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A Seminiferous Tubule Squash Technique for the Cytological Analysis of Spermatogenesis Using the Mouse Model
Published on: February 6, 2018
[Damage to synaptonemal complex structure and peculiarities of selection of mouse spermatocytes I at response to drug
Abstract:
Using immunocytochemistry methods, the structure of synaptonemal complexes (SC) of chromosomes in spread nuclei of primary spermatocytes of mice at 1, 10, and 36 days after the 10-day intraperitoneal administration of antibacterial preparations of three pharmacological groups: furacilin, an antiseptic derivative of nitrofuran; cifran, an antibiotic from the group of fluoroquinolones; and sextaphage, a polyvalent piobacteriophage was investigated. The maximal number of disturbances in the structure and behavior of synaptonemal complex was revealed on the first day after the end of preparation administration. On days 10 and 36, the total number of disturbances in SC structure decreased gradually. On the first day after the end of the administration of cifran and sextaphage in 41.8 and 25% of nuclei, respectively, the fragmentation of synaptonemal complexes was revealed and, in males to whom furacilin had been administered, the fragmentation of synaptonemal complexes was identified in 100% of nuclei. Multiple chromosome fragmentation is a meiotic disaster and results in the degeneration of cells without enabling the mechanism ofpachytene arrest. The features of pachytene arrest were revealed in the nuclei of primary spermatocytes with the disturbances of chromosomes pairing. After the administration of sextaphage, circle structures released from the lateral elements of SC and are dyed with antibodies to SCP3 protein.
Insights
Antibacterial drugs like furacilin and cifran, and sextaphage, disrupt mouse sperm cell development. Furacilin caused severe synaptonemal complex fragmentation, impacting male fertility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Toxicology
- Genetics
Background:
- Antibacterial agents can have unintended effects on reproductive health.
- Investigating the impact of specific drugs on male meiosis is crucial for understanding fertility.
- Synaptonemal complexes (SC) are essential for proper chromosome pairing during meiosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of furacilin, cifran, and sextaphage on the structure and behavior of synaptonemal complexes in mouse spermatocytes.
- To assess the temporal recovery of SC structure after drug administration.
- To evaluate the potential for meiotic disruption and its consequences on male fertility.
Main Methods:
- Immunocytochemistry was used to examine SC structure in mouse primary spermatocytes.
- Mice were administered antibacterial preparations (furacilin, cifran, sextaphage) intraperitoneally for 10 days.
- SC structure was analyzed at 1, 10, and 36 days post-administration.
Main Results:
- Maximal SC structural disturbances were observed 1 day after drug cessation.
- Furacilin administration led to 100% SC fragmentation; cifran and sextaphage caused 41.8% and 25% fragmentation, respectively.
- Chromosome fragmentation was identified as a meiotic disaster, leading to cell degeneration and pachytene arrest features.
Conclusions:
- Furacilin, cifran, and sextaphage significantly disrupt male meiosis by affecting synaptonemal complex integrity.
- The severity of SC damage varies among the tested drugs, with furacilin showing the most potent effect.
- Meiotic disruption can lead to infertility due to cell degeneration and impaired chromosome pairing.
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