AIM: To further clarify the changes occurred in the testicular capsulotomized rats. METHODS: In testicular capsulotomized and sham-operated rats, the cross sectional area, the nucleus diameter and the number of Leydig...AIM: To further clarify the changes occurred in the testicular capsulotomized rats. METHODS: In testicular capsulotomized and sham-operated rats, the cross sectional area, the nucleus diameter and the number of Leydig cells were morphologically analyzed by the Vidas Image Processing System connected to a microscope. RESULTS: In the capsulotomized animals, the cross sectional area of Leydig cells was gradually increased from 30 days onwards. There was no obvious change in the nucleus diameter of Leydig cells. However, The Leydig cell number was significantly increased from day 30 onwards. CONCLUSION: In rats, testicular capsulotomy may induce hyperplasia/hypertrophy of Leydig cells in the testis.展开更多
Prepubertal testicular dysfunction and the subsequent development of hypogonadism affects an estimated one in 200 children worldwide. As the testosterone levels are dynamic during development and puberty, traditional ...Prepubertal testicular dysfunction and the subsequent development of hypogonadism affects an estimated one in 200 children worldwide. As the testosterone levels are dynamic during development and puberty, traditional hormone treatment regimens are often inadequate, thereby leaving associated physiological conditions unresolved. Therefore, we have investigated the potential therapeutic effect of mature Leydig cell transplantation for the treatment of prepubertal primary hypogonadism through the use of a surgically induced hypogonadistic rat model system. In the experiment, Leydig cells were surgically isolated from mature Sprague-Dawley rats and transplanted into prepubertal recipients. Serum testosterone levels and microscopic analysis of the stained testicular interstitium were compared with sham-treated controls, as well as with castrated and intact rats during sexual development. At 4 weeks post-implantation, serum testosterone was detectable in Leydig cell recipients, but not in surgical controls, and progressively increased as a function of time until reaching levels comparable with sexually mature males at 12 weeks post-implantation. Histological analysis revealed a high rate of Leydig cell survival as well as steroidogenic secretory activity. Therefore, we conclude that mature Leydig cell transplantation in prepubertal hypogonadism recipients has therapeutic potential in rats and merits further investigation for clinical application.展开更多
目的探索成年大鼠皮下微环境对移植的幼年SD大鼠睾丸中睾丸间质细胞存活、发育及雄激素分泌的影响。方法将成年雄性SD大鼠随机分为对照组、假手术组、去势组和未去势组。对照组大鼠不进行任何处理;假手术组大鼠去势后不进行睾丸移植;去...目的探索成年大鼠皮下微环境对移植的幼年SD大鼠睾丸中睾丸间质细胞存活、发育及雄激素分泌的影响。方法将成年雄性SD大鼠随机分为对照组、假手术组、去势组和未去势组。对照组大鼠不进行任何处理;假手术组大鼠去势后不进行睾丸移植;去势组大鼠于去势1周后行背部双侧睾丸移植手术,每侧移植1个5~7 d SD大鼠睾丸组织;未去势组直接在正常大鼠背部两侧各移植1个幼年SD大鼠睾丸组织。移植后第4周取材、称量移植睾丸组织质量,HE染色分析移植睾丸组织的组织学特点,免疫组织化学染色法检测移植睾丸组织中17β-羟基类固醇脱氢酶1(HSD-17β1)表达和分布,同时采用ELISA检测受体血清睾酮水平。结果去势组移植睾丸组织质量明显大于未去势组。去势组和未去势组均可见睾丸间质细胞,免疫组织化学染色发现去势组移植睾丸组织中HSD-17β1阳性细胞较未去势组多。ELISA分析发现对照组和未去势组的血清雄激素水平均高于假手术组和去势组,且去势组明显高于假手术组。结论移植的幼年大鼠睾丸组织可在成年受体大鼠皮下进一步发育,形成的睾丸间质细胞还具备一定的雄激素合成和分泌功能。展开更多
目的：Calretinin（CALB2）是一种钙结合蛋白。前期研究表明,CALB2可表达于人睾丸组织,推测其参与睾丸功能的调节。本研究观察不同发育阶段大鼠睾丸中CALB2的表达水平,探讨其在调节雄激素生成中的作用。方法：3~4周龄SD雄性大鼠作为性...目的：Calretinin（CALB2）是一种钙结合蛋白。前期研究表明,CALB2可表达于人睾丸组织,推测其参与睾丸功能的调节。本研究观察不同发育阶段大鼠睾丸中CALB2的表达水平,探讨其在调节雄激素生成中的作用。方法：3~4周龄SD雄性大鼠作为性发育前组（相当于人类的青春期前,n=35）,16周龄SD鼠作为性成熟组（相当于人类的成年期,n=16）,12个月以上的作为老年组（相当于人类男子的中老年,n=10）。放射免疫法测定各组血清睾酮浓度;免疫组织化学法观察CALB2的定位表达;定量聚合酶链反应（q PCR）和蛋白质印迹法（Western Blot）分别检测睾丸中CALB2 m RNA和蛋白水平的表达。结果：CALB2表达定位于睾丸的间质细胞,细胞内定位于细胞质中。性发育前组大鼠血清睾酮水平最低,性成熟组最高,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。性成熟组大鼠睾丸CALB2的表达水平较性发育前组和老年组均升高（P〈0.05）。结论：睾丸组织中,CALB2表达于间质细胞的细胞质;在不同发育阶段,睾丸间质细胞CALB2表达水平与血清睾酮水平呈正相关,表明CALB2参与调节雄激素生成。展开更多
Aim： To determine the involvement of apoptotic cell death in postnatal pathogenesis in mutant strain of hypogonadic （hgn/hgn） rats testes. We evaluated the numbers and types of cells undergoing apoptotic cell death...Aim： To determine the involvement of apoptotic cell death in postnatal pathogenesis in mutant strain of hypogonadic （hgn/hgn） rats testes. We evaluated the numbers and types of cells undergoing apoptotic cell death. Methods： Tissue sections were stained by the TUNEL method for in situ detection of apoptotic cells, with specific antibodies used as markers of testicular somatic and germ cells. Results： We found that apoptosis in the hgn/hgn testes during the early postnatal period occurred primarily in Sertoli cells, which should actively proliferate during this stage of differentiation. These findings strongly suggest that the normal allele of hgn is involved in the direct or indirect control of differentiation and proliferation of Sertoli cells. Conclusion： To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating early postnatal apoptosis of Sertoli cells, suggesting that the hgn/hgn rat is a unique model for the study of Sertoli cell deficiency.展开更多
AIM:The pathogenesis of hypogonadism in liver cirrhosis is not well understood.Previous results from our laboratory showed that IGF-1 deficiency might play a pathogenetic role in hypogonadism of cirrhosis.The administ...AIM:The pathogenesis of hypogonadism in liver cirrhosis is not well understood.Previous results from our laboratory showed that IGF-1 deficiency might play a pathogenetic role in hypogonadism of cirrhosis.The administration of IGF-1 for a short period of time reverted the testicular atrophy associated with advanced experimental cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to establish the historical progression of the described alterations in the testes, explore testicular morphology,histopathology,cellular proliferation,integrity of testicular barrier and hypophyso- gonadal axis in rats with no ascitic cirrhosis. METHODS:Male Wistar rats with histologically-proven cirrhosis induced with carbon tetrachloride(CCI_4)for 11 wk, were allocated into two groups(n=12,each)to receive recombinant IGF-1(2 μg/100 gd,sc)for two weeks or vehicle.Healthy rats receiving vehicle were used as control group(n=12). RESULTS:Compared to controls,rats with compensated cirrhosis showed a normal testicular size and weight and very few histopathological testicular abnormalities. However,these animals showed a significant diminution of cellular proliferation and a reduction of testicular transferrin expression.In addition,pituitary-gonadal axis was altered,with significant higher levels of FSH(P<0.001 vscontrols)and increased levels of LH in untreated cirrhotic animals.Interestingly,IGF-1 treatment normalized testicular transferrin expression and cellular proliferation and reduced serum levels of LH(P=ns vs controls,and P<0.01 vs untreated cirrhotic group). CONCLUSION:The testicular barrier is altered from an early stage of cirrhosis,shown by a reduction of transferrin expression in Sertoli cells,a diminished cellular proliferation and an altered gonadal axis.The treatment with IGF-1 could be also useful in this initial stage of testicular disorder associated with compensated cirrhosis.展开更多
