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Mou J, Xu J, Wang Z, Wang C, Yang X, Wang X, Xue H, Wu M, Xu L. Effects of photoperiod on morphology and function in testis and epididymis of Cricetulus barabensis. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:2109-2125. [PMID: 32743820 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Photoperiod regulates the seasonal reproductive rhythms of mammals by influencing the development and function of sexual organs; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. We examined the morphology and functioning of the main sex organs of striped dwarf hamsters (Cricetulus barabensis) under different photoperiods (short daylight [SD], moderate daylight [MD], and long daylight [LD]) and further investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms. There was an inverse correlation between blood melatonin levels and photoperiod in the order SD > MD > LD. Decreases in body and tissue weights were observed under SD, whereas testis and epididymis weights between MD and LD were comparable. The diameters of the spermatogenic tubules, thickness of the spermatogenic epithelium, and the number of spermatogonia and Sertoli cells decreased under SD, whereas the serum-luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and fecal testosterone concentrations decreased under LD. In SD, bax/bcl2 protein expression increased in the testes and decreased in the epididymides, whereas LC3II/LC3I remained unchanged in the testes and increased in the epididymides compared with the MD group. In LD, bax/bcl2 and LC3II/LC3I protein expression levels were unchanged in the testes but were decreased in the epididymides. In SD and LD, adenosine triphosphate synthase and citrate synthase protein expression levels were unchanged in the testes but were decreased in the epididymides. Drp1 and Mff protein expression increased in the testes and decreased in the epididymides. Overall, different regulatory mechanisms in the testis and epididymis led to degeneration under SD and maintenance under LD, preferentially protecting mitochondrial function in the testis by regulating mitochondrial fission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Mou
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, China
| | - Jinhui Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, China
| | - Chuanli Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, China
| | - Xueqi Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, China
| | - Xingchen Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, China
| | - Huiliang Xue
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, China
| | - Ming Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, China
| | - Laixiang Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, China
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Testosterone production and spermatogenesis in free-ranging Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) throughout the year. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-014-0821-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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3
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Lue Y, Wang C, Lydon JP, Leung A, Li J, Swerdloff RS. Functional role of progestin and the progesterone receptor in the suppression of spermatogenesis in rodents. Andrology 2013; 1:308-17. [PMID: 23408752 DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2012.00047.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2012] [Revised: 10/17/2012] [Accepted: 11/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic progestins such as levonorgestrel (LNG) are used in combination with testosterone (T) in male contraceptive clinical trials to suppress gonadotropins secretion, but whether progestins have additional direct effects on the testis are not known. This study aimed to examine the effect of a potent progestin, (LNG), alone or in combination with testosterone (T) on spermatogenesis in adult rats, and to evaluate the functional role of the progesterone receptors (PRs) in the testis. In comparison with a low dose of LNG treatment in adult rats for 4 weeks, T and T + LNG treatment decreased testicular sperm count to 64.1 and 40.2% of control levels respectively. LNG induced germ cell apoptosis at stages I-IV and XII-XIV; T increased apoptosis at stages VII-VIII; LNG + T treatment induced greater germ cell apoptosis at a wider range of seminiferous epithelial stages. RT-PCR and Western Blots showed that PR was present in testes and up-regulated during suppression of spermatogenesis induced by testicular hormonal deprivation. PR knockout (PRKO) mice had larger testes, greater sperm production, increased numbers of Sertoli and Leydig cells. Suppression of gonadotropin and intratesticular T by GnRH-antagonist treatment induced PR promoter driven LacZ expression in Leydig cells of PRKO mice. This suggests that GnRH-antagonist treatment while inducing germ cell apoptosis also up-regulates PR. We conclude that (i) LNG + T induced greater suppression of spermatogenesis through increase in germ cell apoptosis involving a wider range of seminiferous epithelial stages than either treatment alone, (ii) up-regulation of PR was associated with inhibition of spermatogenesis, (iii) PR knockout mice showed increased sperm production suggesting that testicular PR activated events play a physiological and pharmacological inhibitory role in the testis. These data support the hypothesis that in addition to its known suppressive effects on gonadotropins, progestins may have direct inhibitory actions on the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhe Lue
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, Torrance, CA 90509, USA
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Balarini MK, de Paula TAR, Matta SPD, Peixoto JV, Guião-Leite FL, Júnior JR, Junior AC, Walker N. Stages and duration of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium in oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus, Schreber, 1775). Theriogenology 2012; 77:873-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2010] [Revised: 08/29/2011] [Accepted: 09/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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5
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Keeley T, Goodrowe KL, Graham L, Howell C, MacDonald SE. The reproductive endocrinology and behavior of Vancouver Island marmot (Marmota vancouverensis). Zoo Biol 2011; 31:275-90. [PMID: 21404327 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.20384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2010] [Revised: 01/26/2011] [Accepted: 02/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The Vancouver Island marmot (Marmota vancouverensis; VIM) is one of North America's most endangered species with fewer than 150 individuals remaining in the wild. A captive breeding program was established across four facilities in Canada as an insurance population and source of animals for reintroduction to the wild. The purpose of this study was to gather information about the basic reproductive biology and behavior of this species, which is essential to improve captive breeding programs. Regular fecal samples were obtained from adult female (n = 14) and male (n = 10) marmots, 2 years of age and older, over 1-3 breeding seasons (2-3 months duration posthibernation) for steroid hormone analysis. Enzyme immunoassays were validated for quantifying fecal testosterone metabolite concentrations for males, and fecal estrogen and progesterone metabolite concentrations for females. Results indicated that fecal progesterone metabolite concentrations can be used to monitor ovulation and pregnancy. Behavioral monitoring through infrared video surveillance was conducted in four breeding pairs over a 2-year period (n = 7 behavioral profiles). Breeding behaviors correlated strongly with changes in reproductive endocrine profiles. A high frequency of play behavior or "wrestling" was observed in conjunction with breeding activity before an elevation in progesterone metabolite concentrations. Impending parturition was associated with increased aggression and exclusion of the male from the maternal nestbox as well as an increase in nesting activity. Observational data combined with hormonal analysis suggest that female VIMs are induced ovulators and that multiple breeding attempts may be required for ovulation and conception. Gestation appears to be approximately 34 days from peak breeding activity (32 days from estimated ovulation). Fecal testosterone concentrations suggest that testicular activity is seasonal with the reproductive activity occurring immediately posthibernation. Monitoring breeding behavior is a useful means of indicating estrus, conception and pregnancy, which can also be supported by the hormonal analysis of daily fecal samples of individual animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Keeley
- Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia
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Blottner S, Schoen J. Minimal activity in both proliferation and apoptosis of interstitial cells indicates seasonally persisting Leydig cell population in roe deer. Cell Tissue Res 2005; 321:473-8. [PMID: 15988616 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-005-1132-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2004] [Accepted: 03/30/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Seasonally regulated breeding is associated with significant changes in testis mass, structure and function. This includes the variation in size, structure and function of the Leydig cells. Recently, interstitial cells have been characterised as a numerically constant population in roe deer. However, no consistent data are available regarding changes in the number of Leydig cells, their differentiation or turnover in seasonally breeding mammals. This study has quantified the numbers of both proliferating and apoptotic cells in roe deer testis bimonthly during a complete annual cycle. Proliferation was detected by immunolocalisation of PCNA and Ki-67 in tissue sections, whereas apoptosis was localised by the TUNEL technique and an antibody to caspase-3. The labelled cells were counted by using a computer-aided image-analysing system. The number of proliferating spermatogenic cells per tubule cross section showed seasonal changes with a maximum in April (14.9+/-0.6) and a subsequent decline up to December (1.6+/-0.3). Percentages of positive cells per square millimetre of interstitial area were below 1% throughout the year. The average number of apoptotic cells per tubule cross section was low and varied only between 0.5 and 1.4 (caspase-3) or 0.1 and 2.1 (TUNEL). In the interstitial compartment, only a few apoptotic cells (<or=0.7%) were found sporadically scattered within the intertubular region during all studied seasonal periods. The results suggest that a constant total number of interstitial cells arise from a conserved cell population of changing functional state rather than from a steady-state population with a definite turnover of cells during seasonal changes in testicular activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Blottner
- Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, PF 601103, 10252 Berlin, Germany.
