Antispermatogenic activity of Morinda lucida extract in male rats

Aim： To investigate the effect of Morinda lucida Benth （Rubiaceae） on the reproductive activity of male albino rats. Methods： Two groups of rats were treated with 400 mg/（kg.d） of Morinda lucida leaf extract for 4 and 13 weeks, respectively. The control rats received the vehicle. All the treated rats had corresponding recovery groups. At the end of each experimental period, animals were killed and organ weights, sperm characteristics, serum testosterone levels, histology of the testes and fertility were assessed. Results： Morinda lucida leaf extract did not cause any changes in body and somatic organ weights, but significantly increased the testis weight （P 〈 0.05）. The sperm motility and viability, and the epididymal sperm counts of rats treated for 13 weeks were significantly reduced （P 〈 0.05）. Sperm morphological abnormalities and serum testosterone levels were significantly increased （P 〈 0.05）. There were various degrees of damage to the seminiferous tubules. The extract reduced the fertility of the treated rats by reducing the litter size. Reversal of these changes, however, occurred after a period of time. Conclusion： The extract of Morinda lucida has reversible antispermatogenic properties.     

骨桥蛋白在雄性哺乳动物生殖系统中的作用

骨桥蛋白(OPN)为一种多功能的细胞外基质蛋白,在多种组织及体液中广泛表达,参与各项生理及病理过程。同时,OPN也表达于女性及男性的生殖系统,参与了胚胎的着床、生长发育及分化等生殖过程。近年来研究表明,OPN普遍存在于雄性哺乳动物的生殖系统中,并与雄性动物的生育力有着密切的关系,可能影响精子的质量及其受精过程等。对OPN相关功能的研究将有助于解释男性不育的机制,提高辅助生殖技术的成功率。     

Androgenic effect of Mondia whitei roots in male rats

Aim: To determine the effect of the aqueous extract of Mondia whitei (Periplocaceae) roots on testosterone production and fertility of male rats. Methods: Adult male Wistar rats were used. In the acute study, 20 rats were randomly divided into 5 groups of 4 animals each. Four treated groups were administered orally a single dose of Mondia whitei (400 mg/kg) and the controls received a similar amount of distilled water. One group of animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation 1,2,4 and 6 h after treatment, respectively. The controls were sacrificed at 6 h. Testicular testosterone was determined by radioimmunoassay. In the chronic study, 28 rats were divided at random into 4 groups of 7 animals each: Groups 1, 2 and 3 were given orally the plant extract (400 mg·kg-1·day-1) for 2, 4 and 8 days, respectively. The animals of Groups 1 and 2 were sacrificed 24 hours after the last dosing. The controls (Group 4) received the same amount of distilled water for 8 days. The fertility was assessed only in Grou     

Effect of nanoparticles on the male reproductive system of mice

The effects of nanoparticles toward on the male reproductive system of mice were investigated. Three sizes (14, 56 and 95 nm) of carbon black nanoparticles were intratracheally administered (0.1 mg/mouse for 10 times every week) to ICR male mice to investigate their adverse effects on the reproductive function. The serum testosterone levels were elevated significantly in the 14- and 56-nm carbon nanoparticles-exposed groups. Histological examination showed partial vacuolation of the seminiferous tubules. In addition, the effects of particle number towards the male reproductive system were investigated. The particle number controlled 14-nm nanoparticles-exposed group (14 N group, which has approximately the same particle number per unit volume as the 56-nm nanoparticles) showed fewer effects than did the 56-nm nanoparticles-exposed groups. These results suggest that carbon nanoparticle-exposure has adverse effects on the mouse male reproductive function. Furthermore, the effects of nanoparticles on the male reproductive system depend on particle mass rather than particle number.     

Effect of intermittent treatment with tamoxifen on reproduction in male rats

Aim: To identify the antifertility effect of intermittent oral administration of tamoxifen in male rat. Methods:Tamoxifen was administered orally at a dose of 0.4 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1) with an intermittent regime for 120 days. Treatedand control rats were mated with cycling female rats on days 60, 90 and 120 of treatment. The mated males were sacri-ficed and the weights of reproductive organs were recorded, and the serum levels of LH, FSH, testosterone and estradi-ol estimated by radioimmunoassay. In the female rats, the numbers of implantation sites, corpora lutea, and numbersof normal and resorbed foetuses were recorded on d 21 of gestation. The potency, fecundity, fertility index, litter sizeand post-implantation loss were then calculated. Results; The fecundity of male rats was completely suppressed bytamoxifen while the potency was maintained at the control level. The fertility index was significantly decreased. No vi-able litters were sired. Post implantation loss, indicative of non-viable embryos,     

Effect of ligustrum fruit extract on reproduction in experimental diabetic rats

Aim: To study the effect of ligustrum fruit on spermatogenesis and blood gonadal hormones in diabetic rats.Methods: Experimental diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats with streptozotocin. Ligustrum fruit extract wasgiven by gastric gavage at a dose of crude drug 30 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1) for 110 days. The serum gonadadotropic hormones andtestosterone were determined on d 60 and testicular histology examined on d 110. Results: In the control diabeticrats, the seminiferous tubules were dilated and the spermatogenic cells irregularly arranged. Spermatogenesis was arrest-ed with the number of spermatids highly reduced and spermatozoa not observed. In the treated rats, all types of sper-matogenic cells were practically normal. The serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)and testosterone levels were higher in the treated than in the control rats, but the difference was insignificant. Conclu-sion: In experimental diabetic rats, ligustrum fruit extract protects the damaging effect of ex     

Effects of treatment with Hypoxis hemerocallidea extract on sexual behaviour and reproductive parameters in male rats

Hypoxis hemerocallidea is used in traditional medicine in South Africa, for the treatment of male reproductive ailments and various chronic illnesses. Despite chronic use, its effects on male reproductive system are unknown. Male Wistar rats were treated orally daily for 28 (n = 18) and 56 days (n = 18). Treatment groups (n = 6/group) per treatment period were as follows: untreated control, 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg 70% ethanolic extract of H. hemerocallidea. Sexual behaviour observations were performed on days 17 and 42 of the study. Sperm, biochemical and testicular histopathological studies were carried out. Arousal and libido and serum testosterone increased after 56 days of treatment. There was an increase in epididymal sperm count at both treatment doses, with the 300 mg/kg dose showing a higher sperm count (p < .05) compared to the 150 mg/kg treatment group. The higher 300 mg/kg dose also showed an increase (p < .05) in sperm motility after 56 days of treatment. Histology showed an increase in germinal layer thickness, consistent with the observed increase in sperm count. Testicular oxidative status improved after 56 days of treatment. Results suggest that chronic treatment with H. hemerocallidea may improve male sexual function and fertility parameters and may protect testes from oxidative damage.     

Dose‐ and time‐dependent effects of Garcinia kola seed extract on sexual behaviour and reproductive parameters in male Wistar rats

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a crude extract of Garcinia kola on male sexual function after subchronic and chronic treatment periods at different sublethal doses. Adult male Wistar rats were treated orally with 100, 200 and 400 mg kg^?1 of a 70% ethanolic extract of G. kola daily for 56 days. Sexual behaviour studies were performed on days 28 and 50. At termination on day 56, organ weights, sperm count, reproductive hormone levels and testicular histology were assessed. Subchronic and chronic treatment of normal male rats with G. kola extract resulted in overall increase in components of libido, erection and ejaculation in treated rats – with lower doses being more efficient than the higher dose. There was a slight reduction in some components of sexual behaviour with prolonged time of treatment. G. kola treatment at all doses resulted in increased testicular weights, increased sperm count with no change in motility and increased serum testosterone levels with no change in gonadotropin levels. Gross testicular histology was not affected by treatment. We conclude that G. kola seed extract possesses potent aphrodisiac activity in male albino rats with resultant increase in sperm count and testosterone levels.     

Beneficial effects of chrysin on the reproductive system of adult male rats

In this study, the beneficial effect of chrysin, a natural flavonoid currently under investigation due to its important biological activities, on reproductive system of rats was investigated. Rats (n = 16) were divided randomly into two equal groups. Rats in control group were given corn oil as carrier. Chrysin was orally administered at the dose of 50 mg kg(-1) per day by gavages, and it was dissolved in corn oil for 60 days. Tissue thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and glutathione (GSH) levels, antioxidant enzyme activity (CAT, SOD and GSH-Px), sperm parameters (motility, concentration and abnormal sperm rate), reproductive organ weight (testes, epididymis, vesicula seminalis, prostate) and serum testosterone levels were determined in the rats. Our results indicated that chrysin significantly increased GSH, CAT, GSH-Px and CuZn-SOD levels, but did not change the formation of TBARS significantly. In addition, sperm motility, sperm concentration and serum testosterone levels significantly increased, whereas abnormal sperm rate significantly decreased with chrysin treatment. In conclusion, it is suggested that treatment with chrysin can positively affect the reproductive system in rats, and it can be used for the treatment of male infertility.     

Rat sperm immobilisation effects of a protein from Ricinus communis (Linn.): an in vitro comparative study with nonoxynol‐9

Previous study conducted in our department showed that 50% ethanolic extract of the root of Ricinus communis possess reversible antifertility effect and a 62‐kDa protein (Rp) from this extract is responsible for the antifertility effects. In this study, we compared the spermicidal effect of this Rp with nonoxynol‐9 (N‐9) in vitro. The sperm immobilisation studies showed that 100 μg ml^?1 of Rp was able to immobilise the sperms completely within 30 s. Sperm revival test revealed that the spermicidal effect was irreversible. There was also a significant reduction in sperm viability and hypo‐osmotic swelling in Rp and N‐9 treated groups in comparison with the control. In Rp and N‐9 treated groups, the number of acrosome‐reacted cells was found to be high and also caused agglutination of the spermatozoa, indicating the loss of intactness of the plasma membrane, which was further supported by the significant reduction in the activity of membrane bound 5′‐nucleotidase, acrosomal acrosin. In short, the protein Rp possesses spermicidal activity in vitro and its effects are similar to that of nonoxynol 9.     

Effect of methanol extract of Basella alba L. (Basellaceae) on the fecundity and testosterone level in male rats exposed to flutamide in utero

We evaluated the effect of the methanol extract of Basella alba (MEBa) on testosterone level and fecundity/fertility in male rats exposed in utero to flutamide - an androgen receptor antagonist. For this purpose, 1.5- and 2.5 -month-old male rats exposed in utero to flutamide were treated with the MEBa (1 mg kg(-1) ) for 2 and 1 month respectively. Five days before the end of treatment, rats were housed with females to assess their fecundity/fertility. Thereafter, rats were sacrificed and blood collected for the quantification of testosterone. Flutamide-exposed male rats showed a decrease in their ano-genital distance (AGD, P < 0.05) and were infertile. In normal (methylcellulose-exposed) animals, MEBa provoked an increase in testosterone level in 1.5- (P < 0.008) and 2.5 -month-old rats (P < 0.01) concomitantly with the improvement in their fecundity by 25%. In flutamide-exposed male rats, MEBa increased testosterone level in 1.5 -month-old rats (P < 0.001) without any effect on their fecundity; while in 2.5- month-old rats, MEBa did not affect the testosterone level but improved fecundity (by 25%) and fertility (P < 0.001). This study demonstrated the positive effect of MEBa to enhance fecundity/fertility in normal male rats and in rats exposed to the antiandrogen flutamide during their foetal life.     

Grape seed extract attenuates dexamethasone‐induced testicular and thyroid dysfunction in male albino rats

This study scrutinised the ameliorative properties of grape seed extract (GSE) in dexamethasone (DEX)‐induced testicular and thyroid dysfunction associated with oxidative stress in male albino rats. Thirty‐two healthy adult male albino rats were divided into four groups of eight animals each: normal, DEX control, DEX + GSE (200 mg/kg body weight) group and DEX + GSE (400 mg/kg body weight) group. The body weight gain and testes weight were assessed. Plasma testosterone and thyroid profile were determined. Testicular glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G‐6‐PDH), acid phosphatase (ACP), total protein and glutathione (GSH) levels, as well as catalase (CAT) activity also histopathological changes of the testis were evaluated. DEX treatment caused a significant decrease in body weight gain and weight of testes. Significant alterations in enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants were observed. Moreover, a marked reduction in plasma testosterone levels and thyroid profile was observed. The administration of GSE significantly attenuated the deleterious effects of oxidative stress induced by DEX, as well as attenuated DEX‐induced testicular and thyroid damage. Furthermore, DEX induced histological alterations in the testis. GSE ameliorated the injurious effects of DEX and improved the histological alterations in the testis.     

Annexin5对雄性SD大鼠生殖相关指标和睾酮分泌的影响

目的 探讨膜联蚩白5(annexin5)对雄性SD大鼠体重、睾丸系数、附睾系数、精子相对计数和睾酮水平的影响.方法 给雄性SD大鼠腹腔注射3个不同剂量(7.5μg/kg、15μg/kg、30μg/kg)的annexin5,对照组腹腔汴射等晕的pH 8.0 Tris-HCI,1次/d,连续20d.分别称重对照组和实验组SD大鼠体重、睾丸、附睾,并对附睾尾进行精子计数.HE染色观察睾丸组织结构.运用化学发光法检测对照组和各实验组SD大鼠血清中睾酮浓度.结果 与对照组相比,15 μg/kg实验组大鼠附睾系数与精子相对计数均显著提高,分别提高了12.5%(131.8±9.6vs 117.2±5.9)(P<0.01)和31.4%(36.8±5.6vs 31.7±5.3)(P<0.05);其它剂量组与对照纰相比差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05).HE染色显示各剂量实验组与对照组相比,睾丸的形态结构没有发牛明显改变.7.5 μg/kg组和15 μg/kg组大鼠血清睾酮含量显著高十对照组,分别提高了35.5%(36.33±3.89vs26.82±3.75)(P<0.01)和82.8%(49.04±5.17vs26.82±3.75)(P<0.01),30 μg/kg组大鼠睾酮含量虽也有升高,但与对照组比较,结果无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 腹腔注射annexin5能影响大鼠睾丸生精、附睾功能及睾酮水平,并与剂量有关.     

Joint action of phoxim and fenvalerate on reproduction in male rats

Aim: To evaluate the joint action of phoxim and fenvalerate on the reproductive function in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Methods: The 2×2 factorial analysis experiment was used in the study. The pesticides were orally given at daily doses of phoxim (Pho) 8.2 nig/kg, fenvalerate (Fen) 3.3 mg/kg and Pho 8.2 Fen 3,3 mg/kg (Pho:Fen = 5:2), 5 days a week for 60 days. Sperm motility was measured with computer-assisted sperm motility analysis (CASA) and daily sperm production estimated. Immunoenzymatic method and electron microscopy were used to evaluate the serum testosterone and the testicular morphology, respectively. Results: There were significant decreases in sperm motility parameters in the treated animals, including straight line velocity (VSL), beat cross frequency (BCF), linearity (LIN) and straightness (STR). After treated with Fen, significant decreases in VSL, LIN and STR were demonstrated. Significant decreases of daily sperm production were seen in animals treated with Pho and Pho Fen in comparison     

Effect of alcoholic extract of Lepidium meyenii （Maca） on testicular function in male rats

Aim: To evaluate the effect of the alcoholic extract of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on the spermatogenesisin male rats. Methods: In Holtzman rats, Maca alcoholic extract (5 %) was given by oral route at doses of 48 mg/day or 96 mg/day for 7 days, 14 days and 21 days. Testicular function was assessed by measurements of lengths of different stages of seminiferous epithelia and by epididymal sperm count. Results: Ethanolic extract of Maca increased the length of stages IX-XI of seminiferous epithelium at treatment day 7, day 14 and day 21. Progression of spermatogenesis was evident only after day 21 when lengths of stages XII-XIV of seminiferous epithelium were increased; at day 7 and day 14, no important change in spermatogenesis was observed. Epididymal sperm count was increased with 48 mg/day at all times. With 96 mg/day an increase in sperm count was observed at day 7, but it was reduced at day 14 and day 21 of treatment. Serum testosterone levels were not affected. Conclusion: The alcoholic extract of Maca activates onset ant progression of spermatogenesis at 48 mg/day or 96 mg/day in rats.     

局部振动对雄性兔生殖功能的影响

目的 通过对雄性新西兰兔精液中精子质量及受精能力的检测,观察睾丸大体形态及精子细胞超微结构的改变,探讨局部振动对雄性兔的生殖功能的影响.方法 将新西兰兔随机分为A组(接振强度为3.02m/s2)、B组(接振强度为6.13m/s2)、C组(接振强度为12.26m/s2)和1个对照组.于接振后30d测定精浆中精子的密度、活动力、活动率、畸形率,通过去透明带仓鼠卵-精子穿透试验和精子低渗膨胀试验评价精子的受精能力,光镜下观察睾丸组织学变化,电镜下观察睾丸精子细胞超微结构的改变.结果 接振试验后与对照组相比较,A、B、C 3个试验组新西兰兔精液精子活动率、活动力明显降低(P＜0.01);精子的畸形率明显升高(P＜0.05).精子的受精率及尾部肿胀的精子比率明显降低(P＜0.05).睾丸生精细胞数量减少,精子细胞的部分细胞器破坏、裂解、坏死.结论 后肢接振试验可降低精子的活动力、活动率及卵子受精率及低渗肿胀率,增加精子的畸形率,睾丸组织中生精细胞减少,精子细胞的部分细胞器破坏、裂解、坏死,从而抑制精子的成熟,影响生殖功能.     

