Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts: Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound   Target Concepts: Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound

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Query: EC:3.1.3.1 (alkaline phosphatase)
47,916 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

The pathogenesis of the aberrant development of the male genital tract (epididymis, vas deferens and seminal vesicles) seen in patients with congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD) is still unclear. Since men with CBAVD carry mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene (CFTR), it is likely that CFTR mRNA of the translated protein plays a major role in the pathogenesis of CBAVD. The aim of this study was to compare the pattern of expression of CFTR mRNA in epididymides of men with CBAVD and other types of obstruction (post-vasectomy and post-inflammatory) with that of normal non-obstructed adult epididymis. Epididymal biopsies were obtained at the time of microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration procedures or during vaso-epididymostomy reanastomosis. A normal epididymis was obtained from an orchiectomy specimen. After standard processing for in situ hybridization, tissue sections were hybridized with CFTR gene-probe labelled by incorporation of digoxigenin-dUTP. After hybridization the signal was detected by an alkaline phosphatase-tagged antidigoxigenin antibody. CFTR mRNA was clearly identified in the columnar epithelium of the normal adult epididymis and vas deferens and the signal intensity was greatest in the most proximal regions of the caput epididymis. In contrast, men with genital tract obstructions due to CBAVD or post-vasectomy or post-inflammatory obstructions, had sloughing of the epithelial cells lining the lumen and as a consequence CFTR mRNA expression was lacking. In one subject (post-vasectomy obstruction), some residual caput epididymal epithelium was preserved and CFTR mRNA was detected. The abundant CFTR mRNA expression in the proximal caput of the epididymis and vas deferens under normal conditions strongly favours the hypothesis of an early obstructive process in the pathogenesis of CBAVD. The absent or severely reduced activity of CFTR protein affects the ionic exchange and fluid content within the epididymal lumen and this, in turn, can lead to excessive viscosity of the epididymal fluid, sloughing of epithelial cells expressing CFTR and further reduction in the amount of CFTR activity. As a consequence, variable segments of the epididymis and the vas deferens may be blocked and progressively obliterated. The epididymal lumen obstruction could also sustain the anatomical defects by not allowing testosterone to exert a local action on the mesonephric duct.
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PMID:Expression of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mRNA in normal and pathological adult human epididymis. 1064 85

Sequential lead accumulation and biochemical and histopathological changes were observed in rat testis and epididymis after oral administration at varied doses of lead (10, 50 and 200 mg kg(-1) body wt.) for 3 months and also following the concomitant administration of lead with zinc (1 mg kg(-1) body wt. +50 mg Pb kg(-1) body wt.). Accumulation of lead in both testis and epididymis increased with dose. The concomitant administration of zinc reduced the lead levels. Similarly, dose-related changes were seen in the activities of the enzymes alkaline phosphatase and Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, which decreased with increased dose of lead. A significant improvement in the activities of these enzymes was seen in the groups given both lead and zinc. Histologically, discernible changes were noticed only at higher doses (50 and 200 mg kg(-1) body wt.), which included disorganization and disruption of spermatogenesis with accumulation of immature cells in lumen of tubule. At higher doses of lead, complete arrest of spermatogenesis was seen and a significant decrease in germ cell layer population was evident. Even in epididymis, the histoarchitecture was disrupted only at higher doses of lead both in the caput and corpus regions. The changes included damage of basement membrane, disorganization of epithelium and vacuolization of cells. The tubules were found almost empty, indicating arrest of spermatogenesis. However, with concomitant administration of lead and zinc both testis and epididymis presented a near-normal picture, indicating the protective role of zinc. Hence, the data indicate that the protective effect of zinc on lead toxicity was mediated largely by significant competition between lead and zinc or due to reduction of the available binding sites.
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PMID:Influence of lead and zinc on rat male reproduction at 'biochemical and histopathological levels'. 1174 99

Testosterone secretion in response to GnRH stimulation and enzymatic activity of semen plasma was evaluated comparatively in rams with or without genital abnormality. Scrota, testes and epididymides of 128 rams between 1.5 and 6 years old from various breeds were examined clinically and ultrasonographically. Bilaterally cryptorchid rams (n = 2), and rams with focal testicular degeneration (n = 3) or unilateral sperm granuloma localized in the caput (n = 3) epididymis or the cauda epididymis (n = 3), diagnosed by either clinical or ultrasonographic examination, were selected for the further investigation of spermatologic parameters, testosterone secretion in response to GnRH stimulation, and enzymatic activity of semen plasma before histopathologic confirmation of lesions. Except for the cryptorchid rams, sperm parameters determined in ejaculates were similar to intact controls (n = 3). GnRH administration increased plasma testosterone levels significantly irrespective of the type of genital pathology (P < 0.01). The testosterone response calculated based on area under the curve following GnRH administration in rams having genital abnormality was not significantly different from the controls. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in the semen plasma varied between rams, with the lowest mean values in the bilaterally cryptorchid group (P < 0.05). Spermatic granuloma localized either in the caput or cauda of the epididymis was associated with a significant reduction in the semen plasma AST activity compared to controls (P < 0.01). In conclusion, our results indicated that the ability of testicular tissue to secrete testosterone in response to GnRH stimulation in rams with bilateral cryptorchidism, focal testicular degeneration and unilateral sperm granuloma was similar to that of intact controls, and that reduced semen plasma AST activity may have a diagnostic value in the diagnosis of the epididymal obstruction in rams. Focal testicular degeneration did not influence AST, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and LDH activity in semen plasma.
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PMID:Testosterone secretion and semen plasma enzyme activity in rams with genital pathology stimulated with GnRH. 1204 94

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the dose-dependent effects of a leaf extract of Stephania hernandifolia on testicular activities in albino rats. Whether this leaf extract has any toxic effect on metabolic organs or on the liver or kidney was studied. Adult male Wistar rats, maintained under standard laboratory conditions, were forcefully fed with the aqueous extract of these leaves at the dose of 2 g or 4 g of leaves/mL distilled water/100 g body weight/day for 28 days. All the animals, along with vehicle-treated controls, were killed on the Day 29 of the experiment. Treatment with this leaf extract at both doses resulted in significant reduction in relative weight in the testis, the seminal vesicles, the prostate, and the epididymis without any significant change in the liver and kidney weight in comparison to control. Activities of testicular steroidogenic key enzymes and plasma testosterone level were decreased significantly, along with a significant reduction in the number of germ cells at stage VII of the spermatogenic cycle and in the seminiferous tubular diameter in both treated groups in comparison to control. Activities of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, acid phosphatase, and alkaline phosphatase were not altered significantly in the liver and kidney in both treated groups compared with controls. We concluded that treatment with an aqueous extract of leaves resulted in diminution in the activities of testicular androgenic key enzymes and plasma level of testosterone along with inhibition of spermatogenesis without any induction of hepatic and renal toxicity.
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PMID:Effects of leaf extract of Stephania hernandifolia on testicular gametogenesis and androgenesis in albino rats: a dose-dependent response study. 1205 93

A morphological study of the biological, histologic, and histochemical effects of vasectomy on albino rats is presented. No marked differences between vasectomized rats and the control group in the biological parameters of body weight and the weights of the adrenal glands, kidneys, prostate gland, seminal vesicles, and testes were observed. No changes in the frequency of copulation were noted. Histologic study of the liver, adrenal glands, kidneys, prostate gland, seminal vesicles, vas deferens, and epididymis showed no marked changes. Some testes of the vasectomized rats were considered inferior, though spermatogenesis was normal. No Leydig cell abnormalities were observed. The reactive pattern of the alkaline phosphatase staining of cells and tissue from the liver, adrenal glands, kidneys, prostate gland, seminal vesicles, vas deferens, epididymis, and testes showed similar metabolic activity in the vasectomy group and the control group. It was concluded that vasectomy does not result in the atrophy of the seminiferous tubules.
