Objective Insulin-3 (Insl3) and its only receptor LGR8 (aka RXFP2) are the key mediators in testicular descent. We sought to characterize LGR8 localization in the reproduction system of Insl3 knockout mice to better understand infertility seen in these mice. Methods IP, Western blot and immunohistochemistry techniques were used to detect the expression of LGR8 protein in the reproduction system of Insl3 knockout mice. Results LGR8 was found to be expressed in the testis, gubernaculum, epididymis and vas deferens in wildtype mice. The expression of LGR8 varied in different organs, and it was significantly higher in the testis of wildtype mice than in that of Insl3 knockout mice (P<0.05). Conclusion LGR8 is expressed in the reproduction system of male mice, indicating that /ni/3-LGR8 system may play an important role in male infertility.%目的 Insulin-3(Insl3)和其唯一配体富含亮氨酸的G蛋白受体[LGR8(aka RXFP2)]系统在睾丸下降过程中起重要作用.本研究拟利用Insl3基因敲除鼠探讨Insl3与LGR8相互关系及其在生殖系统的表达情况.方法 使用免疫共沉淀、Western blot及免疫组化法检测雄性野生型小鼠和Insl3基因敲除雄性小鼠各生殖器官LGR8蛋白的表达并比较分析.结果 LGR8蛋白在野生型小鼠睾丸、睾丸引带、附睾及输精管等多个雄性生殖器官均有表达.其表达程度在不同生殖器官不同,野生型小鼠睾丸LGR8的表达强于Insl3基因敲除鼠(P＜0.05).结论 LGR8蛋白在多个雄性生殖器官均有表达,Insl3-LGR8系统可能在男性多种生殖发育疾病中起作用.
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