Toxic impacts of a mixture of three pesticides on the reproduction and oxidative stress in male rats

The present study investigated the toxic effect of a mixture of three pesticides (cypermethrin, mancozeb, and metalaxyl) on reproduction and oxidative stress parameters in male Wistar rats. Animals were treated at doses 1/60, 1/30, and 1/10 LD50 of each pesticide daily in the diet for 08 weeks. At the end of the treatment period, animals were sacrificed by decapitation. The results indicate a decrease in the absolute weight of testes and epididymis, the serum of testosterone hormone, and cholesterol levels. These parameters were significant reduced in males exposed to the mixed pesticides. A reduction in sperm concentration, motility, and viability also was observed. Besides, the ingestion of mixed pesticides at all three concentrations caused a significant decrease in GSH, GPx levels and an increase in MDA levels compared to the control group. This was accompanied by histopathological changes in testis and epididymis of rats such as seminiferous tubules degeneration, decreasing number of spermatogenic cells, edema, expansion of interstitial spaces, cell necrosis, and reducing the diameter of the epididymal tube compared to the control group. Thus, we strongly suggest that the mixture of pesticides causes damages to the male reproductive system.(AU)

Toxic impacts of a mixture of three pesticides on the reproduction and oxidative stress in male rats

The present study investigated the toxic effect of a mixture of three pesticides (cypermethrin, mancozeb, and metalaxyl) on reproduction and oxidative stress parameters in male Wistar rats. Animals were treated at doses 1/60, 1/30, and 1/10 LD50 of each pesticide daily in the diet for 08 weeks. At the end of the treatment period, animals were sacrificed by decapitation. The results indicate a decrease in the absolute weight of testes and epididymis, the serum of testosterone hormone, and cholesterol levels. These parameters were significant reduced in males exposed to the mixed pesticides. A reduction in sperm concentration, motility, and viability also was observed. Besides, the ingestion of mixed pesticides at all three concentrations caused a significant decrease in GSH, GPx levels and an increase in MDA levels compared to the control group. This was accompanied by histopathological changes in testis and epididymis of rats such as seminiferous tubules degeneration, decreasing number of spermatogenic cells, edema, expansion of interstitial spaces, cell necrosis, and reducing the diameter of the epididymal tube compared to the control group. Thus, we strongly suggest that the mixture of pesticides causes damages to the male reproductive system.

Reproductive parameters of lambs immunocastrated with anti-GnRH vaccine

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the testicular biometric, seminal, and plasma testosterone levels in lambs subjected to an anti-GnRH vaccine as a method of castration. Thirty entire, crossbred Santa Inês male lambs were randomly distributed into three treatment (T): T1 was the control group, with the administration of 1 mL of saline solution subcutaneously (SC); 1.0 and 0.5 mL of an anti-GnRH vaccine were administered SC in T2 and T3, respectively. Testicular biometric variables, physical and morphological variables of semen, and plasma testosterone concentrations were evaluated. At D60, there was a reduction in testicular length, width, thickness, and scrotal circumference of the immunocastrated animals regardless of the vaccine dose used (P < 0.05). A reduction in semen physical variables at both dosages (P < 0.05) was observed, with azoospermia, in 80% and 70% of animals in the T2 and T3 groups, respectively. At D60, the immunocastrated animals also showed an increase in spermatozoa defects (P < 0.05), whereas plasma testosterone concentration decreased (P < 0.05). Immunocastration of lambs using the Bopriva vaccine at doses of 1.0 and 0.5 mL is efficient in inducing azoospermia in up to 80% of animals, although two doses in a 30-day interval are necessary for it to be an effective and safe method. Efficacy was demonstrated through a reduction in serum testosterone levels, testicular biometry, and seminal fluid analysis. Considering the efficacy of both doses in this study, we recommend using the lower dose (0.5 mL), which will allow for a 50% reduction in vaccine costs.

