Animal Reproduction Science最新文献

{"title":"Sperm functional and morphometric differences between Iberian and European ecotypes of capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus L.)","authors":"J. Gómez-Delgado ,&nbsp;B. Martínez-Madrid ,&nbsp;A. Toledano-Díaz ,&nbsp;C. Castaño ,&nbsp;A. Gómez-Crespo ,&nbsp;G. de Pedro Aguilar ,&nbsp;D. Cubero ,&nbsp;A. Kowalczyk ,&nbsp;E. Łukaszewicz ,&nbsp;J. Santiago-Moreno","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108071","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108071","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The capercaillie (<em>Tetrao urogallus</em> L<em>.</em>) is a threatened forest bird with distinct Iberian and European ecotypes. This study examines the functional and morphometric differences between the sperm of these ecotypes. In a first experiment, semen volume, sperm concentration, motility, viability, and DNA integrity were assessed in 'Iberian' and 'European' capercaillies, both maintained at breeding centres in Spain. In a second experiment, morphometric traits were measured in Iberian capercaillies maintained at a breeding centre in Spain, and in European capercaillies also maintained at breeding centres in Spain (EmS birds) and in Poland (EmP birds). In the first experiment, the European males produced larger ejaculate volumes (39.80 ± 3.56 µL) than the Iberian males (29.68 ± 4.64 µL). However, the Iberian males returned significantly higher sperm concentrations (501.99 ± 83.90 × 10⁶ spz/mL vs. 77.66 ± 26.09 × 10⁶ spz/mL). In the second experiment, the origin of the birds also affected (P &lt; 0.001) sperm head dimensions. These were smaller in the EmP birds compared to the EmS birds (P &lt; 0.01), and compared to Iberian males (always maintained in Spain) (P &lt; 0.001). Within each of these groups, three sperm subpopulations were identified according to head dimensions, with differences (P &lt; 0.001) between these groups in terms of the proportion of each subpopulation. This is the first comprehensive study of sperm morphometric characteristics in these capercaillie ecotypes. These results may provide critical insights into the reproductive and evolutionary strategies of capercaillies and contribute to improving the success of reproductive technologies across different ecotypes and populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"285 ","pages":"Article 108071"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145735571","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Investigating the plasma membrane composition and osmotic tolerance of domestic felid (Felis catus) spermatozoa as a model for non-domestic felids","authors":"Emily A. Lugo ,&nbsp;James K. Graham ,&nbsp;James D. Gillis ,&nbsp;Jennifer P. Barfield","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108076","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108076","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Domestic cats (<em>Felis catus</em>) serve as a model for studying non-domestic cat reproduction. In particular, assisted reproductive technologies, such as cryopreservation of gametes and embryos, often are developed in domestic species and then applied to non-domestic species. Membrane composition and osmotic tolerance impact a sperm’s ability to withstand the stresses of cryopreservation. In this study, the membrane cholesterol content and osmotic tolerance range of domestic field spermatozoa were investigated and considered when testing alternative cryoprotectants and methods (addition of cholesterol) for felid sperm cryopreservation. The most commonly used cryoprotectant for felid sperm, glycerol, was compared to methylformamide (MF), dimethylformamide (DMF), and combinations of glycerol with both MF and DMF. To verify osmotic tolerance range, domestic cat sperm were subjected to 12 different anisosmotic solutions, ranging from 0 to 1200 mOsm/kg. Using flow cytometry, <u>&gt;</u> 65 % of the sperm maintained intact membranes between 50 and 600 mOsm/kg, verifying that epididymal domestic cat sperm have a wide osmotic tolerance range. In addition, epididymal cat sperm have a relatively high cholesterol:phospholipid ratio (0.70) and attempting to increase the cholesterol content did not benefit cryosurvival. The alternative cryoprotectant DMF, however, did improve post-thaw percentages of motile sperm (43 %) compared to glycerol (24 %; <em>P</em> &lt; 0.05), with 8 % DMF resulting in higher post-thaw motility than sperm frozen with 5 % DMF (33 vs 54 %; <em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). These findings highlight physiological properties of felid sperm that should be considered when updating protocols to improve cat sperm cryopreservation methods.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"285 ","pages":"Article 108076"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145766983","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"First detection of Leptospira spp. in cumulus-oocyte complexes from naturally infected cows","authors":"Paulo Victor dos S. Pereira ,&nbsp;Ana Paula da S. Cupello ,&nbsp;Lucas Francisco L. Correia ,&nbsp;Walter Lilenbaum ,&nbsp;Joanna M.G. Souza-Fabjan","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108088","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108088","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Although a few studies have reported <em>Leptospira</em> spp. in cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from experimentally infected cows, it remains unclear whether this bacterium can penetrate COCs in naturally infected animals. This study aimed to detect the presence of <em>Leptospira</em> spp. in COCs from naturally infected cows. Ovaries and uterine body fragments were collected from 40 cows after slaughter. Follicular fluid (FF) and uterine fragments (UF) were screened using conventional PCR (cPCR), and negative results were confirmed by quantitative PCR (qPCR). COCs were immunolabeled using a monoclonal anti-<em>Lip</em>L41 antibody, followed by an Alexa Fluor 488-conjugated secondary antibody, and counterstained with propidium iodide. Detection of <em>Leptospira</em> spp. was performed by epifluorescence microscopy. Cows were then classified as positive (POS-FF, POS-UF, or both) or negative (NEG). In POS-FF animals (n = 8), 9.1 COCs/female were recovered, with 51.1 ± 12.7 % showing <em>Leptospira</em> presence (not significant; n.s.). In POS-UF cows (n = 12), 6.6 COCs/female were obtained, and 81.0 ± 5.5 % showed bacterial presence (n.s.). In animals positive for both FF and UF (n = 10), 5.4 COCs/female were collected, with 63.7 ± 12.9 % testing positive (n.s.). In NEG animals (n = 10), which were both cPCR- and qPCR-negative, 69.3 ± 9.7 % of COCs exhibited bacterial labeling, suggesting a low bacterial load (n.s.). These cows yielded 9.7 ± 3.7 COCs/female (n.s.). Although no difference was observed between the groups, this is the first report demonstrating the presence of <em>Leptospira</em> spp. in COCs from naturally infected cows, highlighting a mechanism contributing to reproductive failure in cattle.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"285 ","pages":"Article 108088"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145788243","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Recombinant heat shock protein HSPA1A enhances the cryosurvival of frozen-thawed or vitrified-warmed dog epididymal spermatozoa","authors":"Diego A. Galarza ,&nbsp;Mauricio Duma ,&nbsp;Gissela Sánchez-Pacheco ,&nbsp;María García-Pacheco ,&nbsp;Camila Ramón-Barrera ,&nbsp;Gilda Sanmartín-Ordóñez ,&nbsp;Manuel Soria ,&nbsp;Antonio J. Vallecillo","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108087","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108087","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>HSPA1A is a heat shock protein belonging to the HSP70 family that acts during cryopreservation by mitigating oxidative stress, stabilizing denatured proteins, preventing their aggregation, and maintaining proteostasis. This study evaluated the effect of recombinant HSPA1A protein on the cryosurvival of dog epididymal spermatozoa subjected to slow-freezing (SF) and kinetic vitrification (VIT). Twenty adult dogs were orchiectomized, and epididymal sperm from the left testes were cryopreserved with SF, while the right ones were with VIT. Four treatments were established according to the addition of 10 µg/ml (+HSPA1A) or 0 µg/ml (-Control) of recombinant bovine HSPA1A, produced using <em>Escherichia coli</em> Rosetta 2 (DE3): pET15b-HSPA1A strain and IMAC purified. The different cryopreservation treatments evaluated were SF+HSPA1A, SF-Control, VIT+HSPA1A, and VIT-Control (n = 20 samples per treatment). Samples from SF+HSPA1A and SF-Control treatments were frozen in 0.25 ml straws by exposing them to liquid nitrogen (LN₂) vapors. For VIT, samples were vitrified by direct immersion of 30 µl drops into LN₂ and stored in cryotubes. Results showed that SF+HSPA1A and SF-Control yielded significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) progressive motility, velocities, linearity and straightness, and beat cross frequency compared to VIT+HSPA1A and VIT-Control. Furthermore, sperm treated with HSPA1A (both SF and VIT) exhibited significantly improved (P &lt; 0.05) motility, viability and DNA integrity compared to their respective controls. In conclusion, the addition of recombinant HSPA1A to both slow-freezing and vitrification media enhanced the post-cryopreserved quality of dog epididymal spermatozoa, demonstrating its protective effect on motility, viability, and integrity of acrosome and DNA.