Immunohistochemical Study of Aquaporin 1 and 2 in the Reproductive Tract of the Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus)

Spermatogenesis is associated with considerable fluid secretion or absorption in the male reproductive tract. Aquaporins (AQPs) are membrane protein channels that allow the rapid movement of water through epithelium. In the present study, immunohistochemistry was utilized to localize the expression of AQP 1, AQP2 in the testis and prostate of adult bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus). Results show that AQP1 have intense reaction in rete testis, efferent ducts, vessels, seminiferous duct and in the prostate, AQP2 was found minor expression in the rete testis, vessels and prostate, which suggesting that AQP1 may have the main role in the absorption of the large amount of testicular fluid in male camel reproductive tract. Investigations of AQPs biology in camel could be relevant with technologies for assisted procreation in animal husbandry and aquaculture.