Effect of experimental varicocele on the expressions of notch 1, 2, and 3 in rat testes: An immunohistochemical study

Characterization of expression patterns and dynamic relocation of Notch proteins during acrosome reaction of bull spermatozoa

Notch is a conserved cell-signaling pathway involved in spermatogenesis regulation. This study firstly evaluated the presence, localization patterns, acquisition origin and relation to acrosome reaction of Notch proteins in bull sperm. Western Blot analysis detected all Notch proteins in ejaculated bull sperm, and immunostaining described their specific sperm localization. Recovery of sperm from different segments showed that Notch proteins have testicular origin (NOTCH1, NOTCH2, DLL4), are sequentially acquired during sperm maturation along epididymal transit (NOTCH3, DLL3, JAGGED1-2), or post-ejaculation (DLL1, NOTCH4). Testis NOTCH2 is ubiquitously expressed in all germ-cell lines, whereas DLL4 is expressed in round and elongated spermatids during the Golgi, Cap, Acrosome and Maturation phases. In vitro spontaneous and induced sperm acrosome reaction induce consistent sperm regional relocation of NOTCH2, DLL4 and JAGGED1, and these relocation patterns are significantly associated to sperm acrosome status. NOTCH2 and JAGGED1 are relocated from the head apical to the post-equatorial regions, whereas DLL4 is lost along with the acrosome, evidencing that sperm spatial redistribution of NOTCH2 and JAGGED1 is linked to acrosome reaction onset, whereas DLL4 loss is linked to AR completion. Overall, results prompt for a relevant Notch role in bull sperm acrosome testicular development, epididymal maturation and acrosome reaction.

Potential Involvement of DNA Methylation in Hybrid Sterility in Hermaphroditic Argopecten Scallops

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic modification factor in regulating fertility. Corresponding process remains poorly investigated in hermaphroditic scallops. The interspecific F1 hybrids between the hermaphroditic bay scallops (Argopecten irradians) and Peruvian scallops (Argopecten purpuratus) exhibited significant heterosis in yield, but sterility in hybrids obstructs the utilization of the genetic resources. However, the determination mechanism of hybrid sterility in the hermaphroditic Argopecten scallops is still unclear. In this study, the effect of DNA methylation in the hybrid sterility of hermaphroditic Argopecten scallops was explored. The results showed that the mean methylation level was higher in sterile hybrids than fertile hybrids, especially on chromosome 11 of the paternal parent. A total of 61,062 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified, containing 3619 differentially methylated genes (DMGs) and 1165 differentially methylated promoters that are located in the DMRs of CG sequence context. The hyper-methylated genes were enriched into five KEGG pathways, including ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, ECM-receptor interaction, non-homologous end-joining, notch signaling, and the mismatch repair pathways. The DMGs might induce hybrid sterility by inhibition of oogenesis and egg maturation, induction of apoptosis, increased ROS, and insufficient ATP supply. Our results would enrich the determination mechanism of hybrid sterility and provide new insights into the utilization of the genetic resources of the interspecific hybrids.

Disruption of androgen signaling during puberty affects Notch pathway in rat seminiferous epithelium

BACKGROUND

Onset of spermatogenesis at puberty is critically dependent on the activity of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and testosterone production by Leydig cells. The aim of this study was to examine whether activation of Notch receptors and expression of Notch ligands and effector genes in rat seminiferous epithelium are controlled by androgen signaling during puberty.

METHODS

Peripubertal (5-week-old) Wistar rats received injections of flutamide (50 mg/kg bw) daily for 7 days to reduce androgen receptor (AR) signaling or a single injection of ethanedimethane sulphonate (EDS; 75 mg/kg bw) to reduce testosterone production. Gene and protein expressions were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR and western blotting, respectively, protein distribution by immunohistochemistry, and steroid hormone concentrations by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test or by Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by Dunn's test.

RESULTS

In both experimental models changes of a similar nature in the expression of Notch pathway components were found. Androgen deprivation caused the reduction of mRNA and protein expression of DLL4 ligand, activated forms of Notch1 and Notch2 receptors and HES1 and HEY1 effector genes (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.001). In contrast, DLL1, JAG1 and HES5 expressions increased in seminiferous epithelium of both flutamide and EDS-treated rats (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Androgens and androgen receptor signaling may be considered as factors regulating Notch pathway activity and the expression of Hes and Hey genes in rat seminiferous epithelium during pubertal development. Further studies should focus on functional significance of androgen-Notch signaling cross-talk in the initiation and maintenance of spermatogenesis.

Effects of Magnesium Sulfate Administration on Testicular Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rats

This study aimed at investigating the effects of intraperitoneal (IP) administration of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) on testicular ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in rats. In total, 50 adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups. Group 1 received no injection (control); however, group 2 was subjected to 2 h of I and 24 h of R. Subsequently, group 3 was subjected to 2 h of 1, and after 1 h of I, 125 mg/kg MgSO4 was injected intraperitoneally followed by 24 h of R. Groups 4 and 5 were subjected to the same process as group 3, whereas the rats were injected with 250 and 500 mg/kg of MgSO4, respectively. After 24 h, the left testes of all rats were removed for histological analysis and antioxidant activities. According to the results, there was a significant increase in tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) among I/R rats (P&amp;lt;0.05), whereas MgSO4 decreased I/R-induced MDA (P&amp;lt;0.05). Furthermore, experimental I/R diminished glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels significantly (P&amp;lt;0.05). Moreover, MgSO4 (250 and 500 mg/kg) increased GPx and SOD activity significantly in I/R rats (P&amp;lt;0.05). Furthermore, seminiferous tubules degenerated, and few spermatocytes were observed in the testis tubules of the I/R rats. Regarding pathological parameters, seminiferous tubules and spermatocyte were normal in the testes of MgSO4 (250 and 500 mg/kg)-treated experimental I/R-induced rats. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the beneficial effects of MgSO4 on testicular IR injury in rats.

The effect of experimental varicocele on the apelin and APJ expressions in rat testis tissue

Varicocele, which is one of the causes of infertility in men, can be defined as the expansion of spermatic cord veins. The presence of apelin and apelin receptor (APJ) in many tissues and the effects of apelin have been reported in several studies. There is no study showing apelin and APJ protein expressions in normal and varicocele-induced testicular tissues. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate varicocele-induced changes in apelin and APJ expressions in testicular tissue by immunohistochemical and western blotting techniques. In our study, Wistar male rats were randomly divided into three groups as control, varicocele, and sham. While the control group rats were not subjected to any treatment, the unilateral varicocele model was created under anesthesia in the varicocele group. In the sham group, the left abdominal region was opened and closed to exclude the effect of the surgical procedure. At the 13th postoperative week, the left testes were obtained under anesthesia in all groups, and the immunohistochemistry and Western blotting techniques were used to detect apelin and APJ expressions. In our study; apelin and APJ were significantly expressed in control group's testicular tissue; apelin in testicular tissues of varicocele groups increased compared to the control group, whereas APJ expression decreased. In conclusion, the presence of apelin/APJ system in normal testis and the increased expression of apelin in varicocele-induced testicular tissue suggested that apelin may have a role in the varicocele etiopathogenesis.

Notch signaling inhibition induces G0/G1 arrest in murine Leydig cells

As a highly evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway, Notch widely participates in cell-fate decisions and the development of various tissues and organs. In male reproduction, research on the Notch signaling pathway has mainly concentrated on germ cells and Sertoli cells. Leydig cells are the primary producers of testosterone and play important roles in spermatogenesis and maintaining secondary sexual characteristics. In this study, we used TM3 cells, a murine adult Leydig cell line, to investigate the expression profiles of Notch receptors and ligands and observe the effect of Notch signaling on the proliferation of TM3 cells. We found that Notch 1-3 and the ligands Dll-1 and Dll-4 were expressed in TM3 cells, Notch 1-3 and the ligand Dll-1 were expressed in testis interstitial Leydig cells, and Notch signaling inhibition suppressed the proliferation of TM3 cells and induced G0/G1 arrest. Inhibition of Notch signaling increased the expression of p21^Waf1/Cip1 and p27. Overall, our results suggest that Notch inhibition suppresses the proliferation of TM3 cells and P21^Waf1/Cip1 , and p27 may contribute to this process.