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Hombach-Klonisch S, Schön J, Kehlen A, Blottner S, Klonisch T. Seasonal Expression of INSL3 and Lgr8/Insl3 Receptor Transcripts Indicates Variable Differentiation of Leydig Cells in the Roe Deer Testis. Biol Reprod 2004; 71:1079-87. [PMID: 15151926 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.103.024752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Roe deer are seasonal breeders and show cyclic variation in testicular volume and cellular differentiation within the tubular and interstitial testis compartment. We have employed the roe deer as a model to elucidate the expression of the postpubertal Leydig cell marker INSL3 during seasonal changes in Leydig cell differentiation. Roe deer testis and serum samples were collected bimonthly throughout the complete reproductive cycle. Peak levels of testicular Insl3 mRNA and INSL3 immunoprotein were detected well before the onset of rut in April and coincided with the highest percentage of INSL3-positive cell number/square millimeter of testicular interstitial area. During the winter (December, February), roe deer INSL3 was exclusively detected in a subpopulation of alpha-actin-negative, spindle-shaped peritubular cells. Concordant with the increase in INSL3 production in April and 1 mo after the reported LH peak, a sharp increase in serum testosterone concentrations was observed. High serum testosterone concentrations coincided with the presence of detectable 17alpha-hydroxylase, mRNA and protein, in Leydig cells. Upregulation of INSL3 production in spring appeared to reflect LH-dependent differentiation of Leydig cells. The considerable changes in percentage of INSL3 immunopositive cells within the numerically constant interstitial cell population indicated cyclic seasonal de- and redifferentiation of Leydig cells. A complex functional role of the INSL3/LGR8 ligand-receptor system in the roe deer testis was suggested by the detection of specific hybridization signals for roe deer Lgr8 transcripts in Sertoli cells of the roe deer testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Hombach-Klonisch
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Mannitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
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8
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Yamamoto CM, Hikim AP, Lue Y, Portugal AM, Guo TB, Hsu SY, Salameh WA, Wang C, Hsueh AJ, Swerdloff RS. Impairment of spermatogenesis in transgenic mice with selective overexpression of Bcl-2 in the somatic cells of the testis. JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY 2001; 22:981-91. [PMID: 11700863 DOI: 10.1002/j.1939-4640.2001.tb03439.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
To explore the functional role of Bcl-2 in germ cell development, transgenic mice carrying 6 kilobases of the inhibin-alpha promoter were generated to express human bcl-2 gene product in the gonads. Although female transgenic mice demonstrated decreased follicle apoptosis, enhanced folliculogenesis, and increased germ cell tumorigenesis, the adult males exhibited variable impairment of spermatogenesis. The degree of damage ranged from tubules with intraepithelial vacuoles of varying sizes to near atrophied tubules consisting of Sertoli cells and a few spermatogonia. Although there was no significant change in body weight, an approximately 34% decrease in testicular weights was noted in transgenic animals compared with wild-type mice. Gamete maturation, assessed by determining the percentage of tubules with advanced (steps 13-16) spermatids, was decreased to 44.4% of the values measured in the wild-type animals. The incidence of germ cell apoptosis increased 3.8-fold in the transgenic animals and was associated with a marked loss of germ cells. Electron microscopy of the testes further revealed large vacuoles in the Sertoli cell cytoplasm and dilations of the intracellular spaces between adjacent Sertoli cells, spermatid malformations, and increased germ cell apoptosis in the transgenic animals. There was no evidence of Sertoli cell death either by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay or electron microscopy. Leydig cell ultrastructure, cell size and numbers, and plasma levels of testosterone were not different between normal and the transgenic animals. Collectively, these results support the critical role of Bcl-2 in male germ cell development and are consistent with the gender-specific role of the Bcl-2 family members in reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Yamamoto
- Department of Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and Research and Education Institute, Torrance, California 90509, USA
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9
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Lue Y, Rao PN, Sinha Hikim AP, Im M, Salameh WA, Yen PH, Wang C, Swerdloff RS. XXY male mice: an experimental model for Klinefelter syndrome. Endocrinology 2001; 142:1461-70. [PMID: 11250926 DOI: 10.1210/endo.142.4.8086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Klinefelter syndrome (47,XXY) is the most common sex chromosome aneuploidy in men. Thus, it is important to establish an experimental animal model to explore its underlying molecular mechanisms. Mice with a 41,XXY karyotype were produced by mating wild-type male mice with chimeric female mice carrying male embryonic stem cells. The objectives of the present study were to characterize the testicular phenotype of adult XXY mice and to examine the ontogeny of loss of germ cells in juvenile XXY mice. In the first experiment the testicular phenotypes of four adult XXY mice and four littermate controls (40,XY) were studied. XXY mice were identified by either Southern hybridization or karyotyping and were further confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization. The results showed that the testis weights of adult XXY mice (0.02 +/- 0.01 g) were dramatically decreased compared with those of the controls (0.11 +/- 0.01 g). Although no significant differences were apparent in plasma testosterone levels, the mean plasma LH and FSH levels were elevated in adult XXY mice compared with controls. The testicular histology of adult XXY mice showed small seminiferous tubules with varying degrees of intraepithelial vacuolization and a complete absence of germ cells. Hypertrophy and hyperplasia of Leydig cells were observed in the interstitium. Electron microscopic examination showed Sertoli cells containing scanty amounts of cytoplasm and irregular nuclei with prominent nucleoli. The junctional region between Sertoli cells appeared normal. In some tubules, nests of apparently degenerating Sertoli cells were found. In the second experiment the ontogeny of germ cell loss in juvenile XXY mice and their littermate controls was studied. Spermatogonia were found and appeared to be morphologically normal in juvenile XXY mice. Progressive loss of germ cells occurred within 10 days after birth. This resulted in the absence of germ cells in the adult XXY mice. We conclude that a progressive loss of germ cells occurring in early postnatal life results in the complete absence of germ cells in adult XXY mice. The XXY mouse provides an experimental model for its human XXY counterpart, Klinefelter syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Lue
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Harbor-University of California-Los Angeles Medical Center and Research and Education Institute, Torrance, California 90509, USA
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10
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Male prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) breed anually and have complete testicular regression. Changes in the seminiferous tubules during the annual cycle have been described recently (Foreman, 1997). This is the first description of spermatogenesis in such a species. The definition of tubular stages during the cycle allows for evaluation of the effects of exogenous hormones, hemicastration, and hemicryptorchidism on spermatogenesis during the annual cycle. METHODS Hemicastration was performed during stages of the annual cycle to determine effects of exogenous hormones on remaining testes. Hemicryptorchidism was also done during stages of the annual cycle. FSH, LH, and testosterone were given in high and low doses for short- or long-term treatment periods during stages of the annual cycle. Testicular weights and counts of cell types in tubules of control and treated testes were made on testis tissues. RESULTS Hemicastration during the out-of-season period does not cause compensatory hypertrophy of the remaining testis, but during recrudescence, hypertrophy of the remaining testis occurs. Hemicastration does not prevent loss of weight by the remaining testis during regression. The seminiferous epithelium of hemicryptorchid prairie dog testes shows damage during spermatogenic activity but not during testicular inactivity. Similarly, hemicryptorchid 15-day-old rat testes do not show damage from hemicryptorchidism. Long-term treatment with FSH preparations during testicular inactivity increased testis weights, spermatogonial proliferation, and spermatocyte differentiation in conjunction with Sertoli cell differentiation. Short-term treatments with low doses increased spermatogonial proliferation and abnormal meiotic activity. Both long- and short-term treatments with LH caused increased sloughing of germ cells and stimulated Leydig and Sertoli cells. Testosterone propionate injections stimulated Sertoli secretions but not Leydig cell activity. CONCLUSIONS Hemicastration during inactivity does not stimulate gonadotropin secretion. Hemicryptorchidism does not affect tubular morphology during inactivity in either rats or prairie dogs. Prompt responses to FSH depend on scrotal location of the testis. FSH has its major effects on germ cell proliferation and differentiation, both directly and through activation of Sertoli cells, whereas LH affects Sertoli and Leydig cell activation but has no effect on germ cell activity. Testosterone activates Sertoli cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Foreman
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA
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Abstract
