Histamine and Secondary Autoimmune Infertility in Dark Mink (Mustela Vison)

Abstract

Testicular histamine content was higher in December (the time of sexual quiescence) that in March (breeding time) in opaline mink. Although testicular histamine synthesis increased in March over December, the increased cellular mass and increased histaminase activity prevented the biogenic amine from rising. Dark mink, however, had higher gonadal levels of histamine in March than in December owing to an increased rate of synthesis and a decreased rate of inactivation that correlated well with the onset of autoimmune infertility in this strain. Pastel mink were intermediate to the opalines, and dark mink indicative of strain differences in the genetic control of gonadal histamine synthesis and inactivation.

Key Words:

• Mink
• Testicular histamine content
• Histamine synthesis
• Histidine decarboxylase activity
• Histaminase activity
• Secondary infertility orchitis
• Autoimmune disease.