Antispermatogenic effects of tolnidamine in langur (Presbytis entellus)

Tolnidamine (50 mg/kg body weight; twice a week; oral) was administered for 90 days to adult male langur monkeys (Presbytis entellus entellus Dufresne) to assess its contraceptive potential. Semen weight, volume, seminal fluid volume, colour, pH and libido remained unchanged. Sperm motility, vitality and morphology were impaired with the advancement of treatment. Sperm density reduced to severe oligospermia following 75-90 days of treatment. Increased number of immature germ cells were also noticed. Resumption of changes to pretreatment range was observed following 90 days of cessation of treatment. However, sperm density remained low all through the recovery period of 150 days. Seminal fructose, ACP, LDH and citric acid concentrations did not change markedly. A significant depletion in GPC and magnesium levels was recorded during treatment and early recovery periods. Alterations in germ cells and Sertoli cells were also observed. A progressive but reversible rise in serum creatinine was evident. Other clinical parameters and body weight response revealed no drug-related alterations. In conclusion, tolnidamine medication induced irreversible inhibition of spermatogenesis.

Experience with a potent LH-RH agonist, buserelin, alone and in combination with testosterone for antispermatogenic activity, reversibility and toxicity in langur monkey

Chronic intermittent treatment of LH-RH superagonist Buserelin alone or in combination with testosterone enanthate were given to adult male langurs for 90 days to evaluate antispermatogenic activity of alone and combination therapy, maintenance of normal androgenicity, possible toxic effects of agonist treatment, related side effects of testosterone supplementation and complete reversibility of the procedure. A gradual decrease in sperm count was recorded in both treatment groups, along with reduced motility and vitality of the spermatozoa. In the combination group, oligospermia was achieved in 4 out of 5 animals, whereas, only 2 animals became oligospermic in the agonist alone group. Significant decrease in serum testosterone levels along with impaired libido and other testosterone withdrawal symptoms were observed in the Buserelin alone group, conversely normal testosterone levels and libido were observed in the combination group. An elevation in haematological variables and serum total protein concomitant with a slight gain in body weight of the animals were recorded in the combination group; these changes were not encountered in the agonist alone group. Reversibility of all the altered parameters to control range was observed in both treatment groups following 75 to 90 days of treatment withdrawal.

Limitations in developing gossypol acetic acid as a male contraceptive

Highly purified gossypol acetic acid (5 mg/day; oral) alone and in combination with potassium chloride (0.25 mg/day; oral) was tested in adult male langurs for 120 days to evaluate reversibility of its antifertility action and possible hypokalemia. The treatment resulted in severe oligospermia with impairment of sperm motility. Sperm morphological defects were evident. The functional activities of accessory sex glands and libido remained unimpaired. Occurrence of hypokalemia was found more pronounced in the gossypol alone group. Extensive renal potassium loss was evident and conversely the renal excretion of sodium decreased markedly. The activities of serum transaminases increased significantly. Other parameters of blood and of urine did not show any marked alterations. Complete reversal of the above changes was evident following 90 to 105 days of withdrawal of treatment. In conclusion, the oligospermia achieved was reversible and the hypokalemic response of langurs is similar to human and not related to impurity of the drug.

Ultrastructural changes in the rabbit epididymis following vasectomy and clip occlusion

Adult male rabbits were subjected to vasectomy, tantalum clip occlusion and sham operations. Caput and cauda regions of epididymis were studied with electron microscope at intervals of 15 days and 15 months after operation. Vasectomized and clip occluded subjects revealed similar changes when compared with sham operated animals. The epithelium remained functionally active even after vasectomy and clip occlusion as indicated by the presence of all characteristic complements of cellular organelles. Increased number of vacuoles and electron dense bodies indicated enhanced absorptive and digestive mechanisms at 15 months of vasectomy and clip occlusion. Disposal of continuously producing spermatozoa following vas occlusion may take place by intraluminal disintegration of sperm and subsequent phagocytosis by epididymal epithelium as evidenced by presence of identifiable parts of spermatozoa and flocculent material in caput and cauda regions.

Structure of rete testis, vas efferens, epididymis and vas deferens of langur monkey (Presbytis entellus entellus Dufresne)

Morphological and histological features of rete testis, vas efferens, epididymis and vas deferens were studied in the langur monkey. Tubular extensions of rete were located towards lateral side of the testis. Its epithelium comprises mostly of cuboidal cells with hyaline cytoplasm. Three to nine bundles of vas efferens, emerging below the cranial pole of the testis, were observed. Vas efferens epithelium comprises of ciliated and nonciliated cells. Epididymis could be divided into six zones on the basis of cytological features. Principal cells, basal cells, apical cells and intraepithelial lymphocytes were observed in the epididymal epithelium, but their number, shape, size and location of nuclei varied in different zones. Vas deferens epithelium comprises of principal cells, basal cells, apical cells and few intraepithelial lymphocytes. Epithelium is surrounded by lamina propria, longitudinal, circular and longitudinal muscle layers.

Reproductive exocrine and endocrine profile of female langur monkeys, Presbytis entellus

In 5 caged langurs menstrual cycle length (for 125 cycles) varied from 18 to 45 days with a mean +/- s.d. of 26.3 +/- 3.6 days. Menstruation lasted for 2 days. A distinct cycle of vaginal smear cells was observed with a maximum cornification on Day 10 coinciding with the serum oestradiol peak. A monophasic pattern of vaginal temperature with a significant nadir on Day 11, 1 day after the oestradiol peak, was observed. Serum sialic acid concentrations directly reflected the oestrogenic activity and showed a significant peak on Day 10, coinciding with the oestradiol peak and was followed by a progesterone rise. Langurs menstruated throughout the year without showing any sign of summer amenorrhoea. We suggest that maximum cornification, vaginal temperature nadir and serum sialic acid peak could be used as markers for prediction and detection of the time of ovulation in langur monkeys.

Long-term vasectomy effects on testis and accessory sex organ function in langur monkey

Testicular biopsy, serum and semen samples from bilaterally vasectomized and sham-operated langur monkeys were studied following 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 years of surgery to assess testis and accessory sex organ function. Testicular degeneration was evident in certain tubules. Circulating levels of serum testosterone were statistically unchanged. Seminal plasma concentrations of fructose, acid phosphatase, sodium and potassium did not change, whereas semen volume, LDH, magnesium and citric acid decreased significantly suggesting an altered prostatic function following longer durations of vasectomy.

Testis functions and sexual potentia in langur monkey treated with a combination steroidal contraceptive formulation

Administration of a combination formulation of danazol (100 mg/day; oral) plus testosterone enanthate (TE) (50 mg/15 days; i.m.) for 30 to 60 days in adult male langur monkeys resulted in the reversible suppression of testicular function without affecting the sexual potentia. Testicular weight and volume decreased significantly along with the mass atrophy of germinal epithelium and impaired morphology of Leydig and Sertoli cells. A conspicuous shrinkage of seminiferous tubules, Leydig cell nuclei and Sertoli cell nuclei was noted. Elevation of testicular cholesterol, total lipids, glycogen and phosphatases activity with the depletion of total proteins, nucleic acid, sialic acid and fructose was noteworthy. All changes were maintained during maintenance dose studies (danazol: 50 mg/day; oral plus TE: 50 mg/15 days; i.m.) for 60 days. Resumption of all measures to normal was evident following 120 days of recovery. It can be concluded that the exogenous TE substitutes the serum testosterone levels to maintain extratesticular androgen actions even after interference by danazol of Leydig cell function along with spermatogenesis inhibition.

Changes in the biochemical composition of semen following danazol plus testosterone enanthate administration to the langur monkey

Changes in the biochemical composition of semen, which reflect the accessory sex organ functions, following danazol (100 mg/day; orally) plus testosterone enanthate (50 mg/month; i.m.) administration have been investigated in langur monkey. The levels of acid phosphatase, lactic dehydrogenase and glycerylphosphorylcholine in the semen decreased significantly; whereas fructose, citric acid, magnesium and semen volume did not show any significant changes. A gradual decrease in the motility and count of spermatozoa was observed. At 60 days of treatment all animals became azoospermic. No drug related hematological changes were observed. The combination therapy impaired the epididymal and prostatic functions along with suppression of spermatogenesis.

Effect of vasectomy on biochemical constituents of the blood in langur monkey--a 2 1/2 years follow up

Bilaterally vasectomized langur monkeys were compared with age matched sham operated controls for biochemical constituents of the blood following 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 years of surgery. No appreciable changes were observed in blood glucose and blood urea and serum total protein, total lipid, phospholipid, total cholesterol, sialic acid, electrolytes (chloride, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, copper and zinc) and enzymes (LDH, alkaline phosphatase SGOT and SGPT) suggesting that long-term vasectomy does not cause adverse effects on general body metabolism including atherosclerosis.

Vasovasostomy in rabbits after vasectomy or vas occlusion by tantalum clip

Vasovasostomy was performed in rabbits that had been vasectomized or had the vas occluded by a tantalum clip for 6 or 15 months. Vasovasostomy restored fertility to 40-50% in vasectomized rabbits and 60-70% in the tantalum clip-occluded animals. Any changes that occurred due to vasectomy and tantalum clip occlusion (e.g. testicular weight, enzyme concentrations in the testis) returned to normal within 3-6 months of vasovasostomy. We suggest that vas occlusion with tantalum clips is a good method of surgical male sterilization and has a high success rate for restoration of fertility.

Reversible inhibition of spermatogenesis by danazol with combination of testosterone enanthate in rabbit

Danazol (15 mg/kg b.w./day; oral) with combination of testosterone enanthate (5 mg/kg b.w./15 days; S.C.) was tested in male rabbits for reversible suppression of spermatogenesis. Semen analyses for efficacy and reversibility were performed biweekly. The regimen resulted in complete azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia in all the animals within 75 days of treatment accompanied with decreased motility, vitality and increased sperm abnormalities. Semen volume and pH did not alter significantly. Libido was unaffected. All seminal characteristics were within normal range after 115 days of recovery. In conclusion, the drug combination in given dose regimen resulted in reversible inhibition of spermatogenesis in rabbits.

Effects of cyproterone acetate with combination of testosterone enanthate on seminal characteristics, androgenicity and clinical chemistry in langur monkey

Daily oral administration of 1 mg/kg b.w. of cyproterone acetate and simultaneously administered testosterone enanthate (2 mg/kg b.w./15 days; i.m.) to adult male langur monkeys over a period of 90 days caused a gradual decrease in the count (to azoospermia) and motility of spermatozoa, concurrently with an increase in the percentage of non-motile as well as abnormal and immature sperm. Semen weight, volume, seminal fluid volume and circulating testosterone levels decreased nonsignificantly. Semen pH, libido and body weight remained unimpaired. The levels of SGOT, SGPT, serum alkaline phosphatase, LDH, bilirubin, Na+, K+ and hematological values did not alter significantly. All the changes were reversible. The results indicate that the combination regimen seems to affect the fertility in two ways, i.e. by inhibiting spermatogenesis in the testis and maturation process in the epididymis without altering the androgenicity.

Excurrent duct system in male rabbit: a morphological study

The present study was carried out to determine the detailed histological and cytological features of the excurrent ducts of the male reproductive system in the rabbit. The rete testis is comprised of flattened epithelium surrounding a wide lumen which is devoid of spermatozoa. Vasaefferentia epithelium is comprised mainly of ciliated and non-ciliated cells and the lumen is devoid of sperms. On the basis of the characteristics of the epithelium, and luminal contents and histometric observations such as luminal diameter, epithelial cell height and stereocilia height, seven regions of epididymis were identified. Similarly, the vas deferens was identified into 3 regions; proximal, distal and terminal. Results were discussed bearing in mind the functional significance of different regions.

Effect of bilateral vasectomy on liver function in langur monkeys (Presbytis entellus entellus Dufresne)

Changes in serum biochemical measures associated with liver dysfunction and biochemical and histological structure of the liver after vasectomy have been studied in langur monkeys. No appreciable changes were observed in the serum SGOT, SGPT, LDH and alkaline phosphatase levels after vasectomy as compared with sham operated controls. Likewise glycogen and cholesterol contents of the liver were found to be unchanged after vasectomy. Histologic structure of liver remained normal. The present investigation has suggested that vasectomy does not cause any adverse effect on liver function in langur monkeys.

Structural and functional changes in epididymis following danazol plus testosterone enanthate administration in rabbit

Danazol in combination with testosterone enanthate was administered to adult male rabbits to assess the structural and functional activity of epididymis. Seminal, biochemical and histological studies were made throughout the experiment. Sperm motility and count decreased markedly and at the end of treatment 75% of the animals became azoospermic. Seminal plasma GPC levels decreased significantly at 45 through 75 days of treatment. At 30 days of drug exposure, phospholipid, protein and sialic acid concentrations in caput epididymides were significantly low. Epididymal weight, phospholipid and protein contents markedly dropped in all segments of epididymides after 60 days of treatment. A reduction in epithelial and stereocilia height (caput and cauda), and lumen diameter (caput and corpus) was observed. Increase in intertubular stroma was evident. Lumen was devoid of spermatozoa at 60 days of treatment. All the changes were restored to normal 75 days after cessation of treatment. The combination therapy impaired the structural and functional integrity of the epididymis.

Vasectomy in langur monkeys (Presbytis entellus entellus dufresne)

The sex accessory gland functions were studied in 1-12 months vasectomized langur monkeys. Seminal plasma fructose did not change. Semen volume, magnesium, and citric acid decreased transitionally up to 6 months. A significant decrease in LDH and transaminases (GOT, GPT) following vasectomy indicated an altered secretory activity of the accessory sex organs.

Contraception with danazol plus testosterone enanthate in the rabbit. I. Effects on vas deferens

Effects of danazol plus testosterone enanthate on rabbit vas deferens are investigated. Seminal, biochemical tissue and histological studies were performed. Sperm motility was markedly impaired with the advancement of treatment. At the end of treatment 75 per cent of the animals became azoospermic. Seminal fructose did not change, whereas citric acid showed a progressive non-significant increase. Phosholipid and protein contents of vas deferens decreased during drug exposure. No appreciable changes were observed in sialic acid concentration. Citric acid and fructose in ampullae reduced following 60 days of treatment. Vas deferens lumen was devoid of spermatozoa. The combination therapy impaired the secretory activity of vas deferens reversibly.

Ultrastructural changes in rabbit testis and epididymis following vasectomy: a long term study

The Ultrastructural changes in testis and epididymis were studied in rabbits following 18 months of bilateral vasectomy. No fine structural changes were observed in seminiferous tubules and all stages of spermatogenesis appeared normal in most of the sample studied. Intracellular spaces in the spermatogonia cytoplasm may denote ionic deficiency. Digestion of sperms to some extent in the lumen of seminiferous tubules was denoted by the presence of round membrane bound bodies which may be remnants of digested cytoplasmic organelles and sperm parts. Cells of the epididymal epithelium showed normal characteristics. Electron dense bodies (lysosomes) were more prevalent in the supranuclear region of principal cells suggesting increased resorption capacity of caput epididymis after vasectomy. Presence of large oval bodies in the lumen needs further investigation.

Oestrogenic activity of cyproterone acetate in female mice

Effects of cyproterone acetate, a synthetic steroidal compound, on the reproductive organs of female mice have been investigated. This agent caused reduction of ovarian weights indicative of suppression of pituitary gonadotrophins. Oestrogenic nature of cyproterone acetate was investigated in intact and ovariectomized animals taking uterine weight, vaginal keratinization and other biochemical oestrogen sensitive parameters. Cyproterone acetate in ovariectomized animals induced vaginal keratinization increase in uterine weight and uterine protein, RNA, glycogen and sialic acid contents. These effects were parallel to the effects of oestradiol dipropionate in ovariectomized animals, thus indicating oestrogenic activity of the compound.

The effects of Danazol on the female genital tract of the rat

The effects of Danazol on the reproductive organs of female rats have been investigated. Danazol brings about suppression of ovarian weight and distinct follicular atresia indicating antigonadotropic properties. Increase in uterine weight and well defined vaginal keratinization was seen in Danazol treated ovariectomized animals. The results were similar to that of oestradiol dipropionate confirming the oestrogenic activity of Danazol.

Effects of methallibure (I.C.I. 33828) on the female reproductive tract of the Indian Desert gerbil (Meriones hurrianae Jerdon)

Effects of methallibure (I.C.I. 33828) have been studied on the reproductive organs of female gerbils, Meriones hurrianae. Methallibure administration caused reduction of gonadal weight indicating suppression of pituitary gonadotrophins. In the ovaries of the treated females extensive atresia of follicles and of corpora lutea was observed. In addition methallibure interrupted the sex cycle, and a dioestrous vaginal pattern was retained throughout medication. A significant decrease in the level of RNA, protein and sialic acid in the uterus and vagina and of glycogen in the uterus was found. Histological and biochemical changes in the ovaries and uteri suggest a possible direct antioestrogenic action of the compound.

The oestrogenic activity of danazol in the female gerbil (Meriones hurrianae Jerdon)

Antifertility and estrogenic effects of Danazol have been studied in female gerbils. Danazol brings about supression of ovarian weight, presumably by inhibiting gonadotrophin secretion. Enlargement of uterine horns and well defined vaginal keratinization was seen in Danazol treated ovariectomized animals. The results were similar to that of oestradiol dipropionate confirming the oestrogenic activity of Danazol.

Histological and biochemical changes in the female genital tract of rats and mice after methallibure treatment

Methallibure administration caused reduction of gonadal weights in female rats and mice indicative of suppression of pituitary gonadotrophins. In the ovaries of the methallibure treated females, there was a great atresia of the follicles and of the corpora lutea. Methalbure caused atrophic changes in the endometrial lining of the vagina. Uterine horns became thin after methallibure treatment. A significant decrease in protein, RNA and sialic acid concentration in uterus and vagina was observed following methallibure treatment. Uterus of treated animals showed decreased glycogen contents. Histological and biochemical changes in the female genital tract of rats and mice suggested that the drug caused antifertility effect due to its possible antiestrogenic action.

The effects of cadmium chloride on testis and epididymis of the Indian Hanuman langur, Presbytis entellus entellus Dufresne

Administration of single sub-lethal dose (12 mg/kg body wt.) of cadmium chloride neutralizes endogenous hormonal activity in th male Indian Hanuman langur (Presbytis entellus entellus), resulting in a marked decrease in the production of androgens and subsequent reduction in the weights of sex accessory glands. Cadmium chloride in low dose (4 mg/kg body wt.) failed to bring about any significant change in the weights of excised tissue but did change biochemical composition and histo-architecture of testes. A significant increase in the concentration of testicular cholesterol was observed after the treatment. Decrease in the sialic acid concentration, total lipids and acid phosphatase activity of testis was associated with the degenerative changes of the spermatogenic elements. Reduced fructose and sialic acid concentration in the seminal vesicle of cadmium chloride treated animals indicate an inhibition of androgen production. Our results show that sialic acid epididymis is not androgen dependent in langurs. It is suggested that cadmium induced biochemical and histological changes in the testes and epididymides are dose dependent.

Observations on the effects of danazol on the female reproductive tract of mice

Antifertility and oestrogenic effects of Danazol have been studied in female mice. Danazol brings about suppression of ovarian weight, presumably by inhibiting gonadotropin secretion. Enlargement of uterine horns and well defined vaginal keratinization was seen in Danazol treated ovariectomized animals. The results were similar to that of oestradiol dipropionate confirming the estrogenic activity of Danazol.

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.

Long-term effects of vasectomy on the pituitary-gonadal system of rat and mouse

A long-term vasectomy operation in rat and mouse did not reveal any consistent change in the weights of testis and androgen dependent organs. Histological structure of the testis and caput epididymis remains normal after vasectomy. The androgenic activity of the testis remains normal as reflected by fructose content of seminal vesicles. Pituitary cytology remains unaltered. Yellowish cysts were observed frequently in the cauda epididymis of experimental animals, associated with increased epididymal weights. The protein and RNA content of the testis did not show appreciable change. A significant increase was observed in the protein and RNA content of epididymis after bilateral vasectomy. There was no effect of bilateral vasectomy on sialic acid contents of testis and epididymis of rats and seminal vesicular fructose contents of mouse.

Effect of cadmium chloride on testis and seminal vesicular fructose contents of shrew (Suncus murinus anderson), gerbil (Meriones hurrianae jerdon) and hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus collaris)

A single subcutaneous injection of cadmium chloride (0.04 m mol/kg body weight) did not cause any change in the macroscopic and microscopic features of testes and caput epididymis of Suncus. Testes and sex accessory glands did not show any significant change in their weights. Seminal vesicular fructose concentration remains unchanged. The tetes and sex accessory organs of gerbil under comparable condition showed significant weight loss and shrinkage in tubule diameter. The seminiferous epithelium was totally destroyed. A single intratesticular injection of CdCl2 (0.5 mg/kg body weight) in hedgehog resulted in testicular necrosis. The small temperature difference between cremaster sac and rectum, absence of testicular artery and pampiniform plexus and insuficient concentration of cadmium within the testis when administered subcutaneously may be responsible for insensitivity of Suncus testes to cadmium.

Effects of a single ethanol injection into the vas deferens on the testicular function of rats

1. A new approach to rapid male sterilization has been studied by giving a single injection of 95% ethanol directly into the vas deferens. It produced an effective block in the lumen. The mating exposure test showed that the males were sterile. The sperm granulomas at the site of vas injection were confirmed. 2. Ethanol injection in the vas deferens caused an atrophy of the testes. Extensive necrosis and exfoliation of the seminiferous elements were conspicuous. 3. Decrease in testicular weight, seminiferous tubule diameter and RNA and sialic acid levels after 4 weeks of vas injection were associated with the histological evidence for severe degeneration of spermatogenic elements. The protein contents of testis, epididymides and seminal vesicles did not change. 4. Testicular cholesterol, total lipids and alkaline phosphatase activity was increased. 5. Low sialic acid levels in the testis, epididymides and seminal vesicles of vas-injected rats indicated an inhibition of androgen production, which was further reflected in reduced nuclear diameters of leydig cells.

Mechanism of acti on of chronically administered cannabis extract on the female genital tract of gerbils Meriones hurrianae

Daily administration of cannabis extract (2.5 mg/day for a period of 60 days) caused degenerative changes in the ovarian tissue. Luteinization was inhibited. Corpus-luteum degeneration was conspicuous. Distinct effects were produced upon the uterine biochemistry, consisting of decreased RNA, protein, sialic acid and glycogen concentration of the uterus. Vaginal RNA and protein contents were low. An anti-estrogenic action of cannabis extract in female gerbils is suggested.

Biochemical and histological changes in testes and epididymis of dog after vasectomy

1. Changes in the histological structure and biochemical composition have been studied in the testes and epididymis of dog after unilateral and bilateral vasectomies. 2. Testes and epididymis weight did not change after 30 days of unilateral vasectomy. Whereas a significant decrease was observed after 60 and 120 days of unilateral and bilateral vasectomy. Tests and epididymis weights returned to normal after 180 days of bilateral vasectomy. 3. Histologically testes and epididymis were normal after 30 days of vasectomy. After 60 and 120 days of unilateral and bilateral vasectomy. Testes and generative changes. Seminiferous tubule and Leydig cell nuclear diameter reduced. Sixty to seventy percent tubules recover after 180 days of bilateral vasectomy. 4. Decrease in RNA, protein, sialic acid contents and increase in alkaline phosphatase activity, total lipids, cholesterol coincided with the absence of spermatozoa and atrophic changes in the testes. 5. The early degenerative changes were caused due to back pressure of testicular fluid (Vare et al, 1973).

The effects of chemical occlusion of vas deferens on the testicular function of dog: a preliminary study

A new approach to rapid male sterilization was studies by giving a single injection of sclerosing chemical agents (10% silvernitrate, 3.6% Formaldehyde in ehanol, 5% potassium permagnate, 100% ethanol, and 3.6% Formaldehyde) directly into the vas deferens to determine whether blocking the vas has any adverse effects on the testicular function. 2 - Chemical occlusion of vas is quite effective in producing a block in the vas deferens of dogs. 3 - Ethanol injection in the vas deferens caused an atrophy of the testis. Extensive necrossis and exfoliation of the seminiferous elements were conspicuous. These changes increased in severity in 3.6% Formaldehyde in ethanol, 5% potassium permagnate, and 10% silver nitrate solution injected dogs. 4 - Decrease in the testicular contents of RNA, Protein and sialic acid, four weeks after vas occlusion were associated with degenerative changes of the spermatogenic elements. 5 - Testicular cholesterol and total lipids were increased following vas occlusion. 6 - Reduced sialic acid levels in the testis of vas occluded dogs indicates an inhibition of androgen production, which is further reflected in reduced leydig cell function. 7 - The role of vas deferens in determining the fate of a given testis is being discussed.

The effect of chronically administered cannabis extract on the female genital tract of mice and rats

Daily administration of cannabis extract (mice: 1 mg/day, rats: 5 mg/day for a period of 64 days) results in a cessation of ovarian cyclic activity as judged by vaginal smear and the absence of corpora-lutea in the ovaries of treated rats and mice. Distinct effects are produced upon uterine tissue. Uterine glands were regressed and the stromal edema was conspicuous. Cannabis extract resulted in a decreased uterine RNA, glycogen, and sialic acid concentration. It also brings about a significant depletion in the level of adrenal ascorbic acid.

The effect of ligation of cauda epididymidis and vasectomy on testicular function in the adult gerbil (Meriones hurrianae)

1. The effects of ligation of caput, cauda epididymides and vasectomy were studied in adult gerbils. 2. The operations were performed unilaterally, the testis and epididymides on the contralateral side serving as controls. 3. Ligation of cauda epididymides decrease testicular weight, whereas caput ligation did not change the testis weight. Accessory sex glands were reduced in size. 4. Ligation caused a drastic degeneration of the spermatogenic cells. There was a complete disruption of testicular function. Leydig cell hypertrophy was conspicuous. Caput and cauda ligation led to degenerative changes in the epididymides. Epididymal epithelium was regressed and the lumen was devoid of spermatozoa. 5. Caput and cauda ligation inhibited the synthesis of RNA, protein and sialic acid in testis and epididymides and depleted the fructose concentration in the seminal vesicle. 6. Vasectomy did not cause any alteration in sperm production during the 8 week period on the lighted side. The cytology and the biochemistry of the testis and epididymides appeared to be normal.

Effects of alpha-chlorohydrin on the testes and epididymides of dog: a preliminary study

Chronic administration of alpha-chlorohydrin (8 mg/kg for 30 days, caused lesions in the testis of dog. Seminiferous tubules presented marked degenerative changes. Leydig cell hypertrophy was conspicous. Epididymal epithelium was regressed and the lumen was devoid of spermatozoa. Obstruction of the epididymal lumen was not seen. Alpha-Chlorohydrin inhibited the synthesis of RNA and sialic acid in the testis, caput epidiymis, corpus epididymis, and cauda epididymis. The total cholesterol per gram of testis was increased significantly after alpha-chlorohydrin administration. The anti-androgenic nature of alpha-chlorohydrin is suggested.

Effects of Cannabis extract on the response of accessory sex organs of adult male mice to testosterone

Cannabis extract caused a marked reduction in the body weight and in the weights of seminal vesicles, ventral prostate, epididymis, preputial gland and perineal complex (Penis and its bulb and levator ani muscle) of castrated adult male mice. Cannabis extract administration in combination with testosterone propionate (TP) inhibited growth stimulation produced by TP alone. Anti-androgenic nature of the compound is suggested.

Inhibition of thyroid function and thyrotrophic activity following the administration of methallibure (ICI-33 828)

1. Goitrogenic action of methallibure (ICI-33828) has been studied in mice gerbil and hedgehog using thyroid weight and histological structure as an index. Liquefaction and vacuolation of thyroid follicles were most prevelant after methallibure administration. 2. The I131 content of the thyroid gland was significantly higher in the methallibure treated groups than in the controls. This denotes a decrease in the rate of discharge of thyroid hormone. 3. Protein bound radioiodine (Pb I131) was low after methallibure administration. 4. Methallibure administration brings about hypertrophy of pituitary thyrotrophs which is also reflected in the increased basophilic cell percentage in gerbil (control: 15.5 percent; methallibure: 22.8 percent). 5. It is concluded that methallibure acts on thyroid function both by a direct effect on the gland as well as by influencing pituitary thyrotrophic activity in enhancing I131 uptake.

Long-term effect of vasectomy on the biochemical composition of testes and sex accessory organs of the Indian desert gerbil, Meriones hurrianae Jerdon

A long-term vasoligation operation in gerbils, Meriones hurrianae Jerdon did not reveal any consistent change in the weights of androgen dependent organs such as seminal vesicles, ventral prostate, epididymes and perineal complex (levator ani muscle and penis). Histological structure of the testis and caput epididymis remains normal after vasectomy. There was no effect of bilateral vasectomy on androgen production of the testes as reflected by fructose content of coagulating gland. No compensatory hypertrophy of the contralateral testis was observed in unilaterally vasectomized gerbils. The RNA content of the testis and epididymis and ascorbic acid content of adrenal gland did not show appreciable change. No change in protein content of the testis was found but a significant increase was observed in the protein content of epididymis after the operation.

Sustained fertility in a non-scrotal mammal, the Indian hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus Collaris), after CdCl2 administration

The effects of a single subcutaneous injection of CdCl2 (0.04 mmol/kg body weight) were studied on the testes and caput epididymidis of a non-scrotal mammal, Hemiechinus auritus, and scrotal laboratory mouse. The histological structure of the testes and caput epididymidis of the hedgehog remains normal after 21 days of CdCl2 injection. Testes and sex accessory glands did not show any significant change in weight. The testes and sex accessory organs of mice under comparable condition showed weight loss and involution in tubule diameter. A temperature differential of 1 degree C was found to exist between the rectum and the cremaster sac of the hedgehog. This small temperature difference and the absence of a counter-current mechanism may be involved in conferring the CdCl2 resistance to the testes and epididymis of the hedgehog.

Observations on the effects of 17-alpha-pregn-4-en-20-yno-(2,3-d) isoxazol-17-ol(Danazol) on the female reproductive tract and pituitary gonadotrophs of gerbil (Meriones hurrianae)

Danazol caused leukolysis in adult female gerbils. It brings about suppression of ovarian weight, presumably by inhibiting gonadotrophin secretion from the pituitary gland. Uterotrophic action of Danazol is confirmed in ovariectomized animals. Danazol counteracted the uterotrophic effect of an exogenous oestrogen. Vaginal smears of Danazol-treated animals retained a dioestrous leukocytic pattern indicating the absence of follicular activity. Decreased RNA synthesis in the uterus indicates the possibility that Danazol is anti-oestrogenic. Castration-like changes were noticed in the anterior lobe of the hypophysis after Danazol administration.

Effects of danazol on the pituitary-gonadal axis in male gerbils and mice

Danazol administration caused lesions in the seminiferous tubules of gerbils and mice. The seminiferous epithelium became systematically depleted of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, and finally spermatozoa. Danazol administration did not cause damage to the epididymal cells but was followed by a significant increase (p smaller than 0.01) in the diameter of the Leydig cell nuclei. The growth of androgen-dependent organs was reversibly suppressed after treatment. Resumption of normal gonadal function in the mouse occurred 32 days after discontinuation of medication. Danazol brought about transient changes resembling those of bilateral gonadectomy in the anterior lobe of the hypophysis. Inhibition of endogenous gonadotropins occurred, reflected in the increased basophilic cell percentage.