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Cui Y, Chen R, Ma L, Yang W, Chen M, Zhang Y, Yu S, Dong W, Zeng W, Lan X, Pan C. miR-205 Expression Elevated With EDS Treatment and Induced Leydig Cell Apoptosis by Targeting RAP2B via the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:448. [PMID: 32596241 PMCID: PMC7300349 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The adult Leydig cells (ALCs), originated from stem Leydig cells (SLCs), can secrete testosterone which is essential for germ cell development and sexual behavior maintenance. As a synthetic compound, ethane dimethane sulfonate (EDS), a well-known alkylating agent, has been reported to specifically ablate ALCs. In this study, EDS was verified to ablate differentiated pig LCs by experiments. Subsequently, the primary isolated pig LCs (containing SLCs and differentiated LCs) and EDS-treated LCs (almost exclusively SLCs) were collected for RNA-seq 4,904 genes and 15 miRNAs were differently expressed between the two groups. Down-regulated genes in the EDS-treated group were mainly related to steroid hormone biosynthesis. The highest up-regulation miRNAs was miR-205 after EDS treatment. Additionally, miR-205 was expressed more highly in pig SLCs clones compared with differentiated LCs. Through qRT-PCR, western blot (WB), TUNEL, EDU and flow cytometry, miR-205 was found to induce cell apoptosis, but did not affect proliferation or differentiation in both TM3 and GC-1spg mouse cell lines. Through luciferase reporter assays and WB, RAP2B was identified as a target gene of miR-205. Besides, overexpression of miR-205 inhibited the expressions of PI3K, Akt and p-AKT. All these findings were helpful for elucidating the regulation mechanism in pig LCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Cui
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Lin Ma
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Wenjing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Mingyue Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Yanghai Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Shuai Yu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Wuzi Dong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Wenxian Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Xianyong Lan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Chuanying Pan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
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Dutta D, Park I, Guililat H, Sang S, Talapatra A, Singhal B, Mills NC. Testosterone regulates granzyme K expression in rat testes. Endocr Regul 2019; 51:193-204. [PMID: 29232193 DOI: 10.1515/enr-2017-0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Testosterone depletion induces increased germ cell apoptosis in testes. However, limited studies exist on genes that regulate the germ cell apoptosis. Granzymes (GZM) are serine proteases that induce apoptosis in various tissues. Multiple granzymes, including GZMA, GZMB and GZMN, are present in testes. Th us, we investigated which granzyme may be testosterone responsive and possibly may have a role in germ cell apoptosis aft er testosterone depletion. METHODS Ethylene dimethane sulfonate (EDS), a toxicant that selectively ablates the Leydig cells, was injected into rats to withdraw the testosterone. The testosterone depletion effects after 7 days post-EDS were verified by replacing the testosterone exogenously into EDS-treated rats. Serum or testicular testosterone was measured by radioimmunoassay. Using qPCR, mRNAs of granzyme variants in testes were quantified. The germ cell apoptosis was identified by TUNEL assay and the localization of GZMK was by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS EDS treatment eliminated the Leydig cells and depleted serum and testicular testosterone. At 7 days post-EDS, testis weights were reduced 18% with increased germ cell apoptosis plus elevation GZMK expression. GZMK was not associated with TUNEL-positive cells, but was localized to stripped cytoplasm of spermatids. In addition, apoptotic round spermatids were observed in the caput epididymis. CONCLUSIONS GZMK expression in testes is testosterone dependent. GZMK is located adjacent to germ cells in seminiferous tubules and the presence of apoptotic round spermatids in the epididymis suggest its role in the degradation of microtubules in ectoplasmic specializations. Thus, overexpression of GZMK may indirectly regulate germ cell apoptosis by premature release of round spermatids from seminiferous tubule lumen.
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Su DM, Feng Y, Wang L, Wu YL, Ge RS, Ma X. Influence of fetal Leydig cells on the development of adult Leydig cell population in rats. J Reprod Dev 2018. [PMID: 29515056 PMCID: PMC6021611 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2017-102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Leydig cells are the main endogenous testosterone synthesis cells in the body. Testosterone is an essential hormone in males that affects metabolism, emotion, and pubertal development.
However, little is known about the development of Leydig cells and relationship between fetal Leydig cells (FLCs) and adult Leydig cells (ALCs). The aims of this study were to investigate
the effect of (FLCs) on ALC development. Our study showed that FLCs in neonatal rat testis can be eliminated by 100 mg/kg ethane dimethane sulfonate (EDS) treatment without affecting the
health of newborn rats. Immunohistological results showed that eliminating FLCs led to early re-generation of the ALC population (progenitor Leydig cells [PLCs] and ALCs) accompanied at
first by increased and then by decreased serum testosterone, indicating that ALCs which appeared after neonatal EDS treatment were degenerated or had attenuated functions. Our results showed
that FLCs were eliminated 4 days after EDS treatment, the ALC population regenerated by 21 days, and serum testosterone levels dramatically decreased at 56 days. Collectively, our results
indicate that the ablation of FLCs in neonatal rat results in abnormal development of ALCs. Our study further indicates that abnormal development of Leydig cells in the fetal stage leads to
steroid hormone disorders, such as testosterone deficiency, in the adult stage. Therefore, studies of Leydig cell development are important for understanding the pathogenesis of testosterone
deficiency or pubertas praecox.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Mei Su
- West China Hospital, West China School of Clinical Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ying Feng
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yi-Lun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- Center of Scientific Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Xue Ma
- Department of Pediatric Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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4
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Wang M, Su P. The role of the Fas/FasL signaling pathway in environmental toxicant-induced testicular cell apoptosis: An update. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2018; 64:93-102. [DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2017.1422046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mei Wang
- Family Planning Research Institute of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Ping Su
- Family Planning Research Institute of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei, P.R. China
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5
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Penny GM, Cochran RB, Pihlajoki M, Kyrönlahti A, Schrade A, Häkkinen M, Toppari J, Heikinheimo M, Wilson DB. Probing GATA factor function in mouse Leydig cells via testicular injection of adenoviral vectors. Reproduction 2017; 154:455-467. [PMID: 28710293 PMCID: PMC5589507 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 07/09/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Testicular Leydig cells produce androgens essential for proper male reproductive development and fertility. Here, we describe a new Leydig cell ablation model based on Cre/Lox recombination of mouse Gata4 and Gata6, two genes implicated in the transcriptional regulation of steroidogenesis. The testicular interstitium of adult Gata4flox/flox ; Gata6flox/flox mice was injected with adenoviral vectors encoding Cre + GFP (Ad-Cre-IRES-GFP) or GFP alone (Ad-GFP). The vectors efficiently and selectively transduced Leydig cells, as evidenced by GFP reporter expression. Three days after Ad-Cre-IRES-GFP injection, expression of androgen biosynthetic genes (Hsd3b1, Cyp17a1 and Hsd17b3) was reduced, whereas expression of another Leydig cell marker, Insl3, was unchanged. Six days after Ad-Cre-IRES-GFP treatment, the testicular interstitium was devoid of Leydig cells, and there was a concomitant loss of all Leydig cell markers. Chromatin condensation, nuclear fragmentation, mitochondrial swelling, and other ultrastructural changes were evident in the degenerating Leydig cells. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry demonstrated reduced levels of androstenedione and testosterone in testes from mice injected with Ad-Cre-IRES-GFP. Late effects of treatment included testicular atrophy, infertility and the accumulation of lymphoid cells in the testicular interstitium. We conclude that adenoviral-mediated gene delivery is an expeditious way to probe Leydig cell function in vivo Our findings reinforce the notion that GATA factors are key regulators of steroidogenesis and testicular somatic cell survival.Free Finnish abstract: A Finnish translation of this abstract is freely available at http://www.reproduction-online.org/content/154/4/455/suppl/DC2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gervette M Penny
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Rebecca B Cochran
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Marjut Pihlajoki
- Children's HospitalUniversity of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Antti Kyrönlahti
- Children's HospitalUniversity of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anja Schrade
- Children's HospitalUniversity of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Merja Häkkinen
- University of Eastern FinlandSchool of Pharmacy, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Department of PhysiologyInstitute of Biomedicine, University of Turku and Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Markku Heikinheimo
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Children's HospitalUniversity of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - David B Wilson
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Developmental BiologyWashington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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6
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Sun J, Cao Y, Zhang X, Zhao Q, Bao E, Lv Y. Melamine negatively affects testosterone synthesis in mice. Res Vet Sci 2016; 109:135-141. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2016.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Revised: 09/24/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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7
