Mitochondrial bioenergetics of testicular cells from the domestic cat (Felis catus)-a model for endangered species.
Efficient spermatogenesis relies on the balance between energy production and expenditure, and thus depends on mitochondrial function. Our goal was to characterize testis mitochondria isolated from the domestic cat for their future use as a model for endangered felids. Respiration parameters were monitored with a Clark-type oxygen electrode, and the mitochondrial transmembrane potential (DeltaPsi) was estimated with a TPP(+) electrode. Testis mitochondria are shown to require low oxygen consumption to generate approximately the same maximum DeltaPsi as other tissues. We also found differences between young and adult cats suggesting a less efficient phosphorylation system in the first group. Furthermore, an interpolation equation of the relation between maximum DeltaPsi and age allowed the prediction of the expected DeltaPsi at each age, as well as possible deviations. The results generate a novel model from a carnivore to further test drugs or environmental contaminants (such as pesticides and herbicides), many of which act on mitochondria and may interfere with the reproduction of wild animals.
Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department of Zoology, University of Coimbra, Largo Marquês de Pombal, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal.
Paula
P
Mota
Sandra
S
Amaral
Luís
L
Martins
Maria
M
de Lourdes Pereira
Paulo J
PJ
Oliveira
João
J
Ramalho-Santos
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D000829:Animals, Domestic; D000835:Animals, Wild; D002415:Cats; D019069:Cell Respiration; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D053476:Extinction, Biological; D008297:Male; D053078:Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism*; D023421:Models, Animal; D010085:Oxidative Phosphorylation; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D013737:Testis / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D013997:Time Factors