Distribution of β1 integrin subunit in rat seminiferous epithelium

Abstract

We have studied the presence and distribution of β1 integrins in the seminiferous epithelium of prepubertal and adult rats. Our immunofluorescence data show that in the adult the antibody recognizes specific areas localized around the heads of elongating and maturing spermatids and above spermatogonia at stages I-VIII. The following were found to be negative: a) areas adjacent to spermatogonia at stages IX-XIV and adjacent to spermatocytes and to round spermatids; b) spermiated spermatozoa. In the prepubertal rat, positive tubules are first apparent around Day 17 of age. Immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation studies show that Sertoli cell monolayers from 3-wk-old rats express β integrins in vitro.