S. Lamsamcasalotti et al., DEVELOPMENTAL EXPRESSION OF GTP-BINDING PROTEINS IN RAT TESTES, Journal of Reproduction and Fertility, 99(2), 1993, pp. 487-495
The expression of guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) dur
ing the development of rat testes was investigated. Immunohistochemica
l studies on frozen sections and isolated testicular cells demonstrate
d that the expression of the GTP-binding proteins was developmentally
regulated and specific for different cell types. The alpha subunit of
the cholera toxin-sensitive stimulatory G protein (Gs alpha) was first
detected in testes from 7-day-old rats; its value reached a maximum a
t 23 days and then decreased to very low or undetectable amounts in te
stes-of 45-day-old and adult rats (60-90 days of age). The Gs alpha su
bunit appears to be expressed by Sertoli, peritubular myoid and inters
titial cells. The common beta subunit (G beta) was present at air ages
during development and was more prominent around the periphery of the
tubules in younger animals but then became more evident in the cytopl
asm of germ cells with increasing age. The pertussis toxin-sensitive i
nhibitory G proteins, Gi1/2 and Gi3, showed a similar pattern of expre
ssion. Sertoli cells and peritubular cells expressed Gi1/2 and Gi3 at
very low levels at all ages, whereas pachytene spermatocytes and round
spermatids expressed the inhibitory binding proteins only at later ag
es of development (45-day-old and adult testis). Northern blot analysi
s showed that with increasing age the Gs alpha mRNA in the testis decr
eased and this was confirmed by in situ hybridization. These latter st
udies showed localization of the transcripts to somatic cells but not
to germ cells. Thus, the cellular expression of G proteins is temporal
ly linked to testicular development and this suggests that there is an
age-dependent regulation of the effects of hormones and intratesticul
ar factors acting via G protein-linked receptor and effector systems.