In silico analysis, seasonal variation and gonadotropic regulation of jag1 and its receptor notch1 in testis of spotted snakehead Channa punctatus

The present study in seasonally breeding spotted snakehead Channa punctatus, for the first time in nonmammalian vertebrates, demonstrated correlation between reproductive phase-dependent testicular expression of ligand Jag1/receptor Notch1 and spermatogenic events. Testicular transcriptome sequencing data from our earlier study in C. punctatus was used in the present study to select the best transcript for jag1 (cpjag1) and notch1 (cpnotch1). The transcripts cpjag1 and cpnotch1 encoded full-length putative proteins of 1215 (cpJag1) and 2475 (cpNotch1) amino acids, respectively. A marked homology in the extracellular domains of Jag1 and Notch1 was observed following their alignment with respective proteins from different vertebrates, suggesting conservation in ligand-receptor interaction in C. punctatus. Both cpJag1 and cpNotch1 showed phylogenetic closeness with their teleostean counterparts, especially with that of Perciformes. Temporal expression of cpjag1 and cpnotch1 in testis depending on reproductive phases showed an appreciably high expression during spermatogenically inactive resting and postspawning phases when seminiferous lobules consisted of spermatogonial stem cells and undifferentiated spermatogonia. Their expression sharply declined during spermatogenically active preparatory and spawning phases. It appears that involvement of cpjag1/cpnotch1 is restricted to inactive phases when spermatogonial stem cells renew themselves and replenish undifferentiated spermatogonia. This assumption is ascertained by an experimental study in which high level of testicular cpjag1/cpnotch1 expression in control fish of resting phase markedly decreased after administration of human chorionic gonadotropin that is known to induce proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonia and spawning of spermatozoa.

In vivo notch signaling blockade induces abnormal spermatogenesis in the mouse

In a previous study we identified active Notch signaling in key cellular events occurring at adult spermatogenesis. In this study, we evaluated the function of Notch signaling in spermatogenesis through the effects of in vivo Notch blockade. Adult CD1 male mice were either submitted to a long term DAPT (?-secretase inhibitor) or vehicle treatment. Treatment duration was designed to attain one half the time (25 days) or the time (43 days) required to accomplish a complete cycle of spermatogenesis. Blockade of Notch signaling was depicted from decreased transcription of Notch effector genes. Notch signaling blockade disrupted the expression patterns of Notch components in the testis, induced male germ cell fate aberrations, and significantly increased germ cell apoptosis, mainly in the last stages of the spermatogenic cycle, and epididymis spermatozoa morphological defects. These effects were more pronounced following the 43 day than the 25 day DAPT treatment schedule. These results indicate a relevant regulatory role of Notch signaling in mammalian spermatogenesis.

Dynamics of Notch pathway expression during mouse testis post-natal development and along the spermatogenic cycle

The transcription and expression patterns of Notch pathway components (Notch 1–3, Delta1 and 4, Jagged1) and effectors (Hes1, Hes2, Hes5 and Nrarp) were evaluated (through RT-PCR and IHC) in the mouse testis at key moments of post-natal development, and along the adult spermatogenic cycle. Notch pathway components and effectors are transcribed in the testis and expressed in germ, Sertoli and Leydig cells, and each Notch component shows a specific cell-type and time-window expression pattern. This expression at key testis developmental events prompt for a role of Notch signaling in pre-pubertal spermatogonia quiescence, onset of spermatogenesis, and regulation of the spermatogenic cycle.

NOTCH signaling in Sertoli cells regulates gonocyte fate

Gonocytes (or prospermatogonia) are the precursors to spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), which provide the foundation for spermatogenesis through their ability to both self-renew and generate daughter cells. Despite their relative importance, the regulatory mechanisms that govern gonocyte maintenance and transition to SSCs are poorly understood. Recently, we reported that constitutive activation of NOTCH1 signaling in Sertoli cells causes gonocyte exit from quiescence--the first suggestion of the potential role of this signaling pathway in the testis. This Extra View will review what is known about NOTCH signaling, particularly in Sertoli cells and germ cells in the testes, by providing a background on germ cell biology and a summary of our recently published data on NOTCH1 signaling in Sertoli cells. We also describe additional data showing that aberrant proliferation and differentiation of gonocytes in response to constitutive activation of NOTCH1 signaling in Sertoli cells involves de novo expression of cell cycle proteins and a marked upregulation of the KIT receptor. These data further suggest that NOTCH signaling orchestrates a dynamic balance between maintenance and differentiation of gonocytes in the perinatal testis.

Differential Notch1 and Notch2 expression and frequent activation of Notch signaling in gastric cancers

CONTEXT

The biologic effects of Notch1 and Notch2 vary with cancer types and their potential role(s) in gastric cancers (GCs) remains largely unknown.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to address the previously mentioned issue by checking the expression of Notch1, Notch2, and Notch target gene Hes1 in GCs, premalignant gastric lesions, and noncancerous endoscopic gastric mucosa and by inhibiting Notch signal transduction in GC cells.

DESIGN

The status of Notch1, Notch2, and Hes1 expression in 74 GC surgical specimens, 10 endoscopic samples, and 4 human GC cell lines was evaluated by tissue microarray-based immunohistochemical staining, Western blotting, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and the importance of Notch signaling was elucidated by treating 2 GC cell lines with 2 γ-secretase inhibitors.

RESULTS

Notch1 was undetectable in noncancerous gastric mucosa but was expressed with nuclear translocation in 16.7% (4 of 24) of chronic gastritis, 50.0% (9 of 18) of intestinal metaplasia, 54.2% (26 of 48) of intestinal GC, and 23.1% (6 of 26) of diffuse GC, showing distinct differences of Notch1 detection rates between either intestinal metaplasia and chronic gastritis or intestinal GCs and diffuse GCs (P  =  .03; P  =  .005, respectively). Notch2 nuclear translocation frequencies were 10.0% (1 of 10) in noncancerous endoscopic mucosa, 71.4% (30 of 42) in premalignant lesions, and 97.3% (72 of 74) in GC tissues, demonstrating a correlation of Notch2 expression with both intestinal GC and diffuse GC formation (P < .001). The rates of nuclear-Hes1 labeling were 1 of 10 among noncancerous, 42.9% premalignant, and 81.1% cancer tissues, which were closely correlated with Notch2 (P < .001) rather than Notch1 (P  =  .42) nuclear translocation. Only Notch2 was expressed accompanied with Hes1 nuclear labeling in the 4 GC cell lines established from diffuse GC cases. Inhibition of Notch signaling with γ-secretase inhibitors, L-685,458 and DAPT, prevented Hes1 nuclear translocation but neither suppressed growth nor induced cell death.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated a close correlation of Notch2 expression with GC formation and the potential link of Notch1 upregulation with intestinal-like phenotypes of gastric lesions. Although inhibition of Notch activity failed to achieve anti-GC effects, the activated Notch signaling may reflect a potential GC risk.

Distribution of Notch family proteins in intrauterine growth restriction and hypertension complicated human term placentas

Members of the Notch family have been detected in many developmental and cell specification processes during placental development. However, Notch protein expression in Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) and Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH) is not clear. In this study we aimed to clarify the immunolocalization of Notch proteins in full-term placentas after IUGR and PIH in comparison with normal placentas. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded term placentas obtained by caesarean operations were processed for immunohistochemical localization of Notch 1, 2, 4 and Jagged 2. Transmission electron microscopy was also performed. In normal term placentas, all Notch proteins were intensely immunostained in the brush border of cells of the syncytiotrophoblast layer of the basal (maternal) side and the chorionic plate (fetal) side. The endothelial cells were also intensely immunostained in both sides for Notch 1. However, in IUGR and PIH placentas, the immunoreactivities of all Notch proteins were decreased significantly in the brush border of cells of the syncytiotrophoblast layer and the reaction was generally observed in the cytoplasm of syncytiotrophoblast cells in the basal and chorionic plate sides. The reactivity in endothelial cells was also significantly decreased. Our results have shown that the immunoreactivity and localization of Notch proteins is altered in pathologic placentas. Therefore, we propose that deregulated expression of Notch proteins may contribute to the disruption of trophoblast differentiation, endothelial cell function and/or feto-maternal traffic down-regulation during pregnancy or vice versa in such pathologic conditions.

The effect of systemic corticosteroid treatment on the immunolocalisation of Notch-1, Delta, CD105 and CD166 in rat articular cartilage

We studied the immunolocalisation of the stem cell-specific markers Notch-1, Delta, CD105 and CD166 in rat articular cartilage and analysed the effect of systemic corticosteroid treatment on the patterns of distribution of cells labelling for these markers. Female Wistar rats were separated randomly into two groups: the control group (n=8) was injected with isotonic salt solution and the corticosteroid group (n=8) was injected with 10 mg/kg intramuscular corticosteroid (methylprednisolone) once a week for a period of 8 weeks. Femoral head specimens from each group were obtained at the end of the treatment and processed for routine histological and immunohistochemical examinations. Quantitative data were obtained by H-SCORE and statistical evaluations were performed. The immunolocalisation of all markers was more apparent in the superficial zone and decreased through the deeper zones in all groups. However, the intensity of labelling was much less obvious in the group treated with corticosteroid compared to control. H-SCORE analysis confirmed that in the group treated with corticosteroid, the intensity of Notch-1, Delta, CD105 and CD166 labelling had decreased significantly compared to control (p<0.05). In conclusion, based on the immunolocalisation of stem cell-specific markers Notch-1, Delta, CD105 and CD166, the data suggest that the stem cells may continue to exist in adult rat articular cartilage. It was also observed that systemic corticosteroid treatment may effect the immunolabelling intensity of these markers, suggesting that corticosteroid treatment may reduce the function and the regenerative capacity of these cells in articular cartilage.

