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Acute kidney injury is a common problem in dogs and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, so this study was aimed to evaluate Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), Doppler ultrasonography including resistive index (RI) in the diagnosis of acute kidney injury in dogs. Ten healthy mongrel dogs were injected with gentamicin sulphate 10% at the dose of 30 mg/ kg body weight daily for ten days for induction of acute kidney injury. Clinical, Biochemical, Ultrasonographic, Doppler ultrasonographic examinations, and urinalysis were performed for all dogs on zero day before induction, on the 5th day, and the 10th day of induction. The results of the current study showed a significant increase in plasma level of SDMA, serum urea, creatinine, phosphorus, potassium, and a significant decrease in serum sodium, calcium, and chloride on the 5th day and 10th day of induction, there was an increase in renal cortical echogenicity of right and left kidney compared to adjacent liver and spleen, respectively. RI value showed a significant increase on the 5th day and 10th day of induction. This study showed that SDMA is a sensitive, and promising biomarker for diagnosis of acute kidney injury in dogs compared to routine biomarkers also, the RI of Doppler ultrasonography is useful for early identifying acute kidney injury when the only observable change is an increase in cortical echogenicity.

This study aimed at evaluating the litter size influence on fetal growth (marked by biparietal diameter), steroid hormones (estradiol and progesterone), oxidative stress markers [Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA)], total proteins, and serum-free RNA. Goats (n=150) were blood sampled and assessed ultrasonographically during the mid-stage of pregnancy (6th to 14th week) and were classified into non-pregnant (n=64), single (n= 55) twine (n= 25), and triple (n= 6) pregnancy according to a number of feti. The correlation coefficient of caprine fetal growth was R² = 0.9609, 0.9418, and, 0.928 in single, twin, and triple feti, respectively. The area under the curve of the fetal growth was 286.2, 282.1, and 263.4 for single, twin, and triple caprine fetuses. The mean reduction rate in fetal growth compared to singleton pregnancy was 1.65±1.03 and 8.32±2.41 % in twine and triple feti, respectively. Estradiol significantly (P< 0.05) decreased, while progesterone (P< 0.01) and serum-free RNA (P< 0.001) increased in pregnant animals compared to non-pregnant. TAC and MDA increased in multiple pregnancies compared to non-pregnancy in association with the decrease of SOD and catalase activities. GPx activity and total proteins substantially decreased in triple pregnancy than non-pregnancy. Cell-free RNA negatively correlated with estradiol, CAT, GPx, and total proteins, and positively correlated with P4, TAC, and MDA. In conclusion, litter size greatly impacted fetal growth, maternal steroids, and serum-free RNA, and preload to oxidative stressmediated health disorders in pregnant goats.

The aim of the present study was to buildup equation (s) for an intra-uterine fetal aging in Egyptian local sheep and she-goats breed using ultrasound. This study was carried out on a total number of 110 Baladi sheep and 74 she-goats under the field condition of Qalyubia governorate, Egypt. Ultrasound examination was conducted through trans-rectal and/or trans-abdominal routes. Throughout the gestation cycle between Day 26 and 112, Crown rump length (CRL) and biparietal diameter (BPD) were measured at least three times per test for each animal for accurate judgment. The correlation coefficient (R2) of BPD was higher than CRL in sheep and she-goats (0.9601 and 0.9598 vs. 0.898 and 0.903, respectively) at 39 to 112 days. Statistical analysis showed that no differences (P=0.258) between the BPD slopes represent ovine and caprine fetal growth rate. In conclusion, the use of ultrasound estimation in fetal biometry is useful to estimate the gestational age in sheep and she-goats with particular focus on BPD at all stages of pregnancy after breeding beyond Day 39.

The current study entails the data obtained from ultrasonography investigation of the reproductive statuses of sheep (n=232) and she-goats (n=164) admitted to Meet Kenana, Veterinary Clinic, Tukh, Qalyubia governorate aiming to declare the contributing factors (species, season, body weight and age) impact their fertility. Pregnancy examination revealed higher rate of singleton pregnancy in ewes, while multiple pregnancy was higher in she-goats. A higher incidence of pregnancy was recorded during winter season (46.74%; 86/184), but lower pregnancy rate was recorded during summer season (5.98%; 11/184). In cyclic animals, a high incidence of follicular phase was recorded during spring season (43.22%), while luteal phase was high in winter (68.18%). On the other hand, in non-pregnant animals diagnosed to have inactive ovaries, higher incidence was recorded in sheep (10.34%; 24/232;) than she-Goats (6.70%; 11/164). On the other hand, uterine disorders at high incidence was recorded in in she-goats (9.75%; 16/164) than sheep (6.46%; 15/232). Summer season was associated with high rate of inactive ovaries (62.85%), while spring season was accompanied with high incidence of uterine disorders (70.96). Ewes at 60-70 kg body weight and 4-5 years old, and she-goats at 40-50 kg body weight and 2-3 years old showed an improved reproductive index (cyclicity and pregnancy rates). From the present study it could be concluded that the ultrasound is a promising diagnostic tool helps in improving the reproductive management of small ruminants through verifying the pregnant status, selection of fertile cyclic animals before breeding, and discarding the protracted infertile cases.

