Vasectomy Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Vasectomy, including details on procedure, risks, statistics, contraception, reversal. | ||||||||
|
Tissue immunoexpression and messenger ribonucleic acid localization of inhibin/activin subunit in human epididymis.Bahathiq AO, Stewart RL, Baxter L, Wells M, Moore HD, Ledger WL Section of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, United Kingdom. OBJECTIVE: To determine the expression of inhibin betaA and betaB subunits and follistatin and the ability of human epididymal epithelium to synthesize these molecules. DESIGN: The main aim of this study was to investigate the expression of inhibin alpha, betaA, and betaB-subunits and follistatin in human epididymis with immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and Western blotting in adult life. SETTING: Academic university hospital. PATIENT(S): Epididymes were obtained from 10 men undergoing routine vasectomy or surgery for benign disease at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, United Kingdom. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Immunoexpression of activin betaA and betaB subunits and follistatin proteins and mRNA in human caput and cauda epididymis. RESULT(S): Positive immunoexpression for activin betaA and betaB subunits and follistatin were detected in different parts of the epididymis epithelium. Western blotting under a reducing condition detected a 28-kd band (possibly corresponding to the activin dimer). In situ hybridization indicated positive mRNA localization signal in both caput and cauda epididymal epithelium. CONCLUSION(S): Activins betaA and betaB subunits, but not inhibin alpha subunit, were detected in epididymal epithelium. These finding suggest that activins might have a role in the processes of sperm maturation and sperm fertilizing capability during transit and storage. Published 17 January 2005 in Fertil Steril, 83(1): 78-85.
© 2004-2008 Vasectomy Research Today. All Rights Reserved. |
| ||||||
