To quantify, through stereological and morphometric analysis, spermatogenesis in rats undergoing the natural aging process. Methods: Seventy-two male Wistar rats were divided into 6 equal groups according to age at the time of killing: 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months. All the rats were subjected orchiectomy and collection of testicular parenchymal fragments for histological and morphometric analysis. The numerical density of spermatids was calculated using a stereological study, and morphometric analysis was conducted to measure the height of the germinal epithelium and the area of the seminiferous tubules. Results: We found that the 18 and 24 months groups showed a significant reduction in the number of round spermatids. However, the height of the germinal epithelium was not significantly different between the groups. The area of seminiferous tubules was also significantly reduced in the elderly rats compared to that in the young ones. Conclusion: Aging of rats showed a significant reduction in the number of round spermatids and the area of the seminiferous tubules, more pronounced in the rats at 18 and 24 months of life.
Tessier number 3 cleft is one of the most difficult and challenging malformations to correct for the reconstructive surgeon. Besides the difficulties of its treatment, patients with Tessier number 3 cleft may achieve good results when the team has good skills.
Purpose To evaluate changes in the quantity of elastic fibers in the corpora
cavernosa of rats during the natural aging process, and to assess the degree
of this change by determining volumetric density (Vv) at different ages via
stereological analysis.Methods Forty-eight rats, raised under similar conditions, were subjected to the
natural aging process and divided into four groups (G1 to G4), according to
age at the time of penectomy (6, 9, 12, and 24 months, respectively).
Histological sections of the middle segment of the penis were stained with
Weigert’s resorcin-fuchsin, and the volumetric density (Vv) of elastic
fibers of the corpora cavernosa were determined via stereological
analysis.Results There were no statistically significant differences in Vv among groups G1,
G2, and G3. These three groups were therefore considered as a single group.
The mean Vv of this group showed a statistically significant reduction
compared to that of G4 (0.16 vs. 0.11, p<0.05).Conclusion Natural aging in rats was responsible for a reduction in volumetric density
of elastic fibers of the corpora cavernosa (approximately 30% decrease in
Vv) during senescence.
Conception and design; acquisition, analysis and interpretation of data; histopathological examinations; manuscript preparation and writing; critical revision; final approval.
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