Reduced fertility in aging roosters due to retained spermatozoa in sertoli cells

International Conference on Cytopathology

August 31-September 02, 2015 Toronto, Canada

Avi Rosenstrauch

Achva Academic College, Israel

Posters-Accepted Abstracts: J Cytol Histol

Abstract :

Following artificial insemination, the rooster�s fertility peaks at 96% by 32 weeks of age, declines to 75% by 70 weeks and to only 20% by 110 weeks of age. In previous studies, we found that the reduction of fertility was concomitant with a decrease of both ejaculated sperm concentration and plasma testosterone concentration.The present study examined: (1) the development of spermatogenetic cells and their relation with Sertoli cells that support them within the testicular seminiferous tubules; and (2) the functioning of Leydig cells that produce and secrete testosterone. Roosters aged 32, 70 and 110 weeks of age were compared using light and electron-microscopy. We found that the decrease of testosterone plasma level of the aging, low fertile roosters was characterized by Leydig cells showing reduced: Number and volume of mitochondria, where testosterone biosynthesis is initiated by cholesterol cleavage; rough endoplasmic reticulum involved in protein synthesis and smooth endoplasmic reticulum involved in testosterone secretion. However, spermatogenesis remained normal and the cells showed regular ultra-structure. The reduced output of spermatozoa from the testes was caused by their retention by Sertoli cells within the seminiferous tubules. These Sertoli cells lost their actin-like filaments which are involved in spermiation in the fertile rooster. We concluded that the low fertility of aging roosters was related to reduce testosterone levels which resulted in impaired spermiation due to actin-like filament deficiency of the Sertoli cells.

Biography :

Email: aviro@achva.ac.il