Reproductive parameters of lambs immunocastrated with anti-GnRH vaccine

The objective of this study was to evaluate the testicular biometric, seminal, and plasma testosterone levels in lambs subjected to an anti-GnRH vaccine as a method of castration. Thirty entire, crossbred Santa Inês male lambs were randomly distributed into three treatment (T): T1 was the control group, with the administration of 1 mL of saline solution subcutaneously (SC); 1.0 and 0.5 mL of an anti-GnRH vaccine were administered SC in T2 and T3, respectively. Testicular biometric variables, physical and morphological variables of semen, and plasma testosterone concentrations were evaluated. At D60, there was a reduction in testicular length, width, thickness, and scrotal circumference of the immunocastrated animals regardless of the vaccine dose used (P < 0.05). A reduction in semen physical variables at both dosages (P < 0.05) was observed, with azoospermia, in 80% and 70% of animals in the T2 and T3 groups, respectively. At D60, the immunocastrated animals also showed an increase in spermatozoa defects (P < 0.05), whereas plasma testosterone concentration decreased (P < 0.05). Immunocastration of lambs using the Bopriva vaccine at doses of 1.0 and 0.5 mL is efficient in inducing azoospermia in up to 80% of animals, although two doses in a 30-day interval are necessary for it to be an effective and safe method. Efficacy was demonstrated through a reduction in serum testosterone levels, testicular biometry, and seminal fluid analysis. Considering the efficacy of both doses in this study, we recommend using the lower dose (0.5 mL), which will allow for a 50% reduction in vaccine costs.(AU)

The effects of feeding graded levels of whole cottonseed on semen characteristics and testicular profiles of Red Sokoto Bucks

The present work evaluated the effects of feeding graded levels of whole cottonseed on reproductive parameters of Red Sokoto bucks. Twenty Red Sokoto bucks were used for the experiment. After a 14-day pre-treatment period, bucks were assigned for 90 days to one of four isonitrogeneous treatments: control (diet A); 0 mg kg-1of total gossypol, (diet B); 15% mg kg-1of total gossypol, (diet C); 30% mg kg-1of total gossypol and (diet D); 45% mg kg-1of total gossypol.The mean percentage sperm gross motility was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in group D (45% WCS) compared to groups C (30% WCS) and A (control) at days 60, 75 and 90. The mean semen pH and reaction time were not significantly (p > 0.05)different among treatment groups. Semen colour of the bucks in the control group was majorly creamy, in group C (30% WCS) and B (15% WCS) creamy to milky and group D (45% WCS) colourless. The mean semen volume was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in groupsC and A compared to group D (45% WCS) at days 60, 75 and 90. The mean semen concentration was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in group D (45% WCS) when compared to group A (control) at days 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90. Group A (control) bucks had significantly (p < 0.05) higher percentage live sperm compared to those in group D (45% WCS) at days 45, 60, 75 and 90. Mean Sperm morphological abnormalities including detached head, free tail curved tail and midpiece droplets were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in group D (45%) than in group A (Control) at day 15 (for free tails) and day 90 (for all). Testicular and epididymal sperm reserves were higher in animals supplemented with up to 30% whole cottonseed.In conclusion, feeding bucks above 30% WCS resulted in more deleterious effects on the semen characteristics and testicular profile.(AU)

The effects of feeding graded levels of whole cottonseed on semen characteristics and testicular profiles of Red Sokoto Bucks

The present work evaluated the effects of feeding graded levels of whole cottonseed on reproductive parameters of Red Sokoto bucks. Twenty Red Sokoto bucks were used for the experiment. After a 14-day pre-treatment period, bucks were assigned for 90 days to one of four isonitrogeneous treatments: control (diet A); 0 mg kg-1of total gossypol, (diet B); 15% mg kg-1of total gossypol, (diet C); 30% mg kg-1of total gossypol and (diet D); 45% mg kg-1of total gossypol.The mean percentage sperm gross motility was significantly (p 0.05)different among treatment groups. Semen colour of the bucks in the control group was majorly creamy, in group C (30% WCS) and B (15% WCS) creamy to milky and group D (45% WCS) colourless. The mean semen volume was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in groupsC and A compared to group D (45% WCS) at days 60, 75 and 90. The mean semen concentration was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in group D (45% WCS) when compared to group A (control) at days 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90. Group A (control) bucks had significantly (p < 0.05) higher percentage live sperm compared to those in group D (45% WCS) at days 45, 60, 75 and 90. Mean Sperm morphological abnormalities including detached head, free tail curved tail and midpiece droplets were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in group D (45%) than in group A (Control) at day 15 (for free tails) and day 90 (for all). Testicular and epididymal sperm reserves were higher in animals supplemented with up to 30% whole cottonseed.In conclusion, feeding bucks above 30% WCS resulted in more deleterious effects on the semen characteristics and testicular profile.

Effect of pre-pubertal growth rate of Sohagi ram lambs on some physiological parameters and sexual behavioral patterns at puberty

Abstract Thirty healthy Sohagi ram lambs with an average age of 188.6±7.3 days were used to study the effect of pre-pubertal growth rate on some physiological parameters and sexual behavioral patterns at puberty. Ram lambs were divided into three groups (10 animals per each group) according to the previous growth rate until 6 months of age. Groups were marked as fast, medium and slow growing. Animal groups were housed in closed barns with access to an open area. Results showed that age and weight of ram lambs at puberty were significantly affected (P<0.05) by the pre-pubertal growth rate. Ram lambs in the fast growing group were reached to onset puberty firstly at 272.6 days with body weight (BW) 37.1 kg on average then ram lambs in medium group (284.8 days with BW 32.7 kg), while ram lambs in slow growing group were the last (314.1 days with BW 32.5 kg). Blood‎ testosterone‎ concentration at puberty was not significantly different among growing groups (1.494± 0.03 ng/ml on average, ranged from 1.287 to 1.902 ng/ml). Testes measurements from 6 months of age until puberty show that ram lambs in fast growing group had the highest values of testes length, circumference and volume followed by those in medium and slow growing group. Sexual behavioral observation showed that flehmen and mounting behavior were significantly higher for ram lambs in fast growing group (5.63 and 6.75 number/12h) than slow growing group (4.25 and 5.38 number/12h) while in medium growing group were intermediate (4.88 and 5.88 number/12h). From these findings, could be concluded that age, weight and sexual behavioral patterns of Sohagi ram lambs at puberty were affected by pre-pubertal growth rate, and the breeders should strive to achieve good growth rates for their lambs before puberty which led to improving reproductive performance.

Effect of pre-pubertal growth rate of Sohagi ram lambs on some physiological parameters and sexual behavioral patterns at puberty

Thirty healthy Sohagi ram lambs with an average age of 188.6±7.3 days were used to study the effect of pre-pubertal growth rate on some physiological parameters and sexual behavioral patterns at puberty. Ram lambs were divided into three groups (10 animals per each group) according to the previous growth rate until 6 months of age. Groups were marked as fast, medium and slow growing. Animal groups were housed in closed barns with access to an open area. Results showed that age and weight of ram lambs at puberty were significantly affected (P<0.05) by the pre-pubertal growth rate. Ram lambs in the fast growing group were reached to onset puberty firstly at 272.6 days with body weight (BW) 37.1 kg on average then ram lambs in medium group (284.8 days with BW 32.7 kg), while ram lambs in slow growing group were the last (314.1 days with BW 32.5 kg). Blood‎ testosterone‎ concentration at puberty was not significantly different among growing groups (1.494± 0.03 ng/ml on average, ranged from 1.287 to 1.902 ng/ml). Testes measurements from 6 months of age until puberty show that ram lambs in fast growing group had the highest values of testes length, circumference and volume followed by those in medium and slow growing group. Sexual behavioral observation showed that flehmen and mounting behavior were significantly higher for ram lambs in fast growing group (5.63 and 6.75 number/12h) than slow growing group (4.25 and 5.38 number/12h) while in medium growing group were intermediate (4.88 and 5.88 number/12h). From these findings, could be concluded that age, weight and sexual behavioral patterns of Sohagi ram lambs at puberty were affected by pre-pubertal growth rate, and the breeders should strive to achieve good growth rates for their lambs before puberty which led to improving reproductive performance.(AU)

Feeding behavior of Arabi and Najdi lambs and its relationship withthe physiological performance

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between biochemical, hematological parameters and the feeding behavior in two Iraqi sheep breeds (Najdi and Arabi). The trials were conducted on 12 healthy (6 lambs per breed). Blood samples were collected on days 0 and over 30 of the experiment. The feeding behavior was recorded from 7:00 to 7:30 in the morning daily. The final body weight, average daily gain, daily food consumption, eating time and feed compete were a significant (P < 0.05) increase in Najdi lambs in comparison with Arabi lambs. The concentration of cholesterol was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in Najdi lambs before and after 30 days of the experiment. Copper concentration was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in Najdi blood`s as compared with Arabi. Experimental periods observed significantly (P < 0.05) differences in serum phosphorus levels. The percentage of Neutrophils cells were decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in Najdi lambs in comparison with Arabi before and after the experiment. Serum testosterone hormone concentration was increased significantly (P < 0.05) in Najdi lambs in comparison with Arabi, especially at the end of the experiment. Generally, there were no significant (P < 0.05) differences observed between two breeds in the daily water consumption, levels of glucose, total protein, albumin, phosphorus, Fe, zinc, and most of the hematological parameters.(AU)

Effect of the injection of vitamins AD3E and the seasons on some blood traits, biochemical components and hormones of Arabi rams

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the injection of different levels of AD3E vitamins in improving the productivity and reproductive performance of the Arabi rams in different seasons. This study was conducted in the animal field of the College of Agriculture - University of Basrah, Karmat Ali, for the period from December 2017 to March 2018 (three months winter) and June 2018 until September 2018 (three months in summer). The study used 21 Arabi sheep with 2.5 years old and weights from 55 to 60 kg, the animals were randomly distributed to three equal groups (each group of 7 rams). The control group was injected with a saline solution (distilled water), the second group with 2 ml of vitamin AD3E and the third group with 4 ml of vitamin AD3E, the injection was performed every two weeks. One month after the injection, the blood samples were collected (4 ml) from the jugular vein. Blood tests (RBC, Hb, PCV, and WBC) and blood plasma separation were performed. The chemical components (total protein, albumin, globulin), some enzymes (AST, ALT), and the hormones (testosterone, ICSH, FSH, and cortisol) were estimated. The summer months significantly (P < 0.05) affected the concentration of hormones (testosterone, ICSH, FSH, and cortisol). AST and ALT of Group 3 was significantly higher (P < 0.05) compared to the rest of the months. Total protein concentration, albumin, and globulin during December, August, and January were significantly higher (P < 0.05) over the rest of the months. G3 was also significantly higher (P < 0.05) than G2 and G1 in concentration. The results showed that WBC, PCV, Hb, and RBC of G3 recorded the highest values (P < 0.05) compared with G2 and G1 during summer.(AU)

Effects of combining immunocastration and ß-adrenergic agonists on the blood metabolites and their correlations with performance and carcass traits of finished Nellore cattle

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of combining immunocastration and ß-adrenergic agonists (ß-AA) on blood metabolites and their correlations with performance and carcass traits of Nellore cattle. Ninety-six Nellore males were distributed in a randomized block design with a 2×3 factorial arrangement. The factors were two sexual conditions (immunocastrated and non-castrated), and three diets (control, with no inclusion of ß-AA; RH, with 300 mg of ractopamine hydrochloride/d; and ZH, with 80 mg of zilpaterol hydrochloride/animal/d). The trial was conducted during 100 d, during which animals were fed ZH and RH for the last 30 and 33 d, respectively. Blood metabolites related to lipid and protein metabolism were assessed at the baseline (0 d of ß-AA supplementation) and after 13 and 30 d of ß-AA supplementation. No effect of sexual condition × ß-AA supplementation × time on feed interaction was observed. Combining immunocastration with ß-AA supplementation modified cholesterol and non-esterified fatty acids concentrations without affecting protein metabolism. Immunocastration enhances lipogenesis and reduces skeletal muscle accretion by increasing high-density lipoprotein and triglycerides concentrations and decreasing creatinine and creatine kinase concentrations, respectively. Zilpaterol hydrochloride enhances skeletal muscle accretion by decreasing urea and total protein concentrations and increases creatinine and creatine kinase concentrations without modifying lipid metabolism.(AU)

Feeding behavior of Arabi and Najdi lambs and its relationship withthe physiological performance

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between biochemical, hematological parameters and the feeding behavior in two Iraqi sheep breeds (Najdi and Arabi). The trials were conducted on 12 healthy (6 lambs per breed). Blood samples were collected on days 0 and over 30 of the experiment. The feeding behavior was recorded from 7:00 to 7:30 in the morning daily. The final body weight, average daily gain, daily food consumption, eating time and feed compete were a significant (P < 0.05) increase in Najdi lambs in comparison with Arabi lambs. The concentration of cholesterol was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in Najdi lambs before and after 30 days of the experiment. Copper concentration was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in Najdi blood`s as compared with Arabi. Experimental periods observed significantly (P < 0.05) differences in serum phosphorus levels. The percentage of Neutrophils cells were decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in Najdi lambs in comparison with Arabi before and after the experiment. Serum testosterone hormone concentration was increased significantly (P < 0.05) in Najdi lambs in comparison with Arabi, especially at the end of the experiment. Generally, there were no significant (P < 0.05) differences observed between two breeds in the daily water consumption, levels of glucose, total protein, albumin, phosphorus, Fe, zinc, and most of the hematological parameters.

Effect of the injection of vitamins AD3E and the seasons on some blood traits, biochemical components and hormones of Arabi rams

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the injection of different levels of AD3E vitamins in improving the productivity and reproductive performance of the Arabi rams in different seasons. This study was conducted in the animal field of the College of Agriculture - University of Basrah, Karmat Ali, for the period from December 2017 to March 2018 (three months winter) and June 2018 until September 2018 (three months in summer). The study used 21 Arabi sheep with 2.5 years old and weights from 55 to 60 kg, the animals were randomly distributed to three equal groups (each group of 7 rams). The control group was injected with a saline solution (distilled water), the second group with 2 ml of vitamin AD3E and the third group with 4 ml of vitamin AD3E, the injection was performed every two weeks. One month after the injection, the blood samples were collected (4 ml) from the jugular vein. Blood tests (RBC, Hb, PCV, and WBC) and blood plasma separation were performed. The chemical components (total protein, albumin, globulin), some enzymes (AST, ALT), and the hormones (testosterone, ICSH, FSH, and cortisol) were estimated. The summer months significantly (P < 0.05) affected the concentration of hormones (testosterone, ICSH, FSH, and cortisol). AST and ALT of Group 3 was significantly higher (P < 0.05) compared to the rest of the months. Total protein concentration, albumin, and globulin during December, August, and January were significantly higher (P < 0.05) over the rest of the months. G3 was also significantly higher (P < 0.05) than G2 and G1 in concentration. The results showed that WBC, PCV, Hb, and RBC of G3 recorded the highest values (P < 0.05) compared with G2 and G1 during summer.

Parâmetros espermáticos e fisiológicos de varrões criados em clima semi-árido / Spermatic and physiological parameters variation of boars created in semi-arid climate

Este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar a influência das variações ambientais sobre parâmetros espermáticos, fisiológicos e níveis séricos de testosterona em varrões. Utilizouse 8 varrões mestiços (12 e 36 meses), submetidos a coletas de sêmen semanais. Foram coletados dados: temperatura ambiente (TA), umidade relativa do ar (UA), índice de temperatura e umidade (ITU), concentração, volume, total de espermatozoides, vigor e motilidade espermáticos, temperatura retal (TR), temperatura escrotal (TE) e níveis séricos de testosterona. Os 18 meses experimentais foram divididos em trimestres: julho a setembro; outubro a dezembro; janeiro a março; abril a junho e os reprodutores distribuídos em três faixas etárias 12, 24 e 36 meses. Maiores médias de TA e ITU foram registrados no período E2. Enquanto TA, UA e ITU mais baixos, foram observados nos períodos E1 e E5. Observou-se efeito da interação trimestre x idade dos varrões para todas as variáveis analisadas, exceto para vigor espermático o qual sofreu efeito apenas da idade dos machos (p<0,05) e para os níveis de testosterona que não diferiu entre trimestres ou entre faixas etárias. Concentrações espermáticas baixas foram observadas em E5 para varrões com 12 e 24 meses (p<0,05). Animais mais jovens produziram um menor volume de sêmen em E2 a E4. Observou-se redução do total de espermatozoides e da motilidade em animais jovens em E2. Maiores médias de TE e TR foram observadas nos períodos E2 e E3 em varrões de diferentes idades. Condições ambientais podem influenciar parâmetros espermáticos e fisiológicos de varrões, portanto devem ser consideradas para a garantia de uma produção espermática uniforme durante o ano.

