The study of changes in WNT2 and H-PGDS relative gene expression and the histological characteristics of seminiferous tubules during the puberty of rooster

Document Type : Research Article (Regular Paper)

Authors

Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Yasouj University

Abstract

This research was conducted on 24 roosters in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments (age groups of 5, 6, 7 and 8 months) and 6 replications (roosters) in each treatment. At each sampling time, the roosters were slaughtered, and testicular samples were prepared to simultaneously examine changes in the relative expression of WNT2 and H-PGDS genes, as well as the histological characteristics of the seminiferous tubules. The results showed that the relative expression level of the H-PGDS gene decreased 0.02-fold at 6 months of age compared to 5 months of age and increased 45.54 and 12.69-fold at 7 and 8 months of age respectively, compared to 5 months. While the relative expression of the WNT2 gene increased significantly at 6 (47.77 folds), 7 (71.18 folds), and 8 (88.17 folds) months of age compared to 5 months of age (P≤0.05). In addition, the results of histological examination of the seminiferous tubules showed that the mean diameter of these tubules increased (P≤0.05) at the age of 7 months (405.90 µm and 112.4 µm, respectively) compared to the ages of 5 and 6 months (343.07 µm and 354.74 µm, respectively). Also, the maximum thickness of germinal layer (112.4 µm) was observed at the 7 months of age. Overall, the results showed a coordinated increasing trend in the relative expression of WNT2 and H-PGDS genes and the growth of seminiferous tubules during the puberty period of native roosters.

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