|
Volume 6, Issue 2 (June 2004) 6, 105–109;
Stage-specific localization of transforming growth factor b1 and b3 and their receptors during spermatogenesis in men
Y.Q. Zhang, X.Z. He, J.S. Zhang, R.A. Wang, J. Zhou, R.J. Xu
1.Department of Histology & Embryology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
2.Department of Zoology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Advance online publication 1 June 2004
| Abstract |
|
Aim: To investigate the stage-specific localization of transforming growth factor (TGF) 1 and 3 during spermatogenesis in adult human testis. Methods: The localization of TGF1 and 3 was investigated by immunohistochemical staining method employing specific polyclonal antibodies. Results: Both TGF1 and 3 and their receptors were preponderant in the Leydig cells. TGF1 could not be detected in the seminiferous tubules. TGF3 and TGF-Receptor (R) I were mainly seen in the elongated spermatids, while TGF-RII in the pachytene spermatocytes and weak in the spermatogonia, spermatids and Sertoli cells. Only TGF-RII was detected in the Sertoli cells. TGF3, TGF-RI and TGF-RII showed a staining pattern dependent upon the stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle. Conclusion: TGF 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.
Full Text |
|
| |
| Browse: 2280 |
|
