• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.665-678
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• 1994

This study was undertaken to investigate histological changes according to the radiosensitivity in the spermatogenic cells in Korean native pheasants. During spermatogenetic period, testes wete collected from male adult Korean native pheasant and they were used as experimental and control birds. The experimental group was divided into a single-dose whole body irradiation group(400, 600, 800 and 1000 rads) and a split-dose whole body irradiation groups(400/2, 600/2, 800/2 and 1000/2 rads). A Henseky's $^{60}Co$ ${\gamma}$-radiotherapy machine was used for this experiment and the dose rate of $^{60}Co$ ${\gamma}$-ray was 104 rads/min. The experimental birds were sacrificed at 24 and 72 hrs after irradiation and the control pheasants were sacrificed at the same time. General histological changes of seminiferous epithelial cells were observed by hematoxylin-eosin stain with light microscope. The results obtained are summarized as follows ; 1. In the single-dose and the split-dose irradiation groups, the average diameter of the seminiferous tubule was decreased compared with control group. 2. Seminiferous epithelial cells were more severely damaged after 72 hrs than after 24 hrs of single-dose irradiation of 400, 600 and 800 rads but the difference of cell injury was almost not observable with the elapsed time in the group of the single-dose irradiation of 1000 rads. 3. The damage of spermatogenic cells were more severe after 24 hrs than after 72 hrs of the split-dose irradiation of 400 rads but the split-dose irradiation of 600, 800 and 1000 rads were more severe after 72 hrs than after 24 hrs.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.403-407
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• 2000

Ultrastructure and function of testis somatic cells in freshwater prawns Macrobrachium nipponense were studied. The paired testes of the prawn were elongated, united at their anterior end, which lay between the dorsal surface of the hepatopancreas and the heart. Each testis consisted of a large number of seminiferous cords compactly held together by connective tissue. A seminiferous cord was composed of an outer layer of simple squamous epithelium, a basement membrane, the closely packed germ cells and sustentacular cells of the germinal ridge, and an inner layer of simple cuboidal epithelial cells. Leydig cell-like cells in an angular areas filling the space of the seminiferous cords were observed. The nuclei of leydig cell-like cells were characterized by a distinct nucleolus. The simple squamous epithelial layer was composed of flattened cells tying on a basement membrane. The nuclei of the flattened cells were often overlapped in a layer, and the cytoplasm of the cells was observed just near the nuclei. The sustentacular cells were complex in morphology. These cells had relatively small cell bodies from which long cytoplasmic extensions ramified reached the space of germ cells in the germinal ridge. The nuclei of sustentacular cells usually exhibited angular profiles and located most commonly at the periphery of the cords. Cells of simple cuboidal epithelium located between germinal ridge and lumen of seminiferous cord, and part of the cells were adjacent to basal lamina, The cuboidal epithelial cells contained numerous mitochondria, the well-developed rER, the well-developed Golgi complex, and irregularly shaped nuclei. Transition vesicles appeared on the cis side of the Golgi complex. The large vesicles on the trans side of the complex appeared to fuse to form a membrane-bound structure. A number of pits on the cell apex suggested exocytotic activity for secretion of the sperm supporting matrix.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.799-803
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• 2009

The killing of male germ cells by radiation and other toxicants has recently been attributed to apoptosis, but a critical evaluation of the presence of the different features of apoptosis in each epithelial stage has not been performed. In this study, mouse testes exposed to radiation were examined by light microscopy and terminal transferase-mediated end labeling (TUNEL) with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stains to determine whether the cells were apoptotic according to several criteria. Apoptosis was easily recognized by the presence of peroxidase-stained, entirely apoptotic bodies. In the TUNEL-positive cells or bodies, the stained products correlated precisely with the typical morphologic characteristics of apoptosis as seen at the light microscopic level. The changes that occurred from 0 to 24 hours after exposing the mice to 2 Gy of gamma-rays (2 Gy/min) were examined. The numbers of apoptotic cells reached a peak at 12 hours after irradiation and then declined. The mice that received 0-8 Gy of gamma-rays were examined 8 hours after irradiation. Dose-response relationships were generated for each stage of the epithelial cycle by counting TUNEL-positive cells. The dose-response curves were linear- quadratic [y=(-0.014${\pm}$0.009)$D^{2}$+(0.31${\pm}$0.697)D+0.3575. Where y=the number of apoptotic cells per seminiferous tubule, and D=the irradiation dose in Gy, $r^{2}$=0.9] and there was a significant relationship between the frequency of apoptotic cells and the radiation dose. Although the maximum response was produced by 8 Gy, even 0.5 Gy induced marked changes. These changes were most pronounced in B spermatogonia of stage V and the spermatocyte at the mitotic cells of stage XII.

