Disruption of ectoplasmic specializations between Sertoli cells and maturing spermatids by anti-nectin-2 and anti-nectin-3 antibodies.
- Author:
Yoshiro TOYAMA
1
;
Fumie SUZUKI-TOYOTA
;
Mamiko MAEKAWA
;
Chizuru ITO
;
Kiyotaka TOSHIMORI
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH: Actins; metabolism; Animals; Antibodies; immunology; pharmacology; Cell Adhesion Molecules; immunology; metabolism; Cell Communication; drug effects; physiology; Intercellular Junctions; drug effects; metabolism; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred ICR; Microfilament Proteins; metabolism; Microscopy, Confocal; Nectins; Seminiferous Epithelium; cytology; drug effects; metabolism; Sertoli Cells; cytology; drug effects; metabolism; Spermatids; cytology; drug effects; metabolism
- From: Asian Journal of Andrology 2008;10(4):577-584
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
AIMTo understand the biological functions of the ectoplasmic specializations between Sertoli cells and maturing spermatids in seminiferous epithelia.
METHODSIn order to disrupt the function of the ectoplasmic specializations, nectin-2, which is expressed at the specialization, was neutralized with anti-nectin-2 antibody micro-injected into the lumen of the mouse seminiferous tubule. Anti-nectin-3 antibody was also micro-injected into the lumen in order to neutralize nectin-3, which is expressed at the specialization.
RESULTSThe actin filaments at the specialization disappeared, and exfoliation of maturing spermatids was observed by electron microscopy.
CONCLUSIONNectin-2 was neutralized by anti-nectin-2 antibody and nectin-3 was neutralized by anti-nectin-3 antibody, respectively. Inactivated nectin-2 and nectin-3 disrupted the nectin-afadin-actin system, and finally the actin filaments disappeared. As a result, the specialization lost the holding function and detachment of spermatids was observed. One of the functions of the specialization seems to be to hold maturing spermatids until spermiation.
