Expression profiles of relaxin family peptides and their receptors indicate their influence on spermatogenesis in the domestic cat ()

Disturbed spermatogenesis is a common problem in felines. Studying spermatogenesis in the domestic cat can improve understanding of the biological background and help to counteract fertility problems in other feline species. Here, we analyzed three relaxin family peptides (relaxin, relaxin-3 and INSL3) and their receptors (RXFP1, RXFP2 and RXFP3) as potential spermatogenic factors involving their expression in the testis at different stages of its development. It may be concluded from its stage-dependent expression that relaxin together with RXFP1 appears to be involved in the first stage of spermatogenesis, whereas relaxin-3 via binding to RXFP3 influences spermiogenesis.
Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology - Category: Endocrinology Authors: Source Type: research