Shehedin A. Morpho-functional and lectin histochemical peculiarities of rat progeny testes developing under the influence of maternal hypo- and hyperthyroidism

Maternal hypothyroidism had significant impact on the morpho-histochemical characteristics of the offspring rat testes. In particular, on the prenatal day 20-th it was detected seminal cords enlargement due to enhanced proliferative activity of their constituent Sertoli cells. On the postnatal day 1-st decreased content of connective tissue interstitium was accompanied with a delay in the physiological involution of fetal Leydig cells in it, increased macrophage content, and a reduced lectin reactivity with testicular components. On the postnatal day 20-th seminal cords of hypothyroidism affected testes showed delayed canalization due to increased proliferative activity of spermatogenic cells. On the postnatal day 40-th the increased proliferative activity of spermatogenic cells was combined with degenerative changes in seminiferous tubules including decreased number, abnormalities of shape and size of spermatogenic cells, destruction of syncytial complexes. During our studies were discovered new possibilities for selective lectin labeling of rat testicular structures. Key words: rats, testicular morphogenesis, maternal hypothyroidism, maternal hyperthyroidism, lectin histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, morphometry. Branch-Medicine.