1
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Hermo L, Oliveira R, Dufresne J, Gregory M, Cyr DG. Basal and Immune Cells of the Epididymis: An Electron Microscopy View of Their Association. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2025; 1469:67-87. [PMID: 40301253 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-82990-1_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2025]
Abstract
The epididymis is a highly coiled duct divided into the initial segment, caput, corpus, and cauda regions. It is a pseudostratified epithelium consisting of principal, narrow, apical, basal, and clear cells. Circulating halo cells, identified as nonepithelial cells, monocytes/macrophages (M/M) and T-lymphocytes, in addition to dendritic cells and a resident population of M/M cells, also inhabit the epididymal epithelium. Using electron microscopy (EM), we characterized the ultrastructural features of each of these different cell types. Basal cells with stem cell characteristics suggest a role in sustaining the epithelium following injury and inflammation, as well as maintaining the steady state of the epithelium. Interestingly, a close morphological affiliation was noted between circulating M/M cells with basal cells and an intraepithelial resident M/M population of cells, as well as between T-lymphocytes and dendritic cells. The association of all these cell types with one another suggests complex interactions enabling the coordination of their functions related to maturation, protection, survival of sperm, and renewal of the epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Hermo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Regiana Oliveira
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Julie Dufresne
- Laboratory for Reproductive Toxicology, INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Mary Gregory
- Laboratory for Reproductive Toxicology, INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Daniel G Cyr
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Laboratory for Reproductive Toxicology, INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, Laval, QC, Canada.
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2
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Battistone MA, Elizagaray ML, Barrachina F, Ottino K, Mendelsohn AC, Breton S. Immunoregulatory mechanisms between epithelial clear cells and mononuclear phagocytes in the epididymis. Andrology 2024; 12:949-963. [PMID: 37572347 PMCID: PMC10859549 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION One of the most intriguing aspects of male reproductive physiology is the ability of the epididymis to prevent the mounting of immune responses against the onslaught of foreign antigens carried by spermatozoa while initiating very efficient immune responses versus stressors. Epithelial clear cells are strategically positioned to work in a concerted manner with region-specific heterogeneous subsets of mononuclear phagocytes to survey the epididymal barrier and regulate the balance between inflammation and immune tolerance in the post-testicular environment. OBJECTIVE This review aims to describe how clear cells communicate with mononuclear phagocytes to contribute to the unique immune environment in which sperm mature and are stored in the epididymis. MATERIALS/METHODS A comprehensive systematic review was performed. PubMed was searched for articles specific to clear cells, mononuclear phagocytes, and epididymis. Articles that did not specifically address the target material were excluded. RESULTS In this review, we discuss the unexpected roles of clear cells, including the transfer of new proteins to spermatozoa via extracellular vesicles and nanotubes as they transit along the epididymal tubule; and we summarize the immune phenotype, morphology, and antigen capturing, processing, and presenting abilities of mononuclear phagocytes. Moreover, we present the current knowledge of immunoregulatory mechanisms by which clear cells and mononuclear phagocytes may contribute to the immune-privileged environment optimal for sperm maturation and storage. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Notably, we provide an in-depth characterization of clear cell-mononuclear phagocyte communication networks in the steady-state epididymis and in the presence of injury. This review highlights crucial concepts of mucosal immunology and cellcell interactions, all of which are critical but understudied facets of human male reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- MA Battistone
- Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - ML Elizagaray
- Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - F Barrachina
- Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - K Ottino
- Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - AC Mendelsohn
- Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - S Breton
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Research Center, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec (Québec), Canada
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3
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Wijayarathna R, Hedger MP. New aspects of activin biology in epididymal function and immunopathology. Andrology 2024; 12:964-972. [PMID: 37644728 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The activins (A and B) and their binding protein, follistatin, play crucial roles in development, immunoregulation and inflammation throughout the body. In the male reproductive tract of the mouse, activin A and B production is largely confined to the initial segment and proximal caput of the epididymis and the efferent ducts, under normal conditions, with very low expression in the corpus, cauda and vas deferens. However, activin A protein is present throughout the epididymis and vas deferens and is largely associated with the epithelium and interstitial macrophages. Conversely, the activin-binding protein follistatin is produced in the distal epididymis, with very high expression in the vas deferens. Activin activity in the distal tract is inhibited by follistatin, and the activin-follistatin balance is important for regulating coiling of the duct during epididymal development. In further experiments, as described in this report, in situ hybridisation was used to localise activin A mRNA principally to cells in the periductal zone and interstitium in the efferent ducts and proximal caput. Activin B mRNA, on the other hand, was localised to periductal cells in the efferent ducts and proximal epididymis and, most notably, to epithelial cells in the initial segment. Activin A is implicated in the regulation of mononuclear phagocyte function and immune responses in the caput and stimulates the expression of the key immunoregulatory protein, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in this region. Activin A production in the corpus and cauda increases dramatically during bacterial epididymitis in mice, promoting inflammation and fibrosis and causing damage to the epithelium and obstruction of the epididymal duct. Consequently, it appears that the activin-follistatin axis is crucial for maintaining normal epididymal structure and function, but disruption of this balance during inflammation has deleterious effects on male fertility. Follistatin has therapeutic potential in ameliorating the proinflammatory and profibrotic effects of activins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rukmali Wijayarathna
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark P Hedger
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Australia
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4
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Drevet JR, Hallak J, Nasr-Esfahani MH, Aitken RJ. Reactive Oxygen Species and Their Consequences on the Structure and Function of Mammalian Spermatozoa. Antioxid Redox Signal 2022; 37:481-500. [PMID: 34913729 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2021.0235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Significance: Among the 200 or so cell types that comprise mammals, spermatozoa have an ambiguous relationship with the reactive oxygen species (ROS) inherent in the consumption of oxygen that supports aerobic metabolism. Recent Advances: In this review, we shall see that spermatozoa need the action of ROS to reach their structural and functional maturity, but that due to intrinsic unique characteristics, they are, perhaps more than any other cell type, susceptible to oxidative damage. Recent studies have improved our knowledge of how oxidative damage affects sperm structures and functions. The focus of this review will be on how genetic and epigenetic oxidative alterations to spermatozoa can have dramatic unintended consequences in terms of both the support and the suppression of sperm function. Critical Issues: Oxidative stress can have dramatic consequences not only for the spermatozoon itself, but also, and above all, on its primary objective, which is to carry out fertilization and to ensure, in part, that the embryonic development program should lead to a healthy progeny. Future Directions: Sperm oxidative DNA damage largely affects the integrity of the paternal genetic material to such an extent that the oocyte may have difficulties in correcting it. Diagnostic and therapeutic actions should be considered more systematically, especially in men with difficulties to conceive. Research is underway to determine whether the epigenetic information carried by spermatozoa is also subject to changes mediated by pro-oxidative situations. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 37, 481-500.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joël R Drevet
- Faculty of Medicine, GReD Institute, INSERM U1103-CNRS UMR6293-Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jorge Hallak
- Androscience, Science and Innovation Center in Andrology and High-Complex Clinical and Research Andrology Laboratory, São Paulo, Brazil.,Division of Urology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Men's Health Study Group, Institute for Advanced Studies, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Reproductive Toxicology Unit, Department of Pathology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mohammad-Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.,Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Robert J Aitken
- Faculty of Science and Priority Research Center for Reproductive Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia.,Faculty of Health and Medicine, Priority Research Center for Reproductive Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia
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5
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DeVeaux SA, Ogle ME, Vyshnya S, Chiappa NF, Leitmann B, Rudy R, Day A, Mortensen LJ, Kurtzberg J, Roy K, Botchwey EA. Characterizing human mesenchymal stromal cells' immune-modulatory potency using targeted lipidomic profiling of sphingolipids. Cytotherapy 2022; 24:608-618. [PMID: 35190267 PMCID: PMC10725732 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2021.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cell therapies are expected to increase over the next decade owing to increasing demand for clinical applications. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been explored to treat a number of diseases, with some successes in early clinical trials. Despite early successes, poor MSC characterization results in lessened therapeutic capacity once in vivo. Here, we characterized MSCs derived from bone marrow (BM), adipose tissue and umbilical cord tissue for sphingolipids (SLs), a class of bioactive lipids, using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. We found that ceramide levels differed based on the donor's sex in BM-MSCs. We detected fatty acyl chain variants in MSCs from all three sources. Linear discriminant analysis revealed that MSCs separated based on tissue source. Principal component analysis showed that interferon-γ-primed and unstimulated MSCs separated according to their SL signature. Lastly, we detected higher ceramide levels in low indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase MSCs, indicating that sphingomyelinase or ceramidase enzymatic activity may be involved in their immune potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- S’Dravious A. DeVeaux
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Tech and Emory, Atlanta, GA
- Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
| | - Molly E. Ogle
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Tech and Emory, Atlanta, GA
- Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
| | - Sofiya Vyshnya
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Tech and Emory, Atlanta, GA
- Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
| | - Nathan F. Chiappa
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Tech and Emory, Atlanta, GA
- Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
| | - Bobby Leitmann
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, Rhodes Center for ADS, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
- School of Chemical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
| | - Ryan Rudy
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Tech and Emory, Atlanta, GA
- Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
| | - Abigail Day
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Tech and Emory, Atlanta, GA
- Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
| | - Luke J. Mortensen
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, Rhodes Center for ADS, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
- School of Chemical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
| | - Joanne Kurtzberg
- Marcus Center for Cellular Cures, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Krishnendu Roy
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Tech and Emory, Atlanta, GA
- Marcus Center for Therapeutic Cell Characterization and Manufacturing, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
- NSF Engineering Research Center (ERC) for Cell Manufacturing Technologies (CMaT), Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
| | - Edward A. Botchwey
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Tech and Emory, Atlanta, GA
- Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
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6
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Wijayarathna R, Genovese R, Meinhardt A, Loveland KL, Groome NP, Hinton BT, Hedger MP. Examination of testicular lumicrine regulation of activins and immunoregulatory genes in the epididymal caput. Andrology 2021; 10:190-201. [PMID: 34415685 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunoregulatory genes encoding activin A (Inhba) and B (Inhbb), and indolamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 (Ido1) are highly expressed in the murine caput epididymidis, which also has a network of intraepithelial mononuclear phagocytes. This environment is postulated to promote immunological tolerance to epididymal sperm. The factors regulating the immunoregulatory agents in the epididymal caput are poorly understood. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the potential role of testicular lumicrine factors in regulating activin and other immune-related genes in the caput epididymidis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The efferent ducts in adult C57/Bl6 mice were exposed and ligated bilaterally. Serum and tissues were collected seven days later. Animals with bilateral sham ligation and animals with no ligations (collectively referred to as the "intact" group) were used as controls. RESULTS Pressure-induced seminiferous epithelial damage due to intratubular fluid accumulation was observed in all ligated testes. Testicular inhibin was significantly increased and testosterone was elevated in some animals following bilateral ligation, but serum testosterone, serum LH, and serum inhibin were normal. Ligation caused epithelial regression in the initial segment, with similar but less severe effects in other caput segments. Activin A staining by immunohistochemistry in the epithelium was reduced in bilateral ligation, particularly in the initial segment, with moderately reduced staining intensity in the rest of the caput. Inhba expression within the caput was not significantly affected by bilateral ligation, but Inhbb was reduced by more than 60%. Transcripts encoding the macrophage-specific receptor Cx3cr1 were significantly reduced following bilateral ligation, but other immune cell markers, Ido1, and inflammatory genes were unaffected. CONCLUSION These data indicate that testicular lumicrine secretion regulates several genes that are preferentially expressed in the initial segment, but has marginal effects on genes such as those encoding activin A and IDO1, which are expressed more widely in the caput.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rukmali Wijayarathna
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Kate L Loveland
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Barry T Hinton
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Mark P Hedger
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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7
