Immunolocalization of androgen receptors in testicular cells during postnatal development of the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus, S.)

Determination of the cellular distribution of the androgen receptors within the testis is of great importance for an understanding of their essential role in mediating of androgen action in the male gonad, In bank voles, whic h are seasonally breeding rodents, photoperiod is one of the most important factors inducing profound changes in the morphology and hormonal activity of the testes. Immunolocalization of androgen receptors was found in all so matic cells such as Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and peritubular-myoid cell s, however, distribution of the androgen receptors in various cell types de pended on age of animals. Intensity of immunoreactivity was noticed as age and photoperiod-dependent. Males reared under different light regimes showe d a significant correlation between the length of light and sexual maturati on. Therefore, morphology of the testis from young and adult bank votes was also presented. (C) 1999 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.