Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) expression in the reproductive tract of male rats is regulated by androgens

CONTE MI; CABRILLANA ME; SAEZ LANCELLOTTI E; VINCENTI A.; LOPEZ ME; PIETROBON E; FORNES M; MONCLUS M,

mendoza

Simposio; Symposium on Translational Medicine; 2019

UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL DE CUYO

Introduction: 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-cellular survival properties. However, references to its activity in the murine male reproductive system are scarce, except in the regulation of sperm conjugation in rat epididymis. Methods: We aimed to characterize the expression of PEDF in the male reproductive tract of Wistar rats and explore their hormonal regulation using immunohistochemistry, semi quantitative RTPCR and Flutamide administration. Results: We found that PEDF is expressed in the epididymis, prostate and seminal vesicles, but notably not in the testes. These findings differ from those described in humans and primates testes, where PEDF expression has been detected in peritubular cells. Immunofluorescence staining indicated the presence of PEDF over the surface of sperm inside the epididymal lumen. Androgen dependence of PEDF expression, evaluated by flutamide administration, diminished along the male reproductive tract. This decrease in expression was reversed after 30 days without Flutamide administration. Conclusions and prospects: The epididymis is an essential organ in sperm maturation-storage. The role of PEDF in this physiological process has not been fully elucidated. Considering that in other systems PEDF has anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidants and pro-cell survival properties, its expression along the epididymis may be related