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. 2009 Sep;59(5):377-82.
doi: 10.1007/s12576-009-0045-7. Epub 2009 Jun 18.

Endocrine profile and testicular histomorphometry in adult rat offspring of diabetic mothers

Gholamali Jelodar  1 , Zabiholah Khaksar, Mohammad Pourahmadi
Affiliations

Endocrine profile and testicular histomorphometry in adult rat offspring of diabetic mothers

Gholamali Jelodar et al. J Physiol Sci. 2009 Sep.

Abstract

This investigation was conducted to evaluate the effect of maternal diabetes on fetal testicular structure and function, and reproductive hormones levels. Sixteen female rats were divided into two groups. Diabetes was induced in one group by alloxan. Blood was collected from 90-day-old male offspring of both groups, and the level of blood glucose, testosterone, FSH and LH in their serum was measured. Weight, volume and various histological parameters of testes were determined. A significant increase in blood glucose and decrease in LH, FSH and testosterone in sera of offspring of diabetic mothers (ODM) were observed. The weight and volume of testes in the ODM were 22.7 and 22.9% higher, respectively, than those of the control group (P < 0.05), while the ratio of testes to body weight did not change significantly. The number of seminiferous tubules increased (+21%) significantly (P < 0.05), while thickness of the testicular capsule (-25%), number of Leydig cells (-15.6%), number of Sertoli cells (-14.9%), number of spermatogonia (-26.3%) and diameter of seminiferous tubules (-11%) showed significantly reduced values in the ODM compare to the control. In conclusion, maternal hyperglycemia has a deleterious effect on testicular parameters during fetal life, which will affect reproductive endocrine during postpuberty.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Section of testes showing seminiferous tubules of 90-day-old rats. H&E stain. A1 Offspring from normal mothers, A2 offspring from diabetic mothers, ×200
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Section of testes showing interstitial tissue (Leydig cells) of 90-day-old rat. H&E staining. B1 Offspring from normal mother, B2 offspring from diabetic mother, ×2000. Arrows indicate the location of Leydig cells. Leydig cells in offspring from normal mother rats presented a characteristic appearance, with a very active nucleus, as shown by the presence of a decondensed chromatin and several nucleoli (B1). In contrast, in offspring from diabetic mother rats, B2 Leydig cells were scarce and showed a highly vacuolated cytoplasm. Furthermore, the nuclei of the cells were of irregular shape, and the chromatin content had a distinct appearance
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