Ultrasonographic evaluation of induced testicular lesions in male goats

To study testicular ultrasonographic features, unilateral testicular artery ligation was performed in 12 bucks to induce predictable ischemic necrosis of the testis. Both scrotal testes then were scanned subsequently on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 15, and 30. On each of the designated days, 2 bucks each were castrated and the excised testes were rescanned outside the scrotum before gross and histologic examinations. In each goat, the testis without the ligated artery served as a control. Gross and histopathologic findings in the testis were compared with ultrasonographic observations. As the study progressed from day 0 to day 15, visually and microscopically, the testis involved in the testicular artery ligation had edema that changed to areas of peripheral necrosis with thickening of the testicular capsule. On day 30, the affected testis had granulation tissue in the areas that previously had been necrotic. Ultrasonographically, the testicular changes were consistent with the gross and histopathologic findings. There were areas of decreased echogenicity that corresponded to the necrotic areas and foci of high echogenicity that corresponded to areas of tubular mineralization. On day 30, the granulation tissue was difficult to differentiate ultrasonographically from normal testicular parenchyma. Between days 3 and 15, hydrocele was seen ultrasonographically in several goats. The excellent association between ultrasonographic findings and gross and histologic changes suggested that testicular ultrasonography might be a valuable diagnostic tool for assessing testicular disease in domestic animals.     

Relationship between ultrasonographic appearance, testicular size, spermatozoal output and testicular lesions in the dog

The ultrasonographic appearance of the dog testis and epididymis was examined in vivo and in vitro. The relationship between specific testicular and epididymal dimensions was studied in normal animals. Assessment of testicular volume using ultrasound compared favourably to the volume calculated by water displacement. The correlation between testicular volume, epididymal cross-sectional area and semen parameters was, however, poor. Changes in the normal testicular architecture were identified in a variety of pathological conditions including testicular cysts and neoplasia.     

Ultrasonographic and quantitative histologic assessment of sequelae to testicular biopsy in stallions.

A sample of testicular parenchymal tissue, approximately 2 x 7 x 7 mm, was aseptically removed from 1 testis in each of 9 stallions on day 0. Slight to moderate hemorrhage from the tunica albuginea was observed in 8 stallions, but bleeding from the parenchyma was detected in only 2 stallions. Stallions were castrated 27 days later. Normal development of granulation tissue was evident at the biopsy site, but hematomas were not observed. In situ measurement of the widths of the right and left testes, total scrotal width, and evaluation of testicular echogenicity during ultrasonography were variables used to monitor changes in the testicular parenchyma from 14 days before biopsy through 27 days after biopsy. The control testis was consistently larger than the biopsied testis, except for day 3. Ultrasonography revealed signs of a localized change in the parenchyma of the biopsied testis in 4 stallions, but each lesion decreased in size by day 27. Tissues removed during biopsy enabled an excellent appraisal of spermatogenesis at that time. Detailed examinations of seminiferous tubules in the testes were performed to assess for damage to testicular function. At castration, samples were taken from 6 sites in each testis. Quantitative histologic evaluations of testicular tissues revealed low numbers of spherical spermatids and pachytene spermatocytes in biopsied testes, compared with control testes. It was concluded that there was a transitory increase in degeneration of preleptotene spermatocytes and B spermatogonia at the time of biopsy. A mild inflammatory response at the biopsy site in some testes was evidenced by an increased number of leukocytes at the biopsy site and at a dorsal site.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Computed tomography of testicular torsion in a juvenile dog with unilateral cryptorchidism

A 14-week-old male unilaterally cryptorchid Clumber spaniel was presented for acute lethargy. Physical examination revealed abdominal pain, and a single testis was palpated in the scrotum. Abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) revealed a poorly vascularized, ovoid structure immediately caudal to the left kidney with scant regional peritoneal effusion. Left intra-abdominal testicular torsion was confirmed at surgery, and routine cryptorchidectomy was performed. The patient recovered uneventfully from anesthesia and surgery.Key clinical message:The most common CT characteristics of testicular torsion were present in this case and correlated well with sonographic findings to allow for rapid, accurate diagnosis and surgical planning of unilateral, non-neoplastic, intra-abdominal cryptorchid testicular torsion in a juvenile dog. Contrast enhanced CT facilitated accurate localization of the undescended testis and evaluation of testicular perfusion and may be a useful alternative to ultrasound for diagnosing testicular torsion, especially in indeterminate cases.     

Ultrasonographic examination of the liver in sheep.

The purpose of the study reported here was to get detailed information about the normal size and texture of the liver in sheep by means of ultrasonographic examinations. Structure, location, and shape of the liver, gallbladder, portal vein, and caudal vena cava were examined ultrasonographically in 100 sheep. Furthermore, 10 sheep were scanned 10 times within 2 weeks to determine reproducibility of findings. Examinations were performed on the right side of the abdomen in the seventh through twelfth intercostal spaces. In each intercostal space, the dimensions of the liver, and, if visible, the location and diameter of the caudal vena cava and portal vein were determined. The angle of the liver, and location and size of the gallbladder also were determined. Ultrasonographic measurements of liver size and location in healthy sheep can be used as references for changes in liver size attributable to illness.     

Sonographic characteristics of goat testis on water bath based ultrasonography

Assessing the health of the testes in domestic animals is an important aspect of the breeding soundness examination and selection. The aim of the present study was to develop a simple method for scanning and to establish ultrasonographically the gross anatomic structures of the goat testes. Six adult male goats were examined to study the sonographic appearance of normal testes and epididymides using a water bath based ultrasound scanning technique. The ultrasonographic examinations were done using a 5–9 MHz/60 mm (7.5 MHz) linear-array transducer and a B-mode scanner. The ultrasonographic examination was performed in goats after standardizing the procedure on six testes collected from slaughter house. Results showed that in live goats when the probe was placed directly over the scrotum it gave distorted and unclear image. In water bath method the entire scrotum was dipped into a container filled with water and linear probe was used to observe the sonographic features of the testis. Each testis was viewed vertically, resulting in longitudinal image which was frozen, measured and printed through a thermal printer. The results of the ultrasonogram revealed that the testicular parenchyma was homogenous and moderately echogenic throughout. The diameter (mean±se) of the right and left testes was 4.47±0.14 and 4.42±0.07 cm respectively and no significant difference was observed between the testes. The mediastinum testis was a 1.50±0.22 cm wide linear structure of greater echogenicity than the testicular parenchyma when viewed in the transverse plane and nearly circular echogenic “spot” in the midline of the testis when viewed horizontally. The head and tail of the epididymides were easily identified on all the testes, but the epididymal body and ductus deferens were difficult to identify consistently. The tail of the epididymis was easily identified on the distal end of the testis with sonolucent tubules and appeared sonographically as a ‘peaked cap’ upon the testicular parenchyma. The diameter (mean±se) of the tail of right and left epididymis was 2.11±0.18 and 1.92±0.06 cm and no significant difference was observed between epididymides. The vascular pampiniform plexus (1.42±0.18 cm) was easily identified on the proximal end of the testes. The tunics of the testes appeared as a bright echogenic line. Inter-testicular septum appeared between testes as a hyperechoic line. It is concluded that ultrasonography permits a noninvasive evaluation of the internal structure of the scrotum and testes and water bath based sonographic examination may prove to be a valuable simple diagnostic methodology for evaluating physiopathologic conditions of goat testes and can be employed as a routine investigative method during breeding soundness and clinical examination.     

猪睾丸组织的形态学观察、细胞凋亡和巴豆酰化修饰

制作睾丸组织切片,运用HE染色和细胞TUNEL染色分别观察不同发育阶段猪睾丸的形态学和细胞凋亡;提取睾丸组织蛋白,利用免疫印迹检测不同发育阶段猪睾丸蛋白的Kcr修饰水平;最后利用免疫荧光技术检测Kcr蛋白在猪睾丸组织中的定位.结果 显示,随着月龄的增长,猪睾丸精细管管腔直径增加,睾丸组织在4月龄时精细胞开始分裂,凋亡细...     

ULTRASONOGRAPHIC APPEARANCE OF OVARIAN TUMORS IN 10 DOGS

Signalment, clinical history, physical examination, clinicopathologic, readiographic and ultrasonographic findings of 10 female dogs with histologically confirmed ovarian neoplasms were reviewed. Ultrasonographic images and reports were reviewed for (1) location, size, outer margins, and echogenicity of the mass(es), (2) presence of free abdominal fluid, (3) evidence of uterine abnormalities, and (4) signs of metastatic disease. The masses were classified according to their ultrasonographic pattern in solid, solid with cystic component, and cystic. The masses were ultrasonographically reported as being of ovarian origin in eight dogs, and this origin was included in the list of differentials in the remaining two dogs. When present, abdominal effusions and uterine abnormalities were diagnosed by means of ultrasound.     

Function of contralateral testis after artificial unilateral cryptorchidism in dogs

The effects of a cryptorchid testis on the contralateral testis were investigated after artificially producing unilateral cryptorchidism in 8 beagle dogs. Bilateral testicular biopsy and collection of spermatic vein blood and peripheral vein blood were performed at the time of the operation to produce the cryptorchidism and 52 weeks later. The testicular tissue was used for histological examination by light microscopy and measurement of the testicular transferrin (Tf) concentration by enzyme immunoassay. Plasma testosterone (T), estradiol-17 beta (E2), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. Semen was collected weekly and its quality was examined. No spermatogenesis was observed in the cryptorchid testes at 52 weeks after the operation, and the number of germ cells in the contralateral testes had decreased but the number of Sertoli cells did not change. The Tf concentration in both testes had also decreased. The mean total number of sperm between 48 and 52 weeks after the operation (194 x 10(6)) was less than half the number before the operation (510 x 10(6)). Mean spermatic vein plasma T levels (51 ng/ml) in the cryptorchid testes 52 weeks after the cryptorchid operation were significantly lower than before the operation (91 ng/ml; P < 0.05). By contrast, spermatic vein plasma E2 levels (80 pg/ml) were significantly higher than the values before the operation (51 pg/ml P < 0.05). The peripheral plasma LH levels decreased. These findings indicate that a large quantity of E2 secreted by the cryptorchid testis inhibits the endocrine and spermatogenic functions of the contralateral testis in the dog. In particular, it is assumed that dysfunction of the contralateral testis is associated with Sertoli cell dysfunction suggested by the low Tf concentration.     

Moderate Seasonality in Testis Function of Domestic Cat

Adult male domestic cats are known to produce sperm throughout the year, although sexual activity is influenced by geographical location. In the northern hemisphere, feral domestic cats reproduce usually between January and July. Thus, seasonality in testicular activity might be suggested. The aim of the present study was to investigate gametogene and endocrine activity of cat testis throughout the entire year. Testes and epididymides (n = 10-12 per month) were collected after castration. Spermatogenesis was quantified by assessment of testicular sperm per testis and by flow cytometric analysis of the cells with different DNA content. Sperm from cauda epididymis were evaluated according to motility and morphological integrity. Testicular testosterone concentration was determined by enzyme immunoassay. Testis mass and sperm production varied moderately throughout the year. Significant seasonal variations were observed in the proportion of cells in the G2/M phase of cell cycle (p = 0.004) and the meiotic transformation (ratio of haploid : tetraploid cells; p = 0.021). Changes in testicular testosterone concentration were more pronounced and showed periods with high (spring) and significantly reduced testosterone levels (autumn). A marked seasonal alteration (p < 0.001) with a peak in March was assessed in the percentage of progressively motile sperm. The proportion of morphological intact sperm was also significantly higher in spring compared with winter time (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the study suggests moderate seasonal changes in quantity of sperm, more pronounced annual variation in hormone production and a distinct seasonal influence on functional sperm parameters in domestic cat.     

Ultrasonographic appearance of torsion of a testicular seminoma in a cryptorchid dog

An intra-abdominal testicular tumour was diagnosed in a 10-year-old, male, cryptorchid golden retriever. Upon surgical removal, torsion of the testis was found. The histopathological diagnosis was seminoma. The ultrasound examination in this case revealed a parenchymal mass lesion. An ultrasound examination is a useful supplemental diagnostic tool for differentiation of abdominal mass lesions.     

Ultrasonographic examination of the omasum in 30 healthy cows

A 3.5 MHz linear transducer was used to scan the intercostal spaces of 30 healthy cows from dorsal to ventral on the right side, and the appearance, dorsal and ventral limits and size of the omasum were determined in each intercostal space. The size of the omasum determined ultrasonographically was compared with that determined postmortem. The distance between the omasum and the peritoneum of the lateral body wall was also determined electronically in each intercostal space by means of the two cursors. In the sixth to 11th intercostal spaces, the omasum had a crescent shape, with only the wall closest to the transducer visible as a thick echogenic line. The dorsal limit of the omasum appeared from cranial to caudal as the upper part of a circle, whereas the ventral omasal limit appeared as the lower part of a circle. The mean (sd) size of the omasum varied with the intercostal spaces from 16.3 (1.5) cm to 56.9 (10.0) cm; it was greatest in the ninth intercostal space and decreased cranially and caudally. The omasum was closest to the right abdominal wall in the eighth and ninth intercostal spaces, and was immediately adjacent to these spaces in 22 and 20 cows, respectively. There were significant correlations between the size of the omasum determined ultrasonographically in the ninth intercostal space and the weight, volume and largest and smallest diameters of the omasum determined postmortem, with correlation coefficients (r) between 0.38 and 0.55.     

Ultrasonographic and morphological sequelae to repeated testicular biopsies in stallions in relation to the lateral branching of the testicular artery

The objectives of this study were to investigate the sequelae to repeated testicular biopsies in stallions and to determine if arterial injuries can be prevented. This study was part of a larger project focused on the antispermatogenic effects of an oral contraceptive compound, RTI‐4587‐073(l), which was given to 3 mature Miniature horse stallions, while another 3 received a placebo treatment. Testicular biopsies were taken once before treatment and 3 times after treatment. They were obtained from alternating testes, 2 procedures per testis, 2 samples each time, using a 18 gauge split‐needle core biopsy instrument (penetration depth: 22 mm). Colour Doppler ultrasonography was performed prior to the procedure to detect and thus avoid lateral branches of the testicular artery. Testicular parenchyma was evaluated ultrasonographically just before, and 2–6 h, 3 days and weekly after the biopsies were obtained. Changes in testicular volumes and semen parameters were monitored. All stallions were then castrated and the testes were evaluated for any gross pathology. There was no major scrotal swelling or gross haemorrhage after the procedures. Only mild, focal lesions were found in the testicular parenchyma 3 and 7 days after taking the biopsies. Three lateral branches of the testicular arteries were punctured, but there was no evidence of significant bleeding or other complications associated with these injuries. We conclude that repeated testicular biopsies may be taken from stallions without causing major complications, regardless of a presence or absence of the lateral branches of the testicular artery. Furthermore, we conclude that using colour Doppler ultrasonography to detect the lateral branches of the testicular arteries is unreliable; however, puncturing these vessels during a biopsy procedure does not necessarily result in significant haemorrhage.     

Growth and pubertal development in Brahman-, Boran-, Tuli-, Belgian Blue-, Hereford- and Angus-sired F1 bulls

