Treatment with an equine chorionic gonadotrophin single dose restored spermatozoa production in an azoospermic pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus) male: A case report

Abstract

Azoospermy was diagnosed after semen extraction in a pampas deer male, an endangered species. To determine the reproductive status, testicular fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), followed by a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) challenge (8.4 μg of buserelin acetate) was performed. Blood samples were obtained to measure luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone by radioimmunoanalysis. No spermatozoa was visible in the cytology examination. LH and testosterone surges were observed after the GnRH challenge. Thereafter, 5,000 IU of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) were injected intramuscularly. A second FNAC was performed 2 months later, and semen was extracted 4 months after eCG administration. Spermatozoa were observed both in the smear and in the semen sample. In summary, although limited in number, after a single dose of 5,000 IU of eCG, spermatozoa production was restored. This opens an interesting therapeutical option to stimulate testicular activity. © 2012 Japan Society for Reproductive Medicine.