[Expression of neuropeptide Y in rat testes and its significance].
OBJECTIVE
To assay the expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in rat testes and to investigate the significance of NPY in the regulation of androgen production and spermatogenesis.


METHODS
NPY mRNA levels in SD rat testes were measured by RT-PCR semi-quantity with beta-actin as internal control. NPY distribution was observed immunohistochemically.


RESULTS
NPY gene expressed in the testes, showing the strong positive band in the PCR production electrophoresis gel. In the immunostaining slides, NPY was found positively expressed in the Leyding cell area and around the testicular vessels and tubules, but not in the seminiferous tubules.


CONCLUSIONS
There was positive expression of NPY in the rat testes, which showed that NPY played a direct role in the regulation of testicular function.
Wang
Xiaowei
X
Key Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China.
Cui
Yugui
Y
Chen
Ziqing
Z
Pan
Qinqin
Q
D000818:Animals; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D009478:Neuropeptide Y / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D013737:Testis / Q000737:chemistry*
D009478:Neuropeptide Y; D012333:RNA, Messenger