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Deferens
Kinds of Deferens Selected AbstractsGene expression in the efferent ducts, epididymis, and vas deferens during embryonic development of the mouseDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 9 2010Elizabeth M. Snyder Abstract The tissues of the male reproductive tract are characterized by distinct morphologies, from highly coiled to un-coiled. Global gene expression profiles of efferent ducts, epididymis, and vas deferens were generated from embryonic day 14.5 to postnatal day 1 as tissue-specific morphologies emerge. Expression of homeobox genes, potential mediators of tissue-specific morphological development, was assessed. Twenty homeobox genes were identified as either tissue-enriched, developmentally regulated, or both. Additionally, ontology analysis demonstrated cell adhesion to be highly regulated along the length of the reproductive tract. Regulators of cell adhesion with variable expression between the three tissues were identified including Alcam, various cadherins, and multiple integrins. Immunofluorescence localization of the cell adhesion regulators POSTN and CDH2 demonstrated cell adhesion in the epithelium and mesenchyme of the epididymis may change throughout development. These results suggest cell adhesion may be modulated in a tissue-specific manner, playing an important role in establishing each tissue's final morphology. Developmental Dynamics 239:2479,2491, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Genital system anatomy and development of Ovatella myosotis by three-dimensional computer visualizationACTA ZOOLOGICA, Issue 2 2009Bernhard Ruthensteiner Abstract Adult anatomy as well as organogenesis of the genital system of the ellobiid pulmonate Ovatella myosotis is investigated in detail by means of serial sectioning and three-dimensional computer reconstruction and visualization. From the middle portion of the adult, which has four nidamental glands, a spermoviduct leads to a common genital aperture. From here two separate structures, the vas deferens and a groove on the body surface, lead anteriorly. The latter is termed the egg groove because it carries the egg ribbon anteriorly, a function that is recognized here for the first time in the Ellobiidae. The evolution of this structure is discussed. In development, the organ system arises from four separate anlagen: (1) the ovotestis anlage, (2) the pallial anlage giving rise to the hermaphrodite duct, fertilization pouch,spermatheca complex, nidamental glandular complex and spermoviduct, (3) the bursa copulatrix anlage and (4) the anlage of the copulatory organ, vas deferens and egg groove. This development mode strongly resembles that of the siphonariid Williamia radiata, supporting its interpretation as a plesiomorphy in Pulmonata. Similarities in development of primitive pulmonates and evolution in gastropods lead to the assumption that ontogenesis of this organ system reflects evolution to some degree. [source] When do the Costs of Spermatogenesis Constrain Sperm Expenditure?ETHOLOGY, Issue 1 2009Remarks on the Pattern of the Spermatogenic Cycle The costs of spermatogenesis constrain sperm expenditure when sperm production per day is limited. Thus, males are challenged to allocate available resources to sperm production and other life history functions. However, this prevailing assumption is not applicable to species in which spermatogenesis becomes quiescent during the breeding season. Males of these species prepare large quantities of sperm before the breeding season. Among these species, constraints on ejaculates have been intensively investigated in salamanders that deposit spermatophores. Although it is predicted that sperm expenditure should not be limited because of abundantly prepared sperm, spermatophore deposition is often limited during the breeding season when vas deferens are full of sperm. We tested a hypothesis regarding limited spermatophore deposition by measuring sperm quantity and volume of spermatophores sequentially deposited by male eastern newts Notophthalmus viridescens. A male newt rarely deposits more than three spermatophores per mating. If depletion of non-sperm components of spermatophores limits spermatophore deposition, we predicted that spermatophore volume decreases while sperm quantity remains constant as a male deposits more spermatophores. Alternatively, some regulative mechanisms allow a limited portion of available sperm to be expended per mating, in which sperm quantity is predicted to decrease while the spermatophore volume remains constant. Finally, depletion of non-sperm components may regulate sperm expenditure, which predicted that both spermatophore volume and sperm quantity decrease. We found that both sperm quantity and the spermatophore volume decreased as a male deposited more spermatophores during a single mating. Sperm expenditure was constrained without the costs involved in active spermatogenesis, and depletion of non-sperm components likely regulate sperm quantity loaded in spermatophores. In dissociated spermatogenesis, constrained sperm expenditure do not mean that costly spermatogenesis is directly limiting male mating capacity but rather suggest that the evolution of physiological mechanisms regulating sperm expenditure per mating maximizes male reproductive success. [source] The expression of glutathione reductase in the male reproductive system of rats supports the enzymatic basis of glutathione function in spermatogenesisFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 5 2002Tomoko Kaneko Glutathione reductase (GR) recycles oxidized glutathione (GSSG) by converting it to the reduced form (GSH) using an NADPH as the electron source. The function of GR in the male genital tract of the rat was examined by measuring its enzymatic activity and examining the gene expression and localization of the protein. Levels of GR activity, the protein, and the corresponding mRNA were the highest in epididymis among testes, vas deferens, seminal vesicle, and prostate gland. The localization of GR, as evidenced by immunohistochemical techniques, reveals that it exists at high levels in the epithelia of the genital