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The Italian Wall Lizard Podarcis siculus as a Biological Model for Research in Male Reproductive Toxicology

Authors :
Luigi Rosati
Teresa Chianese
Palma Simoniello
Chiara Maria Motta
Rosaria Scudiero
Rosati, Luigi
Chianese, Teresa
Simoniello, Palma
Motta, CHIARA MARIA
Scudiero, Rosaria
Source :
International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 23:15220
Publication Year :
2022
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2022.

Abstract

Spermatogenesis is a genetically driven differentiation process that occurs in the testis and leads to the formation of spermatozoa. This process is extensively studied in several experimental models, particularly in vertebrates that share the morphological structure and functionality of the mammalian testis. Although reptiles are not generally considered biological models, the lizard Podarcis siculus has represented a suitable organism for the study of spermatogenesis over the years. In this lizard, the process of spermatogenesis is regulated by the interaction between systemic factors such as gonadotropins and local factors, i.e., molecules produced by the somatic and germinal cells of the testis. Many exogenous substances are able to alter the production of these regulative factors, thus altering the course of spermatogenesis, and P. siculus has proven to be an excellent model for studying the effects of various endogenous or exogenous substances on mechanisms underlying spermatogenesis. This review summarizes the available data on the effects of different substances on the control of spermatogenesis, highlighting the induced morphological and molecular alterations. Overall, the data show that sex hormone levels as well as the final stages of spermatogenesis are most affected by an imbalance of endogenous compounds or contamination by environmental pollutants. This is helpful for the male individual, since the damage, not affecting the spermatogonial stem cells, can be considered transient and not irreversible.

Details

ISSN :
14220067
Volume :
23
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....5c0eaedef34abbe8ce8e0f0f76259485
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232315220