Histochemical studies on genetical control of hormonal enzyme inducibility in the mouse. III. Beta-glucuronidase distribution pattern of epididymis in different genotypes

Extracellular matrix abnormalities in testis and epididymis of XXSxr ("sex-reversed") mice

Sex-reversed (Sxr) is a duplication of the sex-determining region of the Y chromosome, which gets transposed to a paternal X chromosome. Chromosomally female (XX) zygotes that receive this XSxr chromosome develop as apparent males. Previous work on XXSxr mice (called pseudomales) showed extracellular matrix (ECM) ultrastructural abnormalities in the epididymis and testis. This study examined the biochemical nature of these abnormalities. More hydroxyproline (an indicator of collagen) was noted in the pseudomale testis and epididymis compared to normal male tissues. Western blot analysis showed increased collagen IV in the pseudomale testis and epididymis. In both the hydroxyproline and collagen IV studies, the epididymis was found to contain higher levels of these substances than the testis for both genotypes. There also appeared to be increased messenger RNA for tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (Timp), a regulator of collagen, in the pseudomale testis. Data from these studies seem to indicate that the XXSxr genotype influences ECM deposition and/or turnover and exerts a direct genetic influence on the development of the testis and epididymis. According to the existing paradigm of mammalian sexual development, the epididymis is expected to be normal in the presence of adequate androgenization and independent of chromosomal and genetic sex. The results presented here differ from what would be predicted by this paradigm.

Transcription of circular and noncircular forms of Sry in mouse testes

Although its expression in adult testis was immediately apparent, the role for Sry (sex determining region, Y) in testicular function remains elusive. We have performed transcriptional studies in an effort to elucidate potential roles of Sry by studying the time and location of its transcription in mouse testes. Northern analyses and more sensitive nuclease protection assays detected transcripts in 28-day-old testes and beyond. The highly sensitive technique of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) could not detect Sry expression in 14-day testes when primers for the most conserved portion of the gene, the high mobility group (HMG) box, were used, but primers for the circular form detected Sry transcription at all postnatal stages studied. The same HMG box primers were able to detect expression of Sry in XX, Sxra or Sxrb testes. This suggested that Sry is expressed in cells other than germ cells, which was confirmed with studies on fractionated cells--RTPCR detected transcription of Sry in the highly pure interstitial cell fraction. However, Leydig cells and a Leydig cell tumor were negative for Sry expression. We performed in situ studies in an attempt to localize the expression of Sry in the testes. Abundant expression of an Sry cross-hybridizing transcript was found in spermatogonia, in early spermatocytes, and in some interstitial cells with antisense probes to the HMG box or a more specific, 3' region, whereas the sense probe gave little or no hybridization. It is probable that the circular transcripts, which are seen in reverse transcriptase positive (RT+) and RT- reactions by PCR because of the RT activity of Taq polymerase, are responsible for the hybridization seen in spermatogonia and spermatocytes, whereas linear and circular forms are detected later. Thus Sry is expressed in pre- and postmeiotic germ cells and in somatic cells of the testes.

Zfy is transcribed in the normal mouse epididymis and in the XXSxr ("sex reversed") testis

The presence of the mutation Sex reversed (Sxr), a copy of a Y-chromosomal segment that gets transferred to an X chromosome, causes the resulting XXSxr mice to develop as apparent males. However, several features of male sexual development are abnormal in these animals. The testes are small and aspermatogenic, and the epididymides lack the initial segment. Testes and epididymides show abnormalities of extracellular matrix. In this study we examined transcription of the conserved Y chromosomal gene Zfy, which has an X-chromosomal homologue (Zfx). Northern blotting showed Zfy to be expressed in the testes of XXSxr animals, except for those that carry the coat-marker gene Tabby (Ta), despite the lack of germ cells in XXSxr mice. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) studies detected Zfy in mRNA in testes even when Ta was present. RT-PCR also demonstrated Zfy transcription in epididymides of normal males, though not in XXSxr mice. Previous authors reported an absence of Zfy transcription in XXSxr testes; Zfy transcription in normal testes has been ascribed to germ cells. Our observation indicates that this idea requires re-evaluation. The occurrence of Zfy transcription in the normal epididymis is similarly a novel finding that may help explain those aspects of epididymal development that occur in the absence of androgen.

