الفهرس 
DedicationOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
 |  | from | 184 |  |  |
| | | from | 184 | | |
Abstract
The objective of the current study was to determine how Maca affected on testis, epididymis, and prostate gland employing several histomorpholigcal, immunohistochemical and ultra structural techniques. Additionally, we wanted to demonstrate the protective effect of Maca on animals under oxidative stress. We use Twenty-four rabbit divided into four groups. First group: bucks were fed on the commercial basal ration and received tap water (control group). Second group: bucks received 1% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in tap water. Third group: bucks were orally administered with a daily dose of 75 mg Maca /Kg BW in capsulated form. Fourth group: bucks were administered orally with 75 mg Maca /Kg BW in capsulated form and were received 1% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in tap water. The main results were summarized as follow
I-Testis
In Maca group an obvious increase in spermatogenic series, as well as increase in the number of leydig cells. This observation reflected on increasing PCNA and AR immunoreactivity respectively. In addition, ultra-thin section showed obvious increase in primary spermatocytes series and its organelles including rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and Golgi apparatus. However in H2O2 treated rabbits we demonstrated increase in the thickness of testis capsule. Synthesis of collagen fibers in interlobular c.t was increased, which lead to fibrosis. Most of spermatocytes appeared degenerated, with pkynotic nucleus and many vacuoles between cells, which resulted in strong immunoreactivity with activated caspase-3. Some seminiferous tubules appeared empty from any spermatogenic series. The number of leydig cells decreased significantly resulted in weak expression of AR. Ultra-thin section showed obvious decrease in cell organelles, pyknotic nuclei and clumping of chromatin. Moreover, in combined group (H+M) we observed that, the thickness of the capsule and the interstitial fibrosis between ST reverted to normal. The seminiferous tubules became filled with spermatogenic series. Ultra-thin section showed primary spermatocytes appeared normal with its chromatin and cell organiods. Some leydig cells reverted to their normal structure as in control group.
II-Epididymis
Control and Maca groups displayed the conventional epididymal architecture. However, H2O2 treated rabbits the thickness of the capsule was increased significantly. In addition, we observed an increase in the amount of collagen fibers in the interstitial tissue between the epididymal ducts. The epididymal epithelium transformed into low columnar cells. Large number of dead cells observed in the epididymal lumen, which showed strong immunoreactivity to activated caspase-3. Moreover, in combined group (H+M) we observed that, Compared to control group, the thickness of the capsule started to revert to normal. The epithelium lining the epididymal duct began to revert normally compared to H2O2 group. The number of dead cells in the epididymal lumen decreased significantly compared to H2O2 group. In the Maca-treated group many immune cells were seen at various levels between the cells lining the epididymal duct. Intersitium vascularization increase and the presence of immune cells close to the blood vessels. In H2O2 treated group, several exfoliated principal cells filled the epididymal lumen was observed. Several vacuoles of different sizes were demonstrated on the epididymal lining epithelium. Moreover, cilia appeared shorter than those of the control group and dead sperms were attached to them. In Maca + H2O2 treated group, vacuolation of epididymal lining epithelium appeared less than those of the H2O2 treated group. In addition, cilia were taller than those in the H2O2 treated group. Moreover, in In H2O2 treated group there was strong immunoreactivity with iNOS, in contrast weak immunoreactivity with AR.
III-Prostate gland
prostate gland consisted parenchyma consisted of acini and ducts. Lining cells were secretory luminal cells, basal cells and neuroendocrine cells. Maca group showed obvious increase in blebs formation and secretory activities by PAS stain. Also obvious increase in the number of secretory dark and basal cells. Large number of cell organiods inside dark cell as rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and secretory vesicles was observed. But in H2O2 treated rabbits showed decrease in secretory activities and blebs formation. Epithelial lining changed from high columnar to low columnar. The lumen of the gland was filled with corpus amaylcea. Degenerative changes could be demonstrated between cells. Secretory vesicles were absent and replaced by vacuoles. By EM appearance of lamellated body observed inside the epithelial cells and microvilli were absent. In combined group (H+M), we demonstrated that gland began to revert to its normal histological structure as in control group. Secretory activities, blebs formation and high columnar epithelium reverted to normal. Membrane bound structure filled prostate epithelium was observed. Ultra-thin sections revealed less degenerative changes in dark luminal cells. Cell organiods and secretory activity began to revert to its normal picture. CD56 showed strong immunoreactivity in Maca group
Telocytes
A new type of interstitial cells could be investigated in different regions and groups. It is characterized by cell body and long processes (Tps). We are able to recognize it by different techniques including immunohistochemical and ultra structural. In testis, it was observed around leydig cells, ST, BVs. In addition, epididymis and prostate in different locations. In Maca group, we observed a clear increase in their abundance, creating a network. But in H2O2 we observed telocytes with degenerative changes.
Immune cells
In Maca treated rabbits, there was marked evidence of plasma cells, macrophages, lymphocytes and dendritic cells.
In conclusion our experiment approved the importance of Maca as an antioxidant for male fertility by increasing spermatogenic series, leydig cells, and prostate gland secretion. Maca had excellent effect on immunity in epididymal duct and prostate glands. Additionally, Maca had ameliorative role against H2O2 in the testis, epididymal duct and prostate glands of rabbits.