Loss of PI3K p110α in the Adipose Tissue Results in Infertility and Delayed Puberty Onset in Male Mice

Figure 3

The mRNA expression of leptin, the cholesterol transport protein StAR, and the steroidogenic enzymes P450scc and aromatase normalized to β-actin in the testis of peripubertal (PND30) (a–d) and adult (e–g, j) α+/+ and α−/− males. Leptin mRNA levels in the testis of α−/− males were significantly higher in PND30 (a) and adult (e) α−/− males. At PND30, testicular mRNA expression of StAR (b), P450scc (c), and aromatase (d) was lower in α−/− compared to controls. No genotype effect was observed on the mRNA levels of StAR (f), P450scc (g), or aromatase (j) in adult testes. Gene expression of HSD17b3 (i) but not Cyp17a1 (h) was significantly higher in the testis of adult α−/− compared to controls. Values are mean ± SEM (Student’s -test as compared to control). , ; per genotype from PND30 mice; 5-6 per genotype from adult animals.

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