In Vitro Temperature Sensitivity of DNA, RNA, and Protein Syntheses Throughout Puberty in Human Testis

Abstract

To evaluate the optimal temperature for DNA, RNA, and protein syntheses in the prepubertal, pubertal, and postpubertal human testis, the levels of incorporation of ³H-thymidine, ¹⁴C-uridine, and ¹⁴C-leucine into cultured testicular tissue were studied at 28 °C, 31 °C, 34 °C, 37 °C, 40 °C, and 43 °C. The maximum level of M³H-thymidine incorporation in prepubertal testes occurred at 37 °C, whereas the maximum incorporation in the pubertal and postpubertal testes occurred at 31 °C. Incorporations of ¹⁴C-uridine and ¹⁴C-leucine in the three groups were temperature dependent (28°C to 37°C). DNA synthesis by germ cells in the pubertal and postpubertal testes was maximum at 31 °C and was impaired at body temperature (37 °C), whereas in the prepubertal testis it was temperature dependent with a maximum at 37 °C. RNA and protein synthesis in the three groups was temperature dependent at 28 °C to 37 °C, was depressed at 40 °C, and remarkably depressed at 43 °C.

Key Words:

• Testis
• Tissue culture
• DNA synthesis
• Temperature
• Puberty