性激素受体在子午岭黑山羊隐睾及正常睾丸中的分布比较

旨在研究性激素受体[雄激素受体（androgen receptor,AR）、雌激素受体（estrogen receptor,ER）]在子午岭黑山羊正常睾丸与隐睾组织中的分布与隐睾症的关系,应用免疫组织化学及免疫荧光技术方法结合形态计量学统计软件,比较了正常睾丸与隐睾的组织化学特点。特殊染色结果显示：与正常组相比,隐睾组间质组织疏松,管腔面积明显减小,糖原含量明显减少,胶原纤维及网状纤维含量增多。免疫组化及免疫荧光结果显示：1） AR在正常睾丸组Leydig细胞呈高密度强阳性表达,在各级生精细胞呈中等强度阳性表达,隐睾组中Leydig细胞及各级生精细胞表达明显减弱,且在精原细胞偶见表达;2） ER在正常睾丸Leydig细胞呈高密度强阳性表达,管周肌样细胞呈中等强度阳性表达,Sertoli细胞偶见表达,各级生精细胞无表达;3） ER在隐睾Leydig细胞、初级精母细胞、精原细胞和Sertoli细胞中均呈中等强度阳性表达;4）统计结果显示,隐睾组AR的平均光密度较正常组显著降低（P<0.05）,而ER的平均光密度则显著高于正常组（P<0.01）,且隐睾组AR与ER表达量比值基本接近1：1。子午岭黑山羊隐睾组织胶原纤维和网状纤维分布较正常睾丸多,生精小管基膜主要成分以中性糖蛋白为主,酸性糖蛋白含量明显降低影响精子的正常形成;隐睾组织精原细胞及Sertoli细胞ER与AR表达失常尤为明显,可为哺乳动物隐睾的相关研究提供一定参考。     

FGF22及其受体在庆阳黑山羊正常睾丸与隐睾中的表达比较

试验旨在研究成纤维生长因子22（fibroblast growth factor 22,FGF22）及其受体2（fibroblast growth factor receptor 2,FGFR2）、硫酸乙酰肝素糖蛋白（heparan sulfate proteoglycans,HSPG）在庆阳黑山羊正常睾丸与隐睾中的分布与表达,探究其在山羊睾丸发育和隐睾形成中的作用。采用HE和特殊染色观察其组织学结构特征,进而以免疫组织化学及免疫荧光法结合形态计量学统计研究FGF22、FGFR2和HSPG在山羊正常睾丸及隐睾中的定位。结果表明,山羊隐睾较正常睾丸生精小管缩窄,腔内各级生精细胞排列紊乱,间质的胶原纤维和网状纤维增多,糖原类物质阳性反应较弱,FGF22在隐睾组织的Leydig、Sertoli细胞、管周肌样细胞及血管内皮细胞整体表达密度相较于正常睾丸显著减弱（P<0.05）。HSPG在正常睾丸表达显著强于隐睾（P<0.05）,间质组织变化尤其明显。FGFR2在隐睾组表达显著增高（P<0.05）,且以Sertoli细胞强阳性表达为主。庆阳黑山羊隐睾较正常睾丸发育异常,间质组织有纤维化趋势,糖原类物质含量减少;FGF22及HSPG表达降低应与隐睾局部环境温度变化密切相关;FGFR2在隐睾组表达增高提示其在发生隐睾时可能通过Sertoli细胞进行适应性调节。     

老龄哈多利系博美犬睾丸组织结构分析

为比较哈多利系博美犬老龄与青年阶段睾丸的组织结构差异及相关蛋白分布特征，探索博美犬不同年龄阶段睾丸组织结构变化及其对生殖功能的影响，本试验应用特殊染色、免疫组织化学法结合免疫荧光观察比较青年与老龄博美犬睾丸组织化学特点，并用IPP图像分析软件进行定量分析。结果显示，与青年博美犬相比，老龄博美犬生精上皮层数与厚度降低，Leydig细胞数及Sertoli细胞数显著增加（P<0.05），生精小管基底膜及血管管壁层胶原纤维与网状纤维含量明显增加。免疫组织化学结果显示，老龄博美犬睾丸细胞外基质（exreacellular matrix，ECM）相关蛋白Ⅳ型胶原（collage，Col Ⅳ）、硫酸乙酰肝素蛋白多糖（heparan sulfate proteoglycan，HSPG）含量极显著低于青年博美犬（P<0.01），层黏连蛋白（laminin，LN）含量显著低于青年博美犬（P<0.05）。免疫荧光结果显示，Col Ⅳ、HSPG和LN主要在Leydig细胞及Sertoli细胞强表达。因此，老龄博美犬胶原纤维与网状纤维含量增加，Leydig细胞数及Sertoli细胞数增多可能与其生精功能的维持相关，其生精功能的下降与Col Ⅳ和HSPG的变化密切相关。     

老龄牦牛睾丸细胞外基质相关蛋白的分布特征

探索细胞外基质相关蛋白在老龄牦牛睾丸的分布特征。应用组织化学方法比较、观察9头健康老龄牦牛和10头青年牦牛睾丸组织结构特点及层黏连蛋白(LN)、Ⅳ型胶原(ColⅣ)和硫酸乙酰肝素糖蛋白(HSPG)的分布特征。结果显示:光镜下,老龄牦牛生精上皮部分或完全退化,生精小管固有膜及间质胶原纤维及网状纤维较青年牦牛丰富;老龄睾丸间质血管及生精小管固有膜中AB-PAS阳性反应较青年牦牛增强。数据统计表明,老龄牦牛Sertoli细胞及Leydig细胞数均明显减少,生精小管横截面积以及平均间质组织面积极显著大于青年牦牛(P0.01)。免疫组织化学显示,LN在老龄牦牛睾丸Sertoli细胞和肌样细胞表达与青年牦牛相近,LN在生精细胞表达降低,而在Leydig细胞几乎无表达;ColⅣ在不同年龄牦牛睾丸组织表达位置及强弱相似,但其平均吸光度检测结果无统计学差异;老龄牦牛睾丸组织HSPG主要在Leydig细胞表达降低,平均吸光度检测统计极显著低于青年牦牛(P0.01);同一年龄段LN、ColⅣ和HSPG表达无明显差异。高原环境中,老龄牦牛生精上皮退化伴随着间质成分增加、间质面积增大、Leydig细胞及Sertoli细胞数量减少等形态学变化;睾丸组织ColⅣ分泌增加且胶原纤维合成增强,LN和HSPG的显著降低可能影响Leydig细胞合成分泌能力。     

不同月龄高原型藏绵羊睾丸组织中蛋白基因产物9.5和神经肽Y的分布比较

旨在比较蛋白基因产物9.5(PGP9.5)和神经肽Y(NPY)在不同发育时期藏绵羊睾丸的组织分布特征,探索其对藏绵羊睾丸发育及生殖机能调节的相关作用。采用睾丸摘除手术收集0.5、2、5、8、12及18月龄藏绵羊睾丸,应用免疫组织化学SP法及IPP图像分析技术研究PGP9.5和NPY的分布特征。PGP9.5和NPY在0.5月龄藏绵羊睾丸组织表达量较低,生殖母细胞中基本无表达,但2月龄时,PGP9.5表达量增加极显著(P0.01),且同年龄段PGP9.5表达量均极显著高于NPY(P0.01),至18月龄时,PGP9.5和NPY表达量明显升高,且与0.5月龄相比差异极显著(P0.01),二者在12月龄及以后初级精母细胞中表达均为阴性。PGP9.5在Sertoli细胞阳性信号随睾丸发育随年龄增加逐渐降低,至18月龄时基本无表达,其在各年龄段Leydig细胞及其周围血管壁呈阳性表达。NPY在Leydig细胞的阳性信号较弱,2月龄及以后各发育阶段睾丸Sertoli细胞中均为阳性表达,在血管壁的表达亦随年龄增加而增强。高原缺氧环境中,不同月龄高原型藏绵羊睾丸组织中PGP9.5和NPY的表达差异与Sertoli细胞发育及精子发生调控关系密切;PGP9.5在Leydig细胞强阳性,表明其与激素合成分泌相关,NPY表达随着月龄而增强,有利于加强睾丸血管舒缩以适应对低氧的调节,或在局部血液循环与Sertoli细胞之间物质传递发挥作用。     

