Podcasts about sertoli

Episode 117: Podcast interview with Kevin the founder of The Man Cave a male infertility/mental health advocate. Today we are discussing male infertility and the importance of finding the right coping strategies and support. Kevin set up The Man Cave to share his story, to reach out to other men going through a similar journey and to help raise awareness of male infertility and mental health. In this episode: - Kevin shares his own personal journey of being told he was infertile 10 years ago - Micro-TESE, Sertoli cell-only Syndrome, donor sperm, IVF and ICSI - How Kevin helps men who suffer in silence by spreading awareness. Anxiety and depression "I've been angry, upset, lost and hurting for too long: it's time to stand up and be counted. That's when I decided to set up a page on Instagram called ‘The Mancave' @them_ancave I want to help break the stigma around male infertility. Why should we suffer in silence?! I believe anxiety and depression go hand in hand with fertility issues, and I honestly believe men have taken their own lives due to the fact they have had very little or no help or support after being told they are infertile. Because of this, I plan to make a difference and I want you guys to come along on this journey with me. Let's do this together; for us, for those that have suffered in silence before us and for the men of the future, who hopefully won't have to suffer alone." Kevin from https://them-ancave.co.uk/about/ Connect with Kevin @them_ancave on instagram and Twitter So on the last Friday of every month @them_ancave on Instagram Kevin will be going live at 6.30 pm for the show ”The Man Chat” with different guest speaker every month! www.them_ancave.co.uk Facebook group- TheManCave support group Welcome  I'm Naomi Woolfson, of Embrace Fertility, a therapist specialising in supporting women emotionally and energetically through trying to conceive, fertility treatments and then pregnancy and birth following infertility. My partner and I went through almost 4 years of infertility, IUI's, IVF, anxiety, surgery and a miscarriage before we went on to conceive both of our ginger children naturally! Alongside supporting clients globally in one to one therapy and coaching sessions I run a 12 week mind-body programme guiding women through the 5 steps of my unique Embrace Fertility Method; Comfort, Coping, Connection, Clearing and finally Creating. I also offer specialist pregnancy support and run a hypnobirthing course Embrace Bump to Baby. Visit https://embracefertility.co.uk/ for more details on what I do Follow me on Instagram @embracefertility (www.instagram.com/embracefertility) Let's connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-woolfson Maximise Your Chances of Pregnancy Success in 2024 using the Mind-Body Link

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2023.07.21.550040v1?rss=1 Authors: Reyes-Serratos, E., Santos, J. R. L., Puttagunta, L., Lewis, S., Watanabe, M., Gonshor, A., Buck, R., Befus, A. D., Marcet-Palacios, M. Abstract: Calcium binding protein, spermatid associated 1 (CABS1) is a protein most widely studied in spermatogenesis. However, mRNA for CABS1 has been found in numerous tissues, albeit with little information about the protein. Previously, we identified CABS1 mRNA and protein in human salivary glands and provided evidence that in humans CABS1 contains a heptapeptide near its carboxyl terminus that has anti-inflammatory activities. Moreover, levels of an immunoreactive form of CABS1 were elevated in psychological stress. To more fully characterize human CABS1 we developed additional polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to different sections of the protein and used these antibodies to characterize CABS1 in an overexpression cell lysate, human salivary glands, saliva, serum and testes using western blot, immunohistochemistry and bioinformatics approaches exploiting the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. CABS1 appears to have multiple molecular weight forms, consistent with its recognition as a structurally disordered protein, a protein with structural plasticity. Interestingly, in human testes, its cellular distribution differs from that in rodents and pigs, and includes Leydig cells, primary spermatogonia, Sertoli cells and developing spermatocytes and spermatids, Geodata suggests that CABS1 is much more widely distributed than previously recognized, including in the urogenital, gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, as well as in the nervous system, immune system and other tissues. Much remains to be learned about this intriguing protein. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info Podcast created by Paper Player, LLC

Naomi Wolf. 'The Greatest Crime Against Humanity In History': 11 Revelations From Pfizer's Vaccine Documents. 'The Greatest Crime Against Humanity In History': 11 Revelations From Pfizer's Vaccine Documents. #1: Pfizer knew their gene-based injections had negative efficacy as early as November 2020 #2: Shortly after the release of the COVID injections, Pfizer moved to hire 2,400 full-time employees to process the paperwork of the injured #3: Pfizer and the FDA withheld information that the shots cause heart damage in youth for four months while an aggressive propaganda campaign drove many thousands to get injected #4: Rather than staying in the injection site, Pfizer knew the shot's dangerous lipid nanoparticles quickly distribute throughout the body to the brain, liver, and adrenals, and accumulate in the ovaries #5: Pfizer documents acknowledge more than 42,000 adverse events, including 1,200 deaths, in just the first three months, including strokes, hemorrhages, blood clots, lung clots, leg clots, neurological disorders, dementia, guillain-barré, bell's palsy, myalgia, and more #6: Prior to it being legal, more than 1,000 children were injected, and Pfizer's documents indicate a high rate of serious injury #7:Available records of study participants who conceived children show 80% lost their babies #8: Pfizer knew there was a danger to fertility. Lipid Nanoparticles damage the placenta during pregnancy, causing early deliveries #9: Pfizer docs show that lipid nanoparticles also enter breast milk, stunting, injuring, and sometimes killing babies #10: Pfizer docs show 3 to 1 of AEs sustained by women, 16% ‘reproductive disorders.' ‘What kind of monsters look at 16% reproductive disorders and keep going?' Results: ‘13% to 20% drop in live births' #11 Pfizer documents reveal that LNPs “degrade baby boys in utero” by traversing “the testes of fetal baby boys” and damaging “the Sertoli cells and the Leydig cells, which are basically the factories of masculinity”   Speech given March 5-8, 2023 The modern pharmaceutical industry has in many ways proved itself a great benefit to mankind, making health- and life-saving drugs and vaccines widely available. But its reputation has come under attack in the wake of America's opioid epidemic and the COVID pandemic. This fourth and final CCA of the 2022-23 academic year will consider the rise of Big Pharma, its role in the declining state of American health, and ideas for reform. What's in the Pfizer Documents? Naomi Wolf CEO, The Daily Clout Mar 6, 2023   Watch this presentation on Rumble- https://rumble.com/v2hpryu-naomi-wolf-whats-in-the-pfizer-documents.html   Grateful acknowledgment- Tweet from @KanekoaTheGreat KanekoaTheGreat @KanekoaTheGreat https://lifesitenews.com/news/the-greatest-crime-against-humanity-in-history-naomi-wolfs-11-revelations-from-pfizer-vaccine-documents/   Book Mentioned- War Room/DailyClout Pfizer Documents Analysis Volunteers' Reports eBook: Find Out What Pfizer, FDA Tried to Conceal Kindle Edition by Pfizer Documents Investigation Team  The Pfizer Reports book contains 50 reports written by the highly-credentialed War Room/DailyClout Pfizer Documents Analysis Project volunteers between March and December 2022. The reports are based on information in the primary source Pfizer documents released under court order by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as well as on other key medical studies and literature that relate to Pfizer's experimental gene therapy mRNA COVID vaccine. These important documents have been ignored by the mainstream media; however, to date, no one has challenged the accuracy of what they report. Now, for the first time, the 2022 Pfizer Reports are available in book format. Order the book at- https://www.amazon.com/DailyClout-Documents-Analysis-Volunteers-Reports-ebook/dp/B0BSK6LV5D/ref=sr_1_1?crid=5X81GVOH6JSH&keywords=pfizer+documents&qid=1674412497&sprefix=pfizer+documents%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-1 Free e-Document at https://campaigns.dailyclout.io/campaign/brand/cc3b3e5a-6536-4738-8ed6-5ee368c67240   Recent books by Dr. Naomi Wolf.- The Bodies of Others: The New Authoritarians, COVID-19 and The War Against the Human. by Naomi Wolf . May 31, 2022   The Bodies of Others is about how we came to the harrowing civilizational crossroads at which we find ourselves - engaged in a war against vast impersonal forces with limitless power over our lives and which threaten the freedoms we have always taken for granted.  In her most provocative book yet, Dr. Naomi Wolf shows how these forces -- from Big Tech and Big Pharma to the CCP and our oligarchical elites -- seized upon two years of COVID-19 panic in sinister new ways, to not only undermine our Republic but to fundamentally reorient human relations.  Their target is humanity itself. Their end goal is to ensure that our pre-March 2020 world is gone forever. Irretrievable. To be replaced with a world in which all human endeavor-all human joy, all human fellowship, all human advancement, all human culture, all human song, all human drama, all worship, all surprise, all flirtation, all celebration-is behind a digital paywall. A world in which we will all have to ask technology's permission to be human.  But we, the people of the world, did not vote to abandon our old systems and destroy our old ways so absolutely they could never be recovered. And Wolf shows how, against overwhelming odds, we still might win.

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2023.04.26.538408v1?rss=1 Authors: Bhat, S. A., Malla, A. B., Oddi, V., Sen, J., Bhandari, R. Abstract: Inositol hexakisphosphate kinases (IP6Ks) are enzymes that catalyse the synthesis of the inositol pyrophosphate 5-IP7 which is involved in the regulation of many physiological processes in mammals. The IP6K paralog IP6K1 is expressed at high levels in the mammalian testis, and its deletion leads to sterility in male mice. Here, we show that the loss of IP6K1 in mice causes a delay in the first wave of spermatogenesis. Testes from juvenile Ip6k1 knockout mice show downregulation of transcripts that are involved in cell adhesion and formation of the testis-specific inter-Sertoli cell impermeable junction complex known as the blood-testis barrier (BTB). We demonstrate that loss of IP6K1 in the mouse testis causes BTB disruption associated with transcriptional misregulation of the tight junction protein claudin 3, and subcellular mislocalization of the gap junction protein connexin 43. In addition to BTB disruption, we also observe loss of germ cell adhesion in the seminiferous epithelium of Ip6k1 knockout mice, ultimately resulting in premature sloughing of round spermatids into the epididymis. Mechanistically, we show that loss of IP6K1 in the testis enhances cofilin activity due to increased AKT/ERK and integrin signalling, resulting in destabilization of the actin-based cytoskeleton in Sertoli cells and germ cell loss. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info Podcast created by Paper Player, LLC

