Distribution pattern of testicular sulphydryloxidase immuno‐activity in the djungarian hamster (Phodopus sungorus) during photoperiodically induced involution and recrudescence

Abstract

The distribution pattern of testicular sulphydryloxidase (SOx) immuno-activity was investigated in the djungarian hamster during photoperiodically induced testicular involution and recrudescence. SOx immuno-activity, indicating functional integrity of labelled cells, did not change in pachytene spermatocytes and spermatids as long as these cells were present in the seminiferous epithelium. Its disappearance coincided with the degeneration of spermatocytes in phases IV and V of involution and reappeared during recrudescence, when the first spermatogenic wave had reached the pachytene stage. In tubules at phase VI of involution (showing maximal regression), the apical cytoplasm of Sertoli cells showed immuno-activity. This immuno-activity disappeared during recrudescence prior to the differentiation of pachytene spermatocytes. Changes in SOx immuno-activity resembled those of lactate dehydrogenase-X (LDH-X) in photo-inhibited testes or during puberty, indicating a close functional relationship which still remains to be elucidated. The data suggest that the hamster exposed to different photoperiods can be used as a suitable model to study the relationship between testicular morphology and function in different states of gonadal activity.

Seasonal spermatogenesis and testosterone production in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)

“…The role of environmental signals in synchronization has been described in many investigations, especially the circannual regulation of pituitary and gonadal function by photoperiod (for reviews see Bronson, 1988; Lincoln, 1989). Resulting seasonal changes of cellular composition and processes in testes have been studied in only a few mammalian species such as hamsters (Bergmann et al, 1990;van Haaster et al, 1993;Lerchl et al, 1993) and horses (Johnson, 1991(Johnson, , 1995.…”

Rat Seminal Vesicle FAD-dependent Sulfhydryl Oxidase

“…In rat and hamster, this immunoreactivity appears in pachytene spermatocytes at stage I (34). In photoperiodicallyinduced testicular involution in the Djungarian hamster, immunoreactivity reappeared during recrudescence, when the first spermatogenic wave had reached the pachytene stage (37). In mature human testis, moderate sulfhydryl oxidase immunoreactivity has been found in Leydig cells and spermatogonia and in pachytene spermatocytes (36).…”

Studies on the European hare. 56. Seasonal variation of testicular activity in European brown hare Lepus europaeus

“…The final purpose of the complex interacting control mechanisms in males is the optimal timing for generation of functionally competent spermatozoa. Seasonal changes of cellular composition and processes in testes have been studied in several mammalian species such as hamsters (Bergmann et al 1990, Lerchl et al 1993, Van Haaster et al 1993, bank vole (Tähkä et al 1983(Tähkä et al , 1993(Tähkä et al , 1997, roe deer (Härtung and Schoppmeyer 1986, Marchlewska-Koj and Kruczek 1988, Gentile et al 1989), Eld's deer (Monfort et al 1993) and horse (Johnson 1991). Cycles of complete testicular regression and recrudescence in seasonally breeding species result from the fine-tuning of alternating inhibition and activation of controlling factors.…”