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PMID:Studies on vasectomy. 1217 9

Dibutyl phthalate is a phthalate ester with extensive use in industry in such products as plastic (PVC) piping, various varnishes and lacquers, safety glass, nail polishes, paper coatings, dental materials, pharmaceuticals, and plastic food wrap. Concomitant with this extensive worldwide use is the high potential for human exposure to dibutyl phthalate in the workplace and the home environment through direct sources as well as indirectly, through contamination of water, air, and foodstuffs. Because existing toxicity information was considered inadequate, the effects of exposure to dibutyl phthalate were examined in male and female F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice in 13-week feed studies. Furthermore, due to concern over the potential for pervasive exposure of humans to dibutyl phthalate, additional perinatal studies examined rats and mice exposed as pups in utero, for the 4 weeks of lactation, and for an additional 4 weeks postweaning. Additional studies examined the effects on rats of combining perinatal and adult subchronic exposure. Due to the recognized biologic activity of this and other phthalates, hepatic peroxisome proliferation during the in utero and lactational phases and testicular toxicity during the perinatal period were also examined. Finally, reproductive assessment by continuous breeding (including crossover mating trials and offspring assessment) and genetic toxicity studies were also conducted. In the maximum perinatal exposure (MPE) determination study in rats, dibutyl phthalate was administered in the diet to dams during gestation and lactation, and to the pups postweaning for four additional weeks, at concentrations of 0, 1,250, 2,500, 5,000, 7,500, 10,000, and 20,000 ppm. Decreased weight gains were noted in dams exposed to 20,000 ppm during gestation and to dams exposed to 10,000 ppm during lactation. The gestation index (number of live pups per breeding female) was significantly lower in the 20,000 ppm group than in the controls, and pup mortality in this group was marked (100% by Day 1 of lactation); however, survival was 89% or greater in all other treatment groups. The mean body weight of pups in the 10,000 ppm group at Day 28 of lactation was approximately 90% of the mean weight of control pups. Pups were weaned onto diets containing dibutyl phthalate at the same concentrations fed to dams. After an additional 4 weeks of dietary administration, final mean body weights of pups in the 10,000 ppm groups were 92% of the control value for males and 95% of the control value for females. Hepatomegaly (increased relative liver weight) was observed in males in all exposed groups and in females receiving 2,500 ppm or greater. No gross lesions were observed at necropsy. Moderate hypospermia of the epididymis was diagnosed in all male rats in the 7,500 and 10,000 ppm groups; mild hypospermia of the epididymis was diagnosed in 2 of 10 males in the 5,000 ppm group. No degeneration of the germinal epithelium was detected in the testis of these rats. Thus, although toxicologically important, the epididymal hypospermia was not considered to be life threatening, and 10,000 ppm was recommended as the MPE concentration for male and female rats. In the subsequent subchronic toxicity study of dibutyl phthalate with perinatal exposure, dams were administered diets containing 0 or the MPE concentration (10,000 ppm) during gestation and lactation, and weaned pups were administered the same diets as their dams received for an additional 4 weeks, until the beginning of the 13-week exposure phase. Male and female rats then received diets containing dibutyl phthalate at concentrations of 0, 2,500, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, and 40,000 ppm for 13 weeks. No mortality or toxicity was observed in dams during the perinatal phase of the study; however, before pups were culled at 4 days postpartum, the percentage of live pups per litter was 86% to 93% that of the controls. Through weaning, litter weights of exposed pups ranged from 89% to 92% of the control values. Ten control and ten exposed pups per sex were examined at the time of trol and ten exposed pups per sex were examined at the time of weaning; hepatomegaly and markedly increased peroxisomal enzyme activities (approximately 9-fold greater than the control values) were observed in exposed pups. Body weights of the perinatally exposed pups remained lower than those of the controls throughout the 4-week