Antifertility effect of ethanolic extract of Amalakyadi churna in male albino mice

Aim: To evaluate the antifertility activity of the ethanolic extract of Amalakyadi churna by oral administra-tion in male albino mice. Methods: The ethanol extract of Amalakyadi churna at the dose of 250 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight was administered orally for 30 days to adult male mice. On day 31, the mice were sacrificed and the testis and accessory reproductive organs were removed and weighed. The organs were processed for biochemical estimation and histological work. Results: Treatment with Amalakyadi chuma resulted in decrease in the weights of testis and accessory reproductive organs. The diameters of testis, seminiferous tubules and Leydig cell nucleus were decreased. The spermatogenic elements, like spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids in the testis were re-duced significantly as well as the sperm count in cauda epididymis. There was a significant reduction in the protein,glycogen, DNA and RNA contents and the activity of acid phosphatase in the testis of extract treated mice compared with the control. The cholesterol content and the alkaline phophatase activity were increased significantly in treated mice. Conclusion: Amalakyadi churna extract arrests spermatogenesis in male mice without noticeable side effects.(Asian J Andro12003 Sep; 5: 247-250)     

Phosphorus-31 and proton NMR analysis of reproductive organs of male rats

Phorphorus NMR spectra of the whole reproductive organs of male rats and their perchloric acid extracts indicate the presence of phosphocholine and phosphoethanolamine in the testis, glycerophosphocholine (GPC) and glycerophosphoethanolamine (GPE) in the epididymis, and creatine phosphate, GPC, and GPE in the seminal vesicles. High amounts of carnitine and inositol were observed by the proton NMR of perchloric acid extract of the corpus and cauda epididymis. Smaller amounts of these compounds were observed in the caput epididymis and vas deferens; they were totally absent in the testis. Creatine is present in high concentrations in the testis, vas deferens, and seminal vesicles. It is almost absent in all parts of the epididymis.     

Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels in the epididymis, vas deferens and preputial gland of mice during sexual maturation

The levels of testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the epididymis, vas deferens and preputial gland were assessed in mice from 1 to 90 days. The weight increase of these 3 organs was proportionately greater than that of the whole body until 50 or 60 days, and they attained their adult histological appearance approximately 20 days prior to puberty. Expressed in ng/g, the concentration of androgens (T+DHT) in the epididymis (14.3 to 36.5), vas deferens (6.6 to 24.0) and preputial gland (1.5 to 4.7) were higher than in plasma (0.2 to 3.6 ng/ml). The concentration of either androgen varied little during sexual maturation and was not correlated with circulating levels. The highest concentration of androgen (T+DHT) was observed at birth suggesting that the neonatal period is crucial for development of the accessory sexual organs. In the epididymis and preputial gland T was the predominant androgen during the infantile phase of development, whilst DHT predominated thereafter. In the vas deferens concentrations of T were always equal to or higher than those of DHT. These results suggest that the ability of the accessory sexual organs to accumulate androgens appears to be more important than the circulating concentration of androgens in determining their growth and differentiation.     

Stimulating effects of quercetin on sperm quality and reproductive organs in adult male rats

Aim： To investigate effects of quercetin on weight and histology of testis and accessory sex organs and on sperm quality in adult male rats. Methods： Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected s.c. with quercetin at the dose of 0, 30, 90, or 270 mg/kg body weight/day （hereafter abbreviated Q0, Q30, Q90 and Q270, respectively）, and each dose was administered for treatment durations of 3, 7 and 14 days. Results： From our study, it was found that the effects of quercetin on reproductive organs and sperm quality depended on the dose and duration of treatment. After Q270 treatment for 14 days, the weights of testes, epididymis and vas deferens were significantly increased, whereas the weights of seminal vesicle and prostate gland were significantly decreased, compared with those of Q0. The histological alteration of those organs was observed after Q270 treatment for 7 days as well as 14 days. The sperm motility, viability and concentration were significantly increased after Q90 and Q270 injections after both of 7 and 14 days. Changes in sperm quality were earlier and greater than those in sex organ histology and weight, respectively. Conclusion： Overall results indicate that quercetin might indirectly affect sperm quality through the stimulation of the sex organs, both at the cellular and organ levels, depending on the dose and the duration of treatment. Therefore, the use of quercetin as an alternative drug for treatment of male infertility should be considered. （Asian J Androl 2008 Mar. 10： 249-258）     

Does orchidopexy revert the histological alterations in epididymal and vas deferens caused by cryptorchidism?

Cryptorchidism is a pathological condition in which the testicles are retained in the abdominal cavity, resulting in atrophic seminiferous tubules. Some gross structural abnormalities and histological altercations have been described in the epididymis and vas deferens in humans with cryptorchidic testes. Orchidopexy surgery restores testicular spermatogenesis in experimental and clinical procedures, but it is still unclear whether histological changes in the epididymis and vas deferens caused by cryptorchidism may be reverted by orchidopexy. The aim of this study was to evaluated the histological changes in the epididymis and vas deferens following experimental uni- bilateral cryptorchidism in mature and immature mice, and to determine whether altercations could be reversed by orchidopexy. Young and adult C57 BL6 mice were randomized into three groups: control mice, bi/unilaterally cryptorchidic mice and bilaterally cryptorchidic mice with orchidopexy. After evaluation of testis, epididymis and vas deferens, there were no histological alterations in contralateral epididymis of mice unilaterally cryptorchidic. Ipsilateral epididymis of unilaterally cryptorchidic mice and epididymis from bilaterally cryptorchidic mice showed significant histological alterations. Orchuidopexy resorted normal spermatogenesis and the histological features of epididymis. It would appear that persistent male infertility clinically observed after orchidopexy could not be related to histological alteration in the testis and epididymis. Development and maintenance of the vas deferens seems to be controlled independently of the epididymis since it was not altered by cryptorchidism condition.     

5α-还原酶I型同功酶基因在人睾丸、附睾和输精管组织中的表达

我们对人５α－还原酶Ｉ型同功酶基因在正常人睾丸、附睾及输精管组织细胞内的定位表达进行了初步的研究。采用非同位素地高辛标记ｃＲＮＡ探针对人睾丸、附睾和输精管组织冰冻切片进行原位杂交。结果：人睾丸Ｓｅｒｔｏｌｉ和Ｌｅｙｄｉｇ细胞胞浆、附睾和输精管上皮的主细胞及假复层柱状上皮细胞的胞浆中均有较强的杂交信号；细胞核中未见杂交信号；睾丸生精细胞及基底膜、附睾和输精管上皮的基底膜、间质和肌层也未见杂交信号。证明人与灵长类和大鼠的５α－还原酶基因表达及其分布基本一致。本结果对深入研究５α－还原酶及其产物在人类生殖中的作用具重要意义。     

急性热应激对性成熟雄性小鼠睾丸、附睾、输精管中热休克蛋白70表达的影响

目的:探讨急性热应激对性成熟雄性小鼠睾丸、附睾、输精管中热休克蛋白70(heat shock protein 70,HSP70)表达的影响。方法:将32只8周龄雄性小白鼠随机均分为4组,饲养7d后,进行热应激处理,温度控制在(39±0.5)℃,时间分别为0.5、1和3h。应激后立即采血,分离血清测定谷草转氨酶(GOT)含量。一侧附睾制备精子悬液,用于计算精子密度和顶体畸形率;另一侧附睾、睾丸、输精管用于免疫组化研究。结果:应激后,小鼠体重、睾丸系数、顶体畸形率变化不显著(P>0.05),附睾系数和精子密度有不同程度的下降,GOT含量急剧升高(P<0.01)。随着应激时间的延长,小鼠精子密度呈递减趋势,顶体畸形率呈上升趋势。应激时间最短的0.5h组小鼠体重、睾丸系数、附睾系数的降幅反而最大。免疫组化法观察发现,HSP70在性成熟小鼠睾丸、附睾、输精管中均有表达。正常状态下,HSP70在睾丸组织间质细胞中少量表达,应激后分布于间质细胞核,此外在精母细胞核与精子细胞核中也有大量分布;附睾中HSP70主要分布于主细胞质,基细胞和亮细胞中没有表达,应激后附睾体的纤毛细胞中也发现大量棕色颗粒;输精管中HSP70主要定位在基细胞质,主细胞中不表达。随着应激时间的延长,HSP70在睾丸、附睾中的表达量明显升高,而在输精管中的增幅不明显。结论:急性热应激对性成熟雄性小鼠的生殖系统造成了损伤;HSP70在睾丸、附睾、输精管中的表达与定位具有区域特异性和细胞特异性,提示其可能参与精子的发生与成熟;HSP70在应激状态下表达量大幅上升的作用可能在于保护细胞免受高热损伤。     

Effects of the aqueous extract of dry seeds of Aframomum melegueta on some parameters of the reproductive function of mature male rats

Mature male albino Wistar rats (180-210 g) were given aqueous extract of dry seeds of Aframomum melegueta K. Schum (Zingiberaceae) by gastric intubation during periods of 8 and 55 days. This was performed in two doses: 115 and 230 mg kg(-1) during 8 days and 115 mg kg(-1) during 55 days. Control rats received distilled water during the same periods. The animals were sacrificed and their blood, as well as testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle and prostate were collected and analysed. Results showed a significant increase in testosterone in serum and testis, cholesterol in testis, α-glucosidase in epididymis and fructose in seminal vesicle after 8 days of treatment of A. melegueta-treated rats (115 and 230 mg kg(-1) ). Results also showed that levels of cholesterol in testis, α-glucosidase in epididymis and fructose in seminal vesicle increased by 93.34%, 83.44% and 62.78%, respectively, after 55 days of A. melegueta treatment. From these findings, it was concluded that the aqueous extract of A. melegueta increased the secretions of epididymis and seminal vesicle, which are accessory sex organs.     

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。     

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.     

人绒毛膜促性腺激素对小鼠睾丸、附睾表皮生长因子和睾酮的影响

为了探讨人绒毛膜促性腺激素 (h CG)与颌下腺、睾丸和附睾表皮生长因子(EGF)的相互调节机制 ,本研究对 ICR雄性小鼠在切除颌下腺和给予 h CG前后应用放射免疫方法测定睾丸和附睾 EGF变化以及睾丸和血清睾酮 (T)变化。结果 :去颌下腺后 ,睾丸 EGF和血清 T不降低 (P>0 .0 5 ) ,附睾 EGF明显增加 (P<0 .0 5 ) ,睾丸 T显著降低(P<0 .0 5 ) ;去颌下腺给药组与去颌下腺组相比 ,睾丸和附睾 EGF明显增加 (P<0 .0 5 ) ,睾丸 T明显增加 (P<0 .0 5 ) ,血清 T显著降低 (P<0 .0 5 )。假手术给药组与假手术组相比 ,睾丸和附睾 EGF明显增加 (P<0 .0 5 ) ,睾丸 T明显增高 (P<0 .0 5 ) ,血清 T不增加 (P<0 .0 5 )。假手术给药组与去颌下腺给药组相比 ,睾丸 EGF明显增加 (P<0 .0 5 ) ,附睾EGF明显降低 (P<0 .0 5 ) ,睾丸 T和血清 T均明显增加 (P<0 .0 5 )。结论 :(1 )睾丸与附睾均能产生 EGF。 (2 ) h CG可通过调节睾丸 T生物合成影响睾丸、附睾 EGF含量。 (3)颌下腺促进睾丸 T的生物合成。 (4 )颌下腺和 h CG调节睾丸、附睾 EGF合成的机制不同。     

Polyorchidim: a case report and review of the literature

A 28-year-old male presented with a small painless lump in his left hemiscrotum. A physical examination revealed a non-tender mass that was palpable on the tail of left epididymis, and the testis and spermatic cord were normal. Ultrasonography showed an isoechoic round shaped tumor, 16 mm in diameter. An exploration of the scrotum was performed, based on a preoperative diagnosis of a left epididymal tumor. The tumor was located below the tail of epididymis, and had a whitish capsule, which looked similar to tunica albuginea testis. A frozen section revealed testicular tissue without any malignant change, and therefore polyorchidism was diagnosed. The accessory testis was resected because there was no connection with the epididymis and vas deferens. Polyorchidism is a rare congenital anomaly with 24 cases reported in the Japanese literature. The indications for the resection of an accessory testis are controversial. Patients with intrascrotal polyorchidism might be recommended to undergo a resection of the accessory testes if there are signs of dysplasia during an intraoperative biopsy. Patients must be followed up with regular clinical and ultrasonic examinations when accessory testes are preserved. However, extrascrotal supernumerary testes should be managed by an orchiectomy because of the increased risk of malignancy.     

Intra-abdominal testis with loop-like epididymis and intra-canalicular vas and vessels

A case of intra-abdominal testis with loop-like epididymis and intra-canalicular vas and vessels is presented. A 3-year-old male with left impalpable testis since birth was admitted to our department. Physical examination and ultrasonography were inconclusive. Laparoscopy revealed a small left abdominal testis with surrounding adhesions close to the left-obliterated umbilical artery. The vas deferens and spermatic vessels were entering into the internal inguinal ring. The processus vaginalis was patent. At inguinal exploration the testis was atrophic and the epididymis was loop-like, joining the vas deferens in the inguinal canal. The spermatic vessels continued to the atrophic testis in a loop-like manner. The testis, epididymis and the vas deferens were removed. Histopathological examination of the testis revealed Sertoli cells only. If inguinal exploration had been performed without laparoscopy, the presence of the vas deferens and spermatic vessels in the inguinal canal with the absence of the testis could have been misdiagnosed as vanishing testis. Abdominal testis would thus have been missed, with increased risk of complications, particularly malignancy.     

Fundamental and clinical studies on alpha 1-blocker therapy for idiopathic male infertility]

Clinical usefulness of the alpha 1-blocker and beta-stimulant combined therapy for idiopathic male infertility has already been reported by Yamamoto et al. But the same trial followed by us revealed only a slight effectiveness and substantial adverse effects due to beta-stimulation. The mechanism of the alpha 1-blocker and beta-stimulant combined therapy is not yet established. In order to investigate its mechanism, fundamental study of alpha 1-receptor assay in the specimens of testis and various parts of male accessory sex organs obtained at the time of operation was done in this study. In addition the usefulness of alpha 1-blocker therapy for idiopathic male infertility was also examined clinically. The tissues used in this study were obtained from patients with prostatic cancer (23 cases), benign prostatic hyperplasia (24 cases), bladder cancer (6 cases), chronic epididymitis (3 cases), azoospermia due to disorders of vas deferens (5 cases) and a vasectomized man. Tritium labeled bunazosin was used as the ligand. The crude membrane fraction was extracted from the sample, with or without phentolamine incubated for 20 min at 37 degrees C. Maximal binding sites (Bmax) and the dissociation constant (Kd) were obtained by Scatchard plot analysis. Twenty-two infertile men were treated by oral administration of alpha 1-blocker (bunazosin, 3 mg/day) for 24 weeks. The results were as follows: 1) Bmax in the testis, epididymis, vas deferens and prostate, expressed as fmol, per mg. protein, was 2.27 +/- 1.74, 16.62 +/- 6.19, 29.44 +/- 17.81, 27.77 +/- 12.0, respectively (mean +/- S.D.). 2) Bmax in the rete testis was relatively high among various parts of the testis and seminiferous tubules. 3) Overall effective rates of sperm density and the sperm motility were noted in 36% at 12 weeks and 60% at 24 weeks after the therapy. 4) There was no clinical effect in patients with azoospermia and a slight effectiveness in patients with elevated plasma gonadotropin levels. 5) Adverse effect was reduced to 9.1%. These results suggest that the alpha 1-blocker therapy for idiopathic male infertility is clinically useful and that the mechanism of the therapy is through the action on male accessory sex organs behind the testis.     

19-去甲睾酮对性腺发育不良小鼠附性腺生长的影响

目的 :观察合成同化甾体激素 19 去甲睾酮 (NT)对性腺发育不良 (hpg)小鼠的前列腺、精囊腺 (SV)、附睾生长发育的影响 ,为用药的安全性提供实验依据。　方法 :NT硅胶囊皮下埋植 5周缓释给药 ,设给药hpg小鼠实验组 (n =7)、不给药hpg小鼠对照组 (n =7)和性腺发育正常小鼠对照组 (n =10 )。给药结束后测定前列腺腹侧叶(VP)、SV和附睾的重量及VP腺管末梢数目。　结果 :与hpg小鼠对照组相比 ,hpg小鼠给药组各附性腺的重量均显著增加 (P <0 .0 0 5 ) ,VP腺管分支形态发育趋于正常 ;hpg小鼠给药组SV的重量与正常小鼠相同 ,但VP、附睾的重量及VP腺管末梢数目仍显著低于正常性腺小鼠对照组 (P <0 .0 0 5 )。　结论 :NT能明显刺激hpg小鼠附性腺的生长发育     

Differential expression and regulation of integral membrane protein 2b in rat male reproductive tissues

Aim： To examine the expression and regulation of integral membrane protein 2b （Itm2b） in rat male reproductive tissues during sexual maturation and under different treatments by in situ hybridization. Methods： Testis, epididymis, and vas deferens were collected on days 1-70 to examine Itm2b expression during sexual maturation. To further examine the regulation of Itm2b, adult rats underwent surgical castration and cryptorchidism. Ethylene dimethane sulfonate and busulfan treatments were carried out to test the regulation of Itm2b after destruction of Leydig cells and germ cells. Results： In testis, Itm2b expression was moderately detected in the adluminal area of seminiferous cords on days 1-10, and detected at a low level in the spermatogonia on days 20 and 30. The Itm2b level was markedly increased in Leydig cells from day 20 to day 70. In epididymis and vas deferens, Itm2b was detected from neonate to adults, and the signal gradually increased in accordance with sexual maturation. Itm2b expression was significantly downregulated in epididymis and vas deferens of castrated rats, and strongly stimulated when castrated rats were treated with testosterone. Cryptorchidism led to a significant decline of Itm2b expression in testis and caput epididymis. Itm2b expression in epididymis and vas deferens was significantly decreased after the Leydig ceils were destroyed by ethylene dimethane sulfonate. Busulfan treatment produced no obvious change in Itm2b expression in epididymis or vas deferens. Conelusion： Our data suggested that Itm2b expression is upregulated by testosterone and might play a role in rat male reproduction.     

Effects of abdominal location and epididymal or vasal obstructions either individually or in association on ipsilateral and contralateral testes. A histologic and DNA flow cytometric analyses

OBJECTIVE: An experimental study was conducted to evaluate the damages in ipsilateral and contralateral testes in individual or associated presences of abdominal location and vasal or epididymal obstructions. METHODS: Six groups each consisting of 8 rats were established. The groups included sham operation, ligation of the vas deferens, detachment of the epididymis from testis, abdominal placement of the testis, abdominal placement of the testis with vas deferens ligation, and abdominal placement of the testis with detachment of epididymis from testis. After 30 days, bilateral orchidectomy was performed. Mean seminiferous tubular diameters (MSTD) and mean testicular biopsy scores (MTBS) were obtained for each testis. Relative proportions of haploid, diploid and tetraploid cells were determined by DNA flow cytometry. MSTD, MTBS and the proportions of haploid cells were compared through one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: While vas deferens ligation has diminished MSTD only in the contralateral testes, abdominal testis and detachment of epididymis have diminished MSTD in both ipsilateral and contralateral testes. MTBS were depressed only in the ipsilateral testes in groups of abdominal testis, vas deferens ligation and detachment of epdidymis. However, ratios of haploid DNA were depressed in both ipsilateral and contralateral testes. Abdominal testis together with vas ligation or detachment of epididymis has further depressed the ratios of haploid DNA in both ipsilateral and contralateral testes. CONCLUSION: Compared to their individual presence, the associated presence of abdominal testis and vasal or epididymal obstructions may augment the damages encountered within the ipsilateral and contralateral testes.     

Male accessory gland infection

Male accessory gland infection (MAGI) is a consequence of canalicular spreading of agents via urethra, prostate gland, seminal vesicles, deferent duct, epididymis and testis. Haematogenous infections are rare. The main infectious agents are Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis, and also enterobacteriae at a lesser frequency. Characteristic symptoms of MAGI are leukocytospermia, enhanced concentration of cytokines and reactive oxygen species. As complications, obstruction of the ductus epididymidis and/or another duct section, impairment of spermatogenesis in orchitis, impairment of sperm function, and dysfunctions of the male accessory glands may occur. Reduction of male fertility is a rare consequence. The treatment has to consider specific antibiotics.     

Testicular dysfunction in BALB C mice with Schistosoma intercalatum bilharziasis

AIM: To evaluate the effect of Schistosoma intercalatum infestation on the testicular function of mice. METHODS: Male BALB C mice were infested by immersion of the tail and hind feet into the water with 50 or 100 cercariae of Cameroon strain S. intercalatum. Sixty days later the animals were killed, blood was collected and the testis, epididymis and seminal vesicles were dissected and weighed. The plasma and testicular testosterone were evaluated with radioimmunoassay, the seminal vesicular fructose with colorimetric method, and the histology of testis and cauda epididymis observed under light microscope. The intensity of infestation was estimated in terms of S. intercalatum egg load in the liver. RESULTS: In infested mice, the testicular weight did not change significantly while the epididymal and seminal vesicular weights were significantly lowered compared to the controls. Furthermore, the fructose levels in the seminal vesicle fluid were significantly (P<0.01) reduced in about 50% of infested mice. S. intercalatum infestation also decreased the plasma and testicular testosterone concentrations. Histological studies indicated that the spermatogenesis, the testicular interstitial tissue and the cauda epididymis were qualitatively normal. Parasite eggs were not found in these organs. The mean seminiferous tubular diameter did not show significant differences between the infested and control mice. CONCLUSION: S. intercalatum infestation impairs testicular function.