Rabbit transgenic brothers with different reproductive traits

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze reproductive traits of rabbit transgenic brothers with respect to their ejaculate characteristics, fertilizing capacity, occurrence of pathological spermatozoa and histological structure of the testis. Transgenic rabbit males (marked as no. 36-1 and no. 36-2) were produced by mating transgenic female founder carrying the mWAP-hFVIII gene construct with nontransgenic male. All reproductive characteristics of two transgenic brothers were compared with other transgenic and non-transgenic rabbit males of the same lines. Transgenic male no. 36-1 showed worse results in all analyzed reproductive parameters (volume of ejaculate and sperm concentration) in comparison with transgenic male no. 36-2 or the other transgenic and non-transgenic males. Also, significant differences (p<0.001) between both transgenic males were found in the occurrence of pathological spermatozoa and histological structure of the testis. None of the females bred with transgenic male no. 36-1 became pregnant, while transgenic None of the females bred with transgenic male no. 36-1 became pregnant, while transgenic None of the females bred with transgenic male no. 36-1 became pregnant, while transgenic male no. 36-2 and other transgenic males transmitted transgenic allele on their offspring at 46% frequency. In conclusion, a great difference among rabbit transgenic brothers was observed. It is assumed, that this phenomenon is probably not due to deleterious consequence of transgenesis, but may be a result of individual variability in reproductive state among rabbits. Therefore, to establish new transgenic herds, a detailed individual evaluation and selection of transgenic animals is required.