Expression of 5α-Reductase Type 2 Gene in Human Testis, Epididymis and Vas Deferens

Objectives To study the expression pattern of 5α-reductase type 2 gene in human male reproductive organsMethods The expression level of 5α-reductase type 2 gene inhuman testis, epididymis and vas deferens tissues was determined by in situ hybridization using Digoxin labeled 5α-reductase type 2 cRNA probe.Results The brown granules of hybridizing signals distributed in the cytoplasm of Sertoli and Leydig cells of the testis, the principle cells of epididymis and the epithelial cells of vas deferens, but there was no positive signal in the nuclei of above-mentioned cells. No positive signal was observed in germ cells, basement of the testis, interstium of epididymis and basement, as well as smooth muscle of vas deferens. Conclusion This study confirmed that the 5α-reductase type 2 gene expressed in Sertoli , Leydig cells of the testis, and the principle cells of epididymis. The expression pattern of the gene in these cells in human was similar to that of rat and monkey. The presence of 5α-reductase t

Expression of 5α-Reductase Type 2 Gene in Human Testis, Epididymis and Vas Deferens

Objectives To study the expression pattern of 5α-reductase type 2 gene in human malereproductive organsMethods The expression level of 5α-reductase type 2 gene inhuman testis, epididymisand vas deferens tissues was determined by in situ hybridization using Digoxin labeled5α-reductase type 2 cRNA probe.Results The brown granules of hybridizing signals distributed in the cytoplasm ofSertoli and Leydig cells of the testis, the principle cells of epididymis and the epithe-lial cells of vas deferens, but there was no positive signal in the nuclei of above-men-tioned cells. No positive signal was observed in germ cells, basement of the testis,interstium of epididymis and basement, as well as smooth muscle of vas deferens.Conclusion This study confirmed that the 5α-reductase type 2 gene expressed in Ser-toli, Leydig cells of the testis, and the principle cells of epididymis. The expressionpattern of the gene in these cells in human was similar to that of rat and monkey. Thepresence of 5a-reductase type 2 gene in epithelial cells of the vas deferens suggested itmight possess an important physiological role in human reproduction.