Effect of Immunization Against Inhibin on Camel Testicular Morphometry, Echotexture Analysis, Semen Quality, and...

This study aims to demonstrate whether immunization against inhibin could alters testicular echotexture (TE), hemodynamics (resistance and pulstalilty index [RI and PI], testicular blood flow volume [TBFV]), and semen picture. Senile male camels were immunized actively against inhibin alpha subunit (immunized males; n = 5; subcutaneous route; 1 mL) or non immunized (control males; n = 5). The injection was four times with four weeks intervals. Semen was collected by electroejaculator once per week. Blood sampling, ultrasonography, and hormonal assaying was performed once per week. The levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), and nitric oxide (NO) were calculated. Regarding control camels, the FSH levels were elevated (p < 0.01) in immunized males weeks 6-9 in August. Both E2 and NO were increased in the same group at weeks 7-11 with the highest level in week 10 for E2 (17.01 ± 0.11 pg/mL) in September and in week 9 for NO (44.66 ± 0.15 µmol/L). The Doppler indices RI and PI were declined (p < 0.01) in immunized camels in weeks 7-11, while the TBFV was elevated (p < 0.01). A marked elevation (p < 0.05) in testicular volume was noticed in the immunized group with a decline in the TE in week 9. The sperm cell concentration and viability were elevated (p < 0.01) in the immunized group. In conclusion, the active immunization against inhibin in senile camels shows a positive effect via improvement of testicular hemodynamics, flow volume, testicular volume, FSH, E2, NO, and sperm cell concentration with viability %, and alterations in both Doppler indices with the TE.