Buffalo spermatozoa are more sensitive for cryopreservation compared to other species. This study aimed to evaluate the consequences of quercetin against cryodamage of buffalo frozen–thawed spermatozoa characteristics. Semen of Egyptian bulls (n = 4) was extended in OptiXcell extender incorporated with quercetin at 0 (control), 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 20.0, 40.0, and 80.0 μM before cryopreservation. Frozen–thawed semen was evaluated for sperm motility by computer-assisted sperm analyzer (CASA), viability, morphology, membrane, and acrosome integrities. The kinematics parameters including average path velocity (VAP; μm/s), straight linear velocity (VSL; μm/s), curvilinear velocity (VCL; μm/s), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH; μm), beat cross frequency (BCF; Hz), linearity [LIN, (VSL/VCL) × 100], and straightness [STR, (VSL/VAP) × 100] were assessed. The sperm-free extender was evaluated for aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and H2O2. Homogenized sperm cells were evaluated for oxidative stress biomarkers [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX)], and lipid peroxidation [malondialdehyde (MDA)]. The highest values of total motility, progressive motility, viability, intact acrosome, and membrane integrity substantially improved with 10 μM of quercetin. STR (%) was substantially low (P < 0.01), and VCL (μm/s) and ALH (μm) were markedly high (P < 0.05) in 10 μM of quercetin. The outflow of ALT enzyme to extracellular fluid was lower with 10 μM of quercetin (P < 0.001) and higher at 2.5 μM of quercetin. The spermatozoa leaked AST was markedly lower at 5.0, 10 (P < 0.001) and 20 μM (P < 0.05) of quercetin. The activity of antioxidant enzymes was eminently low at all quercetin concentrations, and this was accompanied by the decrease in H2O2 in the media. SOD activity at 10–80 μM, CAT at 5.0–40 μM, and GPX at 2.5–80.0 μM of quercetin in spermatozoa were substantially low. MDA level significantly (P < 0.001) decreased at all quercetin concentrations. In conclusion, the incorporation of quercetin at the level of 10 μM is promising in improving buffalo semen characteristics and lower the freezing–thawing oxidative stress.

The current study aimed to screen the growth and viability of embryo from Day 21 to Day 56 post-breeding in Egyptian buffaloes. Twenty buffaloes were synchronized and examined serially by means of real-time B-mode ultrasound equipped with 12 MHz endorectal transducer. The developing embryonic sac diameter (ESD), crown rump length (CRL), head diameter (HD), trunk diameter (TD), and eye ball diameter (EBD) were measured. The heart rate and cardiac blood flow were sequentially examined to verify the fetal viability using color Doppler mode. Data showed the feasibility of first detection and measurement of ESD, CRL, HD, TD and EBD from Day 24.33 ± 0.67, 27.00 ± 1.73, 34.67 ± 1.76, 34.67 ± 0.88 and 33.67 ± 0.88, respectively. The fetal heart rate was 232.00 ± 12.35 beat/min at the day of first examination (Day 24.50 ± 1.30) after breeding. The cardiac blood flow was examined from Day 27 onwards. A highly significant (P< 0.0001) correlations were recorded between the ESD (r2=0.55), CRL (r2=0.85), HD (r2=0.85), TD (r2=0.93) and EBD (r2=0.85) and fetal age in buffaloes. It could be concluded that the high-frequency ultrasonography is a valuable diagnostic tool for the detection of early pregnancy from Day 24-26 post-breeding in Egyptian buffaloes. Verification of fetal heart beating (starting from Day 24-26) and cardiac blood flow (starting from Day 26-27) provide a reliable non-invasive promising technique for the fetal viability evaluation. The high correlation between TD and fetal age signified its clinical value, over other estimated fetometric parameters, in determining gestation period in Egyptian buffaloes during early pregnancy.

Various methods are being employed to detect early pregnancy in domestic animals. This study aimed to predict early pregnancy in buffaloes via measuring the corpus luteum (CL) diameter, the luteal blood flow (LBF) area, the uterine blood flow (UBF) vascularization area, and progesterones in saliva and serum for non-pregnant (NPBs, N = 12) and pregnant (PBs, N = 12) buffaloes. The results revealed that the CL diameter and the luteal color blood flow blue and red (P = 0.0001) areas of the pregnant animals kept increasing from day 1 to day 35 of the gestation period, but it decreased in NPBs on day 21 after reaching a peak from ovulation to day 18. Interestingly, the UBF of the pregnant buffaloes (PBs) kept increasing (P = 0.0001) from ovulation to day 42. The difference of the CL diameter (P = 0.03) and the LBF color blue vascularization area (P = 0.002) between PBs and NPBs became clear from day 14 after ovulation, though the difference of UBF between PBs and NPBs became markedly obvious from day 7 after breeding. Both saliva (P = 0.001) and serum (P = 0.0001) progesterones of PBs continued increasing (P = 0.0001) from day 14 to day 35, but those of NPBs started decreasing (P = 0.0001) from day 14 and reached low values on day 21. Therefore, measuring saliva progesterone in addition to the high LBF (day 14) and UBF (day 7) of the pregnant buffaloes using a Doppler ultrasound could be applicable as noninvasive methods to detect early pregnancy and to improve reproductive management of buffaloes.

To ascertain the effect of corpus luteum (CL) on the oocytes retrieval, quality and in vitro developmental competence in camels, ovaries were collected from apparent healthy slaughtered she-camel during breeding season and categorized according to the presence (group I) or absence (Group II) of CL. Oocytes were aspirated from 2-5 mm antral follicles on the surface of pathological free-ovaries, quantified and morphologically graded depending upon the cumulus investment and cytoplasmic distribution. Oocytes from each group were matured in vitro and examined for nuclear maturation in fixed slides after 30 hours of incubation.In vitro matured oocytes from each group were fertilized with epididymal sperm suspension and assessed for the cleavage and development to morula and blastocyst stages at 3rd, 5th and 7th day, respectively. Under the present experimental conditions, the accessible data showed a significant influence of CL presence on the quantity, quality and in vitro nuclear maturation of retrieved oocytes in camels. While the rate of excellent and poor quality oocytes retrieval was higher (p

This study aimed at investigating the efficacy of two protocols of estrous synchronization on follicular changes and hemodynamics. Pluriparous Egyptian buffaloes (n = 36) were synchronized either with controlled internal drug release (CIDR)-PGF2α (7-days CIDR insert with PGF2α injected on the 6th day; n = 18) or Ovsynch-CIDR (Ovsynch protocol concurrent with 7-days CIDR insert; n = 18). Blood sampling and ovarian ultrasound examinations (Grayscale, color and power Doppler modes) were conducted on the Day of CIDR removal, estrus, and luteal phase. Mean follicle diameter (MFD), first (1st-LF) and second (2nd-LF) largest follicle diameters, and E2 levels significantly increased in the CIDR-PGF2α group at CIDR withdrawal. Ovsynch-CIDR markedly fortified higher follicle population, MFD, and 1st-LF diameter at estrus and corpus luteum (CL) volume at the luteal phase in concomitant with increases (P < 0.05) in E2 (at estrus) and P4 (at luteal phase). At CIDR removal, the blue pixels in the dominant follicle (DF) were higher (1.5 times; P = 0.054) in the Ovsynch-CIDR than in the CIDR-PGF2α. At estrus, total blood flow (TBF) and power Doppler pixels (PDP) to DF(s) were noticeably higher (seven and 1.6 times; respectively) in the Ovsynch-CIDR than in CIDR-PGF2α (5906 ± 237 vs. 830 ± 60 pixels, P < 0.01 and 5479 ± 322 vs. 3377 ± 19 pixels, P < 0.05; respectively). At the luteal phase, TBF and PDP to the CL increased in the Ovsynch-CIDR group than in the CIDR-PGF2α group (11060 ± 965 vs. 7963 ± 480 pixels, 1.4 times, P = 0.05 and 18900 ± 1350 vs. 13220 ± 568 pixels, 1.1 times, P = 0.005; respectively). In conclusion, based on the improvement in synchronized follicular activity and hemodynamics, the Ovsynch-CIDR regimen is persuaded in Egyptian buffaloes.

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the accuracy of trans-rectal color Doppler ultrasonography for early diagnosis of pregnancy in Egyptian buffalo based on subjective assessment of luteal blood flow (LBF). After timed artificial insemination (TAI), a total of 112 pluriparous buffalo were subjectively evaluated for LBF and there were score scales or grades (I-IV) determined at different times (Days 6, 14, 17, 21) post-TAI. Another trans-rectal B-mode ultrasonography of the uterus was performed at Day 35 to confirm pregnancy diagnosis based on recognition of the positive signs of pregnancy. Retrospectively, the results of B-mode ultrasonography were compared to that of the subjective evaluations of LBF for determining accuracy values. Furthermore, serum progesterone (P4) concentrations were determined as an indicator of corpora lutea (CL) function. Results indicate 68 of 112 buffalo (60.7%) were diagnosed as pregnant. The accuracy value of the LBF subjective evaluation was significant (80.4%; P 0.05) at Day 17, and there was the maximum accuracy (96.4%) at Day 21 post-TAI. The percentage of false diagnoses was less at Days 17 and 21 compared with Day 6 and 14 post-TAI. There was a significant matching value between P4 concentrations and scores for LBF on and after Day 17 post-insemination. In conclusion, subjective evaluation of LBF using color Doppler ultrasonography is considered an accurate technique for early detection of pregnancy in Egyptian buffalo especially the non-pregnant animals as early as Day 17, with maximum accuracy at Day 21 post-TAI.

THIS WORK aimed to search for single nucleotide polymorphisms of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRHR) gene in Egyptian buffalo which involved in endocrine control of fertility. An ultrasonographic examinations of anestrum and repeat breeders’ buffaloes wereperformed prior to blood sampling through a transrectal ultrasonography. DNA was extracted from blood and the PCR and single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) techniqueswereadopted to study of GnRHR gene polymorphism. The PCR amplified a fragment with 240-bp in size and the SSCP results showed that there isagenetic polymorphism with three different patterns (AA, BB and CC) in Egyptian buffalo. The CC genotype was associated with smooth inactive ovary,while BB genotype was associated with fertility in buffalo. Multiple sequence alignment of the three patterns sequences revealed that GnRHR had 5 single nucleotide polymorphisms including one nucleotide insertion, one nucleotide deletion and 3 nucleotide substitutions. Insertion was at position 4 in pattern III. The deletion was at position 189 in pattern III, while the 3 nucleotide substitutions were at positions 204 (T/G), 206 (T/A) and 207 (A/T). In conclusion, GnRHR gene could be used as a candidate marker for fertility in Egyptian buffaloes with its mutation is relatedto ovarian inactivity.

OVULATION CAN BE regulated by group of genes, termed as fecundity (Fec) genes. The aim of this study was to identify genetic polymorphism in Booroola (FecB) gene in Barki, Rahmani, and Ossimi sheep breeds with different physiological status diagnosed by ultrasound. Accordingly, animals were early classified into three groups: carrying single fetus, twin fetuses and non-pregnant by ultrasonographic examination. Demonstration of fetal number was available as early as Day 35-40 post-mating transrectally, and trans-abdominally then after. The fetal viability could be checked through heart examination with M-Mode. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples of total number of sheep and two primers were used to amplify 190 and 140 bp fragments of FecB gene. The amplified fragments were digested using AvaII restriction enzyme. All sheep groups were non carriers for the FecB mutation and gave a 190 bp band (++) and 140 bp band (Fec++) for primer 1 and 2, respectively.In conclusion,no genetic polymorphism was detected in the three Egyptian sheep breeds in relation to pregnancy with single or twin fetuses. The study could be continue to search for other major genes.

The current work aimed to test the fit hypothesis; does the animal reproductive status have an impact on the hormonal milieu of the animals and consequently its body metabolic status? In this study, we assessed the changes in circulating hormones, key metabolites and blood parameters taking place during different stages of the estrous cycle and pregnancy in Egyptian Barki ewes. An ultrasonographic examination as well as blood sampling were conducted, before the morning feeding, on clinically healthy cyclic non-pregnant ( n = 7) and pregnant ( n = 9) Barki ewes at early- (d 60 ± 5 post breeding [PB]), mid- (d 90 ± 5 PB) and late- (d 135 ± 5 PB) stage of pregnancy. The results showed marked changes in certain biochemical parameters of sheep blood serum during pregnancy as compared to luteal and/or follicular stages. Pregnancy was associated with significant higher levels of progesterone, glutathione peroxidase, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide and HDL. Samples from cyclic animals showed higher levels of insulin, T3, T4, superoxide dismutase and glucose. Nevertheless, leptin, triglycerides, cholesterol, VLDL, LDL and blood parameters did not vary between pregnant and non-pregnant animals. From these results we can conclude that the reproductive state influence on reproductive (progesterone) and metabolic (T3, T4 and insulin) hormonal levels, lipid peroxidation and body metabolism, which could have long-lasting consequences and therefore should be taken into consideration during the early prediction and/or diagnosis of metabolic diseases related to disturbance in energy balance and/or oxidative stress in Barki ewes.

The aim of the present study was to monitor fetal growth in relation to gestational stage to generate formulae which could be used to estimate fetal age in goats. Eight miniature Shiba goats (Capra hircus) were examined weekly by transrectal and transabdominal ultrasound scanning during the gestation period between Day 21 and 126 days of gestation. For accurate judgment, all fetometric parameters were measured at least three times per one examination for each animal. Quantification of the growth of the fetus allowed the development of a number of predictors of fetal age. Low correlations were associated with measurement of the chest diameter (R(2)=0.869), trunk diameter (R(2)=0.8969), tibia length (R(2)=0.8662) and placentome diameter (R(2)=0.8999). Moderate correlation was assessed by calculation of the length of six successive lumbar vertebrae (R(2)=0.9296), femur length (R(2)=0.9278), heart axis length (R(2)=0.9382 and 0.9589; for the longitudinal and transverse axis, respectively), occipitonasal length (R(2)=0.9527), umbilical cord diameter (R(2)=0.9119) and orbit diameter (R(2)=0.9239). A high correlation was estimated in investigating the length of six successive thoracic vertebrae (R(2)=0.9674), braincase diameter (R(2)=0.9831) and crown rump length (R(2)=0.9848). In conclusion, the intrauterine fetal biometry estimation through ultrasound might be useful to predict the accurate gestational age in miniature goats.

Background: Many drugs are implicated in male infertility and screening for medication history is an important for diagnosis and treatment of the problem. The aim is to study amikacin effect on male reproductive system in comparison to gentamicin.Methods: Twenty-five male wister rats weighted 220±20 gm and aged 8 weeks were randomly divided into five groups of five. The first group received gentamicin in dose 18.25 mg/kg/day once daily (OD) (therapeutic dose). The second group received gentamicin with double dose of the first group. The third group received amikacin in dose 54.75 mg/kg/day OD (therapeutic dose). The Fourth group received amikacin with double dose of the third group. However, the fifth group served as a control and received normal saline (NS) OD. All treatments were administered intraperitoneally (IP) for 14 days. On the 15th day, blood samples and reproductive organs were obtained from all animals. Testicular tissues were prepared for genetic testing and chemical and microscopical examination.Results: Amikacin and gentamicin negatively affected reproductive organs weights, sperm parameters, serum follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone (LH) level relative to control (p

Background: Drug-induced reproductive organs toxicities is an important aetiology in investigation of male infertility. The aim is to study levofloxacin effect on male reproductive system in comparison to ciprofloxacin.Methods: Twenty-five male wister rats weighted 230±20 gm and aged 8 weeks were randomly divided into five groups of five. The first group received ciprofloxacin with dose 78.23 mg/kg/day in 2 doses (therapeutic dose). The second group received the double dose of the first group ciprofloxacin. The third group received levofloxacin with dose 39.11 mg/kg/day once daily (OD) (therapeutic dose). The Fourth group received the double dose of the third group levofloxacin. However, the fifth group served as a control and received normal saline with carboxymethylcellulose OD. All treatments were administered orally for 14 days. On the 15th day, blood samples and reproductive organs were obtained from all rats. Testicular tissues were prepared for genetic testing and chemical and microscopical examination.Results: Ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin negatively altered reproductive organ weights, sperm parameters and serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) level (p

Objective: To evaluate the cryoprotective effect of butylated hydroxytoluene on buck frozen semen. Methods: Semen was collected from Boer (n=6) and Zaraibi (n=6) bucks by electroejaculator for 5 weeks. Semen aliquots were diluted at 38 °C in Tris-buffer with egg yolk 15.0% (vol/vol) (Tris- egg yolk extender) or soya lecithin 2.5% (weight/vol) (Tris-soya lecithin extender) supplemented with butylated hydroxytoluene at 0.0 (as the control), 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 mM. Post-thawing motility (at 400x magnification), plasma (hypo-osmotic swelling test), acrosome (Trypan blue/Giemsa dual staining) membranes, DNA (comet assay), and lipid peroxidation (by malondialdehyde concentration) were assessed. Results: Spermatozoa motility was enhanced by butylated hydroxytoluene in Tris-soya lecithin extender at 0.5 mM in the two breeds, and in Tris-egg yolk extender at 1.0 mM in Boer and at 2.0 mM in Zaraibi bucks for up to 3 h post-thawing. Plasma and acrosome membranes and DNA integrity of the two breeds were maximally high with butylated hydroxytoluene at 1.0-2.0 mM in Tris-egg yolk extender and at 0.5-1.0 mM in Tris-soya lecithin extender. Lipid peroxidation was minimal with butylated hydroxytoluene at 1.0-2.0 mM in Tris-egg yolk and soya lecithin extenders in the two breeds. Butylated hydroxytoluene at 4.0 mM deteriorated spermatozoa motility, and plasma and acrosome membranes. Conclusions: The consequence of butylated hydroxytoluene on buck frozen-thawed spermatozoa varies with the levels of supplementation, buck breed, and phospholipid source in the extender. Semen parameters of Boer buck are better in their response to butylated hydroxytoluene than Zaraibi buck. Butylated hydroxytoluene at 1.0 and 2.0 mM in Tris-egg yolk extender, and at 0.5 mM in Tris-soya lecithin extender represents the best concentrations and profitably improves the semen quality of buck semen.

To clarify the effect of lactation period on ovarian follicular activity and associated hormonal levels in goats, six goats were monitored daily by ultrasonographic examination with blood sampling during early (Days 5 to 25; Day 0 was the day of kidding) and late (Days 40 to 60) lactation. While the presence of a corpus luteum of pregnancy retarded follicular growth in the ipsilateral ovary until Days 11-13 postpartum, the total follicular number (TFN) and area (TFA) increased during late lactation due to the significant increase in the number of medium- and large-sized follicles and decrease in the number of small follicles. Four goats showed a similar pattern of follicular development during the period studied characterized by the emergence of five and six waves during the early and late lactation, respectively. The largest follicle diameter of the first three waves monitored during early lactation was significantly smaller as compared with the diameter of those existing during late lactation. TFN showed a positive correlation with FSH but showed a negative correlation with immunoreactive (ir-) inhibin and estradiol during the postpartum period. TFA was positively correlated with ir-inhibin, estradiol and PRL and negatively correlated with FSH during the monitored periods. The plasma levels of ir-inhibin and progesterone were significantly higher during late lactation compared with the levels recorded during early lactation. Ir-inhibin levels showed a significant positive correlation with LH and estradiol during early and late lactation but showed a negative correlation with FSH during the whole lactation period. LH was positively correlated with estradiol and PRL during early and late lactation, respectively. These results suggest that the lactation period has a detrimental effect on ovarian activity during the early postpartum period in goats.

The current work aimed to apply immunohistochemistry (IHC) to evaluate the differential distribution pattern of some biologically active proteins in the ductus deferens (DD) in two different animal species common in the Egyptian farms. Immunolocalization of S100, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), αsmooth muscle actin (α-SMA), connexin 43 (Cx43) and galactosyltransferase (GalTase) was practiced on paraffinembedded sections of DD from clinically healthy adult five donkeys and five water buffalo bulls. The DD, in both species, was lined by a folded, high cuboidal (in donkey) or tall columnar (in buffalo) pseudostratified epithelium with stereocilia. IHC revealed that all antibodies used, displayed variable reactivities in the two species. Nerves and the periductal smooth muscles expressed a strong immunoreactivity (IR) for S100 and α-SMA respectively; both in the donkey and in the buffalo. Stereocilia of principal cells showed a marked ACEimmunostaining in the donkey but not in the buffalo. Cx43-binding sites were found between the basal portions of the ductal epithelium and the subjacent interstitium; as well as among the periductal smooth muscle cells (SMCs) only in the buffalo bulls. Distinct GalTasebinding sites were found in the ductal epithelium only in the donkey. In conclusion the present findings exhibited a species-specific pattern of distribution for most of proteins under study, suggesting a variable functional significance of the DD in the different animal species.

The cellular localization of the inhibin subunits (α, β(A), and β (B)), steroidogenic enzymes (3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3βHSD) and cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450arom) were evaluated in the ovaries of cyclic (n=6) and pregnant (n=2) Shiba goats (Capra Hircus). The immunointensity of inhibin α and β(A) subunits showed an increase in the granulosa cells (GC) of developing follicles. Inhibin β(B) subunit and P450arom showed high expression in GC of antral follicles. 3βHSD immunoreactivity was uniform in preantral and antral follicles. In follicular phase and late pregnancy, there was a strong expression of inhibin α subunit in GC of antral follicles. Although in mid pregnancy, antral follicles GC showed moderate immunostaining of inhibin β subunits, the immunoreactivity of inhibin β(A) and β(B) subunits was high during the follicular and luteal stages, respectively. While, immunoreactivity of GC to P450arom was moderate during all studied stages, and 3βHSD immunoreactivity was plentiful in antral follicles during the luteal phase. The immunoreactivity to inhibin α subunit and P450arom was abundant during mid pregnancy in the luteal tissues. Immunoreaction to inhibin β subunits was faint-to-moderate in cyclic and pregnancy corpora lutea. Immunoexpression of 3βHSD was maximal in late pregnancy corpora lutea. The present results suggest that, in goats, the GC of antral follicles are the main source of dimeric inhibins and that corpora lutea may partially participate in the secretion of inhibin. Changes in ovarian hormonal levels might depend on the synthesizing capacity of hormones in the follicles and corpora lutea to regulate the goat's reproductive stages.

The current study was performed to follow up the circulating hormonal changes and to correlate the findings with the physiological activity of the corpus luteum (CL) and placenta during pregnancy in goats. Blood samples were collected weekly from five goats during pregnancy for measuring steroid and protein hormones. A gradual increase was observed in immunoreactive (ir-) inhibin, with maximal levels at the 17th week. The plasma concentrations of estradiol and prolactin (PRL) showed nearly similar patterns during pregnancy, where they declined to basal levels during the first 4 weeks post-breeding and then increased significantly, with the maximal concentration during late pregnancy. The plasma FSH and LH concentrations were maintained at basal levels throughout the gestation period. The plasma progesterone concentration abruptly increased in the first week post-breeding and remained at high values throughout the pregnancy period. Immunohistochemical localization of inhibin alpha, beta(A), beta(B) and steroidogenic enzymes cytochrome P450 aromatase, 3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3betaHSD), cytochrome 17alpha-hydroxylase P450 and cholesterol side-chain cleavage cytochrome P450 in the cyclic and pregnant goat CL revealed positive immunoreactivity without affinity differences between the luteal and pregnancy stages. The placental syncytiotrophoblasts also showed positive staining, except for inhibin beta(A) and 3betaHSD. The giant binucleate cells of the placenta showed positive immunoreactions to PRL. These results suggest that the high concentrations of ir-inhibin, estradiol and PRL during late pregnancy are of placental origin and that the placenta may have a vital role in the maintenance of pregnancy, regulation of mammary growth and preparation for kidding and lactation in goats.

The present study was conducted to characterize follicular development and its hormonal control during early pregnancy in goats. The ovaries of goats (n=8) were scanned daily for follicles (> or = 2 mm in diameter) and corpora lutea by transrectal ultrasound with blood sampling from the jugular vein for monitoring the hormonal changes during the first thirty-five days after mating. During early pregnancy, three (37.5%), four (50%) and one (12.5%) goat showed nine, eight and seven waves of follicular development, respectively. The corpora lutea were detected as early as Day 3.61 ± 0.45 (7.47 ± 0.43 mm) of pregnancy (Day 0=day of mating) and attained their maximal cross-sectional diameter (10.64 ± 0.37 mm) on Day 25.7 ± 0.8 of pregnancy, respectively. A transient rise in FSH levels was temporally associated with the day of follicular wave emergence (up to three days prior to wave emergence). The plasma LH and estradiol levels were negatively correlated with the progesterone concentration. The rise in plasma immunoreactive (ir) inhibin levels was negatively correlated with the FSH concentration and positively correlated with the number of large-sized follicles. Alternatively, the mean plasma ir-inhibin levels showed a noticeable decline with the progression of pregnancy. The present results demonstrated that follicular development during early pregnancy shows a wave-like pattern, with seven to nine waves developing until Day 35 after breeding, and that the number of follicular waves can be predicted by the number of FSH peaks. The current study also demonstrated that the role of inhibin as an FSH regulator is maintained throughout early pregnancy.

To clarify the cellular source and secretory pattern of inhibin in the Japanese quail during follicular development, the plasma concentrations of immunoreactive (ir) inhibin were measured from 1 to 7 weeks after hatching. Localization of the inhibin/activin alpha, beta A and beta B subunits was investigated by immunohistochemistry. To monitor development of the pituitary and ovarian functions, the plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) and progesterone concentrations were also measured. Ovarian weight increased gradually until 6 weeks of age and then abruptly increased at 7 weeks of age just at the onset of egg production. Plasma concentrations of LH increased significantly at 6 weeks of age. The plasma concentrations of ir-inhibin and progesterone and the pituitary contents of LH also increased significantly at 7 weeks of age. Immunohistochemically, the inhibin/activin alpha, beta A and beta B subunits were localized in the granulosa cells of all follicles during different stages of development from 1 to 7 weeks after hatching. The inhibin alpha, beta A and beta B subunits were also found in the interstitial cells but not theca cells of all follicles. These results demonstrated that the plasma concentrations of ir-inhibin of the female Japanese quails rose with ovarian development. The immunohistochemical results suggested that granulosa and interstitial cells are the major source of ovarian inhibins in female Japanese quails.

The objective of this study was to investigate the changes in secretion of inhibin and cellular localization of the inhibin α and inhibin/activin (βA and βB) subunits in male Japanese quail from 1 to 7 weeks after hatching. The post- hatch profile of plasma luteinizing hormone (LH), immunoreactive (ir) inhibin and testosterone were measured by radioimmunoassay. Testes were immunostained by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method (ABC) using polyclonal antisera raised against inhibin α, inhibin/activin βA and inhibin/activin βB from one week of age to sexual maturity. Testicular weight increased gradually until 4 weeks and abruptly increased from 5 weeks of age onwards. The plasma concentrations of LH and ir-inhibin increased significantly at 5 weeks of age, and the plasma concentration of testosterone increased significantly at 6 weeks of age. Pituitary contents of LH showed a steady increase until 6 weeks of age and then abruptly increased at 7 weeks of age. Coincident to the increase in plasma testosterone, the testicular contents of testosterone significantl y increased from 5 weeks through sexual maturity. Immunohistochemically, localization of the inhibin/activin α, βA and βB subunts was found in the Sertoli and Leydig cells at all ages of development from one week of age to sexual maturity. These results suggest that Sertoli and Leydig cells are the major source of inhibin secretion during development in male Japanese quail.

Objective: To assess effect of buffalo bull breed on the development and cryotolerence of the in vitro produced embryos. Methods: Three types of frozen semen were adopted; Egyptian, Italian and cross-bred (Egyptian-Italian) breeds were used for in-vitro fertilization and vitrification of their embryos. Oocytes were collected from buffalo ovaries and matured in vitro for 24 h, then they were fertilized using the three semen breeds. The produced embryos of morula and blastocysts were vitrified using ethylene glycol and dimethyl sulfoxide then evaluated for their viability after warming. Results: The cleavage and blastocysts rates significantly declined in oocytes fertilized by Egyptian (P

This study aimed to evaluate the numerous azithromycin (as a member of macrolides) effects on the male reproductive organs, spermio-gram, testicular oxidative stress markers of adults’ male albino rats. Azithromycin was administered orally once daily to male rats (200-250 b.wt.) at a dose of 45 mg (therapeutic) or 90 mg/kg b.wt. (double-therapeutic) for three or six days and scarified at the first, thirty and sixty days after the last dose of administration. A significant decrease as the index weight of the reproductive organs as well as sperm motility, livability and cell concentration, but sperm abnormalities increased at varying times post-treatment with azithromycin administration. Testosterone hormone level did not vary significantly after azithromycin dosing for three days along the experimental period. However, it differed at the first day after the end of azithromycin dosing for six days. The intra-testicular oxidative stress alteration mostly occurred at the thirty-day post-treatment in the three- and six-days protocols. In the three-days protocol, there was a significant decrease in malondialdehyde level and superoxide dismutase enzyme activity in a double-therapeutic group. In the six-days regimen, there was an increased activity of catalase enzyme, accompanied with a significant decrease in malondialdehyde levels as well as glutathione peroxidase enzymes. Double therapeutic dose for six days’ treatment was associated with vascular congestion and perivascular inflammatory cells and ho-mogenous eosinophilic material infiltration into the stroma of testes. The lumen of seminiferous tubules and epididymis showed azoo-spermia. From these results, it could be concluded that azithromycin administration has hazard effects on male adult’s rats’ fertility governed with the spermiogram, oxidative stress and the histopathological alternations during the post-treatment period.

The intensity of heat signs in buffaloes is generally low and the incidence of suboestrus varied from 15 to 73% (Buffalopedia). The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of monitoring the changes in some milk constituents, oestradiol levels and electrical conductivity of vaginal mucus during peri-oestrous period in prediction of the timing of oestrus in buffaloes. Twenty-one Egyptian buffaloes aged 3-9 year, 1st-6th lactations, were examined by oestrous detector and ultrasonographically for monitoring the ovarian and uterine activity for 7 days around the time of standing oestrus. Sodium, potassium, chloride and lactose were assayed in aqueous phase of milk; besides, oestradiol was estimated in serum. Current results declared highly significant acute changes in milk constituents at the time of oestrus characterized by peaking of chloride and sodium levels and lowering of potassium and lactose values. The alternation in milk composition when arranged in decreasing order of magnitude, sodium was the highest (77.78 ± 0.69%), followed by chloride (61.60 ± 1.52%) and potassium (-58.14 ± 10.89%). Concomitantly, milk lactose decreased by 26.07 ± 7.97% compared to baseline levels. Synchronously, vaginal electrical resistance (VER) showed a significant (p

To investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of sulfamethazine (SMZ) on growth performance, gonadal development and hormonal changes, male and female Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) were fed a control diet with or without SMZ (0.2%) from one day post hatching until 6 weeks of age. In male quail, the deviation in growth performance between SMZ and control chicks started at the 3rd week, and the disparity was significant at the 5th and 6th weeks. Hormonal analysis revealed a substantial increase in the pituitary and circulating LH (at the 5th and 6th weeks), testicular and circulating testosterone (at the 6th week) and plasma ir-inhibin (at 5th week) levels following feeding of the diet containing SMZ. The testicular size and weights were significantly larger at the 5th week, and histological analysis demonstrated an enlargement of seminiferous tubules, filling of the luminal fluid with spermatozoa and a number of interstitial cells. In female quail, the body and ovarian weights were considerably increased at the 6th week. The SMZ supplemented group showed a significant elevation in pituitary LH content (from the 4th week), plasma LH (at the 5th and 6th weeks), ir-inhibin (at the 3rd and 6th week) and progesterone (at the 2nd, 5th and 6th weeks) as compared with control chicks. These results indicated that SMZ was able to stimulate the secretion of gonadotropins and accordingly the gonadal hormones and that was associated with an early gonadal function in male (at the 5th week) and female (at the 6th week) Japanese quail.

The aim of the current study was to clarify the physiological role of inhibin in controlling FSH secretion and follicular development during the early pregnancy in goats. Eight goats investigated sonographically on Days 19–21 (Day 0 = day of mating) for pregnancy were assigned into control (n = 3) and treated (n = 5) groups. The ovaries of all animals were daily scanned with ultrasound for follicles 2 mm or more in diameter from 1 day before to 5 days after treatment. On Day 25 postbreeding; animals received either 10 ml, of normal goat serum or antiserum against [Tyr (30)]-inhibin alpha (1–30). Jugular blood samples were collected every 6 h starting 24 h before and until 120 h after treatment. The plasma concentration of FSH increased at 6 h and remained at significantly high levels until 120 h in treated vs. control group. The plasma concentrations of estradiol showed a marked increased at 66 h, with peak levels at 120 h after treatment of antiserum. The basal concentrations of LH and the pattern of plasma concentrations of progesterone were not significantly different between the two groups. The number of medium size (3.5–5.0 mm) follicles increased considerably from Day 2, whereas small (3.5 mm or less) and large (5 mm or more) follicles increased noticeably from Day 3, as compared with pre-treatment and controls. These results clearly indicated that inhibin is a key hormone in regulation of follicular development through regulation of endogenous FSH secretion during early pregnancy in goats.