The morphological changes of adult mouse testes after 60Co gamma-Radiation

BACKGROUND: Cytotoxic therapy can lead to prolonged azoospermia or even sterility. In the present study, we investigated the morphological changes of mouse testes after gamma-Radiation. METHODS: After anaesthetizing of NMRI mice, testes and their surrounding tissues were irradiated using a cobalt therapy machine. Four experimental groups were irradiated with fractionated doses of: 1.5 + 8, 1.5 + 12 and 1.5 + 16 Gy (with an interval of 24 h) and single dose of 14 Gy. Non-irradiated mice were considered as control group. Testes were removed 4, 6 and 8 weeks following irradiation, weighed and processed for light microscopic study. Diameters of seminiferous tubules and their lumens, epithelium thickness, percentage of different types of tubules and number of spermatogenic cell were measured. Moreover, sperm count motility and viability rates were evaluated in epididymis. RESULTS: Number of normal tubules, epithelium thickness, tubules diameter and lumen diameter were significantly reduced with high dose irradiation in comparison with control testes. The recovery was observed after 8 weeks. Epididymal sperm count, motility and viability rates were significantly decreased in the irradiated mice comparing non-irradiated ones. These parameters were increased after 8 weeks. CONCLUSION: According to the results, irradiation can cause temporary azoospermia in mouse and this effect is reversible after 8 weeks.     

Effect of Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae) on testicular tissue in STZ-induced diabetic rats

Urtica dioica L. (Stinging nettle) has already been known for a long time as a medicinal plant in the world. This histopathological and morphometrical study was conducted to determine the effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Urtica dioica leaves on testis of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Eighteen male Wistar rats were allocated to equally normal, diabetic and treatment groups. Hyperglycemia was induced by Streptozotocin (80 mg kg(-1)) in animals of diabetic and treatment groups. One week after STZ injection (80 mg kg(-1)), the rats of treatment group received the extract of U. dioica (100 mg/kg/day) IP for 28 days. After 5 weeks of study, all the rats were sacrificed and testes were removed and fixed in bouin and after tissue processing stained with H and E technique. Tubular cell disintegration, sertoli and spermatogonia cell vacuolization and decrease in sperm concentration in seminiferous tubules were seen in diabetic and treatment groups group in comparison with control. External Seminiferous Tubular Diameter (STD) and Seminiferous Epithelial Height (SEH) significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in the diabetic rats compared with controls and these parameters in the treatment group were similar to diabetics animals. This study showed that hydroalcoholic extract of Urtica dioica leaves, after induction of diabetes; has no treatment effect on seminiferous tubules alterations in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.     

Protective Effects of Restricted Diet and Antioxidants on Testis Tissue in Rats Fed with High-Fat Diet

Background:

A high-fat diet (HFD) promotes the oxidative stress formation, which in turn has hazardous effects on reproductive system and fertility. The present study examines the potential positive effects of a restricted high-fat diet (RHFD) and antioxidants consumption on sperm parameters and testis tissue in rats.

Methods:

Male rats (n = 48) were divided into four groups (12 in each group): control group (Cont), HFD group, RHFD, and RHFD with astaxanthin and vitamins E and C group (RHFDA). After 12 weeks, serum analysis and sperm parameters study were performed. Sections of fixed testes were stained with Hematoxilin and Eosin to study the histological changes. A one-way ANOVA was used to compare the data.

Results:

HFD fed animals presented significant increase in weight load and serum low density lipoprotein (LDL-C) levels (P < 0.05). The sperm count in RHFD was lower than three other groups (P < 0.05) and sperm motility of RHFDA group was significantly higher than HFD and RHFD groups (P < 0.05). The histological study was showed a significant increase in spermatogonium number in RHFDA compared to three other groups (P < 0.05). The number of spermatocyte I and spermatid in RHFD was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than Cont and HFD groups.

Conclusion:

HFD and obesity can affect sperm parameters and spermatogenesis and antioxidants consumption may improve their quality. Although the RHFD is a benefit way in weight loss and decrease of LDL-C of serum, but it is suggested that is not effective on sperm quality improvement.Key Words: Spermatogenesis, high-fat Diet, Restricted fat diet, Antioxidants, Astaxanthin     

芝麻产量相关性状与SSR标记的关联分析

为挖掘控制芝麻产量相关性状的基因位点,本研究利用多态性较高的７２个ＳＳＲ标记,对来自国内外９６ 份芝麻品种资源进行遗传多样性和群体遗传结构分析,在此基础上采用ＴＡＳＳＥＬ３．０软件的ＭＬＭ （ＭｉｘｅｄＬｉｎｅａｒ Ｍｏｄｅｌ）方法对株高、株蒴数、每蒴粒数、蒴长、蒴宽、千粒重、始蒴部位、空稍尖８个产量相关性状进行ＳＳＲ标记的关联分析。结果表明：７２个标记共检测出４４６个等位变异,变异范围为２～１４个,平均６．２个;引物的多态性信息含量（ＰＩＣ）变异范围为０．２４２１～０．８２１０,平均为０．５４０７;基因多样性指数的变异范围在０．５５０４～０．９８９７,平均值为 ０．７４７７。群体遗传结构分析将供试材料分为３个亚群。关联分析结果显示,５１个标记位点与株高、蒴长、每蒴粒数、始蒴部位、空稍尖显著关联,各标记对表型变异的解释率在１３．２９％ ～３２．０８％。有５个位点在多个环境或均值 下被重复检测到,是较为稳定等位变异,如与株高相关联的位点Ｈｓ１７７５－Ａ２、ＳＩＭ２０１－Ａ１;与每蒴粒数、始蒴部位和株蒴数分别关联的标记位点Ｈｓ１５１４－Ａ１、ＳＩＭ００４－Ａ３和ＳＩＭ００２－Ａ１。     

Comparative study of the effects of gentamicin, neomycin, streptomycin and ofloxacin antibiotics on sperm parameters and testis apoptosis in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the comparative effects of aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones on testis apoptosis and sperm parameters in rats. Fifty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control (n = 10) and experimental (n = 40) groups. The experimental groups subdivided into four groups often. Each received 5 mg kg(-1) (IP) gentamicin, 50 mg kg(-1) (IP) neomycin, 40 mg kg(-1) (IP) streptomycin and 72 mg kg(-1) (IP) ofloxacin daily for 14 days, respectively; however, the control group just received vehicle (IP). In the fourteenth day, rats were killed and sperm analyzed for sperm parameters. Testis tissues were also prepared for TUNEL assay for detection of apoptosis. There was a significant decrease in sperm count, viability and motility in all of experimental groups when compared with control group. Although in streptomycin group these parameters were less decreased than in the other experimental groups. The apoptotic cells were significantly increased in all experimental groups when compared with those seen in the controlled group. Gentamicin, neomycin and streptomycin and ofloxacin have negative effects on sperm parameters and testis apoptosis in rats. However, these side effects are less seen in the streptomycin group. Therefore, it is recommended that usage of this drug have fewer side effects on male fertility.     

氮肥用量和基追肥比例对密植秋芝麻产量和冠层结构的影响

为了探索红壤旱地密植秋芝麻的节氮高产栽培技术,以品种金黄麻为材料,采用裂区设计,2016和2017年在江西省进贤县研究氮肥用量[即N_1(105kg/hm^2)和N_2(75kg/hm^2)]和基追肥比例[即Z_1(7∶3)、Z_2(6∶4)、Z_3(5∶5)、Z_4(4∶6)、Z_5(3∶7)]对芝麻产量和冠层结构的影响。结果表明,在N_1条件下,2016年Z_3的单株蒴果数较Z_2显著增加25.36%,Z_4的每蒴粒数和Z_2的千粒重较Z_1的分别显著增加19.96%和13.62%;不同的是,2017年Z_2的每蒴粒数较Z_3显著增加22.84%,对单株蒴果数和千粒重无显著影响。在N_2条件下,2016年Z_3的千粒重较Z_4显著增加6.42%,其它处理间的单株蒴果数、每蒴粒数、千粒重都无显著差异;N_2的平均产量(879.0kg/hm^2)较N_1显著增加22.3%;但是2017年N_1的平均产量(1 080.7kg/hm^2)较N_2增加8.1%。相同的是,两年的结果都表现为Z_2处理平均产量最高。芝麻产量表现为随着基肥的比例减少而先增后减。不同时期N_1的光能截获率和叶面积指数都显著高于N_2,且随生长发育进程而先增后减。不同位置的芝麻冠层光能截获率和叶面积指数都有显著差异,且随着测定位置的不断升高而降低。因此,氮肥用量为75kg/hm^2和基追肥比例为6∶4,有利于协调密植秋芝麻的群体冠层结构,保持秋芝麻的高产。     