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Smith LB, O'Shaughnessy PJ, Rebourcet D. Cell-specific ablation in the testis: what have we learned? Andrology 2015; 3:1035-49. [PMID: 26446427 PMCID: PMC4950036 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Revised: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Testicular development and function is the culmination of a complex process of autocrine, paracrine and endocrine interactions between multiple cell types. Dissecting this has classically involved the use of systemic treatments to perturb endocrine function, or more recently, transgenic models to knockout individual genes. However, targeting genes one at a time does not capture the more wide‐ranging role of each cell type in its entirety. An often overlooked, but extremely powerful approach to elucidate cellular function is the use of cell ablation strategies, specifically removing one cellular population and examining the resultant impacts on development and function. Cell ablation studies reveal a more holistic overview of cell–cell interactions. This not only identifies important roles for the ablated cell type, which warrant further downstream study, but also, and importantly, reveals functions within the tissue that occur completely independently of the ablated cell type. To date, cell ablation studies in the testis have specifically removed germ cells, Leydig cells, macrophages and recently Sertoli cells. These studies have provided great leaps in understanding not possible via other approaches; as such, cell ablation represents an essential component in the researchers’ tool‐kit, and should be viewed as a complement to the more mainstream approaches to advancing our understanding of testis biology. In this review, we summarise the cell ablation models used in the testis, and discuss what each of these have taught us about testis development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- L B Smith
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - P J O'Shaughnessy
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow, UK
| | - D Rebourcet
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
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8
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Campion S, Catlin N, Heger N, McDonnell EV, Pacheco SE, Saffarini C, Sandrof MA, Boekelheide K. Male reprotoxicity and endocrine disruption. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2012; 101:315-60. [PMID: 22945574 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-7643-8340-4_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian reproductive tract development is a tightly regulated process that can be disrupted following exposure to drugs, toxicants, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), or other compounds via alterations to gene and protein expression or epigenetic regulation. Indeed, the impacts of developmental exposure to certain toxicants may not be fully realized until puberty or adulthood when the reproductive tract becomes sexually mature and altered functionality is manifested. Exposures that occur later in life, once development is complete, can also disrupt the intricate hormonal and paracrine interactions responsible for adult functions, such as spermatogenesis. In this chapter, the biology and toxicology of the male reproductive tract is explored, proceeding through the various life stages including in utero development, puberty, adulthood, and senescence. Special attention is given to the discussion of EDCs, chemical mixtures, low-dose effects, transgenerational effects, and potential exposure-related causes of male reproductive tract cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Campion
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
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9
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Li T, Hu J, He GH, Li Y, Zhu CC, Hou WG, Zhang S, Li W, Zhang JS, Wang Z, Liu XP, Yao LB, Zhang YQ. Up-regulation of NDRG2 through nuclear factor-kappa B is required for Leydig cell apoptosis in both human and murine infertile testes. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2011; 1822:301-13. [PMID: 22138128 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2011.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2011] [Revised: 11/04/2011] [Accepted: 11/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Many pro-apoptotic factors, such as nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and Fas, play crucial roles in the process of Leydig cell apoptosis, ultimately leading to male sterility, such as in Sertoli cell only syndrome (SCO) and hypospermatogenesis. However, the molecular mechanism of such apoptosis is unclear. Recent reports on N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (ndrg2) have suggested that it is involved in cellular differentiation, development, and apoptosis. The unique expression of NDRG2 in SCO and hypospermatogenic testis suggests its pivotal role in those diseases. In this study, we analyzed NDRG2 expression profiles in the testes of normal spermatogenesis patients, hypospermatogenesis patients, and SCO patients, as well as in vivo and in vitro models, which were Sprague-Dawley rats and the Leydig cell line TM3 treated with the Leydig cell-specific toxicant ethane-dimethanesulfonate (EDS). Our data confirm that NDRG2 is normally exclusively located in the cytoplasm of Leydig cells and is up-regulated and translocates into the nucleus under apoptotic stimulations in human and murine testis. Meanwhile, transcription factor NF-κB was activated by EDS administration, bound to the ndrg2 promoter, and further increased in expression, effects that were abolished by NF-κB inhibitor Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC). Furthermore, siRNA knock-down of ndrg2 led to increased proliferative or decreased apoptotic TM3 cells, while over-expression of ndrg2 had the reverse effect. This study reveals that ndrg2 is a novel gene that participates in Leydig cell apoptosis, with essential functions in testicular cells, and suggests its possible role in apoptotic Leydig cells and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
