Polyunsaturated fatty acids of marine origin upregulate mitochondrial biogenesis and induce beta-oxidation in white fat

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduces adipose tissue mass, preferentially in the abdomen. The more pronounced effect of marine-derived eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids on adiposity, compared with their precursor alpha-linolenic acid, may be mediated by changes in gene expression and metabolism in white fat.

METHODS

The effects of EPA/DHA concentrate (6% EPA, 51% DHA) admixed to form two types of high-fat diet were studied in C57BL/6J mice. Oligonucleotide microarrays, cDNA PCR subtraction and quantitative real-time RT-PCR were used to characterise gene expression. Mitochondrial proteins were quantified using immunoblots. Fatty acid oxidation and synthesis were measured in adipose tissue fragments.

RESULTS

Expression screens revealed upregulation of genes for mitochondrial proteins, predominantly in epididymal fat when EPA/DHA concentrate was admixed to a semisynthetic high-fat diet rich in alpha-linolenic acid. This was associated with a three-fold stimulation of the expression of genes encoding regulatory factors for mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative metabolism (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha [Ppargc1a, also known as Pgc1alpha] and nuclear respiratory factor-1 [Nrf1] respectively). Expression of genes for carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A and fatty acid oxidation was increased in epididymal but not subcutaneous fat. In the former depot, lipogenesis was depressed. Similar changes in adipose gene expression were detected after replacement of as little as 15% of lipids in the composite high-fat diet with EPA/DHA concentrate, while the development of obesity was reduced. The expression of Ppargc1a and Nrf1 was also stimulated by n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in 3T3-L1 cells.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

The anti-adipogenic effect of EPA/DHA may involve a metabolic switch in adipocytes that includes enhancement of beta-oxidation and upregulation of mitochondrial biogenesis.

Induction of oxidative stress by bisphenol A in the epididymal sperm of rats

Bisphenol A has been shown to affect the reproduction of male rats and mice. However, the mechanism of action of bisphenol A on the epididymal sperm is not elucidated. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of bisphenol A on the antioxidant system of rat epididymal sperm. Bisphenol A was administered orally to male rats at the dose levels of 0.2, 2 and 20 microg/Kg body weight per day for 45 days. After 24 h of the last treatment, rats were weighed and killed using anesthetic ether. The body weight of treated rats did not show significant change as compared with the corresponding control groups. In bisphenol A-treated rats there was a significant decrease in the weight of the testis and epididymis; the weight of ventral prostate increased significantly whereas there was no significant change in the weight of seminal vesicles as compared with the corresponding group of control animals. Sperm collected from the epididymis were used for sperm count and biochemical estimations. Administration of bisphenol A caused a reduction in the epididymal sperm motility and sperm count in a dose-dependent manner. The activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase were decreased while the levels of H(2)O(2) and lipid peroxidation increased significantly in the treated rats as compared with the corresponding group of control animals. The results suggested that graded doses of bisphenol A elicit depletion of antioxidant defence system and induce oxidative stress in epididymal sperm of rats. In conclusion, the adverse effect of bisphenol A on male reproduction may be due to induction of oxidative stress in sperm.

In utero and lactational exposure of male rats to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. 3. Effects on spermatogenesis and reproductive capability

When administered in overtly toxic doses to postweanling male rats, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) produces adverse effects on the reproductive system including a decrease in spermatogenesis. Because the male reproductive system may be particularly susceptible to toxic insult during the perinatal period, the effects of in utero and lactational TCDD exposure on its development were examined. Male rats born to dams given TCDD (0.064, 0.16, 0.40, or 1.0 micrograms/kg, po) or vehicle on Day 15 of gestation were evaluated at various stages of development; effects on spermatogenesis and male reproductive capability are reported herein. Testis, epididymis, and cauda epididymis weights were decreased in a dose-related fashion at 32, 49, 63, and 120 days of age, that is, when males were at the juvenile, pubertal, postpubertal, and mature stages of sexual development, respectively. When measured on Days 49, 63, and 120, daily sperm production by the testis was reduced at the highest maternal TCDD dose to 57-74% of the control rate. Cauda epididymal sperm reserves in 63- and 120-day-old males were decreased to as low as 25 and 44%, respectively, of control values, although the motility and morphology of these sperm appeared to be unaffected. The magnitude of the effects described above tended to lessen with time; nevertheless, the decreases in epididymis and cauda epididymis weights, daily sperm production, and cauda epididymal sperm number were statistically significant at the lowest maternal dose tested (0.064 micrograms TCDD/kg) on Day 120 and at most earlier times. To determine if in utero and lactational TCDD exposure also affects male reproductive capability, rats were mated at approximately 70 and 120 days of age with control females. Little if any effect on fertility was seen, and the survival and growth of offspring was unaffected. These results are not inconsistent with the pronounced reductions in daily sperm production and cauda epididymal sperm reserves caused by perinatal TCDD exposure since rats produce and ejaculate far more sperm than are required for normal fertility. The TCDD-induced reduction in spermatogenesis cannot be accounted for by concurrent effects on plasma follicle-stimulating hormone or androgen concentrations or by undernutrition. To investigate the nature of the spermatogenic lesion, leptotene spermatocyte to Sertoli cell ratios were determined.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Regulation of protein kinase B and glycogen synthase kinase-3 by insulin and beta-adrenergic agonists in rat epididymal fat cells. Activation of protein kinase B by wortmannin-sensitive and -insensitive mechanisms

