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The Journal of reproduction and development2014; 61(1); 30-34; doi: 10.1262/jrd.2014-097

Immunolocalization of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and its receptors (IGF-IR) in the equine epididymis.

Abstract: Insulin-like growth factor plays a paracrine/autocrine role in regulating testicular function in the stallion, but its presence in the equine epididymis remains unknown. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) are localized in the caput, corpus, and cauda of the epididymis in an age-dependent manner. Immediately after castration, epididymal tissue was fixed, paraffin-embedded, and processed for immunohistochemistry (IHC). Western blot was also performed using equine epididymal extracts to verify the specificity of the antibodies against IGF-I and IGF-IR. Immunolabeling of IGF-I was observed in the cytoplasm of principal and basal cells in the caput, corpus, and cauda at the pre-pubertal (3-7 months), pubertal (12-18 months), post-pubertal (2-4 years), and adult stages (4.5-8 years). Immunolabeling of IGF-IR was observed in the cytoplasm of principal cells in all regions of the epididymis in each age group. Immunolabeling of IGF-IR was also detected in the cytoplasm of basal cells from animals of all ages. Bands observed by Western blot corresponded to the molecular weights of IGF-I and IGF-IR, ~23 kDa and 95 kDa, respectively. These results suggest that IGF-I might function as an autocrine and/or paracrine factor during the development, maintenance and/or secretions of the stallion epididymis.
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Publication Date: 2014-10-12 PubMed ID: 25311540PubMed Central: PMC4354228DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2014-097Google 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.

The research essentially investigates the presence and role of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and its receptor (IGF-IR) in various regions of the equine epididymis. The study’s findings suggest that IGF-I may play a critical role in the development and maintenance of the stallion epididymis, which is significant for reproduction in horses.

Objective and Methodology

  • The primary aim of this study was to further understand the role of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and its receptor (IGF-IR) in the development, maintenance, and secretions of the equine epididymis across different age groups.
  • In order to validate the roles of IGF-I and IGF-IR, the researchers used immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blot techniques. IHC is a technique used to visually depict the presence of specific proteins in cells of a tissue section by attaching an antibody to the protein and using a color change to indicate its presence. Western blotting is another method usually employed to detect specific proteins in a sample of tissue homogenate or extract.

Key Findings

  • The researchers discovered that immunolabeling of IGF-I was present in principal and basal cells in all regions of the stallion epididymis across all ages being studied, namely pre-pubertal, pubertal, post-pubertal, and adult stages. The presence of the IGF-IR was also observed in all tested specimens.
  • The presence of the IGF-I and IGF-IR in the epididymis suggests that they play significant roles as autocrine and/or paracrine factors in the development, maintenance, and secretions of the stallion epididymis.

Implications and Conclusions

  • This research provides valuable insights into the cellular and molecular biology of equine reproduction. The discovery of the IGF-I acting as an autocrine/paracrine regulator in the equine epididymis suggests its potential significance for stallion fertility.
  • The study adds to a growing body of work linking IGF-I to reproductive function in stallions, reinforcing the importance of this protein in the reproductive processes of male equines and potentially other mammals as well.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which IGF-I and IGF-IR influence epididymal function and the potential implications for stallion fertility and reproductive management.

Cite This Article

APA
Yoon M, Jiang J, Chung KH, Roser JF. (2014). Immunolocalization of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and its receptors (IGF-IR) in the equine epididymis. J Reprod Dev, 61(1), 30-34. https://doi.org/10.1262/jrd.2014-097

Publication

The Journal of reproduction and development
ISSN: 1348-4400
NlmUniqueID: 9438792
Country: Japan
Language: English
Volume: 61
Issue: 1
Pages: 30-34

Researcher Affiliations

Yoon, Minjung
    Jiang, Juliann
      Chung, Ki Hwa
        Roser, Janet Fay

          MeSH Terms

          • Animals
          • Cytoplasm / metabolism
          • Epididymis / metabolism
          • Horses
          • Immunohistochemistry
          • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / metabolism
          • Male
          • Receptor, IGF Type 1 / metabolism
          • Time Factors

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          Citations

          This article has been cited 2 times.
          1. Yang Y, Suwimonteerabutr J, Angkawanish T, Chatdarong K. Serum Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Is a Biomarker of Testosterone Production and Intact Acrosome in Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus). Animals (Basel) 2022 Jun 17;12(12).
            doi: 10.3390/ani12121570pubmed: 35739906google scholar: lookup
          2. Rodriguez-Perez AI, Borrajo A, Diaz-Ruiz C, Garrido-Gil P, Labandeira-Garcia JL. Crosstalk between insulin-like growth factor-1 and angiotensin-II in dopaminergic neurons and glial cells: role in neuroinflammation and aging. Oncotarget 2016 May 24;7(21):30049-67.
            doi: 10.18632/oncotarget.9174pubmed: 27167199google scholar: lookup
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