Development of seminal vesicles and coagulating glands in neonatal mice. I. The morphogenetic effects of various hormonal conditions

Seminal vesicles (SV) and coagulating glands (CG) from neonatal mice 1- to 7-days old were observed in whole mount preparations. Untreated, normal SV developed elaborate epithelial branches beginning on day 3 with secondary branches appearing on day 6. Castration (C), estradiol treatment (E), and castration combined with estradiol treatment (C + E) inhibited the morphogenesis of the epithelial branches. Untreated CG formed solid epithelial stalks that developed lateral epithelial buds on day 3 which attained a complex morphological pattern by day 7. Treatment groups (C, E and C + E) displayed a pattern of retarded growth with few epithelial buds appearing even at day 7. The effects of castration on both SV and CG were reversed by the addition of testosterone. Short term in vitro culture of 1-day-old SV and CG glands in control medium or medium supplemented with estradiol did not exhibit visible growth. Culture of SV and CG glands with testosterone or a piece of testis showed pronounced development.

Nutritional status, time of day and pinealectomy: factors influencing the sensitivity of the neuroendocrine-reproductive axis of the rat to melatonin

Afternoon but not morning injections of melatonin (Mel) resulted in significant 68, 50 and 20% reductions in seminal vesicle, ventral prostate and testicular weights, respectively, as compared with underfed controls. As in the animals injected in the morning, reproductive organ weights in underfed-pinealectomized rats were unaffected by afternoon injections of Mel. Both pituitary and serum prolactin levels were significantly depressed in underfed rats receiving Mel in the afternoon; however, Mel was ineffective when given either in the morning or to pinealectomized rats. These data indicate that there is a diurnal rhythm of sensitivity to Mel in undernourished rats which is abolished by pinealectomy.

Comparative effects and mechanisms of castration, estrogen anti-androgen, and anti-estrogen-induced regression of accessory sex organ epithelium and muscle

We examined the effects and mechanisms of action of various endocrine manipulations on the epithelium and muscle preparations of the guinea pig seminal vesicle. Castration, which reduced the plasma testosterone level to 10 percent of normal, caused approximately 80 per cent reductions in epithelium wet weight and RNA and DNA contents. Estradiol benzoate effected similar reductions in plasma androgen and epithelial cell function in intact males. Reduction in plasma androgen level accounted for the estrogen-induced epithelial regression; no antiandrogenic effect of estrogen on the epithelium was detectable. All anti-androgens tested, flutamide, spironolactone, and cyproterone acetate, reduced epithelium weight in intact animals. Studies of the mechanism of cyproterone acetate action indicated its effects were attributable solely to an anti-androgenic action on the epithelium. The anti-estrogens, tamoxifen and nafoxidine, had no effect on the epithelium of intact animals when tested alone or in combination with cyproterone acetate. Regression of seminal vesicle muscle occurred only after castration or treatment of intact animals with cyproterone acetate. The action of cyproterone acetate on the muscle was attributable to blockade of the androgenic stimulus. The drug had no effect on plasma testosterone or estradiol levels and had no anti-estrogenic activity. In intact males estradiol reduced plasma testosterone to castrate levels, but did not alter muscle weight and nucleic acid levels. The potential deleterious effects of reduced plasma testosterone on the muscle were surmounted by direct estrogenic stimulation of the tissue. The anti-androgens, flutamide and spironolactone, and the anti-estrogens, tamoxifen and nafoxidine, had no effect on the muscle of intact males. Inasmuch as the regressive effects of castration on the epithelium and muscle can be duplicated in intact animals only by treatment with cyproterone acetate, this particular drug may provide the most effective nonsurgical treatment of prostatic neoplasia.

Autophagocytosis in mouse seminal vesicle cells in vitro. Temperature dependence and effects of vinblastine and inhibitors of protein synthesis

Spontaneous autophagocytosis was observed in mouse seminal vesicle cells during incubation for 2 h in vitro. The number of autophagic vacuoles formed was greatest at 37 degrees C and decreased when the temperature was lowered. At 22 degrees C it reached the near-zero value characteristic of non-incubated control cells. Incubation of the cells at 37 degrees C in the presence of 0.1 mg/ml vinblastine sulfate resulted in a marked increase in the number of autophagic vacuoles, but the drug was ineffective at 22 degrees C. Puromycin (10(-3) M) exerted no influence on spontaneous autophagocytosis, but cycloheximide in concentrations from 10(-7) M to 10(-3) M inhibited both spontaneous and vinblastine-induced autophagocytosis. The formation of tubulin paracrystals in vinblastine treated cells was not prevented either by low (22 degrees C) temperature or in the presence of cycloheximide.

Differential effects of estramustine phosphate upon cell proliferation in mouse accessory sex glands

The effects of estramustine phosphate (EMP) have been measured during the proliferative response of the seminal vesicle and coagulating gland of the castrated mouse after continuous treatment with testosterone. Daily subcutaneous injections of 60 micrograms testosterone were begun 14 days after castration. Three daily injections of EMP (100 mg/kg body wt) were begun on either day 11 or day 13 after castration. Cell proliferation was monitored by [3H]thymidine-labelling techniques combined with autoradiography, and by determinations of mitotic index. Treatment with EMP on days 11, 12 and 13 after castration almost completely blocked the testosterone-induced proliferative response in the coagulating gland. Treatment with EMP commencing on day 13 after castration was less effective. Estramustine phosphate had a small stimulatory effect on DNA synthesis and mitosis in the seminal vesicle. Measurements of 5 alpha-reductase activity in vitro did not reflect the dynamic cell kinetic changes observed in both tissues in vivo. We have concluded that previous assay systems using the Coffey model are unsuitable for the assessment of antiandrogens and prostatic anti-cancer drugs.

Inhibition of maturational changes in Leydig cell function by treatment of rats with an agonist of LH-RH

Daily treatment of immature (30-day-old) male rats for 40 days with 50 ng of an agonist of LH-RH impaired normal development of Leydig cell function. This treatment partly or completely inhibited maturational increases in (1) the serum levels of testosterone, (2) seminal vesicle weight, (3) the in-vitro steroidogenic responsiveness of the testis, and (4) the in-vitro testicular binding of 125I-labelled hCG. In contrast, twice-weekly treatment of immature or adult rats with 50 ng LH-RH agonist had only minor effects on Leydig cell function, although hCG-binding was always significantly reduced. Testicular growth in immature rats was unaffected by daily injection of LH-RH agonist whereas twice-weekly treatment caused a small reduction in weight. None of the treatments had any major consistent effect on the pituitary or serum levels of gonadotrophins and prolactin, although daily treatment with the LH-RH agonist clearly reduced the responsiveness of the pituitary to the agonist, in terms of the amounts of LH and FSH released.

Effects of prolonged treatment with cyproterone acetate on hydrolytic enzymes in seminal vesicles of the mouse

Daily s.c. injections of cyproterone acetate cause a time-related decrease in the weight and beta-glucuronidase activity of seminal vesicles in mouse. Protein content shows an initial increase and subsequently, after 120-180 days of treatment, a decline (reaching control levels). Acid phosphatase activity also decreases but only after long-term treatments. 5 alpha-DHT tends to bring the values of various parameters towards the control range. However, its effects are of a lesser magnitude in animals treated for 90 days with the antiandrogen. It is proposed that the antifertility action of cyproterone acetate is due mainly to its negative influence not only on the epididymis but also on seminal vesicles.

Antireproductive effects of a potent gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist in the male rat

Administration of a potent antagonist of gondadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist [Ac-dehydro-Pro1, pCl-D-Phe2, D-Trp3,6]-N alpha-MeLeu7-GnRH to adult male rats for 2 weeks resulted in decreased testosterone production and sexual organ weights and in disrupted spermatogenesis. The results demonstrate the essential role of gonadotropin-releasing hormone in the maintenance of reproductive functions and have implications for the regulation of male fertility.

