Expression of inhibin alpha-subunit in horse testis.
Abstract: Inhibin is believed to play roles in the pituitary secretion of FSH and in the paracrine regulation of testicular function. Although it has been generally accepted that inhibin is produced in Sertoli cells, there was a recent evidence for the localization of inhibin in Leydig cells of primates, rat and sheep. However, there is no report on the expression of inhibin in the adult horse testis. Therefore, using immunohistochemistry, western blotting and in situ hybridization techniques, the present study examined inhibin alpha-subunit (Ih-alpha) expression in the adult horse testis. For the detection of Ih-alpha protein, we used anti-porcine Ih-alpha antibody in immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Furthermore, digoxigenin-labeled complementary RNA probes were prepared to detect intracellular messenger RNA (mRNA) of Ih-alpha. Immunostainings for Ih-alpha were found not only in Leydig cells but also in Sertoli cells. The intensity in Leydig cells was stronger than in Sertoli cells. Immunoreactivities for Ih-alpha were found at approximately 46 kDa, 56 kDa and 90 kDa in the homogenates from testicular interstitial tissues. The bands at 56 kDa and 90 kDa agree with previous report, but not at 46 kDa. Signals for mRNA of Ih-alpha by in situ hybridization were detected in Leydig cells and in the basal region of seminiferous epithelium including Sertoli cells. These results suggest that Ih-alpha is expressed in Leydig cells and Sertoli cells of horse testis, and the expression level should be higher in Leydig cells than Sertoli cells.
Publication Date: 1998-10-09 PubMed ID: 9764407DOI: 10.1292/jvms.60.937Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research paper explores the expression of inhibin alpha-subunit (Ih-alpha) in the adult horse testis. The study confirms that inhibin, a hormone involved in the regulation of the pituitary gland’s follicle-stimulating hormone, is produced in both Leydig and Sertoli cells, with a higher expression level in Leydig cells.
Methodology
- The researchers utilized immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and in situ hybridization techniques to investigate Ih-alpha expression.
- They employed an anti-porcine Ih-alpha antibody for the detection of Ih-alpha protein in both immunohistochemistry and western blotting.
- For the detection of intracellular messenger RNA (mRNA) of Ih-alpha, they prepared digoxigenin-labeled complementary RNA probes.
Ih-alpha Expression and Localization
- The study results indicated that Ih-alpha was expressed not only in Leydig cells but also in Sertoli cells within the horse testis.
- The intensity of Ih-alpha was stronger in Leydig cells compared to Sertoli cells, indicating a higher level of activity or production in the Leydig cells.
Western Blotting and In Situ Hybridization Findings
- The Western blotting method showed that Ih-alpha immunoreactivities were found at approximately 46 kDa, 56 kDa, and 90 kDa in the homogenates from testicular interstitial tissues.
- The bands found at 56 kDa and 90 kDa correspond with previous studies, however, the band found at 46 kDa was a new discovery.
- In situ hybridization identified the signals for mRNA of Ih-alpha in Leydig cells and in the basal region of the seminiferous epithelium, which includes Sertoli cells.
Implications of the Study
- The study suggests that Ih-alpha is expressed in both Leydig cells and Sertoli cells in adult horse testes, with higher expression in Leydig cells.
- These findings enrich the understanding of the roles and localization of inhibin within the horse reproductive system, which could lead to better management of equine reproduction and potentially shed light on comparable processes in other mammals.
Cite This Article
APA
Fujimura S, Hondo E, Kobayashi T, Yamanouchi K, Inoue N, Nagata S, Watanabe G, Taya K, Kitamura N, Yamada J.
(1998).
Expression of inhibin alpha-subunit in horse testis.
J Vet Med Sci, 60(8), 937-942.
https://doi.org/10.1292/jvms.60.937 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Japan.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Epithelial Cells / metabolism
- Horses
- Immunohistochemistry
- Inhibins
- Male
- Peptides / analysis
- Peptides / genetics
- Peptides / metabolism
- RNA, Messenger / analysis
- Seasons
- Seminiferous Tubules / metabolism
- Spermatogenesis
- Testis / cytology
- Testis / metabolism
- Transcription, Genetic
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Banco B, Grilli G, Giudice C, Marques AT, Cotti Cometti S, Visigalli G, Grieco V. Immunophenotyping of Rabbit Testicular Germ and Sertoli Cells Across Maturational Stages. J Histochem Cytochem 2016 Nov;64(11):715-726.
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