Silencing myostatin increases area fraction of smooth muscle in the corpus cavernosum of pigs.

Myostatin (MSTN), an inhibitor of skeletal muscle growth, is also expressed in penile smooth muscle; however, it is unclear whether MSTN plays an inhibitory role in penile smooth muscle growth. We investigated the role of MSTN in the smooth muscle of the penile corpus cavernosum of pigs using MSTN homozygous mutant knockout (KO) and wild type (WT) pigs (n = 4 in each group). The mean of area fraction (%) of smooth muscle in the penile corpus cavernosum was 65.9 % ± 1.79 in the KO and approximately 41.7 % ± 5.39 in the WT (P < 0.001). KO pigs showed significantly increased expression of smooth muscle-specific genes, including smooth muscle protein 22 (TAGLN) (6.62-fold), smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (MYH11) (2.41-fold), myocardin (MYOCD) (3.05-fold), and serum response factor (SRF) (4.95-fold), and decreased expression of vimentin (VIM) (1.36-fold). Immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting showed smooth muscle-specific expression of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) and calponin was higher in KO pigs (P < 0.05) than in WT pigs. KO pigs had less fat deposition inside the corpus cavernosum, and showed downregulation of adiponectin (ADIPOQ) and fatty acid synthase (FASN) (2.5-fold and 1.9-fold loss, respectively). In vitro experiments showed MSTN interference promoted corporal smooth muscle cell growth and expression of smooth muscle-specific markers, whereas it downregulated the expression of fat-specific genes, ADIPOQ and FASN. MSTN inhibition could promote smooth muscle growth and decrease fat deposition in the corpus cavernosum. MSTN, thus, could be a possible target for the treatment of smooth muscle dystrophy-related disorders such as erectile dysfunction.

Aetiological analysis and diagnosis of reproductive disorders in male dromedary camels.

The purpose of this paper was to analyse the aetiology and methods of diagnosing reproductive disorders in male dromedary camels. Male camel infertility manifests as one of three conditions: post-coital infertility (IG), inability to copulate (IC) and lack of sexual desire (LSD). IG is mainly a testicular disorder that is linked to a deteriorated seminogram, arrested spermatogenesis, Sertoli cell-only syndrome and testicular degeneration. For IG diagnosis, semen analysis, testicular biopsy and fine-needle aspiration are gold standards. Testicular ultrasonography was generally inefficient. High serum FSH was found in IG camels with oligo- and azoospermia, implying primary spermatogenesis defects. The testis-expressed protein (TEX101) and the epididymis-expressed protein (ECM1) are reliable biomarkers for distinguishing between obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia. IC manifests in two forms: phimosis (PHI) and erectile dysfunction (ED). PHI is frequently linked to preputial and penile pathologies, as well as leucocytosis, neutrophilia and elevated nitric oxide metabolites. The majority of camels with ED have normal genital organs, and the condition is associated with an increase in cardiac troponin I. LSD is a rare disorder brought on by hormonal imbalances, high temperatures, stress and debilitating diseases. In conclusion, IG diagnosis necessitates semen analysis, testicular biopsy or fine-needle aspiration, and FSH testing, whereas IC diagnosis requires preputial and penile examinations. Diagnostic aids include serum and seminal biomarkers.

Erectile dysfunction in male dromedary camels: Clinical findings and changes in the nitric oxide metabolite, cardiac troponin I and testosterone concentrations.

This study aimed to clarify the phenomenon of erectile dysfunction (ED) in male camels and monitor the associated changes in nitric oxide metabolite (NOM), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), and testosterone concentrations. A total 18 camels with ED and 10 controls were included in this study. The breeding history was recorded and a thorough breeding soundness examination was performed. Total nitrates and nitrites were determined in sera using the Griess assay. Serum cTnI and testosterone were assessed using ELISA. A complete blood count was also carried out. The results showed that 13/18 male camels with ED had no detectable pathologic lesions in the genital tract (ED-N), while 5/18 males showed pathology in the penis, prepuce, and testicles (ED-P). The ED-P group exhibited higher concentrations of NOMs (P = 0.003), white blood cells (P = 0.0001), and neutrophils (P = 0.001) than the ED-N and control groups. The ED-P and ED-N groups had higher concentrations of cTnI than the control group (P = 0.0001). Testosterone concentration did not differ among the groups. In conclusion, the ED in the camels was associated with a rise in cTnI, probably due to myositic damage. Most of the ED cases in the camels had apparently normal genital organs. In the cases of ED in male camels with detectable pathologic lesions on their genital organs, a rise in NOMs, white blood cells, and neutrophils was observed.

Chronic oral therapy with enalapril in normal ponies.

Enalapril is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that is frequently used in human, feline and canine patients with cardiac disease. Its use has been associated with impotence in human patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if enalapril (0.5mg/kg PO, q24h) is likely to alter behavior in stallions and to assess its effect on ACE activity at the standard dose used in dogs and cats. Twelve pony stallions were evaluated by physical examination and echocardiography followed by treatment with enalapril (n=6) or placebo (n=6) for 2 months. After one month, blood was drawn and stored to evaluate ACE activity in the 2 groups. At the end of the study, repeat physical examination and echocardiography were performed. Physical examination, echocardiographic indices, and reproductive performance were unchanged and there was no suppression of ACE activity. Results of this study suggest that enalapril (0.5mg/kg PO, q24h) is either poorly absorbed in the horse or is inadequately converted to the active form of the drug, enalaprilat.

Ultrasound-guided injection of contrast medium into the crus penis for diagnosis of erection failure in bulls.

The objectives of this study were to demonstrate the ability to cannulate the crurae of the bull's penis under ultrasound guidance, to demonstrate contrast medium injected by this route in the distal penis, and to confirm the technique to be safe and repeatable. Five adult bulls with normal serving ability were used, one being subjected to the procedure twice. The procedure was performed with the bulls under general anesthesia and in lateral recumbency. A spinal needle was passed through the skin and into the crus penis under ultrasound guidance and two syringes containing an iodine-based contrast medium were connected to it. Stimulation using an electro-ejaculator with a rectal probe was initiated, and when the penis started developing an erection, 50-100 ml of contrast medium was injected. Lateral and ventro-dorsal radiographs were taken of the extended penis during, and at intervals after, injection. After a rest period of 5 min, clearance of the contrast medium was confinned and the procedure was repeated on the other crus penis. Each case therefore, contained two attempts. Successful cannulation of the crus penis was confirmed by observing indentation of its fibrous wall by the needle, free flow of blood, lack of resistance to the injection of air, which could be seen in the crus, and fluctuation of resistance to injection in synchrony with the pulsation of the electroejaculator. Contrast medium was demonstrated in the mid or distal portion of the penis in all six cases, or on 9 of the 12 attempts. Attainment of penile erection, a larger volume of contrast medium, and the order of cannulation all enhanced flow of contrast medium to the distal portion of the penis, with the first crus giving better results. On one occasion the needle worked out of the crus penis during stimulation, resulting in injection of contrast medium into the corpus spongiosum penis. All bulls recovered uneventfully and returned to normal serving ability. It is concluded that ultrasound-guided cannulation of the crus penis is a safe and successful method for the injection of contrast medium for contrast studies of the penis, and is less invasive than the surgical method.

The effect of a surgically created shunt between the corpus cavernosum penis and corpus spongiosum penis of stallions on erectile and ejaculatory function.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a shunt created between the corpus cavernosum penis (CCP) and corpus spongiosum penis (CSP) on erectile and ejaculatory function of normal stallions and to verify persistence of the shunt. STUDY DESIGN: The capability of stallions to develop an erection and to ejaculate was evaluated before and after creation of a corporeal shunt. Persistence of the shunt was determined by dye injection into the CCP at necropsy. ANIMALS: Six stallions. METHODS: A CCP-CSP shunt was created in five stallions. Semen was collected before and 4 to 14 weeks after surgery, before the horses were euthanatized. Dye was injected into the CCP to determine persistence of the shunt. Dye was also injected into the CCP of a control stallion. RESULTS: All stallions had normal erectile and ejaculatory function before and after surgery. Dye, injected into the CCP, entered the CSP in three of five treated stallions, demonstrating persistence of the shunt, whereas in two stallions, dye was found only in the CCP, indicating closure of the shunt. No dye was detected in the CSP of the control stallion. CONCLUSIONS: Creation of a corporeal shunt does not interfere with normal erection and ejaculation of stallions. Shunt closure is not necessary for stallions to retain normal erectile and ejaculatory function. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Failure of a stallion affected by priapism to achieve normal erection or to ejaculate after creation of a corporeal shunt would likely be because of damage to corporeal tissue than from an effect of the shunt.