tract. In testis, GR is mainly localized in Sertoli cells. The enzymatic activity and protein expression of GR in primary cultured testicular cells confirmed its predominant expression in Sertoli cells. Intracellular GSH levels, expressed as mol per mg protein, was higher in spermatogenic cells than in Sertoli cells. As a result of these findings, the effects of buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), an inhibitor for GSH synthesis, and 1,3-bis(2-chlorethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU), an inhibitor for GR, on cultured testicular cells were examined. Sertoli cells were prone to die as the result of BCNU, but not BSO treatment, although intracellular levels of GSH declined more severely with BSO treatment. Spermatogenic cells were less sensitive to these agents than Sertoli cells, which indicates that the contribution of these enzymes is less significant in spermatogenic cells. The results herein suggest that the GR system in Sertoli cells is involved in the supplementation of GSH to spermatogenic cells in which high levels of cysteine are required for protamine synthesis. In turn, the genital tract, the epithelia of which are rich in GR, functions in an antioxidative manner to protect sulfhydryl groups and unsaturated fatty acids in spermatozoa from oxidation during the maturation process and storage. [source] A T3 allele in the CFTR gene exacerbates exon 9 skipping in vas deferens and epididymal cell lines and is associated with Congenital Bilateral Absence of Vas Deferens (CBAVD),HUMAN MUTATION, Issue 1 2005Antoine Disset Abstract The different alleles at the (TG)m(T)n polymorphic loci at the 3, end of the human CFTR intron 8 determine the efficiency by which exon 9 is spliced. We identified a novel TG12T3 allele in a congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens (CBAVD) patient who carries a [TG11T7; p.Phe508Cys; p.Met470Val] haplotype on the other chromosome. To better understand the complex regulation of exon 9 splicing, we analyzed the levels of correctly spliced CFTR transcripts in six CFTR-expressing epithelial cell lines derived from lung, colon, testis, vas deferens, and epididymis transiently transfected with four CFTR minigenes (pTG11T7, pTG12T7, pTG12T5, and pTG12T3). In this work, we show that a decrease in the Ts at the polymorphic locus in a TG12 background determines a cell-type dependent reduction in exon 9+ transcripts that is not related to the basal splicing efficiency in the cell line. These data emphasize the role of the T5 allele in CBAVD and identify the T3 allele as a severe cystic fibrosis (CF) disease-causing mutation. Finally, UV cross-linking experiments demonstrated that tissue-specific trans -acting splicing factors do not contribute to the different patterns of exon 9 splicing found between the cell lines. However, we observed that lower numbers of Ts can alter the binding of TDP-43 (TDP43 or TARDBP) to its specific target ug12 in a tissue-specific manner. Our results support the idea that the ratio of general splicing factors plays a role in the tissue variability of exon 9 alternative splicing. Hum Mutat 25:72,81, 2005. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Administration of noradrenaline in the autonomic ganglia modifies the testosterone release from the testis using an ex vivo systemINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue 4 2009Zulema Y. Sosa Summary The male gonad receives nerve fibres from the autonomic ganglionic system. These fibres converge on the testis along two pathways, the superior and the inferior spermatic nerves. The superior spermatic nerve runs from the superior mesenteric ganglion alongside the testicular artery, whereas the inferior spermatic nerve originates in inferior mesenteric ganglion, accompanies the vas deferens and penetrates the inferior pole of the testis. The aim of this work was to evaluate androgen release after the addition of noradrenaline or adrenoreceptor antagonists (propranolol or phentolamine) to the ganglionic compartment. An ex vivo system used in a previous work was incubated in two separate containers, one for the testis and the other for the ganglion. Both organs remain interconnected (as in vivo) by the respective spermatic nerve. When noradrenaline was added to the inferior mesenteric ganglion, testosterone release in the gonad container underwent a progressive and significant increment. Propranolol diminishes and phentolamine increases the androgen release. When using the superior mesenteric ganglion, no changes were observed. These results indicate that the ganglionic stimulation of the autonomic system clearly participates in testosterone release from the testis. This effect depends on the ganglion involved. These results make it evident that not only the classical and well-known hypothalamus,hypophysial axis, but also the peripheral nervous system, via the autonomic ganglia, are directly involved in the endocrine control of the testis. [source] Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors in the treatment of premature ejaculationINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue 5 2006W. F. Wang Summary To date, there is no FDA-approved therapy for premature ejaculation (PE). Recently, phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5 -Is) have been demonstrated to have encouraging results in the treatment of PE by a few studies. The aim of this review was to assess the updated manuscripts and thereafter present the practical recommendations and possible mechanisms concerning PDE5 -Is for treating PE. Using MEDLINE, we searched and assessed the peer manuscripts published from 1 January 1996 to 1 September 2005 about PDE5 -Is for treating PE. The results show that the number of patients in all the reports is very few and most of the studies do not employ double-blinded and placebo-controlled tests, though they are prospective and randomized. Therefore, the results and conclusions might be biased. PDE5 -Is are suggested to be used in PE with old age or associated with erectile dysfunction (ED), or to be employed alone or in combination with selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) when SSRIs fail to treat PE; behavioural therapy is proposed to be used for preventing the recurrence of PE following withdrawal of PDE5 -Is. In addition, for the PE patient with a definite aetiological cause, the aetiology should be cured first, if PE still exists, followed by PDE-Is prescription. Possible mechanisms that are involved include relaxing the smooth muscles of vas deferens, seminal vesicle, prostate and urethra; decreasing the central sympathetic output; inducing peripheral analgesia; prolonging the duration of erection; and increasing confidence, the perception of ejaculatory control, overall sexual satisfaction, and decreasing the post-orgasmic refractory time to achieve a second erection after ejaculation. Well-designed multicentre studies are urgently warranted to further elucidate the efficacies and safety as well as mechanisms of PDE5 -Is in the treatment of PE. [source] Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene mutation associated with a congenital bilateral absence of vas deferensINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 3 2008Hideo Sakamoto Abstract: Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene mutations associated with cystic fibrosis have been reported to be rare in Japanese patients with congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens (CBAVD). A 28-year-old Japanese male was referred for infertility. Vas deferens and epididymis were not palpable bilaterally. Semen analyses showed azoospermia with volumes below 2.0 ml. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone value was slightly elevated. Seminal fructose concentration was also very low. Scrotal ultrasonography showed absence of the bodies and tails of the right and left epididymides. Imaging studies showed cystic dysplasia of the right seminal vesicle and agenesis of the left seminal vesicle. A CFTR gene mutation of I556V was found. Recent studies show that prevalence of CFTR gene mutation in Japanese CBAVD patients may be approximately equal to that of the Caucasian population. Genetic counselling may be recommended for any couple attempting assisted reproduction technology when the man has CBAVD. [source] Effect of experimentally induced Escherichia coli epididymo-orchitis and ciprofloxacin treatment on rat spermatogenesisINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 3 2007Aslan Demir Abstract: We investigated the effects of epididymo-orchitis and ciprofloxacin on rat testicular histology and spermatogenesis. The control group underwent left orchiectomy. The second group received oral ciprofloxacin (150 mg/kg/day) for 10 days. Escherichia coli (106 cfu/mL, 0.1 mL) was injected into the proximal right ductus deferens in the third group. The fourth group received ciprofloxacin treatment 48 h after E. coli inoculation. In groups 3 and 4, bilateral orchiectomy was performed 14 days after the challenge. In healthy rats, ciprofloxacin caused recognizable histological damage associated with a mild decrease in testicular volume and sperm concentration. Infected testicles in groups 3 and 4 revealed severe histological damage associated with severe testicular atrophy and impaired spermatogenesis that were more significant in infected rats which received ciprofloxacin treatment. Contralateral testicles in these animals showed similar histopathological changes to a lesser extent. The results of our study suggest a gonadotoxic potential for ciprofloxacin and this potential in humans should be addressed with further studies. [source] Inguinal hernia of seminal vesicle cystINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 11 2004KATSUKI INOUE Abstract Seminal vesicle cysts are uncommon abnormalities in the pelvis. The case of a seminal vesicle cyst that extended through the inguinal canal is reported. A 35-year-old man presented with left inguinal swelling. He was diagnosed with a left inguinal hernia. However, the interpretative diagnosis was a spermatic cord tumor. The operation was changed to tumor resection. The tumor existed along with the vas deferens from part of the parietal peritoneum outside the inguinal tunnel to the deep pelvic space. The cylinder-shaped tumor was 3 cm in diameter and 20 cm long. Pathological examination revealed a seminal vesicle cyst that extended through the inguinal canal. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of a seminal vesicle cyst inguinal hernia. [source] Intra-abdominal testis with loop-like epididymis and intra-canalicular vas and vesselsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 9 2002AHMED ANWAR Abstract A case of intra-abdominal testis with loop-like epididymis and intra-canalicular vas and vessels is presented. A 3-year-old male with left impalpable testis since birth was admitted to our department. Physical examination and ultrasonography were inconclusive. Laparoscopy revealed a small left abdominal testis with surrounding adhesions close to the left-obliterated umbilical artery. The vas deferens and spermatic vessels were entering into the internal inguinal ring. The processus vaginalis was patent. At inguinal exploration the testis was atrophic and the epididymis was loop-like, joining the vas deferens in the inguinal canal. The spermatic vessels continued to the atrophic testis in a loop-like manner. The testis, epididymis and the vas deferens were removed. Histopathological examination of the testis revealed Sertoli cells only. If inguinal exploration had been performed without laparoscopy, the presence of the vas deferens and spermatic vessels in the inguinal canal with the absence of the testis could have been misdiagnosed as vanishing testis. Abdominal testis would thus have been missed, with increased risk of complications, particularly malignancy. [source] Diagnosis and treatment of post-herniorrhaphy vas deferens obstructionINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 2000Tadashi Matsuda Childhood inguinal herniorrhaphy (IH) is one of the most frequent causes of seminal tract obstruction. The incidence of vasal obstruction was found to be as high as 26.7% in subfertile patients with a history of childhood IH. The distal end of the vas deferens was found at the internal inguinal ring or in the pelvic cavity in 56.7% of cases, more than 3 cm of the vas deferens had been resected in 37.9% of cases, and sperm was found in vasal fluid in 45.5% of cases during corrective surgery. Microsurgical two-layer vasovasostomy resulted in the postoperative appearance of sperm in 39% of patients. In patients with postoperative azoospermia, a secondary epididymal obstruction caused by a long-term vasal obstruction is a highly probable cause. Ipsilateral epididymovasostomy following successful inguinal vasovasostomy results in the postoperative appearance of sperm in the ejaculate in 100% of the patients and a subsequent natural pregnancy rate of 50%. The overall pregnancy rate among couples, following surgery in 18 patients, was 43%, excluding pregnancies achieved by in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Microsurgical reanastomosis of the seminal tract resulted in high impregnation rates among partners of patients with seminal tract obstruction caused by childhood IH. After receiving sufficient information on each treatment modality, patients can choose their preferred treatment, either reanastomosis of the seminal tract or assisted reproductive technology using epididymal or testicular sperm. [source] Mouse spermatozoa contain a nuclease that is activated by pretreatment with EGTA and subsequent calcium incubationJOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 5 2008Segal M. Boaz Abstract We demonstrated that mouse spermatozoa cleave their DNA into ,50 kb loop-sized fragments with topoisomerase IIB when treated with MnCl2 and CaCl2 in a process we term sperm chromatin fragmentation (SCF). SCF can be reversed by EDTA. A nuclease then further degrades the DNA in a process we term sperm DNA degradation (SDD). MnCl2 alone could elicit this activity, but CaCl2 had no effect. Here, we demonstrate the existence of a nuclease in the vas deferens that can be activated by ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA) to digest the sperm DNA by SDD. Spermatozoa were extracted with salt and dithiothreitol to remove protamines and then incubated with EGTA. Next, the EGTA was removed and divalent cations were added. We found that Mn2+, Ca2+, or Zn2+ could each activate SDD in spermatozoa but Mg2+ could not. When the reaction was slowed by incubation on ice, EGTA pretreatment followed by incubation in Ca2+ elicited the reversible fragmentation of sperm DNA evident in SCF. When the reactions were then incubated at 37°C they progressed to the more complete degradation of DNA by SDD. EDTA could also be used to activate the nuclease, but required a higher concentration than EGTA. This EGTA-activatable nuclease activity was found in each fraction of the vas deferens plasma: in the spermatozoa, in the surrounding fluid, and in the insoluble components in the fluid. These results suggest that this sperm nuclease is regulated by a mechanism that is sensitive to EGTA, possibly by removing inhibition of a calcium binding protein. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 1636,1645, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Renal sexual segment of the ground skink, Scincella laterale (Reptilia, Squamata, Scincidae),JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY, Issue 1 2005David M. Sever Abstract Mature squamates possess hypertrophied regions of the distal urinary ducts, the renal sexual segment (RSS). The RSS is believed to provide seminal fluid that mixes with sperm and is released into the female cloaca during coitus. This study is the first to describe ultrastructure of the RSS in a lizard collected throughout the active season. The species examined, Scincella laterale, represents the largest family (Scincidae: 1,200 species) of lizards. Although sperm are present in the posterior ductus deferens of male S. laterale throughout the year, an annual spermatogenic cycle occurs that results in spermiation in spring, coinciding with maximum development of the RSS. Female S. laterale may possess stored sperm in vaginal crypts from March,May and large oviductal eggs April,June. Thus, the correlation between mating and RSS activity observed in other squamates is also found in S. laterale. Cytologically, the active RSS consists of columnar cells with numerous apical, electron-dense secretory vacuoles which are released by an apocrine process. The granules stain positively for proteins with bromphenol blue and react with PAS for neutral carbohydrates. After the mating season the RSS undergoes recrudescence and the electron-dense granules are replaced by a mucoid secretion that characterizes more proximal portions of the nephric tubules throughout the year. Little variation in ultrastructure of the RSS occurs between S. laterale and Cnemidophorus lemniscatus (Teiidae), the only other lizard in which seasonal variation of the RSS has been studied using similar methods. Females exhibit differentiation similar to that of males in the distal urinary tubules, but to a lesser degree. This is only the second such report for female squamates, and the differentiation of the region in females is proposed to result from adrenal androgens. J. Morphol. Published 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Synthesis and biological activity of homoarginine-containing opioid peptidesJOURNAL OF PEPTIDE SCIENCE, Issue 1 2007Jan Izdebski Abstract Two tris-alkoxycarbonyl homoarginine derivatives, Boc-Har{,,,,-[Z(2Br)]2}-OH and Boc-Har{,,,,-[Z(2Cl)]2}-OH, were prepared by guanidinylation of Boc-Lys-OH, and used for the synthesis of neo-endorphins and dynorphins. The results were compared with that obtained in the synthesis in which Boc-Lys(Fmoc)-OH was incorporated into the peptide chain, and after removing Fmoc protection, the resulting peptide-resin was guanidinylated with N,N,-[Z(2Br)]2 - or N,N,-[Z(2Cl)]2 - S -methylisourea. The peptides were tested in the guinea-pig ileum (GPI) and mouse vas deferens (MVD) assays. The results indicated that replacement of Arg by Har may be a good avenue for the design of biologically active peptides with increased resistance to degradation by trypsin-like enzymes. Copyright © 2006 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Ultrastructure of the Male Reproductive System of