This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Request Copyright Permission Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Yazawa, T. Articles by Abé, S.-I. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Yazawa, T. Articles by Abé, S.-I.

Prolactin Induces Apoptosis in the Penultimate Spermatogonial Stage of the Testes in Japanese Red-Bellied Newt (Cynops pyrrhogaster)¹

Department of Materials and Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, Kurokami 2–39-1, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan

Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Shin-Ichi Abé, Department of Materials and Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, Kurokami 2–39-1, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan. E-mail: abeshin{at}gpo.kumamoto-u.ac.jp

Cell death is a common feature during spermatogenesis and, in some seasonal breeding animals, is often observed at the transition stage from spermatogonia to spermatocytes. In the Japanese red-bellied newt, we have previously shown that this cell death is caused by the elevated titer of plasma PRL that occurs after animals are transferred to low temperature, suggesting that cell death causes the cessation of spermatocytogenesis from late autumn to early spring. In the present report, first we show that the injection of PRL into newts causes apoptosis in spermatogonia after the sixth mitotic division, the penultimate one before spermatogonia normally enter meiosis. Second, we demonstrate in organ cultures of testes fragments that PRL acts directly on the testes. Third, we show that the action by PRL is inhibited by FSH dose dependently.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				F. F.L Almeida, C. Kristoffersen, G. L. Taranger, and R. W Schulz Spermatogenesis in Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua): A Novel Model of Cystic Germ Cell Development Biol Reprod, January 1, 2008; 78(1): 27 - 34. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				T. M. Said, U. Paasch, H.-J. Glander, and A. Agarwal Role of caspases in male infertility Hum. Reprod. Update, January 1, 2004; 10(1): 39 - 51. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				T. Yazawa, T. Yamamoto, Y. Jin, and S.-i. Abe Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Is Indispensable for the Last Spermatogonial Mitosis Preceding Meiosis Initiation in Newts (Cynops pyrrhogaster) Biol Reprod, January 1, 2002; 66(1): 14 - 20. [Abstract] [Full Text]

				J. E. B. Cavaco, J. Bogerd, H. Goos, and R. W. Schulz Testosterone Inhibits 11-Ketotestosterone-Induced Spermatogenesis in African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Biol Reprod, December 1, 2001; 65(6): 1807 - 1812. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]