Localization and expression of phospholipase A 2 and polyunsaturated fatty acid profile in the testis tissues of Hu sheep.

The fatty acid content and the localization and expression of phospholipase A ₂ (PLA ₂ ) in the testis of Hu sheep were investigated. A total of 18 six-month-old Hu sheep were divided into small group (S, with left testis weight < 50 g), medium group (M, with left testis weight among 90-110 g), and large group (L, with left testis weight >160 g), which had six individuals each. The expression of PLA ₂ in testicular tissues of different sizes was analyzed by immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR, and Western blot. The fatty acid profile was detected by gas chromatography. Immunohistochemical labeling determined that PLA ₂ protein was expressed in the Leydig and Sertoli cells of testis, and the immunohistochemical average optional density in the S group was significantly greater than the L group (P < 0.05). RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis showed that PLA ₂ in the S group was greater than that in the L group (P < 0.05). Docosahexaenoic acid, ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), and total PUFA content in the testis of the L group were significantly less than those of the S and M groups (P < 0.01). This study showed that PLA ₂ content in the S group was greater than that in the L group.
Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
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