Relationship of eNOS expression to the germ cell development and apoptosis in the rat cryptorchid / 中华泌尿外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the relationship of epithelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression with the germ cell development and apoptosis in the rat cryptorchid. Methods Germ cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated d UTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) in the unilateral cryptorchid.Expression of eNOS was detected by immunohistochemical S P method. The dispersion characteristics of expression of eNOS mRNA was investigated by in situ hybridization. Results On the 7th day after the operation,as compared to the control,the number of apoptotic germ cell in the cryptorchid was increased significantly,but its testis weight was decreased predominantly,and expression of eNOS gene was localized to the cytoplasm of Legdig cell,Sertoli cell and germ cell in both testes.On the 40th day,expression of eNOS gene was localized to the cytoplasm of lengthened spermid.On the 3rd day and 7th day,expression of eNOS mRNA had no apparent change in the cryptorchid as compared to the control. Conclusions In adolescence,expression of eNOS regulates secretion of hormone and germ cell development;whereas after adulthood,expression of eNOS is only related to the mature and activity of sperm.Expression of eNOS has no apparent relationship with germ cell apoptosis.