Abstract
Water content within the testis is transferred across the seminiferous epithelium by Sertoli cells and served to transport sperm to the epididymis via the efferent duct. The water also plays an important role in the maintenance of liquid circumstance in the seminiferous tubule. Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of integral membrane proteins that transport water, glycerol, urea and ions. In mammals, 13 AQPs isoforms have been identified, and they are expressed in a variety of tissues, including the kidney, the brain, the eye and the respiratory tract. In the testis, AQP0 and 8 have been identified in Sertoli cells, while AQP7, 8, 9 and11 have been identified in spermatogenic cells. These AQPs may be involved in testicular function such as spermatogenesis and spermiation. The present review focuses on the distribution and its possible function of AQPs in the testis.
