Qualitative and Quantitative Decline in Spermatogenesis of the Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Receptor Knockout (FORKO) Mouse

摘要: Sertoli cells express functional receptors for FSH, one of the two pituitary hormones that regulate spermatogenesis in mammals. We recently produced genetic mutant (FORKO) mice lack FSH receptor, order to examine effects on testicular function and fertility. Mutant males exhibited weight loss testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle as well low levels testosterone. Except reduced seminiferous tubular diameter, no gross changes were apparent upon histological examination. Analysis germ by flow cytometry revealed a significant increase percentage 2C (spermatogonia non-germ cells) decrease HC (elongated spermatids) FORKO males. The absolute number homogenization-resistant elongated spermatids was also significantly A 2-fold c-kit-positive recorded Elongated showed dramatic propidium iodide binding suggesting nuclear compaction. size sperm head mutants, susceptibility dithiothreitol-induced decondensation, suggests inadequate condensation chromatin. Sperm chromatin structure assay, technique reflects DNA stability, from are susceptible acid denaturation, indicating poor quality sperm. These data allow us conclude disruption receptor signaling rodent induces major might contribute