Seasonality and the melatonin signal in relation to age as correlated to the sexual cycle of the one-humped male camel (Camelus dromedarius)

Heparinized blood samples were taken from male immature and mature camels of the Sha'alah breed, housed at the University Animal farm, during the rutting and non-rutting period. Other blood samples were also collected from camels slaughtered at defined seasons (summer, autumn, winter and spring) and from the Buraydah slaughter-house. In addition, specimens from the testes were also taken to confirm the difference between the immature and the mature animals during the non-rutting and rutting seasons. The plasma obtained from the collected blood samples was used for estimation of the following hormones, Melatonin (MLT), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Leutinizing Hormone (LH), Testosterone and Prolactin (PRL) using the radioimmunoassay technique. Specimens of testes tissue were fixed in calcium formol, processed for histological examination using standard procedures and stained with H&E. The results clearly differentiated the samples as immature and mature during the non-rutting and rutting seasons. Commercially available human radioimmunoassay (RIA) kits for MLT, FSH, LH, testosterone and PRL were adapted for quantitation of these hormones in serum from the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius). Serum samples from 40 camels were assayed in order to determine possible differences between various groups in the concentrations of MLT, FSH, LH, testosterone and PRL in these animals. Among the camels, serum concentrations of melatonin, FSH, LH, testosterone and prolactin reflected age and seasonal differences. Immature camels had overall significantly lower levels in MLT, FSH, LH, testosterone and PRL. Mean FSH and LH levels from confirmed non-rutting (sexually inactive) camels were 0.22 ± 0.08 and 0.37 ± 0.18 ng/mL, respectively. Although rutting (sexually active) camels had higher FSH and LH levels, the differences were not statistically significant (P less than 0.07). Our observations indicate that these RIAs can reliably detect serum MLT, FSH, LH, testosterone and PLT from camels and represent the first quantitation of melatonin in Camilidae in correlation with FSH, LH, testosterone and prolactin.     

Seasonal changes in the testicular morphology and interstitial tissue histomorphometry of Sahraoui camel under Algerian extreme arid conditions

The seasonal testicular morphology and the morphometry of the interstitial tissue were studied in 62 camels at Algerian extreme arid region. The maximal testicular size was recorded during the rutting season. In this period, the interstitial tissue occupied high area and volume with significant increase of the intertubular constituent’s volume, hypertrophy of the Leydig cell, and maximal number of Leydig cells per testes. Therefore, the highest ratios of seminiferous tubules to interstitial tissue area and volume and the highest fraction of intertubular empty space were recorded during the non-rutting. The greater Leydig cell nucleus size was observed during the post-rutting season. Finally, the numerical density of Leydig cells did not significantly change over the year. These results provide information on the relationship between seasonal changes of camel testicular morphology and the histomorphometry of the testicular endocrine compartment in camels at the arid livestock conditions of the southeastern Algerian desert.     

The existence of extrapineal locations for melatonin synthesis in the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius)

We studied the sites of melatonin synthesis which was measured using the radioimmunoassay technique in the eye retina, skin, Harderian gland, liver tissue and jejunal mucosa in the immature and mature (non-rutting and rutting) Camelus dromedarius. For the first time, melatonin hormone was found in extrapineal sources in camel. These sites included the retina, skin, Harderian gland, liver and jejunal mucosa. The levels of melatonin in these sites reached 80.7, 33.5, 84.6, 548.9 and 2024.1 pg/mg, respectively, in the immature camel. In the mature non-rutting camel, during the non-mating season, the level of melatonin was estimated at 73.7, 41.1, 86.3, 1942.6 and 44112.0 pg/mg, respectively, giving a generally high level. In the mating rutting camel during the winter season, the melatonin level exhibited a level of 77.2, 39.5, 82.0, 930.9 and 14644.0 pg/mg, respectively, with an indication of a general decrease with the exception of the retinal melatonin when compared to the non-rutting camel. It should be noted that the finding of the melatonin hormone in the skin has never been recorded before, and has never been estimated before in other animals. The results in the present investigation also revealed that the wild plants upon which camels usually feed contain a significant amount of melatonin (838.2 pg/g in Chloris gayana and 226.6 pg/g in Anabasis setifera). This could be one of the factors causing an increase in the level of melatonin in the blood and consequently influencing testicular regression during the non-rutting season.     

Comparative study of copper and zinc metabolism in cattle and camel

At an experimental farm, five camels and five cows were fed a similar basal diet for 6 mo. They received oral trace element supplementation for 3 mo (day 22–112). This supplementation included zinc, copper, selenium, managanese, iodine, and cobalt, and corresponded to twice the requirements generally recommended for cows. Plasma copper and zinc concentrations were significantly lower in the camels (61 μg/100 mL for copper and 38 μg/100 mL for zinc) than in the cows (111 and 83, respectively). The supplementation had no effect on plasma zinc concentration in the camels in spite of the low observed values in this species. Liver copper concentration at the beginning of the trial was lower in the camels (9 ppm) than in the cows (35 ppm), and stayed at lower levels during the entire supplementation period. There was no clear difference in fecal excretion of copper and zinc between the camels and the cows. The results suggested that trace element requirements are lower in camels than in cows and that camels regulate their plasma zinc concentration at a very low level (<40 μg/100 mL).     

Testicular zinc, copper and iron concentrations in male rats exposed to subacute and subchronic formaldehyde gas inhalation.

The level of trace elements such as Zn, Cu and Fe in testicular tissue is an indication of the condition of the tissue as these elements take over important tasks. Zinc and copper are the prosthetic groups of several metalloenzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD) which is an important antioxidant enzyme in the cellular protection from reactive oxygen species. If concentrations of these trace elements decrease significantly, SOD cannot detoxify harmful oxygen species. In this study, adult male rats (wistar-albino) were exposed to formaldehyde at different periods (subacute and subchronic) and concentrations (0; 12.2; 24.4 mg.L-1). Body and testis weights were recorded and compared with control groups. The metals described above were determined in rat testicular tissue by atomic absorption spectrometry by using wet ashing. We conclude that subacute or subchronic exposure to formaldehyde have caused growth retardation and altered levels of trace elements, including copper, zinc and iron, in testicular tissue, and may induce further oxidative damage on testicular tissue leading to spermatozoal abnormalities.     

双峰驼不同生态环境条件下组织中微量元素的分布研究

对砾石和沙质两种不同的荒漠区双峰驼组织中６种微量元素的含量及分布规律进行了研究。结果表明,Ｃｕ、Ｍｎ、Ｆｅ、Ｍｏ的丰度在肝脏最高,Ｓｅ和Ｚｎ则分别在肾脏和肌肉组织中最高。由于砾石荒漠区土壤和牧草中Ｆｅ、Ｃｕ、Ｍｏ含量极显著高于沙质荒漠区（Ｐ〈０．０１）,导致两地双峰驼肝脏和肾脏Ｃｕ含量差异极显著（Ｐ〈０．０１）．同时发现,上述两地区双峰驼组织中Ｍｎ含量显著低于其他反刍动物。     

The Association Between Effective Dose of Magnesium and Mild Compulsive Exercise on Spatial Learning,Memory, and Motor Activity of Adult Male Rats

The relationship of minerals and trace elements with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is complex. Alterations in their metabolism can be induced by the diseases and their complications. To study the role of trace elements in IBD patients’ serum zinc and copper and their related enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), activity were measured in patients with IBD patients as well as in healthy subjects. In addition, the correlation between serum trace element levels, albumin, total protein, urea level, copper/zinc ratio, and disease activity (DA) was determined in these subjects. Serum samples were obtained from 35 patients (19 ulcerative colitis (UC) and 16 Crohn’s disease (CD)) in the active phase of the disease and 30 healthy control subjects. Serum levels of zinc, copper, SOD activity, albumin, total protein, and urea were measured. The results were compared between the two groups using independent Student’s t test in statistical analysis. Serum levels of zinc, SOD activity, albumin, and total protein were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in patients than controls, while serum urea level was significantly higher in patients compared to controls. Copper concentrations did not differ between patients with IBD (mean ± SD, 58.8 ± 20.7 μg/d) and controls (55.57 ± 12.6 μg/d). Decreased levels of zinc and SOD activity are associated with increased inflammatory processes indicating inappropriate antioxidant system in patients with IBD. Additionally, lower levels of albumin and total protein with higher level of urea reflect metabolic problems in liver system.     

