血管内皮生长因子蛋白在大鼠睾丸和附睾的表达和定位研究

为探讨血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)在雄性生殖系精子发生发育和成熟过程中的调控作用,应用免疫组化、Periodic acid-Schiff(PAS)染色及蛋白质免疫印迹技术,检测VEGF蛋白在成年大鼠睾丸和附睾的表达和定位情况。Western-blots显示,在大鼠睾丸和附睾内均有VEGF蛋白(约45kD)的表达;免疫组化显示,睾丸内VEGF见于圆形和长形精子细胞、Sertoli细胞和Leydig细胞,免疫阳性产物位于细胞质内。精子细胞的VEGF表达伴随精子细胞项体发育的全过程,精子残余体呈强阳性。附睾内VEGF表达于附睾管上皮,且有区域和细胞特异性。附睾起始段的所有上皮主细胞内都有VEGF阳性颗粒;头、体、尾各段的VEGF阳性细胞多数与含PAS阳性颗粒的细胞重合,证明为亮细胞;近端附睾的管腔内可见精子头部呈VEGF阳性染色。睾丸、附睾间质血管内皮为VEGF阴性。上述结果表明,VEGF蛋白可由生殖细胞和附睾管上皮细胞直接产生,它可能以自分泌和／或旁分泌的形式共同作用于睾丸和附睾的生殖细胞和血管内皮,直接或间接影响精子的发生、发育和成熟过程,特别是精子顶体的形成过程,并可能与精子在附睾内的成熟有关。     

血管内皮生长因子蛋白在大鼠睾丸和附睾的表达和定位研究

为探讨血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)在雄性生殖系精子发生发育和成熟过程中的调控作用,应用免疫组化、Periodic acid-Schiff(PAS)染色及蛋白质免疫印迹技术,检测VEGF蛋白在成年大鼠睾丸和附睾的表达和定位情况。Western-blots显示,在大鼠睾丸和附睾内均有VEGF蛋白(约45kD)的表达;免疫组化显示,睾丸内VEGF见于圆形和长形精子细胞、Sertoli细胞和Leydig细胞,免疫阳性产物位于细胞质内。精子细胞的VEGF表达伴随精子细胞顶体发育的全过程,精子残余体呈强阳性。附睾内VEGF表达于附睾管上皮,且有区域和细胞特异性。附睾起始段的所有上皮主细胞内都有VEGF阳性颗粒;头、体、尾各段的VEGF阳性细胞多数与含PAS阳性颗粒的细胞重合,证明为亮细胞;近端附睾的管腔内可见精子头部呈VEGF阳性染色。睾丸、附睾间质血管内皮为VEGF阴性。上述结果表明,VEGF蛋白可由生殖细胞和附睾管上皮细胞直接产生,它可能以自分泌和/或旁分泌的形式共同作用于睾丸和附睾的生殖细胞和血管内皮,直接或间接影响精子的发生、发育和成熟过程,特别是精子顶体的形成过程,并可能与精子在附睾内的成熟有关。     

精索静脉曲张对青春期大鼠睾丸中VEGF和Flt-1蛋白表达的影响

目的研究血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)及其受体Flt-1蛋白在实验性左侧精索静脉曲张(ELV)大鼠睾丸中的表达和定位,探讨它们在精索静脉曲张(VC)致男性不育中的作用。方法建立青春期大鼠ELV模型,采用免疫组化法检测VEGF及Flt-1在ELV4周、8周组及相应对照组大鼠睾丸中的表达变化。结果 VEGF和Flt-1蛋白在大鼠睾丸中定位具有细胞特异性。VEGF蛋白表达于生精细胞、精子细胞发育中的顶体、Sertoli和Leydig细胞胞质内;Flt-1表达于精子细胞发育中的顶体及Leydig细胞胞质中。ELV4周组睾丸中VEGF蛋白的表达显著增加(P<0.01),8周时其表达量下降(P<0.01);ELV4周组与8周组睾丸中Flt-1蛋白的表达均比相应对照组下降(P<0.01),ELV8周组比4周组显著减少(P<0.01)。结论 ELV可影响青春期大鼠睾丸中VEGF和Flt-1蛋白的表达量,可能会影响精子的发生、发育,因而该变化可能是VC引起男性不育的原因之一。     

