BDNF expression in the testes of reserpine-treated rats

RUIZ P; PAUTASSI R.M.; GENOVESE P; CALLIARI A

Cordoba

Congreso; LII Reunión de la Sociedad Argentina de Investigación Bioquímica y Biología Molecular (SAIB); 2016

Sociedad Argentina de Investigación Bioquímica y Biología Molecular (SAIB)

The neurotrophic factor BDNF affects testicular physiology, although very little is known regarding its action mechanism. Pevious work from our lab indicated that central (hippocampal) BDNF increases by reserpine treatment, a depletor of monoamines that induces behavioral depression. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of reserpine on testicular BDNF. Fourteen male Wistar rats were treated with reserpine (1.0 mg/kg) or vehicle (0.0 mg/kg) every two days for 8 days. One week after treatment the animals were sacrificed and testes were dissected, weighed and fixed in Bouin solution. Paraffin blocks were then prepared for hematoxylin and eosin staining, followed by immunohistochemistry against BDNF. Testes weight was similar across groups and the morphometry revealed a trend (p=0.08) for bigger seminiferous tubules in reserpine-treated animals. The latter animals exhibited significantly less Leydig cells negative to BDNF (p=0.02). This effect might explain the increase in circulating androgens, which in turn could affect the diameter of the seminiferous tubules. Overall, the data suggest that reserpine may improve testicular functionality.