A stereological study of the effects of experimental inguinal cryptorchidism and subsequent orchiopexy on spermatogenesis in adult monkeys

Our previous study demonstrated that experimental intra-abdominal cryptorchidism in adult rabbits for 13 weeks resulted in severe spermatogenic arrest: type A spermatogonia was the only germ cell type seen in the seminiferous epithelium and its number per testis was reduced by 84%. Seven weeks following orchiopexy, the type A spermatogonial number returned to the near-normal range in most animals and spermatogenesis partially recovered (Reproduction 2002, 124, 95-105). This study aimed to determine whether inguinal cryptorchidism would produce less-severe damage to spermatogenesis and whether subsequent orchiopexy would better restore spermatogenesis. Five normal adult male rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) underwent bilateral artificial inguinal cryptorchidism. Half a year later, one testis together with the ipsilateral epididymis were removed from each animal and then unilateral orchiopexy was performed on the contralateral side, with the remaining testis and epididymis being removed another half a year later. A contemporary unbiased and efficient stereological tool, the optical disector, was used to estimate numbers of all types of spermatogenic cells in the testis and spermatozoa in the epididymis. Spermatogenic arrest was induced by cryptorchidism at the stage of spermatogonia (n = 1), spermatocytes (n = 2) or early spermatids (n = 1), with the type A spermatogonial numbers per testis being reduced to 14.8-57.2% of the control average; in one of the five cryptorchid animals, however, spermatogenesis remained normal. Subsequent orchiopexy, which was successfully performed on two animals with cryptorchidism-induced spermatogenic arrest, brought on a full or partial recovery of spermatogenesis. In conclusion, inguinal cryptorchidism induces less severe (in comparison with an intra-abdominal one) and variable damage to spermatogenesis, which is restored, at least in part, by subsequent orchiopexy.     

Effect of nicotine on spermatogenesis in adult albino rats

This study aimed to assess the effects of nicotine on spermatogenesis in 140 mature male albino rats divided into group A (controls), group B (sham controls), group C (nicotine treated) and group D (nicotine withdrawal). Group C was subdivided into CI, CII, CIII according to the dose of injected nicotine (0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 mg nicotine per 100 g per day), where each subgroup was further subdivided according to the treatment duration into subgroups a, b and c that received nicotine for 2, 4 and 8 weeks. Group D received nicotine for 8 weeks followed by withdrawal for another 8 weeks to assess testicular recovery. Testicular tissue sections were subjected to haematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome stains and morphometry. The results showed that nicotine caused degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules, revealed by altered general tubular architecture, decreased thickness of the spermatogenic cell masses, Sertoli cell vacuolation and thickened basal lamina. These changes were proportional to the nicotine dose and duration. Following nicotine withdrawal, regeneration of the damaged seminiferous tubules was observed to be rather complete in CI group. It is concluded that nicotine could adversely affect testicular spermatogenesis in a dose- and time-dependent manner which would be almost reversible after nicotine withdrawal, especially after small doses.     

Transillumination to evaluate spermatogenesis: effect of testosterone enanthate in adult male rats

The present study has been designed to determine which stages of seminiferous cycle were modified by in vivo intramuscular administration of one or two doses of 25 mg of testosterone enanthate. Testicular weight was significantly reduced after treatment with two doses of testosterone enanthate (p < .05). Assessment of total lengths of stages per 100 mm of seminiferous tubules scored by transillumination showed that testosterone enanthate increased significantly the length of stages VI-VII, but it reduced total lengths of stages I, XII, and XIII-XIV. A dose-dependent reduction in the absolute and relative frequency of stage I was observed with testosterone enanthate treatment, whereas stages VI-VII were significantly increased. Analysis of relative frequencies of stages showed that stages XIII-XIV and stages I-V were significantly below the control value (1), whereas stages VI-VIII were over 1. In summary, results of the present study showed that transillumination is an adequate technique to assess the effect of drugs on spermatogenesis, and that testosterone enanthate modifies the pattern of the stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle, before testicular weight is affected.     

己酮可可碱对大鼠内毒素性急性肺损伤炎症反应的影响

目的探讨己酮可可碱对大鼠内毒素(LPS)诱导急性肺损伤(ALI)炎症反应的影响。方法腹腔注射0.01%LPS1mg/kg,16h后在机械通气下气管内滴注1.5mg/kg(0.5ml)LPS建立大鼠内毒素性ALI模型。24只大鼠随机分为生理盐水对照组(C组)、急性肺损伤组(LPS组)和己酮可可碱组(PTX组),每组8只。7h后处死大鼠。酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)测定支气管肺泡灌洗液(BAL)中肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-10(IL-10)的含量,测肺湿/干重比,并观察BAL白蛋白浓度。结果与LPS组相比,PTX组大鼠BAL中TNF-α浓度、肺湿/干重比以及BAL白蛋白浓度显著降低(P<0.05),而IL-10显著升高。结论己酮可可碱能显著抑制内毒素性急性肺损伤大鼠的炎症反应,具有一定的肺保护作用。     

A stereological analysis of fibrosis and inflammatory reaction induced by four different synthetic slings

OBJECTIVES: To analyse quantitatively, using stereological methods, the density of the collagen fibres induced by four types of sling materials, and verify by a histopathological analysis the corresponding inflammatory reaction, as fibrosis secondary to sling implantation is considered responsible for restoring urethral support and re-establishing continence in women with stress urinary incontinence, and new synthetic materials that promote adequate fibrosis with the least intensity and duration have been proposed to substitute the aponeurotic sling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprised 70 isogenic white Wistar rats divided into three groups: group A (30 rats) had 8 x 4 mm strips of silicone and porcine small intestine submucosa (SIS) implanted in the abdominal subcutaneous tissues; group B (30 rats) had 8 x 4 mm strips of polycaprolactone and polylactic acid copolymers and monofilament polypropylene (PLP) implanted the abdominal subcutaneous layer; while a control group of 10 rats had dissection and suturing with 5/0 Nylon in the abdominal subcutaneous layer, as used to fix the strips in the other rats. Picro-Sirius staining was used to assess collagen fibres, and haematoxylin-eosin for the histopathological study. At 7, 30 and 90 days after surgery, 10 rats from each group were killed and assessed. RESULTS: After 7 days all the materials induced a moderate inflammatory reaction that did not differ from that in the control group. At 30 days there was no difference between the control and polycaprolactone and polylactic acid copolymers, having the least inflammatory reaction. PLP and silicone produced a moderate inflammatory reaction, while the porcine SIS induced a more intense reaction. At 90 days there was a more intense inflammatory reaction in polycaprolactone and polylactic acid copolymers than before but it was less than with PLP and silicone, which again were no different. During this period the inflammatory reaction induced by SIS was greater. The stereological analysis indicated that collagen fibres induced by polycaprolactone and polylactic acid copolymers and PLP were less dense (61% and 65%, respectively), and significantly less than with silicone (85%) and SIS (86%). CONCLUSION: PLP was the best nonabsorbable material as it induced a less intense inflammatory reaction than the other tested materials. As porcine SIS was completely absorbed the intense fibrosis induced is useful, as it is exclusively responsible for the urethral support later after surgery.     

急性放射性皮肤烧伤创面炎症反应的变化及其机制探讨

目的：观察急性放射性皮肤烧伤创面愈合过程中的炎症反应变化,探讨其发生机理。方法：应用50Gy~(60)Coγ射线单次照射大鼠制作急性放射性皮肤烧伤Ⅲ度致伤模型,并制作皮肤全层切割伤模型作为对照;采用HE染色、免疫组织化学及原位杂交等方法,动态观察大鼠急性放射性皮肤烧伤创面炎症反应及TNF-α的变化。结果：与皮肤全层切割伤比较,照射后14～28d,急性放射性皮肤烧伤创面炎症反应明显减弱,创面内TNF-α的表达也明显减弱。结论：急性放射性皮肤烧伤创面内TNF-α等炎症介质释放减少,创面炎症反应抑制可能是急性放射性皮肤烧伤创面难愈合的机理之一。     

Relationship of carotenoid and vitamins A and E with the acute inflammatory response in acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND: Inflammation and oxidative stress are believed to be important in the development of the systemic complications of acute pancreatitis. The fat-soluble vitamins A and E, and the carotenoids have antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of acute pancreatitis on serum concentrations of vitamin antioxidants and to relate such changes to the degree of the inflammatory response. METHODS: Thirteen consecutive patients with predicted severe acute pancreatitis were compared with 26 matched healthy controls. Five patients developed severe acute pancreatitis and three of these died. Vitamin antioxidant and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured daily for up to 7 days. RESULTS: Patients had significantly lower levels of antioxidants throughout the course of the study (P < 0.017). In patients there was a significant correlation between peak CRP and trough antioxidant levels (P < 0. 01). In patients with mild acute pancreatitis, the concentrations of retinol and beta-carotene at final review were significantly higher than those in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (P < 0.05). This coincided with a reduction in CRP level. CONCLUSION: In acute pancreatitis, circulating concentrations of vitamin antioxidants are reduced and are inversely related to the rise in CRP level.     

