| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2456815 | Small Ruminant Research | 2015 | 6 Pages |
•The expression of KISS1 mRNA in the goat testis.•Immunohistochemical localization of kisspeptin in Leydig cells in the goat testes was evaluated.•Kisspeptin immunostaining is higher in postpubertal than in prepubertal goat’s testes.
The objectives of the present study were to investigate the mRNA expression of KISS1 and localization of kisspeptin in the testes of Shiba goats. Additionally, its relationship with the puberty was investigated. Testes from prepubertal (1 month; n = 3), and postpubertal Shiba goats (17 ± 1.5 months; n = 4) were collected by surgical castration. Plasma testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) were measured just before the castration using radioimmunoassay. Testicular expression of mRNAs encoding KISS1, GPR54 and the following steroidogenic enzymes: cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage (P450scc;CYP11A1 gene), 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3βHSD; HSD3B1 gene), cytochrome P450, 17alpha-hydroxylase/17, 20 lyase (P450c17; CYP17 gene), and cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450arom; CYP19 gene) were quantified by real time PCR. The localization of kisspeptin in testes was determined by immunohistochemistry. Results revealed high plasma T and E2 in postpubertal goats compared to prepubertal goats. High significant increases (P < 0.05) of mRNAs encoding KISS1, GPR54, CYP11A1, HSD3B1, CYP17, and CYP19 genes in the testes of postpubertal goats compared to prepubertal goats. In addition, kisspeptin was immunolocalized in Leydig cells of the testis. The staining was mild in the interstitial cells of the prepubertal goats while strong staining was found in the postpubertal goats. In conclusion: Leydig cells are responsible for kisspeptin production in the goat testis and this expression is puberty dependent.
