Today, approximately 15% of couples have reduced fertility. In most cases the reason is male infertility, usually of genetic origin. Thus, in the context of research in genes involved in reproduction and sex determination, genetic defects in gametogenesis are being extensively studied. The most frequent pathogenic causes of male infertility are Y chromosomal microdeletions and obstructive azoos...

Deletion of the Azoospermia Factor (AZF) region of the human Y chromosome results in spermatogenic failure. While the identity of the critical missing gene has yet to be established, a strong candidate is the putative RNA-binding protein DAZ (Deleted in Azoospermia). Here we describe the mouse homolog of DAZ. Unlike human DAZ, which is Y-linked, in mouse the Dazh (DAZ homolog) gene maps to chro...

In whole cell patch clamp recordings, we found that normal human adrenal zona fasciculata (AZF) cells express voltage-gated, rapidly inactivating Ca(2+) and K(+) currents and a noninactivating, leak-type K(+) current. Characterization of these currents with respect to voltage-dependent gating and kinetic properties, pharmacology, and modulation by the peptide hormones adrenocorticotropic hormon...

BACKGROUND About 13% of cases of non-obstructive azoospermia are caused by deletion of the azoospermia factor (AZF), a gene or gene complex normally located on the long arm of the Y chromosome. Oligozoospermia is far more common than azoospermia, but little is known about genetic causes. We investigated whether severe oligozoospermia is caused by AZF deletions and, if so, whether those deletion...

Genetic factors cause about 15% of male infertility and microdeletions of Y chromosome is one of the genetic causes in idiopathic infertile men. Azoospermia factors (AZFa, AZFb, and AZFc) on Yq long arm are most important for spermatogenesis. For analysis of microdeletions in the AZF regions by sequence-tagged-site (STS) PCR is important screening method for infertility. An attempt has been mad...

In whole cell patch-clamp recordings, we characterized the L-type Ca(2+) currents in bovine adrenal zona fasciculata (AZF) cells and explored their role, along with the role of T-type channels, in ACTH- and angiotensin II (ANG II)-stimulated cortisol secretion. Two distinct dihydropyridine-sensitive L-type currents were identified, both of which were activated at relatively hyperpolarized poten...

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE Analysis of the microdeletions in the azoospermia factor (AZF) region of Y chromosome by PCR is an important screening tool in the work-up of infertile males opting for assisted reproductive techniques. In the present study, the Y chromosome microdeletions were analyzed by PCR using primers corresponding to 16 sequence tagged sites (STS) and three genes of the AZF region ...

Since the introduction of West Nile virus (WNV) into North America in 1999 a number of passerine bird species have been found to play a role in the amplification of the virus. Arbovirus surveillance, observational studies and experimental studies have implicated passerine birds (songbirds, e.g., crows, American robins, house sparrows, and house finches) as significant reservoirs of WNV in North...

Enyeart JJ, Enyeart JA. Adrenal fasciculata cells express T-type and rapidly and slowly activating L-type Ca channels that regulate cortisol secretion. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 308: C899–C918, 2015. First published March 18, 2015; doi:10.1152/ajpcell.00002.2015.—In whole cell patch-clamp recordings, we characterized the L-type Ca currents in bovine adrenal zona fasciculata (AZF) cells and expl...