Fifty-five healthy medium-sized dogs were divided into four groups; young (1-3 years old, n = 14), adult (>3 to 6 years old, n = 12), old (>6 to 9 years old, n = 14) and senile (>9 years old, n = 15). After routine orchiectomy, testes were collected, and the degree of white streak areas on cut surfaces was subjectively assessed. Later, testicular tissue sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome for evaluation of germ cell degeneration and the proportion of interstitial connective tissue, respectively. Semiquantitative severity scoring of germ cell degeneration and quantitative analysis of spermatogenic cells for spermatic index (SI) and Sertoli cell index (SEI) was performed. The score of white streak on cut surface area of the testes increased with age, being higher (p < 0.05) in senile dogs than other age groups; no difference was found between adult and old dogs. The proportion of testicular interstitial fibrosis was highest (p < 0.05) in senile dogs. Positive correlations between age and white streak area (rho = 0.77, p < 0.01) as well as age and interstitial fibrosis (rho = 0.63, p < 0.01) were observed. The severity of germ cell degeneration gradually increased with age and differed among age groups (p < 0.05). Age positively correlated with atrophy of seminiferous tubules (rho = 0.93, p < 0.01). The SI was lower (p < 0.05) in senile dogs compared to other age groups, and SI was not different among young, adult and old dogs. Conversely, SEI was significantly higher in senile dogs compared to young, adult and old dogs. A negative correlation between age and SI (rho = -0.69) and a positive correlation between age and SEI (rho = 0.68) were significant (p < 0.01). In conclusion, influence of age on testicular interstitial fibrosis and germ cell degeneration/depletion were pronounced in dogs over 9 years old.
Keywords: ageing; dog; fibrosis; seminiferous tubule; testis.
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