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Oberska P, Grabowska M, Marynowska M, Murawski M, Gączarzewicz D, Syczewski A, Michałek K. A Step Forward in Understanding the Expression of Classical Aquaporins in the Male Reproductive Tract: Study Findings in Cattle ( Bos taurus). Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7653. [PMID: 39062896 PMCID: PMC11276675 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147653] [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: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs), also known as water channels, appear to be particularly promising in maintaining male reproductive potential. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the presence of classical AQPs in the bovine (Bos taurus) reproductive system and analyze changes in their expression with age using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Of the six classical AQPs, AQP0, AQP1, AQP4, AQP5 and AQP6 were detected, while AQP2 was absent. In the testis, AQP0 was visible in Leydig cells in selected animals, while AQP1 was found in myoid cells surrounding the seminiferous tubules of mature individuals. This characteristic expression patterns of AQP0, limited only to certain bulls, is difficult to explain unequivocally. It is possible that AQP0 expression in cattle is subject to individual variability or changes in response to specific physiological conditions. In the caput and corpus epididymis, AQP0 showed weak expression in epithelial cells of immature animals and stronger expression in basal and principal cells of reproductive bulls. In all animals, AQP1 was present on the apical surface of epithelial cells in the initial segment of the caput epididymis. AQP4, AQP5 and AQP6 were identified in principal and basal cells along the entire epididymis of reproductive bulls. The abundance of AQP4 and AQP6 increased from the caput to the cauda epididymis with the growth and development of the animals. In all males, AQP4, AQP5 and AQP6 were observed in epithelial cells of the vas deferens, and their expression in this section increased with age. In conclusion, the abundance and distribution of the classical AQPs in various cell types and parts of the male reproductive system indicate their crucial role in maintaining water homeostasis, which is essential for normal reproductive function in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja Oberska
- Department of Physiology, Cytobiology and Proteomics, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland; (P.O.); (M.M.)
| | - Marta Grabowska
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Pomeranian Medical University, Żołnierska 48, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Marta Marynowska
- Department of Physiology, Cytobiology and Proteomics, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland; (P.O.); (M.M.)
| | - Maciej Murawski
- Department of Nutrition, Animal Biotechnology and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, 24/28 Mickiewicza Avenue, 30-059 Cracow, Poland;
| | - Dariusz Gączarzewicz
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Biotechnology and Environmental Hygiene, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland;
| | | | - Katarzyna Michałek
- Department of Physiology, Cytobiology and Proteomics, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland; (P.O.); (M.M.)
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Rashad DEM, Ibrahim S, El-Sokary MMM, Mahmoud KGM, Kandiel MMM, Abou El-Roos MEA, Sosa GAM. Region-specific gene expression profile in the epididymis of high- and low-fertile dromedary camels. Reprod Domest Anim 2024; 59:e14678. [PMID: 39031030 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
The scenario of the fertile spermatozoa with high fertilizing capability is basically dependent on gene expression-based epididymal function. The current investigation aimed to declare the varied expression of different candidate genes (PLA2G4D, LCN15, CLUAP1, SPP1, AQP12B, DEFB110 and ESR1) relevant to spermatozoa features between the different epididymal segments in the mature dromedary camels (n = 30). Scrotal contents were collected post-slaughtering, during the breeding season and the epididymis was separated from the testicles and divided into three segments (caput, corpus and cauda) based on its morphology and anatomical characteristics. Epididymal spermatozoa were harvested from each epididymal portion and evaluated for motility, count, viability and morphology. Samples were grouped depending on their epididymal sperm cells features into high-fertile (n = 15) and low-fertile (n = 15) groups. The gene expression of the candidate genes was defined in the isolated RNA from each epididymal portion tissue. The segmental sperm motion and count were significantly (p < .05 and p < .01) higher in the three epididymal parts of high-fertile camels than the lower ones. There were some candidate genes markedly up-regulated in its expression in epididymal head of high-fertile camels (PLA2G4D and LCN15) and low fertile (CLUAP1), while others in the body region of the high-fertile group (SPP1, AQP12B and DEFB110). Nevertheless, ER1 did not differ in the expression among the epididymal segments. In conclusion, the variant expression patterns of these epididymal genes in relation to the regional spermatozoa features might suggest important roles of these genes in sperm maturation process in the epididymis and focusing more interest on their potential utility as markers for male camel fertility prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina E M Rashad
- Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Sally Ibrahim
- Animal Reproduction and Artificial Insemination Department, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M M El-Sokary
- Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Karima Gh M Mahmoud
- Animal Reproduction and Artificial Insemination Department, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M M Kandiel
- Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | | | - Gamal A M Sosa
- Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
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Petrova RS, Francis N, Schey KL, Donaldson PJ. Verification of the gene and protein expression of the aquaglyceroporin AQP3 in the mammalian lens. Exp Eye Res 2024; 240:109828. [PMID: 38354944 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Transport of water is critical for maintaining the transparency of the avascular lens, and the lens is known to express at least five distinctly different water channels from the Aquaporin (AQP) family of proteins. In this study we report on the identification of a sixth lens AQP, AQP3 an aquaglyceroporin, which in addition to water also transports glycerol and H2O2. AQP3 was identified at the transcript level and protein levels using RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively, in the mouse, rat, bovine and human lens, showing that its expression is conserved in the mammalian lens. Western blotting showed AQP3 in the lens exists as 25 kDa non-glycosylated and 37 kDa glycosylated monomeric forms in all lens species. To identify the regions in the lens where AQP3 is expressed Western blotting was repeated using epithelial, outer cortical and inner cortical/core fractions isolated from the mouse lens. AQP3 was found in all lens regions, with the highest signal of non-glycosylated AQP3 being found in the epithelium. While in the inner cortex/core region AQP3 signal was not only lower but was predominately from the glycosylated form of AQP3. Immunolabelling of lens sections with AQP3 antibodies confirmed that AQP3 is found in all regions of the adult mouse, and also revealed that the subcellular distribution of AQP3 changes as a function of fiber cell differentiation. In epithelial and peripheral fiber cells of the outer cortex AQP3 labelling was predominately associated with membrane vesicles in the cytoplasm, but in the deeper regions of the lens AQP3 labelling was associated with the plasma membranes of fiber cells located in the inner cortex and core of the lens. To determine how this adult pattern of AQP3 subcellular distribution was established, immunolabelling for AQP3 was performed on embryonic and postnatal lenses. AQP3 expression was first detected on embryonic day (E) 11 in the membranes of primary fiber cells that have started to elongate and fill the lumen of the lens vesicle, while later at E16 the AQP3 labelling in the primary fiber cells had shifted to a predominately cytoplasmic location. In the following postnatal (P) stages of lens growth at P3 and P6, AQP3 labelling remained cytoplasmic across all regions of the lens and it was not until P15 when the pattern of localisation of AQP3 changed to an adult distribution with cytoplasmic labelling detected in the outer cortex and membrane localisation detected in the inner cortex and core of the lens. Comparison of the AQP3 labelling pattern to those obtained previously for AQP0 and AQP5 showed that the subcellular distribution was more similar to AQP5 than AQP0, but there were still significant differences that suggest AQP3 may have unique roles in the maintenance of lens transparency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosica S Petrova
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Nishanth Francis
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kevin L Schey
- Department of Biochemistry, Mass Spectrometry Research Centre, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, 37232, TN, USA
| | - Paul J Donaldson
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Oberska P, Grabowska M, Marynowska M, Murawski M, Gączarzewicz D, Syczewski A, Michałek K. Cellular Distribution of Aquaporin 3, 7 and 9 in the Male Reproductive System: A Lesson from Bovine Study ( Bos taurus). Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1567. [PMID: 38338845 PMCID: PMC10855163 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031567] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The increasing incidence of male infertility in humans and animals creates the need to search for new factors that significantly affect the course of reproductive processes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the temporospatial expression of aquaglyceroporins (AQP3, AQP7 and AQP9) in the bovine (Bos taurus) reproductive system using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. The study also included morphological analysis and identification of GATA-4. In brief, in immature individuals, AQP3 and AQP7 were found in gonocytes. In reproductive bulls, AQP3 was observed in spermatocytes and spermatogonia, while AQP7 was visible in all germ cells and the Sertoli cells. AQP7 and AQP9 were detected in the Leydig cells. Along the entire epididymis of reproductive bulls, aquaglyceroporins were visible, among others, in basal cells (AQP3 and AQP7), in epididymal sperm (AQP7) and in the stereocilia of the principal cells (AQP9). In males of all ages, aquaglyceroporins were identified in the principal and basal cells of the vas deferens. An increase in the expression of AQP3 in the testis and cauda epididymis and a decrease in the abundance of AQP7 in the vas deferens with age were found. In conclusion, age-related changes in the expression and/or distribution patterns of AQP3, AQP7 and AQP9 indicate the involvement of these proteins in the normal development and course of male reproductive processes in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja Oberska
- Department of Physiology, Cytobiology and Proteomics, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland; (P.O.); (M.M.)
| | - Marta Grabowska
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Pomeranian Medical University, Żołnierska 48, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Marta Marynowska
- Department of Physiology, Cytobiology and Proteomics, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland; (P.O.); (M.M.)
| | - Maciej Murawski
- Department of Nutrition, Animal Biotechnology and Fisheries, University of Agriculture in Krakow, 24/28 Mickiewicza Avenue, 30-059 Cracow, Poland;
| | - Dariusz Gączarzewicz
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Biotechnology and Environmental Hygiene, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland;
| | | | - Katarzyna Michałek
- Department of Physiology, Cytobiology and Proteomics, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland; (P.O.); (M.M.)
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Heydari SR, Dastaran S, Farzinpour A, Vaziry A, Rostamzadeh J, Sobhani K. Genital stones: Radiological, histopathological, ultrastructural, and molecular analysis in rooster. Theriogenology 2023; 212:73-82. [PMID: 37708817 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Epididymal lithiasis, characterized by the formation of stones in the epididymis, has been associated with a decline in fertility in roosters. This study aimed to investigate the reproductive performance, ultrastructural characteristics, and expression of aromatase cytochrome P450 (CYP19) and aquaporin 9 (AQP9) in aged broiler breeder roosters affected by epididymal lithiasis. X-ray analysis confirmed the presence of genital stones in both the epididymis and testicular tissue regions. While there was a significant decrease in sperm concentration in the affected roosters compared to non-affected roosters, no significant differences were observed in total and progressive sperm motility between the two groups. Furthermore, the affected roosters exhibited significant abnormalities in semen parameters, except for sperm concentration and morphology. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed the depletion and deciliation of ciliated cells in the distal efferent ductules of the epididymis in affected roosters. Additionally, the expression of CYP19 and AQP9 was found to be increased in the epididymal region of affected roosters. Notably, we report the presence of testicular stones for the first time in this study, in addition to epididymal stones. Considering the male reproductive tract lesions observed, we propose the term "genital stones" to describe these conditions. Moreover, our findings suggest that the overexpression of AQP9, which is associated with a high copy number of the CYP19 gene in the epididymal region of affected aged roosters, may contribute to the formation of genital stones by promoting increased reabsorption of fluids in the epididymis. The condensation of epididymal duct contents and reduction in the population of ciliated cells further impairs semen movement and can lead to the blockage of extra-testicular ducts, resulting in the low fertility syndrome observed in aged roosters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyede Rozhan Heydari
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kurdistan, P.O. Box 416, Sanandaj, Kurdistan, Iran
| | - Sajad Dastaran
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kurdistan, P.O. Box 416, Sanandaj, Kurdistan, Iran
| | - Amjad Farzinpour
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kurdistan, P.O. Box 416, Sanandaj, Kurdistan, Iran.
| | - Asaad Vaziry
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kurdistan, P.O. Box 416, Sanandaj, Kurdistan, Iran
| | - Jalal Rostamzadeh
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kurdistan, P.O. Box 416, Sanandaj, Kurdistan, Iran
| | - Keyvan Sobhani
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kurdistan, P.O. Box 416, Sanandaj, Kurdistan, Iran
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Martinez-Madrid B, Martínez-Cáceres C, Pequeño B, Castaño C, Toledano-Díaz A, Bóveda P, Prieto P, Alvarez-Rodriguez M, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Santiago-Moreno J. Immunolocalisation of aquaporins 3, 7, 9 and 10 in the epididymis of three wild ruminant species (Iberian ibex, mouflon and chamois) and sperm cryoresistance. Reprod Fertil Dev 2023; 35:708-721. [PMID: 37968880 DOI: 10.1071/rd23091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT In the epididymis, epithelial cells manage changes in the luminal environment for proper sperm maturation. Moreover, aquaglyceroporins, a subgroup of aquaporins (AQP), modulate the transport of water, glycerol and other small molecules in epithelial cells. AIMS We aim to characterise the lining epithelium, quantify its cell composition and immunolocalise the aquaglyceroporins AQP3, AQP7, AQP9 and AQP10 alongside the epididymal ductus of three wild ruminant species, and to determine if species-specific differences could be associated with cauda sperm cryoresistance variations. METHODS Epididymides from Iberian ibex (n =5), mouflon (n =5) and chamois (n =6) were obtained. Cauda spermatozoa were collected and sperm parameters were analysed before and after freezing. Histology and immunohistochemistry of AQP3, 7, 9, 10 and T-CD3 were performed in the caput, corpus and cauda epididymal regions. KEY RESULTS This work first describes the lining epithelium in Iberian ibex, mouflon and chamois epididymis along the three anatomical regions, consisting of principal, basal, apical, clear and halo cells. However, the percentage of each cell type differed in ibex compared to mouflon and chamois. The positive T-CD3 immunolabeling of all the halo cells confirmed their T-lymphocyte nature. Aquaglyceroporin expression patterns were similar among species, except for differences in AQP7 and AQP10 immunolocalisation in ibex. Species-specific differences in epididymal sperm cryoresistance were confirmed. CONCLUSIONS The epididymal epithelium of the three wild ruminants differ in their relative number of cell types and AQP immunolocalisation, which ultimately appears to affect cauda epidydimal spermatozoa cryoresistance. IMPLICATIONS Our study provides information on the relevance of the quantitative composition and AQP pattern expression in epididymal lining epithelium on sperm cryoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belen Martinez-Madrid
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Carlos Martínez-Cáceres
- Pathology core, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia Pascual Parrilla (IMIB), Ctra. Buenavista s/n, El Palmar, Murcia 30120, Spain
| | - Belén Pequeño
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology, Spanish Scientific Research Council (INIA-CSIC), Avda. Puerta de Hierro km 5.9, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Cristina Castaño
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology, Spanish Scientific Research Council (INIA-CSIC), Avda. Puerta de Hierro km 5.9, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Adolfo Toledano-Díaz
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology, Spanish Scientific Research Council (INIA-CSIC), Avda. Puerta de Hierro km 5.9, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Paula Bóveda
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology, Spanish Scientific Research Council (INIA-CSIC), Avda. Puerta de Hierro km 5.9, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Paloma Prieto
- Consejería de Sostenibilidad, Medio Ambiente y Economía Azul, Junta de Andalucía, Jaén, Spain
| | - Manuel Alvarez-Rodriguez
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology, Spanish Scientific Research Council (INIA-CSIC), Avda. Puerta de Hierro km 5.9, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Julián Santiago-Moreno
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology, Spanish Scientific Research Council (INIA-CSIC), Avda. Puerta de Hierro km 5.9, Madrid 28040, Spain
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Zhang H, Yang B. Aquaporins in Reproductive System. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1398:179-194. [PMID: 36717494 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-19-7415-1_12] [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: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
AQP0-12, a total of 13 aquaporins are expressed in the mammalian reproductive system. These aquaporins mediate the transport of water and small solutes across biofilms for maintaining reproductive tract water balance and germ cell water homeostasis. These aquaporins play important roles in the regulation of sperm and egg cell production, maturation, and fertilization processes. Impaired AQP function may lead to diminished male and female fertility. This review focuses on the distribution, function, and regulation of AQPs throughout the male and female reproductive organs and tracts. Their correlation with reproductive success, revealing recent advances in the physiological and pathophysiological roles of aquaporins in the reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Baoxue Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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Machado-Neves M. Effect of heavy metals on epididymal morphology and function: An integrative review. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 291:133020. [PMID: 34848222 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.133020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Male fertility has deteriorated over the last decades, and environmental risk factors are among the possible causes of this phenomenon. Pollutants such as heavy metals might accumulate in male reproductive organs to levels that are associated with reproductive disorders. Several studies reported detrimental effects of inorganic arsenic (iAs+3/iAs+5), cadmium (Cd+2), lead (Pb+2), and mercury (Hg+2/CH3Hg+2) on the epididymis, which plays a crucial role in sperm maturation. However, the magnitude of their effects and the consequences on the physiology of the epididymis are still unclear. Therefore, an integrative review with meta-analyses was conducted examining 138 studies to determine how exposure to arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury affects epididymal morphology and functions, using primarily murine data from experimental studies as a source. This study showed that exposure to metal(loids) reduced epididymal weight, sperm motility, and sperm number. Inorganic arsenic, cadmium, and lead damaged sperm structures within the epididymal duct. While sodium arsenite, sodium arsenate, and lead acetate generate oxidative stress by an imbalance between ROS production and scavenging, cadmium chloride causes an increase in the pH level of the luminal fluid (from 6.5 to 7.37) that diminishes sperm viability. Inorganic arsenic induced a delay in the sperm transit time by modulating noradrenaline and dopamine secretion. Subacute exposure to heavy metals at concentrations < 0.1 mg L-1 initiates a dyshomeostasis of calcium, copper, iron, and zinc that disturbs sperm parameters and reduces epididymal weight. These alterations worsen with prolonged exposure time and higher doses. Most studies evaluated the effects of concentrations > 1.1 mg L-1 of heavy metals on the epididymis rather than doses with relevant importance for human health risk. This meta-analytical study faced limitations regarding a deeper analysis of epididymis physiology. Hence, several recommendations for future investigations are provided. This review creates a baseline for the comprehension of epididymal toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Machado-Neves
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. P.H. Rolfs, s/n, DBG, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, 36570-900, Minas Gerais, Brasil.
