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ON TESTIS AND EPlDlDYMlS OF RATS - Pondicherry University ...

ON TESTIS AND EPlDlDYMlS OF RATS - Pondicherry University ...

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apidly proliferating cells of testis reflects the initial phase ol' sper~iiiltoycncsis<br />

including spermatogonial proliferation by mitosis and the onset of meiotic prophase in<br />

prc-leptotcne primary spermatocylcs (Monesi, 1965). ItNA synthesis is highost<br />

during the mid pachytene phase and the end of the meiotic prophase and mRNA<br />

specific for structural protein increases during prophase of meiosis (Slaughter el 01..<br />

1989). The rate of protein synthesis has been reported to be higher in type A<br />

spermatogonia than in type B (Monesi, 1965). Toxicants that would alter mitosis or<br />

differentiation of spermatogonia would be expected to have a major influence on the<br />

efficiency and total productivity of spermatogenesis.<br />

1.1.1.2 Hormonal control of spermatogenesis<br />

There is general agreement that for quantitatively normal spermatogenesis to<br />

occur, testis requires stimulation by pituitary gonadotrophins such as follicle<br />

stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The progressive rise of<br />

FSH and LH during sexual maturation has been reported in humans and in other<br />

animals (for review, see de Kretser et ul., 1998). FSH and LH have been shown to<br />

stimulate seminiferous tubules and reinstate spermatogenesis in hypophysectomized<br />

rats (Greep and Fevold, 1937). Synergistic action of FSH and testosterone for the<br />

maintenance of spermatogenesis has also been reported (Steinberger. 1971). In the<br />

prepubertal rat, FSH alone is required to maintain testicular growth (Courot el al.,<br />

1970) and synthetic activity of Senoli cells (Means et al., 1976). High intratesticular<br />

concentrations of testosterone are required for normal spermatogenesis. Testosterone<br />

has been shown to act by stimulating Senoli cells and receptors for FSH are located<br />

on the Senoli cells and spermatogonia. FSH has been shown to exert its action via<br />

CAMP. Injection of FSH is associated with a stimulation of protein kinase activity<br />

and protein synthesis. FSH has been shown to play a role in stimulating mitotic and<br />

meiotic DNA synthesis in type B spermatogonia and pre-ieptotene spermatocytes as<br />

well as in preventing apoptosis of pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids<br />

(Henricksen el ul.. 1996: Shetty el ul.. 1996). Mc lachlnn el ol. (1995) detnonstrntod<br />

that FSH alone could partially restore spermatogenesis in GnRH-immunized rats.

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