Gestational and lactational exposure to gossypol alters the testis transcriptome

Reproductive capacity can be altered by challenges experienced during critical periods of development, including fetal development and early neonatal life. Gossypol is a polyphenolic compound, commonly found in seeds of cotton plants, that impairs male reproduction. In this study, we investigated whether the exposure to gossypol in utero and during lactation alters testis development and testis gene expression in sheep. Overall design: From conception until 60 days postpartum, Santa Inês ewes were randomly assigned to a control diet or a gossypol-rich diet based on cottonseed. A total of eighteen male lambs, 9 from control and 9 from cottonseed maternal diets, were used in this study. Lamb testicles were removed at 60 days of age and subjected to RNA-sequencing.