Effects of the GnRH antagonist, acyline on domestic cat (Felis catus) testis

GARCÍA ROMERO G., FERNÁNDEZ P.E., BARBEITO C., GOBELLO C.

Simposio; Primer Simposio Latinoamericano de Reproducción Animal.; 2011

INTRODUCTION: Gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists competitively block GnRH receptors sites in the adenohypophysis, exerting an immediate inhibitory action on the gonadal axis [1]. Acyline is a potent and safe third generation GnRH antagonist which has a promising place in future feline reproduction control. The aim of this work was to describe the effects of a single dose of the long-acting GnRH antagonist acyline on testicular characteristics of the domestic cat. MATERIALS & METHODS: On day 0, acyline 330 ug/kg sc was administered to 12 mature cats. The animals were unilaterally orchidectomized (right testis) on days -7 (n=7) or 15 (n=5). Left orquidectomy was carried out on days 15 (n=2), 30 (n=4) and 60 (n=6). After surgical removal, the testes were measured, weighed and sperm was recovered from epididymis. Testicular volume and gonadosomatic index were also calculated. The testes were processed for histological and immunohistochemical evaluation. Day groups were compared by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey comparison test. RESULTS & DISCUSSION: Significant differences among days (d-7, d15, d30 vs. d60; mean±SEM) were found for epidydimal sperm motility (%; 81.42±2.3, 22.85±4.4, 53.75±13.5, 67.50±5.1; P