Retinoic acid treatment alters germ cell heterogeneity and testicular echotexture in prepubescent ram lambs

• DOI: 10.1071/rd15180
• Publication Date: 2015-07-16T02:00:03Z
• Authors: Jennifer L. Giffin; Ann C. Hahnel; Pawel M. Bartlewski
• Keywords: Seminiferous tubule; Age groups

Testicular echotextural attributes are closely associated with spermatogenic development; however, precise characterisation of specific germ cell types is difficult due to tremendous heterogeneity. Recently, retinoic acid (RA) administration in neonatal mice was found induce highly synchronised spermatogenesis as adults. A RA-treatment protocol tested 17 ram lambs treated or without RA at 8 weeks age, scrotal ultrasonography and blood samples collected until castration 24h 2.5 later. At 8.2 the nuclear:seminiferous tubule (ST) area higher compared control group. Serum testosterone concentrations numerical pixel values (NPVs) testicular parenchyma reached a peak 9 age both groups studied. 10.5 percentage ST cross-sections different cells most mature type lower inter-tubular heterogeneity NPVs were also animals. manipulation prepubertal may provide suitable model for further investigation characteristics critical developmental events.