Expression of inhibin alpha-subunit in horse testis
1998
Fujimura, S. (Obihiro Univ. of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido (Japan)) | Hondo, E. | Kobayashi, T. | Yamanouchi, K. | Inoue, N. | Nagata, S. | Watanabe, G. | Taya, K. | Kitamura, N. | Yamada, J.
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 seep. 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-protein 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, 56 and 90 kDa in the homogenates from testicular interstitial tissues. The bands at 56 and 90 kDa agree with previous report, but not at 46 kDa. Signals from mRNA of Ih-alpha by in situ hybridization were detected in Leydig cells and in the basal region of somniferous 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
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