Expression of GAT1 in male reproductive system and its effects on reproduction in mice.
The present study was carried out to identify GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) transport protein I (GAT1) in male reproductive organs and to study the effect of GAT1 overexpression on the male reproductive system in GAT1 transgenic mice (TG). Expression and location of GAT1 in testes, epididymis, and sperm of wild-type (WT) mice were identified by immunohistochemistry and western-blot. Histological changes of testes, epididymis, and sperm of transgenic mice overexpressing GAT1 were detected by immunofluorenscent staining and haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. GAT1 expression was detected in the testes, epididymis, and sperm of non-transgenic mice. Vacuolization and deformity of spermatogenic cells were observed in the transgenic mice, but the epididymis was unremarkable. Immunofluorenscent staining showed that the number of diastrophic and decapitated sperm increased significantly in transgenic mice to 46.9% from 7.3% in nontransgenic mice. These results suggest that abnormal expression of GAT1 could result in spermiogenesis function injury, sperm paramorphia and dysgenesis.
Zhang
JinFu
J
Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, P. R. China. jinfuzhang@yahoo.com.cn
Gui
YaPing
Y
Yuan
Tao
T
Bian
CuiDong
C
Guo
LiHe
L
D000818:Animals; D004822:Epididymis / Q000378:metabolism*; D050485:GABA Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D012098:Reproduction; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000378:metabolism*; D013733:Testicular Diseases / Q000378:metabolism; D013737:Testis / Q000378:metabolism*
D050485:GABA Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins; C493414:Slc6a1 protein, mouse