Sperm morphophysiology in different sections of the rooster reproductive tract / Morfofisiología espermática en diferentes secciones del tracto reproductivo del gallo

It is important to know the morphological changes that occur in the spermatozoa of rooster during their passage through the reproductive tract, which help to understand what they acquire their fertilization capacity. The morphophysiological changes related to the capacitation and acrosomal reaction processes in the different segments of the rooster reproductive system were analyzed. Samples were obtained from various regions of the rooster reproductive tract and dorso-ventral massage to obtain ejaculates, 25 roosters were used Rhode Island Red with proven fertility, assessments were performed with chlortetracycline and Lectin WGA-FITC to determine the morphophysiological parameters. Sperm motility increases (p<0.05) during the passage of spermatozoa from the testis until they are ejaculated. The parameters of viability and morphology also show differences (p<0.05) in the different segments of the tract. Sperm morphometry shows a spermatic contraction (p<0.05) in the cranial and medial segments of the vas deferens. The acrosomal reaction capacity evaluated with chlortetracycline (CTC) or Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), was evident increasing the parameters (p<0.05) with the use of the perivitelline layer in the spermatozoa of the reproductive tract and of the ejaculate. Spermatozoa of the reproductive tract of the rooster demonstrate acrosomal reaction capacity without requiring a previous sperm capacitation condition. On the other hand, they do not show parameters of incapacity, which implies that they cannot be stored in any segment of the reproductive tract.

Es importante conocer los cambios morfológicos que se producen en los espermatozoides del gallo durante su paso por el tracto reproductivo y que ayudan a comprender como adquieren su capacidad de fertilización. Se analizaron cambios morfofisiológicos relacionados con los procesos de capacitación y reacción acrosomal de los espermatozoides presentes en los diferentes segmentos del tracto reproductor del gallo. Se obtuvieron espermatozoides de diferentes regiones del tracto reproductor del gallo y de espermatozoides de eyaculado. Se usaron 25 gallos Rhode Island Red con fertilidad probada. Se realizaron evaluaciones básicas, con clortetraciclina (CTC) y lectina Wheat germ agglutinin conjugada con isotiosionato de fluoresceína (WGA-FITC) para determinar los parámetros morfofisiológicos. La motilidad del esperma aumenta (P<0,05) durante el paso de los espermatozoides desde el testículo hasta que son eyaculados. Los parámetros de viabilidad y morfología también muestran diferencias (P <0,05) en los diferentes segmentos del tracto. La morfometría mostró una contracción de los espermatozoides (P<0,05) en los segmentos craneal y medial del conducto deferente. La capacidad de reacción acrosomal evaluada con clortetraciclina CTC o WGAFITC, fue evidente al aumentar los parámetros (P<0,05) con el uso de membrana perivitelina en los espermatozoides del tracto reproductivo y del eyaculado. los espermatozoides del tracto reproductivo del gallo demuestran capacidad de reacción acrosomal sin requerir una condición previa de capacitación espermática. Por otro lado, no muestran parámetros de descapacitación espermática lo que implica que no pueden almacenar en ningún segmento del tracto reproductivo.

Histological and anatomical study of the White Rooster of testis, epididymis and ductus deferens

This study was carried out to investigate the histological and anatomical description of the male genital tract in Iranian Native White Roosters [IWR]. The seminiferous tubules had a dense and compact organization. An average of 12 layers of cells was seen in the seminiferous tubules epithelium. The spermatogonal cell layer showed some variation between different birds in 1 -3 layers; however, the spermatocyte, secondary spermatocytes and spermatids were arranged in 2, 3-4 and 3-5 layers, respectively. The testicles were oval in shape, placed on the left and right sides of midline, situated on the caudal aspect of the lungs and the ventral aspect of either the right or left kidneys, and the visceral surfaces of the left and right lobes of the liver. The epididymis was not divided into recognizable parts and was frontally attached to the corresponding testis on its dorsomedial aspect continuous with the ductus deferens. The ducruli efferentis were moderately large with pseudostratified columnar epithelium lined with three cell types, including ciliated, non-ciliated and basal cells. The connective ducts were covered with scare ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium. The epithelium of the epididymis was pseudostratified and columnar, embedded in a loose connective tissue. The proximal part of the ductus deferens was covered with pseudostratified columnar epithelium, which was continuous with simple cuboidal epithelium towards the distal portion. Anatomical studies revealed a large sac-like accessory process that consisted of two non-discrete parts in the fronto ventricular region of the testes between the epididymis and the ductus deferens, which was closely related ventrally to the epididymis and laterally to the kidneys. This organ was lined with stratified cuboidal epithelium with thick clear mucosal muscle. The tunica sub mucosa was evident, and the outer layer was composed of a fibrous capsule with a well-developed vascular supply. This suggested that the role of the sac-like accessory process was as an organ to supply sperm, equivalent to the tail of the epididymis in mammals

Vas deferens surface epithelium of Agouti paca: fine structural features / Epitelio del conducto deferente de Agouti paca: observaciones de estructura fina

The surface epithelium of the vas deferens of Agouti paca, a wild and large South American rodent, was basically formed by principal and basal cells being only the principal cells related to endocytosis processes and also secretion taking base on their cytoplasmic ultrastructural features. Principal cell of vas deferens epithelium were characterized mainly by presence of vesicles with several shapes, sizes and internalized content at their apical cytoplasm occurring smaller pits and pale small vesicles seen next to the apical brush border of microvillus. Moreover, coated vesicles, smooth surface vesicles and great vesicles; multivesicular bodies, endosomes and lysosomes were seen. Presence of an apocrine secretory apparatus was also viewed, showing apical cytoplasmic expansions protruding into the vas deferens luminal compartment. The basal flattened cells, without luminal surface contact, occurred next to the basement membrane of the ductus, and did no exhibit special ultrastructural features.

El epitelio que recubre la luz del conducto deferente de la laca (Agouti paca), un roedor silvestre de Sudamérica, está formado por células principales (P) y básales (B), en donde las células principales están asociadas a los procesos de endocitosis y secreción, teniendo una base en su característica ultraestructural citoplasmática. Las células principales de los vasos deferentes del epitelio se caracteriza principalmente por la presencia de vesículas con variadas formas, tamaños y contenido interior en su citoplasma apical produciendo pequeñas invaginaciones y pequeñas vesículas pálidas ubicadas continuas al borde en cepillo de las microveilosidades apicales. Además, fueron observados, vesículas de superficie lisa y vesículas de gran tamaño; órganos multivesiculares, endosomas y lisosomas. También se observó la presencia de un aparato secretor apocrino, con expansiones citoplasmáticas apicales que se protruyen en el compartimiento luminar del conducto deferente. Células básales aplanadas, sin contacto con la superficie luminal, se encuentran junto a la membrana basal del conducto, las que no presentan características ultraestructurales especiales.

Morphology of male reproductive system in three species of Trypoxylon (Trypargilum) Richards (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) / Morfologia do sistema reprodutor masculino em três espécies de Trypoxylon (Trypargilum) Richards (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae)

Variations in the adult male reproductive system among different groups of Hymenoptera offer characteristics that help studies on behavior and phylogenetics. The objective of this study was to describe the adult male reproductive system of three Trypoxylon (Trypargilum) species. For that, tissues were disseced, fixed in 2.5 percent glutaraldehyde in 0.1 M sodium cacodylate buffer, pH 7.2 and postfixed in 1 percent osmium tetroxide. The material was dehydratated and embedded for light and electron transmission microscopes. The species have similar reproductive systems, which are formed by a pair of testes, each one with three fusiforme follicles, from which emerges an efferent duct that later joins forming a deferent duct. The deferent duct opens into an ejaculatory duct. The first half of the deferent duct is enlarged and differentiated in a region specialized in sperm storage, the seminal vesicle. The accessory gland flows in the post-vesicular region of the deferent duct. The testes and vesicles are both covered with a conjunctive capsule. Sexually mature individuals have all spermatogenesis stages in their follicles. Sperms are released from testes in bundles which are disorganized inside seminal vesicles.

