65Zn incorporation in the male reproductive organs following gossypol treatment

Male hamsters and rats were administered gossypol 10 mg/kg/day for 45 and 56 days respectively. Twenty four hours before the last dose, animals were administered 65Zn (specific activity 0.258 uci/mg) subcutaneously. A marked decrease in 65Zn incorporation was observed in testis, epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate following drug administration. A significant increase in 65Zn uptake was however observed in vas deferens in both rat and hamster following drug administration. Our results suggest that whatever the mechanism of gossypol action on testis-epididymis complex may be, the marked decrease in 65Zn uptake by testis--epididymis complex following gossypol treatment may be related to the antispermatogenic effect of gossypol.     

Effects of cadmium chloride on the testis and sex accessory glands of the Indian palm squirrel, Funambulus pennanti (Wroughthon).

A single subcutaneous injection of cadmium chloride caused reversible destruction in the testis of palm, squirrel, Funambulus pennanti. Marked regression in testicular weight and seminiferous tubule diameter associated with complete necrosis of germinal epithelium was observed after 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 days of cadmium administration. A significant increase in the concentration of testicular cholesterol was observed after 5 days treatment. Decrease in the citric acid concentration of prostate gland was associated with the degenerative changes of the spermatogenic elements. Reduced fructose concentration in the seminal vesicle and prostate of cadmium treated animals indicate an inhibition of androgen production. Decreased androgen production was also reflected by the atrophic seminal vesicles, prostate and epididymides. These effects were reversible and about 70% seminiferous tubules showed normal spermatogenesis. The cholesterol, fructose and citric acid concentration of testis and sex accessory glands returned to subnormal levels after 45 days of cadmium chloride treatment. It is suggested that the degenerative effects of cadmium chloride are dose, time and species dependent.     

Altered structural and functional integrity of the reproductive tissues in estradiol benzoate-treated intact male albino rats

The effects of estradiol benzoate administration (50 micrograms/day/rat for 15 days) to healthy intact male albino rats of Holtzman strain were investigated. Estradiol benzoate (E2B) treatment caused significant reduction in androgen-target tissues, viz., testis, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicle, and ventral prostate. This led to alterations in the milieu of the epididymis and vas deferens rendering them hostile for sperm maturation, motility, metabolism, and survival as is evident by reduced sperm motility, alterations in their morphology, and the resulting loss of fertility. The reduction in sperm counts are correlated with decrease in weight, atrophy of testis, and arrest of spermatogenesis. It is evident that E2B treatment to adult intact, male rats manifested antiandrogenic and antifertility effects mainly by directly affecting the testicular structural and functional integrity in support of earlier data. Studies on induction of functional sterility after E2B treatment are called for.     

Limiting male fertility by selectively depriving the epididymis of androgen

Transient functional sterility was induced in rats by use of the antiandrogen, cyproterone acetate (CA), in approximately 20 mg amounts, released from 2 silastic capsules, 2.5 cm in length (cumulative rate of release of about 232 mcg/day), implanted subcutaneously in adult male rats. Rats were autopsied 2-6 months after implantation and 30 days after removal of capsule. Weights of testes and accessory glands were not altered, and secretory activity of the accessory glands showed no significant changes from control levels. Epididymal spermatozoa were immotile 4 months after implantation. Levels of sialic acid were markedly decreased, with inhibition of sperm maturation. Histoarchitecture of the epididymis at 4 months was severely impaired. These regressive changes were reversed by 30 days after the capsule was removed. Sperm of capsule-bearing rats were nonmotile and nonviable at 4-6 months with degenerative morphological changes. Rats mated normally. CA has been used clinically in 100-200 mg/day doses in normal men for 9 months without affecting seminal fluid, carbohydrate or lipid metabolism, or function of the adrenal cortex. The success of this method will depend on an understanding of hormonal regulation and physiology of the epididymis, determination of minimal amounts of antiandrogen needed to induce infertility without affecting other sites, development of an improved method of slow, continuous release of the agent, and long-term studies on the effects of antiandrogens. The long time interval between treatment and infertility presents some problems. A delivery system for providing a sustained local action is considered necessary.     

Is Hibiscus rosa sinensis Linn. a potential source of antifertility agents for males?

The effects of oral administration of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of flowers of H. r. sinensis (250 mg/kg BW/day, 30 days) on the reproductive organs of male rats have been examined. The results indicate that the organ weights were unaffected by the extracts: weights of the testis, epididymis, ventral prostate, and seminal vesicle of the treated animals were not significantly different from those of the controls. The testis and epididymis of the rats also showed normal histological features, irrespective of treatment. No apparent toxicity of the extracts was discernible.     

Localization of porcine seminal plasma (PSP) proteins in the boar reproductive tract and spermatozoa

Spermadhesins are proteins containing a characteristic CUB domain, originally isolated from seminal plasma and ejaculated spermatozoa in domestic animals. Boar spermadhesins are multifunctional proteins exhibiting ligand-binding abilities with various endogenous ligands present in the male and female reproductive tracts and may play a role in the reproduction process. Porcine spermadhesins (AQN, AWN, PSP protein families) are secreted mainly by the seminal vesicles, but their mRNAs have been found also in the cauda epididymis and prostate. Unlike AQN and AWN spermadhesins, localization of porcine seminal plasma (PSP) proteins in the boar reproductive tract has not been completely resolved. This work has focused on PSP protein expression and localization in the boar reproductive organs and on spermatozoa. Using specific rabbit polyclonal antibodies (anti-PSP I and anti-PSP II), PSP I and PSP II proteins were immunodetected in tissue extracts and in secretory tissues of cauda epididymis, prostate, seminal vesicles and Cowper's glands on the blots and by an indirect immunofluorescence technique, respectively. Moreover, the ability of PSP proteins to bind to epididymal spermatozoa indicated their presence on cauda epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa. Porcine seminal plasma proteins bind to the sperm surface at ejaculation and may modulate several aspects of sperm activity during reproduction. PSP proteins are produced not only by seminal vesicles and prostate, but also by epididymis. However, their prospective role in sperm epididymal maturation is not clear. Further characterization of seminal plasma protein forms expressed in the individual reproductive organs will help to understand their subsequent role in the reproduction process.     

Constitutive expression of the antibacterial CXC chemokine GCP-2/CXCL6 by epithelial cells of the male reproductive tract

The reproductive tract is continuously challenged by potential pathogens present in the environment. Therefore, robust host defense mechanisms are essential both for the health of the individual and for fertilization. Antibiotic innate immunity peptides possess broad antimicrobial activity. Recently, we found that the CXC chemokine, granulocyte chemotactic protein (GCP)-2/CXCL6, possesses antibacterial activity. In the present study, we investigated, therefore, the presence of GCP-2/CXCL6 in the human male reproductive system. GCP-2/CXCL6 was detected at 19nM (mean; range: 5-47nM; n=14) in seminal plasma of fertile donors, i.e. at levels more than 100 times higher than those previously reported for the related chemokine IL-8/CXCL8. No GCP-2/CXCL6 could be detected in blood plasma of healthy donors, indicating local production in the male reproductive tract. In vasectomized donors, significantly lower levels of GCP-2/CXCL6 were found (mean: 3nM; range 2-7nM; n=7), demonstrating that the testis and epididymis contribute significantly to the GCP-2/CXCL6 content of seminal plasma. Strong expression of GCP-2/CXCL6 was found in the epithelium of the testis, epididymis and seminal vesicles, while the prostate epithelium showed weak expression, as determined by immunohistochemistry. A biological function is suggested, viz. at concentrations of the order of those found in seminal plasma, GCP-2/CXCL6 has antibacterial activity against the urogenital pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae. GCP-2/CXCL6 in seminal plasma may play roles in both host defense of the male urogenital tract and during fertilization.     

Epididymis and seminal vesicle as sources of carnitine in human seminal fluid: the clinical significance of the carnitine concentration in human seminal fluid.

Carnitine determinations in human seminal fluid were shown to be useful in assessing epididymal and seminal vesicle function and in locating blockages in the male reproductive tract. The carnitine concentrations in 50 samples of seminal fluid ranged from 15 to 530 mug/ml (as carnitine-HCl). The patients could be divided into four classes. Patients with normal seminal vesicle and epididymal function had values of 250 mug/ml or above. Those with a defective epididymis and a functional seminal vesicle had intermediate carnitine levels (100 to 200 mug/ml) and normal fructose values in the seminal fluid. Patients with a defective seminal vesicle but a functional epididymis had intermediate carnitine concentrations and low fructose levels. Extremely low carnitine values (less than 100 mug/ml) were found in seminal fluid from patients whose epididymis and seminal vesicle both were defective. The possible role of carnitine in sperm maturation was discussed.     

Gonadal function following vasectomy in the rat.

Adult rats were studied at four, eight, and 12 months following vasectomy and sham-operation. The weights of the seminal vesicles, ventral prostate, pituitary, and kidneys were not significantly affected by vasectomy. Testicular endocrine function in vasectotomized rat was transiently stimulated as witnessed by elevation in testicular venous testosterone and androstenedione after four months. There then occurred signs of decline in gametogenic function and atrophy of the testis after 12 months whereas hormonogenesis appeared to remain at normal levels. There was no alteration in the morphology of the epididymis at any of the time intervals of study after vasectomy.     

Sperm immobilizing and fertilization-blocking monoclonal antibody 2C6 to human seminal plasma antigen and characterization of the antigen epitope corresponding to the monoclonal antibody.

A monoclonal antibody (Mab 2C6) with strong sperm immobilizing and agglutinating activities was generated by cell fusion between spleen cells from a mouse immunized with human seminal plasma (HSP) and mouse myeloma cells. It also showed a strong inhibitory effect on human sperm-egg interaction. The corresponding antigen was present on the whole surface of ejaculated spermatozoa. In male genital organs, immunostaining with Mab 2C6 was observed in epididymis and seminal vesicle but not in testis. By Western blotting, immunostaining with Mab 2C6 was detected around the 15-25 kDa region under both reducing and non-reducing conditions. The antigen corresponding to Mab 2C6 was susceptible to treatment with periodate or trifluoromethanesulfonic acid. The antigenic activities were slightly increased by treatment with neuraminidase but reduced by further treatment with glycosidases. Enzymatic digestions with pronase and papain also reduced the antigenic activities. The antigen molecules exhibited a strong binding affinity to RCA lectin. These results indicated that Mab 2C6 recognized one of the components which might be secreted from epididymis or seminal vesicle and bind to ejaculated spermatozoa as a sperm coating antigen. The corresponding antigen seems to be a glycoprotein and its carbohydrate moiety has an important role in the conformation of the antigen epitope.     

两种男性节育术后精浆中锌、铜、镁、钙、钾的分析

用火焰原子吸收光谱法测定了输精管注射“504”粘堵术和经输精管向附睾注射鱼肝油酸钠术的63例对象精浆中锌、铜、镁、钙、钾五种元素含量。两种节育术后精浆中均出现钙的显著降低和铜的显著增高;相关分析提示,粘堵组出现铜和钙的平衡失调,鱼肝油组发现铜和镁失衡。作者认为,经输精管向附睾注射鱼肝油酸钠后,附睾小管可能存在不同程度的梗阻,而在管腔复通的对象,其附睾内元素代谢亦发生了紊乱,表明附睾功能受到损害。本文结果显示附睾是男子生殖道元素代谢的重要器官,是精浆钙的重要来源。     

Effects of prostaglandins on histophysiology of male reproductive organs and fertility in rats

The effects of subcutaneous injections of prostaglandins F2 alpha and E1 (PGF2 alpha and E1) on the histophysiology of male reproductive organs of mature albino rats and their fertility rate were studied. Although most of the androgensensitive biochemical parameters were reduced by PG treatment, the level of cholesterol and activities of 3 beta and 17 beta hydroxy steroid dehydrogenases were not significantly altered in the testis. These results indicate a probable decline in target organ response to androgen and/or in conversion of testosterone to its metabolites. The reduction in fertility rate of prostaglandin-treated male rats has been correlated with the altered morphology of the epididymal spermatozoa as well as with their reduced density and motility. The weights of testis and epididymis were significantly reduced but those of seminal vesicle (SV) and ventral prostate (VP) were increased by PG treatment. The height of the germinal/secretory epithelium, the tubular diameter of testis, and the epididymis were decreased, but Leydig cell diameter was not affected. The reduced fructose in SV and the corresponding increase in its weight suggest that there is hypertrophy but no hyperplasia. On the other hand, in VP there probably occur both hypertrophy and hyperplasia. It is evident from the results that PGF2 alpha and E1 exert a definite growth promoting effect particularly in SV and VP together with the antiandrogenic and partial antifertility effects.     

Secretory immune system of the male reproductive tract: effects of dihydrotestosterone and estradiol on IgA and secretory component levels.

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is present at mucosal sites of the body which are exposed to the external environment. In this study we evaluated the levels of IgA and its transport protein secretory component (SC) in organs of the male reproductive tract of both intact and castrate-hormone-treated rats. Our goals were to determine whether these proteins are present in the male reproductive tract and whether sex hormones can influence the amounts of IgA and SC in selected organs. We found that in intact animals, IgA was present in the prostate, epididymis, vas deferens and testis and that SC levels in the prostate were 22-fold greater than in these same organs. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and/or estradiol, when administered to castrate animals, dramatically increased the levels of prostatic SC. In contrast, the levels of IgA were only minimally affected. DHT administration also resulted in a significant increase in SC found in the seminal vesicles. These studies demonstrate that IgA and SC are present in the male reproductive tract of the rat. Further, they show that androgens and estrogens act at selected sites in the male reproductive tract to play an important role in maintaining SC levels and thereby suggest that these hormones influence the movement of IgA from tissues into secretions.     

Phytochemical evaluation and antispermatogenic activity of Thevetia peruviana methanol extract in male albino rats

This study was conducted to evaluate the antifertility potential of Thevetia peruviana (Apocynaceae) in male albino rats with their phytochemical evaluations. Phytochemical examination showed that plant is rich in active constituents, i.e. α-amyrin acetate, lupeol acetate, α-amyrin, β-amyrin, lupeol and thevetigenin. T. peruviana stem bark methanol extract (TPMtE) administered orally to male rats at the dose level of 100 mg/rat/day did not cause any significant reduction in body weight, while the weight of reproductive organs reduced significantly. A significant fall in the total protein and sialic acid content of the testes, epididymides, seminal vesicle and ventral prostate, as well as in the glycogen content of testes was also observed; however, cholesterol was increased significantly. TPMtE also caused a decline in spermatogenic elements, i.e. preleptotene and pachytene spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes, round spermatids and mature Leydig cells. At this dose level Leydig cell nuclear diameter, seminiferous tubular diameter and Sertoli area were significantly reduced (p?相似文献   

Effect of gossypol on the fertility of male rats.

Thirty male rats were grouped into 5 groups of 6 animals each. Animals in groups II-V were given gossypol at a dose of 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg body weight per day for 45 days respectively. Animals of group I served as control. A significant decrease in body weight after administration of 40 mg/kg body weight of gossypol was observed; low doses of gossypol, however did not affect the body weight. Testis, epididymis, prostate and seminal vesicles weights decreased gradually with the increasing doses of gossypol. With the increasing doses of gossypol, a marked decrease in the vas deferens sperm motility was observed. At 40 mg/kg dose there was a total inhibition of sperm motility. Histological studies after 5 mg/kg revealed no apparent sign of degeneration, while after 10 mg/kg dose the changes in the individual cell types were accompanied by overall disorganisation of the germinal epithelium involving displacement of the spermatocytes. The rats treated with 20-40 mg/kg gossypol showed a pronounced deleterious effect on the histological structure of the testis. The drug effect was dose dependent developing sequentially; from the uppermost layer of elongated spermatids affecting round spermatids and finally spermatocytes. Quantitatively the ratios of pachytene spermatocytes: resting spermatocytes, stage 7 spermatids: pachytene spermatocytes, and stage 19 spermatids: stage 7 spermatids and tubular diameter and germinal height decreased significantly. The activities of glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose 1, 6-diphosphatase, glucose-6-phosphate isomerase in testis decreased significantly at high dose (40 mg/kg), while the activity of amylase and glycogen content increased significantly with the increasing doses of gossypol.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Studies on the physiology and biochemistry of mammalian epididymis: effect of flutamide, a nonsteroidal antiandrogen, on the epididymis of the rat.

