Gross, histological and ultrastructural features of the bulbourethral gland in the greater cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus).

The present study examines the structure and ultrastructure of the bulbourethral glands in 10 sexually matured male greater cane rats raised in captivity. Following anaesthesia, the rats were perfusion-fixed transcardially and the bulbourethral glands dissected out. Upon morphologic and morphometric analysis, the Cowper's glands were observed to have an average volume of 0.24±0.08 ml, a diameter of 6.3±0.6 mm and weighs 0.199±0.06 g. The paired, gourd-shaped tubuloalveolar glands were surrounded by dense connective tissues and separated into lobules by capsular septae. Each lobule consists of endpiece/secretory units and excretory ducts lined by simple glandular epithelium and pseudo-stratified epithelium, respectively. The round end pieces consisted of 8-10 pyramidal to columnar epithelial cells with flattened, basally located nuclei and granule-filled cytoplasm that bounded a narrow glandular lumen. The striking ultrastructural features of these secretory cells were the presence of some granules with uniform electron density and those with regions of lesser density as well as the absence of secretory vacuoles. Another unique characteristic of these secretory granules is the presence of electron dense strands radiating from their surfaces. The apical surfaces of the cells were also studded with abundant microvilli. From the findings, the structure of bulbourethral glands in the greater cane rat shows more resemblances to that of humans than to its rodent phylogeny. These findings serve as additional knowledge in the structural interpretation of the bulbourethral gland and its secretory products.

Comparative evaluation of the sperm characteristics and morphology of adult Wistar rats fed either low or normal protein-energy diets and orally dosed with aqueous Cuscuta australis extracts.

Cuscuta australis (C. australis) seed and stem are commonly used as dietary supplements in a maize-meal, "Ogi", by the local population for the management of male and female reproductive dysfunctions. This study, as a part of on-going efforts, therefore, evaluated and compared the effects of Low Protein-energy (LP) and Normal Protein-energy (NP) diets on the sperm morphology and characteristics of adult Wistar rats orally dosed aqueous extracts of C. australis seed (LPSE and NPSE) and stem (LPST and NPST), 300 mg of extract/kg body weight of rat/day, for seven days. The control groups (LPWA and NPWA) received vehicle, water. Live-dead ratio and percentage of sperms with curved tail were significantly decreased (p<0.01) in the NPST relative to the NPWA, LPWA, LPST, NPSE and LPSE. Total abnormal sperm counts, acephalic sperms and tailless head sperms were significantly decreased (p<0.001, p<0.05 and p<0.001, respectively) in the LPST and NPST relative to LPSE, NPSE, LPWA and NPWA. The LPSE, LPST and NPST showed significantly decreased (p<0.05) percentages of sperms with either bent mid-piece or curved mid-piece relative to the LPWA. Significantly decreased (p<0.05) percentage of sperms with curved mid-piece was also observed in the NPSE relative to LPWA. Protein-energy diet significantly influenced (at least p<0.05) the effect of each extract on sperm motility and percentage of sperms with curved tail. Stem extract significantly decreased (p<0.01) the percentages of acephalic sperms and tailless head sperms. Diet-stem extract interaction significantly influenced (p<0.05) live-dead ratio. Our data suggest that orally administered aqueous extracts of C. australis generally enhanced the sperm morphology and characteristics of the male Wistar rat and that the stem extract maintained sperm morphology better than the seed extract. It also showed that the stem extract decreased live-dead ratio and that the efficacy of orally administered aqueous C. australis stem extract may be affected by variations in dietary protein-energy levels.

Some reproductive indices of the Nigerian local bitches in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Some reproductive parameters of the Nigerian local bitches were studied at the kennel of the Department of Veterinary Surgery and Reproduction, University of Ibadan using 6 bitches and 1 stud aged between 2 and 3 years, weighing 10 to 12kg. The bitches were mated naturally by the stud at the second day of cytological oestrus and allowed to carry the pregnancy to term. The bitches and puppies were weighed weekly and observed till weaning.  Mean gestation length was 63.5 + 0.3 day. Mean litter size was 7.0 + 2.0 puppies.  Litter sex ratio was 1.25 females to 1 male puppy.  Mean birth weights were 308.3 + 15.3 and 286.3 +11.8 grammes for male and female puppies respectively, while the respective weaning live weights were 1.5 + 0.2 and 1.8 + 0.1kg. Litter size affected the birth weight; the mean birth weight of puppies with the litter size 10 was significantly lighter than those with litter sizes 7, 6 and 4 puppies. Mean age at testicular descent was 6.1 + 0.6 days while eyes of puppies were opened at mean age 15.4 + 0.2 days. Mean duration between whelping and first oestrus was 3.9 + 0.07 months. The neonatal mortality rate was 35.3%, more female puppies (26.4%) than male puppies (5.9%) died during the first week of life. These high mortalities might be due to cold and maternal negligence. With these basic data, the reproductive potential of the Nigerian local bitch can be harnessed.

Testicular and epididymal parameters of Sahel buck in the humid zone of Nigeria / Parámetros testicular y epididimal de cabras Sahel en la zona húmeda de Nigeria

The testicular and epididymal parameters of Sahel bucks in the humid zone of Nigeria was investigated. Twenty goats (30-54 months) weighing 23.48-32.03kg were used for the experiment. The scrotal circumference of the buck was measured. The bucks were then slaughtered and the testicles as well as the epididymides collected. The testicular weight, testicular diameter, testicular length and epididymal length were measured using a non-stretchable measuring tape. These parameters were correlated with one another and the values of the right testis and epididymis were compared with those of the left. The scrotal circumference was positively correlated with the testicular weight (r = 0.769, P<0.01), testicular diameter (r = 0.827, P<0.01), testicular length (r=0.671, P<0.05) and the epididymal length (r = 0.664, P<0.05). It was concluded that the scrotal circumference is a reliable guide in the selection of the sahel buck for breeding in the humid zone of Nigeria.

Fueron investigados los parámetros testicular y epidídimario de las cabras Sahel en la zona húmeda de Nigeria. Se utilizaron para el experimento 20 cabras (30-54 meses) con un peso entre 23,48-32,03kg. Se midió la circunferencia escrotal de las cabras. Los animales fueron sacrificados y se recolectaron los testículos, así como el epidídimo de cada uno. Fueron medidos el peso de los testículos, diámetro testicular, longitudes testicular y epididimaria utilizando una cinta métrica no extensible. Estos parámetros fueron correlacionados entre sí y los valores obtenidos a cada lado de testículos y epidídimos fueron comparados entre sí. La circunferencia escrotal se correlacionó positivamente con el peso testicular (r = 0,769, P <0,01), diámetro testicular (r = 0,827, P <0,01), longitud testicular (r = 0,671, P <0,05) y la longitud del epidídimo (r = 0,664, P <0,05). Se concluyó que la circunferencia escrotal es una guía confiable en la selección de la cabra Sahel para la cría en la zona húmeda de Nigeria.

Ameliorative effects of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius on alloxan toxicity in Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes has been associated with several complications occasioned by oxidative stress. Thus, in treatment of the condition, these complications must also be taken into consideration. This study evaluates the effect of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius complications of diabetes induced by alloxan, on haematology and sperm morphometry using the Wistar rats. METHODS: Diabetes was induced in 25 rats using alloxan. The diabetic rats were then divided into five groups B-F consisting of five rats per group. Groups C-E were administered with 100 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg of ethanolic leaves extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius, respectively, for four weeks post treatment with alloxan, while group F received Chlorpropamide (Diabenes®, Pfizer). The diabetic rats in group B were not treated while group A served as the non diabetic control. RESULT: Following treatment with alloxan, there was anaemia, thrombocytopenia and leucopenia, while the sperm count, motility and live/dead ratio were significantly reduced. Sperm morphological abnormalities and erythrocyte osmotic fragility also increased significantly. Following treatment of alloxan treated-rats with the extract, there were significant increases in the PCV, RBC, Hb, WBC, MCV and the platelet values. Erythrocyte osmotic fragility, sperm count, motility and live/dead ratio also improved significantly. CONCLUSION: Cnidoscolus aconitifolius extract was found to ameliorate the effects of alloxan induced diabetes on the haematology but not on the abnormal sperm morphometry in rats.

Effects of the leaf decoction of Momordica charantia (bitter melon) on Mitochondrial Membrane Permeability Transition Pore (MMPTP) and fertility in normal male albino rats.

Momordica charantia (M. charantia), a medicinal plant of the family, Cucurbitaceae, is used in treating an array of ailments including diabetes, heamorrhoids, fevers and various cancers. Programmed cell death may be modulated by an intrinsic pathway involving the release of cytochrome C when the mitochondrial membrane permeability transition (MMPTP) pore is opened. Opening of MMPT pore was assayed using the method of Lapidus and Sokolove. The results obtained revealed that there was a dose-dependent and significant increase in the opening of the MMPT pore in rats orally administered the decoction with maximum induction (11-fold increase) at 55mg/100g body weight (bw), although the extent of opening of the pore was reduced at 65mg/100g bw (9-fold increase). An assessment of the blood parameters of animals orally exposed to the decoction showed significant decrease (p<0.05) in lymphocytes and a significant increase (p<0.05) in neutrophils at 55mg/ 100g bw. Moreover, significant increases (p<0.05) in RBC levels at 45 and 65mg/100g bw, were observed. Similarly, PCV and Heamoglobin values were also elevated at 65mg/100g bw while there was a significant reduction (p<0.05) in MCV and MCH values at 45, 55 and 65mg/100g bw. MCHC values were reduced only in animals that received 65mg/ 100g when compared to control animals. Analysis of the spermiogram of the experimental rats showed significant reductions (p<0.05) in sperm motility and sperm cell concentrations for all animals that were orally exposed to the decoction. There was a significant reduction (p<0.05) in percentage viability in animals that received 45mg/100g bw and above. Morphological abnormalities of sperm cells above the proposed percentage range (10%) were also observed in animals that received 45mg/100g bw and above. However, decoction did not show any significant effect on ALT and AST levels but there were significant increases (p<0.05) in a somewhat dose-dependent pattern in ALP and ãGT levels for all groups in comparison to the control group. These findings thus suggest dose-related negative or toxic effects of sub acute (30-day) oral administration of leaf decoction of M. charantia in albino rats and may therefore pose some danger to humans especially in regard to male fertility in individuals who rely on oral administration of the decoction in treating various ailments.

