Presence of neuropeptide--Y and its C-terminal flanking peptide immuno-reactivity in the seminiferous tubules of human testis.
The presence of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and its C-terminal flanking peptide (C-PON) was described by immunohistochemistry in human testes. The immunopositive material was visualized in the spermatogenic elements of the seminiferous tubules. More NPY occurred in the younger testis and more C-PON in the older ones. NPY positive material was present mainly in the spermatogonia, and in the primary spermatocytes, where C-PON also occurred. The megalospermatocytes, present in aged testis, showed C-PON immunoreactivity. Both NPY and C-PON were present in granular form in the perinuclear zone of the cells. No positive material was detected in the Sertoli cells or in the Leydig cells. It is possible that NPY and its precursor are synthetized within the testis and might play a role in the paracrine and/or autocrine regulation of spermatogenesis.
Wenger
T
T
Laboratoire d'Histologie-Embryologie, Faculté de Médicine, Lille/France.
Bouhdiba
M
M
Saint Pol
P
P
Ciofi
P
P
Tramu
G
G
Leonardelli
J
J
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007984:Leydig Cell Tumor / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009478:Neuropeptide Y / Q000032:analysis*; D009919:Orchiectomy; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000032:analysis; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D012671:Seminiferous Tubules / Q000294:innervation / Q000473:pathology*; D013737:Testis / Q000473:pathology*
D009478:Neuropeptide Y; D010446:Peptide Fragments