Seasonal expression of 5α-reductases and androgen receptor in the prostate gland of the wild ground squirrel (Spermophilus dauricus)

Seasonal expressions of VEGF and its receptors VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 in the prostate of the wild ground squirrels (<em>Spermophilus dauricus</em>)

“…Our previous studies indicated that significant seasonal changes occurred in the testes and epididymis of the wild ground squirrels in terms of both morphology and histology, which suggested that the male reproductive relative organs of the wild ground squirrels were highly developed during the breeding season. 26,27 This conclusion was similar to that of other seasonal breeding mammals, including the raccoon dog, 30 black bear 31 and roe deer, 32 which showed increased activity in the reproductive organs during their reproductive period. Therefore, the present results further supported the views that augmentation in reproductive organ size and function could be an optimal strategy formed throughout evolution for seasonal breeders.…”

“…This seasonal variation of the prostate shown in the present study was in agreement with previous reports regarding this species. 26,27 In addition, the present results showed that CD105 was strongly expressed in angiogenic vascular endothelial cells of the prostate during the breeding season than that in the non-breeding season, indicating that the microvessels of the prostate were widely distributed and the number of the microvessels increased obviously in the breeding season. This finding might be related to the increased nutrient supply and metabolism required for the rapid prostate development during the breeding season.…”

“…29 The morphological and histological characteristics of the affiliated gonads showed annual reproductive cycle changes with reproductive hormones. 27 In this study, it was shown that the values of the prostate weight and volume in the breeding season were higher than those in the non-breeding season, while the histological observations revealed that the exocrine lumens in the prostate were expanded in the breeding season and contracted in the non-breeding season. This seasonal variation of the prostate shown in the present study was in agreement with previous reports regarding this species.…”

“…25 Our previous studies have found that seasonal change of cyclooxygenases-1 (COX-1), cyclooxygenases-2 (COX-2), prostaglandins E2 (PGE2) receptor and androgen receptor (AR) were correlated with circulating concentrations of testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the prostate of the wild ground squirrels. 26,27 To extend our knowledge, in this study, we investigated the expression patterns of VEGF, VEFGR1 and VEFGR2 in the prostate of the wild ground squirrels during the breeding and nonbreeding seasons, to gain a better understanding of the relationship between VEGF system and the seasonal changes of the prostate functions in the wild ground squirrels.…”

Seasonal expressions of prolactin, prolactin receptor and STAT5 in the scented glands of the male muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus)

“…29 In wild Daurian ground squirrels, the relationship between the changes in size and weight of the gonad and the hormone levels indicated morphological changes of attached reproductive organs were usually accompanied by changes in reproductive hormone. 30-33 In horses, extended light treatment increased the circulating PRL concentration, resulting in the active gonadal function, growth promotion and better hair coat condition. 34 In this study, morphological changes in the scented glands of the muskrats were found throughout the annual reproductive cycle.…”