• Molecules and Cells
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• 제27권2호
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• pp.199-203
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• 2009

The somatic Sertoli cells play an essential role in testis determination and spermatogenesis by providing nutrition and structural support. In the current study, we report on the novel Ankrd7 gene that contains five ankyrin repeat domains. This gene was specifically expressed in Sertoli cells and was regulated in a maturation-dependent manner. Its expression was restricted to testicular tissue, and its mRNA could be detected in testes at as early as 14 dpp (days post partum) using RT-PCR analysis. In both testicular tissue sections and in vitro cultured Sertoli cells, the Ankrd7 protein was localized to the nucleus of the Sertoli cell. Immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry investigations showed that the protein was detectable in testicular tissues at 20 dpp, at which time Sertoli cells were gradually differentiating into their mature cellular form. These results suggest that Ankrd7 is probably involved in the process of Sertoli cell maturation and in spermatogenesis.

• 대한한방부인과학회지
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• 제19권2호
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• pp.62-76
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• 2006

Purpose : These studies were undertaken to evaluate the effects of the Cynomorii Herba (CH) on the spermatogenic abilities such as the concentration, motility and morphological normality of sperm from the testis, and the activities of sperm hyaluronidase, testicular peroxidase and testicular catalase. Materials and Methods : We used the 2-month-old mice and administered 0.2ml extract solution of CH in the 0.1mg/ml, 1mg/ml, 10mg/ml and 100mg/ml once a day for 60days. The control group was administered the distilled water in the same way. After the administration of extract solution, we examined the number of total, motile and normal sperm from the cauda epididymis, the activities of sperm hyaluronidase, testicular peroxidase and testicular catalase. We observed the histological changes of isolated testis and compared to the testicular tissue especially seminiferous tubules between control and CH groups by histochemical method. Results : The concentration of total sperm and the motility of spermatozoa were significantly increased in the 1mg/ml, 10mg/ml and 100mg/ml CH groups, especially in 10mg/ml group, compared to the control group. The significant differences were observed in the normality of spermatozoa of the CH groups compared to the control group. In the histolocal analysis of the testicular tissues, the enlargement of testicular lobe diameter and apparent vasculogenesis between testicular lobes were observed in the CH groups compared to the control group. Also, the activity of hyaluronidase was significantly increased in the CH groups compared to the control group. In the antioxidant activity analysis, the activities of testicular peroxidase and testicular catalase were significantly increased in the CH groups compared to the control group, respectively. Conclusion : This study shows that CH has the beneficial effect on the concentration, morphology and motility of sperm, the activities of sperm hyaluronidase, testicular peroxidase and testicular catalase. We can suggest that CH extract solution be useful for the treatment of male sexual dysfunctions and infertility.

• Animal Bioscience
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• 제37권1호
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• pp.50-60
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• 2024

Objective: Testicular fat deposition has been reported to affect animal reproduction. However, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. The present study explored whether sperm meiosis and testosterone synthesis contribute to mouse testicular fat deposition-induced reproductive performance. Methods: High fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity CD1 mice (DIO) were used as a testicular fat deposition model. The serum hormone test was performed by agent kit. The quality of sperm was assessed using a Sperm Class Analyzer. Testicular tissue morphology was analyzed by histochemical methods. The expression of spermatocyte marker molecules was monitored by an immuno-fluorescence microscope during meiosis. Analysis of the synthesis of testosterone was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and reagent kit. Results: It was found that there was a significant increase in body weight among DIO mice, however, the food intake showed no difference compared to control mice fed a normal diet (CTR). The number of offspring in DIO mice decreased, but there was no significant difference from the CTR group. The levels of follicle-stimulating hormone were lower in DIO mice and their luteinizing hormone levels were similar. The results showed a remarkable decrease in sperm density and motility among DIO mice. We also found that fat accumulation affected the meiosis process, mainly reflected in the cross-exchange of homologous chromosomes. In addition, overweight increased fat deposition in the testis and reduced the expression of testosterone synthesis-related enzymes, thereby affecting the synthesis and secretion of testosterone by testicular Leydig cells. Conclusion: Fat accumulation in the testes causes testicular cell dysfunction, which affects testosterone hormone synthesis and ultimately affects sperm formation.

