In-vivo gene transfer induces transgene expression in cells and secretions of the mouse cauda epididymis.

Mouse cauda epididymis were in-vivo transfected using the lipid FuGENE 6 as gene vector. Two gene constructions were employed: the p-GeneGRIP which codifies for the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) and the pSEAP-control that expresses an alkaline phosphatase as a secretion. Transfection was detected by fluorescence and appeared in the nucleus and cytoplasm of epithelial cells.

Photoperiod-induced apoptosis in the male genital tract epithelia of the golden hamster.

The aim of this study was to identify some details of the changes induced by a short-day light regime (8:16 light:dark) on the male genital tract and accessory sex glands of the golden hamster Mesocricetus auratus. We principally examined the presence of apoptotic cells in the epithelium from different regions of the epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostate and coagulating gland. We detected an increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells in situ using the TUNEL technique in animals that were maintained for 6, 8 or 12 weeks in a short photoperiod.

Transfection of spermatozoa in bivalve molluscs using naked DNA.

Spermatozoa from the bivalve molluscs Mytilus galloprovincialis, Mytilus chilensis and Chamelea gallina were transfected in vitro using the p-GeneGrip construct, which encodes green fluorescent protein. The efficiency of transfection after brief incubation was assessed by fluorescence and confocal laser microscopy, and was about 58.5-70.

Age-induced apoptosis in the male genital tract of the mouse.

We have examined the effects of ageing on the increase in apoptotic cells numbers in the male genital tract of the house mouse (Mus musculus). We have found that not all organs have the same response. There is an induction of apoptosis in both the epididymis and ventral prostate.

Abdominal temperature induces region-specific p53-independent apoptosis in the cauda epididymidis of the mouse.

It is widely accepted that temperature regulates gene expression and function in the epididymis. However, the significance of reduced temperature of the scrotum in cell survival had not often been examined. Our hypothesis was that the experimental increase of the temperature could induce apoptosis.