Histology and mRNA expression of unilateral testicular atrophy in three immunocastrated boars: a case report

The observed cases of severe unilateral atrophy did not appear to be systematically related to immunocastration, based on available data. In atrophic testes, there were distinct histological differences in testes and cauda epididymides, along with molecular changes, including downregulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor II (GnRHRII), estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) and betaine homocysteine S-methyltransferase (BHMT), but no marked differences in plasma testosterone concentrations nor immunocastration efficacy. Although based on a limited number of cases, these findings provided the first combined histological and molecular characterization of unilateral testicular atrophy in immunocastrated boars.