The role of retinoid-related orphan receptor, one of the transcription factors reported in testis, in testicular function is unclear, so this study was performed to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative changes in the testicular structure of RORα-deficient mice using light-, electron-microscopy, and immunohistochemistry. Among the most striking alterations observed in the testis of the mutant mice were hypospermatogenesis, marked reduction in volume proportions of interstitial tissues and number of Leydig cells, significant decrease in the diameter of seminiferous tubules and height of their epithelium, vacuolation in the epithelium of the seminiferous tubules with occurrence of mast cells, appearance of delay spermiation signs, and changes in sperm morphology. Moreover, the testis of mutant mice showed symplasts, in addition to appearance of multinucleated giant bromophenol-positive cells. ATPase activity was limited to spermatogonia and some primary spermatocytes, with higher alkaline phosphatase expression. Stronger vimentin reaction was immunolocalized to spermatogonia, spermatids, Leydig cells, and Sertoli cells. The expression of CD117 (C-kit, stem cell growth factor receptor) was limited to spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, and Leydig cells. Seminiferous tubules showed overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Transmission electron microscopy examination of the mutant mice revealed abnormal Sertoli cells, hypertrophied spermatogonia, spermatocytes with degenerated mitochondria, and incompletely developed sperms. In conclusion, RORα is one of the essential proteins that regulate testicular structure.

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Progesterone (P4) and vitamin E (Vitamin E) are important in early stage of pregnancy especially in young does. The goal was to investigate effect of injection of P4,Vitamin E and their integration on pregnancy enhancement, embryo dimensions and P4 concentration in young does. 24 animals were divided into 4 equal groups: control group, P4 group (each doe was injected i.m with single dose of 1.0 mg long-acting P4 two days post-mating), Vitamin E group (each doe was injected i.m with 20 IU Vitamin E/kg BW every 3 days from mating to mid-pregnancy and P4+Vitamin E group. All does were ultrasono-graphically examined at days 7,10,12,14,16,18,20 and 22 of pregnancy.Results revealed that P4 and P4+Vitamin E treatment facilitated establishment of pregnancy on day 7 of pregnancy more than the control and Vitamin E alone. Amniotic vesicles diameters on day 12 and fetal length on days 14 and 16 were greater (P0.05)in P4 and P4+Vitamin E groups. On days 18-22, fetus length was significantly larger in P4 group. P4 concentrations at first week and mid-pregnancy were significantly greater in P4 group followed by P4+Vitamin E.Conclusion: P4 and P4+Vitamin E enhanced the early stage of pregnancy during the first parity of rabbit does.

Progesterone (P4) and vitamin E (Vitamin E) are important in early stage of pregnancy especially in young does. The goal was to investigate effect of injection of P4,Vitamin E and their integration on pregnancy enhancement, embryo dimensions and P4 concentration in young does. 24 animals were divided into 4 equal groups: control group, P4 group (each doe was injected i.m with single dose of 1.0 mg long-acting P4 two days post-mating), Vitamin E group (each doe was injected i.m with 20 IU Vitamin E/kg BW every 3 days from mating to mid-pregnancy and P4+Vitamin E group. All does were ultrasono-graphically examined at days 7,10,12,14,16,18,20 and 22 of pregnancy.Results revealed that P4 and P4+Vitamin E treatment facilitated establishment of pregnancy on day 7 of pregnancy more than the control and Vitamin E alone. Amniotic vesicles diameters on day 12 and fetal length on days 14 and 16 were greater (P0.05)in P4 and P4+Vitamin E groups. On days 18-22, fetus length was significantly larger in P4 group. P4 concentrations at first week and mid-pregnancy were significantly greater in P4 group followed by P4+Vitamin E.Conclusion: P4 and P4+Vitamin E enhanced the early stage of pregnancy during the first parity of rabbit does.

Progesterone (P4) and vitamin E (Vitamin E) are important in early stage of pregnancy especially in young does. The goal was to investigate effect of injection of P4,Vitamin E and their integration on pregnancy enhancement, embryo dimensions and P4 concentration in young does. 24 animals were divided into 4 equal groups: control group, P4 group (each doe was injected i.m with single dose of 1.0 mg long-acting P4 two days post-mating), Vitamin E group (each doe was injected i.m with 20 IU Vitamin E/kg BW every 3 days from mating to mid-pregnancy and P4+Vitamin E group. All does were ultrasono-graphically examined at days 7,10,12,14,16,18,20 and 22 of pregnancy.Results revealed that P4 and P4+Vitamin E treatment facilitated establishment of pregnancy on day 7 of pregnancy more than the control and Vitamin E alone. Amniotic vesicles diameters on day 12 and fetal length on days 14 and 16 were greater (P0.05)in P4 and P4+Vitamin E groups. On days 18-22, fetus length was significantly larger in P4 group. P4 concentrations at first week and mid-pregnancy were significantly greater in P4 group followed by P4+Vitamin E.Conclusion: P4 and P4+Vitamin E enhanced the early stage of pregnancy during the first parity of rabbit does.