Abstract
Apoptosis occurs spontaneously during spermatogenesis. However, little is known about
its regulation in primate. Using an experimental cryptorchidism model in rhesus monkey,
we have investigated the relationship between apoptosis and the Bcl-2 family members,
Bcl-2 and Bax. Apoptotic cells were identified by in situ end labeling of fragmented
DNA. The expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax in the testes during the heat stress-induced
testicular germ cell apoptosis were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot
techniques. The results showed that the apoptotic signals increased after heat treatment
and the most susceptible cell types were spermatocytes and spermatids. A redistribution
of Bax from the cytoplasmic to nuclear localization in some germ cells was observed.
However, its total expression levels in the cells remained unchanged in the cryptorchid
testes as determined by Western blot analysis; on the other hand, Bcl-2 levels increased
significantly in response to heat stress. The subcellular redistribution of Bax and
the increase in Bcl-2 expression in the cryptorchid testis suggest an involvement
of Bcl-2 family members in heat stress-induced germ-cell apoptosis.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Received in revised form:
July 11,
2003
Received:
June 16,
2003
Identification
Copyright
© 2003 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
