Biochemical markers for puberty in the monkey testis: desmosterol and docosahexaenoic acid

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
W E ConnorM Neuringer

Abstract

We previously reported that the sperm of rhesus monkeys and humans uniquely contain large amounts of desmosterol not found in other tissues and have a high concentration of the highly polyunsaturated n-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 n-3). However, the lipid composition of the testis, from which sperm originate, is unknown. During puberty, the testis undergoes remarkable morphological changes as testosterone levels rise and sperm production begins. We hypothesized that testicular maturation might also involve dramatic changes in lipid composition. Accordingly, we characterized the sterol and fatty acid composition of the testis of rhesus monkeys throughout the lifespan, from birth to old age. Although the cholesterol content in the testis remained relatively unchanged throughout life, the desmosterol content first decreased from 59 microg/g in infants to 6 microg/g in prepubertal monkeys, increased to 83 microg/g during puberty, and reached a plateau of 248 microg/g in the young adult, where it remained into old age. The polyunsaturated fatty acid composition of the testis also changed markedly. Docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 n-3) increased from 5.1% of total fatty acids in infants and juveniles to 18.1% in postpubertal yo...Continue Reading

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Citations

Oct 12, 2010·Journal of Lipid Research·Forbes D Porter, Gail E Herman
Oct 25, 2012·Journal of Lipid Research·Rok KeberSimon Horvat
Jan 27, 2005·Molecular Genetics and Metabolism·Lina S Correa-Cerro, Forbes D Porter
Apr 13, 2007·Biology of Reproduction·Natalia E FurlandMarta I Aveldaño
Apr 17, 2007·Journal of Bioenergetics and Biomembranes·Erika CioneGiuseppe Genchi

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