The ultrastructure of germ cells in foetal and neonatal male rats

Development ◽  
1964 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 289-308
Author(s):  
L. L. Franchi ◽  
Anita M. Mandl
Keyword(s):  
Germ Cells ◽  
Tunica Albuginea ◽  
Sex Differentiation ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Histological Changes ◽  
Male Germ Cells ◽  
Quantitative Studies ◽  
Prophase Of Meiosis ◽  
Medullary Cords

The Gonads of the rat undergo sex differentiation on the 14th day post coitum (p.c.), the testis becoming clearly distinguishable by the presence of an incipient tunica albuginea. The male germ cells become incorporated into medullary cords (the precursors of seminiferous tubules). In contrast, the germ cells in ovaries are scattered in cortical nests. Recent quantitative studies have shown that at 14·5 days p.c., the number of germ cells is somewhat greater in the male than the female (Beaumont & Mandl, 1963; cf. Beaumont & Mandl, 1962). In both sexes mitotic activity ceases at about 18·5 days p.c. Thereafter, the male germ cells remain at prolonged interphase; a proportion of them show histological changes frequently associated with degeneration. Quantitative estimates, on the other hand, indicate that none are eliminated from the testis. In the coeval female, the germ cells enter the prophase of meiosis, whereafter no further mitotic divisions are possible.

scholarly journals Testosterone immunoreactivity in the seminiferous epithelium of rat testis: effect of treatment with ethane dimethanesulfonate.

1989 ◽  
Vol 37 (11) ◽  
pp. 1667-1673 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Schulz ◽  
F Paris ◽  
P Lembke ◽  
V Blüm
Keyword(s):  
Germ Cell ◽  
Germ Cells ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Seminiferous Epithelium ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Plasma Testosterone ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Treatment Level ◽  
Cell Nuclei ◽  
Testicular Weight

Androgens drive spermatogenesis by processes that are largely unknown. Direct effects on germ cells and indirect effects mediated via testicular somatic elements are currently under consideration, and specific localization of androgens in seminiferous tubules may provide information as regards this. Adult male rats were injected with ethane dimethanesulfonate (EDS; 75 mg/kg body weight) or vehicle. Testes were fixed and paraffin-embedded for localization of testosterone immunoreactivity 1 and 2 weeks after treatment, using the unlabeled antibody (PAP) technique. Plasma testosterone dropped from a pre-treatment level of 2.3 ng/ml to below 0.2 ng/ml 3 days after EDS injection and remained at low levels until the end of observation, accompanied by a progressive decrease in testicular weight. In the seminiferous tubules of vehicle-injected males, testosterone immunoreactivity was found in nuclei of spermatocytes and spermatids and in nuclei and the cytoplasm of Sertoli cells, and showed typical variations according to the stage of spermatogenesis. One week after EDS treatment, immunoreactivity had disappeared from the seminiferous epithelium. Two weeks after treatment, staining of germ cells was detected in two out of four males. The disappearance and reappearance of immunoreactivity coincided with the time course of EDS effects on rat Leydig cells, and we conclude that it corresponds to androgen specifically localized in fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue. Because staining of germ cell nuclei varied with the stage of spermatogenesis, the technique may detect a physiologically relevant androgen fraction; its location suggests that androgens may also directly affect certain germ cell stages.

scholarly journals Establishment and applications of male germ cell and Sertoli cell lines

Reproduction ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 152 (2) ◽  
pp. R31-R40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong Wang ◽  
Liping Wen ◽  
Qingqing Yuan ◽  
Min Sun ◽  
Minghui Niu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Line ◽  
Sertoli Cell ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Germ Cells ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Simian Virus 40 ◽  
T Antigen ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Male Germ Cells

Within the seminiferous tubules there are two major cell types, namely male germ cells and Sertoli cells. Recent studies have demonstrated that male germ cells and Sertoli cells can have significant applications in treating male infertility and other diseases. However, primary male germ cells are hard to proliferatein vitroand the number of spermatogonial stem cells is scarce. Therefore, methods that promote the expansion of these cell populations are essential for their use from the bench to the bed side. Notably, a number of cell lines for rodent spermatogonia, spermatocytes and Sertoli cells have been developed, and significantly we have successfully established a human spermatogonial stem cell line with an unlimited proliferation potential and no tumor formation. This newly developed cell line could provide an abundant source of cells for uncovering molecular mechanisms underlying human spermatogenesis and for their utilization in the field of reproductive and regenerative medicine. In this review, we discuss the methods for establishing spermatogonial, spermatocyte and Sertoli cell lines using various kinds of approaches, including spontaneity, transgenic animals with oncogenes, simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen, the gene coding for a temperature-sensitive mutant ofp53, telomerase reverse gene (Tert), and the specific promoter-based selection strategy. We further highlight the essential applications of these cell lines in basic research and translation medicine.

Male germ line stem cells: from cell biology to cell therapy

2003 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 323 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Pei-Cheng Lin ◽  
Ming-Yu Chang ◽  
Bo-Yie Chen ◽  
Han-Hsin Chang
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Germ Cells ◽  
Germ Line ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Male Germ Line ◽  
Male Germ Cells ◽  
Stem Cell Lines

Research using stem cells has several applications in basic biology and clinical medicine. Recent advances in the establishment of male germ line stem cells provided researchers with the ability to identify, isolate, maintain, expand and differentiate the spermatogonia, the primitive male germ cells, as cell lines under in vitro conditions. The ability to culture and manipulate stem cell lines from male germ cells has gradually facilitated research into spermatogenesis and male infertility, to an extent beyond that facilitated by the use of somatic stem cells. After the introduction of exogenous genes, the spermatogonial cells can be transplanted into the seminiferous tubules of recipients, where the transplanted cells can contribute to the offspring. The present review concentrates on the origin, life cycle and establishment of stem cell lines from male germ cells, as well as the current status of transplantation techniques and the application of spermatogonial stem cell lines.

scholarly journals Effect of Thymus vulgaris leaf extract on cadmium-induced testicular toxicity in rats

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Remigius Ibe Onoja ◽  
Chinwe Uzoma Chukwudi ◽  
Emmanuel Uchechukwu Ugwueze ◽  
Davinson Chuka Anyogu ◽  
Wilson Obidah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Extract ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Thymus Vulgaris ◽  
Testicular Toxicity ◽  
Histological Changes ◽  
Ameliorative Effect ◽  
Testicular Injury

Abstract Background Cadmium (Cd) is a known metallohormone which mimics the action of steroid hormones with adverse effect on testicular function. It is highly toxic and a prevalent environmental contaminant with no conventional antidote. This study investigates the possible ameliorative effects of Thymus vulgaris extract on testicular toxicity induced by Cd in male rats. Results The testicular and epididymal weights, serum concentration of follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower in the cadmium-treated group compared to the control. Necrosis of germ cells of the seminiferous tubules was observed in the testicular tissues of the cadmium-treated group. Administration of extract showed mild but non-significant (p ≥ 0.05) protective effect on the cadmium-induced decrease in sex hormones and sperm count as well as oxidative stress and histological changes. Conclusion Thymus vulgaris leaf extract had weak ameliorative effect on cadmium-induced testicular injury in rats but with promising antioxidant activity.

scholarly journals Histological and immunohistochemical study of cyclophosphamide effect on adult rat testis

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hoda H. Anan ◽  
Nashwa S. Wahba ◽  
Maha A. Abdallah ◽  
Dalia A. Mohamed
Keyword(s):  
Germ Cells ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
Adult Male ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Young Patients ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Albino Rats ◽  
Fibrous Sheath ◽  
Histological Changes ◽  
Reduced Height

