-
Andrology Nov 2022The unique anatomy of the male reproductive organ reflects its complex function from sperm maturation to their storage for months until emission. Since light microscopy...
BACKGROUND
The unique anatomy of the male reproductive organ reflects its complex function from sperm maturation to their storage for months until emission. Since light microscopy in two dimensions (2d) cannot sufficiently demonstrate its complex morphology, a comprehensive visualization is required to identify pathologic alterations in its entire anatomical context.
OBJECTIVES
Aim of this study was to use three-dimensional (3d) light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) to visualize entire murine testes in 3d, label-free and at subcellular resolution, and to assign local autofluorescence to testicular and deferent structures.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Murine testes were fixed with four different fixatives and subsequently cleared with benzoic acid/benzyl benzoate. Hereafter, complete murine testes were scanned with LSFM with different fluorescence filter sets and subsequently embedded in paraffin for further conventional planar histology.
RESULTS
Autofluorescence signals of the murine reproductive organ allowed the unambiguous identification of the testicular anatomy from the seminiferous tubules to the vas deferens with their specific stratification independent of the used fixative. Blood vessels were visualized from the pampiniform plexus to the small capillaries of single tubules. Moreover, due to the specific intrinsic fluorescence properties of the efferent ducts and the epididymis, luminal caliber, the epithelial stratification and retronuclear cytoplasmic inclusions gave a unique insight into the interface of both morphological structures. Subsequent 2d histology confirmed the identified morphological structures.
DISCUSSION
LSFM analysis of the murine reproductive organ allows due to its intrinsic fluorescence a simple, label-free 3d assessment of its entire duct morphology, the epithelial composition, and the associated blood supply in its anatomical relation.
CONCLUSION
LSFM provides the technical basis for comprehensive analyses of pathologically altered murine testes in its entirety by depicting specific autofluorescence. Thereby it facilitates mouse studies of testicular disease or their drug-related alterations in more detail potentially for clinical translation assessing human testicular biopsies.
Topics: Animals; Benzoic Acid; Epididymis; Fixatives; Humans; Male; Mice; Microscopy, Fluorescence; Paraffin; Semen; Testis
PubMed: 36082398
DOI: 10.1111/andr.13292 -
Frontiers in Pediatrics 2022The study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of ultrasound in children's transverse testicular ectopia (TTE).
OBJECTIVE
The study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of ultrasound in children's transverse testicular ectopia (TTE).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We retrospectively studies all TTE cases diagnosed in our hospital from January 2017 to December 2021. All cases were evaluated by ultrasound examination and compared to physical examination and diagnostic laparoscopy results.
RESULTS
This study included 14 TTE patients in total, with a median age was 1.08 years. In the 14 TTE, physical examination found 10 TTE cases, of which nine testes were located in the opposite scrotum, one testis was located in the opposite groin, and the other four testes were not observed by physical examination. All cases were diagnosed by preoperative ultrasound, and nine testes were located in the opposite scrotum, two testes were located in the opposite groin, and three testes were located next to the opposite iliac vessel in the abdominal cavity. Preoperative ultrasound showed the ectopic spermatic cord in six cases (6/14, 42.8%) and persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS) in one case (1/14, 7%). Diagnostic laparoscopy finally confirmed 14 cases of TTE, which was consistent with preoperative ultrasound, and the coincidence rate was 100% (14/14). Among the 14 cases of TTE, diagnostic laparoscopy showed that 12 cases had ectopic spermatic vessels and vas deferens (12/14, 85.7%), and six cases were associated with PMDS (6/14, 42.8%). When TTE was associated with the ectopic spermatic cord and PMDS, the diagnostic performance of diagnostic laparoscopy was better than that of preoperative ultrasound ( < 0.05). The testis volume of the affected side of TTE was less than that of the contralateral testis ( < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Ultrasonography is very helpful for the preoperative diagnosis of TTE in children, and it is suitable as a non-surgical method for locating ectopictestis. Preoperative assessment of the exact presence of PMDS is difficult and unclear. This may be related to factors such as pelvic developmental stages in infancy, examination techniques, and atypical imaging findings of PMDS.
