Prooxidant-antioxidant homeostasis in boars depending on the types of higher nervous activity

Abstract

The peculiarities of formation of prooxidant-antioxidant homeostasis (PAG) in boars of different types of higher nervous activity have been studied. Using motor-nutritional techniques, it has been opposed adult boars of the Large White breed aged 24–36 months according to the main types of higher nervous activity (HNA). Four groups of 3 heads each were formed. The first group includes animals of a strong balanced lively (mobile) type; group II includes a strong balanced calm (inert) type; group III includes a strong unbalanced (unrestrained) type; group IV includes a weak type of higher nervous activity. Sperm was received from boars manually, taking into account the total time of ejaculation, dividing the ejaculate into 4 fractions – F1 – the first, F2 – the second, F3 – the third, F4 – the fourth. PAGs in blood and ejaculates of boars were evaluated by the intensity of peroxidation processes (xanthine oxidase, diene conjugates, TBA-active compounds) and antioxidant defense systems (superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione, ascorbic acid, vitamin A and vitamin E). Sperm contained higher amounts of diene conjugates and TBA-active complexes (P < 0.05) compared to blood. The second tissue relative to the first one is characterized by a higher level of antioxidant defense: catalase activity, concentration of ascorbic acid, vitamin A and vitamin E. The process of PAG formation in the tissues of boars depends on the type of higher nervous activity (HNA). Thus, in individuals of a strong balanced lively and calm type, the course of peroxidation processes is somewhat slower because of a lower concentration of diene conjugates and TBA-active complexes. It was determined the fact that in blood and sperm of boars of strong unbalanced and weak types of HNA the course of peroxidation is more intense, the antioxidant defense system is at a lower level that is connected with less superoxide dismutase activity (P < 0.05), concentration of ascorbic acid (P < 0.001), vitamin A (P < 0.01–0.001), and vitamin E (P < 0.001). In the second and third fractions of ejaculate of boars, the PAG is shifted in the direction of probable acceleration of peroxidation processes, especially in strong unbalanced and weak types of HNA because of a higher concentration of diene conjugates, dehydroascorbic acid. Animals of a strong balanced lively and calm types of HNA are characterized by a higher level of antioxidant defence – catalase activity, superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, ascorbic acid and vitamin E. In the first and fourth fractions of ejaculate, peroxidation processes are slower and there is no superoxide dismutase activity and the amount of vitamin A and vitamin E.