The male prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) is an annual breeder with complete testicular regression between breeding periods. Knowledge of the seminiferous tubule cycle stages at all phases of the annual cycle is essential for evaluation of testicular effects of endogenous and exogenous hormones. Testis tubule diameter is directly correlated with testicular weight during the annual cycle. Seminiferous tubule stages found during testicular activity start with sperm release and round spermatids in the Golgi stage (I). Then they progress through the cap and acrosome stages (stages II to VI) until elongate spermatids are formed. During these stages preleptotene, leptotene and zygotene cells develop into pachytene cells which mature with the long spermatids (stage VII). Two distinct tubule associations (stages VIII, IX) follow during which the first and second meiotic metaphases occur. These stages are correlated with the middle and late phases of residual lobe retraction and condensation. The last stage (X) has final sperm development and is present with round spermatids that have no Golgi development. During regression changes are initially associated with the seminiferous tubule stages of active testes and end with relocation of Sertoli cell nuclei to a position above the basal layer of spermatogonia. Out of season testes are characterized by few spermatogonial mitoses and absence of viable spermatocytes. In recrudescent testes, Sertoli cell nuclei again become basal, spermatogonia resume mitoses and spermatocytes and spermatids progressively develop. After each cycle of proliferation of germ cells there is sloughing of the most differentiated spermatocytes and spermatids until the final tubule associations of the active testis are present.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Foreman
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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Gastel T, Bielli A, Perez R, Lopez A, Castrillejo A, Tagle R, Franco J, Laborde D, Forsberg M, Rodriguez-Martinez H. Seasonal variations in testicular morphology in Uruguayan Corriedale rams. Anim Reprod Sci 1995. [DOI: 10.1016/0378-4320(95)01402-l] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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13
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Abstract
Specific cellular, subcellular and acellular components of the rat testis including the capsule, the peritubular tissue (tunica propria) and the lymphatic endothelium were analyzed using morphometric techniques at cellular and subcellular levels to yield volume and surface area data. These data were integrated with previously published data for other cellular components of the rat testis to provide information about the volumetric composition for virtually every component of this organ. For major cell types (Leydig, Sertoli, myoid cells and germ cells) the data are expressed to the subcellular level in terms of volume and, in some instances, surface area. Graphic portrayals of testis constituents are used for rapid visual understanding of testis structure. The data presented herein are useful in conjunction with biochemical data to describe physiological properties of cells and cell components and also for understanding how structure differs under experimental and in pathological situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- L D Russell
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University, School of Medicine, Carbondale 62901-6512, USA
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Böckers TM, Nieschlag E, Kreutz MR, Bergmann M. Localization of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) immunoreactivity and hormone receptor mRNA in testicular tissue of infertile men. Cell Tissue Res 1994; 278:595-600. [PMID: 7850869 DOI: 10.1007/bf00331379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Testicular biopsies from 82 oligo- or azoo-spermic male patients were subjected to immunostaining using anti-human FSH antibodies. Histological evaluation showed normal spermatogenesis (nspg) in 7 (FSH: (2.7 +/- 0.7), mixed atrophy (ma) in 63 (FSH:L 5.3 +/- 0.5), and bilateral or unilateral Sertoli Cell Only syndrome (SCO) in 12 (FSH: 21.7 +/- 3.5) patients. For the relationship between FSH values and testicular histology, see Bergmann et al. (1994). FSH immunoreactivity was found exclusively in Sertoli cells and in some interstitial cells. Seminiferous epithelium showing normal or impaired spermatogenesis displayed only weak immunoreactivity compared to intense immunoreaction, i.e. large and numerous vesicles in Sertoli cells of SCO tubules in biopsies showing mixed atrophy or SCO. In addition, h-FSH receptor mRNA was demonstrated by in situ hybridization using biotinylated cDNA antisense oligonucleotides. Hybridization signals were found within the seminiferous epithelium exclusively in Sertoli cell cytoplasm associated with normal spermatogenesis and in epithelia showing different signs of impairment, including SCO. It is concluded that: (1) Sertoli cells are the only cells within the seminiferous epithelium expressing FSH receptors; (2) the accumulation of FSH immunoreactivity in Sertoli cells of SCO tubules appears to be a sign of impaired Sertoli cell function.
