No description available.

Orientador: Sonia Nair Bao / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-10T17:46:59Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Fiorillo_BrunoSilva_M.pdf: 2862348 bytes, checksum: 42cb5c70d4103ce2bdba326ff2ae1788 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008 / Resumo: As vespas da família Agaonidae, são as únicas entre as vespas de figo que polinizam as figueiras possuindo uma identidade espécie-específica em relação à planta. A relação de polinização das vespas do figo com as figueiras é de um mutualismo obrigatório: a planta necessita das vespas para a dispersão do pólen e para a polinização e, por sua vez, as vespas são completamente dependentes dos figos para que seu ciclo de vida se complete. Essa interação representa talvez o melhor exemplo de mutualismo integrado à polinização que se tem conhecimento. Trabalhos de sistemática com estas vespas são de fundamental importância para estudos de ecologia e evolução. Inúmeros estudos têm demonstrado que a estrutura e a ultra-estrutura do trato reprodutor masculino e dos espermatozóides em Hymenoptera apresentam variações suficientes para gerar caracteres adicionais para as análises cladísticas. Sendo assim, análises estruturais e ultra-estruturais foram realizadas a fim de descrever a morfologia do trato reprodutor masculino e dos espermatozóides em três espécies do gênero Pegoscapus. Para tanto, utilizamos as seguintes metodologias: microscopia de luz utilizando campo claro, contraste de fase e fluorescência para DAPI; microscopia eletrônica de transmissão convencional e citoquímica com E-PTA e microscopia eletrônica de varredura. As espécies de Pegoscapus apresentaram o trato reprodutivo interno e a estrutura básica dos espermatozóides similares a outros Chalcidoidea. Os espermatozóides de duas espécies demonstraram as mesmas características enquanto a terceira apresentou diferenças em relação ao comprimento e à espessura da camada extracelular. Além dessas diferenças, todas as espécies analisadas compartilharam de algumas características: vesícula seminal sem divisões de câmaras; ausência de estruturas acrossomais no espermatozóide; comprimento da camada extracelular e os microtúbulos centrais sendo os primeiros a terminar na seqüência de desmontagem do axonema em sua porção final. Essas características permitem o estabelecimento de um padrão para o gênero Pegoscapus que será útil para futuros estudos filogenéticos do grupo Chalcidoidea / Abstract: The wasps of the family Agaonidae, are the only among fig wasps which pollinate figs, they are also species-specific to their host. The relationship of the pollinating fig wasps with their host fig tree is an obligate mutualism: the tree relies on the wasps for pollen dispersal and pollination, and in turn the wasps are completely dependent on the fig for the completion of their life cycle. This interaction represents perhaps the most tightly integrated pollination mutualism that is known. Systematic works on these wasps are of fundamental importance to ecological and evolutionary studies. Numerous investigations have demonstrated that structure and ultrastructure of the male reproductive tract and spermatozoa in Hymenoptera furnish sufficient variations to provide additional characters for cladistic analysis. Thus, structural and ultrastructural studies were carried out to describe the morphology of the male reproductive tract and the spermatozoa in three species of the genus Pegoscapus. For this study, we employed the methods: light microscopy using bright-field, phase-contrast and DAPI fluorescence; transmission electron microscopy with conventional preparations and cytochemistry (E-PTA) and scanning electron microscopy. Pegoscapus species presented the internal reproductive tract features and the basic sperm structure similar to that of other Chalcidoidea. The spermatozoa of two Pegoscapus species showed the same features while the other presented differences in length and in extracellular sheath thickness. Besides these differences, all species analyzed share some characteristics: the seminal vesicle not divided in chambers; the absence of acrosomal structures in the spermatozoa; the length of the extracellular sheath and the central microtubules being the firsts to terminate in the sequence of microtubular cutoff at the final axonemal portion. These characteristics permit the establishment of a pattern for the genus Pegoscapus that will be useful for phylogenetic studies in Chalcidoidea / Mestrado / Biologia Celular / Doutor em Biologia Celular e Estrutural

Testicular maturation indices (TMI) were determined for wild-caught males of Poecilia mexicana by quantitative analysis of the frequency of ongoing stages of spermatogenesis and spermatid differentiation in sections of testes stained with the Feulgen reaction for DNA. In nature, males maintain essentially constant levels of sperm production throughout the year and show no significant variations in mean TMI values associated with season, microhabitat, standard body length, or rank in male dominance hierarchies. Winter males or males isolated from females in the laboratory show accumulation of mature spermatophores. These findings suggest that fluctuations in the microstructure of wild populations of Poecilia from northeastern Mexico may be due primarily to differences in the temporal scheduling of female reproductive cycles and not to limitations imposed by sperm availability or male reproductive competence. The data are discussed in terms of competitive interactions within unisexual-bisexual breeding complexes involving the Amazon molly P. formosa, its related triploid hybrids, and the bisexual species, P. mexicana.

