Stage-specific localization of transforming growth factor beta1 and beta3 and their receptors during spermatogenesis in men.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the stage-specific localization of transforming growth factor (TGF) beta1 and beta3 during spermatogenesis in adult human testis.


METHODS
The localization of TGFbeta1 and beta3 was investigated by immunohistochemical staining method employing specific polyclonal antibodies.


RESULTS
Both TGFbeta1 and beta3 and their receptors were preponderant in the Leydig cells. TGFbeta1 could not be detected in the seminiferous tubules. TGFbeta3 and TGFbeta-Receptor (R) I were mainly seen in the elongated spermatids, while TGFbeta-RII in the pachytene spermatocytes and weak in the spermatogonia, spermatids and Sertoli cells. Only TGFbeta-RII was detected in the Sertoli cells. TGFbeta3, TGFbeta-RI and TGFbeta-RII showed a staining pattern dependent upon the stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle.


CONCLUSIONS
TGFbeta isoforms and their receptors are present in the somatic and germ cells of the adult human testis, suggesting their involvement in the regulation of spermatogenesis.
Zhang
Yuan-Qiang
YQ
Department of Histology and Embryology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China. zhangyq@fmmu.edu.cn
He
Xiao-Zhou
XZ
Zhang
Jin-Shan
JS
Wang
Rui-An
RA
Zhou
Jie
J
Xu
Ruo-Jun
RJ
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007985:Leydig Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D008024:Ligands; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009919:Orchiectomy; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000378:metabolism*; D012670:Seminiferous Epithelium / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D013087:Spermatids / Q000378:metabolism; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000502:physiology*; D013737:Testis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000378:metabolism*; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1; D053782:Transforming Growth Factor beta3
D008024:Ligands; D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta; C508960:TGFB1 protein, human; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1; D053782:Transforming Growth Factor beta3