[Immunohistochemical localization of attractin in the testis and epididymis of mature male rats].

OBJECTIVE

To localize the attractin protein in the testis and epididymis of mature male rats.

METHODS

Testes and epididymides were obtained from mature male Sprague dawley rats (n = 20). Tissues were fixed and prepared for immunohistochemical (IHC) and indirect immunofluorescent (IIF) assay, carried out with antiserum against rat attractin.

RESULTS

In the testis of the male rat, there was distinct immunopositive staining on cell membrane and cytoplasm within Leydig cells, primitive spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, spermatids, Sertoli cells, and peritubular myoid cells. In the epididymis, including caput, corpus, cauda, there was no definitive immunopositive staining within the efferent ductule and epididymal duct.

CONCLUSION

Attractin is expressed in the male rat reproductive system and localized within Leydig cells and germ cells. It may be invoved in acting on the reproductive system. And its physiological function has yet to be further studied.