Sperm motility and viability in west African dwarf rams treated with Euphorbia hirta / Motilidad y viabilidad espermática en carneros enanos del oeste africano tratados con Euphorbia hirta

Four adult sexually matured and clinically healthy West African Dwarf (WAD) rams aged between 24 and 30 months were used for the study. The rams were first used as control and later as experimental animals upon being orally dosed with Euphorbia hirta extract at 400mg/kg body weight for 14 days. Semen samples were collected from the rams a day after the administration of the plant extra and seven days after. The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of Euphorbia hirta on the semen picture of WAD rams. There were significantly differences (P <0.05) in the semen picture as reflected in a reduction of sperm motility from 80% to 47.5% and live-dead ratio from 90.75% to 32.5% in the control and post-experimental stages of the study respectively. This indicates that the fertilization capacity and livability of spermatozoa were negatively affected. There were no significant differences in the values of body parameters measured across the stages of the study. The plant is therefore not recommended for medicinal purpose in male animals.

Cuatro carneros enanos adultos de África Occidental sexualmente maduros y clínicamente sanos, con edades comprendidas entre los 24 y 30 meses, fueron utilizados para este estudio. Los carneros fueron utilizados como control y, más tarde, como animales de experimentación al ser medicados por vía oral con extracto de Euphorbia hirta en 400mg/kg peso corporal durante 14 días. Se recogieron muestras de semen de los carneros un día después de la administración de la planta y siete días después. El objetivo del estudio fue investigar el efecto de Euphorbia hirta en las imágenes de esperma de carneros enanos África Occidental. Hubo diferencias significativas (P <0,05) en la imagen del semen como reflejo de una reducción de la motilidad espermática del 80% al 47,5% y un ratio de vivos-muertos de 90,75% a 32,5% en la etapa control y después de las fases experimentales del estudio, respectivamente. Esto indica que la capacidad de fertilización y calidad de vida de los espermatozoides fueron afectados negativamente. No hubo diferencias significativas en los valores de los parámetros corporales medidos a través de las etapas del estudio. La planta por tanto no es recomendable para fines medicinales en los animales machos.

Sperm morphological studies of the west African dwarf buck treated with pumpkin plant (Cucurbita pepo) / Estudio morfológico del esperma de la cabra enana del oeste africano tratado con planta de calabazas (Cucurbita pepo)

Four healthy bucks of the West African Dwarf breed aged between 24 and 30 months were used for this study. The bucks were first used as control and later as experimental animals upon being fed daily with oiled pumpkin plant for the period of six months. The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of the pumpkin plant on the morphology of the spermatozoa of the bucks. There were significant differences (p< 0.05) between the control and experimental values for both primary and secondary morphological spermatozoa abnormalities: the pyriform head has a control value of 6 (0. 42 percent) and post-feeding value of 0 (0 percent), the beat tail; 14(0.97 percent) and 2 (0.16 percent) for the control and post feeding values respectively. The curved mid piece: 17 (1.18 percent) and 1 (0.08 percent) for the control and post-feeding values respectively. The bent mid piece also differed significantly (p<0.05) between control value of 16 (1.11 percent) and post feeding value of 3 (0.23 percent). All through the stages of the study, there were significant reductions in the number of sperm cells with abnormalities consequent upon daily feeding of the animals with pumpkin plant. The plant is therefore recommended for both prevention and treatment of make infertility in man and animals.

Cuatro cabras de la raza enana del oeste de África, con edades comprendidas entre los 24 y 30 meses, fueron utilizadas para este estudio. Las cabras sirvieron primero como control y, posteriormente, como animales de experimentación los que se alimentaron diariamente con aceite de planta de calabaza por un período de seis meses. El objetivo del estudio fue investigar el efecto de la planta de calabaza sobre la morfología de los espermatozoides de las cabras. Hubo diferencias significativas (p <0,05) entre los valores control y experimental en las anomalías morfológicas primarias y secundarias de los espermatozoides: la cabeza tuvo un valor de control de 6 (0,42 por ciento) y post alimentación valor 0 (0 por ciento), el movimiento de la cola un valor de 14 (0,97 por ciento) y 2 (0,16 por ciento) para el control y post alimentación, respectivamente. La curvatura media: valores de 17 (1,18 por ciento) y 1 (0,08 por ciento) para el control y post-alimentación, respectivamente. La inclinación media también difería significativamente (p <0,05), con un valor entre 16 (1,11 por ciento) el control y 3 (0,23 por ciento) post-alimentación. Hasta el final de las etapas del estudio, hubo una reducción significativa en el número de células de esperma con anomalías como consecuencia de la alimentación diaria de los animales con la planta de calabaza. Por lo tanto, la planta se recomienda para la prevención y el tratamiento de la infertilidad en hombres y otros animales.