• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.55-61
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• 2009

The epididymis in the male reproductive tract is the site where spermatozoa produced from the testis become mature. The epididymis is divided into 4 different segments, initial segment and caput, corpus, and caudal epididymis, depending upon functional and morphological features. Aquaporins (Aqps) are water channel molecules, which are present in the epididymis and play a major role in removal of epididymal water, resulting in creation of microenvironment for sperm maturation and concentration of sperms. Nandrolone decanoate (ND) is a synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid, which is used to treat clinical diseases and improve physical ability and appearance. Even though it is well determined that the ND causes the male infertility by affecting the testis, little is known the effect of the ND on the epididymis. The present study was focused to examine the effect of ND at different treatment doses and periods on expression of Aqp1 and Aqp9 genes in the epididymis of pubertal rats. Results showed that mRNA expression of Aqp1 and Aqp9 genes among the parts of the epididymis was differentially regulated by ND treatment doses. In addition, treatment periods of ND caused differential expression of Aqp1 and Aqp9 mRNAs among segments of the epididymis. Therefore, it is believed that male infertility induced by ND could be resulted not only from malfunction of the testis but also from aberrant gene expression of Aqp1 and Aqp9 in the epididymis.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.461-467
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• 2013

Nesfatin-1/NUCB2, which is associated with the control of appetite and energy metabolism, was reported for the first time to be expressed in the hypothalamus. However, recent studies have shown that nesfatin-1/NUCB2 was expressed not only in the hypothalamus, but also in various tissues including digestive and reproductive organs. We also demonstrated that nesfatin-1/NUCB2 was expressed in the reproductive organs, pituitary gland, heart, lung, and gastrointestinal tract of the adult mouse. However, little is known about nesfatin-1/NUCB2 expression in fetal and neonatal mice. Therefore, we examined here the distribution of nesfatin-1/NUCB2 in various organs of fetal and neonatal mice and compared them with the distribution in adult mice. As a result of immunohistochemical staining, nesfatin-1/NUCB2 protein was expressed relatively higher in the lung, kidney, heart, and liver compared to other organs in the fetus. Western blot results also showed that nesfatin-1/NUCB2 protein was detected in the lung, kidney, heart, and stomach. Next, we compared the expression levels of nesfatin-1/NUCB2 mRNA in the fetus and neonate with the expression levels in both male and female adult mice. The expression levels in heart, lung, stomach, and kidney were higher compared with other organs in fetal and neonatal mice and in both male and female adult mice. Interestingly, the expression of nesfatin-1/NUCB2 mRNA in the kidney was dramatically increased in male and female adult mice compared to fetal and neonatal mice. These results indicate that nesfatin-1/NUCB2 may regulate the development and physiological function of mouse organs. In the future, we need more study on the function of nesfatin-1/NUCB2, which is highly expressed in the heart, lung, and kidney during mouse development.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.53 no.3
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• pp.195-202
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• 2011

Maintenance of adequate telomere length in developing cells is the most important concern to preserve the integrity of the genome. The length of telomere is strictly regulated by numerous telomere-binding proteins and/or interacting factors. Even though the expression of telomerase in the male reproductive tract has been characterized, developmental expressional profiling of telomerase and other telomere-associated proteins has not been determined in detail. The present study was attempted to examine expression patterns of catalytic subunit (Tert) and RNA component (Terc) of telomerase and two telomerase associated factors, telomerase associated protein 1 (Tep1) and TERF1 (TRF1) interacting nuclear factor 2 (Tinf2) in the testis and seminal vesicle of male rat during postnatal development. The real-time PCR analysis was utilized to quantify mRNA expression of molecules. The abundance of Tep1 mRNA in the testis and seminal vesicle was the highest at 5 months of age. Expressional fluctuation of Tinf2 during postnatal development was found in the testis, while expression of Tinf2 in the seminal vesicle was gradually increased until 5 months of age and then significantly decreased later. mRNA level of Tert gene in the testis was significantly increased at the adult and the elder, while the highest expression of Tert gene in the seminal vesicle was found at 5 months of age. Expression of Terc transcript in the testis and seminal vesicle was the highest at 5 months of age, followed by significant reduction at 1 and 2 years of ages. Such differential gene expression of telomere-associated factors and telomerase components in different male reproductive tissues during postnatal development indicates that maintenance of telomere length would be regulated in tissue- and/or age-specific manners.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Developmental Biology Conference
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• 1998.07a
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• pp.50-51
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• 1998

guanidinoacetate methyltransferase (GAMT) catalyzes the last step of creatine biosynthesis in mammals. Creatine plays an important role in cellular energy metabolism in variety of tissues including brain and male reproductive tract. Congenital deficiency of the enzyme leads to a neurologic disorder in humans. We used an interspecific backcross DNA panel to map Gamt to the central region of mouse Chromosome (Chr) 10 near the locus of hesitant mutation affecting male fertility. We assigned the human GAMT gene to Chr 19 by PCR analysis of a human/rodent somatic hybrid cell line DNA panel, and further localized the human gene to Chr 19 at band p13.3 by PCR analysis of a human radiation hybrid DNA panel. Human chr 19p13.3 is homologous to the central part of mouse Chr 10 where mouse Gamt is located. Furthermore, this part of mouse Chr 10 contains mutant loci the phenotype of which is similar to the GAMT deficiency in human.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.97-101
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• 1999

Male genital tract inflammatory conditions may be associated with unexplained infertility. The presence of cytokine such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$) was reported in the semen of infertile men. However, the effect of these cytokines on human sperm function is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the in-vitro effects of TNF-alpha on human sperm motility with computer assisted sperm analysis. Washed sperm from 16 normal men were incubated without and with TNF-${\alpha}$ (0.1, 10, 1000 ng/ml). The changes of parameters of sperm motility were recorded at different time intervals (0, 5, 24 hour). There was no significant change of parameters of sperm motility in the incubation with TNF-${\alpha}$. It is suggested that TNF-${\alpha}$ alone does not interfere with the sperm motility and more studies are needed.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.783-792
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• 2008

The present study was performed to determine expression of cytochrome P450 aromatase(Cyp19) in the efferent ductules(EDs) and the epididymis of male rat reproductive tract at different postnatal ages. Total RNAs isolated were reverse-transcribed, and cDNAs were utilized for real-time PCR analysis. In the EDs, the Cyp19 transcript was expressed at all prepubertal ages with the highest level at 14 days of age, but not at 90 days of age. Expression of Cyp19 mRNA in the epididymis was found at all age groups, except 7 days of age. Distinct expression patterns of Cyp19 transcript were shown in each segment of the epididymis. These results indicate that expression of Cyp19 gene in the excurrent duct of male reproductive tract is differentially regulated in age-dependent and segment-specific manners.

• Proceedings of the Korea Society of Environmental Toocicology Conference
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• 2002.10a
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• pp.168-168
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• 2002

To establish a test protocol for the rodent 20-day thyroid/pubertal assay, flutamide and diethylstilbestrol (DES) were administered to intact male Sprague-Dawley rats from postnatal day 33 for 20 days. Flutamide (1, 5, and 25 mg/kg/day) or DES (10, 20, and 40 ug/kg/day) was given once daily by oral gavage to immature male rats. Prepuce separation was significantly delayed in flutamide group and in DES group. One day after the last dose, the rats were killed and pituitary, thyroid, and reproductive organs were removed and weighed. Flutamide treatment resulted in a significant reduction in the weights of epididymides, ventral prostate, seminal vesicles plus coagulating glands and fluid (SVCGF), levator ani. bulbocarvenus muscles (LABC), Cowper's glands, and glans penis. The weight of adrenal glands decreased at % mg/kg/day, while testes and any other organ weights were unaffected. No microscopic changes were observed in the thyroid glands. Serum levels of testosterone wert significantly increased in the flutamide-treated groups and serum levels of estradiol were also increased. A significant reduction in the weights of testes, epididymides, ventral prostate, SVCGF, LABC, Cowpers glands, and glans penis of DES treated group. Serum testosterone and LH decreased significantly in DES group. Decrease of estradiol was observed, but not significant. These results indicate that flutamide and DES delay puberty in the male rat and its mode of action appears to be via altered secretion of steroids, which subsequently affect the development of the reproductive tract. (Supported by the grant from NITR/Korea FDA for Endocrine Disrupter Research.)

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.309-320
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• 2007

The purpose of the present study was to determine if monocarboxylate transporter(MCT) isoforms and Basigin(Bsg) are expressed in the efferent ductules(ED) and if MCT1 expression is under estrogen receptor(ER)α-regulation in the ED of male reproductive tract. The presence of MCT isoforms and Bsg mRNAs was detected by real-time polymerization chain reaction(PCR), and ERα-mediated regulation of MCT1 expression in the ED was indirectly determined by immuno- histochemistry. Current study found differential expression of MCT isoforms(MCT1, 2, 3, 4, and 8) and Bsg mRNAs in rat ED according to postnatal ages. In addition, comparison of MCT1 expression in the ED between wild type and ERα knockout mice at different postnatal ages showed basolateral localization of MCT1 in ciliated cells of the ED and, in part, ERα- mediated regulation of MCT1 expression. It is suggested that MCTs would play a role in regulation of function of the ED.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.43-51
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• 2015

Connexin (Cx) is a complex which allows direct communication between neighboring cells via exchange of signaling molecules and eventually leads to functional harmony of cells in a tissue. The initial segment (IS) is an excurrent duct of male reproductive tract and expression of numerous genes in the IS are controlled by androgens and estrogens. The effects of these steroid hormones on gene expression in the IS during postnatal development have not extensively examined. The present research investigated expressional modulation of Cx isoforms in the IS by exogenous exposure to estrogen agonist, estradiol benzoate (EB), or androgen antagonist, flutamide (Flu), at weaning age. Two different doses of EB or Flu were subcutaneously administrated in 21-day old of male rats, and expressional changes of Cx isoforms in the adult IS were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. Treatment of a low-dose EB ($0.015{\mu}g/kg$ body weight) resulted in an increased expression of Cx31 gene and a decreased expression of Cx37 gene. A high-dose EB ($1.5{\mu}g/kg$ body weight) treatment caused an increase of Cx31 gene expression. Increased levels of Cx30.3 and Cx40 transcripts were observed with a low-dose Flu ($500{\mu}g/kg$ body weight) treatment. Treatment of high-dose Flu (50 mg/kg body weight) led to expressional increases of Cx30.3, 40, and 43 genes. Our previous and present findings suggest differential responsiveness on gene expression of Cx isoforms in the IS by androgens and estrogens at different postnatal ages.

• 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.