Expression and localization of 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in immature pig testis = 미니돼지 정소에서 20α-HSD의 발현 및 특성화

Abstract

In all mammalian species, progesterone is essential in the preparation for and maintenance of pregnancy. 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20α-HSD) predominantly converts progesterone into its biologically inactive form 20α-hydroxyprogesterone (20α-OHP), and plays a crucial role in the termination of pregnancy and initiation of parturition. In this study, we characterized the expression and localization of 20α-HSDinthe testis of MediKinetics Micropigs®. The testes were collected at days 6, 9, 12, 18, and 21 after birth. The 20α-HSD mRNA was found to be expressed in the testis at day 6 after birth by RT-PCR. The highest level of mRNA expression in the testis was detected on day 21 after birth. However, the mRNA was not detected in the placenta after parturition. Western blot for 20α-HSD reveal that the specific 37-kDa band was detected in immature pig testis. However, this band was not detected in testis tissue at day 6 after birth. In the immunohistochemical analysis of the testis, 20α-HSD was detected in the Sertoli cells and Leydig cells. Taken together, our study shows for the first time that the 20α-HSD mRNA and protein are expressed in pig testis after birth. Further investigation is required to elucidate the functional mechanisms of 20α-HSD in pig testis after birth.