Seasonal variation of gper1 expression in efferent ducts of gerbillus gerbillus

Abstract

The efferent ducts play a key role in the reabsorption of the seminiferous tubular fluid. Their functions are regulated by androgen and estrogens via their receptors. Furthermore, the gerbil Gerbillus gerbillus, a nocturnal desert rodent, is a seasonal breeder who present a pronounced anatomical and behavioral change between the breeding and resting seasons. The aim of this study is to investigate the seasonal expression of the GPER1, a seven-transmembrane G-protein-coupled receptor GPER1 that prompts rapid non-genomic, in the efferent ducts of this rodent. During the breeding season, GPER1 was strongly widespread in the epithelium of efferent ducts. Ciliated cells showed a strong immunochemical signal, while basal cells, non-ciliated cells and fibroblasts expressed moderate signal. Smooth muscle cells were weakly marked. During the resting season, a noticeable decrease in the expression of the GPER1 in the efferent duct was noticed. Ciliated cells, non-ciliated cells as well as basal cells appeared poorly marked. In addition, fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells were not stained. Our result shows that the expression of GPER1 in the efferent ducts vary by season, which suggests that it is largely, involved in the regulation of efferent ducts functions.