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Related Experiment Videos

Barrier properties of testis microvessels

J A Holash1, S I Harik, G Perry

  • 1Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, ON, Canada.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
|December 1, 1993
PubMed
Summary

The testis endothelium, like brain microvessels, possesses barrier properties. Leydig cells may influence these features, complementing Sertoli cells in forming the blood-testis barrier for spermatogenesis.

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Vascular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • The blood-testis barrier (BTB) is crucial for spermatogenesis, traditionally attributed to Sertoli and myoid cells.
  • The role of testicular microvasculature in forming the BTB is less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the barrier properties of testicular microvessels.
  • To identify potential cellular regulators of these barrier properties in the testis.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative electron microscopy (EM) of testicular microvessels.
  • Immunohistochemical analysis for astrocyte markers in Leydig cells.

Main Results:

  • Testis microvessels exhibit barrier markers (glucose transporter, P-glycoprotein, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase) similar to brain microvessels.

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  • Endothelium is continuous with long junctional profiles, but some capillaries show fenestrations.
  • Leydig cells express astrocyte markers (GFAP, glutamine synthetase, S-100 protein).

    • Conclusions:

    • The testicular endothelium contributes to the blood-testis barrier.
    • Leydig cells may influence endothelial barrier function, analogous to astrocytes in the brain.
    • The BTB comprises both endothelial and epithelial (Sertoli cell) components acting in series.