DISTRIBUTION AND LOCALIZATION OF LIPOCALIN-TYPE PROSTAGLANDIN D SYNTHASE IN RAT TESTIS AND EPIDIDYMIDIS / 解剖学报

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the distribution and localization of LPGDS (Lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase) in rat testis and epididymidis and gain further insight into LPGDS potential function in male reproduction. Methods The expression of LPGDS in rat testis and epididymidis was assessed using RT-PCR and immunobloting. Using immunohistochemistry to explore the distribution of LPGDS in rat testis and epididymidis. Results None of the LPGDS studied was present in the testis of 2 month old SD rat. LPGDS was strikingly expressed in the caput epididymidis, while moderate to weak expressing was observed in the corpus and cauda epididymidis. The result of immunohistochemistry displayed that LPGDS was mainly localized within the cytoplasm and the cilia of the epithelial cells in rat epididymidis. Conclusion LPGDS was mainly distributed in epididymidis and localized with in the cytoplasm and the cilia of the epithelial cells. There was no LPGDS expressed in the testis of 2 month old SD rat, but it was strikingly expressed in the epididymidis, and the dose of expression was different, which suggested that LPGDS may play some kind of role during the process of the spermatozoa maturation.