Effect of age,pubertal stage and season on testosterone concentration in male dromedary camel

The present study was conducted in the Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biotechnology, Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura University, Egypt. The present investigation aimed at studying effects of ages, pubertal stages and seasons of the year on testosterone concentrations in blood plasma and tissue homogenate of the testes. The testes used in the current study were collected from a total of 104 one-humped male camels (Camelus dromedarius). Samples were taken from pre (1–3.5 years) and post (3.5–13 years) pubertal camels. Testes were studied for a two consecutive seasons. The freshly prepared homogenate of the testicular tissue and blood plasma were used for determining the concentrations of testosterone in plasma and testicular extract. The concentrations of testosterone in blood plasma and testicular tissue were significantly increased during the breeding season compared with that of non-breeding season; the concentration of testosterone was higher in testicular tissue than in blood plasma.Testosterone concentrations in plasma and testicular tissue were increased in breeding than in non-breeding season. In addition, the testosterone concentrations were closely related with seasonal changes, stage of puberty and advancing age.     

Effect of dietary copper and zinc levels on tissue copper,zinc, and iron in male rats

The interaction between dietary copper and zinc as determined by tissue concentrations of trace elements was investigated in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals were fed diets in a factorial design with two levels of copper (0.5, 5 μg/g) and five levels of zinc (1, 4.5, 10, 100, 1000 μg/g) for 42 d. In rats fed the low copper diet, as dietary zinc concentration increased, the level of copper decreased in brain, testis, spleen, heart, liver, and intestine. There was no significant effect of dietary copper on tissue zinc levels. In the zinc-deficient groups, the level of iron was higher in most tissues than in tissues from controls (5 μg Cu, 100 μg Zn/g diet). In the copper-deficient groups, iron concentration was higher than control values only in the liver. These data show that dietary zinc affected tissue copper levels primarily when dietary copper was deficient, that dietary copper had no effect on tissue zinc, and that both zinc deficiency and copper deficiency affected tissue iron levels.     

Effect of chronic inflammation on copper and zinc metabolism

The effect of chronic inflammation on serum, blood and hepatic copper and zinc concentrations has been studied in arthritic female Sprague-Dawley rats, for a six week period. Metals were determined by atomic-absorption spectrophotometry and by inductively-coupled argon plasma spectrometry. Blood measurements evidenced hypercupremia and normal zinc levels. Serum and hepatic copper content were found to be increased. Serum zinc values were reduced whilst hepatic zinc concentration was higher. Serum alterations of both metals remained throughout the studied period. Good correlations were found between systemic alteration and changes in metal values.     

ANP and BNP Responses to Dehydration in the One-Humped Camel and Effects of Blocking the Renin-Angiotensin System

The objectives of this study were to investigate and compare the responses of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in the circulation of hydrated, dehydrated, and dehydrated losartan - treated camels; and to document the cardiac storage form of B-type natriuretic peptide in the camel heart. Eighteen male camels were used in the study: control or hydrated camels (n = 6), dehydrated camels (n = 6) and dehydrated losartan-treated camels (n = 6) which were dehydrated and received the angiotensin II (Ang II) AT-1 receptor blocker, losartan, at a dose of 5 mg/kg body weight intravenously for 20 days. Control animals were supplied with feed and water ad-libitum while both dehydrated and dehydrated-losartan treated groups were supplied with feed ad-libitum but no water for 20 days. Compared with time-matched controls, dehydrated camels exhibited a significant decrease in plasma levels of both ANP and BNP. Losartan-treated camels also exhibited a significant decline in ANP and BNP levels across 20 days of dehydration but the changes were not different from those seen with dehydration alone. Size exclusion high performance liquid chromatography of extracts of camel heart indicated that proB-type natriuretic peptide is the storage form of the peptide.We conclude first, that dehydration in the camel induces vigorous decrements in circulating levels of ANP and BNP; second, blockade of the renin-angiotensin system has little or no modulatory effect on the ANP and BNP responses to dehydration; third, proB-type natriuretic peptide is the storage form of this hormone in the heart of the one-humped camel.     

