• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.45-56
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• 2008

In the present study, real-time PCR was performed to evaluated expression of several isoforms of monocarboxylate transporters(MCTs) and two known MCT regulatory proteins, basigin (Bsg) and embigin, in the epididymis of the male reproductive tract during postnatal development. In addition, ERα�-mediated regulation of MCT1 expression in the epididymis was determined with estrogen receptor(ER) α� knockout(α�ERKO) mice by immunohistochemistry. Results from the current study demonstrated differential expression of MCT isoform(MCT 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8), Bsg, and embigin mRNAs in rat epididymis according to postnatal age and epididymal region. In addition, immunohistochemical study of MCT1 revealed the limited localization of MCT1 at apical area of corpus and caudal epididymis. The present study also showed that expression of MCT1 was not directly regulated by ERα�. The findings from the current study suggest that MCTs would involve in establishing adequate microenvironment for sperm maturation and storage in the epididymis, eventually leading to maintenance of male fertility.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.41-48
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• 2003

This report aimed at investigating the differential gene expressions of the adhesion receptors between ovariectomized (OVX) and estrus stage rat uteri (OVX vs. estrus pair) using the cDNA expression away analysis. In addition, this report aimed at confirming of the differential gene expressions of the adhesion receptors between OVX and progesterone (P$_4$) injected OVX rat uteri (OVX vs. OVX+P$_4$ pair). RNA samples were extracted from the uterus and reverse-transcribed in the presence of [$\alpha$$^{32}$ P]-dATP. Membrane sets of Rat Atlas array 1.2 II (Clontech) were hybridized with CDNA probe sets. RT-PCR was employed to validate the relative gene expression patterns obtained by the cDNA array. The results were well consistent to cDNA array analysis data except the fold changes of gene expression. Among a total of 1176 cDNAs, 5 genes of adhesion receotor including embigin protein, activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule, afadin, neuroligin 2, semaphorin Z showed significant (more than 2-fold) changes in the OVX vs. late estrus pair. All of these genes were up regulated in estrus stage than OVX rat uterus. In the OVX vs. OVX+P$_4$ pair, 4 genes including osteonectin, afadin, neuroligin 2, semaphorin Z showed significant changes. All of these genes were also up regulated in OVX+P$_4$ injected rat uterus than OVX control. Three genes including afadin, neuroligin 2, semaphorin Z which were up regulated in estrus and OVX+P$_4$ injected rat uteri of both experimental pairs than OVX rat uteri. These genes seem to be under the control of P$_4$.