[Impotentia coeundi and penile extension in steers]. / Impotentia coeundi en emissio penis bij stieren.

Penis extension (emissio penis) depends on the length of the penis and on the relaxation of the retractor muscle of the penis. When the relaxation is insufficient, penis extension is at its smallest just before intromission takes place. In severe cases this can lead to impotence (impotentia coeundi). Whether this occurs depends on the animal's libido and mating behaviour and on external factors. Genetic factors play a role in emissio penis.

Ejaculation. Physiology and dysfunction.

In summary, important events of ejaculation include emission of sperm and the accessory gland fluids into the urethra, simultaneous closure of the bladder neck, and forceful ejaculation of the combined semen through the urethra. Emission and bladder neck closure are primarily alpha-adrenergically mediated thoracolumbar sympathetic reflex events with supraspinal modulation. Ejaculation is a sacralspinal reflex mediated by the pudendal nerve. In stallions, the most common ejaculation disorders are emission and ejaculation failure, and urine contamination of semen. Rare disorders are azoospermia and premature ejaculation. In a large percentage of cases, an ejaculation appears to be a result of musculoskeletal disorders or to be psychogenic in nature rather than attributable to specific ejaculatory dysfunction. Traditional therapeutic approaches for accommodating deficits can extend the breeding life of many stallions. Pharmacologic aids may be useful.

[Persistence of the preputial frenulum in boars]. / Zur Persistenz des Frenulum praeputii beim Eber.

From 1960 to 1990 persistent frenulum praeputii was found to be the cause of impotentia coeundi in 49 young boars. The findings obtained from clinical investigations are described and the anatomical peculiarities of persistent frenula are dealt with in detail. In 71.4% of the cases the impotentia coeundi could be overcome by operative removal of the existing connective bands. Genealogical studies revealed a special disposition in pigs of the breed Edelschwein without any definite involvement of genetic factors.

[Use of tribestan on rams with sexual disorders]. / Prilozhenie na tribestan pri kochove sus smushteniia v polovata deinost.

An experiment was carried out to define the stimulating effect of Tribestan on rams that were intended for breeding as well as on rams that exhibited sexual impotence and deteriorated semen qualities. The oral application of the preparation, following the pattern suggested by the authors, led to extending the period of sexual activity and to improvement of the semen production of the rams over the service period. The results of Tribestan therapy with rams having affected libido sexualis showed that the animals could recover up to the 7th-8th day with no essential morphologic changes in the structure of both testes and epididymides. The use of the preparation led to considerably influencing the endocrine activity of the testis, raising the testosterone level, and normalizing the sexual activity of rams affected with coital impotence.

Behavior problems of equids in zoos.

Behavior problems in zoo equids commonly result from a failure to provide for needs basic to equine nature. Equids are gregarious, and failure to provide companions may result in pacing. Wild equids spend 60 to 70 per cent of their time grazing, and failure to provide ad libitum roughage contributes to the problems of pacing, cribbing, wood chewing, and coprophagia. Mimicking the normal processes of juvenile dispersal, bachelor-herd formation, and mate acquisition reduces the likelihood of agonistic and reproductive behavior problems. Infanticide can be avoided by introducing new stallions to herds containing only nonpregnant mares and older foals.

[Estradiol-17beta in the blood of boars with disorders of sexual potency]. / Estradiol-17 beta v krevní plazme kancu s poruchami sexuální potence.

The levels of oestradiol-17 beta (E2) in the blood plasma were evaluated in 15 boars exhibiting signs of sexual potency disorders and in 20 boars with no such disorders before and after i. v. administration of chorion gonadotropin (HCG). No significant difference (P greater than 0.05) was found in the E2 levels in the blood plasma of the boars of the two groups before HCG administration. Two hours after the i. v. injection of 500 I. U. of HCG, an insignificant increase in the basal levels of E2 was recorded, reaching on the average 28.9% in the boars with potency disorders and 38.8% in those with no potency changes. Neither were there any significant differences in the E2 levels determined after HCG treatment between the boars with and without sexual potency disorders. It is inferred from the results that deviations in E2 concentration in the blood obviously do not contribute significantly to disorders in the sexual potency of boars.