目的:检测不同年龄段小鼠睾丸组织中SET蛋白和m RNA的表达,讨论其在精子发生及睾酮生成方面的潜在功能。方法:实验中用1周龄的ICR雄性小鼠作为幼年期组(相当于人类幼年期,n=12),4周龄的ICR雄性小鼠作为性发育期组(相当于人类的青春期前,...目的:检测不同年龄段小鼠睾丸组织中SET蛋白和m RNA的表达,讨论其在精子发生及睾酮生成方面的潜在功能。方法:实验中用1周龄的ICR雄性小鼠作为幼年期组(相当于人类幼年期,n=12),4周龄的ICR雄性小鼠作为性发育期组(相当于人类的青春期前,n=12),12周龄的ICR雄性小鼠作为成年期组(相当于人类成年期,n=12),12个月龄的ICR雄性小鼠作为中老年组(相当于人类的中老年,n=12)。免疫组织化学法观察SET在各年龄段小鼠的定位表达;实时逆转录聚合酶链反应(real-time RT-PCR)和蛋白质印迹(Western Blot)分别检测睾丸中SET m RNA和蛋白水平表达。结果:SET蛋白表达定位于生精小管中的精原细胞、精母细胞,在性发育期组和成年期组的单倍体和四倍体生殖细胞中高表达;成年期组和中老年组的睾丸间质细胞中也有SET的表达;支持细胞中很少量表达。性发育期组SET m RNA与幼年期组相比表达量升高(P=0.020),而成年期组小鼠睾丸中SET蛋白的表达水平最高。结论:SET主要表达于精原细胞和精母细胞,少量表达于支持细胞,表明SET可能与精子发生有关。SET还表达于睾丸间质细胞,与睾酮生成有关。展开更多
Testicular varicocele, a dilation of the veins of the pampiniform plexus thought to increase testicular temperature via venous congestion, is commonly associated with male infertility. Significant study has clarified ...Testicular varicocele, a dilation of the veins of the pampiniform plexus thought to increase testicular temperature via venous congestion, is commonly associated with male infertility. Significant study has clarified the negative impact of varicocele on semen parameters and more recent work has shed light on its detrimental effects on the molecular and ultrastructural features of sperm and the testicular microenvironment, as well as more clearly defined the positive impacts of treatment on couples＇ fertility. The relationship between varicocele and testicular endocrine function, while known for some time based on histologic evaluation, has become more apparent in the clinical setting with a growing link between varicocele and hypogonadism. Finally, in the pediatric setting, while future study will clarify the impact of varicocele on fertility and testicular function, recent work supports a parallel effect of varicocele in adolescents and adults, suggesting a re-evaluation of current treatment approaches in light of the progressive nature of the condition and potential increased risk of future disease.展开更多
Varicocele is the most common surgically treatable cause of male infertility, and often results in alterations in semen parameters, sperm DNA damage, and changes to the seminal milieu. Varicocele repair can result in ...Varicocele is the most common surgically treatable cause of male infertility, and often results in alterations in semen parameters, sperm DNA damage, and changes to the seminal milieu. Varicocele repair can result in improvement in these parameters in the majority of men with clinical varicocele; data supporting repair in men with subclinical varicocele are less definitive. In couples seeking fertility using assisted reproductive technologies （ARTs）, varicocele repair may offer improvement in semen parameters and sperm health that can increase the likelihood of successful fertilization using techniques such as in vitro fertilization （IVF） or intracytoplasmic sperm injection （ICSI）, or may decrease the level of ART needed to achieve successful pregnancy. Male infertility is an indicator of general male health, and evaluation of the infertile male with an eye toward future health can facilitate optimal screening and treatment of these men. Furthermore, varicocele may represent a progressive lesion, offering an argument for its repair, although this is currently unclear.展开更多
文摘AIM: To further clarify the changes occurred in the testicular capsulotomized rats. METHODS: In testicular capsulotomized and sham-operated rats, the cross sectional area, the nucleus diameter and the number of Leydig cells were morphologically analyzed by the Vidas Image Processing System connected to a microscope. RESULTS: In the capsulotomized animals, the cross sectional area of Leydig cells was gradually increased from 30 days onwards. There was no obvious change in the nucleus diameter of Leydig cells. However, The Leydig cell number was significantly increased from day 30 onwards. CONCLUSION: In rats, testicular capsulotomy may induce hyperplasia/hypertrophy of Leydig cells in the testis.