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Schimming BC, Martins LL, de Oliveira FS, Pinheiro PFF, Domeniconi RF. Morphology and immunolocalization of aquaporins 1 and 9 in the agouti ( Dasyprocta azarae) testis excurrent ducts. Anim Reprod 2021; 18:e20210070. [PMID: 34840612 PMCID: PMC8607849 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2021-0070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the morphology and immunoexpression of aquaporins (AQPs) 1 and 9 in the rete testis, efferent ducts, epididymis, and vas deferens in the Azara's agouti (Dasyprocta azarae). For this purpose, ten adult sexually mature animals were used in histologic and immunohistochemical analyses. The Azara's agouti rete testis was labyrinthine and lined with simple cubic epithelium. Ciliated and non-ciliated cells were observed in the epithelium of the efferent ducts. The epididymal cellular population was composed of principal, basal, apical, clear, narrow, and halo cells. The epithelium lining of vas deferens was composed of the principal and basal cells. AQPs 1 and 9 were not expressed in the rete testis. Positive reaction to AQP1 was observed at the luminal border of non-ciliated cells of the efferent ducts, and in the peritubular stroma and blood vessels in the epididymis, and vas deferens. AQP9 was immunolocalized in the epithelial cells in the efferent ducts, epididymis and vas deferens. The morphology of Azara's agouti testis excurrent ducts is similar to that reported for other rodents such as Cuniculus paca. The immunolocalization results of the AQPs suggest that the expression of AQPs is species-specific due to differences in localization and expression when compared to studies in other mammals species. The knowledge about the expression of AQPs in Azara's agouti testis excurrent ducts is essential to support future reproductive studies on this animal, since previous studies show that AQPs may be biomarkers of male fertility and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Cesar Schimming
- Departamento de Anatomia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Leandro Luis Martins
- Departamento de Anatomia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brasil
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Couto-Santos F, Viana AGDA, Souza ACF, Dutra AADA, Mendes TADO, Ferreira ATDS, Aguilar JEP, Oliveira LL, Machado-Neves M. Prepubertal arsenic exposure alters phosphoproteins profile, quality, and fertility of epididymal spermatozoa in sexually mature rats. Toxicology 2021; 460:152886. [PMID: 34352348 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.152886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Arsenic intoxication affects male reproductive parameters of prepubertal rats. Besides, morphological and functional alterations in their testis and epididymis may remain after withdrawal of arsenic insult, causing potential impairment in male fertility during adulthood. In this study, we aimed at analyzing the effect of prepubertal arsenic exposure on the fecundity of epididymal sperm from sexually mature Wistar rats, assessing fertility indexes, sperm parameters, and sperm phosphoproteins content. Male pups on postnatal day (PND) 21 received filtered water (controls, n = 10) and 10 mg L-1 arsenite (n = 10) daily for 30 days. From PND52 to PND81, rats from both groups received filtered water. During this period, the males mated with non-exposed females between PND72 and PND75. Our results showed that sexually mature rats presented low sperm production, epididymal sperm count, motility, and quality after prepubertal arsenic exposure. These findings possibly contributed to the low fertility potential and high preimplantation loss. Epididymal sperm proteome detected 268 proteins, which 170 were found in animals from both control and arsenic groups, 27 proteins were detected only in control animals and 71 proteins only in arsenic-exposed rats. In these animals, SPATA 18 and other five proteins were upregulated, whereas keratin type II cytoskeletal 1 was downregulated (q < 0.1). The results of KEGG pathway analysis demonstrated an enrichment of pathways related to dopaminergic response, adrenergic signaling, protein degradation, and oocyte meiosis in arsenic-exposed animals. Moreover, 26 proteins were identified by phosphoproteomic with different phosphorylation pattern in animals from both groups, but SPATA18 was phosphorylated only in arsenic-exposed animals. We concluded that prepubertal exposure to arsenic is deleterious to sperm quality and male fertility, altering the sperm phosphoproteins profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Couto-Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Estrutural, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. P.H. Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, 36570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Arabela Guedes de Azevedo Viana
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Veterinária, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. P.H. Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, 36570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Ana Cláudia Ferreira Souza
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, BR-465, Km 7, 23897-000, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Alexandre Augusto de Assis Dutra
- Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Rua Cruzeiro 1, Jardim São Paulo, 39803-371, Teófilo Otoni, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Tiago Antônio de Oliveira Mendes
- Departamento de Bioquímca e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. P.H. Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, 36570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | | | - Jonas Enrique Perales Aguilar
- Laboratório de Toxinologia/Plataforma de Proteômica, FIOCRUZ, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, 21040-900, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Leandro Licursi Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Estrutural, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. P.H. Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, 36570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Mariana Machado-Neves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Estrutural, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. P.H. Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, 36570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Veterinária, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. P.H. Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, 36570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Aquaporins: New markers for male (in)fertility in livestock and poultry? Anim Reprod Sci 2021; 231:106807. [PMID: 34303091 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Improving the methods utilized to facilitate reproduction is associated with a constant need to search for new factors that not only significantly affect reproductive processes, but also create new possibilities when assessing male reproductive potential. Aquaporins (AQPs) belong to a family of small (28-30 kDa) proteins that facilitate the transport of water and other small molecules. There have been 13 AQPs (AQP0-AQP12) discovered in mammals, and these proteins are present in a wide range of cell types. Almost all AQPs, except AQP6 and AQP12 are present in the male reproductive organs and sperm of mammals and birds. Increasing evidence suggests that these proteins are involved in a number of processes responsible for the optimal functioning of the male reproductive system. This review presents the current state of knowledge regarding the abundance and distribution of AQPs in the male reproductive organs and sperm of various livestock and poultry species, including buffalo, cattle, sheep, horses, pigs, turkeys and goose. Furthermore, the possible physiological and pathophysiological significance of AQPs in male reproduction, as well as hormonal regulation of quantities are discussed. It can be concluded from the studies analyzed in this paper that abundance patterns of AQPs may be considered in the future as specific and universal biomarkers of male fertility and infertility in animal husbandry.
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Aquaporins Are Differentially Regulated in Canine Cryptorchid Efferent Ductules and Epididymis. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11061539. [PMID: 34070358 PMCID: PMC8227126 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The distribution and expression of aquaporins (AQPs) in the testes and spermatozoa of several animal species play important roles in spermatogenesis and spermatozoon transit in this region. The aim of this study was to evaluate AQP7, AQP8, and AQP9 localization and expression in the efferent ductules and epididymal regions (the caput, corpus, and cauda) of normal and cryptorchid dogs. The results from immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) show regional tissue distributions, particularly at the level of the epithelium of efferent ductules and both the regions caput and cauda of the canine cryptorchid epididymis. These findings support the hypothesis that these channel proteins respond differently to multiple stimuli that cause cryptorchidism (hormones, heat, osmolarity, etc.) and participate in the mechanisms of cell “resilience” or apoptosis taking place in the epididymis. Abstract The efferent ductules and the epididymis are parts of the male reproductive system where spermatozoa mature. Specialized epithelial cells in these ducts contribute to the transport of fluids produced by spermatozoa’s metabolic activity. Aquaporins (AQPs) have been demonstrated to be expressed in the spermatozoan membrane and testis epithelial cells, where they contribute to regulating spermatozoan volume and transit through environments of differing osmolality. Due to the lack of detailed literature regarding AQP expression in the canine male genital tract, the aim of this study was to investigate both the distribution and expression of AQP7, AQP8, and AQP9 in the efferent ductules and epididymal regions (caput, corpus, and cauda) from normal and cryptorchid dogs by using immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Our results show different patterns for the distribution and expression of the examined AQPs, with particular evidence of their upregulation in the caput and downregulation in the cauda region of the canine cryptorchid epididymis. These findings are associated with a modulation of Hsp70 and caspase-3 expression, suggesting the participation of AQPs in the luminal microenvironment modifications that are peculiar characteristics of this pathophysiological condition.
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Mirabella N, Pelagalli A, Liguori G, Rashedul MA, Squillacioti C. Differential abundances of AQP3 and AQP5 in reproductive tissues from dogs with and without cryptorchidism. Anim Reprod Sci 2021; 228:106735. [PMID: 33744817 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are integral transmembrane proteins facilitating transport of water and small solutes, such as glycerol and urea, between cells. In male reproductive tracts, AQPs maintain a milieu conducive for sperm formation, maturation, and storage. The aim of this study was to clarify effects of testicular and epidydimal function on male fertility by investigating localisation and abundances of AQP3 and AQP5 in testes and epididymal segments from dogs with and without unilateral cryptorchidism. Immunohistochemistry results indicated AQP3 and AQP5 have different distribution patterns in reproductive tissues of dogs with and without unilateral cryptorchidism. The AQP3, an aquaglyceroprotein, is present in different germ and Sertoli cells in testis of dogs without cryptorchidism. The AQP5 protein was not detected in germ cells but was present in Sertoli and Leydig cells and in endothelia of blood vessels. In cryptorchid dogs, AQP3 was detected in early-developing germ and Sertoli cells, and AQP5 had a distribution pattern similar to testes of dogs without cryptorchidism. In the epididymis, AQP3 and AQP5 were localised in epithelial cells of dogs with and without cryptorchidism in a cell-specific manner. The AQP3 and AQP5 protein was in larger abundance in the gonads from dogs with and without cryptorchidism. In contrast, AQP3 and AQP5 abundance increased in each segment of the cryptorchid epididymis, likely as a compensatory mechanism associated with the pathologic condition. These results indicate involvement of AQP3 and AQP5 in spermatogenesis and sperm maturation. Results from the present study indicate dogs are a useful for comparative reproductive biology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Mirabella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pelagalli
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy; Institute of Biostructures and Bioimages, National Research Council, Via De Amicis 95, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Liguori
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy.
| | - Mohammad Alam Rashedul
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Medical Cell Biology Justus Liebig University Giessen, Aulweg 123, 35385, Giessen, Germany
| | - Caterina Squillacioti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
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Ribeiro JC, Alves MG, Yeste M, Cho YS, Calamita G, Oliveira PF. Aquaporins and (in)fertility: More than just water transport. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1867:166039. [PMID: 33338597 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.166039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of channel proteins that facilitate the transport of water and small solutes across biological membranes. They are widely distributed throughout the organism, having a number of key functions, some of them unexpected, both in health and disease. Among the various diseases in which AQPs are involved, infertility has been overlooked. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) infertility is a global public health problem with one third of the couples suffering from subfertility or even infertility due to male or female factors alone or combined. Thus, there is an urgent need to unveil the molecular mechanisms that control gametes production, maturation and fertilization-related events, to more specifically determine infertility causes. In addition, as more couples seek for fertility treatment through assisted reproductive technologies (ART), it is pivotal to understand how these techniques can be improved. AQPs are heterogeneously expressed throughout the male and female reproductive tracts, highlighting a possible regulatory role for these proteins in conception. In fact, their function, far beyond water transport, highlights potential intervention points to enhance ART. In this review we discuss AQPs distribution and structural organization, functions, and modulation throughout the male and female reproductive tracts and their relevance to the reproductive success. We also highlight the most recent advances and research trends regarding how the different AQPs are involved and regulated in specific mechanisms underlying (in)fertility. Finally, we discuss the involvement of AQPs in ART-related processes and how their handling can lead to improvement of infertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- João C Ribeiro
- Department of Anatomy, and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; QOPNA & LAQV, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- Department of Anatomy, and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Yoon S Cho
- Centro di Procreazione Medicalmente Assistita, Ospedale Santa Maria, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Calamita
- Dept. of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- QOPNA & LAQV, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Portugal.
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15
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Indumathy S, Pueschl D, Klein B, Fietz D, Bergmann M, Schuppe HC, Da Silva N, Loveland BE, Hickey MJ, Hedger MP, Loveland KL. Testicular immune cell populations and macrophage polarisation in adult male mice and the influence of altered activin A levels. J Reprod Immunol 2020; 142:103204. [PMID: 33130539 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2020.103204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Detailed morphological characterization of testicular leukocytes in the adult CX3CR1 gfp/+ transgenic mouse identified two distinct CX3CR1 + mononuclear phagocyte (macrophage and dendritic cell) populations: stellate/dendriform cells opposed to the seminiferous tubules (peritubular), and polygonal cells associated with Leydig cells (interstitial). Using confocal microscopy combined with stereological enumeration of CX3CR1gfp/+ cells established that there were twice as many interstitial cells (68%) as peritubular cells (32%). Flow cytometric analyses of interstitial cells from mechanically-dissociated testes identified multiple mononuclear phagocyte subsets based on surface marker expression (CX3CR1, F4/80, CD11c). These cells comprised 80% of total intratesticular leukocytes, as identified by CD45 expression. The remaining leukocytes were CD3+ (T lymphocytes) and NK1.1+ (natural killer cells). Functional phenotype assessment using CD206 (an anti-inflammatory/M2 marker) and MHC class II (an activation marker) identified a potentially tolerogenic CD206+MHCII+ sub-population (12% of total CD45+ cells). Rare testicular subsets of CX3CR1 +CD11c+F4/80+ (4.3%) mononuclear phagocytes and CD3+NK1.1+ (3.1%) lymphocytes were also identified for the first time. In order to examine the potential for the immunoregulatory cytokine, activin A to modulate testicular immune cell populations, testes from adult mice with reduced activin A (Inhba+/-) or elevated activin A (Inha+/-) were assessed using flow cytometry. Although the proportion of F4/80+CD11b+ leukocytes (macrophages) was not affected, the frequency of CD206+MHCII+cells was significantly lower and CD206+MHCII- correspondingly higher in Inha+/- testes. This shift in expression of MHCII in CD206+ macrophages indicates that changes in circulating and/or local activin A influence resident macrophage activation and phenotype and, therefore, the immunological environment of the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Indumathy
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Australia; Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany; Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.
| | - D Pueschl
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Australia; Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany; Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - B Klein
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Australia; Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - D Fietz
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - M Bergmann
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - H-C Schuppe
- Clinic of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - N Da Silva
- Ohana Biosciences, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | | | - M J Hickey
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Department of Medicine, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - M P Hedger
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - K L Loveland
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.
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Park YJ, Kim JH, Kim HY, Park HB, Choe J, Kim GW, Baek SY, Chung HJ, Park YJ, Kim B. The expression and localization of V-ATPase and cytokeratin 5 during postnatal development of the pig epididymis. ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2020; 33:1077-1086. [PMID: 32054197 PMCID: PMC7322665 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.19.0587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We examined the localization and expression of H+ pumping vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase) and cytokeratin 5 (KRT5) in the epididymis of pigs, expressed in clear and basal cells, respectively, during postnatal development. METHODS Epididymides were obtained from pigs at 1, 7, 21, 60, 120, and 180 days of age; we observed the localization and expression patterns of V-ATPase and KRT5 in the different regions of these organs, namely, the caput, corpus, and cauda. The differentiation of epididymal epithelial cells was determined by immunofluorescence labeling using cell-type-specific markers and observed using confocal microscopy. RESULTS At postnatal day 5 (PND5), the localization of clear cells commenced migration from the cauda toward the caput. Although at PND120, goblet-shaped clear cells were detected along the entire length of the epididymis, those labeled for V-ATPase had disappeared from the corpus to cauda and were maintained only in the caput epididymis in adult pigs. In contrast, whereas basal cells labeled for KRT5 were only present in the vas deferens at birth, they were detected in all regions of the epididymis at PND60. These cells were localized at the base of the epithelium; however, no basal cells characterized by luminally extending cell projections were observed in any of the adult epididymides examined. CONCLUSION The differentiation of clear and basal cells progressively initiates in a retrograde manner from the cauda to the caput epididymis. The cell-type-specific distribution and localization of the epithelial cells play important roles in establishing a unique luminal environment for sperm maturation and storage in the pig epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Jae Park
- Department of Animal Resources Science, Kongju National University, Yesan 32439, Korea
| | - Ji-Hyuk Kim
- Department of Animal Resources Science, Kongju National University, Yesan 32439, Korea
| | - Hack-Youn Kim
- Department of Animal Resources Science, Kongju National University, Yesan 32439, Korea
| | - Hee-Bok Park
- Department of Animal Resources Science, Kongju National University, Yesan 32439, Korea
| | - Juhui Choe
- Department of Animal Resources Science, Kongju National University, Yesan 32439, Korea
| | - Gye-Woong Kim
- Department of Animal Resources Science, Kongju National University, Yesan 32439, Korea
| | - Sun-Young Baek
- Division of Swine Science, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Cheonan 31172, Korea
| | - Hak-Jae Chung
- Division of Swine Science, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Cheonan 31172, Korea
| | - Yoo-Jin Park
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong 17546, Korea
| | - Bongki Kim
- Department of Animal Resources Science, Kongju National University, Yesan 32439, Korea
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Park YJ, Rahman MS, Pang WK, Ryu DY, Kim B, Pang MG. Bisphenol A affects the maturation and fertilization competence of spermatozoa. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 196:110512. [PMID: 32244115 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Although there are numerous studies on bisphenol A (BPA) on the testis and spermatozoa, the effect of BPA on the physiological link between the testis and maturation of spermatozoa has not been studied. To provide an optimal environment (acidic pH) for sperm maturation in the epididymis, clear cells secrete protons and principal cells reabsorb bicarbonate and the secreted proton. Because of its crucial role in sperm maturation and fertility, functional changes in the epididymis following BPA exposure must be considered to fully understand the mechanisms of BPA on male fertility. Here, we identified the adverse effects of BPA exposure during puberty in male mice. CD-1 male mice were gavaged daily with vehicle (corn oil) and 50 mg BPA/kg-BW for 6 weeks. We determined the changes in epididymis, functional sperm parameters including motility, capacitation status, tyrosine phosphorylation, and fertility-related protein expression and in vitro and in vivo fertility rate following BPA exposure. Expression of vacuolar-type H + -ATPase is necessary for the secretion of protons by clear cells of the caput epididymis and was directly down-regulated following BPA exposure, while there were no changes in the other epithelial cell types in the epididymis. Also, pERK 1/2 signaling pathway was increased significantly in the caput epididymis following BPA exposure. Consequently, the luminal pH slightly increased, resulting in premature capacitation of spermatozoa. Moreover, there was a significant loss of the acrosomal membrane following an increase of protein tyrosine phosphorylation, while PKA activity decreased during sperm capacitation. Fertility-related proteins also showed aberrant expression upon BPA exposure. These modifications resulted in decreased male fertility in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoo-Jin Park
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chgroung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Md Saidur Rahman
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chgroung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Ki Pang
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chgroung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Do-Yeal Ryu
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chgroung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Bongki Kim
- Department of Animal Resources Science, Kongju National University, Yesan, Chungnam-do, 32439, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Geol Pang
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chgroung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea.
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Aquaporins and male (in)fertility: Expression and role throughout the male reproductive tract. Arch Biochem Biophys 2020; 679:108222. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2019.108222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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19
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Gao C, Zhang W. Urinary AQP5 is independently associated with eGFR decline in patients with type 2 diabetes and nephropathy. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2019; 155:107805. [PMID: 31377226 PMCID: PMC7509983 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2019.107805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Intrarenal Aquaporin 5 (AQP5) is upregulated in patients with diabetic nephropathy. Here we investigate whether urinary AQP5 is independently associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline in patients with type 2 diabetes and nephropathy. METHODS Baseline urine samples (n = 997) from patients with type 2 diabetes and nephropathy of the sulodexide macroalbuminuria trial were measured for AQP5 through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression between AQP5 with eGFR slope (calculated by ≥3 serum creatinine during follow-up) was performed, and association with fast renal function decline, defined as eGFR slope less than 3.0 mL/min/1.73 m2/year, was determined by logistic regression. RESULTS Follow-up eGFR data >1.4 years from n = 700 were available for analyses. AQP5 was undetectable in 138 patients. Tertiles of AQP5 were 0.4 [0-2.2], 7.3 [5.9-9.1], and 16.0 [13.0-21.6] (ng/mL), respectively (p < 0.01). Patients in the highest tertile of AQP5 had significantly higher total cholesterol, lower baseline eGFR, and higher levels of albuminuria compared to the lowest tertile. AQP5 was inversely correlated with eGFR slope (Pearson's r = -0.12, p < 0.001), and independent of clinical risk factors age, sex, race, and baseline systolic and diastolic blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c, total cholesterol, eGFR, and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (β = -0.05, p < 0.004). Furthermore, AQP5 was significantly associated with fast eGFR decline (Odds Ratio = 1.03 (95% Confidence Interval 1.003-1.06), p < 0.03). CONCLUSION Our data suggest that baseline AQP5 is independently associated with the progression of eGFR decline in patients with type 2 diabetes and nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Gao
- Department of Regenerative & Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Wenzheng Zhang
- Department of Regenerative & Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA.
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Ma G, Jiang A, Luo Y, Luo Y, Huang H, Zhou R. Aquaporin 1 is located on the intestinal basolateral membrane in Toxocara canis and might play a role in drug uptake. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:243. [PMID: 31101125 PMCID: PMC6525457 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3500-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of integral membrane channel proteins that facilitate the transport of water and other small solutes across cell membranes. AQPs appear to play crucial roles in parasite survival and represent possible drug targets for novel intervention strategy. In this work, we investigated the tissue distribution and biological roles of an aquaporin TcAQP1 in the neglected parasitic nematode Toxocara canis. Methods Recombinant C-terminal hydrophilic domain of AQP1 of T. canis (rTcAQP1c) and polyclonal antibody against rTcAQP1c were produced to analyse the tissue expression of native TcAQP1 in adult (female and male) worms using an immunohistochemical approach. RNA interference (RNAi), quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and nematocidal assays were performed to investigate the functional roles of TcAQP1 in the adult stage of T. canis. Results Immunofluorescence analysis showed that TcAQP1 was localised predominantly in the epithelial linings of the reproductive tract and basolateral membrane of the intestine in the adult stage (female and male) of T. canis, indicating important roles in reproduction, nutrient absorption and/or osmoregulation. Treatment with silencing RNA for 24 h resulted in a significant reduction of Tc-aqp-1 mRNA level in adult T. canis, though no phenotypical change was observed. The efficient gene knockdown compromised the nematocidal activity of albendazole in vitro, suggesting the role of TcAQP1 in drug uptake. Conclusions The findings of this study provide important information about tissue expression and functional roles of TcAQP1 protein in adult T. canis. Understanding the biological functions of this protein in other developmental stages of T. canis and related parasitic nematodes would contribute to the discovery of novel diagnostic or anthelmintic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangxu Ma
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 402460, The People's Republic of China.,Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Aiyun Jiang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 402460, The People's Republic of China
| | - Yongfang Luo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 402460, The People's Republic of China
| | - Yongli Luo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 402460, The People's Republic of China
| | - Hancheng Huang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 402460, The People's Republic of China
| | - Rongqiong Zhou
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 402460, The People's Republic of China.
