Mutant phenotype analysis suggests potential roles for C-type natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR-B) in male mouse fertility.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2014
JAX Source
Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2014 Jul; 10:12:64.
Volume
12
First Page
64
Last Page
64
ISSN
1477-7827
PMID
25012822
Abstract
BACKGROUND: C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) signaling through its receptor natriuretic peptide receptor B (NPR-B) is a key molecule for mammalian reproduction, and known to play important roles in female fertility. However, the function of these peptides in mouse male reproduction remains largely unknown. To determine the role of CNP/NPR-B signaling in male reproduction we investigated phenotype of Npr2-deficient short-limbed-dwarfism (Npr2slw/slw) mice, which have been shown to have gastrointestinal (GI) abnormalities.
FINDINGS: In homozygous Npr2slw/slw mice, spermatogenesis is developmentally delayed at both 2 and 4 weeks of age, with vacuolation and degenerating apoptotic germ cells being observed at 3 weeks age. However, the adult Npr2slw/slw mice exhibited apparently normal spermatogenesis, albeit with some aberrant spermatids, suggesting that developmental delay was overcome. In addition, the adult Npr2slw/slw mice showed abnormal penile morphology (paraphimosis).
CONCLUSIONS: The potential role of CNP signaling via the NPR-B receptor in male fertility appears to be mediated not through germ-cell development, but may be through maintenance of normal penile function.
Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2014 Jul; 10:12:64.
Recommended Citation
Sogawa C,
Fujiwara Y,
Tsukamoto S,
Ishida Y,
Yoshii Y,
Furukawa T,
Kunieda T,
Saga T.
Mutant phenotype analysis suggests potential roles for C-type natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR-B) in male mouse fertility. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2014 Jul; 10:12:64.