Browsing by Author "Kanter, M"

Now showing 1 - 17 of 17

Distribution of Mast Cells in Lung Tissues of Rats Exposed To Biomass Smoke
(Scandinavian Federation Laboratory Animal Science, 2004) Kanter, M; Yörük, M; Özbay, B; Karaca, T; Acar, S; Coskun, O
This study was designed to evaluate the distribution of mast cells in the lung tissues of rats exposed to biomass smoke. Fifty six female Wistar albino adult rats were used. They were divided into two experimental groups (control and biomass smoke-treated), each containing 28 animals. Control rats were not exposed to the biomass smoke at any time during the experiment. Rats in the treatment group were exposed daily (one hour) to biomass smoke for 3, 6 or 9 months. Lung tissues samples were obtained under deep anesthesia from the randomly selected 7 animals in both groups. Lung tissues were fixed in Mota's fixative (BLA) for 24 h and embedded in paraffin. Sections of 6 put thickness were cut and stained with 0.5% toluidine blue in 0.5 N hydrochloric acid at pH 0.5 for 30 min. The numbers of mast cell in lung tissues of the animals exposed to the biomass for 6 or 9 months were significantly (P<0.05) higher than controls. This study showed that long term exposure to biomass smoke was associated with the increased number of mast cells in the lung.
The Effect of Moclobemide, Reversible Inhibitor of Monoamine Oxidase-A, on the Alcoholized Rat Brain
(Scandinavian Federation Laboratory Animal Science, 2002) Karaöz, E; Kanter, M; Bapçi, Z
This experiment was carried out to demonstrate the effect of moclobemide on the brains of rats fed on a diet containing alcohol. Thirty male rats, 200250 g were used. Rats were fed with a diet (milk) containing ethyl alcohol (10%) in the alcohol-only treated group and were injected subcutaneously with moclobemide (30 mg/kg) in the alcohol+moclobemide treated group daily for 21 days. It is found that the serum ethanol level in the alcohol+moclobemide treated group was significantly higher than in alcohol-only treated group at the end of the experiment. Electron microscopic examination revealed more prominent neurotoxicity in the alcohol+moclobemide treated group than in alcohol-only treated group. We concluded that moclobemide decreases the elimination of ethanol. However, more studies are needed to demonstrate its mechanism.
Effect of Nigella Sativa L. on Heart Rate and Some Haematological Values of Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rabbits
(Scandinavian Federation Laboratory Animal Science, 2004) Meral, I; Donmez, N; Baydas, B; Belge, F; Kanter, M
This study was designed to investigate the effect of an extract of Nigella sativa L. on the heart rate and some haematological values in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits. Fifteen New Zealand male rabbits were divided into three experimental groups: control, diabetic and N. sativa L.-treated diabetic. At the end of the experimental period (2 months), animals in all three groups were fasted for 12 hours and blood samples were taken for the determination of glucose levels, RBC and WBC (red and white blood cell) counts, packed cell volume (PCV), and haemoglobin (Hb) concentration. Heart rates were also measured by a direct-writing electrocardiograph before the blood withdrawals. It was found that N. sativa L. treatment increased the lowered RBC and WBC counts, PCV and neutrophil percentage in diabetic rabbits. However, the WBC count of the X sativa L. treated diabetic group was still lower than the control. N. sativa L. treatment also decreased the elevated heart rate and glucose concentration of diabetic rabbits. It is concluded that oral X sativa L. treatment might decrease the diabetes-induced disturbances of heart rate and some haematological parameters of alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits.
Effects of a Gnrh Agonist on Oocyte Number and Maturation in Mice Superovulated With Ecg and Hcg
(Elsevier Science inc, 2004) Kanter, M; Yildiz, C; Meral, I; Koc, A; Tasal, I
The objective was to investigate the effects of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH) on ovulation rate and the number and maturation of oocytes in mice superovulated with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Thirty 3-month-old BALB/C female mice (weight: 25-30 g) were assigned to three experimental groups: control, superovulated, and superovulated with GnRH pretreatment (n = 10 per group). Control mice received an i.p. injection of 0.1 ml physiological saline solution. Superovulation was induced with 5 IU eCG (i.p.) and 5 IU hCG 48 It later. Mice in the superovulated with GnRH pretreatment group were given GnRH (20 mg/kg Fertirelin, i.m.), 24 h before superovulation. Thirteen hours after hCG administration, mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and blood samples were collected to determine serum progesterone concentration (by radioimmunoassay). Ovaries and oviducts were also harvested to enumerate corpora lutea and cumulus-enclosed oocytes. Progesterone concentrations were not significantly different among groups. The oocyte number and the maturation, ovulation rate, and the number of corpora lutea were higher in GnRH-treated mice than both controls and superovulated mice. In conclusion, GnRH given 24 h before superovulation with eCG-hCG increased the number and maturation of oocytes and the rate of ovulation in mice. (C) 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Effects of Cadmium Exposure on Morphological Aspects of Pancreas, Weights of Fetus and Placenta in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Pregnant Rats
(Humana Press inc, 2003) Kanter, M; Yoruk, M; Koc, A; Meral, I; Karaca, T
This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Cd exposure on morphological aspects of beta-cell and weights of fetus and placenta in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic pregnant rats. Ninety-nine virgin female Wistar rats (200-220 g) were mated with 33 males for at least 12 h. From the onset of pregnancy, the rats were divided into four experimental groups (control, Cd treated, STZ treated, and Cd+STZ treated). The Cd-treated group was injected subcutaneously daily with CdCl2 dissolved in isotonic NaCl, starting at the onset of pregnancy throughout the experiment. Diabetes was induced on the 13th d of pregnancy by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ in STZ-treated group. In addition to the daily injection of Cd, a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ was also given on the 13th d of pregnancy in the Cd+STZ-treated group. The rats received the last injection 24 h before being sacrificed and 10 randomly selected rats in each group were sacrificed on the 15th and 20th d of pregnancy. Blood samples were taken for the determination of the serum glucose and insulin levels. Maternal pancreases, fetuses, and placentas of sacrificed rats in all groups were harvested (fetal pancreas was also harvested only on the 20th d of pregnancy) for morphological and immunohistochemical examinations. Cd exposure alone caused a degeneration, necrosis, and weak degranulation, but Cd exposure with STZ caused a severe degeneration, necrosis, and degranulation in the beta-cells of the pancreatic islets. No morphological or immunohistochemical differences were found in beta-cells of fetal pancreatic islets of control or other treatment groups. Cd exposure alone also decreased the fetal and placental weights. The administration of STZ alone, on the other hand, increased the placental weight. Cd, STZ, and Cd+STZ administration increased the glucose and decreased the insulin level. The increase in glucose and decrease in insulin levels were higher when Cd and STZ were given together. All of these changes were more severe on the 20th d than those on the 15th d of the pregnancy. It is concluded that Cd exposure during pregnancy may reduce the birth and placental weights and produce necrosis, degeneration, and degranulation in beta-cells of pancreatic islets, causing an increase in the serum glucose level. These changes might be severe in diabetic pregnant mothers.
Effects of Nigella Sativa L. and Urtica Dioica L. on Lipid Peroxidation, Antioxidant Enzyme Systems and Some Liver Enzymes in Ccl4-Treated Rats
(Wiley, 2003) Kanter, M; Meral, I; Dede, S; Cemek, M; Ozbek, H; Uygan, I; Gunduz, H
This study was designed to investigate the effects Nigella sativa L. (NS) and Urtica dioica L. (UD) on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme systems and some liver enzymes in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-treated rats. A total of 60 healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were utilized in this study. The rats were randomly allotted into one of four experimental groups: A (CCl4 -only treated), B (CCl4 + UD treated), C (CCl4 + NS treated) and D (CCl4 + UD + NS treated), each containing 15 animals. All groups received CCl4 [0.8 ml/kg of body weight, subcutaneously, twice a week for 90 days starting day 1]. In addition, B, C and D groups also received daily intraperitoneal injections of 0.2 ml/kg NS or/and 2 ml/kg UD oils for 45 days starting day 46. Group A, on the other hand, received only 2 ml/kg normal saline solution for 45 days starting day 46. Blood samples for the biochemical analysis were taken by cardiac puncture from five randomly chosen rats in each treatment group at beginning, at 45th and at 90th day of the experiment. The CCl4 treatment for 45 days increased the lipid peroxidation and liver enzymes, and also decreased the antioxidant enzyme levels. NS or UD treatments (alone or combination) for 45 days starting day 46 decreased the elevated lipid peroxidation and liver enzyme levels and also increased the reduced antioxidant enzyme levels. Live weights of the rats decreased in group A, and increased in groups B, C and D. It is concluded that NS and UD decrease the lipid peroxidation and liver enzymes, and increase the antioxidant defence system activity in the CCl4-treated rats.
Effects of Nigella Sativa L. and Urtica Dioica L. on Lipid Peroxidation, Antioxidant Enzyme Systems and Some Liver Enzymes in Ccl4-Treated Rats (Vol 50, Pg 264, 2003)
(Blackwell verlag Gmbh, 2003) Kanter, M; Meral, I; Dede, S; Gunduz, H; Cemek, M; Ozbek, H; Uygan, I
Effects of Nigella Sativa L. and Urtica Dioica L. on Selected Mineral Status and Hematological Values in Ccl4-Treated Rats
(Humana Press inc, 2003) Meral, I; Kanter, M
This study was designed to investigate the effects of Nigella sativa L. (NS), known as black seed, or/and Urtica dioica L. (UD), known as stinging nettle root, treatments on serum Na, K, Cl, and Ca levels and some hematological values of CCl4-treated rats. Sixty healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 250-300 g, were randomly allotted into 1 of 4 experimental groups: A (CCl4-only treated), B (CCl4 + UD treated), C (CCl4 + NS treated), and D (CCl4 + UD + NS treated), each containing 15 animals. All groups received CCl4 (0.8 mL/kg of body weight, subcutaneously, twice a week for 90 d starting d 1). In addition, B, C, and D groups also received the daily ip injection of 0.2 mL/kg NS and/or 2 mL/kg UD oils for 45 d starting d 46. Group A, on the other hand, received only 2 mL/kg normal saline solution for 45 d starting d 46. Blood samples for the biochemical analysis were taken by cardiac puncture from five randomly chosen rats in each treatment group at the beginning, d 45, and d 90 of the experiment. The CCl4 treatment for 45 d significantly (p < 0.05) increased the serum K and Ca and decreased (p < 0.05) the red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC), packed cell volume (PCV), and Hb levels without changing (p > 0.05) the serum Na and Cl levels. NS or UD treatments (alone or combination) for 45 d starting d 46 significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the elevated serum K and Ca levels and also increased (p < 0.05) the reduced RBC, WBC, PCV, and Hb levels. It is concluded that NS and/or UD treatments might ameliorate the CCl4-induced disturbances of anemia, some minerals, and body's defense mechanism in CCl4-treated rats.
The Effects of Recombinant Lhrh Fusion Proteins on Testicular Development and Histology in Ram Lambs
(M H Schaper Gmbh Co Kg, 2001) Ülker, H; Kanter, M; Gökdal, Ö; De Avila, D; Reeves, JJ
Two recombinant luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) fusion proteins were evaluated for their effectiveness in suppression of testicular development and histology by injecting together. Recombinant fusion proteins, ovalbumin-LHRH-7 and thioredoxin-LHRH-7, were generated using recombinant DNA technology and expressed in E. Coli. Eleven ram lambs ranked by age and body weight were randomly assigned to receive either ovalbumin and thioredoxin recombinant protein mixture (control group, n=5) or ovalbumin-LHRH-7 and thioredoxin-LHRH-7 recombinant fusion protein mixture, anti-LHRH vaccine, (immunization group, n=6). Animals in each group were weaned at 17 wk of age and were injected (primary immunization) with either mixture at 18 wk of age. Both groups received a booster immunization 8 wks later (26 wk of age). Scrotal circumference, scrotal length, testicular diameter and testicular length were measured in both groups every other week. All animals were slaughtered at 36 wk of age. Immediately after slaughter, a small testicular tissue was taken and processed for histological examination. In the ram lambs in immunization group scrotal circumference and testicular diameter increased steadily until second booster and then remained as a plateau until the end of the experiment. The differences in scrotal circumferences and testicular diameter were significant between the two groups during the last three weeks of the study (p <0.05). There were no differences in testicular and scrotal length throught the study (p >0.05). Semineferous tubules lost their regular shape and were decreased in diameter in immunization group. Although a few spermatozoa were seen in some tubules, in general there were atrophy of the semineferous, tubules and loss of spermatogenesis, nevertheless, it seemed that animals in this group were potentially fertile.
Investigation of the Ultrastructural Changes and Hydroxyproline Levels in Mice Lungs Induced by Bleomycin Treatment
(Scandinavian Federation Laboratory Animal Science, 2002) Karaöz, E; Kanter, M
The present study was planned to investigate the ultrastructural changes and hydroxyproline level in the lungs of the mice induced. by bleomycin treatment. Following 4 weeks of bleomycin treatment, the lungs were examined histologically (using light and electron microscopes) and the hydroxyproline level was measured at 4th, 6th, 8th, and 10th weeks of the experiment. Biochemical and structural changes that normally occur in lung fibrosis were also observed in our study. For example; lung hydroxyproline level increased progressively (p<0.05) and structural changes advanced to interstitial fibrosis from 4th to 10th weeks of the experiment. Alveolar septum thickening, type II pneumocytes increase and mononuclear cell infiltration (lymphocyte, monocyte and macrophage) were seen. In addition, membrane-bound rod-shaped amorphous structures in the cytoplasm of alveolar macrophages were increased significantly (P<0.05). It is concluded that, bleomycin treatment may produce fibrosis due to increase in interstitial connective tissue, hydroxyproline level and the number of alveolar macrophages. However, more studies are needed to demonstrate whether there is a relationship between the increased membrane-bound rod shaped amorphous structures and the occurrence of fibrosis.
Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Levels, and Alpha Naphthyl Acetate Esterase Activity of Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes in Mallard, Muscovy and Pekin Ducks
(veterinarni A Farmaceuticka Univerzita Brno, 2006) Karaca, T; Cemek, M; Kanter, M
The aim of this study was to determine blood levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), ceruloplasmin and vitamin C, and the percentages of peripheral blood T-lymphocytes using the alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE) method on Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Muscovy (Cairina moschata) and Pekin (Anas domestica) ducks. Blood samples were obtained from 8 adult ducks of each breed. The serum levels observed in Mallard, Muscovy and Pekin ducks respectively were 0.8, 1.07 and 1.3 nmol MDA per ml; 77.4, 66.9 and 78.7 mg GSH per 100 ml; 23.9, 26.1 and 24.1 mg ceruloplasmin per 100 ml; and 0.50, 0.52 and 0.70 mg vitamin C per 100 ml. The percentage of the ANAE (+) lymphocytes was 57.9%, 54.8% and 55.1% in Mallard, Muscovy and Pekin ducks, respectively. In this study, blood levels of lipid peroxidation and nonenzymatic antioxidants in the Mallard, Muscovy and Pekin ducks were determined.
Localization of Glycogen in the Placenta and Fetal and Maternal Livers of Cadmium-Exposed Diabetic Pregnant Rats
(Humana Press inc, 2003) Yoruk, M; Kanter, M; Meral, I; Agaoglu, Z
This study was designed to investigate the effects of Cd exposure on the glycogen localization in the placenta and in fetal and maternal livers in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced-diabetic pregnant rats. Ninety-nine virgin female Wistar rats (200-220 g) were mated with 33 males for at least 12 h. From the onset of pregnancy, the rats were divided into four experimental groups (control, Cd treated, STZ treated, and Cd+STZ treated). The Cd-treated group was injected subcutaneously daily with CdCl2 dissolved in isotonic NaCl, starting at the onset of pregnancy throughout the experiment. Diabetes was induced on d 13 of pregnancy by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ in the STZ-treated group. In addition to the daily injection of Cd, a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ was also given on d 13 of pregnancy in the Cd+STZ-treated group. The rats received the last injection 24 h before being sacrificed and 10 randomly selected rats in each group were sacrificed on d 15 and d 20 of pregnancy. Blood samples were taken for determination of the serum glucose and insulin levels. Fetal and maternal livers of sacrificed rats in all groups were harvested on d 15 and d 20 of pregnancy, whereas placentas were harvested only on d 20 of pregnancy for histochemical examination. Although both Cd and STZ caused hyperglycemia and decreased insulin secretion, Cd-alone treatment increased the glycogen content only in the placental labyrinth, whereas STZ-alone treatment increased the glycogen content only in the maternal part of the placenta. Increased glycogen localization was observed in both the placental labyrinth and the maternal part of placenta when Cd and STZ were given together. Fetal and maternal livers of control and other treatment groups were not different regarding the glycogen content on d 15 or d 20 of pregnancy. It was concluded that Cd exposure during pregnancy might produce a glycogen localization in the placenta of diabetic rats. However, the function and the mechanisms of increased glycogen contents in the placenta of Cd-exposed pregnant diabetic rats remain unclear and further studies are needed.
