[Molecular pathways of germ cell apoptosis following testicular torsion in rats].

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.

• 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)

Chemical References

• Bax protein, rat
• Fas Ligand Protein
• Fas protein, rat
• Faslg protein, rat
• RNA, Messenger
• bcl-2-Associated X Protein
• fas Receptor

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)