Smad2和Smad4在家猫睾丸发育和精子发生中的表达与定位

目的 研究转化生长因子β(TGF-β)超家族的下游信号转导分子Smad2和Smad4蛋白,在不同发育阶段家猫睾丸中的表达和定位,探索Smad2和Smad4蛋白与家猫睾丸发育和精子发生的关系. 方法 应用免疫组织化学技术,研究Smad2和Smad4蛋白在幼年(n=3)、青春期(n=3)和性成熟(n=18)睾丸中的定位,并通过Western blotting技术对免疫组织化学中所用抗体的特异性进行了检测. 结果 免疫组织化学结果显示,Smad2和Smad4蛋白定位于各发育阶段家猫睾丸的生殖细胞、支持细胞和间质细胞的胞质中;Western blotting结果显示,多克隆兔抗Smad2和Smad4抗体与家猫睾丸蛋白提取物中分子量约为58kD、66kD的蛋白条带发生免疫阳性反应. 结论 Smad2和Smad4蛋白在家猫睾丸发育和精子发生的各个阶段均有表达,提示其参与睾丸发育和精子发生的调节.

Expression and localization of Smad2 and Smad4 in domestic cat testis during testicular development and spermatogenesis

Objective To investigate the expression and localization of downstream signaling molecules of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily, Smad2 and Smad4 proteins, in postnatal cat testis, and to explore the function of Smad2 and Smad4 proteins in the regulation of testicular development and spermatogenesis. Methods Cellular localization of Smad2 and Smad4 proteins in juvenile, pubertal and sex maturity testes were examined by immunohistochemistry. Western blotting was performed to confirm that the anti-Smad2 and Smad4 antibodies would recognize specific proteins of the appropriate molecular weight in cat testis. BR> Results Smad2 and Smad4 mainly localizated in germ cells, Sertoli cells and Leydig cells of cat testis. The polyclone rabbit anti-Smad2 and Smad4 antibodies recognized a single band of about 58kD and 66kD in the cat testes, respectively. Conclusion Smad2 and Smad4 proteins are expressed in testicular cells during testicular development and spermatogenesis. It suggests that these two signaling molecules may play an important role in the regulation of cat testicular development and spermatogenesis. BR>