Study summary · research use only
Expression of Kisspeptin in the Adult Hamster Testis
Plain-language summary
Paraphrased from the published abstract below — not a verdict on whether anything works.
In this study of adult Syrian hamster testis, researchers used reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry to determine whether kisspeptin is expressed in the testis. After nested PCR, two cDNA products of 320 and 280 bp were detected by agarose gel electrophoresis, and sequencing confirmed the 320 bp product was correctly amplified from hamster kisspeptin cDNA. Modest immunoreactive kisspeptin was detected in Leydig-interstitial cells, with weaker signals in germ cells, mostly round spermatids and residual bodies of elongated spermatids. The authors report kisspeptin expression in Syrian hamster testis and state further studies on its local role are needed to better understand hamster testis physiology, including photoperiodic gonadal regression.
Abstract
Kisspeptins, products of KISS1 gene, are ligands of the G-protein coupled receptor (GPR54), and the kisspeptin-GPR54 signaling has an important role as an upstream regulator of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons. Interestingly, extrahypothalamic expressions of kisspeptin/GPR-54 in gonads have been found in primates and experimental rodents such as rats and mice. Hamsters, another potent experimental rodent, also have a kisspeptin-GPR54 system in their ovaries. The presence of testicular kisspeptin-GPR54 system, however, remains to be solved. The present study was undertaken to determine whether the kisspeptin is expressed in hamster testis. To do this, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCRs) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were employed. After the nest PCR, two cDNA products (320 and 280 bp, respectively) were detected by 3% agarose gel electrophoresis, and sequencing analysis revealed that the 320 bp product was correctly amplified from hamster kisspeptin cDNA. Modest immunoreactive (IR) kisspeptins were detected in Leydig-interstitial cells, and the weak signals were detected in germ cells, mostly in round spermatids and residual bodies of elongated spermatids. In the present study, we found the kisspeptin expression in the testis of Syrian hamster. Further studies on the local role(s) of testicular kisspeptin are expected for a better understanding the physiology of hamster testis, including photoperiodic gonadal regression specifically occurred in hamster gonads.
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