Expression profiling of α-sma and oct-4 with antioxidant activity in the testis, epididymis and vas deferens during pre and post natal ontogenesis in non-descript goat (Capra hircus)

A thorough understanding of ontogenesis of parts of male reproductive system in non-descriptive goat, a prolific small ruminant is essential for achievement of better reproductive physiology and breeding practice. Oct-4, a stem cell marker, attributes to the maintenance of spermatogonial pleuripotency and self-renewal property in testis.Alfa-SMA expression contributes to the maintenance of contractile action in testis, epididymis and vas deferens highly essential for sperm transport. Additionally, a favourable antioxidant status highly influences the appropriate expression pattern of Oct-4 and α-SMAin the male reproductiveparts.Thus the present study was designed to trace the developmental dynamic of Oct4 and α-SMA protein in testis, epididymis and vas deferens immunohistochemically and antioxidant status of testis during pre and post natal period innon-descriptive goats.The intensity of immune-staining was measured by calculating the optical density (OD) value of Oct-4 and α-SMA. The anti-oxidant value in testis tissue was measured by using CUPRAC, FRAP, TBARS and GST assays. Localization of Oct-4 confirmed the presence of spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) niches in prenatal and early postnatal testes, indicating regenerative potential. Alpha-SMA expression in the testis, epididymis, and vas deferens reflected increasing contractile capacity essential for sperm transport, with optical density and percentage of immunopositive cells rising in postnatal stages.CUPRAC and FRAP assays revealed a gradual increase in antioxidant capacity from prenatal to pubertal stages, suggesting enhanced defense mechanisms during spermatogenic activation. Conversely, TBARS levels, indicative of lipid peroxidation, were higher in prenatal stages especially in late gestation reflecting oxidative stress during rapid cellular development. GST activity, indicative of detoxification capacity, increased significantly in postnatal stages, highlighting its role in maintaining redox balance and supporting testicular function.Collectively, these results highlighted the complex interplay of structural, biochemical, and functional changes that underpin the development and maturation of the male reproductive tract in non-descript goats, offering critical insights into reproductive physiology and age-related fertility assessment in domestic animals.