Effect of Melatonin on the Expression of Apoptotic Genes in Vitrified-thawed Spermatogonia Stem Cells Type A of 6-Day-Old Mice.

Abstract

Testes of neonate Balb/c mice were vitrified- thawed under standard condition with or without the addition of 100 μM melatonin to both vitrification and thawing solutions. Subsequently, Vitrified-thawed whole testes were digested under standard condition and spermatogonial stem cells type A were separate in the suspension with CD90.1 (Thy1.1(+)) micro beads. Extraction of RNA and synthesis of cDNA was performed. Expression levels of apoptotic genes (Fas, P53, BCL-2 and BAX) were determined using Real-time PCR. Results : With all genes being expressed, level of expression for Fas was higher and for that of P-53 was lower than the remaining genes. Conclusion : Melatonin may cause apoptosis in cells being damaged under the influence of freezing thawing process. In order to examine the exact effects of melatonin on spermatogonia stem cells apoptosis, additional studies are required.