The effect of flutamide (Sch 13521; 4'-nitro-3'-trifluoromethylisobutyranilide), a nonsteroidal antiandrogen, on male rat genital organs was studied. Administered at a dose of 25 mg/kg body weight daily for 30 days, flutamide caused a significant increase in the weight of the testis but had no effect on spermatogenesis and Leydig cell morphology. The secretory activity of the epididymis, as evidenced by the level of glycerylphosphoryl-choline and sialic acid, either remained unaffected or was stimulated. There was a significant decrease in seminal vesicle and ventral prostate weight and in the fructose content of the coagulating gland. The anti-androgen at the dose used did not affect the fertility of the rats. The significance of these findings is viewed in relation to the hypothesis of a differential threshold requirement of androgen for the epididymis and the accessory sex glands. The potentiality of antiandrogens as extragonadal antifertility agents in the male is discussed.     

Effect of gossypol on immature male rats

In immature male rats the body growth rate, the testis and epididymis weight were not affected by gossypol treatment (4, 8 and 40 mg/kg body weight/24 hrs. for 30 days). There was however a marked reduction in the weight of the prostate after high dose gossypol administration. Furthermore gossypol treatment did not show any effect on the histoarchitecture of the testis nor did the drug treatment have any effect on sperm motility. The plasma levels of testosterone, LH and FSH in gossypol treated animals were no different from those on the controls.     

CA 125 for the monitoring of ovarian carcinoma during primary therapy

Thirty-one patients with ovarian cancer were monitored with the CA 125 antigenic determinant in the interval between cytoreductive surgery and the completion of subsequent chemotherapy. Distinct CA 125 assay trends have emerged from prospective serial monitoring. Among patients who were clinically and surgically free of disease after the completion of cytoreductive chemotherapy, the CA 125 assay always fell to levels under 35 U/mL within the first three months of cytoreductive chemotherapy, and stayed at low levels. Patients with partial cytoreduction operations had decreases in serum CA 125 levels only if there was a response to further therapy. The rate of fall of the CA 125 levels correlated with clinical outcome. All 13 patients with serum CA 125 above 35 U/mL after three months of treatment invariably had persistent tumors after subsequent chemotherapy, whereas in patients showing reduction of the CA 125 to levels below 35 U/mL, there were no surgically detectable tumors. Measurement of CA 125 during treatment might permit an early change to alternative and optimal forms of therapeutic management. The CA 125 level three months after treatment appears to be a critical predictor of response to therapy.     

Biochemical observations on the protein and nucleic acid metabolism of the rat testis and epididymis after treatment with low doses of alpha-chlorohydrin

A biochemical study was made on the effects of low doses of alpha-chlorohydrin on the protein and nucleic acid metabolism of the rat testis and epididymis. RNA and protein levels were decreased both in the testis and epididymis. The DNA content of the testis and epididymis did not change after exposure of the animals to the drug. The reduced concentrations of RNA and protein were closely paralleled by the increased activity of proteinase (protein hydrolyzing enzyme) and ribonuclease (RNA degrading enzyme) in the testis and epididymis. The gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity of both the testis and epididymis was also reduced indicating the slow transfer of amino acids across the cell membranes of testis and epididymis and thus low protein synthesis. The DNAase levels of rat testis and epididymis did not show any appreciable change in response to the alpha-chlorohydrin treatment. These studies indicate that although there may not be any histological damage in the tissue the metabolic pathways may become defective much earlier before any visible morphological change is discernible.