Study of the pathological effect of Escherichia coli endotoxin in rams

Abstract

This experimental study was carried out on nine adult rams. Rams were injected intravenously with Escherichia coli endotoxin serotype 055:B5. The regimen of injections is described fully. Blood and semen samples were collected periodically to evaluate the changes in blood and semen picture. The reproductive as well as the visceral organs were collected and examined macroscopically and microscopically. The results of the study revealed that sperm cell abnormalities and serum testosterone level were increased, and sperm acrosomal abnormalities were significantly increased. The total leucocytic count was significantly decreased. The histopathological examination revealed severe testicular degeneration in addition to various other lesions in the visceral organs. Scanning electron microscope of the sperm cells revealed detached acrosomes, knobbed acrosomes and coiled tails.