The studies in this thesis examined piglet gonocyte identification, isolation, purification, preservation and potential for initiation of spermatogenesis after transplantation into irradiated recipient testes. As a first step, we characterized a previously non-described auto-fluorescence in the piglet testis tissue. This auto-fluorescence mainly originated from granules among the testis interstitial cells, and we found that its interference with immuno-fluorescence can be overcome using Sudan black staining. We also showed that porcine gonocytes can be specifically labelled with the lectin Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA). To optimize gonocyte isolation, we found that ~9-fold more live cells could be harvested by enzymatic digestion of testis tissues than with mechanical methods. However, the proportion of gonocytes (~7%) did not differ between the mechanical and enzymatic methods of testis cell isolation. We then developed a novel three-step strategy for isolation of gonocytes by combining enzymatic digestion and vortexing, resulting in a gonocyte proportion of ~40% (~5-fold more than that from conventional methods). For short-term preservation of testis cells, we found that the survival of testis cells under hypothermic conditions was dependent on the cell type, and affected by storage duration, temperature and medium used. More than 80% of live testis cells survived the 6-day hypothermic preservation period in 20% FBS-L15, without visible changes to the cell culture potential or gonocyte proportion. In another experiment where testis tissues were maintained under hypothermic conditions, we found that ~25% of testis cells could survive for 6 days if preserved in HypoThermosol-FRS solution (HTS-FRS), without morphological changes. To purify gonocytes, we showed that centrifugation of testis cells using 17% Nycodenz can lead to precipitation of gonocytes in pellets (with a purity of > 80%). We also found that pre-coating tissue culture plates with both fibronectin and poly-D-lysine can result in the negative selection of gonocytes (with a purity of up to 85%). We subsequently showed that further purification of gonocytes (to > 90%) could be achieved by combining the two latter approaches. To prepare recipients for germ cell transplantation, we used local irradiation of piglet testes which reduced testis growth, decreased seminiferous tubule diameters and completely eliminated spermatogenesis at 4 months post-irradiation. Compared with the absence of endogenous spermatogenesis in the control testes, spermatogenesis up to elongating spermatids was observed in the irradiated testes after gonocyte transplantation. In summary, we investigated several critical elements in the study and manipulation of gonocytes in a large animal model.

The studies in this thesis examined piglet gonocyte identification, isolation, purification, preservation and potential for initiation of spermatogenesis after transplantation into irradiated recipient testes. As a first step, we characterized a previously non-described auto-fluorescence in the piglet testis tissue. This auto-fluorescence mainly originated from granules among the testis interstitial cells, and we found that its interference with immuno-fluorescence can be overcome using Sudan black staining. We also showed that porcine gonocytes can be specifically labelled with the lectin Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA). To optimize gonocyte isolation, we found that ~9-fold more live cells could be harvested by enzymatic digestion of testis tissues than with mechanical methods. However, the proportion of gonocytes (~7%) did not differ between the mechanical and enzymatic methods of testis cell isolation. We then developed a novel three-step strategy for isolation of gonocytes by combining enzymatic digestion and vortexing, resulting in a gonocyte proportion of ~40% (~5-fold more than that from conventional methods). For short-term preservation of testis cells, we found that the survival of testis cells under hypothermic conditions was dependent on the cell type, and affected by storage duration, temperature and medium used. More than 80% of live testis cells survived the 6-day hypothermic preservation period in 20% FBS-L15, without visible changes to the cell culture potential or gonocyte proportion. In another experiment where testis tissues were maintained under hypothermic conditions, we found that ~25% of testis cells could survive for 6 days if preserved in HypoThermosol-FRS solution (HTS-FRS), without morphological changes. To purify gonocytes, we showed that centrifugation of testis cells using 17% Nycodenz can lead to precipitation of gonocytes in pellets (with a purity of > 80%). We also found that pre-coating tissue culture plates with both fibronectin and poly-D-lysine can result in the negative selection of gonocytes (with a purity of up to 85%). We subsequently showed that further purification of gonocytes (to > 90%) could be achieved by combining the two latter approaches. To prepare recipients for germ cell transplantation, we used local irradiation of piglet testes which reduced testis growth, decreased seminiferous tubule diameters and completely eliminated spermatogenesis at 4 months post-irradiation. Compared with the absence of endogenous spermatogenesis in the control testes, spermatogenesis up to elongating spermatids was observed in the irradiated testes after gonocyte transplantation. In summary, we investigated several critical elements in the study and manipulation of gonocytes in a large animal model.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Estudos demonstram que o sobrepeso e a obesidade podem afetar a fertilidade masculina. Além disso, a função tireóidea também esta associada à alteração da função testicular, entretanto, o papel fisiológico dos hormônios tireoideanos na regulação do sistema reprodutor masculino ainda não esta claro. Aos 21 dias de idade, ratos machos receberam uma dieta manipulada contendo diferentes concentrações de óleo de soja até a idade de 30 e 60 dias, os grupos controle (C30, n=6 e C60, n=6), receberam dieta contendo 7% e os grupos hiperlipídicos (HL30, n=6 e HL60, n=6), receberam dieta contendo 19% deste óleo. Ao final de cada período, os animais foram avaliados por DXA (Absorciometria de Raios-x em Duas Energias) e sacrificados por exsanguinação. Para avaliar alterações na estrutura dos tecidos testicular e tireóideo, foram realizados a morfologia e a estereologia. No plasma, para determinar os perfis bioquímico e hormonal, foram avaliados, triglicerídeos, colesterol total, HDL-colesterol, VLDL, glicose e albumina, por métodos colorimétricos e leptina, insulina, T4, T3, TSH e testosterona por radioimunoensaio (RIE). Para evidenciar a expressão de receptor androgênico (AR) em testículos, foi realizado imunomarcação, com anti-AR. Durante todo o período experimental, foram analisados a massa corporal, a ingestão alimentar e o comprimento corporal, os quais permaneceram inalterados. No grupo HL, a massa magra foi menor aos 30 dias, já a gordura corporal total foi maior no mesmo grupo, aos 60 dias nenhuma diferença foi notada entre os grupos. No grupo HL30 não houve diferença quanto à massa dos tecidos, já no grupo HL60, o peso do epidídimo, fígado e gordura visceral mantiveram-se aumentados. No grupo HL30 não houve diferença em relação ao perfil bioquímico, já no grupo HL60, os níveis de glicose, mantiveram-se altos. Quanto às dosagens hormonais no grupo HL30, TSH e leptina estiveram aumentados e T3 reduzido, e no grupo HL60, T3 e leptina estiveram aumentados. Os dados morfométricos e estereológicos de testículo no grupo HL30 mostram aumento no número de túbulos seminíferos e da densidade de comprimento (Lv), já no grupo HL60, há redução no número de túbulos seminíferos e no diâmetro do mesmo. Quanto à expressão de receptor androgênico nas células testiculares, não parece haver diferença entre os grupos independente da idade de consumo da dieta. A dieta hiperlipídica promoveu alterações metabólicas aos 30 dias e modificações na morfologia do tecido tireoidiano e testicular em ambas as idades, o que indica reflexos na função reprodutora. / Studies show that overweight and obesity can affect male fertility. In addition, thyroid function also is associated with the alteration of testicular function, however, the physiological role of thyroid hormones in the regulation of male reproductive system is not yet clear. At 21 days of age, male rats were handled diet containing different concentrations of soy oil until the age of 30 and 60 days, the control group (C30 n=6 , C60 n=6), received a diet containing 7% and the high fat groups (HL30 n=6 , HL60n=6), received diet containing 19 % of this oil. At the end of each period, the animals were assessed by DXA (Absorptiometry X - ray Dual energy) and sacrificed by exsanguination. To assess changes in the structure of the testis and thyroid tissue morphology and stereological were performed. In plasma for determine the hormonal e biochemist profile were evaluated, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, VLDL, glucose and albumin by colorimetric assay and leptin, insulin, T4 , T3 , TSH and testosterone by radioimunoassay (RIA) . To demonstrate the expression of androgen receptor (AR) in testis, imunohistochemistry was performed with anti-AR. During the experimental period, body weight, food intake and body length were analyzed, and remained unchanged. Lean mass was lower at 30 days in the HL group, since the body fat total was higher in the same group, after 60 days, no difference was noted between the groups. In HL group at 30 days no difference was noted, and in same group at 60 days, the weight of the epididymis, liver and visceral fat remained higher. The biochemist profile in HL group at 30 days, there are no differences and at the 60 days in same group the level of glucose remained high. For hormonal dosages at 30 days in HL group, TSH and leptin were increased and T3 reduced, at 60 days in the same group, T3 and leptin were increased. Stereological and morphometric in the group Hl at 30 days, data show increases of number of seminiferous tubule and length density (Lv). At 60 days in the same group there are decreased of number of seminiferous tubule and diameter. The expression of androgen receptor (AR), in testis no differences are seems between the groups independent of the ages of consumption of diet. The fat diet promoted metabolic changes at 30 days and changes in the morphology of thyroid and testicular tissue at both ages, indicating an influence on reproductive function.

Orientadora: Profa Dra Carlos Alberto Silva / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal do ABC, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnociência, 2016. / No Brasil a especie com maior numero de registros de acidentes ofidicos e a serpente Bothrops jararaca (Bj). Os efeitos causados pelo envenenamento amplamente caracterizados sao inflamacao no local, edema, necrose tecidual no local da picada e, acoes sistemicas, como hemorragia, coagulopatia e hipotensao arterial. Os efeitos observados ocorrem em funcao da presenca de metaloproteinases, fosfolipase, disintegrinas e peptideos biologicamente ativos presentes no veneno. Apesar disso, nao ha relatos na literatura sobre os eventuais efeitos do envenenamento no sistema reprodutor masculino de pacientes acidentados. Assim, em linhas gerais, o presente estudo visa avaliar os efeitos de componentes presentes no veneno de Bj sobre o testiculo de camundongos. Animais machos (n=6 por grupo) com 2 meses de idade, com peso entre 30 e 35 g foram separados em dois grupos. No primeiro grupo, estao os animais tratados com fracao peptidica (FP), solucao contendo componentes presentes no veneno de Bj com peso molecular inferior a 10 KDa, via intratesticular (i.t) na dose de 5¿Êg diluida em 20 ¿ÊL de solucao salina em dose unica, enquanto que o outro grupo recebeu FP com concentracao de 5¿Êg diluida em 20 ¿ÊL de solucao salina durante 15 dias via intraperitoneal (i.p). Apos o periodo de tratamento, os animais foram eutanasiados e tiveram os testiculos fixados e submetidos a analises morfologica e morfotmetrica. Posteriormente, um outro grupo de animais (n=6) foi tratado via intramuscular, e fragmentos de musculo e testiculo foram submetidos a analise por FT-Raman. Os resultados mostraram que a FP, quando injetada via i.p ou via i.t, provocam intensas alteracoes no epitelio seminifero. Ainda, a FP promoveu o aumento na quantidade de alguns tipos celulares (Espermatocito paquiteno; Espermatide circular; e Figuras meioticas) com papel importante na espermatogenese quando tratados via i.p, e diminuicao no numero de celulas germinativas (Esermatocito paquiteno; Espermatide circular; Espermatogonia tipo B; e Espermatocito zigoteno) durante os estadios de espermiogenese quando tratados via i.t., sendo que os valores de celulas obtidas apresentam diferencas estatisticas com valor de p<0,05. Para avaliar os efeitos toxicologicos do veneno sobre o testiculo, foi empregada a tecnica FT-Raman, que se mostrou efetiva na caracterizacao do envenenamento analisando fragmentos de musculo estriado esqueletico, assim como, pelas analises morfologica do musculo e niveis sericos de creatino quinase. Entretanto, quando aplicada a tecnica FT-Raman na analise de testiculo, nao foi possivel identificar alteracoes que evidenciaram a acao toxicologica do veneno sobre este orgao. Apesar disso, analise dos espectros pelo estudo dos componentes principais, verificou-se diferencas no grupo tratado com veneno botropico em relacao ao controle. Assim, os dados obervados abrem possibilidades de estudo utilizando outras tecnicas para avaliar niveis de expressao de proteinas importantes que indicam eventuais comprometimentos da espermatogenese. / The Bothrops jararaca snake shows the highest number of accidents recorded by the health ministry in Brazil. The effects caused by envenomation can be characterized by edema, tissue necrosis in the local bite and, systemic actions, such as bleeding, coagulopathy and hypotension. These effects are caused by metalloproteinases, phospholipase, disintegrins andbiologically active peptides present in the venom. However, there are no reports in the literature. In the present study, we evaluated if the envenomation effects induced via i.m cause changes on the testis functionality. Male animals at 2 months of age and weighing between 30g and 35g, were divided into 2 groups. The first one received peptide fraction (FP), solution containing components present in Bj venom with a molecular weight below 10 kDa, with dose about 5ìg diluted in 20ìL of saline solution, via intratestis (i.t) in single dose, while the second group received FP 5ìg diluted in 20ìL of saline solution via intraperitoneal (i.p) once a day, during 15 days. Subsequently another group of animals was poisoned, so induced via intramuscular, and testis and muscle were collected after 24h of treatment, and the fragments were subjected to analysis by FT-Raman. FP affected the seminiferous epithelium structure in the groups treated via i.p. and via i.t. Quantitative analysis of seminiferous epithelium showed an increase of some cell types (Spermatocyte pachytene; Spermatid circular; and Meiotic figures) with an important role in spermatogenesis when treated via i.p., and decrease in the number of germ cells (Spermatocyte pachytene; Spermatid circular; Spermatogonia type B, and Spermatocyte zygotene) during the stages of spermatogenesis when treated via i.t. The differences of number of germ cells obtained between the groups show statistical diference with p value <0.05. To evaluate the toxicological effects of the poison on the testis, we used the FT-Raman. The technique was effective in muscle fragments analyses. confirming morphology analysis and the level of creatine kinase, however, when applied the FT-Raman technique in testicular analysis was not possible to identify changes that can complete toxicological poison action on this body as to derail matured germ cells, although further analysis of the spectra, which uses key components, showed differences, opening possibilities to invest time in different analyzes that can prove or disprove this hypothesis.