Oral toxicity of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate during pregnancy and suckling in the Long-Evans rat

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a compound widely used in plastics technology to impart flexibility to rigid polymers. We sought to determine whether the oral exposure of female rats to DEHP during gestation and suckling produces alterations in the litter. Female rats were exposed to different concentrations of DEHP suspended in drinking water (32.5 and 325 microl/litre) from day 1 of pregnancy to day 21 after delivery. Pup body weight gain and kidney, liver and testes weight was measured at different times (21, 28, 35, 42 and 56 days) after birth. Plasma concentrations of DEHP and histopathological alterations in kidneys, liver and testes were also studied. In addition, the ability of female pups (1 month of age) to perform a learned avoidance test, the 'beam walking' test, was evaluated. Perinatal exposure to DEHP produced no statistically significant changes in the body weight gain of offspring. Conversely, it produced a significant decrease in kidney and testes relative weight (organ/body weight) with a significant increase in relative liver weight. Signs of histological damage in kidneys, liver, and particularly testes, were observed. Pups exposed perinatally to the highest concentration of DEHP elicited a significant increase in the time necessary to perform the beam walking test.     

Syndrome of myxomas, spotty skin pigmentation, and endocrine overactivity (Carney complex)

Primary testicular neoplasms are common in dogs, but metastases to the testes are rare. Three dogs had enlargement of the testes and associated structures. Upon histological examination, the enlargements were due to metastatic adenocarcinomas. Further examination identified the gastrointestinal tract as the primary site of the metastatic neoplasms in all three cases. The testicular metastases reflected widespread metastatic disease. When metastatic adenocarcinoma is found in the testes and associated structures in dogs, the gastrointestinal tract should be examined closely for a primary tumor site.     

Analysis of testicular migration during the fetal period in humans

PURPOSE: We present an analysis concerning the testicular migration and its position correlated to body weight, crown-rump length and gestational age during the fetal period in humans without congenital abnormalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied bilaterally 142 testes taken from 71 fresh human fetuses between 10 and 35 weeks after conception. The fetuses were also evaluated in regard to crown-rump length and body weight. The position of the testes was correlated to the fetal parameters. RESULTS: In 37 fetuses (74 testes) at 10 to 23 weeks after conception only 7 testes (9.45%) had migrated from the abdomen and were situated in the inguinal canal, in 19 fetuses (38 testes) at 24 to 26 weeks after conception 22 testes (57.9%) had migrated from the abdomen and in 9 fetuses (18 testes) at 27 to 29 weeks after conception only 3 testes (16.7%) had not descended to the scrotum. The testes had not descended into the scrotum in any fetus weighing 990 gm. or less and with a crown-rump length of 24.5 cm. or less. On the other hand, in all fetuses weighing more than 1,220 gm. and with a crown-rump length of more than 27.5 cm. the testis was in the scrotum. CONCLUSIONS: Until 23 weeks after conception the majority of testes remain in the abdomen. The more intense migration of the testes through the inguinal canal occurred between 21 and 25 weeks after conception. After 30 weeks after conception all testes were descended to the scrotum in all fetuses.     

Studies on the antitesticular action of DL-6-(N-2-pipecolinomethyl)-5-hydroxy-indane (PMHI) in the rat

Both prepubertal and adult rats were treated with a single oral dose of either 60 mg or 120 mg of dl-6-(N-pipecolinomethyl)-5-hydroxy indane maleate (PMHI) per kg of body weight. Their testicular weights were drastically reduced compared with those of the controls. A follow-up, beginning on the third day post-treatment and continuing for a period of 50 days, showed that the body weight growth of PMHI-treated rats was not retarded. The hormonal profile indicated that, except for FSH which showed a transitory elevation in PMHI-treated immature rats, the serum levels of LH, estrogen, and testosterone were indistinguishable from those of the controls. Testicular histology revealed that the spermatogenic process in PMHI-treated rats recovered at a dose-related rate. EM sections of testes of adult rats indicated that cytoplasmic vacuolation appeared in the Sertoli cells 5 h post-treatment. The consequent cascade of arrested spermiogenesis included abnormal acrosomal condensation of spermatids and sloughing of polynucleated spermatids. Some spermatocytes also seemed to be affected, but spermatogonia and Leydig cells remained intact. These results indicate the PMHI acts primarily on Sertoli cells and causes arrest in the spermiogenetic stage of the spermatids. At a higher and toxic dose of PMHI, however, the earlier germinal elements might also be affected, due to the extensive damage to the supporting Sertoli cells.     

