Morphological and morphometrical changes on adult Wistar rat testis caused by chronic sodium arsenite exposure.

Arsenic is a contaminant that occurs naturally in the environment, and it is related to several diseases, such as cancer and severe metabolic diseases. Sodium arsenite effects on testes rats are not fully understood regarding morphology and stereology; thus, it becomes necessary to evaluate possible changes in these parameters under low concentrations and simulating occupational exposure. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the morphometrical and stereological changes on rat testis treated with sodium arsenite.

Grape juice concentrate alleviates epididymis and sperm damage in cadmium-intoxicated rats.

The possibility of long-term grape juice concentrate (GJC) consumption conferring a protective effect against cadmium (Cd)-induced damage to the epididymis, completely preserving sperm profile, was evaluated here for the first time in the scientific literature. Male Wistar rats (n = 6/per group) received an intraperitoneal Cd injection (1.2 mg/Kg) at age 80 days and GJC (2 g/Kg) by gavage from 50 days until 136 days old.

Chronic Intake of Green Propolis Negatively Affecting the Rat Testis.

Background: Human and animal evidence suggests that environmental toxicants may have an adverse impact on male reproductive health, reducing the population's reproductive output. Owing to the renewed attraction for natural products, some of them constitute effective alternatives to mitigate these effects. Propolis is a candidate for this use because of its intrinsic properties.

Sperm morphology of Muscidifurax uniraptor (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Pteromalidae).

Sperm morphology of the parasitoid Muscidifurax uniraptor was investigated under light and transmission electron microscopy. M. uniraptor sperm are filiform, spiraled, approximately 150 μm in length, with a distinctive head, hooded by an extracellular sheath and a flagellum.

Grape juice concentrate (G8000(®) ) intake mitigates testicular morphological and ultrastructural damage following cadmium intoxication.

Cadmium is a well-known testicular toxicant, and parts of the world population are exposed chronically by inhalation or by food and water intake. Grape products have been highlighted as important sources of bioactive compounds, having anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and metal chelating properties. Since maintenance of tissue morphology is essential for testicular sperm development and hence male fertility, we analysed the protective effect of grape juice concentrate (GJC) (G8000(®) ) consumption on testicular morphology in rats exposed to cadmium.

The effects of cyclosporin A and Heteropterys tomentosa on the rat liver.

Cyclosporin A (CsA) is a widely employed immunosuppressive drug that is associated with several side effects, among then hepatotoxicity. Heteropterys tomentosa is a Brazilian plant efficient in reducing damage caused by CsA on the rat testis and prostate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of CsA and H.

Hepatoprotective effect of Arctium lappa root extract on cadmium toxicity in adult Wistar rats.

This study was performed to determine the effects of Arctium lappa (Al) to protect against cadmium damage in the rat liver. Male rats received a single i.p.

Heteropterys tomentosa (A. Juss.) infusion counteracts Cyclosporin a side effects on the ventral prostate.

Background: Cyclosporin A (CsA) is an immunosuppressive drug widely used in treatment of auto-immune diseases or after organ transplants. However, several side effects are commonly associated with CsA long term intake, some regarding to loss of reproductive organ function due to oxidative damage. Considering that phytotherapy is an important tool often used against oxidative stress, we would like to describe the beneficial effects of Heteropterys tomentosa intake to minimize the damage caused by CsA to the ventral prostate tissue of Wistar rats under laboratorial conditions.

Morphology of the epidermis of the neotropical catfish Pimelodella lateristriga (Lichtenstein, 1823) with emphasis in club cells.

The epidermis of Ostariophysi fish is composed of 4 main cell types: epidermal cells (or filament containing cells), mucous cells, granular cells and club cells. The morphological analysis of the epidermis of the catfish Pimelodella lateristriga revealed the presence of only two types of cells: epidermal and club cells. The latter were evident in the middle layer of the epidermis, being the largest cells within the epithelium.

Morphology of spermatozoa of Dissomphalus connubialis (Ashmead, 1893) (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae).

In this study, the morphology of spermatozoa of Bethylidae Dissomphalus connubialis (Pristocerinae) was analyzed using light and transmission electron microscopy. Spermatozoa of this species are thin, measure approximately 130 μm in length and comprise a head region and flagellum region. The head is formed by the acrosome and nucleus.

Advantage of Guaraná (Paullinia cupana Mart.) supplementation on cadmium-induced damages in testis of adult Wistar rats.

Paullinia cupana is an Amazonian bush whose seeds have long been used in folk medicine. However, most of the therapeutic properties attributed to this plant are broad and nonspecific, although an antioxidant activity has been reported.  On the other hand, cadmium is a heavy metal known for increasing free radicals, hence resulting in cellular oxidative damages.

Morphology of the male reproductive system and spermatozoa in Centris Fabricius, 1804 (Hymenoptera: Apidae, Centridini).

The genera Centris and Epicharis constitute the Centridini and are widely distributed in the Neotropical region. Centris is also found in the southern portion of the Neartic region, although both genera are more abundant in the humid tropical regions. To describe the structure of the male reproductive system and spermatozoa, light and transmission electron microscopy were used.

The descriptions of new microanatomical structures of the male reproductive system and sperm of Myschocyttarus cassununga (Hymenoptera: Vespidae).

The male reproductive system of Mischocyttarus cassununga consists of two testes, each one with three follicles, as occurs in most Vespidae. The seminal vesicle is divided in two chambers, separated by a constriction, so that the anterior locus is a little larger. In the testicular follicles, the spermatozoa are organized in cysts, with approximately 128 per cyst, where the nuclei are oriented toward the follicle center.

Histomorphometric evaluation of the neotropical brown brocket deer Mazama gouazoubira testis, with an emphasis on cell population indexes of spermatogenic yield.

Information on the reproductive biology of neotropical cervids is scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to perform biometric, histologic and stereologic analyses of the brown brocket deer Mazama gouazoubira testis, with an emphasis on the intrinsic yield and the Sertoli cell index. Seven adult males kept in captivity were used.

More resistant tendons obtained from the association of Heteropterys aphrodisiaca and endurance training.

Background: Popular Brazilian medicine uses Heteropterys aphrodisiaca infusion as a tonic or stimulant, for the treatment of nervous debility and breakdown and for muscle and bone weakness. This study investigated the effects of Heteropterys aphrodisiaca infusion on the tendon properties and extracellular matrix of rats under endurance training.

Methods: Wistar rats were grouped as follows: CS- control sedentary, HS- H.

Antioxidative and in vitro antiproliferative activity of Arctium lappa root extracts.

Background: Arctium lappa, known as burdock, is widely used in popular medicine for hypertension, gout, hepatitis and other inflammatory disorders. Pharmacological studies indicated that burdock roots have hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, free radical scavenging and antiproliferative activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate total phenolic content, radical scavenging activity by DPPH and in vitro antiproliferative activity of different A.

Association of the infusion of Heteropterys aphrodisiaca and endurance training brings spermatogenetic advantages.

The species Heteropterys aphrodisiaca is commonly used as a stimulant by popular medicine in the Cerrado, a savanna-like biome, Brazil. Recent studies have proved its protective effects on testes of animals submitted to treatment using Cyclosporine A, as well as its stimulus effect in increasing testosterone secretion. Therefore, the present study was designed to analyze whether the association of the plant infusion and endurance exercise could potentiate the stimulating effect.

Protective effect of Guaraná (Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis) pre-treatment on cadmium-induced damages in adult Wistar testis.

Guaraná (Paullinia cupana) is an Amazonian plant. Its antioxidant potential was demonstrated to be due to the high polyphenol concentration. On the other hand, one of the mechanisms underlying cadmium-induced cellular damage is free radical mediated, resulting in increased oxidative processes.

Testicular histomorphometry and ultrastructure of rats treated with cadmium and Ginkgo biloba.

The aim of this study is to investigate the association of a single low dose of Cd and daily doses of Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) on the testis and accessory glands of rats. The animals were treated with a single dose of 3 µmol/kg body weight of cadmium chloride (CdCl₂) and/or 100 mg/kg body weight of GbE. The plasma testosterone levels; corporal, testicular, and accessory glands weight; gonadosomatic index, volumetric proportion; and absolute volume of testicular components did not change after the treatments.

Testis response to low doses of cadmium in Wistar rats.

Although it is well known that cadmium (Cd) causes adverse effects on male rat reproductive organs, few studies have quantified alterations caused by its low doses. Quantification of these alterations, especially in the testis, was measured using morphometry. A single dose of cadmium chloride (1 or 1.

Sperm structure and ultrastructure of the Melittobia hawaiiensis, Perkins and M. australica, Girault (chalcidoidea: eulophidae).

Spermatozoa morphology has, for some years, been used to help answer some phylogenetic questions for Hymenoptera. This is the second study describing spermatozoa morphology of an Eulophidae species in which important characteristics were observed. Melittobia spermatozoa are spiralled and measure approximately 270microm in length.

Sperm ultrastructure of the European hornet Vespa crabro (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae).

This study represents the first sperm description of a Vespinae species (Vespa crabro). The acrosome consists of an acrosomal vesicle and a perforatorium. The nucleus has compact chromatin and shows lenticular structures on the nuclear envelope.

Heteropterys aphrodisiaca infusion reduces the collateral effects of cyclosporine A on the testis.

Cyclosporine A (CsA) is known to have testicular toxicity, leading to male infertility. Stimulant and aphrodisiac properties have been attributed to the plant, Heteropterys aphrodisiaca. Thus, the present work was undertaken to evaluate the association of the drug and the medicinal herb in Wistar rats, applying testicular morphometry and ultrastructure.

The short spermatodesm of Arge pagana (Hymenoptera: symphyta).

In the seminal vesicle of the 'symphyta'Arge pagana the spermatozoa are stored in motile spermatodesm bundles, maintained by an anterior cap of extracellular material. This cap consists of a denser cortex and of an internal matrix, where part of the sperm heads are embedded. The number of spermatozoa per bundle is variable.