Expression of CR16 in the testis of patients with idiopathic azoospermia

Objective:To investigate the expression of corticosteroids and regional expression 16(CR16) in the testis of patients with idiopathic azoospermia and the role of CR16 in spermatogenesis.Methods:Immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR were used to detect the expression levels of the CR16 protein and mRNA in the testes of 48 patients with idiopathic azoospermia and 10 healthy men.Results:Immunohistochemistry showed that the CR16 protein expressed in the Sertoli cells and spermatids-binding region in the epithelium of seminiferous tubules.The level of the CR16 protein was markedly lower in the idiopathic azoospermia patients than in the healthy men,and RT-PCR also showed a significantly decreased level of CR16 mRNA in the testis of the patients.Conclusion:The expressions of the CR16 protein and mRNA decrease markedly in the testis of patients with idiopathic azoospermia,indicating a correlation with the pathogenesis of azoospermia.