异丙酚预先给药对心肌缺血再灌注损伤大鼠炎性反应的影响

目的探讨异丙酚预先给药对心肌缺血再灌注损伤大鼠炎性反应的影响。方法健康雄性SD大鼠48只，随机分为4组（n=12）：假手术组（S组）、缺血再灌注组（I／R组）、低剂量异丙酚组（L组）、高剂量异丙酚组（H组）。结扎左冠状动脉前降支（LAD）30min、再灌注120min，建立大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤模型。分别于再灌注30min（T1）、120min（T2）时采集股动脉血1ml，ELISA法测定血浆肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）、白细胞介素-10（IL-10）的浓度，再灌注120min时TTC法测心肌梗死面积，电镜下观察心肌细胞超微结构。结果与S组比较，I／R组、L组、H组在T1、T2时TNF-α、IL-10浓度升高（P〈0．05）；与I／R组比较，L组、H组在T1、T2时TNF-α浓度降低（P〈0.05），IL-10浓度升高（P〈0．05），心肌梗死面积减小（P〈0．05）；L组比较，H组T1、T2时，TNF-α浓度降低，IL-10浓度升高，心肌梗死面积减小（P〈0.05）。电镜下观察I／R组心肌细胞超微结构改变严重，L组、H组心肌细胞超微结构改变程度较I／R组轻。结论异丙酚预先给药通过抑制再灌注诱发的炎性反应减轻了大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤。     

脂氧素A4对大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注损伤时炎性反应的影响

目的 探讨脂氧素A4对大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注损伤时炎性反应的影响.方法 雄性健康SD大鼠56只,体重200～250 g,随机分为3组:假手术组(S组,n=8),缺血再灌注组(I/R组,n=24),脂氧素A4组(LXA4组,n=24).采用线栓法阻塞大鼠右侧大脑中动脉制备局灶性脑缺血再灌注模型,LXA4组脑缺血后5 min经侧脑室注射脂氧素A4 0.03 nmol/5 μl,S组和I/R组注射等容量生理盐水,缺血2 h后拔出线栓行再灌注.再灌注24 h时行神经功能缺陷评分,然后断头取脑,光镜下观察病理学,采用比色法检测髓过氧化物酶活性,免疫组织化学方法检测星形胶质细胞和小胶质细胞的活化,ELISA法检测再灌注1、6、12、24和48 h时TNF-α、IL-β、转化生长因子β(TGF-β1)及IL-10的含量.结果 与S组比较,I/R组大鼠神经功能缺陷评分、髓过氧化物酶活性、TNF-α、IL-1β、TGF-β1和IL-10的含量升高,星形胶质细胞和小胶质细胞的活化数目增多(P<0.05);与I/R组比较,LXA4组神经功能缺陷评分、髓过氧化物酶活性、TNF-α和IL-1β含量降低,TGF-β1,和IL-10含量升高,星形胶质细胞和小胶质细胞的活化数目减少(P<0.05).病理结果显示:LXA4组脑缺血再灌注损伤程度较I/R组减轻.结论 脂氧素A4可通过抑制炎性反应减轻大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注损伤.     

Estrogen replacement avoids the decrease of bladder innervations in ovariectomized adult virgin rats: in vivo stereological study

Introduction and hypothesis  The authors quantified the nerve fibers in the bladder wall of ovariectomized rats with and without estradiol replacement. Methods  This study was conducted on 40 Wistar rats (3 months old). Group 1: remained intact; Group 2: underwent bilateral ovariectomy, and after 30 days was started on subcutaneous sesame oil replacement (0.2 ml per day) for 90 days; Group 3: sham-operated, and after 30 days was started on subcutaneous sesame oil replacement (0.2 ml per day) for 90 days; Group 4: bilateral ovariectomy, and after 30 days was started on subcutaneous injection of 17β-estradiol (10 μg/kg body weight) for 90 days. S-100 was used to stain nerves myelinized fibers on paraffin rat bladder sections. The G-50 grid system was used to quantitatively analyze the fibers. Conclusion  Long-term estrogen deprivation caused significant changes in bladder innervations, which can be characterized by a decreased number of nerve fibers by 65% (p < 0.001).     

