Anti-spermatogenic activity of malvidin chloride in langur monkeys (Presbytis entellus entellus Dufresne)

Fertility regulation in male rats by implemented tetraazamacrocyclic compounds of iron(II): synthetic, spectroscopic, and applied aspects with toxicological screening

Antifertility and histopathological investigations were carried out on reproductive organs of male albino rats induced by tetraazamacrocyclic complexes of iron(II). The complexes were synthesized by the template condensation of 1,2-diaminoethane, 1,3-diaminopropane with succinic acid and phthalic acid in 2 : 2 molar ratios which are abbreviated as [Fe(TAML(n))OAc] (n = 1 or 2 and TAML(n) represents tetraazamacrocyclic ligand). The complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, conductivity measurements, IR, and electronic spectra.

Epididymal markers in rats exposed to the xenoestrogen p-nonylphenol: no biochemical effects at low dosages

Harmful micro- and macroscopic effects of the environmental xenoestrogen p-nonylphenol (p-NP) on the male rat reproductive system have been previously reported. In our study, biochemical evidence of epididymal involvement was sought by determining epididymal marker values after exposure at levels below (5, 20 and 50 mg kg-1) and above (100, 250 and 400 mg kg-1) the "no observed adverse effect" level (NOAEL: 50 mg kg-1 day-1). Exposure to p-NL below the NOAEL did not affect biochemical marker values. At levels above the NOAEL, biochemical markers of epididymal function were affected by the exposure of adults, and by maternal exposure (gestational and lactational periods followed by oral exposure until sexual maturity). l-carnitine was unchanged at all levels of exposure. Exposure of adult males to levels above the NOAEL resulted in higher alpha-glucosidase, suggesting increased epididymal secretory activity. This could upset the balance between secretory and reabsorptive function, and could alter the biochemical composition of the epididymal luminal fluid surrounding spermatocytes during the maturation process. Maternal exposure at levels above the NOAEL resulted in higher tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity in the caput-corpus epididymidis, which could indicate an oestrogen-mimicking effect.

Effects of aqueous extracts of Hibiscus macranthus and Basella alba in mature rat testis function

Mature male albino Wistar rats (180-220 g) were given by gastric intubation Hibiscus macranthus Hochst A ex Rich (Malvaceae) and Basella alba L. (Basellaceae) aqueous extract from both fresh and dry leaves, at a dose equivalent to 0.720 or 0.108 g of plant, respectively per kg body weight. This was to evaluate their effects on male reproductive function. Control groups were treated equally, but given water instead of the extract. After the treatment periods, animals were killed, their blood collected, the testes and some annex glands removed for histological and biochemical analysis. Results showed that the extract from fresh leaves significantly increased the body weight of rats by 17% from day 7 as compared to controls, whereas the increase was less pronounced (4%) when the rats were given dry leaf extract. The weight of seminal vesicles of rats given the extracts also increased after 15 days. The histological analysis of testis showed abundant spermatozoa in the lumen of the seminiferous tubulus from day 7 in rats fed with the extract when compared to the controls. The serum level of testosterone was significantly increased on the 15th day by 80% in rats given both types of extracts compared to the controls. Testis of treated rats showed high testosterone production in vitro (136 and 62%, respectively for treated and control after 15 days, compared to those of 3 days). Activity of prostatic acid phosphatase was high in prostate, testis and serum of treated rats in all experimental period. From these findings and observation, it was concluded that the aqueous extract of H. macranthus and B. alba had anabolizing and virilizing effects.