Occurrence of testicular microlithiasis in androgen insensitive hypogonadal mice

O'Shaughnessy, P.J. , Monteiro, A., Verhoeven, G., De Gendt, K. and Abel, M.H. (2009) Occurrence of testicular microlithiasis in androgen insensitive hypogonadal mice. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 7, p. 88. (doi: 10.1186/1477-7827-7-88)

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Abstract

<b>Background</b>: Testicular microliths are calcifications found within the seminiferous tubules. In humans, testicular microlithiasis (TM) has an unknown etiology but may be significantly associated with testicular germ cell tumors. Factors inducing microlith development may also, therefore, act as susceptibility factors for malignant testicular conditions. Studies to identify the mechanisms of microlith development have been hampered by the lack of suitable animal models for TM.<BR/> <b>Methods</b>: This was an observational study of the testicular phenotype of different mouse models. The mouse models were: cryptorchid mice, mice lacking androgen receptors (ARs) on the Sertoli cells (SCARKO), mice with a ubiquitous loss of androgen ARs (ARKO), hypogonadal (hpg) mice which lack circulating gonadotrophins, and hpg mice crossed with SCARKO (hpg.SCARKO) and ARKO (hpg.ARKO) mice.<BR/> <b>Results</b>: Microscopic TM was seen in 94% of hpg.ARKO mice (n=16) and the mean number of microliths per testis was 81 +/- 54. Occasional small microliths were seen in 36% (n=11) of hpg testes (mean 2 +/- 0.5 per testis) and 30% (n=10) of hpg.SCARKO testes (mean 8 +/- 6 per testis). No microliths were seen in cryptorchid, ARKO or SCARKO mice. There was no significant effect of FSH or androgen on TM in hpg.ARKO mice.<BR/> <b>Conclusions</b>: We have identified a mouse model of TM and show that lack of endocrine stimulation is a cause of TM. Importantly, this model will provide a means with which to identify the mechanisms of TM development and the underlying changes in protein and gene expression.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Monteiro, Dr Ana and O'Shaughnessy, Professor Peter
Authors: O'Shaughnessy, P.J., Monteiro, A., Verhoeven, G., De Gendt, K., and Abel, M.H.
Subjects:Q Science > QP Physiology
Q Science > QH Natural history > QH301 Biology
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology
Publisher:Biomed Central
ISSN (Online):1477-7827
Published Online:27 August 2009
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2009 The Authors
First Published:First published in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology 7:88
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
413101Testicular function in mice lacking sertoli cell androgen receptors and FSH receptorsPeter O'ShaughnessyWellcome Trust (WELLCOME)078137/Z/05/ZInstitute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine