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Query: UNIPROT:P56851 (epididymal)
 11,273 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Reversible contraception that does not alter natural behavior is a critical need for managing zoo populations. In addition to reversible contraception, other fertility techniques perfected in humans may be useful, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or oocyte and embryo banking for endangered species like amphibians and Mexican wolves (Canis lupus baileyi). Furthermore, the genetics of human fertility can give a better understanding of fertility in more exotic species. Collaborations were established to apply human fertility techniques to the captive population. Reversible vasectomy might be one solution for reversible contraception that does not alter behavior. Reversible approaches to vasectomy, avoiding secondary epididymal disruption, were attempted in South American bush dogs (Speothos venaticus), chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), gorillas (Gorilla gorilla), Przewalski's horse (Equus przewalski poliakov), and Sika deer (Cervus nippon) in a variety of zoos around the world. These techniques were first perfected in > 4,000 humans before attempting them in zoo animals. In vitro fertilization with gestational surrogacy was used to attempt to break the vicious cycle of hand rearing of purebred orangutans, and egg and ovary vitrification in humans have led to successful gamete banking for Mexican wolves and disappearing amphibians. The study of the human Y chromosome has even explained a mechanism of extinction related to global climate change. The best results with vasectomy reversal (normal sperm counts, pregnancy, and live offspring) were obtained when the original vasectomy was performed "open-ended," so as to avoid pressure-induced epididymal disruption. The attempt at gestational surrogacy for orangutans failed because of severe male infertility and the lack of success with human ovarian hyperstimulation protocols. Vitrification of oocytes is already being employed for the Amphibian Ark Project and for Mexican wolves. Vasectomy can be a reversible contraception option in zoo animals, even in endangered species. Ongoing use of gamete and embryo freezing may salvage vanishing species.
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PMID:Applying clinically proven human techniques for contraception and fertility to endangered species and zoo animals: a review. 2443 91

Dapsone (4, 4'-diaminodiphenylsulfone, DDS) is a potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compound which has been used in the treatment of leprosy, vasculitis and dermatitis herpetiformis, lupus erythematosus profundus and even as an antimalarial in combination with proguanil. This study investigated the effect of the administration of dapsone on the reproductive activities of male rats using in vivo and in vitro techniques. In the in vivo study, dapsone was administered orally to male Wistar rats for 5 days or 6 weeks after which their body weight, relative reproductive organ weights, sperm parameters and reproductive hormones were determined while testicular and epididymal histology were also assessed. Data were compared using analysis of variance and Students-Newman-Keuls multiple comparison test. For the in vitro study, Sertoli cells were cultured and treated with varying doses of dapsone at different durations, thereafter Sertoli cell viability and nuclei integrity were determined. Also, the genetic expressions of Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and transferrin were assessed. The results obtained from the in vivo study showed a duration-dependent significant decrease in body and reproductive organ weights, sperm parameters and serum testosterone concentration. Testicular and epididymal histology also showed duration-dependent degenerative changes. However, all these changes were restored towards control values in the recovery experiment. The viability and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) integrity of the treated Sertoli cells showed dose and duration-dependent adverse effects while GDNF and transferrin showed normal genetic expressions. These results suggest that dapsone could induce male reproductive stress by affecting testicular and epididymal structure and function.
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PMID:Experimental dapsone administration induces infertility in male Wistar rats: Mechanisms and clinical implications. 3138 82