Previous studies using L6 myotubes have suggested that glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is phosphorylated and inactivated in response to insulin by protein kinase B (PKB, also known as Akt or RAC) (Cross, D. A. E., Alessi, D. R., Cohen, P., Andjelkovic, M., and Hemmings, B. A. (1995) Nature 378, 785-789). In the present study, marked increases in the activity of PKB have been shown to occur in insulin-treated rat epididymal fat cells with a time course compatible with the observed decrease in GSK-3 activity. Isoproterenol, acting primarily through beta3-adrenoreceptors, was found to decrease GSK-3 activity to a similar extent (approximately 50%) to insulin. However, unlike the effect of insulin, the inhibition of GSK by isoproterenol was not found to be sensitive to inhibition by the phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase inhibitors, wortmannin or LY 294002. The change in GSK-3 activity brought about by isoproterenol could not be mimicked by the addition of permeant cyclic AMP analogues or forskolin to the cells, although at the concentrations used, these agents were able to stimulate lipolysis. Isoproterenol, but again not the cyclic AMP analogues, was found to increase the activity of PKB, although to a lesser extent than insulin. While wortmannin abolished the stimulation of PKB activity by insulin, it was without effect on the activation seen in response to isoproterenol. The activation of PKB by isoproterenol was not accompanied by any detectable change in the electrophoretic mobility of the protein on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. It would therefore appear that distinct mechanisms exist for the stimulation of PKB by insulin and isoproterenol in rat fat cells.

Nickel deficiency diminishes sperm quantity and movement in rats

Early studies on nickel essentiality with rats and goats indicated that nickel deprivation impaired reproductive performance. Nickel also has been found to influence cyclic nucleotide gated channels (CNG); these types of channels are important in sperm physiology. Thus, two experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that nickel deficiency affects sperm physiology in a manner consistent with nickel having an essential function related to CNG channel functions. The experiments were factorially arranged with four treatment groups of eight weanling rats in each. In experiment 1, the treatments were supplemental dietary nickel of 0 and 1 mg/kg and N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) added to the drinking water (50 mg/100 mL) the last 3 wk of an 8-wk experiment. In experiment 2, the treatments were supplemental dietary nickel at 0 and 1 mg/kg and supplemental dietary sodium chloride (NaCl) at 0 and 80 g/kg. The NaCl and L-NAME variables were included to act as stressors affecting CNG channel activity. The basal diet contained per kilogram about 27 microg of nickel and 1 g of sodium. After 8 wk in experiment 1 and 16 wk in experiment 2, urine while fasting and testes and epididymis in both experiments, and seminal vesicles and prostates in experiment 2 were harvested for analysis. Nickel deprivation significantly decreased spermatozoa motility and density in the epididymides, epididymal transit time of spermatozoa, and testes sperm production rate. Nickel deficiency also significantly decreased the weights of the seminal vesicles and prostate glands. Excessive NaCl had no effect on sperm physiology; however, it decreased prostate gland weights. The findings support the hypothesis that nickel has an essential function that possibly could affect reproductive performance in higher animals, perhaps through affecting a CNG channel function.

Exposure to TCDD during development permanently alters reproductive function in male Long Evans rats and hamsters: reduced ejaculated and epididymal sperm numbers and sex accessory gland weights in offspring with normal androgenic status

