Cells positive for microtubule-associated protein 1B (MAP 1B) are present along rat and human efferent ductules and epididymis.
Microtubule-associated protein 1B (MAP 1B) is a neuronal cytoskeleton marker with predominant expression in the developing nervous system. The present study provides evidence for the expression of this cytoskeleton protein in non-neuronal and neuronal cells along rat and human efferent ductules and epididymis (initial segment, caput, and cauda). Reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were used to confirm the presence of MAP 1B (mRNA and protein) in rat tissues. Immunohistochemical studies revealed MAP-1B-positive staining in columnar ciliated cells present in efferent ductules and in narrow cells located in the initial segment, in both rat and human. MAP-1B-positive basal cells, located underneath the columnar cells, were only identified in the initial segment and caput epididymidis of the rat. Qualitative analysis of tissues from 40-day-old and 120-day-old rats indicated that the number of MAP-1B-positive ciliated, narrow, and basal cells per tubule increased with sexual maturation. These immunoreactive cells did not stain for dopamine beta-hydroxylase or acetylcholinesterase, indicating that they were not adrenergic or cholinergic in nature. Immunohistochemical studies also revealed the presence of MAP-1B-positive staining in interstitial nerve fibers in caput and cauda epididymidis from both rat and human. Thus, the expression of MAP 1B is not confined to a specific cell type in rat and human efferent ductules and epididymis. The functional significance of this cytoskeleton protein in tissues from the male reproductive tract requires further investigation.
Queiróz
Daniel B C
DB
Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Escola Paulista de Medicina, Rua 3 de maio 100, INFAR, Vila Clementino, 04044-020 São Paulo, Brazil.
Silva
Adilson M da
AM
Gutiérrez-Ospina
Gabriel
G
Porto
Catarina S
CS
Grossman
Gail
G
Petrusz
Peter
P
Avellar
Maria C W
MC
D000818:Animals; D004822:Epididymis / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008869:Microtubule-Associated Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012152:Rete Testis / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism*
D008869:Microtubule-Associated Proteins; C085284:microtubule-associated protein 1B