Transforming growth factor-beta 2 heterozygous mutant mice exhibit Cowper's gland hyperplasia and cystic dilations of the gland ducts (Cowper's syringoceles).
Analyses of mutant mice with a deletion for the transforming growth factor beta 2 (Tgfbeta2) gene revealed cysts in the perineal/scrotal region of male mice. We present evidence from in situ, light and electron microscopy that the cysts observed in Tgfbeta2+/- heterozygous mice males derive from Cowper's gland tissue. The Cowper's glands of Tgfbeta2+/- heterozygous mutant mice display all steps of glandular hyperplasia and cystic dilation. TGF-beta isoforms and TGF-beta receptor (TbetaR-II) were localized immunocytochemically in sections of Cowper's glands. TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3 were located predominantly in myoepithelial cells of the Cowper's gland whereas the TbetaRII was found in the plasma membrane of the acinar cells. TUNEL-assays revealed that apoptotic cell death is significantly reduced in Cowper's glands of TgfbetaB2+/- heterozygous mutant mice. The fact that Tgfbeta2+/- heterozygous mutant mice exhibit hyperplasia of Cowper's gland epithelium and Cowper's gland cysts suggests a disturbance of epithelial-stromal interaction most likely due to reduced TGF-beta2 level, accompanied by a significant decrease in apoptosis.
Dünker
Nicole
N
Center of Anatomy, Department of Neuroanatomy, Georg-August University Göttingen, Germany. nduenke@gwdg.de
Aumüller
Gerhard
G
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D002030:Bulbourethral Glands / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003560:Cysts / Q000473:pathology*; D005832:Genital Diseases, Male / Q000473:pathology*; D006579:Heterozygote; D006965:Hyperplasia; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods; D020287:In Situ Nick-End Labeling; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008817:Mice, Mutant Strains; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000032:analysis; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D053781:Transforming Growth Factor beta2
D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D053781:Transforming Growth Factor beta2