Prenatal administration of relatively low doses of TCDD alters reproductive development and fertility of the progeny. Fertility was reduced in the progeny of Wistar rats exposed to 0.5 micrograms TCDD/kg/day from Gestational Day (GD) 6 to GD 15. In a three-generation reproduction study, TCDD reduced fertility of Sprague-Dawley rats in the F1 and F2 but not the F0 (no developmental exposure) generation at 0.01 microgram/kg/day in the diet. Furthermore, administration of TCDD on GD 15 (at 0.064 to 1 microgram/kg) both demasculinized and feminized morphology and behavior of Holtzman male rat offspring. Our objectives were to expand the observations of Mably et al. (1992, Toxicol, Appl. Pharmacol. 114, 97-107, 108-117, 118-126) on the effects of gestational administration of a single dose of TCDD to another strain of rat and another species, the hamster. In the first study, Long Evans (LE) hooded rats were dosed by gavage with 1 microgram TCDD/kg on GD 8 (during the period of major organogenesis) or GD 15 (the gestational day used by Mably et al.). In the second study, pregnant Syrian hamsters, a species relatively insensitive to the lethal effects of TCDD, were dosed on GD 11, equivalent to GD 15 in the rat, with TCDD at 2 micrograms/kg. When LE rats were dosed on GD 15, or when hamsters were dosed on GD 11, puberty (preputial separation) was delayed by about 3 days, ejaculated sperm counts were reduced by at least 58%, and epididymal sperm storage was reduced by 38%. Testicular sperm production was less affected. The sex accessory glands were also reduced in size in LE rat offspring treated on GD 15 despite the fact that serum testosterone (T), T production by the testis in vitro, and androgen receptor (AR) levels were not reduced. Some reproductive measures, such as anogenital distance and male sex behavior, were altered by TCDD treatment in rat but not hamster offspring. Since T and AR levels appeared normal in the sex accessory glands and the epididymis following perinatal TCDD exposure, the alterations in these tissues are not likely to have resulted from an alteration of the androgenic status of the male offspring.

Testosterone withdrawal promotes stage-specific detachment of round spermatids from the rat seminiferous epithelium

Testosterone (T) has been shown to be essential for the completion of spermiogenesis. Our previous studies showed that when intratesticular T was suppressed for 11 wk, the conversion of round spermatids between stages VII and VIII of the spermatogenic cycle was markedly suppressed and that elongated spermatids were undetectable. The fate of the round spermatids that did not proceed through this conversion was unclear. The current study aimed to investigate this T-dependent loss of round spermatids during stages VII and VIII. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats received 24-cm T implants for 1 wk to suppress LH while maintaining spermatogenesis. The T24 implants were removed and replaced with 3-cm T plus 0.4-cm estradiol (TE treatment) to suppress intratesticular T and spermatogenesis, and animals were killed at 0 and 4 days and 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 wk later. The number of homogenization-resistant elongated spermatids in the testis was counted, and round spermatid populations in stages VII and VIII were quantified using stereological techniques. The hourly production rates (HPR) were calculated, and a ratio was made between the HPR of round spermatids in stages VII and VIII to assess the efficiency of their conversion through these stages. Testicular T levels were suppressed to 2-4% of control values by TE treatment. After 2 wk of TE treatment, the number of homogenization-resistant elongated spermatids was significantly suppressed, falling to < 0.5% of the control value by 6 wk. The HPR of round spermatids in stages VII and VIII was not affected by up to 2 wk of TE treatment, nor was the conversion between these stages interrupted. After 3 wk of TE treatment, the HPR of round spermatids in stages VII and VIII was significantly suppressed, as was the conversion between these stages, the ratio falling to 27% of the control value by 6 wk. In rats treated with TE, histological examination of the cauda epididymidis showed occasional round spermatids after 3 wk of treatment, and large numbers after 6 wk. We conclude that the failure of round spermatids to complete spermiogenesis following T withdrawal is due to stage-specific detachment of round spermatids between stages VII and VIII.

Protective role of lycopene on cisplatin-induced changes in sperm characteristics, testicular damage and oxidative stress in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible protective role of lycopene on cisplatin (CP)-induced spermiotoxicity using quantitative, biochemical and histopathological approaches. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups. The control group received physiological saline; animals in cisplatin group received only cisplatin; pre-treatment group received a 10-day of lycopene before administration of cisplatin while animals in post-treatment group received a 5-day of lycopene following administration of cisplatin. Cisplatin (7 mg kg(-1)) was intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected as a single dose and lycopene (4 mg kg(-1)) was administered by gavage in corn oil. Traits of reproductive organs; sperm characteristics, testicular histological findings, plasma testosterone levels and the testicular tissue oxidative status were determined. Administration of cisplatin to rats decreased sperm concentration (p < 0.05) and sperm motility (p < 0.001), increased total abnormal sperm rates (p < 0.05) as compared with the control group. While a marked normalization was achieved only in sperm concentration with lycopene in pre-treatment group, significant normalizations were achieved in the sperm concentration, sperm motility, total abnormal sperm rates in post-treatment group. No significant differences in levels of testosterone were observed among all groups. An increase in testes malondialdehyde concentrations (p < 0.05) and glutathione peroxidase activities (p < 0.001) were detected while significant decreases in glutathione levels (p < 0.001) in cisplatin alone group when compared to control group. While pre-treatment with lycopene restoring only malondialdehyde concentrations, its post-treatment caused normalization in both malondialdehyde and glutathione levels when compared with the cisplatin alone group. On the other hand, significant increases were determined in GSH-Px activities in all experimental groups when compared with the control group. Although the mechanism is not clear, the results from this experimental study suggest that the lycopene have a possible protective effect against cisplatin-induced spermiotoxicity, effect of giving lycopene after cisplatin being superior to the giving it before cisplatin.