PubMed: 36061385
DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.914139 -
Andrology Nov 2022Vasectomy causes spermatozoa accumulation in the epididymis, which may cause epididymitis. Inflammation is triggered by alert molecules released following tissue stress...
BACKGROUND
Vasectomy causes spermatozoa accumulation in the epididymis, which may cause epididymitis. Inflammation is triggered by alert molecules released following tissue stress or injury. These include uracil-diphosphate glucose (UDP)-glucose, which activates the pro-inflammatory P2Y14 receptor (P2Y14), and induces immune cell recruitment. However, little is known about P2Y14 in the epididymis and its potential activation following vasectomy.
OBJECTIVES
(i) To localize P2Y14 in the human excurrent duct; and (ii) to examine the effect of vasectomy on P2Y14 protein and P2RY14 mRNA content, the production of selected cytokines and chemokines, and immune cell recruitment in the epididymis.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
In situ hybridization, qRT-PCR, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence were performed in banked human epididymis samples.
RESULTS
P2RY14 mRNA and P2Y14 protein were detected in epithelial cells in the efferent duct, epididymis and vas deferens in non-vasectomized men. Keratin 5 (KRT5)-positive basal cells were strongly labeled for P2Y14 in all epididymal segments. A progressive apical localization was detected in principal cells (negative for the proton pump V-ATPase) from the corpus to the cauda. A subset of V-ATPase-positive clear cells also showed strong P2Y14 labeling. Vasectomy induced an increase in P2RY14 mRNA in the corpus and cauda, and stronger apical labeling in principal cells in the corpus. CXCL10 mRNA increased in the cauda and CCL2 mRNA decreased in the corpus of vasectomized versus non-vasectomized men. No change in IL-8 and IL-1β mRNA was detected. Numerous CD45 leukocytes were detected in the interstitium of the corpus and cauda following vasectomy, while only a few were seen in non-vasectomized men. Several CD45 leukocytes, some of which containing spermatozoa, were detected in the corpus lumen following vasectomy.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
Our study indicates that vasectomy-induced spermatozoa congestion may lead to an inflamed-prone local environment characterized by potential activation of P2Y14 and recruitment of immune cells in the epididymis.
Topics: Adenosine Triphosphatases; Diphosphates; Epididymis; Glucose; Humans; Interleukin-8; Keratin-5; Male; Proton Pumps; RNA, Messenger; Receptors, Purinergic P2; Spermatozoa; Uracil; Uridine Diphosphate; Vasectomy
PubMed: 36029226
DOI: 10.1111/andr.13284 -
International Journal of Fertility &... Aug 2022We aim to determine the prevalence of renal anomalies in patients with congenital vas deferens agenesis referred for infertility assessment.
Materials and Methods:...We aim to determine the prevalence of renal anomalies in patients with congenital vas deferens agenesis referred for infertility assessment.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on eligible infertile men from 2016 to 2019. Infertile men who were suspected of obstructive azoospermia were referred to the Ultrasound ward and they were examined by abdominal ultrasound for detecting the genital and kidney anomalies. An informed consent form was filled out by patients. Data was entered into SPSS software 21. Patients were divided into two groups in terms of congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens (CBAVD) or congenital unilateral absence of the vas deferens (CUAVD). Using the Chi-square test kidney anomalies between groups were compared. The P<0.05 was considered significant.
Results: The mean age of participants was 33.05 ± 6.35. The frequency of CBAVD was 66 and the frequency of left side VD and right side VD were 23 and 21, respectively. The percentage of other comorbidities was calculated. Out of 110 cases, 12 (11%) men had coexistence of vas deferens and kidney agenesis. Other studies are in agreement with our findings. Although the percentage of CBAVD and CUAVD were 9.1% and 1.8% respectively, the difference was not significant (P=0.07).