Variações no sistema reprodutor entre os diferentes grupos de Hymenoptera oferecem caracteres que auxiliam nos estudos de comportamento e filogenia. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever o sistema reprodutor masculino de três espécies de Trypoxylon (Trypargilum). Para isso, os tecidos foram dissecados, fixados em glutaraldeído 2,5 por cento em tampão cacodilato de sódio 0,1 M, pH 7,2 e pós-fixados em tetróxido de ósmio a 1 por cento. O material foi desidratado e incluído para microscopias de luz e eletrônica de transmissão. As espécies possuem os sistemas reprodutores muito semelhantes, formados por um par de testículos, cada um com três folículos fusiformes, a partir dos quais emerge um ducto eferente que depois se juntam formando o ducto deferente. O ducto deferente termina no ducto ejaculatório. A primeira metade dos ductos deferentes é dilatada e diferenciada em uma região especializada no armazenamento de espermatozóides, a vesícula seminal. A glândula acessória desemboca na região pós-vesicular do ducto deferente. Testículos e vesículas seminais são envoltos por uma única cápsula conjuntiva. Indivíduos maduros sexualmente apresentam todos os estágios da espermatogênese em seus folículos. Os espermatozóides são liberados dos testículos em feixes, os quais estão desorganizados na vesícula seminal.

Seasonal variation in the histomorphology and histochemistry of ampulla of vas deferens of Gaddi goat and Gaddi sheep / Variación estacional en la histomorfología e histoquímica de la ampolla del conducto deferente de cabras y ovejas Gaddi

The present study was conducted to record the seasonal variation in the histomorphology and the histochemistry of the ampulla of vas deferens of Gaddi goat and Gaddi sheep, one of the most important breeds of Himachal Pradesh, India. The study was conducted over a period of year during different seasons viz. spring (March - May), summer (June ¡ August), autumn (September- November), winter (December-February).Six adult animals of each species were utilized to study histomorphology and histochemical in each season. Ampulla showed distinct three layers viz. tunica mucosa, tunica muscularis and tunica adventitia. Tubulo-alveolar glandular end-pieces (alveoli, tubules and solid end pieces) were present in the propria-submucosa. The lining epithelium of the tunica mucosa, alveoli and tubules consisted of pseudostratified columnar epithelium. The cojunctive tissue present in between glandular end-pieces consisted of collagen and reticular fibers. The tunica muscularis consisted of two distinct layers (inner circular and outer longitudinal) consisted of mainly smooth muscle fibers, collagen fibers and few reticular fibers in Gaddi goat and sheep. The tunica adventitia consisted of loosely arranged network of collagen, elastic and reticular fibers and occasional autonomic ganglion in Gaddi goat only. The diameter of glandular end-pieces, secretory epithelial height of alveoli and tubules was highest in autumn season and lowest in summer season in both species. Similarly the secretions, apical blebs recorded more in autumn season followed by spring, winter and summer. The secretions and secretory blebs stained intensely for diastase resistant PAS carbohydrates indicating that there may be presence of mucopolysaccharides (other than glycogen as it would have been digested by diastase treatment) that serve the nutrition to ejaculated spermatozoa. The cholesterol was also more in autumn as compared to other seasons in both species. In spring and...

El estudio fue realizado para registrar la variación estacional en la histomorfología y la histoquímica de las ampollas del conducto deferente de cabras y ovejas Gaddi, una de las más importantes razas de pradera del Himalaya, India. El estudio se realizó en un período de un año, en las distintas estaciones. Primavera (marzo-mayo), verano (junio-agosto), otoño (septiembre-noviembre) e invierno (diciembre-febrero). Seis animales adultos de cada especie se utilizaron para el estudio histoquímica e histomorfológico en cada estación. La ampolla mostró tres capas distintas, túnica mucosa, túnica muscular y túnica adventicia. La zona túbulo-alveolar glandular (alvéolos, túbulos y sólidos) estuvieron presente en la submucosa. El epitelio de revestimiento de la túnica mucosa, alvéolos y túbulos consistía en epitelio columnar pseudoestratificado. El tejido conjuntivo presente entre la zona glandular consistió en áreas de colágeno y fibras reticulares. La túnica muscular en las cabras y ovejas, poseía dos estratos (interior circular y exterior longitudinal), que presenta principalmente fibras musculares lisas, fibras colágenas y escasas fibras reticulares. La túnica adventicia presentaba redes de colágeno escasamente organizadas, fibras elásticas y reticulares y, en ocasiones, ganglios autónomos sólo en cabras. El diámetro de los elementos glandulares, la altura del epitelio secretor de los túbulos y alvéolos más altos se registraron en la temporada de otoño y la más baja en temporada de verano, en ambas especies. De igual modo, la secreción de vesículas apicales fueron mayores en la temporada de otoño, seguido de primavera, invierno y verano. Las secreciones y vesículas secretoras fueron teñidas intensamente para PAS diastasa resistente a los hidratos de carbono, que indican que puede haber presencia de mucopolisacáridos (distintos de glucógeno como habría sido digerido por el tratamiento con diastasa) que sirven como nutrientes para los espermatozoides...

Estudo morfológico e histomorfométrico sobre variações sazonais do ducto deferente de codorna da variedade italiana / Seasonal study quail’s vas deferens of italian variety: morphology and histomorphometry

No outono o ducto deferente de codorna da variedade Italiana foi observado como um ducto simples, delgado e retilíneo em toda a sua extensão. Assim sendo, secções histológicas transversais deste ducto mostraram-no com forma circular, sendo revestido por epitélio pseudoestratificado cilíndrico que forma pregas longitudinais. Essas pregas adentravam o lúmen tubular, que aparecia freqüentemente vazio de espermatozóides. Porém, no inverno, primavera e verão a aparência morfológica do ducto deferente era a de um túbulo grandemente enovelado. Logo, cada secção histológica transversal do ducto deferente, ao longo de toda a sua extensão, mostrava-se estruturada como secções tubulares dispostas paralelamente entre si. Estas secções tubulares apareciam irregulares quanto à forma e variáveis em número, estando interconectadas por tecido conjuntivo frouxo adventicial. Nestas observações no inverno, primavera e verão o lúmen tubular vaso-deferencial estava totalmente preenchido por espermatozóides e fluido seminal. Portanto, pôde-se concluir, inclusive com base em estudo prévio sobre a cinética testicular nesta variedade Italiana de codorna, que a produção de espermatozóides bem como a sua emissão, estocagem e ejaculação através do ducto deferente não cessam ao longo da maior parte do ano, exceto no outono a etapa quiescente do ciclo reprodutivo circum-anual desta ave doméstica.

In the autumn the vas deferens of the Italian variety of domestic quail appeared as a single, thin, and straight duct along its total extension. Thus, transversal histologic sections of this duct showed a circular tubular shape. The pseudoestratified columnar epithelium that lined the vas deferens presented longitudinal folds which invaded the lumen frequently empty of spermatozoa. Although in the winter, spring and summer the usual morphological appearance of the quail’s vas deferens was seen as a highly coiling duct. So, each transversal histologic section of the vas deferens, in all the segments, showed parallel cut sections of the duct being irregular in shape and variable in number and interconnected by the adventitial loose connective tissue. In these observations, the tubular lumen was totally performed by spermatozoa and seminal fluid. Consequently, with previous base on the testis kinetics of the Italian quail variety, it was concluded that the spermatozoa production, followed by emission, storage and ejaculation of spermatozoa through the vas deferens did not stop during the winter, spring and summer, but ceased in the autumn the quiescent phase of the circannual reproductive cycle in this bird.

Estudo morfológico dos órgäos genitais masculinos de Meleagris gallopavo(Phasianidae-Galliformes), com ênfase no testículo / Morphologic study of the male genitl organs of Meleagris gallopavo(Phasianidae-Galliformes), with emphasis on the testicle

Com o objetivo de contribuir para o conhecimento da biologia reprodutiva do peru Meleagris gafopavo, descreveu-se, nesta pesquisa, a morfologia, histoquímica e morfometria de órgaos genitais masculinos desta espécie, utilizando as técnicas histológicas de rotina, coloraçoes histoquímicas e análises morfométricas. O testículo, epidídimo e ducto deferente sao órgaos pares, situados simetricamente de cada lado da linha mediana corporal, no interior da cavidade celomática. Revestido por delicada túnica albugínea, o testículo apresenta riqueza em túbulos seminíferos (76,4 por cento do conteúdo testicular) e escasso tecido intertubular. No epitélio seminífero sao observadas células de Sertoli; espermatogônias (A escura, A clara 1, A clara 2 e 13); espermatócitos e espermátides, em 13 etapas de diferenciaçao. O ciclo do epitélio seminífero apresenta 11 estágios, descritos de acordo com as mudanças observadas no acrossoma, forma do núcleo e aspecto da cromatina das espermátides, durante a espermiogênese. O epidídimo é constituído pela rede testicular dúctulo eferente, dúctulo de ligaçao e ducto epididimário, mostrando diferenças no epitélio de revestimento, de acordo com a estrutura analisada A positividade aos métodos histoquímicos observada na túnica albugínea, tecido conjuntivo peritubular e membrana basal do epitélio dos túbulos seminíferos e dos componentes das vias genitais, indica presença de glicosaminoglicanas caboxiladas, sulfatadas, bem como glicoproteínas' ricas em ácido siálico. O epitélio seminífero é negativo aos métodos do ácido periódicoreativo de Shiff (PAS) e do azul de Alcian. O epitélio dos dúctulos eferentes é o único do epidídimo que mostra características de células secretoras de glicoproteínas neutras. Revestido por epitélio pseudoestratificado prismático, o ducto deferente é longo e abre-se no urodeo da cloaca, através de papila. É positivo aos métodos histoquímicos somente nos segmentos médio e caudal, sendo capaz de secretar glicosaminoglicanas caboxiladas, sulfatadas e glicoproteínas ricas em ácido siálico...(au)

Características morfológicas do ducto deferente do hamster dourado (Mesocricetus auratus, W.) / Morphological characteristics of the deferent duct of the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus, W.)

As características morfológicas do ducto deferente quanto ao trajeto, às relaçöes e regiöes säo descritas no hamster. Na porçäo intermediária (funicular) do ducto a parede tubular é formada por três túnicas definidas: mucosa interna, muscular média e adventícia externa. Algumas características histológicas bem típicas foram também descritas nas porçöes proximal (adepididimária) e distal (adprostática ou ampular) do ducto, de forma comparativa com os relatos feitos em outros mamíferos.

Contribuiçäo ao estudo do funículo espermático no morcego (Phyllostomus hastatus) / Contribution to the study of spermatic cord in bat (Phyllostomus hastatus)

Neste trabalho sao descritas observaçoes anatômicas sobre o suprimento arterial e drenagem venosa testiculares no morcego Phyllostomus hastatus que tem hábito alimentar misto (frutas, insetos e pequenos vertebrados). As disposiçoes e comportamento anatômico dos vasos testiculares arteriais e venosos, incluindo aspectos histológicos, na intimidade do funículo espermático sao comparadas com descriçoes em outras espécies de mamíferos.

Anatomia e histologia do ducto deferente da chinchila (Chinchilla laniger) / Anatomy and histology of the duct deferens of the chinchilla (Chinchilla laniger)

A anatomia e histologia do ducto deferente da Chinchilla foi estudada. O ducto deferente é um órgao tubular longo com origem na cauda do epidídimo, relacionando-se com estruturas vásculo-nervosas do funículo espermático e termina dorsalmente ao colo da bexiga urinária, junto ao colículo seminal. Histologicamente, o epitélio é composto por células principais cilíndricas altas, apicais e basais. A lâmina própria apresenta células mióides e predomínio de feixes de fibras colágenas. A túnica muscular é composta por três estratos musculares: longitudinal interno delgado, circular médio delgado e longitudinal externo espesso. Comparativamente, o ducto deferente da Chinchila é similar ao dos mamíferos domésticos e roedores.