Early oxidative stress in testis and epididymal sperm in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice: its progression and genotoxic consequences

Experimental induction of diabetes mellitus in animal models using chemical diabetogens is demonstrated to impair testicular function progressively leading to decreased fertility. Although, both steroidogenic and spermatogenic dysfunctions have been reported, the role of oxidative stress mechanism/s has been less understood. We have investigated the induction of oxidative damage during early diabetic phase in testis and epididymal sperm (ES) in mice administered an acute dose of streptozotocin (STZ). Our results show enhanced lipid peroxidation in testis (cytosol and mitochondria) and ES and increased ROS production as early as 5 days. Further, significant perturbations in the activities of antioxidant enzymes in testis/ES and enhanced protein carbonyl content were suggestive of increased oxidative stress during early diabetic phase. STZ-induced oxidative damage in both compartments was amenable for attenuation by treatment with oral supplements of either ascorbic acid (10mg/(kg(bw)day)) or taurine (1g/(kg(bw)day)). Furthermore, the oxidative impairments in testis/ES were persistent during the progressive phase (as measured at 2 and 4 weeks of sampling) and were associated with significant increase DNA damage (testis) and higher incidence of abnormal sperms. Interestingly, mating of STZ treated males sequentially for a period of 5 weeks with virgin untreated females resulted in a significant increase in the male-mediated dominant lethal-type mutations during the first 3 weeks, indicating a stage-specific genotoxic effect on post-meiotic germ cells. Based on the occurrence of oxidative impairments in STZ-treated mice both during both early and progressive phase, it is hypothesized that oxidative stress mechanisms may be wholly or in part contribute towards the development of testicular dysfunction and degeneration under situations of experimentally induced diabetes in animal models.

Hypertrophy of brown adipocytes in brown and white adipose tissues and reversal of diet-induced obesity in rats treated with a beta3-adrenoceptor agonist

In a previous study, we demonstrated that chronic treatment with a new beta3-adrenoceptor agonist, CL 316,243 [disodium (R,R)-5-[2-[[2-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxyethyl]-amino]propyl]-1,3-ben zodioxazole-2,2-dicarboxylate], promoted thermogenesis, caused the appearance of multilocular adipocytes in white adipose tissue (WAT), and retarded development of obesity in young rats eating a high-fat diet (Himms-Hagen et al., Am J Physiol 266: R1371-R1382, 1994). Objectives of the present study were to find out whether CL 316,243 could reverse established diet-induced obesity in rats and to identify the multilocular adipocytes that appeared in WAT. Infusion of CL 316,243 (1 mg/kg/day) reduced abdominal fat, with a decrease in enlarged adipocyte size but no loss of white adipocytes. The resting metabolic rate increased by 40-45%, but food intake was not altered. Abundant densely stained multilocular brown adipocytes expressing uncoupling protein (UCP) appeared in retroperitoneal WAT, in which a marked increase in protein content occurred. UCP content of interscapular brown adipose tissue (BAT) was also increased markedly. We suggest that the substantial increase in the resting metabolic rate induced by CL 316,243 occurs in brown adipocytes in both BAT and WAT. The origin of the brown adipocytes that appeared in WAT is uncertain. They may have been small brown preadipocytes, expressing beta3-adrenoceptors but with few mitochondria and little or no UCP, that were induced to hypertrophy by the beta3-agonist.

A physiological role of epidermal growth factor in male reproductive function

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulates the proliferation of various mammalian cells in culture, but its physiological role is not well defined. In mature male mice, large amounts of EGF are produced in the submandibular gland; it is present in the circulation at approximately 5 nanograms of EGF per milliliter of plasma. Sialoadenectomy (removal of the submandibular glands) decreased the amount of circulating EGF to an undetectable level but did not affect the circulating levels of testosterone or follicle-stimulating hormone. The number of mature sperm in the epididymis decreased by as much as 55 percent; the number of spermatids in the testis decreased by 40 to 50 percent; and the number of spermatocytes increased by about 20 percent. Administration of EGF to sialoadenectomized mice restored both the sperm content of the epididymis and the number of spermatids in the testis to normal. Thus, EGF may play a role in male reproductive function by stimulating the meiotic phase of spermatogenesis.