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2023.03.19.531556v1?rss=1 Authors: Dibus, N., Salyova, E., Kolarova, K., Pagano, M., Stepanek, O., Cermak, L. Abstract: SKP1-CUL1-F-box protein (SCF) ubiquitin ligases are versatile protein complexes that mediate the ubiquitination of substrates, which are recognized by their F-box-domain-containing subunits. One of these substrate receptors is FBXO38. Its gene has been found to be mutated in several families with early-onset distal hereditary motor neuronopathy. SCFFBXO38 ubiquitin ligase controls the stability of ZXDB, a nuclear factor associated with the centromeric chromatin protein CENP-B. Moreover, the loss of FBXO38 results in growth retardation and defect in spermatogenesis characterized by deregulation of the Sertoli cell transcription program and centromere integrity. A report by Meng et al. proposed that SCFFBXO38 regulates the protein levels of the PD-1 inhibitory receptor (also known as CD279, PDCD1) in T cells. Here, we have re-addressed the conclusions by Meng et al. using Fbxo38KO/KO mice and cell systems. We have found no evidence indicating that FBXO38 controls the abundance and stability of PD-1. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info Podcast created by Paper Player, LLC

We are delighted to share our latest podcast episode “On the Field with the Cows” with Dr. Nicolas Negrin Pereira. A native of Uruguay, a veterinarian, and member of our Department of Biology, Dr. Negrin Pereira teaches various courses in Animal Science, Animal Nutrition, Zoology, and Physiology of Reproduction. This episode showcases his work with bovine reproductive health, and we learn about his work with students, in the field and in the lab, and the benefits of teaching animal husbandry to the next generation. Dr. Negrin Pereira discusses his beneficial collaborations between UNC Pembroke, UNC Chapel Hill, and NC State University, and shares the story of his fascination with animal reproductive health which began for him as a student. The conversation reminds all of us that UNCP's proud history of animal science continues in good hands with Dr. Negrin Pereira and his students. Find the episode transcript here Follow us on Facebook, Twitter@uncpcas and Instagram@uncpcas Photo Information: The promised Sertoli cells (pink) stained with the antibody WT1 as a specific cell marker.  The students with the herd: Sydney Allen (Research Student), with Nikki Clayman and Kalani Gaddi from the RISE (Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement) Program. The poster at Pembroke Undergraduate Research Center by student Kalani Gaddi, with Dr. Negrin Pereira. Working with the bull is RISE Student Nikki Clayman.    

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2022.10.14.512240v1?rss=1 Authors: Lopez, L. A., Marra, M. F., Ibanez, J., Millan, M. E., Freites, C. L., Fernandez, D. Abstract: The cells involved in spermatogenesis are germ-cells, called spermatogonia, classified as: type A-undifferentiated, type A-intermediate and type B. During the spermatogenesis, more than 75% of the germ-cells undergo apoptosis and most of them are phagocyted by Sertoli cells. Peritubular macrophages in adult mouse testis are macrophages that both stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of undifferentiated spermatogonia in the wall of the seminiferous tubule. They have long processes and ramified appearance that squished between the lateral sides of neighbor myoid cells. We show, that a population of peritubular macrophages, grouped in pairs and activated, phagocyted undifferentiated spermatogonia in apoptosis. In adult mouse testis, 3.3x 10E5 undifferentiated spermatogonia are in the germinal epithelium and 8,250 of them are in apoptosis. We counted in the testis 2,634 peritubular macrophages with phagocytic activity. If each one phagocyted one undifferentiated spermatogonia in apoptosis, it may indicated that peritubular macrophages phagocyted 31.9% of the total undifferentiated spermatogonia in apoptosis. According to our knowledges, this is the first time that it is shown that undifferentiated spermatogonia in apoptosis are cleaned by peritubular macrophages. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info Podcast created by Paper Player, LLC

This week I spoke to Alka Gupta. Alka has just finished up her PhD and begun her postdoctoral position at UCSC in the Sharma Lab where she is now working on epigenetic inheritance. Today we spoke about her PhD research in which she was looking at the role of microRNAs in male infertility. We learnt about Sertoli cells, spermatogenesis and shrinking testis! Tune in to find out more! Contact Alka here: https://twitter.com/alka_gupta__ GREECS registration link: TBC

In today's episode, we tackle the 'male' reproductive system. The penultimate episode from our series introducing human anatomy systems.  Terms covered in this podcast include; The testes vs testis. Sertoli, Leydig and spermatagonia cells. The rete testis, epididymis and the ductus or vas deferens. Seminal vesicles, prostate, and finally the erectile tissues of the corpus cavernosum and spongiosum.   

