Presence, Tissue Localization, and Gene Expression of the Adiponectin Receptor 1 in Testis and Accessory Glands of Male Rams during the Non-Breeding Season

Abstract

Adiponectin (ADIPOQ) is a member adipocytokines, and its actions are supported by two receptors, ADIPOQ receptor 1 and -2, respectively (ADIPOR1 and -R2). Our study was performed to evaluate the ADIPOR1 presence and location and its gene expression in reproductive tissues of the male ram, during its non-breading season. The different portions of the male ram reproductive system (testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle, ampoule vas deferens, bulb-urethral gland) were collected in a slaughterhouse. Immunohistochemistry showed ADIPOR1 positive signals in the cytoplasm of all the glandular epithelial cells, with a location near the nucleus; in the testes, the positive reaction was evidenced in the cytoplasm in the basal portion of the germinal epithelial cells. The immune reaction intensity was highest (p ADIPOR1 transcript in the testes, epididymis, vas deferens, bulbourethral glands, seminal vesicles, and prostate; the expression levels were high (p p < 0.01) in the testis, epididymis, and bulbourethral glands. The present results evidenced the possible ADIPOQ/ADIPOR1 system’s role in regulating the testicular activity of male rams during the non-breading season.

Keywords

• adiponectin
• adiponectin receptors
• ovine
• ram
• testis
• sexual glands