DNA flow cytometric evaluation of spermatogenesis of the rebound phenomenon with testosterone in adult male rats

To examine the effects of the rebound phenomenon on the rat testis, adult male Wistar rats were treated with 0.3 mg/day of testosterone propionate (TP) for 39 days. Observations were made on 0, 26, 52, 78 and 104 days following the TP treatment. The response of the testis was investigated by determining the testicular weight and DNA flow cytometric analysis in the testicular cells. The % haploid cells (spermatids) increased at the 52nd and the 78th day after TP treatment, and were equal to the rate of the control group. The % diploid cells and % tetraploid cells showed no change. The duration of the rebound phenomenon was about 2-2.5 months.     

虎杖苷对脓毒症急性肾损伤大鼠炎症反应和氧化应激的影响

目的观察虎杖苷在脓毒症急性肾损伤(acute kidney injury,AKI)大鼠中的抗炎和抗氧化应激作用。方法 SD大鼠72只,体重180~220g,随机分为四组:假手术对照组(Sham组);盲肠结扎穿刺术(CLP)+生理盐水组(CN组);CLP+溶媒组(CV组);CLP+虎杖苷组(CD组),每组18只。对CN、CV和CD组大鼠施行CLP,模拟脓毒症AKI动物模型,Sham组大鼠盲肠既不被结扎也不被穿孔,余步骤则与CLP组相同,未行其他任何处理。CLP术后6、12、18h,CN、CV和CD组经大鼠尾静脉分别注射生理盐水、溶媒、虎杖苷30 mg/kg。在CLP术后24h记录血清肌酐(Cr)和尿素氮(BUN)等肾功能指标,观察肾脏组织病理形态改变并进行肾小管损伤评分,检测血清TNF-α、IL-1β和IL-6浓度,测定肾组织中超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性和丙二醛(MDA)、谷胱甘肽(GSH)浓度。结果与Sham组比较,CN组和CV组血清Cr、BUN、TNF-α、IL-1β和IL-6浓度、肾小管损伤评分和肾组织MDA浓度明显升高(P0.01),肾组织SOD活性、GSH浓度明显降低(P0.01)。与CN组和CV组比较,CD组血清Cr、BUN、IL-1β和IL-6浓度、肾小管损伤评分和肾组织MDA浓度明显降低(P0.05),肾组织SOD活性、GSH浓度明显升高(P0.05)。结论盲肠结扎穿刺术导致的脓毒症可引起急性肾损伤,虎杖苷可通过显著的抗炎和抗氧化应激作用,减轻肾组织损伤,改善肾功能。     

Bone response to mechanical loading in adult rats with collagen-induced arthritis

To elucidate the effects of inflammation on the response of bone to mechanical stress, we performed experiments using a rat with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model. Six-month-old female Wistar rats were used in the experiment. Bovine type II collagen sensitization and additional sensitization after 1 week were preformed in all CIA groups. Loads were applied using a four-point bending device. The right tibia was loaded in both CIA and control (CONT) groups at 35 N (low groups), 40 N (medium groups), or 47 N (high groups) for 36 cycles at 2 Hz three times per week for 3 weeks. Histomorphometrical data were collected from the periosteal and endosteal surfaces of the tibia in all rats. The tibia periosteal surface was subdivided into lateral and medial surfaces. Formation surface (FS), mineral apposition rate (MAR) and bone formation rate (BFR) were calculated. At lateral surface of periosteal surface, all three parameters showed significant differences between the loaded and nonloaded tibiae. All these parameters were significantly lower in CIA groups than in CONT groups, and interaction was seen between applied loading and CIA. There was a significant correlation between peak strain and the right-left difference of FS in the CONT groups. At medial surface of periosteal surface, there were force-related increase in FS, MAR, and BFR on the loaded side in both CIA and CONT groups, except MAR in the CONT group. All three parameters showed significant differences between the loaded and nonloaded tibiae. At endocortical surface, force-related increase was observed only in FS on the loaded side in CONT groups, and FS was significantly higher on the loaded side than the nonloaded side. CIA lowered all three parameters significantly. We examined the response to mechanical loading on the tibia in untreated CONT rats and rats with CIA by bone histomorphometry, and found that arthritis suppressed bone formation induced by mechanical loading.     

Testosterone-dependent restoration of spermatogenesis in adult rats is impaired by a 5alpha-reductase inhibitor

Germ cell development (spermiogenesis in particular) in the adult rat is known to be testosterone dependent. Recently we proposed a role for the 5alpha reduction of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the short-term restoration of round spermatid maturation when testicular testosterone levels are experimentally lowered. The current study aimed to further characterize the involvement of 5alpha-reductase in the restoration of spermatogenesis by investigating the short- and long-term restoration of specific germ cell populations by testosterone in the presence or absence of a 5alpha-reductase inhibitor (L685,273). Spermatogenesis in adult rats was suppressed for 8 weeks using 3-cm testosterone and 0.4-cm estradiol silastic implants (testosterone-estradiol [TE] treatment); spermatogenesis was then restored by administration of increasing doses of testosterone with or without a competitive 5alpha-reductase inhibitor or with the androgen receptor antagonist flutamide. Animals were then killed after either 4 days or 6 weeks of treatment so that we could study the short- and long-term restorations of spermatogenesis. Stereological analysis showed that germ cell development between late pachytene spermatocytes to round spermatids in stage VII during either short- or long-term restoration was not affected by 5alpha-reductase inhibition, but it was affected by flutamide. The conversion of round spermatids between stages VII and VIII was restored by testosterone treatment, but this restoration was prevented by flutamide. Both the short- and long-term restorations of this midspermiogenic event were significantly decreased when 5alpha-reductase was inhibited. After long-term restoration of spermatogenesis, elongated spermatids were restored to 42% of control but were significantly suppressed to 20% of control by coadministration of the 5alpha-reductase inhibitor because of a reduction in the number of round spermatids progressing between stages VII and VIII. The results demonstrate that the 5alpha-reduction of testosterone is particularly important for progression through midspermiogenesis, because this phase of germ cell development is more sensitive to withdrawal of androgens. We suggest that testicular 5alpha-reductase activity is important for the restoration or maintenance of low levels of sperm production in a hormonally based contraceptive setting.     

急性胰腺炎中全身炎症反应综合征与抗炎症反应综合征

急性胰腺炎是一种常见的急重症,被公认为是炎症紊乱的过程.早期暴发性的促炎细胞因子释放引起全身炎症反应综合征,导致多器官功能障碍综合征引起死亡.后期由于大量的抗炎细胞因子,引发抗炎症反映综合征,机体免疫功能受到抑制,诱发感染,进而形成毒血症.因此,重新建立SIRS/CARS的平衡对急性胰腺炎患者发病过程及转归有着重要的临床意义.本文就急性胰腺炎引起的SIRS、CARS有关参与冈子及机制做一综述.     

Sublethal hemorrhage impairs the acute peritoneal inflammatory response in the rat

Hemorrhagic shock increases the risk of septic complications in injured patients. In this study, we investigated the effect of sublethal hemorrhage on the acute peritoneal inflammatory response and the clearance of bacteria from the peritoneal cavity of the rat. Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to sublethal hemorrhage, resuscitated, and then inoculated intraperitoneally with a suspension of viable Escherichia coli in saline. Sham-hemorrhaged rats served as controls. Sublethal hemorrhage decreased survival and impaired the influx into the peritoneum of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and macrophage colony-forming cells. There was no difference between groups in the clearance of viable bacteria from the peritoneum; clearance of blood-borne bacteria was decreased in the hemorrhaged animals. We conclude that sublethal hemorrhage in the rat inhibits the acute peritoneal inflammatory response, but has little or no effect on the early removal of bacteria from the peritoneal cavity.     

氯沙坦对糖尿病肾病大鼠炎性反应的抑制作用

糖尿病肾病（DN）是糖尿病（DM）全身微血管病变的表现之一，其发生机制十分复杂。近年来炎性反应学说备受关注，且随着对血管紧张素受体拈抗剂（ARB）类药物研究的日益增多，发现其尚可通过抑制慢性亚临床炎性反应而发挥肾脏保护作用，但机制尚未完全明了。奉研究观察氯沙坦对DM大鼠血CRP、TNF—α水平以及Toll样受体4（TLR4）、NF—κB在肾组织中表达的影响，对其抑制炎性反应的作用机制进行初步的探讨。