Cavernosography and differential diagnosis of impotence in the bull.

A new indirect radiographic technique is described for the differential diagnosis of erectile impotence in the bull. Two cases of impotence have been investigated in this way. In the first, occlusion of the dorsal longitudinal canal of the corpus cavernosum penis in an 18-month-old Hereford bull was diagnosed. In the second, distal venous drainage of the corpus cavernosum penis was demonstrated in a five-year-old Hereford bull. Post mortem examination of the reproductive tract confirmed the diagnosis in each case.

Causes of copulatory failure in beef bulls.

A cow in full standing estrus is required to assess a bull's ability to copulate. Insufficient libido is not involved if the bull sniffs the cow's vulva and attempts to mount. Blood or pus exiting the penis or prepuce indicates penile or preputial lacerations or other lesions. Rear foot or stifle lesions, seminal vesiculitis, traumatic reticulitis or lumbar spinal injuries may prevent the bull from mounting. Preputial stenosis, penile adhesions, desensitization, hematomas or deviations, peripreputial abscess, cavernosal shunts, insufficient penile length and occlusions of the cavernosal canals may prevent intromission after mounting.

Impotence in the bull: (3) Rupture of the corpus cavernosum penis proximal to the sigmoid flexure.

Penile haematomas, lying outside the tunica albuginea, were found in six bulls of various breeds, aged one-and-a-half to nine-and-three-quarter years. In five cases the haematomas definitely arose from rupture of the dorsal or crural canal and tunica albuginea of the corpus cavernosum penis (ccp) within the proximal 12 cm of the penile body. In the sixth bull, lesions of the tunica albuginea and distortion of the penis just proximal to the proximal bend of the sigmoid flexure may have represented the site of rupture. There was no evidence of rupture at the distal bend of the sigmoid flexure or of rupture of the dorsal penile vessels in any of these specimens. In all six specimens, the dorsal canals of the ccp were occluded by translucent fibrous tissue distal to the sites of rupture; this was considered to be the factor immediately predisposing to proximal rupture of the ccp. Clinically, a small haematoma in the perineal region is difficult or impossible to palpate externally. However, when the haematoma of proximal origin is large, differentiation from rupture at the distal bend of the sigmoid flexure may be based tentatively on a careful clinical examination. In cases of proximal rupture the haematoma lies caudal and dorsal to the scrotum and no abnormality of the distal bend may be palpable. In cases of distal rupture, the haematoma usually lies cranial to the scrotum and involves the distal bend of the flexure. Severe disruption of the vascular structure is found in cases of proximal rupture of the ccp; therefore the prognosis is grave.

Impotence in the boar 2: Clinical and anatomical studies on impotent boars.

Six boars were deficient in penile erection and incapable of intromission, but produced ejaculates containing spermatozoa. In five of these boars impotence was primary, but one boar had served normally for two seasons before showing secondary impotence. Sexual libido was good in two, moderate in two and poor in two of these animals. Post mortem studies on the reproductive tracts revealed no abnormalities except in the penes. In one of the boars with primary impotence, the penis showed an abnormal type of spiral deviation during simulated erection, but there was no abnormality in the venous drainage of the organ. In the other five boars, injection experiments revealed venous drainage of the corpus cavernosum penis (ccp) into the dorsolateral (left) tributary of the v dorsalis penis. In four cases, the apical cavernous spaces of the ccp communicated with the vascular spaces of the corpus spongiosum glandis. No direct communications with the corpus spongiosum penis (csp) were demonstrated but the csp was injected from the ccp indirectly, by way of the dorsal venous system. It is suggested that these abnormalities may have been the immediate cause of impotence in these five boars. This possibility is discussed in relationship to the processes of erection and ejaculation and to various clinical signs shown by these animals. The abnormalities of venous drainage were thought to be developmental in origin and the condition may be inherited.