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Battistone MA, Mendelsohn AC, Spallanzani RG, Brown D, Nair AV, Breton S. Region-specific transcriptomic and functional signatures of mononuclear phagocytes in the epididymis. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:14-29. [PMID: 31778536 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaz059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the epididymis, prevention of autoimmune responses against spermatozoa and simultaneous protection against pathogens is important for male fertility. We have previously shown that mononuclear phagocytes (MPs) are located either in the epididymal interstitium or in close proximity to the epithelium. In the initial segments (IS), these 'intraepithelial' MPs extend slender luminal-reaching projections between epithelial cells. In this study, we performed an in-depth characterisation of MPs isolated from IS, caput-corpus and cauda epididymis of CX3CR1EGFP+/- mice that express EGFP in these cells. Flow cytometry analysis revealed region-specific subsets of MPs that express combinations of markers traditionally described in 'dendritic cells' or 'macrophages'. RNA sequencing identified distinct transcriptomic signatures in MPs from each region and revealed specific genes involved in inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses, phagosomal activity and antigen processing and presentation. Functional fluorescent in vivo labelling assays showed that higher percentages of CX3CR1+ MPs that captured and processed antigens were detected in the IS compared to other regions. Confocal microscopy showed that in the IS, caput and corpus, circulatory antigens were internalised and processed by interstitial and intraepithelial MPs. However, in the cauda only interstitial MPs internalised and processed antigens, while intraepithelial MPs did not take up antigens, indicating that all antigens have been captured before they reached the epithelial lining. Cauda MPs may thus confer a stronger protection against blood-borne pathogens compared to proximal regions. By identifying immunoregulatory mechanisms in the epididymis, our study may lead to new therapies for male infertility and epididymitis and identify potential targets for immunocontraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Battistone
- Program in Membrane Biology, Center for Systems Biology and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Alexandra C Mendelsohn
- Program in Membrane Biology, Center for Systems Biology and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Raul German Spallanzani
- Division of Immunology, Department of Microbiology an Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dennis Brown
- Program in Membrane Biology, Center for Systems Biology and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Anil V Nair
- Program in Membrane Biology, Center for Systems Biology and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sylvie Breton
- Program in Membrane Biology, Center for Systems Biology and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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8
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Dias FCR, Machado-Neves M, Lima GDA, Martins ALP, Menezes TP, Melo FCSA, Gomes MLM, Cupertino MC, Otoni WC, Matta SLP. How bad is brazilian ginseng extract for reproductive parameters in mice? Histol Histopathol 2020; 35:1135-1149. [PMID: 32735026 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Properties attributed to the Panax ginseng are also attributed to the Brazilian ginseng, such as adaptogenic and aphrodisiac effects. There are studies demonstrating that the Brazilian ginseng (BGE) possibly increases the serum levels of testosterone and nitric oxide in mice and rats. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of its extract on male fertility and sperm quality. Male Swiss mice (n = 60) were divided into six groups. The control animals were provided 0.5 mL of water, and 0.5 mL of water containing 7 mg/kg per day (d) sildenafil citrate. Other animals were treated with BGE at 100 mg/kg/d, 200 mg/kg/d, and 400 mg/kg/d by gavage for 42 days. Finally, animals from the last group received 200 mg/kg BGE every 3 days (3-3d) by gavage for 42 days. The results showed a reduction in the number of resistant spermatids in the testis and damage to daily sperm production, culminating in a reduction in the number of epididymal spermatozoa. Although the sperm quality decreased in all experimental animals, only males treated with BGE 100 mg/kg/d showed pre and post implantation embryo losses. We concluded that BGE alters sperm viability compromising the embryonic development after implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- F C R Dias
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil.,Department of Structural Biology, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - M Machado-Neves
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - G D A Lima
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - A L P Martins
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - T P Menezes
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - F C S A Melo
- Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - M L M Gomes
- Department of Structural Biology, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - M C Cupertino
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - W C Otoni
- Department of Plant Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - S L P Matta
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil.
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Wijayarathna R, Pasalic A, Nicolas N, Biniwale S, Ravinthiran R, Genovese R, Muir JA, Loveland KL, Meinhardt A, Fijak M, Hedger MP. Region-specific immune responses to autoimmune epididymitis in the murine reproductive tract. Cell Tissue Res 2020; 381:351-360. [PMID: 32383098 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03215-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Epididymitis is a common pathology of the male reproductive tract, potentially leading to infertility. Studies on bacterial epididymitis indicate that the cauda epididymis is more susceptible to inflammatory damage than the caput. These regional differences in immunoregulation are further investigated using an experimental autoimmune epididymo-orchitis model. Adult mice were immunized against testicular antigens and tissues were collected at 30 and 50 days following the first immunization. Epididymitis developed progressively; 70% of the mice developed disease at 30 days after the initial immunization and 93% at 50 days. Epididymitis was characterized by epithelial damage, immune cell infiltrates and fibrosis in the cauda, with minimal changes in the corpus, while the caput was unaffected. The incidence of epididymitis was greater than that of orchitis but similar to vasitis. The severity of epididymitis was positively correlated with the orchitis severity. Expression of key genes implicated in epididymal immunoregulation, inflammation and fibrosis, such as Ido1, Tnf, Tgfb1, Ccl2, Il1b, Il10, Cx3cl1 and Col1a1, was unchanged in the caput but increased in proportion to damage severity in the cauda at 50 days. Activin receptor mRNA expression in the cauda was negatively correlated with disease severity. These data suggest that the cauda is highly susceptible to inflammatory damage following an autoimmune challenge but the caput is minimally affected. This may be because the cauda is required to combat ascending infections through a robust inflammatory response, while the caput provides a more tolerogenic environment in order to protect the auto-antigenic sperm released from the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rukmali Wijayarathna
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia. .,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Alen Pasalic
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nour Nicolas
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sneha Biniwale
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rama Ravinthiran
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rosemary Genovese
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Julie A Muir
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate L Loveland
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Monika Fijak
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Mark P Hedger
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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10
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Lanser L, Kink P, Egger EM, Willenbacher W, Fuchs D, Weiss G, Kurz K. Inflammation-Induced Tryptophan Breakdown is Related With Anemia, Fatigue, and Depression in Cancer. Front Immunol 2020; 11:249. [PMID: 32153576 PMCID: PMC7047328 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Many patients with cancer suffer from anemia, depression, and an impaired quality of life (QoL). These patients often also show decreased plasma tryptophan levels and increased kynurenine concentrations in parallel with elevated concentrations of Th1 type immune activation marker neopterin. In the course of anti-tumor immune response, the pro-inflammatory cytokine interferon gamma (IFN-γ) induces both, the enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) to degrade tryptophan and the enzyme GTP-cyclohydrolase I to form neopterin. High neopterin concentrations as well as an increased kynurenine to tryptophan ratio (Kyn/Trp) in the blood of cancer patients are predictive for a worse outcome. Inflammation-mediated tryptophan catabolism along the kynurenine pathway is related to fatigue and anemia as well as to depression and a decreased QoL in patients with solid tumors. In fact, enhanced tryptophan breakdown might greatly contribute to the development of anemia, fatigue, and depression in cancer patients. IDO activation and stimulation of the kynurenine pathway exert immune regulatory mechanisms, which may impair anti-tumor immune responses. In addition, tumor cells can degrade tryptophan to weaken immune responses directed against them. High IDO expression in the tumor tissue is associated with a poor prognosis of patients. The efficiency of IDO-inhibitors to inhibit cancer progression is currently tested in combination with established chemotherapies and with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Inflammation-mediated tryptophan catabolism and its possible influence on the development and persistence of anemia, fatigue, and depression in cancer patients are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Lanser
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Patricia Kink
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Eva Maria Egger
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Willenbacher
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Oncotyrol Centre for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Dietmar Fuchs
- Division of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Guenter Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Katharina Kurz
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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11
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Voisin A, Damon-Soubeyrand C, Bravard S, Saez F, Drevet JR, Guiton R. Differential expression and localisation of TGF-β isoforms and receptors in the murine epididymis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:995. [PMID: 31969637 PMCID: PMC6976608 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-57839-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Testes produce spermatozoa that transit through and are stored in the epididymis where they acquire their fertilising capacities. Spermatozoa appear in the genital tract at puberty, long after the immune system was trained to self-antigens. As a consequence, this organ has to set strategies to tolerate sperm antigens to avoid autoimmune responses that would specifically target and destroy them. A recent study pointed the Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) signalling in the dendritic cells as a crucial mechanism for epididymal tolerance to spermatozoa. In the mouse, TGF-β exists under three isoforms, and three distinct receptors have been described. Using RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry and ELISA techniques, we investigated the expression and spatial distribution of the epididymal TGF-β isoforms and of their receptors in young and adult mice. We showed that both ligands and receptors were produced by immune and non-immune cells in the epididymis, whatever the age mice have. These data bring new clues as to the mechanisms of peripheral tolerance to sperm cells in the murine epididymis and raise potential other implications of the cytokine isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Voisin
- GReD laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 place Henri Dunant, 63001, Clermont-Ferrand Cedex, France
| | - Christelle Damon-Soubeyrand
- GReD laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 place Henri Dunant, 63001, Clermont-Ferrand Cedex, France
| | - Stéphanie Bravard
- GReD laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 place Henri Dunant, 63001, Clermont-Ferrand Cedex, France
| | - Fabrice Saez
- GReD laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 place Henri Dunant, 63001, Clermont-Ferrand Cedex, France
| | - Joël R Drevet
- GReD laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 place Henri Dunant, 63001, Clermont-Ferrand Cedex, France.
| | - Rachel Guiton
- GReD laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 place Henri Dunant, 63001, Clermont-Ferrand Cedex, France.
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12
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Battistone MA, Spallanzani RG, Mendelsohn AC, Capen D, Nair AV, Brown D, Breton S. Novel role of proton-secreting epithelial cells in sperm maturation and mucosal immunity. J Cell Sci 2019; 133:jcs.233239. [PMID: 31636115 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.233239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial cells are immune sensors and mediators that constitute the first line of defense against infections. Using the epididymis, a model for studying tubular organs, we uncovered a novel and unexpected role for professional proton-secreting 'clear cells' in sperm maturation and immune defense. The epididymal epithelium participates in the maturation of spermatozoa via the establishment of an acidic milieu and transfer of proteins to sperm cells, a poorly characterized process. We show that proton-secreting clear cells express mRNA transcripts and proteins that are acquired by maturing sperm, and that they establish close interactions with luminal spermatozoa via newly described 'nanotubes'. Mechanistic studies show that injection of bacterial antigens in vivo induces chemokine expression in clear cells, followed by macrophage recruitment into the organ. Injection of an inflammatory intermediate mediator (IFN-γ) increased Cxcl10 expression in clear cells, revealing their participation as sensors and mediators of inflammation. The functional diversity adopted by clear cells might represent a generalized phenomenon by which similar epithelial cells decode signals, communicate with neighbors and mediate mucosal immunity, depending on their precise location within an organ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Battistone
- Program in Membrane Biology, Center for Systems Biology and Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Raul German Spallanzani
- Division of Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, and Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alexandra C Mendelsohn
- Program in Membrane Biology, Center for Systems Biology and Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Diane Capen
- Program in Membrane Biology, Center for Systems Biology and Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Anil V Nair
- Program in Membrane Biology, Center for Systems Biology and Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Dennis Brown
- Program in Membrane Biology, Center for Systems Biology and Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Sylvie Breton
- Program in Membrane Biology, Center for Systems Biology and Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, United States
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13
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Breton S, Nair AV, Battistone MA. Epithelial dynamics in the epididymis: role in the maturation, protection, and storage of spermatozoa. Andrology 2019; 7:631-643. [PMID: 31044554 PMCID: PMC6688936 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial cells line the lumen of tubular organs and are key players in their respective functions. They establish a unique luminal environment by providing a protective barrier and by performing vectorial transport of ions, nutrients, solutes, proteins, and water. Complex intercellular communication networks, specific for each organ, ensure their interaction with adjacent epithelial and non-epithelial cells, allowing them to respond to and modulate their immediate environment. In the epididymis, several epithelial cell types work in a concerted manner to establish a luminal acidic milieu that is essential for the post-testicular maturation and storage of spermatozoa. The epididymis also prevents autoimmune responses against auto-antigenic spermatozoa, while ensuring protection against ascending and blood pathogens. This is achieved by a network of immune cells that are in close contact and interact with epithelial cells. This review highlights the coordinated interactions between spermatozoa, basal cells, principal cells, narrow cells, clear cells, and immune cells that contribute to the maturation, protection, selection, and storage of spermatozoa in the lumen of the epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Breton
- Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - A V Nair
- Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M A Battistone
- Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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14
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Wijayarathna R, Hedger MP. Activins, follistatin and immunoregulation in the epididymis. Andrology 2019; 7:703-711. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. Wijayarathna
- Centre for Reproductive Health Hudson Institute of Medical Research Clayton Vic. Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences School of Clinical Sciences Monash University Clayton Vic. Australia
| | - M. P. Hedger
- Centre for Reproductive Health Hudson Institute of Medical Research Clayton Vic. Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences School of Clinical Sciences Monash University Clayton Vic. Australia
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15
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Avellar MCW, Ribeiro CM, Dias-da-Silva MR, Silva EJR. In search of new paradigms for epididymal health and disease: innate immunity, inflammatory mediators, and steroid hormones. Andrology 2019; 7:690-702. [PMID: 31207127 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The primary job of the epididymis is to mature and protect the luminally transiting spermatozoa. Mounting evidence is showing that innate immune components [including Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and antimicrobial proteins, among which are β-defensins] and inflammatory mediators, under the primary influence of androgens, participate in the cellular and molecular processes that define this tissue. Here, we present an overview of the contributions of these signaling pathway components during epididymal homeostasis and discuss the hypotheses as to their involvement in epididymitis, the most common urological inflammatory condition in men, frequently impairing their fertility. Drawing primarily from rodent models, we also focus on how the distribution and functional expression of innate immune components are differentially regulated in the prenatal developing epididymis, providing new insights into the disruption of these signaling pathways throughout the lifespan. Male infertility is caused by a variety of conditions, such as congenital malformations, genetic and endocrine disorders, exposure to environmental toxicants, and inflammatory/infectious conditions. More than one-third of infertile men with an idiopathic condition cannot currently be adequately diagnosed. Thinking about the innate immunity and inflammation context of the epididymis may provide new insights and directions as to how these systems contribute to male fertility, as well as also uncover urological and andrological outcomes that may aid clinicians in diagnosing and preventing epididymal pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C W Avellar
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - C M Ribeiro
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - M R Dias-da-Silva
- Department of Medicine, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - E J R Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista 'Júlio de Mesquita Filho', Botucatu, SP, Brazil
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16
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Guiton R, Voisin A, Henry-Berger J, Saez F, Drevet JR. Of vessels and cells: the spatial organization of the epididymal immune system. Andrology 2019; 7:712-718. [PMID: 31106984 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND One third of infertility cases in couples worldwide has an exclusive male origin and immune disorders, essentially due to repetitive infections, are emerging an cause of male infertility. As the place of sperm maturation, epididymis must be preserved from excessive immune responses that may arise following infections of the male genital tract. At the same time, epididymis must set and maintain a tolerogenic environment in order not to destroy sperm cells that enter the tissue at puberty, long after the immune system has been taught to recognize self pathogens. The immune cells that populate the epididymis have raised growing interest over the last thirty years but they may be not sufficient to understand the immune balance existing in this organ, between immune response to pathogens and tolerance to spermatozoa. Indeed, immune cells are the most motile cells in the organism and need blood and lymphatic vessels to traffic between lymphoid organs and sites of infection to induce efficient responses. OBJECTIVES To review the literature on the blood and lymphatic vessels, and on the immune cells present at steady state in the rodent epididymis (rat and mouse). MATERIALS AND METHODS PubMed database was searched for studies reporting on the spatial organization of the rodent epididymal vasculature and immune cell types at steady state. This search was combined with recent findings from our team. RESULTS At steady state, the rodent epididymis presents with dense blood and lymphatic networks, and a large panel of immune cells distributed across the interstitum and epithelium along the organ. CONCLUSIONS The immune system of the rodent epididymis is highly organized. Exploring its functions, especially in an infectious context, is the essential coming step before any transposition to human.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Guiton
- GReD laboratory, CNRS, UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - A Voisin
- GReD laboratory, CNRS, UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - J Henry-Berger
- GReD laboratory, CNRS, UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - F Saez
- GReD laboratory, CNRS, UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - J R Drevet
- GReD laboratory, CNRS, UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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17
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Carvajal G, Brukman NG, Weigel Muñoz M, Battistone MA, Guazzone VA, Ikawa M, Haruhiko M, Lustig L, Breton S, Cuasnicu PS. Impaired male fertility and abnormal epididymal epithelium differentiation in mice lacking CRISP1 and CRISP4. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17531. [PMID: 30510210 PMCID: PMC6277452 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35719-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Epididymal Cysteine Rich Secretory Proteins 1 and 4 (CRISP1 and CRISP4) associate with sperm during maturation and play different roles in fertilization. However, males lacking each of these molecules individually are fertile, suggesting compensatory mechanisms between these homologous proteins. Based on this, in the present work, we generated double CRISP1/CRISP4 knockout (DKO) mice and examined their reproductive phenotype. Our data showed that the simultaneous lack of the two epididymal proteins results in clear fertility defects. Interestingly, whereas most of the animals exhibited specific sperm fertilizing ability defects supportive of the role of CRISP proteins in fertilization, one third of the males showed an unexpected epididymo-orchitis phenotype with altered levels of inflammatory molecules and non-viable sperm in the epididymis. Further analysis showed that DKO mice exhibited an immature epididymal epithelium and abnormal luminal pH, supporting these defects as likely responsible for the different phenotypes observed. These observations reveal that CRISP proteins are relevant for epididymal epithelium differentiation and male fertility, contributing to a better understanding of the fine-tuning mechanisms underlying sperm maturation and immunotolerance in the epididymis with clear implications for human epididymal physiology and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Carvajal
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Nicolás Gastón Brukman
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Mariana Weigel Muñoz
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - María A Battistone
- Program in Membrane Biology, Center for Systems Biology, Nephrology Division, and Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vanesa A Guazzone
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED-UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Miyata Haruhiko
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Livia Lustig
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED-UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Sylvie Breton
- Program in Membrane Biology, Center for Systems Biology, Nephrology Division, and Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Patricia S Cuasnicu
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina.
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18
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Voisin A, Whitfield M, Damon-Soubeyrand C, Goubely C, Henry-Berger J, Saez F, Kocer A, Drevet JR, Guiton R. Comprehensive overview of murine epididymal mononuclear phagocytes and lymphocytes: Unexpected populations arise. J Reprod Immunol 2018; 126:11-17. [PMID: 29421624 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Despite increasing evidence that epididymal immune disorders can lead to infertility, the cells and mechanisms underlying epididymal immunity remain poorly understood. In this study, we propose a rather exhaustive overview of innate and adaptive immune cells present in the murine caput and cauda epididymis. Using flow cytometry and a wide set of markers, we screened the broadest panel of immune cells ever, in this organ. For the first time, we unequivocally quantified the innate populations of monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells subtypes. We also revealed the presence of B cells, gamma delta T cells, and double negative T cells in the murine epididymis. They were localized by immunofluorescence stainings, and appeared to be all present in the interstitium and epithelium along the organ, but with respective preferential regional distribution. Altogether, these findings provide new insights on the actors and potential mechanisms involved in the immune responses against genital tract ascending pathogens and in the setting and maintenance of tolerance toward the sperm cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Voisin
- GReD laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Marjorie Whitfield
- GReD laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Chantal Goubely
- GReD laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Joëlle Henry-Berger
- GReD laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Fabrice Saez
- GReD laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Ayhan Kocer
- GReD laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Joël R Drevet
- GReD laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Rachel Guiton
- GReD laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
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19
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Silva EJR, Ribeiro CM, Mirim AFM, Silva AAS, Romano RM, Hallak J, Avellar MCW. Lipopolysaccharide and lipotheicoic acid differentially modulate epididymal cytokine and chemokine profiles and sperm parameters in experimental acute epididymitis. Sci Rep 2018; 8:103. [PMID: 29311626 PMCID: PMC5758752 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17944-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial infections are the most prevalent etiological factors of epididymitis, a commonly diagnosed inflammatory disease in the investigation of male infertility factors. The influence of early pathogenic mechanisms at play during bacterial epididymitis on reproductive outcomes is little understood. We report here that experimental epididymitis induced in rats by Gram-negative (LPS) and Gram-positive (LTA) bacterial products resulted in differential patterns of acute inflammation in the cauda epididymis. LPS elicited a strong inflammatory reaction, as reflected by upregulation of levels of mRNA for seven inflammatory mediators (Il1b, Tnf, Il6, Ifng, Il10, Nos2 and Nfkbia), and tissue concentration of six cytokines/chemokines (IL1A, IL1B, IL6, IL10, CXCL2 and CCL2) within the first 24 h post-treatment. Conversely, LTA induced downregulation of one (Nfkbia) and upregulation of six (Il1b, Il6, Nos2, Il4 Il10 and Ptgs1) inflammatory gene transcripts, whereas increased the tissue concentration of three cytokines/chemokines (IL10, CXCL2 and CCL2). The stronger acute inflammatory response induced by LPS correlated with a reduction of epididymal sperm count and transit time that occurred at 1, 7, and 15 days post-treatment. Our study provides evidence that early epididymal inflammatory signaling events to bacterial activators of innate immunity may contribute to the detrimental effects of epididymitis upon male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erick J R Silva
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, 04044-020, Brazil.
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, SP, 18618-869, Brazil.
| | - Camilla M Ribeiro
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, 04044-020, Brazil
| | - André F M Mirim
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, 04044-020, Brazil
| | - Alan A S Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, SP, 18618-869, Brazil
| | - Renata M Romano
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, 04044-020, Brazil
- Department of Pharmacy, State University of Centro-Oeste, Guarapuava, PR, 85040-080, Brazil
| | - Jorge Hallak
- Androscience, Science and Innovation Center in Andrology, São Paulo, SP, 03178-200, Brazil
- Reproductive Toxicology Unity, Department of Pathology and Division of Urology, Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, SP, 01246-903, Brazil
| | - Maria Christina W Avellar
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, 04044-020, Brazil.
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20
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Wijayarathna R, Sarraj MA, Genovese R, Girling JE, Michel V, Ludlow H, Loveland KL, Meinhardt A, de Kretser DM, Hedger MP. Activin and follistatin interactions in the male reproductive tract: activin expression and morphological abnormalities in mice lacking follistatin 288. Andrology 2017; 5:578-588. [PMID: 28235253 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Activin A is an important regulator of testicular and epididymal development and function, as well as inflammation and immunity. In the adult murine reproductive tract, activin A mRNA (Inhba) expression levels are highest in the caput epididymis and decrease progressively towards the distal vas deferens. The activin-binding protein, follistatin (FST), shows the opposite expression pattern, with exceptionally high levels of the Fst288 mRNA variant in the vas deferens. This unique pattern of expression suggests that activin A and follistatin, in particular FST288, play region-specific roles in regulating the epididymis and vas deferens. The cellular distribution of activin and follistatin and structural organization of the male reproductive tract was examined in wild-type and transgenic (TghFST315) mice lacking FST288. Compared to wild-type littermates, TghFST315 mice showed a 50% reduction in serum follistatin and a significant elevation of both activin A and B. Testicular, epididymal and seminal vesicle weights were reduced, but intra-testicular testosterone was normal. A decrease in the epididymal duct diameter in the corpus and thickening of the peritubular smooth muscle in the cauda, together with increased coiling of the proximal vas deferens, were observed in TghFST315 mice. No immune cell infiltrates were detected. Immunohistochemistry indicated that epithelial cells are the main source of activins and follistatin in the epididymis and vas deferens. Activin A, but not activin B, was also localized to sperm heads in the lumen of the epididymis and vas deferens. Expression of Inhba and another immunoregulatory gene, indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (Ido-1), was increased approximately twofold in the TghFST315 caput epididymis, but several other genes associated with immunoregulation, inflammation or fibrosis were unaffected. Our novel data indicate that disruption of follistatin expression has significant effects on the testis and epididymis, and suggest an association between activin A and indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase in the caput epididymis, with implications for the epididymal immunoenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Wijayarathna
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - M A Sarraj
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - R Genovese
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - J E Girling
- Gynaecology Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne and Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - V Michel
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - H Ludlow
- Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - K L Loveland
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - A Meinhardt
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - D M de Kretser
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - M P Hedger
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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21
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Abstract
The onslaught of foreign antigens carried by spermatozoa into the epididymis, an organ that has not demonstrated immune privilege, a decade or more after the establishment of central immune tolerance presents a unique biological challenge. Historically, the physical confinement of spermatozoa to the epididymal tubule enforced by a tightly interwoven wall of epithelial cells was considered sufficient enough to prevent cross talk between gametes and the immune system and, ultimately, autoimmune destruction. The discovery of an intricate arrangement of mononuclear phagocytes (MPs) comprising dendritic cells and macrophages in the murine epididymis suggests that we may have underestimated the existence of a sophisticated mucosal immune system in the posttesticular environment. This review consolidates our current knowledge of the physiology of MPs in the steady state epididymis and speculates on possible interactions between auto-antigenic spermatozoa, pathogens and the immune system by drawing on what is known about the immune system in the intestinal mucosa. Ultimately, further investigation will provide valuable information regarding the origins of pathologies arising as a result of autoimmune or inflammatory responses in the epididymis, including epididymitis and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Da Silva
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Division of Nephrology, Center for Systems Biology, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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22
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Da Silva N, Barton CR. Macrophages and dendritic cells in the post-testicular environment. Cell Tissue Res 2016; 363:97-104. [PMID: 26337514 PMCID: PMC4703462 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2270-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Macrophages (MΦ) and dendritic cells (DCs) are heterogeneous families of functionally and developmentally related immune cells that play crucial roles in tissue homeostasis and the regulation of immune responses. During the past 5 years, immunologists have generated a considerable amount of data that challenge dogmas about the ontogeny and functions of these highly versatile cells. The male excurrent duct system plays a critical role in the establishment of fertility by allowing sperm maturation, transport and storage. In addition, it is challenged by pathogens and must establish a protective and tolerogenic environment for a continuous flow of autoantigenic spermatozoa. The post-testicular environment and, in particular, the epididymis contain an intricate network of DCs and MΦ; however, the immunophysiology of this intriguing and highly specialized mucosal system is poorly understood. This review summarizes the current trends in mouse MΦ and DC biology and speculates about their roles in the steady-state epididymis. Unraveling immune cell functions in the male reproductive tract is an essential prerequisite for the design of innovative strategies aimed at controlling male fertility and treating infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Da Silva
- Division of Nephrology, Center for Systems Biology and Program in Membrane Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute and Harvard Medical School, 185 Cambridge Street, CPZN 8.218, Boston, MA 02114-2790, USA.
| | - Claire R Barton
- Division of Nephrology, Center for Systems Biology and Program in Membrane Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute and Harvard Medical School, 185 Cambridge Street, CPZN 8.218, Boston, MA 02114-2790, USA
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23
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Severity of DSS-induced colitis is reduced in Ido1-deficient mice with down-regulation of TLR-MyD88-NF-kB transcriptional networks. Sci Rep 2015; 5:17305. [PMID: 26610689 PMCID: PMC4661522 DOI: 10.1038/srep17305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Indoleamine 2,3 -dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) catalyzes L-tryptophan to kynurenine in the first and rate-limiting step of tryptophan metabolism. IDO1 is expressed widely throughout the body, with especially high expression in colonic intestinal tissues. To examine the role of IDO1 in the colon, transcriptome analysis was performed in both Ido1−/− and Ido1+/+ mice. Gene set enrichment analysis identified the Inflammatory Response as the most significant category modulated by the absence of IDO1. This observation prompted us to further investigate the function of IDO1 in the development of tissue inflammation. By using DSS-induced experimental colitis mice models, we found that the disease in Ido1−/− mice was less severe than in Ido1+/+ mice. Pharmacological inhibition of IDO1 by L-1MT attenuated the severity of DSS-colitis as well. Transcriptome analyses revealed that pathways involving TLR and NF-kB signaling were significantly down-regulated by the absence of IDO1. Furthermore, dramatic changes in TLR and NF-kB signaling resulted in substantial changes in the expression of many inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Numbers of inflammatory cells in colon and peripheral blood were reduced in IDO1 deficiency. These findings suggest that IDO1 plays important roles in producing inflammatory responses and modulating transcriptional networks during the development of colitis.
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Browne JA, Yang R, Leir SH, Eggener SE, Harris A. Expression profiles of human epididymis epithelial cells reveal the functional diversity of caput, corpus and cauda regions. Mol Hum Reprod 2015; 22:69-82. [PMID: 26612782 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gav066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY HYPOTHESIS Region-specific transcriptional profiling of tissues and cultured epithelial cells from the human epididymis will predict functional specialization along the duct. STUDY FINDING We identified the molecular signature driving functions of the caput, corpus and cauda epithelium, and determined how these differ to establish the regional differentiation of the organ. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The epithelium lining the human male genital ducts has a critical role in fertility. In particular, it controls the luminal environment in the epididymis, which is required for normal sperm maturation and reproductive competence. Studies in many animal species have largely informed our understanding of the molecular basis of epididymis function. However, there are substantial differences between species. STUDY DESIGN, SAMPLES/MATERIALS, METHODS Using RNA sequencing on biological replicates, we described gene expression profiles for tissue from each region of the epididymis and cultured epithelial cells derived from these regions. Bioinformatic tools were then utilized to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between tissues and cells from the caput, corpus and cauda. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The data showed that the caput is functionally divergent from the corpus and cauda, which have very similar transcriptomes. Interrogation of DEGs using gene ontology process enrichment analyses showed that processes of ion transport, response to hormone stimulus and urogenital tract development are more evident in the caput, while defense response processes are more important in the corpus/cauda. Consistent with these regional differences in epididymis function, we observed differential expression of transcription factors in the caput and corpus/cauda. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Cultured caput, corpus and cauda cells may not faithfully represent the same cells in the intact organ, due to loss of hormonal signals from the testis and communication from other cell types. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our data provide a molecular characterization that will facilitate advances in understanding human epididymis epithelium biology in health and disease. They may also reveal the mechanisms coordinating epididymis luminal environment and sperm maturation. LARGE SCALE DATA Data deposited at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/GSE72986. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTERESTS This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health: R01HD068901 (PI: A.H.). The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Browne
- Human Molecular Genetics Program, Lurie Children's Research Center, 2430 North Halsted Street, Box 211, Chicago, IL 60614, USA Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Rui Yang
- Human Molecular Genetics Program, Lurie Children's Research Center, 2430 North Halsted Street, Box 211, Chicago, IL 60614, USA Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Shih-Hsing Leir
- Human Molecular Genetics Program, Lurie Children's Research Center, 2430 North Halsted Street, Box 211, Chicago, IL 60614, USA Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Scott E Eggener
- Section of Urology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ann Harris
- Human Molecular Genetics Program, Lurie Children's Research Center, 2430 North Halsted Street, Box 211, Chicago, IL 60614, USA Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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25
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Duan YG, Wang P, Zheng W, Zhang Q, Huang W, Jin F, Cai Z. Characterisation of dendritic cell subsets in chronically inflamed human epididymis. Andrologia 2015; 48:431-40. [PMID: 26257153 DOI: 10.1111/and.12463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Y.-G. Duan
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology; The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University; Shenzhen Second People's Hospital; Shenzhen China
- Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center; Peking University Shenzhen Hospital; Shenzhen China
| | - P. Wang
- Department of Urology; Daping Hospital; Institute of Surgery Research; Third Military Medical University; Chongqing China
| | - W. Zheng
- Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center; Peking University Shenzhen Hospital; Shenzhen China
| | - Q. Zhang
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology; The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University; Shenzhen Second People's Hospital; Shenzhen China
| | - W. Huang
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology; The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University; Shenzhen Second People's Hospital; Shenzhen China
| | - F. Jin
- Department of Urology; Daping Hospital; Institute of Surgery Research; Third Military Medical University; Chongqing China
| | - Z. Cai
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology; The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University; Shenzhen Second People's Hospital; Shenzhen China
- Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center; Peking University Shenzhen Hospital; Shenzhen China
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26
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Smith TB, Cortez-Retamozo V, Grigoryeva LS, Hill E, Pittet MJ, Da Silva N. Mononuclear phagocytes rapidly clear apoptotic epithelial cells in the proximal epididymis. Andrology 2014; 2:755-62. [PMID: 25082073 DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2014.00251.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Revised: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
We have shown previously that a network of mononuclear phagocytes (MPs) expressing macrophage and dendritic cell markers such as CD11c, F4/80 and CX3CR1, lines the base of the epididymal tubule. However, in the initial segment (IS) and only in that particular segment, epididymal MPs establish extremely close interactions with the epithelium by projecting slender dendrites between most epithelial cells. We undertook the present study to determine how epididymal phagocytes respond to the transient wave of apoptosis initiated by unilateral efferent duct ligation (EDL) in the epididymal epithelium. We show profound morphological and phenotypical changes restricted to the MPs populating the proximal epididymis following EDL. Within 48 h, a large subset of IS epithelial cells had entered an apoptotic state, visualized by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay and CD11c(+) and CX3CR1(+) MPs readily engulfed TUNEL-positive cells and other debris. Despite the high levels of apoptosis and the rapid clearance of apoptotic cells occurring after EDL, the epithelium preserved its overall architecture and maintained tight junctions of the blood-epididymis barrier (BEB). The discovery of a functional population of MPs in the epididymal epithelium responsible for maintaining the integrity of the BEB raises further questions regarding the role of these cells in clearing defective epithelial cells in the steady-state epididymis, as well as pathogens and abnormal spermatozoa in the lumen.
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Affiliation(s)
- T B Smith
- Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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27
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Guiton R, Henry-Berger J, Drevet JR. The immunobiology of the mammalian epididymis: the black box is now open! Basic Clin Androl 2013; 23:8. [PMID: 25780570 PMCID: PMC4349724 DOI: 10.1186/2051-4190-23-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2013] [Accepted: 08/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoa represent an immunologic challenge for the mammalian males. They are produced long after the establishment of the immune library of the individual and harbor specific spermatic antigens that are found nowhere else in other organs, tissues and cells. Consequently, spermatozoa are somehow “foreign” to the male adaptive immune system. In order not to elicit autoimmune responses that would be detrimental for male fertility, spermatozoa should be either physically separated from the adaptive immune response and/or, the immune system challenged by spermatic antigens must be efficiently silenced. Within the mammalian male genital tract it becomes more and more obvious that a range of strategies are at stake to ensure that the immune-stranger spermatozoa do not constitute an immunological issue. In this review the focus will be on the immune status of the epididymis tubule, in which spermatozoa that have left the testes will mature for approximately 2 weeks and may be stored for prolonged period of time. How the epididymal immune environment compares to that of the testis and what are the immune regulatory processes at work in the epididymal compartment will only be briefly described. Instead, this review will focus on recent data that highlight epididymal immune regulatory actors that partly explain/illustrate the rather complicated, fragile but nevertheless robust immune environment of the epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Guiton
- GReD Laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103, Clermont Université, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Joelle Henry-Berger
- GReD Laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103, Clermont Université, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Joël R Drevet
- GReD Laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103, Clermont Université, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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