Evaluation of DNA fragmentation in dog sperm using the sperm chromatin dispersion test.

The study's objective was to adapt the Sperm Chromatin Dispersion (SCD) protocol to evaluate sperm DNA fragmentation and implement a fragmentation control in dogs. Correlation between DNA status and routine sperm parameters was also analysed. To adapt the SCD, two different mercaptoethanol (ME) concentrations were assayed (2.

Dog sperm DNA: Raw semen evaluation with Toluidine blue stain.

The toluidine blue (TB) stain has been used in different species to evaluate the degree of chromatin condensation. The objectives of this study were as follows: simplify the TB stain to evaluate sperm in canine raw semen, verify the staining patterns for this species using this simplified technique and establish a protocol for using dithiothreitol (DTT) as a positive control for TB staining in dogs. Twenty-one ejaculates were collected from 7 adult male dogs; semen was extended, fixed with ethanol 96° and stained with TB using 2 staining times: 15 and 30 min.

Immunization with Brucella VirB proteins reduces organ colonization in mice through a Th1-type immune response and elicits a similar immune response in dogs.

VirB proteins from Brucella spp. constitute the type IV secretion system, a key virulence factor mediating the intracellular survival of these bacteria. Here, we assessed whether a Th1-type immune response against VirB proteins may protect mice from Brucella infection and whether this response can be induced in the dog, a natural host for Brucella.