文献类型： 外文期刊

作者： Li, Zhen ¹ ; Lu, Jieli ¹ ; Chen, Jia ² ; Pang, Quanhai ¹ ; Nan, Ruipeng ¹ ; Zhu, Zhiwei ³ ;

作者机构： 1.Shanxi Agr Univ, Coll Anim Sci & Vet Med, Minxian Rd 1, Taigu 030801, Shanxi, Peoples R China

2.Shanxi Acad Agr Sci, Inst Farm Prod Storage & Fresh Keeping, Taiyuan, Peoples R China

3.Shanxi Agr Univ, Coll Life Sci, Taigu, Shanxi, Peoples R China

关键词： Guanine nucleotide-binding protein alpha S (Gn alpha s);Ram;Testis;Epididymis

期刊名称：ANIMAL REPRODUCTION SCIENCE （ 影响因子：2.145； 五年影响因子：2.281 ）

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收录情况： SCI

摘要： The guanine nucleotide-binding alpha S subunit (G alpha s) is an important element of key signaling pathways, which is widely expressed in mammalian tissues; however, its role in the reproductive system is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the expression and localization of G alpha s in the testes and epididymis of rams at different developmental stages using quantitative RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting. In 1-, 6-, and 12-month-old rams, the transcription of G alpha s-encoding gene (Gnas) was significantly upregulated in the corpus and cauda epididymis compared to the testes and caput epididymis (P < 0.05). At 12 months, the level of Gnas mRNA was higher than that at 1 and 6 months for all tested tissues (P < 0.05). The G alpha s protein was detected in the principal cells and interstitial epididymal cells, including Sertoli and Leydig cells, as well as in testicular cells, spermatogonial stem cells, and spermatocytes. G alpha s expression was the highest in the cauda epididymis (P < 0.05), followed by the corpus epididymis, caput epididymis, and testes. The results indicate that in the reproductive organs of rams, G alpha s is expressed in a tissue-specific and age-dependent manner. The high levels of G alpha s observed in the epididymis suggest that G alpha s may influence the composition of the epididymal lumen fluid and, consequently, the microenvironment for spermatozoa maturation. Thus, G alpha s could play an important role in spermatogenesis and the development of the testes and epididymis in the reproductive system of rams. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.