Background Considering the similarity between the testis-specific isoform of angiotensin-converting enzyme and the C-terminal catalytic domain of somatic ACE as well as the structural and functional variability of its natural inhibitors, known as bradykinin-potentiating peptides (BPPs), the effects of different synthetic peptides, BPP-10c (<ENWPHQIPP), BPP-11e (<EARPPHPPIPP), BPP-AP (<EARPPHPPIPPAP) and captopril were evaluated in the seminiferous epithelium of male mice.Methods The adult animals received either one of the synthetic peptides or captopril (120 nmol/dose per testis) via injection into the testicular parenchyma. After seven days, the mice were sacrificed, and the testes were collected for histopathological evaluation.Results BPP-10c... |