Effect of 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D on Testicular Morphology and Gene Expression in Experimental Cryptorchid Mouse: Testis Specific cDNA Microarray Analysis and Potential Implication in Male Infertility

Purpose: We evaluated the morphological effect and alterations in gene expression caused by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D treatment in the mouse testis undergoing experimental cryptorchidism and subsequent orchiopexy.Materials and Methods: The mean modified Johnsen score and testicular weight were estimated after 4 weeks of treatment with a 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D prodrug. We examined sites of vitamin D receptor and mRNA expression, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D analogue accumulation in the mouse testis. Also, we compared alterations in gene expression in the cryptorchid mouse testis with or without 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D administration by testis specific cDNA microarray. We confirmed protein synthesis of a candidate among up-regulated genes in primary cultures of Sertoli's cells by Western blotting.Results: Mean ± SEM Johnsen score and testicular weight were increased by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D treatment but not significantly (6.12 ± 0.33 vs 5.27 ± 0.4 and 49.3 ± 3.8 mg vs 42.6 ± 5.5, p = 0.13 and 0.065, respec...