Abstract | OBJECTIVE: To investigate the molecular mechanism of germ cell apoptosis following testicular torsion in rats. METHODS: Healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 16) were equally randomized into a control and a torsion group and the models of testicular torsion (720 degrees 2 h) were established. Twenty-four hours later, the apoptosis and count of germ cells were determined by flow cytometry, the expressions of Bax, Fas and Fas ligand (FasL) mRNA semiquantitatively analyzed by RT-PCR and the cytochrome C release detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, there was an obvious increase in the number of apoptotic germ cells, a marked decrease in that of haploid and tetraploid cells and significantly up-regulated expressions of Bax and Fas/FasL mRNA in the torsion group (P <0.01). The Western blot analysis showed that the cytochrome C release was remarkably increased 24 hours after the detorsion. There were significant differences between the two groups (P <0.01). CONCLUSION: There are two major signaling pathways of cell apoptosis following testicular torsion, intercellular and intracellular. Up-regulated expressions of the apoptosis-related molecules Bax and Fas/FasL and increased cytochrome C release may play an important role in germ cell apoptosis following testicular torsion in rats.
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Authors | Zi-Ming Liu, Xin-Min Zheng |
Journal | Zhonghua nan ke xue = National journal of andrology
(Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue)
Vol. 15
Issue 2
Pg. 144-8
(Feb 2009)
ISSN: 1009-3591 [Print] China |
PMID | 19323375
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Bax protein, rat
- Fas Ligand Protein
- Fas protein, rat
- Faslg protein, rat
- RNA, Messenger
- bcl-2-Associated X Protein
- fas Receptor
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Topics |
- Animals
- Apoptosis
- Disease Models, Animal
- Fas Ligand Protein
(metabolism)
- Flow Cytometry
- Germ Cells
(cytology)
- Male
- RNA, Messenger
(metabolism)
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Spermatic Cord Torsion
(metabolism, pathology)
- bcl-2-Associated X Protein
(metabolism)
- fas Receptor
(metabolism)
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