Changes in Plasma Testosterone and Testicular Transferrin Concentration, Testicular Histology and Semen Quality after Treatment of Testosterone-Depot plus PMSG to 3 Dogs with Asthenozoospermia

Abstract

Three dogs diagnosed as having asthenozoospermia were given three intramuscular injections of 50 mg testosterone(T)-depot plus 250 IU pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) at 2-week intervals, and their plasma T and testicular transferrin (Tf) concentrations, testicular histology, and semen quality were examined during the period of hormone therapy. Plasma T concentrations temporarily increased, and there was a slight improvement in spermatogenesis. Increased Tf concentrations suggested that Sertoli cell function in all three dogs was promoted by hormone treatment. The results showed that semen quality, especially the percentages of motile sperm and abnormal sperm, were improved between 1 and 5 weeks after the start of T-depot plus PMSG treatment.