Search

In the present study, we have investigated the effects of 30-day dietary (pre-pubertal) exposure to different doses (0 (control), 1, 10, 50, 200 and 400 mg/kg bodyweight/day) of di(n-butyl) phthalate (DBP) on Leydig cells of adult male Japanese quails by quantifying the transcript levels for P450 side-chain cleavage (p450scc), P450c17 (CYP17), and 3β- and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (hsd) using quantitative (real-time) polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). In addition, the plasma testosterone levels were analysed using radioimmunoassay (RIA) and testis was examined for evidence of gross pathology and histopathology. Our data showed that pre-pubertal exposure to DBP produced alterations in testicular architecture as evident by poorly developed or mis-shaped testis, and altered spermatogenesis due to tubular degeneration and atrophy of seminiferous tubules especially in the high DBP dose (200 and 400 mg/kg) treated groups. In addition, DBP altered several key enzymes involved in testicular steroidogenesis pathways in an apparent dose-dependent manner. For example, biphasic effects of DBP were observed for P450scc and 3β-hsd mRNA, that were generally increasing at low dose 10 mg/kg, and thereafter, an apparent dose-dependent decrease between 50 and 400mg/kg. The steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein was at the lowest detectable limits and therefore not quantifiable. These effects did not parallel the non-significant changes observed for plasma testosterone levels. The present data is consistent with previous reports showing that DBP modulates Leydig cell steroidogenesis in several species, with a potential negative effect on reproduction in those avian species that are vulnerable to endocrine disrupting chemicals., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The response of the epithelial cells of the various ducts of the avian epididymis, whose function is poorly understood, to intraluminal bacteria was evaluated by the injection of an avirulent strain of Salmonella gallinarium into the RT for 24 h. Ultrastructurally, bacteria and invading mononuclear cells were present in the lumina of the RT, proximal efferent ducts (PED) and distal efferent ducts. However, only the non-ciliated (Type I) cells of the PED epithelium ingested bacteria from the lumen. Fragments of bacteria also occurred in several intercellular spaces in the epithelium of the PED. Some mononuclear cells also contained fragments of bacteria. Neither cell death in the various epithelia nor mononuclear infiltration of the periductal tissue occurred. Therefore, in addition to the established function of absorbing most of the testicular fluid entering the epididymis, the Type I cells also appear capable of recognising and removing foreign particulate matter from the epididymal through-flow in the proximal part of the epididymis.

As part of a series of studies designed to evaluate usual and potential functions of epithelial cells in the avian epididymis under varying circumstances, adult, sexually active male Japanese quails were vasectomised for 3, 6 and 8 weeks. The testes, epididymides and deferent ducts were studied histologically and ultrastructurally. Testicular lesions were minimal, but epididymal response was profound. Non-ciliated (type I) cells of the proximal efferent duct (PED) actively phagocytized spermatozoa and their fragments. An especially noteworthy and apparently novel observation was the proliferation of the lining epithelium in parts of the PED to form additional adluminal sheets of spermiophagic epithelium which did not lie directly on basal laminae. These sheets were composed exclusively of non-ciliated cells. Spermatozoal dissolution and macrophage activity were also important mechanisms for the disposal of superfluous and incarcerated spermatozoa in the epididymis of this bird., (Copyright 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.)

The structure of the ductus epididymidis, and its capacity to take up luminal particulate material (India ink) were studied, using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, in the domestic fowl, turkey and Japanese quail (Order Galliformes) and drake (Order Anseriformes). The epithelium appeared contractile and stable structurally, especially in the drake in which, among other cytoskeletal features, abundant perinuclear intermediate filaments radiated peripherally in the principal, nonciliated (Type III) cell. The Golgi complex was well developed, except in the turkey in which it was extremely inconspicuous. Sparsely granulated profiles were the main component of the elaborate endoplasmic reticulum, which was best developed in the drake and least in the turkey. The cell in the turkey was uniquely laden with large aggregates of lipid droplets. Generally, characteristics of a cell active in the synthesis and merocrine secretion of proteinaceous material were evident. There was no evidence of apocrine-like secretion in well-fixed tissues. The cell lacked the capacity to take up luminal India ink particles, and displayed very poorly developed endocytic structural features, which are also probably only selectively and minimally absorptive. Ultrastructural features varied between and within the orders studied, necessitating further studies.

The epididymal region of the Japanese quail was studied histologically. The organ consists of the extratesticular portion of the rete testis, the ductuli efferentes proximales and distales, the ducti conjugentes and ductus epididymidis. Distinct tubuli recti link the seminiferous tubules with the rete testis. The non-ciliated cells of the ductuli efferentes proximales and distales show, between them, certain internal structural differences which were highlighted. In 40% of the birds, the ductus deferens showed dark-grey pigments, regarded as melanin. The epididymal region was generally similar in structure to that of the domestic fowl, turkey and duck.