Conclusion: Considering the fact that kidney agenesis is a remarkable congenital anomaly that coexists with the majority of vas deferens agenesis cases and could not be detected by routine laboratory tests or transrectal ultrasound
examination, it should be ruled out with transabdominal ultrasound examination after detection of vas deferens agenesis.PubMed: 36029049
DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2021.535148.1166 -
Urology Case Reports Nov 2022Ectopic ureters are rare congenital malformations of the urinary tract, more frequent in females and most commonly associated with single collecting system in males. We...
Ectopic ureters are rare congenital malformations of the urinary tract, more frequent in females and most commonly associated with single collecting system in males. We report a case of a prostate cancer patient undergoing robotically assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Duplication of vas deferens was thought to be found during surgery. Postoperatively, patient developed fevers. CT showed incidental finding of duplex collecting system on the left with dilatation of the upper moiety. Percutaneous nephrostomy was placed but an attempt at antegrade insertion of ureteric stent was unsuccessful. Robotic reimplantation of the ectopic ureter was successfully performed on day six post prostatectomy.
PubMed: 35991216
DOI: 10.1016/j.eucr.2022.102173 -
Journal of the Belgian Society of... 2022A vas deferens abscess is a very rare complication of acute vasitis and lower urinary tract infection. A case of vas deferens rupture due to an abscess with severe...
A vas deferens abscess is a very rare complication of acute vasitis and lower urinary tract infection. A case of vas deferens rupture due to an abscess with severe pelvic inflammation requiring surgical drainage is reported. Vas deferens abscess rupture is an example of a very rare complication of severe inflammation of the vas deferens.
PubMed: 35974891
DOI: 10.5334/jbsr.2840 -
Life Sciences Oct 20226-Nitrodopamine (6-ND) is released by rat vas deferens and exerts a potent contractile response that is antagonized by tricyclic antidepressants and α-, β- and...
6-Nitrodopamine (6-ND) is released by rat vas deferens and exerts a potent contractile response that is antagonized by tricyclic antidepressants and α-, β- and β/β-adrenoceptor antagonists. The release of 6-ND, noradrenaline, adrenaline and dopamine from rat isolated right atria was assessed by tandem mass spectrometry. The effects of the catecholamines were evaluated in both rat isolated right atria and in anaesthetized rats. 6-ND was the major catecholamine released from the isolated atria and the release was significantly reduced in nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME pre-treated atria or in atria obtained from L-NAME chronically treated animals, but unaffected by tetrodotoxin. 6-ND (1 pM) significantly increased the atrial frequency, being 100 times more potent than noradrenaline and adrenaline. Selective β-blockers reduced the atrial frequency only at concentrations that prevented the increases in atrial frequency induced by 6-ND 1pM. Conversely, β-blockade did not affect dopamine (10 nM), noradrenaline (100 pM) or adrenaline (100 pM) effect. The reductions in atrial frequency induced by the β-adrenoceptor antagonists were absent in L-NAME pre-treated atria and in atria obtained from chronic L-NAME-treated animals. Tetrodotoxin did not prevent the reduction in atrial frequency induced by L-NAME or by β-blockers treated preparations. In anaesthetized rats, at 1 pmol/kg, only 6-ND caused a significant increase in heart rate. Inhibition of 6-ND synthesis by chronic L-NAME treatment reduced both atrial frequency and heart rate. The results indicate that 6-ND is a major modulator of rat heart chronotropism and the reduction in heart rate caused by β-blockers are due to selective blockade of 6-ND receptor.
Topics: Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; Animals; Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; Catecholamines; Dopamine; Epinephrine; Heart Atria; Male; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Norepinephrine; Rats; Receptors, Adrenergic; Tetrodotoxin
PubMed: 35963299
DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120879 -
Neurochemical Research Nov 2022Phenylephrine (PE) is a canonical α-adrenoceptor-selective agonist. However, unexpected effects of PE have been observed in preclinical and clinical studies, that...
