Although exposure to environmental toxicants, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals, is thought to be a possible cause of male infertility, the pathogenesis of male reproductive disorders remains unclear. In the present study, we used Gulo-/- mutant mice, which are unable to synthesize ascorbic acid, to study the importance of dietary vitamin C (VC) on spermatogenesis. Regular chow containing approximately 110 mg/kg VC is unable to support the growth of these mutant mice, but a VC supplement in their drinking water (330 mg/L) is able to ameliorate the VC deficiency. Testes of Gulo-/- mutants born from heterozygous mothers without VC supplement (VC-deficient mice) and those born from mothers given a VC supplement (VC-sufficient mice) were examined by morphological and biochemical analyses. Morphological analysis revealed that apoptosis of spermatocytes occurred frequently in VC-deficient mice at 20 days of age. Two-dimensional electrophoresis analysis revealed the specific disappearance of heat-shock protein (Hsp) 70 in the testes of 20-day-old VC-deficient mice. In the present study, the relationship between the apoptosis of spermatocytes and Hsp70 in VC-deficient mice is discussed.

In recent years, laparoscopic surgery has attracted attention as a minimally invasive type of surgery because of the small surgical wounds and early recovery it provides. We carry out this technique on the basis of volume data that we make use of in multi-slice CT imaging technology in laparoscopic nephrectomy by the retroperitoneal approach, and we have created CT virtual laparoscopy by virtual endoscopic display as an intra-operative navigatior with an image analysis system. We provide information on detailed vascular anatomy to form intra-operative images that act as similar support images. With the provision of this volume data, we consider virtual endoscopic display the most suitable method for surgery. When we perform virtual laparoscopy, we simulate the insertion point and angle, the order of vascular structures and their locations, the number of arteries and veins, and their bifurcation points and ligation points in conjunction with the surgeon prior to operation. As the branch patterns of the renal artery are varied, perioperative confusion and surgical mishaps can be avoided through the information that is provided beforehand. Thus surgery is more accurate and proceeds more smoothly, because the surgeon has accurate anatomical information. In addition, the time required for surgery is decreased, reducing risk and the possibility of complications.

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