Correlation between oxytocin receptors expression (OTR) in the testicles and epididymis in dogs and semen quality

• Grant number: 13/00888-1
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): May 01, 2013
• Effective date (End): February 29, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Animal Reproduction
• Principal researcher: Valquiria Hyppolito Barnabé
• Grantee: Andressa Dalmazzo
• Home Institution: Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Oxytocin, widely studied in females, now has been the focus for the male reproductive system due to the proposed participation in the processes of spermatogenesis, erection and ejaculation. Thus, this study aims to correlate the immunolocalization of oxytocin receptors in the testicles of dogs with the data obtained from the semen analysis, testicular gene and protein expression of this receptor. Furthermore, the immunostaining of androgen binding protein (ABP) will also be evaluated. Adult Male dogs (1-5 years) will be used. Oxytocin receptor expression will be evaluated by immunohistochemistry and by correlating gene expression with data from semen parameters and testosterone dosage in each of these animals. The expected results include positive or negative correlation parameters with respect to spermatogenesis and fertility of the animals. Given the scarcity of studies on the subject, this study may corroborate the basic research and biotechnology in small animals possibly bringing new perspectives for therapeutic use of oxytocin in reproductive pathologies.

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

DALMAZZO, ANDRESSA; LOSANO, JOAO D. A.; ANGRIMANI, DANIEL S. R.; PEREIRA, ISABEL V. A.; GOISSIS, MARCELO D.; FRANCISCHINI, MARIA C. P.; LOPES, EVERTON; MINAZAKI, CLAUDIA K.; BLANK, MARCEL H.; COGLIATI, BRUNO; PEREIRA, RICARDO J. G.; BARNABE, VALQUIRIA H.; NICHI, MARCILIO. Immunolocalisation and expression of oxytocin receptors and sex hormone-binding globulin in the testis and epididymis of dogs: correlation with sperm function. REPRODUCTION FERTILITY AND DEVELOPMENT, v. 31, n. 9, p. 1434-1443, 2019. Web of Science Citations: 0.

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

DALMAZZO, Andressa. Immunolocalization and expression of oxytocin receptors (OTR) and sex hormone- binding globulin (SHBG) in the testicle and epididymis of dogs: correlation with sperm quality. 2016. Doctoral Thesis - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ/SBD) São Paulo.