BACKGROUND: Wheat sprout contains a high amount of antioxidants, vitamins (especially vitamin E), minerals and phytoestrogen compounds. Use of medicinal herbs in reducing heavy metal toxicities has increased worldwide. In recent years, negative effects of lead on the male reproductive system and sperm fertility parameters have been shown broadly. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the effects of wheat sprout extract (WSE) and vitamin E on sperm parameters and testicular oxidative stress in rats exposed to lead acetate. METHODS: Thirty-five rats were divided randomly into seven groups: G1 (control group) received 1 ml/kg/day of normal saline, G2 received 20 mg/kg/day of lead acetate, G3 and G4 received 100 mg/kg/day and 200 mg/kg/day of WSE respectively, G5 and G6 received 100 mg/kg/day and 200 mg/kg/day of WSE respectively with 20 mg/kg/day of lead acetate, and G7 received 100 mg/kg/day of vitamin E with 20 mg/kg/day of lead acetate. After 35 days, rats were sacrificed and blood, sperm, liver and testicle tissue samples were collected for histomorphological and histochemical studies. RESULTS: Results showed that count, motility and viability of sperms increased following the administration of 200 mg/kg/day of WSE (p<0.01). Histomorphological studies showed a significant increase in tubular differentiation index (TDI), Repopulation index (RI), number of Sertoli cells, and epithelium of seminiferous tubules in groups receiving 200 mg/kg/day of WSE (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Results of the current study show that dose dependent WSE significantly prevents testicular toxicity and oxidative stress effects of lead acetate.

BACKGROUND: Plasma lipoprotein profile is one of the effective mechanisms in testicular tissue development and spermatogenesis process in roosters. OBJECTIVES: The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of l-carnitine during pre-pubertal period on testicular histology, spermatogenesis indexes and plasma lipoproteins of immature cockerels METHODS: A total of twelve Ross broiler breeder males (12 weeks) for 22 weeks in a completely randomized design with two treatments (0, and 250 mg/kg of L-carnitine in the diet) and six replications were used. Feeding program, and photoperiod regimen was performed based on ROSS 308 management handbook. To achieve the objectives of the study, at the age of 34 weeks, four birds were randomly selected from each treatment and after collecting blood samples from the veins under the wings, the birds were slaughtered. Finally, plasma cholesterol, LDL and HDL concentrations using a commercial kit and testicular parameters (number of seminiferous tubules, number of Sertoli cells, height of epithelium seminiferous tubules, seminiferous tubules diameter, spermatogenesis index, and tubular differentiation index) after preparation of 5-μm paraffin sections, were analyzed by SAS software. RESULTS: The results showed that the number of seminiferous tubules, and the number of Sertoli cells were significantly affected by l-carnitine (p < /em><0.05). L-carnitine supplementation in the diet of immature cockerels before sexual maturity significantly increased the spermatogenesis index (p < /em><0.003) and tubular differentiation index (p < /em><0.02). HDL levels were significantly affected by l-carnitine supplementation (p < /em><0.007). There was a significant tendency in LDL concentration (p < /em>=0.09) and LDL/HDL ratio (p < /em>=0.059) between treatments, but no significant differences were observed in cholesterol concentration between treatments. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this study, feeding immature cockerels before sexual maturity with 250 mg l-carnitine improves testicular tissue development and spermatogenesis process.

BACKGROUND: Cryptorchidism is a congenital anomaly in which one (unilateral cryptorchidism) or both (bilateral cryptorchidism) testes fail to descend into the scrotum.                  OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the anatomical and histological structure of the inguinal testis in the adult donkey. METHODS: In this study, after examination of the 59 donkeys, three of them with unilateral cryptorchidism in inguinal region were identified. These animals were euthanized, and their testicles were removed and evaluated biometrically. Then, the samples were fixated in 10% formalin solution and after sectioning, were stained with Hematoxylin-eosin and PAS, and examined under a light microscope. RESULTS: The results showed that the inguinal testes were stiff, epididymis was not determined and their size and weight were less than scrotal testes. The difference between the weight of cryptorchid and healthy testicles was statistically significant (p<0.05). Seminiferous tubules had lost their natural shape and inner cavity tubes did not have germ cells, and only a limited number of Sertoli cells could be seen. Remaining seminiferous tubules were only visible in the mediastinum. The cortical and subcapsular regions were without tubes and were occupied by loose connective tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated that the inguinal testes in adult donkeys lost their natural structure and more connective tissues and blood vessels are substituted.