Sites of transcription of the Müllerian inhibiting substance gene in mouse testis

We have examined the transcription of Müllerian inhibiting substance (MIS) in testis by the sensitive technique of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR). A developmental study of testis by this nonquantitative technique showed expression at all postnatal stages, including adults while liver and kidney provided negative controls. Cell separation studies indicated that highly purified interstitial cells, as well as less homogeneous Sertoli cell-enriched and germ cell-enriched fractions, contained RNA for MIS. The transcription of MIS in an interstitial cell type was confirmed by finding MIS mRNA in purified Leydig cells. Inasmuch as the germ cell-enriched fraction contains some Sertoli cells, and XX,Sxra and XX,Sxrb which have germ cell-depleted testes, contain MIS mRNA, a Sertoli cell source remains likely for the seminiferous tubule compartment.

Histological studies on eyelid opening in normal male mice and hemizygotes for the mutant gene Tabby (Ta) with and without epidermal growth factor treatment

Previous work has shown that mice hemizygous or homozygous for the mutant gene Tabby have delayed eyelid opening, as compared to unaffected, wildtype littermate controls; exogenous treatment with epidermal growth factor reverses this delay. We performed histological studies to explore the mechanisms of action of the Tabby gene and of epidermal growth factor in these processes. These show that eyelid opening is associated with keratinization of the fusion junction and conjunctival sac formation. Both these processes occur earlier in normal male mice (days 4 and 7 respectively) than in Tabby hemizygotes (days 7 and 10, respectively). After epidermal growth factor injection, keratinization and conjunctival sac formation are both observed on postnatal day 1 in all control and mutant pups. Thus epidermal growth factor appears to accelerate eyelid opening by stimulating these morphological processes and the Tabby gene appears to delay eyelid opening by impairing them. It is possible that deficiency of epidermal growth factor at the tissue level may be involved in the development of some of the traits seen in Tabby mutants. In addition to analysing the effects of the Tabby gene and of epidermal growth factor on eyelid opening in the mouse, this study appears to be the first detailed histological description of normal eyelid opening. The findings have potential clinical significance; firstly, because the Tabby gene shows genetic homology to the human gene for hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, and disturbed eyelid opening is a trait of some forms of human ectodermal dysplasia, and secondly, because the gene for epidermal growth factor receptor is an oncogene.

Development of the normal XY male and sex-reversed XXSxr pseudomale mouse epididymis

XXSxr pseudomale mice (chromosomally XX animals "sex-reversed" by the Sxr factor) develop testes and produce sufficient androgens for masculinization as assessed at the macroscopic level. However, adult XXSxr pseudomales lack the epididymal initial segment (I.S.). In this study prenatal and postnatal epididymal development was examined histologically and biochemically, and it was found that XXSxr pseudomales are indistinguishable from normal XY males up to day 21 of postnatal life. By 25 days postnatally, before the onset of the pubertal androgen surge, the I.S. precursor is evident in normal animals but absent in XXSxr mutants. No major abnormalities were seen in other segments of the XXSxr epididymis. Our data suggest that androgen levels in testis and epididymis are not higher in normal XY males than in XXSxr pseudomale mice of the same age. Inadequate availability of androgens at the target site is unlikely to be the cause of the epididymal abnormality in XXSxr pseudomale mice.

Beta-glucuronidase activity is present in the microscopic epididymis of the Tfm/Y mouse

The sex-linked recessive gene Tfm in the mouse produces a condition of testicular feminization (androgen insensitivity syndrome, AIS) in hemizygotes, comparable to the condition of the same name in humans. The murine mutant was originally believed to have no derivatives of the mesonephric duct system (MDS), and this absence was ascribed to dependence of these derivatives on androgens for survival. However, microscopical epididymides, retia testes, and vasa deferentia were identified in these animals in our laboratory. These micro-organs may play a role in meiosis induction in Tfm/Y animals. The present study was designed to determine whether survival of these organs is due to retention of an ability to respond to androgens, or whether they are unique amongst MDS derivatives in being independent of androgens. Previous studies in our laboratory demonstrated that the enzyme beta-glucuronidase (beta G) is androgen sensitive in the epididymis of the normal mouse. In the present investigation we used this enzyme as a marker to study androgen sensitivity in the microscopical epididymides of Tfm/Y hemizygotes and in the epididymides of control +/Y litter-mate brothers. Both mutant and control animals were studied with and without exogenous androgen stimulation. Tfm/Y hemizygotes demonstrated low levels of diffuse, cytoplasmic beta G activity that appears to be unresponsive to exogenous androgen stimulation. In light of our previous studies, this distribution of beta G reaction products suggests some degree of androgen sensitivity. The survival of these micro-organs and their partial androgen sensitivity may be related to the role of the MDS in inducing meiosis.

Anhidrosis and absence of sweat glands in mice hemizygous for the Tabby gene: supportive evidence for the hypothesis of homology between Tabby and human anhidrotic (hypohidrotic) ectodermal dysplasia (Christ-Siemens-Touraine syndrome)

I have suggested that the X-linked gene Tabby (Ta) and its autosomal mimics in the mouse may be homologous with the genes for sex-linked anhidrotic (hypohidrotic) ectodermal dysplasia (Christ-Siemens-Touraine syndrome, CST) and its apparent autosomal mimics in the human. In the present study, I examined whether anhidrosis, a cardinal feature of CST, is present in the putative mouse sex-linked model, Tabby. The results demonstrate that whereas normal mice perspire on the volar and plantar surfaces of their paws, hemizygous Ta/Y male mice show anhidrosis and absence of sweat glands, as do human hemizygous male sufferers of CST. This result is strongly supportive of the hypothesis that Ta is homologous to the gene for CST.

Epididymides of sex-reversed XX mice lack the initial segment

The genetic factor Sxr causes sex reversal of chromosomally female (XX or XO) mice to phenotypic maleness by inducing development of testes that produce androgens. It has been considered that these sex-reversed animals, called pseudomales, confirm the principle originally developed by Jost that adequate androgenization produces normal phenotypic maleness in mammals, irrespective of chromosomal sex. However, we previously discovered that the epididymis of sex-reversed XX mice (pseudomales of genotype XXSxr) lacks EH 9 cells (epididymal head, cell type No. 9, the "principal cell' of the initial segment). The purpose of the present study was to determine whether cell type EH 9 of XXSxr pseudomales is replaced by a principal cell of a different appearance, or whether the initial segment itself is actually absent. We made serial sections of entire epididymal heads and did microdissections to unravel the highly coiled epididymal duct. Using these two approaches, we studied the sequence of epididymal segments, and estimated lengths of the relevant portion of the epididymal duct; we found that the initial segment of XXSxr pseudomales is truly absent. This is the first report of a mutant genotype causing absence of a segment of the epididymis. The XXSxr mutant appears to be an exception to Jost's principle. This finding shows that, even in full androgenization, male phenotype may not always be independent of chromosomal sex.

Histochemical demonstration of activity of acid phosphatase and beta-glucuronidase in bovine incisor tooth germs

Activity of acid phosphatase and beta-glucuronidase was shown in bovine preodontoblasts and preameloblasts prior to the onset of secretion. In the preameloblasts the rather weak reaction consisted of small discrete granules dispersed in the cytoplasm apical, lateral, and proximal to the nucleus. After initiation of enamel formation, a change in localization and intensity of the colored reaction product was observed in the ameloblasts. The activity appeared stronger and was restricted to a narrow zone just apical to the nucleus. It is proposed that the acid hydrolases in the tooth forming cells are located to the Golgi complex. The differences in activity of acid hydrolases between bone and tooth forming cells are expounded.

Pleiotropic effect of Tabby gene on epidermal growth factor-containing cells of mouse submandibular gland

The influence of the Tabby gene on the submandibular gland of the mouse was assessed by comparing the mass of the gland, and its content of granular convoluted tubules, in prepubertal, pubertal, and adult Tabby mice and their wild type brother controls. The Tabby mice showed reduction in mass of the adult submandibular gland, delayed development of the granular convoluted tubules, and reduction in relative content of granular convoluted tubules. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is released from the granular convoluted tubules of the mouse submandibular gland, and it is known to experimentally influence the development of at least some of the structures that are affected by the Tabby gene. Accordingly, the question of a relationship between the Tabby gene and EGF is raised.

Histochemical studies on genetical control of hormonal enzyme inducibility in the mouse. VI. Effects of short term castration

The regional histology and esterase activity of the mouse epididymis after 24, 48, and 72 hr castration is reported. Differential sensitivity to androgen deprivation among the various epithelial cell types is described, allowing of positive identification of the cell types previously observed to survive long-term castration. The possibility of an androgen binding protein, as described in the rat and rabbit, is suggested on morphological grounds. The epididymal body appears to contain a class of highly androgen sensitive cells that degenerate rapidly following castration and a second class that survive from which regeneration occurs on testosterone replacement.

Reverse, hormone-dependent sex difference in molar tooth mass in pubertal mice

The weighed mass of molar teeth of male pubertal (35-day-old) mice was significantly smaller than that of females. X0 females, and chromosomal males (XY) rendered phenotypically female by the testicular feminization gene (Tfm), had high (female-type) molar mass. Chromosomal females (XX or X0) rendered hormonally phenotypically male by the sex reversal gene Sxr, had low (male-type) molar mass. It is concluded that the sex difference was due to hormonal rather than chromosomal factors. Reported sex differences in mammalian tooth size have mainly been in the opposite direction, a discrepancy which may be due to co-existence of opposite dimorphisms of mass and diameter, or to age-specific changes in ontogeny. However, the most likely explanation is that developmental species differences exist.

Histochemical studies on genetical control of hormonal enzyme inducibility in the mouse. IV: Cellular localization of androgen sensitive nonspecific esterase in the epididymis

Nonspecific esterase of mouse epididymis has previously been studied histochemically, using alpha naphthyl-acetate and 5-bromoindoxyl acetate techniques, as well as certain inhibitors. Epithelial cell types of the epididymis have been characterized, and certain esterase isozymes in a particular cell type, is shown to be androgen dependent. When mice of different strains were castrated or treated with antiandrogens, the characteristic histochemical reaction product disappeared or was greatly reduced. Androgen treatment of castrated animals caused the reaction in the cells concerned to return to normal. This method can now be applied to the study of epididymides of genetically sex-reversed chromosomal female, to analyze genetic control of X-chromosomal activation.

Preliminary evidence of genetic control of sex chromosomal synapsis in the mouse

Highly inbred strains of mice have contrasting means and low ranges for the trait of gonosomal univalency at diakinesis-metaphase I. Randomly bred and mixed strains have wider ranges. The inbred strain DBA/2J has a high mean, and this character is evidently transmitted through the male parent. This material may provide a valuable model for study of genetic control of XY pairing.

Esterases in striated muscle from mice with the Chediak-Higashi syndrome

In this paper a localized strong reaction for non-specific esterase forming cylindric structures is described within skeletal muscle fibres from the beige mouse. It seems from zymograms and protein electrophoresis that this esterase is membrane bound, highly reactive and present in rather small amounts within the muscle fibres.