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[Protective effect of nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (L-NAME) on germ cell apoptosis in experimentally cryptorchid
Xiao-Kang Gao1, Bo Yang, He Wang
1Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China. gaoxkmn@fmmu.edu.cn
Objective:
To explore the protective effect of nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (L-NAME) on the germ cell apoptosis in the rat cryptorchid.
Methods:
Immature rats (22 day-old Sprague Dawley) were subjected to unilateral cryptorchid. Thirty rats were divided into three groups: sham operation group (testes still in the scrotum after operation); operation group; operation + L-NAME group(given L-NAME 10 mg/kg after operation, dip). Seven days after operation germ cell apoptosis was detected by terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated-dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL). Biochemical parameters (NO, NOS) were evaluated with spectrophotometric determination.
Results:
At the 7th day after the operation, compared with the control, the number of apoptotic germ cells in the cryptorchid testis was increased significantly, but the testis weight was decreased predominantly(P < 0.01). The levels of NO and NOS in the cryptorchid were significantly higher than the control.
Conclusions:
The levels of NO and NOS might be involved in the germ cell apoptosis in the cryptorchid; L-NAME could protect the germ cell from apoptosis in experimentally cryptorchid rats by reducing the activity of NOS and reducing the level of NO in the testis.
Insights
Nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME protects rat germ cells from apoptosis during experimental cryptorchidism. This suggests nitric oxide (NO) and NOS activity are involved in germ cell death in undescended testes.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
Context:
- Cryptorchidism, or undescended testes, is associated with germ cell apoptosis and impaired fertility.
- Nitric oxide (NO) and its synthesizing enzyme, nitric oxide synthase (NOS), have been implicated in various physiological and pathological processes in the testis.
Purpose:
- To investigate the protective effect of L-NAME, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, against germ cell apoptosis in a rat model of experimental cryptorchidism.
Summary:
- Unilateral cryptorchidism in immature rats led to increased germ cell apoptosis and decreased testis weight.
- Elevated levels of NO and NOS were observed in the cryptorchid testes.
- Administration of L-NAME significantly reduced germ cell apoptosis, suggesting a protective role.
Impact:
- The findings indicate that NO and NOS activity play a role in germ cell apoptosis in cryptorchidism.
- L-NAME demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent to preserve testicular function in cryptorchidism by modulating NO/NOS pathways.
