Alterations in the Immunohistochemical Localization Patterns of .ALPHA.-Smooth Muscle Actin (SMA) and Vimentin in the Postnatally Developing Bovine Cryptorchid Testis

Abstract

Abstract. Previously, we reported the normal postnatal developmental changes in immunohistochemical localization of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) and vimentin in the bovine testis. In this study, we demonstrate the alterations of these cytoskeletal proteins in the bovine cryptorchid testis as compared to the contralateral scrotal testis during postnatal development. Seminiferous peritubular α-SMA did not appear in the cryptorchid testis until 8 months of age, except for very weak intermittent filaments in relatively larger seminiferous tubules. However, a similar peritubular pattern was observed in the 18-month-old cryptorchid and scrotal testes. Moreover, weak expression of α-SMA in the straight tubules and rete testes at 5 months of age did not improve until 18 months of age in the cryptorchid testes. The Sertoli cell vimentin in the cryptorchid testes revealed a highly immature pattern at 5 months of age, a pattern similar to a transforming pattern with infranuclear vimentin extensions at 8 months of age, and a pattern that was almost a transforming pattern, but with considerable weakening of the vimentin filaments, at 18 months of age. In conclusion, cryptorchidism may cause considerable delay in testicular myoid cell differentiation and in attainment of the transforming pattern of the Sertoli cell vimentin, which weakens and fails to attain the mature pattern in the cryptorchid testis. These alterations may be related to the structural immaturity and functional failure of postnatally developing bovine testes exposed continuously to body heat.

Effects of Scrotal Insulation and Pathological Lesions on .ALPHA.-Smooth Muscle Actin (SMA) and Vimentin in the Bull Testes

“…This finding is in agreement with the suggestion that actin filament arrangements in the myoid cells of testes are affected by thermal stress and reflect the spermatogenic activity [21]. However, the present finding also revealed no changes in peritubular α-SMA in the Sertoli cell-only tubules of subfertile bull testes, as observed previously in the 18-month-old cryptorchid testis with mostly Sertoli cell-only tubules [2]. We, therefore, suggest that sudden thermal stress produces faster degenerative changes and a diminished internal pressure in the seminiferous tubules due to depletion of germ cells in a short period of time, which might cause change in the shape of the seminiferous tubule and a distorted pattern of peritubular α-SMA in severely degenerated tubules after insulation.…”

“…Our present finding of increased Sertoli cell vimentin expression in the Sertoli cell-only tubules of subfertile DEVKOTA et al 190 bull testes is consistent with these findings. Furthermore, this increased vimentin intensity in the Sertoli cell-only tubules, which resembles the strong intensity of vimentin observed previously in the transforming pattern [1,2], may indicate reversion of Sertoli cell maturity in the mixed atrophied bovine testes. However, the reason for such reversion is unknown because these bulls had a previous history of good semen quality and probably had functioning mature Sertoli cells.…”

“…The expression patterns of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) and vimentin in the bovine testis indicate the maturation status of seminiferous tubules [1,2]. Continuous exposure of the postnatally developing testis to body heat causes failure of spermatogenesis and delayed appearance of α-SMA and vimentin in Sertoli cells fail to attain the mature pattern [2]. Apart from causing degenerative lesions, cryptorchidism induced artificially also causes structural disruption of actin filaments in the rat testis [3].…”

“…56: [187][188][189][190] 2010) ytoskeletal proteins provide structural and functional support to cells. The expression patterns of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) and vimentin in the bovine testis indicate the maturation status of seminiferous tubules [1,2]. Continuous exposure of the postnatally developing testis to body heat causes failure of spermatogenesis and delayed appearance of α-SMA and vimentin in Sertoli cells fail to attain the mature pattern [2].…”

Cadherin and vimentin immunoexpression in the testis of normal and induced infertility models of albino rats

“…Cryptorchidism (Cx) is the failure of the testis to descend in the scrotum exposing it to body heat that severely affects spermatogenesis [8]. Moreover, this elevated temperature was also shown to cause degenerative changes both in Sertoli and germ cells and has also been associated with decreased sperm motility [21].…”