Testicular Histomorphometry of the Helmeted Guinea Fowl (Numida Meleagris) Exposed to Light-Dark Cycle and Melatonin
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
Information about reproductive activity stimulated by light-dark cycle and administered melatonin to manipulate reproduction in guinea fowls (Numida meleagris) is very limited. This study was aimed at exploring the effect of photomanipulation and melatonin (Mel) administered on testis of adult guinea fowls using histometric approach. Sixty adult male guinea fowls aged between 10-12 months were randomly allocated into six (6) groups (n = 10) based on the duration of artificial light-dark (L:D) cycle and melatonin (1mg / kg). These groups were short-day length with additional 1mg / kg of melatonin (SDmel; [8L:16D]), short-day length only (SDmel), control with additional 1 mg / kg melatonin (CTLmel; [12L:12D]), control only (CTL), long day length with additional 1 mg / kg melatonin (LDmel; [16L:8D]) and long-day length (LD). The experiment lasted for 8 weeks. Thereafter, the birds were euthanized and their left testes were immediately removed and fixed in 10 % buffered formalin for hematoxylin and eosin stain processing. Histometric values such as seminiferous epithelial height (SEH), seminiferous luminal diameter (SLD) and seminiferous tubular diameter (STD) were determined using Motic Image Plus version 2.0. There was a significant interaction (p < 0.05) between L:D cycle and melatonin in SEH, SLD and STD. The values increased in the LD groups. There was significant difference (p < 0.05) in comparing melatonin and L:D cycle in the SLD and STD. However, there was no significant difference (p < 0.05) in SEH. Across the six groups, there was significant difference (p < 0.05) in SEH, SLD and STD. However, the lowest value for STD was in the LD group. In conclusion, increased SEH and SLD with reduced STD in the LD is a structurally remodelled spermatogenesis that constantly depend on photoperiod-driven adaptive response rather than uniform tubular growth.
Downloads
Article Details
Section
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0).
Readers may share and adapt the material for non-commercial purposes, provided the original author and source are properly credited.
© African Journal of Veterinary Sciences (AJVS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine,University of Jos.
How to Cite
References
Akar, M., Çevik M, Kocaman A, Kaya C, Esin B. & Björkman S. (2024). Melatonin Administration Enhances Testicular Volume, Testicular Blood Flow, Semen Parameters and Antioxidant Status during the Non-Breeding Season in Bafra Rams. Animals (Basel). 29;14(3): 442. doi: 10.3390/ani14030442.
Akhtar, M. F., Ahmad, E., Mustafa, S., Chen, Z., Shi, Z., & Shi, F. (2020). Spermiogenesis, Stages of Seminiferous Epithelium and Variations in Seminiferous Tubules during Active States of Spermatogenesis in Yangzhou Goose Ganders. Animals, 10(4), 570. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10040570
Anushi, S.B. (2006). Effect of photoperiod length on body mass and testicular growth in the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) and brahminy myna (Sturnus pagodarum). Reprod. Nutr. Dev. 46, 69–76. doi: 10.1051/rnd:2005065.
Awad, H., Halawa, F., Mostafa, T., & Atta, H. (2006). Melatonin hormone profile in infertile males. International Journal of Andrology, 29(3): 409-413. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2005.00624.x
Bancroft, J. D. and Gamble, M. (2008). Theory and practice of histological techniques (6th edition). Health Sciences, USA, pp 53-161
Banerjee, S. & Chaturvedi, C.M. (2017). Testicular atrophy and reproductive quiescence in photorefractory and scotosensitive quail: Involvement of hypothalamic deep brain photoreceptors and GnRH-GnIH system. J Photochem Photobiol B Biol. 175: 254-268. doi: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2017.09.005
Baso, A., Umar, M. B., Sulaiman, M. H., Gosomji, I. J., Omirinde, J. O., Muazu, T. A., Zubairu, M. & Atabo, S. M. (2022). Photoperiodic-dependent morpho-biometric changes in the excurrent duct system of sexually-matured helmeted guinea fowl (Numida meleagris). Sahel J. Vet. Sci., 19(3), 28-36. doi:10.54058/saheljvs.v19i3.320
Bejarano, I., Monllor, F., Marchena, A.M., Ortiz, A., Lozano, G., Jim´enez, M.I., Gaspar, P., García, J.F., Pariente, J.A., Rodríguez, A.B. & Espino, J., (2015). Exogenous melatonin supplementation prevents oxidative stress-evoked DNA damage in human spermatozoa. J. Pineal Res. 57, 333–339. doi: 10.1111/jpi.12172.
Bhattacharya, K., Sengupta, P. & Dutta, S. (2019). Role of melatonin in male reproduction. Asian Pac. J. Reprod. 8: 211–219. doi: 10.4103/2305-0500.268142
Bradshaw, W. E. & Holzapfel, C. (2007). Evolution of animal photoperiodism. Annu. Rev. Ecol. Evol. Syst. 38:1-25. doi: 10.1146/annurev.ecolsys.37.091305.110115
Caneguim, B.H., Cerri, P.S., Spolidório, L.C., Miraglia, S.M. & Sasso-Cerri, E. (2009). Structural alterations in the seminiferous tubules of rats treated with immunosuppressor tacrolimus. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 25 (7):19. doi: 10.1186/1477-7827-7-19.
Dawson, A., King, V. M., Bentley, G. E. & Ball, G. F. (2001). Photoperiodic control of seasonality in birds. J. Biol. Rhythms, 16(4): 365–380.
Dharani, P., UshaKumary, S., Venkatesan, S., Joseph, C. & Ramesh, G. (2017). Morphometry and histology of the testicular capsule and peritubular tissue of testis of guinea fowl (Numida meleagris). Indian J. Vet. Anat., 29 (1): 67-69.
Dharani, P., UshaKumary, S., Venkatesan, S., Joseph, C. &Ramesh, G. (2018) Morphological Analysis of Testis of the Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris) Under Tropical Savannah Climate of India. Int. J. Morphol., 36(3): 909-914.
Dixit, A.S. & Singh, N.S. (2011). Photoperiod as a proximate factor in control of seasonality in the subtropical male Tree Sparrow, Passer montanus. Front. Zool. 8: 1. doi: 10.1186/1742-9994-8-1.
Dixit, A.S. & and Singh, N.S. (2012). Seasonal
variation in the sensitivity of the photoperiodic response system and the termination of photorefractoriness in the subtropical tree sparrow (Passer montanus). J Exp Zool Part A. 317(8): 488-498. doi: 10.1002/jez.1741
Dixit, A. S., & Singh, N. S. (2014). Photoperiodic control of testicular growth, histomorphology and serum testosterone levels in the male Eurasian tree sparrow: Involvement of circadian rhythm. Gen. Comp. Endocrinol., 208: 5-11. doi: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.09.003.
Fischer, T.W., Kleszczy´nski, K., Hardkop, L.H., Kruse, N. & Zillikens, D. (2013). Melatonin enhances antioxidative enzyme gene expression (CAT, GPx, SOD), prevents their UVR-induced depletion, and protects against the formation of DNA damage (8-hydroxy-2′- deoxyguanosine) in ex vivo human skin. J. Pineal Res. 54: 303–312 doi; 10.1111/ jpi.12018.
Flecknell, P.A., 2015. Laboratory Animal Anesthesia. Fourth edn., Academic Press, London U.K, pp. 32–133.
Gonzalez-Arto, M., Hamilton, T.R., Gallego, M., Gaspar-Torrubia, E., Aguilar, D., Serrano-Blesa, E., Abecia, J.A., P´erez-P´e, R., Mui˜no-Blanco, T. & Cebri´an-P´erez, J.A. (2016). Evidence of melatonin synthesis in the ram reproductive tract. Andrology 4, 163–171. doi: 10.1111/andr.12117.
Gosomji, I. J., Bello, U. M., Dzenda, T., Baso, A., Arukwe, A., & Aire, T. A. (2024). Influence of photoperiod and exogenous melatonin on testis morpho-physiology of sexually mature guinea fowl (Numida meleagris). Anim Reprod Sci., 263, 107410. doi:10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107410
Gosomji, I. J., Akinsola, O., Baso, A., Ahmed, N., Omirinde, J. O., Azeez, I. A., Plang, N.J., Koplamma, N.B. & Hena, S. A. (2025). Modulatory Effects of Melatonin and Artificial Light on Testicular Morphometry in Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris). Journal of Veterinary Physiology and Pathology, 4(4), 64-68. doi: 10.58803/jvpp.v4i4.76
Hau, M., Wikelski, M., Gwinner, H. & Gwinner, E. (2004), Timing of reproduction in a Darwin's finch: temporal opportunism under spatial constraints. Oikos, 106: 489-500. doi: 10.1111/j.0030-1299.2004.13206.x
Hughes, B.L. (1986). Effects of temperature on reproduction in guinea fowl. Poult Sci. 65(1): 186-9. doi: 10.3382/ps.0650186.
Islam, R., Sultana, N., Ayman, U., Akter, A., Afrose, M. & Haque, Z. (2021). Morphological and morphometric adaptations of testes in broilers induced by glucocorticoid. Vet Med (Praha), 66 (12): 520–529. doi: 10.17221/38/2021-VETMED.
Islam, M.N., Zhu, Z.B., Aoyama, M. and Sugita, S. (2010). Histological and morphometric analyses of seasonal testicular variations in the Jungle Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos). Anatomical Science International, 85(3): 121-9. doi:10.1007/s12565-009-0066-6
Jiang, D.L., Xu, Y.L., Pan, J.Q., Fan, D., Shen, X., Li, W.Y., Ou-Yang, H.J., Xu, D.N., Tian, Y.B. & Huang, Y.M. (2022). Effects of melatonin on testicular function in adult male mice under different photoperiods. Anim Reprod. 26;19(3): e20220038. doi: 10.1590/1984-3143-AR2022-0038.
