Open Access
Research (Published online: 17-02-2023)
9. The relationship between ovarian hormones and mast cell distribution in the ovaries of dromedary camel (Camelus dromedaries) during the follicular wave
Ragab H. Mohamed, Nasra A. Yousef, Mahmoud Awad, Rasha S. Mohamed, Fatma Ali, Hassan A. Hussein, and Axel Wehrend
Veterinary World, 16(2): 309-316

Ragab H. Mohamed: Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aswan University, Tingar, Egypt.
Nasra A. Yousef: Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, 83523 Qena, Egypt.
Mahmoud Awad: Department of Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt.
Rasha S. Mohamed: Department of Animal Health, Animal and Poultry Production Division, Desert Research Center, Egypt.
Fatma Ali: Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt.
Hassan A. Hussein: Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, 71526 Assiut, Egypt.
Axel Wehrend: Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Andrology of Large and Small Animals with Veterinary Ambulance, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.

doi: www.doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2023.309-316

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Article history: Received: 06-08-2022, Accepted: 23-12-2022, Published online: 17-02-2023

Corresponding author: Axel Wehrend

E-mail: axel.wehrend@vetmed.uni-giessen.de

Citation: Mohamed RH, Yousef NA, Awad M, Mohamed RS, Ali F, Hussein HA, and Wehrend A (2023) The relationship between ovarian hormones and mast cell distribution in the ovaries of dromedary camel (Camelus dromedaries) during the follicular wave, Veterinary World, 16(2): 309–316.
Abstract

Background and Aim: Mast cells (MCs) play an essential role in regulating tissue homeostasis through various non-allergic immune reactions. This study aimed to describe the salient features of MCs during different phases of the estrous cycle and evaluate the relationship between ovarian hormones and the presence of MCs in camel ovaries.

Materials and Methods: Genital tracts (n = 28) of healthy, non-pregnant camels were collected from a local slaughterhouse. The follicular wave stage was determined according to structures on the ovaries using an ultrasound device. Stages were classified as "growing" (n = 12, FØ = 0.3–0.8 cm), "mature" (n = 9, FØ = 0.9–2.2 cm), or "regression" phase (n = 7, FØ >2.5). Blood samples were collected at slaughter to determine serum estradiol-17β and progesterone levels using an immunoassay. Safranin-O, periodic acid/Schiff, alcian blue, or methylene blue stains were used to detect MCs.

Results: Follicular numbers at the growing, mature, and regression phases were determined to be 36, 14, and 7 follicles, respectively. Mast cells were widely but sparsely distributed within the ovarian tissue (9.3 MCs in the growing phase, 10.7 in the mature phase, and 7.0 in the regression phase). Typical histological features of MCs were observed in ovarian stromal tissue. Some MCs were found in the interstitial tissue, either near the follicular wall or the interstitial gland. Mast cells were present at a higher density during the mature phase than in the growing and regression phases in the ovarian matrix. A significantly reduced presence of MCs was found in the regression phase than in both the growing and mature phases (p < 0.05). A very strong positive correlation was observed between serum estradiol-17β concentrations and MC density in the ovaries (r = 0.9; p < 0.001). In addition, a strong negative correlation (r = –0.65; p = 0.03) was observed between the presence of MCs and serum progesterone concentrations.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that the follicular wave phase and the associated hormonal concentration induce changes in the number of MCs in the camel ovary.

Keywords: camel, follicular wave, immunohistochemistry, mast cell, ovarian hormones.