OP-8 - Reduced expression of cell adhesion molecules affected by high abdominal temperature results in abnormal spermatogenesis in the cryptorchidism model mice

Abstract

Cryptorchidism is one of the common causes of congenital abnormality in human. The higher temperature than scrotum disrupts normal spermatogenesis and results in male infertility. However, this molecular mechanism is still unknown. The cell adhesion molecules between spermatogenic and Sertoli cells are essential for spermatogenesis as well as endocrine and local factors. We demonstrated the roles of cell adhesion molecules in abnormal spermatogenesis of cryptorchid testes. We used the cryptorchidism model mice undergone surgical translocation of left testis into abdominal cavity. Mice were undergone for cryptorchidism of left testis at 0 day (D) and examined at 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, and 28D post-operatively. The paraffin sections were stained by hematoxylin and eosin. The expression of cell adhesion molecules Cadm1, Nectin-2, Nectin-3 and cleaved caspase-3 in testes was examined by immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. Further, Transmission electron microscopy is used to observe the ultrastructure of cryptorchid testis. The detached spermatogenic cells and abnormal acrosomes were observed in cryptorchid testes after 5D, multinucleated giant cells appeared at 7D, and then seminiferous tubules atrophied after 21D. Many degenerating and a few apoptotic cells were observed in cryptorchid testes after 21D.The expression of Cadm1, Nectin-2, and Nectin-3 decreased in seminiferous tubules by immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. Ultrastructural observation of cryptorchid testes revealed multinucleated giant cells were derived from spermatogonia, spermatocytes, or spermatids. The higher abdominal temperature affected normal spermatogenesis by disrupted the expression of Cadm1, Nectin-2 and Nectin-3 in testes.