• 대한한방부인과학회지
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• 제19권3호
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• pp.41-54
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• 2006

Purpose : These studies were undertaken to evaluate the effects of Allii tuberosi Semen (ATS) on the spermatogenic abilities such as concentration, motility and morphological normality of sperm from the testis and the activities of sperm hyaluronidase, testicular peroxidase and testicular catalase. Materials and Methods : We used the 8-week-old mice and administered the 0.2 ml extract solution of ATS in the different concentration (0.1 mg/ml, 1 mg/ml, 10 mg/ml and 100 mg/ml) once a day for 60 days. The control group was administered the distilled water in the same way. After the administration of each extract solution, we examined the number of total, motile and normal sperm, the activities of sperm hyaluronidase, testicular peroxidase and testicular catalase. Also we observed the histological changes of isolated testis. And we compared to the testicular tissue especially seminiferous tubules between control and treated group by histochemical methods. Results : The concentration of total sperm, the motility and normality of spermatozoa were significantly increased in ATS groups, especially in 1 and 10 mg/ml groups, compared to control group. In the histological analysis of the testicular tissues, the enlargement of testicular lobe diameter and apparent vasculogenesis between testicular lobes were observed in the ATS groups compared to the control group, respectively. Also, the activity of hyaluronidase was significantly increased in the ATS groups compared to the control group. In the antioxidant activity analysis, the activity of testicular peroxidase was significantly increased in the ATS groups compared to the control group, especially in 1 mg/ ml group. The activity of testicular catalase was increased in ATS groups. Conclusion : This study shows that ATS has the beneficial effect on the concentration, morphology and motility of sperm, the activities of sperm hyaluronidase and testicular peroxidase. We can suggest that ATS extract solution be useful for the treatment of male sexual dysfunctions and infertility.

• 대한한방부인과학회지
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• 제18권4호
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• pp.24-35
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• 2005

Purpose : This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Cynomorii Herba (鎖陽) on　the reproductive competence in male mice.　Methods ：　We used 8-week-old Spraque-Dawley rats and administered the extract powder of Cynomorii Herba to 5 rats and normal saline to control group once in a day for 28 days. Then we observed the changes of body weight before and after administration of Cynomorii Herba extracts and normal saline. We isolated their testis surgically and observed the weight of testis, epididymis, vascular gland and prostate. Also we examined the total, normal and motile sperm concentration, the concentration of testicular catalase, peroxidase and configuration of testicular tissue before and after administration of Cynomorii Herba extracts and normal saline. Results : We found that the concentration of total, normal, motile sperm in testis of Cynomorii Herba treated group shows significant difference compared with the control group. The body weight, the weight of testis, epididymis and the concentration of testicular catalase and peroxidase were higher in the Cynomorii Herba treated group, on the other hand the weight of vascular gland was lower in the Cynomorii Herba. But the contents of above statement showed no significant difference. The weight of　prostate showed lower in the control group statistically than that of the Cynomorii Herba treated group. We observed the seminiferous tubules taken shape minutely and the number of normal sperm increased in Cynomorii Herba treated group's testicular tissue. Conclusion This study shows that Cynomorii Herba may have an effect on the concentration, morphology and motility of sperm, the important factor in male fertility.

• 대한한방부인과학회지
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• 제18권1호
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• pp.142-155
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• 2005

Objective: This study was undertaken to evaluate the dose dependent effects of Epimedii Herba extract solution on the spermatogenic abilities such as concentration, motility and morphological normality of sperm from the testis, and the activities of spermhyaluronidase and antioxidants. Materials and Method: We choose the 2-month-old mice, and administered the extract powder of Epimedii Herba in the different concentration once in a day for 60 days. The control group was administerde to normal water in the isolated testis tissue. Also we observed changes of isolated testis at the before and after administration of Epimedii Herba extracts in the mice. And we compared to the testicular tissue especially seminiferous tubules between control and treated group by histochemical methods. Results: The significant dose dependent differences were observed in the concentration of total sperm, the motility and normality of spermatozoa of the Epimedii Herba extract administered groups compared than that of control group, respectively. In the histological analysis of the testicular lobes were observed in the Epimedii Herbaextract administered groups than control group, respectively. Also, the activity hyluronidase was significantly increased in the Epimedii Herba extract administered groups than that of the control group. In case of antioxidant activity analysis, the activity of peroxidase and catalase were significantly increased in the Epimedii Herba extract administered groups than that of control group, respectively. Conclusion: This study shows that Epimedii Herba can effect the count and motility of sperm, the important ractor in male fertility and also promote the activity of antioxidants, catalase and peroxidase, which is the important factor in spermatogenesis.

• 한국양식학회지
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• 제14권2호
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• pp.73-79
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• 2001

Testicular development of the male African lungfish, Protopterus annectens (Owen) was investigated histologically. The testis was found to be an elongated structure that possessed two distinct portions: an anterior spermatogenic part that was made up of a system of testicular tubules and a posterior vesicular part that invaded the kidney tissue. Spermatogenesis can be divided into five stages; primary spermatogonia, secondary spermatogonia, spermatocyte, spermatids and spermatozoa. Based on the gonadosomatic index (GSI) and histological changes observed, the reproductive cycle can be divided onto four distinct stages: resting and quiescent (December to February), growing (March to June) ripe and spent (July to August) and postspawning (September to November). The GSI was the maximum on July when reproductive cells were mature, ripe and ready for spawning; and the minimum in August after fish spawned.

• 대한한방부인과학회지
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• 제18권3호
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• pp.17-31
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• 2005

Purpose : These studies were undertaken to evaluate the effects of the administration of different concentrated Morindae officinalis Radix extract solution on the spermatogenic abilities such as concentration, motility and morphological normality of sperm from the testis and the activities of sperm hyaluronidase, testicular peroxidase and testicular catalase. Methods : We used the 2-month-old mice and administered the extract solution of Morindae officinalis Radix in the different concentration once a day for 60 days. The control group was administered the normal saline in the same way and duration. We examined the number of total, motile and normal sperm from the cauda epididymis, the activities of sperm hyaluronidase, testicular peroxidase and testicular catalase. Also we observed changes of isolated testis before and after administration of Morindae officinalis Radix extract solutions the mice. And we compared to the testicular tissue especially seminiferous tubules between control and treated group by histochemical methods. Results : The significant dose-dependent differences were observed in the concentration of total sperm, the motility and normality of spermatozoa of Morindae officinalis Radix extract solution administered groups compared to the control group, respectively. In the histological analysis of the testicular tissues, the enlargement of testicular lobe diameter and apparent vasculogenesis between testicular lobes were observed in the Morindae officinalis Radix extract solution administered groups compared to the control group, respectively. Also, the activity of hyaluronidase was significantly increased in the Morindae officinalis Radix extract solution administered groups compared to the control group. In the antioxidant activity analysis, the activity of testicular peroxidase was significantly increased in the Morindae officinalis Radix extract solution administered groups compared to the control group, respectively. Conclusion : This study shows that Morindae officinalis Radix has the beneficial effect on the concentration, morphology and motility of sperm, the activities of sperm hyaluronidase and testicular peroxidase. We can suggest that Morindae officinalis Radix extract solution be useful for the treatment of male sexual dysfunctions and infertility.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제25권3호
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• pp.482-488
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• 2011

Cadmium (Cd) is well known as a spermatotoxic and gonadotoxic heavy metal ion. This study was performed to assess the possible protective effect of Enerbalance on Cd-induced spermiotoxicity and testicular damage. The control group received isotonic saline; Cd group received Cd (2 mg/kg BW per day) orally; extract-treated groups were orally administrated with Enerbalance (50 mg and 100 mg/kg BW per day) and Cd for 10 days. Morphological changes of testicular tissue, sperm characteristics, oxidative/antioxidative parameters from testis, and serum sexual hormone level were determined. Enerbalance was significantely increased sperm amount in cauda epididymis without changes of ratio of epididymis/body weight and testis/body weight. Cd caused a marked decrease in epididymal sperm concentration and chemotactic sperm motility, testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), Enerbalance was significantly ameliorated loss of epididymal sperm concentration, sperm chemotactic motility, antioxidative parameters, and male hormone whereas decreased abnormal architecture by testis damage. Enerbalance was successfully attenuated these adverse effects of Cd and offers a dose-dependent protection. Our study demonstrated that Enerbalance could proffer a measure of protection against Cd-induced testicular damage and spermiotoxicity by possibly reducing oxidative stress and increasing the antioxidant defense mechanism in mice.

• 대한한의학회지
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• 제27권3호
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• pp.63-76
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• 2006

Objective: These studies were undertaken to evaluate the effects of the different administration duration of Morindae Radix extract solution on spermatogenic abilities such as concentration, motility and morphological normality of sperm from the testes and the activities of sperm hyaluronidase. Materials and Method: We used 8-week-old ICR mice and administered 0.3mg/g extract solution of Morindae Radix once a day for 30, 60, 90 and 120 days. The control group was administered normal saline in the same way and duration. We examined the number of total, motile and normal sperm from the cauda epididymis. We also compared the testicular tissue, especially seminiferous tubules, between the control and treated groups by histochemical methods. Finally, we observed the difference of sperm hyaluronidase activities between the control and treated groups. Results: Significant administration duration-dependent differences were observed in the concentration of total sperm, motility and normality of spermatozoa of the Morindae Radix extract solution administered groups compared to the control group. In the histological analysis of the testicular tissues, the enlargement of testicular lobe diameter and apparent vasculogenesis between testicular lobes were observed in the Morindae Radix extract solution administered groups compared to the control group. Also, the activity of hyaluronidase was significantly increased in the Morindae Radix extract solution administered groups compared to the control group. Conclusions: This study shows that the beneficial effect of Morindae Radix extract solution on the concentration, motility and morphology of sperm, the testicular tissues and the activities of sperm hyaluronidase increased the greater the duration the mice were administered it. We suggest that Morindae Radix may be useful for the treatment of male sexual dysfunction and infertility.