PDGF and the testis.
Testicular development is controlled by a complex hierarchy of gene regulatory proteins, growth factors, cell adhesion molecules, signaling molecules and hormones that interact, often acting within short time windows, via reciprocal control relationships. The identification in the testis of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), a key regulator of connective tissue cells in embryogenesis and pathogenesis, has focused attention on the role of this growth factor in testicular pathophysiology. This review summarizes recent advances in the study of the actions of PDGF in the male gonad, and attempts to incorporate complex in vitro and in vivo experimental data into a model that might clarify the role played by PDGF in the mammalian testis.
Mariani
Stefania
S
Dept Medical Physiopathology, Policlinico Umberto I, University of Rome 'La Sapienza', 00161, Rome, Italy.
Basciani
Sabrina
S
Arizzi
Mario
M
Spera
Giovanni
G
Gnessi
Lucio
L
D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D017479:Receptors, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship; D013737:Testis / Q000502:physiology*
D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor; D017479:Receptors, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor