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Serum and Testicular Trace Element Concentration in Rabbits at Different Ages

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Abstract

Trace elements such as Zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and selenium (Se) are essential for male fertility. The fertilizing capacity of most animals reduced with advancing age. The objective of the present work was to determine the serum and testicular levels of Zn, Cu, and Se in young (10 months old) and old (30 months old) rabbits. Blood and testicular samples were obtained from rabbits after their slaughter. All samples were digested by concentrated acids and analyzed for trace elements by flame emission atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results showed that serum Zn and Cu were lower in old rabbits than young (P < 0.01). Serum Se was higher in old than young rabbits (P < 0.05). Testicular Cu and Se were significantly lower in old than young rabbits (P < 0.01). However, Zn level was higher in old compared to young rabbits (P < 0.01). The serum Zn and Se were higher than the testicular levels (P < 0.01). The testicular Cu in both ages was higher than the serum level (P < 0.01), which suggest a very important role for Cu in the process of spermatogenesis in rabbits.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Edfina, Egypt

    Abdel-Hasseb A. Fayed

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  1. Abdel-Hasseb A. Fayed
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Correspondence to Abdel-Hasseb A. Fayed.

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Fayed, AH.A. Serum and Testicular Trace Element Concentration in Rabbits at Different Ages. Biol Trace Elem Res 134, 64–67 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-009-8451-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-009-8451-5

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