高原牦牛隐睾组织结构特征

观察成年牦牛隐睾的组织结构特点,分析高原环境对其生殖微环境的影响。应用HE、Masson’s、Gomori’s特殊染色以及免疫组织化学方法和透射电镜观察比较成年牦牛隐睾与单侧正常睾丸、正常睾丸组织结构特点,进而用IPP图像分析软件进行定量统计。与正常组睾丸相比,隐睾生精小管管径极显著减小(P0.01),基膜增厚,腔内生殖细胞丢失,散在少数幼稚型Sertoli细胞,胞内线粒体变性且含有大小不等的脂褐素颗粒;间质内胶原纤维增生,间质/管腔面积比极显著增大(P0.01),Leydig细胞数量减少,胞内线粒体肿胀,间质血管数量减少,管壁增厚皱缩,血管内皮细胞内含大量脂褐素颗粒;睾丸实质部分钙化。单侧正常组睾丸生精上皮细胞为3~4层,Sertoli细胞发育成熟,少见初级精母细胞及精子;间质/管腔面积比与正常睾丸无明显差异(P0.05),Leydig细胞数量较多,内质网丰富呈一定扩张状态,线粒体减少。免疫组织化学显示,VEGF及VEGFR2在隐睾组与单侧正常组、正常组睾丸均表达于Sertoli细胞、Leydig细胞及各级生精细胞,血管内皮细胞偶见表达;隐睾组VEGF表达量较正常组、单侧正常组睾丸明显下降(P0.05),VEGFR2表达量明显高于正常组与单侧正常组(P0.05);单侧正常组VEGF及VEGFR2表达量较正常组均无明显差异(P0.05)。高原低氧环境,牦牛隐睾血管发育受阻,组织出现不同程度的纤维化和局部钙化,Sertoli细胞发育异常严重影响生精功能;单侧正常睾丸Leydig细胞数量增加,而其中线粒体数量减少,发育程度较正常组织有所降低,隐睾组织中VEGF与VEGFR2可能参与调节双侧睾丸生精抑制作用。     

PGP9.5和神经肽Y在双峰驼正常睾丸和隐睾的分布比较

探讨PGP9.5和神经肽Y在双峰驼正常睾丸和隐睾的表达及在精子发生中的作用机制。采集性成熟未交配2~3岁成年双峰驼正常睾丸及隐睾,应用免疫组织化学SP法检测PGP9.5和神经肽Y在睾丸的定位,并通过图像分析技术进行定量分析。结果表明:PGP9.5在正常睾丸支持细胞、各级生精细胞和动静脉血管都有高密度阳性反应;神经肽Y在支持细胞呈中等阳性,各级生精细胞和动静脉血管呈弱阳性,隐睾组中PGP9.5和神经肽Y表达位置相似于正常组,但表达量显著降低。PGP9.5和神经肽Y在正常组和隐睾组Leydig细胞表达无差异,均为强阳性。可见PGP9.5及神经肽Y参与了双峰驼正常睾丸和隐睾生精功能的调节,二者通过支持细胞及管周肌样细胞对于隐睾生精微环境的调控能力降低,但隐睾内间质细胞的分泌并未受明显影响。本研究为进一步研究双峰驼睾丸神经递质变化与隐睾症发生关系及调控机制提供了参考。     

双峰驼隐睾组织结构分析

比较观察同年龄(2岁)双峰驼(Camelus bactrianous)正常睾丸与隐睾的显微及超微结构特点。采用光镜和电镜制片及组织化学染色技术,比较双峰驼隐睾与正常睾丸的组织结构特点,进而用IPP图像分析软件进行定量分析。结果:光镜下双峰驼隐睾生精上皮由1~3层细胞组成,生精小管平均直径显著减小(P0.05),间质组织面积极显著增加(P0.01),间质/管腔面积比较正常组极显著增大(P0.01)。电镜观察,双峰驼正常睾丸生精小管固有膜层发育良好,相邻Sertoli细胞之间形成典型连接复合体;生精细胞之间多处形成细胞间小管和桥粒结构。隐睾生精上皮基膜增生明显,其上半桥粒结构不清晰,发育不成熟的Sertoli细胞相邻细胞膜间存在不完全的桥粒结构,可见相邻精母细胞间的胞质桥及Sertoli细胞与初级精母细胞之间桥粒连接;双峰驼正常睾丸Leydig细胞内滑面型内质网和粗面型内质网相延续;隐睾Leydig细胞形态不规则,胞内肿胀线粒体数量较多,内质网不发达;隐睾间质毛细血管基膜不清晰;血管内皮细胞之间可见缝隙连接。双峰驼隐睾生精小管组织结构主要变化为Sertoli细胞异常分化及精子发育阻滞;隐睾Sertoli细胞多为幼稚型,其与基膜连接的改变以及Sertoli细胞外质特化区形态结构及桥粒结构不完整影响了血-睾屏障构成;Leydig细胞内质网发育不均衡为其分泌功能与机体发育阶段关系研究提供思路。     

老龄牦牛睾丸组织结构研究

探讨高原老龄牦牛睾丸组织结构特点与其生殖机能的关系。采集9~13岁健康老龄牦牛睾丸组织,应用组织化学染色和透射电镜技术,观察其细胞化学特点及结构特征。结果显示,老龄牦牛睾丸体积及重量左侧略大于右侧,光镜下睾丸被膜、间质组织胶原纤维及网状纤维丰富,小叶不明显,Leydig细胞散在于结缔组织之间,生精小管不同程度退化,生精上皮层数为2~5层,细胞间隙变大,部分脱落,Sertoli细胞低矮,细胞质较少。电镜观察Sertoli细胞核外形不规则,内质网呈疏松的泡状,次级溶酶体增加,体积增大。相邻Sertoli细胞间没有观察到并行的内质网层和细丝束这一血-睾屏障所特有外质特化区形态结构,部分生精小管固有膜胶原纤维增生,上皮皱缩;Leydig细胞内脂滴异常丰富,毛细血管内皮细胞间存在紧密连接。间质组织偶有肥大细胞,间质血管及生精小管固有膜中PAS及AB-PAS阳性反应明显。老龄牦牛Sertoli细胞细胞器结构异常,血-睾屏障中Sertoli细胞间的连接处缺陷,且Sertoli细胞与基膜连接的改变可能影响了Sertoli细胞和生精细胞之间的相互作用,进而抑制了生精细胞的功能。     

老龄哈多利系博美犬睾丸组织结构分析

为比较哈多利系博美犬老龄与青年阶段睾丸的组织结构差异及相关蛋白分布特征,探索博美犬不同年龄阶段睾丸组织结构变化及其对生殖功能的影响,本试验应用特殊染色、免疫组织化学法结合免疫荧光观察比较青年与老龄博美犬睾丸组织化学特点,并用IPP图像分析软件进行定量分析。结果显示,与青年博美犬相比,老龄博美犬生精上皮层数与厚度降低,Leydig细胞数及Sertoli细胞数显著增加(P0.05),生精小管基底膜及血管管壁层胶原纤维与网状纤维含量明显增加。免疫组织化学结果显示,老龄博美犬睾丸细胞外基质(exreacellular matrix,ECM)相关蛋白Ⅳ型胶原(collage,ColⅣ)、硫酸乙酰肝素蛋白多糖(heparan sulfate proteoglycan,HSPG)含量极显著低于青年博美犬(P0.01),层黏连蛋白(laminin,LN)含量显著低于青年博美犬(P0.05)。免疫荧光结果显示,ColⅣ、HSPG和LN主要在Leydig细胞及Sertoli细胞强表达。因此,老龄博美犬胶原纤维与网状纤维含量增加,Leydig细胞数及Sertoli细胞数增多可能与其生精功能的维持相关,其生精功能的下降与ColⅣ和HSPG的变化密切相关。     

Comparison of the Distribution of PGP9.5 and NPY in Cryptorchidism and Testicular Tumors in Dogs

The purpose of this study was to analyze the distribution and expression of peptidergic neurotransmitters protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) in cryptorchidism and testicular tumors of dogs,compare them with normal testicular tissues of the same age,and provide reference for clinical diagnosis of malignant transformation in testicular tumors of dogs.HE staing,Masson trichrome staining,Gomori silver staining and toluidine blue staining were used to observe the tissue characteristics of reticular fibers,collagen fibers and mast cells.Immunohistochemical SP method and immunofluorescence combined with IPP were used to analyze the expression and localization of PGP9.5 and NPY in tissues.The results showed that the seminiferous epithelium of normal dog testis was composed of 4-7 layers of spermatogenic cells and Sertoli cells,and the distribution of collagen fibers and reticular fibers in interstitial tissue was sparse.The thickness of collagen fibers in the basement membrane of cryptorchidism seminiferous tubules increased,the nucleus of Sertoli concentrated at the base of seminiferous tubules,and the interstitial reticular fibers increased.The tissue structure of testicular tumor was unclear,collagen fibers and reticular fibers were irregularly distributed,and mast cells increased significantly compared with normal and cryptorchid groups.The immunofluorescence results showed that PGP9.5 was moderately positive in Leydig cells of normal testis,no significant expression in spermatogenic cells,strongly positive in Leydig cells and spermatogenic cells of cryptorchidism,and occasional expression in testicular tumors.NPY was occasionally expressed in normal testicular Leydig cells,but not in spermatogenic cells,strong positive expression in Leydig cells and seminiferous epithelium of cryptorchidism,high density and strong positive expression in interstitial vessels,and no obvious expression in testicular tumors.Immunohistochemical statistics showed that the expression of PGP9.5 and NPY in testicular tumor tissue were extremely significantly lower than that in normal group (P<0.01),while the expression of PGP9.5 and NPY in cryptorchidism group were significantly or extremely significantly increased (P<0.05;P<0.01).Therefore,the expression of PGP9.5 and NPY in cryptorchidism of dogs was increased suggesting that the cryptorchidism of dogs had a tendency to develop into a tumor,and was related to the degree of malignant transformation of tumor.     

Histologic and immunohistochemical characterization of a testicular mixed germ cell sex cord-stromal tumor and a leydig cell tumor in a dog

Mixed germ cell sex cord-stromal tumors (MGSCTs) of the testis are rare in dogs. We describe the histopathology and immunohistochemical characteristics of an MGSCT associated with a Leydig cell tumor in a cryptorchid testis. Histologically, MGSCT consisted of two nodules of seminiferous tubules lined by germ cells and Sertoli cells in variable proportions. Germ cells had variable size and nuclear features, with frequent giant cells. Germ cells were evenly mixed with Sertoli cells or located in the center of tubules. Markers that labeled mainly germ cells and few or no Sertoli or Leydig cells were calretinin, KIT, and PGP 9.5. E-cadherin, GATA-4, inhibin-alpha (INH-alpha), and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) were predominantly detected in Sertoli cells, whereas melan A was particularly expressed in Leydig cells and vimentin in all three cell types. OCT3/4 was not detected in any cell type. Although more cases of canine MGSCT need to be examined, our results suggest that an immunohistochemical panel of E-cadherin, GATA-4, INH-alpha, KIT, NSE, PGP 9.5, and melan A will help distinguish the three main cell types in canine testicular germ cell and sex cord-stromal tumors.     

INSL-3 protein expression in normal and cryptorchid testes of Ziwuling black goats

Ziwuling black goats are typically found in loess plateaus regions and the Ziwuling Nature Reserve. Cryptorchidism is a common disease in this inbred goat, and its pathogenesis has been linked with the expression of insulin-like factor 3 (INSL-3). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate anatomical alterations caused by cryptorchism and the expression and distribution of INSL-3 in normal and cryptorchid testicular tissues. The testicular tissues of 6-month-old Ziwuling black goats were collected for microscopic analyses using histochemical, immunohistochemical, immunofluorescence and biometrical methods, as well as Western blotting to compare the expression and distribution of INSL-3. A lower expression of INSL-3 was observed in cryptorchid compared with normal testicular tissues (p < .01). Cryptorchidism caused a significant reduction in layers of spermatogenic epithelium and tubule areas in Ziwuling black goat (p < .01). The interstitial to seminiferous tubule area ratio was larger in cryptorchid than in normal group. Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) staining revealed pronounced positive bands in the interstitial tissue, while positive Alcian blue (AB) staining was not clear, and AB-PAS staining revealed a positive red band in the basement membrane of cryptorchid group. Immunofluorescence revealed a strong signal of INSL-3 expression in Sertoli and peritubular myoid cells, and moderate signal in Leydig and spermatogenic cells in the normal group. However, in cryptorchid testicular tissues, the signal of INSL-3 expression was strong in primary spermatocytes, occasional in Sertoli cells, limited in Leydig cells and absent in peritubular myoid cells. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry showed that INSL-3 expression was higher in normal testes compared with cryptorchid testicular tissues (p < .05), especially in primary spermatocytes and Sertoli cells. Collectively, our results indicate that cryptorchidism is closely related to the disorder of acid glycoprotein metabolism and the reduction in release of INSL-3 from Leydig cells. Moreover, Sertoli and peritubular myoid cells are crucial for INSL signalling and could underpin further research on the mechanism of cryptorchidism in animal.     

Immunohistochemical detection of inhibin-alpha, -betaB, and -betaA chains and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in canine testicular tumors and normal testes.

Immunohistochemical detection of inhibin-alpha, -betaA and -betaB chains and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) was carried out on primary testicular tumors from 15 dogs and normal testes from three adult dogs. Histopathologically, the tumors were composed of three types: Leydig cell tumors in five dogs, Sertoli cell tumors in five dogs, and seminoma in five dogs. In normal testes, immunostaining against inhibin-alpha, -betaA, and -betaB chains and 3beta-HSD revealed positive reactivity in the cytoplasm of Leydig cells. In testicular tumors, immunoreactive cells against inhibin-alpha, -betaA, and -betaB chains and 3beta-HSD were localized in all Leydig cell tumors but not in any Sertoli cell tumors or seminomas. The results of radioimmunoassay for plasma inhibin in dogs with Leydig cell tumors showed higher concentrations than those in dogs with Sertoli cell tumors and seminomas and those in normal dogs. The concentration of inhibin in the plasma was markedly decreased by the surgical removal of the Leydig cell tumor in one dog. Our findings suggest that inhibin is synthesized by normal and neoplastic Leydig cells in the canine testis, and the secreted inhibin may be inhibin A and inhibin B.     

日粮添加不同水平芦丁对热应激小鼠睾丸组织的影响

本试验旨在探讨日粮添加不同水平芦丁对缓解热应激小鼠睾丸组织损伤的影响。将30只5周龄体重相近（20～22 g）的ICR系雄性小鼠随机分为5组,各组小鼠分别饲喂基础日粮添加0（CON组）、0（HS组）、250（HS+R250）、500（HS+R500）和1 000（HS+R1000） mg·kg^-1芦丁的日粮,饲养10 d后,除对照组（CON）外,所有小鼠在每天10：00至14：00之间置于42℃恒温箱中连续处理8 d后屠宰取样分析。结果显示：1）与CON组相比,HS组小鼠睾丸指数无显著变化（P>0.05）,而日粮添加250 mg·kg^-1芦丁显著提高热应激小鼠睾丸指数（P<0.05）;小鼠睾丸组织切片结果显示,与CON组相比,HS组小鼠生精小管直径和横截面积显著降低（P<0.05）,生精细胞脱落比率显著增加（P<0.05）;与HS组相比,HS+R250组小鼠生精小管横截面积显著增加（P<0.05）,生精细胞脱落比率显著降低（P<0.05）,HS+R500组生精细胞脱落比率也显著降低（P<0.05）,HS+R1000组小鼠生精小管直径显著增加（P<0.05）;小鼠睾丸指数、生精小管直径及生精小管脱落比率在芦丁处理组与CON组之间无显著差异（P>0.05）,但HS+R250组小鼠睾丸生精小管横截面积显著高于CON组（P<0.05）。2）与CON组相比,HS组小鼠睾丸组织丙二醛（MDA）含量显著升高（P<0.05）,总抗氧化能力（T-AOC）与还原型谷胱甘肽（GSH）含量以及血红素酶-1（HO-1） mRNA的表达量均显著降低（P<0.05）;日粮添加250 mg·kg^-1芦丁显著降低热应激小鼠睾丸组织中MDA含量（P<0.05）,提高T-AOC与GSH含量（P<0.05）,并增强核因子E2相关因子2（Nrf2）、HO-1和谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶（GSH-Px） mRNA的表达量（P<0.05）,而添加500和1 000 mg·kg^-1芦丁也显著提高了GSH含量（P<0.05）;与CON组相比,除HS+R250组Nrf2 mRNA表达量显著高于CON组（P<0.05）外,芦丁组热应激小鼠睾丸组织抗氧化相应基因与酶活指标均无显著性变化（P>0.05）。3）热应激小鼠睾丸中核因子-κB （NF-κB）、TOLL样受体4（TLR-4）和Bax的mRNA表达量显著增加（P<0.05）,而Bcl-2表达量显著降低（P<0.05）;日粮添加250 mg·kg^-1芦丁显著降低NF-κB、TLR-4、髓样分化因子88（MyD88）、白细胞介素-Iβ（IL-1β）和Bax mRNA表达量（P<0.05）,增强Bcl-2的表达水平（P<0.05）;添加500 mg·kg^-1芦丁显著降低NF-κB和TLR-4表达量（P<0.05）,而1 000 mg·kg^-1芦丁能够显著增加Bcl-2的表达（P<0.05）;小鼠睾丸组织中免疫和增值凋亡相关基因的表达量在添加芦丁组及CON组之间无显著性差异（P>0.05）。结果提示,日粮添加适宜剂量芦丁具有改善热应激小鼠睾丸组织形态及功能的效果,其机制可能与芦丁通过Nrf2信号通路缓解氧化应激,通过TLR-4/NF-κB信号通路抑制炎症反应及调控Bax/Bcl-2 mRNA的表达密切相关。本试验条件下日粮添加250 mg·kg^-1芦丁的效果较好。     

性成熟期辽宁绒山羊与子午岭黑山羊睾丸发育比较

本研究旨在探究性成熟期辽宁绒山羊与子午岭黑山羊睾丸发育是否存在差异,并对两品种繁殖性能进行比较。选取性成熟期健康的辽宁绒山羊和子午岭黑山羊各5只,采集睾丸组织,通过大体解剖和苏木精-伊红（HE）染色石蜡切片,比较两品种山羊睾丸组织发育及形态学差异;ELISA检测雄激素浓度;实时荧光定量PCR （real time quantitative PCR,RT-qPCR）、蛋白免疫印迹（Western blot）检测两品种山羊睾丸组织中死盒多肽4（DEAD box polypeptide 4,DDX4）和类无精症缺失基因（deleted in azoospermia-like gene,DAZL）的表达情况。结果显示,辽宁绒山羊睾丸总重和睾丸长周径极显著高于子午岭黑山羊（P<0.01）,而睾丸短周径、睾丸脏体比和睾丸胴体比均差异不显著（P>0.05）;辽宁绒山羊生精上皮厚度显著高于子午岭黑山羊（P<0.05）,而两者精细管面积、直径和单位面积内精细管数量均无显著差异（P>0.05）;两品种山羊睾丸中雄激素分泌无显著差异（P>0.05）;辽宁绒山羊DDX4 mRNA及蛋白表达量均显著高于子午岭黑山羊（P<0.01或P<0.05）,DAZL mRNA表达量极显著高于子午岭黑山羊（P<0.01）,而蛋白表达量差异不显著（P>0.05）。以上结果表明,性成熟期辽宁绒山羊性腺发育程度与子午岭黑山羊一致,但生精上皮较子午岭黑山羊厚,生殖标记基因表达量存在差异,推测可能会影响两品种的生精能力。     

Expression of connexin 43 protein in testes, epididymides and prostates of stallions

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Connexin 43 (Cx43) is a ubiquitously distributed gap junction protein in testes and other reproductive tissues. Adjacent cells share ions and small metabolites through intercellular channels, which are present in gap junctions. Previously, Cx43 has not been reported in testes, epididymides and prostates either in healthy stallions or cryptorchid horses. OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate the expression pattern of Cx43 in the reproductive tissues of stallions and examine whether naturally occurring bilateral cryptorchidism has any influence on distribution and expression of Cx43. METHODS: The expression and the presence of Cx43 protein were detected by means of immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis using a polyclonal rabbit anti-Cx43 antibody. RESULTS: In stallions, gap junctions appeared as structures localised to cell-cell contacts between adjacent cells. In testes, Cx43 expression was detected in the interstitial tissue and seminiferous tubules, between Leydig and Sertoli, as well as Sertoli and germ cells. In epididymides, Cx43 was localised between epithelial cells, whereas in prostates, between secretory cells of the glandular epithelium. In the cryptorchid, a clear reduction of Cx43 signal was observed in all reproductive tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Coupling of Leydig cells via gap junctions may suggest that steroidogenic function of the testis is under the influence of these intercellular channels. Within seminiferous tubules, the expression was found to be stage-specific, pointing to its role in coordinating spermatogenesis. Differential distribution of Cx43 protein in the reproductive tract of normal and cryptorchid stallions indicates that expression is clearly dependent on the physiological status of the horse. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Detection of Cx43 expression in equine testicular, epididymal, and prostatic cells is important for a better understanding of the role of intercellular membrane channels in direct cell communication within the reproductive tract of stallions.