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Spermatozoa-induced seminal vesiculitis in mice
Fei Wang1, Yu Wang1, Jing Zhang1
1Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
Andrology
|January 16, 2023
Summary
Spermatozoa can cause seminal vesiculitis by triggering innate immune responses in seminal vesicular epithelial cells. This finding offers new insights into non-infectious causes of this male genital tract inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Male reproductive system health
- Immunology
- Inflammation research
Background:
- Seminal vesiculitis is a common male genital tract inflammation.
- Microbial and non-infectious factors cause seminal vesiculitis.
- Mechanisms of non-infectious seminal vesiculitis are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if spermatozoa can induce seminal vesiculitis in mice.
- To explore spermatozoa-induced innate immune responses in seminal vesicular epithelial cells.
Main Methods:
- Epididymal spermatozoa were injected into mouse seminal vesicles.
- Histopathology and immunohistochemistry assessed tissue inflammation and leukocyte infiltration.
- In vitro studies analyzed seminal vesicular epithelial cell responses to spermatozoa using Western blot and qRT-PCR.
Main Results:
- Spermatozoa injection caused seminal vesiculitis, characterized by swelling and leukocyte infiltration.
- In vitro, spermatozoa induced pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, CXCL10, MCP1) and NF-κB activation in epithelial cells.
Conclusions:
- Spermatozoa may induce seminal vesiculitis via innate immune activation in seminal vesicular epithelial cells.
- This study provides novel insights into non-infectious seminal vesiculitis mechanisms.
