Intracellular pathways of endocytosed tracers in Leydig cells of the rat

Seasonal changes of the Leydig cells of viscacha (Lagostomus maximus maximus). A light and electron microscopy study

The Leydig cells of viscacha (seasonal rodent) show cytoplasmic hypertrophy and regional distribution during the breeding period (summer-autumn). The dominant organelles are smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) and mitochondria. A moderately well-developed Golgi, abundant lipid inclusions, dense bodies like lysosomes in different stages, and centrioles are observed. Extensive or focal desmosome and gap-like junctions between neighbouring Leydig cells are present. These cells exhibit an evident hypotrophy and an increase in the number of dense bodies during the gonadal regression in winter (July and August). Cells in different stages of involution are observed in this period. Their nuclei are irregular and heterochromatic. The cytoplasm contains few mitochondria. The vesicular SER is scarse. Irregular and large intercellular spaces with microvilli and amorphous material are present. The junctional complexes are absent. The nuclear and cytoplasmic volume and development of SER and mitochondria increase during the recovery period (spring). The lipid inclusions decrease. Dilatations of the intercellular space with microvilli and limited by focal desmosome-like junctions are observed. In conclusion, the Leydig cells of Lagostomus maximus maximus show deep changes alongside the reproductive cycle. The photoperiod variations, through pineal hypothalamus pituitary axis and the hormone melatonin, are probably responsible for them. Moreover, the fall of serum and tubular testosterone would be one of the factors responsible for gonadal regression.

Increase in macrophages in the testis of cathepsin a deficient mice suggests an important role for these cells in the interstitial space of this tissue

Cathepsin A (PPCA) is a lysosomal carboxypeptidase that functions as a protective protein for alpha-neuraminidase and beta-galactosidase in a multienzyme complex. In the present study, the testes of PPCA -/- mice from 2 to 10 months of age were compared with those of their wild type counterparts. While germ and Sertoli cells appeared comparable in appearance and distribution, the mean profile area of seminiferous tubules showed a significant decrease between wild type and PPCA -/- mice, suggesting changes to the seminiferous tubules and their contents. In addition, macrophages in the interstitial space (IS) of PPCA -/- mice were large, spherical, and filled with pale lysosomes, unlike those seen in wild type mice, and a quantitative analysis of their frequency per unit area of IS in PPCA -/- mice revealed a significant increase compared to that of wild type mice; this was also the case for their mean profile area. Absence of mitotic figures, cycling cells, or degenerating figures in the IS suggests that the major recruitment of macrophages appears to be from the circulation. In the IS, Leydig cells also showed an accumulation of large pale lysosomes in PPCA -/- mice, and their frequency also increased significantly as compared to wild type mice. In the electron microscope, a close association of Leydig cell microvilli with the surface of macrophages was pronounced in PPCA -/- mice. Since macrophages and Leydig cells interact by secreting various factors between each other, and considering the fact that Leydig cells show an accumulation of large pale lysosomes in PPCA -/- mice, it is suggested that macrophages accumulate as a result of abnormalities occurring in Leydig cells. Taken together, the data on increase in frequency of macrophages suggests important functions for these cells in both wild type and PPCA -/- mice.

Biogenesis of lysosomes in marshall cells and in cells of the male reproductive system

The mechanism of plasma membrane trafficking and degradation is still poorly understood. This investigation deals with the biogenesis of lysosomes during endocytic flow in Marshall cells and in various cell types of the male reproductive system. Marshall cells were exposed to ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) and leupeptin after labeling with cationic ferritin. In some experiments, the treated cells were immunogold labeled with anti-prosaposin antibody. NH4Cl and leupeptin are lysosomotropic agents that affect the endosomal-lysosomal progression. Testes, efferent ducts and epididymis from mouse mutants with defects affecting plasma membrane degradation were also used to analyze this process. NH4Cl produced a retention of cationic ferritin in endosomes and hindered the endosomal/lysosomal progression. Leupeptin did not affect this process. NH4Cl decreased the labeling of prosaposin in endosomes and lysosomes, while leupeptin increased the labeling of prosaposin in lysosomes. The number of lysosomes per cytoplasmic area was higher in treated cells than in controls. These findings suggest that leupeptin affected lysosomes whereas NH4Cl affected both endosomes and lysosomes. The endosomal and lysosomal accumulation of prosaposin induced by the treatment with NH4Cl and leupeptin indicated that the site of entry of prosaposinwas both the lysosome and endosome. Electron microscopy (EM) of tissues from mouse mutants with defects affecting plasma membrane degradation substantiated these observations. The EM analysis revealed a selective accumulation of multivesicular bodies (MVBs) and the disappearance of lysosomes, in testicular fibroblasts, nonciliated cells of the efferent ducts and principal cells of the epididymis, suggesting that MVBs are precursors of lysosomes.

IN CONCLUSION

(1) endosomes and MVBs are a required steps for degradation of membranes; (2) endosomes and MVBs are precursors of lysosomes; and (3) endosomes, MVBs, and lysosomes appear to be transient organelles.

Cathepsin A is expressed in a cell- and region-specific manner in the testis and epididymis and is not regulated by testicular or pituitary factors

The epithelial cells of the testis are involved in the production, differentiation, and sustenance of sperm, and those of the epididymis play a major role in sperm maturation, protection, and storage. These tissues express various proteins that respond differently to androgens. Cathepsin A is a multifunctional lysosomal carboxypeptidase that also functions as a protective and an activator protein for neuraminidase and beta-galactosidase. In this study, cathepsin A was immunolocalized by light and electron microscopy using a polyclonal affinity-purified antibody on the testis and epididymis of normal, orchidectomized with or without testosterone supplementation, efferent duct-ligated, and hypophysectomized adult rats. In normal rats, cathepsin A expression was noted in lysosomes of Sertoli and Leydig cells but not in germ cells of the testis, as well as nonciliated cells of the efferent ducts. In the epididymis, a cell- and region-specific distribution of cathepsin A was noted. In experimentally treated animals, no changes were noted in the expression of cathepsin A. Immunolabeling of tissues examined at the electron microscopic level revealed that lysosomes were reactive. These data indicate cell- and region-specific expression of cathepsin A in cells of the testis and epididymis and also indicate that cathepsin A expression is not regulated by testicular or pituitary factors.

beta-Hexosaminidase immunolocalization and alpha- and beta-subunit gene expression in the rat testis and epididymis

beta-hexosaminidase is an essential lysosomal enzyme whose absence in man results in a group of disorders, the G(M2) gangliosidoses. beta-hexosaminidase activity is many times higher in the epididymis than in other tissues, is present in sperm, and is postulated to be required for mammalian fertilization. To better understand which cells are responsible for beta-hexosaminidase expression and how it is regulated in the male reproductive system, we quantitated the mRNA expression of the alpha- and beta-subunits of beta-hexosaminidase and carried out immunocytochemical localization studies of the enzyme in the rat testis and epididymis. beta-hexosaminidase alpha-subunit mRNA was abundant and differentially expressed in the adult rat testis and epididymis, at 13- and 2-fold brain levels, respectively. In contrast, beta-subunit mRNA levels in the testis and epididymis were 0.3- and 5-fold brain levels. During testis development from 7-91 postnatal days of age, testis levels of alpha-subunit mRNA increased 10-fold and coincided with the appearance of spermatocytes and spermatids in the epithelium; in contrast, beta-subunit mRNA was expressed at low levels throughout tests development. In isolated male germ cells, beta-hexosaminidase alpha-subunit expression was most abundant in haploid round spermatids, whereas the beta-subunit mRNA was not detected in germ cells. Within the epididymis both alpha- and beta-subunit mRNA concentrations were highest in the corpus, with 1.5-fold and 9-fold initial segment values, respectively. Light microscopic immunocytochemistry revealed that beta-hexosaminidase was localized to Sertoli cells and interstitial macrophages in the testis. In the epididymis, beta-hexosaminidase staining was most intense in narrow cells in the initial segment, principal cells in the caput and proximal corpus, and clear cells throughout the duct. Electron microscopic immunocytochemistry revealed that beta-hexosaminidase was predominantly present in lysosomes in Sertoli and epididymal cells. The cellular and regional specificity of beta-hexosaminidase immunolocalization suggest an important role for the enzyme in testicular and epididymal functions.

Morphological characteristics of boar efferent ductules and epididymal duct

The aim of the present study was to provide a comprehensive morphological analysis of the porcine epididymis in view of the specific functions being performed in different regions of this organ. Blood supply and microvasculature of efferent ductules and epididymal duct were investigated by means of corrosion casts which were analysed macroscopically and by scanning electron microscopy. This revealed blood supply to the testis and epididymis to be closely related. The capillary pattern was typical for the efferent ductules, the caput, corpus, and distal cauda epididymidis, respectively. Corrosion casts were also used to visualize the course of the efferent ductules themselves. Tissue samples from different regions of the efferent ductules and epididymal duct were examined by light microscopy and both scanning and transmission electron microscopy, with special attention being payed to transitional areas. Morphological criteria allowed the distinction of three segments within the efferent ductules and of the initial segment, proximal caput, distal caput, corpus, proximal cauda, and distal cauda regions of the epididymal duct. Components of the endocytic apparatus of efferent ductule principal cells were identified by ferritin uptake. Ultrastructural evidence of absorption in the epididymal duct was particularly prominent in proximal and distal caput. Extensive cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum and a well-developed Golgi apparatus were indicative of active protein synthesis and secretion especially in the distal caput and corpus regions. However, assignment of various organelles in principal cells of the epididymal duct to either absorptive or secretory pathways still remains tentative.

