Type I and Type II Interleukin-1 Receptor Expression in Rat, Mouse, and Human Testes1

Abstract

Despite clear indications of interleukin-1 (IL-1) action on Sertoli and germ cells, previous studies failed to detect IL-1 receptors (IL-1R) within the seminiferous tubules. Here, we investigated the existence of the type I signaling receptor (IL-1RI) and the type II decoy receptor (IL-1RII) mRNAs within the testis. Polymerase chain reaction analysis showed the presence of both receptor mRNAs in isolated rat, mouse, and human somatic testicular cells (macrophages, Leydig, Sertoli, and peritubular cells). While also present in rat and mouse isolated pachytene spermatocytes and early spermatids, these receptor mRNAs were not found in human germ cells. The distribution of both IL-1R mRNAs was then examined in adult rat and mouse testis using light and electron microscopic in situ hybridization. No IL-1RI signal was detected in rat testis. In mouse testis, we did not find any signal for IL-1RII. In contrast, IL-1RI mRNA was detected in a wide variety of mouse testicular cells. Strong expression was observed in the rete testis area and high expression was seen over the epithelium of the epididymal duct and in interstitial cells, while lower labeling was detected in peritubular and Sertoli cells and in all germ cell types from spermatogonia to early spermatids; no signal was seen in late spermatids. That the IL-IR was also strongly expressed in the interstitium, the rete testis and efferent duct areas, and the epididymis was established using an autoradiography technique. Overall, our study strongly supports the hypothesis that IL-1 is a regulator of testicular function of prime importance.

HCaRG, a Novel Calcium-regulated Gene Coding for a Nuclear Protein, Is Potentially Involved in the Regulation of Cell Proliferation

“…Ultrathin frozen sections of 80-nm thickness were obtained using a dry sectioning method at Ϫ120°C with an Ultracut S microtome (Leica, Lyon, France). The other part of the specimens was dehydrated before embedding in Lowicryl K4M with the AFS system (Leica) (23). Sections were mounted on 400-mesh collodion-carbon-coated nickel grids.…”

The Sertoli Cell – A Hormonal Target and ‘Super’ Nurse for Germ Cells That Determines Testicular Size

“…Sertoli cells also express IL-1 receptors [72] and both IL-1α and IL-1β influence various Sertoli cell functions, including the production of transferrin and lactate [73, 74]. Furthermore, IL-1 acts as a potent growth factor for Sertoli cells in vitro [67].…”

Surfing the wave, cycle, life history, and genes/proteins expressed by testicular germ cells. Part 5: Intercellular junctions and contacts between germs cells and Sertoli cells and their regulatory interactions, testicular cholesterol, and genes/proteins associated with more than one germ cell generation

“…IL-1a [ID: T5-931] production occurs in germ cells (Haugen et al, 1994) and residual bodies stimulate production of IL-1a by Sertoli cells (Wang et al, 1998). Germ cells produce IL-1Ra [ID: T5-1017] in vitro (Huleihel et al, 2001;Zeyse et al, 2000) and IL-1 receptors (e.g., [ID: T5-1018]) are present in mouse testis (Gomez et al, 1997;Takao et al, 1990). IL1b [ID: T5-1019] is found in the cytoplasm and nucleus of spermatogonia and spermatocytes, while IL-1Ra is in spermatogonia and in the Golgi apparatus (Huleihel et al, 2003).…”