Biol Reprod Keystone Symposia Conference on Frontiers in Reproductive Biology & Regulation of Fertility.
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BOR - Papers in Press, published online ahead of print June 30, 2004.
Biol Reprod 2004, 10.1095/biolreprod.104.031062
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Submitted April 19, 2004
Returned for revision May 10, 2004
Accepted June 24, 2004

Testis


Quantity Rather than Quality in Teratospermic Males: A Histomorphometric and Flow Cytometric Evaluation of Spermatogenesis in the Domestic Cat (Felis catus)

Katrin Neubauer *, Katarina Jewgenow , Steffen Blottner , David E. Wildt , and Budhan S. Pukazhenthi

* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: neubauer{at}izw-berlin.de.

Abstract
Teratozoospermia (ejaculation of < 40% morphologically normal sperm) commonly occurs within the Felidae, including certain domestic cats, but the cellular and molecular mechanisms that give rise to this phenomenon remain unknown. This study quantified spermatogenesis to identify differential dysfunctions in teratospermic versus normospermic (> 60% normal sperm/ejaculate) domestic cats. Sperm used were from electroejaculates and cauda epididymides. Testes from 10 normo- and 10 teratospermic males were obtained by castration and then evaluated by histomorphometry, flow cytometry, and testicular testosterone EIA. Some morphometric traits (tubular diameter, epithelium height, interstitial area, number of Leydig cells and blood vessels per cross section) as well as testicular testosterone concentrations were similar between groups, but testicular volume was greater in teratospermic males. Stage frequencies differed also between both cat populations, suggesting possible dysfunctions in spermiation. Quantification of cell populations in most frequent stages revealed more spermatogenic cells and fewer Sertoli cells per tubule cross section as well as per tissue unit in teratospermic donors. Hence, the ratio of spermatogenic cells per Sertoli cell was elevated in the teratospermic cat. DNA flow cytometry confirmed higher total spermatogenic and meiotic transformations in teratospermic males. In summary, compared to normospermic counterparts, teratospermic cats have a higher sperm output achieved by more sperm producing tissue, more germ cells per Sertoli cell, and reduced germ cell loss during spermatogenesis. Gains in sperm quantity are produced at the expense of sperm quality.

Key words: Testis • Sertoli cells • Sperm • Spermatid • Testosterone


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[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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