Characterization of MEPC5 cells (mouse epididymis proximal caput 5) as a model for the study of epididymal expression of PEDF (Pigment epithelium derived factor)

CONTE MI; SAEZ LANCELLOTTI T.E.; VICENTI AE; FUNES A.K.; LOPEZ ME; FORNÉS M.W.; COLOMBO R; TAGLE DELGADO M.G.; MONCLUS MA

Mendoza

Congreso; XXXVI REUNIÓN CIENTIFICA ANUAL DE LA SOCIEDAD DE BIOLOGÍA DE CUYO; 2018

SBCUYO

Serpine 1F, also known as pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF), is a glycoprotein that belongs to the serine proteases family initially found in retina. PEDF is widely spread in different mammalian tissues. It has functions in cell survival and repair, as an antioxidant, antiapoptotic and antiangiogenic factor antagonizing VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor). There many antecedents regardin PEDF rol in female reproductive tract as an antioxidant and anti apoptotic factor protecting the ovarian granullosa cells. Recently has begun its study in physiological and pathological situations in male reproductive system. Our laboratory recently described PEDF expression and its androgen-dependent in the male tract of Wistar rats. In this specie PEDF is expressed mainly in epididymal, seminal vesicles and prostate but notably not in testes. We extended the study to an in vivo model (C57bl/6 wild type mice) and also in a cell culture model MEPC5 cells obtained and immortalized from C57bl/6 mice. MEPC5 cells shown PEDF, P21 and Estrogen receptor alpha (ER α) expression by immuno cytochemistry. Androgen receptor (AR), VEGF (a known PEDF antagonist) were also detected by western blot and indirect immunofluorescence (IFI). In mouse tissues we observed PEDF expression over testicular peritubular cells as was described previously en human and primates but no in rats. These results favour the development of new lines of research to recognize the functional role of PEDF in the reproductive tract of rodents.