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Published on: December 28, 2021
Male germ cell death in mouse testes: possible involvement of Fas and Fas ligand
1Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Nagasaki University School of Medicine, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan. tkoji@net.nagasaki-u.ac.jp
Abstract:
Loss of germ cells is very common during various stages of mammalian spermatogenesis. Although cell death, particularly apoptosis, has been implicated, our understanding of the mechanisms underlying germ cell death is still limited. In order to elucidate the extent and mechanism of germ cell death, this review first covers what is known of germ cell degeneration in the normal testes of fetal, neonatal, and adult mice from electron microscopy (EM) and from terminal dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining. The issue of whether the Fas and Fas ligand (FasL) system is involved in the induction of germ cell apoptosis in normal and damaged testes is then addressed, including consideration of both the ischemia-reperfusion model of testicular torsion and the estrogen-treated testis model of environmental endocrine disruption. Finally, this review proposes that different molecular pathways may be triggered to induce male germ cell apoptosis, depending upon the physiological and pathological states of the germ cells.
Insights
Germ cell loss is common in male mammals. This review explores germ cell degeneration mechanisms, including apoptosis, and proposes diverse pathways for male germ cell apoptosis induction based on testicular state.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Cell Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Germ cell loss is frequent during mammalian spermatogenesis.
- Mechanisms of germ cell death, especially apoptosis, are not fully understood.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for male reproductive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review germ cell degeneration in normal mouse testes.
- To investigate the role of the Fas/FasL system in germ cell apoptosis.
- To explore pathways of male germ cell apoptosis induction.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy (EM) for ultrastructural analysis.
- Terminal dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) for apoptosis detection.
- Review of models including testicular torsion and endocrine disruption.
Main Results:
- Germ cell degeneration occurs across developmental stages in mice.
- The Fas/FasL system's involvement in germ cell apoptosis is examined.
- Different physiological and pathological states may trigger distinct apoptotic pathways.
Conclusions:
- Male germ cell apoptosis involves complex and varied molecular pathways.
- The Fas/FasL system may play a role in specific conditions.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate these mechanisms.
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