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Taxonomic data on Coreidae have been fragmented over time and need to be revised. Likewise, data related to the development of germ cells and the features of the male reproductive system, including sperm, will contribute to understanding the biological mechanisms of reproduction and the systematics of its representatives. Aiming to provide these data, we describe the morphology of the male reproductive system and spermatozoa of Leptoglossus zonatus using light and transmission electron microscopies, respectively. Each of the two testes is surrounded by a bright red‐pigmented sheath and formed by seven follicles arranged side by side. The two vasa deferentia are filled with individualized sperm, especially in their final portion, which is dilated and curved. After dilation, the vasa deferentia receive the ducts of the accessory glands of mesodermal origin. The other unpaired accessory gland is of ectodermal origin and opens into the ejaculatory duct. Both glandular types are densely coiled and have lumens filled with secreted material. Testicular follicles contain cysts with germ cells at different stages of spermatogenesis, indicating continuous production of gametes throughout adult life. Mature sperm measure around 310 μm long, with a nucleus of 36 μm and a flagellum formed only by an axoneme of 9 + 9 + 2 microtubules and two symmetrical mitochondrial derivatives. Like the sperm of other Heteroptera, the acrosome has a single structure (without perforatorium), there are no accessory bodies in the flagella, and the mitochondrial derivatives are connected to the axonemes, supporting the synapomorphic condition of these characteristics for this suborder of bedbugs. Research Highlights: The Leptoglossus zonatus sperm are slender and long, about 310 μm in length, and a nucleus 36 μm long.Spermatogenesis occurs throughout adult life and equally in the seven testicular follicles.The centriole adjunct in L. zonatus sperm does not give rise to accessory bodies.The ectodermal gland produces a filamentous secretion, whereas in the ectodermal sac, the secretion is globular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The giant anteater (superorder Xenarthra) is listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and a low reproductive rate is considered one of the factors contributing to population decline of the species. Nevertheless, little is known on reproductive features in male giant anteaters and, in this regard, microscopic testis morphology and spermatogenesis were studied in roadkill specimens in Brazil. Characteristics of germ cell populations resembled descriptions in other eutherian mammals including other xenarthran species. Furthermore, eight stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle could be defined. The proposed staging system offers baseline data for assessing impairments or seasonal changes in spermatogenesis and thus allows future studies on reproductive health and reproductive seasonality in male giant anteaters.

Purpose of the study. To evaluate morphological changes in the testes in experimental animals after tension-free inguinal hernia repair modeling.Materials and methods. The study included male rabbits, aged 120 days, weighing 3.8 ± 0.9 kg. All rabbits were divided into two groups depending on the type of operation: in the first group (n = 10) of animals, we made a model of tension-free inguinal hernia repair and used a polypropylene mesh; in the second group (n = 10) of animals, we left the structures of the inguinal canal intact. Morphological assessment of spermatogenesis was performed after 40 days. All morphometric measurements were carried out on strictly cross-sections of the convoluted seminal tubules.Results. In rabbits of group 1, the volume of the testicle was significantly three times less than in animals of group 2 (p < 0.05). In the animals of the first group, a significant deterioration in spermatogenesis was observed (p < 0.05). Histological examination of sections of the testes of these animals showed that hypoplasia of the spermatogenic epithelium was present in the convoluted seminal tubules, in 1/8 of the tubules there was subtotal aplasia of the spermatogenic epithelium, Sertoli-Cell-Only Syndrome was detected only in 2 %. Atrophy of the convoluted seminal tubules was not recorded at this period of observation. In the animals of the control group, almost 90 % of cases of spermatogenesis disorders were not detected.Conclusions. This experimental study on rabbits showed that after using a polypropylene mesh for inguinal canal plastic, inhibition of germ cell maturation occurs after 1.5 months. Therefore, in men of reproductive age, it is necessary to use polypropylene mesh implants with caution in terms of performing inguinal hernia repair.

The silver pomfret (Pampus argenteus) is a widely distributed and economically important marine fish in the Indo‐Pacific. In this study, we acquired the second generation of wild P. argenteus by artificial breeding and further studied the testicular development and ultrastructure of spermatogenesis. The results of gonadosomatic index (GSI) showed the spawning period of this marine fish was from April to June. Besides, through morphological analysis, we found that P. argenteus had an anastomosing tubular testis surrounded by a layer of tunica albuginea, in which spermatogenesis occurred in cysts where the synchronous germ cells were completely surrounded by the cytoplasmic projection of Sertoli cells. Meanwhile, based on submicroscopic characteristics, the germ cells are classified into nine different types. During the ontogenesis of testis, both the early stage of spermatogenesis and sperm were observed in P. argenteus. At sperm maturation stage, different types of spermatozoa and activation of sperms occurred non‐synchronously in the tubules. Cytoplasmic bridges also were observed among synchronous germ cells within the cysts, suggesting an interrelated and differentiated relationship among these germ cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Representatives of the Coreidae, include species of economic importance that are pests in some crops, such as Machtima crucigera (Fabricius, 1775) pest of acerola crops. Morphological studies can contribute to the understanding of the evolutionary history of insects and to elucidate their reproductive strategies. This study describes the structure of the male reproductive tract of this insect. The males have two pectin-shaped testes, with seven follicles each, and many cysts at different developmental stages. In the testicular follicles, three spermatogenesis regions are recognized: the growth, maturation and differentiation zones. The reproductive tract also includes a pair of deferent ducts, each which enlarge into two seminal vesicle, accessory glands of mesodermal and ectodermal origins, an ejaculatory bulb, an ectodermal sac and an ejaculatory duct ending in the aedeagus. The testes and seminal vesicles are covered externally by an orange-pigmented peritoneal sheath. The morphological features of the male reproductive tract of M. crucigera and its similarities with other Heteroptera are discussed. These characters have potential to elucidate reproductive strategies of this agricultural pest and the evolutionary history of the group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Reprodução Animal is the property of Revista Brasileira de Reproducao Animal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The age‐related morphological changes of the testes in light ecotype Nigerian indigenous chicken were evaluated in this study using gross anatomical, histological and histomorphometric techniques. The results showed that the testes of 3‐ to 9‐month‐old birds were light pink while testes of sexually mature chicken were creamy white in colour. The left and right testicular weight, length, diameter, circumference and the organosomatic indices increased significantly (p <.05) with increasing age across the groups. Although the mean tubular diameter and epithelial height of the left and right seminiferous tubules increased significantly (p <.05) with age, the tubular diameter, epithelial height and luminal diameter did not vary significantly (p >.05) between the left and right testes of all the groups. The one‐cell layer thick germinal epithelium of the left testes at 3 to 6 months old showed islands of cell proliferation that contained spermatogonia and spermatocytes. At 6 to 9 months, the left testes exhibited numerous early spermatids with occasional occurrence of late stage spermatids while the right testes showed scanty early stage spermatids. At 12 to 18 months, the germinal epithelia of both left and right testes were characterized by the presence of Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, numerous early and late stage spermatids as well as spermatozoa. In conclusion, the morphological features highlighted in the present study show that at pre‐pubertal periods, the left testes may develop faster than the right testes. However, both left and right testes may participate actively in the production of spermatozoa during the post‐pubertal life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted to compare the testicular morphology and semen quality of three strains (FUNAAB-Alpha, ISA brown and Bantam) of chickens. A total of 45, thirty four week old cocks were used for the six months study. Semen samples were collected weekly by abdominal massage technique and semen volume, colour, pH, motility, percentage live, normal and sperm concentration were evaluated. Testes and Vas deferens were collected from all the cocks at the end of the experimental period and their gross morphological data recorded. Strain influenced (P< 0.05) gross testicular morphology. Weights of paired testes were 23.98, 23.23, and 11.80 g for the FUNAAB-alpha, Isa brown and Bantam, respectively. Testicular weight (paired, left, and right) and lengths were consistently lower (P< 0.05) for the Bantam. Testicular width was similar among the three strains. Gross motility was similar for the FUNAAB- alpha (79.82%) and ISA brown (81.18%) while the Bantam (54.63%) had the lowest (P< 0.05) mean. Sperm concentration was highest (P< 0.001) for the Bantam while the other two had similar values. It was concluded that the FUNAAB- alpha compared favourably with the ISA brown but was superior to the Bantam in semen quality and testicular morphology.

Neonatal maternal separation is an experimental model used to evaluate the effects of toxic stress in neonates, or early life stress. Although various physiological and psychological stresses during childhood have been reported, the effects of neonatal maternal separation on the male reproductive system remain unclear. Therefore, the present study evaluated the effects of neonatal maternal separation on the male reproductive system. In neonatal male ICR mice, maternal separation was performed for 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 hours/day, from postnatal day 1 to 10. At 10 weeks of age, the neonatal maternal separation mice exhibited decreases in both testicular weight and epididymal sperm number, along with various testicular morphological changes involving germ cells, Sertoli cells, and interstitial cells. Notably, neonatal maternal separation mice showed decreased numbers of Sertoli cells. Animals subjected to 0.5-, 1-, and 2-h/day neonatal maternal separation exhibited decreases in serum levels of testosterone but not in those of gonadotropin (luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone). Together, these data showed that neonatal maternal separation in male mice causes decreased Sertoli cell numbers following puberty, resulting in subsequent decreased spermatogenic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common eland bulls are important game ranching animals in southern Africa, for tourism, breeding/live sales, trophy hunting, and game meat production. Interest has grown in their production potential, intensifying animal husbandry and breeding approaches. However, little scientific information is available regarding the intensive management of this species, including information regarding scientifically based selection criteria for breeding bulls. Often, simple phenotypic traits are utilised unless high-value game animals are being bred, with horn and body size often being the only traits considered for breeding bulls. This study provides basic information about the reproductive tract morphology, symmetry, and their relationships with secondary sexual traits, social rank, and temperament in common eland. Six eland males (2–2.5 years old; 203 ± 20 kg) were utilised for the study. Social rank, body weight and body condition score, temperament score, and horn size were determined before the animals were culled, and their reproductive tracts were collected for morphometric and histological evaluation. Results indicate relatively low asymmetry in bilateral reproductive tract components. Individual traits of eland bulls such as age, body weight, and social rank correlated the development of some testicular morphologies and thus may possibly be used in zoos, game ranching, and commercial production for the selection of breeding males, but not temperament and horn length, which should be carefully evaluated. Whilst this study provides baseline information from a limited sample size, further studies should incorporate the assessment of testicular hemodynamics, as well as the effects of factors such as season and androgen secretion patterns over a wider age range of common eland males and populations to provide further information for the management practices of breeding common eland bulls. • Low asymmetry exists in bilateral reproductive structures of eland bulls. • Age, body weight, and social rank influences reproductive tract development. • Temperament and horn length should be carefully considered in breeding selection. • Preliminary markers for selecting common eland breeding bulls are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern authors believe that male infertility accounts for 40–50%. The most severe form of male infertility is azoospermia, which is observed in 10–15% of cases. The only method of diagnosis of azoospermia is testicular biopsy, which allows not only to differentiate the secretory and excretory forms of infertility, but also to determine the degree of impairment of spermatogenesis.Purpose. To improve the diagnosis of male infertility.Materials and methods. We have examined 26 men with non-obstructive azoospermia (according to semen). The comparison group included healthy men – 22 people. Patients underwent biopsy of the testicle, followed by morphological analysis of biopsies. Sections of testicular tissue was stained with hematoxylin and eosin, indirect immunohistochemical studies – definition of Inhibin B, a protein prolife ration and apoptosis (ki-67)Results. According to clinical and instrumental examination (ultrasound) we found no abnormalities. Patients set idiopathic form of infertility. When painting testice slices with hematoxylin and eosin, we recorded significant changes in the convoluted seminiferous tubules in patients with azoospermia: the diameter is reduced to 1.5–2 times (hypoplasia), the basement membrane with a strong fiber component (fibrosis) (p < 0,05). Expressed Inhibin tissue expression observed in Sertoli cells (“+++”) and to a lesser extent in spermatogonia ( «±»), located closer to the basal membrane convoluted seminiferous tubule. The expression level of Inhibin in germ cells - up to 5%. ki-67 protein expression was observed in the nuclei (S-phase of mitosis) spermatogonia (“++”) at stages II and III and spermatogenesis in some primary nuclei (“+”) and secondary (“+”) spermatocytes. Expression of ki-67 level in the germ cells – up to 25%.Conclusion. Determination of tissue levels of Inhibin-B can be used as a p rognostic test backup testicular function.

The seasonal testicular morphology and the morphometry of the interstitial tissue were studied in 62 camels at Algerian extreme arid region. The maximal testicular size was recorded during the rutting season. In this period, the interstitial tissue occupied high area and volume with significant increase of the intertubular constituent’s volume, hypertrophy of the Leydig cell, and maximal number of Leydig cells per testes. Therefore, the highest ratios of seminiferous tubules to interstitial tissue area and volume and the highest fraction of intertubular empty space were recorded during the non-rutting. The greater Leydig cell nucleus size was observed during the post-rutting season. Finally, the numerical density of Leydig cells did not significantly change over the year. These results provide information on the relationship between seasonal changes of camel testicular morphology and the histomorphometry of the testicular endocrine compartment in camels at the arid livestock conditions of the southeastern Algerian desert. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Euschistus heros (Fabricius, 1798) is one of the most harmful insect pests damaging Brazilian soybean crops and has become a major problem due to its high population density and resistance to insecticides. Currently, there are no data on whether alterations of testicular morphology and chromosomal behavior are associated with the resistance mechanisms related to the action of insecticides. This study integrated analyses of the testicular morphology, meiocyte cell division, and chromosomal structure and behavior in the process of spermatogenesis in E. heros. We compared these features among wild-caught individuals, insecticide-susceptible and -resistant strains. The resistant strain was established through a selection experiment exposing the bugs to insecticides (thiamethoxam + lambda-cyhalothrin) for 15 generations. No differences were detected in the examined features among the three groups of experimental individuals: the testis comprised six lobes, with the fifth lobe thinner than the others; the karyotype was 2n = 14 (12 +XY), with no evident changes in chromosomal breakage, rearrangement or behavior in the meiosis; and abundant spermatozoa were observed in all testicular lobes. Thus, any effects of the long-term (15 generations) experimental selection by exposure to the insecticides were not detected on the male germinal tissue and chromosomes, suggesting the irrelevancy of the examined features to insecticide-resistance mechanisms in E. heros. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foram analisados quatro grupos de ovinos machos da raça Santa Inês nascidos em quatro estações do ano, no Distrito Federal, a fim de observar as idades e o peso corporal em que estes atingiram a puberdade. A partir dos cortes histológicos dos testículos, foram analisados parâmetros celulares e mensurações dos túbulos seminíferos. O efeito da data de nascimento sobre os parâmetros avaliados foi significativo (PFour groups of Santa Inês male sheep born in four seasons in the Distrito Federal were analyzed to evaluate the age and body weight at puberty, at which point were castrated. Histological measurements were carried out on the testicles to evaluate cellular parameters and size measurements of the seminiferous tubules. The effect of the group on cellular parameters was significant (P

Copyright of Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira is the property of Colegio Brasileiro de Patologia Animal - CBPA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of administration of tamoxifen (Tx) and its vehicle, soybean oil (SO), during the critical period of hypothalamic sexual differentiation in newborn male rats in the context of gonadal histomorphology during adulthood. The animals were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 5 each). One hour after birth, one group was treated subcutaneously with 200 µg of Tx using commercial SO (20 µL) as a vehicle, another group was treated with only 20 µL of SO, and the control group received no treatment. All rats were weighed and sacrificed by cervical dislocation on day 90 post-treatment. Testicles were removed, weighed and processed for histological evaluation. The single administration of Tx and/ or SO during the critical period of sexual differentiation of the hypothalamus permanently altered testicular histomorphology, spermatogenesis, and body weight in adulthood. Alterations included vacuolization and reduction in the number of spermatogonia and Sertoli cells. The administration of Tx reduced testicular weight, the diameter and area of the seminiferous tubules, and the height of the germinal epithelium and increased the intertubular space. Soybean oil by itself reduced the number of spermatocytes and spermatids to a greater extent than Tx. There was no effect on the number of Leydig cells. The possibility that soybean oil can act as an endocrine disruptor deserves greater attention and opens the possibility for the development of new pest control methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies by researchers suggest that reductions in blood flow to the testis could play an important role in the pathogenesis of male infertility. As this oxygen-dependent organ functions in a state of near anoxia, such a decrease in blood flow may very likely have profound effects on the tissue morphology that ultimately would predispose to various forms of hypo-spermatogenesis with consequent compromise in reproductive capability. With varying opinions expressed by experts as to the actual culprit or potential pathway and/or effects of pathophysiology of testicular haemodynamics, it still remains debatable whether the observed degenerative changes in testicular tissue are the result of major or minor reductions in flow or the consequence of other vascular pathologies or even extraneous factors. Again, increasing age and male gender have been identified as the single independent risk factors for the occurrence of cardiovascular pathologies with sexual dimorphism highly debated. The investigation of these factors occurring under hypertensive states using the spontaneously hypertensive rat ( SHR) as an experimental model has attracted substantial attention in recent past. This review examines the relationships and potential morphologic changes in the testicular tissue under conditions of perturbations in blood flow as seen in the SHR with a view to the proper understanding of the role(s) of various factors that contributes to male subfertility. A suggestion to the use of stereological methods for quantitating various measurements in a highly active and dynamic structure like the testis with its arterial system has been added as this may facilitate a better understanding of the mechanisms implicated under hypertensive conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increased accessibility of antiretroviral therapy continues to positively drive the reduction in viral load and survival of patients despite the attendant reproductive toxicities. We propose that testicular damage caused by highly active antiretroviral therapy ( HAART) can be attenuated by antioxidant treatment by investigating the testicular histomorphologic and stereological effects of antiretroviral drugs and its interaction with antioxidants using an experimental animal model. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into seven groups of six rats per group (A, B... G) using simple random sampling and treated orally with 0.9% normal saline as placebo, a HAART cocktail of stavudine, lamivudine and nevirapine using the adjusted human therapeutic doses of 200, 600 and 350-400 mg/day, respectively, and antioxidants ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and I.M α-tocopherol (vitamin E). Animals were killed after 4 weeks and testicular tissue harvested and processed for light microscopy and stereological evaluations. The results were interpreted by a Veterinary pathologist blinded to the study. No animal died during the experimental period. The histopathological assessment of the testis of animals treated with placebo, ascorbic acid alone and α-tocopherol alone as well as vitamin E + HAART displayed normal testicular microanatomy. Groups treated with HAART alone, HAART + vitamin C + vitamin E and vitamins C + HAART showed extensive seminiferous tubular atrophy, necrosis and hypocellularity in the histoarchitectural patterns. While testicular cross-sectional area of seminiferous tubules remained unaffected by HAART, epithelial heights significantly decreased ( p < 0.05) when compared with controls. There was marked ( p < 0.05) increased in testicular-body weight ratio in HAART group. The results show that vitamin E could be useful in protecting testicular tissue from toxicities of HAART regimes as these results mirrors stereological data for the groups. HAART presents with deleterious histopathological changes in the testes causing tubular atrophy with altered morphometric indices. Supplementation with vitamin E appears to be a better adjuvant antioxidant that ameliorates these deleterious effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anurans have a high reproductive diversity, which is closely associated with testicular dynamics and sperm production. This variety in reproduction is modulated by the sexual characteristics of reproductive strategies, such as polyandry. Leptodactylus podicipinus has high reproductive plasticity, wide geographical distribution, and polyandric behavior. Although aspects of the testes and sperm of this species are known, knowledge about the relationship between these aspects and reproductive investment is scarce. The present study evaluated the morphological characteristics of the testes and sperm in an urban environment. We used 11 sexually mature males from the city of Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The specimens were obtained from night excursions between April and September, the months that constitute the post-rainy season. The biometric data (snout-vent length, testes, and body mass) were associated with sperm parameters (length of the spermatozoon head and tail). Stereological analyses of sperm morphology and the testes were performed. The results showed correlations between testis mass and spermatozoon length, which were positively related to head length and negatively related to tail length. The locular area and tail length were also negatively correlated. The percentage of normal spermatozoa was 97%; however, some sperm heads and tails exhibited different morphologies from the pattern described for the species. The germinative structure comprised more than 50% of the locular area composed of spermatozoa. The results of this study contribute to the knowledge of aspects related to the reproductive biology of L. podicipinus obtained from an urban environment., (© 2022 American Association for Anatomy.)

