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Theriogenology1983; 20(4); 449-457; doi: 10.1016/0093-691x(83)90204-2

Spermatogenesis, testicular composition and the concentration of testosterone in the equine testis as influenced by season.

Abstract: The influence of season on spermatogenesis, testicular composition and the concentration of testosterone in the equine testis was evaluated using testes from 45 stallions. Testes were obtained through a commercial abbatoir during September, December-January, March and July. The weights of the testes, the tunica albuginea and testicular parenchyma and the proportion of the testicular parenchyma occupied by seminiferous tubules or interstitial tissue were similar during each season. How ever, diameter of the seminiferous tubules was greater in July than during other months of the study. In addition, the concentration of testosterone within the testicular parenchyma was twice as great during July as during the fall and winter, and this period of peak testicular testosterone concentrations was associated with spermatozoal production rates, which were 65% greater than those observed in September.
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Publication Date: 1983-10-01 PubMed ID: 16725860DOI: 10.1016/0093-691x(83)90204-2Google 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 looked at how different seasons affect sperm production, testicular structure and testosterone levels in the testes of male horses. It found that the size of the sperm-producing tubes and testosterone concentrations were greater in July, leading to increased sperm production compared to other times of the year.

Research Methodology

  • The study involved the testes of 45 stallions sourced from a commercial abattoir during different seasons: September, December-January, March, and July.
  • The weights of the testes, the membranous covering of the testes (tunica albuginea), and the functional tissue of the testes (testicular parenchyma) were measured in each season.
  • Additionally, the researchers examined the portions of the testicular tissue filled by the sperm-producing ducts (seminiferous tubules) or the connective tissue (interstitial tissue).

Findings

  • The weight and composition of the testes including the tunica albuginea and testicular parenchyma remained consistent across all seasons.
  • The proportion of the testicular parenchyma taken up by seminiferous tubules or interstitial tissue was also consistent through the seasons.
  • However, the diameter of the seminiferous tubules was found to be wider in July compared to other months of the study.
  • There was a significant increase in the concentration of testosterone within the testicular parenchyma in July, which was double than that in the fall and winter seasons.
  • This peak testosterone concentration in July coincided with a 65% increase in sperm production rates compared to September.

Conclusions

  • The study concluded that the seasonality could have a significant influence on the process of sperm production and testosterone levels in equine testes.
  • Especially, the month of July showed an increase in the diameter of the seminiferous tubules and the concentration of testosterone, which resulted in increased sperm production.
  • However, other aspects of the testes such as their weight and testicular composition showed no significant seasonal variation.

Cite This Article

APA
Berndtson WE, Squires EL, Thompson DL. (1983). Spermatogenesis, testicular composition and the concentration of testosterone in the equine testis as influenced by season. Theriogenology, 20(4), 449-457. https://doi.org/10.1016/0093-691x(83)90204-2

Publication

Theriogenology
ISSN: 0093-691X
NlmUniqueID: 0421510
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 20
Issue: 4
Pages: 449-457

Researcher Affiliations

Berndtson, W E
  • Department of Animal Sciences University of New Hampshire Durham, New Hampshire 03824 UK.
Squires, E L
    Thompson, D L

      Citations

      This article has been cited 4 times.
      1. Beltrán-Frutos E, Seco-Rovira V, Martínez-Hernández J, Ferrer C, Serrano-Sánchez MI, Pastor LM. Cellular Modifications in Spermatogenesis during Seasonal Testicular Regression: An Update Review in Mammals. Animals (Basel) 2022 Jun 22;12(13).
        doi: 10.3390/ani12131605pubmed: 35804504google scholar: lookup
      2. El-Khaldi AT, Homeida AM. Effects of androgens and rutting season on drug metabolizing enzymes in dromedary camels. Anim Reprod 2020 May 20;17(2):e20190119.
        doi: 10.1590/1984-3143-AR2019-0119pubmed: 32714453google scholar: lookup
      3. El-Harairy MA, Attia KA. Effect of age, pubertal stage and season on testosterone concentration in male dromedary camel. Saudi J Biol Sci 2010 Jul;17(3):227-30.
        doi: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2010.04.006pubmed: 23961082google scholar: lookup
      4. Costa GM, Avelar GF, Rezende-Neto JV, Campos-Junior PH, Lacerda SM, Andrade BS, Thomé RG, Hofmann MC, Franca LR. Spermatogonial stem cell markers and niche in equids. PLoS One 2012;7(8):e44091.
        doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0044091pubmed: 22937157google scholar: lookup
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