Modulation of endotoxin-induced andrological alterations by flunixin meglumine in the boar

Effects of Flunixin Meglumine on Selected Clinicopathologic Variables, and Serum Testosterone Concentration in Stallions after Endotoxin Administration

Four clinically normal stallions were infused intravenously with endotoxin (LPS) from Escherichia coli 055:B5 at a dose of 0.3 microg/kg b.w. and four stallions were treated with flunixin meglumine (FM) as a single intravenous injection at a dose of 1.1 mg/kg b.w., 5 min after the infusion of LPS. In response to endotoxin infusion, stallions' reaction was fever (increased rectal and scrotal skin temperature), increased heart rate (HR) and leucopenia. Administration of endotoxin also influenced the level of testosterone (decrease at 3-24 h and increase at 48-72 h after LPS administration) in the blood serum. FM treatment prevented an endotoxin-induced increase in rectal and scrotal skin temperature, HR, with no influence on the decrease of leucocytes. Administration of FM only had a significant effect on the latter changes (at 24-72 h) of serum testosterone concentration after addition of endotoxin.

Study of the pathological effect of Escherichia coli endotoxin in rams

This experimental study was carried out on nine adult rams. Rams were injected intravenously with Escherichia coli endotoxin serotype 055:B5. The regimen of injections is described fully. Blood and semen samples were collected periodically to evaluate the changes in blood and semen picture. The reproductive as well as the visceral organs were collected and examined macroscopically and microscopically. The results of the study revealed that sperm cell abnormalities and serum testosterone level were increased, and sperm acrosomal abnormalities were significantly increased. The total leucocytic count was significantly decreased. The histopathological examination revealed severe testicular degeneration in addition to various other lesions in the visceral organs. Scanning electron microscope of the sperm cells revealed detached acrosomes, knobbed acrosomes and coiled tails.