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Testicular development involves the spatiotemporal control of PDGFs and PDGF receptors gene expression and action
L Gnessi1, A Emidi, E A Jannini
1V Clinica Medica, University of Rome La Sapienza, Italy.
Abstract:
Platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) are growth-regulatory molecules that stimulate chemotaxis, proliferation and metabolism primarily of cells of mesenchymal origin. In this study, we found high levels of PDGFs and PDGFs receptors (PDGFRs) mRNAs, and specific immunostaining for the corresponding proteins in the rat testis. PDGFs and PDGFRs expression was shown to be developmentally regulated and tissue specific. Expression of PDGFs and PDGFRs genes was observed in whole testis RNA 2 d before birth, increased through postnatal day 5 and fell to low levels in adult. The predominant cell population expressing transcripts of the PDGFs and PDGFRs genes during prenatal and early postnatal periods were Sertoli cells and peritubular myoid cells (PMC) or their precursors, respectively, while in adult animals PDGFs and PDGFRs were confined in Leydig cells. We also found that early postnatal Sertoli cells produce PDGF-like substances and that this production is inhibited dose dependently by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The expression of PDGFRs by PMC and of PDGFs by Sertoli cells corresponds in temporal sequence to the developmental period of PMC proliferation and migration from the interstitium to the peritubulum. Moreover, we observed that all the PDGF isoforms and the medium conditioned by early postnatal Sertoli cells show a strong chemotactic activity for PMC which is inhibited by anti-PDGF antibodies. These data indicate that, through the spatiotemporal pattern of PDGF ligands and receptors expression, PDGF may play a role in testicular development and homeostasis.
Insights
Platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) and their receptors (PDGFRs) are crucial for rat testis development. Their expression in Sertoli cells and peritubular myoid cells regulates cell proliferation and migration during development.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) are key regulators of cell growth and migration.
- Understanding the role of PDGF signaling in testicular development is essential for reproductive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and function of PDGFs and PDGF receptors (PDGFRs) in the developing rat testis.
- To elucidate the role of PDGF signaling in testicular cell development and homeostasis.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative analysis of PDGF and PDGFR mRNA and protein expression in rat testes at different developmental stages.
- Immunohistochemistry to localize PDGF and PDGFR expression in specific testicular cell types.
- In vitro assays to assess the chemotactic activity of PDGF on peritubular myoid cells (PMCs).
Main Results:
- High levels of PDGF and PDGFR mRNA and proteins were detected in the rat testis, with developmentally regulated and tissue-specific expression.
- Sertoli cells and peritubular myoid cells (PMCs) or their precursors expressed PDGFs and PDGFRs during prenatal and early postnatal periods, respectively.
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) inhibited PDGF production by Sertoli cells, and PDGF demonstrated chemotactic activity for PMCs.
Conclusions:
- PDGF signaling plays a critical role in the proliferation and migration of PMCs during testicular development.
- The spatiotemporal expression pattern of PDGF ligands and receptors suggests a significant role in testicular development and homeostasis.
- PDGFs produced by Sertoli cells influence PMC development, with potential regulation by FSH.