Expression pattern of germ cell markers in cryptorchid stallion testes.

Shakeel, M
·
Choi, Y
·
Yoon, M

Abstract: Cryptorchidism affects spermatogenesis and testis development, often resulting in stallion subfertility/infertility. This study aims to identify the specific germ cells impacted by cryptorchism in stallions. In a previous study, we found that PGP9.5 and VASA are molecular markers expressed in different germ cells within stallions. Herein, we assessed the heat stress-induced response of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in the seminiferous tubules (ST) of cryptorchid stallion testes (CST) and normal stallion testes (NST). This goal was accomplished by comparing PGP9.5 and VASA expression patterns through reverse transcription quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence assays. We also compared the cross-sectional ST area between groups. Six post-pubertal Thoroughbred unilateral cryptorchid stallions were used. The relative abundance of the mRNA transcripts of PGP9.5 and VASA was significantly upregulated in the NST group than in the CST group. Additionally, the cross-sectional ST area and localization of PGP9.5 and VASA in germ cells were significantly higher in the NST group than in the CST group. Regarding Leydig cells, PGP9.5 staining was observed in both groups. Spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes and secondary spermatocytes were immunostained with VASA in the NST group, while immunostaining was only observed in spermatogonia in the CST group. These results indicate long-term exposure to heat stress conditions, such as cryptorchidism, directly impacts germ cell proliferation and differentiation, leading to impaired spermatogenesis and compromised fertility in stallions.

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Publication Date: 2024-04-13 PubMed ID: 38613192DOI: 10.1111/rda.14561Google Scholar: Lookup

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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This study explores the impact of a condition called cryptorchidism on the reproductive health of male horses, specifically by analyzing the expression pattern of biological markers within their germ cells. The findings indicate that prolonged exposure to heat stress conditions, such as cryptorchidism, negatively affects germ cell proliferation, leading to compromised fertility.

Research Purpose and Methodology

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of cryptorchidism – a condition characterized by the absence of one or both testes from the scrotum – on stallions’ fertility. More specifically, it sought to identify the germ cells impacted by this condition.
In an earlier study, the researchers discovered that PGP9.5 and VASA are molecular markers expressed in these germ cells. They therefore used these markers in this study as indicators of the health and development of the germ cells.
They used quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence assays, laboratory techniques used to measure the presence and quantity of specific molecules, to assess and compare the expression patterns of PGP9.5 and VASA in cryptorchid stallion testes (CST) and normal stallion testes (NST).
They also measured and compared the cross-sectional area of the seminiferous tubules (the site of sperm production) in these two types of testes.

Key Findings

In the normal stallion testes, the expression of the PGP9.5 and VASA markers was significantly higher compared to the cryptorchid testes. This suggests a healthier state of germ cells in normal testes.
Similarly, the cross-sectional area of the seminiferous tubules was also significantly larger in normal stallion testes when compared to cryptorchid testes. A larger cross-sectional area may indicate more active sperm production.
Leydig cells, which are involved in sperm production, showed PGP9.5 staining in both types of testes, which indicates that they are present in both normal and cryptorchid testes.
The VASA marker was observed in several germ cells involved in sperm production (spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, and secondary spermatocytes) in the normal stallion testes, while it was only observed in spermatogonia in the cryptorchid stallion testes. This suggests a disrupted spermatogenesis or sperm production process in the cryptorchid testes.

Research Impact

The results of this research highlight that cryptorchidism can hinder germ cell proliferation and differentiation, leading to impaired spermatogenesis and compromised fertility in stallions.
These findings could formally establish the connection between cryptorchidism, germ cell health, and male horse fertility, potentially paving the way for interventions that counteract the condition’s effects on stallion fertility.

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APA

Shakeel M, Choi Y, Yoon M. (2024). Expression pattern of germ cell markers in cryptorchid stallion testes. Reprod Domest Anim, 59(4), e14561. https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.14561

Publication

Reproduction in domestic animals = Zuchthygiene

ISSN: 1439-0531

NlmUniqueID: 9015668

Country: Germany

Language: English

Volume: 59

Issue: 4

Pages: e14561

Researcher Affiliations

Shakeel, Muhammad

Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea.
Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pir Mehr Ali Shah, Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Choi, Younju

Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea.

Yoon, Minjung

Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea.
Research Institute for Innovative Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea.
Department of Horse, Companion and Wild Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea.

MeSH Terms

Animals
Horses
Male
Cryptorchidism / veterinary
Cross-Sectional Studies
Seminiferous Tubules
Spermatogonia
Infertility / veterinary
Horse Diseases

Grant Funding

Kyungpook National University

References

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