period before the 13-week adult exposures began. During the 13-week adult exposure phase, the final mean body weight of males in the MPE: 0 ppm control group (MPE rats, returned to the base diet for 13 weeks), was 95&percnt; that of the controls. The body weight gain of females in the MPE:0 ppm group was greater than that of the unexposed controls, and the final body weights of these two groups were similar. Body weight gains of rats treated with dibutyl phthalate as adults decreased with increasing exposure concentration; for rats that received the MPE concentration followed by 40,000 ppm for 13 weeks, final body weights were 51&percnt; of the control value for males and 74&percnt; of the control value for females. Hepatomegaly apparently regressed in rats in the MPE:0 ppm groups but was observed in male rats receiving 5,000 ppm or greater and in females receiving 2,500 ppm or greater. In males that received 20,000 ppm as adults, testis and epididymal weights were less than in the controls; males in the 40,000 ppm group also had a lower testis weight than the controls. Results of hematologic analyses conducted at the end of the 13-week exposure period suggested a mild anemia in male rats administered 10,000 ppm or greater as adults and female rats administered 40,000 ppm as adults. Hypocholesterolemia and hypotriglyceridemia were observed in male and female rats at the higher exposure concentrations. Hypotriglyceridemia was detected in females receiving 20,000 or 40,000 ppm and in males receiving 10,000 ppm or greater. Elevations in alkaline phosphatase activities and bile acid concentrations in male and female rats receiving 20,000 or 40,000 ppm as adults were indicative of cholestasis. Microscopic examination revealed hepatocellular cytoplasmic alteration, consistent with glycogen depletion, in male and female rats receiving a concentration of 10,000 ppm or greater. In the liver of rats receiving 40,000 ppm, small, fine, eosinophilic granules were also observed in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes. Ultrastructural examination suggested the presence of increased numbers of peroxisomes. Lipofuscin accumulation was detected in rats that received 10,000 ppm or greater. Consistent with the regression of the hepatomegaly in rats in the MPE:0 and MPE:2,500 ppm groups, peroxisomal enzyme activity was not elevated in these groups. Marked elevations of peroxisomal enzyme activity were detected, however, in males receiving 5,000 ppm or greater and in females receiving 10,000 ppm or greater; at the 40,000 ppm concentration, the highest concentration tested, enzyme activities were approximately 20 fold greater than the control values. Histopathologic examination of the testes revealed degeneration of the germinal epithelium, a mild to moderate focal lesion in rats in the 10,000 and 20,000 ppm groups and a marked, diffuse lesion in all males receiving 40,000 ppm; at 40,000 ppm, an almost complete loss of the germinal epithelium resulted. Testicular zinc concentrations were lower in the 40,000 ppm group than in the controls, a finding consistent with the marked loss of germinal epithelium at this exposure concentration. Spermatogenesis was evaluated in rats in the 0, 2,500, 10,000, and 20,000 ppm groups; rats administered 20,000 ppm had fewer spermatid heads per testis than the unexposed controls, and epididymal spermatozoal concentration was less than that in the MPE:0 ppm group. For comparison with the perinatal subchronic study, a standard 13-week evaluation of the toxicity of dibutyl phthalate in male and female rats was also conducted. In this study, rats received dibutyl phthalate at the same dietary concentrations used in the 13-week exposure phase of the study with perinatal exposure: 0, 2,500, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, and 40,000 ppm. No deaths occurred in the standard study. Markedly reduced final mean body weights were observed in males and females in the 40,000 ppm groups (45&percnt; and 73&percnt; of control body weights, respectively); final mean body weights of males receiving 10,000 ppm or greater and females receiving 20,000 ppm or greater were lower than those of the controls. Hepatomegaly was observed in males that received 5,000 ppm or greater and in females that received 10,000 ppm or greater. Testis and epididymal weights of males in the 20,000 and 40,000 ppm groups were lower than those of the controls. A minimal anemia was detected in male rats receiving 5,000 ppm or greater. Hypocholesterolemia was observed in male and female rats