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Sinha Hikim AP, Chandrashekar V, Bartke A, Russell LD. Sentinels of Leydig cell structural and functional changes in golden hamsters in early testicular regression and recrudescence. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY 1993; 16:324-42. [PMID: 8276526 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.1993.tb01199.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The seasonally breeding hamster model was used to assess changes associated with Leydig cell activity and inactivity. Specifically, parameters of Leydig cell structure and function were studied to determine the early changes seen in seasonally breeding golden hamsters in photoperiod-induced gonadal regression and photoperiod-induced gonadal recrudescence. Time intervals used to characterize early regression and recrudescence were selected with the objective of determining the most sensitive parameters characterizing functional transitional states. In early regression, plasma levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) but not luteinizing hormone (LH) or testosterone were reduced significantly. Regressive structural changes included decreases in volume of the interstitium, total number of Leydig cells, blood vessels, and the seminiferous tubules and tubular lumen. A decrease in volume, but not numbers of Leydig cells, was accompanied by decreases in volume of Leydig cell tubular smooth endoplasmic reticulum (t-ER), Golgi complex, and the peroxisomes and decreases in surface area of the inner mitochondrial membrane and t-ER, suggesting that early Leydig cell changes are restricted primarily to organelles associated with steroid biosynthesis. In early recrudescence, at a time when there was an increase in the number of germ cells in the basal compartment, blood levels of LH, FSH and testosterone were all increased. There were increases in testicular weight, volume, seminiferous tubular lumen, blood vessel and interstitial volumes. Leydig cells increased in size as a result of increases in nuclear, nucleolar and cytoplasmic volumes, while Leydig cell numbers did not increase. At the subcellular level there were increases in the surface areas of the cell, mitochondrial membranes and cisternal endoplasmic reticulum (sparsely populated with ribosomes). Unlike the changes seen in early degeneration when steroid synthetic organelles were initially affected, the changes in early recrudescence indicate that Leydig cells must first rebuild their synthetic machinery (nucleus, nucleolus and rough endoplasmic reticulum) that, at a later time, will reconstitute the cell's steroidogenic machinery. Correlation of hormonal parameters with structural parameters did indicate a relationship between hormonal parameters and steroid secreting organelles. Correlations were strongest with testosterone but, surprisingly, plasma FSH levels correlated more strongly with many structural parameters of the Leydig cell than did the levels of LH. Since FSH receptors are not present on Leydig cells, these data add to the growing data suggesting a role for factors originating from the seminiferous tubule in modulation of Leydig cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P Sinha Hikim
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Carbondale 62901-6512
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Ghosh S, Bartke A, Grasso P, Reichert LE, Russell LD. Structural response of the hamster Sertoli cell to hypophysectomy: a correlative morphometric and endocrine study. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 1992; 234:513-29. [PMID: 1456454 DOI: 10.1002/ar.1092340407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Reproductively active hamsters were hypophysectomized and examined 6 or 20 days later in a combined morphometric and endocrine study of the Sertoli cell to determine 1) the morphological and endocrine effects of hypophysectomy of both short- and long-term duration, 2) if regression of Sertoli cells after hypophysectomy in a seasonal breeder resembles regression due to seasonal changes, and 3) if effects of hypophysectomy in a seasonal breeder are equivalent to the effects of hypophysectomy in a nonseasonal breeder. Six days after hypophysectomy, at a period when germ cell degeneration is first noted, there was a significant decrease in testis weight, interstitial space, tubule diameter and length, volume of seminiferous tubule, and tubular lumen. There were no significant changes in Sertoli cell nuclear and cytoplasmic volume although cell surface area was decreased significantly. Most organelles exhibited no significant change in volume or surface area except for secondary lysosomes which expectedly increased in volume as the result of phagocytosis of germinal cells. Thus at an early time period when functional changes in germ cells and Leydig cells are clearly evident (Russell et al. [1992] Endocrinology), the Sertoli cell shows minimal changes. Twenty days after hypophysectomy, the cell, nuclear and cytoplasmic volumes and surface area of the Sertoli cells, and volumes and surface areas of nearly all organelles were significantly decreased from values measured in normal and in short-term hypophysectomized hamsters. The exceptions were the total volumes of lipid which increased significantly and lysosomes which were similar to normal but significantly lower than short-term hypophysectomized animals. The long-term hypophysectomized hamster Sertoli cell, like that of the short-day hamster (Sinha Hikim et al. [1989b] Endocrinology, 125:1829-1843) is structurally regressed as a whole rather than exhibiting selective decreases in cellular and subcellular components. The size of the Sertoli cell in pituitary-intact, long- and short-term hypophysectomized animals showed positive and significant correlations with the volumes and surface areas of all its cytoplasmic organelles except the volume of lipid which showed a negative, significant correlation. Comparisons of long-term hypophysectomized hamsters (in long-day light exposure) and short-day exposed animals (Sinha Hikim et al. [1989b] (Endocrinology, 125:1829-1843) suggested that hypophysectomy, in general, resulted in similar, but slightly more severe regressive changes in the testis and germ cell population than those seen during seasonal regression.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ghosh
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University, School of Medicine, Carbondale 62901-6512
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