[Expressions of aquaporins decrease in the prostate and seminal vesicles of castrated rats].

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Endocrinology
• Molecular biology

Background:

• Testosterone (T) plays a crucial role in male reproductive organ function.
• Aquaporins (AQPs) are water channel proteins involved in fluid transport in various tissues, including reproductive organs.
• The role of AQPs in the secretory function of the prostate and seminal vesicles, particularly under conditions of altered T levels, requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of castration on the secretory function of the prostate and seminal vesicles in rats.
• To examine the association between castration-induced changes in secretions and the expression levels of specific aquaporins (AQPs 3, 7, and 10-12) in these reproductive tissues.

Main Methods:

• Eighteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control, castration, and testosterone replacement groups.
• Following surgical castration, plasma T levels, secretion volumes, and AQP expressions (3, 7, 10-12) in the prostate and seminal vesicles were measured.
• Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were employed to assess AQP localization and expression levels.

Main Results:

• Castrated rats exhibited significantly lower plasma T levels compared to control and testosterone-replaced groups.
• A marked reduction in the ratios of prostatic and seminal vesicle secretion volume to tissue weight was observed in castrated rats.
• Western blot analysis revealed significantly decreased expressions of AQPs 3, 7, and 10-12 in the prostate and seminal vesicles of castrated rats.

Conclusions:

• Castration leads to a significant decline in prostate and seminal vesicle secretions in rats.
• The observed reduction in secretions is strongly associated with decreased expression of aquaporins 3, 7, and 10-12 in the prostate and seminal vesicles of castrated rats.