Reproductive seasonality and maturation throughout the complete life-cycle in the mouflon ram (Ovis musimon)

To document the process of physical and reproductive maturation in a long-lived mammal, the long-term changes in endocrine (follicle stimulating hormone-FSH, prolactin and testosterone) and morphological parameters (body weight, testis diameter, neck girth, sex skin colour, horn growth, wool growth, moult and pelage characteristics) were measured throughout the full life-span in a group of captive mouflon rams, Ovis musimon (n=4, 12-year study). Live body weight increased to a maximum at 7 years of age and declined in old age, while horn size (length and volume) increased throughout the full life-span. Every year there was a marked and consistent cycle in the blood plasma concentrations of FSH and testosterone, and growth of the testes, with peak reproductive function in September and October associated with the rut. The annual maximum in plasma FSH and testosterone concentrations, and the size of the testes increased progressively from 1-6 years of age (or later into the life-cycle for testosterone). There was also a marked annual cycle in plasma prolactin concentrations (peak in May and June), and growth of the horns and pelage. The annual maximum in prolactin concentrations increased throughout the life-cycle, while the rate of horn growth (annual increments) decreased. The overall conclusion is that neuroendocrine mechanisms regulate both the annual and the age-related changes in the reproductive axis, and reproductive maturation proceeds gradually through the life-cycle. Because the acquisition of adult characteristics (large body size, large horns, conspicuous male secondary sexual characteristics) greatly affects male competitiveness, sexual maturity is closely linked to physical maturity, and this occurs long after the initial onset of fertility at puberty.     

Growth of testes and testicular morphology after eight generations of selection for increased predicted weight of testes at 150 days of age in boars

Weights of testes and epididymides, body weight, and morphometric measurements of testicular tissue of 75 boars of a line selected for eight generations for predicted weight of testes at 150 d of age and 75 boars of a randomly selected control line were used to evaluate the effects of selection on testicular development at 70, 100, 130, 160, and 450 d of age (n = 15 boars per line per age). Body weights for boars of the select and control line did not differ (P < .05) and the shape of the body growth curve was similar for both lines. Boars of the select line had larger testes than control boars at each age (P < .05), but there was a significant line x age interaction. The percentage increase of the select line mean over the control mean for weight of testes was 37% at 70 d, a maximum of 120% at 100 d, and 25% at 450 d. The percentage of the testes made up of seminiferous tubules differed between lines (P < .01). Lines had similar means of approximately 28% at 70 d and 71% at 450 d, but the mean for the select line was larger between 100 and 160 d of age; the greatest difference was 11.6% (control = 43.7, select = 55.3%) at 100 d. After 70 d of age, select-line boars had a greater percentage of seminiferous tubules with lumens that contained elongated spermatids (P < .10).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Water-soluble polyion complex associates of DNA and poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(L-lysine) block copolymer

Complex formation of poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(L-lysine) (PEG-PLL) AB type block copolymer with salmon testes DNA or Col E1 plasmid DNA in aqueous milieu was studied. The PLL segment of PEG-PLL interacts with nucleic acid through an electrostatic force to form a water-soluble complex associate with a diameter of ca. 50 nm. PEG segments surrounding the core of the polyion complex prevented the complex from precipitation even under stoichiometric conditions, at which the unit ratio of L-lysine in PEG-PLL and phosphate in the DNA is equal. The profile of the thermal melting curve revealed a higher stabilization of DNA structure in PEG-PLL/DNA complexes compared to that in the complex made from DNA and PLL homopolymer with the same molecular weight as the PLL segment in PEG-PLL. This stabilizing effect on the DNA structure may be due to the compartmentalization of DNA into the microenvironment of PEG with low permittivity. The reversible nature of the PEG-PLL/DNA complex was further verified through the addition of polyanion [poly-(L-aspartic acid)]: Poly(L-aspartic acid) replaced DNA in the complex with PEG-PLL, resulting in the release of free DNA in the medium. Furthermore, the PEG-PLL/DNA complex showed high resistance against DNase I attack, suggesting DNA protection through the segregation into the core of the associate having PEG palisade.     

