Evaluation of alpha-glucosidase activity in dog semen and its use in fertility diagnosis

摘要

The diagnostic approach to sub-fertile dogs, in which the only apparent clinical finding is oligo-astheno-azoospermia, would greatly profit from the determination of specific markers representative of the functions of the different genital tracts. These diagnostic markers would assist in localizing the pathological organ involved, in establishing appropriate therapy and a well-based prognosis. The presence of the enzyme a-glucosidase in the epididymis of several mammalian species is well documented (Yeung et al., 1990; Besancon et al., 1983). Alpha-glucosidase activity can be assessed in the ejaculate and it could therefore represent a useful seminal marker of epididymal function in order to differentiate spermatogenetic arrest from obstructive azoospermia (Gnerin et al., 1986; Cooper et al., 1988). At present no data are available on this maltase in dog ejaculates in the literature. The aims of the present work were to investigate the ideal conditions for a-glucosidase determination in dog semen and to assess its usefulness as a diagnostic tool of reduced epididymal function in the 'work-up' of male dog infertility.