Abstract
Beta-endorphin (beta-End) and its precursor, proopiomelanocortin (POMC), are expressed in testis and beta-End stimulates testosterone secretion locally. We measured POMC expression in Syrian hamster testis following transfer from long days (LDs) to short days (SDs). We used RT-PCR to amplify partial-length hamster POMC cDNA to generate a probe for Northern analysis. We also used rat beta-End antiserum for radioimmunoassay analysis. SD exposure for 2 weeks decreased POMC mRNA and beta-End, but not testis weight or testosterone. We conclude that POMC signaling may play a role in seasonal regulation of testicular function.
Publication types
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Comparative Study
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Base Sequence
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Chronobiology Disorders
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Cloning, Molecular / methods*
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Cricetinae
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DNA, Complementary / genetics
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Male
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Mesocricetus / metabolism*
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Mice
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Organ Size
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Pro-Opiomelanocortin / biosynthesis*
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Pro-Opiomelanocortin / genetics
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Proteomics / methods
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Radioimmunoassay
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Rats
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Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
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Seasons*
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Testis / abnormalities
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Testis / chemistry
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Testis / metabolism*
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Testosterone / metabolism
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Transcription, Genetic
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beta-Endorphin / biosynthesis
Substances
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DNA, Complementary
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Testosterone
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beta-Endorphin
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Pro-Opiomelanocortin