This week on Beyond the Abstract, Derek and Ellen talk about Derek's newest first-author publication in Developmental Biology. They discuss the role of myosin in Sertoli cells and how mutations can affect male fertility. More importantly, Ellen recounts a science celebrity sighting from our time working at the NIH. This article was featured as the cover article of the February 2021 issue of Developmental Biology. Sung et al. Mutations in non-muscle myosin 2A disrupt the actomyosin cytoskeleton in Sertoli cells and cause male infertility. Developmental Biology, February 2021. PMID: 33188738. https://doi-org.proxy.library.upenn.edu/10.1016/j.ydbio.2020.11.003 (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ydbio.2020.11.003)

An interesting category of Ovarian Cysts, the sex cord stromal. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dr-mcdaniel/message

In today's episode we discuss: —Epidemiology: Outcomes of COVID-19 in living donor liver transplant (LDLT) recipients are studied by hepatologists and leading liver transplant surgeons from the Institute of Liver Transplantation & Regenerative Medicine in Gurugram, India through a case series of 12 living donor liver transplant patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 via RT-PCR. Most were symptomatic (n=11, 91.7%) with evidence of pneumonia on radiologic imaging (n=9, 75%) and with median duration of detectable virus of 12 days. While the majority (n=10, 83.3%) were on tacrolimus-based immunosuppression, all but one patient (n=11, 91.7%) survived with only supportive care. Because the patient who died had multiple other risk factors for severe COVID-19 (quadruple immunosuppression, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, diabetes), these authors suggest that liver transplant patients as a whole are not at particularly increased risk for mortality from COVID-19. · Hematological manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 in children are explored in a review of 15 articles meeting study criteria and found children with SARS-CoV-2 were less likely to be lymphopenic compared to adults, with the most common abnormalities being leukopenia in older children and lymphocytosis in infants/neonates. Thrombotic complications and platelets and erythrocytes abnormalities were relatively uncommon and more likely in children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome. Authors suggest these findings, which contrast hematologic changes observed in adults, may be a result of pediatric patients' immature ACE-2 expression and immune systems. —Understanding the Pathology: Mechanisms by Which SARS-CoV-2 May Impact Male Fertility are discussed in a letter to the editor based on Dutta and Sengupta's article "SARS-CoV-2 and male infertility: possible multifaceted pathology." They propose viral binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors on spermatogonia, Leydig cells, and Sertoli cells may cause overactivation and negatively impact spermatogenesis. Additionally, they urge further studies on SARS-CoV-2's ability to disrupt sperm formation and function because SARS-CoV-2 seems to disproportionately impact males in some studies. —R&D: Diagnosis & Treatments: REGN-COV2 antibodies prevent and treat SARS-CoV-2 infection in certain species based on virologists from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals results from an in vivo study of their proprietary therapeutic cocktail REGN-COV2's (human antibodies REGN10933, REGN10987) ability to reduce viral load via SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binding in resus macaques and golden hamsters. They found a 50 mg/kg dose significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2 gRNA (p

  This weekly addition to the PAINE Podcast is a quick review and history of medical eponyms  

Bradley R. Cairns, PhD, discusses his lab's work creating a transcriptional cell atlas of the developing human testis during puberty, revealing dramatic developmental changes in both germ and somatic niche cell lineages. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Show ID: 35452]

Bradley R. Cairns, PhD, discusses his lab's work creating a transcriptional cell atlas of the developing human testis during puberty, revealing dramatic developmental changes in both germ and somatic niche cell lineages. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Show ID: 35452]

Bradley R. Cairns, PhD, discusses his lab's work creating a transcriptional cell atlas of the developing human testis during puberty, revealing dramatic developmental changes in both germ and somatic niche cell lineages. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Show ID: 35452]

Bradley R. Cairns, PhD, discusses his lab's work creating a transcriptional cell atlas of the developing human testis during puberty, revealing dramatic developmental changes in both germ and somatic niche cell lineages. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Show ID: 35452]

Bradley R. Cairns, PhD, discusses his lab's work creating a transcriptional cell atlas of the developing human testis during puberty, revealing dramatic developmental changes in both germ and somatic niche cell lineages. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Show ID: 35452]

Bradley R. Cairns, PhD, discusses his lab's work creating a transcriptional cell atlas of the developing human testis during puberty, revealing dramatic developmental changes in both germ and somatic niche cell lineages. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Show ID: 35452]

Bradley R. Cairns, PhD, discusses his lab's work creating a transcriptional cell atlas of the developing human testis during puberty, revealing dramatic developmental changes in both germ and somatic niche cell lineages. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Show ID: 35452]

Bradley R. Cairns, PhD, discusses his lab's work creating a transcriptional cell atlas of the developing human testis during puberty, revealing dramatic developmental changes in both germ and somatic niche cell lineages. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Show ID: 35452]

Chipley's infertility story began when her husband was given two weeks to live—at age three. She candidly shares about her husband's two and a half years of chemotherapy, Sertoli cell only syndrome, brain tumors, embryo adoption, the simultaneous devastation and opportunity resulting from cancer, and God's sovereignty through it all. "When everything is good in your life and you have no medical issues or anything, it's easy to trust God. There's nothing going on. But when something totally turns your world around and you're not in control, you learn to really rely on God." --  For more about Sarah's Laughter, please visit our website at sarahs-laughter.com. You can follow us on social media linked here: Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Please sign up for our weekday devotionals/occasional newsletter here. *** Sarah's Laughter is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity. If you'd like to help support what we do, including this podcast, please visit sarahs-laughter.com/partner. Thank you.  

