Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026
09:14
Static Adhesion Assay for the Study of Integrin Activation in T Lymphocytes
Published on: June 13, 2014
Expression and putative function of lymphocyte endothelial epithelial-cell adhesion molecule in human testis
B G Wienrich1, H-C Schuppe, M P Schön
1Rudolf Virchow Center, DFG Research Center for Experimental Biomedicine, and Department of Dermatology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
Andrologia
|August 30, 2008
Summary
Lymphocyte endothelial epithelial-cell adhesion molecule (LEEP-CAM) is expressed in human testes, particularly on Sertoli cells during normal spermatogenesis. Reduced LEEP-CAM correlates with impaired sperm production, suggesting its role in testicular immune cell interactions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Reproductive Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The testis is an immunologically privileged site, yet susceptible to inflammation involving T lymphocyte recruitment.
- Lymphocyte endothelial epithelial-cell adhesion molecule (LEEP-CAM) is implicated in lymphocyte adhesion to endothelial and epithelial cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and function of LEEP-CAM in the human testis.
- To determine the correlation between LEEP-CAM expression and spermatogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical analysis of human testicular tissue for LEEP-CAM expression.
- Modified Stamper-Woodruff adhesion assay to assess lymphocyte binding to testicular tissue.
Main Results:
- LEEP-CAM is expressed on endothelial cells of testicular blood vessels and on Sertoli cells within the seminiferous epithelium.
- Strong LEEP-CAM expression is observed in normal spermatogenesis, while it is nearly absent in severely impaired cases.
- Anti-LEEP-CAM antibody significantly reduced activated lymphocyte binding to normal testicular tissue by 61%.
Conclusions:
- Intratubular LEEP-CAM expression is linked to normal spermatogenesis and Sertoli cell function.
- LEEP-CAM may play a role in cell-cell interactions within the testis.
- Constitutive LEEP-CAM expression in the human testis could influence T cell localization during inflammation.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Immunoglobulin-like Cell Adhesion Molecules
Immunoglobulin-like cell adhesion molecules or Ig-CAMs are a versatile group of cell surface glycoproteins belonging to the immunoglobulin protein superfamily. Ig-CAMs possess the characteristic immunoglobulin protein domains and other domains such as the fibronectin type III domain. The Ig domains are glycosylated to varying degrees in different Ig-CAMs.
Ig-CAMs exhibit either homophilic binding (to other Ig-CAMs) or heterophilic binding (to other ligands such as integrins). While most Ig-CAMs...
Ig-CAMs exhibit either homophilic binding (to other Ig-CAMs) or heterophilic binding (to other ligands such as integrins). While most Ig-CAMs...
01:27Testes: Histology
A tough, fibrous membrane, the tunica albuginea, covers the testes, extending inward to form fibrous partitions or septa, dividing them into internal compartments called lobules. Each lobule has 1 to 3 tightly coiled seminiferous tubules where sperm production occurs. These tubules merge into a tubular network at the back of the testis, known as the rete testis. It connects to 15 to 20 efferent ductules, leading to the epididymis.
The spermatogenic cells, responsible for producing sperm, are...
The spermatogenic cells, responsible for producing sperm, are...
01:20Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions
Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are pivotal to multicellularity and the coordinated functioning of tissues and organ systems. They enable physical interactions between cells and provide mechanical strength to tissues. They also function as receptors for signal transmission across the plasma membrane. The CAMs are broadly classified into four families - integrins, cadherins, selectins, and immunoglobulin-like CAMs (IgCAMs).
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily involved in a...
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily involved in a...
01:20Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions
Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are pivotal to multicellularity and the coordinated functioning of tissues and organ systems. They enable physical interactions between cells and provide mechanical strength to tissues. They also function as receptors for signal transmission across the plasma membrane. The CAMs are broadly classified into four families - integrins, cadherins, selectins, and immunoglobulin-like CAMs (IgCAMs).
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily involved in a...
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily involved in a...
01:24Adherens Junctions
Strong contact points between adjacent cells anchor them to each other, forming tissues. Such anchoring junctions are of two types – adherens junctions and desmosomes. Adherens junctions are abundant in tissues such as epithelium and endothelium, forming a continuous zone of adhesion called the adhesion belt. In other tissues, such as heart muscle, they appear as clusters, linking the cells to produce coordinated heart muscle contraction.
Adherens Junctions are Dynamic
The endothelial cells...
Adherens Junctions are Dynamic
The endothelial cells...
01:18Lymphoid Cells and Tissues
Lymphoid cells and tissues are integral to the immune system, which is crucial in maintaining our body's defense against harmful pathogens. They form the building blocks of lymphoid organs, which include the spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes.
Lymphoid cells consist of various types of immune system cells. These include B and T lymphocytes, which are responsible for producing antibodies and killing infected cells, respectively. Dendritic cells act as messengers between the innate and adaptive...
Lymphoid cells consist of various types of immune system cells. These include B and T lymphocytes, which are responsible for producing antibodies and killing infected cells, respectively. Dendritic cells act as messengers between the innate and adaptive...