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10
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Aggarwal A, Misro MM, Maheshwari A, Sehgal N, Nandan D. Adverse effects associated with persistent stimulation of Leydig cells with hCG in vitro. Mol Reprod Dev 2010; 76:1076-83. [PMID: 19575391 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.21074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The detrimental effects of persistent stimulation with hCG were investigated in rat Leydig cells in vitro. Significant rise in lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) with concomitant attenuation in the activities of antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione-S-transferase was observed. Transcripts for catalase and superoxide dismutase were also depleted. Subsequent to each hCG challenge, the total antioxidant capacity in the target cells also declined significantly (P < 0.05). There was an increase in cell apoptosis (23%), which was associated with a rise in caspase-3 activity, PARP cleavage, and Fas, FasL, caspase-8 expression. While Bax and Caspase-9 expression remained unchanged, Bcl-2 demonstrated a marked decline. Taken together, the above data indicate that persistent hCG stimulation of Leydig cells induced adverse effects leading to oxidative stress and apoptosis which was channeled primarily through the extrinsic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Aggarwal
- Department of Reproductive Biomedicine, National Institute of Health & Family Welfare, Baba Gang Nath Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
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11
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Yang HY, Leu SF, Wang YK, Wu CS, Huang BM. CORDYCEPS SINENSISMYCELIUM INDUCES MA-10 MOUSE LEYDIG TUMOR CELL APOPTOSIS BY ACTIVATING THE CASPASE-8 PATHWAY AND SUPPRESSING THE NF-κB PATHWAY. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 52:103-10. [PMID: 16443586 DOI: 10.1080/01485010500315818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Cordyceps sinensis has been used as nutritious food and medicine in Chinese society. CS can inhibit tumor growth and induce tumor cell apoptosis. CS induced MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cell death, but the anti-tumor mechanisms are not fully understood. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the apoptotic effect of CS on MA-10 cells and determine the molecular mechanism. CS (2-10 mg/ml) was added to MA-10 cells at different time scales (0-24 h). The condensation of DNA chromatin and apoptotic nuclear fragmentation increased in CS-treated MA-10 cells. Western blot analysis showed that 3 hours of CS treatment caused an increase in caspase-3 and -8 expressions only, which provided further evidence for the involvement of caspase-3 and -8 in CS-induced MA-10-cell apoptosis. CS blocked NF-?B protein expression in a dose-dependent relationship. CS induces MA-10 cell apoptosis by activating caspase-8-dependent and caspase-9-independent pathways and downregulating NF-?B protein expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- H-Y Yang
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
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12
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Shetty G, Shao SH, Weng CCY. p53-dependent apoptosis in the inhibition of spermatogonial differentiation in juvenile spermatogonial depletion (Utp14bjsd) mice. Endocrinology 2008; 149:2773-81. [PMID: 18356279 PMCID: PMC2408807 DOI: 10.1210/en.2007-1338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In adult male mice homozygous for the juvenile spermatogonial depletion (Utp14b jsd) mutation in the Utp14b gene, type A spermatogonia proliferate, but in the presence of testosterone and at scrotal temperatures, these spermatogonia undergo apoptosis just before differentiation. In an attempt to delineate this apoptotic pathway in jsd mice and specifically address the roles of p53- and Fas ligand (FasL) /Fas receptor-mediated apoptosis, we produced jsd mice deficient in p53, Fas, or FasL. Already at the age of 5 wk, less degeneration of spermatogenesis was observed in p53-null-jsd mice than jsd single mutants, and in 8- or 12-wk-old mice, the percentage of seminiferous tubules showing differentiated germ cells [tubule differentiation index (TDI)] was 26-29% in the p53-null-jsd mice, compared with 2-4% in jsd mutants with normal p53. The TDI in jsd mice heterozygous for p53 showed an intermediate TDI of 8-13%. The increase in the differentiated tubules in double-mutant and p53 heterozygous jsd mice was mostly attributable to intermediate and type B spermatogonia; few spermatocytes were present. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling staining showed that most of these differentiated spermatogonia still underwent apoptosis, thereby blocking further continuation of spermatogenesis. In contrast, the percentage of tubules that were differentiated was not significantly altered in either adult Fas null-jsd mice or adult FasL defective gld-jsd double mutant mice as compared with jsd single mutants. Furthermore, caspase-9, but not caspase-8 was immunochemically localized in the adult jsd mice spermatogonia undergoing apoptosis. The results show that p53, but not FasL or Fas, is involved in the apoptosis of type A spermatogonia before/during differentiation in jsd mice that involves the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. However, apoptosis in the later stages must be a p53-independent process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunapala Shetty
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
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13
