Galectin-1 and -3 Expression in the Testis and Epididymis of Anatolian Ground Squirrels (Spermophilus xanthoprymnus) during Non-Breeding Periods of Pre-Hibernation and Hibernation

This study aims to investigate the expression patterns of Galectin-1 (Gal-1) and Gal-3 in the testis and epididymis of Anatolian ground squirrel (Spermophilus xanthoprymnus) during nonbreeding pre-hibernation and hibernation periods. Hibernation is a physiological state characterized by a reduction in metabolic rate and body temperature. Gal-1 and -3 are implicated in many biological functions. Twelve squirrels were used in this study. Followed by routine tissue processing, tissue samples underwent immunohistochemical procedure. Histological examination and statistical analysis were performed. Immunohistochemical investigation revealed that Gal-1 expression during pre-hibernation was confined to peritubular myoid cells and vascular smooth muscle cells, with no expression observed in Sertoli or spermatogenic cells. Gal-1 in the epididymis was localized to smooth muscle cells encircling the epithelium and within blood vessel walls, exhibiting markedly elevated expression across the caput, corpus, and cauda regions. During hibernation, testicular and epidydimal Gal-1 expression exhibited a considerable reduction. During pre-hibernation, Gal-3 exhibited a unique pattern, with expression noted in the seminiferous epithelium and Leydig cells. Gal-3 was detected in the epithelial cells throughout the epididymis, with greater intensity in specific epithelial cells. During hibernation, Gal-3 expression increased in Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, and spermatocytes within the testis, while exhibiting diminished intensity in the epididymal epithelium across all regions. The findings suggest that Gal-1 and -3 may be involved in seasonal reproductive adaptability during nonbreeding pre-hibernation and hibernation. Further research could clarify their specific molecular functions in hibernating species.