Dexamethasone effects on Bax expression in the mouse testicular germ cells

Folia Histochem Cytobiol. 2009;47(2):237-41. doi: 10.2478/v10042-009-0041-z.

Abstract

Exposure to glucocorticoids (GCs) leads to numerous changes in various biological systems including the reproductive system. The aim of the present study was to find out whether dexamethasone (Dex), a widely used GC, would influence the apoptosis and expression of Bax, an important proapoptotic protein, in the mouse testicular germ cells. Experimental groups of 8 male NMRI mice received one of the following treatments daily for 7 days: 4, 7 and 10 mg/kg Dex. Control groups were treated with equivalent volumes of saline. Experimental and control animals were sacrificed 24 h after the last injection. Immunohistochemical procedure was used to evaluation of Bax expression and the deoxyuridine nick-end labeling (TUNEL) was applied to assessment of the apoptotic germ cells. Bax expression was upregulated mainly at stages VII-VIII of spermatogenic cycle (p<0.05) in experimental groups. Apoptotic index was significantly increased in 7 and 10 mg/kg Dex treated mice (p<0.05). It appears that GCs such as Dex could induce apoptosis through the expression of proapoptotic proteins.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis
  • Dexamethasone / pharmacology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects*
  • Germ Cells / cytology
  • Germ Cells / drug effects
  • Germ Cells / metabolism*
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Testis / cytology
  • Testis / drug effects*
  • Testis / metabolism
  • bcl-2-Associated X Protein / metabolism*

Substances

  • bcl-2-Associated X Protein
  • Dexamethasone