Effect of heat stress on nitric oxide production and gene expression of two nitric oxide synthase enzymes in the ovine sertoli cells

The aim of the present study was to evaluate gene expression of constitutive and inductive nitric oxide synthase enzymes (cNOS, iNOS) and measurement of nitric oxide metabolite in ovine sertoli cells under heat stress. Testes of ten male lambs were provided from abattoir and then transported to the lab for separating of sertoli cells. Heat stress was challenged in three groups which consist of control (temperature of 32˚C) group, mild heat stress (temperature of 39˚C) and severe heat stress (temperature of 42˚C). The amount of nitrite (nitric oxide metabolite) was significantly higher in 42 ˚C-group than control (p