Feng HL, Sandlow JI, Sparks AE, Sandra A, Zheng LJ. Decreased expression of the c-kit receptor is associated with increased apoptosis in subfertile human testes.
Fertil Steril 1999;
71:85-9. [PMID:
9935121 DOI:
10.1016/s0015-0282(98)00401-4]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To examine the expression of the c-kit receptor and its ligand, stem cell factor, and their possible relation with apoptosis in infertile men.
DESIGN
Prospective laboratory study.
SETTING
Urology laboratory in a university hospital.
PATIENT(S)
Men undergoing testicular biopsy during an investigation of subfertility.
INTERVENTION(S)
None.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
Expression of the c-kit receptor protein, stem cell factor, and apoptosis in the testes.
RESULT(S)
The c-kit receptor was strongly present in Leydig cells and type A spermatogonia of normal testes, with decreased staining in Leydig cells and type A spermatogonia of testes with maturational arrest, and staining in only Leydig cells of Sertoli cell-only specimens. Stem cell factor was demonstrated in Leydig cells and Sertoli cells in all specimens. Western blotting demonstrated the 150-kd c-kit protein in the normal testes and the testes with maturational arrest, but not in the testes with the Sertoli cell-only pattern. Stem cell factor was expressed in all specimens, with a protein size of 45 kd. Increased apoptosis was demonstrated in type A spermatogonia and spermatocytes of tissue with maturational arrest compared with normal testicular tissue.
CONCLUSION(S)
C-kit receptor expression is decreased in subfertile testicular tissue compared with normal testicular tissue. Stem cell factor expression is present in Leydig cells and Sertoli cells. Increased apoptosis is seen in tissue with maturational arrest compared with normal tissue.
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