Concentrations of oestrogens in blood plasma and seminal plasma of boars during the postpuberal period

Abstract

Concentrations of oestrogens in the blood plasma and seminal plasma of mature boars are high. However, little is known about their concentrations after reaching sexual maturity. The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of oestrogens in blood plasma and seminal plasma of boars during the postpuberal period. Free and conjugated oestrone and oestradiol-17β were determined by radioimmunoassay in blood from the testicular vein and artery, and peripheral circulation as well as in seminal plasma collected from 18 Polish Landrace boars. The animals were divided into three groups (n = 6) according to age (8, 12 and 16 months, respectively). Oestrone was predominant free and conjugated oestrogen. The highest values of oestrogens were measured in the testicular vein (p < 0.05). The concentrations of oestrogens in seminal plasma did not differ from those found in the peripheral circulation. An age-dependent increase in levels of all four oestrogens (p < 0.05) was observed. This can be associated with biochemical maturation of the reproductive system during the postpuberal period. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2011.