[Expression of the cystatin-related epididymal spermatogenic gene in mouse testes and epididymis at different postnatal stages].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression pattern of the cystatin-related epididymal spermatogenic (Cres) gene in mouse testes and epididymis during postnatal development.

METHODS

Semi-quantitative RT-PCR was used to detect the Cres mRNA level in postnatal mouse testes and epididymis on day 14, 20, 22, 28, 35, 49, 70 and 400.

RESULTS

Low-level Cres mRNA was detected on day 14 in both the testes and the epididymis. The expression of the Cres gene increased gradually with the development of the mouse, and it reached the peak on day 70 in the testes and on day 400 in the epididymis.

CONCLUSION

The time-dependent expression pattern of the Cres gene in postnatal mouse testes and epididymis suggested that the Cres gene might be involved in the regulation of spermatogenesis and sperm maturation.