Role of leptin and the leptin receptor in the pathogenesis of varicocele-induced testicular dysfunction.

ABSTRACT: The present study investigated the expression of leptin and its receptor in the left testis and hypothalamus of rats with varicocele and clarified their roles in the pathogenesis of varicocele‑induced testicular dysfunction. A total of 40 male rats were divided randomly into four groups. Groups 1 (G1) and 3 (G3) underwent a sham operation. Groups 2 (G2) and 4 (G4) underwent operations to form a varicocele created by partial ligation of the left renal vein. G1 and G2 rats were euthanized 4 weeks after the operation while G3 and G4 rats were euthanized at 8 weeks. The expression of leptin and its receptor was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA levels of leptin, its receptor, kisspeptin (KiSS‑1), G‑protein coupled receptor 54 (GPR54), gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing

SUBMITTER: Zhang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5928662 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature