Figure 4.

Quantitative real-time RT-PCR analyses for efferent duct ligation (EDL) to determine the involvement of testicular factors in regulating Spag11a. The efferent ducts connecting the testis and the epididymis were ligated to prevent testicular fluid from entering the epididymis. Total caput epididymal RNA from both sides were isolated at 6 h, 1 d, 3 d and 5 d after the ligation. Unligated epididymis was used as a control (Co). Total RNA from each group was analyzed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. The expression level in each group was normalized to beta-actin. The results showed that Spag11a expression was not affected at 6 h to 1 d. after the ligation. Spag11a was transiently up-regulated at 3 d ligation (P < 0.01) before returning to the normal level at day 5. The error bars represent the SEM (n = 3).