Changes in the expression of adherens and gap junction molecules in the testis of rats undergoing autoimmune orchitis

PÉREZ CV; SOBARZO CM; JACOBO PV; THEAS MS; DENDUCHIS B; LUSTIG L

Atenas

Congreso; VI Congreso Europeo de Andrología; 2010

Academia Europea de Andrología

Introduction: Experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO) is characterized by an interstitial lymphomononuclear cell infiltrate, apoptosis and sloughing of germ cells (GC) resulting in aspermatogenesis and infertility. To analyse the mechanism of GC sloughing during EAO development we evaluated the variations in the expression of adherens and gap junction molecules involved in Sertoli cells (SC) and SC-GC interactions. Materials and Methods: EAO was induced in rats by active immunization with spermatic antigens and adjuvants. The expression and distribution of Ncadherin, alpha, beta, pY654-beta and p120 catenins and connexin 43 within the seminiferous tubules (ST) was determined by Western blot and by immunofluorescence. Results: By Western blot a significant increase in the expression of Ncadherin, alpha-catenin, and pY654-beta catenin and a strong decrease in connexin 43 was detected in EAO rats compared to control rats (C). Immunostaining for N-cadherin and catenins was largely confined to the ST basal compartment, but a strong and/or more diffuse pattern was observed in EAO rats contrasting with the sharp immunofluorescence of C rats. An adhesion assay revealed the presence of Sertoli and GC aggregates in C rats while in EAO most cells appeared isolated. Conclusions: Increased expression of N-cadherin, catenins and its phosphorylated form, pY654beta-catenin in EAO might reflect an unsuccessful attempt of these molecules to preserve germ cell adhesion within the ST.The decrease of connexin 43 expression shows a severe impairment of GC communication. The increase in proinflammatory cytokines in EAO might be involved in the modulation of cell adhesion molecule expression.