[Synthesis and distribution of type IV collagen in mice testes].
OBJECTIVE
The variations of the synthesis and distribution type IV collagen in the testes of young, adult, and old mice were studied.


METHODS
Biotin-avidin DCS system indirect immunofluorescence technique and in situ hybridization method were used.


RESULTS
Sertoli cell could synthesize type IV collagen. Type IV collagen was present in the basement membrane of seminiferous tubules in mouse testis. Type IV collagen mRNA signal was seen in the Sertoli cells. The content of type IV collagen and type IV collagen mRNA peaked at day 15, and then declined successively to adult value and the aged value.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that the extracellular matrix of testis might play an important role in the process of spermatogenesis.
Song
Y
Y
Department of Histology and Embryology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, CAMS and PUMC, Beijing 100005.
Xu
Z
Z
Cui
L
L
Liu
X
X
Xu
J
J
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D024141:Collagen Type IV / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D012708:Sertoli Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D013737:Testis / Q000378:metabolism*
D024141:Collagen Type IV; D012333:RNA, Messenger