Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Melatonin injection improves testicular blood flow and semen
By Salama, Ali et al.·Published in BMC veterinary research·2022·Theriogenology Department·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Single melatonin injection enhances the testicular artery hemodynamic, reproductive hormones, and semen parameters in German shepherd dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 12 healthy male German shepherds, around 4 years old, received a single injection of melatonin to see if it would improve their reproductive health. After treatment, the dogs showed significant improvements in semen volume, concentration, and sperm movement compared to those that didn't receive melatonin. Additionally, tests indicated better blood flow to the testicles, which is important for fertility. By the end of the study, levels of key hormones like testosterone also increased. This suggests that melatonin can enhance reproductive function in male dogs.
People also search for: German shepherd fertility treatment · melatonin for dog semen quality · improving dog sperm motility
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the effects of melatonin administration on testicular vascular perfusion in relation to steroid hormones and semen characteristics in dogs. The study included 12 normospermic German shepherd dogs (weighed 35 ± 0.5 kg and aged 4 ± 0.5 years). Males received a single melatonin administration (melatonin dimethyl sulfoxide + corn oil via subcutaneous route; MEL; n = 6), while the rest of the animals served as controls (dimethyl sulfoxide + corn oil; Control; n = 6). Males were subjected to routine examination on days -15, 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60. All examined dogs were subjected to Doppler screening, semen collection, and blood sampling. The MEL group showed a significant (P < 0.05) elevation in semen volume, concentration, percentage of sperm motility, and total sperm × 10/ ejaculate compared to other control males. Doppler indices as resistance (RI) and pulsatility (PI) indices declined (P < 0.05) from D 30 (1.02 ± 0.01) until day 60 (0.87 ± 0.02) of treatment. In MEL males, the peak systolic point of velocity (PSV; cm/sec) of the testicular artery elevated (P < 0.05) on day 60 (20.15 ± 0.99) compared to its value on day 0 (17.39 ± 1.84). On D 60, the levels of testosterone (T), estradiol 17-ß (E2), and nitric oxide (NO) elevated (P < 0.05). A negative correlation was detected between testicular volume, scrotal circumference (SC), T levels, Doppler indices, and velocities. In conclusion, single melatonin administration could improve testicular vascularization via increasing Doppler velocities and intratesticular colored areas. In addition, it could improve semen picture and steroids (T and E2) and nitric oxide.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36376876/