Proteins in luminal fluid of the ram excurrent ducts: changes in composition and evidence for differential endocytosis

Rete testis fluid (RTF) and luminal fluid collected by micropuncture at selected epididymal sites were analyzed to characterize the spectrum of proteins and to quantify the net gain or loss of total/bulk protein and androgen-binding protein (ABP) between successive regions within the ductus epididymidis. Based on one-dimensional SDS gel electrophoresis, the spectra of proteins in RTF and fluids from the proximal, central, and distal caput through proximal corpus epididymidis differed from each other. Concentrations of sperm, bulk protein, and ABP increased from the rete testis through the central caput epididymidis. Electron microscopic studies following intraluminal microinjections of RTF proteins conjugated to colloidal gold at specific sites in the excurrent ducts revealed that 145 times more protein-gold was endocytosed in the ductuli efferentes than in any of the four regions of the caput epididymidis. Thus, ductuli efferentes were the major extra-testicular site of endocytosis of bulk protein present in RTF; at least a portion of the uptake was specific. On a per sperm basis, the amount of protein present in the central caput epididymidis was less than 15% of that leaving the testis. Although most of the protein present in RTF (greater than or equal to 86 mg/d) must be absorbed in the ductuli efferentes and the initial segment of the epididymis and replaced by newly secreted proteins (greater than or equal to 34 mg/d), there was negligible loss of ABP in these regions. Net loss of ABP occurred primarily in the distal caput and proximal corpus epididymidis. These studies demonstrate that ABP is spared from endocytosis along with the bulk protein in RTF and conserved for functions in epididymal regions far distal to the site of bulk protein loss.     

Lymph node infarction – a rare complication associated with disseminated intra vascular coagulation in a case of dengue fever

Background  

Lymph node infarction is known to occur in association with many non-neoplastic and neoplastic conditions however its occurrence in association with DIC is not reported hitherto in the literature.     

Perinatal autopsy—A seven-year study

A retrospective analysis of autopsies conducted on perinatal deaths during 7 years period (Oct 1983 to Sept 1990) was done. There were 650 neonatal deaths and 944 still births during the study period. Autopsy rates among neonates and still births were 33% and 4.9% respectively. There ware significant findings in 97.2% of neonatal deaths and in all still births. Pulmonary lesions followed by congenital malformations were the major pathological findings. Infection was observed among smaller number of babies compared to other Indian studies. Autopsy revealed many internal congenital malformations which were not diagnosed clinically. Autopsy changed or added to clinical diagnosis in 59.5% of cases. Perinatal autopsy is highly productive in our set up.     

Effects of dibutyl phthalate in male rabbits following in utero, adolescent, or postpubertal exposure.

We evaluated sequelae in male rabbits following exposure to dibutyl phthalate (DBP) at a dose level known to adversely affect testicular function in rodents without causing systemic toxicity. Because rabbits have a relatively long phase of reproductive development simulating better than rodents the reproductive development of humans, and because the use of rabbits facilitates multiple evaluations of mating ability and seminal quality, we used this animal model. Rabbits were exposed to 0 or 400 mg DBP/kg/day in utero (gestation days [GD] 15-29) or during adolescence (postnatal weeks [PNW] 4-12), and male offspring were examined at 6, 12, and 25 weeks of age. Another group was exposed after puberty (for 12 weeks) and examined at the conclusion of exposure. The most pronounced reproductive effects were in male rabbits exposed in utero. Male offspring in this group exhibited reduction in numbers of ejaculated sperm (down 43%; p < 0.01), in weights of testes (at 12 weeks, down 23%; p < 0.05) and in accessory sex glands (at 12 and 25 weeks, down 36%; p < 0.01 and down 27%; p < 0.05, respectively). Serum testosterone levels were down (at 6 weeks, 32%; p < 0.05); a slight increase in histological alterations of the testis (p < 0.05) and a doubling in the percentage (from 16 to 30%, p < 0.01) of abnormal sperm; and 1/17 males manifesting hypospadias, hypoplastic prostate, and cryptorchid testes with carcinoma in situ-like cells. In the DBP group exposed during adolescence, basal serum testosterone levels were reduced at 6 weeks (p < 0.01) while at 12 weeks, testosterone production in vivo failed to respond normally to a GnRH challenge (p < 0.01). In addition, weight of accessory sex glands was reduced at 12 weeks but not at 25 weeks after a recovery period; there was a slight increase in the percentage of abnormal sperm in the ejaculate; and 1/11 males was unilaterally cryptorchid. In both of these DBP-treated groups, daily sperm production, epididymal sperm counts, mating ability, and weights of body and nonreproductive organs were unaffected. Thus, DBP induces lesions in the reproductive system of the rabbit, with the intrauterine period being the most sensitive stage of life.     

Chronic exposure to dibromoacetic acid, a water disinfection byproduct, diminishes primordial follicle populations in the rabbit.

To determine if dibromoacetic acid (DBA) affects ovarian folliculogenesis, four groups of female Dutch-belted rabbits were exposed daily to 0, 1, 5, or 50 mg DBA/kg body weight in drinking water beginning in utero from gestation day 15 throughout life. Functionality of the endocrine axis was assessed by measuring serum concentrations of gonadotropins following an im injection of 10 microg GnRH at 12 (prepubertal; n = 6/dose group) and 24 (postpubertal; n = 10/dose group) weeks of age. A day after GnRH challenge, number of ovulation sites and ovarian weights were determined at necropsy. Left ovaries were processed for histopathology, serially sectioned at 6 microm, and every twelfth section stained with hematoxylin and eosin was evaluated. All healthy follicles were categorized as primordial, primary, small preantral, large preantral, or small antral follicles. The area of each section evaluated was measured and the number of follicles in each category expressed per mm2 unit area. In prepubertal animals, DBA caused a reduction in number of primordial follicles (p < 0.05) and total healthy follicles (p < 0.05) at 50 mg/kg dose level. In adult animals, there were fewer primordial follicles in both the 5 (p < 0.01) and 50 (p = 0.1) mg/kg dose groups. No profound changes in gonadotropin profiles were observed. Although chronic exposure to DBA did not appear to have an effect on late follicular development or ovulation, DBA did reduce the population of primordial follicles. The long-term health consequences of diminished primordial follicles are unknown, but it is very likely that reproductive senescence would occur earlier.     

The histological extent of the local spread of carcinoma of the penis and its therapeutic implications

OBJECTIVE: To explore the possibility of reducing the margin of clearance at surgery for carcinoma of the penis without causing an increase in the incidence of local tumour recurrence, so that the functional and cosmetic compromise associated with penectomy might be minimized. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-four patients underwent partial or total penectomy based on the extent of tumour. The specimens were evaluated histologically for grade and for proximal microscopic extensions beyond the grossly visible tumour margin, by examining serial proximal 5 mm sections. The histological grade of the lesion was correlated with its clinical site, morphology and proximal microscopic spread. Differences were assessed using the chi-squared test. RESULTS: Of 64 tumours, 31% were grade 1, 50% grade 2 and the remaining 19% grade 3. Higher grade lesions were more likely to involve the penile shaft. The maximum proximal histological extent was 5 mm for grades 1 and 2, and 10 mm for grade 3 tumours; there was no discontinuous spread. CONCLUSIONS: Histological grading is mandatory in the management of carcinoma of the penis. A 10-mm clearance is adequate for grade 1 and 2 lesions, and 15 mm for grade 3 tumours. This approach would qualify more patients for partial rather than total amputation; the residual length of the penis would then be cosmetically and functionally more acceptable.