Dynamic changes in the spatio-temporal expression of the β-defensin SPAG11C in the developing rat epididymis and its regulation by androgens.

Herein, we characterized the spatio-temporal expression, cellular distribution and regulation by androgens of the β-defensin SPAG11C, the rat ortholog of the human SPAG11B isoform C, in the developing epididymis by using RT-PCR, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. We observed that Spag11c mRNA was ubiquitously expressed in rat fetuses, but preferentially detected in male reproductive tissues at adulthood. SPAG11C (mRNA and protein) was prenatally mainly detected in the mesenchyme of the Wolffian duct, switching gradually after birth to a predominant localization in the epididymis epithelium during postnatal development.

Androgen deprivation from pre-puberty to peripuberty interferes in proteins expression in pubertal and adult rat epididymis.

Few studies have focused on experimental testosterone deprivation in immature animals. Therefore, this study used sexually immature rats aiming to evaluate the testes and epididymis histology and proteins expression in these organs on PND50 and 75, after premature antiandrogen exposure, from PND21 to 44. Although the androgen deprivation from pre-puberty up to peripuberty did not alter the histological organization of the testes and epididymis either at puberty or at adulthood, the treatment impaired the expression of specific proteins in epididymal tissue at puberty and adulthood (androgen receptor, calmodulin, Rab11A).

Epididymal protease inhibitor (EPPIN) is differentially expressed in the male rat reproductive tract and immunolocalized in maturing spermatozoa.

EPPIN (epididymal protease inhibitor; SPINLW1), an antimicrobial cysteine-rich protein containing both Kunitz and whey acidic protein (WAP)-type four disulfide core protease inhibitor consensus sequences, is a target for male contraception because of its critical role in sperm motility. Here, we characterized EPPIN's expression and cellular distribution in rat tissues and its in vivo regulation by androgens in the epididymis. EPPIN (mRNA and protein) was abundantly expressed in the rat testis and epididymis; we also found that the vas deferens, seminal vesicles, and brain were novel sites of EPPIN expression.

Androgens and the male reproductive tract: an overview of classical roles and current perspectives.

Androgens are steroid hormones that play key roles in the development and maintenance of male phenotype and reproductive function. These hormones also affect the function of several non-reproductive organs, such as bone and skeletal muscle. Endogenous androgens exert most of their effects by genomic mechanisms, which involve hormone binding to the androgen receptor (AR), a ligand-activated transcription factor, resulting in the modulation of gene expression.

Cloning, expression and immunolocalization of alpha1-adrenoceptor in different tissues from rhesus monkey and human male reproductive tract.

This study reports the genomic organization of the rhesus alpha(1A)-adrenoceptor gene (ADRA1A). Full-length cloning of rhesus ADRA1A splice variants was achieved by combining PCR screening of a seminal vesicle cDNA library and 5'-RACE assays with total RNA from seminal vesicle. The classical ADRA1A mRNA (ADRA1A_v1) and six full-length ADRA1A splice variants were identified representing transcripts that code for functional (ADRA1A_v1, ADRA1A_v2a, ADRA1A_v3a, ADRA1A_v3d, ADRA1A_v3e) and truncated (ADRA1A_v2c and ADRA1A_v3c) receptor isoforms.

Catecholamine effects on human melanoma cells evoked by alpha1-adrenoceptors.

The biological effects of catecholamines in mammalian pigment cells are poorly understood. Our previous results showed the presence of alpha(1)-adrenoceptors in SK-Mel 23 human melanoma cells. The aims of this work were to (1) characterize catecholamine effects on proliferation, tyrosinase activity and expression, (2) identify the alpha(1)-adrenoceptor subtypes, and (3) verify whether chronic norepinephrine (NE) treatment modified the types and/or pharmacological characteristics of adrenoceptors present in SK-Mel 23 human melanoma cells.