Histological and histochemical changes by clove essential oil upon the gonads of Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) / Alteraciones histológicas e histoquímicas provocadas por el aceite esencial de clavo de olor en las gónadas de Spodoptera frugiperda ( je smith ) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Spodoptera frugiperda is a polyphagous insect that causes economic losses to several crops in Brazil and is the major obstacle to corn production. Researches focusing on alternative control, e.g. botanical products are expanding to offer a wide variety of molecules that interfere with different biological parameters of insect pests. Thus, this study tested the hypothesis that clove essential oil affects the spermatogenesis, ovarioles histochemistry and the fertility of S. frugiperda. The results showed that clove essential oil affects the gametogenesis of S. frugiperda ovarioles, reflecting negatively on its reproduction, proving to be a promising tool for controlling this pest.

Spodoptera frugiperda es un insecto polífago que causa pérdidas económicas a varias cosechas en Brasil y es el mayor obstáculo para la producción de maíz. Este estudio está centrado en el control alternativo, con productos botánicos que se están expandiendo y ofrecen una amplia variedad de moléculas que interfieren con diferentes parámetros biológicos de plagas de insectos. Por tanto, se puso a prueba la hipótesis de que el aceite esencial de clavo de olor afecta la espermatogénesis. La histoquímica de los ovarioles y la fertilidad de S. frugiperda. Los resultados mostraron que el aceite esencial de clavo de olor afecta la gametogénesis de los ovarioles en S. frugiperda, lo que incide negativamente en su reproducción, demostrando ser una herramienta prometedora para el control de esta plaga.

Imposex en Voluta musica (Caenogastropoda: Volutidae) en el Noreste de la Península de Araya, Venezuela / Imposex in Voluta musica (Caenogastropoda: Volutidae) from Northeastern Península de Araya, Venezuela

Voluta musica is a dioecious marine gastropod endemic of the South Caribbean. Tributyltin (TBT) and copper (Cu) are potential inducers of imposex, an endocrine disorder by which females develop a penis and/or vas deferens. The goal of this work was to determine the imposex incidence in V. musica populations from Northeastern Península de Araya. For this, we selected three sites (Isla Caribe, Isla Lobos and Bajo Cuspe) and made monthly samplings of 15 snails in each site, during one year, and determined: (1) sizes; (2) sex and imposex incidence and (3) the Relative Penis Length Index (RPLI). We also performed histological analysis of the gonads, and measured TBT and Cu concentrations in sediments from the studied localities. Our results showed that the total number of sampled females affected by imposex was 24.5% at Isla Caribe, 12% at Isla Lobos, and none at Bajo Cuspe. In sediments, Cu was detected mostly in Isla Lobos. The female gonads with imposex did not show any development of male cells in any of the sampled sites. The higher percentage of females with imposex matched with the higher boat traffic locality, and higher TBT level (Isla Caribe). No esterilization was evident in this work, nevertheless, the presence of TBT and Cu in the sediments and females with imposex were considered as a potential threat to V. musica populations in this region. In Venezuela there is no control over this particular issue, possibly because of the lack of information and research in this topic, but certainly, this information will be useful in biodiversity conservation policies.

Voluta musica es un gasterópodo dioico endémico del Caribe sur. El TBT y el Cu, son potenciales causantes del imposex, fenómeno donde las hembras desarrollan un pene y/o vaso deferente. El objetivo fue determinar la incidencia de imposex en V. musica en el noreste de la Península de Araya. Se seleccionaron tres localidades y se captura-ron mensualmente 15 individuos durante un año para determinar: (1) talla de los individuos; (2) sexo y presencia de imposex; (3) índice Largo Relativo del Pene (RPLI). Se realizó histología de la gónada de los individuos. Se determinó TBT y Cu en el sedimento de cada localidad. En Isla Caribe, el 24.5% de las hembras presentó imposex, y se halló 3.9ngSn/g de TBT; en Isla Lobos, el 12% de las hembras desarrollaron imposex; en Bajo del Cuspe no se observó imposex. Se halló Cu en mayor concentración en Isla Lobos. Las gónadas femeninas con imposex no demos-traron masculinización. El mayor porcentaje de imposex coincide con la localidad de mayor tráfico de embarcacio-nes y con mayor nivel de TBT (Isla Caribe). No se eviden-ció esterilización, sin embargo la presencia de TBT, Cu e imposex son potenciales amenazas para las poblaciones de V. musica en la región. Hasta ahora, en Venezuela no se está tomando ninguna medida de control sobre este tema en particular, posiblemente por la escasez de información y orientación de las investigaciones hacia este tema, pero que sin duda se debería tomar en cuenta en las políticas para la conservación de la biodiversidad.

[Effect of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine on pituitary-gonadal hormonized axis in immature male rats]

In recent years, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA] consumption is prevalent among young people. It has adverse effects on central neural system and other organs. This study was done to determine the effect of MDMA on pituitary-gonadal hormonized axis in immature male rats. In this experimental study 35 immature male Wistar rats with approximate weight of 90 +/- 10 gr, age range of 40-45 days were allocated in five [n=7] including experimental I, II, III, control, and shem groups. Animals in the experimental I, II, III have received 2, 4 and 8 mg/kg bw of MDMA intraperitoneally after 14 days, respectively. Animals have received saline normal in shem group while the controls did not receive any substance. The blood samples and testes have collected. The serum FSH, LH, and Testosterone concentrations and testes weight were determined. Data analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey tests. Testosterone hormone concentration significantly increased in experimental groups [4 and 8 mg/kg bw] in comparison with control and shem groups [P<0.05]. Concentrations of FSH and LH in the experimental groups [2 and 4 mg/kg bw] significantly reduced in comparison with shem and control groups [P<0.05]. Testes weight significantly reduced in experimental groups [4 and 8 mg/kg bw] compared to control and shem groups [P<0.05]. This study showed the MDMA has adverse effect on pituitary-gonadal axis and tests weight in immature male Wistar rats

Devicyprin induced gonadal impairment in a freshwater food fish, Channa punctatus (Bloch).

Synthetic pyrethroids are the recent major class of broad spectrum, photostable, organic insecticides used in agricultural, domestic and veterinary applications and now account for more than 30% of global insecticide use. Cypermethrin is metabolized and eliminated significantly more slowly by fish than by mammals or birds, which may explain this compound's high toxicity in fish compared to other organisms. The present communication deals with histoanatomical alterations in the gonads of a local fresh water food fish, Channa punctatus exposed to 0.033 ppm (96 hr LC50 X 1/10) concentration of a synthetic pyrethroid, devicyprin (cypermethrin 25%) in aquatic medium of aged tap water for 15, 30 and 45 days respectively. In testis, exposure dependent histological damage has been observed in terms of vacuolization, condensation of spermatogonic cells, distortion of tubular epithelium, shrinkage of interstitial cells and general inflammatory responses. Longest exposure of 45 days has resulted in peculiar starry-sky appearance of the testicular tissue. Gross histo-anatomy of ovarian tissue reveals epithelial lesions, inflammatory responses, stromal hemorrhage, increased interstitium and shrinkage of yolk vesicles towards periphery These findings are quite suggestive of reproductive impairments leading to delayed gonadal maturity and adversely affecting processes of sperm production and ovulation and thus, the fish production.

Chelation therapy and vanadium: effect on reproductive organs in rats.

Present investigation was planned to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of chelating agents against vanadium intoxication on blood and reproductive organs of rats. Male and female albino rats were injected vanadyl sulphate (7.5 mg/kg, po, for 21 days, 5 days in a week). Chelating agents tiron (T) alone and in combination with lipoic acid (LA), vitamin E (vit E) and selenium (Se) were given for 2 days/week. With the administration of vanadyl sulphate to rats fructose level in seminal vesicles was significantly (P< or =0.05) declined. The activities of alkaline phosphatase and adenosine triphosphatase were also decreased, whereas glycogen content and acid phosphatase activity increased in testis, seminal vesicles, ovaries and uterus after toxicant exposure. Significant changes in serum transaminases, serum alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase were recouped by chelation therapy. Lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione level and triglycerides levels altered significantly after exposure to vanadium in rats. The ultrastructural damage in spermatogenic stages in treated animals showed recovery pattern after therapy. Co-treatment with antioxidants restored these activities. The most effective combination was tiron + selenium followed by tiron + vitamin E, and tiron + lipoic acid.

Prenatal testosterone treatment alters LH and testosterone responsiveness to GnRH agonist in male sheep

Although evidence is accumulating that prenatal testosterone (T) compromises reproductive function in the female, the effects of excess T in utero on the postnatal development of male reproductive function has not been studied. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of prenatal T excess on age-related changes in pituitary and gonadal responsiveness to GnRH in the male sheep. We used the GnRH agonist, leuprolide (10 µg/kg), as a pharmacologic challenge at 5, 10, 20 and 30 weeks of age. These time points correspond to early and late juvenile periods and the prepubertal and postpubertal periods of sexual development, respectively. LH and T were measured in blood samples collected before and after GnRH agonist administration. The area under the response curve (AUC) of LH increased progressively in both controls and prenatal T-treated males from 5 to 20 weeks of age (P<0.01). The LH responses in prenatal T-treated males were lower at 20 and 30 weeks of age compared to controls (P<0.05). AUC-T increased progressively in control males from 5 through 30 weeks of age and prenatal T-treated males from 5 to 20 weeks of age. The T response in prenatal T-treated males was higher at 20 weeks compared to controls of same age but similar to controls and prenatal T-treated males at 30 weeks of age (P <0.05). Our findings suggest that prenatal T treatment advances the developmental trajectory of gonadal responsiveness to GnRH in male offspring.

Gonadosomatic and hepatosomatic indices of the freshwater fish Notopterus notopterus (Pallas) in response to some heavy metal exposure.

Area wise, the measurement of LC50 for pollutants is of great value in predicting the safe concentration dose of the contaminant in the environment on different aquatic species. The lethality of toxic substances including heavy metals to the aquatic organisms are usually assessed by following static bio-assay or continuous flow methods. The toxicity tests for mercuric chloride (HgCl2), cadmium chloride (CdCl2) and their mixture on Notopterus notopterus was determined by using 96h LC50 concentration on fish N. notopterus which indicated that cadmium chloride (CdCl2) was less toxic and mercuric chloride (HgCl2) was most highly toxic. The order of toxicity is mercuric chloride > mixture > cadmium chloride. On the basis of gonadosomatic index the reproductive cycle of N. notopterus can be categorised into immature, developing, maturing, mature, ripe and spent stages. Liver forms important organ of the body, which has a role in the ovarian development. On exposure to heavy metals at sublethal concentration both GSI (gonadosomatic index) and HSI (hepatosomatic index) are reduced.

Effect of exogenous melatonin on gonadal functions in mature male rats

To study the effect of melatonin on the gonads, seminal vesicles and prostates, melatonin was injected subcutaneously [at 3 p.m] into mature male rats in a dose of 50, 100 and 500 ug. daily for 20 days. A significant decrease [P < 0.01] in the average weight of the testes occurred in the groups treated with the second and third dose of melatonin. A moderate inhibition of spermatogenesis and spermatocytogenesis in most tubules of the testes in the groups treated with lowest dose was observed. Drastic inhibition of spermatogenesis and spermatocytogenesis in the tests of treated groups with the second and third doses was noticed. The number of leydig cells and the diameter of seminiferous tubules were significantly decreased [P < 0.01] in first dose] and [P 0.001 in the second and third doses.] A highly significant decrease [P < 0.001] in the average weights, drastic hypoactive and atrophy of seminal vesicles and prostates in all treated groups was noticed. A significant decrease [P < 0.01] in serum testosterone of the group treated with the lowest dose, and the results of moderate and highest doses were below the sensitivity of the curve [less than 0.3 ng/ml]. From this work, it is clear that the suppressive effects of melatonin on gonadal functions was dose dependant. A maximum inhibitory action resulted from injection of the moderate dose. The suppressive effects of melatonin on gonadal functions may be due to a direct effect on the gonods. Also, may be due to suppression of the gonadotrophin hormone or reduction of the gonadotrophin releasing hormone from the hypothalamus by endorphin. May be also, due to decrease of the prolactin hormone which decreased the sensitivity of LH and FSH receptors in the testes

Iopanoic acid prevents spring premigratory increase in body weight of redheaded bunting Emberiza bruniceps.

Effects of long term administration of iopanoic acid (IOP), a potent inhibitor of peripheral conversion of thyroxine (T4) into triiodothyronine (T3), on body weight and gonad development in intact and in thyroidectomized (Thx) redheaded bunting that received replacement therapy with T4 were studied. IOP prevented the premigratory increase in body weight observed in intact bunting (during March/April). In contrast to the Thx birds receiving T4 only, IOP administration in combination with T4 caused a significant decrease in body weight of Thx birds. The gonad development in intact and Thx birds that received IOP was significantly inhibited. Results suggest that IOP through an effective inhibition of peripheral T4-monodeiodination may prevent the spring premigratory fattening. Emphasis is given for an important role of T3 in the physiological preparations associated with migration.

Prevençäo da toxidade gonadal induzida por ciclofosfamida em ratas submetidas ao uso concomitante de doses anovulatórias de benzoato de estradiol: estudo com grupo-controle / Prevention of gonadal toxicity induced by ciclophosphamide in female rats subjected to the concomitant use of anovolatory doses of estradiol benzoate: study with control group

Utilizando-se de um modelo experimental em ratas albinas, conclue-se que é possível reduzir a possibilidade de dano gonadal pela ciclofosfamida, através da administraçäo de doses anovulatórias de benzoato de estradiol. Diferenças significativas entre os Grupos A (ciclofosfamida isoladamente) e B (ciclofosfamida mais benzoato de estradiol) foram observadas quanto ao número de gestaçöes (p < 0,05), evidências de atresia folicular (p < 0,001), corpos lúteos com granulaçöes citoplásmicas (p < 0.05), densidade do estroma (p < 0,001) e relaçäo entre vasculatura medular e cortical ovariana (p < 0,001) entre os grupos. Este parece ser o primeiro modelo experimental em literatura a confirmar esta hipótese