• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.107-116
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• 1997

In order to achieve optimal reproductive performance, reliable morphological and physiological basic data on the reproductive organs are desirable. Adult male Korean ring-necked pheasant in inactive(mid of January) and active state (end of April) were used in this study. In addition, five active state pheasants were received a single dose of 60Co-ray 500 rads each to damage the testes. The objective of this study was to investigate the distribution pattern of protein gene product (PGP) 9.5 and ${\alpha}$-tubulin in the pheasant testes of the active, inactive and ${\gamma}$-ray irradiated active states. The results obtained were summarized as follows 1. The seminiferous tubules collected in inactive states( mid of Jan) showed narrow lumen, and the spermatogonia and the Sertoli cell were well preserved. The PGP 9.5 immunoreactivity of these tubules showed a positive reaction in paranucleus area of the spermatogonia, and a positive reaction in a small number of the Leydig cells in the interstitium of the seminiferous tubules. 2. The seminiferous tubules were dilated in active state(end of April) as compared with the inactive state. The PGP 9.5 reactivity in these tubules showed a positive reaction in many Leydig cells in the interstitium of the seminiferous tubules, and the testes of ${\gamma}$-ray irradiated group showed partially weak reaction in the interstitium of the seminiferous tubules. 3. The ${\alpha}$-tubulin reactivity in the seminiferous tubules of the inactive testes was strongly positive in the cytoplasmic process of the Sertoli cell from the basal stem region to the apical ex-tension. From the broad part of the stem region to the luminal space, the active testes showed a strong positive reaction. The ${\gamma}$-ray irradiated groups showed diminished reaction in the basal region.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.42-55
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• 1999

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of cyclophosphamide on the mouse seminiferous tubules by transmission electron microscopy at different groups: a control group, a group treated one time a week, and a group treated two times a week. Cyclophosphamide was injected in the intraperitoneal at a dosage of level 200mg/kg. The results obtained were as follows. 1. In the group of one time a week, pyknotic body and large vesicles were observed in cytoplasm of spermatogonium of seminiferous tubules, and in the intercellular space between spermatocytes, respectively. 2. In the group of two times a week, nucleus envelope in the spermatid was disrupted partially, observed vesicles in the nucleoplasm of spermatid, and separated or disrupted inner and outer membranes of mitochondria in the Sertoli cells.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.435-445
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• 2004

The characteristics of the testis and the annual cycle of the seminiferous epithelium of the Miniopterus schreibersi fuliginosus were examined by optical microscopy. The testis weight and diameter of the seminiferous tubules were increased gradually from May to July, and the highest activity was observed in August. The size then decreased rapidly from October. Spermatogenesis began in May, peaked in August, and was suspended from October to April in the following year. Spermatocytogenesis were produced from May to July. Spermiogenesis occurred from August to September. In particular, immature spematogenic cells in the seminiferous tubules were engulfed by the phagocytosis of Sertoli cells in October. From November to April, the seminiferous tubuly contained only Sertoli cells and Ad spermatogonia. Therefore, the periodic changes in the seminiferous epithelium of M. S. fuliginosus suggest that a long hibernation is an adaptive strategy for the preservation of energy and the regulation of the breeding cycle.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.124-132
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• 1985

The work was conducted to clarify the development of testes and histological changes of the Seminiferous tubules that is the Surface area, diameter, length of the tubules and the process of Spermatic cells growth in Seminal epithelium in relation to Sexual maturity of the meat-type cockerels. In addition the present experiments were planned to gain some basic data helpful for the study of reproductive physiology in meat-type cockerels and also to compare the histological changes Seminiferous tubules between egg and general purpose type cockerels. 1. The growth pattern of body weight, testes and comb was classified into four phase according to age. Body weight increased up to about 2kg at 2nd stage and to 4.3kg at 4th stage while at 3rd stage the growth rate of body weight was slower. The tests developed slowly until 22 weeks of age with no correlation to the growth of body weight. However, it grew rapidly afterwards, reaching 27.79$\pm$9.26gm and 42.46$\pm$5.33 gm at 24 and 28 weeks of age, respectively. The spermatozoa was seen first at 24 weeks of age. On the other hand, comb grew at similar rate to the testes, weighing on the average 21.78$\pm$6.48gm and 41.42$\pm$1.25gm at 24 and 28 weeks of age, respectively. 2. The areal rate of the Seminiferous tubules to interstitial tissues was 66%:34% at 2 weeks of age and the rate of the former increased in comparison to that of the latter as they grew older, becoming 94%:7% between at 24 weeks of age, when the testes weight increased rapidly too. 3. Diameter of Seminiferous tubules at 2 weeks of age was 42.76$\pm$1.04$\mu$m and then it gradually increased as the testes grew until 22 weeks of age, when it grew rapidly, increasing about 2.9 times of those of 2 weeks and at last increased up to 5 times at 24 weeks. 4. Length of Seminiferous tubules was 4.5cm at 2 weeks and then it was gradually increased. At 22 weeks old the length of tubules was icnreased rapidly being 321 meter and increased more than double, being 658 meter at 24 weeks old. 5. The cells of Seminal epithelium developed poorly and the number of cells were relatively few until 16 weeks old. Afterwards the cells increased rapidly in number and at 18 weeks, the number became twice of those of 16 weeks, reaching 140.43$\pm$43.6. At 24 weeks the cells increased more rapidly, reaching to 10 layers and Spermatozoa were first time seen.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.1025-1034
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• 2009

This study was carried out to examine the protective effect of Cultured Wild Ginseng(CWG) on the acute and subacute toxicities induced by doxorubicin(Doxo) in mice. Heart and liver weight was decreased following Doxo administration. In contrast, such a decrease was significantly attenuated by CWG administration. The value of serum CPK in Doxo group was increased compared with normal group. But the value of CWG group were decreased significantly compared with the values of Doxo group in the liver of the Doxo group, cloudy swelling of hepatic cells and narrowing of sinusoids were observed. Whereas in the CWG group, well oriented hepatic cell cords and sinusoids were observed. In the testis of the Doxo group, necrotic and degenerative changes of the seminiferous tubules, especially beneath testicular membrane were observed. But those lesions were alleviated in CWG group. Cross sectional area of testis and diameter of semineferous tubule were significantly increased in CWG group compared with Doxo group. Body weight was reduced in Doxo group compared with normal group. In contrast, such a decrease was significantly attenuated by CWG administration atwa5th day. Spermatogenetic cells in seminiferous tubules were necrotic and desquamated and the cellularity of seminiferous epithelia was reduced in Doxo group. But those lesions were attenuated by CWG administration. Cross sectional area of testis and diameter of seminiferous tubule were significantly increased in CWG group compared with Doxo group. In addition, the increase in lipid peroxidation(LPO) in testis was inaddition, the, iout such a increased was significantly inhibited in CWG group. BrdU labelled cells in the seminiferous tubules were remarkably decreased in Doxo group. Whereas the number of seminiferous tubules labelled with BrdU in spermatogonia was increased by CWG administration. The obtained results suggest that CWG has protective effect on doxorubicin-induced toxicity. This effect might be mediated through the supplementation of vital energy.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.259-265
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• 2013

The anti-apoptotic effect of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) during unilateral testicular torsion and detorsion (TT/D) was established in our previous study. In mice, the smallest inhibitor of apoptosis, survivin, is alternatively spliced into three variants, each suggested to have a unique function. Here, we assessed how EGCG exerts its protective effect through the expression of the different survivin splice variants and determined its effect on the morphology of the seminiferous tubules during TT/D. Three mouse groups were used: sham, TT/D+vehicle and TT/D treated with EGCG. The expression of the survivin variants (140 and 40) and other apoptosis genes (p53, Bax and Bcl-2) was measured with semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Histological analysis was performed to assess DNA fragmentation, damage to spermatogenesis and morphometric changes in the seminiferous tubules. In the TT/D+vehicle group, survivin 140 expression was markedly decreased, whereas survivin 40 expression was not significantly different. In parallel, there was an increase in the mRNA level of p53 and the Bax to Bcl-2 ratio in support of apoptosis induction. Histological analyses revealed increased DNA fragmentation and increased damage to spermatogenesis associated with decreased seminiferous tubular diameter and decreased germinal epithelial cell thickness in the TT/D+vehicle group. These changes were reversed to almost sham levels upon EGCG treatment. Our data indicate that EGCG protects the testis from TT/D-induced damage by protecting the morphology of the seminiferous tubules and modulating survivin 140 expression.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.75-91
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• 1986

Differentiation of the rat testis was studied by light and electron microscope from the fetal stage up to the newborn or adult stage. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the ultrastructural changes of seminiferous tubules and interstitial tissue during the developmental process. The results were as follows: the seminiferous tubule diameter began to increase from birth and was fully developed at 30 to 40 days of age through intratubular cell proliferations. Basement membrane and myoid cells lining the seminiferous tubules were differentiated at 17 days gestation. At the fetal stage, seminiferous tubules were primarily composed of Sertoli cells and the differentiation of Sertoli and germ cells progressed from the newborn stage. Spermatids and immature spermatozoa are appeared at 40 days of age, so from this time, spermatogenesis occurred actively until the adult stage. Sertoli cells aided germ cell differentiation and phagocytosed the parts of the spermatid cytoplasm. Leydig ce]] development follows a biphasic pattern: a fetal phase and then an adult phase from 20 days of age. In conclusion, the rat testis is already developed to some extent by the fetal stage and is functional after 50 days of age. Therefore, these findings indicate that differentiation of Sertoli and Leydig cells precedes the onset of spermatogenesis.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.83-92
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• 1991

Complexities of testis structure and function are emphasized in morphometrical and genotoxic evaluation by statistical analysis. F-344 rats were treated with azinphos methyl, cyclophosphomide, and dichlorvos. And Brdu was injected with intrapertionially before sacrifice. The existence and degree of DNA damage were measured by Brdu labeling index which represented relative amount of Brdu incorporated in DNA, morphometric change was evaluated by the relative length of tubular diameter in circular seminiferous tubules and the number of spermatogonia per Sertoli cell in stage IX seminiferous tubules.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.417-424
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• 1989

This study was conducted in order to observe the changes in cellular association of seminiferous tubules from 4 to 22 weeks of age and to obtain the cycle and relative duration of seminiferous epithelia from 24 weeks of age in male ducks. Fifety-five male ducks were used in the experiment and divided into 11 groups, consisting of 5 male ducks each, with 2 weeks intervals from 4 to 24 weeks of age. The results were summarized as follows: 1. The body and testes weight showed most rapid increase during 4 to 6 weeks and 18 to 22 weeks of age, respectively. The seminiferous tubules were obruptly enlarged in diameter of tubules during 18 to 22 weeks of age. 2. Gonocytes were seen from 4 to 6 weeks of age, however they were not observed as from 8 weeks of age. Both type Ap spermatogonia and type Ad spermatogonia occured from 8 to 12 weeks of age, while spermatocytes and spermatids were beginning to appear at 16 weeks and 18 weeks of age, respectively. Spermatozoa were first observed at 20 weeks of age. Full spermatogenic activity was completed at the age of 20 weeks. 3. Average paired weight of the testes in male ducks was 78g at 24 weeks of age and its ratio to the body weight was approximately 2.5 percent. 4. Average diameter of seminiferous epithelium at 22 weeks of age was $232{\mu}m$, and average numbers of Sertoli cell, spermatogonia, spermatocyte, spermatids and spermatozoa in the cross section of seminiferous epithelium were 15.30, 59.08, 41.78, 71.11 and 165.30, respectively. Spermatogonia and spermatids were classified into 2 and 4 types, respectively. 5. The cycle of the seminiferous epithelium could be divided into 5 stages at 24 weeks of age. The relative frequencies of stages from I to V were 13.5%, 25.0%, 22.3%, 20.6% and 18.7% respectively. Thus, establishment of spermatogenesis in male ducks were beginning to appear at 20 weeks of age.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.91-100
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• 1989

This study was conducted to observe 1) the changes of cellular association in seminiferous tubles from 2 to 8 weeks of age, and 2) the cycle phenomena of seminiferous epithelia at 14 weeks of age in Japanese quail. Total 80 birds were examined at a week interval from 2 to 8 weeks, and 14 weeks of age. The results were summarized as follows： 1) The body and testis weights showed most prominent increase during 4 to 5 weeks and 6 to 8 weeks of age respectively. And also the diameters of seminiferous tubles were abruptly enlaged during 6 to 8 weeks of age. 2) Genocytes in the seminiferous tubles were still in existence at 3 weeks of age, however they did not come out after 4 weeks of age. Spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes and spermatids made their first arpearances in the seminiferous from 3, 4 and 6 weeks of age, respectively. Spermatozoa were observed for the first time at 7 weeks of age, but full spermatogenic activity was completed from 8 weeks of age. 3) At 14 weeks of age, the average weight at testis was 3.7g and its ratio to the body weight was approximately 3.0 percent. And at this age, average diameter of seminiferous tubules was 192.08 $\mu\textrm{m}$, and average numbers of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoa within the cross section of seminiferous tubules were 7.74, 40.81, 28.42, 104.55 and 105.98, respectively. Spermatogonia and spermatid were classfied into 2 and 3 types, respectively. 4) At 14 weeks of age, the cycle of seminiferous epithelium could be divided into S stages with following characteristics. (1) Stage I： Seminiferous tubules showing type I and II spermatids. (2) Stage II： Seminiferous tubules showing type III spermatids only. (3) Stage III： Immature spermatozoa gathered near the sertoli cytoplasm. (4) Stage IV： Forming a bundle of 15-20 spematozoa. (5) Stage V： Spermatozoa bundle leaving the sertoli cytoplasm into lumen of the seminferous tubule. 5) Usually 2-3 stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle were concurrently appeared within a tubular cross section, and frequency of each stage from I to V within cross section of seminiferous tubules were 11.91%, 27.03%, 27.96%, 19.04% and 17.98%, respectively.