Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026

A Seminiferous Tubule Squash Technique for the Cytological Analysis of Spermatogenesis Using the Mouse Model
Published on: February 6, 2018
[Location of Dctn1 in the mouse testis and sperm and its role in spermiogenesis]
Bo Zheng1, Min Jiang, Su-Ying Li
1Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China. mansnoopy@163.com
Objective:
To investigate the role of dynactin 1 (Dctn1) in the process of mouse spermiogenesis.
Methods:
Western blot and indirect immunofluorescence were used to analyze the expression and location of Dctn1 in the mouse testis and spermatozoa. The highest efficiency of small interference RNA (siRNA) was verified by GC2-spd cell line in vitro and in vivo studies, respectively. Dctn1 siRNA mixed with the indicator (0.4% trypan blue) was injected into the seminiferous tubules of 3-week-old ICR mice through rete testis microinjection, and negative control siRNA injected into the control testes. The normal group included 3-week-old ICR mice that did not receive any treatment. Spermatozoa were collected from the cauda epididymis 3 weeks after siRNA injection for morphological analysis.
Results:
Dctn1 was mainly localized in the tail of spermatozoa. After interference, the sperm tail abnormality in the Dctn1 siRNA group was (23.57 +/- 0.55)%, significantly higher than (12.35 +/- 2.29)% in the control (P < 0.01, n = 3), and it was (3.37 +/- 0.69)% in the normal group.
Conclusion:
Dctn1 plays an important role in mouse spermiogenesis, and mainly affects the formation of the tail of spermatozoa.
Related Concept Videos
Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis
The process of spermatogenesis can be divided into mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis. During mitosis, the spermatogonia or stem cells divide to produce two identical daughter cells, type A and B spermatogonia. Type-A...
Testes: Histology
The spermatogenic cells, responsible for producing sperm, are...
Sperm Transport
The maturation phase occurs in the epididymis, where sperm...
Testes: Gross Anatomy
Each testis is surrounded by the tunica albuginea, a dense connective tissue layer that provides structural support and protection. This layer is covered by an outer serous membrane called the tunica vaginalis, which helps reduce friction...
Accessory Glands of the Male Reproductive System
The epididymis is a small, comma-shaped organ located at the back of each testicle. The epididymis can be divided into three main parts: the head, body, and tail. The head of the epididymis...

