Immunohistochemical localization of beta-endorphin in hyperplastic interstitial tissue of the human testis.
The immunohistochemical localization of beta-endorphin in the normal testis (two patients) and in the pathologic testis (two cases of Sertoli Cell Only Syndrome, two cases of Klinefelter Syndrome, two cases of post-orchitis tubular sclero-hialinosis) was investigated. No beta-endorphin immunostaining was detected in the normal testis, while positive beta-endorphin immunostaining has been observed in pathologic tissues. These results indicate that, as in animals, beta-endorphin is present in human Leydig cells and may play a local role in regulating male reproductive function.
Spera
G
G
Department of Andrology and Cellular Biology, University of Rome, La Sapienza, Italy.
Di Benedetto
E
E
Falaschi
P
P
Fabbri
A
A
Lauro
G
G
Bolotti
M
M
D006801:Humans; D006965:Hyperplasia; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007713:Klinefelter Syndrome / Q000378:metabolism; D007985:Leydig Cells / Q000032:analysis* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D009920:Orchitis / Q000473:pathology; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000032:analysis*
D001615:beta-Endorphin