The role of autosomal cell apoptosis regulator genes in human spermatogenesis

Int Urol Nephrol. 1999;31(2):237-46. doi: 10.1023/a:1007137027543.

Abstract

Immunohistochemical analysis of the expression of the autosomal apoptosis regulator genes, BAX, bcl-2, p53, and cyclic-AMP responsive element modulator (CREM) in testis biopsies from infertile men demonstrated that BAX, bcl-2, and p53 immunoreactivity was absent irrespective of seminiferous tubule histology. In contrast, cell-specific CREM immunoreactivity in round spermatids, with complete absence of CREM in patient biopsies showing spermatocyte maturation arrest and Sertoli cell only, was evident, suggesting a possible role of autosomal genes in the regulation of apoptosis in human spermatogenesis regulation.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Apoptosis / genetics*
  • Cyclic AMP Response Element Modulator
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Oligospermia / metabolism
  • Oligospermia / pathology
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / metabolism*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / metabolism*
  • Repressor Proteins*
  • Sertoli Cells / cytology
  • Sertoli Cells / metabolism
  • Spermatids / cytology
  • Spermatids / metabolism
  • Spermatocytes / cytology
  • Spermatocytes / metabolism
  • Spermatogenesis / genetics*
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / metabolism*
  • bcl-2-Associated X Protein

Substances

  • BAX protein, human
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2
  • Repressor Proteins
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
  • bcl-2-Associated X Protein
  • Cyclic AMP Response Element Modulator