Cellular distribution of inhibin in marmoset testes during development

Abstract

Using polyclonal antibodies against a 13 KD human testicular inhibin, immunocytochemical localization studies were carried out in marmoset monkey testes. The pattern as well as the intensity of immunocytochemical staining for inhibin vary substantially during development. In early development (day 1 to 2 months) Leydig cells are the predominant cell types showing intense staining which reaches its nadir at 3 months. Subsequently both Sertoli cells as well as Leydig cells show equal intensity of inhibin staining. Testicular inhibin is likely to play a vital role in cell to cell communication.

Prepubertal Changes in Immunoreactive Inhibin Concentration in Blood Serum and Testicular Tissue in Holstein Bull Calves.

“…In marmoset [5], human [4], horse [16] and hamster [10] testes, inhibin has been detected in Leydig cells as well as Sertoli cells. On the other hand, it was reported that Sertoli cells are the major source of inhibin in adult male rat [2].…”

“…Two studies have investigated the relationship between the circulating FSH and inhibin in young bulls but reached different conclusions: MacDonald et al [12] found a negative relationship, while Miyamoto et al [15] found a positive relationship. Moreover, although Sertoli cells are considered to be the major intra-testicular source of inhibin in the male rat [2], the presence of inhibin has also been demonstrated in Leydig cells of the marmoset [5], human [4], horse [16] and hamster [10].…”