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Title: SELECTION FOR EXTREMES IN FSH CONCENTRATIONS RESULTS IN ELEVATED FSH CONCENTRATIONS NEGATIVELY RELATED TO TESTIS SIZE AND FERTILITY IN MEISHAN AND WHITE COMPOSITE BOARS

Author
item Lunstra, Donald
item Ford, Johny
item Wise, Thomas

Submitted to: International Symposium: Swine And Biomedical Research
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/25/1997
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: In human reproduction, elevated follicle stimulating hormone concentrations (FSH) in men are associated with impaired gonadal function and infertility. Meishan boars imported from China have considerably increased plasma concentrations of FSH as compared to crossbred boars of European origin (5-10X). Selection for extremes in FSH concentrations in Meishan and White composite boars has indicated a negative relationship between plasma FSH concentrations and testis weights (n=53; r=-.77; p<.01). Means of right testis weights of White composite and Meishan boars were 287.5+/-21 and 162.0+/-21 g, respectively (p<.01). Concentrations of FSH of White composite and Meishan boars were 209.1+/-.9 and 734.8+/-.9 ng/ml, respectively (p<.01). Histological analysis of the testis showed Leydig cells of Meishan boars were 30% greater in size, another characteristic of hypergonadotropic-hypogonadal function in men. While testis were smaller in nMeishan boars, plasma testosterone concentrations were increased as compared to White composite boars (16.8+/-.3 vs 10.9+/-.2 ng/ml; p<.05, respectively) and may reflect effects of increased Leydig cell size in Meishan testis. Total daily sperm production was decreased in Meishan boars as compared to White composite boars (5.5 vs 10.8 x 109 cells; p<.01) but sperm production/g parenchyma was not different between breeds (n=44). Genetic selection for high FSH concentrations of boars produced reduced testis weights and fertility, all common characteristics of hypergonadotropism associated infertility in men. Meishan boars which have extremes in FSH concentrations and testis weights may be a useful model for hypergonadotropic-hypogonadal function in men.