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Theriogenology2000; 51(4); 855-865; doi: 10.1016/s0093-691x(99)00032-1

Oxytocin in the semen and gonads of the stallion.

Abstract: It has been suggested that oxytocin is involved in sperm transport and motility in domestic animals. Immunoreactive oxytocin was measured in seminal fractions (pre-ejaculatory fluid, seminal plasma, gel and sperm) and in extracts of testis and epididymis from stallions. In addition, sections of gonadal tissue from stallions were immunostained for the presence of oxytocin and its neurophysin. Oxytocin was detected in all of the seminal fractions, being highest in the gel. It was also present in washed, lysed sperm and in extracts from the testis and epididymis. Immunostaining for oxytocin was present in occasional interstitial cells in the testis and in the epididymal epithelium and smooth muscle. However, immunostaining for neurophysin was detected in a few interstitial cells in the testis of only 1 of 8 stallions and was absent from all areas of the epididymis. These data demonstrate for the first time the presence of oxytocin in stallion semen and gonadal tissue; however, lack of immunostaining for neurophysin indicated that it was unlikely that there was local synthesis within the gonads.
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Publication Date: 2000-03-23 PubMed ID: 10729008DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(99)00032-1Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article explores the presence of the hormone oxytocin in the semen and gonads of stallions. The findings demonstrate oxytocin’s presence in all seminal fractions, the highest being in the seminal gel. It was also found in extracts from the stallion’s gonads; however, the absence of neurophysin suggests that the hormone likely does not synthesize locally within the gonads.

Methods and Procedures

  • The researchers measured the amount of oxytocin in different parts of stallion semen, including the pre-ejaculatory fluid, seminal plasma, gel, and sperm itself. Additionally, extracts of testis and epididymis from stallions were evaluated.
  • Gonadal tissue from the stallions was immunostained to detect the presence of oxytocin and neurophysin. Immunostaining is a technique used to detect specific proteins in cells of a tissue section using antibodies that bind to them.

Results

  • Oxytocin was found in all examined parts of the seminal fractions. Its concentration was highest in the gel.
  • The hormone was also detected in lysed (broken down) sperm and in extracts from the testis and epididymis.
  • Immunostaining disclosed the presence of occasional oxytocin in interstitial cells of the testis, as well as in the epididymal epithelium and smooth muscle.

Interpretation and Implication

  • The presence of oxytocin in the stallion’s sperm and gonadal tissue was revealed for the first time in this study. This discovery confirms previous suggestions that oxytocin might be involved in sperm transport and movement in domestic animals.
  • However, contrary to the presence of oxytocin, the neurophysin (the protein carrier of the hormone) was detected in a few interstitial cells only in the testis of one stallion out of eight and was entirely missing in the epididymis.
  • The absence of neurophysin suggests that, despite its presence, oxytocin likely does not undergo local synthesis within the gonads. Its presence in the stallion’s semen could be due to delivery from the bloodstream or other sources.

Cite This Article

APA
Watson ED, Nikolakopoulos E, Gilbert C, Goode J. (2000). Oxytocin in the semen and gonads of the stallion. Theriogenology, 51(4), 855-865. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0093-691x(99)00032-1

Publication

Theriogenology
ISSN: 0093-691X
NlmUniqueID: 0421510
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 51
Issue: 4
Pages: 855-865

Researcher Affiliations

Watson, E D
  • Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, University of Edinburgh, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Roslin, Midlothian, UK.
Nikolakopoulos, E
    Gilbert, C
      Goode, J

        MeSH Terms

        • Animals
        • Horses / metabolism
        • Immunohistochemistry
        • Male
        • Neurophysins / analysis
        • Oxytocin / analysis
        • Semen / chemistry
        • Testis / chemistry
        • Testis / cytology

        Citations

        This article has been cited 3 times.
        1. Padilla L, López-Arjona M, Martinez-Subiela S, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Roca J, Barranco I. Oxytocin in pig seminal plasma is positively related with in vivo fertility of inseminated sows. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2021 Sep 13;12(1):101.
          doi: 10.1186/s40104-021-00620-zpubmed: 34511116google scholar: lookup
        2. Stadler B, Whittaker MR, Exintaris B, Middendorff R. Oxytocin in the Male Reproductive Tract; The Therapeutic Potential of Oxytocin-Agonists and-Antagonists. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020;11:565731.
          doi: 10.3389/fendo.2020.565731pubmed: 33193084google scholar: lookup
        3. Zhou R, Wu J, Liu B, Jiang Y, Chen W, Li J, He Q, He Z. The roles and mechanisms of Leydig cells and myoid cells in regulating spermatogenesis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019 Jul;76(14):2681-2695.
          doi: 10.1007/s00018-019-03101-9pubmed: 30980107google scholar: lookup
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