Localization and expression of ADAM2 in the dromedary camel testis,epididymis and sperm during rutting season

ADAM2 (fertilin β) is a sperm surface protein reported in several mammalian species. However, the presence of ADAM2 in the male reproductive system and sperm of the camel is not well known. The present study was to clarify the localization and expression of ADAM2 in the dromedary camel testis, epididymis and spermatozoa during rutting season using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Tissue samples were obtained from the testis (proximal and distal) and epididymis (caput, corpus, and cauda) from eight mature male camels. Epididymal and ejaculated sperms were collected from four other fertile camels. IHC analysis clearly showed the localization of ADAM2 protein in the spermatocytes and the round and elongated spermatids of the testis, in the epithelial cells along the epididymis tract, on the posterior head of the sperm within the cauda epididymis, and on the acrosomal cap of both the epididymal and ejaculated sperm. The expression of camel ADAM2 mRNA was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the testis when compared with the epididymis. These findings may suggest an important role of ADAM2 in the fertility of male dromedary camels.     

Trace metal levels in commercially prepared tissue culture media

Four trace elements, lead, copper, tin and zinc, in addition to certain electrolytes, were measured in 11 commercially prepared tissue culture media. Glass media bottles and plastic tissue culture dishes and flasks were treated with a HCl acid solution to determine the amounts of trace metals leached from their surfaces. Zinc, lead and copper were detected in all media. Tin was detected only in RPMI Medium 1640, fetal bovine serum, minimum essential medium and penicillin-streptomycin. It is possible that a major cause of variability in tissue culture experimental results may be due to effects on growth caused by fluctuation in trace element contamination from batch to batch. Variability in establishing primary cultures of corneal endothelial cells was traced to high lead levels in commercially prepared tissue culture media. A strong case is made for continued diligent efforts to expand analytical horizons and our definition of substances in culture media.     

Immunization against GnRH in the male camel (Camelus dromedarius): Effects on sexual behavior, testicular volume, semen characteristics and serum testosterone concentrations

The effect of immunization against gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) on sexual behavior, total scrotal size, semen characteristics and serum concentrations of testosterone, was evaluated for 24 wks in sexually mature camels (Camelus dromedarius). Eight bull camels were randomly divided into a treatment and control group. Four male camels were immunized using 2 mg GnRH - tandem-dimer conjugated to ovalbumin, (Pepscan Systems, the Netherlands) administered subcutaneously, 4 wks apart. Control male camels received the same amount of saline solution. Significant decline in serum testosterone level was observed in three immunized camels out of four, whereas one camel showed no effect. The testosterone levels reached to <1.0 ng/mL serum by week 4 after booster injection and remained suppressed through the course of the study. The total testicular volume was not affected until the end of the experiment. In treated animals, the sexual behavior negatively affected after the booster injection. Anti-GnRH vaccine had a seriously detrimental effect on the acrosin amidase activity and normal acrosome percentages in treated male camels. It is concluded that the vaccine was effective in reducing serum testosterone levels and libido, and it had a serious harmful effect on the acrosin amidase activity and percentages of spermatozoa with normal acrosome. The immunogen did not affect the total testicular volume.     

Cloning and Molecular Characterization of HSL and Its Expression Pattern in HPG Axis and Testis during Different Stages in Bactrian Camel

Hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) is a key enzyme in animal fat metabolism and is involved in the rate-limiting step of catalyzing the decomposition of fat and cholesterol. It also plays an important regulatory role in maintaining seminiferous epithelial structure, androgen synthesis and primordial germ cell differentiation. We previously reported that HSL is involved the synthesis of steroids in Bactrian camels, although it is unclear what role it plays in testicular development. The present study was conducted to characterize the biological function and expression pattern of the HSL gene in the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal (HPG) axis and the development of testis in Bactrian camels. We analyzed cloning of the cDNA sequence of the HSL gene of Bactrian camels by RT-PCR, as well as the structural features of HSL proteins, using bioinformatics software, such as ProtParam, TMHMM, Signal P 4.1, SOPMA and MEGA 7.0. We used qRT-PCR, Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining to clarify the expression pattern of HSL in the HPG axis and testis of two-week-old (2W), two-year-old (2Y), four-year-old (4Y) and six-year-old (6Y) Bactrian camels. According to sequence analysis, the coding sequence (CDS) region of the HSL gene is 648 bp in length and encodes 204 amino acids. According to bioinformatics analysis, the nucleotide and amino acid sequence of Bactrian camel HSL are most similar to those of Camelus pacos and Camelus dromedarius, with the lowest sequence similarity with Mus musculus. In adult Bactrian camel HPG axis tissues, both HSL mRNA and protein expression were significantly higher in the testis than in other tissues (hypothalamus, pituitary and pineal tissues) (p < 0.05). The expression of mRNA in the testis increased with age and was the highest in six-year-old testis (p < 0.01). The protein expression levels of HSL in 2Y and 6Y testis were clearly higher than in 2W and 4Y testis tissues (p < 0.01). Immunofluorescence results indicate that the HSL protein was mainly localized in the germ cells, Sertoli cells and Leydig cells from Bactrian camel testis, and strong positive signals were detected in epididymal epithelial cells, basal cells, spermatocytes and smooth muscle cells, with partially expression in hypothalamic glial cells, pituitary suspensory cells and pineal cells. According to the results of gene ontology (GO) analysis enrichment, HSL indirectly regulates the anabolism of steroid hormones through interactions with various targets. Therefore, we conclude that the HSL gene may be associated with the development and reproduction of Bactrian camels in different stages of maturity, and these results will contribute to further understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of HSL in Bactrian camel reproduction.     

Influence of mineral supplementation on bovine serum, liver and endometrium at day 1 and day 12 of the estrous cycle

The effects of diet on mineral concentrations in serum, liver and endometrium were determined at points in the reproductive cycle in heifers. Dietary treatments extended 134 d and included feeding a basal hay (negative control), basal hay with concentrate (feed control), feed control with phosphorus and feed control with both phosphorus and trace minerals. Samples of serum and liver were taken at the beginning and end of the trial. Within an estrous cycle during the trial (endometrial biopsy) the cows were sampled either at Day 1 or Day 12 for determining progesterone levels and mineral elements in the blood, liver and endometrial tissue. Trace element concentrations in serum and liver did not differ among collection periods pretrial, endometrial biopsy and post breeding nor among treatment groups. However, endometrial tissue concentrations of copper, manganese and zinc were higher at Day 1 than at Day 12 (P < 0.05) in reverse of serum progesterone, which was higher at Day 12 (P < 0.05). Supplemental trace minerals appeared to increase concentrations of copper (P < 0.20), manganese (P < 0.10) and zinc (P < 0.20) at Day 1 but decrease concentrations of these same elements at Day 12 (P < 0.05, P < 0.10 and P < 0.05, respectively). The large differences in trace element concentrations observed in endometrial tissue at the estral phases and under different diets suggest the possible importance of trace elements and trace element nutrition in fertilization and (or) embryo survival.     

利用红外相机视频数据进行库姆塔格沙漠地区野骆驼集群行为研究的可行性

野骆驼(Camelus ferus)生性机警, 且栖息于远离人迹、自然条件极端恶劣的荒漠、半荒漠地区, 其种群动态和行为生态学研究一直较为缺乏。本研究通过在库姆塔格沙漠地区进行不同季节的野外观测和连续水源地红外相机监测, 对野骆驼的集群行为进行了研究。2011-2013年, 在库姆塔格沙漠地区进行了8次野外调查, 共记录野骆驼64群, 个体430峰。非繁殖季节野骆驼集群大小平均为2.94±0.67峰; 而繁殖季节野骆驼集群大小平均为10.74±3.08峰。野外观测数据证明了野骆驼集群行为存在季节性差异, 倾向于冬季繁殖季节的集群。并于2012年10月至2013年9月期间, 在11个水源地设置11台红外相机, 共记录野骆驼281群745峰。与野外调查结果相比, 红外相机数据表明繁殖期间和非繁殖期间野骆驼集群大小没有显著差异(t = 0.322, P = 0.748)。水源地的地形因素、红外相机监测视角和监测时间的限制可能是造成这一差异的原因。但是两种方法的结果均表明野骆驼在阿尔金山北麓比西湖地区容易形成较大的集群; 同时, 繁殖季节野骆驼最大集群的规模要大于非繁殖季节。尽管利用红外相机进行动物集群行为研究存在一定的局限性, 但与传统基于野外调查的方法相比, 无论是经济上还是实用性方面, 利用红外相机都为我们开展动物行为学研究提供了新的手段。     

A comparative study of ketone body metabolism between the camel (Camelus dromedarius) and the sheep (Ovis aries).

1. Plasma levels of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), and acetoacetate (AcAc) have been measured in camels (Camelus dromedarius) and sheep (Ovis aries). The activity of beta-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (BHB-deH2) (E.C. 1.1.1.30) was studied in the rumen epithelium and the liver of these animals. 2. Concentrations of plasma BHB and AcAc in the camel were in respective order 33 and 4 times lower than that of the sheep. The ratios of BHB to AcAc were 0.61 and 4.8 for the camel and sheep, respectively. 3. The activity of BHB-deH2 in the rumen epithelium of the camel and sheep were 7.15 and 66 mumol/hr/g wet wt tissue, respectively. The activity in both species was higher in the rumen epithelium than in the liver.     

Influence of Copper,Iron, Zinc and Fe<Stack><Subscript>3</Subscript><Superscript>+</Superscript></Stack> Haemoglobin Levels on the Etiopathogenesis of Chronic Calcific Pancreatitis—A Study in Patients with Pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is a serious condition associated with severe abdominal pain, and a significant percentage of patients progresses to irreversible calcification in pancreas. The present study evaluates the degree to which the levels of trace elements, copper, iron, selenium, zinc and haemoglobin-Fe³⁺, in blood, serum and pancreas have any role to play in the calcification process associated with fibrosis in pancreas. Twenty-seven calcific (CCP) and 23 non-calcific chronic pancreatitis (CP) patients and equal number of age- and sex-matched normal volunteers (50) were enrolled in the study. Surgically removed pancreatic tissue and blood samples were analysed for copper, iron, selenium, zinc, protein, collagen and lipid peroxidation products in terms of malondialdehyde, protein carbonyls, glutathione, methemoglobin, methemoglobin reductase and ceruloplasmin activity levels. We could find that the pancreatic tissue levels of copper, iron, protein and collagen contents were significantly elevated in CCP patients when compared to CP patients. Serum levels of copper, free ionic copper and iron were also elevated in CCP patients. The serum and the pancreatic tissue level of zinc and selenium showed a significant decrease in CCP patients. The level of methemoglobin was elevated more significantly with the concomitant decline in the activity of methemoglobin reductase. There was a positive correlation between the pancreatic level of copper and iron with the collagen and protein levels. The results of the present study revealed that the levels of copper and iron, the pro-oxidants and zinc and selenium may influence calcification process in CCP patients. Hypoxia-related tissue injury due to the formation of oxidised haemoglobin may also contribute to the pathogenesis of calcification in pancreas.     

Manganese-Induced Effects on Testicular Trace Element Levels and Crucial Hormonal Parameters of Hyline Cocks

Manganese (Mn) is an essential element required for normal development and reproduction. However, little is known about the reproductive toxicity of Mn in birds. To investigate the Mn-induced toxicity on testicular trace element levels and crucial hormonal parameters on male reproduction in birds, 50-day-old male Hyline cocks were fed either a commercial diet or a Mn-supplemented diet. The changes in contents of copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and calcium (Ca) in testis were detected. Hormonal parameters were evaluated including the levels of testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) in the serum. The mRNA levels of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) were determined in this study. The results showed that Mn was accumulated in testis, and the content of Cu, Fe, Zn, and Ca decreased. Exposure to Mn significantly lowered the content of T, LH, FSH, and the mRNA expression levels of LHR and FSHR. Levels of T3 and T4 appeared with a decreased tendency, and TSH presented no obvious regularity. It indicated that Mn exposure resulted in the disbalance of testicular trace elements and influenced hormone levels in the molecular level, which may be possible underlying reproductive toxicity mechanism induced by Mn.