Porcine steroidogenic factor-1 gene (pSF-1) expression and analysis of embryonic pig gonads during sexual differentiation

The porcine steroidogenic factor-1 gene (pSF-1) was cloned using a combination of genomic and RT-PCR based cloning methods. pSF-1 consists of an open reading frame of 1383 nt corresponding to a deduced amino acid sequence of 461 aa, similar to bovine and human SF-1. Sequence homologies between pSF-1 and human, bovine and mouse molecules indicate strong evolutionary conservation at both the nt and aa levels. Northern analysis of pSF-1 expression in adult steroidogenic tissues correlated with porcine steroidogenic acute regulatory protein gene (pStAR) and porcine side chain cleavage (pP450scc) gene expression. Notably, pSF-1 expression was readily detected in neonatal testes, absent at 3 weeks of age, and again readily detected at 3 months and in adult testes. pSF-1 expression was weak but detectable in placental tissues at various times of gestation, and was correlated with pStAR and pP450scc expression, indicating classical steroidogenesis in this organ. In developing gonads from 6-12 weeks of gestation, i.e. during the time of sex differentiation in the pig, Northern analysis demonstrated increasing expression of PSF-1 in fetal testes and no expression in ovaries. This expression pattern was paralleled for pStAR, pP450scc, and porcine Müllerian inhibitory substance (pMIS), consistent with pSF-1 involvement in both steroid and protein hormone secretions of the developing testes during sex differentiation. Porcine SRY HMG-box related gene-9 (pSOX-9) expression also paralleled that of pSF-1 in developing testes. In contrast, DSS-AHC critical region on the X chromosome, gene 1 (pDAX-1) was expressed predominantly in the developing ovaries, indicating a possible reciprocal regulation of pSF-1 and pDAX-1 genes in developing pig testes and ovaries.     

Effects of zinc on intact and castrated cockerels

1. Fourteen-week-old intact and castrated cockerels (White Leghorn) were injected intramuscularly with zinc (100 micrograms/kg body weight) as zinc ammonium sulphate solution once daily for 4 weeks and the effects on testes, pituitary and adrenal glands investigated histologically. 2. In intact cocks zinc decreased testes weight significantly, inhibited spermatogenesis and disturbed testicular hormone production. There was an increase in pituitary gonadotrophic cell activity, perhaps an indication of feed-back response to low concentration of testicular hormone. Cortical and medullary cells of the adrenal glands showed signs of activation. 3. No discernible effects of zinc injection on pituitary and adrenal cells of castrates were observed. This may reflect a decrease in pituitary and adrenal responsiveness to repeated stimulation with zinc. 4. The results indicate that the effectiveness of a given dose of zinc was dependent on the physiological condition of the cockerels and the effective site of zinc action was centred in the testes.     

Specific G protein activation and mu-opioid receptor internalization caused by morphine, DAMGO and endomorphin I

PURPOSE: This study investigates the usefulness of Gadolinium (Gd)-infusion magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) in the detection of impalpable undescended testes. METHODS: Magnetic resonance (MRI) examination was performed in 14 patients with 17 impalpable undescended testes (unilateral, n = 11; bilateral, n = 3). MRAwasthen performed as follows: Gadolinium-DTPA-BMA (Omniscan) at 0.3 mmol/kg body weight was injected intravenously, and dynamic coronal examination using fast spoiled gradient recalled sequences was obtained with images taken at early arterial and delay venous phases. The testis was located by detection of the enhanced pampiniform venous plexus. RESULTS: Of the 17 undescended testes, 11 canalicular hypoplastic testes and 3 intraabdominal testes were detected in both routine MRI and MRA. Three atrophic testes were found in the scrotum by MRA but not detected by routine MRI. The detection rates of impalpable testes by MRI and MRA were 82.4% and 100%, respectively. All imaging findings were confirmed by surgical exploration. There was no morbidity associated with MRA. CONCLUSION: Gd-infusion MRA is an accurate and sensitive method of preoperative localization of impalpable testes and is superior to conventional MRI in the detection of atrophic testes.     

Pineal and 5-methoxyindoles in the regulation of seasonal testicular cycle in Indian palm squirrel, Funambulus pennanti

Effects of late afternoon injections of different doses of melatonin (aMT) and 5-methoxytryptamine (MT) were studied on the testes in sham operated (SO) and pinealectomized (Px) F. pennanti during various reproductive phases. 5-methoxyindoles (MI) in doses 10 and 50 micrograms given for 60 continuous days reduced the weight and activity of the testes in SO and Px animals during the active and regressive phases. During the inactive phase MI administration caused an inhibitory influence on the testes of Px animals. However, during the recrudescence phase no significant effect of MI injections was visible. Both aMT and MT injected for 20 and 40 days respectively failed to influence the testes significantly. Also 1 microgram of the MI had no effect. The results suggest a reproductive phase dependent effect of aMT and MT on the testes of this tropical rodent. The dose and duration of administration are critical and their effects are independent of the pineal gland.     

Anticonvulsant drug concentrations in epileptic patients

Using Wistar stain male rats, it has been shown that 2 atmospheric pressures associated with oxygen saturation, together or singly for 90 minutes daily for successive 46 days, resulted in no significant change on the ratio of testes to body weight. No significant change was observed in the incorporation of 3H-thymidine into testes and pituitary glands between the pressure-treated groups and the control group.     

Effect of zinc on the epithelial lining of mice epididymis--a light microscopic study

Intraperitoneal zinc chloride was administered at 7.5 micrograms/g body weight and 15 micrograms/g body weight to 10-12 weeks old Swiss albino mice for 5 consecutive days. Control animals were given normal saline. The testis and epididymis were dissected and examined under the light microscope. Micrographs of the testes appeared normal in both treated and nontreated animals. However the group of animals treated with the higher dosage of zinc chloride showed evidence of rupture and collapse of the epididymal epithelial lining. The testes were not affected probably because of (a) known higher testicular concentration of metallothioneins which can bind the zinc and consequently detoxify the metal and (b) "stratified" epithelium comprising of spermatogenic and Sertoli cells.     

Health of tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) nesting in pesticide-sprayed apple orchards in Ontario, Canada. II. Sex and thyroid hormone concentrations and testes development

To investigate the effects of pesticides on wild birds, sex (17beta-estradiol; testosterone) and thyroid (triiodothyronine (T3) hormone concentrations, body mass, and testes mass were measured and the development of testes was evaluated in wild tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) nesting in four sprayed apple orchards and three nonsprayed sites in southern Ontario, Canada, in 1995-1996. In orchards, birds were exposed to asmany as 11 individual spray events and five sprays of mixtures of chemicals. Residues of organochlorine pesticides, PCBs, lead, and arsenic concentrations were low and not variable among sites except p,p'-DDE concentrations, which ranged from 0.36 to 2.23 microg/g wet weight in eggs. These persistent compounds were not correlated with any endocrine response measured in tree swallows. In 16-d-old male tree swallow chicks, body mass and concentrations of 17beta-estradiol (estradiol), testosterone, and T3 in plasma showed no significant differences between sprayed and nonsprayed groups and among sites within those groups. However, T3 concentrations were slightly elevated in the sprayed group compared to the nonsprayed group, and there was a significant and positive correlation between T3 and the number of mixtures of sprays applied during egg incubation through chick rearing. In 16-d-old female chicks, there were no significant differences among spray treatments or sites and no correlations with spray exposure for testosterone, estradiol, or T3 in plasma. Body mass was correlated positively with T3 and negatively with estradiol but showed no differences among spray exposure groups or sites. Histology of testes of 16-d-old male chicks indicated there were no significant differences among sprayed and nonsprayed birds in testes mass, area, or diameter, or the presence of Leydig cells in the interstitium, the distribution of the Sertoli cells, or the occurrence of heterophils in the testicular interstitium. For the percentage of spermatogonia present on the basement membrane, there were significant differences among sites, but these differences were not specifically associated with spray exposure. However, there was a marginally significant trend between increasing occurrence of a disrupted Sertoli cell population on the seminiferous tubular basement membranes as the number of mixtures of pesticides sprayed during chick rearing increased. In adult male and female parent tree swallows, there were no differences in hormone concentrations between birds from sprayed and nonsprayed sites. Nor were there any significant correlations between the concentration of any hormone and collection date, body mass, or any type of spray exposure for adults. The correlations between increasing pesticide exposure and abnormal thyroid hormone and testes development in male chicks indicate that further reductions of pesticide use in orchards may benefit the health of birds that nest there. However, it is unclear which of these pesticides or spray mixtures are responsible for these effects, and this needs to be examined in future studies.     

Acanthobothrium nicoyaense n. sp. (Eucestoda: Tetraphyllidea: Onchobothriidae) in Aetobatus narinari (Euphrasen) (Chondrichthyes: Myliobatiformes: Myliobatidae) from the Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Rica

A new species of Acanthobothrium in Aetobatus narinari from the Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Rica, most closely resembles Acanthobothrium colombianum in the same host and A. urotrygoni in Urotrygon venezuelae from Cartagena, Colombia, by having relatively few proglottides per strobila, spinose cephalic peduncles, bothridial margins free at their posterior ends, and irregularly shaped rather than spherical or elongate cirrus sacs. Acanthobothrium colombianum differs from the new species by being as much as 35 mm rather than no more than 4.7 mm long and by having 31-48 rather than 13-19 proglottides, an average of 46 rather than 15 testes per proglottis, and bothridial hooks averaging 185 microns rather than 137 microns in total length. Acanthobothrium urotrygoni differs from the new species by being as much as 15 mm rather than no more than 4.7 mm long and by having V-shaped rather than H-shaped ovaries, bothridial hooks averaging 95 microns rather than 137 microns in total length, by having an average of 28 rather than 15 testes per proglottis, and by having poral ovarian arms extending anteriorly to the posterior margin of the cirrus sac and aporal arms extending to the lateral margin of the cirrus sac.     

Heterotopic transplantation as a model to study the regulation of spermatogenesis; some histomorphological considerations about sperm decline in man

A novel animal model (syngeneic neonatal testicular graft transplanted under the skin of the outer ear in adult inbred Fischer rats that had been castrated, hypophysectomised, and/or subjected to hormonal replacement therapy) was developed to study regulation of spermatogenesis and Sertoli cell number. Given that Sertoli cell number and testicular size are important in determining spermatozoan production rates, this model was first used to study Sertoli cell proliferation, testicular size, and establishment of germ cells. The specific objectives were to determine the developmental pattern of Sertoli cell numbers in transplanted testes and the effect of number of testes transplanted, sex of hosts, pituitary hormonal removal, and replacement on Sertoli cell number, hormonal status of the host, and establishment of germ cells. A few tubules had complete spermatogenesis at 90 days posttransplantation, indicating that Sertoli cells in some of these tubules were functional. Leydig cell structure appeared to be normal, but the density of these interstitial cells was greater than that in testes of intact rats. Although the weight of the seminal vesicles and prostate were maintained in the castrated host with transplants, both serum FSH and LH concentrations were higher than intact control rats. Leukocytic infiltration of testes was not observed in intact rats or in rats receiving neonatal testes. Although transplanted testes showed a delay in reaching the plateau value for Sertoli cell number per testis and although the value reached was lower than in intact testes, the developmental pattern of Sertoli cell proliferation (early division of cells followed by stabilized number of cells) in transplanted testes was similar to that in intact rats. Hypophysectomy reduced the growth of testicular grafts, and hormonal replacement via retransplantation to pituitary intact hosts enhances Sertoli cell proliferation and testicular growth. When two on four testes were transplanted into castrated males or ovariectomized female hosts for 65 days, there was no difference in the graft weights or Sertoli cell numbers between sexes of hosts. Four transplanted testes per rat produced more total testicular parenchyma and a greater number of Sertoli cells per testis than did two testes regardless of sex of the host. Transplantation of six or eight testes produced more total Sertoli cells/host than that found in testes of intact rats. Using hormonal therapy in hypophysectomized hosts, the testicular parenchymal weight was greater for pituitary-intact hosts and FSH-LH combination than the control media. There was no statistically significant difference among the media control, LH, FSH, and GH. This testicular transplant model has shown that the period of Sertoli cell proliferation can be delayed by hypophysectomy, that Sertoli cell number can be influenced by endogenous and exogenous hormones, and that a major component in regulation of testicular size is at the level of the testis. Hence, this model should facilitate study of experimental endocrine manipulation control and potential experimental intervention to increase Sertoli cell number, testicular size, and spermatogenesis. Regarding human sperm count decline in recent years, there appears to be no significant decline in Sertoli cell number or spermatogenic potential in a group of North American men. However, there was a significant decline in volume/man of Leydig cells and volume/man of Leydig cell cytoplasm.     

Bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) ventilation in an infant with central hypoventilation syndrome

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of long-term cigarette smoking on the levels of plasma testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in male adult rats and to examine morphological and histological changes in the testes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cigarette smoke was generated by a smoking-machine and 12 rats were exposed to cigarette smoke diluted with 90% air for 60 days (2 h/day). Twelve rats were exposed to room air only under similar conditions as controls. The concentrations of plasma testosterone, LH and FSH were measured before and after exposure using a radio-immunoassay and the testes were examined histologically. RESULTS: In rats exposed to smoke, the mean plasma testosterone level decreased significantly but there were no significant changes in testosterone in the control rats. The mean plasma LH and FSH levels of the two groups did not change significantly after exposure. In rats exposed to smoke, histological examination of the testes showed fewer Leydig cells and degeneration of the remaining cells. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the decrease in plasma testosterone levels induced by exposure to smoke was not associated with changes in plasma gonadotrophin levels. The decrease in testosterone levels may be related to the toxic effects of smoke on Leydig cells.     

Effects of constant light exposure and blindness on the oxidative metabolism of selected brain areas in male rats

Male rats were housed in continuous illumination or blinded when 21 day-old and killed 69 days later. The continuous illumination exposure increased the weights of testes and sex accessory organs and reduced the pineal gland weight. Blindness decreased weights of testes, sex accessory organs and anterior pituitary. The oxygen consumption rate of the hypothalamus was higher in the blinded animals than in the controls and lower in the continuously illuminated rats. No one of such groups showed significant changes in the oxygen consumption by either the amygdala or the hippocampus.     

Chronopharmacology of the "rebound phenomenon" produced through intramural stimulations of intestines with vegetative inhibition (author''s transl)

13 species of cestodes from 13 species of Philippine birds are reported from Palawan Island. Raillietina (R.) palawanensis n. sp., from Chalcophaps i. indica, has three or four testes, and a cirrus pouch 93 to 108 mum long, 28 to 45 mum wide, and its egg capsules are 10 to 12 mum long, seven to nine mum wide, each containing four to six eggs. Raillietina (R.) passeriformicola n. sp., from Gracula religiosa palawanensis, has seven to nine testes, and a cirrus poucch 134 to 170 mum long, 47 to 68 mum wide. Its egg capsules are 79 to 115 mum wide, containing 7 to 12 eggs each. Raillietina (R.) fischthali n. sp., from Ducula aenea palawanensis, has 12 to 15 testes, and a cirrus pouch 130 to 150 mum long, 52 to 72 mum wide. Its egg capsules are 130 to 200 mum wide each containing 50 to 70 eggs. Raillietina (R.) johri Ortlepp, 1938, is redescribed. Anonchotaenia chauhani Mukherjee, 1965 is shown to be a junior synonym of A. gaugi Singh, 1952.     

Correlation of cyanogenic glycosides with content of benzyl alcohol in cherry brandies (author''s transl)

The case is described of a patient suffering from gummata of the testes and of the penis, and asymptomatic neurosyphilis. The diagnosis was made on the clinical findings and the strongly positive serological tests for syphilis. It was further supported by the response to penicillin.