Protecting developing and maturing spermatozoa and reproductive tissues from microbial damage is an emerging aspect of research in reproductive physiology. Bacterial, viral, and yeast infections of the testis and epididymis can hinder maturation and movement of spermatozoa, resulting in impaired fertility. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a broad family of innate immunity receptors that play critical roles in detecting and responding to invading pathogens. Objectives of this study were to determine if organs of the rat male reproductive tract express mRNAs for members of the TLR family, to characterize expression patterns for TLRs in different regions of the epididymis, and to determine if TLR adaptor and target proteins are present in the male reproductive tract. Messenger RNA for Tlr1-Tlr9 was abundantly expressed in testis, epididymis, and vas deferens, as determined by RT-PCR, while Tlr10 and Tlr11 were less abundantly expressed. Tlr mRNA expression showed no region-specific patterns in the epididymis. Immunoblot analysis revealed relatively equal levels of protein for TLRs 1, 2, 4, and 6 in testis, all regions of the epididymis and vas deferens, and lower levels of TLRs 3, 5, and 9-11. TLR7 was primarily detected in the testis. The TLR adapter proteins, myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 and TLR adaptor molecule 1, as well as v-rel reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene homolog and NFKBIA, were prominent in testis, epididymis, and vas deferens. The abundant expression of a majority of TLR family members together with expression of TLR adaptors and activation targets provides strong evidence that TLRs play important roles in innate immunity of the male reproductive tract.

Nanocrystalline zirconia powders stabilized with varying concentration of yttria (YSZ) were synthesized following urea solution combustion route. Thermogravimetric analysis combined with differential scanning calorimetry was carried out for the intermediate gel for analyzing reaction kinetics. The final products were characterized by X-ray diffractometry, transmission electron microscopy and specific surface area measurements. Sintering behavior of theses powders were studied. The powder quality is poor in respect of surface area and sintered density.

Specific and non-specific immune response to different doses of formalin killed whole cell vaccine of Aeromonas hydrophila to Indian major carp (Labeo rohita) was evaluated in laboratory condition. Three different doses (10(5) CFU/ml, 10(7) CFU/ml, 10(10) CFU/ml) were administered (0.2 ml/fish) intraperitoneally for 1 month. Among the three doses, 10(10) CFU/ml elicited the highest antibody and protective response followed by the doses 10(7) CFU/ml and 10(5) CFU/ml. Upon challenge with the virulent strain of A. hydrophila, the relative percentage of survival was recorded up to 80% at highest dose of 10(10) CFU/ml. The non-specific responses, similar to the specific immune responses were also maximum at highest dose of 10(10) CFU/ml. Similar to the specific immune responses, the non-specific responses were maximum at highest dose of 10(10) CFU/ml. Therefore, dose containing 10(10) CFU/ml of formalin killed cells was found to be the most effective dose for vaccination which increased the immunity in Indian major carp (Labeo rohita) to a larger extent.