R Leoci

Relationship Between Motility and Mitochondrial Functional Status in Canine Spermatozoa

Inner mitochondrial membrane potential (IMM) is considered a sensitive indicator for the energetic status and motility of spermatozoa. The relationship between sperm motility parameters evaluated by Computer Assisted Sperm motility Analyzer and plasma membrane integrity and IMM assessed by triple staining (PI/SYBR-14 and JC-1) was evaluated in 10 dogs of unknown fertility. Sperm motility showed large variations ranging from 10% to 98%. Proportion of viable sperm cells and of spermatozoa with high IMM ranged from 74% to 99% and from 53% to 87%, respectively. The presence of a high IMM assessed by JC-1 was more strongly correlated to sperm viability (r = 1) than to sperm motility (r = 0.778). Our results indicate that JC-1 is suitable for detection of IMM changes in canine spermatozoa, but it should always be associated with an objective motility analysis to avoid incorrect evaluation of potential sperm fertility. Ejaculates with a low motility rate showed an unexpectedly high proportion of sperm with high IMM, suggesting that mitochondrial respiration could not be sufficient to support sperm motility, although it may be important for sperm survival in the female genital tract.

Alcohol diluent provides the optimal formulation for calcium chloride non-surgical sterilization in dogs

BackgroundSurgical castration is widely used to sterilize male dogs, but has significant impacts on time to perform the operation, recovery of the animals as well as cost, which can limit population control programs. Previous research has shown intratesticular injection of calcium chloride dihydrate (CaCl2) in saline to be a promising alternative to surgery. However, long-term azoospermia was not maintained at dosages low enough to avoid side effects. In the search for an optimized formulation, the current investigation is the first study on long-term sterilization effects of intratesticular injection of CaCl2 in either lidocaine solution or alcohol in dogs. CaCl2 at 20% concentration in lidocaine solution or alcohol was administered via intratesticular injection to groups of 21 dogs each. The treated animals were examined at 2, 6, and 12 months for sperm production, blood levels of testosterone, and side effects; at time zero and 12 months for testicular size and semen volume. The experimentally treated animals were compared to a control group receiving saline injection only.ResultsTesticles of dogs treated with CaCl2 in either diluent significantly decreased in size. After administration of CaCl2 in lidocaine solution, sterility was achieved for at least 12 months in 75% of treated dogs. However, optimal long-term contraceptive effectiveness was achieved with CaCl2 in alcohol, which resulted in azoospermia over the 12-month study period. Testosterone levels significantly decreased following treatment with CaCl2, and sexual activity disappeared. Although testosterone returned to baseline levels by 12 months for the group treated with CaCl2 in lidocaine, dogs injected with CaCl2 in alcohol had a 63.6% drop in testosterone level, which remained at the low end of physiological range throughout the study. No adverse effects were noted.ConclusionsA single, bilateral intratesticular injection of 20% CaCl2 in 95% ethanol was a reliable method for induction of sterilization in 18-28 kg male dogs in this study. The approach showed long-term efficacy and reduced sexual behavior. This chemical method of sterilization might provide an effective, efficient alternative to surgical castration that can have positive impacts on dog welfare.

A dose-finding, long-term study on the use of calcium chloride in saline solution as a method of nonsurgical sterilization in dogs: evaluation of the most effective concentration with the lowest risk

BackgroundCanine overpopulation is a global issue with serious health and welfare implications. Nonsurgical methods of sterilization could yield positive impacts on this problem, but no long-term data on such methods are available. The objective of the current investigation was to determine the effects of intratesticular injections of calcium chloride dihydrate (CaCl2) in saline in dogs over a one year period. Five concentrations (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 60%) of CaCl2 in saline were administered via intratesticular injection to groups of 10 dogs each. Total sperm count and motility, blood levels of testosterone, and side effects were examined at 0, 2, 6, and 12 months post-injection (PI). Testicular size and semen volume were examined at 0 and 12 months PI.ResultsTotal sperm count, semen volume and testosterone showed significant dose-dependent decreases upon treatment with 10%-60% CaCl2 compared with either the control group (0% CaCl2) or baseline for each treatment group. Azoospermia was achieved for at least 12 months PI in 60% and 80% of treated dogs after administration of a 10% and 20% CaCl2, respectively. Treatment with 30% or 60% CaCl2 resulted in azoospermia in 100% of dogs, but more side effects were observed, while no side effects were noticed at lower doses. For each treatment group, testosterone levels had decreased an average of 35%-70% at 6 months following treatment. However, testosterone levels rebounded by the 12-month time point in all groups except the highest dosage group (60% CaCl2), which remained at the low end of physiological range throughout the study. Sperm motility dropped to zero or near zero in all dogs treated with CaCl2. Testicular size was significantly smaller at 12 months PI for all groups when compared to baseline.ConclusionsThis first long-term study confirms reports of the efficacy of CaCl2 sterilization. However, at dosages free of adverse events, calcium chloride in saline may not provide permanent sterilization as previously believed. Future work should explore optimized solvents to increase the permanence of the well-tolerated 20% formulation.

Effect of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy on Prostate Volume and Vascularity in the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Pilot Study in a Canine Model

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a result of urogenital aging. Recent studies suggest that an age‐related impairment of the blood supply to the lower urinary tract plays a role in the development of BPH and thus may be a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of BPH. The canine prostate is a model for understanding abnormal growth of the human prostate gland. We studied the efficacy of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) in dogs to modify prostate blood flow and evaluated its effect on BPH.

Ultrasound as a Mechanical Method for Male Dog Contraception

Therapeutic ultrasound (1.5 W/cm(2)) was investigated for its effect upon testicular size and consistency and semen quality in five dogs. Dogs were treated every other day with a total of three treatments and were examined up to 2 weeks after treatment. There was some tenderness after treatment and a significant decrease in testicular size and semen quality. This method may provide a suitable contraception technique in dogs and requires further investigation.