Germ cell apoptosis control during spermatogenesis

Contraception. 2005 Oct;72(4):298-302. doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2005.04.011.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression and role of c-Flip long isoform (c-FlipL), a known anti-apoptotic protein. No data are currently available on c-FlipL in male gonad before puberty; therefore, this study was carried out in prepuberal mouse testis. We investigated pachytene spermatocytes and spermatogonia by immunostaining of testis sections and found a strong and specific expression of c-FlipL in pachytene spermatocytes, while spermatogonia expressed very low levels of c-FlipL. This finding inversely correlated with the caspases activity, which was higher in spermatogonia as compared to pachytene spermatocytes. Other experiments carried out in an organ-culture model revealed that Fas-induced apoptosis was higher in spermatogonia as compared to pachytene spermatocytes. These data suggest that c-FlipL may play a role as an anti-apoptotic molecule in the prepuberal mouse testis and open new perspectives in the comprehension of the mechanisms controlling germ cells apoptosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aging
  • Animals
  • Apoptosis*
  • CASP8 and FADD-Like Apoptosis Regulating Protein
  • Caspases / metabolism
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / analysis
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / physiology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Organ Culture Techniques
  • Protein Isoforms / physiology
  • Sexual Maturation
  • Spermatocytes / chemistry
  • Spermatocytes / cytology
  • Spermatocytes / enzymology
  • Spermatogenesis*
  • Spermatogonia / chemistry
  • Spermatogonia / cytology
  • Spermatogonia / enzymology
  • Spermatozoa / cytology*
  • Spermatozoa / physiology
  • Testis / chemistry
  • Testis / cytology

Substances

  • CASP8 and FADD-Like Apoptosis Regulating Protein
  • Cflar protein, mouse
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Caspases