[Expression of OCTN2 mRNA in the human epididymis and its significance]

Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue. 2008 Mar;14(3):242-4.
[Article in Chinese]

Abstract

Objective: To explore the mechanism of L-Carnitine transport and the expression of OCTN2 mRNA in the human epididymis so as to provide a theoretical basis for male contraception.

Methods: We collected specimens from human epididymides and determined the expressions of OCTN2 mRNA in the caput, corpus and cauda of the epididymis by RT-PCR.

Results: OCTN2 mRNA was expressed in the caput, corpus and cauda of the epididymis.

Conclusion: The human epididymis may rely on OCTN2 for transporting L-Carnitine into the epididymal duct to promote sperm maturation. With the accumulation of information on OCTN2 in the human epididymis, OCTN2 will become a new molecular target for researches on male contraception.

MeSH terms

  • Contraception / methods
  • Epididymis / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Profiling*
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Organic Cation Transport Proteins / genetics*
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Solute Carrier Family 22 Member 5

Substances

  • Organic Cation Transport Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • SLC22A5 protein, human
  • Solute Carrier Family 22 Member 5