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Sadeghinezhad J, Yarmahmoudi F, Dehghan MM, Mohajeri SF, Roomiani E, Bojarzadeh H, Asl MA, Saeidi A, Silva MD. Stereological study of testes following experimentally-induced unilateral cryptorchidism in rats. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2023; 50:160-169. [PMID: 37643829 PMCID: PMC10477409 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2023.06058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cryptorchidism is one of the main causes of infertility and can result in testicular cancer. This study aimed to present quantitative data on the damage caused by cryptorchidism using stereological analysis. METHODS Thirty newborn rats were randomly divided into control and experimental groups. The experimental group underwent surgery to induce unilateral cryptorchidism in the left testis, whereas the control group underwent a sham surgical procedure 18 days after birth. The testes were removed at designated time points (40, 63, and 90 days after birth) for stereological evaluation and sperm analysis. Total testicular volume, interstitial tissue volume, seminiferous tubule volume and length, and seminiferous epithelium volume and surface area were measured. Other parameters, such as sperm count, sperm morphology, and sperm tail length, were also examined. RESULTS Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were observed between the experimental and the control groups at different ages regarding the volumes of various parameters, including the surface area of the germinal layer, the length of the seminiferous tubules, sperm count, and sperm morphology. However, no significant differences were observed in the epithelial volume and the sperm tail length of the groups. CONCLUSION Given the substantial effect of cryptorchidism on different testicular parameters, as well as the irreversible damage it causes in the testes, it is important to take this abnormality seriously to prevent these consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javad Sadeghinezhad
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Yarmahmoudi
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Dehghan
- Department of Surgery and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Farzad Mohajeri
- Department of Surgery and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Roomiani
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hadis Bojarzadeh
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Aghabalazadeh Asl
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ava Saeidi
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Margherita De Silva
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Yue M, Fan X, Liu Y, Yue W, Ren G, Zhang J, Zhang X, Li Q, He J. Effects of body temperature on the expression and localization of meiosis-related proteins STRA8 and SCP3 in boar testes. Acta Histochem 2019; 121:718-723. [PMID: 31253359 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2019.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Body temperature could lead to interruption of spermatogenesis, but the molecular mechanism was still unclear. Cryptorchidism was defined as the failure of testes to enter the scrotum, which exposed the testes to body temperature. Meiosis was a unique feature of germ cell development. Whether cryptorchidism damage the initiation of meiosis in boars had not been reported. The aim of this study was to determine whether spermatogonia in the cryptorchid testes entered into meiosis by detecting meiosis-related markers stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (STRA8) and synaptonemal complex protein 3 (SCP3). Three boars with spontaneous unilateral abdominal cryptorchidism were used. The testis located in the abdomen was cryptorchidism group, the scrotal testis of the same animal was used as control. HE results showed that only Sertoli cells, and a few spermatogonia remained in the seminiferous tubules, and no spermatids were seen compared with the control. Immunohistochemistry results showed that in both control and cryptorchidism group, STRA8 was mainly expressed in the nucleus of spermatogonia and spermatocytes. In control group, SCP3 was expressed in the nucleus of spermatocytes. In cryptorchidism group, SCP3 immunopositive cells were also observed. qRT-PCR and Western Blot results showed that the mRNA and protein levels of STRA8 and SCP3 were significantly decreased in cryptorchid boars. The expression of STRA8 and SCP3 in cryptorchidism suggested that spermatogonia could still enter meiosis in cryptorchid boars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meishan Yue
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, PR China
| | - Xiaorui Fan
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, PR China
| | - Yihui Liu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, PR China
| | - Weidong Yue
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, PR China
| | - Gaoya Ren
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, PR China
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, PR China
| | - Xinrong Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, PR China
| | - Qinghong Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, PR China.
| | - Junping He
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, PR China.
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3
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Prapaiwan N, Manee-In S, Moonarmart W, Srisuwatanasagul S. The expressions in oxytocin and sex steroid receptors in the reproductive tissues of normal and unilateral cryptorchid dogs. Theriogenology 2017; 100:59-65. [PMID: 28708534 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In males, oxytocin is involved with various physiological functions, such as reproductive tract contractility and testicular steroidogenesis. Due to the relationship between sex steroid hormones, oxytocin receptor (OTR) expression and cryptorchidism pathogenesis, this study aimed to investigate the mRNA expression and the localization of OTR in relation to sex steroid receptors in the male reproductive tract of both normal and unilateral abdominal cryptorchid dogs using quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry. Male dogs were divided into two groups of normal and cryptorchid dogs. Samples from each cryptorchid dog were separated into two subgroups: scrotal and abdominal subgroups. The results showed that a lower percentage of positive OTR immunostaining in the testis and epididymis was observed in the cryptorchid group compared to the normal group. Within the cryptorchid group, the mRNA expression and the localization of OTR in the testis and epididymis of the abdominal subgroup was less than that of the scrotal subgroup. Moreover, the localization of OTR and estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) in reproductive tissues was positively correlated only in the normal group and not in the cryptorchid group. In conclusion, this study proposed that OTR expression, as well as the correlation between the OTR and ERβ in reproductive tissues of male dogs, can be disturbed by cryptorchidism. Furthermore, the OTR, ERβ and their correlation may be involved with the pathogenesis of cryptorchidism. Therefore, the study of gene knockout models to confirm the effect of OTR and sex steroid receptors on canine cryptorchidism should be of interest for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Prapaiwan
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - S Manee-In
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - W Moonarmart
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - S Srisuwatanasagul
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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4
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Unilateral cryptorchidism induces morphological changes of testes and hyperplasia of Sertoli cells in a dog. Lab Anim Res 2014; 30:185-9. [PMID: 25628730 PMCID: PMC4306707 DOI: 10.5625/lar.2014.30.4.185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2014] [Revised: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptorchidism is one of the most common genital defects in dogs. This study investigated the effects of abdominal cryptorchidism on morphology, cell proliferation, and Sertoli cell condition in a dog with spontaneous unilateral cryptorchidism. Elective orchidectomy was performed on the abdominal right testis and the scrotal left testis. Significant reductions in numbers of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids were observed in hematoxylin and eosin stained sections of the cryptorchid testis. The size of the epididymal duct was smaller than that of the control testis. Based on Ki67 immunohistochemistry, the proliferative activity of spermatogonia and spermatocytes was significantly decreased in the cryptorchid testis. However, proliferative activity was increased in the epididymal duct. Based on GATA-4 immunohistochemistry, Sertoli cells were relatively resistant to cryptorchidism, and the proliferative activity of Sertoli cells was markedly increased in the cryptorchid testis than in the control testis. These results suggest that spontaneous unilateral cryptorchidism causes morphological defects in spermatogonia and spermatocytes in the testis and changes the size of the efferent ductule of the epididymis. In addition, spontaneous unilateral cryptorchidism increases proliferative activity of Sertoli cells, which may be a predisposing factor for Sertoli cell cancer in cryptorchid testes.
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Veronesi M, Riccardi E, Rota A, Grieco V. Characteristics of cryptic/ectopic and contralateral scrotal testes in dogs between 1 and 2 years of age. Theriogenology 2009; 72:969-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2009] [Revised: 06/10/2009] [Accepted: 06/24/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Devkota B, Sasaki M, Matsui M, Amaya Montoya C, Miyake YI. Alterations in the Immunohistochemical Localization Patterns of .ALPHA.-Smooth Muscle Actin (SMA) and Vimentin in the Postnatally Developing Bovine Cryptorchid Testis. J Reprod Dev 2006; 52:329-34. [PMID: 16493181 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.17099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously, we reported the normal postnatal developmental changes in immunohistochemical localization of alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA) and vimentin in the bovine testis. In this study, we demonstrate the alterations of these cytoskeletal proteins in the bovine cryptorchid testis as compared to the contralateral scrotal testis during postnatal development. Seminiferous peritubular alpha-SMA did not appear in the cryptorchid testis until 8 months of age, except for very weak intermittent filaments in relatively larger seminiferous tubules. However, a similar peritubular pattern was observed in the 18-month-old cryptorchid and scrotal testes. Moreover, weak expression of alpha-SMA in the straight tubules and rete testes at 5 months of age did not improve until 18 months of age in the cryptorchid testes. The Sertoli cell vimentin in the cryptorchid testes revealed a highly immature pattern at 5 months of age, a pattern similar to a transforming pattern with infranuclear vimentin extensions at 8 months of age, and a pattern that was almost a transforming pattern, but with considerable weakening of the vimentin filaments, at 18 months of age. In conclusion, cryptorchidism may cause considerable delay in testicular myoid cell differentiation and in attainment of the transforming pattern of the Sertoli cell vimentin, which weakens and fails to attain the mature pattern in the cryptorchid testis. These alterations may be related to the structural immaturity and functional failure of postnatally developing bovine testes exposed continuously to body heat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhuminand Devkota
- The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Japan.
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7
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Bernal-Mañas CM, Morales E, Pastor LM, Pinart E, Bonet S, Rosa PDL, Dolors Briz M, Zuasti A, Ferrer C, Canteras M. Proliferation and apoptosis of spermatogonia in postpuberal boar (Sus domesticus) testes with spontaneous unilateral and bilateral abdominal cryptorchidism. Acta Histochem 2005; 107:365-72. [PMID: 16185749 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2005.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2005] [Revised: 07/12/2005] [Accepted: 07/19/2005] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cryptorchidism is a frequent male sexual disorder in mammals, which affects the histology of the tunica propria, interstitial tissue, blood vessels, seminiferous epithelium and testis functioning. In this paper, proliferation and apoptosis were examined in the seminiferous epithelium of both testes from unaffected boars and from boars suffering unilateral and bilateral cryptorchidism. In germ cells, proliferation was studied using the immunohistochemical PCNA technique, and apoptosis was analysed by in situ TUNEL labelling. An index was obtained for the proliferation and apoptosis observed in seminiferous tubules. In abdominal testes the epithelium contained few spermatogonia and Sertoli cells. In the testes of unaffected boars, numerous spermatogonia proliferated, whereas in cryptorchid testes such proliferation was lower and the proliferation/apoptosis ratio diminished. In the unaffected group, the TUNEL-positive germ cells were spermatogonia and spermatocytes in different phases of meiosis. In abdominal testes, the TUNEL-positive germ cells were spermatogonia alone. The apoptosis index of both abdominal and scrotal testes was similar. In conclusion, spontaneous cryptorchid testes showed a lower rate of spermatogonia proliferation in the seminiferous epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen M Bernal-Mañas
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
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8
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Bilińska B, Kotula-Balak M, Gancarczyk M, Sadowska J, Tabarowski Z, Wojtusiak A. Androgen aromatization in cryptorchid mouse testis. Acta Histochem 2003; 105:57-65. [PMID: 12666988 DOI: 10.1078/0065-1281-00682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens play an important role in germ cell development. Therefore, we have studied expression patterns of aromatase that converts testosterone into estrogens in 2 recombinant inbred mouse strains that differ in efficiency of spermatogenesis. In order to show whether germ cells are a target for estrogens, estrogen receptors (ER)alpha and beta were localized as well. Adult male CBA and KE mice were made unilaterally cryptorchid to determine alterations in testicular steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis. Differences between control and cryptorchid testes have been studied with respect to (1) cellular sites of aromatase, the enzyme responsible for estrogen formation, (2) the presence of ERalpha and ERbeta in various types of testicular cells, and (3) steroidogenic activity in the testes. Additionally, unilaterally control testes of cryptorchid mice were compared with bilaterally descended testes. Histological or hormonal differences were not found between control testes of cryptorchid and untreated mice. In cryptorchid testes from both strains, degeneration of germ cells was observed as well as a decrease in size of the seminiferous tubules, whereas the amount of interstitial tissue increased, especially in testes of CBA mice. Using immunohistochemistry, aromatase was localized in Leydig cells and germ cells in both control and cryptorchid testes. Sertoli cells were immunopositive in control testes only. In cryptorchid testes of KE mice, aromatase was strongly expressed in spermatids, that were still present in a few tubules. Other cell types in tubules were negative for aromatase. In both control and cryptorchid testes of both mouse strains, ERalpha were present in Leydig cells only, whereas ERbeta were found in Leydig cells and in germ cells in early stages of maturation. In homogenates of testes of CBA control mice, testosterone levels were 3-fold higher than in those of control KE mice, whereas the difference in estradiol levels between both strains was small. Cryptorchidism resulted in decreased testosterone levels and increased estradiol levels. The results of the present study show functional alterations due to cryptorchidism in both mouse strains. Strong aromatase expression in germ cells in control and cryptorchid testes indicates an additional source of estrogens in the testis besides the interstitial tissue and the relevance of estrogen in spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Bilińska
- Laboratory of Endocrinology & Tissue Culture, Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland.
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9
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Lui WY, Mruk D, Lee WM, Cheng CY. Sertoli cell tight junction dynamics: their regulation during spermatogenesis. Biol Reprod 2003; 68:1087-97. [PMID: 12606453 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.102.010371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
During spermatogenesis, developing preleptotene and leptotene spermatocytes must translocate from the basal to the adluminal compartment of the seminiferous epithelium so that fully developed spermatids (spermatozoa) can be released to the tubular lumen at spermiation. It is conceivable that the opening and closing of the inter-Sertoli tight junctions (TJs) that constitute the blood-testis barrier are regulated by an array of intriguingly coordinated signaling pathways and molecules. Several molecules have been shown to regulate Sertoli cell TJ dynamics; they include, for example, transforming growth factor beta3 (TGFbeta3), occludin, protein kinase A, protein kinase C, and signaling pathways such as the TGFbeta3/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Yet the mechanisms that regulate these events are essentially not known. This minireview summarizes some of the recent advances in the study of TJ dynamics in the testis and reviews several models that can be used to study TJ dynamics. It also highlights specific areas for future research toward understanding the precise physiological relationship between junction dynamics and spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wing-Yee Lui
- Population Council, Center for Biomedical Research, New York, New York 10021, USA
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Garcia-Gil N, Pinart E, Sancho S, Badia E, Bassols J, Kádár E, Briz M, Bonet S. The cycle of the seminiferous epithelium in Landrace boars. Anim Reprod Sci 2002; 73:211-25. [PMID: 12363444 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-4320(02)00144-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The present study describes the morphological features of the eight stages of the seminiferous epithelium in Landrace boars according to the tubular morphology method, as well as their relative frequency, length, and duration. In Landrace boars the pre-meiotic stages occupied the 31.9 +/- 19.9% of the spermatogenic cycle and had a total length of 1788.8 +/- 1153.0 microm and a duration of 2.78 days; they were mainly characterised by the presence of leptotene and pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids. Meiotic stages, with a relative frequency of 16.4 +/- 6.8%, a length of 787.1 +/- 603.1 microm and a duration of 1.41 days, contained spermatocytes in advanced meiosis I and/or in meiosis II and elongating spermatids grouped in bundles. Post-meiotic stages occupied the 50.6 +/- 20.4% of the spermatogenic cycle and had a length of 2096.8 +/- 1175.0 microm and a duration of 4.37 days; the most important event of these stages was the spermiation, which included the complete remodelling of sperm head and tail and the releasing of spermatozoa into the lumen, as well as the formation of residual bodies. From data obtained we concluded that both germ cell associations of the stages maintain constant among Landrace boars, and that the relative frequency, length and duration of the stages were directly dependent of the cytological transformations on the seminiferous tubules.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Garcia-Gil
- Unit of Porcine Assisted Reproduction, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Campus de Montilivi, 17071 Girona, Spain.
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Pinart E, Bonet S, Briz M, Pastor LM, Sancho S, García N, Badia E, Bassols J. Histochemical study of the interstitial tissue in scrotal and abdominal boar testes. Vet J 2002; 163:68-76. [PMID: 11749138 DOI: 10.1053/tvjl.2001.0630] [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] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The present study describes the glycosidic content of the interstitial tissue in testes from healthy boars and from unilateral and bilateral abdominal cryptorchid boars using lectin histochemistry. The Leydig cells of healthy boars contained glycans with fucosyl, mannosyl, glucosyl, neuraminic acid and galactosyl residues, which have structural and transport functions, and participate in androgen synthesis and in cell regulation. Unilateral cryptorchidism induced high glucosyl and low galactosyl content in the Leydig cells of scrotal testes, resulting in impaired androgen production. In abdominal testes, the Leydig cells exhibited increased amounts of glucosyl and reduced amounts of galactosyl and neuraminic acid residues, resulting in defective cell regulation and lack of androgen synthesis. In healthy boars, the extracellular glycans contained fucosyl, galactosyl, glucosyl and neuraminic acid residues, which confer viscoelasticity on the interstitial tissue and participate in substrate transport, hormone binding and cell-cell interaction. Unilateral cryptorchidism did not induce anomalies in extracellular glycans in scrotal testes, but unilateral and bilateral cryptorchidism resulted in an increased content of fucosyl and galactosyl, and a decreased content of glucosyl and neuraminic acid residues in abdominal testes, leading to reduced viscoelasticity and defective substrate transport across the extracellular matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Pinart
- Reproductive Biology Unit, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Campus de Montilivi, Girona, 17071, Spain.
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Pinart E, Bonet S, Briz M, Pastor LM, Sancho S, García N, Badia E, Bassols J. Morphological and histochemical characteristics of the lamina propria in scrotal and abdominal testes from postpubertal boars: correlation with the appearance of the seminiferous epithelium. J Anat 2001; 199:435-48. [PMID: 11693304 PMCID: PMC1468354 DOI: 10.1046/j.1469-7580.2001.19940435.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was undertaken to investigate the morphological characteristics and lectin affinity of the testicular lamina propria in healthy boars and in unilateral and bilateral abdominal cryptorchid boars. The lamina propria of scrotal testes from healthy boars and unilateral cryptorchid boars was constituted by an innermost noncellular layer, the basal lamina, and by 2 layers of peritubular cells, each separated by a fibrous layer. The noncellular layers contained collagen fibres and glycoconjugates with abundant N-acetylgalactosamine, galactose, fucose, N-acetylglucosamine and neuraminic acid residues. The inner peritubular cell layer was composed of myoid cells, the outer layer of fibroblasts. In the abdominal testes of unilateral and bilateral cryptorchid boars, the lamina propria of nondegenerating and degenerating seminiferous tubules appeared thickened due to an increased content of collagen fibres and glycoconjugates. Glycoconjugates showed decreased amounts of fucose, neuraminic acid and galactose, and increased amounts of N-acetylglucosamine residues. The basal lamina formed infoldings toward the seminiferous epithelium and contained small cells. Both inner and outer peritubular cells were fibroblasts of immature appearance. In degenerated seminiferous tubules of bilateral cryptorchid boars, the lamina propria was composed of a thickened and collagenised basal lamina, without peritubular cells and with a low content of glycoconjugates. In scrotal testes, therefore, the lamina propria was implicated in tubular contractility and in mediating the communication and the substrate diffusion between seminiferous tubules and interstitial tissue. Cryptorchidism induced morphological and histochemical alterations in the lamina propria of abdominal testes, which may be linked to evidence from other studies of lack of tubular contractility and defective cell-cell communication and substrate diffusion. The severity of these anomalies correlated with the severity of Sertoli cell alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Pinart
- Reproductive Biology Unit, Faculty of Sciences. University of Girona, Spain.
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Pinart E, Bonet S, Briz M, Sancho S, García N, Badia E. Cytology of the interstitial tissue in scrotal and abdominal testes of post-puberal boars. Tissue Cell 2001; 33:8-24. [PMID: 11292175 DOI: 10.1054/tice.2000.0145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The interstitial tissue of the testes from healthy boars, and unilateral and bilateral abdominal cryptorchid boars was examined by light and transmission electron microscopy. The left and right testes of healthy boars, and the left (scrotal) testis of unilateral cryptorchid boars had abundant mature Leydig cells, few fibroblasts and mast cells, scarce and small blood vessels, and little lymphatic areas. The right (abdominal) testis of unilateral cryptorchid boars contained abundant Leydig cells, fibroblasts and erythrocytes, scarce mast cells, and frequent blood vessels; Leydig cells exhibited either a mature but degenerative appearance or an immature appearance, and fibroblasts displayed immaturity signs. The interstitial tissue of the left (abdominal) testes of bilateral cryptorchid boars had small blood vessels surrounded by erythrocytes, lymphocytes, and few plasma cells, and abundant mature and immature Leydig cells, immature fibroblasts, and mast cells. Mature Leydig cells showed mid or advanced degeneration, and immature Leydig cells displayed either non-degenerative or degenerative patterns. The right (abdominal) testes of bilateral cryptorchid boars contained scarce immature Leydig cells in advanced degeneration, large fibrous and adipose areas, and blood vessels. These results indicated that unilateral abdominal cryptorchidism affect neither the structural nor the cytologic features of the interstitial tissue in scrotal testes. Unilateral and bilateral cryptorchidism induced abnormal differentiation of Leydig cells and fibroblasts leading to decreased steroid production and increased collagenization in abdominal testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Pinart
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Italy.
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Pinart E, Bonet S, Briz MD, Pastor LM, Sancho S, García N, Badia E. Morphologic and histochemical study of blood capillaries in boar testes: effects of abdominal cryptorchidism. TERATOLOGY 2001; 63:42-51. [PMID: 11169554 DOI: 10.1002/1096-9926(200101)63:1<42::aid-tera1007>3.0.co;2-k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few data exist about the features of testicular microvasculature under normal and pathologic conditions. METHODS The morphology and lectin affinity of testicular capillaries were examined in healthy boars and in unilateral and bilateral abdominal cryptorchid boars. RESULTS The capillaries of scrotal testes contained a) the endothelial layer formed by two cells, b) the basal lamina constituted by collagen fibers and glycoconjugates with fucosyl, galactosyl, glucosyl, and neuraminic acid residues, and c) the pericyte layer formed by a single cell. These components participated in substrate exchange between blood and testicular tissue. The abdominal testes showed increased numbers of capillaries, which could exhibit a mature appearance, but also angiogenic or degenerative patterns. Angiogenesis was manifested in interstitial capillaries and was characterized by a) proliferation of endothelial cells, b) decreased thickness and decreased content of collagen fibers and glycoconjugates in the basal lamina, and c) lack of pericytes. Degenerative capillaries lay in association with seminiferous tubules and showed a) pyknotic endothelial cells; b) thickening, collagenization, and altered glycoconjugate content in the basal lamina; and c) increased development of pericytes. The angiogenesis of interstitial capillaries resulted in high vascular permeability, and the degeneration of intertubular capillaries led to defective substrate exchange between blood and seminiferous tubules. CONCLUSIONS Unilateral abdominal cryptorchidism did not alter the morphology and function of capillaries in the scrotal testis. Unilateral and bilateral abdominal cryptorchidism resulted in increased numbers and abnormal morphology and function of capillaries in abdominal testes. The proliferation of interstitial capillaries correlated with the immaturity of Leydig cells, and the degeneration of intertubular capillaries correlated with the thickening of the lamina propria.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Pinart
- Reproductive Biology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Girona, Campus de Montilivi, Girona E-17071, Spain.
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Pinart E, Sancho S, Briz MD, Bonet S, Garcia N, Badia E. Ultrastructural study of the boar seminiferous epithelium: changes in cryptorchidism. J Morphol 2000; 244:190-202. [PMID: 10815002 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-4687(200006)244:3<190::aid-jmor4>3.0.co;2-b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The present study compares the ultrastructural features of Sertoli cells and germ cells between scrotal testes of healthy boars and abdominal testes of unilateral and bilateral cryptorchid boars. In healthy boars, spermatogonia are flat cells lying in close association with the basal lamina. As differentiation progresses, spermatogonia acquire an oval profile and lose their contact with the basal lamina. Spermatocytes are round cells moving from the basal compartment of the seminiferous epithelium to the luminal compartment. Spermatids exhibit complex morphological changes leading to the formation of spermatozoa. Sertoli cells extend from the basal lamina to the tubular lumen. The nucleus encloses fine euchromatin and one or two nucleoli; the nuclear envelope has a few deep infoldings. The lateral cell membranes form junctional specializations that constitute the blood-testis barrier. The cytoplasm encloses smooth endoplasmic reticulum, vesicles, aggregates, and scattered mitochondria. The seminiferous epithelium of abdominal testes from unilateral and bilateral cryptorchid boars contains few spermatogonia with an abnormal appearance; the alteration in germ cell number is more severe in the bilateral disease. In unilateral cryptorchid boars, spermatogonia appear as either large pyramidal cells or roundish cells; in bilateral cryptorchid boars, spermatogonia show roundish profiles and degenerative patterns. Abdominal testes of both unilateral and bilateral cryptorchid boars are constituted by immature Sertoli cells that show abnormal cytoplasmic content, defective development of the blood-testis barrier, and atypical nuclear appearance; in bilateral cryptorchid boars, immature Sertoli cells exhibit degenerative signs. At postpubertal age, unilateral and bilateral cryptorchidism induce total arrest of spermatogenesis at spermatogonial stage as a result of an abnormal differentiation of the Sertoli cells. Moreover, the degeneration of abdominal testes initiates earlier in bilateral cryptorchidism than in unilateral cryptorchidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Pinart
- Reproductive Biology Unit, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.
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Pinart E, Sancho S, Briz MD, Bonet S, Badia E. Efficiency of the process of meiosis in scrotal testes of healthy boars and unilateral abdominal cryptorchid boars. TERATOLOGY 1999; 60:209-14. [PMID: 10508974 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1096-9926(199910)60:4<209::aid-tera5>3.0.co;2-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Unilateral abdominal cryptorchidism has usually been correlated with abnormalities in the spermatogenic activity of the scrotal testis. The present study describes the effects of unilateral abdominal cryptorchidism on the meiotic process in scrotal testes from postpubertal boars. The percentage of primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes, and round spermatids was evaluated in testicular smears from scrotal testes of healthy boars and of right-sided unilateral abdominal cryptorchid boars. As compared to the scrotal testes of healthy boars, the scrotal testes of unilateral abdominal cryptorchid boars showed low transformation from primary to secondary spermatocytes (meiosis I), but normal transformation from secondary spermatocytes to round spermatids (meiosis II). The data obtained indicate that spontaneous unilateral abdominal cryptorchidism on the right side induced partial arrest of spermatogenesis at the primary spermatocyte stage that was attributed to anomalies in Sertoli-cell activity. Abnormal paracrine signals from altered Sertoli cells could have resulted in either disturbed mitosis, which led to the formation of spermatocytes with an abnormal DNA content, or abnormalities in the metabolic activity and the organization of the cytoskeleton of primary spermatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Pinart
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, 17071 Girona, Spain.
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Pinart E, Sancho S, Briz MD, Bonet S, García N. Characterization of the semen quality of postpuberal boars with spontaneous unilateral abdominal cryptorchidism on the right side. Anim Reprod Sci 1999; 55:269-78. [PMID: 10379677 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-4320(99)00022-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In recent studies, we found that the ectopic testis from postpuberal boars with unilateral abdominal cryptorchidism does not produce sperm. Therefore, in these males, the seminal characteristics can be used as indicators of the activity of the scrotal testis and its epididymis and also the accessory glands. The semen quality (ejaculate volume, cell-rich fraction volume, sperm concentration, sperm vitality, sperm motility, sperm morphology and cephalic stability of spermatozoa) was evaluated in healthy postpuberal boars and in postpuberal boars with unilateral abdominal cryptorchidism on the right side. In comparison with the healthy boars, the unilateral abdominal cryptorchid boars showed a significant decrease of the ejaculate volume, sperm concentration and sperm motility. The low sperm concentration indicated that unilateral abdominal cryptorchidism severely impairs the sperm production of the scrotal testis. The decrease of ejaculate volume was attributed to an abnormal activity of the accessory glands. The alterations in sperm motility develop as a result of dysfunctions in the epididymal epithelium and/or the accessory glands. The sperm vitality, sperm morphology and cephalic stability of spermatozoa maintained normal values; therefore, at testicular level, despite the low sperm production, the germ cell differentiation is not disturbed. At epididymal level, the morphological maturation of spermatozoa is not altered.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Pinart
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Spain.
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