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"285 ","pages":"Article 108087"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145788275","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Influence of sexual maturity on sperm quality in Duroc boars","authors":"Soudabeh Rouzbehani ,&nbsp;Asmita Shrestha ,&nbsp;Nazia Haque ,&nbsp;Syeda Afsana Nushrat ,&nbsp;Teklu Tewoldebrhan Zeremichael ,&nbsp;Anna Nordborg ,&nbsp;Ann Helen Gaustad ,&nbsp;Anne Hege Alm-Kristiansen","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108053","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108053","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The objective of this study was to evaluate sperm quality of Duroc boars during sexual maturation and examine whether these parameters were related to metabolites in semen. Ejaculates were collected longitudinally from 28 Duroc boars at approximately 7 months of age (Age 1), 6 weeks later (Age 2) and 12 weeks later (Age 3). Motility characteristics, acrosome integrity, and viability were assessed on collection day and after five days storage at 18°C using computer-assisted sperm analysis and flow cytometry, while DNA fragmentation was measured on day five. Amino acid and amine concentrations in semen were measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and correlated with sperm quality parameters. Motility, rapid progressive motility, and acrosome intact live sperm increased significantly (adj <em>P</em> &lt; 0.05) with boar maturation. Mature boars (Age 2 and Age 3) maintained superior sperm quality compared to younger boars after storage. The DNA fragmentation index was low in all samples but declined significantly from 1 % at Age 1 to 0.64 % at Age 3 (adj <em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Correlation analysis showed significant relationships between sperm quality and specific metabolites. Cystine, glutamate, aspartate, choline and taurine were inversely correlated with progressive and rapid progressive motility, while showing positive correlation with rapid non-progressive motility. These findings demonstrate that sperm quality continues improving beyond initial reproductive ability, especially between Age 1 and Age 3, with improvements in motility, viability, chromatin stability, and storage resilience. The observed relationships between metabolites and sperm quality parameters provide insights into biochemical mechanisms underlying sperm functionality during sexual maturation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"284 ","pages":"Article 108053"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145676201","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Transient receptor potential channel 4 (TRPC4) in boar sperm: Immunolocalization and functional analysis using the specific inhibitor ML204","authors":"Eduardo de Mercado ,&nbsp;Sonia Sánchez-Rodríguez ,&nbsp;Adrián Martín-San Juan ,&nbsp;Helena Nieto-Cristóbal ,&nbsp;María José Martinez-Alborcia ,&nbsp;Alejandro Vicente-Carrillo ,&nbsp;Manuel Álvarez-Rodríguez","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108049","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108049","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The TRPC4 channel is related to the movement of calcium within cells, and therefore possibly to sperm motility, capacitation and the acrosome reaction. This study investigated the presence and localization of TRPC4 channels in frozen-thawed boar sperm by direct immunofluorescence. In addition, different concentrations of the specific inhibitor ML204 were tested to evaluate its effect on post-thaw sperm motility and multiple sperm quality parameters assessed by flow cytometry, under conditions that promote motility recovery, such as caffeine supplementation or incubation in a basic extender. Our results confirmed that the presence of TRPC4 in boar sperm is independent of the use of ML204 and located in the midpiece and post-acrosomal regions. At the highest concentrations (22 µM), channel inhibition with ML204 caused a significant reduction in total and progressive motility, as well as in mitochondrial membrane potential, without a clear detrimental effect on the measured cytometry parameters. The loss of motility was exacerbated under co-incubation conditions with caffeine (2 mM), possibly due to an imbalance between calcium influx and demand via the cAMP/PKA pathway activated by this methylxanthine. Our results, however, when the thawing medium had a basic pH (8.2), motility was comparable to the control, likely because other pH-dependent channels compensated for the reduced calcium and cation influx. In conclusion, the TRPC4 channel is present in porcine sperm and appears to play an important role in regulating motility and maintaining mitochondrial membrane potential.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"284 ","pages":"Article 108049"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145610555","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An overview of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in cattle reproduction and its applications in assisted reproductive technologies","authors":"Prachi Sharma ,&nbsp;K.K. Hadiya ,&nbsp;S.S. Layek ,&nbsp;S.P. Patil ,&nbsp;K. Karuppanasamy ,&nbsp;K.B. Raval ,&nbsp;S. Gorani ,&nbsp;B.N. Saripadiya","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108055","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108055","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Anti-Müllerian hormone was identified by Alfred Jost in the 1950s. This hormone induces regression of Müllerian ducts in male embryos and regulates folliculogenesis by reducing follicular sensitivity to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in females. Recent research suggests Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a marker for the early selection of cattle with superior reproductive traits in the dairy industry. Studies show a positive correlation between AMH concentration and fertility parameters, such as follicular count, oocyte recovery, and embryo return rates. The importance of AMH in assisted reproductive technologies in humans is well established in humans, the hormone has been similarly investigated in cattle. Anti-Müllerian hormone concentration correlates with superovulation response and embryo production, suggesting utility in donor selection and optimizing assisted reproductive techniques (ART) outcomes. However, variations in AMH levels across breeds and ages emphasize the need for further research to establish standardized thresholds and protocols. Overall, this review highlights the significance of AMH in cattle reproduction and its potential applications in improving reproductive efficiency and genetic selection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"284 ","pages":"Article 108055"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145692422","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Histomorphometric characterization of the endometrium in mules (Equus mulus): An approach to endometritis/endometrosis","authors":"Miguel A. Gutiérrez-Reinoso ,&nbsp;Pedro M. Aponte ,&nbsp;Manuel García-Herreros ,&nbsp;Katlhen G. García-Bravo ,&nbsp;Daniela Rojas ,&nbsp;Yat Sen Wong ,&nbsp;Fernando Saravia ,&nbsp;Fidel Ovidio Castro ,&nbsp;Jaime Catalán ,&nbsp;Jordi Miró","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108056","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108056","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mules (<em>Equus mulus</em>), as sterile hybrids between mares and donkeys, present a unique uterine morphology and physiology that remains poorly characterized. This study provides the first histomorphometric evaluation and transcriptional profiling of the endometrium in adult mules. To achieve this, endometrial biopsies were analysed using quantitative stereology, histological classification (Kenney–Doig system), and qPCR of key immune-related and fibrotic genes. Histometric analyses revealed that the stratum spongiosum was the predominant component of the mule endometrium (mean volume density: 84.7 %), whereas the epithelium and compact layers accounted for smaller proportions. This distribution, more pronounced than what is typically reported in mares, suggests enhanced stromal expansion or edema. Endometrial glands were abundant, and the overall structural profile exhibited an intermediate phenotype with a clear asinine bias. Most samples were classified as grades I, IIA, or IIB, with no specimens reaching grade III. Mild to moderate stromal remodeling, preserved tissue architecture, and inflammatory signatures –characterized by increased relative abundance of IL1B, IL6, and TNFα transcripts– were observed in higher grades and were consistent with early stages of endometrial degeneration. Although these features indicate early degenerative changes, the hybrid reproductive physiology of mules, including limited hormonal cyclity, may contribute to reduced progression towards fibrosis. This integrated histological–molecular assessment reinforces the diagnostic value of the Kenney–Doig system in mules and supports the adaptation of a refined IIC grade to better capture hybrid-specific features. Overall, the mule endometrium displays distinct yet comparable traits relative to that of horses and donkeys, highlighting its potential as a comparative model for equine reproductive research. These findings provide a foundation for improved clinical decision-making and future studies on hybrid fertility and uterine health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"284 ","pages":"Article 108056"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145676114","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of dendrobium nobile supplementation on antioxidant activity and egg-laying performance in late-laying hens","authors":"Gang Feng ,&nbsp;Yushi