• Animal cells and systems
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.205-212
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• 2009

Known as a female hormone, estrogen, performs important functions, and the activities of the hormone are mediated via the estrogen receptor. The principal objective of the present study was to assess the effects of a estrogen receptor agonist in male reproductive organs. In this study, the estrogen receptor alpha agonist, PPT, was injected subcutaneously into adult male mice. The effects of PPT on the murine reproductive system were histologically assessed at 3,5, and 8 weeks after treatment. In the treatment group, reductions were observed in the weight of the body, testis and epididymis. Microscopic examination revealed a reduction in seminiferous tubular diameter in the testis, and epithelial cell height in the epididymis during the experiment. 8 weeks after treatment, spermatogenesis was not detected, nor was the lumen of the seminiferous tubules. In the fertility test, 1 week after PPT injection, the fertilizing ability of males was decreased, and on the 2nd and 3rd weeks, complete infertility was observed. In conclusion, the injection of high concentrations of PPT into adult males induced physiological changes, including infertility, and also induced morphological changes, including a reduction in the height of epithelial cells within the reproductive system.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.111-124
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• 2008

In the present study, an attempt has been made to assess whether the effect of benzene extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves on the ultrastructural changes in the epithelial cells of the cauda epididymis, its subsequent recovery in the seminiferous epithelium and fertility of male albino rats. Wistar strain male albino rats were orally administered benzene extract of 250 mg/kg body weight of O. sanctum leaves followed by subsequent recovery maintaining suitable controls for 48 days. Results indicate decrease in the weights of testis, epididymis and seminal vesicles. Other accessory organs were not affected. Total count, cell and nuclei diameters of germ cells and Leydig cells were reduced. Cauda epididymis exhibited significant reduction in epithelial height and nuclei diameter of epithelial cells. Cells showed vacuolization with exhibit of signs of degeneration. Ultra study revealed that, in general, the cauda epididymis was affected and in particular, the principal, clear and basal cells were highly disturbed. Further, there was decrease in the size of lipid droplets, mitochondria, Golgi complex, endoplasmic reticulum and accumulation of lysosomal bodies. Fertility performance test showed no implantation in female rats mated with O. sanctum treated rats. Moreover, their recovery after withdrawal of treatment was observed suggesting that the effect of the treatment is transient and reversible. A recovery period resulted in normal spermatogenesis and fertility, suggesting reversible antispermatogenic and antifertility effects of the plant.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.23 no.11
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• pp.1412-1420
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• 2010

In this study, changes in testicular tissues of rats subjected to xylene and formaldehyde inhalation were evaluated. Three experimental groups were included in the study. Each group of rats was exposed to formaldehyde (6 ppm), technical xylene (300 ppm) or a combination of these two agents (150 ppm+3 ppm) for 8 weeks (8 h/d). Control groups were maintained for a period of eight weeks under the same conditions. Staining methods (triple staining, strep ABC method) were applied to examine histometric changes and relaxin like factor (RLF) expression in the testicular tissue. Immunostaining for RLF showed that density of staining for RLF decreased in rats exposed to formaldehyde. Formaldehyde or a combination of formaldehyde and xylene led to a decrease in seminiferous epithelial height. In conclusion, exposure of rats to formaldehyde and xylene-formaldehyde combinations adversely affects Leydig cells (RLF) and seminiferous epithelium of testicular tissue.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.51-51
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• 1990

This study was undertaken to observe the effects of $^{60}Co\;{\gamma}-irradiation$ on the cell of spermatogenic epithelium in the testis of the chicken. 16-week-old chicken were provided as an experimental group and compared with control group. The experimental group was divided into a single irradiation (800, 1000, 1200 rads) and into three partial irradiation group (800/3, 1000/3, 1200/3 rads). The morphological changes of epithelial cell of the testis were observed by means of hematoxyline and eosin stain. Microstructure of spermatocyte and sperm was observed by means of semithin section of electron microscopic specimen. The results obstained are summerized as follows. 1. Spermatogonia and sertoli cells were found to be isolated from the basal membrane of seminiferous tubules as dose of $^{60}Co\;{\gamma}-irradiation$ was increased. 2. Spermatocytes of pachytene stage were seperated from the cytotplasmic process of sertoil cell in case of 1000 rads of $^{60}Co\;{\gamma}-irradiation$. 3. Normal arrangement of the cell of spermatogenic epithelium was found in control group and only the partial irradiation group of 800 rads. Vaculation in the seminiferous was pronounced in case of a single irradiation group of 800 rads, but the irradiation group of 1000 rads and 1200 rads were found to be damaged severely in both a single and a partial dose.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.143-156
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• 2001

The aim of this study was to clarify the differentiation of seminiferous epithelial cells and spermiogenesis in the testis of Rana catesbeiana. Spermatogenesis of R. catesbeiana consists of primary spermatogonia, secondary spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes and spermatids. They were subdivided into eight stages on the basis of the morphological features of the germ cell differentiation. From the spermatocytes except primary spermatogonia to before the spermiation of spermatids were surrounded by spermatocyst. Spermiogenesis of R. catesbeiana can also be divided into three stages on the basis of morphological features of the nucleus and the cytoplasm organelles. Spermatozoon contained a saccular acrosome, a cylindrical and tapered slighty at both ends head, and a tail with only the axoneme.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.105-120
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• 2006

To investigate anti-cancer effects of wild ginseng herbal acupuncture and mitigation of anti-cancer drug when taken concurrently, cancer cells from B16/F10 melanoma were injected intraperitoneally in C57BL/6. After inducing cancer, anti-cancer effects and mitigation of reproductive toxicity of Doxorubicin were evaluated. 1. For changes in weight, Doxorubicin treated group showed significant decrease, and administration of wild ginseng herbal acupuncture didn't cause any weight change. 2. Volume of tumor was significantly reduced in Doxorubicin teated group. Wild ginseng herbal acupuncture groups showed slight decrease but insignificant compared to the control group. 3. For hematological evaluation, Doxorubicin only group's reticulocytes were significantly decreased compared to the control group, and Platelet Count was significantly increased. Wild ginseng herbal acupuncture group showed significant increase of Neutrophils and significant decrease of Lymphocytes compared to the control group. 4. For histological evaluation of the tumor, necrosis occurred in a wide range in the Doxorubicin treated group. Wild ginseng herbal acupuncture didn't cause much histological changes. 5. For histological evaluation of the testis, seminiferous tubules of the control group suffered severe damage on epithelial cells. When wild ginseng herbal acupuncture was administered concurrently, damage on the seminiferous tubules was significantly inhibited compared to the Doxorubicin only group. 6. Diameter of seminiferous tubules and spermatogonia count were insignificant between the experiment groups. 7. For BrdU positive reaction of testicle tissue, Doxorubicin only group failed to show any reaction of spermatogonia, but spermatocytes and spermatids showed slight positive reaction. When wild ginseng herbal acupuncture was treated concurrently, much greater positive reaction was made but similar to that of the control and normal groups. 8. For observation of changes in BrdU spermatogonia count of the testicle tissue, Doxorubicin only group didn't show any positive reaction, and relative increase was shown in the group with concurrent administration of wild ginseng herbal acupuncture. 9. For observation of TUNEL positive reaction cells of the testicle tissue, no significant changes were witnessed in all the experiment groups.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.46-55
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• 1984

The purpose of the experiment was to clarify morphologically normal growth pattern of the ductus deference in accordance with the sex maturity of meat-type cockerels. 1. Diameter of lumens in u, pp.r, mid and lower parts of ductus deferens, the most conspicuous enlargement of lumen was observed in the lower part. Heights of epithelial layers of ductus deferens showed abrupt growth at 12 weeks of age with subsequent gradual growth in all the part of u, pp.r, mid and lower, and heights of those at 30 weeks were a, pp.oximately 4 times as large in the u, pp.r and mid parts and 5 times as large in the lower part in contrast to those at 4 weeks of age. Thickness of muscular layer of ductus showed gradual growth in contrast with the diameter of lumen and height of epithelial layer, showing 1.3 times as large in the u, pp.r part, 1.6 times in the mid part and 1.9 times in the lower part at 30 weeks of age in contrast to the thickness at 4 weeks of age. 2. Within 10 weeks after hatching, lining cells of ductus deferens were mainly composed of round cells and columnar cells in simple columnar epithelium. During 10th to 20th week, the lining cells were mainly composed of high columnar cells and round cells in pseudostratified epithelium. From 22nd week, the lining cells were composed of pseudostratified columnar cells. Whereas round cells disa, pp.ared gradually. Enlargement of lumen and pooling of sperms in ductus deferens coincided with the maturation of seminiferous tubules. 3. In simple correlation between the values of testis weight and the values from various measurements in the ductus deferens, there was significant correlation coefficient with each other. 4. In the India ink absorption test, India ink granules were not absorbed on the epithelium of the ductus deferens, but the granules reactive to acid phosphatase a, pp.ared in a line on the free border of each parts of the ductus deferens. The granules reactive to alkaline phosphatase were noted on the luminal border of ductus deferens mainly, but weak reaction showed than acid phophatase were a, pp.ared. The granules reactive to PAS were a, pp.ared mostly near on the free border of hte epithelial cells of ductus deferens. 5. Number of sperm, Indes of sperm vitality and MRT in the different parts of ductus deferens were tended to be somewhat dominant in the mid and lower parts than in u, pp.r part, even though not significant in the statistical analysis. Ratio of sperm abnormality was tended to be relatively high in the u, pp.r part too, and in the sperm of abnormality blunted head was less in number significantly in the mid and lower part than in the u, pp.r part.