The cytoskeletal proteins in the contractile tissues of the testis and its excurrent ducts of the passerine bird, Masked Weaver (Ploceus velatus)

Immunohistochemical Changes in the Testicular Excurrent Duct System of Healthy, Male Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) Observed at 4, 6-7, 12, and 52 Weeks of Age

The immunolocalization of the cytoskeletal and the extracellular matrix proteins was investigated in the testicular excurrent duct system of healthy Japanese quail at 4, 6−7, 12 and 52 weeks of age. TdT dUTP Nick End Labeling (TUNEL) assay was used to assess apoptotic cell formation. The epithelia of the testicular excurrent duct system in birds of all age groups displayed various immunolabeling intensities and localization of cytokeratin 5 and beta-tubulin, while α-SMA was observed in epithelia only of 4-week-old birds. In all age groups, vimentin immunostaining was observed in the rete testes and efferent ductular epithelia, but not in the epididymal duct unit. The periductal smooth muscle cells of the excurrent duct system displayed variably intense immunopositivity with cytokeratin 5, desmin, fibronectin, α-SMA, and beta-tubulin. Furthermore, beta-tubulin and vimentin immunolabeled endothelial cells and fibroblasts with various intensities, while fibronectin immunostained extracellular matrices surrounding these cells. TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells were observed in the rete testes and efferent ductular epithelia, with increased frequency (p < 0.001) in 52-week-old birds. The study serves as a baseline normal for this region in healthy birds at 4, 6−7, 12, and 52 weeks of age, for comparison in future similar immunohistochemical studies involving environmental toxins affecting this region.

Aspects of spermatogenesis and microscopic testicular morphology in Greater Rhea, Rhea americana (Linnaeus, 1758)

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to study the microscopic morphology of the testicular parenchyma of Rhea americana birds. Fifty-four 2.5±0.5 year-old male adults bred in captivity. were used. During commercial slaughter, samples of testis were collected in November/2005, December/2006 and May/2007, in order to compare possible differences. The samples underwent optical microscopy analysis and measurements of seminiferous tubule (ST) total diameters, lumen, epithelium thickness and the relative volume of parenchyma. The ST had circular form in transverse cross sections. November/2005 and December/2006 samples had many types of germinative cells and spermatozoa in lumen, but in May/2007 the samples of epithelium were poor regarding meiotic and mitotic pictures, and it was difficult to find any spermatozoon; in many tubules the lumen was inexistent or diminished. In December/2006 and May/2007 the averages were: tubule diameter 110.3 and 5.3mμ, lumen 52.4 and 4.5mμ, epithelium thickness 57.8 and 0.7mμ respectively. The volumetric proportions were: seminiferous epithelium 75.6 and 75.9, cysts in epithelium 2.1 and 1.0, ST 93.3 and 84.0, interstitium 6.2 and 15.6 respectively. The sperm reserves were: 19.7±2 and 0±0 x109 sperm cells in December 2006 and May 2007 respectively. Microscopic measures of seminiferous tubules, spermatic cells and diameter of the nuclei were presented. These data confirm reproductive seasonality, with breeding season in spring-summer with sperm production. A great variation n parenchyma, when compared breeding was noticeable.

Post-hatch changes in the immunoexpression of desmin, smooth muscle actin and vimentin in the testicular capsule and interstitial tissue of the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

The post-hatch development of immunoreactivity to desmin, smooth muscle actin (SMA) and vimentin in the testicular capsule and interstitial tissue of day-old to adult quails was described in this study. The tunica albuginea of the testicular capsule was composed mainly of myoid cells. A zonal arrangement of desmin and SMA immunostaining was observed in myoid cells of the tunica albuginea in 1- to 24-day-old quails. Immunostaining for SMA and desmin was uniform in the tunica albuginea of adult birds. Vimentin immunostaining in the testicular capsule was demonstrated in mesothelial cells, endothelial cells and fibroblasts. The interstitial tissue contained mesenchymal cells, peritubular myoid cells, Leydig cells and fibroblasts. Desmin-immunopositive mesenchymal cells were present in the interstitial tissue of 1- to 17-day-old quails. Peritubular myoid cells expressed strong desmin immunostaining in all developmental stages, while the intensity of SMA immunostaining increased with testicular maturation. Vimentin was demonstrated in Leydig cells and fibroblasts, while the peritubular myoid cells displayed strong vimentin immunostaining only in adult birds. Strong vimentin immunostaining was demonstrated in the endothelial cells of capsular and interstitial blood vessels. The tunica media of these blood vessels displayed desmin and SMA immunostaining. The results of the study have established that variability exists in the distribution and intensity of desmin, SMA and vimentin immunostaining in the testicular capsule and interstitial tissue of the post-hatch Japanese quail.