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:00:00 +0100 https://edoc.ub.uni-muenchen.de/12056/ https://edoc.ub.uni-muenchen.de/12056/1/Sertoli_Marco.pdf Sertoli, Marco ddc:530, ddc:500, Fakultät für Physik

Migrazione delle cellule germinali e sviluppo delle gonadi Migrazione delle cellule

Background: Sertoli-Leyclig cell tumours of the ovary account for only 0.2% of malignant ovarian tumours. Two-thirds of all patients become apparent due to the tumour's hormone production. Methods: A 41-year-old patient (gravida 4, para 4) presented with dyspnoea, enlarged abdominal girth and melaena. Diagnostic imaging was suspicious for an ovarian cancer. The standard tumour marker for ovarian cancer (CA 125) was elevated to 984 U/mL. Results: Surgical exploration of the abdomen revealed a mouldering tumour of both adnexes extending to the level of the navel. Frozen sections showed an undifferentiated carcinoma of unknown origin. Radical surgery was performed. The final histological report described a malignant sex-cord stroma tumour, a Sertoli-Leydig cell tumour, emanating from both ovaries. Analysis of preoperative blood serum showed elevated levels of CYFRA 21-1 (10.4 ng/mL), neuron-specific enolase (36.2 ng/mL), oestradiol (485 pg/mL) and CA-125 (984 U/mL). Adjuvant chemotherapy and regional hyperthermia were performed due to the malignant potential and incomplete resection of the tumour. Conclusions: Undifferentiated Sertoli-Leyclig cell tumours show a poor clinical course. As only two-thirds of patients with this rare disease present with elevated hormone levels, new markers deserve further investigation to offer more specific, individualised tumour monitoring.

