Expression of selenoprotein-P messenger ribonucleic acid in the rat testis

It has been suggested that a plasma protein, selenoprotein P, functions as an antioxidant and that its mRNA is expressed ubiquitously, including in the testis. To determine its physiological function, we have investigated the expression of selenoprotein-P mRNA in the rat testis. Northern blot analysis showed that selenoprotein P was exclusively expressed in the Leydig cell fraction. In situ hybridization experiments further supported this observation. Testes of rats administered ethylene dimethane sulfonate (EDS) were also examined by Northern blot analysis. Selective degeneration of Leydig cells by EDS treatment resulted in disappearance of selenoprotein-P mRNA from the testis. Furthermore, upon recovery, in association with regenerative differentiation of Leydig cells, reappearance of the selenoprotein-P mRNA was observed. These results indicated that selenoprotein-P mRNA was predominantly expressed in the interstitial Leydig cells.