Background of the antigen
The PDE4A8 is a testis germ cell-specific PDE4A variant. There are two PDE4A variants identified in rat testis (PDE4A8 and an un-characterized 76 kDa PDE4A protein). Spermatogenesis is accompanied by expression of a varied repertoire of PDE4 enzymes at different stages of cell differentiation that presumably perform specialized functions. Confocal microscopic examination revealed the presence of PDE4A8 in primary and secondary spermatids but not in mature spermatozoa. PDE4A8 inhibition results in increased apoptosis of the germ cells accompanied with reduction in the number of mature spermatozoa.