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21
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Chauvigné F, Parhi J, Ducat C, Ollé J, Finn RN, Cerdà J. The cellular localization and redistribution of multiple aquaporin paralogs in the spermatic duct epithelium of a maturing marine teleost. J Anat 2018; 233:177-192. [PMID: 29806093 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporin-mediated fluid transport in the mammalian efferent duct and epididymis is believed to play a role in sperm maturation and concentration. In fish, such as the marine teleost gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), the control of fluid homeostasis in the spermatic duct seems also to be crucial for male fertility, but no information exists on the expression and distribution of aquaporins. In this study, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting analyses, employing available and newly raised paralog-specific antibodies for seabream aquaporins, indicate that up to nine functional aquaporins, Aqp0a, -1aa, -1ab, -3a, -4a, -7, -8bb, -9b and -10b, are expressed in the spermatic duct. Immunolocalization of the channels in the resting spermatic duct reveals that Aqp0a, -1aa, -4a, -7 and -10b are expressed in the monolayered luminal epithelium, Aqp8b and -9b in smooth muscle fibers, and Aqp1ab and -3a in different interstitial lamina cells. In the epithelial cells, Aqp0a and -1aa are localized in the short apical microvilli, and Aqp4a and -10b show apical and basolateral staining, whereas Aqp7 is solely detected in vesicular compartments. Upon spermiation, an elongation of the epithelial cells sterocilia, as well as the folding of the epithelium, is observed. At this stage, single- and double-immunostaining, using two aquaporin paralogs or the Na+ /K+ -ATPase membrane marker, indicate that Aqp1ab, -3a, -7, -8bb and -9b staining remains unchanged, whereas in epithelial cells Aqp1aa translation is supressed, Aqp4a internalizes, and Aqp0a and -10b accumulate in the apical, lateral and basal plasma membrane. These findings uncover a cell type- and region-specific distribution of multiple aquaporins in the piscine spermatic duct, which shares conserved features of the mammalian system. The data therefore suggest that aquaporins may play different roles in the regulation of fluid homeostasis and sperm maturation in the male reproductive tract of fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Chauvigné
- Group of Comparative Molecular Physiology, IRTA-Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Janmejay Parhi
- Fish Genetics and Reproduction Department, College of Fisheries, Central Agricultural University, Lembucherra, Tripura, India
| | - Carla Ducat
- Group of Comparative Molecular Physiology, IRTA-Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judith Ollé
- Group of Comparative Molecular Physiology, IRTA-Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roderick Nigel Finn
- Group of Comparative Molecular Physiology, IRTA-Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biological Sciences, Bergen High Technology Centre, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Joan Cerdà
- Group of Comparative Molecular Physiology, IRTA-Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
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22
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Leite GAA, Sanabria M, Cavariani MM, Anselmo-Franci JA, Pinheiro PFF, Domeniconi RF, Kempinas WDG. Lower sperm quality and testicular and epididymal structural impairment in adult rats exposed to rosuvastatin during prepuberty. J Appl Toxicol 2018; 38:914-929. [DOI: 10.1002/jat.3599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 12/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Adan Araújo Leite
- Department of Morphology; São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Biosciences; Botucatu Brazil
| | - Marciana Sanabria
- Department of Morphology; São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Biosciences; Botucatu Brazil
| | - Marilia Martins Cavariani
- Department of Morphology; São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Biosciences; Botucatu Brazil
| | - Janete Aparecida Anselmo-Franci
- Department of Morphology, Stomatology and Physiology, School of Dentistry; USP - University of São Paulo; Ribeirão Preto São Paulo Brazil
| | | | - Raquel Fantin Domeniconi
- Department of Anatomy; São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Biosciences; Botucatu Brazil
| | - Wilma De Grava Kempinas
- Department of Morphology; São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Biosciences; Botucatu Brazil
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23
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Menezes TP, Hill E, de Alencar Moura A, Lobo MDP, Monteiro-Moreira ACO, Breton S, Machado-Neves M. Pattern of protein expression in the epididymis of Oligoryzomys nigripes (Cricetidae, Sigmodontinae). Cell Tissue Res 2017; 372:135-147. [PMID: 29119327 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-017-2714-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In the epididymis, epithelial cells work in a concerted manner to create a luminal environment for sperm maturation, transport, and storage. However, the cell functions may be affected by anthropogenic factors, causing negative impacts on male fertility. In our study, we describe the pattern of protein expression in the epithelium and luminal fluid from epididymis of Oligoryzomys nigripes, a South American sigmodontine rodent whose reproductive biology has been little studied. Nine animals were captured from a preserved area of Atlantic Forest, where the exposure to anthropogenic influences is minimal. Epididymides were processed for histological analysis under light and epifluorescence microscopy, in which we used cell-specific markers aquaporin 9 (AQP9), vacuolar H+-ATPase (V-ATPase), and cytokeratin 5 (KRT5). Other samples were assessed for protein expression using shotgun proteomics. Similar to laboratory rodents, principal cells expressed AQP9 in their stereocilia. Basal cells, identified by KRT5 labeling, presented lateral body projections and a few axiopodia going toward the lumen. Clear cells expressed V-ATPase in their sub-apical vesicles and microplicae, and showed different shapes along the duct. Shotgun proteomics detected 51 proteins from epididymal supernatant. Most of them have been previously described in other species, indicating that they are well conserved. Twenty-three proteins detected in O. nigripes have not been described in epididymis from other South American sigmodontine rodents, confirming that the secretion pattern is species-specific. Our findings in O. nigripes from a protected area may help to create a baseline for studies investigating the effects of anthropogenic factors on functionality of the epididymal epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Prata Menezes
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Eric Hill
- Center for Systems Biology/Program in Membrane Biology/Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.,Micro Video Instruments, Inc, Avon, MA, 02322, USA
| | | | - Marina D P Lobo
- Laboratory of Proteomics, School of Pharmacy, University of Fortaleza, Ceará, CE, 60811-905, Brazil
| | | | - Sylvie Breton
- Center for Systems Biology/Program in Membrane Biology/Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Mariana Machado-Neves
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil.
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24
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Yeste M, Morató R, Rodríguez-Gil JE, Bonet S, Prieto-Martínez N. Aquaporins in the male reproductive tract and sperm: Functional implications and cryobiology. Reprod Domest Anim 2017; 52 Suppl 4:12-27. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.13082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm); Unit of Cell Biology; Department of Biology; Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology; Faculty of Sciences; University of Girona; Girona Spain
| | - R Morató
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm); Unit of Cell Biology; Department of Biology; Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology; Faculty of Sciences; University of Girona; Girona Spain
- Unit of Animal Reproduction; Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Autonomous University of Barcelona; Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès) Barcelona Spain
| | - JE Rodríguez-Gil
- Unit of Animal Reproduction; Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Autonomous University of Barcelona; Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès) Barcelona Spain
| | - S Bonet
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm); Unit of Cell Biology; Department of Biology; Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology; Faculty of Sciences; University of Girona; Girona Spain
| | - N Prieto-Martínez
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm); Unit of Cell Biology; Department of Biology; Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology; Faculty of Sciences; University of Girona; Girona Spain
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25
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Schimming BC, Baumam CAE, Pinheiro PFF, de Matteis R, Domeniconi RF. Aquaporin 9 is expressed in the epididymis of immature and mature pigs. Reprod Domest Anim 2017; 52:617-624. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- BC Schimming
- Department of Anatomy; Institute of Biosciences; São Paulo State University (UNESP); Botucatu SP Brazil
| | - CAE Baumam
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science; São Paulo State University (UNESP); Botucatu SP Brazil
| | - PFF Pinheiro
- Department of Anatomy; Institute of Biosciences; São Paulo State University (UNESP); Botucatu SP Brazil
| | - R de Matteis
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science; São Paulo State University (UNESP); Botucatu SP Brazil
| | - RF Domeniconi
- Department of Anatomy; Institute of Biosciences; São Paulo State University (UNESP); Botucatu SP Brazil
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26
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Breton S, Ruan YC, Park YJ, Kim B. Regulation of epithelial function, differentiation, and remodeling in the epididymis. Asian J Androl 2016; 18:3-9. [PMID: 26585699 PMCID: PMC4736353 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.165946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The epididymis is a single convoluted tubule lined by a pseudostratified epithelium. Specialized epididymal epithelial cells, the so-called principal, basal, narrow, and clear cells, establish a unique luminal environment for the maturation and storage of spermatozoa. The epididymis is functionally and structurally divided into several segments and sub-segments that create regionally distinct luminal environments. This organ is immature at birth, and epithelial cells acquire their fully differentiated phenotype during an extended postnatal period, but the factors involved in this complex process remain incompletely characterized. In the adult epididymis, the establishment of an acidic luminal pH and low bicarbonate concentration in the epididymis contributes to preventing premature activation of spermatozoa during their maturation and storage. Clear cells are proton-secreting cells throughout the epididymis, but principal cells have distinct acid/base transport properties, depending on their localization within the epididymis. Basal cells are located in all epididymal segments, but they have a distinct morphology depending on the segment and species examined. How this structural plasticity of basal cells is regulated is discussed here. Also, the role of luminal factors and androgens in the regulation of epithelial cells is reviewed in relation to their respective localization in the proximal versus distal regions of the epididymis. Finally, we describe a novel role for CFTR in tubulogenesis and epithelial cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Breton
- Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology/Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114 and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA,
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27
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Lu Y, Chen L, Zhao B, Xiao Z, Meng T, Zhou Q, Zhang W. Urine AQP5 is a potential novel biomarker of diabetic nephropathy. J Diabetes Complications 2016; 30:819-25. [PMID: 27103565 PMCID: PMC5715662 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2016.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate if urinary AQP5 serves as a new potential biomarker of diabetic nephropathy. METHODS Using an AQP5-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we measured serum and urine AQP5 first in a cohort consisting of normal controls (n=26) and patients with diabetes mellitus (n=25) or diabetic nephropathy (n=33) and then in a validation cohort possessing normal controls (n=10), patients with diabetes mellitus (n=10) or diabetic nephropathy (n=14), and patients with chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (n=10). We used various statistical methods including Pearson's correlation coefficient, ANOVA with Holm-Sidak test, Receiver Operator Curve, and multiple logistic regression to analyze the data. RESULTS Urine AQP5/creatinine 1) is significantly higher in diabetic nephropathy than in other two groups, and in diabetic nephropathy stage V than in stage III; 2) correlates with serum creatinine, urine albumin, and multiple other known risk factors of the disease; and 3) improves the clinical models in distinguishing diabetic nephropathy from normal controls and diabetic mellitus. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that urine AQP5/creatinine may possess diagnostic and prognostic values as a biomarker of diabetic nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyang Lu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China.
| | - Lihe Chen
- Epithelial Systems Biology Laboratory, Systems Biology Center, NHLBI, Bethesda, MD 20892-1603, USA
| | - Binhong Zhao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory medicine, The University of Texas, Medical School at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Zhou Xiao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China
| | - Ting Meng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China
| | - Qiaoling Zhou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China
| | - Wenzheng Zhang
- Albany Medical College, MC-165, 47 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, New York 12208.
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28
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Arrighi S, Bosi G, Accogli G, Desantis S. Seasonal and Ageing-Depending Changes of Aquaporins 1 and 9 Expression in the Genital Tract of Buffalo Bulls (Bubalus bubalis). Reprod Domest Anim 2016; 51:515-23. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Arrighi
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety (VESPA); Laboratory of Anatomy; Università degli Studi di Milano; Milano Italy
| | - G. Bosi
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety (VESPA); Laboratory of Anatomy; Università degli Studi di Milano; Milano Italy
| | - G. Accogli
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO); Veterinary Clinics and Animal Productions Section; University of Bari “Aldo Moro”; Bari Italy
| | - S. Desantis
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO); Veterinary Clinics and Animal Productions Section; University of Bari “Aldo Moro”; Bari Italy
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29
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Chauvigné F, Fjelldal PG, Cerdà J, Finn RN. Auto-Adhesion Potential of Extraocular Aqp0 during Teleost Development. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0154592. [PMID: 27153052 PMCID: PMC4859563 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
AQP0 water channels are the most abundant proteins expressed in the mammalian lens fiber membranes where they are essential for lens development and transparency. Unlike other aquaporin paralogs, mammalian AQP0 has a low intrinsic water permeability, but can form cell-to-cell junctions between the lens fibers. It is not known whether the adhesive properties of AQP0 is a derived feature found only in mammals, or exists as a conserved ancestral trait in non-mammalian vertebrates. Here we show that a tetraploid teleost, the Atlantic salmon, expresses four Aqp0 paralogs in the developing lens, but also expresses significant levels of aqp0 mRNAs and proteins in the epithelia of the pronephros, presumptive enterocytes, gill filament and epidermis. Quantitative PCR reveals that aqp0 mRNA titres increase by three orders of magnitude between the onset of somitogenesis and pigmentation of the eye. Using in situ hybridization and specific antisera, we show that at least two of the channels (Aqp0a1, -0b1 and/or -0b2) are localized in the extraocular basolateral and apical membranes, while Aqp0a2 is lens-specific. Heterologous expression of the Aqp0 paralogs in adhesion-deficient mouse fibolast L-cells reveals that, as for human AQP0, each intact salmon channel retains cell-to-cell adhesive properties. The strongest Aqp0 interactions are auto-adhesion, suggesting that homo-octamers likely form the intercellular junctions of the developing lens and epithelial tissues. The present data are thus the first to show the adhesion potential of Aqp0 channels in a non-mammalian vertebrate, and further uncover a novel extraocular role of the channels during vertebrate development.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Chauvigné
- Department of Biology, Bergen High Technology Centre, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
- Institute of Marine Research, Nordnes, 5817 Bergen, Norway
- * E-mail: (RNF); (FC)
| | | | - Joan Cerdà
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA)-Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roderick Nigel Finn
- Department of Biology, Bergen High Technology Centre, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
- Institute of Marine Research, Nordnes, 5817 Bergen, Norway
- * E-mail: (RNF); (FC)
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30
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Mandon M, Hermo L, Cyr DG. Isolated Rat Epididymal Basal Cells Share Common Properties with Adult Stem Cells. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:115. [PMID: 26400399 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.133967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
There is little information on the function of epididymal basal cells. These cells secrete prostaglandins, can metabolize radical oxygen species, and have apical projections that are components of the blood-epididymis barrier. The objective of this study was to develop a reproducible protocol to isolate rat epididymal basal cells and to characterize their function by gene expression profiling. Integrin-alpha6 was used to isolate a highly purified population of basal cells. Microarray analysis indicated that expression levels of 552 genes were enriched in basal cells relative to other cell types. Among these genes, 45 were expressed at levels of 5-fold or greater. These highly expressed genes coded for proteins implicated in cell adhesion, cytoskeletal function, ion transport, cellular signaling, and epidermal function, and included proteases and antiproteases, signal transduction, and transcription factors. Several highly expressed genes have been reported in adult stem cells, suggesting that basal cells may represent an epididymal stem cell population. A basal cell culture was established that showed that these basal cells can differentiate in vitro from keratin (KRT) 5-positive cells to cells that express KRT8 and connexin 26, a marker of columnar cells. These data provide novel information on epididymal basal cell gene expression and suggest that these cells can act as adult stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Mandon
- Laboratory for Reproductive Toxicology, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique-Institut Armand-Frappier, Université du Québec, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Louis Hermo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Daniel G Cyr
- Laboratory for Reproductive Toxicology, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique-Institut Armand-Frappier, Université du Québec, Laval, Quebec, Canada Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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31
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Boj M, Chauvigné F, Cerdà J. Aquaporin biology of spermatogenesis and sperm physiology in mammals and teleosts. THE BIOLOGICAL BULLETIN 2015; 229:93-108. [PMID: 26338872 DOI: 10.1086/bblv229n1p93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Fluid homeostasis is recognized as a critical factor during the development, maturation, and function of vertebrate male germ cells. These processes have been associated with the presence of multiple members of the aquaporin superfamily of water and solute channels in different cell types along the reproductive tract as well as in spermatozoa. We present a comparative analysis of the existing knowledge of aquaporin biology in the male reproductive tissues of mammals and teleosts. Current data suggest that in both vertebrate groups, aquaporins may have similar functions during differentiation of spermatozoa in the germinal epithelium, in the concentration and maturation of sperm in the testicular ducts, and in the regulation of osmotically induced volume changes in ejaculated spermatozoa. Recent studies have also provided insight into the possible function of aquaporins beyond water transport, such as in signaling pathways during spermatogenesis or the sensing of cell swelling and mitochondrial peroxide transport in activated sperm. However, an understanding of the specific physiological functions of the various aquaporins during germ cell development and sperm motility, as well as the molecular mechanisms involved, remains elusive. Novel experimental approaches need to be developed to elucidate these processes and to dissect the regulatory intracellular pathways implicated, which will greatly help to uncover the molecular basis of sperm physiology and male fertility in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Boj
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA)-Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; and
| | - François Chauvigné
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA)-Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; and Department of Biology, Bergen High Technology Centre, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Joan Cerdà
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA)-Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; and
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32
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Schimming BC, Pinheiro PFF, de Matteis R, Machado CM, Domeniconi RF. Immunolocalization of Aquaporins 1 and 9 in the Ram Efferent Ducts and Epididymis. Reprod Domest Anim 2015; 50:617-24. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 04/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- BC Schimming
- Department of Anatomy; Biosciences Institute of Botucatu; UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista; Botucatu São Paulo Brazil
| | - PFF Pinheiro
- Department of Anatomy; Biosciences Institute of Botucatu; UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista; Botucatu São Paulo Brazil
| | - R de Matteis
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science; UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista; Botucatu São Paulo Brazil
| | - CM Machado
- Department of Anatomy; Biosciences Institute of Botucatu; UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista; Botucatu São Paulo Brazil
| | - RF Domeniconi
- Department of Anatomy; Biosciences Institute of Botucatu; UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista; Botucatu São Paulo Brazil
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33
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Puggioni E, Governini L, Gori M, Belmonte G, Piomboni P, Costantino-Ceccarini E, Luddi A. Morphological and molecular characterisation of Twitcher mouse spermatogenesis: an update. Reprod Fertil Dev 2015; 28:RD14279. [PMID: 25664578 DOI: 10.1071/rd14279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 12/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex developmental program in which interactions between different cell types are finely regulated. Mouse models in which any of the sperm maturation steps are perturbed provide major insights into the molecular control of spermatogenesis. The Twitcher mouse is a model of Krabbe disease, characterised by the deficiency of galactosylceramidase, the enzyme that hydrolyses galactosylceramide and galactosylsphingosine. Galactosyl-alkyl-acyl-glycerol, a precursor of seminolipid, the most abundant glycolipid in spermatozoa, is also a substrate for galactosylceramidase. Altered sphingolipid metabolism has been suggested to be the cause of the morphological abnormalities reported previously in the spermatogenesis of Twitcher. However, given the frequency of infertility associated with neurological impairment, we hypothesised that an unbalanced hormonal profile could contribute to male infertility in this mutant. In order to clarify this issue, we investigated potential variations in the expression of hormones and hormone receptors involved in the regulation of spermatogenesis. Our data show that, in the brain of Twitcher mouse, gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH), LH and FSH gene expression is decreased, whereas expression of androgen receptor (AR) and inhibin ?A (INH?A) is increased. The changes in gene expression for the LH and FSH receptors and AR in the testes support the hypothesis that altered sphingolipid metabolism is not the only cause of Twitcher infertility.
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Jun HJ, Roy J, Smith TB, Wood LB, Lane K, Woolfenden S, Punko D, Bronson RT, Haigis KM, Breton S, Charest A. ROS1 signaling regulates epithelial differentiation in the epididymis. Endocrinology 2014; 155:3661-73. [PMID: 24971615 PMCID: PMC4138574 DOI: 10.1210/en.2014-1341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The initial segment (IS) of the epididymis plays an essential role in male fertility. The IS epithelium is undifferentiated and nonfunctional at birth. Prior to puberty, the epithelium undergoes differentiation that leads to the formation of a fully functional organ. However, the mechanistic details of this program are not well understood. To explore this further, we used genetic engineering to create a kinase dead allele of the ROS1 receptor tyrosine kinase in mice and studied the effects of ROS1 tyrosine kinase activity on the differentiation of the IS epithelium. We show that the expression and activation of ROS1 coincides with the onset of differentiation and is exclusively located in the IS of the maturing and adult mouse epididymides. Here we demonstrate that the differentiation of the IS is dependent on the kinase activity of ROS1 and its downstream effector MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signaling axis. Using genetic engineering, we show that germ line ablation of ROS1 kinase activity leads to a failure of the IS epithelium to differentiate, and as a consequence sperm maturation and infertility were dramatically perturbed. Pharmacological inhibition of ROS1 kinase activity in the developing epididymis, however, only delayed differentiation transiently and did not result in infertility. Our results demonstrate that ROS1 kinase activity and the ensuing MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signaling are necessary for the postnatal development of the IS epithelium and that a sustained ablation of ROS1 kinase activity within the critical window of terminal differentiation abrogate the function of the epididymis and leads to sterility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Jung Jun
- Molecular Oncology Research Institute (H.J.J., S.W., D.P., A.C), Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111; Center for Cancer Research (K.L., A.C.), Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139; Program in Membrane Biology and Division of Nephrology and Center for Systems Biology (J.R., T.B.S., S.B.) and Molecular Pathology Unit (L.B.W., K.M.H.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114; Department of Pathology (R.T.B), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115; and Department of Neurosurgery and Program in Genetics (A.C), Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111
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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: 3.2] [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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Starowicz A, Grzesiak M, Mobasheri A, Szoltys M. Immunolocalization of aquaporin 5 during rat ovarian follicle development and expansion of the preovulatory cumulus oophorus. Acta Histochem 2014; 116:457-65. [PMID: 24192214 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2013.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2013] [Revised: 09/19/2013] [Accepted: 09/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Immunofluorescent localization of aquaporin 5 (AQP5) was investigated in rat ovarian follicles during development and preovulatory cumulus oophorus expansion. Ampullary cumuli oophori complexes (COCs) were examined. Analysis revealed that AQP5 immunostaining appeared in preantral follicles and formed a characteristic ring encircling and touching the oolemma. The staining represented most likely AQP5 functioning at the ends of corona radiata cell projections, anchoring on the oocyte surface. However, several hours after the presumptive preovulatory LH surge, when the process of expansion of COCs started, the AQP5 staining appeared also on the cumulus granulosa cells and in the extracellular matrix. In the postovulatory ampullary COCs the fluorescent ring was not observed, which may be the result of the well-established preovulatory withdrawal of projections from the zona pellucida. At that time-point immunofluorescent staining of AQP5 appeared in most oocytes and was also present in the apical membrane of epithelial cells of the oviduct ampulla. The latter observation suggests that after ovulation AQP5 is involved in the transcellular movement of water in the oviduct ampulla and oocytes in rats.
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Xu H, Chen M, Xu Q, Wang Z, Qiu Z. Application of tension-free hernioplasty with hernia meshes of different materials and the postoperative effects on the reproductive function of male rats. Mol Med Rep 2014; 9:1968-74. [PMID: 24603965 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2014.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2013] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to compare the effects of polypropylene (PP), lightweight PP (UP) and expanded polytetrafluorethylene (e-PTFE) hernia mesh on the reproductive function of adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats following open tension-free hernioplasty. Forty adult SD rats were obtained and divided into five groups: A sham-operated (FO) group, an e-PTFE mesh group, a PP mesh group, the UP mesh group and a normal control (NC) group (without any surgical manipulation). Ninety days following open tension-free hernioplasty, hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunhistochemistry were used to observe the pathological changes of the testicular tissue and to compare the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF‑1α) in the rat testis, respectively. ELISA was used to analyze the serum concentration of antisperm antibodies (AsAbs) and routine semen testing was conducted to measure the percentage of grade a+b sperm from the epididymis. More than 50% of mesh adherence to the spermatic cord was observed in the PP and UP groups, and mild or no adhesion was observed in the NC, FO and e-PTFE groups. In the UP and PP groups, marked congestion of necrotic tissue was observed in the seminiferous tubule cavity, a significant reduction in the percentage of grade a+b sperm and a significant increase in the expression levels of AsAbs and HIF-α. It was concluded that the e-PTFE mesh exhibited a marginal effect on the reproductive function of rats compared with that of the PP and UP mesh and is more suitable for tension-free hernioplasty. The clinical significance of these results requires further elucidation with a multi-centered prospective study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical College, Xiashan, Zhanjiang 524001, P.R. China
| | - Ming Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical College, Xiashan, Zhanjiang 524001, P.R. China
| | - Qianru Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical College, Xiashan, Zhanjiang 524001, P.R. China
| | - Zhenlong Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical College, Xiashan, Zhanjiang 524001, P.R. China
| | - Zhidong Qiu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical College, Xiashan, Zhanjiang 524001, P.R. China
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Arrighi S. Are the basal cells of the mammalian epididymis still an enigma? Reprod Fertil Dev 2014; 26:1061-71. [DOI: 10.1071/rd13301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2013] [Accepted: 09/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Basal cells are present in the columnar pseudostratified epithelium covering the epididymis of all mammalian species, which regulates the microenvironment where the functionally incompetent germ cells produced by the testis are matured and stored. Striking novelties have come from investigations on epididymal basal cells in the past 30–40 years. In addition to an earlier hypothesised scavenger role for basal cells, linked to their proven extratubular origin and the expression of macrophage antigens, basal cells have been shown to be involved in cell–cell cross-talk, as well as functioning as luminal sensors to regulate the activity of principal and clear cells. Involvement of basal cells in the regulation of electrolyte and water transport by principal cells was hypothesised. This control is suggested to be mediated by the local formation of prostaglandins. Members of the aquaporin (AQP) and/or aquaglyceroporin family (AQP3, AQP7 and AQP8) are also specifically expressed in the rat epididymal basal cells. Transport of glycerol and glycerylphosphorylcholine from the epithelium of the epididymis to the lumen in relation to sperm maturation may be mediated by AQP. Most probably basal cells collaborate to the building up of the blood–epididymis barrier through cell adhesion molecules, implying an involvement in immune control exerted towards sperm cells, which are foreigners in the environment in which they were produced.
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Shum WWC, Hill E, Brown D, Breton S. Plasticity of basal cells during postnatal development in the rat epididymis. Reproduction 2013; 146:455-69. [PMID: 23960170 DOI: 10.1530/rep-12-0510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Our previous study has shown that basal cells sense luminal factors by forming a narrow body projection that can cross epithelial tight junctions. As a first step toward characterizing the structural plasticity of basal cells, in this study, we followed their appearance and morphology in the rat epididymis and vas deferens (VD) during postnatal development and examined their modulation by androgens in adulthood. Immunofluorescence labeling for cytokeratin 5 showed that basal cells are absent at birth. They progressively appear in a retrograde manner from the VD and cauda epididymis to the initial segments during the postnatal weeks PNW1-3. At the onset of differentiation, basal cells are in contact with the lumen and their nucleus is located at the same level as that of adjacent epithelial cells. Basal cells then position their nucleus to the base of the epithelium, and while some are still in contact with the lumen, others have a 'dome-shaped' appearance. At PNW5-6, basal cells form a loose network at the base of the epithelium, and luminal-reaching basal cells are rarely detected. The arrival of spermatozoa during PNW7-8 did not trigger the development of projections in basal cells. However, cells with a narrow luminal-reaching projection began to reappear between PNW8 and PNW12 in the corpus and the cauda. Treatment with flutamide from PNW10 to PNW12 significantly reduced the number of luminal-reaching basal cell projections. In summary, basal cells exhibit significant structural plasticity during differentiation. Fewer apical-reaching projections were detected after flutamide treatment in adulthood, indicating the role of androgens in the luminal-sensing function of basal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winnie W C Shum
- Program in Membrane Biology and Nephrology Division, Harvard Medical School, Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge Street Simches Research Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
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Arrighi S, Aralla M. Immunolocalization of Aquaporin Water Channels in the Domestic Cat Male Genital Tract. Reprod Domest Anim 2013; 49:17-26. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2013] [Accepted: 06/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S Arrighi
- Laboratory of Anatomy Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety Università degli Studi di Milano Milano Italy
| | - M Aralla
- Laboratory of Anatomy Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety Università degli Studi di Milano Milano Italy
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Oliveira RL, Campolina-Silva GH, Nogueira JC, Mahecha GAB, Oliveira CA. Differential expression and seasonal variation on aquaporins 1 and 9 in the male genital system of big fruit-eating bat Artibeus lituratus. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2013; 186:116-25. [PMID: 23510858 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.02.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2012] [Revised: 02/22/2013] [Accepted: 02/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Efferent ductules and epididymis are involved in water and solute transport, which is indispensable for storage and maintenance of the sperm viability. The reabsorption process involves proteins such as aquaporins (AQP), which has been described in the male genital system of limited species, including primate, rodents, cats and dogs. To contribute with information about AQPs in the male system, here we investigated the distribution of AQP1 and AQP9 in the tropical bat Artibeus lituratus, along the annual reproductive cycle. A. lituratus is a seasonal breeder with natural variation in components of the androgen and estrogen responsive system, thus being a good model for exploring the AQPs modulation. AQP1 was found restricted to differentiating spermatids, efferent ductules epithelium and venular endothelia along the male tract. AQP9 was detected throughout the epididymis being more abundant in the cauda and ductus deferens, but was not found in testis, rete testis and efferent ductules. Contrasting with AQP1 which appear to be constitutively expressed, there was seasonal variation in AQP9 expression, which was reduced in regressed epididymis. The AQP9 does not appear to be modulated by estradiol or androgens, but possibly by other factor related to luminal sperm. The establishment of specific function for aquaporins in the male tract remains undetermined; however, the cellular distribution presently found are compatible with the main function of AQP1, as a selective water channel, and AQP9, which is a conduct for water and a plethora of neutral solutes present in the epididymis milieu such as glycerol and urea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regiana L Oliveira
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Cx. Postal 486, CEP 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Klein C, Troedsson M, Rutllant J. Region-Specific Expression of Aquaporin Subtypes in Equine Testis, Epididymis, and Ductus Deferens. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2013; 296:1115-26. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.22709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2012] [Accepted: 03/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. Klein
- College of Veterinary Medicine; University of Calgary; Calgary Alberta T2N 4Z6 Canada
| | - M.H.T. Troedsson
- Department of Veterinary Science, MH Gluck Equine Research Center; 108 Gluck Equine Research Center Lexington Kentucky
| | - J. Rutllant
- College of Veterinary Medicine; Western University of Health Sciences; 309 East Second Street Pomona California
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Functions of water channels in male and female reproductive systems. Mol Aspects Med 2012; 33:676-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2012.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2011] [Revised: 01/31/2012] [Accepted: 02/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Teixeira GR, Chuffa LGA, Martins OA, Kremer R, Pinheiro PFF, de Mello Júnior W, Martinez M, Martinez FE, Domeniconi RF. The expression of aquaporins 1 and 9 in adult rat epididymis is perturbed by chronic exposure to ethanol. Tissue Cell 2012; 44:47-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2011.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2011] [Revised: 10/31/2011] [Accepted: 11/03/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Da Silva N, Cortez-Retamozo V, Reinecker HC, Wildgruber M, Hill E, Brown D, Swirski FK, Pittet MJ, Breton S. A dense network of dendritic cells populates the murine epididymis. Reproduction 2011; 141:653-63. [PMID: 21310816 DOI: 10.1530/rep-10-0493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
One of the most intriguing aspects of male reproductive physiology is the ability to generate spermatogenic cells - which are 'foreign' to the host - without triggering immune activation. After leaving the testis, spermatozoa enter the epididymis where they mature and are stored. In this study, we report a previously unrecognized dense network of dendritic cells (DCs) located at the base of the epididymal epithelium. This network was detected in transgenic mice expressing CD11c-EYFP and CX3CR1-GFP reporters. Epididymal DCs (eDCs) establish intimate interactions with the epithelium and project long dendrites between epithelial cells toward the lumen. We show that isolated eDCs express numerous leukocyte markers described previously in other organs that are in contact with the external environment, and present and cross-present ovalbumin to T cells in vitro. eDCs are, therefore, strategically positioned to regulate the complex interplay between immune tolerance and activation, a balance that is fundamental to male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Da Silva
- Program in Membrane Biology and Division of Nephrology, Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 185 Cambridge Street, CPZN 8.206, Boston, Massachusetts 02114-2790, USA.