receiving 20,000 or 40,000 ppm, and hypotriglyceridemia was detected in males in all exposed groups and in females receiving 10,000 ppm or greater. Elevations in alkaline phosphatase activity and bile acid concentration in male and female rats were considered indicative of cholestasis. Morphologic evaluation again confirmed the toxicity of dibutyl phthalate to the liver and testes of rats. Microscopic examination of the liver revealed hepatocellular cytoplasmic alterations, consistent with glycogen depletion, in male and female rats receiving 10,000 ppm or greater. In the liver of rats in the 40,000 ppm groups, small, fine, eosinophilic granules were also observed in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes. Ultrastructural examination suggested the presence of increased numbers of peroxisomes, and peroxisomal enzyme activity was elevated in the livers of male and female rats administered 5,000 ppm or greater; the enzyme activities in the 40,000 ppm groups were approximately 13-fold greater than the control value for males and 32-fold greater than the control value for females. Lipofuscin accumulation was detected in rats receiving 10,000 ppm or greater. Histopathologic examination of the testes revealed degeneration of the germinal epithelium, a mild to marked focal lesion in the 10,000 and 20,000 ppm groups and a marked, diffuse lesion in all males in the 40,000 ppm group; at 40,000 ppm, an almost complete loss of the germinal epithelium resulted. Testicular zinc concentrations were lower in the 20,000 and 40,000 ppm groups than in the controls. Serum testosterone values were also lower at these concentrations than in the controls. Spermatogenesis was evaluated in males in the 0, 2,500, 10,000, and 20,000 ppm groups; at 20,000 ppm, spermatid heads per testis and per gram testis, epididymal spermatozoal motility, and the number of epididymal spermatozoa per gram epididymis were lower than in the controls. All of these findings are consistent with the marked loss of germinal epithelium at these exposure concentrations. In the continuous breeding study, Sprague-Dawley rats received 0, 1,000, 5,000, or 10,000 ppm dibutyl phthalate in feed. Mean body weights of exposed dams at delivery and during lactation generally decreased with increasing exposure concentration. The mean pup weight at birth in the 10,000 ppm group was significantly lower than the control pup weight. The average number of live pups per litter in all exposed groups was lower than in the controls. Crossover mating trials in the F(0) generation revealed no effects on the fertility of male or female rats receiving 10,000 ppm. In contrast to the F(0) rats, mating, pregnancy, and fertility indices of F(1) rats were lower in the 10,000 ppm group than in the controls. Germinal epithelial degeneration of the testes and absence or under development of the epididymides were noted in F(1) males in the 10,000 ppm group. Interstitial cell hyperplasia was noted in 7 of 10 males in the 10,000 ppm group. These effects document the male and female reproductive toxicity of dibutyl phthalate in F(1) rats receiving 10,000 ppm and do not exclude the possibility of developmental toxicity to F2 offspring. In the MPE determination study in mice, dams received 0, 1,250, 2,500, 5,000, 7,500, 10,000, or 20,000 ppm dibutyl phthalate in feed during gestation and lactation; pups were weaned onto the same diets as the dams received and were exposed for an additional 4 weeks. The gestation period was longer in dams that received 2,500 ppm or greater than in the controls, and gestational body weight gain depressions were noted in dams receiving 7,500 ppm or greater. Only 5 of 20 females in the 10,000 ppm group delivered live pups, and none of the 20 females receiving 20,000 ppm delivered live pups. Only one pup in the 10,000 ppm group survived past Lactation Day 1; the number of live pups per litter in the 7,500 ppm group also remained low throughout lactation. No deaths of either male or female pups occurred after weaning. Initial (postweaning) and final body weights of male pups receiving 2,500 ppm or greater were significantly less than those of the control group. The mean body weights of exposed female pups were similar to the control body weight at weaning and remained similar throughout the 4 weeks postweaning. Hepatomegaly was present in male mice in all exposed groups, and the absolute liver weight of males administered 7,500 ppm was greater than that of the controls; although a similar change was apparent in females, no statistical differences between the liver weights of exposed and control females were detected. No treatment-related gross lesions were identified at necropsy, and no histopathologic lesions definitively associated with treatment were observed in male or female mice in the 7,500 ppm groups. The one surviving male pup in the 10,000 ppm group had cytoplasmic alteration in the liver, consistent with peroxisome proliferation. Developmental toxicity and fetal and pup mortality were suggested at concentrations as low as 7,500 ppm. No subchronic toxicity study with prior MPE exposure was conducted with mice, although an MPE concentration of 5,000 ppm was suggested by the data. In a standard 13-week toxicity study, mice received 0, 1,250, 2,500, 5,000, 10,000, or 20,000 ppm dibutyl phthalate in feed. No deaths occurred during this study. Mean body weights and weight gains of male and female mice decreased with increasing exposure concentration, and the decreases were significant for males and females that received 5,000 ppm or greater. Relative liver weights were greater in males and females receiving 5,000 ppm or greater than in the controls. A minimal anemia was suggested in female mice in the 20,000 ppm group. Although no gross lesions were observed at necropsy, microscopic examination revealed hepatocellular cytoplasmic alterations, consistent with glycogen depletion, in male mice receiving 10,000 or 20,000 ppm and female mice receiving 20,000 ppm. Small, fine, eosinophilic granules, consistent with peroxisome proliferation, were also observed in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes in males and females in the 20,000 ppm groups. Lipofuscin accumulation in the liver was detected in mice receiving 10,000 ppm or greater. In a continuous breeding study using Swiss (CD-1&reg;) mice, animals received 0, 300, 3,000, or 10,000 ppm dibutyl phthalate in feed. The fertility index, average number of litters per breeding pair, and average number of live pups per litter in the 10,000 ppm group were lower than in the controls. Crossover mating trials of mice receiving 10,000 ppm revealed effects on dams in the F(0) generation, with a lower fertility index, number of live pups per litter, and pup weight than in the controls. Liver weights were greater in males and females, and the uterine weight was less in exposed dams than in the controls. No other changes were observed at necropsy or on histopathologic examination. These data document the female reproductive toxicity of dibutyl phthalate in F(0) mice. Dibutyl phthalate was not mutagenic in Salmonella typhimurium strain TA98, TA100, TA1535, or TA1537 with or without exogenous metabolic activation but did induce mutations in L5178Y mouse lymphoma cells treated without metabolic activation. In peripheral blood samples obtained from male and female mice at the end of the 13-week study, frequencies of micronucleated normochromatic erythrocytes were similar between exposed and control mice. Together, the studies in rodents suggest that young rodents (in utero and perinatal) respond in a manner qualitatively similar to that of adult rats and mice. Dibutyl phthalate induced toxic effects in rodents as pups in utero and during the lactational phases of development and also affected young adults, as evidenced by fetotoxicity and lethality, body weight gain decrements, increased liver weights, hepatic peroxisome proliferation, testicular toxicity, and female reproductive toxicity. Dibutyl phthalate was lethal to rat fetuses and rat and mouse neonates at dietary concentrations that were not toxic to dams. Otherwise, there was no teratogenic or morphologic evidence that rodent young were uniquely sensitive to the effects of short-term dibutyl phthalate treatment. Synonyms: 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid dibutyl ester; benzene-o-dicarboxylic acid di-n-butyl ester; o-benzenedicarboxylic acid dibutyl ester; butyl phthalate; n-butyl phthalate; DBP; dibutyl 1,2-benzene dicarboxylate; dibutylphthalate; di-n-butylphthalate; di(n-butyl) phthalate; dibutyl-o-phthalate; phthalic acid dibutyl ester. Trade Names: Celluflex DBP; Elaol; Ergoplast FDB; Ersoplast FDA; Genoplast B; Hexaplas M/B; Palatinol C; Polycizer DBP; PX 104; RC Plasticizer DBP; Staflex DBP; Uniflex DBP; Unimoll DB; Witcizer 300; Witicizer 300. (NOTE: These studies were supported in part by funds from the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act trust fund (Superfund) by an interagency agreement with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, U.S. Public Health Service.)
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PMID:NTP technical report on the toxicity studies of Dibutyl Phthalate (CAS No. 84-74-2) Administered in Feed to F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice. 1220 94

Significant amounts of alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity have been found in semen plasma from numerous species. In species in which the majority of semen plasma AP (SPAP) activity originates from the epididymis and testicle, SPAP activity can be used clinically as a marker to differentiate testicular origin azoospermia or oligospermia from ejaculatory failure. Information on SPAP activity in stallions to date has been limited. In this study, a standard clinical chemistry analyzer was used to determine AP activity in pre-ejaculatory fluid and ejaculates from groups of normal stallions. Additionally, accessory glands, epididymides, testicles and other components of the urogenital tract of normal stallions were assayed to determine which tissues contain SPAP activity. The results indicated that levels of AP activity are low in pre-ejaculatory fluid, but significantly higher in ejaculatory fluid from normal stallions. Spermatozoa were not a significant source of SPAP activity. High levels of SPAP activity were found in the testes and epididymides. These findings suggest that SPAP activity is a candidate for a sperm-independent marker for ejaculation in the stallion. Finally, AP activity was determined in ejaculatory fluid from a stallion with bilaterally blocked ampullae, both before and after relief of the blockage. While the blockage was present, AP activity in ejaculatory fluid was low. However, following relief of the blockage, AP activity in ejaculatory fluid rose dramatically, thus suggesting that AP activity will be useful as an inexpensive, simple clinical assay for differentiating ejaculatory failure or excurrent duct blockages from testicular origin azoospermia and oligospermia.
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PMID:Alkaline phosphatase in stallion semen: characterization and clinical applications. 1262 May 74

A crude 50% ethanol extract of Citrullus Colocynthis Schrad was administered orally to male albino rats for evaluation of antifertility effects. The animals were divided into five groups: group A was a vehicle-treated control group; treatment groups B, C, and D received 100 mg/kg/day C. Colocynthis extract for periods of 20, 40, and 60 days, respectively, and group E animals received the extract at 100 mg/kg/day for 60 days followed by 60 days of recovery. For androgenicity evaluation of the extract, the animals were divided into four groups: group F animals were castrated 30 days before the experiment to serve as controls, and group G, H, and I were subjected to castration 30 days before the experiments, followed by administration of fruit extract (100 mg/kg/day p.o.), testosterone propionate (0.01 mg/rat/alternate day s.c.), and fruit extract along with testosterone propionate, respectively, for 30 days. Significantly reduced cauda epididymis sperm motility and density, number of pups, fertility, and circulatory levels of testosterone were observed in all treatment groups. The weights of testes, epididymis, seminal vesicle, and prostate were significantly decreased in groups B, C, and D. The weights of all organs in the different groups of the androgenicity study were markedly decreased in group F when compared with group A, in group G when compared with group F, and in group I when compared with group H, and increased in group H when compared with group F. The serum testosterone levels also showed a similar pattern. The concentration of testicular cholesterol was significantly elevated, while protein, sialic acid, acid and alkaline phosphatase concentrations were decreased. The histoarchitecture of the testes showed degenerative changes in the seminiferous epithelium, arrest of spermatogenesis at the secondary spermatocyte stage, cytolysis, and the lumen filled with eosinophilic material. Histometric parameters except Sertoli cell nuclear area and number of round spermatids showed marked alterations. All altered parameters restored to normal in group E. No changes were observed in body weight, litter size, hematology, and serum biochemistry. In conclusion, a 50% ethanol extract of C. Colocynthis showed an antiandrogenic nature, thereby reduced reversible infertility in male albino rats.
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PMID:Induction of reversible antifertility with a crude ethanol extract of Citrullus colocynthis Schrad fruit in male rats. 1266 Apr 78

Transgenic male mice bearing inactive mutations of the receptor tyrosine kinase c-ros lack the initial segment of the epididymis and are infertile. Several techniques were applied to determine differences in gene expression in the epididymal caput of heterozygous fertile (HET) and infertile homozygous knockout (KO) males that may explain the infertility. Complementary DNA arrays, gene chips, Northern and Western blots, and immunohistochemistry indicated that some proteins were downregulated, including the initial segment/proximal caput-specific genes c-ros, cystatin-related epididymal-spermatogenic (CRES), and lipocalin mouse epididymal protein 17 (MEP17), whereas other caput-enriched genes (glutathione peroxidase 5, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase [ADAM7], bone morphogenetic proteins 7 and 8a, A-raf, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta, PEA3) were unchanged. Genes normally absent from the initial segment (gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase, prostaglandin D2 synthetase, alkaline phosphatase) were expressed in the undifferentiated proximal caput of the KO. More distally, lipocalin 2 (24p3), CRISP1 (formerly MEP7), PEBP (MEP9), and mE-RABP (MEP10) were unchanged in expression. Immunohistochemistry and Western blots confirmed the absence of CRES in epididymal tissue and fluid and the continued presence of CRES in spermatozoa of the KO mouse. The glutamate transporters EAAC1 (EAAT3) and EAAT5 were downregulated and upregulated, respectively. The genes of over 70 transporters, channels, and pores were detected in the caput epididymidis, but in the KO, only three were downregulated and six upregulated. The changes in these genes could affect sperm function by modifying the composition of epididymal fluid and explain the infertility of the KO males. These genes may be targets for a posttesticular contraceptive.
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PMID:Gene and protein expression in the epididymis of infertile c-ros receptor tyrosine kinase-deficient mice. 1289 Jul 34

Cadmium is a well-known human carcinogen and a potent nephrotoxin. Lipid peroxidation is involved in cadmium-related toxicity. Vitamin E and beta-carotene are effective antioxidants and free radical scavengers. Therefore, the present study was carried out to investigate the potential protective effects of vitamin E and beta-carotene alone or in combination against cadmium (Cd) toxicity. Cadmium chloride (CdCl2, 5 mg/kg BW, 1/15 LD50), vitamin E (100 mg/kg BW), beta-carotene (10 mg/kg BW), and vitamin E with beta-carotene (100 + 10 mg/kg BW, respectively) were orally administered by gavage alone or in combination. The tested doses were given to rats every other day (15 times). Results obtained showed that CdCl2 significantly (P < 0.05) induced free radicals in plasma, liver and brain. The activities of glutathione S-transferase (GST) (plasma and liver), alkaline phosphatase (AlP) (plasma and liver), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (liver) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (plasma and brain) were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased due to CdCl2 administration, whereas, the activities of AST and ALT were increased in plasma. Treatment with CdCl2 caused a significant (P < 0.05) increase in glucose, urea, creatinine and bilirubin in plasma. On the other hand, results showed that CdCl2 significantly (P < 0.05) decreased plasma total protein (TP), albumin (A), blood hemoglobin (Hb), total erythrocytic count (TEC) and packed cell volume (PCV), while total leukocyte count (TLC) increased. Treatment with CdCl2 caused a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in sperm concentration, motility (%), weight of testes and epididymis, and increase in dead and abnormal sperm. Results demonstrated the beneficial influences of vitamin E, -carotene alone and/or in combination in reducing the harmful effects of CdCl2.
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PMID:Cadmium-induced changes in lipid peroxidation, blood hematology, biochemical parameters and semen quality of male rats: protective role of vitamin E and beta-carotene. 1530 3


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