Juss, T.S., Meddle, S.L., Servant, R.S. & King, V.M. (1993). Melatonin and photoperiodic time measurement in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Proc. R. Soc. Lond. B 254, 21–28. doi: 10.1098/rspb.1993.0121.
Kiernan, J.A. (2015). Histological and Histochemical Methods: Theory and Practice. 5th edition, Scion Publishing, p. 571. doi:10.5603/FHC.a2016.0007
Maitra, S.K. & Dey, M. (1992). Importance of Photoperiods in Determining Temporal Pattern of Annual Testicular Events in Rose-Ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri). Journal of Biological Rhythm, 7(1): 13-25. doi: 10.1177/074873049200700102
Munley, K.M., Deyoe, J.E., Ren, C.C. & Demas, G.E. (2020). Melatonin mediates seasonal transitions in aggressive behavior and circulating androgen profiles in male Siberian hamsters. Horm Behav. 117:104608. doi: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.104608.
Olawuyi, T.S., Ukwenya, V.O., Jimoh, A.G.A. & Akinola, K.B. (2019). Histomorphometric evaluation of seminiferous tubules and stereological assessment of germ cells in testes following administration of aqueous leaf-extract of Lawsonia inermis on aluminium-induced oxidative stress in adult Wistar rats. JBRA Assist Reprod. 23(1):24–32. doi: 10.5935/1518-0557.20180080
Oke, O.E., Adejuyigbe, A.E., Idowu, O.P., Sogunle, O.M., Ladokun, A.O., Oso, A.O., Abioja, M. O., Abiona, J.A., Daramola, J. O., Whetto, M., Jacobs, E. B., Williams, T. J., & Njoku, C. P. (2015). Effects of housing systems on reproductive and physiological response of guinea fowl (Numida meleagris). J Appl Anim Res., 88: 47-55. Available at: https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/full/10.5555/20153192625
Okyere, K., Kagya-Agyemang, J.K., Annor, S.Y., Asabere-Ameyaw, A. & Kyere, C.G. (2020). Influence of Season and Day Length on Production and Reproductive Traits and Egg Characteristics of the Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris). Asian J. Res. Zool. 3(1): 26-34. doi: 10.9734/ajriz/2020/v3i130081.
Omirinde, J.O., Olukole, S.G. & Oke, B.O. (2021). Age related changes in the testicular morphophysiology of the cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus). J. Microsc. Ultrastruct. 9;10(3):118-126. doi: 10.4103/jmau.jmau_84_20.
Rossi, S.P., Windschuettl, S., Matzkin, M.E., Terradas, C., Ponzio, R., Puigdomenech, E., Levalle, O., Calandra, R., Mayerhofer, A. & Frungieri, M.B. (2014). Melatonin in testes of infertile men: Evidence for anti-proliferative and anti-oxidant effects on local macrophage and mast cell populations. Andrology 2, 436–449. doi: 10.1111/j.2047- 2927.2014.00207.x.
Salehi, B., Sharopov, F., Fokou, P.V.T., Kobylinska, A., Jonge, L., Tadio, K., Sharifi-Rad, J., Posmyk, M.M., Martorell, M., Martins, N. & Iriti, M. (2019). Melatonin in medicinal and food plants: occurrence, bioavailability, and health potential for humans. Cells 8: 681. doi. 10.3390/cells8070681.
Sertoli E. (2018). The structure of seminiferous tubules and the development of [spermatids] in rats. Biol Reprod. 1;99 (3):482-503. doi: 10.1093/biolre/ioy134.
Shil, S.K., Abul Quasem, A. & Lutfur, M. (2015). Histological and Morphometric Analysis of Testes of Adult Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) of Bangladesh Rahma. Int. J. Morphol., 33(1): 100-104.
Travicic, D. Z., Miljkovic, D., Andric, S. A., & Kostic, T. S. (2025). Circadian disruption impairs Leydig cell maturation and reproductive development in male rats. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 23, 104 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12958-025-01440-w
Umosen, A.D., Oneyeanusi, B.I., Salami, S.O., Nzalak, J.O., Imam, J. and Ibe, C.S. (2008) observation on the wattle of adult helmeted Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris galeata) Int. J. Poult. Sci., 7(12):1204-1206. doi:10.3923/ijps.2008.1204.1206
Yan, L., Feng, M., Feng, C., Chen, Z., Sun, X., Zhaorigetu, Guo, B. & Zhu, H. (2026). Photoperiodic schedules during rearing and laying stages modulate photoreceptors transcription and the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis in male White King pigeons. Poult Sci., 105(3):106367. doi: 10.1016/j.psj.2025.106367.
Yie, S.M., Daya, S., Brown, G.M., Deys, L. & YoungLai, E.V. (1991), Melatonin and aromatase stimulating activity of human seminal plasma. Andrologia, 23: 227-231. doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.1991.tb02543.x