This study aimed to verify the influence of environmental variations on sperm, physiological parameters and serum testosterone levels in boars. Eight crossbred boars were used (12 and 36 months), subjected to weekly semen collections. The following data were collected: temperature (TA), relative humidity (UA), temperature-humidity index (UTI), concentration, volume, total sperm, spermatic vigor and motility, rectal temperature (RT), scrotal temperature (TE) and serum testosterone levels. The 18 experimental months were divided into quarters: July to September; October to December; January to March; April to June and the breeders were distributed in three age groups 12, 24 and 36 months. Higher TA and ITU averages were recorded in the E2 period. While lower TA, UA and ITU were observed in periods E1 and E5. An effect of the quarter-age interaction of the boars was observed for all variables analyzed, except for sperm vigor, which was affected only by the age of the males (p<0.05) and and for testosterone levels that did not differ between quarters or between age groups. Lower sperm concentrations were observed in E5 for boars with 12 and 24 months (p<0.05). Younger animals produced a lower volume of semen at E2 to E4. In the warmest period (E2), there was a reduction in the total semen sperm cells and motility in young animals. Higher means of scrotal and rectal temperature were observed in periods E2 and E3 in boars of different ages, whereas the lowest values were recorded in E5, which corresponded to the period with the lowest UTI. Environmental conditions can influence sperm and physiological parameters of boars, so they must be considered to ensure uniform sperm production throughout the year.

Parâmetros espermáticos e fisiológicos de varrões criados em clima semi-árido / Spermatic and physiological parameters variation of boars created in semi-arid climate

Este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar a influência das variações ambientais sobre parâmetros espermáticos, fisiológicos e níveis séricos de testosterona em varrões. Utilizouse 8 varrões mestiços (12 e 36 meses), submetidos a coletas de sêmen semanais. Foram coletados dados: temperatura ambiente (TA), umidade relativa do ar (UA), índice de temperatura e umidade (ITU), concentração, volume, total de espermatozoides, vigor e motilidade espermáticos, temperatura retal (TR), temperatura escrotal (TE) e níveis séricos de testosterona. Os 18 meses experimentais foram divididos em trimestres: julho a setembro; outubro a dezembro; janeiro a março; abril a junho e os reprodutores distribuídos em três faixas etárias 12, 24 e 36 meses. Maiores médias de TA e ITU foram registrados no período E2. Enquanto TA, UA e ITU mais baixos, foram observados nos períodos E1 e E5. Observou-se efeito da interação trimestre x idade dos varrões para todas as variáveis analisadas, exceto para vigor espermático o qual sofreu efeito apenas da idade dos machos (p<0,05) e para os níveis de testosterona que não diferiu entre trimestres ou entre faixas etárias. Concentrações espermáticas baixas foram observadas em E5 para varrões com 12 e 24 meses (p<0,05). Animais mais jovens produziram um menor volume de sêmen em E2 a E4. Observou-se redução do total de espermatozoides e da motilidade em animais jovens em E2. Maiores médias de TE e TR foram observadas nos períodos E2 e E3 em varrões de diferentes idades. Condições ambientais podem influenciar parâmetros espermáticos e fisiológicos de varrões, portanto devem ser consideradas para a garantia de uma produção espermática uniforme durante o ano.(AU)