Morphological Quantitative Changes in the Number of Lymphocytes, Macrophages and Plasma Cells in the Uterus and Lymph Nodes of Rats Exposed To the Systemic Administration of Bcg
(Tohoku Univ Medical Press, 2003) Kanter, M; Gul, A; Meral, I; Koc, A; Ilhan, M; Erdogan, E
KANTER, M., GUL, A., MERAL, I., Koc, A., ILHAN, M. and ERDOGAN, E. Morphological Quantitative Changes in the Number of Lymphocytes, Macrophages and Plasma Cells in the Uterus and Lymph Nodes of Rats Exposed to the Systemic Administration of BCG. Tohoku J. Exp. Med., 2003, 199 (4), 219-228 - This study was designed to investigate the effect of systemic administration of BCG on the morphological quantitative changes in the number of lymphocytes, macrophages and plasma cells in the uterus and lymph nodes of rats. Thirty female virgin Wistar Albino rats, aging 6 months and weighing between 200-250 g, were assigned to the two experimental groups; BCG treated and controls (n = 15). BCG group received 0.1 ml BCG in tail skin and control group received 0.1 ml saline at the same place. Two weeks after injections, rats in both groups were anesthesized with a high dose of ether and decapitated. Uterus and ileocecal lymph nodes were processed to determine alpha napthyl acid esterase (ANAE)-positive T lymphocytes and macrophages. The plasma cells were stained with the methyl green-pyronin method. It was found that the numbers of T lymphocytes, macrophages and plasma cells in the uterus and the ileocecal lymph nodes of BCG treated group significantly increased indicating the presence of an immune response to the systemic BCG administration. It was concluded that the systemic administration of BCG increases humoral and cellular immunity in endometrium, myometrium and regional lymph nodes. The immune deficiency system plays an important role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Therefore, the endometriosis might be prevented by using periodical administration of BCG. However, further experimental and clinical studies associated with these issue are required.
Partial Regeneration/Proliferation of the Β-Cells in the Islets of Langerhans by Nigella Sativa L. in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
(Tohoku Univ Medical Press, 2003) Kanter, M; Meral, I; Yener, Z; Ozbek, H; Demir, H
This experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of N. sativa L. on histopathology of pancreatic beta-cells, and blood insulin and glucose concentrations in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Fifty male Wistar rats (200-250 g) were divided into two experimental groups (diabetics with no treatment and diabetics with N. sativa L. treatment), each containing twenty-five rats. Diabetes was induced in both groups by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (50 mg/kg). The experimental animals in both groups became diabetic within 24 hours after the administration of STZ. The rats in N. sativa L.-treated group were given the daily intraperitoneal injection of 0.20 ml/ kg of A sativa L. volatile oil for 30 days starting the day after STZ injection. Control rats received only the same amount of normal saline solution. The rats in both groups received the last injection 24 hours before the sacrification and 5 randomly-selected rats in each group were sacrificed before, and the 1, 10, 20 and 30 days after the STZ injection to collect blood and pancreatic tissue samples. The N. sativa L. treatment caused a decrease in the elevated serum glucose, an increase in the lowered serum insulin concentrations and partial regeneration/ proliferation of pancreatic beta-cells in STZ-induced diabetic rats with the elapse of the experiment. It is concluded that the hypoglycaemic action of N. sativa L. could be partly due to amelioration in the beta-cells of pancreatic islets causing an increase in insulin secretion. More studies are needed to demonstrate the exact mechanism of action of N. sativa L. on ameliorated blood glucose concentration in STZ-induced diabetes. -rats; N. sativa L.; glucose; insulin, beta-cells. (C) 2003 Tohoku University Medical Press.
A Rabbit Model for Liver Fibrosis
(Scandinavian Federation Laboratory Animal Science, 2001) Kanter, M; Yener, Z
This experiment was carried out to investigate the role of cells participating in fibrosis induced by bile-duct ligation in rabbits. Histologically, bile stasis, degeneration and focal necrosis of hepatocytes, bile ductular proliferation, and an increase of the connective tissue were seen in periportal regions. Immunohistochemically, it was found that the majority of cells observed in the fibrosis regions were positive cells (spindle cells) for alpha-smooth muscle actin (ASMA). It is suggested that the spindle cells, probably transforming from Ito cells or myofibroblasts, play an important role in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis.
A Rat Model for the Immune Response To the Intrauterine Administration of Bcg
(Scandinavian Federation Laboratory Animal Science, 2002) Kanter, M; Yoruk, M; Koc, A; Meral, I; Timurkan, HH
This study as designed to investigate the changes in the numbers of lymphocytes. macrophages and plasma cells in the uterus and ileocecal lymph nodes of rats exposed to the intrauterine administration of Bacillus-Calmette Guerin (BCG). Thirty female Wistar Albino rats. age 6 months and weighing between 200-250 g. ere assigned to the two experimental groups BCG treated and controls (n = 15). The intrauterine BCG injections where made using laparatomy in the diestrous cycle under Rompun and Ketalar anesthesia. 0.1 ml BCG ere injected for each into cornu uteri awhile the control group received 0.1 ml sterile saline in the same place, Two weeks later. the rats in both groups were anesthetized with ether and decapitated. Uterus and ileocecal lymph nodes were processed to determine alpha naphthyl acid esterase (ANAE) - positive T lymphocytes and macrophages. The plasma cells were stained with the methyl green-pyronin method. It was found that the numbers of lymphocytes. macrophages; and plasma cells on the uterus increased (P<0.01) in BCG treated rats. In addition. the number of these cells also increased in the ileocecal lymph nodes indicating the presence of an immune response to the intrauterine BCG administration. It is concluded that although the rat was chosen as a model and BCG as given by the process of laparatomy in this stud,,. intracervical administration of BCG in the uterus should be studied clinically in cases of immune deficiency disorders related to the uterus. such as endometritis. myometritis. pyometra. endometriosis. infertility and implantation problems of domestic animals. to see if there is an increase in the immune response.
Testicular Development, Ultrasonographic and Histological Appearance of the Testis in Ram Lambs Immunized Against Recombinant Lhrh Fusion Proteins
(Elsevier Science Bv, 2005) Ülker, H; Kanter, M; Gökdal, Ö; Aygün, T; Karakus, F; Sakarya, ME; Reeves, JJ
Sixteen native ram lambs weaned at 10 wk of age were divided into two groups. Eight animals were immunized against LHRH with a mixture of two fusion proteins: ovalbumin-LHRH-7 and thioredoxin-LHRH-7. The immunized lambs received a primary immunization plus two booster immunizations at 4 and 12 wks. Animals in the control group (n = 8) were not treated. Scrotal measurements and blood samples were taken at 2-week intervals. Beginning at 25 wk of age, semen was collected and sexual behaviour was evaluated on a weekly basis. At 35 and 37 wk of age testes and accessory glands of all animals were subjected to ultrasound scanning. At 37 wk of age animals were slaughtered and testes were evaluated histologically. Serum LHRH antibodies (P < 0.01) were detected in animals of the immunized group which had reduced serum testosterone concentrations (P < 0.01). Testicular development was suppressed in the immunized animals (P < 0.01). Immunized animals exhibited mounting activity 5 wks later than control animals. No mature spermatozoa containing ejaculates were collected from immunized animals. Control animals had moderately echogenic ultrasonographic appearance at 37 wk age, whereas immunized animals had hypoechogenic images. Mean seminiferous tubule diameter in immunized lambs was significantly smaller than that in control lambs. Basal membrane was thickened and hyalinized; there was an increase in peritubular connective tissue. No proliferating spermatogonia or mature spermatozoa were present in the tubules in these animals. There were no differences in the ultrasonographic appearance of prostate and vesicular gland between control and immunized animals. The LHRH recombinant fusion proteins were effective in immunological castration in ram lambs when started at 10 wk of age as noted by differences in serum testosterone, testicular histology and ultrasonographic appearance of testis and weight of accessory sex glands. Determining the effects of immunization on ultrasonographic appearance of the testis related to time after immunization requires further investigations. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.