Objective: To study the expression of the Ces5a gene in the development of the rat testis.
Methods: Using RT-PCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry and HE staining, we determined the mRNA transcription level, protein expression and localization of the Ces5a gene in the testes of three litters of rats at different postnatal (PN) days.
Results: The expression of Ces5a mRNA was found in the testis tissue of the rats at 2－65 PN days, low at 2－12 days, decreased to the lowest level at 14－16 days (P < 0.05), but significantly increased at 20－35 days (P < 0.05), and elevated to the highest level at 40－65 days (P < 0.05). The expression of the Ces5a protein was also observed in the testis tissue of the rats at 2－65 PN, low at 2－12 days, with no significant change at 14－16 days (P > 0.05), but markedly increased at 20－35 days (P < 0.05), and again with no significant change at 40－65 days (P > 0.05). The Ces5a protein was expressed in the spermatogonia, spermatocytes and round sperm cells.
Conclusions: The Ces5a gene may be involved in the proliferation and meiosis of rat spermatogonia and play a special role in round spermatogenesis and sperm deformation.
Keywords: Ces5a gene; rat; spermatogenesis; testis.