scholarly journals Neonatal hypothyroidism does not increase Sertoli cell proliferation in iNOS−/− mice

Reproduction ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 154 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathália L M Lara ◽  
Luiz R França
Keyword(s):  
Thyroid Hormones ◽  
Sertoli Cell ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Testis Size ◽  
Additive Effects ◽  
Sperm Production ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Neonatal Hypothyroidism ◽  
Laboratory Rodents ◽  
Daily Sperm Production

Sertoli cell (SC) proliferation in mice occurs until two weeks after birth and is mainly regulated by FSH and thyroid hormones. Previous studies have shown that transient neonatal hypothyroidism in laboratory rodents is able to extend SC mitotic activity, leading ultimately to higher testis size and daily sperm production (DSP) in adult animals. Moreover, we have shown that due to higher SC proliferation and lower germ cell apoptosis, iNOS deficiency in mice also results in higher testis size and DSP. Although the cell size was smaller, the Leydig cells (LCs) number per testis also significantly increased in iNOS−/−mice. Our aims in the present study were to investigate if the combination of neonatal hypothyroidism and iNOS deficiency promotes additive effects in SC number, testis size and DSP. Hypothyroidism was induced in wild-type (WT) and iNOS−/−mice using 6-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU) through the mother’s drinking water from 0 to 20 days of age, and were sacrificed at adulthood. Our results showed that, in contrast to the WT mice in which testis size, DSP and SC numbers increased significantly by 20, 40 and 70% respectively, after PTU treatment, no additive effects were observed for these parameters in treated iNOS−/−mice, as well as for LC. No alterations were observed in spermatogenesis in any group evaluated. Although we still do not have an explanation for these intriguing findings, we are currently investigating whether thyroid hormones influence iNOS levels and/or counterbalance physiological effects of iNOS deficiency in testis function and spermatogenesis.

scholarly journals A comparative study of sperm production in two species of Australian arid zone rodents (Pseudomys australis, Notomys alexis) with marked differences in testis size

Reproduction ◽  
2001 ◽  
pp. 239-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
EJ Peirce ◽  
WG Breed
Keyword(s):  
Arid Zone ◽  
Seminiferous Epithelium ◽  
Testis Size ◽  
Sperm Production ◽  
Interspecific Differences ◽  
Long Duration ◽  
Sperm Counts ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Low Efficiency ◽  
Daily Sperm Production

The plains rat, Pseudomys australis, and the spinifex hopping mouse, Notomys alexis, show marked differences in the size of their testes and in the number of spermatozoa within the epididymides. In the present study, the dynamics of sperm production and the duration of sperm transit along the male excurrent ducts were compared between these two species. The durations of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium, spermatogenesis and sperm transit were determined by tracking cells using autoradiography after [(3)H]thymidine incorporation. Daily sperm production was determined from counts of testicular spermatids after homogenization and further estimates of sperm transit were obtained by dividing sperm reserves within the various regions of the extratesticular ducts by the daily sperm production of the attached testis. In the plains rat, the mean duration of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium was 11.2 days, the duration of spermatogenesis was 45 days, daily sperm production was 2.6 x 10(7) spermatozoa per gram of testis and epididymal transit of spermatozoa took approximately 9 days (caput 0.8 days; corpus 1.5 days; cauda 6.5 days). In contrast, in the hopping mouse, the mean duration of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium was 14 days, the duration of spermatogenesis was 56 days and daily sperm production per gram of testis was < 1.0 x 10(7). Epididymal transit of spermatozoa was completed in about 4 days (caput + corpus < 1 day; cauda 3 days); however, spermatozoa may be stored for an additional 1.5-2.0 days in the vas deferens. These results indicate that, in addition to small testes, the hopping mouse shows a low efficiency of sperm production, a relatively long duration of spermatogenesis and rapid passage of spermatozoa through the epididymis, all of which contribute to low epididymal sperm counts. These data are considered in relation to interspecific differences in sperm competition.

scholarly journals Elevated expression of the Sertoli cell androgen receptor disrupts male fertility

2016 ◽  
Vol 311 (2) ◽  
pp. E396-E404 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rasmani Hazra ◽  
Dannielle Upton ◽  
Reena Desai ◽  
Omar Noori ◽  
Mark Jimenez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Androgen Receptor ◽  
Germ Cell ◽  
Sertoli Cell ◽  
Germ Cells ◽  
Male Fertility ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Pubertal Development ◽  
Receptor Expression ◽  
Testis Size

Recently, we created a unique gain-of-function mouse model with Sertoli cell-specific transgenic androgen receptor expression (TgSCAR) showing that SCAR activity controls the synchronized postnatal development of somatic Sertoli and Leydig cells and meiotic-postmeiotic germ cells. Moderate TgSCAR (TgSCARm) expression reduced testis size but had no effect on male fertility. Here, we reveal that higher TgSCAR expression (TgSCARH) causes male infertility. Higher SCAR activity, shown by upregulated AR-dependent transcripts ( Rhox5, Spinw1), resulted in smaller adult TgSCARH testes (50% of normal) despite normal or elevated circulating and intratesticular testosterone levels. Unlike fertile TgSCARm males, testes of adult TgSCARH males exhibited focal regions of interstitial hypertrophy featuring immature adult Leydig cells and higher intratesticular dihydrotestosterone and 5α-androstane 3α,17β-diol levels that are normally associated with pubertal development. Mature TgSCARH testes also exhibited markedly reduced Sertoli cell numbers (70%), although meiotic and postmeiotic germ cell/Sertoli cell ratios were twofold higher than normal, suggesting that elevated TgSCAR activity supports excessive spermatogenic development. Concurrent with the higher germ cell load of TgSCARH Sertoli cells were increased levels of apoptotic germ cells in TgSCARH relative to TgSCARm testes. In addition, TgSCARH testes displayed unique morphological degeneration that featured accumulated cellular and spermatozoa clusters in dilated channels of rete testes, consistent with reduced epididymal sperm numbers. Our findings reveal for the first time that excessive Sertoli cell AR activity in mature testes can reach a level that disturbs Sertoli/germ cell homeostasis, impacts focal Leydig cell function, reduces sperm output, and disrupts male fertility.

Sexual maturation of the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus): a histological, hormonal and spermatic evaluation

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 815 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Etelvina Pinto-Fochi ◽  
Ana Carolina Negrin ◽  
Wellerson Rodrigo Scarano ◽  
Sebastião Roberto Taboga ◽  
Rejane Maira Góes
Keyword(s):  
Mongolian Gerbil ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Serum Testosterone ◽  
Meriones Unguiculatus ◽  
Sperm Production ◽  
Mature Adult ◽  
Drastic Increase ◽  
Testicular Morphology ◽  
Sexually Mature ◽  
Daily Sperm Production

This study determined the phases of sexual development of the male Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) based on an integrative analysis of testicular morphology, hormonal data and sperm parameters. Male gerbils were analysed at 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 50, 60, 70, 90, 100 and 120 days of age. Body, testicular and epididymal weights increased up to Day 70, 60 and 90, respectively. The impuberal phase, characterised by the presence of gonocytes, extended until Day 14. The prepubertal period lasted until Day 42, when puberty was achieved and a drastic increase in serum testosterone levels, mature adult Leydig cells and elongated spermatids was observed. Gerbils at 60 days of age showed a remarkable number of spermatozoa in the testis, epididymidis caput/corpus and cauda, and at Day 70 the maximum daily sperm production was reached. However, the gerbil may be considered sexually mature only from Day 90 onward, when sperm reserves become stable. The total transit time of spermatozoa along the epididymis of sexually mature gerbils was 11 days, with 1 day in the caput/corpus and 10 days in the cauda. These data cover a lacuna regarding the reproductive parameters of this rodent and provide foundations for its use in testicular toxicology studies.

Postnatal metformin treatment alters rat Sertoli cell proliferation and daily sperm production

Andrology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gustavo Marcelo Rindone ◽  
Agostina Gorga ◽  
Eliana Herminia Pellizzari ◽  
María del Carmen Camberos ◽  
María Noel Galardo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Sertoli Cell ◽  
Metformin Treatment ◽  
Sperm Production ◽  
Daily Sperm Production

scholarly journals Morphometry and histomorphometry of the testis in crossbred pigs fed diets with different protein levels

2013 ◽  
Vol 65 (5) ◽  
pp. 1329-1338
Author(s):  
R.M.B. Valença ◽  
V.A. Silva Junior ◽  
L.P.C. Araújo ◽  
J.C. Reis ◽  
M.M.P. Guerra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Content ◽  
Sertoli Cell ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Testicular Development ◽  
Sperm Production ◽  
Stages Of Development ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Crossbred Pigs

Aiming to evaluate the effect of the diet protein content on testicular parameters in pigs, 21 non-gelded male Dalland pigs were used and randomly divided into three groups. Males belonging to groups G2 and G3 received a diet with crude protein levels of 15% below and above, respectively, in relation to G1 (control). At 210 days of age, animals were castrated, and testis and epididymis were collected for morphometric and histomorphometry analyses. No difference was observed in relation to the total length of seminiferous tubules (G1=3239.9±333,3m; G2=2989.4±171,7m and G3=3059.5±254.9m), population of Sertoli cell (G1=4.7±0.5x10(9); G2=4.3±0.3x10(9) and G3=4.7±0.5x10(9)), population (G1=31.6±5.58x10(9); G2=27.3±4.0x10(9) and G3=26.4±3.9x10(9)) and volume of Leydig cells (G1=1289.3±182.6µm³; G2=1179.1±85.4µm³ and G3=1133.3±37.8µm³) and sperm production (G1=5.9±0.9x10(9); G2=5.6±0.6x10(9) and G3=5.1±0.3x10(9)). Protein levels were sufficient to maintain spermatogenesis in different experimental groups. It can be concluded that the magnitude of variation in levels of protein used in different stages of development was not sufficient to promote significant changes in testicular development and spermatogenesis process in adult animals.

scholarly journals Tumor Suppressor PTEN Regulates Negatively Sertoli Cell Proliferation, Testis Size, and Sperm Production In Vivo

Endocrinology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 160 (2) ◽  
pp. 387-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasmine Neirijnck ◽  
Françoise Kühne ◽  
Chloé Mayère ◽  
Ekaterina Pavlova ◽  
Pauline Sararols ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Tumor Suppressor ◽  
Sertoli Cell ◽  
Testis Size ◽  
Sperm Production

Duration of spermatogenesis and daily sperm production in the rodent Proechimys guyannensis

Zygote ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 783-793 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathália L.M. Lara ◽  
Ivan C. Santos ◽  
Guilherme M.J. Costa ◽  
Dirceu A. Cordeiro-Junior ◽  
Antônio C. G. Almeida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Gonadosomatic Index ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Testis Weight ◽  
Sperm Production ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Neotropical Rodent ◽  
Very High ◽  
Daily Sperm Production

SummaryThe spiny rat (Proechimys guyannensis) is a neotropical rodent that is used in biomedical research, particularly research related to chronic resistance to epilepsy and infectious diseases. To our knowledge, there are few reports concerning the reproductive biology of this species. Therefore, besides providing basic biometric and morphometric data, in the present study we investigated testis function and spermatogenesis in adult spiny rats. The mean testis weight and gonadosomatic index obtained were 1.63 ± 0.2 g and 1.15 ± 0.1% respectively. Based on the development of the acrosomic system, 12 stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle were characterized. Stages VI and VII presented the highest frequencies (~17–19%), whilst stages II to V showed the lowest frequencies (~2–4%). The most advanced germ cell types labelled at 1 h or 20 days after BrdU injections were respectively preleptotene/leptotene spermatocytes at stage VII and elongated spermatids at stage III. The mean duration of one cycle was 7.5 ± 0.01 days and the entire spermatogenic process lasted 33.7 ± 0.06 days (~4.5 cycles). The seminiferous tubules (ST) occupied ~96 ± 1% of the testis parenchyma, whereas Leydig cells comprised only 1.5 ± 0.4%. The number of Sertoli cells (SC) per testis gram and the SC efficiency (spermatids/SC) were respectively 78 × 106 ± 11 × 106 and 7.9 ± 1. The daily sperm production per testis gram (spermatogenic efficiency; daily sperm production (DSP)/g/testis) was 78 × 106 ± 8 × 106. To our knowledge, this spermatogenic efficiency is among the highest found for mammals investigated to date and is probably related to the very short duration of spermatogenesis and the very high ST percentage and SC number obtained for this species.

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