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Transferrin overexpression alters testicular function in aged mice
Author(s) -
Lécureuil C.,
Staub C.,
Fouchécourt S.,
Maurel M.C.,
Fontaine I.,
Martinat N.,
Gauthier C.,
Daudig A.,
Delaleu B.,
Sow A.,
Jégou B.,
Guillou F.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
molecular reproduction and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.745
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1098-2795
pISSN - 1040-452X
DOI - 10.1002/mrd.20523
Subject(s) - biology , spermatogenesis , genetically modified mouse , transgene , medicine , endocrinology , transferrin , human chorionic gonadotropin , andrology , sperm , rete testis , testicle , downregulation and upregulation , epididymis , hormone , gene , genetics
Many studies have shown a correlation between transferrin (Tf) concentration and sperm yield in several mammalian species. We have used transgenic mice expressing human Tf (hTf) to investigate if overexpression of Tf increases the efficiency of mouse spermatogenesis. We demonstrated that a 36% increase of Tf does not ameliorate the efficiency of mouse spermatogenesis but on the contrary resulted in a 36% decrease of testis sperm reserves. Tf overexpression had no effect on testicular determination and development, however testicular function of these transgenic mice was affected in an age‐dependent manner. At 16 months of age, testicular and epididymal weights were significantly reduced. While spermatogenesis was qualitatively normal, testicular functions were perturbed. In fact, testosterone rate after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulation was lower in Tf overexpressing mice. Intratesticular concentration of estradiol‐17β was increased and fluid accumulation after ligation of rete testis was more abundant in these transgenic mice. Surprisingly, we found that endogenous Tf levels were also increased in Tf overexpressing mice and we demonstrated for the first time that Tf may serve to upregulate its own expression in testis. Collectively, our data show that Tf overexpression has negative effects on testicular function and that Tf levels require strict regulation in the testis. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.