Bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein originates in both the testis and the epididymis and localizes in mouse spermatozoa.

Bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) is an endogenous antibiotic protein with activity against gram-negative bacteria. In the present study, we examined the expression of BPI in postnatal mouse testes and epididymides as well as the subcellular localization within epididymal spermatozoa. Our results showed that, BPI mRNA was expressed in testis and epididymis independently.

[Estrogens affect Sertoli cells and the blood-testis barrier in pubertal rats].

Objective: To investigate the correlation of exogenous estrogens with the expression of FasL in Sertoli cells and the blood-testis barrier during the differentiation and maturation period of Sertoli cells, and to discuss the related factors that influence the blood-testis barrier of pubertal rats.

Methods: Super-physiological doses of exogenous estrogenic compounds (diethylstilbestrol and estradiol) were administered to pubertal Sprague-Dawley rats in vitro and in vivo, the FasL expression in the Sertoli cells of the rats detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot, and the changes in the blood-testis barrier observed with the electron microscope.

Results: After the exposure to exogenous estrogens, the FasL expression was markedly up-regulated in the immature Sertoli cells (P < 0.

Expression of the retinoic acid-metabolizing enzymes RALDH2 and CYP26b1 during mouse postnatal testis development.

Aim: To study the expression pattern of the retinoic acid metabolizing enzymes RALDH2 and CYP26b1 during mouse postnatal testis development at both mRNA and protein levels.

Methods: Real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were performed to determine the relative quantity of RALDH2 and CYP26b1 at both mRNA and protein levels at postnatal day 1, 5, 10, 20, and in adult mice (70 days testes). Testicular localization of RALDH2 and CYP26b1 during mouse postnatal development was examined using immunohistochemistry assay.

Age-dependent expression of the cystatin-related epididymal spermatogenic (Cres) gene in mouse testis and epididymis.

Aim: To investigate the spatial and temporal expression of the cystatin-related epididymal spermatogenic (Cres) gene in mouse testis and epididymis during postnatal development.

Methods: The QuantiGene assay and indirect immunofluorescence technique were used to examine the Cres mRNA and Cres protein level in mouse testis and epididymis on postnatal days 14, 20, 22, 28, 35, 49, 70 and 420.

Results: (1) In both the testis and epididymis, Cres mRNA was first detected on day 20, then it increased gradually from day 20 to day 70, and the high expression level maintained till day 420.

Anthraquinones sensitize tumor cells to arsenic cytotoxicity in vitro and in vivo via reactive oxygen species-mediated dual regulation of apoptosis.

Cellular oxidation/reduction state affects the cytotoxicity of a number of chemotherapeutic agents, including arsenic trioxide. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), the major intracellular oxidants, may be a determinant of cellular susceptibility to arsenic. Our previous studies showed that a naphthoquinone and an anthraquinone (emodin) displayed the capability of producing ROS and facilitating arsenic cytotoxicity in both leukemia and solid tumor cell lines.

Expression of germ cell nuclear factor in mouse germ cells and sperm during postnatal period.

Aim: To assess the spatial and temporal expression of germ cell nuclear factor (GCNF) in male mouse germ cells during postnatal development and in sperm before and after capacitation.

Methods: The indirect immunofluorescence method with anti-GCNF antiserum was used to investigate the GCNF expression in mice at day 8, 10, 14, 17, 20, 28, 35, 70, and 420 after birth and in sperm before and after capacitation.

Results: With the proceeding of spermatogenesis, GCNF was first detected in the nuclei of spermatogonia and a few early stage primary spermatocytes at day 8, which was increased gradually at day 10 to 14 inclusive.

Spatial and temporal expression of germ cell nuclear factor in murine epididymis.

Aim: To investigate the spatial and temporal expression of germ cell nuclear factor (GCNF) in mouse and rat epididymis during postnatal period.

Methods: The epididymal sections from different postnatal days were stained for GCNF by the indirect immunofluorescence technique and digital photographs were taken by a Carl Zeiss confocal microscope.

Results: GCNF was first detected on day 12 in mouse epididymis and day 14 in rat epididymis.

Mechanisms of glucocorticoid-induced Leydig cell apoptosis.

The high levels of corticosterone (CORT) that are typically achieved during stress induce apoptotic death of Leydig cells. The intracellular mechanisms by which CORT acts on Leydig cells to induce apoptosis are unknown, and the present study tested for mediation by Fas ligand (FasL), a member of the tumor necrosis factor ligand family, in association with caspase activation. In addition, another apoptotic pathway involving in the participation of mitochondria was studied by evaluation of mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi) loss and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are early apoptotic events in many cell types.