Projects per year
Abstract
Regionalised interaction of the activins, follistatin and inhibin was investigated in the male reproductive tract of mice lacking the inhibin α-subunit (Inha−/-). Serum and intratesticular activin B, although not activin A and follistatin, were increased in Inha−/- mice at 25 days of age, but all three proteins were elevated at 56 days. None of these proteins were altered within the epididymis and vas deferens at either age. At 25 days, histology of the epididymis and vas deferens was similar to wild-type. At 56 days, the testis contained extensive somatic cell tumours, leading to Leydig cell regression and testosterone deficiency. The epididymis and vas deferens showed epithelial regression and increased prominence of the interstitial stroma. Immunoregulatory and fibrotic gene expression in the epididymis and vas deferens were unchanged. Thus, absence of the inhibin α-subunit has marginal effects on activins in the epididymis and vas deferens, and regression of these tissues is associated with androgen deficiency.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 188-198 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology |
Volume | 470 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 15 Jul 2017 |
Projects
- 3 Finished
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Identification of testis-specific markers of male infertility
Stanton, P. (Primary Chief Investigator (PCI)), McLachlan, R. (Chief Investigator (CI)) & de Kretser, D. (Chief Investigator (CI))
NHMRC - National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia)
1/01/16 → 31/12/18
Project: Research
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NHMRC Research Fellowship
Loveland, K. (Primary Chief Investigator (PCI))
NHMRC - National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia)
1/01/03 → 31/12/20
Project: Research
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NHMRC Research Fellowship
Hedger, M. (Primary Chief Investigator (PCI))
NHMRC - National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia)
2/03/00 → 31/12/16
Project: Research