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Trautwein LGC, Hidalgo MMT, Almeida ABMD, Haddad Neta J, Cardoso GS, Flaiban KKMDC, Silva VW, Dos Santos Silva LA, Martins MIM. Evaluation of the testicular artery Doppler velocimetry and its correlation with sperm defects in domestic cats. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 267:107515. [PMID: 38908170 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Several studies have demonstrated the correlation between Doppler velocimetric parameters of testicular artery and semen quality in domestic species, but in felines data are scarce. This study aimed to correlate the Doppler velocimetry of the testicular artery with sperm kinetics and sperm defects, in sedated and non-sedated cats. Forty tomcats were divided into two groups: sedated (SG; n=20) with dexmedetomidine (10 µm/kg) and ketamine (12 mg/kg), and non-sedated (NSG; n=20). The animals were subjected to ultrasound Doppler velocimetry of the distal supratesticular and marginal region of the testicular artery and subsequently orchiectomized. Epididymal tail spermatozoa were recovered and analyzed using a CASA system for motility, and morphology took place. Animals of SG presented a significantly higher velocity in the marginal region of the cat's testicular artery [peak systolic velocity (PSV) 11.51 cm/s; end-diastolic velocity (EDV) 7.72 cm/s] compared to NSG (PSV 7.72 cm/s, P < 0.001; EDV 4.93 cm/s, P < 0.001). Sedated cats presented higher pulsatility and resistivity indexes than non-sedated cats. The supratesticular PSV of NSG was moderately correlated with major (rs = 0621; P < 0.001) and total sperm defects (rs = 0614; P < 0001). Doppler velocimetry was fairly correlated with minor, major, and total sperm defects. In conclusion, Doppler velocimetric evaluation emerges as an important possibility in the reproductive evaluation of tomcats, once the testicular artery hemodynamics were associated with sperm defects. However, it is advisable to carry out this evaluation in non-sedated animals. If sedation is necessary, peripheral vasoconstriction should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jamile Haddad Neta
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Vinícius Wagner Silva
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil.
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2
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Venianaki AP, Barbagianni MS, Fthenakis GC, Galatos AD, Gouletsou PG. Doppler Examination of the Testicular Artery of Beagle-Breed Dogs from Birth to Puberty. Tomography 2023; 9:1408-1422. [PMID: 37489480 PMCID: PMC10366859 DOI: 10.3390/tomography9040112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The objectives were (a) the study of haemodynamic parameters of blood flow within the testicular artery, (b) the assessment of differences in these parameters at different segments of the artery (i.e., sequentially, as the artery flows through different regions of the testis), and (c) the identification of potential associations with measures of testicular maturation. Eight healthy beagle-breed male dogs were monitored at fortnightly intervals from the 4th to the 40th week of life, by using clinical, seminological, and ultrasonographic (B-mode, pulsed-wave Doppler) examinations. Haemodynamic parameters were assessed at four different segments of the testicular artery: at the distal supra-testicular, the marginal testicular at the cranial pole of the testis, the marginal testicular at the caudal pole of the testis, and the intratesticular. The study period was divided into three time slots (pre-puberty, puberty, and post-puberty) depending on testicular maturation and sperm production. No clinically evident abnormalities were seen in any animal throughout the study. Semen ejaculates were first collected on the 28th week, and spermatozoa were first seen on the 30th week of life. The results of B-mode examination indicated that in all dogs, the echogenicity of the testicular parenchyma was homogeneous. The waveforms of the blood flow in the testicular artery were monophasic with systolic peaks, low diastolic flow, and low vascular resistance. Most cases of significant differences between the three age periods were noted for the comparison of the pre-pubertal to pubertal periods (n = 11); among the parameters studied, the blood volume (n = 9) showed most instances of significant differences; finally, most cases of significant differences were noted in the distal supra-testicular artery (n = 12). Correlations were mainly seen for the end diastolic velocity, the peak systolic velocity and the blood volume (each with two semen evaluation parameters). The distal supra-testicular and the marginal artery at the cranial pole of the testis are recommended as the most appropriate segments of the vessel for performing a Doppler examination in the testicular artery due to the adequate size and the clear spectral waveforms as early as the 12th week of age of the animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athina P Venianaki
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece
| | - Mariana S Barbagianni
- Clinic of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece
| | | | - Apostolos D Galatos
- Clinic of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece
| | - Pagona G Gouletsou
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece
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Hassan MAA, Sayed RKA, Abdelsabour-Khalaf M, Abd-Elhafez EA, Anel-Lopez L, Riesco MF, Ortega-Ferrusola C, Montes-Garrido R, Neila-Montero M, Anel L, Alvarez M. Morphological and ultrasonographic characterization of the three zones of supratesticular region of testicular artery in Assaf rams. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8334. [PMID: 35585142 PMCID: PMC9117313 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12243-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
