Histochemical localization of enzymes of various metabolic pathways in the testes of buffaloes, goats and rams

1984 ◽  
Vol 102 (2) ◽  
pp. 269-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. S. Bilaspuri ◽  
S. S. Guraya
Keyword(s):  
Germ Cells ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Metabolic Pathways ◽  
Maximum Activity ◽  
The Other ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Interstitial Tissue ◽  
Cell Type ◽  
Glucose 6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase ◽  
Enzyme Species

SummaryIsocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (β-OH-BDH) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH) were histochemically located in the testes of buffaloes, goats and rams. The enzyme activities varied with the enzyme, species and cell type. The activities in the seminiferous tubules were correlated with the stages of seminiferous epithelial cycle (SEC). During this cycle, the activities in the Sertoli cells, spermatogonia and spermatocytes remained unaltered in contrast to those in the spermatids. The activities of SDH, ICDH and MDH were relatively greater in buffalo, while goat and ram resembled each other quite closely. ICDH and MDH preferred NADP to NAD. In the three species, the activities of ICDH, SDH and MDH generally followed an increasing order. G-6-PDH was greater in the interstitial tissue of buffalo than in goat and ram; the maximum activity of this enzyme in each species was found in the spermatogonia. In comparison with G-6-PDH, GDH was less evident in the interstitial tissue of buffalo and goat; Sertoli cells and spermatogonia also showed relatively less MDH activity whereas the other germ cells may have relatively less, similar or more, GDH activity depending on the species. β-OHBDH activity was similar in the interstitial tissue of the three species, but in the seminiferous tubule, the activity was less in goat. But for GDH and β-OH-BDH which could show different results, the activities of other enzymes generally decreased from spermatogonia through spermatocytes to spermatids but increased during spermiogenesis. In spermatozoa, the enzymes were observed only in the mid-piece. The possible physiological significance of the results is discussed in relation to different metabolic pathways.

scholarly journals The Rete Testis: Development and Role in Testis Function

2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (6) ◽  
pp. 370-378
Author(s):  
A. Yu. Kulibin ◽  
E. A. Malolina
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Sex Determination ◽  
Germ Cells ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Rete Testis ◽  
The Other ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Testis Development ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
Efferent Ducts

Abstract The rete testis connects seminiferous tubules in which germ cells develop to the efferent ducts and the epididymis, where gametes mature and gain mobility. Several recent studies have thoroughly explored the morphogenesis of this structure in mice during embryonic and postnatal periods. A part of the rete testis has been shown to derive from the precursors of gonad somatic cells before sex determination. The other part forms from embryonal Sertoli cells of testis cords adjacent to the mesonephros. The transformation of Sertoli cells into rete testis cells is apparently not limited to the embryonic stage of development and continues during postnatal testis development. Recently, it was found that the rete testis participates in the formation and maintenance of specialized Sertoli cells in terminal segments of seminiferous tubules, transitional zones. Current views suggest that the transitional zones of the seminiferous tubules may represent a niche for spermatogonial stem cells, the site of the prolonged proliferation of Sertoli cells in the pubertal and postpubertal periods of testis development, and also could be a generator of spermatogenic waves. To sum up, the rete testis transports gametes from the testis to the epididymis, maintains pressure within seminiferous tubules, regulates the composition of the testicular fluid, and impacts the spermatogenic process itself.

scholarly journals Cell-type-specific regulation of genes involved in testicular lipid metabolism: fatty acid-binding proteins, diacylglycerol acyltransferases, and perilipin 2

Reproduction ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 146 (5) ◽  
pp. 471-480 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerardo M Oresti ◽  
Jesús García-López ◽  
Marta I Aveldaño ◽  
Jesús del Mazo
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Cell Differentiation ◽  
Germ Cell ◽  
Germ Cells ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Fatty Acid Binding Proteins ◽  
Cell Type ◽  
Fatty Acid Binding ◽  
Germ Cell Differentiation ◽  
Perilipin 2

Male germ cell differentiation entails the synthesis and remodeling of membrane polar lipids and the formation of triacylglycerols (TAGs). This requires fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs) for intracellular fatty acid traffic, a diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) to catalyze the final step of TAG biosynthesis, and a TAG storage mode. We examined the expression of genes encoding five members of the FABP family and two DGAT proteins, as well as the lipid droplet protein perilipin 2 (PLIN2), during mouse testis development and in specific cells from seminiferous epithelium.Fabp5expression was distinctive of Sertoli cells and consequently was higher in prepubertal than in adult testis. The expression ofFabp3increased in testis during postnatal development, associated with the functional differentiation of interstitial cells, but was low in germ cells.Fabp9, together withFabp12, was prominently expressed in the latter. Their transcripts increased from spermatocytes to spermatids and, interestingly, were highest in spermatid-derived residual bodies (RB). Both Sertoli and germ cells, which produce neutral lipids and store them in lipid droplets, expressedPlin2. Yet, whileDgat1was detected in Sertoli cells,Dgat2accumulated in germ cells with a similar pattern of expression asFabp9. These results correlated with polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich TAG levels also increasing with mouse germ cell differentiation highest in RB, connecting DGAT2 with the biosynthesis of such TAGs. The age- and germ cell type-associated increases inFabp9,Dgat2, andPlin2levels are thus functionally related in the last stages of germ cell differentiation.

scholarly journals Minireview: Transcriptional Regulation of Gonadal Development and Differentiation

Endocrinology ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 146 (3) ◽  
pp. 1035-1042 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Y. Park ◽  
J. Larry Jameson
Keyword(s):  
Germ Cells ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Gonadal Development ◽  
Targeted Mutagenesis ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Molecular Pathways ◽  
Theca Cells ◽  
Main Cell

The embryonic gonad is undifferentiated in males and females until a critical stage when the sex chromosomes dictate its development as a testis or ovary. This binary developmental process provides a unique opportunity to delineate the molecular pathways that lead to distinctly different tissues. The testis comprises three main cell types: Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and germ cells. The Sertoli cells and germ cells reside in seminiferous tubules where spermatogenesis occurs. The Leydig cells populate the interstitial compartment and produce testosterone. The ovary also comprises three main cell types: granulosa cells, theca cells, and oocytes. The oocytes are surrounded by granulosa and theca cells in follicles that grow and differentiate during characteristic reproductive cycles. In this review, we summarize the molecular pathways that regulate the distinct differentiation of these cell types in the developing testis and ovary. In particular, we focus on the transcription factors that initiate these cascades. Although most of the early insights into the sex determination pathway were based on human mutations, targeted mutagenesis in mouse models has revealed key roles for genes not anticipated to regulate gonadal development. Defining these molecular pathways provides the foundation for understanding this critical developmental event and provides new insight into the causes of gonadal dysgenesis.

Developmental stage- and spermatogenic cycle-specific expression of transcription factor GATA-1 in mouse Sertoli cells

Development ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 120 (7) ◽  
pp. 1759-1766 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Yomogida ◽  
H. Ohtani ◽  
H. Harigae ◽  
E. Ito ◽  
Y. Nishimune ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Developmental Stage ◽  
Sertoli Cell ◽  
Germ Cells ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Transcriptional Activation ◽  
Germ Line ◽  
Mouse Testis ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Specific Expression

GATA-1 is an essential factor for the transcriptional activation of erythroid-specific genes, and is also abundantly expressed in a discrete subset of cells bordering the seminiferous epithelium in tubules of the murine testis. In examining normal and germ-line defective mutant mice, we show here that GATA-1 is expressed only in the Sertoli cell lineage in mouse testis. GATA-1 expression in Sertoli cells is induced concomitantly with the first wave of spermatogenesis, and GATA-1-positive cells are uniformly distributed among all tubules during prepubertal testis development. However, the number of GATA-1-positive cells declines thereafter and were found only in the peripheral zone of seminiferous tubules in stages VII, VIII and IX of spermatogenesis in the adult mouse testis. In contrast, virtually every Sertoli cell in mutant W/Wv, jsd/jsd or cryptorchid mice (all of which lack significant numbers of germ cells) expresses GATA-1, thus showing that the expression of this transcription factor is negatively controlled by the maturing germ cells. These observations suggest that transcription factor GATA-1 is a developmental stage- and spermatogenic cycle-specific regulator of gene expression in Sertoli cells.

scholarly journals A novel Amh-Treck transgenic mouse line allows toxin-dependent loss of supporting cells in gonads

Reproduction ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 148 (6) ◽  
pp. H1-H9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mai Shinomura ◽  
Kasane Kishi ◽  
Ayako Tomita ◽  
Miyuri Kawasumi ◽  
Hiromi Kanezashi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Germ Cells ◽  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Specific Cell ◽  
Partial Recovery ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Mouse Line ◽  
Cell Degeneration

Cell ablation technology is useful for studying specific cell lineages in a developing organ in vivo. Herein, we established a novel anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)-toxin receptor-mediated cell knockout (Treck) mouse line, in which the diphtheria toxin (DT) receptor was specifically activated in Sertoli and granulosa cells in postnatal testes and ovaries respectively. In the postnatal testes of Amh-Treck transgenic (Tg) male mice, DT injection induced a specific loss of the Sertoli cells in a dose-dependent manner, as well as the specific degeneration of granulosa cells in the primary and secondary follicles caused by DT injection in Tg females. In the testes with depletion of Sertoli cell, germ cells appeared to survive for only several days after DT treatment and rapidly underwent cell degeneration, which led to the accumulation of a large amount of cell debris within the seminiferous tubules by day 10 after DT treatment. Transplantation of exogenous healthy Sertoli cells following DT treatment rescued the germ cell loss in the transplantation sites of the seminiferous epithelia, leading to a partial recovery of the spermatogenesis. These results provide not only in vivo evidence of the crucial role of Sertoli cells in the maintenance of germ cells, but also show that the Amh-Treck Tg line is a useful in vivo model of the function of the supporting cell lineage in developing mammalian gonads.

Effect of thyroid hormone on the pre- and post-natal development of the rat testis

1991 ◽  
Vol 129 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-NP ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Francavilla ◽  
G. Cordeschi ◽  
G. Properzi ◽  
L. Di Cicco ◽  
E. A. Jannini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Germ Cells ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Testicular Development ◽  
Postnatal Life ◽  
Fetal Life ◽  
Newborn Rats ◽  
Total Thyroxine ◽  
Delayed Maturation

ABSTRACT The relationship between thyroid function and testicular development in the rat was investigated. Hypothyroidism was induced during fetal or postnatal life by adding methimazole (MMI) to the drinking water of pregnant or lactating mothers. A group of newborn rats was treated with MMI and i.p. injections of l-tri-iodothyronine (l-T3). Hypothyroidism was shown by the reduced serum levels of total T3 and of total thyroxine (T4) in pregnant mothers and in pubertal rats. Testes were studied using light microscopy at 18 and 21 days post coitum or during puberty (21, 35 and 50 days after birth); serum levels of gonadotrophins were also evaluated in pubertal rats. Hypothyroidism had no effect on testicular development during fetal life and when induced in newborn rats it was associated at puberty with reduced serum levels of FSH and LH and with delayed maturation of the testis compared with control rats. The delay in maturation consisted of a reduction in the diameter of seminiferous tubules, and a reduction in the number of germ cells per tubule; this was associated with increased degeneration and arrested maturation of germ cells. In addition, Sertoli cells demonstrated retarded development, as indicated by a delay in the appearance of cytoplasmic lipids and in the development of a tubule lumen. Hormonal and morphological abnormalities were absent in rats treated with MMI plus l-T3. In conclusion, hypothyroidism occurring soon after birth caused reduced levels of gonadotrophins in the serum and a delay in pubertal spermatogenesis, possibly due to retarded differentiation of the Sertoli cells. Journal of Endocrinology (1991) 129, 35–42

scholarly journals Differential expression of glucose transporter GLUT8 during mouse spermatogenesis