青春期大鼠实验性精索静脉曲张对附睾超微结构的影响

目的：精索静脉曲张（VC）与男生不育密切相关,但其导致不育的确切机制尚不清楚。大量临床观察和实验研究证明VC可引起睾丸损害,但对附睾的影响研究较少,特别关于青春期动物VC对附睾影响的研究尚未见任何报道,为此,本研究在建立青春期大鼠实验性VC模型的基础上,试图通过实验性VC对附睾超微结构的影响。来阐明其在不育发生机理中的地位。方法：部分结扎青春期大鼠左肾静脉建立VC模型,分别于手术后4周和8周取左右侧附睾始段头,体,和尾部,在光镜研究的基础上,制作透射电镜标本并进行观察,结果：VC大鼠左右侧附睾各段上皮的超微结构都发生明显改变;如上皮基膜增厚;上皮微绒毛稀少且局部受损;主细胞内多形态溶酶体增加,内质网扩张,高尔基复合体空泡化,线粒体嵴模糊,胞质内出现大空泡;晕细胞数增加且胞质内含大量高电子密度的溶酶体;亮细胞内脂肪滴和溶酶体明显增多,细胞膨胀,常可见游离面突入官腔,此外,附睾官腔内精子残余体增多,精子头出现核大泡,精子尾线粒体,纤维柱排列紊乱等。结论：青春期可引起大鼠附睾超微结构受损,这可能也是VC导致不育的重要原因之一。     

棕色田鼠睾丸及附睾胚后发育的形态学变化

通过组织学方法,对产后1 d、10 d、25 d、45 d、60 d及70 d的棕色田鼠Lasiopodomys mandarinus睾丸和附睾发育进行了观察,以探讨其精子发生特点.结果 发现,1 d棕色田鼠的生殖细胞主要是生殖母细胞和前精原细胞;10 d出现大量精原细胞,睾丸间质细胞明显;25 d出现精子细胞;45 d有少量精子出现;60 d和70 d具有各级生精细胞,睾丸生精小管和附睾内出现大量成熟精子.睾丸生精小管管径和生精上皮厚度随日龄增加,于60 d达到最大;附睾管腔直径和附睾上皮厚度也于60 d达到最大.这些结果表明,棕色田鼠在生后45 d左右进入青春期,60 d左右达到性成熟,精子的产生及成熟与附睾的发育同步.     

棕色田鼠睾丸和附睾胚后发育中的睾酮表达

应用免疫组织化学方法研究了产后1、10、25、45、60日龄(成体)5个发育阶段的棕色田鼠(Lasiopodomys mandarinus)睾丸和附睾组织内睾酮的免疫阳性反应.1日龄和10日龄,棕色田鼠睾丸生精小管内的前精原细胞胞质中有睾酮阳性表达.25日龄,有许多精子细胞产生,睾酮主要集中于精子细胞胞质表达.45日龄,精母细胞和精子中也有睾酮表达.成体精原细胞、精母细胞、精子细胞和精子中均有睾酮表达.1日龄至成体睾丸间质细胞和肌样细胞均有睾酮表达,25日龄时表达最强(P0.05).1日龄至成体附睾上皮细胞和连接组织有睾酮表达,成体附睾管内的大量精子有睾酮表达.这些结果说明,棕色田鼠从出生到性成熟过程中,在精子发生的各阶段,睾酮对生精细胞的分化增殖有直接的调控作用,这种调控作用随发育阶段不同具有可变性,同时,附睾的功能和精子的成熟也受到睾酮的调节.     

基质Gla蛋白在大鼠附睾发育过程中的表达及定位

目的明确基质Gla蛋白(matrix Gla protein,MGP)在大鼠附睾发育过程中的表达特征。方法采用实时定量PCR和免疫荧光染色方法,对MGP在大鼠附睾不同发育阶段的表达及定位进行检测。结果实时定量PCR结果显示,MGP mRNA在6d、10d、3w、5w、7w、8w、10w和12w的大鼠附睾中均有表达,其表达量在3w达到最高峰,3w至8w表达量逐渐降低,成年大鼠(10～12w)MGP的表达量逐渐升高并稳定在较高水平。免疫荧光染色显示MGP在10d、3w的大鼠附睾各个节段均有表达,在7w、12w的表达主要集中于大鼠附睾体部和尾部,且MGP定位于附睾上皮主细胞和亮细胞。结论MGP在大鼠附睾发育的关键分化期高表达,成年后主要定位于附睾体部和尾部的主、亮细胞,可能对附睾的形态发育和管腔钙稳态的维持起重要作用。     

