Image analysis quantification of sperm acrosome associated 3 protein expression in domesticated and free‐roaming equine ovaries

Summary Background In the United States, carrying capacity of land has been overwhelmed with wild horse and burro populations. Identification a long‐term contraception method is needed to control growing populations as current methods cannot quell these numbers. Sperm acrosome‐associated 3 protein (SPACA3) expressed in both male female reproductive systems. SPACA3 may prove be viable target horses immunosterilant research. Objectives The objective study was evaluate compare ovarian immunoexpression between domesticated free‐roaming mares. This information lead development reduce Study design Non‐randomised comparative design. Methods Routine immunohistochemistry performed on sections from ( n = 8) mares 8). At least three representative images each follicle stage (primordial, primary, secondary, tertiary) ovary were digitally captured analysed using Image J software. Expression quantified cellular locations (granulosa or theca) specific stage: primordial, tertiary. Results Domesticated had higher expression compared granulosa cells primordial p 0.0022), primary < 0.001), secondary 0.025), tertiary follicles 0.0078). theca cells, 0.022), but not 0.089). highest observed 0.022). Main limitations Varying background colours taken ovaries, leading slight technical issues Conclusions first report quantifying during folliculogenesis describing spatial temporal equine ovary.