Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UNIPROT:P56851 (epididymal)
 11,273 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

The cellular and connective tissue constituents of the lamina propria of the ductuli efferentes and the ductus epididymidis of prepubescent, adult and senescent men were studied by means of electron microscopy. Layers of contractile cells showing features of smooth muscle cells, alternate with interstitial layers of connective tissue fibers. Additionally to collagenous fibers, in the interstitial layers three types of elastic system fibers, oxytalan, elaunin and elastic, were evident, differing by their varying amount of elastin. Oxytalan fibers, lacking the amorphous component elastin, were present in almost all intercellular spaces along the excurrent duct system, closely related to the contractile cells. They were the only type of elastic system fibers recognizable in the prepubescent epididymal lamina propria. However, in the adult and senescent men, elastin deposits were observed in the middle and outer layers of the lamina propria. In these cases the elaunin and elastic fibers appeared to increase with the gradual proximo-distal thickening of the subepithelial coat of contractile cells. In senescent men, only in few cases the epididymal lamina propria showed some alterations. It is suggested that these changes are not related to age but more likely to the state of individual testicular function. The functional significance of the special architecture of the epididymal lamina propria is discussed.
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PMID:Ultrastructure of the lamina propria of the human ductuli efferentes and ductus epididymidis. 371 2

Our objective was to investigate the genitourinary defects and fertility of the male lysyl oxidase-like 1 gene (Loxl1) knockout (Loxl1(-/-)) mouse, with particular attention to fecundity and testicular, epididymal, gubernacular, and penile histopathology, which may lead us to a better understanding of the role of the elastin-homeostasis gene, LOXL1, in male sexual development. Genital morphometric evaluation of 6- to 9-month-old male Loxl1(-/-) mice (n = 26) was compared with C57Bl/6 controls (n = 24). Measurements included: body weight, scrotal development, evidence of feminization (nipples or vaginal pouch), penile malformations, anogenital distance, and absence/presence and size of perineal bulge. Sperm production was estimated using a standardized technique. A breeding program was conducted to determine how much of the infertility observed in Loxl1(-/-) pairs was due to the male factor. Finally, we performed histopathologic comparison of the genitourinary organs of Loxl1(-/-) and control mice. Loxl1(-/-) mice weighed less than their age-matched C57Bl/6 counterparts (P < .001). Size-adjusted perineal bulge was larger (P < .001), and resting location of the gonads was higher intra-abdominally (P = .048) in the Loxl1(-/-) mice. Estimates of daily sperm counts revealed that the Loxl1(-/-) mice had lower sperm production (P = .048). Loxl1(-/-) males bred with control females demonstrated relative fecundity values intermediate between Loxl1(-/-) pairs (lowest fecundity) and control pairs (highest fecundity), suggesting a component of male-factor infertility. No histologic differences were noted using hematoxylin-eosin or specialized elastin staining of the gonads, gubernaculum, and penis. Although further studies are warranted, these findings suggest a subtle and likely multifactorial role of the LOXL1 protein in male sexual development and fertility.
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PMID:Sexual development and fertility of Loxl1-/- male mice. 1920

In islet transplantation, one of the major obstacles to optimal engraftment is the loss of islet natural vascularization and islet-specific extracellular matrix (ECM) during the islet isolation process. Thus, transplanted islets must re-establish nutritional and physical support through formation of new blood vessels and new ECM. To promote this critical process, we developed an elastin-based vasculogenic and ECM-promoting scaffold engineered for extrahepatic islet transplantation. The scaffold by design consisted of type I collagen (Coll) blended with 20wt% of elastin (E) shown to promote angiogenesis as well as de novo ECM deposition. The resulting "CollE" scaffolds h ad interconnected pores with a size distribution tailored to accommodate seeding of islets as well as growth of new blood vessels. In vitro, CollE scaffolds enabled prolonged culture of murine islets for up to one week while preserving their integrity, viability and function. In vivo, after only four weeks post-transplant of a marginal islet mass, CollE scaffolds demonstrated enhanced vascularization of the transplanted islets in the epididymal fat pad and promoted a prompt reversal of hyperglycemia in previously diabetic recipients. This outcome was comparable to that of kidney capsular (KC) islet transplantation, and superior to that of islets transplanted on the control collagen-only scaffolds (Coll). Crucial genes associated with angiogenesis (VEGFA, PDGFB, FGF1, and COL3A1) as well as de novo islet-specific matrix deposition (COL6A1, COL4A1, LAMA2 and FN1) were all significantly upregulated in islets on CollE scaffolds in comparison to those on Coll scaffolds. Finally, CollE scaffolds were also able to support human islet culture in vitro. In conclusion, CollE scaffolds have the potential to improve the clinical outcome of marginal islet transplantation at extrahepatic sites by promoting angiogenesis and islet-specific ECM deposition.
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PMID:An elastin-based vasculogenic scaffold promotes marginal islet mass engraftment and function at an extrahepatic site. 3168 66