄大鼠睾酮、雌二醇和黄体生成素的影响。睾酮、雌二醇和黄体生成素水平用放免法测定；(3)观察淫羊藿总黄酮在大鼠睾丸间质细胞体外培养中对睾酮的影响。结果 淫羊藿总黄酮可增加未成年大鼠腺垂体、附睾及精囊腺重量。提高睾酮、雌二醇和黄体生成素水平。能明显促进离体大鼠间质细胞睾酮基础分泌。结论研究表明。淫羊藿总黄酮对雄性生殖系统和生殖内分泌的功能具有促进作用。     

Suppression of pituitary and testicular function in rats by a transplanted adrenocortical carcinoma

Snell adrenocortical carcinoma was transplanted into immature 4-week-old male rats, and the animals were sacrificed 3 weeks afterward for study of adenohypophyseal and testicular function. The weight of the tumour was 11pL5 g; plasma corticosterone levels were elevated and plasma progesterone levels were massively increased compared to those in rats with no tumours. The weights of the adrenals, testes and androgen-dependent accessory reproductive glands were significantly decreased, as was the diameter of seminiferous tubules. The concentrations of testosterone, LH and FSH in the plasma were significantly reduced, whereas the levels of Prl and oestradiol were not affected. We suggest that steroid products of the transplanted tumour suppressed release of gonadotrophins from the pituitary, leading to a severe reduction of testosterone synthesis in the testes.     

Effect of hypothyroidism on the biogenic amines of the epididymis of rat

Concentrations of norepinephrine and dopamine in various parts of the epididymis of rats have been determined. Effects of thyroidectomy and castration (15 days) and administration of thyroxine (2 micrograms/100 g body weight) and testosterone (1 mg/rat/day) were studied. The content of these amines did not change after thyroidectomy, although orchidectomy reduced same. Administration of thyroxine to animals that had thyroid and testes removed enhanced the catecholamine content of the epididymis.     

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.     

Effects of flavonoids from Semen Cuscutae on the reproductive system in male rats

Aim: To evaluate the effects of the flavonoids extracted from the Semen Cuscutae (FSC) on the reproductive and endocrine functions in male rats. Methods: (1) FSC were obtained from the semen of Cuscuta sinensis l_;am through solvent extraction and polyamide columnar chromatography; (2) Effect of FSC on the reproductive organs was assessed in immature rats. Rats were administered FSC through gastric garage at a dose of 300 mg/kg per day for 7 days and the weights of testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle and pituitary gland were then observed; (3) To observe the effect of FSC on the reproductive endocrine function: same dose level of FSC was given to male rats of different age groups for 7days; on day 8, the plasma testosterone (T), estradiol (E2) and LH were determined by RIA, the specific binding of LH was estimated and the testes were weighed. (4) Effect of FSC on LH secretion was assessed in vitro on cultured adenohypophysis. (5) Effect of FSC on T secretion was assessed in vitro on Leydig cell culture. Results: FSC increased the weights of testis, epididymis and pituitary gland, and stimulated T and LH secretion both in vitro and in immature rats. Conclusion: FSC invigorates the reproductive system and reproductive endocrine function in male rats.     

Endocrine Effects of Early Non-Union of Testis and Epididymis and of Cryptorchidism in the Rat/Endokrine Effekte bei jungen Ratten nach experimenteller Trennung von Hoden und Nebenhoden wie auch nach experimentellem Kryptorchismus

The aim of this study was to explore possible endocrine effects of early non-union of testis and epididymis. In 16 days old Sprague-Dawley rats the testis and epididymis were separated to the level of the inferior epididymis artery (non-union operation). Animals were killed at intervals from 30-58 days, and the plasma concentrations of total testosterone, total estrogens, LH, FSH and PRL were measured. The testes were studied by light microscopy. Groups of rats made cryptorchid and sham-operated rats were used as controls. Although their testes were scrotal, the non-union operated animals had testosterone and estrogen concentrations similar of cryptorchid animals, and significantly (p less than 0.05) lower than sham-operated animals. The LH- and FSH-concentrations were significantly (p less than 0.05) elevated suggesting a primary lesion in both Leydig- and Sertoli-cells. Towards puberty FSH increased in the non-union operated animals, while FSH values declined in the cryptorchid and sham-operated animals. These FSH-patterns probably reflect the existence of different pathogenic mechanisms in the non-union operated rats and the rats with cryptorchid testes.     

Antispermatogenic and hormonal effects of Crotalaria juncea Linn. seed extracts in male mice

Aim: To evaluate the antifertility activity of various extracts of Crotalaria juncea seeds in male mice. Methods: Adult male mice were gavaged the petroleum ether, benzene and ethanol extracts of C. juncea seeds, 25 mg·(100g)-1·day-1 for 30 days. On day 31 the animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and the testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, bulbourethral gland and levator ani were dissected out and weighed. The organs were processed for biochemical and histological examination. Results: In petroleum ether, benzene and ethanol extracts treated rats, there was a decrease in the weights of testis and accessory reproductive organs. The diameters of the testis and seminiferous tubules were decreased. Spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids in the testis and the sperm count in cauda epididymis were also decreased. There was a significant reduction in the protein and glycogen contents and an increase in the cholesterol content in the testis, epididymis and vas def     

