Male sterility in transgenic mice expressing activin beta A subunit gene in testis

Activins and inhibins, which are endocrine regulators of anterior pituitary function, have also been reported to participate in the paracrine and auto crine regulation of reproductive function. To determine the in vivo effects of overexpressed activin/inhibin, we generated transgenic mice carrying th e human activin/inhibin beta A subunit mini gene under the regulatory contr ol of the mouse methallothionein promoter. In one of the transgenic line an alyzed, the beta A subunit gene was preferentially expressed in the testis. Ectopic and allochronic expression of the beta A gene started at 3 weeks a fter birth and transgenic male mice became sterile in the ensuing several w eeks. Histological analysis revealed testicular degeneration in these mice. The results from this transgenic line strongly support the in vivo activit y of activin/inhibin in male reproductive functions. (C) 1999 Academic Pres s.