PEDF (PIGMENT EPITHELIUM DERIVED FACTOR) EXPRESION IN MALE REPRODUCTIVE TRACT (WISTAR RATS) AND IN MEPC5 CELLS (MOUSE)

CONTE MI; TAGLE M; BARAUNA A; SIMÓN L; COLOMBO R; LOPEZ ME; MONCLUS MA; CABRILLANA ME; FUNES AK; FORNÉS MW

Merlo

Congreso; XXXV Reunión Científica Anual de la Sociedad de Biología de Cuyo; 2017

Soc. Biol Cuyo

Pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) expression has been described in many organs as showing neurotrophic, anti-angiogenic, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and pro-cell survival properties. However, references to its activity in the male reproductive system are scarce. In previous works we analyzed the role of this protein in epididymal sperm conjugation in rat epididymis. We aimed to characterize the expression of PEDF in the male reproductive tract of Wistar rats and explore their hormonal regulation. Additionally we extend the study to MEPC5 cells (mouse epididymal proximal caput cells). We found that PEDF is expressed over the epididymis, prostate and seminal vesicles by immunohistochemistry, but notably not in the testes. These results agree with those obtain by semi cuantitative RT-PCR. Androgen dependence of PEDF expression was evaluated by flutamide administration during 15 days to Wistar Rats. PEDF expression diminished along the male reproductive tract. This decreased expression was reversed after 30 days without flutamide administration. MEPC5 cells also express PEDF and proteins typical of epididymis like estrogen receptor alpha and androgen receptor in culture. The epididymis is an essential organ in sperm maturation-storage. The role of PEDF in this physiological process has not been fully elucidated. But considering that in other systems PEDF has anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidants and pro-cell survival properties, its expression along the epididymis may be related to the protection of spermatozoa while they are stored.