| First Author | Chen J | Year | 2023 |
| Journal | Int J Mol Sci | Volume | 25 |
| Issue | 1 | PubMed ID | 38203350 |
| Mgi Jnum | J:344415 | Mgi Id | MGI:7573522 |
| Doi | 10.3390/ijms25010177 | Citation | Chen J, et al. (2023) Neuroplastin Expression in Male Mice Is Essential for Fertility, Mating, and Adult Testosterone Levels. Int J Mol Sci 25(1) |
| abstractText | Male reproduction depends on hormonally driven behaviors and numerous genes for testis development and spermatogenesis. Neuroplastin-deficient (Nptn(-/-)) male mice cannot sire offspring. By immunohistochemistry, we characterized neuroplastin expression in the testis. Breeding, mating behavior, hormonal regulation, testicular development, and spermatogenesis were analyzed in cell-type specific neuroplastin mutant mice. Leydig, Sertoli, peritubular myoid, and germ cells express Np, but spermatogenesis and sperm number are not affected in Nptn(-/-) males. Neuroplastin lack from CNS neurons or restricted to spermatogonia or Sertoli cells permitted reproduction. Normal luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) blood levels in Nptn(-/-) males support undisturbed hormonal regulation in the brain. However, Nptn(-/-) males lack mounting behavior accompanied by low testosterone blood levels. Testosterone rise from juvenile to adult blood levels is absent in Nptn(-/-) males. LH-receptor stimulation raising intracellular Ca(2+) in Leydig cells triggers testosterone production. Reduced Plasma Membrane Ca(2+) ATPase 1 (PMCA1) in Nptn(-/-) Leydig cells suggests that Nptn(-/-) Leydig cells produce sufficient testosterone for testis and sperm development, but a lack of PMCA-Np complexes prevents the increase from reaching adult blood levels. Behavioral immaturity with low testosterone blood levels underlies infertility of Nptn(-/-) males, revealing that Np is essential for reproduction. |