Identification of a molecular marker for type A spermatogonia by microarray analysis using gonadal cells from pvasa-GFP transgenic rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The spermatogonia of fish can be classified as being either undifferentiated type A spermatogonia or differentiated type B spermatogonia. Although type A spermatogonia, which contain spermatogonial stem cells, have been demonstrated to be a suitable material for germ cell transplantation, no molecular markers for distinguishing between type A and type B spermatogonia in fish have been developed to date. We therefore sought to develop a molecular marker for type A spermatogonia in rainbow trout. Using GFP-dependent flow cytometry (FCM), enriched fractions of type A and type B spermatogonia, testicular somatic cells, and primordial germ cells were prepared from rainbow trout possessing the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene driven by trout vasa regulatory regions (pvasa-GFP rainbow trout). The gene-expression profiles of each cell fraction were then compared with a microarray containing cDNAs representing 16,006 genes from several salmonid species. Genes exhibiting high expression for type A spermatogonia relative to above-mentioned other types of gonadal cells were identified and subjected to RT-PCR and quatitative PCR analysis. Since only the rainbow trout notch1 homologue showed significantly high expression in the type A spermatogonia-enriched fraction, we propose that notch1 may be a useful molecular marker for type A spermatogonia. The combination of GFP-dependent FCM and microarray analysis of pvasa-GFP rainbow trout can therefore be applied to the identification of potentially useful molecular markers of germ cells in fish.

A deficiency of lunatic fringe is associated with cystic dilation of the rete testis

Lunatic fringe belongs to a family of beta1-3 N-acetyltransferases that modulate the affinity of the Notch receptors for their ligands through the elongation of O-fucose moieties on their extracellular domain. A role for Notch signaling in vertebrate fertility has been predicted by the intricate expression of the Notch receptors and their ligands in the oocyte and granulosa cells of the ovary and the spermatozoa and Sertoli cells of the testis. It has been demonstrated that disruption of Notch signaling by inactivation of lunatic fringe led to infertility associated with pleiotropic defects in follicle development and meiotic maturation of oocytes. Lunatic fringe null males were found to be subfertile. Here, we report that gene expression data demonstrate that fringe and Notch signaling genes are expressed in the developing testis and the intratesticular ductal tract, predicting roles for this pathway during embryonic gonadogenesis and spermatogenesis. Spermatogenesis was not impaired in the majority of the lunatic fringe null males; however, spermatozoa were unilaterally absent in the epididymis of many mice. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis of these testes revealed the development of unilateral cystic dilation of the rete testis. Tracer dye experiments confirm a block in the connection between the rete testis and the efferent ducts. Further, the dye studies demonstrated that many lunatic fringe mutant males had partial blocks of the connection between the rete testis and the efferent ducts bilaterally.

Immunolocalization of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and its receptor GFR-alpha1 in varicocele-induced rat testis

The aim of the study was to determine the immunolocalisation of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and its receptor (GFRalpha1) in testicular dysfunction induced by experimental left varicocele. Male Wistar rats were divided randomly into two groups: a varicocele-induced group and a sham-operated group for 9, 11 and 13 weeks (each group n=6). After orchiectomy, part of the left testis from each animal was fixed, processed and embedded in paraffin wax for immunohistochemistry and the other part was fixed for ultrastructural investigations. GDNF immunoreactivity was localized in the interstitial space in Leydig cell cytoplasm and there was no significant difference (P=0.5) between the varicocele-induced groups at the various time points. GFRalpha1 localization was perinuclear in spermatids and cytoplasmic in Leydig cells. The decrease of GFRalpha1 immunoreactivity was significant (P=0.001) in varicocele-induced testis at 13 weeks when compared with the age-matched sham group. This is the first study to describe the immunolocalization patterns of GDNF and GFRalpha1 in a rat model of varicocele. Although there was no change in GDNF labelling at the different time points after varicocele, GFRalpha1 was significantly decreased in the 13-week group. Distribution of GDNF and its receptor GFRalpha1 in normal and varicocele-induced rat testes suggests both autocrine and paracrine regulation of spermatogenesis.

Ultrastructural nuclear defects and increased chromosome aneuploidies in spermatozoa with elongated heads

BACKGROUND

Cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to elongated sperm heads are not known. We have analysed the nuclear status of spermatozoa with elongated heads.

METHODS

Fourteen men with at least 30% of spermatozoa with an elongated nucleus were studied and compared with five fertile men as controls. Sperm morphology was analysed by a quantitative ultrastructural analysis. Sperm chromosomal content was assessed by three-colour fluorescence in-situ hybridization (chromosomes X, Y, 18). Y chromosome microdeletion and karyotype were analysed.

RESULTS

Elongated sperm head rates of the patients were 46.9% (30-75 versus 0-2% in the control group) by light microscopy and 34.4% by electron microscopy. In all patients, the chromatin was poorly condensed in elongated sperm heads (50% of elongated nuclei). No anomalies of sperm biochemical markers were found. All the men showed normal karyotype (46,XY) and absence of Y chromosome microdeletion. Aneuploidy rates of gonosomes and chromosome 18 were significantly increased in patients (1.64- and 3.6-fold, P = 0.006 and 0.026, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that impaired chromatin compaction and slightly increased chromosome aneuploidies are found in spermatozoa with an elongated head, suggesting possible mechanisms such as meiotic non-disjunctions or spermiogenesis anomalies.

Increased expression of interleukin-1α and interleukin-1β is associated with experimental varicocele

OBJECTIVE

To describe the effect of varicocele, in an experimental rat model, on the levels of IL-1alpha and IL-1beta proteins in testis tissue.

DESIGN

Comparative and controlled study.

SETTING

Experimental research.

ANIMAL(S)

Wistar male rats in experimental and control groups.

INTERVENTION(S)

The control group underwent sham operation (n = 6). Experimental groups underwent partial ligation of the renal vein to induce experimental varicocele and were then killed at 9 (n = 6), 11 (n = 6), and 13 (n = 6) weeks after induction of varicocele.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Histologic evaluation of the varicocele model was determined by periodic acid-Schiff staining of paraffin-embeded testicular tissues. Levels of cytokines were assessed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis.

RESULT(S)

Varicocele caused testicular damage, especially in 11- and 13-week-old varicocele groups. In sham-operated rats, Golgi complexes of round spermatids expressed especially the alpha form of IL-1. By the progression of varicocele, the IL-1alpha expression increased temporally in Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, spermatids, and Leydig cells. The expression of IL-1beta was seen in Leydig cells in sham-operated rats. The IL-1beta expression was also increased upon progression of varicocele in Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, and spermatogonia.

CONCLUSION(S)

We suggest that IL-1alpha and IL-1beta are the regulators of testicular function. Certain pathologic conditions, e.g., varicocele, cause an increase in the expressions of such proinflammatory cytokines. The increased expression of IL-1alpha and IL-1beta in varicocele shifts the balance in favor of inflammatory and immune responses and causes detrimental effects in testis tissue, which may cause male infertility.

The Fas system may have a role in male reproduction

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.

Localization of NGF and nNOS in varicocele-induced rat testis

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is synthesized in male germ cells. The presence of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in Leydig cells is related to its role in the regulation of testosterone release. Varicocele is often characterized by abnormal sperm quality and influences the fertilizing capacity of the haploid gamete. We investigated the localization of NGF and nNOS in testes of adult Wistar rats with experimentally induced varicocele after 9, 11, and 13 weeks, as well as in sham-operated controls by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. In control testis, we detected NGF in nuclei of Sertoli cells and also as small vesicular-like structures in the cytoplasm of primary spermatocytes, and in round and elongating spermatids. Varicocele-induction revealed a slight decrease of NGF at 13 weeks, especially in Sertoli cells. In control tissue, nNOS protein was present mainly in Leydig cells and in Sertoli cell cytoplasm. Additionally, nNOS immunoreactivity was present in the heads of elongated spermatids. Western blot results revealed that the decrease of NGF was not significant in the 13-week varicocele group, moreover, the amount of nNOS was not altered in any of the varicocele groups. In conclusion, NGF and nNOS have important roles for normal gametogenesis and our data for the first time indicates that varicocele induction does not necessarily affect the expression of NGF and nNOS. Thus, these two molecules do not appear to be related to varicocele induction.