Expression and significance of GFR alpha 1 gene in the recovery spermatogenesis of mice.
- Author:
Ci ZHANG
1
;
Chuan-Yi HU
;
Ling-Long WANG
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH: Animals; Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Receptors; In Situ Hybridization; Male; Mice; Proto-Oncogene Proteins; genetics; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ret; RNA, Messenger; analysis; Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; genetics; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Spermatogenesis; Testis; pathology
- From: National Journal of Andrology 2003;9(9):647-650
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVETo discuss the expression and significance of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDFN) receptor alpha 1 gene (GFR alpha 1) in the recovery spermatogenesis of mice.
METHODSAdult Kunming mice were injected intraperitoneally with 2 doses of busulfan (10 mg/kg) 24 days apart so as to establish the recovery spermatogenesis model. Testes were harvested 1 w, 2 w, 3 w, 4 w, 6 w, 8 w and 10 w after the second injection, and normal testes were used as control. The recovery spermatogenesis was observed by light and electron microscopy, and the GFR alpha 1 mRNA was measured by semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and in situ hybridization.
RESULTSThe expression of GFR alpha 1 mRNA increased significantly at 1 w and reached its peak at 2 w after the second injection [(104.72 +/- 24.4)% vs normal control, P < 0.01]; its expression reduced significantly at 3 w and reached its valley at 4 w [(20.77 +/- 4.25)% vs normal control, P < 0.01], and then increased gradually and restored to the normal level at 10 w. GFR alpha 1 mRNA was mainly expressed by undifferentiated spermatogonia.
CONCLUSIONSIn the course of recovery spermatogenesis, the expression of GFR alpha 1 plays a key role in turning the spermatogonial stem cell reactivity to GDNF, which promotes self-renewal at a high level, or results in differentiation at a low level.