Expression and hormonal modulation of the thromboxane A2 receptor gene in mammalian testicular arteries.
OBJECTIVE
Thromboxane A2 (TXA2) is a biologically potent arachidonate metabolite which causes vasoconstriction and platelet aggregation. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of TXA2 receptors in mammalian testicular arteries and the influence of exogenous gonadotropin administration on their expression.


METHODS
Experimental study.


METHODS
Experimental animals in an academic research environment.


METHODS
Seven rams aged 4-6 years, weighing 60-90 kg.


METHODS
Both testicular arteries of seven rams were extracted before (from one testis) and after (from the opposite testis) IV administration of 5,000 IU human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).


METHODS
The expression of the TXA2 receptor gene was investigated by the real-time polymerase chain reaction. Data were analyzed by means of Student t test. Results were expressed as mean +/- standard deviation. A P value of <.01 was considered statistically significant.


RESULTS
Polymerase chain reaction revealed the presence of TXA2 messenger RNA receptor in all the basal samples, but the expression of TXA2 receptor gene was undetectable in all the arteries obtained 24 h after the administration of hCG.


CONCLUSIONS
These preliminary results demonstrated for the first time the presence of TXA2 receptors in mammalian testicular arteries. Results also showed that their expression was down-regulated after hCG administration.
Matteo
Maria
M
Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy. matteo.maria@libero.it
Cicinelli
Ettore
E
Sciorsci
Raffaele Luigi
RL
Grandone
Elvira
E
Cardo
Giuseppe
G
Colaizzo
Donatella
D
Rizzo
Annalisa
A
Greco
Pantaleo
P
D000818:Animals; D001158:Arteries / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D044244:Receptors, Thromboxane A2, Prostaglandin H2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D012756:Sheep; D013737:Testis / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D044244:Receptors, Thromboxane A2, Prostaglandin H2