The Forkhead Transcription Factor, FOXP3: A Critical Role in Male Fertility in Mice

摘要: Fertility is dependent on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Each component of this axis essential for normal reproductive function. Mice with a mutation in forkhead transcription factor gene, Foxp3, exhibit autoimmunity and infertility. We have previously shown that Foxp3 mutant mice significantly reduced expression pituitary gonadotropins. To address role gonadal function, we examined phenotype these mice. seminal vesicle testis weights compared +/Y littermates. Spermatogenesis males arrested prior to spermatid elongation. Activation luteinizing hormone signaling by treatment human chorionic gonadotropin increases as well testicular testosterone content seminiferous tubule diameter. Interestingly, treatments rescue spermatogenesis males, suggesting their due primarily loss stimulation rather than an intrinsic defect. fertility, forkhead, FOXP3, gonadotropin, pituitary, spermatogenesis,