Background Among the chlorinated antifertility substances, alpha-chlorohydrin (ACH) may inhibit glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PDH) activity in epididymal sperm and affect sperm energy rate of metabolism, fertilization and maturation, ultimately resulting in male infertility. Affymetrix Rat 230 2.0 oligo-microarray. Finally, we performed RT-PCR analysis for a number of differentially indicated genes to validate the alteration in gene manifestation observed by oligonucleotide microarray. Results Among all the differentially indicated genes, we analyzed and screened the down-regulated genes associated with rate of metabolism processes, which are considered the major focuses on of ACH action. Simultaneously, the genes that were up-regulated by chlorohydrin were recognized. The genes that negatively regulate sperm maturation and fertility LRIG2 antibody include apoptosis and immune-related genes and have not been reported previously. The overall results of PCR analysis for selected genes were consistent with the array data. Conclusions In this study, we have explained the genome-wide profiles of gene manifestation in the epididymides of infertile rats induced by ACH, which could become potential epididymal specific targets for male contraception and infertility treatment. Background Although sperm are in the beginning produced in the testes of mammals, they are incapable of capacitation and fertilization. Spermatozoa become mature and acquire fertilizing capacity during the passage through the epididymis [1,2]. During the process of sperm maturation in the epididymis, multiple changes happen in the sperm, including changes in morphology, biochemistry, physiology and the acquisition of fertilizing ability due to the connection of epididymal secretory proteins with the spermatozoa [3-5]. Some processes of epididymal sperm maturation, such as substance rate of metabolism and the initiation of progressive motility, can be selectively interrupted, which induces dysfunction of sperm fertilization and male infertility [6]. Additionally, disrupting epididymal sperm maturation does not interfere with testicular endocrine output and sperm production or impact testosterone generation and male libido [7,8]. Consequently, the process of sperm maturation in the epididymis may be an advantageous post-testicular target for the development of safe, quick and reversible male contraceptives [9]. Further studies displayed the inhibitory effect of ACH on G3PDH isn’t just limited to epididymal sperm but also to the epididymis [10]. Additional findings suggested that ACH can affect epididymal function through multiple pathways, including inhibiting androgen dependent enzymes such as ATPase and AChE in the epididymis [11], influencing some markers involved in epididymal function such as glucosidase activity, acid and alkaline phosphatase activity, and sialidase activity [12-14], regulating the epididymal microenvironment such as acidity, fluid resorption and salt rate of metabolism [15,16], and 444722-95-6 supplier interfering with sugars transport, lipid rate of metabolism and epididymal protein secretion [17-19]. All the above effects on epididymal function through ACH show that it may influence male fertility by interfering with the epididymal milieu, in which the spermatozoa adult, rather than directly influencing spermatozoa. Moreover, little investigation on gene manifestation changes in the epididymis after ACH treatment has 444722-95-6 supplier been conducted. Consequently, gene manifestation studies may indicate fresh epididymal targets related to sperm maturation and fertility through the analysis of ACH-treated infertile animals. Some improvements in researching epididymal-specific gene manifestation and function have been accomplished. Transgenic systems possess generated temporally and spatially restricted targeted gene disruptions, which provide promise for our progress in understanding epididymal function and sperm maturation [20]. Gene silencing providers, such as RNAi, can manipulate gene manifestation and have been proven to be useful for the analysis of epididymal genes involved in sperm maturation and fertility [21]. Microarray technology has been widely used for the simultaneous examination of the manifestation of multiple genes and gene family members for more than a decade. Microarray techniques are advantageous for gene manifestation assays because they have high level of sensitivity, 444722-95-6 supplier enable analysis with a smaller amount of cells or cells, and allow simultaneous analysis of a wide range of genes. With this present study, taking advantage of an oligonucleotide microarray, we evaluated the effects of ACH on gene manifestation in the epididymis, recognized fresh genes related to epididymal function that probably impact sperm maturation and male fertility, and offered some novel epididymal focuses on for male contraception and infertility study. Methods Animals and treatment process Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were from Sino-British Sippr/BK Lab Animal Co. Ltd. (Shanghai, China), managed under controlled light (12L: 12D) and temp (23C), and provided with food and water ad libitum. Male rats (330-350 g) were randomly divided into two organizations and gavaged with 1 ml/kg of solvent (without any ACH, control) or 10 mg/kg ACH (Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, MO. FW: 110.5) (treated) suspended inside a 0.5% methylcellulose solution containing 0.2% Tween 20 for 10.