The changes in semen quality, arginase activity and nitric oxide level in dexamethasone‐treated rams

Abstract

This study was made to investigate the effects of intramuscular administrations of dexamethasone on seminal plasma nitric oxide levels and arginase activity, and some spermatological parameters in rams. Ten Akkaraman rams weighing 50–60 kg and 2 years old were used as material in this study. The study was performed during the breeding season (September–November) for rams. The semen was collected by artificial vagina at 1st, 4th, 24th, 48th, 72nd and 96th hours for control group before dexamethasone administration. For treatment group, 0.25 mg/kg dexamethasone was administered and semen was collected at the time points described for control group. Spermatological characteristics of semen samples (semen volume, pH, sperm motility, density and abnormal sperm rate), seminal plasma arginase enzyme activities and nitric oxide levels were determined. It was determined that the administration of dexamethasone was detected to decrease seminal plasma arginase activity (p < .05 and .01) and nitric oxide level (p < .05), semen volume (p < .05 and .01), mass activity (p < .05 and .01), sperm density (p < .05) and sperm motility (p < .05 and .01), and to increase abnormal sperm rate (p < .05 and .01). In conclusion, dexamethasone is not recommended to be used during the breeding season as it damages the sperm quality of the rams.

Glucocorticoid exposure modifies the miRNA profile of sperm in the guinea pig: Implications for intergenerational transmission

“…In the present study sGC‐exposure did not influence sperm motility, morphology, vitality or count in either the caput or cauda sections of the epididymis and did not influence plasma testosterone concentrations. This is in contrast to previous studies that demonstrate significant reductions to sperm parameters in other species 9,12 . For instance, a study in rams demonstrated that two intramuscular Dex (0.25 mg/kg) injections resulted in decreases in sperm motility, sperm density, semen volume, and increased abnormal sperm rate 9 .…”

“…This is in contrast to previous studies that demonstrate significant reductions to sperm parameters in other species. 9,12 For instance, a study in rams demonstrated that two intramuscular Dex (0.25 mg/kg) injections resulted in decreases in sperm motility, sperm density, semen volume, and increased abnormal sperm rate. 9 Similarly, a study in mice found that seven day intraperitoneal injection of Dex (7 mg/kg/day) significantly decreased sperm motility, the number of spermatocytes, spermatogenesis index and serum testosterone levels.…”

“…9,12 For instance, a study in rams demonstrated that two intramuscular Dex (0.25 mg/kg) injections resulted in decreases in sperm motility, sperm density, semen volume, and increased abnormal sperm rate. 9 Similarly, a study in mice found that seven day intraperitoneal injection of Dex (7 mg/kg/day) significantly decreased sperm motility, the number of spermatocytes, spermatogenesis index and serum testosterone levels. 12 The main difference between the current study and previous finding is the route of exposure and dose.…”

“…8 Patients receiving sGCs experience acute relief; however, chronic exposure has been shown to increase susceptibility to diabetes, hypertension, adrenal insufficiency, and various neuropsychiatric diseases. 3,5,6 Furthermore, long-term exposure to sGCs has been shown to negatively impact male fertility by impairing sperm quality, 9,10 inducing germ cell apoptosis, 11 and altering androgen production and spermatogenesis, 12 which may have implications for intergenerational transmission.…”

Semen quality and sperm characteristics in broiler breeder cockerels fed vitamin E during hot season

“…Semen arginase activity is related to sperm count and motility in humans (Elgün, Kaçmaz, Sen, & Durak, 2000), rams (Gür & Kandemir, 2012) and goats (Türk, Gür, Kandemir, & Sӧnmez, 2011;Daramola & Adekunle, 2017). Oxidative perturbations exhibited by administration of dexamethasone in ram caused a decreased arginase activity in ram semen (Kaya et al, 2020). In fact, arginase activity in seminal plasma of mammalian males could be used as a biochemical criterion to indicate the quality of semen.…”