Expression of galectin-3 in the testis and epididymis of mouse
2008
Kim, W.J. (Cheju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea) | Kim, H.L. (Cheju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea) | Joo, H.G. (Cheju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea) | Shin, T.K. (Cheju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea) | Lee, Y.D. (Korean Racing Authority, Jangsoo, Republic of Korea) | Kim, S.J. (Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea), E-mail: kjoon00@knu.ac.kr
The testis and epididymis are important organs of the male reproductive system; the function is to produce, mature, transport, and store sperm. It is important to understand the localization and expression of specific proteins based for the studies of its physiological processes. In the study, we investigated the expression and distribution of galectin-3, one beta-galactoside-binding proteins, in the testis and epididymis of mouse using western blot and immunohistochemistry. Western blot analysis revealed that the expression of galectin-3, 29 kDa protein, was low in the testis. In the epididymis, high expression was detected in the body and tail part, but moderate expression in the head part. By immunohistochemical analysis, we found that positive localization of galectin-3 was detected in some myoid cells and Leydig cells in the testis, but few in the seminiferous tubules. In the epididymis, galectin-3 was intensely expressed in the epithelium of epididymis, especially in the epithelium of both body and tail epididymis. Collectively, these results suggest that galcetin-3 is constitutively expressed in the testis and epididymis of mouse with varying intensity, and the role of galectin-3 in the male reproductive organ may be involved in the specific function of its structures.
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