Differential expression of luteinizing hormone receptor, androgen receptor and heat-shock protein 70 in the testis of long-distance transported mice

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Spermatogenesis, is a complex process of precisely regulated intracellular events, where it is affected by many factors. Long-distance transport of animals is one of the stressors that may influence spermatogenesis and sperm quality. The present study chose luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), androgen receptor (AR), and heatshock protein 70 (HSP70) as our target genes to investigate their mRNA and protein expression in the testes of long-distance transported (about 1000 km) mice. Histological analysis showed that there was a reduction in the thickness of the seminiferous epithelium in the transported mice, and a significant decrease in body weight and sperm count in the epididymis was also observed. mRNA expression was determined by QPCR in the testis of transported and control mice. The levels for AR decreased significantly in transported mice. LHR and HSP70 expression in the testes of the transported mice was slightly higher than that of control mice but did not reach a significant level. A similar tendency of protein expression was also observed by Western blot analysis. The levels of LHR and HSP70 increased slightly after transportation. However, none of the changes were statistically significant compared with the control mice. In conclusion, long-distance transport has an adverse effect on reproductive organs and spermatozoa in adult mice.

Protective effects of Korean Red Ginseng against sub-acute immobilization stress-induced testicular damage in experimental rats

“…Therefore, quantitative (decline of the gene or protein expression) and qualitative (chromosomal defect) changes in AR could be one of the causes of male infertility. A study reported that in long-distance transported stress mice model, the mRNA and protein expression levels of AR and epididymis sperm count decreased compared with the values in the control group [39]; this result is consistent with our findings. This suggested that stress adversely affects reproductive organs and spermatozoa in adults by decreasing AR expression.…”

Circulating sex hormone levels in relation to male sperm quality

“…On the other hand, LH may affect fructose utilization, glucose oxidation, and adenyl cyclase activity in sperm, which are important means by which spermatozoa derive energy for motility [20]. The acquisition of sperm motility occurs during sperm maturation in the epididymis, and LH receptors have been detected in epididymal epithelium [21,22]. Moreover, in the absence of LH, addition of TT and FSH can only partly rescue the phenotype of abnormal sperm [23].…”