Cotesia vestalis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) with Preliminary Characterization of the SecretionsMICROSCOPY RESEARCH AND TECHNIQUE, Issue 7 2007Fang Huang Abstract The morphology and ultrastructure of testes and accessory glands along with the characterization of their secretions were investigated for a braconid species Cotesia vestalis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) using light and electron microscopes. The male internal reproductive system of this species is distinguished by a pair of testes, one vas deferens, and a pair of male accessory glands. The testes are separate, and the accessory glands are oval and not fused. It was observed that the secretory cells of testes have characteristic smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum, and that the cytoplasm is filled with an array of granule droplets usually of two to three types. The secretory cells in the case of accessory glands are typified by the presence of microvilli on their apical cell surfaces and numerous mitochondria in their cytoplasm. SDS-PAGE profile when performed depicted a similarity in most bands of the secretions from both testes and accessory glands, except for four proteins of which two were present only in testes, while the other two only appeared in accessory glands. Their molecular weights were 117 and 55 kDa for testes and 196 and 30 kDa for accessory glands, respectively. This study gives new insights into the intriguing features of male internal reproductive system and it especially constitutes the first report of its kind about the secretion properties of these organs in C. vestalis. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Effects of sublethal dose of chlorfluazuron on testicular development and spermatogenesis in the common cutworm, Spodoptera lituraPHYSIOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 4 2000Farzana Perveen Summary This paper describes the physiological mechanism of action of chlorfluazuron on testicular development and spermatogenesis when sublethal doses (LD10: 1.00 ng/larva or LD30: 3.75 ng/larva) are applied topically to the cuticle of newly moulted fifth instars of the common cutworm Spodoptera litura (F.) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae). These doses disrupt the growth and development of testes by decreasing the volume and weight of testes and thickness of testes sheath as compared with that of the controls. Sublethal doses of chlorfluazuron also significantly reduce the protein content of the testis, but do not affect the carbohydrate and lipid contents in newly emerged treated males when measured in ,g/mg of testis as compared with that of the controls. Additionally, such doses disrupt spermatogenesis by reducing the number and size of eupyrene and apyrene sperm bundles in the testis. Very few or no eupyrene sperm bundles are observed in vas deferens of pre- and newly moulted adults compared with controls. This result shows that the transfer of sperm bundles from testes to vas deferens is delayed in treated males. The effects of chlorfluazuron on testicular development and spermatogenesis is thought to be one of the factors responsible for the reduction in fecundity, fertility and hatchability caused by sublethal doses of chlorfluazuron. [source] Atypical Fetal Prostate Development is Associated with Ipsilateral Hypoplasia of the Wolffian Ducts in the ACI RatTHE ANATOMICAL RECORD : ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY, Issue 5 2010Luke E. Hofkamp Abstract For over a half century, the ACI (August × Copenhagen) rat has been a primary model for studying renal agenesis and ipsilateral hypoplasia (IHP) of the Wolffian-derived structures (WDS). Because the ACI rat is also used as a model for prostate research, it is important to examine the relationship of IHP and urogenital sinus (UGS) development. The prostate is dependent on androgens for proper growth and differentiation. Alteration in androgen production and/or delivery to the UGS has the potential to perturbate normal development. In this study, we investigate whether the ipsilateral loss of the WDS is associated with altered prostate development. Digital images of serial-sectioned fetal ACI rat UGS were used to create three-dimensional (3-D) surface-rendered models of the developing prostate, seminal vesicle, vas deferens, and utricle on gestational day 21. The number and volume of prostate ducts developing from the UGS were calculated from the 3-D model data. Animals exhibiting IHP had a significant decrease in total fetal prostate volume (40%; P < 0.005) with significant regional specific differences when compared with normal male ACI rats. Anatomical and histological differences in the utricle, abnormal histology of the ipsilateral testes, and a truncation of the ipsilateral Wolffian ductal mesenchyme were also seen in the animals with IHP. Additional research is needed to further understand the mechanisms and consequences of IHP on prostate growth and development. Alterations to normal prenatal development of the male accessory sex organs can have important consequences for the growth and morphology of the adult gland. Anat Rec, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Macroscopic Features of the Arterial Supply to the Reproductive System of the Male Ostrich (Struthio camelus)ANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 4 2007M. Z. J. Elias Summary The macroscopic features of the arterial supply to the reproductive system of the male ostrich was studied in 16 pre-pubertal and eight sexually mature and active birds. The left and right cranial renal arteries arise from the aorta, between the cranial divisions of the kidneys. These vessels supply the cranial divisions of the kidneys, the testes, the epididymides and the cranial segments of the ducti deferentia. Accessory testicular arteries which arise directly from the aorta are present in 45.8% of the specimens. They supply the testes and cranial parts of the ducti deferentia. They are variable in number and origin, and four variants are identified. A cranial ureterodeferential branch originates from the cranial renal artery, supplies the cranial portion of the ductus deferens