Abstract: The effects of Trypanosoma brucei infection on testicular morphology and function and the changes associated with treatment of infected dogs with diminazene aceturate were studied using fifteen Nigerian adult male dogs. The dogs were randomly assigned into three groups A, B and C consisting of five dogs each. Groups A and B were infected with 1×106 trypanosomes and group C was the uninfected control. Following infection, parasitaemia levels were monitored daily whereas the rectal temperature, body weight, packed cell volume, scrotal circumference and serum testosterone levels were monitored weekly. At parasitaemia peak, dogs in group A were orchidectomised while dogs in group B were treated with 7.0mg/kg body weight of diminazene aceturate (DA). Dogs in groups B and C were later orchidectomised on day 73 of the experiment. The harvested testes and epididymides were weighed and the epididymal sperm reserves of all the dogs determined. Also the sperm quality (mass activity, sperm motility and sperm morphology) were determined. The testes were sectioned after processing and studied histomorphologically. Acute trypanosomosis was observed following infection. The low serum testosterone levels observed from day 14 post infection (pi) gradually improved following treatment. Testicular weight, epididymal weight and sperm quality were significantly low (p <0.05) in the infected dogs when compared to the control group but gradually improved following treatment. Histomorphological studies revealed testicular degeneration characterized by depopulation of seminiferous tubules and depletion of spermatogenic cells in dogs of group A whereas the tissue sections of the testes of dogs in group B were similar to those of the control group. It was therefore concluded that infection of dogs with T. brucei adversely affected testicular morphology and function. Treatment with diminazene aceturate reversed the reproductive abnormalities caused by the parasite. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a study that investigated the effects of monosodium glutamate on the testes and cauda epididymal sperm reserves of both young and adult male rats. The study involved two experiments, with Experiment I comprising 28 young male Sprague-Dawley rats, while Experiment II comprising 28 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. The results suggest that monosodium glutamate may have adversely affected spermatogenesis by disrupting the hypothalamic-pituitary-testis regulatory axis.

The effect of aqueous leaf extract of Boerhavia diffusa plant on the semen and testicular morphology of male Wistar rats was investigated. Thirty five rats were divided into seven groups of five animals each (Groups I-VII) with group I serving as the control. Distilled water (0.5 mls) was administered orally to rats in Group I (Control), while rats in the remaining six experimental groups (II-VII) were dosed orally with 50, 100 and 150mg/kg of 2.4% aqueous extract of B. diffusa for 60 days and then euthanized immediately (Grps II, IV & VI) or allowed to recover for one week before euthanasia (Grps III, V & VII). The serum testosterone level, weights and histopathology of the testes, epididymes and seminal vesicles were determined, and the spermatozoa from the cauda epididymes of the groups were studied. Data were compared using Man-whitney's test and analysis of variance (ANOVA). There was no significant difference in the serum testosterone level between treated rats and control. The weights of the testes, epididymes and seminal vesicles were however significantly (P<0.05) decreased in treated rats compared with the control. Sperm motility and sperm count decreased significantly (P<0.05) also in the treated rats compared with the control. In addition, the sperm live-dead ratio decreased significantly (P<0.05) in rats treated with 100 and 150mg/kg of the extract (Grps IV-VII) compared with the control. Histopathology of the testes of treated rats revealed marked degeneration of germinal epithelia with spermiostasis. This result suggests that aqueous extract of B. diffusa produced adverse effects in semen and testicular morphology of the rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glyphosate is a herbicide widely used to kill weeds both in agricultural and non-agricultural landscapes. Its reproductive toxicity is related to the inhibition of a StAR protein and an aromatase enzyme, which causes an in vitro reduction in testosterone and estradiol synthesis. Studies in vivo about this herbicide effects in prepubertal Wistar rats reproductive development were not performed at this moment. Evaluations included the progression of puberty, body development, the hormonal production of testosterone, estradiol and corticosterone, and the morphology of the testis. Results showed that the herbicide (1) significantly changed the progression of puberty in a dose-dependent manner; (2) reduced the testosterone production, in semineferous tubules’ morphology, decreased significantly the epithelium height ( P < 0.001; control = 85.8 ± 2.8 μm; 5 mg/kg = 71.9 ± 5.3 μm; 50 mg/kg = 69.1 ± 1.7 μm; 250 mg/kg = 65.2 ± 1.3 μm) and increased the luminal diameter ( P < 0.01; control = 94.0 ± 5.7 μm; 5 mg/kg = 116.6 ± 6.6 μm; 50 mg/kg = 114.3 ± 3.1 μm; 250 mg/kg = 130.3 ± 4.8 μm); (4) no difference in tubular diameter was observed; and (5) relative to the controls, no differences in serum corticosterone or estradiol levels were detected, but the concentrations of testosterone serum were lower in all treated groups ( P < 0.001; control = 154.5 ± 12.9 ng/dL; 5 mg/kg = 108.6 ± 19.6 ng/dL; 50 mg/dL = 84.5 ± 12.2 ng/dL; 250 mg/kg = 76.9 ± 14.2 ng/dL). These results suggest that commercial formulation of glyphosate is a potent endocrine disruptor in vivo, causing disturbances in the reproductive development of rats when the exposure was performed during the puberty period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four groups of Santa Inês male sheep born in four seasons in the Distrito Federal were analyzed to evaluate the age and body weight at puberty, at which point were castrated. Histological measurements were carried out on the testicles to evaluate cellular parameters and size measurement of the seminiferous tubules. The effect of the group on cellular parameters was significant (P<0.01). Animals born in the dry season were more precocious than the others, but showed the worst histological profile of the testis. The histological traits of the testis of the Santa Inês rams were influenced by the season. The end of the rainy season was shown to the best season for births of sheep in the Central region of Brazil, with histological testicular traits at puberty being superior to the other groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The mature testicular vesicles of the species Pseudonannolene tocaiensis have three portions: a peripheral portion; a central portion that is typically secretory and between these two an intermediary portion, a lumen filled with spermatozoa. Both secretory and peripheral portions present the same type of cells. The ultrastructural analysis of the peripheral portion suggests it is involved in hormone synthesis. The secretory portion probably contributes to the production of spermatic fluid, compensating for the absence of male accessory glands in this species. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The effect of cocaine on reproductive system were studied in male ICR mice. Daily injection of cocaine HCl (10, and 40 mg/kg, s.c. for 15 days) disrupted epididymal sperm levels and testicular morphology. These disruptions were manifested in a decreased number of sperm, an increased number of dead sperm as compared with control vehicle, and were evidenced by vacuolations, multinucleated giant cell formations and coagulation necrosis in the testicular seminiferous tubules. Responses in the current study were trended in dose dependent pattem. These results suggest that chronic cocaine intoxication can perturb on male reproductive organ functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]