Heat Shock Related Protein Expression in Abdominal Testes of Asian Elephant ().

The abdominal testes of Asian elephants show normal spermatogenesis. Heat shock in cryptorchid testes elevates heat shock factor (HSF) expression, leading to germ cell apoptosis, while increased heat shock proteins (HSPs) levels provide protection. To investigate how heat shock affects elephant spermatogenic cells, focusing on heat shock-related molecules and the cell death mechanism, immunohistochemistry and TUNEL staining were employed to assess the immunoexpression of several heat shock-related molecules and the status of apoptosis in elephant fibroblasts (EF) induced by heat shock stimulus.

Expression of oxytocin receptors and oxytocin assisted electroejaculation in the domestic cat (Felis catus).

Oxytocin is a peptide hormone that mainly functions to control the contractility of smooth muscles and sex-related steroidogenesis in male reproductive tracts. However, specific information concerning this hormone in controlling the reproductive organs of cats is limited. This study aimed to investigate the expression of oxytocin receptors (OTRs) and their signal mediator via prostacyclin synthase (PTGIS) in reproductive structures following oxytocin assisted electroejaculation.

Optimal concentration of Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase (ROCK) inhibitor improved sperm membrane functionality and fertilizing ability of cryopreserved-thawed feline sperm.

Sperm cryopreservation induces irreversible loss of viability and fertilizing ability. This study aimed at examining the effects of Rho-associated, coiled-coil kinase (ROCK) inhibitor on quality of frozen-thawed feline sperm. Ejaculated semen from individual cats (n = 6) was examined for the expression of LIMK1 and LIMK2 mediated ROCK cascade.

Generation of porcine induced-pluripotent stem cells from Sertoli cells.

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are generated by reprogramming of somatic cells using four transcription factors: OCT4, SOX2, KLF-4, and c-MYC (OSKM). However, reprogramming efficiency of iPSCs is currently poor. In this study, we used the Sertoli line as a novel cell source for somatic cell reprogramming.

Rabbit induced pluripotent stem cells retain capability of in vitro cardiac differentiation.

Stem cells are promising cell source for treatment of multiple diseases as well as myocardial infarction. Rabbit model has essentially used for cardiovascular diseases and regeneration but information on establishment of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and differentiation potential is fairly limited. In addition, there is no report of cardiac differentiation from iPSCs in the rabbit model.