To fully understand the histological, morphometrical and heamodynamic variations of different supratesticular artery regions, 20 mature and healthy Assaf rams were examined through ultrasound and morphological studies. The testicular artery images of the spermatic cord as shown by B-mode analysis indicated a tortuous pattern along its course toward the testis, although it tends to be less tortuous close to the inguinal ring. Doppler velocimetric values showed a progressive decline in flow velocity, in addition to pulsatility and vessel resistivity when entering the testis, where there were significant differences in the Doppler indices and velocities among the different regions. The peak systolic velocity, pulsatility index and resistive index were higher in the proximal supratesticular artery region, followed by middle and distal ones, while the end diastolic velocity was higher in the distal supratesticular region. The total arterial blood flow and total arterial blood flow rate reported a progressive and significant increase along the testicular cord until entering the testis. Histological examination revealed presence of vasa vasorum in the tunica adventitia, with their diameter is higher in the proximal supratesticular zone than middle and distal ones. Morphometrically, the thickness of the supratesticular artery wall showed a significant decline downward toward the testis; meanwhile, the outer arterial diameter and inner luminal diameter displayed a significant increase distally. The expression of alpha smooth muscle actin and vimentin was higher in the tunica media of the proximal supratesticular artery zone than in middle and distal ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A A Hassan
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, 82524, Egypt
| | - Ramy K A Sayed
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, 82524, Egypt
| | - Mohammed Abdelsabour-Khalaf
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, 83523, Egypt
| | - Enas A Abd-Elhafez
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt
| | - L Anel-Lopez
- ITRA-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071, León, Spain. .,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, 24071, León, Spain.
| | - M F Riesco
- ITRA-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071, León, Spain.,Cellular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, University of León, 24071, León, Spain
| | - C Ortega-Ferrusola
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - R Montes-Garrido
- ITRA-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071, León, Spain.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, 24071, León, Spain
| | - M Neila-Montero
- ITRA-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071, León, Spain.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, 24071, León, Spain
| | - L Anel
- ITRA-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071, León, Spain.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, 24071, León, Spain
| | - M Alvarez
- ITRA-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071, León, Spain.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, 24071, León, Spain
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Hedia M, El-Shalofy A. Ageing affects plasma steroid concentrations and testicular volume, echotexture and haemodynamics in rams. Andrologia 2021; 54:e14309. [PMID: 34755370 DOI: 10.1111/and.14309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective was to determine the effect of ageing on plasma steroid concentrations and testicular volume, echotexture and haemodynamics in Ossimi rams. Twenty-four rams were allocated, by age, into three groups: young (1 year; 32.00 ± 0.78 kg, n = 6); mature (2.5 years; 48.00 ± 1.02 kg, n = 9) and aged (7.5 years; 65.00 ± 1.10 kg, n = 9). Aged rams had the highest (p ˂ 0.05) plasma testosterone concentrations 3.90 ± 0.75 ng/ml (three-fold the other groups), whereas in young rams, plasma estradiol-17β concentrations (5.85 ± 0.34 pg/ml) were approximately one-quarter (p ˂ 0.05) of other groups. Regarding pulsed-wave Doppler indices values of the (resistive index RI; and pulsatility index PI) were lower (p ˂ 0.05) in the mature (0.32 ± 0.04 and 0.36 ± 0.03, respectively) and aged (0.51 ± 0.03 and 0.77 ± 0.06) rams compared to young rams (0.62 ± 0.03 and 0.98 ± 0.07). In the young group, testicular pixel intensity was highest (p ˂ 0.05) but values of coloured area/pixels were lowest (p ˂ 0.05) compared to the other groups. In conclusion, these parameters indicate that aged rams (7.5 years) are likely to be suitable for breeding ahead of the younger aged groups (1 and 2.5 years) examined, but a final decision would need to be tempered by consideration of other parameters in the breeding soundness examination (BSE), such as physical soundness and semen characteristics. Of the parameters studied, testicular pixel intensity could be most readily incorporated in a BSE for deciding a ram's breeding efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Hedia
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Amr El-Shalofy
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
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Santos MC, Milani C, Zucchini P, Quirino CR, Romagnoli S, da Cunha ICN. Salmon oil supplementation in dogs affects the blood flow of testicular arteries. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 56:476-483. [PMID: 33378121 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The administration of fish oils is known to cause changes in several reproductive parameters of domestic animals. The ingestion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) of the omega-3 family, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), has been described and correlated with changes in the semen quality, testosterone levels and male fertility. Nevertheless, few studies monitored and registered effects after ceasing supplementation. In the present study, we monitored the Doppler velocimetric and ultrasonographic parameters of nine dogs' testis for 90 days (D90) checking the effect of salmon oil supplementation, and monitoring continued for 60 days more, after ceasing supplementation (D150). Ultrasonographic evaluations comprised determining the Doppler velocimetric parameters, testicular and epididymal volume, and testicular echotexture. Peak systolic velocity (PSV) as well as final diastolic velocity (EDV) in the supratesticular arteries (STA), and marginal artery (MA) increased during the period of treatment and kept that level up to D150. There was no difference between the fish-oil supplementation period and the unsupplemented one regarding the testicular and epididymal volume and echogenicity and heterogeneity characteristics. A negative correlation was found between heterogeneity of testis and sperm production (r = -.41, p = .008). Doppler velocimetry indices were affected by the supplementation, leading to an increase in testicular blood flow.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chiara Milani