Reproduction ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 131 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olga Gómez ◽  
Amparo Romero ◽  
José Terrado ◽  
José E Mesonero
Keyword(s):  
Western Blot ◽  
Differential Expression ◽  
Germ Cells ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Glucose Transporter ◽  
Mouse Testis ◽  
Pivotal Role ◽  
Interstitial Tissue ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Fuel Supply

GLUT8 is a facilitative glucose transporter expressed at high levels in the testis. In this study, we analyzed the GLUT8 expression in mouse testis during spermatogenesis by RT–PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry methods. Our results show that GLUT8 expression is limited to spermatids and spermatozoa in the testis. Expression begins when round spermatids are formed at postnatal day 24. The expression persists throughout spermiogenesis, and it is also detected in spermatozoa, but it is absent in more immature germ cells, Sertoli cells and interstitial tissue. GLUT8 immunoreactivity is always restricted to the acrosomic system in a manner that matches the acrosome system formation. The GLUT8 expression is mainly associated with the acrosomic membrane in the acrosome, although significant immunoreactivity is also found inside the acrosomic lumen. The specific GLUT8 location suggests that this transporter plays a pivotal role in the fuel supply of spermatozoa, and in the traffic of sugars during the capacitation and fertilization processes.

scholarly journals Establishment and applications of male germ cell and Sertoli cell lines

Reproduction ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 152 (2) ◽  
pp. R31-R40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong Wang ◽  
Liping Wen ◽  
Qingqing Yuan ◽  
Min Sun ◽  
Minghui Niu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Line ◽  
Sertoli Cell ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Germ Cells ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Simian Virus 40 ◽  
T Antigen ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Male Germ Cells

Within the seminiferous tubules there are two major cell types, namely male germ cells and Sertoli cells. Recent studies have demonstrated that male germ cells and Sertoli cells can have significant applications in treating male infertility and other diseases. However, primary male germ cells are hard to proliferatein vitroand the number of spermatogonial stem cells is scarce. Therefore, methods that promote the expansion of these cell populations are essential for their use from the bench to the bed side. Notably, a number of cell lines for rodent spermatogonia, spermatocytes and Sertoli cells have been developed, and significantly we have successfully established a human spermatogonial stem cell line with an unlimited proliferation potential and no tumor formation. This newly developed cell line could provide an abundant source of cells for uncovering molecular mechanisms underlying human spermatogenesis and for their utilization in the field of reproductive and regenerative medicine. In this review, we discuss the methods for establishing spermatogonial, spermatocyte and Sertoli cell lines using various kinds of approaches, including spontaneity, transgenic animals with oncogenes, simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen, the gene coding for a temperature-sensitive mutant ofp53, telomerase reverse gene (Tert), and the specific promoter-based selection strategy. We further highlight the essential applications of these cell lines in basic research and translation medicine.

scholarly journals Axl Promotes Zika Virus Entry and Modulates the Antiviral State of Human Sertoli Cells

mBio ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel P. Strange ◽  
Boonyanudh Jiyarom ◽  
Nima Pourhabibi Zarandi ◽  
Xuping Xie ◽  
Coleman Baker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Virus Entry ◽  
Seminiferous Epithelium ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Type I ◽  
Cell Type ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Antiviral State

ABSTRACT Zika virus (ZIKV) is unique among mosquito-borne flaviviruses in its ability to be sexually transmitted. Persistent ZIKV infection in the testes, which are immune privileged organs, long after peripheral clearance suggests involvement of immunosuppressive pathways; however, the underlying mechanisms remain undetermined. We recently demonstrated that ZIKV infects human Sertoli cells (SC), the major cell type of the seminiferous epithelium responsible for maintaining the immune privileged compartment of seminiferous tubules. Recent reports have identified the TAM (Tyro3, Axl, Mer) receptor tyrosine kinase Axl as an entry receptor and/or immune modulator for ZIKV in a cell type-specific manner. Interestingly, the seminiferous epithelium exhibits high basal expression of the Axl receptor where it is involved in clearance of apoptotic germ cells and immunosuppression. Here, we show that Axl was highly expressed in SC compared to Leydig cells (LC) that correlated with robust ZIKV infection of SC, but not LC. Further, neutralization of Axl receptor and its ligand Gas6 strongly attenuated virus entry in SC. However, inhibition of Axl kinase did not affect ZIKV entry but instead led to decreased protein levels of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) and SOCS3, increased expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), and reduced ZIKV replication. Similarly, treatment of multicellular human testicular organoids with an Axl kinase inhibitor attenuated ZIKV replication and increased ISG expression. Together, our data demonstrate that Axl promotes ZIKV entry and negatively regulates the antiviral state of SC to augment ZIKV infection of the testes and provides new insights into testis antiviral immunity and ZIKV persistence. IMPORTANCE Recent Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreaks have identified sexual transmission as a new route of disease spread not reported for other flaviviruses. ZIKV crosses the blood-testis barrier and establishes infection in seminiferous tubules, the site for spermatozoa development. Currently, there are no therapies to treat ZIKV infection, and the immune mechanisms underlying testicular persistence are unclear. We found that multiple human testicular cell types, except Leydig cells, support ZIKV infection. Axl receptor, which plays a pivotal role in maintaining the immunosuppressive milieu of the testis, is highly expressed in Sertoli cells and augments ZIKV infection by promoting virus entry and negatively regulating the antiviral state. By using testicular organoids, we further describe the antiviral role of Axl inhibition. The significance of our research lies in defining cross talk between Axl and type I interferon signaling as an essential mechanism of immune control that can inform therapeutic efforts to clear ZIKV from the testis.

The development of the testis of the Merino ram, with special reference to the orgin of the adult stem cells

1962 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 487 ◽  
Author(s):  
CS Sapsford
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Basement Membrane ◽  
Germ Cells ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Adult Stem Cells ◽  
Germ Line ◽  
Primordial Germ Cells ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Stages Of Development ◽  
Striking Change

In the ram, as in other mammals, the sex cords are made up of two types of cell: indifferent cells (derivatives of the coelomic epithelium) and primordial germ cells. In the cords, each type pursues a separate and independent line of development to become respectively the Sertoli cells and the stem cells (type A spermatogonia) of the adult testis. The principal changes taking place in the primordial germ cells (gonocytes) are a reduction in the size and number of the Feulgen-positive particles in the nuclei, the appearance and subsequent fusion of the nucleoli, and, finally, an increase in the size of the nuclei. While these changes are taking place, the cytoplasm increases in volume and inclusions become more numerous. Cells which have undergone all these transformations have been called prospermatogonia. The cells of the germ line are at first more centrally placed in the sex cords than the indifferent cells. Just before spermatogenesis begins, they migrate to the basement membrane of the seminiferous tubules. All germ cells in tubules in which spermatogenesis has been initiated are seen as prospermatogonia. These cells become flattened against the basement membrane, and their nuclei become more oval in shape. They thus become identical with the stem cells of the adult. Little change is evident in the nuclei of the indifferent cells until puberty. Feulgen-positive material is found in the form of coarse granules at earlier stages of development. At puberty, these granules become dispersed to give a much more homogeneous nucleus. Concurrently, nuclei increase in size, and single or double true nucleoli can be identified. During development, increases in cytoplasmic volume take place. Although cell boundaries between indifferent cells cannot be seen in fixed material, phase contrast observations of fresh material have demonstrated that some forms exist as mononucleate units. It could not be determined whether the same was true in the case of Sertoli cells. No striking change in the relative numbers of glandular interstitial cells could be observed at different stages of development.

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