Valproic acid changes the expression of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins in rat seminal vesicle

Previous studies reported the effects of valproic acid (VPA) on tyrosine-phosphorylated (TyrPho) protein expression in the testis and epididymis, but its effects on that in the seminal vesicle (SV) have never been demonstrated. This study attempted to investigate the expressions of TyrPho proteins in SV treated with VPA. Sixteen rats were divided into control and VPA-treated groups. The control rats were injected with normal saline, whereas the treated animals were intraperitoneally injected with VPA (500 mg/kg BW) for 10 consecutive days (n = 8/each). The biochemical parameters in blood plasma and SV fluid were analysed. The SV tissues and fluid were investigated for the presence and expression of TyrPho proteins, androgen receptor (AR) proteins and heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70). Significantly, VPA caused SV atrophy and reductions in secretion and biochemical parameter levels. There were significant increases in many TyrPho proteins in the plasma (a 95 kDa) and SV tissue (a 40 kDa) of the VPA rats. However, the expressions of seminal AR, Hsp70 and TyrPho proteins (50 and 48 kDa) were significantly lower in VPA rats. Recent results have indicated that VPA affected SV morphology and decreased biochemical fluid substances including TyrPho proteins associated with decreased expressions of AR and Hsp70.