Transcriptome and Metabolome Analyses Reveal High-Altitude Adaptation Mechanism of Epididymis Sperm Maturation in Tibetan Sheep.

ABSTRACT: In this study, the epididymal histology, caepididymal sperm physiological parameters, serum reproductive hormones, and antioxidant enzyme SOD levels of Tibetan sheep at a 2500 m and 3500 m altitude were compared by using a combination of transcriptome and metabolomics methods. This was conducted to investigate the effects of a high-altitude environment on spermatogenesis and the maturation of Tibetan sheep. The results showed that compared to the low-altitude group, the high-altitude group had a smaller epididymal lumen, thicker epididymal wall, significantly decreased sperm survival rate, and significantly increased sperm deformation rate, but no difference in sperm motility and sperm respiratory intensity. With increasing altitude, Tibetan sheep showed a decreasing trend in serum reprodu

SUBMITTER: Li Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11544902 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature