Acute Toxic Effects of Mercuric Chloride on the Mucocytes of the Epithelial Lining of the Accessory Respiratory Organ and Skin of the Air Breathing Catfish Heteropneustes fossilis（Bloch）^1

Acute toxicity of 0.3 ppm mercuric chloride on the mucocytes of the branchial diverticulum and skin of Heteropneustes fossilis results in cyclic increases followed by decreases in the density, area occupancy and volume at different intervals of exposure. The alterations in the two tissues do not follow the same path perhaps due to different modes of action of the mercury salt: The skin comes under direct contact effects, while the branchial diverticulum may be affected by hormonal imbalance caused by a stress effect.

The inhibitory effects on adult male reproductive functions of crude garlic （Allium sativum） feeding

Aim： To investigate the effects of crude garlic on adult male rat reproductive functions. Methods： Thirty male rats were divided into five groups： group 1 （untreated） and groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 were fed for 30 days with 5%, 10%, 15% and 30% crude garlic, respectively. Testes and accessory organs were weighed and some markers were assessed. Light and electron microscopy observations were also performed. Results： A significant decrease was observed in the body weight of groups 4 （14%; P 〈 0.01） and 5 （20%; P 〈 0.01）; of the prostate weight in group 5 （29.1%; P 〈 0.05） and of seminal vesicle weight in groups 3 （14.4%; P 〈 0.01）, 4 （18.3%; P 〈 0.01） and 5 （27.3%; P 〈 0.01）. In contrast, testis and epididymis weights were unchanged. In epididymis tissue, the alpha glucosidase activity and the spermatozoa density were unchanged. The treatment resulted in a significant decrease in testosterone serum levels in groups 3 （77.3%; P 〈 0.01）, 4 （77.3%; P 〈 0.01） and 5 （90.9%; P 〈 0.01）, associated with a significant increase in LH serum levels （P 〈 0.01）. Testicular histology showed a dose-dependent increase in the percentage of empty seminiferous tubules. Moreover, testicular function was affected; a significant decrease in phosphatase acid activity （P 〈 0.01） and testosterone （P 〈 0.05） contents were observed. Conclusion： Crude garlic consumption during 1 month reduced testosterone secretion and altered spermatogenesis at 10%, 15% and 30% doses.

Antifertility effect of ethanolic extract of Amalakyadi churna in male albino mice

Aim: To evaluate the antifertility activity of the ethanolic extract of Amalakyadi churna by oral administration in male albino mice. Methods: The ethanol extract of Amalakyadi churna at the dose of 250 mg/kg and 400 mg/ kg body weight was administered orally for 30 days to adult male mice. On day 31, the mice were sacrificed and the testis and accessory reproductive organs were removed and weighed. The organs were processed for biochemical estimation and histological work. Results: Treatment with Amalakyadi churna resulted in decrease in the weights of testis and accessory reproductive organs. The diameters of testis, seminiferous tubules and Leydig cell nucleus were decreased. The spermatogenic elements, like spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids in the testis were reduced significantly as well as the sperm count in cauda epididymis. There was a significant reduction in the protein, glycogen, DNA and RNA contents and the activity of acid phosphatase in the testis of extract treated mice compared with the control. The cholesterol content and the alkaline phophatase activity were increased significantly in treated mice. Conclusion: Amalakyadi churna extract arrests spermatogenesis in male mice without noticeable side effects.

Laparoscopic treatment of a calcium fluorophosphate stone within a seminal vesicle cyst

Stones in the seminal vesicles are extremely rare. We present a 62-year-old patient with a stone within a seminal vesicle cyst, who was cured by laparoscopic treatment. The operative time was 80 rnin, and the estimated blood loss was 90 mL. Scanning electron microscope examination of the stone showed a compact crystal image externally and sparse spherical crystal structure in kernel. Composition of the stone was calcium fluorophosphate on X-ray diffractometer. The follow-up time was 15 months with no recurrence of cyst or stone. To our knowledge, this case is the first to describe laparoscopic removal of a stone within a seminal vesicle cyst, and the first to describe calcium fluorophosphate as the composition of seminal vesicle stones. （Asian JAndro12008 Mar; 10： 337-340）

Antispermatogenic and hormonal effects of Crotalaria junceaLinn. seed extracts in male mice

Aim: To evaluate the antifertility activity of various extracts of Crotalaria juncea seeds in male mice. Methods: Adult male mice were gavaged the petroleum ether, benzene and ethanol extracts of C. juncea seeds, 25 mg·(100g)-1·day-1 for 30 days. On day 31 the animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and the testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, bulbourethral gland and levator ani were dissected out and weighed. The organs were processed for biochemical and histological examination. Results: In petroleum ether, benzene and ethanol extracts treated rats, there was a decrease in the weights of testis and accessory reproductive organs. The diameters of the testis and seminiferous tubules were decreased. Spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids in the testis and the sperm count in cauda epididymis were also decreased. There was a significant reduction in the protein and glycogen contents and an increase in the cholesterol content in the testis, epididymis and vas deferens. Of the 3 extracts, the ethanol extract appeared to be the most potent in antispermatogenic activity. When the ethanol extract was tested in immature male mice, there was an antiandrogenic effect as the weights of accessory organs were reduced. Conclusion: The various extracts of C. juncea seeds arrest spermatogenesis and are likely to have an antiandrogenic activity.

Incidental seminal vesicle amyloidosis observed in diagnostic prostate biopsies--are routine investigations for systemic amyloidosis warranted？

Seminal vesicle （SV） amyloidosis is a well-documented histological entity, but it is observed infrequently. Its incidence is on the rise, which is probably related to the increasing use of prostate biopsies to investigate patients with elevated serum prostate-specific antigen levels. Here, we report seven cases of incidental SV amyloidosis over a 3-year period and consider their relationship to the previously suggested aetiological factors. Based on our series, we conclude that incidental localized SV amyloidosis observed in diagnostic prostate biopsies does not warrant formal investigations for systemic amyloidosis.

Excess iodine supplementation aggravates the toxic effects induced by perchlorate on the male reproductive system in rats

Objective:To investigate the toxicity of excess iodine and perchlorate co-exposure on male reproductive system in rats.Methods:Eighteen male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups.Group 1 received no treatment and served as the control group.Group 2 received perchlorate alone(130 mg/kg body weight),and group 3 received perchlorate(130 mg/kg body weight)plus excess iodine(0.7 mg potassium iodine/100 g body weight)for 45 days.Urinary perchlorate and iodine excretion pattern,testicular iodine concentration,serum testosterone levels,epididymal sperm count,key enzymes of steroidogenic pathway,reactive oxygen and nitrogen species including total antioxidant profiles in testis with electron microscopic ultrastructure analysis of spermatozoa were evaluated.Results:Co-exposure of perchlorate and excess iodine reduced their excretion pattern,reflecting accumulation with reactive oxygen species generation.It was accompanied by higher lipid peroxidation level with imbalance in the pro-/antioxidant status,inhibiting the activities ofΔ^(5)3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase(HSD)and 17β-HSD rate limiting enzyme activities,and causing reduced synthesis of testosterone,parallel to reduction in testicular and accessory sex organs weight,epididymal sperm-count with deformed ultrastructure of sperm.Perchlorate alone was not a reproductive toxicant;however,in combination with excess-iodine,acute effects were noticed,resulting in a severe deterioration of testicular and spermatozoal structure and function.Conclusions:This study provides a novel insight on the augmentation of the relatively moderate repro-toxic effects of perchlorate to a more severe form in presence of excess iodine on male reproductive physiology,which justifies further investigations.