[Expression of heat shock protein 90ß and its regulation in the reproductive system of male mice].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To study the expression and regulation of heat shock protein 90ß (HSP90ß) in the testis, epididymis and sperms of mice. METHODS: The localization and expression of HSP90ß mRNA and protein were investigated in the testis, epididymis and sperms of mice, and the regulation of HSP90ß in the male reproductive system was explored. RESULTS: HSP90ß was expressed at a higher level in the epididymis than in the testis. In the sperms of the mice, HSP90ß was localized in the acrosome area. The expression of HSP90ß in mouse epididymis decreased after castration and recovered the normal level after testosterone treatment. HSP90ß expression in the testis and epididymis also underwent changes during the postnatal development of the mice. CONCLUSION: HSP90ß may play an important role in spermiogenesis and fertilization, and its expression pattern in the epididymis after castration and during the postnatal development suggests its regulation by hormones and development.