Number of germ cells in the seminiferous epithelium was analyzed quantitatively in testicular biopsy specimens of 23 patients without ductal obstruction and of 4 patients with ductal obstruction. Roth number of mature spermatids within each cross-section of seminiferous tubule and number of atrophic tubule were counted in biopsy specimens. Results were expressed as cell number of mature spermatids per seminiferous tubule and percentage of atrophic tubules. A significant correlation was demonstrated between sperm density and mature spermatid counts. Patients with sperm counts of less than 40 x l0(6)/ml had mature spermatids counts of less than 25 per seminiferous tubule. Coefficients of correlation between mature spermatid count and percentage of atrophic tubules were higher than those of correlation between sperm counts and percentage of atrophic tubules. In asoospermrc patients with epididymal obstruction, sperm count after corrective surgery could be predicted correctly by this quantitative analysis technique of testicular biopsy specimens and partial obstruction of anastomotic site of seminal tract could be proved in oligozoospermic patients after corrective surgery.
Biopsy ; Cell Count ; Germ Cells ; Humans* ; Seminiferous Epithelium* ; Seminiferous Tubules ; Sperm Count ; Spermatids ; Spermatozoa ; Testis*

The present study examined the efficacy of Ocimum basilicum (basil) extract, a natural herb, with antioxidant properties, against testicular toxicity induced by cadmium (Cd), which is one of the most important toxic heavy metals. The intoxicated rats showed significant alterations in the testicular tissue including decreased seminiferous epithelium height and changes in the arrangement of spermatogenic layers. Hypospermatogensis with cytoplasmic vacuolization and pyknotic nuclei were observed. Intertubular hemorrahage and absence of spermatozoa were noted. Decreased cell proliferation was reflected by a decrease in Ki-67 expression, whereas the increase in apoptotic rate was associated with a decrease in the Bcl/Bax ratio. Concomitant treatment with aqueous basil extract led to an improvement in histological, morphometrical and immunohistochemical changes induced by Cd. The beneficial effects of basil extract could be attributed to its antioxidant properties.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; Cadmium ; Cell Proliferation ; Cytoplasm ; Metals, Heavy ; Ocimum ; Ocimum basilicum ; Rats ; Seminiferous Epithelium ; Spermatozoa ; Testis

Evidence of the antigenicity of testis and semen was first presented at the end of the last century. Landsteiner (1899), Metchnikoff (1900), and Metalnikoff (1900) demonstrated the induction of a spermotoxic antibody in animals sensitized with testicular homogenate or semen; this antibody was capable of immobilizing sperm cells. The earliest manifestation of homologous type of antisperm sensitization (Kennedy, 1924) was the immobilization of spermatozoa, and in some cases atrophy of germinal epithelium, following repeated injection of testicular homogenate or epidydimal sperm. Ryoo and Kim (1982) reported that spermatogenesis was adversely affected with degeneration and sloughing of germinal cells of the seminiferous tubules in the mice which were immunized with testis homogenate plus complete Freund's adjuvant. The purpose of this study was to observe the effect of antitesticular rabbit serum produced against rat testis on spermatogenesis in rat. The results were as follows: 1.Theseminiferous tubules showed mild to moderate impairment of spermatogenesis such as degeneration and exfoliation of germinal epithelium in all experimental groups. Intraluminal spermatozoa of seminiferous tubules were decreased in number. Interspaces of seminiferous tubules were wider than normal and were infiltrated with mononuclear cells with some hemorrhage. 2. Intraluminal spermatozoa of the epididymides were markedly decreased in number but immature sperm cells were observed much more often than in normal control group.
Animals ; Atrophy ; Epithelium ; Freund's Adjuvant ; Hemorrhage ; Immobilization ; Mice ; Rats* ; Semen ; Seminiferous Tubules ; Spermatogenesis ; Spermatozoa ; Testis*

The undescended testis is more liable to develop malignant disease than one in its normal anatomical position. This was recognized in 1918 by Gordon-Taylor, who saw two patients with malignant growths in an undescended right testis, regarded by others as having an appendix abscess. The tumor arising from seminiferous epithelium was given the name seminoma by Chevassu of Paris in 1906. He also sponsored the radical operation for malignant tumors of the testis. Subsequent therapeutic experience has shown such tumors to be usually radio-sensitive. Testicular tumors are rare. Figures for the incidence of such tumors are variable. Patton, Seitzman and Hewitt in a review 672 cases of testicular tumors found the incidence to present about 1 per cent of all malignant conditions in the male. It is well recognized that ectopic testis has a malignant potentiality greater than a normally placed testis. In a review of 7.000 recorded cases of testicular tumors by Gilbert and Hamilton (1940), 840 cases were found in undescended testes. They were observed that neoplasms are for more common in ectopic testes than in scrotal testes. Of patients with unilateral cryptorchidism and one testis tumor, 96. 8 per cent, had the tumor in the undescended testis. There is some suggestion of higher incidence of tumor in the testis retained in the inguinal canal than in the abdomen. Seminoma is the most common tumor to occur in abdominal ectopic testes. Intra-abdominal seminoma usually presents with secondary signs and symptoms, due to the anatomical position of the tumor. A case of seminoma in bilateral undescended testes, found in 29 years old Korean male is reported and added to the literature.
Abdomen ; Abscess ; Adult ; Appendix ; Cryptorchidism* ; Humans ; Incidence ; Inguinal Canal ; Male ; Seminiferous Epithelium ; Seminoma* ; Testicular Neoplasms ; Testis

OBJECTIVETo explore a simple and feasible technique to locate proteins during spermatogenesis.

METHODSVarious germ cells and somatic cells were separated by collagenase I and DNase I after the albuginea was removed. The cells were then smeared, dyed, and observed directly under fluorescence and confocal microscopy.

RESULTSGerm cells at different steps were successfully identified by specific dyestuffs for acrosome and nucleolus.

CONCLUSIONA simple method for locating proteins during spermatogenesis was successfully developed.

Animals ; Cell Separation ; methods ; Cells, Cultured ; Male ; Mice ; Seminiferous Epithelium ; cytology ; Spermatozoa ; cytology

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the morphological aspects of testicular tissue before and after freezing-thawing by light and transmission electron microscopy. METHODS: Tissue biopsies were carried out on mouse testis for freezing. Samples in medium containing 20% glycerol were frozen by computer-controlled freezing program. The effect of freezing-thawing on the structural change of testicular tissues were examined by light and electron microscopy. RESULTS: The freezing-thawing procedure had no significant effect on tubular diameter. However, it caused folding of the lamina propria, and notable damage to Sertoli cells, spermatogonia and spermatocytes. The cells were detached, desquamated from the basal lamina and had increased vacuolization. Round spermatids, elongated spermatids and spermatozoa were less affected, and most of them maintained their normal structure. CONCLUSIONS: The structure of spermatogonia, spermatocyte and basal compartments in seminiferous epithelium was significantly altered by freezing-thawing procedure of mouse testicular tissues. Thus, we need to develop a more reliable method for the cryopreservation of testicular tissues.
Animals ; Basement Membrane ; Biopsy ; Cryopreservation ; Freezing ; Glycerol ; Mice* ; Microscopy, Electron ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Mucous Membrane ; Seminiferous Epithelium ; Seminiferous Tubules ; Sertoli Cells ; Spermatids ; Spermatocytes ; Spermatogonia ; Spermatozoa ; Testis

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the morphological aspects of testicular tissue before and after freezing-thawing by light and transmission electron microscopy. METHODS: Tissue biopsies were carried out on mouse testis for freezing. Samples in medium containing 20% glycerol were frozen by computer-controlled freezing program. The effect of freezing-thawing on the structural change of testicular tissues were examined by light and electron microscopy. RESULTS: The freezing-thawing procedure had no significant effect on tubular diameter. However, it caused folding of the lamina propria, and notable damage to Sertoli cells, spermatogonia and spermatocytes. The cells were detached, desquamated from the basal lamina and had increased vacuolization. Round spermatids, elongated spermatids and spermatozoa were less affected, and most of them maintained their normal structure. CONCLUSIONS: The structure of spermatogonia, spermatocyte and basal compartments in seminiferous epithelium was significantly altered by freezing-thawing procedure of mouse testicular tissues. Thus, we need to develop a more reliable method for the cryopreservation of testicular tissues.
Animals ; Basement Membrane ; Biopsy ; Cryopreservation ; Freezing ; Glycerol ; Mice* ; Microscopy, Electron ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Mucous Membrane ; Seminiferous Epithelium ; Seminiferous Tubules ; Sertoli Cells ; Spermatids ; Spermatocytes ; Spermatogonia ; Spermatozoa ; Testis

Cimetidine is an H2 receptor antagonist that has an antiandrogenic effect. It intervenes with the conversion of testosterone into estrogen in the Sertoli cells with accompanying testicular structural changes. In the present study, the microscopic and the ultrastructural changes induced by cimetidine and the effect of vitamin B12 as a protective agent on rat testes were studied. Immunoexpression of estrogen receptor β (ERβ) in testes was evaluated. Twenty-four adult male rats were divided into four groups: control, cimetidine-treated, vitamin B12 treated, and combined cimetidine and vitamin B12 treated. The experimental rats were administered with cimetidine and/or vitamin B12 for 52 days. Group II rats showed marked atrophy of the seminiferous tubules with a significant increase in tubular diameter and decrease in the tubular luminal and epithelial areas. Ultrastructure of this group showed irregular Sertoli cells with basal cytoplasmic vacuolation and significantly thickened basement membrane. ERβ immunoexpression was similar to controls. Group III rats showed near normal seminiferous tubular structures with minimal cellular alterations and the immunoreactivity of the testicular sections was very close to normal. However, group IV rats showed markedly immunopositive detached cells, spermatids, and primary spermatocytes. Cimetidine interferes with the control of spermatogenesis as evidenced by microscopic and ultrastructural studies and affection of ERβ receptors and vitamin B12 has a protective action against this harmful effect.
Adult ; Animals ; Basement Membrane ; Cimetidine ; Cytoplasm ; Estrogens ; Humans ; Male ; Phenobarbital ; Rats* ; Seminiferous Epithelium* ; Seminiferous Tubules ; Sertoli Cells ; Spermatids ; Spermatocytes ; Spermatogenesis ; Testis ; Testosterone ; Vitamin B 12* ; Vitamins*

OBJECTIVETo explore the apoptosis and the express of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in spermatogenic cells, and study generation function of the rabbit after scrotal reconstruction with flaps.

METHODSThe 48 New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into three groups as experimental group (the scrotum reconstructed with flaps, n = 48), the control group (the sham operated group, n = 24) and the blank group (n = 18). The apoptosis and the expression of PCNA in the spermatogenic cells were detected with TUNEL and the immunohistochemistry from the 3rd to the 8th week after operation. 8 weeks later, 12 animals in each group were fed respectively with one female rabbit to observe the procreation.

RESULTSThe apoptotic index of the spermatogenic cells in blank group was 7.73 +/- 4.95. 3 weeks after operation, the apoptotic index of spermatogenic cells was 22.59 +/- 3.04 in the experimental group, and 21.13 +/- 1.68 in control group, showing no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). 8 weeks after operation, the apoptotic index of spermatogenic cells was 71.85 +/- 2.69 in the experimental group, and 13.64 +/- 2.09 in control group, show a significant difference between them (P < 0.05). The apoptotic index in experimental group increased gradually from the 3rd to 8th week after scrotal reconstruction , which was markedly higher than that in the blank group (P < 0.05). The apoptotic index in control group was higher than that in the blank group at the 3rd week (P < 0.05), but not at the 8th week (P > 0.05). The proliferation index of spermatogenic cells was 9.32 +/- 9.30 and 12.52 +/- 3.87 in experimental group at the 3rd and 4th week, respectively, which was significantly lower than that in blank group (43.07 +/- 2.25) and control group (45.69 +/- 4.98) at the 3rd week (P < 0.05). The proliferation index of spermatogenic cells was 46.98 +/- 18.92 and 49.53 +/- 9.79 in experimental group at the 7th and 8th week, respectively, 39.90 +/- 5.10 in control group at the 8th week, showing no difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). The proliferation index of spermatogenic cells in control group at the 3rd and 8th week was not different from that in the blank group (P > 0.05). The female pairing rabbits in the blank and control group were all pregnant, and the average childbirths were 6.0 +/- 1.28 and 5.92 +/- 1.31 respectively, with no difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). All the female pairing rabbits in the experimental group were not pregnant, showing a significant difference from those in the blank and control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe rabbit generation functional disturbance after scrotal reconstruction with flaps is due to the excessive apoptosis of spermatogenic cell. The spermatogenic cell proliferation is affected only in the early postoperative period, but can recover later.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; Cell Proliferation ; Male ; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen ; metabolism ; Rabbits ; Scrotum ; surgery ; Seminiferous Epithelium ; cytology ; Skin Transplantation ; Surgical Flaps

OBJECTIVESTo investigate the effects of newborn bull serum(NBS), vitamin C and vitamin E on cryopreservation of mouse seminiferous epithelial cells.

METHODSThe seminiferous epithelial cells from 7-day-old mice were cryopreserved in different freezing solutions. The cell recoveries were examined by Trypan blue exclusive staining after thawing. The freezing solutions composed of DMEM, 10% dimethylsulphoxide(DMSO), and 0, 5%, 10%, or 20% NBS, respectively, or composed of DMEM, 10% DMSO, 10% NBS, and 150 micrograms/ml vitamin C or 50 micrograms/ml vitamin E, respectively.

RESULTSThe cell recoveries in freezing solution containing 0, 5%, 10%, or 20% NBS were 83.4%, 84.7%, 85.7% and 83.6%, respectively. There were no significant differences between them. The cell recoveries in freezing solution containing vitamin C or vitamin E were 88.0% and 82.9%, respectively. There was no significant differences compared with that in freezing solution containing 10% DMSO and 10% NBS.

CONCLUSIONSNBS, vitamin C and vitamin E have no significant protecting effects on mouse seminiferous epithelial cells, and can not significantly improve the cell recoveries.

Animals ; Ascorbic Acid ; pharmacology ; Cattle ; Cryopreservation ; Epithelial Cells ; physiology ; Fetal Blood ; physiology ; Male ; Mice ; Seminiferous Epithelium ; cytology ; Vitamin K ; pharmacology