This study aimed to verify the influence of environmental variations on sperm, physiological parameters and serum testosterone levels in boars. Eight crossbred boars were used (12 and 36 months), subjected to weekly semen collections. The following data were collected: temperature (TA), relative humidity (UA), temperature-humidity index (UTI), concentration, volume, total sperm, spermatic vigor and motility, rectal temperature (RT), scrotal temperature (TE) and serum testosterone levels. The 18 experimental months were divided into quarters: July to September; October to December; January to March; April to June and the breeders were distributed in three age groups 12, 24 and 36 months. Higher TA and ITU averages were recorded in the E2 period. While lower TA, UA and ITU were observed in periods E1 and E5. An effect of the quarter-age interaction of the boars was observed for all variables analyzed, except for sperm vigor, which was affected only by the age of the males (p<0.05) and and for testosterone levels that did not differ between quarters or between age groups. Lower sperm concentrations were observed in E5 for boars with 12 and 24 months (p<0.05). Younger animals produced a lower volume of semen at E2 to E4. In the warmest period (E2), there was a reduction in the total semen sperm cells and motility in young animals. Higher means of scrotal and rectal temperature were observed in periods E2 and E3 in boars of different ages, whereas the lowest values were recorded in E5, which corresponded to the period with the lowest UTI. Environmental conditions can influence sperm and physiological parameters of boars, so they must be considered to ensure uniform sperm production throughout the year.(AU)

Effect of bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide treatment on duck Leydig cells

This study aimed to investigate the effects of bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on hormone production and gene expression in duck Leydig cells and its underlying mechanisms. Leydig cells were collected from 200-day-old mallard ducks and divided into five treatment groups (0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 ng/mL LPS). After treatment with LPS for 6, 12, 24, and 48 h, testosterone, activin, and inhibin levels in the cell supernatants were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The expression levels of testosterone synthesis-related genes, including steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), and cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450arom), and reproductive-related genes, including gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone receptor (GnIHR), follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), and luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) were detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). We successfully isolated and cultured duck Leydig cells with cell purity above 90%. Compared with the control group, the levels of testosterone, activin, and inhibin secreted in Leydig cells decreased gradually with increasing LPS concentration. After treatment with LPS, the expression of StAR and 3β-HSD genes in Leydig cells was upregulated at 12 h, and that of GnIHR was upregulated at 24 h; whereas the expression of FSHR and LHR was reduced at 24 h. This study indicates that LPS can inhibit the secretion of hormones and regulate the expression of related genes in duck Leydig cells.(AU)

Effect of bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide treatment on duck Leydig cells

This study aimed to investigate the effects of bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on hormone production and gene expression in duck Leydig cells and its underlying mechanisms. Leydig cells were collected from 200-day-old mallard ducks and divided into five treatment groups (0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 ng/mL LPS). After treatment with LPS for 6, 12, 24, and 48 h, testosterone, activin, and inhibin levels in the cell supernatants were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The expression levels of testosterone synthesis-related genes, including steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), and cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450arom), and reproductive-related genes, including gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone receptor (GnIHR), follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), and luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) were detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). We successfully isolated and cultured duck Leydig cells with cell purity above 90%. Compared with the control group, the levels of testosterone, activin, and inhibin secreted in Leydig cells decreased gradually with increasing LPS concentration. After treatment with LPS, the expression of StAR and 3β-HSD genes in Leydig cells was upregulated at 12 h, and that of GnIHR was upregulated at 24 h; whereas the expression of FSHR and LHR was reduced at 24 h. This study indicates that LPS can inhibit the secretion of hormones and regulate the expression of related genes in duck Leydig cells.

Hormonal and ultrasonographic characterization of the seasonal reproductive cycle of male and female Crotalus durissus terrificus

Research concerning to characterize seasonal reproductive cycle in males and females of Crotalus durissus terrificus by ultrasound and hormonal measurement. Reproductive aspects (follicular and testicular cycles, and pregnancy) from 28 adult snakes (14 males and 14 females) during different months of the years were studied. Snakes housed individually in cages in an environment with controlled luminosity and humidity, and fed monthly. Females were examined by ultrasound during quiescence and active follicular phase, and pregnancy for follicular and embryo/fetal development. Males were evaluated to testicular echotexture and measurements during reproductive and non-reproductive season. The blood samples were collected from males and females for serum testosterone and progesterone determination, respectively. In 77% males the testes were identified by ultrasound and found increased size during summer, decreased serum testosterone in winter, and positive correlation between serum testosterone and testes size. There was no change in testicular echotexture in according to season. Testosterone concentration was decreased during winter and it was positively correlated with testes size. In 71% females, were observed follicular development (vitellogenesis) and gestation since winter to spring by ultrasonography. Parturition occurred mainly in summer. Pregnancy length was 123.0 ± 11.4 days, with mean 6.9 ± 1.5 newborns/female, and there was gradual increase of serum progesterone during this period. There was no variation in progesterone concentration in nongravid females. Males and females Tropical Rattlesnake show seasonal variation of reproductive cycle and was clear a biennial cycle in female. The ultrasonography can be considered an essential tool to accomplish the follicular development, pregnancy and testicular alterations in Tropical Rattlesnake.(AU)

Hormonal and ultrasonographic characterization of the seasonal reproductive cycle of male and female Crotalus durissus terrificus

Research concerning to characterize seasonal reproductive cycle in males and females of Crotalus durissus terrificus by ultrasound and hormonal measurement. Reproductive aspects (follicular and testicular cycles, and pregnancy) from 28 adult snakes (14 males and 14 females) during different months of the years were studied. Snakes housed individually in cages in an environment with controlled luminosity and humidity, and fed monthly. Females were examined by ultrasound during quiescence and active follicular phase, and pregnancy for follicular and embryo/fetal development. Males were evaluated to testicular echotexture and measurements during reproductive and non-reproductive season. The blood samples were collected from males and females for serum testosterone and progesterone determination, respectively. In 77% males the testes were identified by ultrasound and found increased size during summer, decreased serum testosterone in winter, and positive correlation between serum testosterone and testes size. There was no change in testicular echotexture in according to season. Testosterone concentration was decreased during winter and it was positively correlated with testes size. In 71% females, were observed follicular development (vitellogenesis) and gestation since winter to spring by ultrasonography. Parturition occurred mainly in summer. Pregnancy length was 123.0 ± 11.4 days, with mean 6.9 ± 1.5 newborns/female, and there was gradual increase of serum progesterone during this period. There was no variation in progesterone concentration in nongravid females. Males and females Tropical Rattlesnake show seasonal variation of reproductive cycle and was clear a biennial cycle in female. The ultrasonography can be considered an essential tool to accomplish the follicular development, pregnancy and testicular alterations in Tropical Rattlesnake.

The effect of different hormones and antibiotics on activity of ast enzyme and its isozymes in Wistar rats

Background: One of the valuable tests for diagnosis of cardiovascular and liver diseases is measuring of AST activity. One of the main enzymes of transaminases group is aspartate aminotransferase. Previous Studies have shown that some alteration may occur in mitochondria function as the result of different disease or taking different medication; these changes in mitochondrial and cytosolic AST isozymes can be the sign of disorders. According to the role of steroid hormone in induction of its effects on protein synthesis genes, this study is conducted to shed some light on mechanisms and the interference of steroid hormones and antibiotics.Materials, Methods & Results: In this study, male Wistar rats were injected intramuscularly with Testosterone, progesterone and estradiol; while tetracycline and streptomycin injections were intraperitoneal. Testosterone, progesterone and estradiol injections were carried out in a short-term (15 days) and long-term (45 days) periods. Steroid hormones were dissolved in sesame in a way that by each injection, 0.2 mL sesame oil (containing specific amount of hormone) was injected to the rat. Control group was kept in the same condition except that their sesame oil injection contained no hormone. Tetracycline and Streptomycin injection was carried out for 5 days at 7 am and pm, at 50 mg/kg dosage intraperitoneally. In short- and long-term periods, rats were divided into four groups of 6-member. The concentrations were the same in the periods and 0.2 mL sesame oil was injected intramuscularly. 1 mg testosterone, 12 mg progesterone and 0.2 mg estradiol were intramuscularly injected to rats in group 2, 3 and 4, respectively [10]. Rats were divided into 9 six-member groups as follows:[...]