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Estudos demonstram que o sobrepeso e a obesidade podem afetar a fertilidade masculina. Além disso, a função tireóidea também esta associada à alteração da função testicular, entretanto, o papel fisiológico dos hormônios tireoideanos na regulação do sistema reprodutor masculino ainda não esta claro. Aos 21 dias de idade, ratos machos receberam uma dieta manipulada contendo diferentes concentrações de óleo de soja até a idade de 30 e 60 dias, os grupos controle (C30, n=6 e C60, n=6), receberam dieta contendo 7% e os grupos hiperlipídicos (HL30, n=6 e HL60, n=6), receberam dieta contendo 19% deste óleo. Ao final de cada período, os animais foram avaliados por DXA (Absorciometria de Raios-x em Duas Energias) e sacrificados por exsanguinação. Para avaliar alterações na estrutura dos tecidos testicular e tireóideo, foram realizados a morfologia e a estereologia. No plasma, para determinar os perfis bioquímico e hormonal, foram avaliados, triglicerídeos, colesterol total, HDL-colesterol, VLDL, glicose e albumina, por métodos colorimétricos e leptina, insulina, T4, T3, TSH e testosterona por radioimunoensaio (RIE). Para evidenciar a expressão de receptor androgênico (AR) em testículos, foi realizado imunomarcação, com anti-AR. Durante todo o período experimental, foram analisados a massa corporal, a ingestão alimentar e o comprimento corporal, os quais permaneceram inalterados. No grupo HL, a massa magra foi menor aos 30 dias, já a gordura corporal total foi maior no mesmo grupo, aos 60 dias nenhuma diferença foi notada entre os grupos. No grupo HL30 não houve diferença quanto à massa dos tecidos, já no grupo HL60, o peso do epidídimo, fígado e gordura visceral mantiveram-se aumentados. No grupo HL30 não houve diferença em relação ao perfil bioquímico, já no grupo HL60, os níveis de glicose, mantiveram-se altos. Quanto às dosagens hormonais no grupo HL30, TSH e leptina estiveram aumentados e T3 reduzido, e no grupo HL60, T3 e leptina estiveram aumentados. Os dados morfométricos e estereológicos de testículo no grupo HL30 mostram aumento no número de túbulos seminíferos e da densidade de comprimento (Lv), já no grupo HL60, há redução no número de túbulos seminíferos e no diâmetro do mesmo. Quanto à expressão de receptor androgênico nas células testiculares, não parece haver diferença entre os grupos independente da idade de consumo da dieta. A dieta hiperlipídica promoveu alterações metabólicas aos 30 dias e modificações na morfologia do tecido tireoidiano e testicular em ambas as idades, o que indica reflexos na função reprodutora. / Studies show that overweight and obesity can affect male fertility. In addition, thyroid function also is associated with the alteration of testicular function, however, the physiological role of thyroid hormones in the regulation of male reproductive system is not yet clear. At 21 days of age, male rats were handled diet containing different concentrations of soy oil until the age of 30 and 60 days, the control group (C30 n=6 , C60 n=6), received a diet containing 7% and the high fat groups (HL30 n=6 , HL60n=6), received diet containing 19 % of this oil. At the end of each period, the animals were assessed by DXA (Absorptiometry X - ray Dual energy) and sacrificed by exsanguination. To assess changes in the structure of the testis and thyroid tissue morphology and stereological were performed. In plasma for determine the hormonal e biochemist profile were evaluated, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, VLDL, glucose and albumin by colorimetric assay and leptin, insulin, T4 , T3 , TSH and testosterone by radioimunoassay (RIA) . To demonstrate the expression of androgen receptor (AR) in testis, imunohistochemistry was performed with anti-AR. During the experimental period, body weight, food intake and body length were analyzed, and remained unchanged. Lean mass was lower at 30 days in the HL group, since the body fat total was higher in the same group, after 60 days, no difference was noted between the