Effects of Selenium on CatSper Expression in Aged Mouse Testis

CatSper 1-4 are a unique family of sperm cation channels that are restrictly expressed in the testis and play an important role in sperm motility and male fertility. Aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of selenium, on the expression of CatSper genes in aged male mice.

Thirty 11-13 months aged male mice and thirty adult male 2-3 months old mice were randomly divided into three groups. Control group received no injection. Sham group received intraperitoneally normal saline injection. Experimental groups of male mice received intraperitoneal injection of selenium (Na2Seo3) 0.2 mg/kg daily for 5 weeks in row. Animals were scarified on days 21, 28, 35 and 42 after Selenium treatment and one of the testes extracted and used for Semi-Quentitative RT-PCR. RT-PCR reaction was performed for both CatSper and β2m genes. After gel electrophoresis, the intensity of each band was quantified using Uvidoc Software. We used immunohistochemistry to determine the location of CatSper protein. SPSS software was used for data analysis. P<0.05 was considered as significant.

The results revealed that there was significant up-regulation of CatSper gene experimental groups compared to the control ones (P<0.05). Selenium treatment in the aging male mice caused more CatSper expression compared to the adult ones (P<0.05). Results of immunohistochemistry staining showed that CatSper proteins were localized in main part of the sperm tail and acrosomal region.

Selenium treatment in aging subjects could up-regulate CatSper gene expression which is one of the responsible genes of sperm motility.