• Applied Microscopy
• /
• 제22권2호
• /
• pp.127-140
• /
• 1992

This research was undertaken to determine the effects of the cyclophosphamide (CP) on the epididymal corpus of the male rat in terms of ultrastructural alteration and protein analysis by SDS-PAGE at different groups; control group, 1 week group, 3 weeks group and 5 weeks group were treated with saline (control group) or CP at doses of 20mg/kg/week, 1 time a week, respectively. In the cytoplasm of the principal cells on the epididymal corpus, the mitochondria were significantly swollen or disrupted. The lumens of rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) were also dilated and the number of secretory vesicles and lysosomes were increased respectively. CP caused changes in protein concentrations in the corpus of epididymis after CP treatment. Total proteins of 31 to 36 species were expressed in the corpus fluid. Then the more CP was increased, the more concentration of proteins caused to decrease, synthesize or increase in epididymal corpus. In contrast to the control group, in particular 88KD and the other 8 proteins in the corpus fluid, were decreased or disappeared respectively, whereas acid phosphatase and the other 9 proteins in the corpus fluid, were increased or synthesized respectively. The other proteins are not showed distinctive difference. It is suggested that treatment with CP alters the specific cell organelles and proteins in segment of the epididymal corpus.

• 한국수의병리학회지
• /
• 제2권1호
• /
• pp.47-52
• /
• 1998

The incidence of spontaneous testicular atrophy and its morphological changes during stage-specific spermatogenesis were investigated in male Sprague-Dawley rats at 10, 19, and 32 weeks of age. The incidence of testicular atrophy was 0.2%(2/90) 7.9%(9/114) and 10%(4/40) in 4, 13 and 26 weeks respectively. The epididymis with testicular atrophy had low sperm density. In the minimally affected tests scattered tubules showed complete depletion of germ cells without stage specificity. Testes with moderate to severe testicular atrophy showed seminiferous tubules lined with dense Sertoli cell population. While Leydig cells in the interstitium appeared hypertrophy they were immunohistochemically negative for proliferating cell nuclear antigen a marker of cell proliferation.

• 한국발생생물학회지:발생과생식
• /
• 제13권2호
• /
• pp.105-114
• /
• 2009

알킬화제로 잘 알려진 ethane 1,2-dimethane sulfonate(EDS)는 여러 종에서 선택적인 Leydig 세포(LC) 독성과 정소 기능장애에 연구 모델로 널리 사용된다. EDS 투여에 의해 유도된 LC 녹아웃 흰쥐의 경우, 부정소와 저정낭과 같은 테스토스테론 의존성 부속 생식기관들의 급격한 무게 감소가 초래됨이 이전의 연구들에게 보고되었다. 본 연구는 EDS투여가 흰쥐 부속 생식기관에 미치는 영향에 대해 조사한 것이다. 생체 수컷 흰쥐에 EDS를 1회 주사(75 mg/kg, i.p.)한 후 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7주 후에 각각 희생시겼다. 정소와 부정소, 저정낭 그리고 전립선의 무게를 각각 측정하였다. 조직의 변화는 hematoxylin & eosin 염색과 광학현미경을 통하여 분석하였다. 생식소와 그 부속기관의 무게는 EDS 처리 후 3주 까지는 점진적으로 감소하였고, 이후 서서히 정상으로 회복되었다. 부정소의 무게는 정상 수준의 60%까지 회복되는 양상을 보였다. 조직학적 결과에서 부정소의 상피세포층은 주사 후 1주에서 3주까지 비대해지는 것이 관찰되었다. 저정낭에서는 주사 후 1주부터 3주까지 상피세포층의 두께가 감소하였다. 전립선 역시 주사 후 1주에서 3주까지 상피세포층의 두께가 감소되고, 4주부터 회복되었다. 본 연구는 EDS 주사에 의해 일시적으로 안드로겐 결핍이 일어난 흰쥐에서 부속 생식기관에 뚜렷한 조직학적 변화가 일어남을 보였다. EDS 모델을 사용하여 이들 안드로겐 의존적인 부속 생식기관의 생리적, 분자적인 조절 기작에 대해 심층 연구할 경우 이들 조직의 정상 및 병리학적 발생과 분화를 이해하는데 도움이 될 것이다.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• 제7권6호
• /
• pp.453-459
• /
• 2013

The abnormal content of blood lipids often results in metabolic diseases, such as hyperlipidemia and obesity. Many agents, including natural sources from traditional food, have been developed to regulate the blood lipid contents. In this study, we examined the anti-hyperlipidemic activity of Rhynchosia nulubilis seeds pickled with brown rice vinegar (RNSpBRV), a Korean traditional pickled soybean food. Since RNSpBRV is made of R. nulubilis seeds (RNS) soaked in brown rice vinegar (BRV), we compared the anti-adipogenic activity between RNS, BRV and solid fraction of RNSpBRV (SF-RNSpBRV), liquid fraction of RNSpBRV (LF-RNSpBRV). For this, the inhibitory effect of lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocyte was checked by adding methanol extracts of mixed RNS and BRV, LF-RNSpBRV, and SF-RNSpBRV. The addition of each methanol extract up to 1 mg/ml showed no cytotoxicity on 3T3-L1 adipocyte, and approximately 20% of the lipid droplet formation was suppressed with the methanol extract of BRL or SF-RNSpBRV. The highest suppression (42.1%) was achieved with LF-RNSpBRV. In addition, mice fed a high fat diet (HFD) supplemented with 5% RNSpBRV powder led to increased high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and lower blood glucose, triglyceride, and total cholesterol compared to mice fed with a HFD diet only. Interestingly, the size of the epididymis cells gradually decreased in HFD + 1% RNSpBRV and HFD + 5% RNSpBRV-fed mice if compared those of HFD-fed mice. Taken together, these results provide evidence that RNSpBRV has a regulatory role in lipid metabolism that is related to hyperlipidemia.

• Applied Microscopy
• /
• 제46권4호
• /
• pp.193-200
• /
• 2016

Male reproductive organs are strongly affected by estrogen signaling mediated via the estrogen receptor. In this study, propyl pyrazole triol (PPT), an estrogen receptor alpha agonist, was subcutaneously injected in adult male mice every 2 days for a total duration of 8, 16, or 24 days. Histological changes in the reproductive organs, including the testes, efferent ductules, and epididymides, were observed. The weight of the reproductive organs decreased in the PPT group. In addition, the diameter of the seminiferous tubules decreased in the PPT group compared with the control group. The epithelial cell height decreased in the initial segment of the epididymis, whereas the luminal diameter increased in the efferent ductules of the PPT group. PPT induced irregular morphology of stereocilia in the luminal region of the initial segment. Therefore, PPT treatment at high concentrations had inhibitory effects in the reproductive organs of adult male mice. These findings suggest that short-term treatment with estrogen receptor agonist causes histological changes in the testes, efferent ductules, and epididymis, which are similar to those caused by estrogen receptor antagonist treatment. Therefore, the estrogen receptor may have functional roles in male reproductive organs, implying that treatment with an estrogen receptor agonist can affect male fertility.

• 한국발생생물학회지:발생과생식
• /
• 제18권3호
• /
• pp.161-166
• /
• 2014

Previously, we demonstrated that the shift and/or restriction of feeding time during relatively short-term period (4 weeks) could alter the pituitary gonadotropin expression and the weights of seminal vesicle and prostate in rats. We also found that the reverse feeding (RF) schedule (up to 8 weeks) might induce an adaptable metabolic stress and cause impairment of androgen-dependent reproductive tissues. In the present study, we extended the RF time regimen up to 12 weeks, and measured the reproductive tissue weights. After 4 and 8 weeks of RF, the weights of epididymis were not significantly different. After 12 weeks, however, epididymis weights of RF animals were significantly different (CON 12W : RF 12W = $48.26{\pm}0.62mg$ : $44.05{\pm}1.57mg$, p<0.05). After 4 and 12 weeks of feeding, seminal vesicle weights of RF animals were significantly decreased (CON 4W : RF 4W = $79.36{\pm}8.34mg$ : $46.28{\pm}2.43mg$, p<0.001; CON 12W : RF 12W = $72.04{\pm}3.76mg$ : $46.71{\pm}2.27mg$, p<0.001, respectively). Prostate weights were not changed by RF. Kidney and spleen weights of RF animals were significantly different on weeks 4 and 12 (Kidney, CON 4W : RF 4W = $249.72{\pm}4.20mg$ : $228.41{\pm}3.03mg$, p<0.001; CON 12W : RF 12W = $309.15{\pm}7.49mg$ : $250.72{\pm}6.13mg$, p<0.001, respectively, Spleen, CON 4W : RF 4W = $111.26{\pm}3.76mg$ : $96.88{\pm}4.69mg$, p<0.05; CON 12W : RF 12W = $123.93{\pm}10.72mg$ : $94.68{\pm}5.65mg$, p<0.05, respectively). Histology analysis of seminal vesicle revealed that the thinner epithelial cell layers, reduced complexities of swollen papilla folding in the exocrine glands on weeks 4 and 12 of RF. There was no histological difference between control and RF group on week 8. The present study indicates that up to 12 weeks RF induced differential changes in tissue weights of male mice. In particular, seminal vesicle, kidney and spleen seemed to temporarily adapted to the RF-induced metabolic stress on week 8 of feeding schedule. These results confirmed the our previous study that the RF might induce an adaptable metabolic stress and cause impairment of androgen-dependent reproductive tissues such as epididymis and seminal vesicle as well as non-reproductive tissues such as kidney and spleen. Further studies will be needed to achieve a better understanding of the how does mealtime shift affect the reproductive function and exact nature of adaptation.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• 제23권12호
• /
• pp.1566-1577
• /
• 2010

Nandrolone, 19-nortestosterone, is a synthetic androgenic-anabolic steroid promoting muscle growth. Nandrolone is also present in pig meat and sera at non-negligible levels. A number of scientific reports have suggested a positive relationship between incidence of infertility and increased meat consumption in humans. The present study was designed to determine out the effect of feeding nandrolone on the testis of the male reproductive tract. Mixtures of food and nandrolone at different concentrations (0.005 ppm and 0.5 ppm) were supplied to pubertal male rats for 6 weeks. Body weight was recorded every week during the entire experimental period. At the end of the treatment, the testis, epididymis, and epididymal fat were collected and weighted. Sperm numbers in the caudal epididymis were counted. Differential gene or protein expression of steroidogenic enzymes in the testes among experimental groups was determined by semi-quantitative real-time PCR or western blotting analysis, respectively. Histological changes of the testis induced by nandrolone treatment were examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Immunohistochemical analysis was employed to detect changes in the localization of steroidogenic enzymes in the testes among experimental animals. There were no significant changes on body, testis, epididymis, and epididymal fat weights among experimental groups. A significant increase of caudal sperm number was found in the 0.5 ppm nandrolone-treated group. Histological examination of the testes noted a high frequency of germ cell sloughing in seminiferous tubules of 0.5 ppm nandrolone-treated rats. Even though transcript levels of $3{\beta}$-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) I, $17{\beta}$-HSD4, and $17{\alpha}$-hydroxylase were influenced by nandrolone treatments, protein levels of all molecules examined in the present study were not significantly affected. Immunohistochemical analysis showed no visible changes in the localization of steroidogenic enzymes in the testes among experimental groups. The current study showed that oral intake of nandrolone in male rats for 6 weeks did not cause significant damage to the testis. It is considered that a feeding effect of nandrolone on male fertility would not be remarkable.

• 한국가축번식학회지
• /
• 제23권1호
• /
• pp.29-36
• /
• 1999

본 연구는 Hamster 정소상체 정자의 운동성에 영향을 미치는 methylxanthine derivatives 의 효과를 알아보고자 수행하였다 . Pentoxifylline 을 첨가하였을 때 운동 형태에 대한 첨가효과는 정소상체 체부에서 차이를 보였으며, 농도에 대한 변화는 1 mM 농도군에서 현저한 차이를 나타냈다. 2-Deoxya-denosine 첨가군에서도 pentoxifylline 첨가군과 같이 특히 VCL 이 정소상체 체부 정자부터 증가하였으며 다른 농도군에 비해 1 mM 과 2 mM 에서 차이가 났다. Hypoxanthine 첨가군은 1 mM 농도에서 다른 첨가군에 비해 운동 형태가 증가하였다. 그러나 pentoxifylline 과 adenosine 첨가군과는 달리 농도를 달리하여도 뚜렷한 운동형태의 변화는 관찰되지 않았다. VCL 과 VAP 는 pentoxifylline 1 mM 과 2-Deoxyadenosine 1 mM 첨가군에서 정소상체 체부 정자의 운동성이 증가하고 hypoxanthine 1 mM 첨가군도 유의하게 증가하였다. 결론적으로 hamster 정소상체 정자의 운동성은 적정한 농도의 methylxanthine derivatives 의 첨가로 증가됨을 알 수 있었다.

• 한국발생생물학회지:발생과생식
• /
• 제11권3호
• /
• pp.187-193
• /
• 2007

Ethane 1,2-dimethane sulfonate(EDS)는 Leydig 세포의 선별적 사멸을 유도하는 약물로서 가역적인 테스토스테론 결핍 흰쥐를 만드는데 널리 사용된다. 부정소의 구조와 기능 유지는 크게 보아 정소에서 분비되는 테스토스테론에 의존적이지만, 테스토스테론으로부터 유도되는 dihydroxytestosterone(DHT)와 에스트로겐도 중요한 역할을 한다. 본 연구에서는 EDS 주사 후 7주까지 부정소에서의 스테로이드 호르몬 수용체, cyctochrome P450aromatase(P450arom)와 $5{\alpha}$-reductase의 유전자 발현 양상을 조사하였다. 성숙한 수컷 흰쥐($350{\sim}400\;g$)에 EDS를 1회 복강 주사하고(75 mg/kg i.p.) 주사 후 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7주가 경과한 날에 희생하였다. 표적 유전자들의 전사 활성은 반 정량적 역전사 중합효소 반응법(semi-quantitative RT-PCRs)으로 측정하였다. Estrogen receptor alpha($ER{\alpha}$) 전사 수준은 EDS 실험군에서 대조군에 비해 주사 1주후에 유의하게 상승했으나(P<0.01) 2주 후부터는 대조군과 유의적인 차이를 보이지 않았다. Estrogen receptor beta($ER{\beta}$)의 전사 수준은 주사 1주후 EDS 실험군에서 대조군에 비해 유의하게 증가했다가(P<0.05), 2주와 3주에는 감소하였고(P<0.05와 P<0.01), 4주와 6주까지는 변동폭을 보이다가 7주 후에는 대조군에 비해 증가하였다(P<0.05). Androgen receptor(AR) 전사 수준은 주사 2주 후에 유의하게 증가하다가(P<0.01) 3주 후부터는 대조군 수준으로 회복하였다. 반면, P450arom는 주사 1주 후부터 3주까지 급격하게 감소했다가(P<0.01 1주와 2주; P<0.05 3주), 4주에 대조군 수준으로 회복하였다. $5{\alpha}$-reductase type 2($5{\alpha}$-RT2)의 mRNA 수준은 4주 후 유의하게 증가했다가(P<0.01), 이후 대조군 수준으로 회복하였다. 본 연구는 EDS 주사가 성 스테로이드 호르몬 수용체들과 안드로겐 전환 효소들의 전사 활성에 가역적인 변화를 유도함을 보여준 것이다. EDS 주사 모델은 부정소의 생리 조절 기작을 이해하는데 유용할 것으로 사료된다.

• Toxicological Research
• /
• 제16권2호
• /
• pp.163-172
• /
• 2000

Recently, there is a worldwide concern that a great number of man-made chemicals have a hormone-like action both in humans and in animals. DECD is developing screening programs using validated test systems to determine whether certain substances may have an effect in humans. In the present study. the establishment oj repeated-dose toxicity test method was tried. Flutamide. an anti-androgenic agent. was administered by gavage to Sprague-Dawley rats for 28 days at dose levels of 0. 0.5. 3 and 18 mg/kg body weight (10-15 rats/sex/group) to examine the effects on general findings. especially reproductive and endocrine parameters. Clinical signs. body weights, food consumption, and sexual cycle were checked and measured. For the gross and microscopic examinations. 10 rats/sex/group were sacrificed at the end of dosing period and the remaining animals of control and high dose groups (5 each) were sacrificed after 14 days recovery. Examinations for hematology and clinical chemistry were carried out at necropsy. There were no treatment-related changes in clinical signs. body weights, food consumption. gross necropsy. hematology and clinical chemistry at all doses of both sexes. The period and regularity of sexual cycle were not adversely affected at all doses by the test agent. At 18 mg/kg. both decreased weights of prostate, seminal vesicle and epididymis in males and increased weights of spleen and thymus in females were observed. In addition, decreased number of spermatids and sperms. increased serum testosterone concentration and increased incidence (100%) of interstitial cell hyperplasia were seen in males. At 18 mg/kg of the recovery group. decreased prostate weight. reduced sperm count and increased incidence (20%) of interstitial cell hyperplasia in males and increased thymus weight in females were observed. At 3 mg/kg. reduced sperm count was found. There were no adverse effects on parameters examined at 0.5 mg/kg of both sexes. The results suggested that the potential target organs of flutamide may be accessory sexual glands including testes for males and spleen and thymus for females. Taken together. this test method was found to be a useful screening test system for endocrine disrupting chemicals.