Cell and Tissue Journal

Abstract Aim: This study was aimed to examine the effects of Stachys lavandulifolia extract (SL) on ethanol-induced testicular damages.
Material and methods: In the current study, 24 male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: control, ethanol (5 g kg -10) and ethanol (5 g kg -1) + SL (500 mg kg-1) group and SL (500 mg kg-1). After the treatment for 4 weeks, mean seminiferous tubule diameter (MSTD) and Johnsen’s mean testicular biopsy score (MTBS) criteria were used for histological evaluation. In addition, sperm parameters including sperm count and motility were analyzed.
Results: Our data indicate that ethanol administration caused a significant decrease in the sperm count and motility in the ethanol group but SL ameliorated this reduction in SL + ethanol group. Moreover, both MSTD and MTBS values were decreased in the ethanol-treated rats. However, administration of ethanol together with SL resulted in significant improvements in both of these values.
Conclusion: In conclusion, our study revealed that the reproductive toxicity was caused by ethanol may be prevented by SL treatment
 

Abstract Aim: The current study was designed to understand the destructive effects of mancozeb on BTB in an in vitro model.
Material and Methods: Male mice were gavage- administered MZB (250, 500 mg/kg w. w) for 40 consecutive days. Integrity of BTB was evaluated using Evans blue dye. The relative mRNA expression of BTB- associated genes; including N- cadherin, claudin-11 and zonula occludens-1 was investigated by quantitative real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction in different groups (qRT-PCR).
Results: Concentration of Evans Blue dye in the lumen of seminiferous tubules was increased in mancozeb-treated animals. The mRNA expression levels of N-cadherin, claudin-11 and zonula occludens-1 genes were decreased significantly in the MZB 500 mg/kg group compared with the control group.
Conclusion: According to the obtained data, it could be concluded that mancozeb increase BTB permeability leading to testicular dysfunction by the alteration of BTB-associated genes.
 

Abstract Aim: The aim of this study was to assess side effects of clinical dose of busulfan on testis and epididymal sperm of adult male mouse. Material and Methods: Male adult NMRI mice (25-35 g) were divided into two groups of sixteen each. Control and busulfan treated group were administered 100 μL DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide) and 3.2 mg/kg busulfan for 4 days, respectively. The animals were sacrificed 35 days after starting treatment. The histological change on germinal epithelium, sperm quality parameters (count and normal morphology), viability and DNA fragmentation on sperm were analyzed by light microscopy, CASA (Computer–aided Sperm Analyzer), MTT (3-[4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5 Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) and TUNEL assays, respectively. Results: Busulfan administration significantly decreased parameters of sperm (count and normal morphology) and increased germinal epithelium destruction. The head, mid piece and tail abnormalities of treated group were increased significantly versus control. The lower levels of MTT in treated group were significant compared with control group. Higher levels of TUNEL positive cells that were found in treated groups demonstrated the increasing of DNA fragmentation in sperms following busulfan treatment. Conclusion: The results showed that clinical dose of busufan induces genotoxic, pre-apoptotic and cytotoxic effects on spermatogenesis. Also, busulfan can increase cytotoxicity on testis tissue of adult male mouse.

Abstract Aim: The aim of this project is finding a relationship between body characters of Hirudo orientalis with testis sac and spermatic follicles structure in order to find a relationship between these characters and sexual maturity, regarding farming goals.
Material and methods: 30 individuals of H. orientalis were collected From 3 ponds located in Gonbad-é-Kavous city in May, July and November. Body length, width and weight, Testis sac diameter, testis sac diameter to body diameter ratio and spermatic follicle numbers obtained for each sample. For understanding starvation effect on testis sac, 20 individuals of collected leeches were starved for 120 days. Data were analyzed using ANOVA test and SPSS 16 software.
Results: Body length, width and weight, testis sac diameter, testis sac diameter to body diameter ratio and spermatic follicle numbers showed significantly reduction in May comparing with July and November (p < /em><0.05). Mature spermatic follicles were observed in samples with more than 3 gr weight, >10.3 cm length and >0.79 cm diameter in July and November. All of studied characters were reduced with the exception of body length and testis sac diameter to body diameter ratio in starved samples (p < /em><0.05).
Conclusion: This study showed that testis sac structure and spermatic follicle numbers can directly related to body weight and diameter in H. orientalis but not to body length.

Abstract Aim: To investigate spermatogenesis in the Marsh frog living in Makhmalkooh, Khorramabad, and determine which type of spermatogenesis found in this species.
Material and Methods: 34 male frogs were collected from the study area during September to February. First, the specimens were identified by measuring biometric, meristic characters and according the present keys. Then, abdominal cavity was dissected and the gonads were out and processed to prepare for histological sections methods. The tissue sections were finally examined for histological features and three quantitative parameters.
Results: Microscopic observations showed that in this species the event of sperm releasing starts in March and continue to June, during which spermatogenic cysts are observed on the wall of seminiferous tubules. This event ceases during July to September when spermatogenesis enters to its resting phase. During the resting phase the cysts are not found in the seminiferous tubules. A regenerative phase was distinguished during September to March as the number of cell increased in germinal layer. Quantitative surveys also illustrated that during March to September, diameter of the tubules and their germinal layer initially increased and then declined while the lumen’s diameter showed an opposite flux when compared with two other parameters.
Conclusion: Based on the results presented here, it seems that in this species the spermatogenesis does not occur as continuous but it is carried out in the form of semi-continuous or potentially continuous.