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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
09:11
Isolation of Small Preantral Follicles from the Bovine Ovary Using a Combination of Fragmentation, Homogenization, and Serial Filtration
Published on: September 27, 2022
Localization of human follicle-stimulating hormone in the testis
B Baccetti1, G Collodel, E Costantino-Ceccarini
1Institute of General Biology of the University of Siena and Center for the Study of Germinal Cells, CNR, Italy.
Summary
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is present in human Sertoli and germinal cells, binding via its receptor (FSHR) through endocytosis. This clarifies FSH
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Endocrinology
- Cell biology
Background:
- The role and localization of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and its receptor (FSHR) in testicular cells have been previously investigated.
- Previous studies presented controversial findings regarding FSH presence in human germinal cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution of the human FSH molecule and its receptor (FSHR) in human and mouse testicular cells at the submicroscopical level.
- To clarify the distribution of FSH and FSHR mRNA in Sertoli cells and germinal cells.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an antigenicity-conservative procedure for submicroscopical localization.
- Employed in situ hybridization to detect FSHR mRNA.
- Used monoclonal antibodies for FSH and FSHR localization.
- Conducted in vitro experiments with Y1 mouse cell line transfected with FSHR cDNA.
Main Results:
- FSH and FSHR mRNA were identified in Sertoli cells.
- FSH was localized on the plasma membrane and in endocytotic vesicles in germinal cells (spermatogonia to round spermatids).
- FSHR mRNA was found scattered in the cytoplasm of germinal cells.
- FSH and FSHR mRNA distribution was confirmed in a control Y1 mouse cell line.
Conclusions:
- FSH is present in both Sertoli cells and round germinal cells, with both cell types expressing the FSH receptor (FSHR).
- FSH enters Sertoli and germinal cells via endocytosis, mediated by the FSHR.
- Internalized FSH is subsequently localized in similar membranous organelles within these cells.
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