V originále
Artificial reproduction of northern pike Esox lucius is impeded by the likelihood of obtaining only a small volume of sperm of inconsistent quality. A controlled-release hormone delivery system has the potential to enhance sperm production while avoiding multiple injections The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of mammalian gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (mGnRHa) incorporated into poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles on milt production, spermatozoon characteristics, and secretion of 17β-estradiol (E2), 11-keto testosterone (11-KT), and testosterone in northern pike. Fish were divided into four groups and injected with 2 mg/kg BW carp pituitary extract (CPE), 20 µg/kg BW mGnRHa in PLGA microparticles, or 20 µg/kg BW mGnRHa plus 20 mg/kg BW metoclopramide (MET) in PLGA microparticles (PLGA + MET), along with a control group injected with 1 ml/kg 0.9% NaCl. At 48 h postinjection, the volume of milt produced was significantly greater in groups treated with CPE and PLGA + MET than in other groups. At 96 h postinjection, all hormone-treated groups exhibited significantly higher spermatozoon average velocity than recorded in the control group. Spermatozoon motility was significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the CPE and PLGA groups compared to baseline values. All treated groups showed significantly lower levels of 11-KT after the hormone injection compared to baseline values and to controls. Plasma testosterone levels increased in all hormone-treated groups. The use of PLGA microparticles, with or without metoclopramide, is suitable for use as a carrier of hormone treatments to regulate spermiation in mature northern pike.