Morphofunctional alterations in testicular cells of deslorelin‐treated boars: an immunohistochemical study

Abstract

In this study we thoroughly scrutinized testes morphology and investigated whether treatment of recipient boars with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-agonist deslorelin could alter the expression of 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD), luteinizing hormone receptors (LHRs), and androgen receptors (ARs) in testicular cells. An implant containing 4.7 mg of the GnRH-agonist deslorelin was subcutaneously inserted into crossbred male pigs at 91 and 147 days of age. Testicular traits, morphology of the testes, the proteins' expression, and testosterone concentration in blood plasma were analyzed in all boars after slaughter at 175 days of age. Histological analysis revealed significant alterations in both the interstitial tissue and seminiferous tubules of experimental animals after 28 and 84 days of deslorelin treatment. The intensity of the AR immunostaining within the testis appeared as a function of the severity of testicular dysgenesis. Time-dependent action of deslorelin on the expression of LHR and 3beta-HSD in Leydig cells was also detected. Staining for LHR and 3beta-HSD was very weak or the Leydig cells were immunonegative. Concomitantly, a significant decrease in plasma testosterone level was found in both groups of deslorelin-treated boars when compared with the control group. This is the first report showing the cellular distribution of AR, LHR, and 3beta-HSD in testicular cells of deslorelin-treated boars. It is concluded that morphological and immunohistochemical studies are important for the evaluation of testicular histoarchitecture and steroidogenic function. Subsequently, the endocrine control of reproduction in the GnRH-agonist deslorelin-treated males will be better understood.

Leydig Cells in Immunocastrated Polish Landrace Pig Testis: Differentiation Status and Steroid Enzyme Expression Status

“…Therefore, it seems to be exciting to study further how genetic background regulates spermatogenesis recovery. Interestingly, in mares with endometriosis, repeated vaccinations with Improvac mitigated owner-reported behavioral abnormalities and stopped unilateral granulose theca cell tumor development [ 48 ]. Pregnancies have been reported in some management systems with slow-growing genotypes (e.g., under organic farming conditions) or heavy pig production [ 3 ].…”

Morphology and function of human Leydig cells in vitro. Immunocytochemical and radioimmunological analyses

“…Cultured Leydig cells were processed for the visualization of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) using a polyclonal rabbit antibody against LHR (1:100; BIOTREND Chemikalien GmbH , Köln, Germany) ( Kopera et al , 2008 ). Next, biotinylated secondary antibody, goat anti-rabbit IgG (1: 500; Vector, Burlingame CA, USA) was applied.…”

Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases – Localization, Function and Regulation in the Testis

“…Recent findings from our own laboratory have revealed that bank vole Leydig cells treated with LH have increased steroidogenic capacity and T secretion (Gancarczyk et al, 2003). A profound hypogonadal effect and suppression of T production has been demonstrated in boars treated with deslorelin, an agonist of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), (Kopera et al, 2008). In Leydig cells of treated boars very weak or lack of LHR and 3 -HSD expression has been detected.…”