Testicular Gap (CX43) and Tight Junction (OCLN, CLDN3, 5 and 11) Components in the Dog Are Affected by GnRH-Mediated Downregulation.

ABSTRACT: Following the downregulation of testicular endocrine and germinative function by slow-release gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-agonist implants, testicular functions are quickly restored after implant removal. As an intact blood-testis barrier (BTB) is crucial for normal spermatogenesis and its integrity is FSH- and androgen-dependent, alterations in the BTB gene and protein expressions during downregulation and subsequent restart seem inevitable. We investigated occludin (OCLN), claudin (CLDN) 3, 5, 11, and connexin (CX) 43 mRNA-, and CLDN11 and CX43 protein expressions during GnRH implant-induced downregulation (W0) and restart of spermatogenesis after implant removal (week, W, 3-12). Untreated juvenile (JG) and a

SUBMITTER: Goericke-Pesch S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12837560 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature