Actin levels fluctuate in the seminiferous epithelium at various stages during spermatogenesis in the rat

Abstract

The testis is a double gland comprised of the sperm-producing seminiferous tubules and a complex endocrine interstice. The former structures generate and release whole cells (exocrine aspect of the gland) while the latter synthesize and release androgens and related hormones. The testis also has poorly understood paracrine connexions. These connexions play an important role during spermatogenesis. A key molecule within these structures is β-actin. Therefore, the present study aims at examining the expression pattern of β-actin during the various stages of the spermatic cycle in the rat. To achieve this goal, we used a combination of trans-illumination assisted microdissection of seminiferous tubules, confocal immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis. Our experiments revealed that the levels of β-actin fluctuate significantly during spermatogenesis, peaking immediately after spermiation.