Abstract
Sperm surface glycoproteins are modified during passage through the epididymis, a process believed to be important in the production of functionally mature spermatozoa. The effect of various cytokines on reproductive events has recently been investigated, with conflicting results. In the present investigation, the effect of interferon-alpha-2b (IFN alpha 2b) on sialyltransferase (ST) activity and beta-galactoside alpha-2,6-sialyltransferase (Gal 2,6-ST) mRNA expression was studied in rat testicular tissue. The results revealed the presence of Gal 2,6-ST mRNA in rat testicular tissue, similar in molecular size to that found previously in rat spleen, lung, ovary, kidney, heart, and brain. In addition, we observed that IFN alpha 2b reduced Gal 2,6-ST mRNA and ST activity in rat testes by a comparable magnitude. These findings provide insight into an additional mechanism by which cytokines may affect the reproductive system.
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