Failure of spermatogenesis in mouse lines deficient in the Na+-K+-2Cl– cotransporter
Amy J. Pace, … , Deborah A. O’Brien, Beverly H. Koller
Amy J. Pace, … , Deborah A. O’Brien, Beverly H. Koller
Published February 15, 2000
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2000;105(4):441-450. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI8553.
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Article

Failure of spermatogenesis in mouse lines deficient in the Na+-K+-2Cl– cotransporter

Abstract

The Na+-K+-2Cl– cotransporter (NKCC1) carries 1 molecule of Na+ and K+ along with 2 molecules of Cl– across the cell membrane. It is expressed in a broad spectrum of tissues and has been implicated in cell volume regulation and in ion transport by secretory epithelial tissue. However, the specific contribution of NKCC1 to the physiology of the various organ systems is largely undefined. We have generated mouse lines carrying either of 2 mutant alleles of the Slc12a2 gene, which encodes this cotransporter: a null allele and a mutation that results in deletion of 72 amino acids of the cytoplasmic domain. Both NKCC1-deficient mouse lines show behavioral abnormalities characteristic of mice with inner ear defects. Male NKCC1-deficient mice are infertile because of defective spermatogenesis, as shown by the absence of spermatozoa in histological sections of their epididymides and the small number of spermatids in their testes. Consistent with this observation, we show that Slc12a2 is expressed in Sertoli cells, pachytene spermatocytes, and round spermatids isolated from wild-type animals. Our results indicate a critical role for NKCC1-mediated ion transport in spermatogenesis and suggest that the cytoplasmic domain of NKCC1 is essential in the normal functioning of this protein.

Authors

Amy J. Pace, Eddie Lee, Krairek Athirakul, Thomas M. Coffman, Deborah A. O’Brien, Beverly H. Koller

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Histological examination of testes from 3–4-day old and 21-day-old wild-...
Histological examination of testes from 3–4-day old and 21-day-old wild-type (a, b) and Slc12a2–/– (c, d) mice. Analysis of testes from 3–4-day-old mice revealed no difference between the Slc12a2–/– (c) and wild-type males (a). a and c, bars, 50 μm. Analysis of testes from 21-day-old mice showed a difference in the timing of the formation of the lumen between the Slc12a2–/– and wild-type males (compare b to d). Seminiferous tubules in wild-type testes have well-developed lumens, whereas lumen formation appears to be delayed in Slc12a2–/– testes, and the central region of the tubules still contains many germ cells. b and d, bars, 100 μm.