Short term metabolic effects of the anti-fertility agent, gossypol, on various reproductive organs of male mice

In order to evaluate the short term metabolic effects of gossypol on the testes as well as any possible effects on the secondary sex organs, Balb C mice were injected subcutaneously with various doses of gossypol (0.25-25.0 mg/kg body weight) in corn oil for 10 days. Wet weights of several different secondary sex reproductive organs decreased during gossypol treatment. However, wet weights of the testes during treatment remained equal to or greater than control values. Following 10 days of gossypol treatment, incorporation of [3H]thymidine or [3H]amino acids into trichloroacetic acid precipitable macromolecules was inhibited in the seminal vesicles and ventral prostates normalized to either DNA or wet weight. Treatment with gossypol also had an inhibitory effect on epididymal sperm count at the two highest doses. These results demonstrate that gossypol will decrease sperm count at high dose levels after treatment of male mice for as short as 10 days. However, its overall effects are not limited to the testes and spermatogenesis but, in addition, it has dramatic inhibitory effects on protein and nuclei acid metabolism in the secondary sex organs.

Alteration in the normal pattern of serum testosterone and 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha, 17 beta-diol in the immature male rat following chronic treatment with luteinizing hormone releasing hormone or luteinizing hormone

A major component of sexual maturation in the male rat is a progressive decline in serum concentrations of 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha, 17 beta-diol (3 alpha-diol) and a concomitant increase in testicular testosterone biosynthesis and secretion. Chronic administration of synthetic luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) or luteinizing hormone (LH)/human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to immature male rats has been shown to result in a delay in sexual maturation as evidenced by decreased sex accessory gland weights and altered testicular testosterone production. We have examined the postulate that such treatments may either reverse or retard the normal developmental pattern of serum testosterone and 3 alpha-diol concentrations. Chronic in vivo treatment of 28 day old immature male rats for 2 weeks with daily injections of either 0.5 micrograms of LHRH, 1.0 micrograms of LHRH, or 30 micrograms of LH was found to result in significant reductions in weights of the seminal vesicles and ventral prostate glands and diminutions in serum testosterone concentrations. Serum content of 3 alpha-diol was either unchanged or slightly elevated in the LHRH treated animals and increased significantly in the LH treated animals. These data suggest that either a reversal of or retardation in the normal developmental pattern of serum testosterone and 3 alpha-diol content has been achieved in the immature male rat by chronic LHRH or LH treatment.

[3,4-Dihydro-1,2,4-benzotriazin-3,3'-spiro steroid derivatives of pharmacological interest]

In order to verify the possibility of pharmacological latentiation of bioactive ketones, the building up of a 3,4-dihydro-1,2,4-benzotriazine ring on position 3, 17 or 20 of steroids with hormonal activity was investigated. The heterocyclic formation was successful only on the less hindered position 3. Four (I alpha, I beta, II alpha, II beta) of the six derivatives so obtained were tested for androgenic activity and their effects were compared with those of testosterone and of the starting ketosteroids (5 alpha- and 5 beta-dihydrotestosterone, 5 alpha- and 5 beta-androstan-3,17-dione). The hormonal activity is not compromised by the coupling of the heterocyclic ring with the steroidal skeleton; on the contrary compound (I beta), derived from the inactive 5 beta-dihydrotestosterone, exhibited a high degree of androgenic activity.

Distensibility and responsiveness of the rat seminal vesicle: effects of denervation and pretreatment of animals with 6-hydroxydopamine and reserpine

Slow filling (0.03 ml/min) to 25 cm H2O transluminal hydrostatic pressure established an internal volume ("end-filling volume"; V) in rat seminal vesicles which was optimal for the production of maximal isovolumetric contractions. Because of variations in the size and empty wet weight (W) of vesicles from mature rats, this method for standardizing base-line conditions was superior to the application of a standard volume to preload all organs. The slow-filling procedure to establish base-line conditions yielded a parameter (V/W) which was an index of organ distensibility; therefore, both mechanical and pharmacological properties could be related in each organ. V/W was reasonably constant and independent of organ weight; regression analysis showed K = V/W3/4. Pretreatment of animals with 6-hydroxydopamine. HBr (100 mg/kg 2 weeks, plus 50 mg/kg 1 week, before sacrifice) and surgical postganglionic denervation (9 to 12 days before sacrifice) significantly increased V/W, had no effect on W and resulted in a 40% increase in the maximum response to norepinephrine. The EC50 of norepinephrine was slightly increased after 6-hydroxydopamine-pretreatment. Short-term reserpine-pretreatment (5 mg/kg 2 days plus 2.5 mg/kg 1 day, before sacrifice) produces better norepinephrine depletion than 6-hydroxydopamine but did not modify V/W. The results suggest that the stress-strain relationship and elastic properties of sympathetically innervated tissues are subject to the long-term influence of nerve activity.

Changes in the adenohypophysis and genital tract of cryptorchid rats: some morphological and pharmacological aspects

It has been confirmed that cryptorchidism may affect the control mechanism of gonadotrophin secretion. This has been based on morphological aspects of the adenohypophysis of cryptorchid rats which have shown an increase in basophilic and vacuolated basophilic cells, an increase known to be related to the production of gonadotrophin. The morphological alterations observed in the testes, prostates, seminal vesicles and ductus deferentes of these cryptorchid animals, the quiescence and the responses of their seminal vesicles and ductus deferentes to sympathomimetic and parasympathomimetic drugs indicated that these cryptorchid animals may be somewhere between normal and castrated rats, although not equidistant from either. Comparison of wet weights and of occurrence of spontaneous contractions, and determination of drug parameters in seminal vesicles and ductus deferentes taken from normal, castrated or crptorchid rats, suggested that the development and the spontaneous or the pharmacological responses of male accessory organs of reproduction are independent phenomena.

Antiandrogenic effect of cimetidine in mice

Cimetidine (Tagamet) in the relatively high doses employed produced significant changes in seminal vesicles and kidney in mice. Cimetidine blocked the effect both of endogenous and of exogenous testosterone.

Multivariate analysis of the effects of manganese on the reproductive physiology and behavior of the male house mouse

Chronic exposure to Mn3O4 in the diet at 1050 ppm Mn retarded the sexual development and lowered reactive locomotor activity levels in male mice. A multivariate analysis of variance indicated that testis, seminal vesicle, and preputial gland weights were significantly smaller as a result of Mn administration. These results support earlier observations of altered locomotor activity levels and reproductive development in male rats in the absence of other signs of toxicity.

Effects of estradiol dipropionate on the biochemical composition of testis and accessory sex organs of adult rats

A short term treatment of 14 days with estradiol dipropionate, ovocyclin¿ to adult male albino rats for 7 and 14 days in a dose of 2 mg/rat significantly inhibited the structural and functional integrity of the testis and accessory glands. The weights of these organs were significantly reduced. The activity of the enzymes acid and alkaline phosphatase and succinic dehydrogenase in testis and the concentration of sialic acids, fructose and citric acid in caput and cauda epididymides, prostate and seminal vesicles respectively were significantly lowered after both treatments. All these changes were found to be irreversible even on withdrawal of ovocyclin¿ for 28 days after 14 days treatment. On discussing the results with previous reports, it is proposed that estrogens probably impede the activity of these organs by inhibition of androgen production, their antiandrogenic nature or their direct action on these organs.

The possible mode of action of prostaglandins: XVI. A study to assess the local effect of prostaglandins E1, E2 or F2 alpha in the regulation of male fertility

A single intratesticular injection of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) or prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg was found to interfere with the fertilizing ability of epididymal spermatozoa of the test animals both in the injected and contralateral control sides. Prostaglandin F2 alpha, conversely, was found to be ineffective in terms of fertility of the test animals in the same experimental model. The beneficial effect of testosterone therapy concurrently with either of the PGE1 or PGE2 in maintaining the fertility of the animals has been recorded and discussed in terms of the mode of action of prostaglandins.