A study on the effect of thiotepa on mice spermatogenesis using light and electronic microscope

The present study was designed to explore the spermatogenic effect of intraperitoneal administration of thiotepa in mice. It is known the chemotherapy could affect testicular function and result in infertility. There are few reports on the side effect of thiotepa on spermatogenesis when are used as anticancer drug. Therefore, in the present study the effect of thiotepa on spermatogenesis was evaluated by electron microscopy. A total of 20 balb/c mice were used in this study. They were divided into control and thiotepa treated groups. Thiotepa was administrated as 2.5 mg kg(-1) for 5 days. The mice were sacrificed after 5 weeks and testicular specimens were removed, fixed in boueins fixative and 2.5% Glutaraldehide then prepared for light and electron microscopic study. Light microscopy showed that the thickness of germinal epithelium was decreased in thiotepa treated group and many seminiferous tubules have lost germinal cells. Electron microscopy revealed that in experimental group several intercellular spaces appeared between spermatogonial and sertoli cells. The basement membrane became irregular and intercellular vacuoles were present in sertoli and spermatogonial cells. Nuclear chromatin was condensed and there were several vacuolated mitochondria. It was indicated that thiotepa affected testicular germinal epithelium by both cytotoxic effect and induction of apoptosis.     

Assessment study on the use of Pawpaw; Carica papaya seeds to control Oreochromis niloticus breeding

This study was carried out to assess the ability of using pawpaw (Carica papaya) seeds as a natural reproduction inhibitor for tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus) culture to control its breeding. Biochemical, physiological and histopathological effects ofpawpaw seeds on male tilapia fish were also determined. Mature male tilapia were stocked for 4 weeks and treated with low dose (3 g/kg/day) and high dose (6 g/kg/day) of ground dried pawpaw seeds mixed with their feed. The obtained results showed that the pawpaw seeds induced permanent sterility in the high dose treated fish while the low dose treatment showed reversible results. The results also demonstrated that fish treated with high dose of pawpaw exhibited higher biochemical and physiological effects as: low meat quality, a progressive fall in erythrocyte (RBCs) count, hemoglobin (Hb) content and haematocrit values. Also the high dose revealed a significant increase in the leukocytes (WBCs) count, serum glucose, total protein, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine and uric acid levels. Moreover, serum total lipids revealed a significant decrease compared to control group. On the other hand, the low dose treatment revealed lower biochemical and physiological changes. Histological sections of testis showed disintegration of sperm cells and focal necrosis of seminefrous tubules in the high dose treated fish, hepato-pancreas and posterior kidney tissues also showed severe changes in high dose treated fish. Milder degenerative changes in some necrotic foci and slight changes in hepato-pancreas and posterior kidney were observed in the low dose treated fish. The study concluded that pawpaw seeds which are cheap and easy to obtain, can be incorporated into fish feeds with adjusted amount and be used to control breeding of tilapia fish in growing ponds instead of unfavorable and expensive hormonal use.     

YS型小麦温敏不育系A731雄性败育的细胞学研究

为了明确YS型小麦温敏不育系雄性败育发生的具体时期和败育的细胞学机理,以温敏不育系A731和其同型保持系731B为供试材料,采用花粉粒制片和石蜡切片法,对其花药形态特征及小孢子形成和发育过程进行细胞学观察。结果表明,不育系和保持系均能进行正常的减数分裂形成小孢子;保持系731B的花药和小孢子发育正常,只有极少数后期发育不正常;不育系A731花粉不育类型为典败和圆败;单核期小孢子可正常形成核,二核期正常形成营养核和精核,但有些营养核不清晰,三核期花粉粒染色后精核呈圆形,不能形成梭形精子;二核期花药中绒毡层提前解离侵入药室,造成小孢子败育。表明该温敏不育系的败育主要发生在二核期到三核期,推测二核期是其雄性败育发生的关键时期,败育的原因可能与绒毡层结构的异常有关。     

Effects of Polygonum aviculare herbal extract on sperm parameters after EMF exposure in mouse

Electromagnetic fields with high energy same as ionizing radiation inserts their destructive effects via free radical production. Using antioxidants or herbal plants with antioxidants components could diminish hazardous effects of EMF. Polygonum aviculare has a high amount of phenolic and flavonoid and proved that has antioxidants effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Polygonum aviculare herbal extract on sperm parameters after EMF exposure in mouse. Twenty four male mice, 8 weeks divided to 4 groups (one control and three experimental groups). Control group didn't receive EMF exposure. EMF group mice received 3 mT EMF during 2 months, 4 h daily and 5 days weekly. Polygonum aviculare group received 50 mg kg(-1) herbal extract during 2 months and poly -EMF group received 3 mT EMF during 2 months, 4 h daily and 5 days weekly and 50 mg kg(-1) herbal extract during 2 months. After 2 months the mice sacrificed with cervical dislocation and sperm obtained from tail of epididymis and motility and morphology of them were analyzed. Sperm analysis results showed that in group with Polygonum aviculare, morphology and motility of sperm developed (p < 0.05). Present results showed that EMF can reduce motility of sperm and treatment of Polygonum aviculare after EMF exposure developed sperm quality after EMF exposure.     

Periderm and lenticel characterization in relation to potato cultivar, soil moisture and tuber maturity

Summary Using the fluorescent lipid stain fluorol yellow 088 to detect suberin in tubers, the numbers of layers and the thickness of the suberized cells in the periderm and within the lenticels showed changes after the early stage of tuber formation. These changes as tubers matured were affected by cultivar and soil moisture conditions. Penetration of the surface tissues of tubers by the water soluble stain safranin O was confined to the lenticles. Although the zone of suberized cells in lenticels acted to some extent as a barrier to penetration, there was not a clear relationship between permeability and suberization. Stored tubers showed thicker suberin berriers in lenticels than freshly harvested tubers. When lenticels of stored tubers proliferated the suberin barrier was disrupted but a further thick suberin barrier formed after exposure to air for two weeks. The findings are discussed in relation to biological control ofErwinia by antagonistic bacteria.     

Variation in testicular histology of the spiny tailed lizard Uromastyx aegyptius microlepis during hibernation and active periods

The testicular histology of the lizard, Uromastyx aegyptius microlepis were varied considerably during hibernation and activity periods, reaching maximum values in summer. The onset of winter induces testicular regression, reduced testis size, testis diameter, diameter and epithelial height of the seminiferous tubules and epididymal epithelial height. Animals exhibit testicular recrudescence during late winter (February and March) and maximum testicular volume occurred during June. The period of maximal testicular volume was positively correlated with increasing ambient temperature. The summer season induces the testicular activity in contrast with the winter season in which the activity decreased and the testes were collapsed. Spermatocytogenesis is active in early spring and the major portion of the seminiferous epithelium comprises spermatids in various stages of maturation and their luminae were filled with spermatozoa. The size of the interstitial cells is direct correlated with changes occurring in epididymis and seminiferous epithelium. Most interstitial cell nuclei show clear regression when spermatocytogenesis were diminishes.     

一份水稻半矮秆非整倍突变体hya 1的鉴定与研究

 通过空间诱变得到半矮秆突变体hya 1,该突变体半矮秆性状遗传稳定性丧失。与其野生型特籼占13相比,hya 1株高显著降低、分蘖少、茎秆细弱、每穗粒数减少、结实率降低、发芽率降低。单株收获半矮株hya 1自交种子,对半矮生性状进行连续选择,发现该性状无法纯合稳定,自交群体株高长期分离（半矮秆和野生型）;分离群体中的野生型个体自交,其株高性状稳定。利用hya 1与特籼占13配制杂交组合,其F1及F2株高表型不符合孟德尔分离规律。hya 1自交收获种子根尖细胞染色体数目出现了2n=22、23、24、25、36的变异,且在减数分裂终变期发现了二价体数目为11的异常花粉母细胞。荧光定量结果表明, hya 1自交后代野生型个体12条染色体的基因拷贝数与对照接近,而半矮秆个体在第8和第11染色体上的基因拷贝数与对照存在显著差异。综合以上结果,推断hya 1为水稻新型非整倍体材料,其染色体数目异常导致表型异常和遗传不稳定性,对其深入研究有助于了解水稻减数分裂分子调控机理。     

One cell: The thin slice of profit

Calculations based on average parenchyma cell diameters of 160 to 240 μ in potatoes show that for chips expected losses range from 8 to 12% at 2 mm slice thickness, and from 16 to 24% at 1 mm thickness. Similar calculations for different size and thickness of dice used in dehydrated and frozen potato products show losses ranging from 4 to over 13% per piece. These calculated losses are due entirely to cut cells, the contents of which are washed out before processing. It is assumed that clean, sharp cuts are made without tearing of additional cells. These calculations do not take into account losses from peeling, trimming, leaching, irregular pieces, and other sources. Total losses from all potato processing may exceed 750 million pounds of potato solids per year. Relationships of these losses to the economy of potato processing and particularly to potato breeding, growing, and problems of waste reclamation and utilization are discussed.     

Observations on the bulking and development of tuber size distribution in maincrop potatoes at Rothamsted in 1964–75

Summary Tuber samples taken at 2-week intervals from plots of cvs King Edward, Majestic and Pentland Crown in 1964–75 showed that the maximum bulking rates ranged from 1 to 5 tonnes/hectare/week. Maximum tuber numbers were usually produced by 11 weeks after planting and thereafter numbers declined. In September, about 70% of the tubers initiated were recovered, and between 24 and 52% of the tubers had reached marketable size (>4 cm). Tuber size distributions developed similarly in all years with all cultivars. During tuber initiation the distributions appeared as one population, and usually between 9 and 11 weeks after planting a second population of larger tubers developed. The population of small tubers later declined although in most years it was still present in September. This development fitted a model based on a mixture of two normal distributions and was determined by five parameters; the proportion of tubers in the small population and the means and standard errors of both populations.     

Efficacy of echinacea on the action of cyproterone acetate in male rats

The study aimed to evaluate the effect Echinacea extract (E) on the testicular antioxidants function in normal rats or that subjected to anti-androgenic compound, cyproterone acetate (CA). Rats were divided into 5 groups treated daily via an oral tube for two intervals 2 and 4 weeks, 1st control, 2nd E (Echinacea treated group in dose 63 mg kg(-1)), 3rd CA (cyproterone acetate treated group in dose 25 mg kg(-1)), 4th E+CA and 5th E as prophylactic one week before E+CA treatment with the same aforementioned E or CA doses. The body, testes, epididymis and vas deferens weights were recorded. Sperm count, Nitric Oxide (NO), calcium ion (Ca2+) and malondialdhyde (MDA) contents in addition to superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities were determined in testicular tissues. CA exhibited direct negative effect on reproductive organs weight and significant reducing effect on sperm count and Ca2+ contents. SOD and GST activities significantly decreased in addition to significant increase in NO, MDA contents reflecting the oxidative status of testis in CA treated rats. The prophylactic effect of E treatment, in time related manner, showed significant improvement in the antioxidant status of the testicular tissue which is more pronounced as compared to E+CA treatment.     

广东高州普通野生稻与粳稻杂交F1胚囊育性及发育特点

利用整体染色激光扫描共聚焦显微术(WE CLSM), 对广东高州普通野生稻与粳稻台中65杂交F1的成熟胚囊育性、胚囊形成发育及受精特点进行研究。杂种F1成熟胚囊平均育性为64.61%。不同杂种的成熟胚囊均存在不同程度的异常现象, 异常的主要类型有：胚囊退化、小胚囊、雌性生殖单位退化、卵器退化、极核数目或位置异常及其他异常等类型。其中频率最高的异常类型为雌性生殖单位退化（10.49%）,其次是胚囊退化（9.80%）。杂种F1的胚囊发育过程与高州野生稻原种基本一致,育性低的杂种F1胚囊发育过程出现多种异常现象。对3个杂种F1受粉后1 d的胚囊进行观察发现,除正常受精膨大的胚囊外,还存在结构正常未受精和结构异常未受精等异常现象。受粉后7 d的胚囊基本上与受粉后1 d的相似。研究结果表明,广东高州普通野生稻可能具有决定杂种F1胚囊育性的不同基因,包括中性基因等。     

同源四倍体水稻成熟胚囊的结构及异常现象

应用整体染色透明激光扫描共聚焦显微术（WCLSM）,对包括籼稻、粳稻及爪哇稻在内的13份同源四倍体水稻的成熟胚囊结构进行了观察。同源四倍体水稻多数子房（平均6290%）胚囊结构正常,与二倍体的正常蓼型的相似,一些子房（平均3710%）胚囊结构出现异常,异常包括雌性生殖单位退化、极核异常、胚囊退化、卵器退化、异常小胚囊和“双套结构”胚囊等6类。这些异常胚囊都可能影响受精,从而导致结实率降低。不同类型的同源四倍体水稻间异常结构胚囊的频率差异极显著。籼稻与粳稻比较,总的趋势是粳稻异常胚囊的频率高于籼稻,其中粳稻平均为2566%,籼稻平均为1934%。同一品种内异常类型的频率也存在明显的差异,显示异常结构胚囊的形成可能与品种的基因型有密切关系。     

Histological and haematological disturbance caused by arsenic toxicity in mice model

Histological and hematological disturbance caused by Arsenic containing water were studied in mice model. Animal were divided into four groups. Control group exposed to arsenic free distilled water and 3 treatmental group exposed to the arsenic containing water with 30, 150 and 300 ppb. Blood samples and organs were collected after 40 days. Histopathological results revealed mild to severe type of necrosis and degenerative changes in kidney and liver of arsenic feed animals. Kidney of the 300 ppb group showed severe type of necrosis and degenerative changes in distal and proximal tubules. The renocytes of proximal and distal tubules were showing hydropic and fatty degeneration. Due to degenerative changes cells were showing cytoplasmic vacoulation and cytoplasmic and nuclear blebbing. Glomeruli cells were contracted and increased the bowman's spaces. Varied degrees of changes were also observed in 30 and 150 ppb exposed group. Necrosis of hepatocytes and cytoplasmic blebbing were also observed. The sinusoidal spaces were expanded due to shrinkage and necrosis of hepatocytes. Spleenocytosis occurred in spleen and the parenchymal and mesenchymal cells were replaced by connective tissue. The lymphocytes were severely damaged by arsenic toxicity. White Blood Cells (WBCs), Red Blood Cells (RBCs) and hemoglobin level in control groups were in normal range where as level were significantly decreased with the increase dose of arsenic in the respective treatmental groups. The data was analyzed statistically and was found that significant was found among the group (p<0.05).     

水稻远缘杂种F2一个不分离株系的小孢子发育过程

水稻远缘杂种Ｆ_２一个不分离株系的小孢子发育过程赵世绪，凌祖铭，杜中（北京农业大学，北京１０００９４）关键词：小孢子发育；无融合生殖；远缘杂种ＭｉｃｒｐｓｐｏｒｅＤｅｖｅｌｏｐｍｅｎｔｏｆａＩｎｔｅｒｓｐｅｃｉｆｉｃＨｙｂｒｉｄＦ_２Ｎｏｎｓｅｇｒｅｇ...