The expression and regulation of Bcl-2-related ovarian killer (Bok) mRNA in the developing and adult rat testis.
OBJECTIVE
To study the role of Bcl-2-related ovarian killer (Bok) in the regulation of apoptosis in the testis of developing and adult rat.


METHODS
Bok mRNA expression was analyzed by Northern hybridization before and after culturing rat seminiferous tubules in vitro. Seminiferous tubules were cultured with different hormones and growth factors. Changes in the expression level of Bok mRNA during testicular development was analyzed by Northern hybridization. Localization of Bok mRNA was verified by in situ hybridization.


RESULTS
Bok mRNA was highly expressed in the rat testis, varying during development. Highest expression levels were found in immature rats. Highest hybridization intensity appeared to be in spermatogonia, pachytene spermatocytes and Sertoli cells. Treatment with FSH was able to inhibit spontaneous increase of Bok mRNA expression that occurred in the defined stages of the rat seminiferous epithelium.


CONCLUSIONS
FSH protects germ cells from apoptosis and this protective effect may at least partly be due to the inhibition of Bok gene expression. The amount of apoptosis varies during testicular development and highest expression of Bok mRNA occurs at the time of apoptosis, suggesting a possible role for Bok in its regulation.
Suominen
J S
JS
Department of Physiology, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520, Turku, Finland.
Yan
W
W
Toppari
J
J
Kaipia
A
A
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D015152:Blotting, Northern; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D046508:Culture Techniques; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D008297:Male; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D051379:Mice; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012671:Seminiferous Tubules / Q000737:chemistry; D019089:Stem Cell Factor / Q000494:pharmacology; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms; D013737:Testis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000254:growth & development*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000494:pharmacology; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
D002352:Carrier Proteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D019089:Stem Cell Factor; D013739:Testosterone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone