Effects of electromagnetic pulse irradiation on the mouse blood-testicle barrier

Wu-Gang Hou; Jie Zhao; Zhen Li; Wei Li; Teng Li; Li-Ze Xiong; Yuan-Qiang Zhang

doi:10.1016/j.urology.2012.04.015

Effects of electromagnetic pulse irradiation on the mouse blood-testicle barrier

Urology. 2012 Jul;80(1):225.e1-6. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2012.04.015.

Authors

Wu-Gang Hou¹, Jie Zhao, Zhen Li, Wei Li, Teng Li, Li-Ze Xiong, Yuan-Qiang Zhang

Affiliation

¹ Department of Anesthesiology, Xijing Hospital, Xi'an, China.

PMID: 22748892
DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2012.04.015

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effects of electromagnetic pulse irradiation on the mouse blood-testicle barrier (BTB) and spermatogenesis.

Methods: After whole body irradiation with 400 kV/m electromagnetic pulse irradiation, the mouse testicles and BTB permeability were observed using hematoxylin-eosin, Evans blue, and lanthanum nitrate as tracers. The expression of the BTB tight junction protein occludin was examined using real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting.

Results: At 1, 7, and 14 days after irradiation, the BTB structure was damaged, the BTB permeability was significantly increased, numerous apoptotic or necrotic spermatogenic cells were found in the lumen, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of occludin were markedly decreased. The BTB structure and occludin expression levels had gradually recovered by 21 and 28 days after irradiation.

Conclusion: Electromagnetic pulse irradiation damaged the structure and function of mouse BTB, resulting in apoptosis or necrosis of the spermatogenic cells.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Blood-Testis Barrier / radiation effects*
Electromagnetic Radiation*
Male
Mice
Mice, Inbred BALB C
Spermatogenesis / radiation effects*