ADAM2 localization and expression in the ductus deferens and male accessory glands of rutting Camels (Camelus dromedarius)

Abstract

The testicles and epididymal ducts of several mammals, such as camels, have been shown to have ADAM2 (fertilin) protein. But nothing is known about the existence of this protein in the camel's ductus deferens and male accessory glands. The current study employed immunohistochemical (IHC) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) techniques to elucidate the distribution and expression of ADAM2 in the ductus deferens and male accessory glands in dromedary camels throughout the rutting season. Samples of tissue were collected from the ductus deferens. (initial, middle and ampullary parts), prostate (corpus and disseminated part) and bulbourethral gland from eight mature male camels. IHC result revealed that ADAM2 protein localized in all parts of the ductus deferens with a strong immunoreaction in the ampullary parts. A variety of immunoreactions were recognized in the different parts of the male accessory glands. qRT-PCR results showed that ADAM2 mRNA was expressed variably in all parts of the ductus deferens and male accessory glands; the ampullary part of the vas deferens displayed the highest levels of expression (P<0.05). The current study concluded that ADAM2 is found in the ductus deferens and male accessory glands with greater expression in the ampulla and prostate glands where seminal fluids are secreted. Thus, it is believed that these organs aid in the sperm's creation of this protein before ejaculation in the female camel's genital organs.