Effect of treatment with pentoxifylline on testicular and sperm parameters in stallions with testicular degeneration

Abstract

The testicular degeneration is the main cause of reduced fertility in the stallion and generates significant economic impact on the equine industry. Affected animals have reduced sperm concentration and motility as well as higher percentage of morphologically abnormal sperm, reflecting on reduced fertility. Pentoxifylline has been intensively studied and used in men with poor semen quality and testicular abnormalities such as varicocele. These researches have revealed a significant increase in sperm quality and fertility of these patients. Nevertheless, pentoxifylline in horses has not been studied in patients with testicular degeneration. Therefore this study aims to evaluate the effect of oral treatment with pentoxifylline in stallions induced to testicular degeneration at about following parameters: serum hormone profile, evaluation of kinetics, morphology and sperm viability and hemodynamic (Doppler ultrasound), thermographic, histopathological and molecular testicles evaluations. Thus, the study aims assessing therapy that promises to accelerate regeneration in stallions with testicular degeneration. (AU)