基金Acknowledgment We are grateful to the National Natural Science Foundation of China for financial support （Grant No. 30700878）.Acknowledgments The Advisory and Editorial Boards of the Asian Journal of Andrology （AJA） wish to thank the following scientists for their unique contribution to AJA in reviewing the papers （including papers published and rejected） of this issue：
文摘Prepubertal testicular dysfunction and the subsequent development of hypogonadism affects an estimated one in 200 children worldwide. As the testosterone levels are dynamic during development and puberty, traditional hormone treatment regimens are often inadequate, thereby leaving associated physiological conditions unresolved. Therefore, we have investigated the potential therapeutic effect of mature Leydig cell transplantation for the treatment of prepubertal primary hypogonadism through the use of a surgically induced hypogonadistic rat model system. In the experiment, Leydig cells were surgically isolated from mature Sprague-Dawley rats and transplanted into prepubertal recipients. Serum testosterone levels and microscopic analysis of the stained testicular interstitium were compared with sham-treated controls, as well as with castrated and intact rats during sexual development. At 4 weeks post-implantation, serum testosterone was detectable in Leydig cell recipients, but not in surgical controls, and progressively increased as a function of time until reaching levels comparable with sexually mature males at 12 weeks post-implantation. Histological analysis revealed a high rate of Leydig cell survival as well as steroidogenic secretory activity. Therefore, we conclude that mature Leydig cell transplantation in prepubertal hypogonadism recipients has therapeutic potential in rats and merits further investigation for clinical application.
文摘目的探索成年大鼠皮下微环境对移植的幼年SD大鼠睾丸中睾丸间质细胞存活、发育及雄激素分泌的影响。方法将成年雄性SD大鼠随机分为对照组、假手术组、去势组和未去势组。对照组大鼠不进行任何处理;假手术组大鼠去势后不进行睾丸移植;去势组大鼠于去势1周后行背部双侧睾丸移植手术,每侧移植1个5~7 d SD大鼠睾丸组织;未去势组直接在正常大鼠背部两侧各移植1个幼年SD大鼠睾丸组织。移植后第4周取材、称量移植睾丸组织质量,HE染色分析移植睾丸组织的组织学特点,免疫组织化学染色法检测移植睾丸组织中17β-羟基类固醇脱氢酶1(HSD-17β1)表达和分布,同时采用ELISA检测受体血清睾酮水平。结果去势组移植睾丸组织质量明显大于未去势组。去势组和未去势组均可见睾丸间质细胞,免疫组织化学染色发现去势组移植睾丸组织中HSD-17β1阳性细胞较未去势组多。ELISA分析发现对照组和未去势组的血清雄激素水平均高于假手术组和去势组,且去势组明显高于假手术组。结论移植的幼年大鼠睾丸组织可在成年受体大鼠皮下进一步发育,形成的睾丸间质细胞还具备一定的雄激素合成和分泌功能。
文摘目的：Calretinin（CALB2）是一种钙结合蛋白。前期研究表明,CALB2可表达于人睾丸组织,推测其参与睾丸功能的调节。本研究观察不同发育阶段大鼠睾丸中CALB2的表达水平,探讨其在调节雄激素生成中的作用。方法：3~4周龄SD雄性大鼠作为性发育前组（相当于人类的青春期前,n=35）,16周龄SD鼠作为性成熟组（相当于人类的成年期,n=16）,12个月以上的作为老年组（相当于人类男子的中老年,n=10）。放射免疫法测定各组血清睾酮浓度;免疫组织化学法观察CALB2的定位表达;定量聚合酶链反应（q PCR）和蛋白质印迹法（Western Blot）分别检测睾丸中CALB2 m RNA和蛋白水平的表达。结果：CALB2表达定位于睾丸的间质细胞,细胞内定位于细胞质中。性发育前组大鼠血清睾酮水平最低,性成熟组最高,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。性成熟组大鼠睾丸CALB2的表达水平较性发育前组和老年组均升高（P〈0.05）。结论：睾丸组织中,CALB2表达于间质细胞的细胞质;在不同发育阶段,睾丸间质细胞CALB2表达水平与血清睾酮水平呈正相关,表明CALB2参与调节雄激素生成。
文摘Aim： To determine the involvement of apoptotic cell death in postnatal pathogenesis in mutant strain of hypogonadic （hgn/hgn） rats testes. We evaluated the numbers and types of cells undergoing apoptotic cell death. Methods： Tissue sections were stained by the TUNEL method for in situ detection of apoptotic cells, with specific antibodies used as markers of testicular somatic and germ cells. Results： We found that apoptosis in the hgn/hgn testes during the early postnatal period occurred primarily in Sertoli cells, which should actively proliferate during this stage of differentiation. These findings strongly suggest that the normal allele of hgn is involved in the direct or indirect control of differentiation and proliferation of Sertoli cells. Conclusion： To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating early postnatal apoptosis of Sertoli cells, suggesting that the hgn/hgn rat is a unique model for the study of Sertoli cell deficiency.
基金Supported by the Spanish Program I+D,SAF 99/0072 and SAF2001/1672
文摘AIM:The pathogenesis of hypogonadism in liver cirrhosis is not well understood.Previous results from our laboratory showed that IGF-1 deficiency might play a pathogenetic role in hypogonadism of cirrhosis.The administration of IGF-1 for a short period of time reverted the testicular atrophy associated with advanced experimental cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to establish the historical progression of the described alterations in the testes, explore testicular morphology,histopathology,cellular proliferation,integrity of testicular barrier and hypophyso- gonadal axis in rats with no ascitic cirrhosis. METHODS:Male Wistar rats with histologically-proven cirrhosis induced with carbon tetrachloride(CCI_4)for 11 wk, were allocated into two groups(n=12,each)to receive recombinant IGF-1(2 μg/100 gd,sc)for two weeks or vehicle.Healthy rats receiving vehicle were used as control group(n=12). RESULTS:Compared to controls,rats with compensated cirrhosis showed a normal testicular size and weight and very few histopathological testicular abnormalities. However,these animals showed a significant diminution of cellular proliferation and a reduction of testicular transferrin expression.In addition,pituitary-gonadal axis was altered,with significant higher levels of FSH(P<0.001 vscontrols)and increased levels of LH in untreated cirrhotic animals.Interestingly,IGF-1 treatment normalized testicular transferrin expression and cellular proliferation and reduced serum levels of LH(P=ns vs controls,and P<0.01 vs untreated cirrhotic group). CONCLUSION:The testicular barrier is altered from an early stage of cirrhosis,shown by a reduction of transferrin expression in Sertoli cells,a diminished cellular proliferation and an altered gonadal axis.The treatment with IGF-1 could be also useful in this initial stage of testicular disorder associated with compensated cirrhosis.
文摘目的:检测不同年龄段小鼠睾丸组织中SET蛋白和m RNA的表达,讨论其在精子发生及睾酮生成方面的潜在功能。方法:实验中用1周龄的ICR雄性小鼠作为幼年期组(相当于人类幼年期,n=12),4周龄的ICR雄性小鼠作为性发育期组(相当于人类的青春期前,n=12),12周龄的ICR雄性小鼠作为成年期组(相当于人类成年期,n=12),12个月龄的ICR雄性小鼠作为中老年组(相当于人类的中老年,n=12)。免疫组织化学法观察SET在各年龄段小鼠的定位表达;实时逆转录聚合酶链反应(real-time RT-PCR)和蛋白质印迹(Western Blot)分别检测睾丸中SET m RNA和蛋白水平表达。结果:SET蛋白表达定位于生精小管中的精原细胞、精母细胞,在性发育期组和成年期组的单倍体和四倍体生殖细胞中高表达;成年期组和中老年组的睾丸间质细胞中也有SET的表达;支持细胞中很少量表达。性发育期组SET m RNA与幼年期组相比表达量升高(P=0.020),而成年期组小鼠睾丸中SET蛋白的表达水平最高。结论:SET主要表达于精原细胞和精母细胞,少量表达于支持细胞,表明SET可能与精子发生有关。SET还表达于睾丸间质细胞,与睾酮生成有关。
文摘Testicular varicocele, a dilation of the veins of the pampiniform plexus thought to increase testicular temperature via venous congestion, is commonly associated with male infertility. Significant study has clarified the negative impact of varicocele on semen parameters and more recent work has shed light on its detrimental effects on the molecular and ultrastructural features of sperm and the testicular microenvironment, as well as more clearly defined the positive impacts of treatment on couples＇ fertility. The relationship between varicocele and testicular endocrine function, while known for some time based on histologic evaluation, has become more apparent in the clinical setting with a growing link between varicocele and hypogonadism. Finally, in the pediatric setting, while future study will clarify the impact of varicocele on fertility and testicular function, recent work supports a parallel effect of varicocele in adolescents and adults, suggesting a re-evaluation of current treatment approaches in light of the progressive nature of the condition and potential increased risk of future disease.
文摘Varicocele is the most common surgically treatable cause of male infertility, and often results in alterations in semen parameters, sperm DNA damage, and changes to the seminal milieu. Varicocele repair can result in improvement in these parameters in the majority of men with clinical varicocele; data supporting repair in men with subclinical varicocele are less definitive. In couples seeking fertility using assisted reproductive technologies （ARTs）, varicocele repair may offer improvement in semen parameters and sperm health that can increase the likelihood of successful fertilization using techniques such as in vitro fertilization （IVF） or intracytoplasmic sperm injection （ICSI）, or may decrease the level of ART needed to achieve successful pregnancy. Male infertility is an indicator of general male health, and evaluation of the infertile male with an eye toward future health can facilitate optimal screening and treatment of these men. Furthermore, varicocele may represent a progressive lesion, offering an argument for its repair, although this is currently unclear.