High-affinity binding of T3 to epididymis nuclei

Thyroid hormones play an important role in epididymal function. Hypothyroid animals experience a significant decrease in the number and forward motility of sperm and a remarkable impairment of epididymal morphology. However, it is yet unknown if such activity is due to direct actions of iodothyronines on the target epididymis. The eventual identification of T3 receptors in the nucleous of epididymal cells becomes relevant. For this reason, the authors searched for specific high-affinity binding of T3 to these nuclei. Twenty prepuberal male Wistar rats were used. The testes and epididymis were approached as one unit through a scrotal incision. The fat-free epididymides were subjected to standard techniques to prepare the nuclei for incubations with 125I-T3 concentrations, ranging from 0.5 x 10(-9) to 2.0 x 10(-11) M. Calculations of association constants and binding capacities were performed according to Scatchard. A single binding site with a Ka of 3.06 +/- 0.6 x 10(9) M(-1) or Kd of 3.26 +/- 0.6 x 10(10) M and a maximal binding capacity of 0.11 +/- 0.02 pmol T3/microg DNA were observed. It is concluded that these nuclei contain a specific T3 receptor. This finding strongly suggests that thyroid hormones have direct effects on the epididymis.     

Effect of HCG administration in the gossypol-treated male rats

The effect of gossypol acetic acid (GAA) on the pituitary-Leydig cell axis was studied. Adult male Wistar rats were administered orally 5 mg/kg/day GAA for three weeks, 10 mg/kg/day GAA for three weeks or 20 mg/kg/day GAA for two weeks. Each group was treated for four days with saline or 500 IU human chorionic gonadotropin intraperitoneally injected. None of the rats died. The mean body weight in each group was increased, but the mean body weight gain in the 20 mg/kg group was significantly lower than that in the controls (p less than 0.01). There was no significant change in the weight of testes or epididymis in any group. The serum level of lactate dehydrogenase, follicle stimulating hormone and testosterone was significantly lower in the animals treated with 20 mg/kg/day GAA for two weeks than in the controls (p less than 0.05). No change was seen in other groups. The serum testosterone level after HCG stimulation (HCG 500 IU intraperitoneal injection for 4 days) was significantly lower in animals treated with 20 mg/kg/day GAA for two weeks (p less than 0.01). GAA is suggested to affect the pituitary-Leydig cell axis and directly inhibit Leydig cell function.     

Effects of neonatal estrogen administration on rat testis development with particular reference to Sertoli cells

An ultrastructural and morphometric study of the testes in 15-, 22-, 45-, and 90-day-old neonatally estrogenized rats was performed. At 45 days of age, the Sertoli cells appeared immature in estrogenized rats, whereas they were fully mature in the controls. This finding might be related to a deficiency in gonadotropins and androgens during the postnatal period. In 90-day-old estrogenized rats, however, Sertoli cell maturation had occurred, which might be attributed to a recovery of hormone levels. Cytoplasmic alterations, however, such as vacuolation, were present at this age. The morphometric study revealed decreased testicular and tubular volumes as well as decreased mean tubular diameters in the estrogenized animals. In contrast, the absolute tubular length increased more in these animals than in the controls during the period from 15 to 90 days of age. This lengthening process might be related to the large number of hypercurved tubules in the estrogenized rats.     

大鼠睾丸扭转复位后附睾唾液酸含量变化及意义

目的 :探讨大鼠睾丸扭转 2h和 4h复位后 2 4h附睾唾液酸含量的变化和意义。　方法 :用 2 4只雄性SD大鼠建立左侧睾丸扭转复位模型 ,分为对照组、扭转 2h组和 4h组 ,每组 8只。 5 甲基苯二酚法检测扭转侧附睾唾液酸的含量。　结果 :睾丸扭转 2h复位后 2 4h扭转侧附睾唾液酸含量 [(2 3.385± 9.2 2 0 )mg/mgprot]改变不明显 ;睾丸扭转 4h复位后 2 4h附睾唾液酸含量 [(13.72 5± 7.80 1)mg/mgprot]下降明显 (P <0 .0 5 )。　结论 :睾丸扭转 2h复位后 2 4h附睾分泌唾液酸功能不受影响 ,扭转 4h复位后 2 4h附睾分泌唾液酸功能下降 ;附睾耐受缺血再灌注损伤的时间可能较长。     

Ciliated Cells in the Rat Testis Effects of Neonatal Administration of Estrogens

The presence of cells bearing solitary cilia has been studied in the testes of normal and neonatally estrogenized rats. Peritubular myoid cells and undifferentiated interstitial cells showed a higher frequency of cilia in estrogenized animals than in control ones, from 15 to 45 days of age, the differences being slighter at 90 days of age.     

Changes in Angiotensin Converting Enzyme in Testes and Epididymes of Rat Due to Serotonin Administration

Effect of exogenous serotonin and blockade of its endogenous production on Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) in testes and epididymis was studied. Serotonin (30 mg/kg) and p-chlorophenylalanine (100 mg/kg) were injected for 4 and 3 days respectively. Serotonin reduced the weights of testes, seminal vesicle and ventral prostate whereas epididymal weight increased due to fluid accumulation. ACE was significantly reduced in tissue and fluid fractions of testes and epididymis of serotonin treated rats. pCPA had no effect on ACE levels. Serotonin seems to have direct effect on epididymis also.