groups. In HL group at 30 days no difference was noted, and in same group at 60 days, the weight of the epididymis, liver and visceral fat remained higher. The biochemist profile in HL group at 30 days, there are no differences and at the 60 days in same group the level of glucose remained high. For hormonal dosages at 30 days in HL group, TSH and leptin were increased and T3 reduced, at 60 days in the same group, T3 and leptin were increased. Stereological and morphometric in the group Hl at 30 days, data show increases of number of seminiferous tubule and length density (Lv). At 60 days in the same group there are decreased of number of seminiferous tubule and diameter. The expression of androgen receptor (AR), in testis no differences are seems between the groups independent of the ages of consumption of diet. The fat diet promoted metabolic changes at 30 days and changes in the morphology of thyroid and testicular tissue at both ages, indicating an influence on reproductive function.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / Semen analysis is the cornerstone for the investigation of male infertility. Semen quality can be influenced by geographical location, age, ejaculatory abstinence, and season. In 2010, the WHO published criteria for human semen characteristics that were markedly lower than those previously reported. Many reports have discussed the methodology used by the WHO to set the 2010 reference values. Some of the limitations of the WHO (2010) study included an undefined ejaculatory abstinence period, the limited representation of different age groups, and a limitation in geographical representation as the study did not include any data from Africa and Middle East. Therefore, the current cohort study was designed to provide retrospective data on semen quality (Africa and Middle East) and reproductive hormones (Middle East) in patients who underwent semen analysis and endocrine investigation at Andrology Laboratories in South Africa and Qatar.

Low-hierarchy selenoproteins are sensitive to selenium (Se) deficiency and are proposed to confer the protection of body Se against age- and development-related diseases. Selenoprotein H (SELENOH), a low-hierarchy selenoprotein, is greatly downregulated by both dietary Se deficiency and age. To explore physiological roles of SELENOH, Selenoh knockout mice were employed. Segregation analyses demonstrated reduced frequencies of homozygotes and heterozygotes among the neonates of the breeding combinations of Selenoh+/- males vs. Selenoh+/- or Selenoh-/- females, demonstrating essential roles of SELENOH in embryogenesis. Litter sizes from these two breeding groups were comparable with control, suggesting a role of SELENOH in zygotic but not somatic embryogenesis. By contrast, SELENOH was dispensable for longevity in mice. Selenoh-/- males showed azoospermia and a 34%-63% reduction in testis mass in the mice. Histological examination and the analyses of stage-specific markers by qRT-PCR indicated that the Selenoh-/- spermatocytes were arrested in the pachytene stage. Furthermore, GPX4 plausibly accounted for some of the Se loss in the testes because the knockout resulted in a 90% decrease in GPX4 mRNA level. Interestingly, the knockout increased the Selenop and Gpx1 mRNA levels by over 2.3- and 1.9-folds, respectively, but decreased the mRNA amount of Selenov by 99.9% in the testes. As a key component of the meiotic cohesion complex to promote sister chromatid cohesion, Rec8 mRNA amount was reduced by 91.1% in the Selenoh-/- testes aged 42 days. SELENOH knockout did not affect body weight or food intake but resulted in glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in the mice. Additionally, SELENOH knockout reduced the mRNA amounts of Gpx1, Gpx4, and Txnrd1 in the liver and Gpx4 in the skeletal muscle. These findings suggest that SELENOH plays a role in glucose metabolism and regulates body Se metabolism in mice. In summary, results of these three studies unveil essential roles of SELENOH in embryogenesis, spermatogenesis, and glucose tolerance in mice. SELENOH plausibly plays upstream roles to optimize these physiological events in association with the transcriptional regulation of several selenoproteins and meiotic proteins. Future studies are warranted to understand the mechanisms by which SELENOH maintains such developmental and metabolic processes.