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Nowadays, cyclophosphamide is widely used as anticancer and immunosuppressive agent in various drug regimens in many diseases and in young and old age. The aim of this research is to study the possible histological changes that may occur in the testes of adult male albino rats as a result of chronic exposure to cyclophosphamide and the prognosis of this effect.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> Thirty healthy adult male albino rats were used in this study.  They were equally divided into three groups; a control, an experimental and a withdrawal groups. The Animals of the experimental group were treated with daily dose of 5 mg/ kg cyclophosphamide orally for successive 28 days. Animals of the withdrawal group were left without treatment and sacrificed after 28 days from the last dose of cyclophosphamide.  At the time of sacrifice, all animals were anesthetized by ether inhalation and their testes were dissected out carefully and processed for light and electron microscope examinations<span lang="EN-IN">. </span><span lang="EN-IN"> </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Testes of the cyclophosphamide treated group revealed presence of many distorted shrunken seminiferous tubules which appeared with marked reduction in the thickness of the epithelium and wide lumina. Many germ cells with deeply stained nuclei, giant cells in mitosis and intracellular vacuoles were observed. Cross sections in mid pieces of sperms showed marked affection of axoneme, fibrous sheath and mitochondrial sheath. The cytoplasm of the Leydig cells contained mitochondria, dilated SER, Golgi cisternae and RER. Testes of the withdrawal group showed that the seminiferous tubules still had reduced height of their epithelium with wide intercellular spaces. Abnormal stratification and destructed germinal epithelium were evident with desquamated germ cells. Cross sections of mid pieces of the sperms showed distorted axoneme and swollen mitochondrial sheath. The cytoplasm of leydig cells contained many electron dense granules, RER, many dilated SER and mitochondria.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Chronic cyclophosphamide treatment not only produced serious histological changes of the testis but also in its serological parameter. These changes persisted after cessation of cyclophosphamide administration which indicates the cumulative irreversible toxic effect of cyclophosphamide. So, it is advisable to avoid the usage of cyclophosphamide as possible especially in young patients<span lang="EN-IN">. </span></p><p class="abstract"> </p>

Effects of subchronic exposure to carbendazim on spermatogenesis and fertility in male rats

2009 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Yu ◽  
Q Guo ◽  
L Xie ◽  
Y Liu ◽  
X Wang
Keyword(s):  
Germ Cells ◽  
Flow Cytometric Analysis ◽  
Testicular Tissue ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Testis Weight ◽  
Subchronic Exposure ◽  
Flow Cytometric ◽  
Sperm Counts

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of subchronic exposure to carbendazim on spermatogenesis and fertility in male rats. Ninety-eight healthy male rats were divided into four groups: three exposure groups and a control group. Carbendazim was administered orally to male rats at 0, 20, 100 and 200 mg/kg for 80 days prior to mating. Each male was cohabited with an unexposed female for a maximum of 5 days. In 100 and 200 mg/kg groups, the mating index was relatively increased, the fertility index was decreased, and the testis weight, the sperm counts and motility were also decreased. The levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) showed a decreasing tendency and there was a statistical difference between the 200 mg/kg group and the control group. There were no obvious effects on the levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone (T). Histopathological evaluation showed atrophic seminiferous tubules, decreased germ cells, and increased sloughing of germ cells. Flow cytometric analysis of the testicular tissue revealed that carbendazim inhibited meiotic transformation and interfered with the spermatogenic process. These results suggest that carbendazim has adverse effects on spermatogenesis, resulting in reduced fertility in male rats.

VEGF/VEGFR2 Signaling Regulates Germ Cell Proliferation in vitro and Promotes Mouse Testicular Regeneration in vivo

2016 ◽  
Vol 201 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruhui Tian ◽  
Shi Yang ◽  
Yong Zhu ◽  
Shasha Zou ◽  
Peng Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Germ Cell ◽  
Germ Cells ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Testicular Development ◽  
Male Germ Cells ◽  
Vegfr2 Signaling ◽  
Proliferation In Vitro ◽  
Germ Cell Proliferation

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays fundamental roles in testicular development; however, its function on testicular regeneration remains unknown. The objective of this study was to explore the roles VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling plays in mouse germ cells and in mouse testicular regeneration. VEGF and the VEGFR2 antagonist SU5416 were added to culture medium to evaluate their effects on spermatogonial stem cell line (C18-4 cells) proliferation. Testicular cells obtained from newborn male ICR mice were grafted into the dorsal region of male BALB/c nude mice. VEGF and SU5416 were injected into the graft sites to assess the effects of the VEGF and VEGFR2 signaling pathways on testicular reconstitution. The grafts were analyzed after 8 weeks. We found that VEGF promoted C18-4 proliferation in vitro, indicating its role in germ cell survival. HE staining revealed that seminiferous tubules were reconstituted and male germ cells from spermatogonia to spermatids could be observed in testis-like tissues 8 weeks after grafting. A few advantaged male germ cells, including spermatocytes and spermatids, were found in SU5416-treated grafts. Moreover, VEGF enhanced the expression of genes specific for male germ cells and vascularization in 8-week grafts, whereas SU5416 decreased the expression of these genes. SU5416-treated grafts had a lower expression of MVH and CD31, indicating that blockade of VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling reduces the efficiency of seminiferous tubule reconstitution. Collectively, these data suggest that VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling regulates germ cell proliferation and promotes testicular regeneration via direct action on germ cells and the enhancement of vascularization.