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Arrighi S, Aralla M, Genovese P, Picabea N, Bielli A. Undernutrition during foetal to prepubertal life affects aquaporin 9 but not aquaporins 1 and 2 expression in the male genital tract of adult rats. Theriogenology 2010; 74:1661-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.06.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2010] [Revised: 06/23/2010] [Accepted: 06/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Bouley R, Lu HAJ, Nunes P, Da Silva N, McLaughlin M, Chen Y, Brown D. Calcitonin has a vasopressin-like effect on aquaporin-2 trafficking and urinary concentration. J Am Soc Nephrol 2010; 22:59-72. [PMID: 21071524 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2009121267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The most common cause of hereditary nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is a nonfunctional vasopressin (VP) receptor type 2 (V2R). Calcitonin, another ligand of G-protein-coupled receptors, has a VP-like effect on electrolytes and water reabsorption, suggesting that it may affect AQP2 trafficking. Here, calcitonin increased intracellular cAMP and stimulated the membrane accumulation of AQP2 in LLC-PK1 cells. Pharmacologic inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA) and deficiency of a critical PKA phosphorylation site on AQP2 both prevented calcitonin-induced membrane accumulation of AQP2. Fluorescence assays showed that calcitonin led to a 70% increase in exocytosis and a 20% decrease in endocytosis of AQP2. Immunostaining of rat kidney slices demonstrated that calcitonin induced a significant redistribution of AQP2 to the apical membrane of principal cells in cortical collecting ducts and connecting segments but not in the inner stripe or inner medulla. Calcitonin-treated VP-deficient Brattleboro rats had a reduced urine flow and two-fold higher urine osmolality during the first 12 hours of treatment compared with control groups. Although this VP-like effect of calcitonin diminished over the following 72 hours, the tachyphylaxis was reversible. Taken together, these data show that calcitonin induces cAMP-dependent AQP2 trafficking in cortical collecting and connecting tubules in parallel with an increase in urine concentration. This suggests that calcitonin has a potential therapeutic use in nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Bouley
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology and Division of Nephrology, Simches Research Center, Room 8202, 185 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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Zhuang Z, Marshansky V, Breton S, Brown D. Is caveolin involved in normal proximal tubule function? Presence in model PT systems but absence in situ. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2010; 300:F199-206. [PMID: 20980408 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00513.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Kidney proximal tubule (PT) cells are specialized for the uptake and transport of ions, solutes, peptides, and proteins. These functions are often regulated by hormones that signal at the cell surface and are internalized by clathrin-mediated endocytosis. However, the caveolin/caveolae pathway has also been implicated in normal PT function, often based on data from isolated PTs or PT cells in culture. Although we reported previously that caveolae and caveolin 1 are not detectable in PTs in vivo, reports of caveolin expression and function in PT cells appear periodically in the literature. Therefore, we reexamined caveolin expression in PTs in vivo, in isolated "purified" PTs following collagenase digestion, and in cultured PT cells. Caveolin 1 and 2 protein, mRNA, or immunofluorescence was undetectable in PTs in vivo, but PT cell cultures expressed caveolin 1 and/or 2. Furthermore, caveolin 1 and 2 mRNAs were detected in isolated PTs along with the endothelial markers CD31 and ICAM1. In contrast, no caveolin or endothelial marker mRNAs were detectable in samples isolated from snap-frozen kidneys by laser cut microdissection, which eliminates contamination by other cell types. We conclude 1) caveolin 1 and 2 are not normally expressed by PT cells in situ, 2) caveolin expression is "activated" in cultured PT cells, 3) contamination with non-PT, caveolin-expressing cells is a potential source of caveolin 1 and 2 that must be taken into account when isolated PTs are used in studies to correlate expression of these proteins with PT function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenjie Zhuang
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Center for Systems Biology, Simches Research Bldg., Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 185 Cambridge St., CPZN 8150, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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Belleannée C, Da Silva N, Shum WWC, Brown D, Breton S. Role of purinergic signaling pathways in V-ATPase recruitment to apical membrane of acidifying epididymal clear cells. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2010; 298:C817-30. [PMID: 20071692 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00460.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular purinergic agonists regulate a broad range of physiological functions via P1 and P2 receptors. Using the epididymis as a model system in which luminal acidification is essential for sperm maturation and storage, we show here that extracellular ATP and its hydrolysis product adenosine trigger the apical accumulation of vacuolar H(+)-ATPase (V-ATPase) in acidifying clear cells. We demonstrate that the epididymis can hydrolyze luminal ATP into other purinergic agonists such as ADP via the activity of nucleotidases located in the epididymal fluid and in the apical membrane of epithelial cells. Alkaline phosphatase activity and abundant ecto-5'-nucleotidase protein were detected in the apical pole of principal cells. In addition, we show that nine nucleotidase genes (Nt5e, Alpl, Alpp, Enpp1, 2, and 3, and Entpd 2, 4, and 5), seven ATP P2 receptor genes (P2X1, P2X2, P2X3, P2X4, P2X6, P2Y2, P2Y5), and three adenosine P1 receptor genes (A1, A2B, and A3) are expressed in epithelial cells isolated by laser cut microdissection (LCM). The calcium chelator BAPTA-AM abolished the apical V-ATPase accumulation induced by ATP, supporting the contribution of P2X or P2Y in this response. The PKA inhibitor myristoylated protein kinase inhibitor (mPKI) inhibited adenosine-dependent V-ATPase apical accumulation, indicating the participation of the P1 A2B receptor. Altogether, these results suggest that the activation of P1 and P2 purinergic receptors by ATP and adenosine might play a significant role in luminal acidification in the epididymis, a process that is crucial for the establishment of male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Belleannée
- Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology/Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
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50
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Pastor-Soler NM, Fisher JS, Sharpe R, Hill E, Van Hoek A, Brown D, Breton S. Aquaporin 9 expression in the developing rat epididymis is modulated by steroid hormones. Reproduction 2009; 139:613-21. [PMID: 19948840 DOI: 10.1530/rep-09-0284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Fluid and solute transport across the epithelium of the male excurrent duct is important for sperm maturation and storage. Aquaporin 9 (AQP9), which allows permeation of water and neutral solutes, is abundant throughout the male reproductive tract, where it is expressed at the apical membrane of rat epididymal principal cells as early as at 1 week of age. We evaluated the effect of neonatal exposure to: 1) a GNRH antagonist (GNRHa); 2) diethylstilbestrol (DES); 3) ethinyl estradiol (EE); 4) DES plus testosterone (DES+TE); and 5) the anti-androgen flutamide on AQP9 expression in the epididymis of peripubertal rats. Control groups received the vehicle alone. In 25-day-old rats, quantification of the mean pixel intensity of immunofluorescence-stained sections showed a significant decrease in AQP9 staining in the apical membrane of epididymal principal cells after treatments with GNRHa, DES, or flutamide, compared to controls. These results were confirmed by western blotting. While EE induced a marked decrease in AQP9 levels by western blotting, the decrease in AQP9-associated fluorescence was not significant compared to controls. DES+TE-treated rats showed levels of AQP9 protein similar to controls, indicating maintenance of AQP9 expression by testosterone treatment in the presence of DES. Our data show that expression of AQP9 in the developing rat epididymis is downregulated by neonatal DES, GNRHa, EE, and flutamide, and that the effects mediated by estrogens can be prevented by testosterone administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Núria M Pastor-Soler
- Program in Membrane Biology and Nephrology Division, Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
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