Effects of the supplementation with an high-polyphenols extra-virgin olive oil on kinetic sperm features and seminal plasma oxidative status in healthy dogs.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of the supplementation of two extra-virgin olive oils (EVOO) having different polyphenols content, on canine spermatozoa kinetic parameters and seminal plasma oxidative status. The study was conducted on 12 clinically healthy dogs of different breeds (2-7 years, 5-48 kg of body weight) divided into two groups: an experimental group supplemented with EVOO (Coratina cultivar) high in polyphenols (H-P) and a control group fed EVOO (Cima di Bitonto cultivar) low in polyphenols (L-P). The oil was daily administered per os (1 ml/3 kg BW) before meal. Semen collection was made twice at 15 days distance (D01 and D02 ) and then at 30 (D30), 60 (D60) and 90 (D90) days. Semen concentration and kinetic parameters were measured using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system to evaluate: sperm total count, sperm motile (MOT%), progressive motility (PROGR%) and its fractions, straight-line velocity (VSL, µm/s), curvilinear velocity (VCL, µm/s), average path velocity (VAP, µm/s), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH, µm), beat cross frequency (BCF, Hz), straightness (STR%) and linearity (LIN%). On seminal plasma, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and biological antioxidant potential (BAP) were tested. From findings, no differences were found for sperm MOT, VSL, VCL, VAP, ALH, BCF, STR, LIN and BAP. A gradual enhancement of PROGR% was observed in H-P group (p < .01). The ROS levels were higher in dogs H-P compared to the other group (p < .05). In conclusion, our results highlight the positive effects of EVOO polyphenols on sperm PROGR% in healthy dogs.

Canine prostate specific esterase (CPSE) as an useful biomarker in preventive screening programme of canine prostate: CPSE threshold value assessment and its correlation with ultrasonographic prostatic abnormalities in asymptomatic dogs.

Due to the increased attention that pet-owners devote to their animals and to the improved veterinary care, investigations regarding methods to early detect prostatic disorders that might affect canine life quality have been performed. Canine prostate specific esterase (CPSE) concentration was reported to be higher in dogs suffering from prostatic diseases. This study aimed to estimate the CPSE threshold as a biomarker to early identify prostatic diseases in asymptomatic dogs. The ultrasonographic examination of the prostate was performed in 19 dogs (6-40 kg; 1-5 years) with no symptoms of prostatic diseases. Dogs were grouped according to the presence (Group A) or absence (Group B) of prostatic disorders at the ultrasound (altered appearance, the presence of cysts or irregular borders). For each dog, a venous blood sample was collected to measure serum CPSE and the ratio between calculated and normal expected prostatic volume was assessed for each dog. The CPSE data were statistically analysed (t test, p < .05), and the CPSE threshold in blood serum between groups was calculated by ROC. In 11 dogs, ultrasonography showed signs of prostatic abnormalities (Group A, 2-5 years), while no signs were detected in eight dogs (Group B, 1-3 years). The calculated/estimated volume ratio resulted greater than 1.5 in Group A dogs. The CPSE was statistically different between groups (p < .0001): higher in Group A (mean = 184.9, SD = 126 ng/ml) than in Group B (38.9 ± 22.1 ng/ml). The cut-off CPSE threshold was 52.3 ng/ml (ROC, AUC = 0.974, SE 95.6%, SP 89.2%). This study suggests that CPSE serum concentration higher than 50 ng/ml in asymptomatic dogs is associated with ultrasonographic alterations and increased the prostatic size (volume by 1.5 times greater than the normal size). As the onset of prostatic disorders often remains asymptomatic, the rapid assessment of CPSE could be suitable for selecting preventively those animals that would require further accurate evaluation.

Exposure to cadmium during in vitro maturation at environmental nanomolar levels impairs oocyte fertilization through oxidative damage: A large animal model study.

Cadmium is a highly toxic heavy metal with negative effects on oocyte fertilization. The aim of this study was to analyse whether cadmium-induced impairment of fertilization is caused by mitochondria dysfunction and oxidative stress in the cumulus-oocyte complex (COC). Preliminarily, 19 trace element levels were measured in ovaries from juvenile and adult ewes and age-related cadmium ovarian bioaccumulation at nanomolar concentrations was found. COCs from juvenile and adult ewes, exposed during in vitro maturation to 1nM or 100nM CdCl2, and subjected to in vitro fertilization showed significantly lower fertilization rates in exposed COCs compared with controls. In vitro matured exposed and control COCs underwent confocal microscopy analysis of mitochondria activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and lipid peroxidation (LPO) assay at cumulus cell and oocyte level. In both age groups, cadmium at nanomolar concentrations induced cumulus-oocyte mitochondria over-activity and oxidative damage which were related to impaired oocyte fertilization.

Influence of a new slow-release GnRH analogue implant on reproduction in the Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus, Shaw 1805).

The neuroendocrine conditioning of reproduction in birds could perform a very important role in captive breeding, especially in endangered species. Whereas in domestic and wild mammals pharmacological reproductive conditioning is well developed, in birds an effective method is not available. The aim of this study was to test the influence of a new slow-release GnRH analogue (buserelin acetate) implant on the reproductive activity of the Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus), used as model species for captive-bred endangered birds. The effects were assessed by looking at reproductive parameters (egg-laying rate, egg fertility rate) and measuring excreted sex steroid metabolite concentrations in male and female birds. Modification of reproductive parameters and steroid metabolites excretion patterns were observed among birds administered with a GnRH analogue implant and maintained under artificial photoperiod (group I; 16L:8D). Implanted birds showed higher rates of egg-laying, potentially a higher proportion of fertile eggs and higher excreted steroid metabolite concentrations than birds maintained under natural photoperiod (group II; 10L:14D) and birds maintained under artificial photoperiod (group III; 16L:8D). Thus, it is concluded that the new slow-release GnRH analogue implant may represent an innovative and practicable treatment to rapidly induce reproductive activity in the Budgerigar, and that excreted sex hormone metabolites detection permits to monitor male and female gonadal activity.

Bladder Z-plasty for the repair of ureteric injuries. Experimental study in sheep.

There is general acceptance that the best substitute for a damaged distal ureter is an elongated bladder and that the bladder psoas hitch is the most reliable procedure. Nevertheless, it is not always sufficient to bridge a long ureteric gap. In order to obtain an equally safe but wider bladder elongation than the psoas hitch can provide, we have previously studied the effect of several Z-shaped incisions on isolated pig bladders. The aim of the present study was to verify, in vivo, the efficacy and safety of the new technique. Five sheep underwent the psoas hitch procedure and 6 the Z-plasty procedure. The results showed that Z-plasty provides an equally safe but longer bladder elongation than the psoas hitch procedure.

[Reproductive conditioning of the partridge (Perdix perdix) with GnRH and an increase in the photoperiod]. / Condizionamento riproduttivo della starna (Perdix perdix) mediante Gn-RH ed aumento del fotoperiodo.

Follicular growth and egg deposition were induced in the Grey Partridge (Perdix Perdix) after stimulation with Gn-RH and artificial light. The experiment was carried out from November to December 1983, during the short day period, and during the non egg laying period for this bird-sp. Two groups consisting of ten pairs of Grey Partridge each (female and male), received 3.8 mcg of Gn-RH (pGlu-His-Trp-Ser-Tyr-Gly-Leu-Arg-Pro-Gly-NH2) every 8 hours for 10 and 15 days, respectively. With interruption of the Gn-RH treatment we observed follicular regression. For this reason the birds were stimulated with artificial light daily from the 15th day of treatment until egg deposition. Fifty-five days after the start of the Gn-RH treatment the Grey Partridge laid eggs. Forty days of this period the birds were supplemented with artificial light. Twenty pairs of Grey Partridge were used as controls. Periodically two experimental female subjects (treated and control) were sacrificed to observe the development of ovary and oviducts.

[Antiluteolytic activity of embryos in various animal species]. / Azione antiluteolitica embrionaria in diverse specie animali.

In mare, sheep and bitch the action of PGF2 alpha have been studied in the early pregnancy. Prostin F2 alpha (Upjohn) and Gabbrostim (Vetem ) are commercial names of PGF2 alpha used at doses which are luteolytic in the non pregnant female. Seric progesterone showed a temporaneous decrease but after four or five days the initial values were restored and none of the experimental females aborted. In the opinion of authors, embryo per se and/or with its adnexa might have interacted blocking the mechanism of luteolysis induced by the administration of PGF2 alpha.

[Estrus induction in the goat after pulsatile administration of LHFSHRH]. / Induzione dell'estro nella capra mediante somministrazione pulsatile di GnRH.

In this experiment we used nine goats to which we administered GnRH in fractioned doses at a pulse like rhythm in order to obtain follicular growth and oestrus. The average length of treatment was 5.5 days; the animals were injected with a daily amount of 0.05 mg of GnRH subdivided in three doses (0.017 mg each). All the 9 experimental goats came into oestrus and became pregnant. The GnRH treatment in fractioned and repeated daily doses proves a valid method to induce follicular growth and ovulation in anoestrus goats.