Expression and localization of inhibin α, inhibin/activin βA and βB and the activin type II and inhibin β-glycan receptors in the developing human testis

Authors: Anderson, R.A., Cambray, N., Hartley, P.S. and McNeilly, A.S.

Journal: Reproduction

Volume: 123

Issue: 6

Pages: 779-788

ISSN: 1470-1626

DOI: 10.1530/rep.0.1230779

Abstract:

Inhibins and activins have roles in the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation in a variety of tissues. This study investigated the distribution of the three inhibin/activin subunits (α, βA and βB) and their receptors in the human testis between week 13 and week 19 of gestation using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. mRNA for all three subunits and for the activin type II receptors ActRIIA and ActRIIB was detected at all stages of gestation examined. Sertoli cells showed intense immunostaining for the α subunit and some staining for the βB subunit, whereas only the βB subunit was detected in gonocytes. No βA subunit staining was detected within the tubules. All three subunits were localized to interstitial Leydig cells. Cells of the rete testis and the epididymal epithelium also showed immunostaining for βB; however, staining for the other subunits was weak or absent. Peritubular cells showed intense immunostaining for the β-glycan inhibin receptor, which was also localized to interstitial cells, but was not detected within the tubular compartment, rete testis or epididymal epithelium. ActRIIA was detected in gonocytes and in interstitial cells; ActRIIB was distributed widely. These data indicate that fetal Leydig and Sertoli cells have the potential to produce both activins and inhibins, whereas gonocytes may produce only activin B. The distribution of activin and inhibin receptors implies that the intratubular compartment and developing duct system are sites of action of activin B but not inhibin at this stage of development, whereas both activins and inhibins may be involved in the development and function of the peritubular and interstitial cells.

Source: Scopus

Expression and localization of inhibin alpha, inhibin/activin betaA and betaB and the activin type II and inhibin beta-glycan receptors in the developing human testis.

Authors: Anderson, R.A., Cambray, N., Hartley, P.S. and McNeilly, A.S.

Journal: Reproduction

Volume: 123

Issue: 6

Pages: 779-788

ISSN: 1470-1626

DOI: 10.1530/rep.0.1230779

Abstract:

Inhibins and activins have roles in the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation in a variety of tissues. This study investigated the distribution of the three inhibin/activin subunits (alpha, betaA and betaB) and their receptors in the human testis between week 13 and week 19 of gestation using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. mRNA for all three subunits and for the activin type II receptors ActRIIA and ActRIIB was detected at all stages of gestation examined. Sertoli cells showed intense immunostaining for the alpha subunit and some staining for the betaB subunit, whereas only the betaB subunit was detected in gonocytes. No betaA subunit staining was detected within the tubules. All three subunits were localized to interstitial Leydig cells. Cells of the rete testis and the epididymal epithelium also showed immunostaining for betaB; however, staining for the other subunits was weak or absent. Peritubular cells showed intense immunostaining for the beta-glycan inhibin receptor, which was also localized to interstitial cells, but was not detected within the tubular compartment, rete testis or epididymal epithelium. ActRIIA was detected in gonocytes and in interstitial cells; ActRIIB was distributed widely. These data indicate that fetal Leydig and Sertoli cells have the potential to produce both activins and inhibins, whereas gonocytes may produce only activin B. The distribution of activin and inhibin receptors implies that the intratubular compartment and developing duct system are sites of action of activin B but not inhibin at this stage of development, whereas both activins and inhibins may be involved in the development and function of the peritubular and interstitial cells.

Source: PubMed