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Garlic ( Allium sativum ) feeding impairs Sertoli cell junctional proteins in male Wistar rat testis: microscopy study
Author(s) -
Hammami I.,
Nahdi A.,
Atig F.,
El May A.,
El May M. V.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
andrologia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.633
H-Index - 59
eISSN - 1439-0272
pISSN - 0303-4569
DOI - 10.1111/and.12574
Subject(s) - sertoli cell , spermatogenesis , tight junction , endoplasmic reticulum , microbiology and biotechnology , cell junction , blood–testis barrier , connexin , biology , adherens junction , gap junction , ultrastructure , germ cell , allium sativum , cell , endocrinology , anatomy , cadherin , biochemistry , intracellular , botany , gene
Summary Sertoli cell junctions, such as adhesion junction ( AJ ), gap junction ( GJ ) and tight junction ( TJ ), are important for maintaining spermatogenesis. In previous studies, we showed the inhibitory effect of crude garlic ( Allium sativum , As) on spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. The aim of this work was to complete our investigation on the impact of this plant, especially on Sertoli cell junctional proteins ( SCJP s). During 1 month, 24 male rats were divided into groups: group control (0% of As) and treated groups fed 5%, 10% and 15% of As. Light and electron microscopy observations were performed to localise junctional proteins: connexin‐43, Zona Occluding‐1 and N‐cadherin (immunohistochemistry) and to describe junctions. We showed that the specific cells involved in the localisation of the SCJP were similar in both control and treated groups, but with different immunoreactivity intensity between them. The electron microscopy observation focused on TJ s between Sertoli cells, constituting the blood–testis barrier, showed ultrastructural changes such as fragmentation of TJ s between adjacent Sertoli cell membranes and dilatation of rough endoplasmic reticulum saccules giving an aspect of scale to these junctions. We concluded that crude garlic consumption during 1 month induces perturbations on Sertoli cell junctions. These alterations can explain apoptosis in testicular germ cells previously showed.