Fertility suppression in male albino rats by administration of methanolic extract of Opuntia dillenii

To control growing world population, there is a need for male contraceptive methods that are comparable to female contraceptives, but due to lack of knowledge or investigation, no sufficient safe and effective contraceptives were developed till now. In the present investigation, the effect of 100% methanol extract of Opuntia dillenii phylloclade on reproduction in male rats was studied. A first group (I) received vehicle alone to serve as control. The second group (II) was further divided into treated and recovery groups, and the plant extract at 50 mg kg body weight(-1) was administered orally for 30 days. Biochemical, haematological and histopathological analyses were carried out to reveal the effects on reproductive organs in the male rats. The weights of reproductive organs were recorded. It was found that the number of fertile males, number of inseminated females, number of litters delivered and testosterone levels were reduced significantly. Epididymal sperm count and motility were also significantly decreased. Biochemical parameters support the antifertility activity of O. dillenii i.e. decreases in protein, glycogen content and elevation in cholesterol level. Testes and sperm morphology were altered significantly. Haematological parameters have not shown any significant changes. It is concluded that 100% methanol extract of O. dillenii possesses antifertility effects on male reproduction without change in general physiology.     

Effect of the ethanolic extract from Fagara tessmannii on testicular function, sex reproductive organs and hormone level in adult male rats

The effect of ethanolic extract of Fagara tessmannii, wide medicinal plants used on reproductive function in South Cameroon, was investigated in male rats. Twenty male sexually experienced rats (four groups) were orally treated with vehicle, 0.01, 0.1, 1 g kg(-1) BW per day of F. tessmannii (equivalent to 16.67 g, 33.33 g, 50 g, 66.66 g kg(-1) dry raw material) for 14 days, the upper limit dose without any clinical sign of toxicity was 2 g kg(-1). Fagara tessmannii extract negatively affected weight of accessory organs and significantly affected body weight gain at dose 1 g kg(-1) (P < 0.05) in treated rats. The weight of epididymis and seminal vesicle significantly decreased at low doses (0.01 g kg(-1)) while the prostate weight decreased at all doses (P < 0.05). The transit of spermatozoa in cauda epididymidis significantly increased at lower dose of 0.01 g kg(-1) (P < 0.05). In addition, F. tessmannii extract affected neither daily sperm production (DSP) and DSP per g nor sperm count in vas deferens and epididymis. The length of stages IX-I of the seminiferous tubule and serum testosterone level increased dose-dependently following 14 days of treatment (P < 0.05). The results suggest that F. tessmannii, 14 days after treatment, may improve spermatogenesis, testosterone level and sperm transit in cauda epididymidis but negatively impair reproductive organ activities.     

Recovery of lead‐induced suppressed reproduction in male rats by testosterone

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of testosterone in recuperation of lead‐induced suppressed reproduction in adult male rats. Lead acetate was administered orally to adult male rats (95 ± 5 days) at dosage level of 0.05 and 0.15% for 55 days through drinking water and injected intraperitoneally with either testoviron depot at a dose of 4.16 mg kg^?1 body weight or vehicle alone on days 1, 7 and 14 respectively. At the end of treatment, control and treated males were cohabited with untreated normal‐cycling females. After cohabitation for 5 days, all the male rats were killed and weights of reproductive organs were determined. Significant increase in the indices of testis, epididymis, seminal vesicles, vas deferens and prostate glands was observed in testosterone (T)‐treated rats when compared to those of lead‐exposed rats. Testosterone treatment significantly increased epididymal sperm count, motile spermatozoa, viable spermatozoa and HOS tail‐coiled spermatozoa and also the activity levels of testicular 3β‐ and 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases when compared to those of lead‐exposed males. From the results, it can be hypothesised that supplementation of testosterone mitigated lead‐induced suppressed reproduction in male rats.