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An In Vivo Method to Study Mouse Blood-Testis Barrier Integrity
Published on: December 2, 2018
Attractin gene deficiency contributes to testis vacuolization and sperm dysfunction in male mice
Jie Li1, Shiqi Wang, Shiyun Huang
1Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China. dr.lijie@163.com
Abstract:
The effect of loss-of-function of Attractin (Atrn) on the male mouse reproduction system was examined in the study. The weights and pathological changes of testes and epididymes were compared between Atrn mutant (Atrn(mg-3J)) mice and wild-type mice (C3HeB/FeJ) at different months of age. The number and motility of sperms were measured in the mutant and control mice. Furthermore, the testicular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) in these animals were detected. The fertility potential of the sperms was observed in vivo and in vitro. The results showed that the testes of 3-month-old Atrn (mg-3J) mice experienced no significantly different pathological changes from the control mice at the same month of age but the SDH activity was substantially reduced. In the 5-month-old mutant mice, as compared with the control mice, mild vacuolation was found in the testes, the density and motility of sperms were decreased in the epididymes, the sperm fertility was impaired and the testicular enzyme activity was reduced. It is concluded that the age-related Atrn gene progressively loses its function and can cause testis vacuolation and impaired sperm function, which may be responsible for the impairment of male reproductive ability.
Insights
Loss of Attractin (Atrn) function in male mice leads to age-related reproductive issues. Mutant mice showed impaired sperm function and reduced fertility, indicating Atrn
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Attractin (Atrn) is a gene implicated in various biological processes.
- Understanding the role of Atrn in male reproduction is crucial for identifying causes of infertility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of Attractin (Atrn) loss-of-function on the male mouse reproductive system.
- To determine the age-dependent effects of Atrn deficiency on testicular function and sperm parameters.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of testes and epididymes weight and pathology between Atrn mutant and wild-type mice.
- Assessment of sperm count, motility, and fertility in vivo and in vitro.
- Measurement of testicular enzyme activities, including lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH).
Main Results:
- At 3 months, mutant mice showed no significant pathological changes but reduced SDH activity.
- By 5 months, mutant mice exhibited testicular vacuolation, decreased sperm density and motility, and impaired sperm fertility.
- Reduced testicular enzyme activity was observed in older mutant mice.
Conclusions:
- Progressive age-related loss of Atrn function impairs male reproductive ability.
- Testicular vacuolation and compromised sperm function are key consequences of Atrn deficiency.
- Atrn plays a critical role in maintaining male reproductive health throughout aging.
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