Distribution of insulin binding sites on Leydig cells of rat testes using insulin-coated gold particles

The distribution of insulin binding sites in Leydig cells dispersed with collagenase from rat testes was studied using insulin-coated gold particles as an electron opaque ligand. Using electron microscope is convenient to distinguish Leydig cells among a variety of cells in crude preparations by their ultrastructural characteristics. Leydig cells were shown to possess insulin-binding sites on their plasma membranes. Initial binding sites of insulin were located to the microvillous surfaces. Following binding, receptor-ligand complexes seemed to move to the intermicrovillous plasma membrane, then to be internalized. Two modes of the internalization were confirmed. Most of the receptor-ligand complexes on Leydig cells appeared to be internalized via large, uncoated plasma membrane invaginations, while the remainder became internalized via small pits into vesicles. The receptor-ligand complexes were subsequently transferred to large subsurface vacuoles with electron-lucent lumens believed to correspond to endosomes. The reason why IGCs on the postendosomal pathway moving toward lysosomes was also discussed.

Ultrastructural evidence of mature Leydig cells and Leydig cell regression in the neonatal human testis

The neonatal period in male development is characterized by an acute rise in serum testosterone, which peaks at 2 to 3 months of age. The purpose of this study is to examine the neonatal human testicular interstitium at 4 months for evidence of Leydig cell maturation, as well as any morphological criteria relating to the fate of Leydig cells during this period, specifically, for signs of cell regression. Leydig cells are described with impressive development of the steroid secreting apparatus, which are consistent with the mature Leydig cells found during early fetal development and in the adult. The outstanding feature of these cells is the "organelle association" of extensive, anastamosing tubules of smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER), pleomorphic mitochondria with a component of tubular cristae, and abundant microperoxisomes associated with the SER. Well-developed Golgi elements, regionalized RER, and diverse cell inclusions are also characteristics of these cells. Reinke crystals and paracrystalline inclusions are absent. Gap junctions are common in this system and are notable in the asymmetric nature of the adjacent cytoplasmic components. These findings provide a morphologic correlate to the reported neonatal phase of testosterone production in man. Intermediate forms of Leydig cells are described with "organelle associations" including decreased SER with increased lipid droplets, and decreased SER with prominent cytoplasmic filaments and/or dramatic mitochondrial changes supportive of mitochondrial involution. Cells consistent with immature Leydig cells are also present. The rather impressive diversity in cell morphology present during this time frame of 4 months, slightly past the peak in testosterone production, provides evidence of Leydig cell regression and a continuity of the mature neonatal Leydig cells with the immature Leydig cells of childhood (Prince, 1984). There is also some evidence of cell degeneration. Although the developmental history of Leydig cells has been described for years as biphasic, it is time to view Leydig cell development in man as a triphasic event, fetal, neonatal, and pubertal.

Origin and fate of autophagosomes in Leydig cells of normal adult rats

Autophagosomes were observed frequently in electron microscope photographs of Leydig cells from normal adult rat testis. Their formation, evolution and fate were analyzed morphologically in preparations treated to show cytidine monophosphatase (CMPase) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-Pase) activities and in animals sacrificed at various time intervals ranging from 5 min to 6 hrs after a single intratesticular injection of cationic ferritin. Analysis of the morphologic data led to the following interpretation and model. Preautophagosomal structures appeared as flattened, elongated membranous profiles. These expanded, took on a C-shape and fused at their edges to demarcate a small cytoplasmic territory containing normal-looking smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria. Such early autophagosomes were thus delimited by two membranes separated by a narrow lumen. Following fusion of these elements with secondary lysosomes, the space between the two membranes increased in size, the inner membrane disintegrated and the enclosed organelles no longer could be identified. The late autophagosomes then reached the cell surface and appeared to exocytose their residual content. In contrast to secondary lysosomes and trans-Golgi elements, which were CMPase-positive, the preautophagosomal flattened membranous elements and early autophagosomes were CMPase-negative. The late autophagosomes on the contrary were CMPase-positive. While ER cisternae were G-6-Pase-positive, the pre-, early and late autophagosomal structures were unreactive for this enzyme. Cationic ferritin tracer experiments showed that only late autophagosomes became labeled with cationic ferritin following their fusion with secondary lysosomes into which the tracer had accumulated following its endocytosis from the cell surface.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Binding and internalization in vivo of [125I]hCG in Leydig cells of the rat

The present study was performed to demonstrate the binding, mode of uptake, pathway and fate of iodinated human chorionic gonadotropin ([125I]hCG) by Leydig cells in vivo using electron microscope radioautography. Following a single injection of [125I]hCG into the interstitial space of the testis, the animals were fixed by perfusion with glutaraldehyde at 20 minutes, 1, 3, 6 and 24 hours. The electron microscope radioautographs demonstrated a prominent and qualitatively similar binding of the labeled hCG on the microvillar processes of the Leydig cells at 20 minutes, 1, 3, and 6 hours. The specificity of the [125I]hCG binding was determined by injecting a 100-fold excess of unlabeled hormone concurrently with the labeled hormone. Under these conditions, the surface, including the microvillar processes of Leydig cells, was virtually unlabeled, indicating that the binding was specific and receptor-mediated. In animals injected with labeled hCG and sacrificed 20 minutes later, silver grains were also seen overlying the limiting membrane of large, uncoated surface invaginations and large subsurface vacuoles with an electron-lucent content referred to as endosomes. A radioautographic reaction was also seen within multivesicular bodies with a pale stained matrix. At 1 hour, silver grains appeared over dense multivesicular bodies and occasionally over secondary lysosomes, in addition to the structures mentioned above, while at 3 and 6 hours, an increasing number of secondary lysosomes became labeled. At 24 hours, binding of [125I]hCG to the microvillar processes of Leydig cells persisted but was diminished, although a few endosomes, multivesicular bodies and secondary lysosomes still showed a radioautographic reaction. No membranous tubules that were seen in close proximity to, or in continuity with, endosomes and multivesicular bodies were observed to be labeled at any time interval. Likewise, an attempt to correlate silver grains with small coated or uncoated pits, the stacks of saccules of the Golgi apparatus and other Golgi-related elements including GERL, proved unsuccessful, since these structures were mostly unlabeled. These in vivo experiments thus demonstrate the specific binding of [125I]hCG to the plasma membrane of Leydig cells predominantly on their microvillar processes, and the subsequent internalization of the labeled hCG to secondary lysosomes. In addition, binding and internalization of hCG persisted for long periods of time.

Endocytic apparatus and transcytosis in epithelial cells of the vas deferens in the rat

The apex of the principal epithelial cells lining the vas deferens of the rat contains coated pits in continuity with the apical plasma membrane and large subsurface-coated vesicles (100-125 nm). In the apical cytoplasm, large, pale, uncoated vesicles (150-300 nm), small coated and uncoated vesicles (50-60 nm), uncoated vesicles about 75-90 nm, and membranous apical tubules are present, in addition to large, vacuolar, pale, multivesicular bodies, dense multivesicular bodies, and secondary lysosomes seen deeper in the cytoplasm amongst numerous ER cisternae, saccules of the Golgi apparatus, and mitochondria. The endocytic activity of these cells was investigated by using cationic ferritin (CF) as a marker of adsorptive endocytosis and native ferritin (NF) for demonstrating fluid-phase endocytosis. These tracers were injected separately into the lumen of the vas deferens, and the animals were killed at various time intervals thereafter from 2 to 90 minutes. At 2 minutes CF was seen bound predominantly to microvilli and to areas of the apical plasma membrane delimiting coated pits as well as in large, coated vesicles. At 5 and 15 minutes the tracers were seen in apical tubules and pale multivesicular bodies; at 30 minutes moderately dense multivesicular bodies were labeled. At 1 hour and longer time intervals dense multivesicular bodies and secondary lysosomes were labeled. NF followed the same pathway as CF; however, no binding to microvilli or areas delimiting coated pits was observed. The numerous other vesicular structures, i.e., the large uncoated vesicles (150-300 nm) and the small coated and uncoated vesicles (50-60 nm), never became labeled with the tracers and therefore were not involved in the endocytic process. There was, however, an exception in the case of several small (75-90 nm) uncoated vesicles seen deeper in the apical cytoplasm of these cells which were labeled exclusively with CF. With time such vesicles appeared along the lateral and basal surfaces of these cells and discharged their content of CF into the lateral intercellular space or the connective tissue space at the base of these cells. Thus the principal epithelial cells in addition to sequestering the endocytosed tracers within secondary lysosomes where they are presumably degraded also appear to be involved in the transcytosis of material from the lumen of the vas deferens to the underlying lamina propria.