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KMID : 0359320080480010001
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Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
2008 Volume.48 No. 1 p.1 ~ p.7
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Expression of galectin-3 in the testis and epididymis of mouse
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Kim Won-Jun
Kim Hwang-Lyong
Joo Hong Gu
Shin Tae-Kyun
Lee Yong-Duk
Kim Seung-Joon
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Abstract
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The testis and epididymis are important organs of the male reproductive system; the function is to produce, mature, transport, and store sperm. It is important to understand the localization and expression of specific proteins based for the studies of its physiological processes. In this study, we investigated the expression and distribution of galectin-3, one of beta-galactoside-binding proteins, in the testis and epididymis of mouse using western blot and immunohistochemistry. Western blot analysis revealed that the expression of galectin-3, 29 kDa protein, was low in the testis. In the epididymis, high expression was detected in the body and tail part, but moderate expression in the head part. By immunohistochemica analysis, we found that positive localization of galectin-3 was detected in some myoid cells and Leydig cells in the testis, but few in the seminiferous tubules. In the epididymis, galectin-3 was intensely expressed
in the epithelium of epididymis, especially in the epithelium of both body and tail of epididymis. Collectively, these results suggest that galectin-3 is constitutively expressed in the testis and epididymis of mouse with varying intensity, and the role of galectin-3 in the male reproductive organ may be involved in the specific function of its structures.
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KEYWORD
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epididymis, galectin-3, mouse, testis
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