Cynomorium songaricum induces spermatogenesis with glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) enhancement in rat testes

J Ethnopharmacol. 2010 Apr 21;128(3):693-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2010.02.020. Epub 2010 Feb 26.

Abstract

Aim of the study: Cynomorium songaricum Ruprecht has been used in traditional Korean medicine to treat male infertility, including sexual dysfunction, by improving kidney function. Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) produced by Sertoli cells induces the proliferation of undifferentiated spermatogonia. We investigated the effects of Cynomorium songaricum on sperm parameters and GDNF expression in rat testes.

Materials and methods: Sperm analysis, RT-PCR, and Western blotting assays were performed after administration of CS to 8-week-old male Wistar rats for 56 consecutive days (1.0g/kg/day, p.o.), the period of sperm formation in the rat.

Results and conclusions: The CS-treated animals showed significant increases in epididymal sperm count and absolute testes weights compared to the control group. CS also increased the expression of GDNF at both the mRNA and protein levels. These results suggest that CS may improve male fertility by enhancing spermatogenesis and GDNF expression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blotting, Western
  • Cell Count
  • Cells / chemistry
  • Cells / metabolism
  • Cellular Structures / chemistry
  • Cellular Structures / metabolism
  • Cynomorium / genetics*
  • Male
  • Neuroglia / chemistry
  • Neuroglia / metabolism*
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Sertoli Cells / chemistry
  • Sertoli Cells / metabolism
  • Spermatogenesis / drug effects*
  • Spermatogonia / chemistry
  • Spermatogonia / metabolism
  • Spermatozoa / chemistry
  • Spermatozoa / metabolism
  • Testis / chemistry
  • Testis / metabolism*

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger