Immunohistochemical localisation of mucin 1 in male reproductive organs of dromedary camels during rutting and non-rutting seasons

This study was aimed to investigate the immune reactivity levels of anti-MUCl (Mucin 1) antibody in male camel accessory sex glands (prostate and bulbourethral) in addition to the testes, epididymis and ductus deferens. This is potentially useful for an insight on the role of mucous secretion during rutting and non-rutting seasons in male camel. Therefore, it is important to check the immune reactivity levels of anti-MUC1 antibody as a marker for mucous secretion activity. To achieve that, testes (proximal part, distal part and rete testis), epididymis (head, body and tail), ductus deferens (initial, middle and ampullary part, prostate (compact and disseminated part) and bulbourethral gland were collected from 12 male camel during rutting and non-rutting seasons and were subjected to immunohistochemistry. Results showed that the higher immune reactivity levels of anti-MUC1 antibody during rutting season was in rete testis, proximal and distal part of the testes, head of epididymis, ampullary part of ductus deferens, prostate (compact and disseminated part) and bulbourethral gland. Whereas, the higher immune reactivity levels of anti-MUC1 antibody during non-rutting season was in rete testis, proximal and distal part of the testes, head of epididymis, ampullary part of ductus deferens and compact part of the prostate. Thus, the distribution of mucous secretion varied between rutting and non-rutting seasons and even among the reproductive organs itself. However, highest secretory activity was found during the rutting season in the ampulla of ductus deferens, disseminated part of the prostate and bulbourethral gland.