小鼠精子表面SBA结合糖复合物的形成与变化

用ＨＲＰ标记的大豆凝集素（ＳＢＡ）对睾丸与附睾切片,以及取自附睾和子宫（交配后）内的精子进行了标记,旨在认识精子在发生、成熟和获能过程中表面糖复合物的形成与变化规律。在睾丸内,精母细胞和早期精子细胞胞质内有一强阳性颗粒,处于精子形成期的精子细胞呈弱阳性标记。附睾管内的精子团呈强阳性,附睾管上皮则仅在游离缘呈弱阳性。交配后１．５小时自子宫内洗出的精子,其顶体区的标记增至强阳性,但随着在子宫内存留时间的延长,标记强度逐渐减弱或消失。结果表明,１）精子表面的ＳＢＡ结合糖复合物出现于精子形成期;２）在成熟和获能过程中精子表面的ＳＢＡ结合糖复合物发生明显的变化     

棕色田鼠睾丸和附睾雌激素α受体表达的增龄变化

应用免疫组织化学方法系统研究了初生（1日龄）到成体（60日龄）5个发育阶段各6只棕色田鼠睾丸和附睾内雌激素受体α（ERα）的表达。结果发现：①在生殖细胞中,1日龄组幼鼠的生殖母细胞和支持细胞有微弱的ERa阳性表达,10日龄组精原细胞中ERa有弱表达,25日龄组精子细胞出现了较强ERα阳性表达,发育到45日龄时精子细胞ERα阳性表达最强,成体组中各级生精细胞中均有ERα阳性表达。②在间质细胞中,1日龄组间质前体细胞有ERα阳性表达,10日龄表达减弱,而到25日龄增强,至45日龄达到峰值,而成体又减弱。③附睾中,1日龄附睾上皮细胞有ERα阳性表达,10和25日龄附睾管类肌细胞出现ERα阳性表达,45日龄和成体附睾管上皮细胞和类肌细胞中均有ERα阳性表达。上述结果表明,ERα可能作为一种特异性受体在棕色田鼠睾丸发育过程中影响睾丸间质细胞雄激素的分泌,进而调节生精过程和精子的发育成熟。     

中心体蛋白Cenexin在大鼠精子发生过程中的表达特征

中心体蛋白Cenexin是成熟中心粒的唯一标志分子。为阐明中心粒在大鼠精子发生过程中的成熟以及功能,我们首先通过RT-PCR技术从大鼠睾丸组织中扩增出了Cenexin cDNA片段,原核表达重组蛋白后,用其免疫小鼠制备了高滴度的抗Cenexin的多克隆抗体,然后利用免疫荧光染色、Western Blot和半定量RT-PCR方法,研究了大鼠精子发生过程中Cenexin蛋白和基因的表达特征。结果显示Cenexin mRNA水平在精原细胞和精母细胞中较高,随后表达水平下降,而蛋白质分子在精原细胞到精子细胞中都定位于细胞的一个中心粒上,表示有成熟中心粒的存在,在长形精子细胞中该蛋白位于鞭毛的基体部。附睾的绝大多数成熟精子中Cenexin免疫染色消失。中心体蛋白Cenexin在精子变态期的表达变化可能与精子鞭毛形成的起始有关。     

ELV对青春期大鼠睾丸中VEGF与VEGFR2蛋白表达的影响

目的研究血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)及其受体2(VEGFR2)在实验性左侧精索静脉曲张大鼠睾丸中的表达和定位,探讨精索静脉曲张中VEGF和VEGFR2的可能作用。方法通过部分结扎左肾静脉建立大鼠实验性左侧精索静脉曲张模型,于术后2周和4周取材,采用免疫组化法检测VEGF、VEGFR2在睾丸上的表达变化。结果 ELV2周与4周组大鼠两侧睾丸中VEGF蛋白表达均上调,但ELV组间VEGF蛋白表达没有明显变化;ELV2周组大鼠睾丸中VEGFR2蛋白的表达与对照组比较增强,而4周组比对照组和2周组均显著增强。结论实验性左侧精索静脉曲张对VEGF、VEGFR2蛋白的表达有影响,说明它们与男性不育可能有一定的关系。     

Studies on the expression of 80-kDa human sperm antigen in rat testis and epididymis.