Lack of effects for low dose levels of bisphenol A and diethylstilbestrol on the prostate gland of CF1 mice exposed in utero

vom Saal et al. (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 94, 2056-2061, 1997) have reported that low dose exposure (0.02-2 microg/kg/day) of CF1 mice to diethylstilbestrol (DES) in utero led to increases in the prostate gland weight when the pups reached 8 months of age. Nagel et al. (Environ. Health Perspect. 105, 70-76, 1997) reported similar effects in CF1 mice at 6 months of age after exposure in utero to low dose levels (2 and 20 microg/kg/day) of bisphenol A (BPA). vom Saal et al. (Toxicol. Indust. Health 14(1/2) 239-260, 1998) subsequently reported reduced sperm efficiency (daily sperm production per gram testes) in a subset of the BPA animals for which enlarged prostates had been observed. These three experiments have been repeated in a single experiment that was terminated when the offspring reached 6 months of age. No statistically significant effects on prostate weight or sperm efficiency were recorded for offspring of animals exposed to either DES (0.2 microg/kg/day) or BPA (2 and 20 microg/kg/day) in utero. Significant dam effects were seen for several of the assay parameters indicating that the litter, as opposed to the individual, should be considered as the statistical unit in such experiments. A statistically significant increase in body weight was recorded for the low dose BPA male offspring. Females from the study underwent normal sexual maturation and showed no significant differences in reproductive tissue weights at termination and the mean day of vaginal opening. The possible reasons for this failure to confirm the earlier reported effects for DES and BPA at these low doses are discussed.

Enhanced angiogenesis in obesity and in response to PPARgamma activators through adipocyte VEGF and ANGPTL4 production

PPARgamma activators such as rosiglitazone (RSG) stimulate adipocyte differentiation and increase subcutaneous adipose tissue mass. However, in addition to preadipocyte differentiation, adipose tissue expansion requires neovascularization to support increased adipocyte numbers. Paradoxically, endothelial cell growth and differentiation is potently inhibited by RSG in vitro, raising the question of how this drug can induce an increase in adipose tissue mass while inhibiting angiogenesis. We find that adipose tissue from mice treated with RSG have increased capillary density. To determine whether adipose tissue angiogenesis was stimulated by RSG, we developed a novel assay to study angiogenic sprout formation ex vivo. Angiogenic sprout formation from equally sized adipose tissue fragments, but not from aorta rings, was greatly increased by obesity and by TZD treatment in vivo. To define the mechanism involved in RSG-stimulated angiogenesis in adipose tissue, the expression of proangiogenic factors by adipocytes was examined. Expression of VEGFA and VEGFB, as well as of the angiopoietin-like factor-4 (ANGPTL4), was stimulated by in vivo treatment with RSG. To define the potential role of these factors, we analyzed their effects on endothelial cell growth and differentiation in vitro. We found that ANGPTL4 stimulates endothelial cell growth and tubule formation, albeit more weakly than VEGF. However, ANGPTL4 mitigates the growth inhibitory actions of RSG on endothelial cells in the presence or absence of VEGF. Thus, the interplay between VEGF and ANGPTL4 could lead to a net expansion of the adipose tissue capillary network, required for adipose tissue growth, in response to PPARgamma activators.

Investigation of the subtypes of alpha 1-adrenoceptor mediating contractions of rat aorta, vas deferens and spleen

1. The subtypes of alpha 1-adrenoceptor mediating contractions to exogenous noradrenaline (NA) or phenylephrine in rat vas deferens, spleen and aorta, and mediating contractions to endogenous NA in rat vas deferens have been examined. 2. In rat vas deferens, the competitive antagonists prazosin, WB 4101, benoxathian and 5-methyl-urapidil inhibited contractions to NA with pA2 values of 9.26, 9.54, 9.02 and 8.43, respectively. The irreversible antagonist chloroethylclonidine (CEC) (100 microM) failed to affect contractions to NA. 3. In rat vas deferens in the presence of nifedipine (10 microM), contractions to NA were significantly attenuated and under these conditions, CEC (100 microM) significantly reduced the maximum response to NA. 4. In rat spleen, the competitive antagonists prazosin, WB 4101 and benoxathian inhibited contractions to phenylephrine with pA2 values of 9.56, 8.85 and 7.60, respectively, and 5-methyl-urapidil had a KB of 6.62. CEC (100 microM) significantly reduced the maximum contraction to phenylephrine. 5. In rat aorta, the competitive antagonists, prazosin, WB 4101, benoxathian and 5-methyl-urapidil inhibited contractions to NA with pA2 values of 9.45, 9.21, 8.55 and 8.12, respectively. CEC (100 microM) produced an approximately parallel shift in the potency of NA, without significantly reducing the maximum response. 6. In epididymal portions of rat vas deferens in the presence of nifedipine (10 microM), the isometric contraction to a single electrical pulse was significantly reduced by CEC (100 microM), and by the competitive antagonists prazosin, WB 4101, benoxathian and 5-methyl-urapidil at concentrations of 1 nM. 7. In prostatic portions of rat vas deferens, the alpha l-adrenoceptor agonist, amidephrine, produced concentration-dependent increases in the isometric contraction to a single electrical stimulus and the maximum increase in the evoked response produced by amidephrine was unaffected by CEC (100 microM).8. Contractions of rat vas deferens produced by NA (and amidephrine) are mediated predominantly by alpha lA-adrenoceptors as shown by the high potency of alpha lA-adrenoceptor selective antagonists and the lack of effect of CEC. A small CEC-sensitive response, particularly in epididymal portions, was revealed in the presence of nifedipine. Contractions of rat spleen are mediated by alpha lB-adrenoceptors since alpha 1A selective antagonists showed low potency and CEC significantly reduced the maximum contraction to phenylephrine. Contractions of rat aorta to NA are mediated by non-alpha lA, non-alpha lB-adrenoceptors, due to the high potency of the aMA-selective antagonists and sensitivity to CEC.9. The noradrenergic contraction of epididymal portions of rat vas deferens in the presence of nifedipine is CEC-sensitive, but the alpha 1 A-selective antagonists showed high potency, suggesting that this response is mediated by non-alpha lA, non-alpha 1B-adrenoceptors.10. In conclusion, at least three subtypes of functional alpha 1-adrenoceptors have been demonstrated in these studies.

