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The aim of the present study was to evaluate transient testicular ischaemia (induced using elastrator bands) in Jersey calves on testicular morphology and development. Treatments (at 27 � 5 days of age) consisted of control (0 h banding) and banding for 2, 4 or 8 h (n = 4 in each group). After castration (at 60 � 5 days of age), the right testis was used for calculation of cell components per testis according to the point-counting method. Bodyweight (59.8 � 6.2 kg) and scrotal circumference (SC) at banding (9.1 � 0.2 cm) did not differ between groups. Fresh testis weight, scrotal temperature immediately before band removal and daily SC growth were decreased in ischaemic (4 and 8 h) testes compared with controls (P < 0.05). In addition, the number of Sertoli and Leydig cells was significantly reduced in the 8 h ischaemic treatment group (P < 0.05). Transiently induced ischaemia significantly decreased the number of germ cells in the 8 h ischaemic treatment group (13 � 5 X 106 cells) compared with the 0, 2 and 4 h ischaemic treatment groups (38 � 6, 32 � 6 and 33 � 5 X 106 cells, respectively; P < 0.05). These results suggest that transiently induced ischaemia for 8 h significantly decreases the number of germ, Sertoli and Leydig cells in prepubertal testis. |
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