ABSTRACT. The expression of three isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) were examined in the testis and epididymis of a thoroughbred horse. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated the presence of eNOS immunostaining in some germ cells in the seminiferous tubules and in vascular endothelial cells in the interstitial tissues. Interstitial cells, most likely Leydig cells, were also intensel y immunopositive for eNOS. The pattern of immunostaining for nNOS was similar to that for eNOS in the testis. Weak expression of iNOS was detec ted in the seminiferous tubules of the testis, but intense expression was found in interstitial cells. Inducible NOS was also stron gly detected in stereocilia, sperm, epithelium and connective tissue of the epididymis of normal horses. These findings suggest that three isoforms of NOS are expressed in the testis and epididymis of horse and that they play important roles in the biology of interstitial cells that produce testosterone, as well as in spermatogenesis in the seminiferous tubules. KEY WORDS: epididymis, equine, nitric oxide synthase, testis.
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