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...

After the Klinefelter syndrome, Y chromosomal microdeletions are the second most frequent genetic cause of male infertility. The European Academy Andrology (EAA) and the European Molecular genetics Quality Network (EMQN) revised the new 2014 laboratory guidelines on Sep 2013 based on 1999 and 2004 editions according to 12 years clinical accumulation and specialist consensus. The new guideline e...

AIM To evaluate the occurrence of classical azoospermia factor (AZF) deletions of the Y chromosome as a routine examination in azoospermic subjects with Klinefelter syndrome (KS). METHODS Blood samples were collected from 95 azoospermic subjects with KS (91 subjects had a 47,XXY karyotype and four subjects had a mosaic 47,XXY/46,XY karyotype) and a control group of 93 fertile men. The values ...

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...

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...