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Williams VL, DeGuzman A, Dang H, Kawaminami M, Ho TWC, Carter DG, Walker AM. Common and specific effects of the two major forms of prolactin in the rat testis. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2007; 293:E1795-803. [PMID: 17911340 PMCID: PMC7599043 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00541.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Prolactin (PRL) has both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on testicular function, a finding we hypothesized may be related in some part to the form of the hormone present or administered. In the analysis of the pituitary secretion profiles of early pubescent vs. mature male rats, we found PRL released from early pubescent pituitaries had about twice the degree of phosphorylation. Treatment of mature males with either unmodified PRL (U-PRL) or phosphorylated PRL (via the molecular mimic S179D PRL) for a period of 4 wk (circulating level of approximately 50 ng/ml) showed serum testosterone decreased by approximately 35% only by treatment with the phospho-mimic S179D PRL. Given the specificity of this effect, it was initially surprising that both forms of PRL decreased testicular expression of 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein. Both forms also increased expression of the luteinizing hormone receptor, but only S179D PRL increased the ratio of short to long PRL receptors. Endogenous PRL and luteinizing hormone levels were unchanged in all groups in this time frame, suggesting that effects on steroidogenic gene expression were directly on the testis. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labeling analysis combined with staining for 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and morphometric analysis showed that S179D PRL, but not U-PRL, increased apoptosis of Leydig cells, a finding supported by increased staining for Fas and Fas ligand in the testicular interstitium, providing an explanation for the specific effect on testosterone. S179D PRL, but not U-PRL, also increased apoptosis of primary spermatogonia, and U-PRL, but not S179D PRL, decreased apoptosis of elongating spermatids. Thus, in mature males, hyperprolactinemic levels of both forms of PRL have common effects on steroidogenic proteins, but specific effects on the apoptosis of Leydig and germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valencia L Williams
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Univ. of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
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14
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Colón E, Strand ML, Carlsson-Skwirut C, Wahlgren A, Svechnikov KV, Cohen P, Söder O. Anti-apoptotic factor humanin is expressed in the testis and prevents cell-death in leydig cells during the first wave of spermatogenesis. J Cell Physiol 2006; 208:373-85. [PMID: 16619233 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.20672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Humanin (HN) is a 24 amino acids peptide with potent neuro-survival properties that protects against damage associated with Alzheimer's disease. In the present report, we have demonstrated by immunohistochemical analysis and Western blotting the pattern of expression of rat humanin (HNr) in the testis of 10- to 60-day-old rats. The Leydig cells of 10- and 40- day-old rats expressed this peptide at high levels; and in the testis of 60-day-old rats the expression of HNr expanded to include Leydig, endothelial, peritubular and germ cells. As monitored by Western blotting, HNr was released into the medium of cultures of Leydig cells isolated from 10-, 40-, and 60-days-old rats. HNr stimulated the incorporation of [(3)H]TdR into DNA of Leydig cells from 10-days-old rats, in a manner that indicated promotion of cell survival rather than an increase in the rate of cell multiplication. This peptide also enhanced steroidogenesis by cultured Leydig cells from 10- to 40-day-old rats both alone and synergistically with IGF-I. The expression of HNr in cultured Leydig cells increased in response to GH and IGF-I. In summary, we demonstrated here that HNr was expressed at all stages of maturation in the rat testis. This peptide promoted the survival of Leydig cells in culture and interacted with IGF-I to stimulate DNA synthesis and steroidogenesis. We propose that HNr is a novel testicular anti-apoptotic factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Colón
- Department of Woman and Child Health, Paediatric Endocrinology Unit, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska Institute and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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15
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Biron VA, Iglesias MM, Troncoso MF, Besio-Moreno M, Patrignani ZJ, Pignataro OP, Wolfenstein-Todel C. Galectin-1: biphasic growth regulation of Leydig tumor cells. Glycobiology 2006; 16:810-21. [PMID: 16769778 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwl013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Galectin-1 (Gal-1) is a widely expressed beta-galactoside-binding protein that exerts pleiotropic biological functions. To gain insight into the potential role of Gal-1 as a novel modulator of Leydig cells, we investigated its effect on the growth and death of MA-10 tumor Leydig cells. In this study, we identified cytoplasmic Gal-1 expression in these tumor cells by cytofluorometry. DNA fragmentation, caspase-3, -8, and -9 activation, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsim), cytochrome c (Cyt c) release, and FasL expression suggested that relatively high concentrations of exogenously added recombinant Gal-1 (rGal-1) induced apoptosis by the mitochondrial and death receptor pathways. These pathways were independently activated, as the presence of the inhibitor of caspase-8 or -9 only partially prevented Gal-1-effect. On the contrary, low concentrations of Gal-1 significantly promoted cell proliferation, without inducing cell death. Importantly, the presence of the disaccharide lactose prevented Gal-1 effects, suggesting the involvement of the carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD). This study provides strong evidence that Gal-1 is a novel biphasic regulator of Leydig tumor cell number, suggesting a novel role for Gal-1 in the reproductive physiopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica A Biron
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Pabellón II, Ciudad Universitaria, (1428) Buenos Aires, Argentina
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16
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Celik-Ozenci C, Sahin Z, Ustunel I, Akkoyunlu G, Erdogru T, Korgun ET, Baykara M, Demir R. The Fas system may have a role in male reproduction. Fertil Steril 2006; 85 Suppl 1:1168-78. [PMID: 16616089 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.08.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2004] [Revised: 08/17/2005] [Accepted: 08/17/2005] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess what the distributions of Fas system proteins are in normal rat testicular tissue; to assess whether there is a change in these distributions and in expression levels with experimentally-induced varicocele of 9, 11, and 13 weeks; and to assess whether there is a relationship between apoptosis and the Fas system in varicocele-induced rat testis. DESIGN Comparative and controlled study. SETTING University animal care and operation unit. ANIMAL(S) Wistar male rats for experimental and control groups. INTERVENTION(S) The control group underwent sham operation (n = 6). Rats in experimental groups underwent partial ligation of the renal vein to induce an experimental varicocele and then were killed at 9 (n = 6), 11 (n = 6), and 13 (n = 6) weeks after induction of varicocele. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Tissues were fixed and processed for paraffin and Araldite embedding, and subsequently immunohistochemistry, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labeling, and transmission electron microscopy were performed. In addition, Western blotting was applied. RESULT(S) In control testis, we detected the expression of FasL in spermatids, interestingly at the progressing stages of acrosome formation and in the heads of the spermatozoa being released to lumen. Varicocele induction revealed a significant down-regulation of this protein, especially 11 weeks after the operation, without altering its distribution. Fas protein was present in cytoplasmic extrusions of the elongated spermatids and evidently in Leydig cells of the interstitial tissue. The expression of Fas protein was diminished after 11 weeks of varicocele induction, both in Leydig cells and in cytoplasmic extrusions. The decrease of Fas was significant in the 13-week-old varicocele group, whereas that of FasL was significant in the 11-week-old varicocele group. Compared with sham-operated animals, a minor increase in the number of apoptotic germ cells in varicocele groups was detected. CONCLUSION(S) Our results exposed other possible important roles of the Fas system in addition to than apoptosis in male reproduction. We suggest that the role of the Fas system needs further investigation both in animal models and in human male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciler Celik-Ozenci
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University, Faculty of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey.
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17
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Gautam DK, Misro MM, Chaki SP, Sehgal N. H2O2 at physiological concentrations modulates Leydig cell function inducing oxidative stress and apoptosis. Apoptosis 2006; 11:39-46. [PMID: 16374549 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-005-3087-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
H(2)O(2) is one of the active reactive oxygen species secreted by macrophages that are seen closely aligned with Leydig cells in the testicular interstitium. The present study was initiated to investigate the role of H(2)O(2) on Leydig cell function in vitro at physiological concentrations. Significant decrease in both testosterone production (p < 0.05) and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity (p < 0.05) in adult Leydig cells were observed even with H(2)O(2) at low concentrations (30 - 50 microM). H(2)O(2) exposure increased oxidative stress in Leydig cells with the rise in lipid peroxidation and fall in the activities of the antioxidant enzymes; superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) & glutathione-s-transferase (GST). There was also a marginal increase (approximately 8%) in cell apoptosis accompanied by rise in FasL expression and caspase-3 activation. The above findings indicate that H(2)O(2) as a bio-molecule modulates Leydig cell function at or below physiological concentrations through a variety of actions like decrease in steroidogenic enzyme activity and increase in oxidative stress and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- D K Gautam
- Department of Reproductive Biomedicine, National Institute of Health and Family Welfare, New Mehrauli Road, Munirka, New Delhi
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18
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Guais A, Solhonne B, Melaine N, Guellaen G, Bulle F. Goliath, a ring-H2 mitochondrial protein, regulated by luteinizing hormone/human chorionic gonadotropin in rat leydig cells. Biol Reprod 2003; 70:204-13. [PMID: 13679316 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.103.018820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
We have cloned the rat homologue of the ring-H2 protein Goliath involved in Drosophila development. The rat Goliath mRNA (1.85 kb) was translated as a major ubiquitous protein species of 28-kDa and three larger isoforms (50, 46, and 36 kDa) expressed mainly in liver, lung, stomach, heart, and thymus and barely detectable in other tissues (kidney, skeletal muscle, brain, testis, intestine, and spleen). By immunohistochemistry on rat testis sections, we localized the protein in interstitial tissue and seminiferous tubules. In tubules, Goliath was expressed mainly in postmeiotic germ cells and to a much lesser extent in Sertoli cells. In the interstitium, Goliath was exclusively present in Leydig cells. Using a series of immunolabeling, cellular fractionation, and electron microscopy experiments, we established that Goliath is present in mitochondria of the R2C Leydig cell line. Using short-term hypophysectomized animals, we showed that Goliath is regulated by LH/hCG in Leydig cells but not in germ cells. This regulation in Leydig cells concerned only the 50-kDa isoform. This report is the first description of a differential regulation of the Goliath protein between germ cells and Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Guais
