[Determination of GATA-4 in the testis of the mouse].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the characteristics and distribution of GATA-4 in the testis of male mice.


METHODS
Paraffin sections were obtained from the testes of 24 male B6SJLF1/J mice, aged 0 day (n = 6), 2 weeks (n = 6), 4 weeks (n = 6) and 6 weeks (n = 6), and the expressions of GATA-4 in the testis were observed by the immunohistochemical ABC method and DAB visualization at different times.


RESULTS
Positive expressions of GATA4 were found in the Sertoli cells and Leydig cells of all the mice, but significantly higher in the 4- and 6-week-old than in the 0-day and 2-week-old groups (P < 0.01). And they were also observed in the germ cells of the 4- and 6-week-old mice, significantly higher in the latter than in the former (P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
GATA-4 exists in the testis of male mice, which has provided a morphological base for sex determination and differentiation and hormone regulation in the testis.
Department of Human Histology and Embryology, Yan'an University School of Medicine, Yan'an, Shaanxi 716000, China. jiazhouy@yahoo.com.cn
Jia-Zhou
JZ
Yang
Yu-Feng
YF
Zhao
Yan-Mei
YM
Wang
Cai-Xia
CX
Jing
Nai-Zhou
NZ
Miao
Qing-Yan
QY
Ai
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D050991:GATA4 Transcription Factor / Q000378:metabolism*; D005854:Germ Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D007985:Leydig Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D012708:Sertoli Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D013737:Testis / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*
D050991:GATA4 Transcription Factor; C484171:Gata4 protein, mouse