Kisspeptin is a key player and regulator of reproduction and exerts profound effects on male reproductive processes. Degenerative effects of critical regulators of reproduction, the kisspeptin peptides, on cellular aspects of sexually immature male gonads are known but similar information on accessory sex glands remain elusive. This book, therefore, assess the effects of kisspeptin treatment by evaluating the cellular architecture at the light and electron microscopic level and by determining the height of epithelium in seminal vesicles. In addition DNA damage was analyzed by DNA ladder assay and DNA fragmentation assay. Kisspeptin-10 exerted a pronounced inhibitory effect on seminal vesicles. It reduced the height of epithelium and weight of seminal vesicles and caused considerable DNA damage. Light microscopic examination evidenced dilatation of the lumen and lack of intricate epithelial folds. Ultrastructural changes included dilatation of the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi cisterns, a reduction of secretory vesicles and the appearance of autophagic vacuoles. This is the preliminary study of the effect of kisspeptin on seminal vesicles.

Toxicity due to heavy metals is of major concern in Pakistan. Mercury, cadmium, chromium, arsenic, lead, zinc and copper concentrations have increased to alarming levels in the water, soil and air which have become large dumps of industrial effluents. Physiologically, heavy metals can profoundly affect the functioning of the endocrine system and in Pakistan, thyroid related diseases are also very common. Chromium in hexavalent form is highly toxic and a known carcinogen, however as opposed to the trivalent form, its toxic effects on the thyroid structure and function are relatively unexplored. Acute exposure to chromium (VI) can occur in the occupational set up. The present study, therefore, investigated the thyroid gland structure and function following intraperitoneal administration of potassium dichromate (Cr-VI) in laboratory rats.Diverse techniques were employed during the study. The results give an insight to the toxic effects of hexavalent chromium on the thyroid gland and describe how the metal interferes with the functioning of the gland; not only with its morphology but also at cellular and molecular levels.