Phenylephrine (PE) is a canonical α-adrenoceptor-selective agonist. However, unexpected effects of PE have been observed in preclinical and clinical studies, that cannot be easily explained by its actions on α-adrenoceptors. The probability of the involvement of α- and β-adrenoceptors in the effect of PE has been raised. In addition, our earlier study observed that PE released noradrenaline (NA) in a [Ca]-independent manner. To elucidate this issue, we have investigated the effects of PE on [H]NA release and α-mediated smooth muscle contractions in the mouse vas deferens (MVD) as ex vivo preparation. The release experiments were designed to assess the effects of PE at the presynaptic terminal, whereas smooth muscle isometric contractions in response to electrical field stimulation were used to measure PE effect postsynaptically. Our results show that PE at concentrations between 0.3 and 30 µM significantly enhanced the resting release of [H]NA in a [Ca]-independent manner. In addition, prazosin did not affect the release of NA evoked by PE. On the contrary, PE-evoked smooth muscle contractions were inhibited by prazosin administration indicating the α-adrenoceptor-mediated effect. When the function of the NA transporter (NAT) was attenuated with nisoxetine, PE failed to release NA and the contractions were reduced by approximately 88%. The remaining part proved to be prazosin-sensitive. The present work supports the substantial indirect effect of PE which relays on the cytoplasmic release of NA, which might explain the reported side effects for PE.
Topics: Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists; Animals; Cytoplasm; Male; Mice; Norepinephrine; Phenylephrine; Prazosin; Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-1
PubMed: 35945308
DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03681-2 -
Andrology Nov 2022Rat isolated vas deferens releases 6-nitrodopamine (6-ND), and the spasmogenic activity of this novel catecholamine is significantly reduced by tricyclic compounds such...
BACKGROUND
Rat isolated vas deferens releases 6-nitrodopamine (6-ND), and the spasmogenic activity of this novel catecholamine is significantly reduced by tricyclic compounds such as amitriptyline, desipramine, and carbamazepine and by antagonists of the α -adrenergic receptors such as doxazosin, tamsulosin, and prazosin.
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the liberation of 6-ND by human epididymal vas deferens (HEVDs) and its pharmacological actions.
METHODS
The in vitro liberation of 6-ND, dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline from human vas deferens was evaluated by LC-MS/MS. The contractile effect of the catecholamines in HEVDs was investigated in vitro. The action of tricyclic antidepressants was evaluated on the spasmogenic activity ellicited by the catecholamines and by the electric-field stimulation (EFS). The tissue was also incubated with the inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthase L-NAME and the release of catecholamines and the contractile response to EFS were assessed.
RESULTS
6-ND is the major catecholamine released from human vas deferens and its synthesis/release is inhibited by NO inhibition. The spasmogenic activity elicited by EFS in the human vas deferens was blocked by tricyclic antidepressants only at concentrations that selectively antagonize 6-ND induced contractions of the human vas deferens, without affecting the spasmogenic activity induced by dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline in this tissue. Incubation of the vas deferens with L-NAME reduced both the 6-ND release and the contractions induced by EFS.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
6-ND should be considered a major endogenous modulator of human vas deferens contractility and possibly plays a pivotal role in the emission process of ejaculation. It offers a novel and shared mechanism of action for tricyclic antidepressants and α -adrenergic receptor antagonists.
Topics: Adrenergic Antagonists; Amitriptyline; Animals; Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; Carbamazepine; Chromatography, Liquid; Desipramine; Dopamine; Doxazosin; Epinephrine; Humans; Male; Muscle Contraction; Muscle, Smooth; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester; Nitric Oxide; Norepinephrine; Prazosin; Rats; Receptors, Adrenergic; Tamsulosin; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Vas Deferens
PubMed: 35934935
DOI: 10.1111/andr.13263