Expression pattern of germ cell markers in cryptorchid stallion testes.
Abstract: Cryptorchidism affects spermatogenesis and testis development, often resulting in stallion subfertility/infertility. This study aims to identify the specific germ cells impacted by cryptorchism in stallions. In a previous study, we found that PGP9.5 and VASA are molecular markers expressed in different germ cells within stallions. Herein, we assessed the heat stress-induced response of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in the seminiferous tubules (ST) of cryptorchid stallion testes (CST) and normal stallion testes (NST). This goal was accomplished by comparing PGP9.5 and VASA expression patterns through reverse transcription quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence assays. We also compared the cross-sectional ST area between groups. Six post-pubertal Thoroughbred unilateral cryptorchid stallions were used. The relative abundance of the mRNA transcripts of PGP9.5 and VASA was significantly upregulated in the NST group than in the CST group. Additionally, the cross-sectional ST area and localization of PGP9.5 and VASA in germ cells were significantly higher in the NST group than in the CST group. Regarding Leydig cells, PGP9.5 staining was observed in both groups. Spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes and secondary spermatocytes were immunostained with VASA in the NST group, while immunostaining was only observed in spermatogonia in the CST group. These results indicate long-term exposure to heat stress conditions, such as cryptorchidism, directly impacts germ cell proliferation and differentiation, leading to impaired spermatogenesis and compromised fertility in stallions.
© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Publication Date: 2024-04-13 PubMed ID: 38613192DOI: 10.1111/rda.14561Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research conducted a study on sport horses affected by Equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) to understand its influence on their ability to perform at pre-disease levels and investigate the clinical variables that might provide a prognosis. The study found that half of the horses were able to regain their pre-disease performance levels, but indicators such as a high ataxia grade upon admission, vasculitis and urinary complications, and vaccination against EHV-1 might negatively affect their post-disease performance or survival rates.
Study method
- The study examined 26 horses that tested positive for Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) and had been admitted during a natural outbreak of EHM at an international jumping event.
- Data for the study was gathered from the veterinary teaching hospital records, statistics from the International Equestrian Federation, as well as surveys filled in by the riders and horse owners.
Results
- The study found that 68% of the horses affected by EHM were able to resume exercising after recovery and 52.9% were able to perform at the same levels as before the illness.
- However, horses exhibiting higher ataxia grades, ≥4/5, upon admission had an increased fatality rate and only a 10% chance of regaining their pre-disease performance level.
- Furthermore, none of the horses that had developed both vascular and urinary complications could reclaim their pre-disease performance levels.
Conclusion
- Although the study shows that it’s possible for sport horses affected by EHM to regain their pre-disease performance levels, certain clinical variables serve as negative prognosis indicators.
- Higher ataxia grades (≥4/5) on admission, development of vascular and urinary complications during illness, and vaccination against EHV-1 are all possible negative prognosis indicators for these horses.
- The study highlights that horses with urinary complications and those vaccinated against EHV-1 had fatality rates of 43.7% and 71.4% respectively.
Cite This Article
APA
Shakeel M, Choi Y, Yoon M.
(2024).
Expression pattern of germ cell markers in cryptorchid stallion testes.
Reprod Domest Anim, 59(4), e14561.
https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.14561 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pir Mehr Ali Shah, Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea.
- Research Institute for Innovative Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Horse, Companion and Wild Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horses
- Male
- Cryptorchidism / veterinary
- Cross-Sectional Studies
- Seminiferous Tubules
- Spermatogonia
- Infertility / veterinary
- Horse Diseases
Grant Funding
- Kyungpook National University
References
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