Characterization of mepc5 cells (mouse epididymis proximal caput 5) as a model for the study of epididymal expression of pedf (pigment epithelium derived factor)

Abstract

Serpine 1F, also known as pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), is a glycoprotein that belongs to the serine proteases family initially found in retina. PEDF is widely spread in different mammalian tissues. It has functions in cell survival and repair, as an antioxidant, antiapoptotic and antiangiogenic factor antagonizing VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor). There are many antecedents regarding PEDF role in female reproductive tract as an antioxidant and anti-apoptotic factor protecting the ovarian granulosa cells. Recently, it has begun its study in physiological and pathological situations in male reproductive system. Our laboratory recently described PEDF expression and androgen-dependency in the male tract of Wistar rats. In this species, PEDF is expressed mainly in epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate, but notably, not in testes. We extended the study to an in vivo model (C57bl/6 wild type mice) and also in a cell culture model (MEPC5 cells obtained and immortalized from C57bl/6 mice). MEPC5 cells showed PEDF, P21 and Estrogen receptor alpha (ER α) expression by immunocytochemistry. Androgen receptor (AR), VEGF (a known PEDF antagonist), were also detected by western blot and indirect immunofluorescence (IFI). In mouse tissues, we observed PEDF expression over testicular peritubular cells as it was described previously in human and primates but no in rats. These results will foster the development of new lines of research to characterize the functional role of PEDF in the reproductive tract of rodents.