- Unité INSERM 581, Hôpital Henri Mondor, 94010 Créteil, France
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19
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Pedersen LH, Stoltenberg M, Ernst E, West MJ. Leydig cell death in rats exposed to bismuth subnitrate. J Appl Toxicol 2003; 23:235-8. [PMID: 12884406 DOI: 10.1002/jat.912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In a previous study, rats were treated with one injection of 500 mg kg(-1) bismuth subnitrate intraperitoneally and maintained for 2 weeks. Bismuth was observed in Leydig cells, with a subsequent reduction in serum testosterone levels. In the present study, stereological procedures were used to estimate the number of Leydig cells in the right testis from the retained rats used in the previously published study. The mean number of Leydig cells in the control group was estimated to be 18.7 x 10(6) (coefficient of variation = 0.11), which is comparable to previous estimations. In the group exposed to bismuth the mean was 15.5 x 10(6) (coefficient of variation = 0.18). The observed 17% difference between the two groups was statistically significant (2P = 0.019). The inter-individual variation was largest in the bismuth-exposed group. Testis weight and body weight were not significantly reduced after bismuth exposure. These findings support the hypothesis that bismuth has a direct toxic effect on rat Leydig cells and underscores the potential risks of bismuth on male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars H Pedersen
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Anatomy, University of Aarhus, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
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20
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Boronat MA, García-Fuster MJ, García-Sevilla JA. Chronic morphine induces up-regulation of the pro-apoptotic Fas receptor and down-regulation of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 oncoprotein in rat brain. Br J Pharmacol 2001; 134:1263-70. [PMID: 11704646 PMCID: PMC1573055 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0704364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
1. This study was designed to assess the influence of activation and blockade of the endogenous opioid system in the brain on two key proteins involved in the regulation of programmed cell death: the pro-apoptotic Fas receptor and the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 oncoprotein. 2. The acute treatment of rats with the mu-opioid receptor agonist morphine (3-30 mg x kg(-1), i.p., 2 h) did not modify the immunodensity of Fas or Bcl-2 proteins in the cerebral cortex. Similarly, the acute treatment with low and high doses of the antagonist naloxone (1 and 100 mg x kg(-1), i.p., 2 h) did not alter Fas or Bcl-2 protein expression in brain cortex. These results discounted a tonic regulation through opioid receptors on Fas and Bcl-2 proteins in rat brain. 3. Chronic morphine (10-100 mg x kg(-1), 5 days, and 10 mg x kg(-1), 13 days) induced marked increases (47-123%) in the immunodensity of Fas receptor in the cerebral cortex. In contrast, chronic morphine (5 and 13 days) decreased the immunodensity of Bcl-2 protein (15-30%) in brain cortex. Chronic naloxone (10 mg x kg(-1), 13 days) did not alter the immunodensities of Fas and Bcl-2 proteins in the cerebral cortex. 4. The concurrent chronic treatment (13 days) of naloxone (10 mg x kg(-1)) and morphine (10 mg x kg(-1)) completely prevented the morphine-induced increase in Fas receptor and decrease in Bcl-2 protein immunoreactivities in the cerebral cortex. 5. The results indicate that morphine, through the sustained activation of opioid receptors, can promote abnormal programmed cell death by enhancing the expression of pro-apoptotic Fas receptor protein and damping the expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 oncoprotein.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Assumpció Boronat
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Associate Unit of the Institute Cajal/CSIC, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands, Cra. Valldemossa Km 7.5, E-07071 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - M Julia García-Fuster
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Associate Unit of the Institute Cajal/CSIC, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands, Cra. Valldemossa Km 7.5, E-07071 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Jesús A García-Sevilla
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Associate Unit of the Institute Cajal/CSIC, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands, Cra. Valldemossa Km 7.5, E-07071 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva, HUG Belle-Idée, 2 Chemin du Petit-Bel-Air, CH-1225 Chêne-Bourg, Switzerland
- Author for correspondence:
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Onyango DW, Wango EO, Werner G. Epididymal epithelial cell involution following a single intraperitoneal administration of ethane dimethanesulfonate in the goat (Capra hircus). Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2001; 175:19-27. [PMID: 11509023 DOI: 10.1006/taap.2001.9225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Ethane dimethanesulfonate (EDS) selectively destroys Leydig cells in rats and a few other smaller animal species but not in mice and quail. In the teleost fish, it stimulates testicular activity instead. It also causes formation of sperm granulomas, reduction of sperm fertilizing ability, and destruction of clear cells in the epididymis. Investigations involving larger animal species are scanty. We have previously reported that EDS has no effect on goat Leydig cells but appears to have a direct cytotoxic effect on the seminiferous epithelium. This study was therefore designed to investigate the effects of EDS on goat epididymal cytoarchitecture. EDS was administered intraperitoneally at two dose levels, 75 and 25 mg/kg body wt. The former dose was rather toxic, killing three of five goats in this group within 24 h whereas the latter dose was well tolerated. Six days after treatment, the goats were hemicastrated and the epididymis was isolated and processed for light and electron microscopy. Involution associated with EDS was observed in epithelial cells of all regions of the epididymis, each having its own specific and peculiar changes. In the caput, there was increased cytoplasmic density accompanied by enlarged vacuoles and paucity of secretory vesicles in the apical cytoplasm. The Golgi cisternae were dilated and disorganized and, in the basal aspect, large dense staining bodies or inclusions, degenerative mitochondria, and lamellated bodies were observed. In the corpus, large vacuoles containing flocculent materials occurred in the entire cell cytoplasm but were particularly numerous and large in the midcytoplasm, completely obliterating the Golgi area. There was a dramatic reduction in epithelial height in the cauda epididymis accompanied by sparse distribution of markedly shortened microvilli. The epithelial cells had extensively lobulated nuclei and disorganized cytoplasm with dilated Golgi apparatus and large conglomerations of tubular structures. These structural changes suggest that EDS causes degeneration of goat epididymal epithelial cells. These effects are likely to result from the direct action of the compound on the epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- D W Onyango
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
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22
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Woolveridge I, Taylor MF, Rommerts FF, Morris ID. Apoptosis related gene products in differentiated and tumorigenic rat Leydig cells and following regression induced by the cytotoxin ethane dimethanesulphonate. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY 2001; 24:56-64. [PMID: 11168651 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2605.2001.00265.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Androgen secreting Leydig cells in the adult are differentiated with a very low turnover, however, Leydig cell tumours can arise spontaneously or after treatment with toxins. This study in the rat investigated whether changes in components of programmed cell death could be involved. In contrast to their absence in differentiated Leydig cells, antiapoptotic Bcl-2 and proapoptotic Bax were expressed in tumours. Bak and Bcl-xl were found in both tumour and normal Leydig cells. Apoptosis was induced in subcutaneous implants of Leydig cell tumour by ethane dimethanesulphonate (EDS) which is known to kill differentiated Leydig cells. The marked regression of the tumour following EDS treatment was transient and re-growth occurred between 6 and 14 days later. Tumour regression and growth was associated with a similar weight pattern in the seminal vesicles caused by changes in serum testosterone. During tumour regression, clusterin and Bax proteins were elevated but Bak, Bcl-xl and Bcl-2 were unchanged. Fas-R, Fas-L and Bax were upregulated after tumour regression had taken place. These data show that Leydig cell tumours possess many of the apoptosis related gene products and can die by apoptosis, however, regulation is clearly different in differentiated and mitotic Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Woolveridge
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biological Sciences, Manchester University, Manchester, UK
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Yan W, Samson M, Jégou B, Toppari J. Bcl-w forms complexes with Bax and Bak, and elevated ratios of Bax/Bcl-w and Bak/Bcl-w correspond to spermatogonial and spermatocyte apoptosis in the testis. Mol Endocrinol 2000; 14:682-99. [PMID: 10809232 DOI: 10.1210/mend.14.5.0443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bcl-w, a prosurvival member of the Bcl-2 family, is essential for spermatogenesis. However, the mechanisms by which Bcl-w participates in the regulation of apoptosis in the testis are largely unknown. To explore the potential role of Bcl-w in the regulation of apoptosis in the testis, the expression of Bcl-w mRNA and protein during testicular development and spermatogenesis, the dimerization with the proapoptosis members of the Bcl-2 family, and the responses to hormonal stimulation in vitro and apoptosis-inducing signals in vivo were investigated. Both Bcl-w mRNA and protein were detected in Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, and spermatocytes, as well as in Leydig cells. The steady-state levels of Bcl-w mRNA and protein were much higher in Sertoli cells than in spermatogonia and spermatocytes. In the adult rat testis, both Bcl-w mRNA and protein in Sertoli cells displayed a stage-specific expression pattern. Bcl-w could form complexes with Bax and Bak but not with Bad. Bax and Bak were immunohistochemically localized to the same cell types as Bcl-w, but with higher expression levels in spermatocytes and spermatogonia than in Sertoli cells. FSH could up-regulate Bcl-w mRNA levels in the seminiferous tubules cultured in vitro, whereas no effect was observed when testosterone was applied. Three animal models that display spermatogonial apoptosis induced by blockade of stem cell factor/c-kit interaction by a function-blocking anti-c-kit antibody, spermatocyte apoptosis induced by methoxyacetic acid, and apoptosis of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids induced by testosterone withdrawal after ethylene dimethane sulfonate treatment were employed to check the changes of Bcl-w, Bax, and Bak protein levels during apoptosis of specific germ cells. In all three models, the ratios of Bax/Bcl-w and Bak/Bcl-w were significantly elevated. The present study suggests that Bcl-w is an important prosurvival factor of Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, and spermatocytes and participates in the regulation of apoptosis by binding proapoptotic factors Bax and Bak. The ratios of Bax/Bcl-w and Bak/Bcl-w may be decisive for the survival of Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, and spermatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Yan
- Department of Physiology, University of Turku, Finland
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