Histological and immunohistochemical study of the effect of aging and dietary restriction on rat testicular germ cells with special reference to apoptosis

ABSTRACT

This study was done to throw light on the effect of aging as well as dietary restriction on the microscopic structure of the testis. Germ cells apoptosis was also studied, as apoptosis in testicular germ cells is critical for spermatogenesis in mammals. Twenty male albino rats were used in this study. They were classified into four groups Groups I and II consisted of 5 adult rats each, of 4-5 months of age weighing 120-150 g. Groups III and IV consisted of 5 senile rats each, of 18-24 months of age weighing 250-300 g. Groups I and III received free access to diet and water. Whereas, groups II and IV received only free access to water. Group I served as a control group. After four days, all animals were sacrificed, the testis were removed and processed for routine H and E, PAS and Feulgin reaction. The specimens were immune stained using anti Bclx protein. Statistical analysis was also done to evaluate the morphometric data. The results of the study are given