Correlation between expression of CatSper1,2 and sperm parameters in the gamma irradiated adult mouse testis.

In this study, we investigated the effects of gamma radiation on the expression of CatSper1 and CatSper2 genes. Materials and Methods- Twenty-one male NMRI mice were divided into three groups: a control group without gamma radiation, and two experimental groups; Group 1 treated with 1Gy of gamma radiation, and Group 2 treated with a higher dose of 2Gy gamma radiation. Testes were removed from all groups of animals 35 days following irradiation and the testicular tissue, processed and embedded in paraffin blocks for sectioning and histological examination. Sperm samples were also taken from the epididymis for microscopic. Sperm parameters such as sperm count, morphology, motility and viability rates were analysed. Expression of CatSper genes was evaluated using Real-time PCR. Data were analysed using the SPSS software and ANOVA test. Results- Our results showed that after treatment with gamma radiation, testes morphology was changed. Epididymal sperm count, motility, and morphology rates were significantly affected in both experimental groups compared to the control group. The relative expressions of CatSper 1 and 2 genes were significantly reduced in the irradiated mice (1 Gy and 2 Gy) than non-irradiated ones. conclusions- Gamma radiations not only change testes histology and sperm parameters, but also decrease the expression of CatSper 1 & 2 genes in male mice. PMID: 30821561 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: International Journal of Radiation Biology - Category: Radiology Tags: Int J Radiat Biol Source Type: research