scholarly journals Effect of Bleomycin, Etoposide, and Cisplatin Treatment on Spermatogonia Cell and Malondialdehyde Level in Male Rats

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3S) ◽  
pp. 293-297
Keyword(s):  
Germ Cells ◽  
Cell Number ◽  
Test Method ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Control Group ◽  
High Power Field ◽  
The Third ◽  
Spermatogonia Cells ◽  
Bep Chemotherapy

Co-administration of bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) becomes standart chemotherapy for testicular cancer because it has brought a cure rate of more than 90%. Impact of the treatment to the outcome become a concern, particularly the adverse effect on a long-term reproductive health risk to cancer survivors. There is no evidence, when the damage to the testes began due to the administration of BEP chemotherapy, makes the indication of treatment still controversial. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of BEP on Spermatogonial cell and MDA levels outcome in an animal model. Male wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) aged 13-15 weekswere treated daily with BEP for three cycles, 33 hours each. It was divided into one control group received 1cc of normal saline, and three groups received three cycles of 0.5 x dose-levels of BEP (Intraperitoneally; 0.75 mg/kg, 7.5 mg/kg, and 1.5 mg/kg). Cell number of Spermatogonia cells were calculated from HE-stained specimens and observed under light microscope (Olympus BX-51) using 400x magnification (high power field) Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) test method used to measure malondialdehyde (MDA) level by spectrophotometry. The result was a significant decrease in the average number of Spermatogonia cells (p = 0.003) between the control group and others. This is caused by excessive exposure to BEP chemotherapy, which cause atrophy of the seminiferous tubules and content of germ cells in the tubules has decreased, accompanied by the appearance of immature germ cells that enter the lumen. A significant increase in MDA levels (p = 0.001) occurred after the administration of the third cycle of BEP chemotherapy. In conclusion, BEP chemotherapy adversely affect the number of Spermatogonia cells and MDA level. The third cycle BEP chemotherapy significantly more destructive compared to the first and second cycle.

Compartmentalization and regulation of iron metabolism proteins protect male germ cells from iron overload

2012 ◽  
Vol 302 (12) ◽  
pp. E1519-E1530 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yael Leichtmann-Bardoogo ◽  
Lyora A. Cohen ◽  
Avital Weiss ◽  
Britta Marohn ◽  
Stephanie Schubert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Iron Overload ◽  
Germ Cells ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Iron Homeostasis ◽  
Regulatory Protein ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Divalent Metal Transporter 1 ◽  
Male Germ Cells ◽  
Iron Cycle ◽  
Genetic Ablation

The universal importance of iron, its high toxicity, and complex chemistry present a challenge to biological systems in general and to protected compartments in particular. The high mitotic rate and avid mitochondriogenesis of developing male germ cells imply high iron requirements. Yet access to germ cells is tightly regulated by the blood-testis barrier that protects the meiotic and postmeiotic germ cells. To elucidate how iron is supplied to developing male germ cells, we analyzed iron deposition and iron transport proteins in testes of mice with iron overload and with genetic ablation of the iron regulators Hfe and iron regulatory protein 2. Iron accumulated mainly around seminiferous tubules, and only small amounts localized within the seminiferous tubules. The localization and regulation of proteins involved in iron import, storage, and export such as transferrin, transferrin receptor, the divalent metal transporter-1, cytosolic ferritin, and ferroportin strongly support a model of a largely autonomous iron cycle within seminiferous tubules. We show evidence that ferritin secretion from Sertoli cells may play an important role in iron acquisition of primary spermatocytes. During spermatogenic development iron is carried along from primary spermatocytes to spermatids, and from spermatids iron is recycled to the apical compartment of Sertoli cells, which traffic it back to a new generation of spermatocytes. Losses are replenished by the peripheral circulation. Such an internal iron cycle essentially detaches the iron homeostasis within the seminiferous tubule from the periphery and protects developing germ cells from iron fluctuations. This model explains how compartmentalization can optimize cellular and systemic nutrient homeostasis.

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