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Updated: Apr 1, 2026
Analysis of Epididymal Protein Synthesis and Secretion
Published on: August 25, 2018
Expression of the CD68 glycoprotein in the rat epididymis
Giovanna Liguori1, Valeria De Pasquale1, Rossella Della Morte1
1Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino n. 1, 80137 Naples, Italy.
Insights
This study identifies the CD68 glycoprotein in rat epididymis principal cells, suggesting a role beyond immune cells. CD68 may be involved in sperm maturation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Reproductive Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The 110 kDa trans-membrane glycoprotein CD68 is primarily expressed by human monocytes and tissue macrophages.
- CD68 expression has also been observed in non-macrophagic cells, including lymphocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and various neoplastic cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and localization of CD68 in rat epididymis principal cells.
- To explore the potential function of CD68 in the epididymis, particularly in relation to sperm maturation.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical analysis to determine CD68 localization in rat epididymis.
- Biochemical analyses to confirm CD68 mRNA and protein expression in epididymal tissues.
Main Results:
- CD68 was immunolocalized to the principal cells in both cranial and caudal segments of the rat epididymis.
- Biochemical assays confirmed the expression of CD68 mRNA transcripts and the protein in epididymal tissues.
Conclusions:
- CD68 expression is not exclusive to the monocyte/macrophage system.
- The presence of CD68 in epididymal principal cells suggests a potential role in the processes contributing to sperm maturation.
Abstract:
The 110 kDa trans-membrane glycoprotein CD68 is highly expressed by human monocytes and tissue macrophages. However, in addition to the monocyte/macrophage system, CD68 has been also found in normal and tumor cells with no macrophagic activity such as lymphocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, small intestinal epithelial cells, and neoplastic cells of different origins. Here, for the first time we demonstrate the immunohistochemical localization of CD68 in the principal cells of the cranial and caudal segments of rat epididymis. These results were confirmed by biochemical analyses showing the expression of CD68 mRNA transcripts and the protein in the epididymis tissues. Our findings, while providing further evidence that CD68 expression is not restricted to the monocyte/macrophage system, suggest that the glycoprotein might be involved in the functions of epididymal principal cells that contribute to spermatozoa maturation process.