Growth and testicular development between 7 and 15 mo of age were evaluated in bulls produced by mating sires of six breeds (Hereford, Angus, Belgian Blue, Brahman, Boran, and Tuli) to Angus, Hereford, and MARC III (four-breed composite) cows. At 12 mo of age, Angus- and Hereford-sired bulls had the heaviest body weight (P < 0.08 to 0.001), whereas Brahman- and Belgian Blue-sired bulls were intermediate, and Boran- and Tuli-sired bulls weighed the least. Bulls sired by European breeds grew more rapidly after weaning (P < 0.01) than did Brahman-, Boran-, and Tuli-sired bulls, and these differences in growth rate were maintained through 15 mo of age, indicating that offspring of heat-adapted sire breeds (Brahman, Boran, and Tuli) have lower postweaning rates of gain, particularly during winter months, than do offspring of nonheat adapted sire breeds. Testis size was smaller initially (P < 0.01) and remained smaller in offspring of heat-adapted sire breeds through yearling age. By 15 mo of age, testis size was largest (P < 0.06 to 0.001) in Angus-sired bulls and had become similar among Hereford-, Brahman-, Boran- and Belgian Blue-sired bulls but remained smaller (P < 0.02 to 0.001) in Tuli-sired bulls. Thus, offspring of heat-adapted sire breeds had delayed testicular development compared with that of nonheat adapted sire breeds, particularly through yearling age. At puberty, Angus-sired bulls were 23 to 82 d younger (P < 0.05 to 0.001) than all other sire breeds except Hereford, and Brahman-sired bulls were older at puberty (P < 0.05 to 0.001) than were bulls of all other sire breeds except Boran. Testis size at puberty was quite similar among breeds of bulls (scrotal circumference = 27.9 +/- 0.1 cm) despite large breed differences in age, body weight, and hip height. Thus, measurement of yearling testis size was a reliable indicator of age at puberty among widely divergent breeds of bulls. In addition, the lower postweaning rates of gain and the smaller and slower testicular development in offspring of heat-adapted sire breeds should be noted by cattle producers considering use of such breeds in crossbreeding and breed improvement programs.     

Fasciola hepatica: comparative effects of host resistance and parasite intra-specific interactions on size and reproductive histology in flukes from rats infected with isolates differing in triclabendazole sensitivity

The efficacies of putative fasciolicides and vaccines against Fasciola hepatica are frequently monitored in clinical and field trials by determination of fluke egg output in host faeces and by worm counts in the host liver at autopsy. Less often used are parameters based on fluke size and histology, yet these can provide important indications of specific effects on the development of particular germ-line or somatic tissues, especially in relation to the timing and profligacy of egg production. In this study, F. hepatica metacercariae of two distinct isolates, the triclabendazole (TCBZ)-sensitive Cullompton isolate and the TCBZ-resistant Oberon isolate, were administered to rats as single-isolate or mixed-isolate infections. At autopsy 16 weeks later individual adult flukes were counted, measured and the reproductive organs were examined histologically. The degree of development of the testis tubules in each fluke was represented by a numerical score, based on the proportion of the histological section profiles occupied by testis tissue. The level of anti-F. hepatica antibody in the serum of each rat was determined by ELISA. It was found that Cullompton flukes were significantly larger than Oberon flukes, and that significantly more Cullompton metacercariae developed to adults than Oberon metacercariae. The Cullompton flukes showed histological evidence of aspermy and spermatogenic arrest, which was reflected in quantitatively reduced testicular development, as compared with the Oberon isolate. In Cullompton flukes, parthenogenetic egg development is implied. The size of Cullompton and Oberon flukes was significantly related to the number of adult flukes recovered, to the number of metacercariae administered, and to the percentage success of infection. The testis development score in both isolates was significantly related to the number of adult flukes recovered but not to the number of metacercariae administered, or to the percentage success of infection. Fluke size was positively related to testis score for both isolates, and a significant negative relationship was found between percentage success of infection and metacercarial dose. The results are interpreted in terms of differing interactions between various numbers of young flukes and host immunity during invasion of and migration in the hepatic parenchyma, and of fluke intra-specific (possibly pheromonal) stimulatory effects in the final stages of development, within the host bile ducts. No significant relationships were found between host antibody levels and fluke size or testis score. False positive serological reactions were found in some rats that had been infected, but found to harbour no flukes at autopsy. Clearly the act of eliminating the flukes involved generation of an immune response.     

Examination of jackass (Equus asinus) accessory sex glands by B-mode ultrasound and of testicular artery blood flow by colour pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasound: Correlations with semen production

The accessory sex glands play a major role in the production of seminal plasma, and testicular artery blood flow seems to strongly influence testicular function. However, very little ultrasound imaging of these organs has been undertaken in donkeys. The present work reports the results of such examinations in five jackasses along the year. The accessory glands were inspected by B-mode ultrasound while the testicular artery blood flow was assessed by colour pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasound. The testicular artery was examined at pampiniform plexus (PPT), supratesticular area (ST) and capsular artery (CA). Values were recorded for the total arterial blood flow (TABF), peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), resistive index (RI), pulsatility index (PI) and time average maximum velocity (TAMV). Semen was obtained and assessed for sperm concentration, viability, abnormalities and motility using a CASA system. The bulbourethral glands, prostate and ductus deferens ampullae were relatively larger than in the stallion. Bulbourethral glands and ampullae sizes were inversely correlated with sperm motility. An reduction in blood flow between the level the PPP and the CA was observed, helping to reduce testis temperature and oxygen pressure. Blood flow at the CA showed the strongest correlation with semen production. PI and RI were positively correlated with the CASA motility variable STR (p = .02, p = .06) and sperm viability (p = .01), while sperm concentration (p = .05) correlated inversely with PSV, EDV, TAMV and TABF. EDV also correlated negatively with the CASA variables VSL, LIN, STR and VAP (p ≤ .05). PI and RI were also negatively correlated with testis length (p = .0093, p = −.0438).     

TESTICULAR ULTRASOUND IN THE NORMAL DOG

The testicles of ten dogs presented for routine castration were imaged with real time ultrasound. A scanning technique using multiple imaging planes (sagittal, transverse, and dorsal planes) was developed to image the testicles and epididymi. The testes were characterized by a coarse medium echo pattern. The mediastinum testis was consistently seen as a 0.2 cm wide linear hyperechoic structure in the central long axis of the testis. The ability to identify and the appearance of the epididymis was variable. The tail was consistently seen as an anechoic to hypoechoic structure. Ultrasound images were compared for anatomical structure with frozen gross sections. Ultrasonic and gross measurements were made and analyzed. Individual gross and ultrasonic measurements compared favorably. Linear regression coefficients between body surface area versus testicular length and diameter were 0.73 and 0.58 respectively. A Wilcoxin signed rank test for similarity p = 0.33 value was found when comparing the right to the left testicle.     

End-of-Season Carcass and Reproductive Traits in Original and Replacement Male Broiler Breeders

Reproductive efficiency of male broiler breeders declines toward the end of a production cycle. It is common to add young, replacement males (spiking) to a breeder flock to maintain or increase fertility. To date, no study has reported if there are differences in the carcass and reproductive morphology between original and spiked males at the end of the breeding period. In this study, the weight, fleshing traits, footpad condition, and testes size of 327 Hubbard males (237 original and 90 replacement) from a commercial operation were examined. The original birds (63 wk of age) had significantly higher BW, breast weight, girth measurement, keel length, and spur length than the spiked males (48 wk of age). While external indicators of size and fleshing differed betweenreplacement and original roosters, testis weight was not affected by the age of the bird. It was found that average testis weight correlated well with BW in birds in which testicular regression had not taken place but only weakly with spur length. Because original males had a higher BW and were more heavily fleshed than replacement males, their ability to successfully complete matings may have been impeded. Further research is needed to link growth profiles with semen quality, sexual behavioral, and longevity of a male breeder in a commercial flock.     

睾丸生理功能的植物性神经调节研究进展

研究发现除了内分泌调控外,睾丸神经对睾丸的发育、雄激素的分泌以及精子的发生也发挥重要的调节作用,与睾丸的内分泌调节功能相比较人们对植物性神经在睾丸生理活动调节方面的认识还很少。论文从睾丸的植物性神经分布、精索神经对睾丸发育和睾丸生理功能的影响以及睾丸不同发育时期胆碱能受体和肾上腺素能受体的分布、神经递质NE和Ach对睾丸发育和功能的影响等方面做了详细综述,并对今后的研究方向和研究意义做了展望。