Major proteins of bovine seminal plasma and high-density lipoprotein induce cholesterol efflux from epididymal sperm

One of the hypotheses to explain the mechanism of capacitation involves the loss of sperm membrane cholesterol. Here, we studied whether or not the major proteins of bovine seminal plasma designated as BSP-A1, -A2, -A3, and -30-kDa (collectively called BSP proteins), which are implicated in sperm capacitation, induce cholesterol efflux. When epididymal sperm were labeled with [3H]cholesterol and incubated with bovine seminal plasma (0.05-2%) or BSP proteins (20-120 microg/ml) for 8 h, the sperm lost [3H]cholesterol (3.6-fold and 3-fold, respectively). The same results in the presence of BSP-A1/-A2 were obtained (3.5-fold) by direct determination of cholesterol on unlabeled epididymal sperm. Analysis of efflux particles by ultracentrifugation on a sucrose gradient revealed a single symmetrical peak of radioactivity at 1.14 g/ml. Immunoblotting of the fractions obtained from size-exclusion chromatography of the efflux particles showed that a portion of the BSP proteins were associated with [3H]cholesterol. Heparin (12 microg/ml) alone did not stimulate cholesterol efflux. In contrast, high-density lipoprotein (HDL, 100 microg/ml) alone stimulated cholesterol efflux up to 3.1-fold after 8 h. When labeled epididymal sperm were preincubated for 20 min with BSP-A1/-A2 (120 microg/ml), washed, and incubated with HDL (100 microg/ml) for 8 h, the total cholesterol efflux of the sperm suspension was 51.8 +/- 5.0% compared to 39.3 +/- 1.2% when HDL alone was used. These results indicate that BSP proteins and HDL play an important role in the sperm sterol efflux that occurs during capacitation. Furthermore, the heparin-induced sperm capacitation did not involve the efflux of sperm membrane cholesterol.

Daily melatonin administration at middle age suppresses male rat visceral fat, plasma leptin, and plasma insulin to youthful levels

Human and rat pineal melatonin secretion decline with aging, whereas visceral fat and plasma insulin levels increase. Melatonin modulates fat metabolism in some mammalian species, so these aging-associated melatonin, fat and insulin changes could be functionally related. Accordingly, we investigated the effects of daily melatonin supplementation to male Sprague-Dawley rats, starting at middle age (10 months) and continuing into old age (22 months). Melatonin was added to the drinking water (92% of which was consumed at night) at a dosage (4 microg/ml) previously reported to attenuate the aging-associated decrease in survival rate in male rats, as well as at a 10-fold lower dosage. The higher dosage produced nocturnal plasma melatonin levels in middle-aged rats which were 15-fold higher than in young (4 months) rats; nocturnal plasma melatonin levels in middle-aged rats receiving the lower dosage were not significantly different from young or middle-aged controls. Relative (% of body wt) retroperitoneal and epididymal fat, as well as plasma insulin and leptin levels, were all significantly increased at middle age when compared to young rats. All were restored within 10 weeks to youthful (4 month) levels in response to both dosages of melatonin. Continued treatment until old age maintained suppression of visceral (retroperitoneal + epididymal) fat levels. Plasma corticosterone and total thyroxine (T4) levels were not significantly altered by aging or melatonin treatment. Plasma testosterone, insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and total triiodothyronine (T3) decreased by middle age; these aging-associated decreases were not significantly altered by melatonin treatment. Thus, visceral fat, insulin and leptin responses to melatonin administration may be independent of marked changes in gonadal, thyroid, adrenal or somatotropin regulation. Since increased visceral fat is associated with increased insulin resistance, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, these results suggest that appropriate melatonin supplementation may potentially provide prophylaxis or therapy for some prominent pathologies associated with aging.

Studies on the pathogenesis of the pseudohermaphroditism in the mouse with testicular feminization

The pathogenesis of the male pseudohermaphroditism in the mouse with X-linked testicular feminization (Tfm) has been investigated by comparing testosterone formation, the effects of androgen administration, and the metabolism of testosterone-1,2-(3)H in normal mice and Tfm mice of varying ages. First, it was established that the adult Tfm animal, in contrast to the human with testicular feminization, has both a low serum testosterone and a low rate of testosterone formation as assessed in slices of testes utilizing a variety of precursors. However, the formation of testosterone from pregnenolone-7alpha-(3)H was shown to be normal in newborn Tfm testes, suggesting that a defect in testosterone synthesis may not be primary to this mutation. Second, to establish that the pseudohermaphroditic state is due to androgen resistance rather than to diminished androgen biosynthesis during fetal life, the effect of the administration of dihydrotestosterone to pregnant animals was studied in male, female, and Tfm offspring. Whereas normal and carrier female littermates demonstrated striking virilization of the internal genital tract after such treatment, there was no sign of virilization in the Tfm animals. This finding provides direct experimental evidence in support of the view that male pseudohermaphroditism in testicular feminization is the result of resistance to androgen action during androgen-mediated sexual differentiation in embryos. Third, the metabolism of testosterone-1,2-(3)H was investigated both in tissue slices and in functionally hepatectomized animals. Dihydrotestosterone formation in tissue slices of the fetal anlage of the male organs of accessory reproduction is normal in the Tfm animal, suggesting that the primary defect in this disorder involves an intracellular event subsequent to this step and that the deficient dihydrotestosterone formation observed in the adult genital tract of the Tfm mouse is secondary to the failure of differentiation in these tissues. Finally, deficient binding of testosterone in the nuclei of the submandibular gland of adult Tfm animals, a known testosterone target tissue, was demonstrated in functionally hepatectomized mice. This finding could either be a manifestation of the primary genetic defect in this disorder or might reflect another acquired abnormality due to incomplete differentiation of adrogen-sensitive cell lines.

Androgenic deficiency in male rats treated with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

Effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on the male reproductive system were investigated. Sexually mature (290 g) Sprague-Dawley rats were given single oral doses of TCDD sufficient to cause varying degrees of hypophagia and impaired body weight gain. The largest doses decreased plasma testosterone and dihydrotestosterone concentrations by 90 and 75%, respectively, from ad libitum-fed control values, while decreasing seminal vesicle and ventral prostate weights by 68 and 48%. On Day 7, the approximate ED50 for these responses was 15 micrograms TCDD/kg, a nonlethal dose. Reductions in caput epididymis and testis weights were also observed. The androgenic deficiency was seen as early as 2 days after dosing and persisted for at least 12 days. Based on data from pair-fed control rats, only about half the decreases in accessory sex organ weights and in plasma androgen concentrations could be accounted for by TCDD-induced hypophagia or body weight loss. These signs of androgenic deficiency were not the result of stress (based in part on plasma corticosterone assays), nor could they be accounted for by the known effects of TCDD on steroid metabolism. While the TCDD-induced depression in plasma testosterone concentrations appears to be the primary event observed, the mechanism by which testosterone concentrations were decreased remains unknown. The androgenic deficiency may account for the male reproductive pathology and dysfunction in animals treated with overtly toxic doses of TCDD.

Exposure to bisphenol A disrupts meiotic progression during spermatogenesis in adult rats through estrogen-like activity

The effect of bisphenol A (BPA) on the reproductive system is highly debated but has been associated with meiotic abnormalities. However, evidence is lacking with regard to the mechanisms involved. In order to explore the underlying mechanisms of BPA-induced meiotic abnormalities in adult male rats, we exposed 9-week-old male Wistar rats to BPA by gavage at 0, 2, 20 or 200 μg/kg body weight (bw)/day for 60 consecutive days. 17β-Estradiol (E2) was administered at 10 μg/kg bw/day as the estrogenic positive control. Treatments with 200 μg/kg bw/day of BPA and E2 significantly decreased sperm counts and inhibited spermiation, characterized by an increase in stage VII and decrease in stage VIII in the seminiferous epithelium. This was concomitant with a disruption in the progression of meiosis I and the persistence of meiotic DNA strand breaks in pachytene spermatocytes,and the ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated and checkpoint kinase 2 signal pathway was also activated; Eventually, germ cell apoptosis was triggered as evaluated by terminal dUTP nick-end labeling assay and western blot for caspase 3. Using the estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist ICI 182780, we determined that ER signaling mediated BPA-induced meiotic disruption and reproductive impairment. Our results suggest that ER signaling-mediated meiotic disruption may be a major contributor to the molecular events leading to BPA-related male reproductive disorders. These rodent data support the growing association between BPA exposure and the rapid increase in the incidence of male reproductive disorders.

Changes in sperm characteristics and induction of oxidative stress in the testis and epididymis of experimental rats by a herbicide, atrazine

To study the effects of atrazine on reproductive functions and testicular and epididymal antioxidant defense, rats were exposed to 0, 120, or 200 mg/kg body weight atrazine orally for 7 and 16 days. Animals exposed to the high-dose atrazine had their body weights, feed intake, and reproductive organs weights significantly reduced, whereas testicular weights remain unaffected independent of the dose used. In comparison to control, glutathione (GSH) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities were elevated in the high-dose group, whereas the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT); ascorbate (AA), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and hydrogen peroxide production were unchanged in the testis during the 7-day-exposure protocol. When atrazine treatment was increased to 16 days, GSH levels remained unchanged, but lipid peroxidation levels were significantly increased in both the testes and epididymides. This corresponded to the significant diminution in the activities of GST and SOD. CAT activities were unaffected in the testes and then dropped in the epididymides. Gamma-glutamyl transferase (gamma-GT) activities increased during both studies, whereas AA levels remained unaffected (p < 0.05). Atrazine exposure has a dose-dependent adverse effect on the testicular and epididymal sperm numbers, motility, viability, morphology, and daily sperm production. Although the testes of the atrazine-treated animals appear normal, few tubules had mild degeneration with the presence of defoliated cells. Likewise, no perceptible morphological changes were observed in the epididymis. The results suggest that atrazine impairs reproductive function and elicits a depletion of the antioxidant defense system in the testis and epididymis, indicating the induction of oxidative stress.

Reproductive toxicity and tissue concentrations of low doses of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in male offspring rats exposed throughout pregnancy and lactation

The effects of low doses of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on the reproductive system of male offspring rats were examined. The dams were treated subcutaneously 2 weeks prior to mating and throughout mating, pregnancy, and lactation. They received an initial loading dose of 25, 60, or 300 ng TCDD/kg body wt, followed by a weekly maintenance dose of 5, 12, or 60 ng TCCD/kg body wt (TCDD 25/5, TCDD 60/12, and TCDD 300/60). Three dams per group were killed on Gestation Day 21 and the fetuses were removed. The concentration of TCDD in the maternal liver and fat was measured. After birth, developmental landmarks in male rats were monitored. At weaning, the concentration of TCDD in the offspring liver and testis was determined. Effects on male reproduction were studied on Postnatal Days (PND) 70 and 170. At weaning, the concentration of TCDD in the offspring liver was 0.24, 0.39, and 1.78 ng/g in the TCDD 25/5, TCDD 60/12, and TCDD 300/60 groups, respectively. In the testes, the concentration of TCDD was 0.25 ng/g in the TCDD 25/5 and TCDD 60/12 groups and 0.28 ng/g in the TCDD 300/60 group. The number of sperm per cauda epididymis was reduced in TCDD groups at puberty and at adulthood. Daily sperm production was permanently decreased as was the sperm transit rate in the TCDD-exposed male rats, thus increasing the time required by the sperm to pass through the cauda epididymis. Moreover, the male rats of the TCDD groups showed an increased number of abnormal sperm when investigated at adulthood. Similarly, mounting and intromission latencies were significantly increased in the TCDD 25/5 and TCDD 300/60 groups. In the highest dose group, serum testosterone concentration was decreased at adulthood. Likewise, in this dose group permanent changes including pyknotic nuclei and the occurrence of cell debris in the lumen were revealed. The lowest adverse effect level and the no observed effect level can be estimated to be substantially lower than the estimated daily dose of the lowest dose which is 0.8 ng/kg body wt/day. Sperm parameters were more susceptible than the other end points investigated. However, the question as to whether such doses exposed throughout gestation and lactation induce subtle changes in humans remains to be determined.

Effect of bisphenol S exposure on male reproductive system of rats: A histological and biochemical study

Bisphenol S (BPS) has been introduced into the industry as a safer alternative to Bisphenol A. BPS has been detected in human urine sample and induces oxidative stress in vitro and exhibit endocrine disrupting potential in vivo. However, data regarding effect of BPS in mammals is very limited and only a few studies have been carried out. In the present study, direct effect of BPS exposure on oxidative stress and testosterone concentration in rat testis was evaluated in vitro. BPS exposure not only induced oxidative stress but also enhanced antioxidant enzymes activity in the tissue. Based on in vitro results, in vivo study was carried out. In the in vivo sub-chronic study, adult male rats were exposed to different doses of BPS (1-50 μg/kg day). Significant increase in the testicular reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation were observed in the higher doses tested while antioxidant enzymes activity and protein content were significantly reduced. Plasma and intra-testicular testosterone concentrations were reduced in groups treated with higher doses of BPS. Testicular morphology revealed thin seminiferous epithelium in the treated groups as compared to the control. In the epididymis, area of the tubular epithelium showed significant reduction and empty lumen were observed in the groups treated with higher concentrations of BPS. The present data suggest that BPS has the potential to induce oxidative stress in the testis and might have effect on spermatogenesis in rats.