AB253. The time-dependent changes of the testicular weight and vascular endothelial growth factor expression in cryptorchidism mouse model at different day intervals

Background: The present research details the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and pathological changes of testis in cryptorchidism model. We also tried to find relationship between VEGF and pathological changes in cryptorchidism.

Methods: Six-week-old ICR male mice were operated to induce unilaterally cryptorchid model. The expression of VEGF was investigated by Western blot and Immunohistochemistry. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to evaluate pathological changes at different day intervals.

Results: In our study, immunohistochemistry of VEGF in testicular cross sections suggested that the VEGF was expressed in the cytoplasm of leydigcells, Sertoli cells and germ cells. Quantitative analysis of VEGF by Western blot showed a time-dependent decrease of VEGF expression in cryptorchidism. VEGF expression significantly decreased at day 7, the lowest at day 21 and then little recovery was observed at day 28 in unilateral cryptorchid testis.

Conclusions: Interestingly, the expression of VEGF was decreased significantly at day 14, the lowest at day 21 and then little recovery was observed at day 28 in its self-control testis. The decreased and recovered weight of testis was similar to VEGF expression in unilateral cryptorchid testis and self-control testis. Therefore, we propose that there is a time dependent decrease of VEGF expression in cryptorchidism. VEGF have an important role on impaired spermatogenesis in cryptorchidism.

Keywords: Cryptorchidism; mouse model