Open AccessExpression of TLR 2/4 in the sperm‐storing oviduct of the Chinese soft‐shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis during hibernation season
Author(s) -
Li Quanfu,
Hu Lisi,
Yang Ping,
Zhang Qian,
Waqas Yasir,
Liu Tengfei,
Zhang Linli,
Wang Shuai,
Chen Wei,
Le Yuan,
Ullah Shakeeb,
Chen Qiusheng
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
ecology and evolution
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.17
H-Index - 63
ISSN - 2045-7758
DOI - 10.1002/ece3.1726
Subject(s) - oviduct , biology , uterus , vagina , andrology , sperm , epithelium , endocrinology , medicine , microbiology and biotechnology , anatomy , genetics , botany
The initiation of innate immunology system could play an important role in the aspect of protection for sperms long‐term storage when the sperms got into oviduct of turtles and come into contact with epithelium. The exploration of TLR 2/4 distribution and expression in oviduct during hibernation could help make the storage mechanism understandable. The objective of this study was to examine the gene and protein expression profiles in Chinese soft‐shelled turtle during hibernation from November to April in the next year. The protein distribution of TLR 2/4 was investigated in the magnum, isthmus, uterus, and vagina of the turtle oviduct using immunohistochemistry, and the gene expression of TLR 2/4 was analyzed using quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR). The results showed positive TLR 2 protein expression primarily in the epithelium of the oviduct. TLR 4 immunoreactivity was widely observed in almost every part of the oviduct, particularly in the epithelium and secretory gland membrane. Analysis of protein, mRNA expression revealed the decreased expression of TLR 2/4 in the magnum compared with the isthmus, uterus, and vagina during hibernation. The protein and mRNA expression of TLR 2 in the magnum, isthmus, uterus, and vagina was decreased in April compared with that in November. TLR 4 protein and mRNA expression in the magnum, isthmus, uterus and vagina was decreased in November compared with that in April. These results indicated that TLR 2/4 expression might protect the sperm from microbial infections. In contrast to the function of TLR 2, which protects sperm during the early stages of hibernation, TLR 4 might play a role in later stages of storage. The present study is the first to report the functions of TLR 2/4 in reptiles.