Oviductal sperm storage in the Chinese pond turtle, Mauremys reevesii, depends on androgen-based promotion of the BCL 2 anti-apoptotic pathway
Wei Chen A , Yajie Wang A , Mengmeng Gong A , Hailin Gao A , Huaxing Zhou B , Xingjiang Bu
A B * , Xingquan Xia A and Liuwang Nie A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of the Conservation and Exploitation of Biological Resources, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, China.
B Anhui Key Laboratory of Aquaculture & Stock Enhancement, Fisheries Research Institution, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, China.
Reproduction, Fertility and Development 35(6) 406-415 https://doi.org/10.1071/RD22205
Published online: 24 March 2023
© 2023 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing
Abstract
Context: Sperm storage is a complex and highly coordinated process that is regulated by a variety of factors. The BCL 2 protein family plays a key role in regulating apoptosis, and determines sperm survival.
Aims: The objective of this study was to explore the correlation between sperm storage and the BCL 2 protein family in the oviduct of Mauremys reevesii.
Methods: Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) techniques were used to investigate three parts of the reproductive tract (isthmus, uterus and vagina) of mated and unmated female M. reevesii.
Key results: Hematoxylin-eosin staining revealed many sperm stored in the oviduct. IHC showed positive immunostaining for the BCL 2 and BAX proteins in epithelial ciliated and glandular cells. RT-qPCR indicated that the mRNA expressions of anti-apoptotic genes (BCL 2, MCL 1, BCL-W, BCL-XL) and the androgen receptor (AR) were significantly higher in mated turtles than unmated turtles. However, the expression of pro-apoptotic genes (BAX, BAD, BID and CASPASE 3) showed the opposite relationship.
Conclusions: These results suggest that sperm entering the oviduct can promote the synthesis of anti-apoptotic genes to protect themselves from various degradation factors.
Implications: These findings will help researchers understand the mechanisms of sperm storage.
Keywords: androgen receptor, apoptosis, BAX, BCL 2, Mauremys reevesii, oviduct, reproductive tract, reptiles, sperm storage.
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