Immunohistochemical localization of Ghrelin in sex accessory glands of bull

Ghrelin is a 28 amino acid peptide hormone that is expressed in the stomach and a range of peripheral tissues. Expression and functional role of ghrelin in the sex accessory glands of mammals have not been studied yet (except for human). This study was aimed to determine the immunohistochemical position of ghrelin in prostate, seminal vesicles and ampulla tissues of Holstein bulls. Anti-ghrelin mouse monoclonal antibody was used as primary antibody and donkey polyclonal antibody Anti-IgG Horseradish Peroxidase (HRP) was used as secondary antibody. Samples of sex accessory glands tissues were collected from five Holstein bulls aged two years old, and preserved in 10% buffered formalin for the immunohistochemical test. Then, paraffin blocks and tissue sections were prepared. The immunohistochemical results were positive for the secretory cells of prostate, seminal vesicles and ampulla. But the intensity of staining in the prostate glands was very weak than to the other glands. According to the results of this research, the expression of ghrelin in some accessory glands of the bull may display its possible role in fertility parameters of sperm and overall fertilization process.