The 80-kDa human sperm antigen (HSA) has demonstrated to be a promising candidate for development of an antifertility vaccine because it is a sperm-specific, conserved, and immunogenic protein. The present study demonstrates the androgen-regulated expression of 80-kDa HSA in testis and epididymis of rat by immunohistochemistry (IHC), using its specific antibodies. Developmental expression of 80-kDa HSA was investigated on days 10, 20, 40, 60, and 90 of age in the testis and epididymis by IHC, and relative staining intensity was estimated by image analysis using BIOVIS software. On days 10 and 20, no significant staining was observed in the testis and epididymis, whereas it gradually increased from day 40 onwards. The highest staining was seen on day 90 in both testis and epididymis. Gradual increase in expression of 80-kDa HSA after day 40 suggests that it is possibly regulated by androgen. To study the androgen-regulated expression of 80-kDa, adult male rats were treated with 75 mg/kg body weight of ethylene dimethane sulfonate (EDS), which selectively destroys Leydig cells and thus induces complete androgen withdrawal. It was observed that the staining intensity decreased following EDS treatment in rat testis as well as epididymis, and it was regained after supplementation with dihydrotestosterone. Increased expression during sexual maturation at the time of testosterone surge and its regulation by antiandrogen/androgen treatment suggest androgen-dependent expression of 80-kDa HSA in rat testis and epididymis.     

Overexpression of VEGF in Testis and Epididymis Causes Infertility in Transgenic Mice: Evidence for Nonendothelial Targets for VEGF

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key regulator of endothelial growth and permeability. However, VEGF may also target nonendothelial cells, as VEGF receptors and responsiveness have been detected for example in monocytes, and high concentrations of VEGF have been reported in human semen. In this work we present evidence that overexpression of VEGF in the testis and epididymis of transgenic mice under the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) LTR promoter causes infertility. The testes of the transgenic mice exhibited spermatogenic arrest and increased capillary density. The ductus epididymidis was dilated, containing areas of epithelial hyperplasia. The number of subepithelial capillaries in the epididymis was also increased and these vessels were highly permeable as judged by the detection of extravasated fibrinogen products. Intriguingly, the expression of VEGF receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) was detected in certain spermatogenic cells in addition to vascular endothelium, and both VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 were also found in the Leydig cells of the testis. The infertility of the MMTV-VEGF male mice could thus result from VEGF acting on both endothelial and nonendothelial cells of the male genital tract. Taken together, these findings suggest that the VEGF transgene has nonendothelial target cells in the testis and that VEGF may regulate male fertility.     

Immunohistochemical studies on the localization of cellular retinol-binding protein in rat testis and epididymis

The immunohistochemical localization of cellular retinol-binding protein (CRBP) was studied in rat testis and epididymis. Parallel studies were also carried out on the localization of plasma retinol-binding protein (RBP) and transthyretin (TTR) in testis. The studies employed antibodies purified by immunosorbent affinity chromatography, permitting the specific staining and localization of each antigen by the unlabeled peroxidase-antiperoxidase method. For RBP and TTR, specific immune staining was found in the interstitial spaces between the seminiferous tubules, and not in the tubules themselves. In contrast, strong specific immune staining for CRBP was found in the seminiferous tubules, with a striking localization within Sertoli cells. Moreover, a distinct cyclic variation of specific staining for CRBP within Sertoli cells was observed during the spermatogenic cycle. This cyclic variation was seen with regard to both the intensity of staining and to the anatomic distribution of CRBP within the Sertoli cells. Within the epididymis CRBP was selectively localized to the proximal portion of the caput epididymidis, with variations in intensity of the staining of the epithelium of the ducts in different histological zones. Specific immune staining for CRBP was very weak or absent in the other portions of the epididymis. These results were confirmed by radioimmunoassay. Vitamin A-deficient rats showed markedly reduced specific immune staining for CRBP in both testes and epididymides, and greatly reduced levels of CRBP in these tissues on radioimmunoassay. These studies on the localization of CRBP provide information concerning the specific cells and anatomic loci within the testis and epididymis where retinol may be playing an important role in sperm formation and maturation.     

VEGF和Flt-1在精索静脉曲张大鼠附睾中的表达变化

目的研究血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)及其受体Flt-1在实验性左侧精索静脉曲张(ELV)大鼠附睾组织中的表达变化,探讨它们与精索静脉曲张(VC)的关系及致男性不育的病理生理学机制。方法建立青春期雄性SD大鼠ELV模型,采用免疫组化SP法检测ELV及对照组附睾中VEGF和Flt-1的表达。结果 VEGF和Flt-1蛋白在大鼠附睾中均有表达,并具有细胞和区域特异性。ELV4周时双侧附睾中VEGF蛋白的表达明显上调(P<0.01),8周时则显著下降(P<0.01);而Flt-1蛋白在ELV4周左侧显著下降(P<0.01),右侧未见明显差异(P>0.05),8周组均显著下降(P<0.01)。结论 ELV引起大鼠附睾中VEGF和Flt-1表达量发生变化,可能影响精子的成熟,是VC引起男性生育力下降甚至不育的原因之一。     

Some histochemical observations on the epididymis of rat--a comparison with chronological events in testis.

Histological and histochemical changes (lipids, phospholipids, neutral polysaccharides, acid mucopolysaccharides and sialic acid) were studied in the rat at pre- and postpubertal stages. At 10 days lipid and phospholipid staining was not observed both in the testis and epididymis though neutral and acid mucopolysaccharides and sialic acid were demonstrable. By 21 days, lipid and phospholipid staining was present in moderate amounts both in testis and epididymis. There was also a slight increase in other parameters studied. Maximum histochemical staining for all the parameters was seen at 60 days when the testicular and further components were well organized and functional. These findings reveal that both the testis and epididymis follow a similar pattern of development and are possibly governed by a common controlling factor--the androgens.     

Differential expression of estrogen receptors alpha and beta in the reproductive tracts of adult male dogs and cats

Expression of estrogen receptors (ERs) in the reproductive tracts of adult male dogs and cats has not been reported. In the present study, ERalpha and ERbeta were localized by immunohistochemistry using ER-specific antibodies. ERalpha was found in interstitial cells and peritubular myoid cells in the dog testis, but only in interstitial cells of the cat. In rete testis of the dog, epithelial cells were positive for ERalpha staining, but in the cat, rete testis epithelium was only weakly positive. In efferent ductules of the dog, both ciliated and nonciliated cells stained intensely positive. In the cat, ciliated epithelial cells were less stained than nonciliated epithelial cells. Epithelial cells in dog epididymis and vas deferens were negative for ERalpha. In the cat, except for the initial region of caput epididymis, ERalpha staining was positive in the epithelial cells of epididymis and vas deferens. Multiple cell types of dog and cat testes stained positive for ERbeta. In rete testis and efferent ductules, epithelial cells were weakly positive for ERbeta. Most epithelial cells of the epididymis and vas deferens exhibited a strong positive staining in both species. In addition, double staining was used to demonstrate colocalization of both ERalpha and ERbeta in efferent ductules of both species. The specificity of antibodies was demonstrated by Western blot analysis. This study reveals a differential localization of ERalpha and ERbeta in male dog and cat reproductive tracts, demonstrating more intensive expression of ERbeta than ERalpha. However, as in other species, the efferent ductules remained the region of highest concentration of ERalpha.     

支气管哮喘小鼠模型气道血管变化及其影响因子分析

目的明确支气管哮喘时血管网络及血管内皮细胞变化,以及血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）亚型及其受体在支气管哮喘小鼠模型气管及肺组织中的变化及作用。方法在建立小鼠支气管哮喘模型的基础上,应用免疫荧光染色和HE染色观察气道旁血管密度变化并计数不同血管单位长度上内皮细胞数量,应用逆转录多聚酶链反应（RT-PCR）方法检测气管和肺组织血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）亚型及其受体mRNA表达情况。结果1.随着疾病时间的延长,小鼠气道壁血管密度增加,血管内皮细胞数量逐渐增加,特别在慢性期小血管尤为明显;2.应用RT-PCR技术及琼脂糖凝胶电泳,小鼠气管及肺组织VEGF120,VEGF164,VEGF188和VEGF205各个亚型mRNA均增高。其中VEGF164在气管组织,VEGF188在周围肺组织中mRNA表达在慢性哮喘期明显增高,少见的亚型VEGF144只在周围肺组织中检测到,而在支气管组织中无表达;VEGFR1 mRNA水平没有明显变化,而VEGFR2在正常气管组织中未检测到,而在支气管哮喘气管组织明显表达,并且在支气管哮喘慢性期高于急性期。结论随着疾病的进展,小鼠支气管哮喘时气道存在血管密度及血管内皮细胞数量增加,VEGF在此过程中起着重要的作用,各亚型的作用存在差异。另外,VEGFR2在支气管哮喘中对于介导和增强VEGF信号和VEGF活性起着重要的作用,并且可能是导致VEGF诱导小鼠气道血管再生与重塑的重要介质。