Immunohistochemical localization of transforming growth factor ß1 and ß2 in mouse testes during postnatal development.

ABSTRACT

We examined age-related changes in the expression of transforming growth factor-ß(1) (TGF-ß(1)) and transforming growth factor-ß(2) in mouse testes. The mice were assigned to three age groups 35, 50, and 75 days old. Paraffin embedded testis sections were processed for the standard streptavidin biotin peroxidase complex immunohistochemistry method. TGF-ß(1) expression increased in aging round spermatids over the time studied. There was no expression in 35-day-old Leydig cells, whereas strong expression of TGF-ß(1) was observed in 50-day-old Leydig cells. Expression decreased in 75-day-old Leydig cells. TGF-ß(2) expression was weak in 35- and 50-day-old mouse spermatids, but expression was greater in 75-day-old elongated spermatids. In Leydig cells, TGF-ß(2) expression was strong in both 35- and 50-day-old mice, whereas the expression of TGF-ß(2) was less in 75-day-old Leydig cells. Our results suggest that TGF-ß(1) and TGF-ß(2) may play significant roles in testicular functions and germ cell development in mice.