In the present study, the testes of 32 bovine embryos with different crown-rump length (2.5- 90 cm CRL) and of 15 sexually mature bulls (Deutsches Fleckvieh) were investigated using light- and electron microscope as well as glycohistochemical and immunohistochemical methods. The gestation period was divided into 3 stages; early, mid, and late gestation. Developmental changes in the testicular morphogenesis were therefore analyzed in details during these phases. Generally, embryonic development of bovine testis involves the same mechanism described in other mammals. At the first stage of this study (2.5 cm CRL/43 dpc), the anlage of the testes protruded to the coelomic cavity as paired bean-shaped structures on either side of the dorsal mesentery medial to the mesonephros. It consists of primitive testicular cords, interstitium, and rete testis blastema. Proceeding with fetal age, these basic testicular structures are further differentiated. The tunica albuginea is separated into two layers: an outer fibrous layer (tunica fibrosa) with some mesenchymal cells, numerous fibroblast, and much fibrous content and an inner cellular layer with several blood vessels (tunica vasculosa). The testicular cords are surrounded by a marked basal lamina and peritubular cells and lined by two types of cells: a large number of dark polygonal cells with irregular nuclei, pre-Sertoli cells and small number of large light round cells with relatively round nuclei, the prespermatogonia. The average number of the germ cells per cross section of cord increases, particularly form 3.5 to 14 cm CRL, resulting in a germ cell maximum at the end of this stage (14 cm CRL). Although most of the germ cells are located toward the periphery of the cord, some are also found in the center. Pre-Sertoli cells form a complete layer at the periphery of the cords. Generally, these cells are irregular in shape and numerous but considerably smaller than the germ cells. Unlike prespermatogonia, mitotic figures are seen in pre-Sertoli cells during the whole embryonic life. As a consequence of the expansion in the interstitium, the seminiferous cords are progressively separated from each other. The testicular interstitium is rapidly differentiated and is composed of several islets or clusters of polygonal Leydig cells, peritubular flattened cells surrounding the testicular cords, connective tissue cells, and numerous blood vessels. In the present study, fetal Leydig cells were first recognized at 3.5 cm CRL. Thereafter, the average number of these cells is rapidly increased to attain their maximum with the end of the first gestation period (14 cm CRL). This generation of Leydig cells however dedifferentiates progressively with developmental age. A continuous system of basal lamina joins the testicular cords with rete strands from 10 cm CRL and onwards. This system establishes the first connection between these two testicular components via ill-developed uncanalized straight tubules (tubuli recti). Rete testis channels are lined by simple layer of cuboidal epithelium with round nuclei occupying most of the cytoplasm and enclosed by well-defined basal lamina. The adult bovine testis is enclosed by a connective tissue capsule, tunica albuginea, composed predominantly of collagen fibers and few elastic fibers. Most of the testicular parenchyma is made up of the convoluted seminiferous tubules (tubuli seminiferi contorti), two-ended convoluted loops, with both ends opening into the rete testis via specialized terminal segments. The seminiferous tubules of sexually mature bulls are enclosed by a distinct lamina propria and are lined by two cell populations, non-proliferating Sertoli cells and highly proliferating spermatogenic cells. The bovine lamina propria consists of basal lamina, collagen and elastic fibers, and 3-5 layers of partially overlapping myofibroblasts. Additionally, fibrocytes, collagen fibrils, and fibroblasts-like cells form the outermost border of the tubulus. Sertoli cells are easily identifiable elements of the seminiferous epithelium. Adult Sertoli cells are large irregularly shaped cells with their broad bases resting on the basal lamina while the remaining cytoplasmic processes extend upward to the tubular lumen. They are characterized by round or oval euchromatin-rich nuclei situating in the basal portion near the basal lamina of the seminiferous tubules. Adult bovine germ cells are present in four morphologically different groups, i.e., spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, and spermatozoa. The seminiferous cycle stages are identified using changes in the germ cell nuclei as well as location and shape of spermatids. According to this method, eight stages are defined in the seminiferous epithelium of bovine. The interstitial or intertubular tissue of adult bovine testis consists of Leydig cells, macrophages, scattered lymphocytes and plasma cells, and contains numerous blood and lymph vessels. Not all Leydig cells have contact to blood or lymph capillaries. The excurrent duct system of the adult bovine testis consists of terminal segment of the convoluted seminiferous tubules, straight tubules, and rete testis. The terminal segment can be further subdivided into a proximal (transitional) region, middle portion, and distal part (terminal plug). The proximal region is lined by typical Sertoli cells while the last two parts are lined by modified Sertoli cells. The tubulus rectus of adult bovine testis is composed of three morphologically different regions: a proximal cup-shaped region, a middle narrow stalk, and a distal festooned portion. The rete testis is a complicated centrally positioned meshwork of intercommunicating channels that lies within the mediastinum testis parallel to the long axis of epididymis. The simple cuboidal epithelium of straight tubules and rete testis is shown to contain some lymphocytes and macrophages. The cellular distribution of glycoconjugates within the fetal and adult bovine testis was investigated using thirteen (ConA, PSA, LCA, PNA, GSA-I, ECA, DBA, SBA, HPA, VVA, WGA, UEA-I, LTA) different fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) conjugated lectins. In fetal testes, detection of sugar moieties by lectins was carried out on Bouin õ s-fixed paraffin-embedded sections while in adult it was performed on both Bouin õ s-fixed paraffin-embedded and acetone-fixed frozen sections. Only five lectins (PSA, PNA, GSA-I, DBA, WGA) showed a positive reaction in the embryonic testes. PNA, GSA-I, DBA, and WGA were detected in the germ cells whereas PSA, DBA and WGA labeled the fetal Leydig cells. None of the lectins used was observed in the pre-Sertoli cells. Further on, some lectins were seen in tunica albuginea (PSA, PNA, GSA-I, WGA), basal lamina of testicular cords (PSA, WGA), interstitial blood vessels (PSA, GSA-I, WGA), mediastinum testis (PSA, PNA, WGA) and rete testis epithelium (PNA). In adult animals, spermatogonia and spermatocytes were positively stained with PSA, LCA, DBA, SBA, and VVA. All the lectins investigated except that of the fucose-binding lectin (UEA-I and LTA) were definitely detected in the acrosome of round and elongated spermatids. These results indicate a role for carbohydrates in spermiogenesis. Apical Sertoli cells processes and Leydig cells were weakly stained with PSA and LCA as well. DBA binding sites were also seen in the Leydig cells. Immunohistochemical studies were performed using the Avidin-Biotin-Peroxidase Complex (ABC) method for localization of fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), S-100, laminin, alpha-smooth muscle actin (á -SMA), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), connexin 43 (Cx43), CD4, CD8, CD68, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and galactosyltransferase (GalTase) in the bovine testis. The expression of FGF-1 and FGF-2 was further investigated in the adult bovine testis using in situ hybridization and PCR. Immunohistochemically, FGF-1 was seen in the Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, endothelium of the blood vessels, and epithelium of straight tubules and rete testis of fetal and adult testis. It was additionally detected in spermatogonia and spermatids of sexual mature animals. FGF-2 exhibited a striking positive reaction in fetal (from 6 to 30 cm CRL) and adult Leydig cells. Moreover, it showed marked reaction in the endothelium of blood vessels and in the epithelium of tubulus rectus and rete testis. FGF-2 was also localized in some spermatogonia, and myofibroblasts. By means of in situ hybridization, FGF-1 and FGF-2 mRNA were found in Leydig and Sertoli cells as well as in the modified Sertoli cells of the terminal segment. FGF-1 transcripts were additionally recognized in the straight tubules and rete testis epithelium. Distinct S100 immunostaining was observed in the Sertoli cells, endothelium of blood vessels and in the rete testis epithelium of fetal and adult testis. Laminin was localized to the basal lamina of seminiferous tubules, blood vessels, myofibroblasts, and rete testis. Although á -SMA was detected in smooth muscle cells of the blood vessels, no immunoreactivity was seen in the peritubular cells during the whole gestation period. The myofibroblasts surrounding the seminiferous tubules and rete testis showed intense positive reaction for á -SMA in the adult testis. VEGF was detected in the acrosomes of the elongating spermatids. Connexin 43 was localized to gap junctions between Leydig cells in the fetal and adult life as well as to the seminiferous epithelium apical to spermatogonia and basal to spermatocytes, a position correlating with Sertoli-Sertoli cell junctions. The detection of cells positive for CD4, CD8, CD68 within the adult testis interstitium clearly indicate the presence of lymphocytes and macrophages within this testicular compartment. GalTase showed striking positive reaction in the Golgi complex of Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and some spermatocytes as well as at the cell membrane of elongating spermatids and in the simple cuboidal epithelium of rete testis. ACE positive reaction was found in the prespermatogonia (only at 6-10 cm CRL) and in fetal and adult testicular blood vessels. The functional significance of these immunocytochemically-demonstrated proteins is discussed.

