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Hamidatou Khati W, Al Mutery AF, Moudilou EN, Exbrayat JM, Hammouche S. Distribution of the Novel RFRP-3/receptors system in the epididymis of the seasonal desert rodent, Gerbillus tarabuli, during sexual activity. Morphologie 2021:S1286-0115(21)00233-2. [PMID: 34774455 DOI: 10.1016/j.morpho.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/06/2022]
Abstract
RFamide-related peptide (RFRP-3), the Mammalian ortholog of the Avian gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH), is a novel neuropeptide known for its inhibitory regulatory effect on reproduction in various mammalian species. However, a stimulatory action has been reported. This paper aims to: i) study the histology of the epididymis (caput) of Gerbillus tarabuli during the breeding period; and ii) to determine the distribution of the "RFRP-3/receptors system" in the epididymis (caput) of this desert rodent during the active season, and thus, to inspect its potential local interfering in sperm maturation. For that, immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the epididymal immunolocalizations of the three molecules, RFRP-3, GPR147, and GPR74. This is the first report of the epididymis histology in Gerbillus tarabuli, as it is the first evidence of the existence of the RFRP-3/Receptor system in the same organ of the same species. During the breeding season, moderate immunostaining of the RFRP-3/receptors system was present in the caput epididymis' epithelial parts (basal and principal cells) and spermatozoa. In contrast, these three molecules were absent in the peritubular and muscle coat's myoid cells and of the interstitial part of the caput epididymis. The results suggest that the epididymis is a potential source of RFRP-3 in the desert Rodent, Gerbillus tarabuli, which may function as a paracrine and/or autocrine factor affecting the main epididymis' function: sperm maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Hamidatou Khati
- USTHB, Arid Area Research Laboratory, Biological Sciences Faculty, University of Sciences and Technology of Houari-Boumediene, Algiers, Algeria.
| | - A F Al Mutery
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Human Genetics & Stem Cells Research Group, Research Institute of Sciences & Engineering, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Molecular Genetics Research Laboratory, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - E N Moudilou
- UMRS 449 - General Biology - Reproduction and Comparative Development, UDL; École Pratique des Hautes Études, PSL, Lyon Catholic University, Lyon, France
| | - J-M Exbrayat
- UMRS 449 - General Biology - Reproduction and Comparative Development, UDL; École Pratique des Hautes Études, PSL, Lyon Catholic University, Lyon, France
| | - S Hammouche
- USTHB, Arid Area Research Laboratory, Biological Sciences Faculty, University of Sciences and Technology of Houari-Boumediene, Algiers, Algeria
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Williams EA, Montesion M, Shah N, Sharaf R, Pavlick DC, Sokol ES, Alexander B, Venstrom J, Elvin JA, Ross JS, Williams KJ, Tse JY, Mochel MC. Melanoma with in-frame deletion of MAP2K1: a distinct molecular subtype of cutaneous melanoma mutually exclusive from BRAF, NRAS, and NF1 mutations. Mod Pathol 2020; 33:2397-2406. [PMID: 32483240 PMCID: PMC7685971 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-020-0581-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
While the genomics of BRAF, NRAS, and other key genes influencing MAP kinase (MAPK) activity have been thoroughly characterized in melanoma, mutations in MAP2K1 (MEK1) have received significantly less attention and have consisted almost entirely of missense mutations considered secondary oncogenic drivers of melanoma. Here, we investigated melanomas with in-frame deletions of MAP2K1, alterations characterized as MAPK-activating in recent experimental models. Our case archive of clinical melanoma samples with comprehensive genomic profiling by a hybrid capture-based DNA sequencing platform was searched for MAP2K1 genetic alterations. Clinical data, pathology reports, and histopathology were reviewed for each case. From a cohort of 7119 advanced melanomas, 37 unique cases (0.5%) featured small in-frame deletions in MAP2K1. These included E102_I103del (n = 11 cases), P105_A106del (n = 8), Q58_E62del (n = 6), I103_K104del (n = 5), I99_K104del (n = 3), L98_I103del (n = 3), and E41_F53del (n = 1). All 37 were wild type for BRAF, NRAS, and NF1 genomic alterations ("triple wild-type"), representing 2.0% of triple wild-type melanomas overall (37/1882). Median age was 66 years and 49% were male. The majority arose from primary cutaneous sites (35/37; 95%) and demonstrated a UV signature when available (21/25; 84%). Tumor mutational burden was typical for cutaneous melanoma (median = 9.6 mut/Mb, range 0-35.7), and frequently mutated genes included TERTp (63%), CDKN2A (46%), TP53 (11%), PTEN (8%), APC (8%), and CTNNB1 (5%). Histopathology revealed a spectrum of appearances typical of melanoma. For comparison, we evaluated 221 cases with pathogenic missense single nucleotide variants in MAP2K1. The vast majority of melanomas with missense SNVs in MAP2K1 showed co-mutations in BRAF (58%), NF1 (23%), or NRAS (18%). In-frame deletions in MAP2K1, previously shown in experimental models to be strongly MAPK-activating, characterized a significant subset of triple wild-type melanoma (2.0%), suggesting a primary oncogenic role for these mutations. Comprehensive genomic profiling of melanomas enables detection of this alteration, which may have implications for potential therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik A Williams
- Foundation Medicine, Inc., 150 Second Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141, USA.
| | - Meagan Montesion
- Foundation Medicine, Inc., 150 Second Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141, USA
| | - Nikunj Shah
- Foundation Medicine, Inc., 150 Second Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141, USA
| | - Radwa Sharaf
- Foundation Medicine, Inc., 150 Second Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141, USA
| | - Dean C Pavlick
- Foundation Medicine, Inc., 150 Second Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141, USA
| | - Ethan S Sokol
- Foundation Medicine, Inc., 150 Second Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141, USA
| | - Brian Alexander
- Foundation Medicine, Inc., 150 Second Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141, USA
| | - Jeff Venstrom
- Foundation Medicine, Inc., 150 Second Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141, USA
| | - Julia A Elvin
- Foundation Medicine, Inc., 150 Second Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Ross
- Foundation Medicine, Inc., 150 Second Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141, USA
- Department of Pathology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, 766 Irving Avenue, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Kevin Jon Williams
- Department of Physiology, Department of Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Julie Y Tse
- Foundation Medicine, Inc., 150 Second Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, 145 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Mark C Mochel
- Departments of Pathology and Dermatology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
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De Grava Kempinas W, Klinefelter GR. Interpreting histopathology in the epididymis. SPERMATOGENESIS 2015; 4:e979114. [PMID: 26413396 DOI: 10.4161/21565562.2014.979114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
While most of this Special Issue is devoted to the testis (which is where most drug and chemically induced toxicity of the male reproductive tract is identified), being able to recognize and understand the potential effects of toxicants on the epididymis is immensely important and an area that is often overlooked. The epididymis is the organ where the post-testicular sperm differentiation occurs, through a complex and still not completely understood sperm maturation process, allowing them to fertilize the oocyte. Also in the epididymis, sperm are stored until ejaculation, while being protected from immunogenic reaction by a blood-epididymis barrier. From a toxicologic perspective the epididymis is inherently complicated as its structure and function can be altered both indirectly and directly. In this review we will discuss the factors that must be considered when attempting to distinguish between indirect and direct epididymal toxicity and highlight what is currently known about mechanisms of epididymal toxicants, using the rat as a reference model. We identify 2 distinguishable signature lesions - one representing androgen deprivation (secondary to Leydig cell toxicity in the testis) and another representing a direct acting toxicant. Other commonly observed alterations will also be shown and discussed. Finally, we point out that many of the key functions of the epididymis can be altered in the absence of a detectable change in tissue structure. Collectively, we hope this will provide pathologists with increased confidence in identification of epididymal toxicity and enable more informed guidance as mechanism of action is considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilma De Grava Kempinas
- Department of Morphology; Institute of Biosciences; UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista ; Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Gary Robert Klinefelter
- National Health and Environmental Research Laboratory; Reproductive Toxicology Division; US Environmental Protection Agency ; Research Triangle Park, NC USA
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Arrotéia KF, Joazeiro PP, Pereira LAV. DOES ORCHIDOPEXY REVERT THE HISTOLOGICAL ALTERATIONS IN EPIDIDYMAL AND VAS DEFERENS CAUSED BY CRYPTORCHIDISM? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 51:109-19. [PMID: 15804865 DOI: 10.1080/014850190518080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Cryptorchidism is a pathological condition in which the testicles are retained in the abdominal cavity, resulting in atrophic seminiferous tubules. Some gross structural abnormalities and histological altercations have been described in the epididymis and vas deferens in humans with cryptorchidic testes. Orchidopexy surgery restores testicular spermatogenesis in experimental and clinical procedures, but it is still unclear whether histological changes in the epididymis and vas deferens caused by cryptorchidism may be reverted by orchidopexy. The aim of this study was to evaluated the histological changes in the epididymis and vas deferens following experimental uni- bilateral cryptorchidism in mature and immature mice, and to determine whether altercations could be reversed by orchidopexy. Young and adult C57 BL6 mice were randomized into three groups: control mice, bi/unilaterally cryptorchidic mice and bilaterally cryptorchidic mice with orchidopexy. After evaluation of testis, epididymis and vas deferens, there were no histological alterations in contralateral epididymis of mice unilaterally cryptorchidic. Ipsilateral epididymis of unilaterally cryptorchidic mice and epididymis from bilaterally cryptorchidic mice showed significant histological alterations. Orchuidopexy resorted normal spermatogenesis and the histological features of epididymis. It would appear that persistent male infertility clinically observed after orchidopexy could not be related to histological alteration in the testis and epididymis. Development and maintenance of the vas deferens seems to be controlled independently of the epididymis since it was not altered by cryptorchidism condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- K F Arrotéia
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (Unicamp) Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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McCarthy MJ, At-Taras EE, Pearl CA, Nitta-Oda BS, Roser JF, Conley AJ, Berger T. Suppression of endogenous estrogen during development affects porcine epididymal sperm maturation. Mol Reprod Dev 2006; 73:1122-8. [PMID: 16804882 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen plays an important role in male reproduction, critical for sustained fertility in some species. Reducing estrogen's interaction with its receptor(s) in monkey and mouse models is associated with reduced sperm motility and, in some cases, documented elimination of sperm fertilizing ability, suggesting that normal epididymal function may be estrogen dependent. The objective of these experiments was to evaluate the effects of reduced endogenous estrogen on development of epididymal function in the pig, a species in which males have very high levels of endogenous estrogen. Letrozole, a potent inhibitor of estrogen synthesis, was administered to neonatal boars from 1 week of age and markedly suppressed estrogen production. Epididymal function assessed as acquisition of sperm fertilizing ability (in vitro fertilization of zona-free oocytes) was reduced in Letrozole-treated animals at 24 and 28 weeks of age (23% and 30% fertilization, respectively compared with 37% and 54% in vehicle controls) but had recovered by 32 weeks of age. Cauda epididymal sperm numbers were reduced in treated animals (35% of control values at 20 weeks of age) but appeared to be recovering at 32 weeks of age. Reduction of endogenous estrogen had no effect on other aspects of epididymal function (percentage of motile sperm, sperm motion parameters, sperm head morphometrics, or ability of sperm to undergo an acrosome reaction). Reducing endogenous estrogen during postnatal development appears to have transient effects on porcine epididymal function. These transient effects suggest that the pig, with its high endogenous estrogen, may respond differently than other species to reduced estrogen synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan J McCarthy
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Davis, 95616-8521, USA
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Kawakami E, Hirano T, Hori T, Tsutsui T. Improvement in spermatogenic function after subcutaneous implantation of a capsule containing an aromatase inhibitor in four oligozoospermic dogs and one azoospermic dog with high plasma estradiol-17beta concentrations. Theriogenology 2004; 62:165-78. [PMID: 15159111 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2003.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2003] [Accepted: 09/13/2003] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A capsule containing an aromatase inhibitor (4-androsten-4-ol-3,17-dione) was subcutaneously implanted in four oligozoospermic beagle dogs and one azoospermic beagle dog with high plasma estradiol-17beta (E2) concentrations (15-19 pg/ml) and low plasma testosterone (T) concentrations (0.6-0.8 ng/ml) for 8 weeks and the effect of the aromatase inhibitor on spermatogenic dysfunction was assessed. Plasma E2 and T concentrations and semen quality were examined at 1 week intervals from 3 weeks before to 12 weeks after the start of treatment. Testicular biopsies were done twice (capsule implantation and removal). Plasma E2 concentrations of all dogs decreased (9-14 pg/ml) and plasma T concentrations increased (2.0-2.6 ng/ml) from 3 weeks after capsule implantation to capsule removal. The mean number of spermatozoa ejaculated by all four oligozoospermic dogs between 4 and 9 weeks after implantation was higher (127 x 10(6) to 205 x 10(6)) than before implantation (20 x 10(6) to 38 x 10(6)) (P < 0.05 and 0.01). Very low numbers (2 x 10(4) to 4 x 10(4)) of immotile spermatozoa were observed between 7 and 8 weeks after implantation in the semen collected from the dog with azoospermia. Before implantation, a few spermatozoa were seen in only one-fifth of the seminiferous tubules in this dog; 8 weeks after implantation, the mean diameter and mean number of round spermatids in the seminiferous tubules in all five dogs were higher than before implantation (P < 0.05). Implantation of the capsule containing the aromatase inhibitor in infertile dogs with abnormally high plasma E2 concentrations improved their spermatogenic function, concurrent with decreased plasma E2 and increased plasma T.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiichi Kawakami
- Department of Reproduction, Nippon Veterinary and Animal Science University, 1-7-1 Kyonan-cho, Musashino-shi, Tokyo 180-8602, Japan
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Abstract
A sandwich e.l.i.s.a. method was developed to examine the distribution of lactoferrin in mouse reproductive tract. The lactoferrin concentration was found to be much higher in oviduct, uterus, vagina, vas deferens or epididymis than in serum, but the concentration in ovary, testis, seminal vesicle, prostate or coagulating gland was comparable with that in serum. The existence of lactoferrin in male sexual organs was confirmed by Western-blot analyses for tissue proteins. Lactoferrin in male sexual organs was shown to have a molecular mass similar to that of the deglycosylated form of lactoferrin purified from mouse uterine luminal fluid. Northern-blot analyses for total RNA prepared from male sexual organs indicated that only epididymis contained the lactoferrin mRNA. The lactoferrin mRNA was found in the prepubertal period and increased with the growth of epididymis. The mRNA level in prepubertal epididymis could be stimulated by 17 beta-oestradiol, but was not influenced by testosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- L C Yu
- Institute of Biochemical Science, College of Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei
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Palacios J, Regadera J, Paniagua R, Gamallo C, Nistal M. Immunohistochemistry of the human ductus epididymis. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 1993; 235:560-6. [PMID: 7682039 DOI: 10.1002/ar.1092350408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Our objective was to characterize epithelial cells, lamina propria, and sites of estrogen coupling in the caput, corpus, and cauda regions of the human epididymis using antibodies to cytokeratin types; epithelial membrane antigen; laminin; type IV collagen; vimentin; desmin-, and estradiol-receptor-related protein; and immuno-histochemical techniques. Principal cells immunostain by both AE1/AE3 antibodies (keratins 1-8, 10, 13-15, and 19) and anti-pan-keratin antibodies (keratin 5, 6, and 8). Immunoreactions to both anti-keratin antibodies increase from the caput to the cauda epididymis. The principal cells only immunostained by anti-keratin 19 antibodies in the cauda and showed no reaction to keratins 10 and 11. Basal cells and apical cells immunoreact to anti-AE1/AE3, antipankeratin, and antikeratin 19 antibodies, but not to antikeratin 10 and 11 antibodies, in all three epididymal regions. The principal cells immunoreact with epithelial membrane antigen antibodies in the stereocilia and subjacent cytoplasm. This immunostaining decreased from the caput to the cauda. Antivimentin antibodies stained the apical cytoplasm of principal cells and limited areas of both principal cells and basal cells. This immunoreaction decreased from the caput to cauda. Apical cells immunostained in the three regions. Immunoreaction to ER-D5 was moderate in the principal cells, basal cells, apical cells, and muscular coat cells in the cauda. The apical cells immunostained in the three regions. Antilaminin antibodies stained the epithelial basement membrane in the three regions. Type IV collagen was detected in the basement membrane as well as around the muscular coat cells in the three regions. Immunoreaction to desmin was intense in the muscular coat cells in the three regions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- J Palacios
- Department of Pathology, La Paz Hospital, Madrid, Spain
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Goyal HO, Williams CS. Regional differences in the morphology of the goat epididymis: a light microscopic and ultrastructural study. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF ANATOMY 1991; 190:349-69. [PMID: 2058569 DOI: 10.1002/aja.1001900404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The goat epididymis, based on morphological differences, was divided into five regions; regions I and II, and the proximal part of region III constituted the head; the distal part of region III and region IV, the body; and region V, the tail. The epithelium of all regions contained principal and basal epithelial cells and intraepithelial lymphocytes and macrophages. In addition, regions II to IV also contained a few apical cells. Clear cells were absent. The epithelium varied in height from the tallest in region I (88 +/- 33 microns) to the shortest in region V (38 +/- 5 microns). Conversely, the luminal diameter, thickness of smooth muscle wall, and luminal sperm concentration were highest in region V. The irregular epithelial height of regions I and IV accounted for a stellate lumen in contrast to the oval lumen of the other regions. Whereas the lumen of region I contained only a few sperm, those of regions II, III, and IV were filled with sperm. Principal cells were the only cell type that showed striking cytological differences between regions. While they contained absorptive features (canaliculi, pinocytotic and coated vesicles, and subapical vacuoles) in all regions, the principal cells of region II were filled with large, heterogeneous vacuoles (up to 5 microns in diameter), suggesting that they may be preferentially involved in transporting and digesting particulate material. Besides absorptive features, principal cells of all regions contained morphological correlates of protein synthesis such as highly developed Golgi complexes in the supranuclear area and numerous cisternae of RER near the Golgi body and in the infranuclear cytoplasm. The cisternae of RER were more developed in region IV, and in some instances, they were distended with flocculent material resembling newly synthesized protein. Unlike the protein synthesizing organelles, principal cells of all regions lacked morphological correlates of steroid hormone synthesis. These results are compared with previously published data on the regional differences in the epididymis of other species, especially with those of the rat and the bull, in an effort to understand the significance of the epididymis in sperm maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- H O Goyal
- Department of Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Tuskegee University, Alabama 36088
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