and ureter, and runs caudally to anastomose with the middle renal artery. The sciatic artery arises laterally from the aorta, just caudal to the acetabulum, and gives rise, ventrally, to a common trunk, the common renal artery, which divides into the middle and caudal renal arteries. The middle renal artery gives rise to the middle ureterodeferential branch which supplies the middle part of the ductus deferens and ureter. A few centimetres caudal to the kidney, the aorta terminates in three branches, namely, the left and right internal iliac arteries and the median caudal artery. The internal iliac artery divides into the lateral caudal artery and the pudendal artery; the latter gives off caudal ureterodeferential branches that supply the caudal segments of the ductus deferens and ureter. In addition, the pudendal artery gives off vessels that supply the cloaca, some of which continue to the base of the phallus, where they form an arterial network. In conclusion, the pattern of the blood supply to the reproductive organs of the male ostrich is, in general, similar to that of the domestic fowl and pigeon, although there are a few highlighted distinctive features. [source] Effects of Castration on the Expression of Neurotrophic Factors in the Vas Deferens and Accessory Genital Glands of the RatANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 2005N. Mirabella Introduction:, Neurotrophic factors constitute a group of growth factor families, which have important effects on survival and differentiation of neuronal cells. The neurotrophin family is composed of nerve growth factor (NGF), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin (NT)3 and NT 4/5. Neurotrophins act by means of high (TrkA, TrkB and TrkC) and low (p75) affinity receptors on numerous neuronal populations of central and peripheral nervous system. The family of glial derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) includes, besides the GDNF, neurturin (NTN), persephin (PSP) and artemin (ART). They bind to a common receptor Ret, but the binding specificity is due to a group of proteins (GFR, 1,4). These factors show a trophic effect on dorsal ganglia, motor neurons and autonomic nervous system. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the expression of NGF, BDNF and GDNF in the vas deferens and accessory genital glands of normal and castrated rats. Methods:, Immunohistochemistry, enzyme linked immunoassay (ELISA), reverse transcriptase (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results and Discussion:, Immunoreactivity to NGF, BDNF and GDNF was observed in all the investigated tracts. Generally, this immunoreactivity seemed to increase in castrated rats. ELISA and RT-PCR were performed to evaluate the levels of BDNF protein and its mRNA. In the normals, the greatest concentration of BDNF was observed in the vesicular gland, the lowest in the prostate. In the castrated, the BDNF concentration significantly decreased in the vas deferens. Conversely, it increased in the vesicular gland and in the ventral and dorsal prostate. BDNF transcripts were detected in both normal and castrated rats. These results suggest that neurotrophic factors are produced by the vas deferens and accessory genital glands and, in normal conditions, they are downregulated by androgens. [source] Teaching of Anatomy of Genital Organs in the Large AnimalsANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 2005G. M. Constantinescu At the University of Missouri-Columbia, USA, teaching the anatomy of genital organs in large (and in small) animals is clinically oriented. In the male horse, ox, and pig, the descriptive anatomy of the structures is taught in that order as they are listed in Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria. Clinical correlates are immediately mentioned in relation to each of the following structures. The testicle, epididymis, ductus deferens, spermatic cord, and tunics of spermatic cord and testis are correlated to the castration, criptorchidism, ectopic testicles, and inguinal herniae, as well as to the landmarks and approaches to different clinical techniques. The penis and male urethra are correlated to the prolapse of the prepuce, ulcerative posthitis, balanitis, penile deviation, penischisis, persistent penile frenulum, short retractor penis muscle, catheterization of the urethra, the contagious equine metritis (CEM), etc. In the female horse, ox and pig, following the similar order as in the male species, the ovary and the salpinx are correlated to the diagnosis of pregnancy by rectal exploration, ovarian hypoplasia, ectopic pregnancy, and ovariectomy. The uterus is correlated to the different aspects of metritis and endometritis, to the retained placenta, pyometra, uterine torsion, uterine prolapse and eversion, Caesarian section, diagnosis of pregnancy and different stages of oestrus by rectal exploration, double external ostium of the cervix, distocia, and the assessment of possible difficulties in the birth process. The vagina and vestibulum vaginae are correlated to the gaertneritis, vaginal and cervical prolapse, vaginitis, catheterization of the urinary bladder, and pelvimetry. The vulva and clitoris are correlated to vulvitis, balanitis, distocia, episiotomy, and transmissible genital diseases. Different kinds of udder diseases (mastitis) are based on the thorough knowledge of the anatomy of the udder including the blood and nerve supply and the lymphatic system. The two techniques of epidural anesthesia (Magda and Farquharson in ruminants) and subsacral anaesthesia (Popescu) for diagnosis and treatment purposes are explained in detail. [source] Androgen-binding Protein is Co-Expressed with Oxytocin in the Male Reproductive TractANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 5 2005Z. Herbert Summary Androgen-binding protein (ABP) and the posterior lobe hormone oxytocin (OT) were co-localized in male rat reproductive organs. Immunostaining of serial semi-thin sections revealed a high rate of coexistence of both antigens in Sertoli cells and in the epithelial cells of the prostate. There was a considerably less co-localization of OT and ABP in epithelial cells of the epididymis, and in the different tissues of the ductus deferens. In situ hybridization with synthetic oligonucleotides complementary to a fragment of ABP mRNA showed specific staining in the same sites that were immunostained for ABP. ABP was isolated by affinity chromatography from homogenates of testis, epididymis, prostate and the content of the prostate lumen. Identical protein patterns could be shown with surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry in all samples except for the epididymis indicating that ABP structure is similar in all these tissues. ABP seems to be expressed in specified cells throughout the male rat reproductive tract. Most of these cells appear to be oxytocinergic. ABP and OT have previously been detected in the ejaculate. The observed epithelial cells are likely to be their source. [source] Effect of Black maca (Lepidium meyenii) on one spermatogenic cycle in ratsANDROLOGIA, Issue 5 2006G. F. Gonzales Summary Lepidium meyenii (Maca) grows exclusively between 4000 and 4500 m above sea level in the Peruvian central Andes. The hypocotyls of this plant are traditionally used in the Andean region for their supposed fertility-enhancing properties. The hypocotyls have different colours. Of these, Black maca has better effects on spermatogenesis. The present study aimed to test the hypothesis that Black maca has early effects during a spermatogenic cycle (12 days) of male rats. For this, testicular spermatid, epididymal sperm and vas deferens sperm counts were measured after 1, 3, 5, 7 and 12 days of treatment with Black maca. Aqueous extract of Black maca was given orally by daily gavage at a dose of 2 g kg,1. In a spermatogenic cycle, compared with day 1, daily sperm production (DSP) was lower at day 7 (control), whereas with Black maca, the difference was observed at day 12. Epididymal sperm count was higher in rats treated with Black maca at days 1, 3 and 7, but similar to controls at days 5 and 12; similarly sperm counts in vas deferens was higher in rats treated with Black maca in days 3, 5 and 7, but similar to controls at days 1 and 12. From this, it is suggested that first action of Black maca was at epididymal level increasing sperm count after 1 day of treatment, whereas an increase in sperm count was observed in vas deferens at day 3 of treatment. Finally, an increase in DSP was observed after 7 days of treatment with Black maca. Testicular testosterone was not affected after 7 days treatment with Black maca. In conclusion, Black maca affects sperm count as early as 1 day after beginning of treatment. [source] Reconstruction of seminal ducts in obstructive azoospermiaANDROLOGIA, Issue 4 2001G. Popken Summary. Depending on the localization of the obstruction of the seminal ducts, either a microsurgical reconstruction (tubulovasostomy, vasovasostomy) or a transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts is carried out. We have compared the effectiveness and economic advantages of reconstructive microsurgery of the epididymis and vas deferens with standard procedures in animal experiments. Microsurgical invagination techniques in tubulovasostomy are equal to the standard procedure from the point of view of the patency and fertility rates. They are also easier to learn and carry out. Less time is required for the invagination technique, and also less microsurgical suture material. The double-layer technique in vasovasostomy is equal to the one-layer microsurgical technique from the point of view of patency and fertility rates. The one-layer technique requires less time and suture material. It seems that the discrepancy between the patency and the fertility rate is related to immunological processes after reconstruction of the seminal ducts. In cases of obstructive azoospermia it is necessary to investigate the individual conditions and possibilities of the infertile couple. As a result of the high success rate obtainable today by surgical reconstruction of the seminal ducts, this must constitute the first type of treatment to be considered, before any of the procedures of reproductive medicine are undertaken. [source] Influence of sexual stimulation on sperm parameters in semen samples collected via masturbation from normozoospermic men or cryptozoospermic men participating in an assisted reproduction programmeANDROLOGIA, Issue 3 2000Y. Yamamoto Summary. To evaluate the influence of sexual stimulation via sexually stimulating videotaped visual images (VIM) on sperm function, two semen samples were collected from each of 19 normozoospermic men via masturbation with VIM. Two additional samples were collected from each man via masturbation without VIM. The volume of seminal plasma, total sperm count, sperm motility, percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa, outcome of hypo-osmotic swelling test and zona-free hamster oocyte sperm penetration assay, and markers of the secretory function of prostate were significantly larger in semen samples collected via masturbation with VIM than masturbation without VIM. The improved sperm parameters in the samples collected via masturbation with VIM may reflect an enhanced prostatic secretory function and increased loading of the vas deferens at that time. In a similar protocol, two semen samples were collected via masturbation with VIM from each of 22 non-obstructed azoospermic men. Semen samples from these men had been occasionally positive in the past for a very small number of spermatozoa (cryptozoospermic men). Two additional samples were collected from each cryptozoospermic man via masturbation without VIM. The volume of seminal plasma, total sperm count, sperm motility, and a marker of the secretory function of prostate were significantly larger in semen samples collected via masturbation with VIM. Fourteen out of the 22 men were negative for spermatozoa in both samples collected via masturbation without VIM. These men demonstrated spermatozoa in both samples collected via masturbation with VIM. Six men with immotile spermatozoa in both samples collected via masturbation without VIM exposed motile spermatozoa in both samples collected via masturbation with VIM. High sexual stimulation during masturbation with VIM results in recovery of spermatozoa of greater fertilizing potential both in normozoospermic and cryptozoospermic men. The appearance of spermatozoa after masturbation with VIM in the vast majority of cryptozoospermic men is of clinical significance in programmes applying intracytoplasmic sperm injections for the management of severe male infertility and obviates the need for testicular biopsy. [source] CFTR gene mutations and male infertilityANDROLOGIA, Issue 2 2000M. Stuhrmann Mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene are a relatively frequent cause of male infertility. Depending on their molecular consequences, CFTR mutations may either result in typical cystic fibrosis (CF), one of the most common autosomal recessive disorders, which is characterized by chronic lung disease, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, an increase in the concentration of sweat electrolytes and male infertility, due to obstructive azoospermia, or in atypical (often monosymptomatic) forms of CF such as congenital absence of the vas deferens (bi- or unilateral), bilateral ejaculatory duct obstruction or bilateral obstructions within the epididymides. All males with idiopathic obstructive azoospermia bear an increased risk for CF offspring. Couples requesting microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration and in vitro fertilization, e.g. intracytoplasmic sperm injection, should be offered genetic counselling and molecular genetic analysis of the CFTR gene, if male infertility due to obstructive azoospermia is the underlying cause. [source] Clinical findings in congenital absence of the vasa deferentiaANDROLOGIA, Issue 1 2000Dr W.-H. Summary. In a clinical study, 105 patients with congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD) and 18 with congenital unilateral absence of the vas deferens (CUAVD) were investigated. CUAVD was observed on the left side in 66%. Renal agenesis was more frequent in CUAVD (73.7%) than in CBAVD (11.8%). The leading signs of CBAVD are low pH level (average 6.5) and low volume of the ejaculate (average 0.95 ml). Testicular biopsies of 52 patients revealed normal spermatogenesis or hypospermatogenesis (33% in CBAVD; 45% in CUAVD). Genetic probing and counselling concerning cystic fibrosis are necessary if extracorporal microfertilization is considered. The absence of the vas deferens was often overlooked by the first investigator, the average time until correct diagnosis being 4.3 years. As artificial reproduction technology becomes more common, detection of vasal agenesis will certainly be made earlier and more frequently in the future. In order to assure compatibility of subsequent prospective studies about CBAVD and CUAVD, the following investigations are considered to be necessary: (i) semen analysis (pH, volume); (ii) renal ultrasonography or excretory urogram (screening for renal agenesis); (iii) genetic cystic fibrosis screening. [source] Congenital unilateral absence of the vas deferensANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 3 2010Anthony Rotman MBBS (Melb) BBiomedSc (Monash) No abstract is available for this article. [source] Environmental sex determination, external sex differentiation and structure of the androgenic gland in the Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone)AQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 15 2006Rafael Campos-Ramos Abstract Environmental effects on sex determination in Litopenaeus vannamei were studied by rearing day 1 postlarvae at three temperatures, under three photoperiods, at high density and by starving. None of the environmental conditions affected sex determination or differential development of gender in this species. From day 50, the development of the endopodite of the first pair of pleopods revealed the first external differentiation, showing a triangular structure with three setae in females, whereas a tubular structure remained in males. Juvenile shrimp sex differentiation took place from days 50,90, independent of size, only if postlarvae reached a development threshold of 150 mg of body weight and 20 mm of body length previously. Histology and scanning electron microscopy of the vas deferens revealed that the androgenic gland (AG) is a single 2-mm cord attached in the subterminal ejaculatory region, just before the distal vas deferens narrows. The AG is composed of large oval cells containing vacuolated cytoplasm, and each cell has a prominent rounded nucleus, similar to all descriptions of the AG in Malacostracans, so we assume that it should have the same function in sex differentiation. [source] ,1D -Adrenoceptors mediate nerve and agonist-evoked contractions in mouse vas deferens: evidence obtained from knockout technologyAUTONOMIC & AUTACOID PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 2-3 2008S. Bexis Summary 1 It has been demonstrated that nerve-evoked contractions of the rat vas deferens involve ,1D -adrenoceptors. Definitive evidence for a similar ,1D -adrenoceptor-mediated response in mouse vas deferens has been more difficult to obtain. In this study, we have used ,1D -adrenoceptor knockout (,1D -KO) mice to aid in the pharmacological characterization. 2 Mouse whole vas deferens was stimulated with a single pulse every 5 min. Once a stable response had been obtained, vehicle or antagonist was administered cumulatively at 5-min intervals and a response to stimulation obtained 5 min later. Cumulative concentration-response curves were also obtained for noradrenaline. 3 In vas deferens from ,1D -KO mice, the contractile response to low concentrations of noradrenaline and the contractile response to a single stimulus were significantly reduced as compared to wild type (WT). 4 The ,1D -adrenoceptor selective antagonist, BMY 7378, produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of single pulse-evoked contractions of vas deferens from WT and ,1D -KO mice. BMY 7378 was significantly less potent in inhibiting stimulation-evoked contractions in vas deferens from ,1D -KO mice. 5 It is concluded that ,1D -adrenoceptors mediate a component of nerve- and agonist-evoked contractions of the vas deferens of WT mice. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||