title: Heat stress response of male germ cells.
abstract: The vast majority of mammalian testes are located outside the body cavity for proper thermoregulation. Heat has an adverse effect on mammalian spermatogenesis and eventually leads to sub- or infertility. Recent studies have provided insights into the molecular response of male germ cells to high temperatures. Here, we review the effects of heat on male germ cells and discuss the mechanisms underlying germ cell loss and impairment. We also discuss the role of translational control in male germ cells as a potential protective mechanism against heat-induced germ cell apoptosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-747, Korea.
authors.forename: Byunghyuk
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Kyosun
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Kunsoo
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Rhee
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000502:physiology*; D004249:DNA Damage; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000502:physiology*; D005854:Germ Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D018869:Heat-Shock Response / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008322:Mammals / Q000502:physiology*; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000502:physiology*