Age and seasonal variation in testis and baculum morphology in East Greenland polar bears (Ursus maritimus) in relation to high concentrations of persistent organic pollutants.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are found in high concentrations in the Artic. Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are one of the most exposed mammals in the Arctic and are thereby vulnerable to reproductive disruption. The aim of this study was to investigate male polar bear reproduction based on a detailed evaluation of testis histology and to assess possible effects of environmental chemicals on male polar bear reproduction.

New computerized staging method to analyze mink testicular tissue in environmental research.

Histopathology of testicular tissue is considered to be the most sensitive tool to detect adverse effects on male reproduction. When assessing tissue damage, seminiferous epithelium needs to be classified into different stages to detect certain cell damages; but stage identification is a demanding task. The authors present a method to identify the 12 stages in mink testicular tissue.

Effect of pre-fixation delay and freezing on mink testicular endpoints for environmental research.

There is growing interest in using wild animals to monitor the real-life cocktail effect of environmental chemicals on male reproduction. However, practical difficulties, such as long distances to the laboratory, generally prolong the time between euthanisation and specimen handling. For instance, tissue fixation is often performed on frozen material or on material where deterioration has started, which may affect tissue morphology.

Effects of genistein on oestrogen and progesterone receptor, proliferative marker Ki-67 and carbonic anhydrase localisation in the uterus and cervix of gilts after insemination.

Soya products are routinely fed to domestic animals as an important source of protein. The aim of this work was to study how the phytooestrogen genistein, supplemented at a feed relevant level, affects the morphology and distribution of reproductive hormone receptors, proliferative activities and carbonic anhydrase (CA) in the uterus and cervix of gilts. Eleven gilts were fed a soya-free diet.

Effects of dietary phytoestrogens on plasma testosterone and triiodothyronine (T3) levels in male goat kids.

Background: Exposure to xenoestrogens in humans and animals has gained increasing attention due to the effects of these compounds on reproduction. The present study was undertaken to investigate the influence of low-dose dietary phytoestrogen exposure, i.e.

Carbonic anhydrase in mouse testis and epididymis; transfer of isozyme IV to spermatozoa during passage.

Spermatozoa are subjected to major changes as they pass through the epididymal duct. The aim of the present study was to describe the distribution of carbonic anhydrase (CA) in the mouse testis and epididymis using a histochemical technique showing total catalytic activity, in combination with immunohistochemistry for the two important isoforms CAs II and IV. By comparing normal mice with CA II-deficient mice, we were able to study membrane-bound CA without influence from the ubiquitous cytoplasmic CA II.