Age-related changes in the testicular and epididymal sperm parameters in the African greater cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus, temminck, 1827)

This study investigated age-related changes in the testicular and epididymal sperm characteristics and spermiogram profiles in fifteen African greater cane rats (Thryonomys swinderianus) of different age-groups; pubertal: 5 – 11 months, adult: 12 – 30 months and aged: > 30 months, obtained from commercial cane rat farm, Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria. Following a ventral abdominal incision of anaesthetisized cane rats, testes and epididymides were exteriorized for the determination of spermatozoa morphology, motility, concentration, live-dead ratio and morphometry. Spermatozoa head from pubertal cane rat onwards were ovoid in shape and lack visible acrosomal hook. From pubertal to aged cane rat, percentage abnormal sperm cell was not significantly different (p>0.05). Sperm morphometric parameters (sperm length and width or diameter, midpiece length, tail length and complete spermatozoa length) were not significantly (p>0.05) different with age. There was consistent remarkable increased epididymal sperm motility in the adult cane rat relative to other groups. Testicular and epididymal sperm counts were markedly elevated in the adult relative to other age groups. However, both the testicular and epididymal spermatozoa live-dead ratio were not significantly different (p>0.05) from pubertal to aged cane rat. This study has demonstrated that sperm motility and concentration were remarkably elevated in adult cane rat. Therefore, cane rat breeders are advised to utilize adult rat in breeding.Keywords: Sperm characteristics, Spermiogram, Testis, Epididymis, Cane rat, Thryonomys swinderianu

External and internal morphometry of the four-toed hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris wagner, 1841) in Ibadan, Nigeria

Body size and measurements are important determinant of fitness in many species. The four-toed hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) is the most preferred pet species of the hedgehogs and has been found in Africa to be eaten as bush meat and hunted for fertility charms. This puts the animal at risk. The morphometrics of the hedgehog genera has been carried out with little attention to the comparison between its external and internal body parts. This study is therefore aimed at determining the relationships among the external and internal morphometries of A. albiventris in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Twelve (12) adult individuals comprising of 5 males and 7 females were used in this study and were all gotten from the wild in Ibadan, Nigeria. Live weights, external body measurements and weights of some internal organs were measured. Means and standard deviations were calculated. The T-tests and Pearson’s correlation coefficients were conducted at α0.05. The snout length and the tail thickness in males were significantly greater than that of females. Live weights in male correlates significantly with the trunk circumference, while in females it correlates with trunk circumference, body length, lung weight and heart weight. Several significant correlations were established among both external and internal parameters measured. This study revealed a reduction in the size of Atelerix albiventris when compared with the previous similar studies. Factors such as increased hunting and habitat destruction might have been responsible for this.Keywords: Body size, Correlation, Internal organs, Morphometry, Atelerix albiventri

Gallic Acid Ameliorates Bisphenol A-Induced Toxicity in Wistar Rats

Background: Bisphenol A (BPA) has received attention in environmental and toxicological research due to its widespread effects in biological systems. While several anti-oxidants have been used in ameliorating BPA-induced toxicities in experimental animals, there is the scarcity of research information on the use of Gallic acid (GA) in protecting against BPA-induced toxicity. This study investigated the ameliorative effect of Gallic acid in BPA-induced toxicities of the adult male Wistar rats. Methods: Thirty two adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups of eight animals each as follows: Group 1 (Control rats): 0.2 ml of corn oil; Group 2 (GA-treated rats): 20 mg/kg/day GA (dissolved in distilled water); Group 3 (BPA-treated rats): 10 mg/kg/day BPA suspended in 0.2 ml corn oil; Group 4 (BPA+GA-treated rats): BPA (10 mg/kg/day) with a concomitant GA (20 mg/kg/day). All treatments were orally administered for 14 days. Results: BPA significantly increased (P<0.05) in the values of liver function enzymes (ALP, AST, ALT, GGT), total globulin, conjugated globulin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, creatinine, and urea as well as sodium ions. Concomitant treatment with GA ameliorated these elevated values. Moreover, BPA-induced histopathological alterations in the liver and kidney while GA ameliorated them. Conclusion: BPA caused structural and cellular perturbations of the blood, liver, and kidney of rats while concomitant treatment with GA ameliorates the condition. Hence, GA has hepato-protective and nephroprotective actions against BPA-induced toxicity in Wistar rats

Semen characteristics and sperm morphological studies of the West African Dwarf Buck treated with Aloe vera gel extract

Background: Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) is an evergreen perennial plant widely used in modern herbal practice and is often available in proprietary herbal preparations.Objective: This study was designed to investigate the semen picture and spermatozoa morphology of West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks treated with Aloe vera extract.Materials and Methods: Twelve sexually matured WAD bucks, weighing between 11 and 15 kg, were used for the study. The bucks were first used as control (pre-treatment) and later as two groups of six animals each. The first six bucks received 10 mls of the 3% extract while the other six received 10 mls of the 4% of the extract for a 7 day period. Semen was collected from both the 3 and 4% extract treated bucks for the control (pre-treatment), on days eight (first week post-treatment) and fifteen (second week post-treatment) in each case using the electroejaculation method. The spermiogram of the bucks were investigated using standard procedures. Data obtained were analyzed using two way ANOVA and significance reported at p<0.05.Results: The continuous administration of Aloe vera extract significantly (p<0.05) reduced sperm concentration, motility and percentage livability and resulted in increased sperm abnormalities in the WAD buck.Conclusion: Aloe vera adversely affected the spermiogram of bucks. The plant can reduce fertility in male animals and is therefore not recommended for medicinal purpose in male animals especially those used for breeding

Semen characteristics and sperm morphological studies of the West African Dwarf Buck treated with Aloe vera gel extract

Background: Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) is an evergreen perennial plant widely used in modern herbal practice and is often available in proprietary herbal preparations. Objective: This study was designed to investigate the semen picture and spermatozoa morphology of West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks treated with Aloe vera extract. Materials and Methods: Twelve sexually matured WAD bucks, weighing between 11 and 15 kg, were used for the study. The bucks were first used as control (pre-treatment) and later as two groups of six animals each. The first six bucks received 10 mls of the 3% extract while the other six received 10 mls of the 4% of the extract for a 7 day period. Semen was collected from both the 3 and 4% extract treated bucks for the control (pre-treatment), on days eight (first week post-treatment) and fifteen (second week post-treatment) in each case using the electroejaculation method. The spermiogram of the bucks were investigated using standard procedures. Data obtained were analyzed using two way ANOVA and significance reported at p< 0.05. Results: The continuous administration of Aloe vera extract significantly (p < 0.05) reduced sperm concentration, motility and percentage livability and resulted in increased sperm abnormalities in the WAD buck. Conclusion: Aloe vera adversely affected the spermiogram of bucks. The plant can reduce fertility in male animals and is therefore not recommended for medicinal purpose in male animals especially those used for breedin

Chronic exposure of adult male Wistar rats to bisphenol A causes testicular oxidative stress: Role of gallic acid

Objectives. Bisphenol A (BPA) has been reported that among other male reproductive dys-functions, it can cause marked estrogenic effects including alteration in serum hormones as well as testicular lesions in exposed animals. This work sought to study the role of gallic acid (GA), a known antioxidant, on the BPA-induced testicular oxidative stress in adult male Wistar rats using serum hormone analysis, histopathology, and biochemical assays