Abstract |
Tubulobulbar complexes (TBCs), evaginations of mature spermatids, penetrate into the surrounding Sertoli cell cytoplasm of testis seminiferous epithelium during rat spermatogenesis. These structures prepare mature spermatids for their release into the seminiferous tubular lumen via a process called spermiation. Based on their functions of transient attachment and endocytosis, many actin-regulatory and endocytic proteins are associated with TBCs. Previously, exogenous 17β-estradiol administration to adult male rats showed spermiation failure that was attributed to TBC disruption. To determine the molecular basis of estrogen-induced TBC disruption, we examined the expressions and localizations of actin-regulatory proteins, endocytic proteins, Rho-GTPases, and phosphorylation in TBCs during sperm release. Results demonstrated absence of neural Wiscott Aldrich syndrome protein, cortactin, adaptor-related protein complex 2 sigma-1 subunit, dynamin 2, cell division control protein 42, and phosphocortactin in the concavity of spermatid head where TBCs are present without change in their protein expression levels. Absence of these proteins could have led to collapse of the TBC structure which is involved in its formation and function.
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Authors | Rahul D Upadhyay, Anita V Kumar, Shobha Sonawane, Reshma Gaonkar, Nafisa H Balasinor |
Journal | Reproductive sciences (Thousand Oaks, Calif.)
(Reprod Sci)
Vol. 20
Issue 10
Pg. 1162-74
(Oct 2013)
ISSN: 1933-7205 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 23427177
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Actins
- Estrogens
- Membrane Proteins
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Topics |
- Actins
(metabolism)
- Animals
- Cytoskeleton
(drug effects, metabolism, pathology)
- Endocytosis
(drug effects, physiology)
- Estrogens
(pharmacology, toxicity)
- Male
- Membrane Proteins
(metabolism)
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Spermatids
(drug effects, metabolism, pathology)
- Testis
(drug effects, metabolism, pathology)
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