Die zyklischen Aktivitäten in Ovar und Hoden der Maus sind von einer Reihe von proliferativen und apoptotischen Ereignissen gekennzeichnet. Dadurch werden diese Organe zu interessanten Studienobjekten wenn es gilt, eine Proteinexpression mit Funktionen zu verknüpfen. Corpora lutea z. B., vorübergehende endokrine Drüsen, die aus den Resten ovulierter Follikel entstehen, zeigen hohe Zellproliferationsraten und während der Regression eine ausgedehnte Apoptose. Im Hoden zeigt der Zyklus der Spermatogenese und der Tubuli seminiferi contorti ein System von dynamischen Wachstumsprozessen aber auch von Apoptose, beeinflusst von den Sertoli- und Leydig-Zellen. Die Epithelzellen im Nebenhoden durchlaufen im Rahmen der postnatalen Entwicklung eine rasche Proliferation und Ausbreitung. Von Galektinen glaubt man, dass sie an diesen zellulären Prozessen beteiligt sind. Um die Anwesenheit von Galektinen in diesen Organen zu überprüfen, wurden RT-PCR Analysen mit verschiedenen Galektin-spezifischen Primerpaaren durchgeführt. Dabei erhielten wir Signale von Galektin-1 und -3, bemerkenswerterweise aber auch von Galektin-2, -4, -6, -7, -8, -9 und -12. Zur Entschlüsselung der in vivo Funktion(en) eines bestimmten Galektins verglichen wir normale (C57BL/6NCrl, Gal-3 +/+) und Galektin-3 Knock-out Mäuse (C57BL/6NCrl, Gal-3 -/-). Als nächstes überprüften wir mit polyklonalen Antikörpern gegen Galektin-1, -3 und -7 die Proteinexpression im Western Blotting. Es zeigten sich verschiedene Ergebnisse für Galektin-1 und -3, und im Falle des Ovars ein sehr schwaches Signal für Galektin-7. In der im Folgenden durchgeführten Immunhistochemie zur Darstellung der zellulären Lokalisation ergaben sich verschiedene Färbemuster für die Galektine. Wie erwartet führte Anti-Galektin-3 IgG zu keinerlei Färbung beim Knock-out Tier (C57BL/6NCrl, Gal-3 -/-). Im Einzelnen zeigte sich eine diffuse Verteilung von Galektin-1 im ovariellen Stroma, daneben war es noch zusammen mit Galektin-7 im „ovarian surface epithelium“ zu finden. Galektin-3 hingegen fand sich v. a. in den Corpora lutea. Vermutlich wurde die Galektin-3-positive Reaktion durch Gewebemakrophagen verursacht, die positiv für Galektin-3 sind. Diese Zellen sollen eine Rolle bei der lutealen Regression haben, indem sie apoptotische Zellen phagozytieren, um eine entzündliche Reaktion zu verhindern. Im Hoden wurde Galektin-1 v. a. in den Sertoli- und Leydig-Zellen gefunden, Galektin-3 fand sich nur bei den Makrophagen in der Nähe der Leydig-Zellen. Während Galektin-1 eine Rolle als immunsuppressives Lektin beim spermatogenen Zyklus haben könnte, könnte Galektin-3 für die Funktion der Makrophagen im Hoden nötig sein, die die Entwicklung der Leydig-Zellen beeinflussen. Das spatiotemporale Expressionsmuster von Galektin-3 im Nebenhoden, v. a. im Nebenhodenkörper, könnte für die resorptiven und sekretorischen Prozesse von Bedeutung sein, die für eine optimale Umgebung zur Reifung und Lagerung der Spermien sorgen.

The influence of estrogen-like substances on the gonadal development in frogs (Rana temporaria and Xenopus laevis). Ultrastructural and immunohistochemical investiga-tions on the gonads of frogs (Rana temporaria). The aim of the present thesis was the investigation and assessment of the estrogen pollu-tion of a river in South-Germany above and below a sewage plant outlet and its possible effects on the gonadal development in amphibians. In an exposure experiment with differ-ent sewage dilutions the effect on the indigenous gras frog (Rana temporaria) were com-pared with the effects on the African claw frog (Xenopus laevis). Because of the lack of relevant data in current literature it was necessary to first collect some basic data on light microscopy, ultrastructure and immunohistochemistry with reference to frogs. Furthermore the sexual differentiation of two populations of different origin were compared histologically. Characterisation of the gonads The ovaries of Xenopus laevis displayed a garland-like structure in contrast to the compact ovaries of Rana temporaria. The ovaries of both frog species were surrounded by an epi-thelium and filled with germ cells which enclosed an ovarian cavity. The oogonies were mainly found in the peripheral parts of the organ. The oocytes were characterised by a big and irregularly shaped cell nucleolus with peripherally located nucleoli. They were sur-rounded by a thin one-layered follicular epithelium. Electron microscopical examination of the ovaries of Rana temporaria showed elongated tubular mitochondria in the cytoplasm which were found exclusively in oocytes. Some of the mitochondria from subadult frogs contained yolk crystals. Additionally an accumulation of electron-tight Granule was found just below the plasma membrane, which could be a preliminary stage of the cortical granule. The testis of the frogs were enveloped by an epithelium and a tunica albuginea which al-ready showed a tubular structure. The testis from Rana temporaria and the Xenopus laevis differed in their developmental stages. The testis of juvenile Rana temporaria contained only germ cells whereas the testis of some Xenopus laevis already contained spermato-cytes and spermatozoa. The spermatocysts, characteristic of frog testis, could be seen in conjunction with the appearance of spermatocytes only. By using light microscopy two different types of germ cells in both frog species could be distinguished which probably were primary and secondary germ cells. By electron microscopical investigation of the testis of Rana temporaria the somatic cells could, on the basis of location and morphology, be differentiated in two types. The somatic cells of the first type were located inside the Tubuli seminiferi and have probably the same function as the Sertoli cells of mammals. The cells of the second type, the Leydig cells or interstitial cells, were located outside the Tubuli and were characterized by granular vesicle in the cytoplasm. With view to the sexual differentiation of Rana temporaria a comparative histological inves-tigation of the gonads of juvenile and subadult frogs of a native midland population and a high alpine population was performed. The midland population proved to be a sexually semi-differentiated species since apart from clearly male or female animals it also com-prises intersex individuals in different stages of the transformation process. The genotypi-cally male animals developed female gonads in the first place which secondly converted into testis during a hermaphrodite stage. The transformation process from female into male gonads was, on the basis of morphological criteria, classified into three stages. The highal-pin population on the other hand proved to be a sexually differentiated race. By using the Avidin-Biotin-Complex-Technique five different antibodies were tested on the gonadal tissue of juvenile and subadult Rana temporaria. The test for Laminin, a non-collagen glycoprotein, which is part of the basal membrane in mammals, resulted in a posi-tive reaction. It seems therefore that similar to Laminin in mammals a glycoprotein plays an important part in the basal membrane of frogs. α-Actin, a fibrous protein of the smooth muscles, which was detected in the Theca externa of the layer of follicle cells in different species, could be established in the blood vessel wall only and not in the layer of follicle cells. Furthermore the occurrence of a Zona pellucida by using antibodies against the por-cine glycoprotein ZP3 was investigated. The ovum including the surrounding layer of follicle cells showed a negative reaction which however did not implicitly exclude the occurrence of a glycoprotein layer with a different antigenicity. Until now the existence of a glycoprotein layer in anurans, in connection with microscopical anatomy of ovaries in Rana temporaria or other species of frogs has not been mentioned in references. The examination of the go-nadal tissue as to the occurrence of ACE (Angiotensin Converting Enzymes) turned out negative as well. Example of application With the exception of a temporarily higher concentration of alkylphenol in the beginning of the exposure, the chemical analyses revealed a relatively low degree of pollution with alcyl-phenols and steroids. The results were comparable to other results of German rivers and stayed well below other European comparative data. According to the results of this study the current level of pollution of the experimental water with estrogens does not endanger the amphibian population. The examination did not reveal any influence of the sewage on the embryonal and larval development. Furthermore, the histological investigation of the gonads in exposed and unexposed frogs with reference to the gonadal sexual differentia-tion as well as the sex ratios did not reveal significant changes. There was no correlation as to the frequency of the occurrence of intersex in the groups of exposed and unexposed frogs, neither of Xenopus laevis nor of Rana temporaria. Only the transformation process from ovaries to testis of the sexually semi-differentiated species of Rana temporaria was slowed down in the group of exposed animals in contrast to unexposed animals. The rea-son for this phenomenon could be the inhibitive influence of the low-level but more continu-ous estrogen pollution in sewage than in river water. Conversely, a link between the accel-eration of the transformation process within the group of unexposed animals and the tem-porarily higher alkylphenol level in the beginning of the exposure cannot completely be ruled out. According to references alkylphenol can cause an increase of testosterone. The semiquantitative RT-PCR detecting Vitellogenin-mRNA carried out by the Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries in Berlin showed a minor increase in females of Xenopus laevis which were exposed to sewage in the ration of a 2:1 dilution in contrast to the unexposed animals. Taking into account the synergistic effects of estrogens, the in-crease could be attributed to the higher estrogen pollution of the sewage. The histopa-thological analysis for the detection of toxical effects of the sewage as well as other poten-tial influential factors provided no hints as to a possibly toxical influence of the sewage.

We have used a recently characterized rabbit antiserum against basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), which recognizes various forms of bFGF, to examine the presence and localization of bFGF in the testes of adult rats and mice and the 5-day-old rat. In Western blots of testicular homogenates of adult rats and mice and immature rats, immunoreactive single bands at approximately 30 kDa were detected. Immunocytochemistry revealed specific staining restricted to the tubular compartment. In 5-day-old rat testes, prespermatogonia were immunoreactive. The cytoplasm of pachytene spermatocytes was heavily stained in the adult testes of both species. Staining of these cells became evident around stage IV/V, was prominent in stage VII through IX and declined about stage XII/XIII (rat) or X-XI (mouse). Staining was seen in type A spermatogonia and in elongating spermatids in their cytoplasmatic lobes and along their flagellae. Sertoli cells were unstained. We propose that the pluripotential growth factor bFGF could be involved in the regulation of germ cell proliferation and differentiation in the adult and immature testis.