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Epidermal growth factor receptor localization in the rat and monkey testes
C A Suarez-Quian1, M Z Dai, M Onoda
1Georgetown University, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Washington, District of Columbia 20007.
Biology of Reproduction
|November 1, 1989
Summary
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is mainly found in rat and monkey Sertoli cells. In cultured cells, EGF binding causes EGFR aggregation and autophosphorylation but not transcytosis.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Cell signaling
Background:
- Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays a role in cell growth and differentiation.
- The presence and function of EGFR in testicular cells are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the localization and function of EGFR in testicular cells of rats and monkeys.
- To examine the response of EGFR in cultured Sertoli cells to epidermal growth factor (EGF).
Main Methods:
- Immunocytochemical localization of EGFR in testes of mature and immature rats and monkeys using a polyclonal antibody (RK2).
- Culturing of immature rat Sertoli cells to study EGFR distribution, aggregation, autophosphorylation, and transcytosis in response to EGF.
Main Results:
- EGFR was predominantly detected in Sertoli cells of both mature and immature rats and immature monkeys.
- Limited interstitial localization of EGFR was observed in mature rat testes.
- In cultured Sertoli cells, EGF induced EGFR aggregation and autophosphorylation.
- Cultured Sertoli cells failed to transcytose iodinated EGF; instead, it was internalized and degraded.
Conclusions:
- Sertoli cells are a primary site of EGFR expression in the testes of these species.
- EGFR in Sertoli cells is responsive to EGF stimulation, exhibiting aggregation and autophosphorylation.
- EGFR in Sertoli cells does not appear to mediate transcytosis of EGF.