Estudo morfofuncional da arquitetura fibromuscular da porçäo ampolar do ducto deferente humano / Morphofunctional study of the fibromuscular architecture of the ampullar portion of the human ductus deferents

Utilizando-se de 30 pecas anatômicas, macroscopicamente normais, de individuos entre 20 e 30 anos de idade, os autores investigaram a dispsosiçäo estratificada dos elementos fibrosos na parede do referido ducto; observou-se que em sua porçäo ampolar o componente muscular, presente na camada média, torna-se gradativametne de longitudinal para oblíqui e circular; descreve trajeto helicoidal, tendo os feixes mais profundos disposiçäo plelxiforme, alcançando e envolvendo ninhos glandulares. Foram notadas condensaçöes de tecido colágeno na transiçäo do deferente para sua ampola, onde também se apresenta sem morfologia definida. o componente elástico acompanha os feixes colágenos e musculares, envolvendo, no córiuon, as criptas glandulares

Structural organisation within the epididymis and its functional implications.

The functional organisation of the epididymis has been studied in 20 adult albino rats. The gross divisions of Caput or head, Corpus or body, and Cauda or lower end show distinctive features which indicate functional specialisation. The Caput epididymis has strikingly tall columnar cells with a mean height of 124 mu, but little muscle tissue. It seems to be adapted as a distensible low-pressure reservoir to accomodate the testicular outflow and modify it by absorption and secretion; the prominent stereocilia (or microvilli) would favour this absorptive function. The Cauda, on the other hand, shows abundant muscle tissue around the widening duct and provides the mechanism for rapid delivery of sperms during ejaculation. The Corpus or middle part is peculiarly long and slender, accomodating only 2 or 3 ductules side-by-side. It might serve to separate the two functionally different upper and lower parts and protect the testis against any undue back-pressure. The epididymis weighed 67% of the corresponding testis, on an average. The capacity of the testis to tolerate any obstruction of the outflow tract might be related to the size and capacity of the epididymis in that species.

The human vas-its lumen in relation with age and neuromuscular transmitters.

Specimens of human was deferens were obtained during elective surgery under local analsthesia. The internal diameter of the vas lumen was measured by means of set of rods of 0.10 mm diameter increments. These measurements were made within 5 minutes of the removal of vas and noted as control values. The effect of its immersion in epinephrine 1/1000, nor-epinephrine 1/1000 and acetylcholine 1/1000 on diameter of lumen was determined. The mean diameter of vas lumen in saline was 0.83 +/- .09 mm in subjects of 29 to 32 years age and 0.89 +/- .009 mm in subject of 33 to 48 years. This value was significantly lower in subjects of 49 to 52 years (0.69 +/- .06 mm). The lumen diameter decreased significantly in response to epinephrine and nor epinephrine and increased when the vas was immersed in acetylcholine. The response of vasal smooth muscle as indicated by alteration of lumen size was significantly lower in subjects of 49 to 52 years of age to epinephrine and acetylcholine. It has been proposed that diameter of the vas at different age groups and its responsiveness to neuromuscular transmitters may be taken into consideration when designing vas occlusive devices.

Development and initial evaluation of a vas deferens valve.

In 17 cases of vasectomy, the external diameter of vas deferens was found to be 2.07 +/- .27 mm (Mean +/- S.D.) with a range from 1.7 to 2.8 mm. The internal diameters were 0.93 +/- 0.13 at 5 g and 1.24 +/- 0.16 mm at 100 g insertion force applied to the measuring cone, with lumen ranges from 0.7 to 1.2 and 1.0 to 1.7 mm, respectively. The left-right variations in the same inidividual were of a similar order as between different individuals. Measurements in 6-10 kg rhesus monkeys revealed an internal vas diameter around 0.6 mm with the measuring cone only eased in. At considerably high pressure the vas could be distended to show an internal diameter around 1 mm. The external diameters ranged from 1.5 to 2 mm. Local application to the vas in vivo or in vitro of alpha or beta adrenergic blocking agents, and sodium nitrate had no appreciable effects on the diameters. Three types of valves were developed and tested. The tap-like and the rotary valves were not satisfactorily leak-proof. But the valve with stop-cock mechanism was found to be satisfactory. It was further tested by examining the ejaculate obtained by the method of electro-ejaculation after implanting the valve in the monkey vas. The stop-cock valve is being proposed as a working model for producing reversible vas-occlusion.