Shi ,&nbsp;Depeng Zhao ,&nbsp;Xia Long ,&nbsp;Qisong Tan ,&nbsp;Jinlin Yang ,&nbsp;BeiDa Zhou ,&nbsp;Hui Li","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108046","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108046","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of <em>Dendrobium nobile</em> on the antioxidant capacity and laying performance of hens during the late laying period. A total of 90 recessive white hens (56 weeks old) were divided into Control group (basal diet) and DNL group (basal diet +0.25 % dendrobium powder). Evaluate the impact of <em>Dendrobium nobile</em> on biochemical indicators in serum, ovarian mRNA expression levels, and ovarian metabolomic patterns in hens, and conduct a correlation analysis. Supplementing the diet with <em>Dendrobium nobile</em> powder enhanced the serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone and the expression of the egg-laying-related gene FSHR. This supplementation led to increased laying rates and egg production in hens during the late laying period, and elevated activity levels of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and total superoxide dismutase. Further, mRNA expression levels of the Nrf2 signaling pathway genes were upregulated, ultimately mitigating the effects of oxidative stress on the ovary. Metabolomic analysis identified 94 metabolites with significant differences, including 55 upregulated and 39 downregulated molecules. Significant differences in metabolites were predominantly observed in pathways related to fatty acid degradation, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, and unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis. These pathways appear to be the primary mechanism through which <em>Dendrobium nobile</em> enhances ovarian antioxidant capacity and egg-laying traits at the metabolic level. Supplementing the diet with <em>Dendrobium nobile</em> enhances antioxidant activity and laying performance in hens during the late laying period.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"284 ","pages":"Article 108046"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145622894","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Deslorelin influences canine epididymal gene expression of the androgen receptor and prostaglandin metabolism","authors":"Henriette Greiner ,&nbsp;Eva-Maria Packeiser ,&nbsp;Hanna Körber ,&nbsp;Sabrina Stempel ,&nbsp;Fritjof Freise ,&nbsp;Sandra Goericke-Pesch","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108051","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108051","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Deslorelin slow-release implants (DSRI) reversibly suppresses testicular function in dogs, although the effects on the epididymis remain poorly investigated. As prostaglandins E2 and D2 contribute to epididymal function, presumably regulated by androgens, corresponding metabolic enzymes and receptors were examined in an explorative study. Epididymides of three untreated dogs (CG) were compared with five epidymides obtained by unilateral hemicastration after five months of DSRI treatment (TG), and with the recovered epididymis of the other side, collected five months after implant removal (RG). Gene expressions (RT-qPCR) of the <em>androgen receptor (AR),</em> the synthases <em>PTGS2</em>, <em>PTGES</em>, <em><span>L</span>-PGDS</em>, and <em>H-PGDS</em>, the receptors <em>EP2</em>, <em>EP4</em>, and <em>DP</em>, as well as prostaglandin inactivator <em>HPGD</em> were compared between groups (CG/TG/RG) and epididymal segments (head/body/tail). Protein localization was evaluated immunohistochemically for AR, PTGS2, HPGD, PTGES, EP2, and EP4. Gene expression differed between TG and CG for all genes except for <em>AR</em> (all <em>P</em> &lt; 0.05), with increased expression in the head (<em>PTGS2</em>, <em>HPGD</em>, <em>PTGES</em>, <em>EP4</em>, <em>HPGDS</em>, and <em>DP</em>). Surprisingly, the only significant difference between RG and TG or CG was a higher <em>PTGS2</em> expression in the tail in CG (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Friedman tests revealed segment-specific gene expressions within TG (<em>DP</em>), RG (<em>AR, HPGD, EP2, EP4</em>, and <em><span>L</span>-PGDS</em>), and CG (<em>AR, EP2, <span>L</span>-PGDS</em>) (all <em>P</em> &lt; 0.05), indicating segment-specific function, although without significance in post-hoc tests. Specific immunostaining was confirmed in all samples. Unexpectedly, the DSRI did not alter <em>AR</em> expression, but reversibly affected genes expression within the prostaglandin metabolism. Due to the low sample size, this conclusion must be considered preliminary.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"284 ","pages":"Article 108051"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145686798","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}