基质Gla蛋白在大鼠附睾发育过程中的表达及定位

Expression and localization of matrix Gla protein during the development of rat epididymis

目的明确基质Gla蛋白(matrix Gla protein,MGP)在大鼠附睾发育过程中的表达特征。方法采用实时定量PCR和免疫荧光染色方法,对MGP在大鼠附睾不同发育阶段的表达及定位进行检测。结果实时定量PCR结果显示,MGP mRNA在6d、10d、3w、5w、7w、8w、10w和12w的大鼠附睾中均有表达,其表达量在3w达到最高峰,3w至8w表达量逐渐降低,成年大鼠(10～12w)MGP的表达量逐渐升高并稳定在较高水平。免疫荧光染色显示MGP在10d、3w的大鼠附睾各个节段均有表达,在7w、12w的表达主要集中于大鼠附睾体部和尾部,且MGP定位于附睾上皮主细胞和亮细胞。结论MGP在大鼠附睾发育的关键分化期高表达,成年后主要定位于附睾体部和尾部的主、亮细胞,可能对附睾的形态发育和管腔钙稳态的维持起重要作用。

Objective To explore the expression and localization features of matrix Gla protein (MGP) during the development of rat epididymis. Methods The expression and localization of MGP in the rat epididymis were detected at several developmental stages up to 12 weeks after birth by qRT-PCR and immunofluorescent staining. Results The expression of MGP mRNA in rat epididymis was detectable at 6 days, 10 days, 3 weeks(w), 5w, 7w, 8w, 10w and 12w after birth, peaked at 3w and gradually reduced from 3w to 8w. The expression of MGP mRNA increased gradually and then stabilized at a high level in adult rat (10~12w) epididymis. Immunofluorescent staining showed that MGP was expressed along the whole epididymis at 10d and 3w after birth, while the expression accumulated primarily in corpus and cauda regions at 7w and 12w, especially localized in principle cells and clear cells. Conclusion MGP is highly expressed in the key differentiation stage during rat epididymal development and mainly localizes in principle and clear cells of corpus and cauda regions in adult rats, indicating that MGP may involve in the morphological development and calcium homeostasis in epididymal duct.