Changes in Testicular Development, Ultrasonographic and Histological Appearance of the Testis in Buck Kids Immunized Against LHRH Using Recombinant LHRH Fusion Protein

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of recombinant Ovalbumin-LHRL (OL) immunization on changes in testicular size, histological appearance and testosterone production in buck kids. Thirty native buck kids at 18 weeks of age were divided into three groups, control (n = 10), immunization (n = 10) and castration (n = 10) groups. Immunized animals received OL protein generated by recombinant DNA technology. Ultrasonographic and histological examinations of the testes were performed. Animals were slaughtered at 44 weeks of age. Semen and epididymides were evaluated for the presence of sperm cells. Immunized animals generated anti-LHRH antibodies. Testosterone production, testicular and accessory glands development and sperm production were suppressed in the immunized animals (p < 0.01). Semineferous tubule diameters decreased (p < 0.01), basal membrane of the tubule was thickened and hyalinized in immunized kids. Immunization affected ultrasonographic appearance of the testes drastically. While testes of control animals gained their normal ultrasonographic appearance as the age increased, immunized animals had uniform hypoechogenic testicular structure as observed at 18 weeks of age until slaughter. Simultaneous histological and ultrasonographic evaluations indicated that the changes in testicular histology could partly be monitored via ultrasonographic imaging; nevertheless, it is difficult to claim that ultrasonographic image reflects the exact changes in such instances. In conclusion, these results indicate that recombinant OL fusion protein is effective in immunocastration in buck kids and has a potential to be used as an alternative to physical castration. Further researches should be conducted to help assessing reproductive status of testes from ultrasound images.

Testicular morphometry as a tool to evaluate the efficiency of immunocastration in lambs

“…Similarly, Han et al (2015a) , after evaluating the effect of immunocastration in rams, obtained a reduction of 35.71% in the STD of the immunized group. This concurs with Ülker et al (2009) , who reported a reduction in testicular development, as well as in the STD due to immunocastration.…”

Active immunisation of mice with GnRH lipopeptide vaccine candidates: Importance of T helper or multi-dimer GnRH epitope

“…GonaCon™) or ovalbumin, with many of them available commercially for veterinary use. [11][12][13][14][15] Another recombinant fusion protein consisting of GnRH and diphtheria toxoid was successful in phase I/II clinical trials. 16 Synthetic subunit vaccine systems eliminate the need for large carrier proteins, which are often associated with adverse effects in the host.…”