S-100 protein immunoreactivity in mammalian testis and epididymis.
The present study deals with immunohistochemical localization of S-100 protein in mouse, bank vole and pine vole testis and epididymis. S-100 protein immunoreactivity was observed in the endothelia of capillaries and lymphatic sinusoids of pine vole testis. A reaction to S-100 protein of the same intensity as that noted in the endothelia of testicular capillaries was found in myoid cells of pine vole and bank vole seminiferous tubules. Moreover, a positive reaction to S-100 protein was observed in bank vole and mouse Leydig cells. In the epididymis, a weaker reaction to S-100 occurred in smooth muscles of pine vole and mouse epididymal duct. Despite difficult interpretation of physiological role of S-100 protein we suggest that it may be a part of the blood-testis barrier. It may also participate in the processes of transcytosis and contractility; its cellular expression is regulated by local factors. However, location of S-100 is not specific to the representatives of the same order.
Czykier
E
E
Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Academy, Białystok, Poland.
Sawicki
B
B
Zabel
M
M
D000818:Animals; D003411:Arvicolinae; D002196:Capillaries / Q000737:chemistry; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000737:chemistry; D004822:Epididymis / Q000737:chemistry*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007985:Leydig Cells / Q000737:chemistry; D008208:Lymphatic System / Q000737:chemistry; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000737:chemistry; D009418:S100 Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D012671:Seminiferous Tubules / Q000737:chemistry; D013045:Species Specificity; D013737:Testis / Q000098:blood supply / Q000737:chemistry*
D009418:S100 Proteins