Biomaterial Database

Effects of hypophysectomy on the testis of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.). 1986

I A Khan, and E Lopez, and J Leloup-Hâtey

The pituitary control of testis activity in the freshwater silver European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) was investigated by study of some variations of gonad structure and particularly changes in plasma levels of testosterone and 11-oxotestosterone (radioimmunoassay) following hypophysectomy. Germ cells comprised only spermatogonia, which were associated with Sertoli cells to form cysts. No mitotic activity of spermatogonia was observed. Gonadosomatic index (GSI) was low. Plasma levels of the main androgens (testosterone, 11-oxotestosterone) were under 1 ng ml-1. The male gonad appeared immature. After hypophysectomy, GSI decreased rapidly and cysts of germ cells were rapidly dissociated. Plasma level of testosterone decreased significantly, whereas that of 11-oxotestosterone increased significantly. These changes were not observed in sham-operated eels. Thus pituitary control appears essential for the maintenance of structural organization and secretory activity of the immature testis.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007016	Hypophysectomy	Surgical removal or destruction of the hypophysis, or pituitary gland. (Dorland, 28th ed)	Hypophysectomies
D008297	Male		Males
D000811	Anguilla	A genus in the Family Anguillidae, Order Anguilliformes, that includes fresh water eels.	Anguillas
D000818	Animals	Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA.	Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D013737	Testis	The male gonad containing two functional parts: the SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES for the production and transport of male germ cells (SPERMATOGENESIS) and the interstitial compartment containing LEYDIG CELLS that produce ANDROGENS.	Testicles,Testes,Testicle
D013739	Testosterone	A potent androgenic steroid and major product secreted by the LEYDIG CELLS of the TESTIS. Its production is stimulated by LUTEINIZING HORMONE from the PITUITARY GLAND. In turn, testosterone exerts feedback control of the pituitary LH and FSH secretion. Depending on the tissues, testosterone can be further converted to DIHYDROTESTOSTERONE or ESTRADIOL.	17-beta-Hydroxy-4-Androsten-3-one,17-beta-Hydroxy-8 alpha-4-Androsten-3-one,8-Isotestosterone,AndroGel,Androderm,Andropatch,Androtop,Histerone,Sterotate,Sustanon,Testim,Testoderm,Testolin,Testopel,Testosterone Sulfate,17 beta Hydroxy 4 Androsten 3 one,17 beta Hydroxy 8 alpha 4 Androsten 3 one,8 Isotestosterone