Steroidogenic gene expression following D-aspartate treatment in frog testis.
Previous studies have provided evidence that D-Asp plays a role in steroid-mediated reproductive biology in amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. To examine the molecular involvement of D-Asp on steroidogenic pathway regulation, we analysed the expression of StAR, P450 aromatase and 5αRed2 mRNAs in Pelophylax esculentus testis, either in relation to the reproductive cycle or D-Asp treatment. Basal StAR mRNA levels, as well as D-Asp and testosterone concentrations, were higher in reproductive than in post-reproductive frogs. D-Asp treatment increased StAR mRNA expression and immunolocalisation in both the reproductive and post-reproductive periods. In control testis, aromatase mRNA levels were higher in the post-reproductive period, but following D-Asp administration, they increased only in the reproductive period. The level of 5αRed2 mRNA was higher in reproductive frogs than in post-reproductive frogs, and it increased after D-Asp treatment only in the post-reproductive phase. Our results suggest that, in P. esculentus testis, D-Asp increases StAR mRNA in both periods, and P450 aromatase and 5αRed2 mRNAs at different points during the reproductive cycle.
Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Second University of Naples, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy.
Lavinia
L
Burrone
Franca
F
Raucci
Maria Maddalena
MM
Di Fiore
D013741:3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D001141:Aromatase / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D026603:D-Aspartic Acid / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000378:metabolism; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D011893:Rana esculenta / Q000378:metabolism*; D011944:Receptors, Androgen / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology; D013737:Testis / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000378:metabolism
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011944:Receptors, Androgen; D013739:Testosterone; D026603:D-Aspartic Acid; D004958:Estradiol; D001141:Aromatase; D013741:3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase