Phytoestrogen treatment induces testis alterations in dogs. Potential use in population control.
Dog overpopulation is considered a human health risk; they are the terrestrial vector of rabies and reservoirs for other human diseases. Surgical neutering and intratesticular injections have been used in male dogs. Physiological and morphological alterations in reproductive organs can be induced by phytoestrogens. Our goal was to evaluate the effect of oral coumestrol on dog ejaculates and testis histology. Two groups of 5 healthy adult dogs were used. One coumestrolcontaining biscuit was given once a week for a 4 week period to the experimental group. Ejaculates were obtained and evaluated. After treatment, testis were obtained and processed for histology. Compared to controls, treated dogs have reduced tubules (462 +/- 1.4 vs 336 +/- 2 micron(2)), spermatogenic epithelium (49.1 +/- 0.01 vs 13.3 +/- 0.01 micron(2)), and lumen opening (891 +/- 1.4 vs 530 +/- 26.9 micron). Ejaculates from treated animals have increased numbers of abnormal spermatozoa and reduced sperm concentration.
Perez-Rivero
Juan-Jose
JJ
Dept. Preventive Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, School of Veterinary Medicine, Mexico, Mexico.
Martinez-Maya
Jose-Juan
JJ
Perez-Martinez
Mario
M
Aguilar-Setien
Alvaro
A
Garcia-Suarez
Maria-Dolores
MD
Serrano
Hector
H
D000818:Animals; D003272:Contraceptive Agents, Male / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003375:Coumestrol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004285:Dogs; D008297:Male; D048789:Phytoestrogens / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013076:Sperm Count / Q000662:veterinary; D013737:Testis / Q000187:drug effects*
D003272:Contraceptive Agents, Male; D048789:Phytoestrogens; D003375:Coumestrol