Stage-specific localization of transforming growth factor beta1 and beta3 and their receptors during spermatogenesis in men.
- Author:
Yuan-Qiang ZHANG
1
;
Xiao-Zhou HE
;
Jin-Shan ZHANG
;
Rui-An WANG
;
Jie ZHOU
;
Ruo-Jun XU
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH: Adult; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Leydig Cells; metabolism; Ligands; Male; Middle Aged; Orchiectomy; Prostatic Neoplasms; pathology; Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta; metabolism; Seminiferous Epithelium; cytology; metabolism; Spermatids; metabolism; Spermatogenesis; physiology; Testis; metabolism; physiology; Transforming Growth Factor beta; metabolism; Transforming Growth Factor beta1; Transforming Growth Factor beta3
- From: Asian Journal of Andrology 2004;6(2):105-109
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
AIMTo investigate the stage-specific localization of transforming growth factor (TGF) beta1 and beta3 during spermatogenesis in adult human testis.
METHODSThe localization of TGFbeta1 and beta3 was investigated by immunohistochemical staining method employing specific polyclonal antibodies.
RESULTSBoth TGFbeta1 and beta3 and their receptors were preponderant in the Leydig cells. TGFbeta1 could not be detected in the seminiferous tubules. TGFbeta3 and TGFbeta-Receptor (R) I were mainly seen in the elongated spermatids, while TGFbeta-RII in the pachytene spermatocytes and weak in the spermatogonia, spermatids and Sertoli cells. Only TGFbeta-RII was detected in the Sertoli cells. TGFbeta3, TGFbeta-RI and TGFbeta-RII showed a staining pattern dependent upon the stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle.
CONCLUSIONTGFbeta isoforms and their receptors are present in the somatic and germ cells of the adult human testis, suggesting their involvement in the regulation of spermatogenesis.
