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Characterization of epidermal growth factor in mouse testis
B Radhakrishnan1, B O Oke, V Papadopoulos
1Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007.
Endocrinology
|December 1, 1992
Summary
The testis synthesizes epidermal growth factor precursor (EGFp), a molecule crucial for spermatogenesis. This EGFp is primarily found in post-meiotic germ cells, suggesting a direct role in sperm development.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Molecular Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is known to influence spermatogenesis.
- The specific tissue source of EGF involved in testicular function remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether the testis synthesizes its own EGF.
- To determine the cellular localization of EGF and its precursor within the testis.
Main Methods:
- Gel filtration and immunoblotting of testicular extracts.
- Metabolic labeling and immunoprecipitation using antisera against mature EGF (EGFm) and EGF precursor (EGFp).
- Immunocytochemistry to localize EGFm and EGFp in testicular tissue.
Main Results:
- Testicular extracts showed EGF-like activity, co-eluting with mature EGF from submandibular glands.
- Metabolic labeling identified EGFp (140,000 M(r)) in the testis, similar to kidney tissue.
- Immunocytochemistry revealed EGFp in pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids, while EGFm was found in Sertoli cells, pachytene spermatocytes, and round spermatids.
Conclusions:
- The testis is capable of synthesizing the EGF precursor (EGFp).
- EGFp synthesis is localized to post-meiotic germ cells (pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids).
- These findings suggest a direct role for testicular EGF in spermatogenesis.