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Paolo Zucchini
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Celia Raquel Quirino
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos Dos Goytacazes, Brazil
| | - Stefano Romagnoli
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Legnaro, Italy
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Samir H, Radwan F, Watanabe G. Advances in applications of color Doppler ultrasonography in the andrological assessment of domestic animals: A review. Theriogenology 2020; 161:252-261. [PMID: 33341504 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Compared to human cases, potential applications of Doppler imaging technology in farm animals' practice are still limited and are mostly concerned with females. Testicular blood perfusion (TBP) is the pathway through which all nutrients, oxygen, and regulatory agents pass through to the testis. TBP is crucial to the testis function because of the high metabolic rate and very low concentration of oxygen in the seminiferous tubules, which constitute about 70%-80% of the testicular mass. Color Doppler ultrasonography is one of the recent non-invasive technologies, which plays a vital role in the assessment of blood flow to the testis in various animal species. In the past 20 years, a significant number of studies have highlighted the importance of assessments of TBP using color Doppler ultrasonography to illustrate its potential uses for breeding soundness examination, diagnosis, and monitoring of infertility problems in farm animals. This review was aimed at providing, for the first time, updated knowledge on the potential clinical uses of color Doppler ultrasonography for the assessment of TBP in domestic animals. Additionally, a few essential details on the relationship between TBP and male fertility are discussed in this review. Furthermore, a number of caveats relating to the use of color Doppler ultrasonography are discussed, which collectively appear to constrain its routine, on-farm application for breeding soundness assessments, at least at the present. The new perspectives related to animal reproduction that researchers claim to do in further investigations are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haney Samir
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211, Egypt; Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-Cho, Fuchu, Tokyo, 183-8509, Japan.
| | - Faten Radwan
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-Cho, Fuchu, Tokyo, 183-8509, Japan; Veterinarian Graduated from Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Moshtohor, Toukh, Elqaliobiya, 13736, Egypt
| | - Gen Watanabe
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-Cho, Fuchu, Tokyo, 183-8509, Japan
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Correlation of Prostatic Artery Blood Flow Assessed by Doppler Ultrasonography with Semen Characteristics in Beagle Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10112077. [PMID: 33182393 PMCID: PMC7697408 DOI: 10.3390/ani10112077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This study examined the blood flow parameters of the prostate artery before dog ejaculation assessed by pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasound (PwD) changes. The main objective of this study was to characterize the vascular parameters of the prostatic artery in beagle dogs and to explore the potential use of Doppler ultrasonography as a complementary method in dog stud selection. These findings report differences between blood flow parameters in cranial and caudal locations of the prostatic artery in comparison to subcapsular and parenchymal locations. There was a high positive correlation of peak systolic velocity with total volume and sperm concentration. In conclusion, estimation of the PwD parameters of the cranial prostatic artery may be useful in the breeding evaluation of dogs. Abstract Pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasonography (PwD) is a method used to rapidly and noninvasively assess blood flow dynamics of the canine prostate. Modifications in gland vascularization can affect seminal plasma production and consequently sperm quality. The aim of this study was to determine the normal blood flow parameters of the prostate artery in beagle dogs and to analyze the correlations between vascular flow and semen quality characteristics. PwD was performed on five beagle dogs (5–6 years) measuring vascular features in four different locations of the prostatic artery (cranial, subcapsular, parenchymal and caudal); the measured features were peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI). Ejaculates were obtained using digital manipulation and semen quality was evaluated by determining macroscopic (total volume, sperm-rich fraction volume, color and pH) and microscopic (sperm motility, morphology, viability and acrosome integrity) characteristics. The values of PSV, PI and RI in cranial and caudal prostatic arteries were significantly higher than in subcapsular and parenchymal arteries (p < 0.05). Moreover, a positive correlation of PSV value in the cranial region of the prostatic artery with total ejaculate volume (p < 0.01, r = 0.612) and sperm concentration (p < 0.01, r = 0.587) was determined. PI index was negatively correlated with sperm concentration (p < 0.01, r = −0.709). In conclusion, the results suggest that the prostatic artery blood flow parameters can affect macroscopic semen quality characteristics in healthy dogs.
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